"Out?" my personal servant stupidly answered.

That was it for my big brother. He pushed me aside with enough force to make me fall to the ground. The next second, his hand was wrapped around my servants neck. He then slowly lifted him up like he weighed nothing at all.

The other red haired servant girl let out a huge gasp. Her face became so pale that the skin turned almost completely white. She shook her head frantically but no words came out of her.

Phoenix brought my servant's face close to his. "What did you say to me?"

"You a..asked us a q...question and I answered?" his voice sounded strangled because he was actually being strangled.

"You trash! You touched her didn't you?! I will skin you alive in the dungeons! I'll make sure your screams are heard to the ends of every corner of the castle then I'll feed you to my beasts and I'll watch them devour you like any piece of meat." His eyes turned pitch black and I saw his dark blue veins spread all over his exposed skin.

I wanted to go forward and explain the situation because obviously I didn't want my personal servant dead. I was just getting used to his crazy self. However, before I could move, the red head rushed to Phoenix.

"NO!!! No please let him go Your Highness!! Y...you're choking h...him," she cried.

"I will not give him such a quick death. I promise you that," he growled out as he tightened his hand around my servant's throat.

"Don't do it brother. We..."

"Shut up!! Guards!!" he threw my servant to the ground and walked to me. Very pissed. My servant coughed uncontrollably. Two guards walked in and put shackles around my servants wrists and both of them stood on either side of him. The red head wanted to rush to him but one look from Phoenix prevented her from doing so. Good thing she understood that my brother had no problem killing my silly servant but I didn't know if she stopped because of my brother's warning glare or because my servant signaled for her not to go to him. Her eyes were already starting to tear up.

I couldn't see them after that because Phoenix stood directly in front of me no doubt expecting an explanation.

Or he didn't want to hear anything and I was in big big trouble.

I tried looking into his mind for an idea but that made him look even scarier. "Try that again and I'll hit you Angel."

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry but I had to!"

"You. Had. To?"

"Yes it's not what it looks like! That's her brother. He just wanted to see if she's okay. If she was still alive." I hoped I look really adorable and innocent.

Phoenix bent down so we were the same level. "How could you let him fool you, you idiot?!! He's not her brother. They don't share the same blood! How in the world could you not have sensed that?!!" I flinched at his loud voice. Everyone did. The temperature rose up real fast. The rest of them behind us were already beginning to panic. I on the other hand was all too used to this.

"Look," I said softly. "I already know that they're not blood related. My servant explained everything to me. They used to live in one house. Five of them actually. They've lived together long enough to be family okay. So please calm down and don't punish my servant. He just wanted to see her."

"Things don't work like this in the castle Angel!! And let me remind you that you didn't ask for my permission!! You're not allowed inside my room uninvited!"

"I know. I'm sorry. I won't repeat this again but seriously brother, don't hurt him please and....and at least think about how the servant girl would feel," I said softly. His reaction however did not change in the slightest bit. I thought he would carry on with his sick plan but after a few painfully slow minutes I sensed something else.

'I won't punish him' came a message. Phoenix opened his thoughts to me. Only for a split second. He then turned around to the others in the room. The temperature became normal again.

"Bring him to the dungeons, immediately," he commanded. The guards immediately left with my servant.

Why is he so confusing??!!

The red head's face turned into a look of pure horror.

"N..no please, he did n...nothing wrong! Please Your Highness! He...he just wanted to see me. He meant no harm he didn't mean to break any rules," her voice sounded so broken. She looked broken. Her entire form was visible shaking.

"You will watch as he gets punished," he went and stood in front of her and caressed her cheek as tears poured out of her eyes. She never once looked at my brother in the eye.

"Please. Please don't do this." She whispered sounding worn out.

"I will do it. Nobody sneaks into my room and meets up with you without my permission. He actually touched you."

"He's my brother!! P...punish m..me instead Your Highness. Don't hurt him I'm begging you. I'll do anything. H...he's my brother," she cried out. I could feel her pain through her mind.

What?! She's willing to take his place?

"Anything?" Phoenix asked.

She nodded. "Yes...yes. Just d...don't hurt him please."

This brought a smirk to Phoenix's face.

This was the plan all along?

To get her to do whatever he wanted?! Doesn't she already have to?!

He walked out of the room after ordering her to stay. I ran out to follow him.

"It's her isn't she?!"

"Shut. Up."

"I thought you were going to be nice! Why were you making her cry?!"

"I will handle it and your servant will pay even if I don't punish him. He will do extra, heavy chores for an entire month."

"What?!! You told me and the girl you weren't going to punish him!! He didn't do anything wrong. I brought him inside your room."

"You don't understand. I wanted to kill him. Slowly and painfully. I wanted to hear him scream and beg for me to stop. I wanted his blood. So consider this as the lightest damnation ever!"

"Fine!! Eerrgghh!!"

"Whatever," he said casually. I guess I should be thankful he didn't kill my servant.

"Hey, why did you scare her like that?"

"Not for you to know so let it be Angel. Go to sleep or something. Your servant will spend three nights in the dungeons," I let out a heavy breath.

"One more thing."

"What?" I whined. "Nothing about the girl goes out. You understand me? Nothing at all. Not even to your stupid servant."

"He'll figure it out if he hasn't already."

"Then keep his mouth shut or I'll do it. I mean it. I'll have his tongue if I have to."

"Fine," I walked away towards the direction of my room.

"Straight to bed Angel," he called out.

What a moron.

Eve's POV

After they all left, I was alone again. I prayed Kyle wouldn't get hurt. How could he threaten a person like that? It was so horrific to hear. Just thinking about skinning any living creature alive, it brought goosebumps all over my skin.

I can't let Kyle get hurt. I can't.

I sat down against the wall beside the bed. A fresh wave of tiredness washed over me. When was all this going to end? How long would we have to live like this? Is death the only way out? As I was getting lost in my thoughts, I sensed something close to me.

"Get up." I scrambled to lift my weak body up. So deep into my thoughts I didn't hear him walk in. He came forward and handed me a fresh set of clothes. Cotton trousers and a big, long sleeved top. Like always, there were also fresh underclothes. The cotton trousers and top felt so soft and comfortable against my skin as I held them. I've never held such fabric in all my life.

I wanted to ask what they for but his next words answered me.

"Go bathe and change into these. Now. Then you will join me for dinner," I stood there not knowing how to react or what to say. What was the meaning of all of these?

"What the hell are you waiting for? Go now." Without saying anything, I hugged the clothes to my chest and ran into the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later I was sitting on his lap at the oval table. He fed me as usual while his other arm was secured around my waist. Like me trying to escape was a definite thing to happen. The shirt I was wearing was too loose for me. It was at least three sizes bigger and it kept slipping over my shoulder. I had to adjust it every few minutes. By the fourth time, he slapped my hand away and kissed my shoulder.

"Don't do that again." I simply kept my hands down and did nothing after that. No point in trying to fight him. A few more mouths later, I couldn't eat anymore and he allowed it.

After attempting to push the spoon into my mouth a couple more times.

"W...will you e...ever let me out Your H..Highness," my voice was barely audible and it was shaky. I didn't want to know the answer but I had to ask.

This room and the loneliness was slowly killing me.

"Not anytime soon Little Flower," he said coldly.

"W....why?"

"What happened to 'I'll do anything' Hmm?! I spare the midget's life and you do whatever the hell I want you to do!"

"I....I already do whatever..."

I couldn't go on because his arms held me tightly. Like a warning. He then gripped my chin and made me face him. I stared down but I could feel his rising anger. "You will not leave this room until I allow you to. From now on, that stupid slave will pay for any disrespect that comes out of you. Do you understand me my Little Flower?" I could only nod because no words came out. I couldn't speak, tears were seconds away from falling.

~~

I laid on my side staring out the window. Dreaming what it would be like to be free. How I wish I had wings. That way I could just fly away and these vampires will never be able to catch me.

The Prince left about an hour ago. After he carried me and laid me down on the bed. He kissed my forehead and told me to go to sleep. Like he had no clue as to what he was doing.

Sleep did not come to me that night. Too many thoughts plagued my mind.

~~

Prince Phoenix's POV

I couldn't believe that I only had a few more days left. I leave for Golden Haven in less than five days. I had a war to stop. Hopefully we win in a couple of days. It all depends on the number of trolls we have to fight. I can only wish those creatures were not too close to the Core of Life. If they already are, this war will not be easy to win. I will lead my army along with the Alpha King, King Silvian Hunter of White Winter's Land.

I should be worried about the near future but I can't help but feel a great disappointment that I'm leaving her here. I have to but I don't want to. I left for a bloody meeting that didn't even last for two hours and I came back to find two intruders inside my chambers.

How can I think of leaving her again for a longer period of time?

Third Person's POV

Prince Timothy walked down the old, creepy stairs. He knew all too well he wasn't supposed to be where he is now. He was taking the title to his name a little to high up, always telling himself that he could do anything his oldest brother could do.

The moment he sneaked out of his room, he actually bumped into his second brother, Prince Zenas Everett.

Prince Zenas knew his little brother was up to no good but allowed him to pass anyway. He'll have to repay the favor some day, thought the older prince as he re-entered his room quietly.

As the young prince made it to the last step, he found five guards obviously guarding the entrance. They were buff and muscular, prepared to slice anyone's head off. Their looks however did nothing to intimidate Prince Timothy. He walked up to them casually.

"Let me in."

They all bowed before him and one of the guards came forward. "Your Highness, we have strict orders to not let anyone in."

"Would you rather I run to my parents and tell them that an ordinary castle guard by the name of John Raymond did not heed to the commands of a Royal Pure Blood vampire prince?" he stared at the guard in the eye.

"N..no Your Highness. It...it's just that...."

"I don't care! Open the gates!"

"Hey! Hey human wake up," Prince Timothy called out. Kyle was sleeping in a sitting position against the wall. His wrists were in shackles chained to the wall as well.

He blinked a few times before his eyes adjusted to Prince Timothy's crouching figure. "What the fuck are you doing here?" he whispered. "You can talk human. There's no one to bother us here." And he was right. Kyle was in a cell that was located in the far corner. Away from the other cells. Plus, Prince Timothy had ordered the guards not to follow him to where Kyle was.

The entire place reeked of blood, urine, wounds and puke. Some of the other unfortunate prisoners were already at the brink of their deaths. The young prince couldn't understand how his servant was still alive and breathing.

"You need to leave Tim."

"I can't. Look at this place! You won't last a night!"

"It was my fault. I should have thought of a better idea. Now, all I've done is put everyone in harms way," he looked down. His young master didn't have to get in trouble because of him. His Eve didn't have to suffer more than she already was.

"Nah, I'm sorry I couldn't fight harder for you, human. You will spend three nights in this horrid place and extra heavy chores for a whole month. I know it sucks but...."

"Wait, wait, wait!!! Hold on a second! You're telling me that I'm not gonna be skinned alive?!!!" Kyle yelled so loudly that some prisoners woke up and cursed at him.

"No! Of course not! Wait I didn't tell you that?" the young prince scratched his head. "Oh, you were already taken so I couldn't tell you."

This was followed by a hearty laugh from Kyle.

"Oh my God, you...you saved my life?"

"I told him not to kill you and gave him my best adorable look so..."

"I owe you a lot. I owe you my life Tim."

"Yeah you do and I like that nickname."

"Your brother must really love you, you know that? You have to tell me. What did you tell him? He was so hell-bound on killing me. I know he wanted to rip me apart. What did you tell him?" All laughter died down in Kyle. The look on his face was more curious and suspicious.

"Phoenix does have anger issues but he's not thaaaaaaat bad," the young prince looked up to find Kyle giving him the 'are you kidding me' look.

"You'll have to be his brother to understand. Anyways, I just told him you were my friend and I practically pleaded with him and to," he stopped himself before continuing. "Yeah that's it."

"That's it?" Kyle raised his brow and looked skeptically at Prince Timothy.

"Yeap." No one said anything after that.

"Soooooo, here's the thing. I'm not the smartest person around here..."

"Yeah no shit! You talked back to the Dark Prince!"

"Stop interrupting me, you child! As I was saying, I know I'm not the smartest but the Dark Prince got extremely angry when he found out I 'touched' Eve. What was that all about?"

"I dunno. He's keeping her in his chambers and not letting her out. Obviously he doesn't want anyone near her," Prince Timothy answered trying to seem normal. He was trying very hard not to let out the big secret. He secretly wished for his servant to figure it out so they'll have more to talk about.

"There's something you're not telling me. Spit. It. Out! What does he want with my little red head?!"

Prince Timothy only stared back. Not saying a single word. Seconds turned into minutes and they still didn't break their eye contact. The young prince looked down for a moment before looking back at a very impatient Kyle.

He then looked at Kyle in the eye, and wiggled his eyebrows. Smirking.

Kyle face turned into a look of pure disbelief and horror.

"He...he can't. He can't have her Tim!! He just can't!"

"Look, it's been going on for some time now and there's nothing you and I can do!"

"But he's hurting her! You saw her state back there!! What's with you and your smirk?!"

"If my brother wants something, he'll do anything to get it. Do you know how much he wanted to make you scream and beg for your own death?!!"

Both of them were dead serious at the moment. The air around them became very uncomfortable.

"He's hurting her," Kyle said again. This time in a whisper. He cared for his red head and he couldn't see her get hurt. The young prince scooted closer to the cell gates.

"Listen to me human. My brother was hurting her, yes but he has actually stopped. At least I know he has or he will. Trust me. She's safest with him anyway."

"He's the Dark Prince!! How do you expect me to be okay with this?!!"

"I don't actually but there's nothing we can do. The thing is, so much good has come out of this. So much good for my brother. I know she may have a hard time now, but when everything works out, they'll be okay."

"Why are you talking as if this is actually going to happen? You're talking as if this is a good thing! Eve is human!! He's a hybrid!"

Prince Timothy just looked away. He didn't know how to explain it to his servant. Humans have been in the mercy of his kind for far too long. They were always threatened as they are the weakest beings of all. He knew that but he also wanted his brother to pursue his happiness. He'd never imagined the Dark Prince would like a girl.

"Look, I know I shouldn't have yelled at you. I...I...It's just.....a lot to take in. Eve is defenseless when it comes to do with anything regarding your brother. You must understand how all of this sounds to me. She's family. Give me time.

And it's way passed your bedtime little brat."

"Yeah okay. Hopefully I don't run into Phoenix on the way. One more thing, this was supposed to be top secret. My brother said he'll have your tongue if you ever said anything," Kyle could only gape wide eyed.

"How does he know I would know this?"

"Because I knew that you would have figured it out."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days passed ever since Prince Timothy revealed his brother's interest in Eve to Kyle.

From then on, the young prince always found ways to sneak in food for his servant.

The third night, he could not go because there was a family dinner being held. Family meaning his siblings and the Lady Esther. The King and Queen had other plans.