The Duke's Passion

"Lilou, can I kiss you?"

The second I heard his question, my breath hitched. That was too sudden — I was not ready for it.

"I was thinking of kissing you, but I wanted to ask first." His eyes blazing with desire. His tone laced with too much air, making his voice husky.

What… 

My heart pounded against my chest. I could feel the heat coursing to the ends of my ears as my throat suddenly dried up.

Why would he suddenly shifts our conversation like that? Just how did it escalate to this point?

I could not recall. We were just talking about being summoned to the capital. Are we truly on the same page? How come he would flip to the end of the book?

We haven't had that magical connection like what I read on the books. Or just that perfect moment that would make us both think kissing was proper!

"Nevermind. I'll think of something else."

After a long, tensed silence, Sam sighed. Slowly, he withdrew his thumb away from my chin. He then placed his hand on the branch, looking at the empty open space of my previous home.

However, that second he did, I perked up.

"Wait—"

"Hmm?" Sam turned his head to me, arching his brow. 

"Uh," My own words clogged in my throat, choking me. I couldn't speak.

Wait. What did I want to say, initially? I didn't know. All I remember was this sudden urge to speak.

"Don't worry. I know that was a bit aggressive of me knowing I have to mark my territory before we set off." He sighed.

"Huh?" 

Sam cocked his head, casting me a look of disinterest.

"I'm saying, if we're going to the capital, I had to cover you with my presence. That place is mostly filled with vampires — that's why human nobles had moved to other places. The Capital is a far more dangerous place for humans." He explained in a knowing tone.

"Obviously, I'd prefer making out with you as my first option. The rest were just… no fun." He added.

What?

"What are the other options?" I blurted out before I knew it.

"I'll give you a bloodstain cloth you can hide anywhere in your body. Agree with a blood pact with me, perhaps? Or…" He paused as he licked his lower lip.

"Or, I'll turn you into a vampire. But that's dangerous. They're no fun, as well. Making out is still the best to build some connection." 

Samael shook his head dejectedly. Obviously, the first one was the easiest way to cover me with his presence.

But…

Slowly, I moved my gaze towards my previous home. Everyone had already left.

"My lord, can you take me there?" I asked without moving my eyes away from the small house.

"To your place before?" He asked. I saw him glanced at me through my peripheral vision.

"Yes," I nodded.

"Hmm. Alright. I asked them to keep your other things you left. We can take them back home." 

When Sam agreed, he helped me up. But this time, instead of carrying me on his back, Sam carried me in his arms.

Just like how he leapt from one tree to another, we soon arrived at the open space on top of the hill. The second his feet landed on the ground, I had this sensed of familiarity about the place.

"My lord, can I walk?" I moved up my gaze, watching him gaze down.

"Can you?" With a raised brow, he asked back.

I nodded without a word. He stared at me for a moment before helping me to stand on my feet.

I could feel everyone's presence in here. Everyone from the field. I could still feel their lingering presence.

The corner of my lips subtly smiled as I traveled my gaze. I closed my eyes, feeling the soft whistle of the wind kissing my cheek.

I missed this place. My shack may not be the most comfortable home, but this place had witnessed my parent's love and witnessed me grow up.

Yet, when Sam spoke about taking my stuff back home, it just felt natural as well. This was probably my home, the shelter that protected me, until Sam came into my life.

I set my eyes on the small sturdy house before me. It used to be old that could break once the nature scream.

"When you left to my mansion, the shack suddenly fell apart as if it had served its purpose. So, I built something — a better version to keep the learning books safe." Sam explained as he stood beside me.

My eyes softened. My shack… it had perished. It endured all the seasons to shelter me. Did it know I would be in a better place?

"Old Olly and everyone used to tell me I should leave my shack, as it is dangerous. But, it didn't break no matter how strong the winds are, and no matter how heavy the pouring rain."I spoke, recalling the past.

Even though I knew everyone mean well, I couldn't just leave this place behind. I'm glad it was now being used to help others broaden their knowledge.

"I'm certain my shack is at peace."

"Heh. Aren't you strange to think a thing had its feelings?"

"But it's my family. It may not have a body, but before you…" Slowly, I moved my head and looked at where Sam stood.

With a subtle smile on my lips, I added. "My shack is the only thing I have."

I watched as Sam's lips tilted into a proud smirk.

"Well, I held a proper burial for it. It's buried behind."

"You… what?"

"Well, I know you've grown attached to it. Knowing you who hold a burial for an ant, you'd do the same. So I did." He said, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

Sam, you… My heart melted, knowing he remembered all the smallest details about me.

"Anyway, we can go pay it some respect after getting your things inside." 

"Yes." I nodded.

Sam helped me as I limped my way in. Since the door was locked, Sam had to use a bit of force to open it. But the force he used was not enough to break the entire door.

"I'll look for it. Stay there." When we were by the door, Sam trudged inside while I stood motionless.

The house was small and obscure. The only source of light was coming from the window and from this opened door. I scanned my eyes around. There was a table where some books piled up. There were other things around, some pencil, logs, shelves, and many more that related to education.

Sam was still searching for my things. Scratching the back of his head as he resisted the urge to throw things around.

I bit my lower lip, limping my way in. As I did, I slowly closed the door behind, leaning my back and palms against it.

As it creaked closed, the room fell into a much dimmer place. But not too dark not to see him.

I saw him turned his head in my direction. He looked confused as he frowned.

But before he could ask, I took a deep breath and spoke first.

"Yes."

"Huh?"

"Yes," I repeated, my eyes on him. "You can… kiss me."