His Trouble

"Are you aware of what you are saying?" he warned. "There are dangers that will come along the way."

Dalia nodded, finally taking a deep breath to steady herself so she could talk properly to her husband. For now, there was no need to hide behind the wall.

If she wanted this marriage to work, she must face whatever it brings. Her sisters would be worried if she did not stay strong.

This was the least she could do - to stay strong no matter what. Everyone was still worried for her, so even though her husband is a rumored monster, she must survive in this marriage.

"Marriage is filled with ups and downs. I am very aware of that, so yes, I am ready no matter what it is." Hopefully, there was a bit of humanity in him or perhaps he has a different story than what is being rumored.

"Okay," Ditun shrugged. "If that is what you want, then so be it," he spoke casually, and there was no hint of playfulness in his eyes.

Yet, Dalia was ready to face whatever she must for this to work, whether he appeared dominant or not. It was her first task since escaping was not an option.

"I will call for you, prepare yourself," he said.

Dalia's eyes widened in confusion. "What must I be preparing for?"

"You will see," his mouth turned into a curve. "I already showed you what it is like to know me, so you should know what to expect."

"I... well," no, no, do not back down Dalia, this is your chance now, "well, I will be looking forward to it," she managed to smile at him so he wouldn't see the fear and uncertainty.

Ditun nodded, still watching her with intrigue. "It is fascinating that you are this brave to come close to me, despite the rumors and the mask I put on," he watched her keenly, hoping to see any fear, but she surprised him by meeting his gaze.

"There is no need to fear. I am already your wife," but truly, she wanted to know who he was and what his story was.

Ditun stared at her with an interesting fascination. How funny? She was only saying that now until she sees the man behind the mask.

All humans become scared of him and resent him when they get to see who he is behind this mask, when they get to see his true nature. However, his wife was bringing herself towards him like a sacrificial lamb ready to be offered to the gods. If only she knew exactly what she was playing at.

In those brown eyes was a curiosity that stunned him. She used to be very scared of him, and he was hoping it would remain that way so she wouldn't have to get closer to him to know about his world.

"Are you certain this is what you want?" he asked again, warning her to back down. "Because wife, if you get any closer to me," he leaned towards her, very close, his hard body touching hers, his chest resting on the softness of her chest. But then, that is only because he was showing her what it means to get any closer. "There will be no backing down. I told you there would be danger." His lips came close to her ears, his voice caressing her skin to make her tremble excitedly, "...dangers you must face along the way."

Dalia gulped, and gave him a slow nod, suddenly feeling dizzy from the smell of earth and man.

"I'm ready," she managed to say, missing the right words due to his closeness. But despite this, she was determined not to back down. She was certain she knew him and was no longer willing to flee. Perhaps his intention was to make her flee, but Dalia was now prepared to face whatever may come.

Ditun's eyes locked onto hers, a slow laugh escaping him as he noticed her lack of hesitation. "How fierce," he mused.

He had warned her, and she was not heeding it. Therefore, he felt it would not be his fault for whatever was to come.

"Tonight," he whispered in a deep, calm, and confident baritone, "I will send for you tonight. It will be your last chance to back down or stay."

"I will not back down," the words rushed out of her mouth as she struggled to catch her breath. Why couldn't he speak without getting so close?

Ditun nodded. "Very well. Prepare yourself, wife."

"Certainly, my husband," she managed a smile at him, even though fear was crawling inside her.

They locked gazes, neither backing down, the silence of the corridor enveloping them, only the sound of their hearts beating filling the space.

Dalia, fearful yet resolute, looked into his eyes this time. "I hope one day you will let me see your face and give me a good reason why you hid it in the first place. I hope you will tell me why you believe taking lives and seeking power is justifiable. And I hope...," she took a breath, struggling to steady herself as she felt his intense gaze on her, "I hope, one day, you will open up to me and explain why all of this is happening. I want," she whispered this time, her voice soft enough to calm a raging lion, tired of fearing and resenting him. After he saved her, after she learned his name, she thought, 'Perhaps there was a bit of humanity left in him.'

"I want to truly know you, Di," she said finally before leaving him standing in shock and confusion.

Ditun turned to watch her departing figure, clicking his tongue in frustration. This wife of his would only bring trouble.

Ditun entered his room, closing the door behind him. As soon as it shut, he ripped the mask off his face and approached the mirror, regarding his reflection with a grim expression.

He let out a scoff, "You are weak, Di," he whispered to himself, surprised that he was using the name Dalia had given him instead of his birth name.

"You are so scared of showing your face. How will you be able to evade your wife's advances?" he let out a bitter laugh.

The way she was approaching him screamed danger, a danger he knew he must flee from.