The Duke's Passion

Finally, Law's birthday celebration arrived. I had been busier the past few days for the final touches to the banquet. It was the grandest I had ever hosted in my entire life, so I wanted it to be perfect. Silvia and Yul helped me with a few things and even suggested ideas to make it even perfect.

Meanwhile, Law had been busy with Rufus — inciting jealousy from Fabian. The reason I secretly told Ramin and Charlotte to keep a close watch in the garden, just in case Rufus would wake up buried six feet under the ground. So far, though, Rufus was safe and had been humoring Law.

Thanks to that, I had more time to spare. Claude and Klaus would sometimes spar with Rufus to gain my son's affection as well. I heard Fabian also volunteered, but Law forbid him saying 'he would get hurt.' 

Sam, on the other hand, was too busy with the matters of the empire and his business in the south. Although he would spring up out of nowhere, having Silvia and Yul on my side lessened the scare I got. 

There were also some matters I settled with the local noble ladies, but Bey helped me. My life was all perfect and our estate was livelier than it ever become. Adam also said he would attend — he was the person who offered the venue for my son's birthday owned by the Crowell. Jaime Malum also approved of this; he only did because he knew about Sam, though.

"I'm nervous," I voiced out with mixed emotions, staring in the mirror after Bey helped me doll up. "I hope everyone will like this banquet."

"With Madam's effort, I'm certain everyone will appreciate this event," Bey reassured as she stood not far away from me. I turned around and scrutinized her. She was beautiful, and I couldn't help but smile brighter.

"You look lovely, Bey." She blushed and lowered her head at my compliment. "You should always keep your chin up, Bey."

I walked towards her and stopped a step away. I held her hand and gazed up, smiling subtly. Bey had been a great help to me more than I helped her. She might think otherwise, but the comfort she had in this manor was nothing compared to her efforts.

"Yes, Madam," came out a weak reply. Bey was always the shy lady who blushes too often after one simple compliment. Gosh... I was surrounded by good people and the more I thought about it, the more I appreciated it. 

KNOCK KNOCK!

I shifted my eyes towards the door and saw it open, revealing a dashing man in a grey formal suit. The side of his hair was neatly tucked back while the rest was kept loose, but not in complete disarray. We agreed to wear lighter colors for a friendlier look, but Sam's choice of clothes looked a bit gloomy. But well, his face made up for that. Whoever helped him surely did a great job, as Sam looked more refined while maintaining his arrogant aura. 

"Well, look at that," he said, examining me from head to toe with a smirk. "Whose wife is this gorgeous lady? Can I marry you?"

Sam spread his arms wide as he strutted towards me, making me roll my eyes. I knew if he came too close, all these clothes would end up on the floor.

I planted my palm on his chest to stop him. "You look gorgeous, but we have a banquet to host." My brow rose as I smiled, giving him a knowing look.

A frown instantly dominated his face. "I know... I just wanted a kiss."

"Bey is still here." I glanced at Bey and she already had her head hung low. Her ears were red, and I knew she wasn't still used to my husband's shamelessness to show his affection even with many eyes around.

"Oh, come on, Bey! You should get used to it by now!" Sam complained while I chuckled as Bey raised her head, showing her red face. "You're looking at a happily married couple, so it should be fine!"

"Ma — master... how can I..."

"If you don't get used to it, my wife will always keep herself modest in the eyes of the public when, in fact, she --"

"Sam." The side of my lips stretched into a smile until my eyes squinted. "When, in fact, what?"

He pressed his lips together and laughed awkwardly. "When, in fact, that is true."

"Sam, you play too much." I slapped his chest and clicked my tongue. "We should go. We can't let everyone wait."

"Sure, my love." Sam nodded and offered his arm to me. "Shall we?" 

"Yes." My smile reached my eyes this time as I hooked my arms around his. We headed out with Bey following behind us and soon reached the mansion's foyer.

  The first people I saw were Claude and Klaus talking, or rather, they seemed they were arguing. Silvia and Yul were also there, but they weren't talking as they watched Claude and Klaus. Rufus stood next to Law, while Fabian was standing behind them. 

"Lilou!" Kristina, who arrived the next day Rufus arrived, waved her hand. She was already in a beautiful dress. Even though her hair was surprisingly short, Kristina looked stunning. She would make men and ladies fall for her. 

When Kristina called me, every one of them turned their head in our direction. Sam and I walked down the stairs carefully until we reached them. My smile grew brighter, scanning the smiles on their faces.

'It's been a while since we all gathered like this.' I thought as I squeezed Sam's arm. 'I hope they will also enjoy it because this party was not just for Law. This was also a celebration of the end of my slumber, our reunion, and to all the merits they achieved throughout these five years.'

"You look dazzling!" Kristina expressed, gazing at everyone as they nodded in agreement.

"Goodness. You flatter me. You all look dashing and stunning," I replied in all honesty, and Kristina laughed loudly as if she was taunting someone. My gaze followed where she was looking and caught Charlotte among the maids. 

I bit my tongue, seeing the murderous intent in Charlotte's eyes. I invited Charlotte, but Sam told her not to attend. Ramin as well. That was because they were workers in the estate and it would incite favoritism and raise suspicion. Bey was a different case, though. So those two right and left hands of the emperor will attend as servants. I felt bad for them.

I shrugged that off as I gazed down at Law. "My son, come here." I offered my hand.

Law jogged towards me and held my hand, smiling brightly at me. "Mother."

"Happy birthday, my son," I greeted in a soft voice, and his cheek turned pinkish. He was so adorable.

I looked up at everyone, keeping my smile. "Sam and I might become busy later, so I want to tell you I am so glad that you all came. I hope you enjoy this night."

"My wife had put her heart and soul in this banquet. Don't you dare complain," Sam backed me up, but his latter remarks were really unnecessary.

"We're already glad that we're invited to this auspicious occasion," Claude voiced out and everyone nodded. I looked at them for a moment with a light smile.

"Then shall we head to the venue?"