The Duke's Passion

"Teach me."

There was a long and tensed silence between us. Sam didn't speak a word, neither did I.

I'm absolute if I could be a help to him, I would willingly learn how. If that need was something I could fulfill, I would do it.

Why was he so reluctant? Should I ask Fabian to teach me how to look at him with lust? I wonder if Fabian would help me with something so complicated.

"Goodness…" Samael muttered along his breath.

Suddenly, Samael held the reins and whipped it along with his hand. As a result, the horse broke into a furious gallop.

I shrieked at the sudden tremor, holding on to his chest, eyes closed, squeezing myself to him. I could feel the harsh wind brush past us, tightening my grip on to him.

At the back of my head, I would fall over if I didn't hold tightly. Hence, I held onto him as if I was holding on to dear life.

It was frightening.

I was uncertain if who's more furious, Sam or the horse? But why, though?

When our pace grew steady and my body adjusted to its rapid rhythm, I carefully opened my one eye. Then the other eye followed.

I turned my gaze ahead, still clinging to him.

"Sam…" I whispered, feeling this inexplicable rush streaming through my heart.

We were galloping along the sand. Too fast my breathing could barely catch up!

Despite that, a tremor of excitement course through my blood. And my fright at the beginning eventually subsided; just like how I warmed up to him after a time period.

"My — my —" I stammered. And Sam suddenly covered my lip with his palm.

"You'll bite your tongue." He yelled and slowly removed his hand.

I pursed my lips, nodding as I glanced up at him. The strong wind swept away my previous worries.

The corner of my lips slowly curled upward. I never thought I could ride a horse as fast as this.

This was just a dream for a peasant… especially for a woman. But now… it was a wish granted once again.

My heart raced at the horse's speed. Drumming every time the horse's hoof touch the ground.

I held my breath as I gulped. Hearing the sound of chains that shackled my heart slowly let loose.

The shackles that bound me for time unknown; the shackles of which I've called the natural order of the world.

I felt… free. No. I'm free.

"Woah! Woah!" Soon, when we were close to the field, Sam yelled as he pulled the reins.

I held on to him as he controlled the horse to a smooth gait. Not long after, the horse calmed down and halted.

And by that time, I was panting and looked at him. I saw the reflection of my bright eyes in his eyes when he gazed down.

"It's fun, right?" He grinned.

Still panting, I nodded. My throat parched as I bit my stiff lip to life.

I saw him glanced at my lip briefly. His brow arching.

"Gracious…" He muttered as he clicked his tongue.

"My lord?"

Sam raised his eyes back to mine. "Nothing. I'm simply craving."

"Craving?" I asked and tilted my head a little to the side.

"Are you hungry, my lord?"

"Always." He replied, throwing me to a pool of confusion. But before I could think, he beckoned.

"Let's go. We will walk from here." 

Without letting me process his words, Sam held my hands on his chest and guided them down. Afterwards, he hopped out of the horse's back effortlessly.

When he stood on the rear, he lent me his hand.

"Come, I'll help you."

Momentarily, I glanced at his hand and to him. 

"Thank you, my lord." I expressed before reaching for his hand.

With enough trust, I gritted my teeth as I jumped. However, as clumsy as I was, my foot landed unsafely.

Fortunately, Sam caught me by my waist as my hand unconsciously held onto his shoulders.

"Careful, silly."

And that second, I didn't know why; but my heart suddenly thumped sharply in my ear. It felt like the air blew rather slowly, as I saw his silver hair waved languidly.

Stunning.

His looks were charmingly dazzling; it sent me into a daze. I always knew Sam's beauty was breathtaking. But, it only made me realize it now.

"Come. I'll help you." He breathed.

And I only nodded, distraught at this newfound odd attraction.

"Ah!" When I stood, I winced as my foot snapped me awake with a striking pain.

"You sprained it?" He asked. I glanced at him, pressing my lips together.

"Can I?" He asked once again, giving me a brief glace before he slightly lifted my dress.

Curious, I also glanced at my ankle. It swelled from the inside too fast!

"Goodness. I shouldn't have let you jump." Worry laced his tone.

I watched as he squatted down, leaning closer to check my ankle. I could not help but bit my inner lip, my eyes solely focused on him.

"It's fine," I reassured. "I think."

"It's not fine. Such an unlucky foot to get injured twice?" 

Yet Sam let out a heavy sigh as he looked up. His elbows on his knees, still squatting.

"I'll carry you in my back, alright? We'll be there in no time." 

"Uh…" I don't think carrying me at the moment was a good idea.

"Don't fret. I may have tons of thoughts going on in my head, but I'm still sane." He reassured flatly.

That's not what I was fretting about, was what I wanted to say. However, words clogged in my throat, I didn't answer.

Instead, I nodded without a word. 

"Alright." He nodded as well.

Sam then turned his back. As I stared at his broad back, my heart drummed against my chest — louder and faster.

"Come. Else, we would be late." He cocked his head back, arching his brow as I was taking my precious time.

"Ye — yes," I stammered, oddly confused at the pace of my heart.

Cautiously, I bent my knees, lowering my body. My arms went over his shoulder as his arms hooked on the back of my knees.

"Ah!" I let out a shriek when he stood, making my arms wrap tighter around him.

"Heh. Hold tight, my lady. We don't want you falling…" He smirked, giving me side eye.

"Unless, it's falling in love. I'll catch you if you do. So, don't fret."

He added, before taking a step. 

"You better do… that." I mumbled, and looked away.

I think... I had been falling from that cliff and only now I realized it now I'm about to land.

I wonder.... Would I land on the concrete? Or would I be lucky enough to land in an ocean?