Breath quickening from how close Luther was to her, Lucia let out a small peep unconsciously.

Attention diverted from the slacking lackey in the room, Luther leaned back and gave his woman some space.

Closing his eyes briefly, he forced himself to calm down.

No matter how much he might want to protest it, the fact remained that Lucia was still a minor.

This is exactly why I had hoped she’d take longer before giving in to the darkness in her heart!

Grinding his teeth in frustration, he let out a defeated sigh.

Whatever. The fact remains that she’s here, now, at seventeen. When we get back, I’m going to have to sic Sandy on me to make sure I don’t take things too far.

Sighing, he rubbed an ache in his head, resisting the urge to look into Lucia’s mind and find out what she thought about him at that moment.

Honestly, he’d already caught enough to know.

Shoulders drooping, he glanced down at his little bundle of light beside him, lips trembling in a childish pout.

When she took a peek at Luther's face after he returned to his own space on the loveseat, the man appeared...upset.

Swallowing down an immature wish to cry out "what do you have to be upset about?!" Lucia instead pressed a hand against her pounding heart.

"Ahem, um, Luther...May I inquire as to your position here, in this world?"

Head shoved back in the cushion of the couch, Luther muttered a response. "Why? What's it to you?"

Her smile suddenly turned a few levels brighter as she fought off her irritation. "I would like to know my standing here. What is my place among society? You have also not told me about your plans for our marri...future."

Tilting his dark head to the side, Luther's burning gaze studied her's for nearly a full minute in tense silence. But, evidently, Lucia's poker face won out in the end.

"If we're talking about the human society, I'd be labeled as a very rich and successful CEO-slash-Chairman of a giant company."

When Lucia's head tilted in question, he flashed a smile. "Think of it as...I'm a mini-king and prince simultaneously, but of an empire built by merchants."

Frowning in thought, Lucia nodded seriously. "I see. Truly I know very little about merchants, other than those who would try to gain my favor and sponsorship."

Sighing, Luther's slightly raised spirits plummeted straight to the depths of despair once again. "But, as for the whole marriage talk...right now it's a no go. Think of me as," he paused, expression darkening in frustration.

"As...as your guardian."

The giant man's shoulders slumped heavily, as if he would be crushed under the weight of his depression.

Blinking in shock, Lucia observed Luther's heartbroken expression, not sure what she should be feeling.

He obviously hated this, yet he wasn't using his god-like power to fight it off. Honestly, she couldn't understand him. If he wanted something, as a man, shouldn't he just take it?

Raised from birth in a society that placed all the power in the hands of men, Lucia truly did not know how to help him.

Exhaling a soft breath, she reached out and awkwardly patted his shoulder, attempting to comfort him. Gold eyes rose to stare at her in silence, while a slow, hesitant smile lifted the corners of his lips.

Seeing that he had calmed down some, Lucia removed her arm and let it rest in her lap in a docile manner. Clearing her throat, she spoke quietly.

"While I...I don't quite understand the laws and rules of your world, I shall try my best. If marriage is impossible because of the laws here not recognizing me as an adult, then I shall impose on you for a time. I shall be in your care, Luther." Twisting her body slightly in her seat, Lucia bowed her upper body to show her respect.

Witnessing the elegant manner in which Lucia both spoke and moved her body caused Luther's breath to catch.

Why...why does she have to be so unfair?

Up until two decades ago, this life of mine was a dream. But now...ever since...it's too unfair!

I hate this! I hate that I hate this! ...I hate that I love this.

A squirming, restless urge to trap Lucia in his arms and never let her go was growing stronger by the second.

...How did that old man manage to survive this TEN times?! I swear, this first time is MORE than enough!

How am I...how am I expected to stay sane?!

Blinking, Lucia slowly raised her head. Luther had given no response to her words or bow. Her throat suddenly turned dry as a shiver of fear slivered down her spine.

Someone was...No, a beast was eying her intently, ready to pounce.

Tremors cut through her body as she stared up into Luther's eyes.

There was no doubt in her mind at that moment.

For all of his attentive gentleness and tender care, this man was dangerous.

Even still, she'd made her choice and she was not one to go back on her word.

Gold is a beautiful color, but I believe it may also be something I associate with danger from now on.