"Hunt down the undead?" I mumbled under my breath as my mouth fell open, blinking. But wasn't that an important matter for the palace and this kingdom? This matter drove the king to entrust this to Sam, and he was telling me he'd like me to take part?

"Why do you look so surprised, my wife?" Sam let out a brief chuckle, amused at the sight of me. "His Majesty wouldn't let me have a moment to breathe, so I had to bring the oxygen with me," he added with a sly smile. "Would that be fine with you?"

​​

"Of course! I would love to!" I didn't take a moment to hesitate to accept his proposal with delight. Without him, I don't see the purpose why I was in here in the first place. I'd rather be in danger than anxiously wait for his return, wondering if he'd return in one piece or just his head.

Sam smiled, pleased. "That's settled then." He pulled me up, and I instinctively hooked my hands on his shoulder, a little surprised by his action. "So, where are we again?" he asked, rendering me confused.

"In the bed?" I blurted out before biting my tongue. I could've sworn it was an honest mistake and I'm not being sarcastic, but he laughed and clarified, "I mean, what were we talking about before our previous subject.

I nodded but froze when his grip tightened and I bent down closer. The stench of blood wafted my nose but there's something mixed in it that made it smell strangely pleasant. His eyes glinting menacingly. I couldn't look away.

My mouth opened and closed, but no words came out because of how my heart was racing. His shoulders just felt so strong, I could feel his masculinity in this position. Strange, I thought, as I tightened my grip on his shoulder and my eyes fell on his lips. Why did I feel so… aroused?

He smirked as if reading my perverse thoughts. "My wife, I truly want to take you to bed this instant, but I can't."

"Why not?" My eyes dilated, and I pursed my lips. Did I have to sound so desperate to be touched?

"Because you will sleep afterward?" he answered in a knowing tone, catching my attention as I furrowed my brows. He added before I could ask, "You need to adjust your schedule, so you won't sleep until morning."

"Is this because you've recruited me in hunting down the undead?"

Sam nodded. "Yes, I am only pardoned tonight to rest since his majesty can't push his luck too far," he explained, almost rolling his eyes. I could guess what means he had to used to return to me tonight, and I smiled at the thought.

"I see." I nodded in understanding, "so, if you're not planning to touch me, do you have plans to fight against sleep?" I asked, tilting my head. We couldn't just stare at each other all night, right? Sam must have another plan.

"Oh, right…" His tone told me he didn't think about it, and he added much to my disappointment, "we can stare at each other or maybe, pray?"

"Pray?" I gasped, staring at him emotionally. Sam wasn't the person who wouldn't speak of church, but he's suggesting for us to pray? "Did you finally have a change of heart, my husband?" came out a muffled voice.

Sam sighed and clicked his tongue. "My wife, have you considered, that perhaps, your husband meant to he'd like to send our prayers to the devil?" His tone sounded dull, and so were his eyes.

My nose scrunched up seeing the utter dismay behind his dull facade.

"Then, should we take a night stroll?" I asked, almost suggesting it. I've adjusted to this place and followed a strict schedule, so it was hard to break that habit of sleeping on time, despite keeping my one eye open.

"A night stroll, huh?" he crooned, pondering about my suggestion.

He seemed tired. I bat my eyes and realized Sam must want to take a rest, so I snapped, "Oh! Let's just stare at each other the entire night! I'm sure just staring at you will surely keep me… awake."

I bit my lower lip as my eyes scrutinized and appreciated his languid allure. I must've lost my mind somewhere, as my mind was being clouded by the image of him while he's on top of me.

'Get a hold of yourself, Lilou!' My mind hollered. 'Your husband is tired and you need to understand that!'

That's right. He must've been so tired, restless for the past three weeks for him to be in such a calm state. Knowing Sam, or rather, this side of him, he wouldn't be here with me if not for that.

"Lilou," I flinched as my breath momentarily hitched, hearing the slight gentleness in his voice. "I've returned." We stared at each other for what seemed to be an eternity.

His pair of crimson eyes, although still glistening dangerously, looked at me with such gentleness, it sent butterflies in my stomach. A subtle smile turned up on my lips as I nodded, recalling I hadn't properly welcomed his return.

"Welcome home, Sam, " I said, inching closer as I placed a soft peck on his forehead and while I drew away, I whispered, "I'm the happiest for your return, I missed you."

Once my face was a palm length away from him, his hand rested on the back of my head. I furrowed when he sighed and shook his head.

"My wife, didn't you say you've been training?"

Huh? Why was he asking me this all of a sudden? "I am, my husband, " I replied, frowning as there was a part of me telling me he'd insult me. What would it be this time? My feeble body? If not, I supposed he'd give me an important order that would require strength?

"My, " I snapped back when he clicked his tongue, shaking his head lightly. "Did you? Really?"

Was this his new way of insulting? I scoffed and replied with an offended, "Of course!"

"Then why did you have such a terrible aim?" he asked, tossing me into a lake of confusion. I muttered his name when I saw him slowly leaned in before whispering, "I mean your lips, aimed at the wrong target." And my lips and heart were inflamed with the softness of his lips.