The Duke's Passion

"Isn't there another way, Captain?"

Rufus stared at her in silence. Of course, he knew what she was talking about. He had already guessed this was one of the many other reasons.

"Miss Monroe," he called in a low tone, pushing his chair back with his feet before standing up on his feet. Rufus walked around the chair, trudging towards the window, and stood in front of it.

"Do you know what the Duchess told the Duke after their marriage?" asked Rufus, his eyes softening while staring outside where he could see the training ground where Charlotte and Ramin were sparring.

"The Duchess asked His Grace for a painless death," Rufus remarked while Kristina pressed her lips with her eyes on him. "She had accepted him despite knowing that His Grace married her only for formality. I had told her before that this place will take away her smile… but she didn't listen."

"It is such a shame that we all came to this, but losing her is the last thing we all want." Rufus continued, holding his hand behind him. "Losing the duchess also means resurrecting the devils that were clad in human skins. Her death would surely piss a certain butler, a duke, a prince, and just a lot of people that will bring ruin not just to their enemies but to this kingdom."

Rufus paused as he turned and faced her. "After all… she is their light. So, there is no other way but to keep her alive regardless of any means possible, Miss Monroe."

"I understand." Kristina nodded weakly as she took a deep breath. "Thank you for enlightening me."

And by enlightening her, she meant that if all those people went against the kingdom, even the Divine Orders who swore to keep the downfall of this kingdom wouldn't be able to defend it. Samael's capabilities remained unknown to them. What more if Fabian, Yul, and many people who prowled in the dark backed him up?

"I will go now." Kristina placed her fist across her chest, bowing before turning around and walk away.

As he watched her back, Rufus uttered, "Please take care, Kristina. It will be such a shame to lose a talent like you."

"I will ignore the latter part of the sentence, Captain." Kristina cocked her head back, chuckling. "But if you tell me to take care, I will. I still have a lot of ways to test and charm you."

Rufus chortled, shaking his head while she resumed in her stride. Kristina also smiled, as she didn't want to leave with a heavy heart. Teasing him was putting her in a good mood, so she'd rather be in a good mood despite the stifling air in the palace.

Just as Kristina opened the door to leave, she stopped upon seeing the person standing outside. She was a bit taken aback for a moment, before snapping to her senses and bowed.

"Greetings to your Royal Highness." Kristina greeted politely while Silvia gazed down at her.

Silvia noticed the smile on Kristina when she opened the door but didn't point it out. "Is Sir Barrett inside?"

"Yes, Your Royal Highness." 

Silvia nodded while Kristina took a step to the side, making way for her. She held her skirt up, walking towards the office but stopped in front of Kristina as she studied her.

"You…" Silvia's grip on her skirt tightened, same with her jaw. "You are quite lovely."

That was all Silvia could say before heading inside. When the door shut closed, Kristina gazed at the door with a furrowed brow.

She's just around, close by. She is strong and lovely, bold but not brass. Hmm. She always had this playful smirk on her lips, and her eyes spoke a thousand unspoken words.

Rufus' words suddenly hovered in Kristina's mind, as those descriptions somehow suited Silvia. A weak smile resurfaced on her lips as she immediately grasped the situation.

"Ah…" Kristina chuckled lightly as she walked away, placing her palm across her chest. "… those two suit each other quite perfectly and that's another crack in my heart."

It was not like Kristina had deep, romantic feelings for Rufus. She respected him and being able to tease such an immovable man gave her a thrill. Still, she was not so selfish as to stand in between them. If anything, Kristina just felt bad that Rufus loved a royal who was also married to the current king.

'And that makes me wish… he will heal the wounds in his heart that no one knew about.' She hummed and tried to stay positive.

*****

Silvia froze as she caught the smile on Rufus' lips the second she laid her eyes on him. That smile, though, was immediately replaced with coldness in his eyes as soon as he recognized her presence.

"Ruru," she called softly, forcing a smile, but failed miserably. "That dame is quite… no, she is lovely. I think she will suit you."

"To what do I owe this honor, your royal highness?" His tone was icy as his eyes glinted, showing no sign of any other emotion aside from that. "It's not just to matchmake me with Dame Kristina, is it?"

When Silvia remained silent, Rufus narrowed his eyes, chin up. "It won't be good for you if His Majesty get the wind of your visit in here, Your Royal Highness."

"Are you worried?" 

"Of course. It is my duty as one of your people." 

Silvia pursed her lips and swallowed down the tension in her throat. His cold treatment was like a stake stabbing her right through her chest.

"Can I…" she gazed down, mustering her courage before she raised her head once again. "… can you share a tea with me? I want to discuss an important matter with you regarding Stefan."

Rufus squinted his eyes into slits. "Whatever it is, I don't want to hear it."

"Ruru! Even with your lives at stake, you will deny my help?"

"Your help is the last thing I want, Via." He growled, eyes glinting. "Get out of here."

"No."

Rufus fumed as he stomped his way towards her, grabbing her shoulder, and dragged her towards the door.

"Get the hell out of here…" Rufus froze abruptly as Silvia suddenly clung onto him, hugging him tightly despite the pain in her shoulder. 

"I was wrong, Ruru." She whimpered, clutching his back tightly. "Kill me if that will make you feel better, but please… listen to me for once."

When he didn't reply, she added, "you can't die, Ruru. I won't let that happen, even if it means sacrificing your people the second time. So, give me a chance… please."