The Duke's Passion

Normally, applause would resonate across the hall once we seal our marriage with a kiss. However, no one clapped upon sealing our marriage with a bite. My lip felt numb as it immediately grew swollen.

The smile on his lips didn't reach his eyes. The anger blazing in his bright, menacing eyes was clear. 

"Will you finally kill me tonight?" I asked as we stood unmoving, gazing up at each other. "If not, how painful would I be in? How many of my bones will you break?" 

"You quite have a risque imagination for our first night as husband and wife, love." Sam mused as he chuckled. But it sounded so cold.

"I need to know so I can mentally and emotionally prepare for it," I replied, getting braver or more foolish now that we're husband and wife. 

Sam didn't reply, as he only stared at me. With his current state, it was hard to read him, no matter how long I stare at his eyes.

"It's upsetting if you put it that way, wife." Sam offered his arm, and I unhesitatingly hooked mine around it as we made our exit. "Are you saying you'll just grit your teeth? That is really upsetting."

Well, crying wouldn't help. I might as well grit my teeth if he was so mad and ended up hurting me.

'Are you a lunatic?' My precious subconscious mind asked me in dismay. 'The wedding ceremony just ended and you're basically embracing to be a battered wife!'

"If it upsets you, don't hurt me," I whispered as my grip around his arm tightened. "I'm also upset that I had other emotions rather than happiness on the day I daydreamed countless times with you."

We didn't speak after my last remarks. Since there were no other celebrations after that wedding ceremony, Sam and I headed back to his quarters in utter silence.

"Congratulations, my Lord, my Lady." Fabian congratulated us with a bow when we reached Sam's quarters.

"Thank you, Mister Fabian," I replied, concealing the sadness in my voice. "It'd be nice if you were there."

"I'm honored for you to think like that, my Lady." 

"Fabian," Sam chimed in, bearing the same indifferent tone. "How do I quench my anger to avoid hurting my wife?"

My brows quirked as my shoulders stiffened before I slowly turned to Sam. He was staring at Fabian dead in the eye, utterly serious about his question.

Fabian smiled harmlessly, as usual. "Shall I bring Klaus?"

"He's too feeble and a waste of time."

"Then, shall I ask Sir Rufus to spar with you?" Fabian asked, seemed pleased by Sam's insult towards Klaus. 

Did he hate Klaus that much? Wait… Klaus was still alive? I wondered if how he had gotten out of that grave. No one would help him in Cameron's residence, so it's only possible he crawled his way up. Such determination to live.

"Rufus is already dealing with a lot of things at the moment." Sam shook his head calmly. "I need my life to be in danger… I think?"

"Very well. I can spar with you, my Lord," Fabian suggested confidently.

My mouth slightly fell open as I stared at Fabian's confidence. Sam and Fabian sparring? I wanted to see it for myself.

Before I knew it, both of them set their eyes on me.

"Stop sparkling," Sam snapped as he raised his hand and blocked my gaze. "You're giving me a reason to kill Fabian."

"Please, my Lady. Have mercy on me." Fabian begged in nonchalance. I frowned at their reaction.

"I just want to see Mister Fabian and my husband spar," I murmured dejectedly, forgetting our little banter moments ago. "My husband had high regards in Mister Fabian's skills, so… I'm curious."

I shrugged and sighed while looking away.

"I don't deserve such praise, my Lady. However, it's your first night as husband and wife. It'd be best to stick to the tradition for now." Fabian politely voiced out.

Our first night as husband and wife, yet he would spar while I wait for him? That surely stung, and I felt a little demanding. It felt frustrating.

"The servants had already run a bath for you to prepare you for our wedding night. I'd be back." Sam declared as he escorted me towards our bed chambers while we left Fabian outside.

"Alright." I nodded as I sat down on the divan. "Have fun."

"Don't you want me to go?" He asked, planting his hand on his hips. I gazed up at him, blinking.

"No," I answered softly. "That's not what I mean. If you're angry, I'd rather you release it by sparring with Mister Fabian than having my bones get broken on my wedding night."

"If you see me as that evil, why won't you fight back?" Sam inquired as he tilted his head, batting his eyes nonchalantly. "You have Lakresha with you. You baffle me, wife."

I only pursed my lips and didn't answer. Did I truly see him in that light? I didn't mean it that way.

"You're the one who baffles me," I murmured. "I'm certain you want to kill me right now or just break everything you can touch. And yet, you're doing neither of that."

There weren't any specific emotions in his eyes. If anything, it seemed he was also baffled, himself. 

"Sam," I called out under my breath, getting up to my feet as I took a step forward to him before I reached for his hand. I carefully guided his hand to cup my cheek, and I leaned closer to warm his cold palm.

"Even if I have Lakresha, its sole purpose is to protect you," I said, staring into his deep crimson eyes that were drawing me in. "Even if you hurt me, I would never do the same to you. But that doesn't necessarily mean I won't fight back if it's others."

He frowned and asked, "Why?" His thumb caressed my cheek as his eyes darkened. "Why would you do that if I pose the same threat?"

Was he seriously clueless about it? I chuckled at the thought.

"Why are you laughing?" He asked impatiently. "Are you mad?"

"No." I shook my head as I took another step forward. My arms slowly circled around his waist, leaning the side of my head on his chest. 

"If I asked you the same thing, will you fight me to death if I wield Lakresha to you?"  And his silence was enough for an answer for me. 

"That's why I said I'll grit my teeth," I whispered, tightening my grip around his waist as I pulled him closer. "Because even if you hurt me, the one who will be in more pain will be you."