I leaned against the railing of the balcony, my chin on my hand as I peered at the darkness of the land of Seola before me from several floors high. My eyes tried to adjust to the black of the trees in the distance, beyond the wall of the Royal Daemon Estate, but it all just looked like an onyx sea. The Division was just in the distance, but I couldn't see a hint of Numa beyond the waters. I lifted my eyes from the land and waters below to the stars and moon above.

This at least was familiar. I could see the constellations I'd name childishly and the twinkling of the beautiful stars among the black sky comforted me. It also saddened me. I looked for the Three Cherubs, what I'd renamed the Three Kings of Orion's Belt. The stars were there, bright in the sky, and I stared at them, each one at a time. Their original names had been Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka, but I'd named them Lupita, Eliza, and Rory.

"Do you see them?" I pointed to the stars from the garden, the three babies looking up with me curiously. I held my hand in an L above them, aligning their sight so they could see Orion's Belt. "There's my Three Cherubs."

"Which one's me?" Lupa asked excitedly.

"The dullest one," Rory replied wisely, pointing firmly as though he'd known entirely about these stars his whole life. I chuckled with amusement.

"They're all three equally bright, Rory," I scolded him teasingly, running my hand over his blonde curls. Lupa stuck her tongue out at him firmly.

"You're the first one there, Lupita. See? Eliza is in the middle because she'll keep you and Rory from fussing in the sky. And Rory, you're there," I pointed to each one delicately. "If ever we part, I'll always see you together, there in the sky."

"What about you, Rin?" Liza chirped curiously, her sapphire eyes looking up at me with adoration, "Where are you?"

"She's there," Rory announced, pointing firmly at the star at the end of the little dipper. Polaris; the North Star. He looked at me with a smile. "Cause you're the most prettiest." I pinched his cheek lightly.

I stared at the Three Cherubs fondly and I missed them terribly, probably more so than my father if I was honest. I turned my gaze to find the North Star, dubbed Corrine by the three babies. I never noticed really until now just how far away the star was to them.

Gio was standing not too far behind me, quiet like a shadow. He had followed me through the building silently, only speaking when I asked him what a room was or to direct me away from a forbidden or dangerous area or direction. I never questioned his instincts, knowing as a daemon he could hear things I couldn't and probably sensed any other creatures nearby that he felt I should avoid. I thought I must be boring to him, settling on silent musings while staring at stars, but he didn't complain or look uncomfortable.

Niko and Kol... Prince Nikolas... he was my only friend here, if I could willingly call him that. I possibly could never hear the sound of delightful laughter in the halls again. I would possibly never share snacks, as it was a human thing, or play little pranks. Sylvia would never scold me and ask me to act my age. Father would never hug me to him, offering his wise advice and sneaking me sweets when I was in trouble. I could possibly never return home.

My eyes burned with tears, a homesickness heavy on my heart, until the stars blurred in my vision. I blinked the tears from my eyes, trying to keep the three stars in my vision, but my eyes continued to blur as soft sobs crept past my lips. I lowered my head into my hands to hide my face and wept morosely.

"Lady Corrine," Gio's voice called softly from beside me. I quickly straightened, rubbing my eyes with the back of my hands in an attempt to clear my reddened and wet face.

"Yes, S-sir Gio... Giovanni?" I addressed him, my voice trembling.

"Are you okay?" He tilted his head and though his words were kind, his expression was calm and controlled so that I wasn't sure what he was thinking.

"I-I'm fine," I whimpered, the tears still stubbornly falling freshly over my cheeks. But even in my sadness, I couldn't stand to taste the lie, "I miss my f-family. I didn't get to s-say goodbye." A new wave of pain flooded me and I lifted a hand, covering my eyes with the back of my hand as I sobbed. I felt like a child and I knew I must look pitiful to a daemon, especially a Knight, but try as I might, I couldn't get myself to stop.

"Lady," Gio said carefully and I felt a touch on my other hand that I'd left stiff beside me. Something was placed in my hand and Gio's fingers tightened my grip around it so that I wouldn't drop it. I tried to calm my cries, breathing unsteady shuddering gasps, and I lowered my hand from my eyes to look at the object uncertainly.

It was a folded paper, only it wasn't exactly a paper. I continued to gasp painfully, reaching to unfold the item until I recognized it. It was a picture of my family; the one I had removed from the frame and put in the handbag Kol had given me, along with a handful of other items. I'd considered the bag lost in the ship once Kol had thrown it away into the darkness. Now, the picture was before me, my father standing with Sylvia beside him, me between them, and around my legs my three siblings smiling brightly.

New tears were choking me, but they weren't one of despair. It was a joy; intense and horrible.

"I wasn't able to salvage anything else, unfortunately...," Gio began, his voice apologetic despite his stony features. Before he could say anything more, I stepped forward and threw my arms around his waist, burying my face into his chest, and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you," I mustered every ounce of grateful sincerity into each word, hoping to convey just how thankful I was in such a short manner. My words were muffled in his clothes, but I continued anyway, "Thank you, Gio... Sir... vanni..."

"Just... Gio is fine," He said with clear discomfort. I released him abruptly, stepping back with my hands clasping the photo delicately as I looked up at him in concern. Had I broken a rule? Perhaps Daemons don't accept hugs or... perhaps it was inappropriate.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to you," Gio suddenly responded, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips as he tilted his head back, his eyes closing and his face twisting into one of exhaustion just momentarily. He gained control of his features shortly after, looking back to me solidly. "My Lady, please don't relay to the Prince that you embraced me. I would be executed immediately."

"I'm sorry," I repeated, turning pale at the idea of my thoughtlessness causing Gio's death.

"My Lady, please consider learning to be less polite in the future. Royals don't say things like sorry, thank you, and please to non-Royals," Gio suggested slowly. I hesitated, but then the statement was so absurd to me that I laughed suddenly. I lifted my hand to cover my mouth, trying to keep myself from laughing further, but I couldn't stop the smile on my lips.

"Sir Gio, please consider me a non-Royal or if it's better, consider yourself a Royal around me," I replied, another trickle of laughter falling from my lips. "I could never be rude to anyone who didn't deserve it and even then... I don't think I could either. If it isn't too much of a bother, would you call me by Rin from now on?"

Gio lifted his hand up to rub through his hair, drawing my attention to his face.

"Oh, I understand it now," Gio sighed, speaking more to himself than me. He turned his crimson eyes to peer at me with his face turned slightly. "If it means you'll stop crying, then yes, I'll call you... Lady... Rin." Gio said my name with difficulty as though the slightly less formal speech was painful for him.

I smiled brightly and began walking back into the building, my steps much lighter than they had been before. My happiness was short lived. Maids were waiting for me in front of the changing area beside the Prince's bedroom when I returned. They began to adjust my appearance so that I looked my best for dinner. Apparently, word traveled fast and everyone already knew of the Prince's promise to me to meet me daily. They also all seemed unaffected by Gio's presence nearby at all times like a dark shadow just out of vision.

I ended up in a grand dining room with a table large enough to fit my entire Adara family back to my cousins even. Two sets were prepared at the end, one where I was seated and the other next to me on the end of the table. My food was taken out, prepared on a plate with a drink poured sweetly into my cup. And then I was alone except for Gio and a server by the door should I need them.

I lifted a spoon to stir what looked like a creamy soup. It smelled wonderful. But I couldn't find it in me to eat anything. I placed my elbow on the tabletop and leaned my chin against my palm as I absently stirred the soup quietly. Sylvia would have an absolutely fit if she saw such improper posture in a dining setting, alone or otherwise.

Where was Niko? Had he not been true when saying he'd eat with me, even if I was really the only one eating? Maybe it would be too much of a burden for someone like him.

I thought of his cold silence after Kol had been taken over by Niko and of my embarrassment; my concerns. Perhaps Niko only saw me as a silly girl who had caught Kol's attention for something mild as Niko speaking to me. Now that I had a guard, he could leave me alone while he figured out a way to send me back without incurring Kol's responding wrath.

"Is it not to your liking, Lady Corrine? Would you like something else?" The server spoke up suddenly. I sat up quickly, not wanting to appear to be ungrateful. I was in Seola, the land of Daemons and darkness. I could've been treated like nothing more than a slave, but thanks to Niko I was being treated like royalty.

"No, it's fine. I'm just... not hungry right now," I answered hesitantly. I considered just leaving my food to retire back in Niko's bedroom, but before I could decide, the door to the dining room opened and a strange daemon was standing stiffly. He bowed just slightly towards me.

"Lady Corrine, Prince Nikolas asked me to let you know he will be unable to make dinner tonight. He's been caught in an important meeting." The man announced his message quickly and waited pointedly for a response. I thought I would feel disappointed, but instead I felt something of relief. Niko had taken time to send a message, even though he couldn't come himself. He wouldn't do that if he planned to ignore me until further notice.

"Thank you for coming all the way here to tell me," I replied, a sincere smile falling on my lips. The daemon looked startled, as though this response wasn't what he expected at all. I lifted my hand towards my lips thoughtfully and mused aloud, "I suppose I'll have to just wait to see him later."

The messenger bowed again before stepping back and leaving me with only a glance towards Gio who pointedly ignored him. I grasped my spoon again and began to taste the soup, gaining some of my appetite back. The drink was familiar; the dryness of wine that I was beginning to feel fond towards. When I finished the small bowl, the server brought out more entrees, involving meats that seemed to match perfectly with the wine. I ate what I could, giving my compliments to the chef, and returned to Niko's room with Gio in tow.

I allowed Vienna and Shan to assist me with a bath, and by allowed I mean they pretty much forced me to allow them to. The water was soothing in warm oils and fragrances that I hadn't known about before. It was delightful.

Once I was in my sleeping gown, I was allowed my own peace within Niko's bedroom. I led on the sofa near the fireplace, my torso slumped against the back of the seat with my hands dangling lazily. There was a clock above the fireplace and so I could see it was 10 o'clock, but I couldn't be sure if it was in the morning or evening. Would Niko be too busy to return to his bed tonight? Then again, this place was much larger than the Adara mansion... if we had a wealth of extra bedrooms, I'm sure Niko had plenty of places he could retire to rather than here.

By the blackened window was a small display of bottles of liquor. I thought about it I sighed, pushing myself to my feet slowly. I could still feel the heat of the bath and the wine under this. I carefully stepped to the door of the bedroom, leaning against it as though I might hear something on the other side. I tapped my fingertip on the door, just a couple of times, and waited.

"Gio," I whispered, far too quietly for any normal person to hear.

"Do you need something, Lady Corrine?" Gio's voice was deep and carried easily through the surface of the door.

"Rin," I corrected him, my voice still hushed. "Will you drink with me for a little bit?"

Gio was quiet for a moment and I wondered if he was planning on just ignoring me now. But then his voice carried over, "Prince Nikolas' room is off limits for all personnel, punishable by execution." I widened my eyes, jolted into remembering how no one was allowed to even touch the Prince's door. And then I laughed lightly, imagining Kol's more aggressive nature being the reason behind this.

"Okay," I answered and stepped away from the door. I walked to the bottles of liquor, grabbing one bottle that had already been opened and was clear in color. I grasped two glasses and with the bottle, I walked back to the door, opening it quickly to step into the hallway.

Gio was standing just off the side of the door diligently, looking nothing more than a statue blending into the background. I walked towards him confidently before lowering myself to sit next to him with my back also against the wall. I placed the glasses on the floor, opening the bottle clumsily before pouring a bit into each glass. Then I look up and to my side towards Gio who hadn't moved at all.

I reached for the fabric of his pants, tugging on his clothing for his attention. Gio glanced at me when I did this and patted the ground at his feet.

"Come on. Don't be such a...," I frowned at him, uncertain of how to accurately describe one who would ignore me, "... grumpy... old, boring..."

Gio slid down the wall until he was sitting next to me, the motion so fluid that it startled me. He reached for both of the glasses, holding mine to me invitingly. I laughed, reaching for it before sniffing it curiously. Gio drank his in one throwback without so much a grimace on his face. I tasted it and cringed at the strength of the alcohol that greeted me.

"You're not supposed to sip it," Gio said with amusement. "Have you never drank before?"

I blushed in embarrassment over my inexperience, but I didn't want to admit to it. The most I've ever drank was the wine I'd been given while here.

"I've drank... things...," I protested before taking a deep breath, pinching my nose, and pouring the drink through my lips. I released my nose to cover my mouth, afraid I would try to spit it out, before swallowing it with great difficulty. But once done, I felt a sense of pride and lifted my empty glass triumphantly. "See?"

"A real pro," Gio responded dryly. He lifted the bottle to pour more into our glasses.

"Do you have weapons on you?" I asked him abruptly, already heated from the wine and only feeling flushed further from the liquor we were drinking now. Gio was already drinking from his second glass, but he paused to look at me expressionlessly.

"I do; a dagger and my shadow blade." I looked at his form curiously. I hadn't seen anything like a blade on him. He hid it well.

"Are you good at fighting?" I nursed my drink, not feeling brave enough to attempt to down it again.

"I like to think I am," Gio replied, pouring himself another drink before glancing at me. "Are you quitting?" I tightened my grip on the glass and shook my head. I didn't really care about the drinking. I just didn't want to be alone, if I was honest. I hadn't had silence to myself since the triplets had been born and I missed their chaos.

"How about a drinking game, then?"

"A game?" I was intrigued. Sylvia would be appalled. I was too old for games. Gio pulled a gold coin from his pocket, an image of the king etched on one side and a symbol on the other. It was daemon currency, though I hadn't learned the conversion rate or what each individual coin or bill was in comparison to Numa's currency.

"I can control which side this coin lands on every time," Gio told me, flipping the coin between his fingers easily. It was amazing, but his statement seemed a little exaggerated.

"I'm sure you can't control it every time," I said skeptically.

"Then let's flip it. If I call it, you have to drink. If you call it, I'll drink," Gio challenged me with determination. I watched as he called heads and flipped the coin, catching it and revealing it to be correct.

"That's just luck," I cried out, but took a reluctant drink before holding my hand. "Give it." Gio smirked, but then put the coin on my palm. I tried to flip the coin, failing, and tried again to fail again. I'd never done a game like this before and it was embarrassing how easy it seemed yet I couldn't get it.

Gio grabbed the coin, placing it atop of his finger with his thumb just under it. "Like this," He instructed with great patience. I replicated what he did, flicking my thumb for the coin to flip in the air. I gasped in delight, reaching out to catch it and place on my hand to reveal it was tails.

"I forgot to call it..." I said, dumbfounded before suddenly smile. "Oh well, drink anyway."

"Cheat," Gio replied shortly, but he drank anyway.

We continued to play with the coin, my laughter lifting through the hallway as I tried various methods to win such as lunging for the coin to make it land differently than Gio wanted. After awhile, I couldn't drink anymore. My head was floating even more so than when I'd drank the glasses of wine. Gio was trying to balance the coin on the edge of his glass, seeming to be completely sober despite having drunk more than I did.

I was staring at the coin as though in a daze. Then I began to doze off, my body sliding to the floor as I rested my head beside my glass, my face red from the liquor.

"Lady Rin," Gio called to me, his hand on my shoulder as he shook me lightly. "You shouldn't sleep out here. We'll be in trouble if we're caught like this..." I ignored his concerns, entirely content in resting on the hallway floor.

After a moment of internal struggle, Gio stood and reached for me. He slid his arms under my legs and across my back, lifting me like a child. I didn't resist him, nor did I notice when he did the forbidden; opening the door to the Prince's bedroom. Gio walked across the room determinedly, lowering me over the surface of the bed carefully. My hand dangled off the edge of the bed and he reached for it, intending to place it over my stomach.

Gio paused, looking at my wrist for a moment. He then leaned forward, his mouth just over the surface of my wrist carefully. He breathed in slowly, moving his lips over my skin with just enough distance to not actually be touching me. I opened my eyes, blinking in a daze as I looked at his form just over me. His crimson eyes turned to mine sharply. His eyes looked like Niko's, glowing in the darkness familiarly.