The Duke's Passion

'I guess things are bad,' I thought, stopping when my husband reached us. When Sam stood at arm's length, the bloodlust in his eyes completely dissipated, replaced with a smile. 

"My son, can I borrow your mother?" he asked, gazing at Law. "You already danced two consecutive songs with her. The third dance shall be mine, don't you think?"

Law gazed at his father, reluctance flickering across his eyes before looking back at me. He let out a shallow breath before nodding.

"Sure." I chortled at how he looked as though he actually didn't want to. I put him down, squatting in front of him while holding his little hand. 

"You'll always be my number one," I comforted, squeezing his hand so he wouldn't think that Sam was snatching me away. It worked as Law smiled and nodded. 

"Thank you, my son," Sam expressed as he stood next to me, smiling at my son. 

"Just one dance." Law huffed before he turned around and walked away. Sam and I watched him as he returned to his seat, making me let out a helpless sigh.

"My wife, can I have this dance?" I snapped my eyes, shifting them to the palm in front of me, then slowly up to meet the pair of crimson eyes looking back at me. 

My lips stretched into a smile, placing my hand on his. "How dare I refuse an invitation from my love?" He grinned at my reply, wrapping his fingers around my hand as he pulled me closer.

Sam carefully wrapped his arm around my waist, holding my other hand up to the side, eyes on me. As we slow dance to the music, I knew a sinister grin was hidden behind his smile. No matter how my husband concealed it, I knew him more than anyone.

"Sam, my love," I whispered, resting the side of my head on his firm chest. "Is it that bad?"

"Mhm. It's terrible."

My eyes softened, already knew it even before he could open his mouth. "Will you set off earlier than planned?"

"Mhm." Sam pulled my waist closer, resting his chin on top of my head. "I'm sorry, Lilou. It seems Quentin and Stefan joined hands and they were marching their way to the east and west. I had to go back to the Capital to make sure the people wouldn't panic."

For reasons unknown, this didn't surprise me anymore. I knew, deep down, something like this would happen, as the problem with those two wasn't dealt with in the past.

"Will you lead the war?" I asked.

"Rufus and Klaus will. I had to stay behind because I'm no longer a duke."

"I see... I understand," I whispered, and we stayed silent for a moment. "I will protect Law and the South. Just return to us in one piece just in case you had to fight them yourself."

"Mhm." Again, silence enveloped the two of us until Sam called my name gently. 

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry," he apologized once again, but I shook my head lightly. "I will leave you and Fabian in charge of the south, Lilou..."

My brows furrowed as I drew my head back, looking up at him with confusion in my eyes. "What did you say?" I asked, referring to the inaudible whisper at the end of his sentence.

Sam smiled, cupping my jaw while stroking my cheek with his thumb. "I'm sorry."

"Sam..."

"Will you do it for me?" he asked, raising his brows while staring into my eyes. "Take care of the south while I was away."

I didn't reply immediately as the answer was already obvious. Still, I could not help but look at him and appreciate the trust he was giving me.

"Yes," I answered, holding his hand that was cupping my cheek. "I already told you. I will protect Law and the South with everything I can."

Sam and I stared at each other, exchanging a gentle smile. I wasn't thrilled, nor I was sad about this. If anything, I knew these things would happen eventually because... we had duties as the rulers of this land. We do not protect just ourselves, but also our people, the land we all call home, and the future this empire was trying to give the children.

"Thank you, my love."

******

Meanwhile, Law watched his mother and father dance. The way they smiled at each other slightly touched his heart, thankful that they were his parents. Although he was always annoyed at his father, Law didn't really abhor him. It was just his habit to go against him because… it was fun.

Surely, Law took after his father. He inherited Samael's crazy meaning of fun. But overall, he always found himself thankful for them. A child could never choose their parents, and he had seen a lot of children, who were pressured by their parent's standards and expectations. 

Law didn't have to go through such things because Samael gave him the freedom to choose whatever path he wanted. And Lilou's presence and love made him want to be a better person once he grew up. 

"Maybe I should give Father my mother's second dance since I am her number one already," he murmured, nodding approvingly, as he shouldn't be too greedy for his mother's affection. "Next time, then."

He peeled his eyes away from his parents, catching someone in the crowd who was walking away. Law furrowed his brows as that person somehow made him want to follow him. Before he knew it, he already hopped out of his seat and followed the person outside the banquet.

Law went to the garden, searching for the person who caught his eyes. He, too, didn't understand why he was following such a person. Shortly after walking into the garden, he reached the greenhouse.

He looked around.  It was dark, and the only source of light was the moonlight filtering through the glass roof. 

"Hello there, child."

Suddenly, a voice from ahead caught his attention. Law slowly set his eyes on the man, watching him slink out of the shadows. Out of instinct, Law took a step back.

"Who are you?" he cautioned, scrutinizing the man and noticing his argent turfs. The man took a step forward, producing a soft sound until he stopped at the light.

"Forgive my lack of manners." The corner of his lips stretched broader, revealing his fangs as he gazed down at Law. "Let me introduce myself. I am your Uncle who cares about you a lot."

"Uncle?"

He nodded, closed-lipped.. "Uncle Stefan."