Wolves

01

(Y/N) had to admit that being back inside the castle made her feel a bit odd. Since the last time she was there, she was trying to stop an execution, she was reminded of the unpleasant event right away. She didn't feel as safe as she'd hoped and instead she felt something more like anxiety.

The castle workers milled about, finishing up last minute preparations for the party. Their eyes lingered on Bill, who was still a criminal in the realm. (Y/N) felt nervous they might try to hurt him again if he wasn't careful. However, he seemed unfazed, even bored, at the prospect of being inside the castle.

"I suppose I'll show you to your chambers first." Said (Y/N)'s mother, her hands folded neatly in front of her. "Then we'll go to the dungeons."

(Y/N) hurried to follow after her, Bill trailing behind. "What's in the dungeons?"

"Bill's quarters, of course!"

"Alright, listen, lady, I don't --"

Before Bill could continue, (Y/N) grabbed hold of his hand and pulled him back. "He's not really staying there, right?"

"No!" Bill answered for the queen. 

She turned, looking slightly confused. "I was only taking precautions."

"That's -- okay," (Y/N) assured her. "He can stay with me. If anything happens, then he'll go to the dungeons."

She could tell Bill wasn't pleased with the looming prospect of sleeping in a cold cell. However, he managed to keep quiet. He knew (Y/N) might get upset if he said what was really on his mind. 

Her mother wasn't too fond of the idea either. Having a convict stay with her daughter already made her uneasy. She thought she might finally have control over it when it was inside her own home. But, she and Bill had one thing, and only one thing in common: they wanted to keep (Y/N) happy. So, hesitantly, her mother obliged. "I suppose that is a fair compromise." She said. "This way then, Dear."

She started up the steps, and (Y/N) and Bill trailed behind. (Y/N) took notice of the looks the demons gave Bill as they passed by and it didn't help to ease her nerves. 

"Are they really still upset about what happened?" She asked her mom, creeping closer to her. "That was forever ago."

"It was high treason." Answered the queen. "He is only alive because of you."

Her tone frightened even (Y/N), who'd manage to grow quite accustomed to the way her mother spoke of Bill. (Y/N) thought if she was able to forgive Bill, when she was the one who was hurt the most by him, then the entire nightmare realm should be able to, as well. But (Y/N) was sure his actions against her weren't his only offense. 

She looked to Bill, who looked thoroughly displeased. She could tell he didn't want to be there at all. (Y/N) wasn't sure if it was because of the memories, the looks he was getting, or her mother. 

The three arrived to a pair of white double doors. Two demons opened them up for them, and (Y/N) found herself wondering if they'd be standing there all the time. She didn't know how she felt about sleeping with two people she didn't know outside of her room. 

The room was quite large and (Y/N) couldn't even keep herself from gasping. She was sure it was even bigger than her apartment. Five tall windows with grand curtains lined the wall and provided the beautiful view of the reddened sparkling ocean, which was translucent enough for (Y/N) to see sea demons milling about. There was an archway leading out to a balcony covered by thin curtains that blew in the warm wind. 

(Y/N) stepped further into the room, allowing herself to realize it was hers. A small table sat in the center of the room, and on it was a beautiful vase filled with jet black roses. She reached out to touch the petals, not completely believing they were real.