The Duke's Passion

Chapter 661 Why?

"You're my husband?!"

Stefan took a deep breath and released it through his mouth. "Shut up first, alright? And so what if I am? Any problems with that?"

"No, I mean..." Lilou scratched the backside of her head as she smiled awkwardly. "I thought you're my father incarnate."

"What?"

"Hehe. You nag like him is what I mean."

His expression died while watching her scratch her cheek, smiling awkwardly as if she already concluded and believed it all on her own. Another sigh slipped past his lips before its corners curled up, shaking his head in disbelief. The heaviness in his heart and pressure on his shoulder felt lighter with her silliness.

"Really," he muttered whilst scratching his temple with his forefinger. "What did I expect?" — with Lilou in her current state, she wouldn't change in a snap of a finger.

Wasn't that the only consolation he had by doing good deeds? He could get to spend days like this, thinking nothing major, despite the brewing danger in the shadows. At the very least, he was collecting memories — good ones with no bitterness along.

"But what did you mean by I will become an empress? I mean, that weirdo calls you Your Majesty, and you said you work in the palace. I thought you were some sort of knight in a mission or you were on the run, so you don't go out that much." Stefan raised his gaze while Lilou mumbled things while rubbing her chin. "I will become an empress... say what? Me? A peasant? What sort of luck did land on my lap to gain such a thing?"

"It's not luck, Lulu." He cleared his throat as he recollected his thoughts, knowing how easily both of them get sidetracked. "Your blood is special. Inside your body is a core that will make you a vampire."

But... that was also the main reason Stefan strayed from the original course of the event. That was also the reason he didn't want to use Lilou, despite knowing she would be fine with everything.

He wanted to love her correctly and be loved by her the same. It didn't matter if it was platonic. He simply wanted some time with her — a peaceful time with her where there were just the two of them — away from bloodshed. Even if it was just a day or just an hour.

Just as his lips parted, Lilou spoke once again. "Is it because I will become a monster who eats children alive?"

"Pardon?"

"A monster! Like someone who can split her body in half or who can morph into a dog! And you want to make me a good person so I don't become like that!"

Stefan blinked twice. At this point, he gave up. Lilou's brain worked in wonder. It was almost amazing how she could jump to conclusions so easily.

"No, Lulu." Stefan pinched the space between his brows, reserving his energy for other important stuff. But the next second, Lilou raised another question.

"Wait. So, how did I become an empress? If you're the king now and you will not become my husband, then... did I overthrow the throne?" Lilou blinked, watching him raise his eyes at her. "I didn't... right?"

Stefan simply remained silent while staring at her. His silence was enough for her to understand that one way or another, that was what happened.

"So, we... were enemies?" came out a muffled voice as her eyes softened with bitterness.

"No." Stefan breathed out and smacked his lips before he forced his next words out. "You... married my brother."