I watched his solemn front as we headed towards our bed chamber. My heart kept pounding along with the echoes of his hurried footsteps.

When we were in front of our bed chambers, I gulped a mouthful of air. Once we entered this room, things unknown to me would happen.

Yet, I didn't feel scared. Sam wouldn't hurt me — no one would.

"My lord,"

Suddenly, Fabian's voice approached us from the side. I peeked to see this odd, solemn look plastered on his face.

Fabian was usually smiling politely. He smiled too much that his eyes were always squinting. But now, I could see the inked black orbs staring at us.

"You should have a good reason for interrupting me, Fabian."

Not a bit appeased by this unwelcome interruption, Sam moved his head in Fabian's direction. I darted my eyes from Sam and Fabian; both were staring at each other solemnly.

"My lord, I had prepared my grave for a long time. My apologies for my audacity. But, if his lordship plans to cheat his wedding night, please hear this humble one." Fabian beckoned a bow, his palm on his chest.

"Speak."

"I'm certain the Duke knows that her ladyship is human. As her ladyship's legal adviser, I forbid you to do so…"

"You forbid me?" Before Fabian could finish his sentence, Sam's fangs grew longer.

"Sam…" I tugged his chest, sensing the danger emanating from him.

I knew Sam wouldn't do such an absurd thing as to hurt Fabian. But, I didn't want to cause their peaceful relation to change because of... me.

"Mister Fabian, please don't blame his lordship. I gave him consent." I explained, moving my head towards Fabian.

"I know, my lady. That is why I could not neglect my duties as your legal adviser and the duke's servant."

"Are you worried I'd hurt her?" Sam's tone was flat and cold, sounding utterly new to me.

"No, my lord. This humble one is aware of the duke's fondness to her ladyship. Please hear me, my lord. I mean no harm." Fabian explained, causing Sam's brows to furrow.

"I don't have time for fancy pleasantries. Tell me the bottom line." Sam urged, giving Fabian another chance.

Please, Mister Fabian… don't anger the duke. I wished internally, knowing Fabian would bury himself tonight if the duke told him so.

"As I've said, as her ladyship's legal adviser, I forbid you from doing what I believed his lordship's plans tonight." Fabian paused as he took a deep breath.

This time, Sam didn't interrupt him. Still, I saw his jaw tightened as his eyes glinted with killing intent.

"Unless, you follow the proper procedure."

When Fabian's last remarks reached our ear, I furrowed my brows. Instinctively, I raised my gaze to Sam once again.

His expression changed, confused. Sam didn't know what Fabian was talking about?

"What do you mean?" asked Sam, and I moved my gaze to Fabian.

"Since her ladyship is human without agreeing a pact with you, we have to prepare her body: cleanse her from head to toe and let her drink a drop of my blood."

My already furrowed brows knitted even more. Did he say I need to drink his blood? What?

"Presumptuous!" Unlike me who was confused, Sam's voice thundered, which nearly made me jolt.

"Would you rather let her drink your blood, my lord?" Unfazed, Fabian raised his chin bravely.

Sam scoffed, as if he felt utterly insulted by Fabian's suggestion. I'm not a vampire. Since blood was essential to them, perhaps drinking blood of someone had a different meaning to them.

"I know you don't have intentions of hurting her ladyship. However, her frail body wouldn't be able to handle a vampire's heightened emotion and stamina. Would you risk it, my lord?"

Fabian pried. His eyes never left Sam's. Upon his last remarks, Sam remained silent.

I'm confused.

"No — no need." To my surprised, Sam backed down.

Huh?

His conceding tone caught my attention. I glanced at him once again, furrowing my brows upon seeing him let out a deep sigh.

"No need to send the maid servants. I'll clean her myself."

"Then, do I need to prepare my blood?"

"No. Nothing will happen." Sam answered. Looking at me with eyes full of gloom.

My heart instantly clenched upon seeing his pair of melancholic eyes. It was as if he had realized a painful truth.

"Then, I thanked his lordship for everything. This servant will —"

"You don't have to bury yourself tonight. You did it for her, I understand now." Sam muttered, kicking the door opened, and we trudged inside.

***

When Samael entered their bed chambers with Lilou in his arms, he kicked it closed.

Fabian stared at the shut door momentarily. He sighed heavily, shaking his head. He then turned around, walking away from the corridor.

Upon reaching the end of the corridor, Rufus was leaning over the wall. His arms crossed, giving Fabian a side eye.

"You failed." Rufus stated in a flat tone.

Slowly, Fabian raised his head. His solemn expression gradually returned to a smile.

"It's not a matter of failing or winning, Sir."

"Then, what is? If you risked your life speaking the duke's most hated word, forbid, and dared ask him to give your blood to her, showing you are hers to claim. What is your goal?" Rufus arched his right brow.

Even though they were brothers, each had unique characteristics and understanding of things. Rufus' actions were far different from his brother.

Thus, it intrigued him what were Fabian's goals for purposely hitting Samael's nerves.

"I have spent most of the time with the future duchess since she arrived here. Hence, I'm aware of how kind and naïve she can be." Fabian explained with a subtle smile.

"While you, Sir, you've known the Duke more than anyone. Thus, you knew how terrifying he is as a vampire. But at the same time, he had a heart of gold far more humane than humans."

"Your point?" Rufus furrowed his brows as he narrowed his eyes.

"I am merely trying to remind them of their racial differences." Fabian's smile grew brighter. "So they can proceed with caution."

"Huh, you've gone soft playing as a butler, brother."

"You're here because you're also worried for her ladyship, aren't you, sir?"

"No. I'm worried about the duke accidentally killing her. I don't want him losing his rational and taking out his anger on the capital. Worse, forcing himself into an eternal slumber." Rufus scoffed as he lightly shook his head.

"Have more faith with our duke and the future duchess, Brother." Fabian chuckled before resuming in his strides.

As Fabian walked away, Rufus glanced at his back and sighed.

"The future monarchs, you mean?"