The Duke's Passion

Once I returned to my quarters, my nose scrunched up. Only the head maid came in with me. 

Silvia only told me to avoid Cassara. She didn't mention there was a male version of her!

I stomped my way to the settee and plopped down. Crossing my arms as I scoffed. 

How could he casually ask someone to do suicide? It was as if he was merely asking someone to sleep!

Goodness… he somehow aggravated me. A deep sigh slipped past my lips. If he asked me that before, I would probably just ask him to kill me.

However, those silly thoughts had long left my system. I asked Sam many times to kill me in the past, that even I gave up on the thought.

"Do you want me to bring you tea, Miss?" The head maid inquired, standing not far away from the side of the settee.

Slowly, I gazed at her. "What is your name?"

"Countess Mildred of the house of Soulton, your high — Miss. I'm your head lady-in-waiting." 

A noble woman? Right… Fabian told me about it before. However, why would I need one if I'm not a royalty? Did she come to watch my every movement?

"Lady Soulton,"

"Mildred, Miss." She corrected, just before I could even start speaking. "Her royal highness had requested me to look after you."

Even though she only said those words, I grasped her other intentions. Silvia sent her to me as a reminder of all her advice to me.

"Alright, Mildred. Please bring me some tea. You know my preferences." I nodded and waved.

"Yes." With that being said, Mildred left almost soundlessly.

In this place, I had to see myself above others. It disgusts me, honestly.

I massaged my temple as I closed my eyes. How could a lowborn like me talk down to people? 

My lady-in-waiting was a countess. And yet, she was receiving orders from me. Silvia was treating me kindly because of Sam. The question was, until when?

If she was a member of a faction who supported Sam, then that only meant she would kill me once she found my existence a nuisance. That was why she had told me all that, right?

Not to mention Cassara and the ninth prince. Their attitude towards me was because they obviously dislike me.

I wonder how many more of them I would have to meet? They're all unreasonable in their unique ways. Twisted, if I may add.

"But perhaps, I am managing because Sam was more or less like that at first." I sighed once again. "I will have to dine with them later, right?"

I wondered what kind of dinner would it be? Slowly, I opened my eyes as I imagined how the dinner would look like.

My face twitched. They wouldn't serve raw meats, right?

Just the thought of it sent a shiver down my spine. Was that the reason the ninth prince told me to kill myself before then?

"How I wish Sam will just barge in here." I murmured, gazing at the window with that wishful thinking.

But nothing. 

"Do I really want him to come right now, though?" I whispered, without looking away.

Of course, I'd be happy if Sam suddenly barged in that window. I'd probably cry in happiness.

However, deep within, I actually believed it was better that he wasn't here. Why? After knowing his real ground in the capital, I wanted him to prepare.

'I can survive here… I have to. So, Sam, I hope you wouldn't do something so reckless.' I prayed internally, hoping for his safety.

Knowing Sam, he had a tendency to act out of impulse. But there were times he would take a step back to see the bigger picture.

Right now, I was hoping he was doing the latter. I could wait for him whilst treading carefully for my survival.

"I can wait." I whispered. "My love."

*

Soon, Mildred came in and served me tea. Since I didn't have any scheduled activity for today, I stayed in my quarters until it was time for supper.

Just as the ninth prince said, a word came to me, inviting me to dinner. Mildred assisted me to the grand dining hall. I merely glanced at the beauty of the palace.

When we arrived, there were already a few people present. The ninth prince was already in here as well — and a few unfamiliar faces.

"Take a seat, Miss." Mildred beckoned, dragging an empty chair.

I perched down without a word. Right now, there were only six people around the long table. My seat was three chairs away from the head seat on its right.

Across from me, there were three empty seats. The ninth prince was sitting on the fourth seat. I said nothing as I scanned the rest. All of them were staring at me with different emotions in their eyes: some bore contempt, others in amusement.

Our distance was three or four empty seats. So it was easier to count. Right now, there were four princes and two princess. If I included myself, there would be seven of us in total.

I gazed down, letting them drill a hole in my head with just their gazes. I wondered where was Silvia? Would she join here?

It would be better if she'd be here. I didn't care about Cassara. Her male version is already here. And his gaze already made a hole from my forehead to the back of my head.

This was the best time to eat a lot to ease my stress. But I don't think it was possible in here. I didn't even have any idea what they would serve us.

"I told you, didn't I?" Suddenly, I heard the ninth prince spew nonsense. "Why are you here?"

'Hold it in, Lilou. Hold it in.' I advised internally as I raised my head.

The side of my lips turned up into a smile, mimicking Fabian's bright smile. Am I doing it correct? I didn't know. 

I thought if I mimicked Fabian's expression, I'd last long. Before I knew it, I overdid it and spoke my thoughts aloud.

"Get lost." 

"…"