Despite the warmth of the air, Apollyon's words earlier had sent chills running down her spine.

The Vampire King was determined to persuade her to break her promise to Hecate.

Luna brushed her fingertips on her lips, still stung by how tender it felt.

'No.; Luna shook her head. 'That was an act of power play in his side.'

The Vampire King was showing her who was in control.

She couldn't help but resist the harsh reminder, and her eyes had drifted shut, provoking the dreamy mists of their passionate kisses.

Goddess, it was embarrassing for a High Priestess to be that shameless in front of the Vampire King's attendants.

If only she could turn back time.

Luna pulled at her collar as she shuddered by the memory, slapping herself mentally for reacting to his touch like how a concubine would.

She needed to stop these daydreams and clear her head.

This wasn't her at all.

Luna pinched her cheeks to get herself back to reality.

This must be the Blood Bond's doing, making her crazy and yearn for something she shouldn't.

On the other hand, she had never considered the intimacies this marriage entailed.

She and the Vampire King had never even talked about the rules beforehand after she had agreed to this.

Apollyon had asked for her hand in marriage, and Luna had agreed when the Vampire King told her that he would not force her to give up her virginity for him if she wasn't ready.

He was willing to wait for her even if it took Luna forever to get used to the idea of the Vampire King as her husband.

Apollyon had promised to protect her and prioritize her well-being because Luna was her mate.

He didn't promise love because he claimed that he wasn't capable of loving someone.

The Vampire King had reasoned out that if Luna forced him to love her, it would be similar to Apollyon forcing her to abandon her status as the High Priestess of Hecate and consummate their marriage even if she wasn't prepared.

Luna realized he was right, so she didn't even push him to offer his undying love and devotion.

She knew she couldn't force him because he wasn't ready, too.

The Vampire King had just broken free from the curse, and he needed to enjoy having physical contact without anyone dying and suffering from the consequences.

Like her, Apollyon also needed time to adjust.

Those were the verbal conditions that he had established at the underground shelter, but Luna couldn't help but think about Apollyon's future attempts of his sexual persuasion.

In truth, Luna wasn't quite clear on the precise nature of the inexplicable act that bound the wife to a husband.

If she wasn't mistaken, the Blood Beast had already shown her a prelude of the act when they were at the castle's corridors.

'Are they going to do that again?'

Luna swallowed as her hands curled around her middle.

The Blood Beast had clearly said that it was possible to make love without losing her maidenhead so that it would be fine.

Of course, they would do that again.

She didn't like to admit it, but Luna had thoroughly enjoyed what they had done, and she was looking forward to more of that with Apollyon this time around.

Nobody explained much to her, but maybe, Apollyon will take the lead in the act, and she--a mere follower.

The Vampire King was experienced when he had so many women in the Consortium.

Like a good empress, Luna will do what he instructed and react accordingly.

Lifting her skirts, Luna raced to the Vampire King to keep up with his pace, her spirits buoyed by a stubborn surge of courage and desire.

'Apollyon.'

"Apollyon, wait for me," Luna called out, and the Vampire King halted, turned around, and walked briskly towards her.

Out of nowhere, the Vampire King clutched her elbow tightly that it hurt.

"You called my name." Apollyon choked out as he pulled her towards him, staring at her absently.

The Vampire King was paler than normal as he glanced around as if he was looking for someone to pop up behind her.

Distracted, the Vampire King stared at the top of her head, fascinated by the Empress Crown she wore as if this was the first time he had seen them.

Apollyon raised one hand above her head as if he wanted to run his fingers over the Empress Crown, but he stopped himself midway and just dropped it.

Apollyon paused awkwardly, shifting his weight from one leg to the other.

"Your hair is silver and the Empress crown matched them." He mumbled out-of-the-blue.

It was a compliment from the King that had nothing to do with her sexual attributes.

Now, that was new.

Mortified, Luna's skin flared so hotly she thought it might burn clear off her bones.

It must be the end of the world.

She fought the urge to wipe her sweaty palms on the gown and muttered, "I didn't get to choose the color of my hair, my King."

The Vampire King avoided any eye contact as he stared blankly into space, haunted by the distant memories.

His grip was no longer tinged with violence, but it was as implacable as an iron manacle clamped around her wrists.

"What is wrong, Apollyon?" Luna said as she noticed his hands tremble.

The Vampire King let go of her wrists when she tried to pull away.

Apollyon clasped her hand this time instead of as they walked side-by-side to the High Priest's shack this time.

Aged maidservants followed them as they tended the long trails of the gossamer silk of her long gown through the Vampire castle's outer bailey.

"For a minute there, I thought I saw the ghost of the first High Priestess in your place." Apollyon snapped, his tone recovering its waspish note.

His relentless strides carried them past other inhabitants of the Vampyr Kingdom, their puzzled faces nothing more than a blur.