The Duke's Passion

I chuckled, remembering how they looked so aghast and how I came to know the story of a very, very dangerous mad beast centuries ago. 

Apparently, centuries ago, aside from vampires, there was a notorious man who brought nothing but fear for both races. They said he targeted not just vampires, but also humans, experiment on them, and scatter their remains across the kingdom. 

It came to the point even vampires had to glance over their shoulders for fear they had caught the man's interest. How he picked his target remained unknown, but no one had caught him despite the bounty on his head. His series of murders continued on for years until a new king ascended the throne. Many believed that person died, or he became a follower of the new king. 

Only those noble families who had close ties with the royal family knew the real reason. That mad man, Fabian, swore his loyalty to the third prince and became a butler in his manor.

"Aw!" I shrieked, pouting as I rubbed my forehead. "Why did you flick my forehead?" I complained, displeased at Sam's sudden action.

"You're lost in thought. I'm just bringing you back with me," He answered nonchalantly. "What are you thinking? Or who are you thinking when I'm right in front of you?"

What nonsense was he talking about? Would he kill the person if I told him who it was? The sudden thought that crossed my head suddenly gave me an idea. So I answered, "I was merely thinking of Mister Fabian. I heard a lot about him from the Order as they were also keeping an eye on him."

"My wife, if they are keeping an eye on him, are you sure you should be telling me about this?" Sam arched his brow, blinking languidly.

I let out a shallow breath. "Well, the Order's only purpose is to keep the kingdom from falling. They wouldn't make any movements if Mister Fabian behaved." I paused as I wiggled my body at him. "Also, before being a member of the Order, I am the Duchess of Grimsbanne and your wife. Your people are also my people, so, naturally, I want to protect them."

"My wife, you are playing a very dangerous game." Sam's eyes darkened as he twirled my hair around his finger. "The Divine Order had different principles than the monarch. Right now, this alliance is only possible because of the undead, however, everything will change once it is over. We might become enemies."

"I know that." I frowned as the Order didn't receive orders from the king, nor did the king ever touch the Order. He invited them over, or rather, gathered them in here just for the sake to resolve the undead.

"If you know, you better choose between being the duchess and being a member of the Order," He said, setting his eyes on me as his eyelashes fluttered ever so slowly.

His expression was hard to read, and it only tickled my curiosity even more. "Husband, can't I be both? I mean, as long as you don't destroy the kingdom…" I trailed off when Sam suddenly muttered, "I will tear this kingdom apart."

"Sam!" I exclaimed and slapped his chest. "Can you not say that?" How could he say that as if he was merely stating what he had for lunch?

Sam had been obedient and barely caused trouble for the past half a year. The reason the Order could relax a bit was it had been strangely peaceful.

"Why not?" His brows furrowed. "Did you think Stefan will not act the next second this matter is resolved? Don't underestimate the king's obsession, my wife." His words rendered me speechless, as I could only stare at him. "That's why you worry me," He added as he planted his finger on my forehead.

"What did I do to worry you?" I frowned. "Is it because you still see me weak? I can fend off for myself."

"I know, but Stefan always had his eyes on you."

My frown grew sullen. "He already knew he can't use me against you even if he used the power of sire…" I would rather kill myself before I harm you, was the rest of my sentence that was thrust back into my throat.

Sam remained silent and just stared at me. "Who says he will use you against me?" he inquired, and I knitted my brows in confusion. "You might not know Stefan, but he obsesses over things. If he wants me dead, he might forget the reason, but he will still do it no matter what. So, if he wants you, he'll do anything to get you."

"Sam, that makes no sense." I shook my head. That, indeed, didn't make sense. Why would Stefan want anything from me? It was not like I had something special in me and I'm not the only woman in this palace. Even though Silvia and Cassara didn't serve him as his wives, there were still noble ladies who would serve themselves on a silver platter to the king.

"You think?" he asked, sounding as if I was the one who didn't make sense.

"Of course! Why would he obsess over someone such as myself?"

Sam let out a sigh as he tapped his finger against my forehead. "Because you're my wife?" 

My mouth fell open. If he put it that way, there's a reason for his obsession, indeed. But I still offered him a smile and reassured him. "Don't worry, I can protect myself."

He only smirked faintly and nodded his head.

"Just be careful since I'd be busy in the following days," He muttered, and I nodded. Sam fixed the quilt over my shoulder before pulling me into his embrace. "Rest for now. I'll wake you up later."

"Aren't you going to sleep?" I asked as I looked up. My eyes suddenly felt heavy with the comfort of his embrace.

"I will don't worry." 

"Alright then." I nodded, closing my head as I immediately fell into my slumber.

***

When I closed my eyes and felt that I was falling into another deep slumber, I found myself in that same dream seven years ago. 

"God…" I whispered in awe, staring at the towering man, whose face seemed a blur, but I knew he was beautiful. 

The man clicked his tongue, pulling his cloak from my clutches, but I held on to it even tighter. A chill ran down my spine as he glared at me, but I was too mesmerized my mind malfunctioned. 

"Let go or you'll lose your hands," He warned in a deep, manly voice, making me widen my eyes as his face grew clearer.

Stefan.

(A/N: THE LIST OF THE LA CROX FAMILY IN THE AUTHOR'S NOTE.)