The Duke's Passion

After our little talk in the mansion's foyer, we all prompted to our carriage. Obviously, Sam, Law, and I rode in the same carriage. Ramin stood as our carriage's coachman just so he would have a reason to be there. Bey used a different carriage with Charlotte and a few maids that were tasked to watch over Law in the party. 

Claude and Klaus used their own carriage, saying the Earl of Monarey was only comfortable to use that. Silvia and Yul also shared the same ride. The more I thought about it, Silvia had been smiling a lot lately but she would only say she was happy at the peacefulness in the south. So I didn't think too much about it. 

Just like Yulis and Silvia, Rufus and Kristina shared the same carriage, although they weren't partners in the banquet. I was certain the two of them had to talk a lot about the internal and external affairs of the empire. Since Rufus had been spending most of his time with Law, he would use this opportunity to work on important matters.

"You look very happy." Sam snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked at him from across from me and then down at Law, who sat beside me.

"Of course. Everyone is here to celebrate our son's birthday." I placed my hand on Law's head as a subtle smile appeared on my lips. "I wish everyone will forget about their worries and loosen up a bit."

"Mother, I know this will be a fun night." Law grinned until his eyes squinted. He had become sweeter; probably it had something to do with spending less time with me.

"Your son is right. This will be a very fun night because you put your heart and soul into it." Sam nodded reassuringly, crossing his arms while leaning back. 

"I hope."

******

Meanwhile, in Silvia and Yulis' carriage. Silence reigned between the two of them as they sat across from each other. Yulis had his eyes on the window while she was just staring at him.

"You have said nothing to me since earlier." She broke the silence when she couldn't take it anymore. Yulis peeled his eyes away from the window and set them on her. 

"You already know you're beautiful."

"I know, but it will make me happy if it came from your lips." She frowned, glaring at him. After that night, the two of them agreed to try if the two of them could work. There wasn't much change in him since he was still less affectionate, but that was because they had been too comfortable with each other that the development of their relationship felt a little strange. 

Yulis cocked his head to the side. "Do you still need to be validated by others?"

"Gosh..." Silvia rolled her eyes, as that wasn't the case. "Just how hard it is for you to compliment me? I know I am beautiful, but even if the entire empire tells me I am, it will still feel different if it came from you."

"Why is it different?"

"Because..." she took a deep and huffed, looking away. "Never mind, then. You're abnormal with eye problems. That is why you can't say such things to people. That's right."

Silvia convinced herself why Yulis wouldn't compliment her. The latter, however, smirked playfully, hearing how she was insulting him just to convince herself.

"You look stunning, Silvia," she halted when Yulis praised her. She slowly set her eyes back to him, catching the gentle smile plastered on his face.

"When I saw you earlier, I had a hard time controlling myself from kissing you." He leaned back, patting the empty side of his seat. "And to think that a gorgeous lady only wants my compliment is more than flattering. Come. I want to see you up close."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, clearing her throat to suppress herself from smiling like a fool. She raised her hand to him and pretended his words did not move her at all.

"Help me," she requested, and he chuckled. Yulis clasped her hand and assisted her to change her seat. But just as she stood, Yulis suddenly yanked her to his lap, and she clutched his shoulder on instinct.

"Yul!" she intoned, with eyes dilating. But his eyes drooped dangerously as the side of his lips curled into a mischievous smirk. He glanced at the curtain and with a finger, he slid it open.

"Yul, what are you..." she trailed off, blinking at the road outside. Although it was dark and there weren't people outside, if anyone appeared, they would see them clearly.

"Does it bother you?" he asked, tilting his head back while waiting for her to look back at him. "If anyone sees, will that bother you?"

Silvia bit her lower lips before shaking her head. "Of course not."

"Then, that's settled. Sit here." His knuckles brushed her arm lightly while his other hand that was wrapped around her waist stilled her. "It's better this way, don't you think?"

"Yul..." Silvia lowered her head as she wanted to hide her flustered face. Ever since that night, Yulis does things that often catch her off guard. Her favorite among them was when he would sneak a kiss when no one was looking.

"You make me feel young again," she whispered, wrapping her arm around his neck and burying her face in them. "My heart will explode if you keep doing this."

"I should be the one who should be surprised. I expected you to be someone who will dominate me, not the other way around." He humored with a chuckle, raising a brow as he glanced at her. "But you still look cute when flustered. It makes me want to tease you more."

"I hate you," came out a muffled protest, but Yulis laughed even more. "Stop laughing, Yul. It's not funny."

"Alright, alright. You're so spoiled."

Silvia slowly drew her head back and stared into his pair of playful eyes. "I never thought I'll ever be this happy again, nor did it ever occur to me we'll look at each other this way. But you make me happy and make me love myself more."

"I love myself when I am with you, Yul," she added as the side of her lips curled up into a subtle smile. 

His brows rose as the smirk on his face subsided and was replaced by a faint smile. He cupped her cheek, caressing it with his thumb. 

"You will hate me, Silvia.." His smile remained as he lifted his head, claiming her lips and expressing his heart in their kiss.