The Duke's Passion

The maidservants had taken great care of me; from bathing to dressing up and then to dolling me up. They did everything with great coordination and efficiency. 

I looked at my hair that now had streaked of silvers strands I was not used to seeing in me. Although my husband and son shared the same hair color, this color looked strange and unnatural to me. 

"My hair..." I said, making the maid who was putting an ornament on it stop. She gazed at me through the mirror, eyebrows raised.

"Is the arrangement of your hair not to your liking, Madam?" she inquired cautiously, but I smiled and shook my head.

"It's not that. I just noticed how my hair looks healthier than when I went into a coma."

A gentle smile appeared on her face as she explained. "The Master had personally taken care of Madam. He prefers doing it himself."

"I guessed he truly had taken care of me from head to toe because even my toenails are properly trimmed."

"Yes, Madam. Everyone in this estate admired the master's devotion to the Madam."

I raised a brow, staring into her reflection. "How was my husband while I was in a coma?" 

She looked hesitant to talk, so I persuaded her to tell me. The maidservant cleared her throat and nodded before continuing to arrange my hair.

"The master might be aloof and rarely interact with the servants of the manor, but we all respected him. Aside from the high salary, he doesn't tolerate discrimination on the estate. Also, the master had treated us all with equal respect. I had worked in a different noble house before, but I've never worked in a very free and peaceful environment." I studied the maid's expression and witnessed how she smiled subtly. She looked relieved to work in here, which made me smile as well. 

"That's why everyone is curious what is the Madam like."

"Pardon?"

The maid pressed her lips together and glanced at me through the mirror. "The master is very devoted to the madam and whenever he looked at you, the coldness in his eyes will always melt away. All of us in this manor had always wondered what is the Madam like."

"So far, do you think I am deserving of my husband's devotion?" came out a question because I didn't know the answer to this. I had dragged him to hell, even if he said it was another version of myself. That person was still me, though. 

"I think... the Master had all the reason to love the Madam," she answered in a weak yet sweet voice. "Madam is not just pretty, but after a short period of serving you, I know Madam is kind."

My mouth parted, but no words came out. I thought of correcting her but found it unnecessary. So, I remained silent while she arranged my hair. The maid didn't talk anymore while my eyes drifted to the window. It was already dark.

'So peaceful,' I thought, slightly bored because of it. 'No, I should be thankful for the lack of action.'

I mentally nodded my head while convincing myself this peace was what we all needed. I just woke up from a five-year slumber, and I should focus on making up with my husband and our son. Moreover, Law's birthday was in two months. Time was fleeting, so I knew that day would come even before I knew it. I had to prepare something for Law, but I have no idea what he likes.

Amidst my thoughts, a knock came from outside the door. Just as I glanced up, staring at the opening door through the mirror, Sam came to my sight. 

"My wife, you said you will drop by in my office, but I ended up dying of waiting," Sam complained which made me giggle. He then turned to the maid and motioned her to leave. 

"I need to talk to my wife."

The latter bowed her head and glanced at me before leaving. "Yes, master."

"It wasn't that long yet since we parted," I said, turning around from my chair before the maid leave the room. "My husband, how do I look?"

At this point, the maid was still by the door. I saw her flinch before closing it with what she had heard next.

"The dress looks fancy... although I'd rather see how my wife takes it off." Sam nodded while gazing at me from head to toe. I bit my lip and waited until I heard the click of the door.

"Sam... the maid heard you." A shallow sigh slipped past my lips while Sam already marched towards me. "How can you..."

I trailed off when Sam reached for my chin and lifted it up. There was this indifference in his eyes while bending over.

"So, what?" he whispered to my lips. "Even if they see us creating another child, they wouldn't speak a word about it."

My eyes were shut as he planted brief kisses on my lips. He didn't deepen it, but these teasing pecks made me crave for more. 

"Sam..." I called under my breath, clipping my fingers on his cravat. "I just finished dolling up."

"I know," Sam replied and this time, his lips lingered on my mine longer. I wrapped my arms around his neck while his arm circled around my waist. 

Eyes shut, I felt my body being lifted up while indulging in the sweetness of his mouth. I ran my fingers through his soft hair, walking on my toes to wherever he was leading me. Before I knew it, my back felt the softness of the mattress.

His lips slowly parted from me, resting his forehead against mine. We both panted, inhaling each other's deep breaths.

"Sam," came out a chuckle while staring into those blazing crimson eyes. "Why did I even doll up when you'll mess with it even before dinner?"

"You should've known better wife." The back of his hand brushed my cheek until his thumb grazed my lip. "Ah... how can I control myself?"

Just when Sam leaned down while I was giggling, waiting for his lips, a knock came from outside the room. 

"Mother, can I come in?" Sam and I froze the second we heard Law's voice. 

"Damn... I don't need to control myself, he controls me.." Sam winced while I bit my bit, suppressing myself from bursting out into laughter.