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[SILVER RAYNE WILLIAMS]

I WAS GOING to be late.

Nothing else to it at this point.

This would be my life now. Forever on Lord Graydon's bad side. I turned the corner of yet another empty hallway, a steady throb in my head, a reminder that being late was the last thing I needed right now.

Freezing in place, I realized something after spotting a painting hanging on the hallway walls.

I cautiously walked toward it praying with all the little hope left inside me it wasn't as I thought.

My eyes trailed up the large portrait of two of the worst things on earth.

King Drake Alistair on a fricking horse. 

His crown gleamed with a sparkling air of authority and even the horse seemed to have that regal stance that let me know it was better than me in every way.

I bit my tongue, coldly turning away.

I was pissed at the mere sight of that painting. Not only because it was that of the King who had clearly expressed I would be killed on sight if ever he set eyes on me again and that obnoxious-looking horse but because this was not the first time I was passing this hallway.

No sir.

I seemed to have been walking in circles for the past 10 minutes. I was certain if I didn't reach 'The Whispering Hall,' or whatever, Lord Graydon was going to take it upon himself to punish me forever.

That was the least of my problems.

I had to stay on his good side if I wished to convince him to help me stay in Fang Court longer. I had to prove to him I could stay, that I could do simple things like finding one frickin room!

For PETE SAKES where on bloody earth was it???

I rounded the corner again opening into another random hallway. There were a few doors in this hallway but none of them screamed WHISPERING HALL to me.

If the hall was anything like the ballroom then the doors would have to be ridiculously large.

My feet were getting weary from the pointless walking, talk less of my neck that was being weighted by my helmet. I groaned, cracking my neck before freezing at an abrupt sound.

It sounded like ...chains- like -metal.

I strained my ears to hear the loud echo that was only growing.

Marching.

Guards!

I froze as I watched a pair of guards come into the hallway, marching towards me. I instinctively sidestepped, keeping to the wall as they marched closer, gazing up ahead, not caring for the sight of me.

As they approached an idea popped into my head. I was starting to think it was the first logical one I had since I got up this morning.

I could ask them for directions.

It was the only way I was making it to the whispering hall before Lord Graydon had my head on a spike.

I took a deep breath, watching as they marched closer,

"Excuse me!" I called forward but they made no hint that they had heard me.

I called again, but their gazes remained etched forward no visible emotion in their eyes.

Deep down I knew they heard me. They were bloody Fang. They could hear the sound of my heartbeat, they could smell that I was human. They could hear even my smallest whisper.

My jaw clenched, and my fists hardened as I stepped into their pathway, blocking their way.

They had to stop now. Or they could simply walk around me. Either way, they would have to acknowledge me somehow.

I cleared my throat, "I-"

"OUT OF THE WAY HUMAN!" A guard barked as I was shoved away with force against the wall. I almost lost my fitting my back banging against the hallway, my oversized helmet drawing down my face and I groaned at the impact.

I think something cracked.

My muscles felt sore, my shoulder felt as if it was close to being dislocated.

I could hear the other guard snicker as they trolled down the hallway. I took a moment to catch my breath, my back against the wall as I hissed in pain, massaging my shoulder for a moment. My gaze trailed back to the empty hallway where the pair of guards had disappeared.

"A-holes," I cursed, pulling myself up from the wall.

I knew they could have done much worse, but word must have gotten around that a Lord Select had a tiny human as a personal guard. That's the only reason I could think of that I got off this easy.

Come to think of it. It wasn't my brightest idea. As much as I hated the fang I could not simply look over the fact that even a mere fang of guard status could kill me a twinkling of an eye. And if I wasn't careful I could make enemies. How long would Lord Graydon's "protection" last anyway?

Yes, he did say he protected everyone from his region but to what extent?

He couldn't be watching all the time, could he?

My breath dragged, staring at my fingers that were shaking slightly. I could be kicked out of Fang Court at any moment. Then I would be fair game to every fang.

I took a deep breath in, adjusting my helmet as most of the pain shifted away, my jaw tightening. Now wasn't the time to think of these things. Whilst I had to be more careful, Vella needed me to be strong right now.

I couldn't afford to show how fragile I was.

I glanced about, standing straighter, before trudging forward.

I felt relieved when I came into an opening at the end of the hallway, a small smile adorning my features as I sauntered through.

My heart dropped when I realized I was not in anything one would describe as 'The Whispering Hall.' 

It was just a random opening where a second large door to the outside stood, catching a glimpse of the courtyard and maids strolling in and out, accompanied by identical grand flights of stairs strolling upwards to what I assumed were an endless amount of rooms.

My shoulders dropped, and I started giving in to the idea that I might not make it to whatever Lord Graydon was planning for me.

This was his fault, to be honest.

What made him think I could get there on my own? What happened to escorts?

Oh right. I wasn't a Lady.

I didn't have Vella with me. I was an ordinary girl now.

I should have no escorts. I'm not even a lady for Pete's sake, I'm dressed like a guard!

I glanced down at my attire in disgust.
Not even a hot guard.

My gaze trailed forward at the sound of low whispering, eyes catching that of two maids who had stopped nearby gossiping.

"I heard she's allowed to walk freely because she is the illegitimate daughter of the Duchess."

I frowned at this for a moment, pretending not to be listening as I adjusted my helmet.

"And they allowed her to live? The duke?" another maid echoed.

My breath came out shaky for a moment.

"Would he risk angering his beloved? She is her first child after all."

"They'll send her away soon though, you'll see. The Fang are too proud."

I turned around at this, and their gazes widened when they saw I had been listening.

"Who? Who will send me away? Is it Lord Valcon?" I etched on.

One of the girl's mouths dropped, seemingly surprised and scared for a moment before turning to her friend who shook her head wide-eyed, "It is nothing, uh,"

She froze bowing abruptly, " Good day!" She squirmed, grabbing her friend's hand and quickly walking away.

"Wait!" I tried to follow after, "Where is The Whispering Hall?!" I yelled, "At least tell me that!"

I watched as they disappeared without even a spared glance and I looked on exasperated at the whole ordeal. I took off my helmet, feeling overwhelmed for a moment. Pushing the two large braids I had managed to get my curls in this morning off my shoulder with a huff.

I watched as another pair of maids came by,

"The whispering hall?" I asked.

They only glanced at me and kept their eyes low as they quickly walked past, but I caught a whisper between them.

"The young prince's illegitimate sister."

My jaw clenched at this. Was this the gossip now?

It wasn't hard to piece two and two together. The maids had seen Hunter with me at the launch when he brought me a plate to eat.

It wasn't hard to see that some of the maids seemed to both be sorry for me for being the 'illegitimate' daughter of the High Lady, Lady Eden, whilst some seemed to fear that I had some sort of power if Hunter himself brought me a plate to eat.

"Illegitimate?! Really? I do have a name, you know!" I yelled after the maids.

One glanced over her shoulder whispering lowly to her friend again as they headed up the stairs. I watched their figures for a moment before rolling my eyes.

"No good gossips," I muttered.

I heard the sound of marching again, looking up to see two more guards. I had already learned my lesson. If human maids didn't want to talk to me, I would get no sympathy from the guards.

They too slowly ascended the grand stairs-

"Your Majesty!" the sound of the maids trembling voices echoed.

My body froze at the sound of those words. It didn't matter who they were for.

Be it the Tribrid himself or the King, none of them were good at the moment.

I turned robotically, my gaze trailing up the stairs to the overarching balcony where I watched The Tribrid Prince slowly appear, the maids falling to their knees first and then the salute of the guards.

My first instinct was to scramble and scramble fast!

Before he could see me.

My heart pounded as I zipped into a random hallway, my heart thudding loudly within me, my feet walked faster than my brain had the time to comprehend, finding the first door I could and slamming it shut behind me.

My back against the door, my heart thudding a billion beats a second, my ears strained, and the sounds of my breath disappeared as I remained inhumanly quiet.

I had no time to process what had happened between the Prince and me.

I had left it to the conclusion that whatever had been confessed didn't matter. There was no proof and even if there was it had been established that nothing was to change which is exactly what I wished.

My next move was to stay as far away from the devil prince as I could, forever.

I had planned never to see him again, or even be in the same space as he was if I could help it. But this was only the next day and here I was-

I could hear the steady thumps of footsteps coming closer.

So close it reached the point where I refused to breathe afraid even the hitch of a breath would alert him of me.

So there I stood, as still as a statue, in a random room of Fang Court, eyes wide and heart a raging stallion.

The sound of footsteps suddenly stopped.

My eyebrows drew together my gaze stretching down to the door, the little space between the door and the floor where a shadow had paused.

"Your attempt to evade me is simply ludicrous." A stale voice stated from across the door.

My body froze. And my head started to hurt.

"It's time to take a breath. You've held it in for nearly a minute."

I let out a breath at this, my growing headache immediately decimating, but the shock and the shake as well as my gaze firmly rooted on the shadow beneath the door never wavered. I kept my whole weight against the door, determined to keep it shut forever.

"Head left, proceed down two hallways. You'll find doors with golden handles."

My eyebrows arched at this, watching as the shadow moved, clear light shining now.

I stared down for a minute unable to move or think.

The Tribrid Prince had been right behind this door. Maybe a foot- 2 feet away- goodness knows. I don't remember how to count.

I slowly pulled the door open, peeking out.

Nothing.

No one. No shadow, No prince, No guards, No maids.

Just the empty hallway.

I closed the door, taking a breath out, rubbing my sweaty palms against my trousers. I needed to take a breath. A deep one. A good long one.

Being a bit more confident, I finally shifted the door handle once more.

Opening the door, I walked out, closing it behind me.

The halls were empty as if they were never occupied in the first place. I adjusted my jacket glancing to the left, my gaze lingering in that direction.

Head left.

My eyebrows drew together. My throat felt dry and though thoughts were piling up in my head I pushed it aside.

That the prince could be actually helpful for once? Could he have shown me the way?

He must have heard me asking for directions.

From that height? From that far? I shiver broke down my spine. How long had he known I was there?

Swallowing, I abandoned these thoughts for a minute, and followed the route, walking past two hallways.

I froze at the sight of an opening far out, and I slowly moved closer, stopping in front of the two large double doors with Golden Handles.

I stood before them nervously, plucking the courage to open them. They were large but not so large that I couldn't push them open with a couple of grunts.

Walking through the doors, I froze in the doorway.

Yes, this had to be the whispering hall.

I stepped in, awed at all I could see. The ceiling was glazed in whimsical paintings of angels as if the Renaissance, ones that reminded me of a picture I once saw in an old book of the old world.

The hall was spread far off twisting my mind at the width of it all and once again I was forced to acknowledge how big Fang Court was. Arches cruised between the hall elongating it further and in the width of it, all stood statues much bigger than I had ever come close to trailing the length of the hallways.

It was ridiculous that this was built in someone's home.

But who was I kidding? Fang Court wasn't a home. It was a structure that held all of the Fang's history. Something as extravagant as this could not simply be summarized as a home.

"This must be heaven," I whispered as I wandered in, turning round at the large echo of my footsteps as well as what I had thought was a whisper.

My hand rushed against my mouth, freezing in a spot. My gaze shifted around the hall for any signs of life.

After a moment of silence, I walked further in, stopping near the first statue.

I was miniature compared to the size of this thing. I backed away slowly trying to get the full view of it, whilst keeping my helmet on my head as I tilted my head backward.

A statue of the Prince.

"Holy sh-"

"It is extravagant,  yes."

I froze at the sound of these words, slowly side-stepping around the statue where I found Lord Graydon standing a few feet away, his gaze set upon another statue.

I wasted no time to waddle to his side, gaze widened, bowing, a hand on my helmet before looking back up at the Lord who was yet to spare me a glance.

"Uh- I'm not late!" I spoke first. The sentence came out louder and more excited than I had anticipated. The echo of it multiplied in the hall.

I inwardly quipped myself of this.

He slowly nodded, "I am impressed. I had my doubts for a moment." He confessed, finally turning to me.

His hazel eyes met mine. I couldn't stop the grin from flourishing on my face.

Eat cake! I made it.

I nodded quickly, my hand at my side. I was determined to make a good start to the day. I needed to speak to him about my sister.

Perhaps if I was to show him how much of a valuable asset I could be even in this state of punishment- he would pull some strings for me?

Yes, a shot in the dark.

But a shot nevertheless.

He turned toward me fully, and for a moment we just stared at each other. To be honest, I was gauging if he was still in that sour mood he had been at the Launch or if he had relayed back to the Lord Graydon I could somewhat have a conversation with, without feeling like I could be sent home in the next second.

That was why I was staring.

I do not know of his excuse.

After another awkward moment, at least for me, I brushed away a strand of my loose curls that was set on tickling my nose, my gaze straying away from his to the rest of the hall, as I rocked back on my heels.

"Whispering Hall?" I huffed, "Is it because you have to whisper to avoid your voice- echoing?!"

I yelled the last word, and my finger orchestrated each repeat of the word Echoing in the building with a soft grin.

I was surprised when I came to a chuckling Lord Graydon. His eyes were warm and a lock of his hair stole the show which he pushed back, shaking his head,

"The Queen is in love with her Acoustics." He spoke with a wide grin, folding his arms.

I was relieved I was talking with the old Lord Graydon.

My sharp back loosened and I could finally take a proper breather, nodding along with a grin.

"And her son, evidently," he added, glancing at me before showing me the statue he had been staring at and my gaze trailed to the statue before me.

Yep. Another statue of the Tribrid.

It was hard to explain it. But Marble did him justice. It brought out the cold air that was always around him.

But even a statue of him made me feel uncomfortable, and I swallowed, turning back to Lord Graydon who was still staring at the statue.

"Today marks the beginning of the Race. The King Trials are first," he spoke, before turning to me, "Wisdom is what he's chosen to test."

I nodded, watching his calm face for a moment, "Are you- are alright my lord?" I asked quietly.

He paused at this, eyebrows arching before turning to me, "Is there something you've observed?"

I shook my head quickly, knowing perhaps pointing out that he might feel nervous about this whole thing was ridiculous. This was Lord Graydon.

He had spent months in the lost world. A decorated soldier, honored and revered by many houses of Fang.

To be honest, there was nothing to back my claim. He did not look nervous at all.

There was nothing I could adequately point out to claim that.  Like most Fang, he had only a few emotions to go by.

But perhaps it was merely a feeling that he brought out in me. I would not call the feeling nervous. Nervous was not the word.

I could not put my finger on it.

"No- not at all, it's  just.." I trailed off turning toward the statue so I wouldn't have to deal with his gaze on me as I mumbled my sentence,

"It's the Race to Kings Hand- it seems it's everything that you wish to obtain. The final prize," I added, with a small smile, "to a human that would equate to what we would call having a dream. What one hopes all their life to achieve, and sometimes in moments like those, when someone is that close to achieving their dreams it's normal for them to feel restless or a bit anxious," I explained.

Silence consumed the space between us, and I felt his eyes at the side of my face. I glanced at him and he raised an eyebrow at this.

I pursed my lips, quickly shaking my head to let my vision get watered by my human feeling. This was the consequence of speaking to Lord Graydon like this.

Sometimes when you talk to Fang long enough, you forget that beneath their blunt smiles is a sharp pair of fangs, or that their shade of skin isn't just pale because they haven't been outside all day. Yes, sometimes your brain tricks you into thinking they're human.

"B-But that is ridiculous. I do not know why I said it at all," I chuckled, scolding myself internally, " Fang don't get nervous. It's a human emotion. How ridiculous of me." I rambled, "Forgive me, my lord."

"Ah.." came the nonchalant reply from Lord Graydon and I felt his gaze drift from me.

I glanced at him and he was now staring at the statue, his lips cold and thinned out. It was hard to believe he had just been smiling in all honesty.

"The Tribe is to arrive soon," he suddenly stated, "we will soon be drawn for a meeting," he stated, his gaze trailing to a lone black door after the arches, "The King will be in attendance. You will remain here until it's over."

I let out a loose breath at this nodding. I did not want to be in the same room as he was at all.

I stared at the statue beside him for a moment, before glancing at his side profile.

My fingers became sweaty.

I should ask.
Was it the appropriate time though? Was there an appropriate time?

I pursed my lips, my fingers tapping my sides for a moment. I should ask, ask now. No, but he was busy. A lot on his mind I presume.

Would he care of my woes? Of my troubles?

I glanced at the black door.

Well, he was protecting me now, from the King.

Or was he? All this was about his reputation. My punishment. My protection. He said it himself. How would it look if a human from his territory was killed for misconduct?

If he couldn't control or rather in my eyes, protect one little human girl, how would he govern a whole Kingdom?

I swallowed hard, staring down at the bottom of the statue. Sometimes I forgot and in moments like this, I was happy I remembered.

They were all Fang. Selfish Fang. Always will be.

Monsters beneath humans' skin. Wolves in sheep's clothing. Some Fang more literal than the other.

But I needed help.

Help I couldn't afford to give myself. If now was ever the time I needed a favor it was now. There was nothing I could offer in exchange, perhaps a lifetime of gratitude.

Perhaps serving for another two weeks.

I had to bargain something.

If there was ever a hope I had that somewhere there, in his undead heart, a Vampire could care....then it was now.

"L-Lord Graydon." I blurted before I could stop myself.

I turned to him surprised he was already watching me.

"Silver." He replied, his voice was softer than I perceived.

Our gazes locked for a whisper of a moment as I searched his eyes. Would he help?

The thought lingered. He would. He must. If not him, who?

I would give him the benefit of doubt.

"I have a request. Something I want to speak to you about," my voice was smaller than I anticipated but I noted I still had his full attention as he had completely turned my way, a certain sparkle in his eyes.

"What is it you wish to say?" He asked, his tone too I noticed had become like a whisper, and for a moment I thought it was weird until I remembered we were in the Whispering Hall.

My gaze darted into his, and the words caught on my lips.

"I uh-" I paused, shaking my head and freeing myself from his gaze, "it's quite delicate. Maybe we should talk about it after your meeting."

Perhaps then I would think of proper words to say. I was going to blurt it out, but somehow doubts and the fear that he would say no kept me from speaking.

I had to find the right way to speak to him.

"Silver, you have my attention now," Lord Graydon responded, and I looked at him.

He paused for a moment before suddenly taking a step closer, "I will listen-"

I searched those hazel eyes.

He had once spoken of trust.

That somehow, I could learn to trust. Trust a Fang. I felt I was far from that. But I also felt, perhaps I could try, for Vella's sake.

"L-lady Beatrice," I began, my voice was a breathless whisper, and he watched attentively, "she spoke of giving me a place at West House, beside my sister-"

Lord Graydon paused, then nodded as if thinking it through, "It is a generous offer. You wish to stay at West House?" He asked.

"It is where Vella is, and I can not stay at Fang Court Forever," I added with a small scoff.

He agreed with a nod, "No, I suppose not."

"But there's a problem," I continued.

He raised an eyebrow at this and fished for the right words to say.

I explained how it was that whilst Lady Beatrice wished me to say, someone was stopping her from giving me a spot.

Lord Graydon was true to his word, listening along attentively.

"I c-can't leave Vella- I won't leave her," I rephrased finally, "it's too early, and I- I just found my mother," I breathed exasperated, I'm not ready to..." I trailed off, my gaze skimming the ground, "I'm not ready to leave yet, not this soon-" I whispered the last part softly.

Silence loomed between us, and I tried to catch a breath from my ramblings.

"What do you require of me?" Lord Graydon suddenly asked.

I was surprised at the nature of the words stated. They seemed so- caring.

I blinked at this, pausing for a moment, "Well I, since you asked.." I trailed off with a short shrug-

I could see a ghost of a smile appear on his face.

"You are lord Select," I began, eyes finally meeting his, "that is, is the rank of things, only below that of the Veridian family- I thought maybe you could put in a word for me-"

My gaze shifted away, feeling a bit embarrassed and I fell into another ramble, "I would ask my mother of-course but-"

"It will be done-"

My gaze flashed to his at his words, "It- you will put in a word?" I echoed, eyebrows drawing in.

He sighed, turning away, "I will. I thought for a moment you wished to ask for days off from your punishment- it is a relief."

My mouth opened and closed. I couldn't find the right words. Just like that? Just... like ...that?

This couldn't be right.

"I will work for another 2, 3 weeks if that's what it takes, I don't have anything else to exchange but-"

"Silver," Lord Graydon grumbled, his head lazily turning to me, "I said it is done. Nothing else to it. I will put in a word, and you will move to West House and then you will be Lady Beatrice's problem. That is payment enough-"

I cracked a smile at this, and whilst I was not the emotional type, I felt a lump form in my throat, and tears sting the back of my eyes.

I nodded at this, and again, "Thank-you- Thank-you Lord Graydon." I whispered.

He hummed, with a roll of his eyes.

The doors suddenly swung open and I quickly brushed the lone tear that had escaped, straightening my back as a red guard's uniform flashed, walking in first before a bald Lord Bane.

"I think the room just became colder," Lord Graydon muttered and I glanced at him, barely able to cover my chuckle as Lord Bane approached a wide smile on his face.

"Ah, if it isn't the Lord and his Penguin," He began.

My frown deepened. Lord Bane was simply the worst.

•|•|•

Well... I do hope Lord Graydon keeps his word. :)

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