The Duke's Passion

"Please forgive my old age, my lady. I've been having problems holding onto things, so my hand slipped."

His hands slipped so his dark spear flew all the way in my direction with an intention to kill? I often found Fabian's humor terrifying, but now it was quite funny.

"Forgiven." I nodded, closed-lipped as I studied his dark spear, Maleficent. 

Just one glance from it prickled my skin. But more than that, Lakresha was reacting differently. It was as if it was excited to meet it. Well, I was excited as well. 

"I missed you, Mister Fabian. I heard you've been busy reviving the west garden back to life," I humored while playing the snath in between my fingers. "So, I suppose, for someone busy such as yourself to see me, it must be important."

"The flower I had grown in the west garden had bloomed prematurely. So, I would like to invite you there since it is my apology gift for grazing my lady."

An apology for that time? On the night of my wedding night, only Fabian was able to graze me. Although most of the powerful ones didn't attack me with all their might, Fabian still grazed me easily. 

"That's so sweet of you, Mister Fabian." 

"My lady, I deeply regret my actions."

Goodness. How could Fabian say such words with a sinister smile?! Did he know his expression and words don't match?

"Very well. Since you went on your way to come here, why don't you spar with me?" I proposed since I've been eager to meet him for the past week, but didn't have the opportunity. "Will you fulfill the request of this young, stubborn one?"

His lips stretched broader. "How can I refuse you, my lady? I've been your instructor for a long time."

"That's right." I nodded in agreement and took a deep breath. "So, just like the good old times? Will you teach me one or two things?"

"It's my honor."

My eyes drooped as I smirked. Fabian was one of the people I had thought about the second I retrieved all my memories. Sam didn't lie when he said Fabian had an exceptional talent. Knowing he was by Sam's side, it felt very reassuring. 

"Dagger," Fabian commanded and his Maleficent slowly shrunk in size and became a dagger. "I care for your well-being, my lady."

Care for my well-being? Wasn't he just insulting me? 

"Dagger." I grinned, almost giggling as Lakresha also formed into a dagger smaller than his. "I also care for your well-being, Mister Fabian. After all, I had to take into account your old age."

"How moving…" Fabian gasped dramatically with his palm across his chest.

"Well, then." My eyes glinted before I bolted in his direction. 

Fabian didn't move as I appeared in front of him in a blink of an eye. I thrust my small dagger towards the side of his neck, only to be caught by the wrist, while his other hand pointed his dagger right in front of my throat.

"Dea… d." He trailed off as soon as he saw me smile. His reaction was fast as he twisted my wrist and tossed it away before hopping back.

The dagger in my hand became a sword and if he was a second late, I had already plunged it into his neck. Everything happened within a fraction of a few seconds, so I could say I did improve.

"That's surprising, my lady." Fabian praised with a nod, but his eyes twinkled in excitement despite almost meeting his end. "I really thought I would die!"

"You flatter me, Mister Fabian. It was me who was at the death's door just moments ago."

"Well, it was safe to say it was a draw, my lady." Fabian chuckled before tossing his black dagger and catching its handle midair.

"Mister Fabian, I am not a fan of draws."

"Neither am I, my lady." Fabian's eyelids drooped halfway as he fixed his eyes on me. "However, aren't we just sparring?" 

My eyes shifted towards Lakresha and studied its blade. "I hate it when you hesitate, Fabian. My husband trusts you so much so he wouldn't turn around if a surprise attack came from behind him."

"I never hesitate to slay those who bore ill-intention to my master, my Lady," Fabian explained, and I cast him an indifferent look. "However, my lord cherishes you so dearly I had to think twice."

"Think twice to kill me?"

Fabian let out a low chuckle as he sported his usual kind smile. "No, my lady. Think twice where I can hurt you the most without killing you instantly."

So, he meant he would put me in slow and excruciating torture without an intention to kill me? I chuckled at the thought, as that was just Fabian's style.

"Still, you hesitate, and the moment you hesitate, it can cost you and your master's life."

"You're right, my lady." His narrowed eyes opened once again, and they were sharper than ever. "By saying such, shall I assume we don't share the same goal now?"

A bitter smile resurfaced on my lips as a shallow breath escaped from my nose. By saying such, I was giving him a heads up.

"Fabian, back then, Sam gave you an order to kill him once he woke up as a person he abhors." I stared straight into his eyes without any trace of emotion in my eyes. "My husband trusts you, so I also trust you with all the little conscience I had in me."

"Conscience… huh, that's a strange choice of word, my lady."

"Was it?" I took a deep breath and pursed my lips. There was this little part of me that was telling me I would have to embrace something, even if it was against my will. So, it scared me that by doing so, I might end up killing the person I love the most.

"Can I call your name once?" he requested, catching my attention.

"Sure. I don't see any problem with that."

Fabian nodded before he trudged towards me, making my brows knit. He stopped three steps away from me as he locked eyes with me.

"Lilou." 

I snapped my eyes, waiting for the rest of his words. My eyes fell on his mouth and read his lips while the blow of the wind whispered in my ears.

"… Lilou."

*

"Lilou."

Charlotte's voice startled me back to the current lapse as I pondered about what happened two nights ago. I blinked my eyes, watching her withdraw her hands away from me.

"Are you alright? You're always zoning out." She pouted while studying my face.

I sported a forced smile and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

"She said a delegation from the Spade Kingdom arrived today." Ramin chimed in as we were resting in one of the restaurants in the Capital. 

"Oh?"

"What do you mean, 'oh?' Are you really so clueless not to know the news this morning?" Charlotte's nose scrunched up, gazing at me in dismay. 

"What news?" My brows furrowed. If there was any news, Yul would've told me.

Charlotte and Ramin stared at each other before the former let out a deep sigh. She gazed at me in pity, as if she couldn't believe I didn't hear about it.

"The king of the Spade Kingdom will arrive early before the founding celebration. That's why the palace was in chaos. You really didn't know?" 

"What…" My eyes dilated as my pupils constricted. 'That Zero!'