The Duke's Passion

"Get lost." I blurted out with a smile.

When I realized what I said, it was already too late. However, I had to keep this smile until the end, right?

My teacher, my butler, why must you teach me such impudence? Your student needed lashes for using your teaching and wisdom so thoughtlessly.

I wept internally, bidding my farewell in the world. Silence dawned in the entire dining hall. 

The ninth prince's expression grew more glum. Just by his gaze, I could feel his desire to strangle me. I wondered how many times he had murdered me in his head.

"Pfft—! Wahaha!" A loud laugh resonated across the entire dining hall, followed by clapping. "Yulis, she told you to get lost! Ahah! Ahhh…"

To my surprised, that man who was laughing suddenly appeared to my side. I nearly jolted, but my reaction lagged.

"… that's funny." 

For a moment, my breath hitched. I've told myself many times to survive. But my action and words were driving me to my death.

"Sister-in-law, how can you be so heartless to our little brother? Since you're marrying Hell and we'll be family, can't you be gentle?" He said as he took the seat next to me.

Slowly, I moved my gaze at him. Up close, he had this natural ruffian vibe with his unruly turfs of black ebony hair that faded in color at its tip. Eyes of bright jade met mine without shying away.

The corner of his lips hooked into a mischievous smirk. Unexpectedly, he stretched his arms towards me, offering his hand.

"Seventh prince, Dominique Zayn La Crox."

"Oh…" I darted my gaze to his hand to him. He wiggled his fingers, pointing it by his chin, gesturing me to take it.

Without thinking twice, I took his hand tightly. He grinned upon my grip.

"Please don't break my fingers, sister." 

"My apologies." My shoulders tensed as I loosened my grip. Forgetting to introduce my name — a habit of being an insignificant peasant.

Not long after, I attempted to withdraw my hand. Alas, Dominique tightened his grip, but not tight enough to bring pain.

My ears perked up as I gazed at him. Why wouldn't he let go? Just that alone alarmed me. I tried to pull my hand away, but to no avail.

"Please to meet you, sister." Dominique smirked, holding my hand, guiding it to his lips. His gaze remained on me.

Before his lips could land on the back of my hand, something flew towards Dominique. In an instant, Dominique drew his head back.

Everything happened in a blink of an eye. I didn't even know what happened. Blinking, turning my head in the direction where that object went.

There, on the wall, a silver knife embedded in the wall. My eyes slowly went wide in shock. 

That knife wasn't aimed at me, but at Dominique. Was it to stop him? But who would dare…?

"Now, now, Yul." Dominique's voice snapped me back to the current lapse.

I pulled my hand away, taking advantage of his loosened grip. I felt Dominique's glance, but he said nothing about it. Instead, he leaned in, his eyes fixed on Yulis, the ninth prince.

"Aren't you a little rude, my little brother?" 

Suddenly, the atmosphere thickened as Yulis and Dominique glared daggers at each other. I glanced at the rest around the table. They had this amused smirk on their faces, as if they were looking forward to the outcome.

'They don't plan to stop them?' I gulped at the thought.

Well, if they fought, I'll just sneak out, right? I'll just eat in my room in peace — I would eat twice as much as I could. Just in case it would be my last meal.

"You're welcome, Dom." Yulis sneered, his eyes glinting dangerously. "Hell will, no. You will… break your own fingers just to appease him. You know he hates when others touch what's his."

"Ohh… Yul. Hell hasn't come. And yet, you're already showing favors? Aren't you afraid of His Majesty?"

"Hah…" Yulis chuckled. The sneer on his lips grew more wicked.

So this was what it looked for having two kings. How tricky and dangerous. It felt like they could kill each other right here and then.

'Where's the food?' This was too stressful.

"Family dinners are always so lively, isn't it?" Suddenly, I heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing Silvia.

Instinctively, I turned my head in her direction. As soon as I did, I met her gaze, and she offered me a brief smile.

Silvia gracefully pranced her way to the first seat on the left of the empty head seat. All her movements exuded elegance and grace. She's truly beautiful.

Once she was seated, she darted her eyes from Yulis to Dominique.

"Although I am eager to see Dom and Yul fight, mind your manners. Its Lilou's first attendance at our family dinner. I don't want her to have a poor impression of our family." Silvia smiled.

She's sparkling.

But, what was she talking about? Poor impression? Wasn't that a bit late to consider?

But Silvia's words were effective enough. The two said nothing anymore, and silence ensued once again.

How long would we wait? There were still many empty seats around the table. Were we going to wait until everyone would come?

"Please serve the dinner. The king will not attend." Silvia lifted her hand as she ordered.

My brows raised, blinking. I moved my eyes around. So, we're only waiting for Silvia? Well, it was better to have fewer people around. 

It would be too overwhelming if all the seats were filled. Without Sam, I didn't think I am mentally prepared to meet everyone in one go.

Soon, the servants served all the foods prepared. A total banquet! Although I had been eating a lot, the food served in here looked more elegant and generous. Also, they were not raw!

'I think the royal family eats a lot, huh?' I nodded in understanding.

Once everything was served, I reached for the cutlery. However, I stopped as I raised my gaze. All of them were staring at me.

'What?' My brows twitched. 

"Don't mind us, my little sister. We just want to see you eat." Silvia smiled, nodding reassuringly.

How could I not? You're all staring at me as if I'm the dinner all along?

"Sivi…" I murmured, pursing my lips. "Do you plan to fatten me so you can eat me?"

"Sivi?" Dominique raised a brow.

"What a dumb girl." Yulis commented as he clicked his tongue.

What was dumb about asking honestly? It reminded me of Sam's words in the past.

"Isn't she adorable, Yul?" Silvia chuckled. "No. You're my baby sister. We're just curious to see how you eat! The House of Remington told us you have a big appetite!"

"…" Upon hearing her last remarks, my memory took me back to that meal with the Remington. "Heh…" they stressed me that time. Although the level of stress I'm experiencing was too much to express by words.