The Duke's Passion

That night of the banquet, Law went missing for a little while. Sam and I panicked when we realized our son was missing, only to find him with Glory in the garden, chatting. The relief that swelled up in my heart when we found him was something I never felt before — so was the panic when I thought he was abducted. 

After that, the party proceeded and ended in peace. Sadly, that same night, the guests in our house had to leave. With the attacks on Grimsbanne and La Lona March, Silvia and Yulis had to rush back. Meanwhile, Claude and Klaus stayed behind as they had to do the planning with Sam and Rufus. 

"Take care," I said, standing outside the mansion to send my husband, Klaus, Claude, and Rufus off. "We will wait for you."

Sam pressed his lips as its corners stretched into a smile, cupping my jaw. "I'll return as soon as possible," he said before gazing down at Law, who was standing beside me. Sam squatted down in front of our son, planting his palm on his head.

"Take care of your mother while I was away, alright?"

"Father, you sound like you're going to war when you're just going to settle your business in the capital." Law frowned while I sighed and smiled weakly. We hadn't told him everything, and I felt bad that we always kept him in the dark.

"My son, my business is like a war as well!" Sam gasped in dismay, puffing his cheeks. "Just take care of your mother while I'm away. If you need anything, just call my name and I will come instantly."

"Tch. I will take care of Mother." Obviously, Law was displeased with his father again, but he still nodded. "Don't worry about mother. All you need to do is... return here."

Law looked away while Sam smiled gently. My eyes softened at the two, watching Sam ruffle our son's hair lovingly.

"Don't miss me too much. Your father will return as soon as possible," Sam asserted, but Law only cast him a side-eye. "I'll leave you in charge."

Sam then slowly stood up and set his eyes back on me. He brushed my cheek with the back of his fingers before pinching it lightly. 

"You too, don't sulk. But miss me, alright?" the side of his lips stretched teasingly, making me roll my eyes. "Take care while I'm away."

"You're the one who should take care," I replied helplessly. It wasn't me and Law who were going to war, but him. The thought of it made my eyes swelter.

"Come on, love." Sam cupped my face worriedly and lowered his head. A helpless smile resurfaced on his countenance as his eyes stared straight into my eyes. I didn't know how long he would be gone. It could be weeks, months, or years. Just when I awoke, my husband had to go away, and it was saddening.

"Please, don't cry. It'll be hard for me to go if you do."

I suppressed the tears that were tempting to escape my eyes, but a drop still leaked. "I will miss you."

"My wife..." he let out a deep exhale, pulling me into the safety of his embrace. "I will come back earlier than you expect, hmm? I promise I'll be back before you know it."

"Mhmm!" I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his embrace. I would miss this, I would miss him. "Don't worry about the south. I will take care of it."

"Mhm..."

We hugged each other before Law tugged his father's coat. We gazed down and chuckled. Sam carried him and Law didn't complain. The three of us embraced each other for as long as we could, cherishing this last moment of us until Sam returned to us.

"Sir Roux."

After some time, Ramin approached us and smiled at us. The three of us glanced at him, making us all sigh, as that only meant it was time for Sam to go. 

"Father, why are you taking the stable boy with you?" asked Law as he gazed at Ramin before setting it back to Sam. "You always take him with you more than you take Mister Fabian."

Law pointed his thumb back to where Fabian stood. Sam and I chuckled as he shrugged, pinching Law's cheek lightly.

"I need someone who will take care of the horses. Fabian's patience is too short for that," he explained as he withdrew his hand before putting him down. Sam stayed squatted, just staring at Law for a very long time. He said nothing further as he stood up and smiled at me. 

"I'll go now," he said, and I nodded, closed-lipped. My eyes veered to the other people not far away from us, waiting for Sam to enter his carriage. 

"Take care, you three." I smiled at Claude, Klaus, and Rufus. They only smiled back and nodded. With that, I shifted my eyes back to Sam and nodded encouragingly.

Reluctance filled his eyes as he turned his head back, motioning his hand as a gesture they would set off. Claude and Klaus entered their carriage while Rufus rode on his steed, Bella. Ramin was sitting beside the coachman. Kristina and Charlotte weren't here, but I knew they were already waiting for the emperor's carriage outside Minowa. 

I waved as Sam slid the curtain open as soon as he went inside the carriage. A forced smile on my face, gazing at Law, and saw him waving as well.

"Take care," I repeated, and he nodded. Shortly, the carriage ambled from us while Law and I stared at it in silence. As I stared at it going farther and farther, there was this slight emptiness in my heart.

"Mother." I gazed down when Law held my hand, smiling subtly. "It'll be fine. Don't be so sad, I am here."

"Mhm." I squeezed his hand lightly and smiled. My little boy was the sweetest, and I didn't regret staying behind with him. Surely, with Law's existence, Sam and I had to take a step back. It wasn't like before where the two of us schemed, but even so, my son was worth it.

"Let's go back inside now?" I beckoned and received a loud hum, making me chuckle as we headed inside the mansion while holding hands. Fabian followed behind us.

Little did I know, my perfect, peaceful life was about to shatter slowly and painfully.