Hell bound with you

Trapped in the castle's shadow

The grand ballroom shimmered beneath the glow of a thousand candles. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, while lively music and polite chatter filled the air.

Amelia stood near the edge of the crowd, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Her beige gown sparkled with every movement, yet she felt far from the confident young lady her mother wanted her to be. She sighed, her gaze fixed on the polished floor as couples glided across it in perfect rhythm.

“Excuse me, miss,” a voice broke through her thoughts.

Startled, she looked up to find a young man standing before her. His deep brown eyes sparkled with charm, and a confident smile rested upon his lips, making her shift uncomfortably. He gave a courteous bow.

“Would you do me the honor of a dance?” he asked, extending his hand toward her. “I’m Nicolas Gravel, son of the Duke of Alden.”

Amelia hesitated, her heart sinking.

Why me?

Her gaze darted around the room, searching for an escape. But her mother’s piercing stare left her no room to refuse. Pressing her lips into a polite smile.

“Of course, Lord Gravel,” she replied, placing her hand in his.

As they stepped onto the dance floor, the musicians began a lively waltz. Nicolas was an accomplished dancer, guiding her effortlessly through every step.

He spoke enthusiastically about his family’s estate and their magnificent horses, but Amelia’s mind wandered elsewhere. She merely nodded politely, contributing little to the conversation. His words blurred together, drowned out by the music and the laughter echoing throughout the ballroom.

When the dance ended, Nicolas bowed once more and thanked her before stepping away.

Before Amelia could retreat to her quiet corner, another young nobleman approached her.

Then another.

And another.

Soon, she found herself swept into one dance after another, exchanging polite introductions with lords and barons whose names she knew she would never remember.

By the fifth dance, her smile felt painfully forced, her feet throbbed with exhaustion, and an uncomfortable tightness settled in her chest. More than anything, she longed for silence—for just a single moment to breathe.

At last, when her latest partner bowed and walked away, Amelia seized the opportunity.

She made her way toward her mother, who was chatting with a group of noblewomen near the refreshment table.

“Mama,” Amelia whispered, keeping her voice low so as not to attract attention. “May I step outside for a moment? I need some air.”

Her mother’s sharp eyes narrowed, causing Amelia’s shoulders to tense.

“Outside? And leave all these eligible young men waiting?” she hissed under her breath. “Do you realize how many ladies would envy your position tonight?”

“Mama, please,” Amelia pleaded, her voice barely audible. “I won’t be long. I just…” Her words caught in her throat. “I feel a little faint.”

Her mother’s expression softened ever so slightly, though traces of disapproval remained.

“Very well,” she said after a brief pause, her tone clipped. “But don’t stay out too long, and for heaven’s sake, don’t wander. This castle is enormous, and I don’t want you embarrassing us by getting lost.”

“Thank you, Mama.”

Amelia curtsied before slipping through the doors leading out of the ballroom.

The moment she entered the corridor, the music and cheerful chatter faded behind her, replaced by the soft echo of her footsteps against the polished marble floor.

A cool breeze greeted her.

She inhaled, feeling the tightness in her chest ease for the first time that evening.

The corridor stretched endlessly before her, its towering windows revealing glimpses of the moonlit gardens beyond. She walked slowly, her fingertips brushing against the cold stone wall as she savored the rare solitude.

Eventually, she reached a small balcony overlooking the courtyard.

Leaning against the railing, she allowed the crisp night air to wash over her. Above, countless stars glittered like scattered diamonds across the velvet sky.

For the first time that evening…

Amelia felt free.

She closed her eyes, willing herself to calm down.

Then—

A low voice whispered near her ear.

“Why are you standing here all alone?”

Amelia’s heart leaped into her throat.

She spun around, her breath catching.

Standing before her was a man with golden-blond hair that shimmered beneath the moonlight and piercing green eyes that seemed to bore straight into her soul. His handsome face carried an unmistakable air of danger.

Instinctively, she stepped backward.

The stone railing halted her retreat.

“I…” she stammered, unable to withstand the intensity of his gaze. “I was… looking for the way back to the ballroom. I got lost.”

The man tilted his head, a faint, almost mocking smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Lost…” he murmured. “Or were you trying to get lost?”

“I… I really am lost,” Amelia answered hastily, her voice trembling.

“Then you should be searching for your way back,” he replied, though something unsettling lingered beneath his tone. “Not standing alone here in the dark.”

He took another slow step forward.

“What are you really doing here?”

Amelia parted her lips to answer, but no words came. His presence felt suffocating, and her thoughts scattered as she desperately searched for an excuse.

He leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper.

“The castle is a dangerous place, you know.”

“Wild beasts roam these halls… wearing human masks.”

His emerald eyes darkened.

“A pretty girl like you shouldn’t wander around alone.”

He leaned even closer.

“Beasts might bite you…”

“Or worse…”

“They might eat you.”

A violent shiver ran down Amelia’s spine.

Her knees weakened beneath her.

She could barely remain standing.

“Then… I should return to the ballroom,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

She tried to step past him.

He moved effortlessly, blocking her path.

“What if I don’t let you go?”

His voice was teasing…

Yet undeniably menacing.

His eyes gleamed with something unspoken.

“I’m feeling rather hungry right now.”

Amelia’s breathing quickened as he advanced another step, trapping her against the cold stone wall.

She instinctively pressed herself backward, though there was nowhere left to retreat.

He placed both hands against the wall on either side of her, imprisoning her between his arms.

Then he leaned in until she could feel his warm breath brush against her skin.

“You smell nice,” he whispered.

Amelia froze.

Every muscle in her body locked with fear.

Her legs trembled.

Her throat had gone dry.

No words would come.

She was completely at his mercy.

Then suddenly—

“My lord.”

A voice echoed from behind them.

“His Majesty is looking for you.”

The man turned his head.

His hands fell away from the wall.

Amelia didn’t hesitate.

Summoning every ounce of strength she possessed, she shoved past him and ran.

She never looked back.

Her heels struck the marble floor as she raced through the corridors, each frantic step echoing against the towering stone walls.

She didn’t stop until the brilliant lights of the ballroom came into view.

Bursting through the grand doors, Amelia collapsed to the floor, clutching her chest as she struggled to catch her breath.

Her heart pounded.

Her entire body trembled.

Yet inside the ballroom…

The music continued.

The laughter remained unchanged.

No one knew the terror she had just endured.

After several moments, Amelia steadied her breathing and slowly rose to her feet. Smoothing the wrinkles from her gown, she forced herself to regain her composure before rejoining the crowd.

King Magnus rose from his gilded throne, his deep, commanding voice drawing the attention of every guest gathered within the grand ballroom.

Conversation ceased as all eyes turned toward their ruler.

Dressed in a regal blue robe trimmed with gold, the king radiated dignity and quiet authority. His sharp gaze swept across the hall before settling into a reassuring smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen, loyal people of Oslo,” he began, his voice resonating throughout the chamber, “I bring you a message from my son, Prince Caspian. He regrets that he cannot be with us tonight, as duty has called him away to attend an urgent matter.”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

The king raised one hand, silencing them with effortless authority.

“Rest assured, it is a matter of great importance—one that requires his immediate attention. However, he sends his heartfelt greetings and wishes for each of you to enjoy this celebration in his absence.”

Stepping forward, King Magnus extended his arms in a welcoming gesture.

“So, my dear friends, do not allow this news to dampen the spirit of the evening. This ball is for all of you—a celebration of our unity, our prosperity, and our shared joy. Enjoy the music, the splendid feast, and the fine wine prepared for this occasion. Dance, laugh, and make merry… for tonight belongs to Oslo.”

Polite applause filled the ballroom as the guests’ disappointment gradually gave way to admiration for their king’s reassuring words.

Amelia’s breath hitched.

Her pale complexion did not go unnoticed.

Her mother, Alexis, approached her, concern etched across her face.

“Amelia, what happened? You don’t look well. Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m fine, Mama,” Amelia answered, forcing a weak smile. “Just tired. Can we go home?”

Alexis frowned but nodded.

Turning toward her husband, she said, “Let’s leave. Amelia isn’t feeling well.”

Her father looked at his daughter and sighed.

“Very well.”

From across the grand hall, Amelia’s eyes met Lucy’s.

Lucy stood beside her parents, their family radiating a warmth that contrasted with the grandeur surrounding them.

The moment Lucy noticed her, she smiled brightly and stepped forward.

“You look beautiful, Amy,” she said, her emerald gown shimmering beneath the glow of the chandeliers.

Amelia managed only a faint smile.

Before she could answer, her mother intervened.

“Lucy, Amelia isn’t feeling well,” Alexis explained with calm composure. “We’ll be heading home shortly.”

Lucy’s cheerful expression shifted into concern.

“What happened? Is she all right?” she asked, looking anxiously between Amelia and Alexis.

Alexis offered a reassuring smile.

“It’s nothing, my dear,” she replied. “She’s just a little tired and needs some rest. These gatherings can be rather overwhelming.”

Lucy nodded, though concern still lingered in her eyes.

“I see… Take care, Amy.”

Amelia responded with a barely noticeable nod, grateful that her mother had spared her from further questions.

Alexis placed a gentle hand upon her daughter’s shoulder, guiding her toward the exit while music and laughter continued behind them as though nothing had happened.

As the family approached the castle entrance, the coachman greeted them.

“Leaving early, sir?”

“Yes,” Amelia’s father replied. “My daughter isn’t feeling well.”

Ivar frowned with concern.

“Is she all right, sir?”

“She’s fine,” her father answered. “Just a little tired.”

Ivar nodded respectfully before helping the family into the carriage.

As the carriage rolled away from the castle, Amelia leaned her head against the window.

Her thoughts refused to settle.

Again and again, the stranger’s voice echoed through her mind.

A shiver coursed through her body.

She wrapped her arms around herself, unable to shake the lingering fear.