One week before the founding celebration, everyone was twice as busy. Even the third squadron was taking turns in patrolling the Capital and staying in the palace.

"So, the king of the Spade Kingdom had arrived?" I asked as I placed a book on the shelf of the inner library.

"Mhm. He had already had an audience with the king," Yul replied, who was also placing the books on the other shelves. "I heard the two are getting along well."

I snickered at the thought. Those two? Getting along? I could imagine them hitting each other's nerves with a confident smile on their face.

"Lilou, by the start of the founding celebrations, you…"

"I know, Yul," I answered before he could finish his sentence. At the beginning of the founding celebration, the founding clan would gather to 'celebrate' the kingdom's long-lasting success, and to discuss important political matters.

According to Yul, the founding clan would always get invited every ten years. However, it was rare for the founding clan to accept such invitations. This year was different, as each founding clan sent a representative while Zero would be personally attending.

'The vacant seat of the Bloodfang will no longer be vacant this year as well.' I told myself, as my fingertip caressed the books. 'In one week, the game will finally commence.'

"So there you are," I snapped my eyes upon hearing a loud voice from the end of the aisle. I turned my head in his direction and smiled.

Sam.

"I'll leave you two," Yul uttered, and I cast him a look before nodding.

Sam marched towards me while Yul left us alone. "I've been looking for you."

"I was returning the books I've read to accompany me while my husband is missing."

"Oh, dear. Please forgive your husband." Sam stopped a step from me and reached for my hand, slipping his fingers in between mine. "Or you can punish him if that will make you feel better."

"Should I do that?" I arched a brow, watching him chuckle.

Sam inched in as his other arm snaked around my waist, pulling me close with his forehead against mine. I instinctively clutched on his chest and felt the slight warmth of his body.

"If that is what my wife wishes." His voice was husky, inhaling each other's breath as our noses brushed against each other. Before he could lean for a kiss, I looked away.

"Punishment," I muttered indifferently, making him chuckle softly.

He placed his thumb on my chin and guided me to look at him in the eye. "My wife, I'd rather you punish me with a cane than refuse my kiss."

"That is why I am refusing your kiss since it is worse than a cane."

"My wife is so cruel, what should I do with you?" he smirked with his pair of crimson eyes flickering in amusement. "What should I do for you to forgive me?"

"Hmm… love me more?"

His smirk stretched wider as he inched closer. "Say less."

This time, I closed my eyes and hooked my arms around his neck, standing on my toes as I welcomed his soft lips. It felt like forever since the last time I shared an intimate time with him, so I felt this sudden aggression to have him… all for myself.

I felt a light squeezed on my waist before he broke away from our kiss. "My wife, you surprise me."

"And what did I do to surprise you?"

"Didn't you just think you want to monopolize me?" he cocked his head to the side, seemed pleased, while my eyes dilated a little.

"Can you hear my thoughts?" I asked in horror, recalling all the vile thoughts I had in mind just moments ago.

Sam chuckled in a low tone. "So you did think of monopolizing me?"

"Sam, are you testing me?" I slapped his chest, which made him chuckle more.

"I can't read your thoughts right now unless you want my fangs into your neck," He explained in between his waves of chuckles. "But I felt your desire from your kiss. I like it, though."

He bent over once again, trailing kisses on my cheek and jaw, then down to my neck. I stretched my neck to give him easy access, which he accepted with delight.

I ran my fingers through his argent hair, wrapping my legs around his hips as his arms lifted me up. His lips went from my neck to my lips, tilting his head back while I bent over.

'You know, Sam? I've lost my mind long ago… but because of you, I want to get better, be better. You're the only one that kept me sane up until now.' Were the words my lips spoke through my kiss as I indulged in the warmth and pleasure his lips and tongue offered. 'Don't ever leave or turn your back on me or… I'll kill you myself.'

Suddenly, a tang of iron mixed in our mouth, which made him grip my body tighter. My eyes snapped awake, panting for air as I carefully drew back.

"My wife, your way of seduction had gone way up," He commented with a smirk, licking the corner of his lips that was slightly bleeding.

"Is that so?" My eyes fell on the wound I caused by biting a bit too hard. "I'm sorry," I whispered and leaned over, licking the little blood on the corner of his lips.

I felt him stiffen with my action, but I was quite aroused by licking his blood. I didn't waste a second and captured his lips once again. My longing, the urge to monopolize him, and my desire to keep him by my side slowly overtook me.

"Really… I just came to recharge, but you always make me want more, wife," Sam whispered into my mouth as he started walking to a corner.

"Then, have more," I teased, smiling against his lips and felt his playful smile against mine.

"Not more, but I'll have all of you." He raised a hand up my spine as our mouths locked with each other. As the heat of need and desire heightened, we paused upon hearing another person's voice.

"Oh, my apologies. It seems I walked in at the wrong time."

I rolled my eyes as I break away from Sam's lips and tilted my head to the side. My eyes landed on the person standing not far away from us with a bright smile on his face.

'I will peel that smile of yours someday, Zero.'