The Duke's Passion

My heart instantly leapt to my throat as his way of showing and explaining things I failed to understand completely was unique.

Earlier, the darkness scared me. But when the torches lit up, I felt less scared, especially knowing he was with me.

Does he mean he had felt the same when he heard my cries as a child? Did I truly gave him such relief and comfort all these years?

The thought of it moved my immovable heart.

"Milord, why did you force yourself to sleep?" Before I knew it, my question already escaped my lips.

As soon as I realized I'm prying way too far, I pressed my lips together. There was no confirmed reason his lordship went into his slumber.

There were rumors of different versions. Some were for the goodness of Grimsbanne. Some said the duke to enter his slumber after fighting a formidable opponent and protected his people. While some version said, they forced the duke to sleep because he lost control of himself.

But I want to hear it from the duke himself.

I looked at him, waiting patiently for his reply. He had the liberty to answer, but I hoped he would tell me.

"Because…" When the duke's lips parted, I perked up as I focused my hearing on every word he would say.

"Because I was tired."

Unlike what I expected, his simple answer, which I didn't expect to hear, disappointed me.

"Tired?" I repeated in a questioning tone. "You were tired, so you abandoned your people?"

Before I knew it, I blurted out. Immediately, I covered my lips with my palm, my eyes wide as I realized I went over the line.

Fortunately, Samael didn't seem to take it personally and chuckled in return.

"Heh. Sometimes, no matter how powerful someone is, there is always a breaking point, Lil. Be it vampires or humans, we always break at one point."

Samael explained. I held his gaze for a long time without feeling intimidated or horrified.

"But you had responsibilities. The people of Grimsbanne had their lives in your hands, including a peasant like me. Was it easy for vampires to let their responsibility and obligation go when things get rough for them?"

Again, I argued without thinking. Yet, this time, I didn't regret voicing out my uncalled opinion.

The rules of this kingdom had favored vampires. No vampires were a peasant, nor they were commoner. Nobles mostly consisted of vampires, and only a few nobles were lucky humans.

Yet, every single one of them was the same. And peasants like me were just here to balance the wealth and poverty of this world.

An insignificant person like me was alive to make these noble appear strong and powerful. It was an insult that Grimsbanne was in the hands of a fickle-hearted duke like him.

Upon hearing my argument, Samael's eyes fastened with fascination. After a moment of silence, Samael smiled as he reached for my head to pat it.

"I'm glad," he mused under his breath.

Huh?

"I'm glad that someone like you still exists in this kingdom. Your love for the people of Grimsbanne is far more noble than us."

He added. I felt my cheek and ear heated up as this praise was too much for a peasant like me.

"You understand the sufferings of my people, but I can't sympathize. Not that I can't; I would rather take action to repay my people's losses."

While patting my head, Samael explained as he leaned down with his face a palm-length away from mine.

Instinctively, I drew back a bit.

"But my credence in my methods drove me to the point I've become a threat to the people I'm fighting for."

He added, a subtle smile resurfaced on his lips. His hand has stopped patting my head, but remained still.

But his hand or his closeness didn't matter at this point. I focused my mind on his argument.

"Milord, you sound like you're in a war." I muttered under my breath. "Who are you against with?"

From his explanation, he sounded as if he had fought and lost. I never heard the Duke waging a war against anyone, nor have I heard the real history of this world hundreds years back.

Hundreds years was a long time. I had limited knowledge of history and many things. Hence, I could only ask and judge the monarchy from the present.

Samael pressed his lips together and the corner of his lips stretched wider.

"The King."

With a smile, he answered. I gasped, as his answer was the least I expected.

I didn't know whether he was joking or saying the truth; his tone wouldn't let anyone to guess.

"The — the — the King?" I stuttered, my lower lip trembled.

"Why are you stuttering, silly? My brother is not as terrifying as you think he is. He still gets scolded by me, if I want to."

Samael chuckled, shaking his head lightly. I could feel the blood gradually leave my lips with the thought.

Even if the duke and the king were brothers, the King holds the absolute power. I don't hear many stories about the royal family. But what I do know was they were the oldest and the most powerful lineage of vampires in this kingdom.

"I'm not afraid of the King, milord." Mustering my courage, I corrected.

"Huh? You're not?" He furrowed his brows, tilting his head to the side.

"I'm afraid what the King would do if he heard that his lordship is now awake after hundreds of years."

Without looking away from him, I expressed and paused.

"I'm terrified of the fate of the people of Grimsbanne." I added for clarification.

I felt proud of myself for keeping my composure and successfully expressing my thoughts.

I've never had this liberty in my entire life. Deep down, I appreciated Samael for listening to the voice of someone as significant as I am.

When I uttered my last remarks, Samael smiled and ruffled my hair. I lowered my head a bit, surprised and puzzled at his reaction.

"Silly, that's why we're here!" He exclaimed.

The sparkle in his crimson orbs brimmed with ideas I have yet to know. I raised my brows, blinking my eyes as my mind wondered what was he up to.

Finally, Samael retracted his hand from my head. Taking a step back, Samael cleared his throat with his fist before his lips.

"Silly girl," he called out, raising his chin before he smiled.

Slowly, he reached his hand to me. From my elbow, his fingers gently traced my elbow down to my hand.

When he was holding both my hands, he looked into my confused eyes. With a smirk, he once again repeated the very words he told me a few nights ago.

"Will you, silly girl, marry me?"