I had a good sleep that night. For the past three months, I could say I haven't had such a peaceful and satisfying sleep. I would always wake up from terrible dreams.

But tonight, there's nothing. Even my fatigue magically disappeared. Ironic. Our last activity last night was intense than ever. It was as if we made love like there's no tomorrow.

Yet, it didn't tire me.

Slowly, I opened my eyes. The chirping of the birds sang in chorus with the whistle of the morning wind. A ray of light peek though the window, hitting half of my face.

"Hmm?" I moaned and stretched my body, rolling to his side.

However, as I turned around, I frowned. Sam was not here. I supported myself up with my elbow, looking around to see if he was here.

"Sam?" I called out softly, but no response.

With a frown, I sat upright. The quilt covering my bare body flowed down to my lap. "Where did he go so early?"

A sigh slipped past my lips. I glanced at the window. For the past three months, during this time, I'm already training with Rufus.

But since Klaus arrived, Rufus told me to suspend our training. Fortunately, Rufus has a wonderful insight. After what Klaus did to Sam's arm last night, I would surely nurse him.

"So… where is the person I am planning to nurse?" I wondered, suppressing myself from getting irate at his absence.

"Goodness." I shook my head, picking up the quilt to cover my top. I bent my knees up, embracing them close to my chest.

My gaze fixed on the window. It's so bright. The sky looks exceptionally clear today too.

"I miss these kind of days." I murmured under my breath. "I want to go back to Grimsbanne."

My eyes drooped as it softened. Back in Grimsbanne, everything was so peaceful.

I would wake up next to him; admire how breathtaking Sam looked to my heart's content. We would then share breakfast together before Rufus would drag Sam away for work.

Sam had this separation anxiety. That's why it was harder to part with him, even for just a brief time. Good thing Rufus never bought those excuses, else Grimsbanne would fall.

Once Sam went to work, I would spend my days with Fabian. Some days, I would spend some tea with the servants. Even did activities with everyone.

We were happy and just carefree back in Grimsbanne. The duke's mansion, which was initially filled with gloom, had liven up — even during at night.

Laughs and giggles, smiles and serenity, was what the duke's mansion had become. So, how could I blame myself for longing for that kind of life?

You'll never be the same even if you leave the Capital.

Those were Rufus' words. Sam also said something almost similar. Even though I haven't been in the Capital, deep down, I knew something would change once I stepped my foot there.

Sam and Rufus, even Fabian, wouldn't be this wary about that place if it wasn't dangerous. After what I've witnessed in Whistlebird, and what happened in Cunningham. I could say I was not the same.

I had been bottling these worries, releasing them by training myself to the bones. I'm still terrified, but I had decided.

The old Lilou, the Lilou back in Grimsbanne... I would protect her. I'll keep her deep within me and only to show in front of Sam.

I rested my chin on my knees. "I wonder where he went off again. Leaving his bride, how dare he…?"

I murmured, pouting. I expected to have some time with Sam alone since I had nothing to do today. Also, before we leave for the Capital, I would want to enjoy some time together.

"How could he leave?" I made circles on the sheet with my finger, sulking.

Just then, I heard the door creak open. Out of instinct, I raised my head in its direction.

"Sa… m?" I tilted my head, blinking.

"Oh? You're up early?" Sam paused by the door. He was holding a tray with him.

When he received no response from me, he furrowed his brows. He then entered, kicking the door lightly behind him.

Without wasting a second, Sam trudged towards the bed. He placed the tray on the round table near the bed and rushed towards me.

"Lilove, are you alright?" He asked, checking on me worriedly.

The side of my lips hooked up faintly, relieved. "I am."

"Are you sure?" He queried almost immediately, holding my face as he stared straight into my eyes.

"I'm just sulking because I woke up and you're not beside me again." I complained, almost sounding like I'm teasing.

"Ohh…" He rocked his head back and forth lightly. "That. Sorry."

Before he explained, Sam leaned in and placed an affectionate kiss on my forehead. When he drew back, he explained.

"I thought of making you breakfast. Rufus told me you won't be training today. So, I want to do something for you since you're mine today."

A giggle instantly escaped my lips. How could I keep a poker face with such tender words? Also, he almost sounded like complaining about giving him a lack of attention.

"So you helped in preparing my meal?" I asked with a smile.

Sam avoided my gaze. I could see the tip of his hair reddened.

He cleared his throat, keeping his composure. "I didn't help. I prepared it myself! A breakfast by yours truly."

For a moment, I was taken aback at his claims. "You?"

"Hmm! Don't look at me with such doubt in your eyes!" He huffed, displeased at doubting him.

Well, who wouldn't? Not that I'm afraid of the taste. I'm concerned about how he even knew how to cook!

Slowly, I gazed down at his fingers. Vampires had regeneration abilities. However, it would take time for a wound to heal completely. Hence, the slight cuts in his fingers brought a smile to my face.

He seemed he struggled a bit. But those minor cuts were proof of his hard work.

"If you brought me breakfast, why are you pouting like that? We should eat before it goes cold, right?" I pinched his cheek, purposely not mentioning about the small cuts on his hands.

Sam arched his brow as he faced me. His entire face exactly told me 'don't eat it if you're that doubtful. I'll just vent my frustration to Cameron'.

"It's my first time so it might not be…"

"There, there." Before he could finish, I pinched his other cheek and giggled. "Let's eat together, shall we? And then spend the day together."

His ears perked up. "Just the two of us?"

"Just the two of us. Let's have a date!" I grinned excitedly.