When Sam dropped the news, I found myself a little out of it. No maidservants came to serve me in the morning to dress or brush my hair.

But I managed alone. Sam insisted on helping me, but I refused.

Watching the maidservants do everything made me learn this task. I’m a born peasant, a laborer. Hence, it was a habit of mine to learn simple task to add to my skills just in case.

I met Sam in our bedchamber. He offered me a smile as I approached.

“My bride is so beautiful without even trying.” He sighed, meeting me halfway, and stopped a step away from me.

I bit my lower lip and avoided his gaze. “You’re just saying that.”

Have he seen himself in the mirror?

“Lilou, my little love, I was never smitten with someone my entire existence. I’ve traveled half of the world, and I’ve never met someone half as gorgeous as you!” Sam exclaimed, taking a step forward with his arms spread wide.

He held my shoulder, his gaze on me.

I hid the urge to blush, but failed miserably. Sam’s way of staring at me without a word forced me to believe his claims.

“Are you still surprised that we’re setting off tomorrow at dawn?” He asked, tilting his head a little to the side.

“Well…” I pursed my lips in a thin line. “A bit.”

Who wouldn’t? He just told me yesterday that he received a letter from the capital. 

Knowing Sam’s character, he would let them wait for him purposely. He enjoyed doing things that could inflict anger from the capital.

Thus, I expected him to delay it for a month or a week. The reason it surprised me that he planned to set off almost immediately.

I’m not ready yet.

“Silly.” Sam chuckled, raising his hand, and placed it on my chin so I could meet his eyes.

“I simply wanted to marry you as soon as possible. Otherwise, the king would have to wait a decade or two for my response.”

Out of habit, I bit my lower lip. He was rushing it so he could marry me?

Such moving words. How could I refute that? I felt so helpless because I wanted the same.

“Stop biting your lips, love. You don’t know how it affects me every time.” Sam’s tone was low, his eyes glinting dangerously as he slowly lifted his gaze from my lips to my eyes.

I gulped, pursing my lips in a thin line. Sam narrowed his eyes.

The second he told me I didn’t know how it affected him tugged my curiosity. How did my habit affected him? I… wanted to know.

“I can still hear you, love.” Sam informed huskily. “Like this.”

Suddenly, Sam bent down, tilting his head, leaning forward, and his lips immediately crashed into mine. His arms smoothly wrapped around my waist, pulling me to his firm chest.

Instinctively, I placed my fist on his shoulders in surprised. His lips begging, demanding, and commanding.

I slowly closed my eyes as I welcomed him comfortably, if not a little snugly. I felt like dressing up was a waste of time, as our clothes pooled on our feet not long after.

We just carried on; kissing and making love repeatedly. I never had so much energy as I lasted longer than last night. And I didn’t feel exhausted as we did it over and over and over again.

*

At noon, Sam and I walked outside our chamber holding hands. My face flustered, still heating up from our morning activity. My knees felt a bit wobbly, but I managed, albeit now I’m famished.

Meanwhile, Sam was grinning, looking back at me constantly. Glimpsing at his content smile, and the warmth in his hand brought butterflies in my stomach.

I didn’t feel sore or ache at all. I wondered why Sam would even ask me if I’m not feeling well so he postpone our plans to set off.

But I didn’t dwell on it.

When we arrived at the great hall — going to the dinner hall — I furrowed my brows. Sam and I stopped as everyone was present. 

From Rufus to Fabian to every maidservant and knights. They were standing in a proper arrangement.

But that wasn’t what surprised me. What caught my attention was, everyone wore black clothes. It was as if there was a funeral.

“Uh…” I bit my lower lip, confused, as I turned to Sam to seek some answers.

Sam smirked before he slowly gazed down at me. “They’re here for your funeral, my lady.”

Huh?

Again, I blinked my eyes countless of times. Funeral? For me? Why? I’m alive!

“Have you prepared lunch?” Sam shouted, breaking the utter gloomy silence that filled the mansion’s great hall.

Everyone, all at the same time, turned their heads in our direction. I saw their eyes lit with life as they all cast their eyes on me.

Instinctively, I stepped back and squeezed myself behind Sam.

What’s wrong with them?

Sam chuckled as he shook his head. “Are you trying to insult the future duchess by mourning for her while she’s alive?”

“My lady, I’m glad you’re fine.” Fabian approached with his usual smile that reached to his eyes.

“I…” I trailed off, clearing my throat.

“We had been waiting for his lordship and her ladyship to come out since this morning. But since his lordship didn’t appear during breakfast and the entire morning, we had assumed for the worst. My apologies, my lady. We didn’t mean to offend you.”

Fabian placed his palm on his chest, taking a deep bow as he expressed. I glanced up to Sam, who had his lips stretched into a grin as he winked at me.

They were waiting and gone through all this because Sam and I didn’t come out until now? I bit my lower lip in embarrassment.

How could I tell them the reason? That Sam and I were simply… beguiled?

“It relieved us to see that you are fine, my lady. Though, we haven’t prepared a meal yet as part of our grieving process.” Fabian explained.

“Please prepare us a meal now, Fabian. For now, serve us tea as my lady and I can wait in the study.” Sam suggested, which caught everyone’s attention — even mine.

What’s this sudden modesty? I’m not the only person surprised, as I glanced at Fabian and everyone. They didn’t even attempt to conceal the dismay in their eyes.

“Fret not. I had forgiven you for this, no need to lament.” Sam added magnanimously. “Let’s go, my lady.”

With that, Sam held my hand and escorted me away. I glanced back at the people standing in the great hall, casting them an apologetic look for this wild misunderstanding.