The Duke's Passion

"Tonight. We're getting married tonight." 

My mind short-circuited momentarily. Did I hear him correctly? He had already said it earlier, but I didn't think he truly meant it! 

"Come on, brother." Dominique was the first to recover as he chuckled. "How can you get married with no plans? Even your bride is surprised!" 

"You're getting married knowing the circumstances? Aren't you playing so much?" Another prince chimed in with mockery and awkwardness.

"Your Majesty, you can't just approve this marriage." Someone voiced out. "Hell needs to prove that he is worthy for this marriage that breaks the tradition of our family."

"Brother, even if you really want to marry, you should have talked to your bride. My, it is already devastating to marry a demon, she couldn't even enjoy her wedding!"

All the other comments from the princesses and prince went past my ears as I stared at Sam. He had this unusual gentleness flickering in his eyes as he played with my hair.

"You'll marry me, correct?" He asked, nonchalant by the royalty's opinions.

I pursed my lips and gazed down. "Yes."

That was always the plan, to get His Majesty's approval and get married. However, why am I not that happy? I couldn't even understand the mixed emotions in my anxious heart.

"Hell, a woman only gets married once." After a while, Sivi finally spoke with the same elegance in her voice. "It's a memorable event for a lady, consider how Lilou will feel."

"What do you mean once?" Sam chuckled as he slowly set his eyes on Sivi. "I can marry her every day. But then again, I have to pass all my other obligations to Rufus. I'm sure he wouldn't mind, though."

Rufus would surely mind, I thought. I flinched when Sivi dropped her cutlery, and then her voice thundered. "Are you so selfish to only think about yourself?"

"Why are you so riled up, Silvia?" Sam arched his brow before switching plates with mine. 

I gazed up at him in bafflement and he just smiled before saying, "Eat more."

Did he figure out I needed to eat more because of stress? I appreciated his gesture, if so. 

"Your Majesty," Silvia cajoled after realizing there's no point in arguing with Sam. "I'm in no position to question your decision, but did you really approve this?"

Sivi, I thought we're allies and Hell was your king. Why do you sound as if you truly oppose this marriage? Well, I guess her blood told her that a human shouldn't taint his king. I mentally rolled my eyes at the thought.

"Hell," To my surprise, Yul, who had been quiet, also broke his silence. He faced Sam squarely. I couldn't guess what's going on behind those cold azure eyes. 

"Can't it be postponed? At least, until you had your emotions back?"

My brows furrowed at Yul's solemn tone. I didn't expect him to say such words…  no, I didn't expect him to speak at all. 

"First, you people gave me trouble in marrying my bride and forced me to shut off my emotions. And now, you're telling me to wait until I get them back?" Sam jeered. His tone was cold, which sent a shiver down my spine. 

But Yul was unfazed. At least, that was what his exterior looked like. "Political views and public opinions aside, you should at least think about the human you're dragging in the pits of hell."

"I never thought you really care about such things, brother." Sam clapped as he nodded in mirth.

"I'm not saying this because of you, but for your bride."

And that got Sam's attention as he leaned forward and asked, "And since when did you start caring about my bride?" His tone contained a mix of amusement and menace.

"Since the time you dragged Duke Delholm in the banquet last night." Yul's answers never faltered while staring at Sam straight in the eye. It was something I'd applaud Yul's guts for.

I couldn't assume Yul was trying to challenge Sam. It sounded more like how Rufus and Fabian give advice to Sam. 

When I met Yul's eyes, I flinched a little, before he diverted his eyes. 'What was that?' I wondered. There was something in Yul's eyes… it was the same expression he bore last night before Sam appeared.

"Why?" I whispered and my breath hitched when all eyes turned on me.

Their eyes glowing as they waited for whatever I'd say. I turned to Sam, and he was also staring at me, tilting his head while his eyelashes fluttered ever so slowly.

What were they hoping to hear with those eager eyes? Some of them seemed they would devour me if I spoke wrongly, while others were just simply concerned.

Without thinking, my words slipped past my lips. "Why… do you always argue when eating?"

Silence. I even froze when I realized the words I had said. 

'That was so out of topic, dear.' My subconscious mind commented in disappointment. 'They're talking about your marriage! Stick to the current matters at hand!' 

"Hahaha!" Dominique's loud laughter startled me back to my senses. "That's right! It's rare for us to eat together and all we did was argue! Goodness! My sister is hilarious!" 

"That's right. My dear Lilou couldn't even eat now because of Hell. Please, practice table manners." Sivi nodded in agreement, while Yul just quietly sipped wine.

"My love, I should've known better." Sam sighed as he shook his head. "I knew how revolting these people are and still let my guards down. Please forgive me."

"Haha! Aren't you the one whose bare presence more revolting?" Hanz scowled as he ground his teeth. 

"Oh?" Sam quirked a brow as the side of his lips curled into a smirk. 

The sinister smirk on Sam gradually affected the air as it thickened. Not good, I thought. 

"Sam," I called out helplessly. 

'Everyone had just calmed down, just please let it go,' were the words I failed to say. But he seemed to understand as the dark shroud around him eased back to the depths of hell.

Such raw domination wouldn't come from anywhere else but hell. 

"The wedding is final and everyone here tonight will attend and congratulate our brother…" Stefan broke his silence. His voice was cold and calm, but his fiery eyes were on me.

"And we will all welcome a new member of the family."