The Duke's Passion

There was a reason Sam, despite his beautiful appearance, was the least desired for marriage back in the Capital. Beneath his out of this world's beauty, Sam... my husband was... crazy. And everyone in the capital knew that fact. Beside me, the last person who seduced my husband left with a broken heart; if only she wasn't his sister, he will break it, literally. 

I could still remember how my husband nearly destroyed Cassara's jaw the first time. May her soul rest in peace. 

Still, with Sam's new identity as a family man, these ladies didn't know how terrifying he could be. A gentleman? My gosh. Even if Sam was my husband, my hair raised with the thought. In my husband's eyes, everyone was the same as ants and he would crush them with his bare hands if they pissed him enough. 

Either way, this Baroness Fletcher... did she think her sneaky remarks were enough? I was simply pissed, but not that I believed a single word they said. 

Baroness Fletcher sported a kind smile. "I am glad that Madam Roux doesn't think like that." She extended her arm and held my hand, patting it gently. 

"Of course, Baroness." My smile remained as I glanced down, noticing the bracelet around her wrist. It looked familiar, I thought. That was because I had one.

"Madam Roux is more understanding than we thought!" Another lady exclaimed, followed by a chuckle. "I'm very sure Madam Roux will understand that Sir Roux simply gifts Lady Talia because she was a great help in the Roux Family business."

'Sam sends her gifts?'

"Madam Roux doesn't know, but when you first arrived in the South, Sir Roux had some discrepancy in his business." Baroness Talia Fletcher chuckled, reminiscing about the time in the past with such gentleness in her eyes. If I didn't know she was thinking about my husband, I would've believed she was thinking of her husband.

"I simply helped him get through those rough days. So, Sir Roux would occasionally help me whenever I needed help. Our House and the Roux Family had been great friends since." She reassured with a kind smile.

Honestly, I would think she was truly sincere if they stopped insinuating. But the more she talked, the more she sounded like explaining. I already told them I didn't misunderstand, but this was getting annoying. Were they waiting for me to get angry? 

"Lady Talia," I cajoled as I held her hand. "As I've said, I understand. I'm sure my husband is simply expressing his sincerity with your help. After all, I couldn't do that since I was ill."

I tilted my head, smiling kindly. Did she understand my point? That my husband didn't need to do such menial things himself since I had recovered? It seemed she got it, as her eyes glinted for a second. 

"Yes, Madam Roux. I'm glad that you are now back to your full health to help Sir Roux with the matters of your estate."

"I appreciate your help until now, Lady Talia. I hope with my recovery, the burden my husband had caused you will lessen. " 

"Oh no, don't mention it." She chuckled and so did I. This was the reason I hated socializing in high society. They battle with words when I can stop them by silencing them... forever. 

'Good thing I didn't take Fabian with me. Or else, he would surely have to clean this place.'

After that, the ladies seemed they gave up on getting on my nerves. Hence, they changed the subject once again. I smiled and listened to these shallow conversations once again until the subject returned to me like a roulette. 

"Madam Roux, isn't your son's birthday coming up?" one noble lady glanced at Lady Talia before she set her eyes on me. "Lady Talia always helps Sir Roux on the young master's birthday."

"Is that so?" I glanced at Lady Talia. 

She smiled at me and nodded. "If Madam Roux needs anything, you can always go to me. I can help you with the Young Master Roux's preferences."

"I will appreciate that, Lady Talia. Thank you very much." I held her hand, squeezing it lightly. This time, my eyes glinted while staring at her straight in the eye. Her hand slightly trembled under my grip before I loosened it. 

Scaring her wasn't my intention, but they were getting on my nerves. If only I didn't want Minowa to be like in the capital, I would've done what I pleased. But all I could do was pull an aura on her.

Lady Talia seemed to ignore the sense of dread she felt as the conversation continued. Good for her. We still needed to be friends, after all.

When the tea party was coming to a close, I invited everyone to my son's birthday since that was the goal from the beginning. They all agreed with a bright smile, but I wasn't particularly thrilled about it. 

"Then, I will send you all an invitation," I said, still bearing the smile I wore throughout the tea party. "It will be a great honor if you will be there, Lady Talia. My husband and I will be very glad."

*****

Meanwhile, back in the Roux Estate, Samael suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Fabian, who was placing a document on his desk, raised his brows.

"That's strange, Your Majesty. It is not cold for you to shiver." Fabian pointed out while Samael raised his head. The latter was rubbing his shoulders.

"My gut feeling tells me I am in trouble, Fabian." Samael voiced out, clicking his tongue as he pondered if he failed to settle an important business.

"Then, you should prepare, Your Majesty. Your gut feeling never failed you, after all."

"You think so?" Samael raised his head in dismay, displeased how Fabian never told him 'he was simply overthinking.' This level of support from Fabian was something Samael would make him wonder if it was a good thing or the opposite. 

"Whatever. It doesn't feel like that kind of trouble." He waved before leaning back. 

"My lord," Fabian called and waited for Samael to cast him a look. "I really think you should prepare. Her Majesty had a tea party with Baroness Fletcher."

"So?" Samael raised a brow, confused at the butler's advice.

"Baroness Fletcher had always admired Your Majesty. Knowing her social skills, it is not impossible to plant the idea that you and the Baroness are close."

There was dead silence after Fabian brought this up. Samael stared at him blankly, realizing this thing he deemed insignificant.

"Haha! That's impossible. My wife knows me best!" Samael exclaimed in confidence, but Fabian shrugged. 

"I'll still prepare you a nice coffin, just in case."