The giant's sacrifice [G/T]

IV - His Family

She woke up the next day with her hands clutched against the soft surface. She didn't want to let go; it was so warm. She nuzzled the material with her face; it felt exactly like her cat at home.

"Someone loves their future husband's shirt." Her eyes opened, and her head snapped over to the doorway. She made out Maddie standing there with other maids and butlers. They were watching them, but for how long? WAIT. FUTURE HUSBAND. She looked up from what she was clutching to see him perched up on his elbows, looking down at her. He was smiling and looked tired. His hair was messier than normal, but that was natural, assuming he had just woken up. Wait. He had just woken up. HE WAS SLEEPING WITH HER IN HER BED. She began to freak out and was about to ask him how he got into her bed when he shifted his body and scooped her up.

"Let's go down to breakfast, Liliana."

"Okay, Lord Kudo." She agreed. He had gone back to her real name. She liked her nickname from his mouth better. NO. WHAT WAS SHE SAYING? The maids and butlers ran away from the door and scattered around the castle as they walked. She doubted anyone had seen him dressed so informally. He was wearing a vest and shorts with nothing but socks on. He had put his gloves on before she woke up, but she just realized she hadn't touched him yet, she meant his bare skin. She wondered what it felt like.

"Liliana?" She didn't realize he had placed her on a bedside table in his room, and now there was less than an inch between their faces as he got really close. She shrieked and backpedaled into the wall. He got even closer and whispered to her side.

"I know you're supposed to marry me, but I don't think you are yet required to see me change. It was like you wanted to see me when I first asked you to turn." He gave a smug smile and grabbed her shoulders to turn her around. She heard a zipper and shuffling before he spoke again.

"You can look if you want to."

"I'D RATHER NOT, MY LORD!" He had a joking tone and laughed every time he saw her embarrassed. He was always teasing her; this wasn't how they described the monster.

"I'm done; you can turn." She spun around to see his face directly in front of hers again. She yelped and fell back. He spared her a smile and slid a dress over.

"Change into this, and we will explore my parents' castle together." She looked down at the dress given to her. It was beautiful; it looked like a ball gown but slimmer.

"My Lord, I can't take this. It's far too expensive and nice-looking. I'm still technically a peasant." He put a finger over his mouth and left the room. He stood outside guarding it. She changed into it immediately but had some problems with the lace of the dress.

"Master, can I have some help?" The door opened, and he peeked around it to see if she was properly changed. When he saw her, he looked almost disappointed. She held the corset up using her arm and asked him to do the lace-up.

"And if I don't?" He crossed his arms over her at his full height. He was casting a terrifying shadow upon her and had a snarl on his face; it was truly horrifying. She began to cry and shake. When he saw this, the façade he put up broke, and he crouched down to see if she was okay. He was sure he was joking, but it was horrifying nonetheless. She suddenly felt a finger circling her back, and her head snapped up to see the lord looking guilty. He was frowning, not looking at her like he was embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, Liliana. I have no idea how to make you like me more. I didn't think about how terrified you are of me. I want to make you laugh and see your true smile. It's fine; we can go another day." He tied up her lace and carried her back into her bedroom. The dress fit her like a glove, but now she had no reason to wear it. She actually kind of wanted to go out. Like a hangout. She didn't know what else it could mean.