The Duke's Passion

Days later, I received a letter from Lady Hazel. It was an official invitation to Jaime Malum's birthday. I knew the purpose of this banquet and of why it was this grand despite the news about the increasing tension in the east and west. It was to calm the people of the south. 

It was smart of Jaime. Or shall I say, it was smart of Lady Hazel to use this chance to appease the worry of the masses.

"Mother?" I stopped writing the letter on my desk, turning my head to the door of my chambers. There, Law was standing by the door. A faint smile appeared on my face as soon as my eyes landed on him. 

"Can I sleep here tonight?" he asked, and I nodded, close-lipped. This had become his little habit since his father left, but he still asked every night he comes. 

"Of course," I said, watching him run towards the bed. "I'll just finish this letter and then join you."

"Yes, Mother!" 

I laughed faintly, seeing that Law was already pulling up the sheet to his lap. Honestly, the bed didn't feel empty without Sam because Law sleep on his spot. With a son waiting for me on the bed, I wrote a quick letter I would send back to Lady Hazel. 

Although I knew even if Lady Hazel wouldn't invite me, Jaime Malum would, out of courtesy. I didn't plan to come originally, but I sort of liked Lady Hazel. She might be a Malum, but she was a bit different. I didn't know her circumstance, but I wanted to get to know her more. 

So, I wrote the letter and kept it short but polite. I put little decorations on the parliament out of habit before sealing it. Once done, I smiled and looked back, only to see Law sleeping soundly. His back was facing me, letting me see his one foot was out of the sheet.

"My son," came out a whisper, assisting myself up as I trudged towards the bed. I perched on the edge of the mattress, eyes on this precious bundle of joy. Watching my son sleep made me feel so thankful regardless of everything.

Even though I had already come to terms with everything and quenched my violent urges, this child's existence still felt surreal. Whenever I looked at him, my heart warmed up and I knew I would go against the world for him. 

"Law," I whispered, brushing the stray strands away from his face. "Please grow up as a good person. Don't get sick and don't worry too much. Life is full of surprises, but I hope you will face them bravely. I know you will, but don't worry about your mother and father. Just live happily because that is just Mother wants for Law."

My weak smile remained, slipping under the sheet, and embraced my son. He was my source of strength and with him, I felt like everything would be alright.

"I love you, my son." I closed my eyes, breathing in and out as he was my calm. "Yesterday, today, and tomorrow."

******

When Lilou's breathing grew slower and her tensed body relaxed, Law's eyes slowly opened. His natural crimson eyes glowed in the dark, blinking with a dead expression. He slowly sat upright, making her hand drop to his lap. Lilou moaned and moved, but she didn't wake up.

Law turned his head to her and stared at her for a very long time. After a moment, he raised his hand to cup her cheek with his lips curling up into a smirk not fitting for a child. 

"Mhm," he hummed in a low tone, poking the tip of her nose with his finger lightly. "I hate you."

His eyes fell on her neck, staring at the pulsating vein under her skin. Law licked his lips but raised his eyes back to her face. He moved closer, bending over for a closer look. Pressing his lips together, his brows elevated.

"I hate you..." he repeated under his breath, batting his eyes leisurely. "... but killing you will be too easy for you and for that damn husband of yours, sweetheart."

A smirk dominated Law's face as he drew his head back, setting his eyes towards her desk. He carefully flung his legs out of the bed, marching towards Lilou's desk. When he sat down on the chair, he stretched his neck up to see documents on the side and some opened letters.

He picked up one opened letter, skimming through them in disinterest before picking up another one. He read all the letters and documents, thinking he would see something... helpful. But alas, everything Lilou was working on was simply all the duties as the lady of the house.

"She really embraced this boring life." Law glanced back at the bed, staring at the back of her head. "Well, that's surprising for someone who hates it. I don't believe it, though."

He leaned his back against the chair, staring at the window in silence. "She just likes it now because she hadn't had a taste of fun again. The thing that will make her blood boil in excitement, the thrill of watching someone's eyes dim with life, and..."

Law trailed off as he arched his brow. He slowly turned his head towards the door, smirking with a low chuckle. Outside this door was someone who was sensing something was wrong on this estate. He was correct, but he wouldn't find out about it until he let this little secret out. 

"I knew it," Law muttered, getting off the chair as he returned to the bed. He slipped under the sheet, facing Lilou with a bright smile. 

"I should've dealt with that butler first before everyone else. He is the most troublesome among everyone." He uttered those words while bearing a smile, leaning forward to kiss Lilou on the lips. "Goodnight, sweetheart. I'll come to see you and give your husband's head. Next time, it will be his actual head.. For sure."