The next moment, all Sienna could hear was the loud beating of her heart and the sound of gulping. A flicker of lightning bathed the room in striking white light, and horror crept into her nerves.
Lemiel's one arm encircled her waist, while his other hand rested behind her nape, angling her neck in a way convenient for him.
The initial, sharp pain from her skin tearing was agonizingly brief, but the sensation of the vampire's lips, warm and relentless, sucking on her neck was mortifying. It sent a rush of heat coursing through her body, making her shudder in fear and something she couldn't name.
Sienna blew a deep breath when Lemiel retracted his fangs. He looked at her while licking off the blood on his bottom lip. His crimson eyes were hazy with the intoxicating taste of her blood.
"I knew you were hoping I wouldn't like your blood," Lemiel remarked, and his thumb caressed the small wound his bite left on her neck. Seeing his mark etched on her skin brought a sly satisfaction to his eyes.
"But sorry to disappoint you, princess. Your blood tastes heavenly. Better than all those high-quality blood I've tasted. Must be because you're a special witch." He grazed his tongue against his fang as if the blood he had taken was not enough, and he was still thirsty for more.
Sienna found herself at a loss for words.
"Thank you for your generosity, Princess Lucienna," he said playfully and brought her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it without breaking their eye contact. "As much as I'd like to have more of your sweet blood, I am afraid I would end up sucking you dry."
From Sienna's neck, Lemiel's fingers went to her jaw. His thumb caressed her half-open lips, and she felt like her heart would have exploded only if it could.
"I know you are scared. It's only right for you to be," he smiled, but she sensed his seriousness in his next words. "I don't force women in bed, Lucienna. I'm not one to do that, so I will ask you. Do you want to spend the night with me?"
Sienna's eyes widened a fraction. She did not expect him to give her a choice.
She glanced at the matrimonial bed with a wary face, then she brought her gaze back to Lemiel, whose eyes made her feel as though she were shrinking on her spot.
Marriage must be consummated right on the wedding night. On Lemiel's side, no one would pry if the deed was done or not, but in Sienna's clan, they followed a tradition where the newlywed women were subjected to an examination by the priestess to see if they were touched on their wedding night. It was done to check the state of their bodies after committing to marital duties and if they were capable of bearing a child.
Knowing her mother, Sienna knew she would not let her off the hook. And if her mother were to know nothing happened because of her, she feared something she wouldn't like might happen.
She remembered her pet rabbit when she was a little girl. She used to keep it by her side everywhere she went, but when her mother found her lying one time, the rabbit was slowly killed in front of her.
The next time, she was thirteen, and she somehow managed to grow fond of a certain maidservant. Although they barely talked, Sienna hoped they would eventually become friends. But before they could get there, the maidservant died at the hands of her mother when Sienna broke a rule.
"Don't worry. If you refuse, I won't hold it against you," Lemiel reassured. He straightened his back and removed his hands from her. The air of mischief was all over him, but she could tell he was serious about what he said.
"After all, it's only our first night as a married couple. Surely, we have many days ahead of us."
'That is if you can keep me entertained for long, princess,' thought Lemiel.
"No."
Lemiel ran his fingers through his inky black hair, but some unruly locks fell back onto his forehead, giving him a rugged appearance. His eyebrow twitched at the single word Sienna had spoken.
In a small yet firm voice, Sienna said, "We must consummate the marriage tonight, Lord Lemiel."