The Duke's Passion

Even when Samael gave them freedom to leave as they please, no one did. After his moving speech, he told me to take a rest.

So, with the help of Fabian, he escorted me to a bedchamber where I could rest. Looking around, I bit my lower lip as I've been standing behind the door ever since Fabian left.

I didn't move a muscle. My eyes scanned the entire bedchamber with mixed emotions.

This bedchamber was twice... no, ten times more spacious than my shack. With proper bed in sight, windows for ventilation, antiques, chandelier and candelabras, and a fireplace!

My skin could absorb the relieving warmth from the fireplace, bringing a tingling sensation in my heart. How nice…

"Is it… alright for me to sleep in such a grand place?" I murmured, unconsciously taking a step back.

Never in my life I had to live such a luxurious life. But now, like a blink of an eye, I was being addressed as milady and being treated akin to a noble.

It felt… surreal. Perhaps I was still dreaming?

Upon the thought crossing my mind, the previous scene of Samael's speech made my breath hitch. Was that remarkable man also part of my dream?

Slowly, my lips curled into a bitter smile. This time, I dug my nail into my palms and closed my eyes.

Taking a deep breath, I carefully opened my eyes. Yet, I was still in the same bedchamber and still standing from where I've been standing for a long time.

"Duchess… the king… make changes…" I whispered under my breath.

Everything about tonight was too much for someone like me to handle. It was too much information and too sudden.

I'm barely keeping myself together. And for the last time, I'm asking someone to wake me up if this was a dream.

Alas, no one would wake me up.

I let out a deep sigh, biting my lower lip lightly.

"Father, what is going on?" I mumbled as the corner of my eyes started welling up.

I didn't know the accurate reason my eyes sting. Am I scared of what kind of tomorrow that would welcome me?

Or… am I subconsciously happy?

Perhaps both.

In retrospect, even before the day ends, I already knew I would repeat what I did the entire day the next day. But now, I do not know.

Forcing my feet to move, I dragged them towards the enormous bed that could accommodate at least four of more people. I stared down at it, my finger caressing the pillar on the corner.

Unconsciously, I looked around. When I was certain no eyes were watching me, I timidly walked closer to the bed and sat on the edge.

Upon feeling the softness of the mattress, I felt butterflies in my stomach. To test how soft it was, I jumped and bounced slightly.

"Haha," I giggled, as this simple thing brought me joy.

Yet, even when I realized my giggles, it didn't hinder me from bouncing on the bed. It's so soft, like the clouds in the sky.

As if all the problems and worries I had were washed away, I immediately removed the flat footwear I was wearing and crawled into the middle of the bed.

With my knees on the mattress, I jumped slightly enough for me to bounce. I could not help the side of my lips to stretch in glee.

"This is fun." I giggled, placing my palm on the mattress. I continued on jumping.

I wonder if I jump with my feet, will I bounce off much higher?

Upon the thought, I looked up at the high-ceiling. I wouldn't bump my head, right?

To make sure, I raised my hand up, and the ceiling was far beyond my reach. It would be impossible for me to reach that high.

Elated, I cupped my flustered cheek in mirth. No one was around and perhaps, there's no harm to try?

I bit my lip once again, clearing my throat as I exhaled sharply. I would do it.

I would jump as high as I could!

With that thought in mind, it set my excited heart ablaze. But to be sure, I jumped an inch to test if I wouldn't get hurt once I bounced off.

As soon as I did, the creaking sound in my every bounce heightened. Yet, the bed remained steady and firm.

This brought me enough courage as my eyes lit up. It's safe!

A grin resurfaced on my face as I looked up at the ceiling once again. With another deep exhale, I nodded earnestly.

"I will…" Determined, I mustered all my energy, bending my knees as my toes curled on the sheet.

The next moment, I jumped. However, subconsciously, I'm still scared of falling. Hence, I leapt at the safe height.

When my feet landed on the soft surface again, I nearly lost my balance. But I managed not to fall.

My first successful attempt gave me more courage to leap higher. Again, I jumped higher and landed on the bed safely.

"Hihi," I giggled, covering my lips with my palm.

Who would have thought such bed existed? Was it made of clouds? I wondered.

Regardless, my goal was to jump as high as I could. I've never felt this free in my life.

Again, I stabilized my breathing and gazed down on my feet. This time, however, I only tiptoed before jumping an inch.

The constant jumps I've done caused consisted and steady waves on the mattress. And my body waved, bounced along, granting me proper rhythm when to take that high jump.

When I was confident enough, I had finally bent down to make that record-breaking high jump.

And I did!

However, just as I jumped, the door suddenly creaked open, followed by Samael's voice.

"By the way, my fiancee —"

Midair, I turned my head in his direction. Once our eyes met, both wide in surprise.

Time ticked slower than ever as I felt my body falling back on the mattress. Instantly, my mind regretted jumping that high, realizing it would be a crash landing instead.

With my ankle hitting the frame of the bed, I grit my teeth at the sudden pain. But I knew that wouldn't end there.

I braced myself for falling out of the bed. If Samael didn't arrive at the wrong time, I wouldn't fall out of the bed.

Knowing what was bound to happen, I shut my eyes closed and waited for the pain to strike me.

However, just before I crash on the floor, I heard the inbound breeze produce a swift sound. And… the pain I was expecting didn't come.

"What are you doing, silly?"

The next moment, I heard him speak as his breathing brushed my forehead. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and he was looking at me worriedly.

Instinctively, I looked around. I fell out of the bed, but Samael caught me.

I heaved a sigh of relief, feeling my heart pounding against my chest. Yet, it was beating in a happy motion.

When Samael spoke again, he brought me back to the current lapse. I instantly froze.

"What would happen if I didn't come? You can hit your head and die, silly."

His tone firmed with a mix of worry. Slowly, I moved my gaze and met his.

I wouldn't crash if you didn't suddenly arrive, was what I wanted to reply. But all I did was gulp a mouthful of saliva and purse my lips.

"I… I'm sorry,"

Like a child being scolded by her parents, I expressed and looked away. I heard him let out a sigh before assisting me back to my feet.

However, as soon as I stood, I nearly lost balance as I winced. Fortunately, I caught his arm and used it as my pillar of support. I strained my ankle upon hitting the bed frame.

Looking at my ankle, my skin had a visible red as it instantly swelled a bit.

"You're such a klutz." Samael sighed.

I glanced at him, and he was staring at my ankle.

"Sit down. I'll help you reduce the pain and swelling."

He added as he assisted me to sit on the edge of the bed.

As soon as I sat down, Samael didn't waste a second as he hurriedly fled out of the room.

"Why does he look so worried? He's not angry?" I wondered under my breath, tilting my head to the side.