The Duke's Passion

In a month, the entire kingdom would celebrate the foundation of the country that would last a week. For that, the knights and the Bearers of the Order would be scattered around the Capital to secure its safety while the celebration was going. Stefan would also make a public appearance and hold many banquets in the palace. 

"I don't remember Grimsbanne celebrating such an event," I murmured on my way back to my quarters. 

"Because Grimsbanne is an isolated land." I glanced to my side and caught Kristina's gaze. She was walking by my side. "Even though His Grace was in his slumber, the people under him were not to be underestimated."

"That's right." I nodded and shot my eyes ahead, walking through the hallway going to the third prince's palace. 

Kristina took a deep breath. "There's only a limited influence the king holds in Grimsbanne, so there's that."

"Have you been to Grimsbanne before?" I snuck a glance at her and saw her shook her head.

"I don't think any of the bearers or just anyone in the Capital had the audacity to walk around the land where His Grace rests. If you're asking me for the reason, it is simply because the chances of leaving Grimsbanne were low."

My brows furrowed before I stopped in my steps. "What do you mean?" I faced her as she halted.

Kristina cocked her head to me. "Because His Grace's people will know if someone who can pose a threat entered their territory. We, the Bearers of the Order, had a certain scent, vampires, as well. Unless someone can conceal it."

"We do?" I tilted my head to the side, confused. 

"Can't you smell Mace?"

"I'm a human, so my sense of smell isn't as sharp as yours," I answered honestly. "Also, this information is new to me."

Kristina stared at me for a moment and only spoke after she was satisfied inspecting me. "Lilou, how was your training in observing just everything?" 

Her sudden inquiry confused me, but I still answered. "Good? After doing it continuously, I unknowingly observe things and notice details I wouldn't normally notice."

"I see."

"Why did you ask, though?" I inquired, out of plain curiosity.

Her lips pressed into a thin line before the side of her lips curled up weakly. "Just… curious."

"I feel like you've been keeping a secret from me," I murmured, pouting as Kristina had been more secretive recently. She flinched when I suddenly placed my hand on her shoulder, staring at her straight in the eye.

"Lilou?" she called, confused.

My eyes narrowed as I studied her surprised visage. "Say, did Sam tell you anything?" 

"Pardon?"

"My husband, did he threaten you or something? You've been saying weird things as if we will part soon." I studied every little movement her face did to get the answer I needed, just in case she shrugs my question off.

Kristina's brow slightly quirked as her pupils dilated a little. She smacked her lips once before clearing her throat and chuckled softly.

"I'm saying things because our line of duty is dangerous." Kristina shook her head lightly. "I heard about what happened to the knights who had lost their lives because they were careless. We don't know what the future holds, so I'd rather say things to my friends while I'm alive."

"I thought I'm already negative, but you are as well." I withdrew my hands from her shoulder, pouting while she chuckled. "I told you many times, come back to our third squadron, always."

"Is that an order, your grace?" she teased with a playful smirk, making me sigh as we continued our steps.

"Do I have the right to order a bearer now?" I joked as I walked, leaving her behind. "Just be careful, Kristina. Whatever you're doing, I trust your judgment." 

Kristina didn't catch up to me, as I could feel her gaze on my spine. Thanks to Sam's orders for me to just observe, I caught her half-baked excuse. Although I knew there was some truth in her explanation, the expression in her eyes told me something she couldn't tell me.

In the end, Kristina and I parted ways as I headed to Avolire Palace to visit Silvia, while Kristina headed to the main palace. I originally planned to rest, but I remembered Yul telling me to come in here to have some tea.

On my way to Avolire Garden, where I usually enjoy a cup of tea with Silvia and Yul, I stopped as my eyes caught the figure ahead of me. Cassara stopped in her tracks as she turned her head to me. Once our eyes met, I performed a knight bow while she marched towards me.

"Greetings, your royal highness," I greeted politely when I sensed her presence near me before seeing the hem of her dress.

"Raise your head." She ordered, which I did, facing her undeniably gorgeous face. "It's rare to see you in Avolire Palace. Did you come to see Silvia?" 

"Yes, Your Royal Highness."

Cassara nodded in understanding, making me notice her change in demeanor. She would usually have this ridicule in her eyes whenever she looked at me, but I couldn't see it in her eyes now. What happened to her that night she tried to seduce my husband?

"Silvia was called to the main palace, so it will take some time before she returns," Cassara informed me, and I nodded in understanding. 

"Thank you for telling me, your royal highness. I will take my leave then." I bowed politely and bid her my farewell. I would wait for them to return, but with Cassara around, I'd rather come back next time.

"Why don't you stay for a moment and accompany me for a walk?" she proposed. I winced internally but kept my expression the same. 

Cassara took a shallow breath as her eyes scanned me from head to toe, before meeting my gaze once again. "You seem reluctant."

"Of course, not, your royal highness." I forced a smile onto my face. "I merely thought I might be bothering you."

"You don't."

My jaw clenched, but I still kept my polite attitude. "It's my pleasure to accompany you, your royal highness."

And so, the two of us headed to Avolire Garden while she ordered her servants to give us a moment to talk.