"Yes, love. I want your flower."

"*Cough*"

Normally, I wouldn't understand what he meant. However, after deflowering me, I couldn't feign innocent about the meaning of his words.

Still, this story wouldn't progress if we kept doing it the whole day.

After clearing my throat, I sported an awkward smile. Failing to speak of something to divert the subject, I raised my brush and stroke its tip on the apex of his nose.

Sam narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to change the subject?"

"I want to make you a flower!" I blurted out.

"You want to paint on me?"

"No!" That was definitely not my intention. "I can see my reflection in your eyes and I had this charcoal all over my face. It's not fair!"

Where did I adapt this talent to find excuse? Regardless, it sounded strangely believable.

"But you said you don't mind."

"Now I do!" I hurriedly argued back.

Again, Sam squinted his eyes suspiciously. The next moment, Sam nodded as he shifted his attention to the charcoal.

Sam picked up a handful of charcoal, crashing it in his hands and then rubbed it around his hand, making it blacker than ever.

"If that's what game you like, I don't mind playing, my love." Without looking at me, Sam urged calmly.

"Huh?" I furrowed my brows. I didn't know what got into me, but suddenly extended my arm and brushed my brush on his cheek.

"Really, now…"

He stopped, tilting his head back. The side of his lips slowly stretched wider.

Run.

Following what my instinct told me, I ran. I dropped my brush as I raised my skirt. Without looking back, I ran for my life.

"Lilou!" I heard him yell my name. "If I catch you, I will make you my canvass for sure!"

I gritted my teeth. What has gotten into me?

"Oh, my la —" On the hallway, Fabian appeared.

*Swoosh!*

I didn't stop. Like a bolt of lightning, I passed by him as fast as a could. I never thought I'd run as fast as this.

Was this because I had been eating so well? So I had too much energy?

"My lady!" I heard Fabian called out before hearing him say, "Oh, my lo —"

*Swoosh*

I looked back. It puzzled Fabian as we both ran past him.

"Goodness, Sam! Can you run slower?" I shouted through my gritted teeth.

Did I dig my own grave just now?

"I am." Sam whispered behind me.

A chill instantly ran down my spine upon feeling his breath behind my ear. But I didn't stop. I kept on running with no destination.

I run and run, passing by several maid servants without a word. Just like Fabian, they didn't finish their greetings as I passed by them with a swoosh.

When Sam's presence behind me disappeared, I looked back. To my surprised, Sam was still jogging behind me. He smirked the second our gaze met.

"I'm sorry!" I hollered, but didn't stop in my tracks.

It seemed Sam liked this cat-and-mouse game. Why did I even run? No, that wasn't the question.

Why did I dig my own grave?

Soon, we reached the dinner hall. From there, Rufus was having a meal alone. There were servants standing on the side, as usual.

Seeing Rufus, my eyes lit up. I ran towards him as fast as I could. When Rufus raised his head and saw me approaching, his brows knitted.

"My la… dy." Rufus called out, but I immediately held tight on the back of his chair, hiding.

"Oh ho! My lady, you ran quick!" Sam commented as soon as he appeared at the dining hall.

Sam stood across the table. His knuckles on his hips.

"Come —" As he gestured me to surrender, I backed away, using Rufus as my shield.

"Oy oy. Rufus is eating. It's not proper to —" When Sam leapt from across the table, I hid behind Rufus.

At the same time, the dishes on the table produced a clacking sound from the impact.

"My lord, how can you do that to Sir Rufus' meal?" I mumbled, peeking at the spilled food on the surface of the table.

"You…" Sam scoffed, his eyes glinting with amusement. But, above all, I felt his firm sense to capture me.

I gulped. Why am I resisting so badly, anyway? I did not know. Just some gut feeling, I think?

"Stay right there, my sunshine, my moon, my lover, my bride." Sam warned.

But instead of obeying his orders, it only gave me more reason to run. I held my breath, watching Sam carefully take a step.

But after a beat, I sprung away as he leapt over the table.

I give up! Don't kill me, Sam!

"Lilou!" Sam yelled, as I run without looking back.

Sam and I ran around the mansion. When I had nowhere to go, I headed outside. Once I reached the garden, I looked back to see if Sam had followed me.

As soon as I confirmed he wasn't, I slowly halted. Goodness… I gasped for air, resting my palm on my shaking knees.

I never ran as fast as I could until now. And for the reason I didn't know.

"Ah, goodness…" I breathed in distress. "Did he give up?"

I muttered as I raised my gaze at the door. I'm aware I could never outrun a vampire. But because he enjoyed the cat-and-mouse game, he let me ran around. Like a predator watching his prey struggle.

"Why did I even run, anyway?" I murmured under my breath.

"Same question: why did you run? I wouldn't hurt you." I instantly froze upon hearing Sam's voice from behind me.

"But, in any case, I enjoyed the little exercise. It helped me get some unnecessary things out of my head."

Slowly, I turned around and Sam was nodding approvingly. When our eyes met, he smirked.

"Now, now," Sam trudged towards me.

My knees couldn't run anymore. My chest felt so tight after running that fast.

Soon, Sam pulled me by my waist to him. He tilted his head a little to the side, and then used his three fingers — from his forefinger to his ring finger — and wiped it on both my cheeks.

After doing so, Sam grinned and chuckled. "I don't know if you look like a cat or a mouse."

Huh?

"Either way, you're the most beautiful cat or mouse to ever exist." He grinned before leaning down.

Our little game of cat and mouse ended up with both of us rolling on the grass, sharing a passionate kiss. The lingering worries I had for the upcoming journey disappeared as well.

***

When Dawn came, the Duke's Mansion was livelier than ever. Torches giving light around. Knights and their horses were in a proper arrangement surrounding a carriage.

"Are you worried?" Sam cocked his head to me.

I looked at him and smiled. "No." I answered while shaking my head.

"I'm with you. Why would I?" I slid my hands through his fingers.

Sam chuckled, raising our intertwined hands up. His eyes on me, glinting with resolve.

"I'll be honest with you, my lady. The Capital and the King's castle is a dangerous place. But, I assure you no one can hurt you as long as you're with me." Sam kissed the back of my hand.

His tone solemn. Telling me the place we're heading was a place not to be taken lightly.

I'd go through hell if that was meant staying on his side. Was what I wanted to say. But I kept my thoughts inside me and nodded.

"I trust you. Once we return here, I can finally be your wife." I cupped his cheek and stared directly into his eyes.

Sam smiled and nodded. Once we return to Grimsbanne, we'd become husband and wives. So, no matter how dangerous the capital could be, our goal was worthy to fight for.

"I already considered you as my wife, silly." Sam humored, and we both chuckle.

Deep down, I'm aware this journey would be a long path. I'm not an optimistic person, and I had already thought of the worst-case scenario. Still, whatever happens, I believed we could go through that together.

"Let's go?" Sam beckoned.

With our hands linked, we headed inside the carriage as this rocky journey starts.

-END OF VOLUME 1-

First volume ended. Watch out for volume 2 as you have to meet new characters :)