The Duke's Passion

"We're being summoned to the capital by the King."

As soon as those words slipped past his lips, a soft wind blew past us. I blinked my eyes, trying to grasp what he just said.

"What?" I asked. Did I hear him correctly?

"I sent a message to the King several weeks ago requesting for our marriage. I received his response, and the king wants to see us." Sam explained.

This time, my tongue rolled back as the life on my face faded. The king… wanted us to seek his audience?

"Well, it's normal, since we need to seek his blessing for our marriage. I'm still a duke who had obligation to follow traditions."

"You and I?"

"Hmm. Normally, I would refuse and force them to go to Grimsbanne instead. But, I think being arrogant now is not the best method if I want a peaceful marriage." Sam shrugged as he clicked his tongue.

Meanwhile, I remained silent. Not by my choice. I just couldn't articulate my thoughts. It was indeed shocking news.

The thought of it… my heart drummed loudly. I've never been out of Grimsbanne. I only heard about the prosperous major cities.

Who wouldn't be surprised that a peasant like me would go to the capital? Not just go there, but to seek the king's blessing for my marriage?

I watched as Sam settled his eyes on me. His brows furrowed as a clear frown resurfaced on his lips.

"I can go alone if you don't want to go." He suggested followed by a deep sigh.

I have an option not to? Really?

"I've already planned to go alone, initially. But, because I know I'll miss you, I still tried to hear your opinion about it." Sam added with a frown.

"But — but if I go, they would know I am a…" I trailed off as I anxiously raised my brows and bit my tongue.

"They would know you're a human?" He asked. I nodded with my lips pressed together.

"So?" Sam arched his brow, and I furrowed mine as well.

"They wouldn't think it's quite absurd?" I inquired hesitatingly. "If your brothers and sisters married each other to keep the bloodline pure, then… how could the King accept me as your wife?"

"Were you actually listening to everything I've said?" Yet, instead of answering, Sam threw a question. His tone annoyed.

"Huh?"

"Did you think the king wouldn't find out I'm marrying a human?" 

I remained silent as I lowered my gaze. 

"Well, I thought he wouldn't unless he sees me."

"Haha! Aren't you naïve, my silly girl?" I raised my gaze back to him again when he chuckled.

Sam seemed he wasn't that nervous, unlike me. Still, we're talking about his family. I never felt this kind of anxiousness creeping into my heart.

Meeting his kin… not to mention a family of royal and pure-blooded vampires. What a nerve-racking ordeal.

"You don't know the king's obsession he holds towards me. The moment he received that letter from me, I'm certain he had sent someone to dig for information about everything."

In a knowing tone, Sam chuckled as he explained. I furrowed my already knitted brows, tilting my head as I listened to him.

"Hence, I won't be surprised if he already knows I fancy a human lady." He added.

The king already knew? And Sam already knew the king had sent eyes to watch his every movement? Why I haven't heard about this?

Right… it was because I didn't need to know? I don't want to jump to a conclusion just yet. Sam probably had his own strong reasons.

"Still, if the king knew, and we headed to the capital — to the royal castle… isn't that a vampire's turf that was beyond your jurisdiction?" I asked.

Sam's eyes immediately fastened with fascination upon my inquiry. Why? I'm telling the truth. He might hold the absolute power over Grimsbane, but the capital was under the king's power.

"Are you afraid they will hurt you?" He asked.

I pursed my lips. Am I afraid? I don't know. I couldn't understand this reluctance in me, but I'm certain I was afraid of something else.

"You might be a human, but you're special." He chuckled, his finger lifting my chin as he held my gaze.

"Do you know why?"

I remained silent, pondering for the reason.

"Because I'm your reserved meal?" I blurted out, with brows raised.

"Hahaha!" Upon hearing my reply, Sam laughed. He looked charming when the tangerine ray of sunset shone on him.

"What are you saying, silly? Do you still think like that?" 

In between his chuckles, he shook his head. I bit my tongue. No, I don't even think I'm still a reserved meal. It just escaped my mouth before I knew it.

"The reason is that I chose you. You are my human." He stressed, his eyes as dangerous as ever. But, they way he looked at me straight in the eye felt very reassuring.

"And since you're mine, no one can touch even the tip of your hair. Because if they do, I don't mind burning the entire kingdom to smithereens."

He added. I gulped as I felt the sincerity in his claims. It felt as if he wasn't just saying it to comfort me. Instead, I felt he would actually do it without a second hesitation.

"Do you understand?" He asked, his thumb gently caressing my chin. 

"Then…" I paused, mustering the courage to speak. "I'll come with you."

In a low and meek tone, I decided.

If Sam was with me, I shouldn't be afraid, right? I might not know what awaits us in that place. Staying close to him would not just reassure me, but would save me the trouble of waiting and worrying for his return.

However, Sam didn't respond. His eyes slowly traveled down to my lips. Again, I gulped as I pursed my lips lightly.

"My — my lord? Are you… listening?"

"I am." He blankly replied and his eyes slowly raised to meet my gaze.

"Then, shall we…" My voice faded away upon hearing his abrupt question.

"Lilou, can I kiss you?"