Her words were muffled against his chest, but that didn’t stop Luther’s lips from twitching in amusement. He had to hold back a chuckle at the little bit he caught.

“I swear on my life that I will be the only person who will ever see you like that. Does that help?” he inquired quietly, lowering his head down closer to hers.

The fist that was slammed into his chest was his answer, forcing him to bite his lip to hold back a laugh.

I want to eat her whole!

Briefly, Luther’s gold eyes flashed blood red, his expression twisting into something a bit darker.

But by the time the young woman in his arms had lifted her head up to look him in the eyes, he’d schooled his features.

Patience, Luther reminded himself sagely.

Instead, he wore an apologetic smile, his expression full of concern and care.

Her eyes were turning red and puffy from her tears, while her face was a mess. Her pretty, light blonde hair was partially stuck to her face while her lips trembled as she tried to hold herself together. Her clear blue eyes were shimmering like jewels as more tears silently fell down her cheeks.

The sadistic side of Luther tried to flash forward, nearing licking its lips at the sight before him.

But, thankfully, the saner self kept control and reached down to gently cup one of the woman’s cheeks.

Gazing up at Luther’s face, the young woman slowly began to calm down. The expression on his face was something she’d always imagined in fairytales as the expression the valiant knight wore after saving the fair maiden from danger.

So tender, so gentle.

Sucking in a deep breath, she pressed a hand to her chest, forcing her frantically beating heart to slow. “S, so...what happens now?” she questioned quietly.

Luther’s hand against her cheek was slowly healing her face, the tear tracks and puffy eyes gradually disappearing. Too tired to protest, the young woman could only smile at him in gratitude.

“We will leave this place. We’ll return to my own world.”

Staring up at Luther, the young woman closed her eyes tightly.

What did she have left?

The viper had already married the crown prince, which meant that the role she’d spent her entire life learning was gone.

Her mother’s family had died some ten years ago, while her father’s family had died out with her grandmother six months ago. She had a younger brother, who her mother sacrificed her life to bring into the world. Gregory was only twelve, but he was growing well and learning eagerly.

With a male heir, her father’s line was safe from dying out.

All the ‘friends’ that she had made in her life were merely leeches who had been using her for her power and influence in the court. Now though...well, that was obvious.

She had been dragged out of bed, beaten, and thrown in a cell to await judgment.

If she remained here, no matter what, she would die within a week.

But...if she left with Luther….

No, nothing could be guaranteed, but wasn’t the chance something to risk?

Opening her eyes slowly, she came to a decision. “Alright. But if I go with you, you must keep your earlier promise. I request you to take responsibility for devaluing me,” she firmly stated.

Raising a brow in thought, Luther eyed her in interest. “I did promise,” he agreed slowly. “But are you completely sure? You can’t take it back, once you’ve said the words,” he warned in a rumbling, serious tone.

Inhaling and exhaling a few times to steady herself, the young woman nodded her head once firmly. “Yes, Sir Satanael. But I have a few requests first,” she cleared her throat.

Tilting his head to the side, studying her face, Luther nodded his head for her to continue.

“First, I would like to be your only wife. If you are uncertain about this, I can swear that I have been examined by the best doctors in the kingdom. They have declared that both my womb and hips are designed in a manner perfect for baring healthy sons.”

Luther’s expression shifted, a strange light in his eyes, but he didn’t speak.

Feeling a bit nervous, considering how bluntly she was speaking, the young woman forced herself to keep going, no matter his silence.

“If you are already married I will take the place of your second wife. If that is something that cannot be done in your world, I request to be granted a place in your household as a concubine. No matter what, I refuse to be something as low as a mere mistress. If I become a concubine, I will swear in blood to your wives that any children I bear you will have no right to inherit your estate. I only request you to treat both myself and any children we have together with a proper amount of attention and care.”

Stepping back, she bowed deeply to express the depths of her sincerity. “I do not need anything nonsensical as love. The only thing I ask for is fair treatment and respect.”