The Duke's Passion

"Noah!"

Noah smiled at me politely as he stopped several steps away from us. He glanced at Sam and beckoned a neck bow before glancing at Jaime Malum. The latter hung his head low, knowing Noah was a duke as well. Even though Silvia, Claude, Klaus, and Yul were popular across the empire, Noah and Cameron were also known for their contribution to the continent. 

"The Count Malum and the Earl invited me to this celebration, so if you do not mind," he explained, knowing it was just a facade since it would be too obvious if these people would attend a commoner's banquet.

I greeted Noah back before I gazed at Jaime Malum and smiled. "Count, how can I thank you for bringing such an important person to our son's banquet?"

"Madam Roux, it is really nothing," Jaime replied, lying through the skin of his teeth. "His Grace is a guest of the south, and I thought he would enjoy tonight's banquet."

Poor Jaime, I thought. Sam used him as the shield on how this banquet became this grand. Through shared business and interest, everyone knew that the Count and Sam had formed a good relationship. Hence, with his attendance in this place, it would only make sense.

"Since I am very interested in Madam Roux's choice of flowers, is it alright to have a private talk with her?" Noah inquired, setting his eyes towards Sam. "As you can see, I've been very fond of flowers and tonight's event was filled with flowers I had never seen in the capital and Whistlebird."

"How dare I refuse, Your Grace? However, that decision is for my wife to make." Sam smiled politely. Unlike the hostility he had at Claude, Sam sounded approving. Well, this man was Noah, and we both trusted him with all our hearts.

"I see. Madam, will you spare me a moment of your time? I would also like to introduce you to my friend Marquess Cameron."

I bit my lower lip to suppress myself from laughing. "It's my honor, Your Grace."

"Then, we'll excuse ourselves first, Count, Sir Roux." I glanced back at Sam and he waved lightly before I followed Noah. 

******

Samael stared at Lilou's back as she followed Noah. The side of his eyes squinted, sensing the excitement in Lilou's eyes when she heard about Cameron. They were her kin, after all. And surely, she had a lot to talk about with them.

Jaime Malum gulped, taking little steps next to Samael so others won't hear him. "Your Majesty, about the border..."

"Count, can't you see I am indulging at the sight of my wife's happiness?" he questioned, peeling his eyes away when Lilou was out of his sight to Jaime. "While you are beating yourself whether or not you think this information is valuable, Noah already told me about it. You are so vicious and yet, you are too afraid to die, Count. Are you dumb?"

"Your Majesty, please forgive me," came out a muffled apology. Samael killed people who dared waste his precious time. Hence, Jaime Malum started questioning himself if these sorts of things would be worth the emperor's time. 

"Count, loosen up, will you?" Samael quirked a brow for a second before glancing at the guest around the hall. "People are looking and it will look strange if the vicious Jaime Malum keeps looking down. They might think you want to rot underneath."

Jaime's back instantly stiffened as he gazed ahead, wide-eyed. "Ye — ye — yes..."

"Damn," Samael cursed under his breath as it seemed no matter what he would say, Jaime wouldn't recover so easily. Suddenly, he raised a brow when Baroness Talia Fletcher approached them.

"Greetings to you Count Malum." She curtsied modestly before greeting Samael. "Greetings, Sir Roux."

"I am pleased to see you here, Baroness." The smile on Samael's face didn't reach his eyes, sensing that this woman had planned something. 

"I am honored that I am invited to the young master's banquet, Sir Roux." She kept her demeanor amiable and gentle, catching a lot of nobleman's attention. Well, Lady Talia was beautiful and elegant, after all. Just not in Samael's eyes. 

"I know this is not the right time, but..." she trailed off when someone joined them, making her eyes shift on him. 

"Uncle, have you seen..." Claude paused as he glanced at Lady Talia. The side of his lips curled up into a charming smirk, adding a different allure to his youthful appearance. 

"My. What a beautiful lady, Uncle." He pointed out, noticing Lady Talia blush with the attention of this bewitching man. "I didn't know you talk to women now aside from your wife."

Samael narrowed his eyes, getting the gist of Claude's insinuation. "Lady Talia, let me introduce you to my nephew. This is Lucas. Just like I am, he also had many... business — mainly, in the north and east. Lucas, this is Lady Talia. She had helped me a lot in establishing my businesses in Minowa. Now, even the Count acknowledged our business' vision."

"Oh?" Claude raised his brows, rocking his head in awe while staring at Lady Talia. "So beautiful and yet so capable."

He took a step forward and offered Lady Talia a hand. "Will you allow me to greet you, my lady?"

Lady Talia smiled and cleared her throat, keeping her composure despite the attention she was getting from Claude. She smiled and clasped his hand, watching him kiss the back of it while keeping his eyes on her. 

"It's an honor to meet such a beautiful flower like you, Lady Talia," he expressed with eyes glinting with interest. He squeezed her hand slightly before releasing it.

"You flatter me, Sir Lucas." Her kind smile remained, glancing at Samael, then back to Claude. Although the latter was younger, he was surely charming and undoubtedly appealing. She knew the meaning behind his eyes and she was willing to bask in the attention this youth was giving her.

"Lady Talia, this might be too soon, but I am mustering my courage to ask you for a dance." Claude smiled, bending down a little, waiting for her to take his hand.

"How dare I refuse such an invitation?" Lady Talia chuckled, taking Claude's hand, and the latter guided her with him. As they walked away, Claude glanced at Samael as if telling him he owed him one. 

"Such a brat," Samael muttered while watching the two leave. He then tilted his head closer to Jaime Malum, who kept his silence.

"I'm sure you already know who that person is, Count." Jaime gulped upon hearing Samael's voice. Of course, he already guessed who that Lucas was! If Samael was the emperor, and that guy called him uncle, it was obvious that young man was none other than the cruel Earl of Monarey!

'Just how many more important individuals are here in this place?!' Jaime panicked, realizing that Noah and Cameron weren't the only important guest in this event. 'I can't offend anyone in here or I might find myself and my House ruined.'

His thought stopped and his mind when blank went, Samael spoke in a quiet voice. Still, he heard him loud and clear.

"Count, if I were you, think of a good story just in case the Baroness goes missing."