Chapter 42: This Is Not Me!
The sun was barely out in the Kingdom of EmptyHollow, but the sky was painted in a shade of blue, signaling the early morning of dawn.
Samantha was folding the last fabric of Ivan’s clothes that would be needed for the hunting trip when he suddenly approached where she stood. Standing beside her, he dropped a set of plain clothes on his bed, using it to gain the attention of the dull-looking woman who had drifted far from reality.
Sighting the neat clothes on the bed, Samantha raised her head up to look at the Vampire Lord. Bemused, her lips parted, and she wanted to ask if these clothes would be necessary for his trip so she can add them along with the rest, but then, after one more quick examination, the outfit looked too simple for a prince of his kind to wear.
"Lord Ivan?"
"I need you to change into this." He quietly said, casting his gaze elsewhere, whilst avoiding her expression.
"Pardon?" Samantha innocently blinked, looking dumbfounded by his orders, but the prince subtly raised an enquiring eyebrow at her.
"You no longer have interest in coming?" His deductive question made Samantha’s eyes go round in surprise, and his intention finally clicked in her senses. Does he intend to take her along with him?
"It’s not that." The shock-stricken Samantha shook her head slowly, pondering further on her thoughts. "Only males are allowed to go hunting, and it’s a strict rule of the Palace. If I come with you, won’t I get in trouble?" Her delicate eyebrows furrowed suspiciously, but the Vampire Lord simply shoved his hands in the pocket of loose pants, avoiding her judgemental stare.
These past few weeks, even his decisions have come as a surprise to him. It was not in his nature to go against the strict rules of the Palace, but each time he looked at her, he was prone to keep her by his side. She was like a fragile feather that would easily be swept away by the wind if he dared to let her out of his sight.
More importantly, if he lets her stay here, all by herself, with no one to look out for her, he was sure to return and find her in even worse predicaments. It would be better if she came along with him, that way he’ll feel more at ease knowing she was not in harm’s way.
"Are you coming or not?" He plainly asked, still seeking her approval, but then, his keen eyes fell on her pink bottom lip which she bit down on.