Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Spending time with Duke in the living room surrounded by the flowers he gifted me was amazing.

I loved that the flowers were a mix of full blooms and buds. The bugs will last longer even though we will leave this place in two days. Maybe I could take some of these flowers with me. I will ask Maria to pack them.

The drink mix-up was hilarious and embarrassing at the same time.

It's not that I'm against a glass of good wine, but its effect on me is like I'm drinking grape juice.

If I knew about Duke's preferences, I would make sure to offer him one of his favorites. However, he just took whatever I had, so I didn't question it.

As much as I don't care about wine, I drank it with Duke, and now it reminds me of him. I shook those useless thoughts away. If we are going to spend time together, we will create many memories. Just like this one of him feeding me grapes.

There was something erotic about the way he pushed the spherical fruit into my mouth. I bit on it and the sweetness exploded in my mouth.

"Does it taste good?"

Duke's question made me open my eyes. It was a silly question. Didn't he just eat a grape?

But then he said that he wants to know how grape tastes to me. Why was he so close?

"I'm not sure how to explain. It's sweet and… I guess you need to taste it yourself…", my voice trailed when I realized that he wants to taste the grape I ate. That specific grape.

"Can I?", his words splashed against my lips, and I inhaled a choppy breath, letting his scent of pine trees and the ocean take over my senses completely.

Is there any way I can refuse this man?

What about taking it slow and no kissing on the lips until I ask for it?

"I guess it can't hurt. Just a taste…", I lied to myself that allowing him to taste my lips is different from kissing.

Duke's eyes turned to crescents, telling me that he was smiling, and then his flavors entered my system, reminding me that I was starving for him.

My insides coiled from the intensity of emotions that surged through me as our tongues fought for dominance, and I clung onto his back, relishing the firm landscape of his muscles under my palms.

The kiss ended too soon with a few hungry pecks and our eyes locked while silently exchanging questions of how far we will go tonight.

It was obvious that we were both hungry for more, but I was not sure how much more is advisable. But maybe my hesitation was the answer.

Part of me wanted to tear his clothes off, but I was unable to ignore the voice which told me this was our second time together after seven years, and it's too soon.

This was not about how many times we met; I was more concerned about the fact that I still didn't trust him that he wouldn't abandon me again.

Life without him would be devastating. Would the anguish of separation be worse if our relationship goes beyond kisses?

My eyes flickered, as I feared that he will be able to read my thoughts and I looked to the side.

A small gasp escaped me at the sight of the vase that was on the table; all flowers in it were in full bloom.

I was confident that Maria balanced bloomed ones with buds. How come all of them were fully open? I glanced at the vase on the right side table and confirmed that this one had all flowers in full bloom as well.

It reminded me of the trellis covered in purple and white on my balcony in London.

One time might be an accident, but two times definitely confirmed that I'm doing something. And that something is related to Duke.

Aldus told me not to practice and to control it, at least until we do more tests because it might be dangerous, but I didn't do anything on purpose.

I am making flowers bloom forcibly. Am I making them older? Aldus mentioned the possibility of manipulating time and he said that we will do tests on Monday because that's when some equipment will arrive.

Aldus's biggest concern (other than keeping it a secret) was that it might impact me negatively.

Worry swelled inside me. What if my ability is affecting Duke? Am I making him older? He is already mortal, am I cutting into his already limited lifespan?

"Are you OK?"

Duke's concerned voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Yeah…", I tried to sound convincing. What if he notices changes in flowers?

"I guess I'm just tired." I didn't lie. I was tired, which was odd because I could usually go for days without sleeping. Is this the side-effect of my ability?

"OK. Let's get ready for the night…", Duke said, and I realized that he was already on his feet, offering me his hand to take.

I stood up and my legs wobbled.

"Wow!", Duke exclaimed as he quickly reached to support me. "You are really tired."

I forced a smile and lied, "Maybe it's the wine." I hoped he will buy it because I drank a few glasses at the event.

He lifted his eyebrow suspiciously. "You should be aware of your limits. Don't drink to the point where someone can take advantage of you."

I bit my lower lip guiltily and leaned on him. "No one can take advantage when you are by my side."

Duke rolled his eyes at me, but the corners of his lips lifted up with a twitch.

In one smooth move, he reached behind my knees and lifted me up, princess style.

I hugged Duke's neck and leaned my head on his shoulder, admiring that he carried me upstairs like I weigh nothing.

"Aww… my prince…", I said jokingly.

He snorted. "Duke."

"Mmm…", I hummed. "My Duke."

He chuckled lowly before planting a kiss on my forehead. I felt his lips moving as he murmured, "I wish you claim me like that without the boost of alcohol."

I closed my eyes and let out a long exhale. Should I tell him that alcohol doesn't impact me? But then I will need to admit that I lied a minute ago, and I enjoyed Duke taking care of me.

I can pretend to be vulnerable for tonight.

An idea popped into my mind, what if I ravish him and in the morning pretend I don't remember?

No. I shouldn't do that. I still don't know what's triggering my ability or how to control it. What if we end up hot and steamy and he turns into a hundred years-old grandpa? I shuddered at that thought.

Duke placed me gently on my bed before asking, "Do you need help washing up?"

I felt heat creeping up my neck. "No, thanks. I will just sleep like this and shower in the morning."

"Alright…", he said reluctantly and took a step away.

At the sight of Duke increasing the distance between us, I panicked and grabbed his hand quickly. "Don't leave!" I paused when I saw him look at me with a wicked half-smile. "I mean… can you stay with me tonight?"

"Of course. I was only going to the other side of the bed.", he said teasingly.

He laid next to me and pulled me into his embrace. "Sleep, Serina…", he murmured close to my ear.

I don't remember if I responded before darkness consumed me. The last things I remembered were Duke's scent and his warmth.

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