The Duke's Passion

No one was born evil. I understood that fact back in the palace years ago. At first, I thought the La Crox were royals who only indulged in violence. But I was wrong. The more I got to know them, the more my heart ached for them. 

They weren't born evil, but they were raised to be monsters who shall slay anyone who stood in their way. They were taught not to trust each other, even when they were siblings. Instead, they were taught to see each other as competition. 

For what? 

For Power.

Dominance. 

Authority. 

I couldn't truly blame Stefan, Hanz, Alphonse, and Alistair for what they had done. I wasn't saying they were hundred percent innocent, but they were also victims of power and greed. What they had done was unforgivable and even if their reasons were good, their methods were wrong. 

Of course, the La Crox's wasn't the only ones who lead this kind of life. I was certain there were other people: royals and nobles, who had to follow this strict rule. That was the reason Sam didn't want to restrict our son, letting him live and have his own identity. 

Although Law could be a little spoiled — a little too spoiled, he was a wonderful child, overall. We weren't perfect parents, but we were doing our best to lead him into a better path. 

That was why I understood Acheron because I now had a son. As I said, I didn't understand the complete story of Acheron and Zero, but I sort of got the gist of their story. Acheron, although strong, wouldn't stand a chance against a pureblood. I heard the Moriarty was just as strong as the La Crox, so even if he rebelled to save a pitiful prince, they would just lose both their lives. 

As a parent, I was certain Acheron just did what he thought best for Zero at that time. But... the latter had grown into a vicious man. Following him and his orders were not his way to change the young prince, now king. It was his act of atonement since Acheron must've known this was the only thing he could do. Or he felt responsible for what Zero had become.

There was no going back. That was the life of pureblood and royalty. 

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" 

Suddenly, Fabian landed beside me as I walked back in the direction of the battle. Acheron and I fought at a respectful distance and I only realized that after our battle. 

"Did you finish Maxine?" I asked, without looking away at the battle ahead. 

"Yes." 

I nodded before glancing at him. "You look sad, Fabi." Pointing out what was not obvious on the surface. 

"I am not. More like I am wondering. " He looked ahead, taking our precious time as our people were battling fiercely, leaving me in awe as they looked at each other's back. 

"About?"

"Wondering about if there is a better resolution than a war."

I stopped upon hearing his remarks, pivoting on my heel to face him. "What?" 

"You looked surprised, Your Majesty."

"Obviously. A peaceful resolution in this is the least I expect from you." I raised my brows and shrugged. Could he blame me? Fabian was never the type to change his mind in this situation. Even though I slightly wavered after ending Acheron, I steeled my heart. Because if I wavered, it would risk everyone's lives. 

"Did Maxine somehow change your mind?" I asked cautiously.

Fabian let out a shallow breath as he resumed his stride. "No. Her reason to fight is complicated but somehow understandable. She loved the previous emperor, that even when she sees things clearly, it was already too late for her to change her heart."

I nodded, listening to him while I walked beside him. Battling Acheron was tiring, so I needed a quick break before helping those fools who were shouting they were handsome. 

"Acheron's reasoning isn't that complicated, but it's deep," I added meekly.

"I respect their reasons, however ridiculous it is. The reason I was wondering about a better resolution is that those they sent here fought with their lives and heart. Although I think her reasoning is foolish, I respect her candidness." Fabian paused as I somehow guessed his point. "But those who sent them... don't shred the slightest respect to those people. They were nothing but pawns and even after death, they would use them."

"It makes my blood boil, Your Majesty," he added, making me glance at Fabian. His expression remained aloof, but I could feel this dangerous aura exuding from within him. 

"Fabian, didn't you say you were wondering about a peaceful resolution in this situation? Your aura tells me otherwise."

Fabian cast me a side-eye. "Your Majesty, I said I was thinking of a better resolution, not peaceful. An efficient way to end Zero and Stefan — if he is also here."

"If we're not short in hand, I will ask you to find them." I nodded as I told Catharsis to return to its earring form, hooking it in my ear. "Apparently, if you go now, we don't know when they will appear. Would they appear together? Or just one? Don't forget that those four are not just the only capable people they had. Lena, Luther, Mortas, and many more."

"If I didn't save the half of the people in Minowa, we can just flee on our own. But, I can't turn my back on them now," I added, shifting Lakresha to be a thin sword. "They were my people, Fabian. I hadn't done my duties as an empress, but as a knight, I want to adhere to my oath."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

I glanced at Fabian but said nothing. In a beat, we both dashed forward, since it would be dangerous for our people if they get even more overwhelmed by the rebels. 

******

CLANG!

Glory blocked the attack that was coming at the knight from three people at once. The slightly rattled man gazed at him, almost relieved when he saw Glory offered his hand to help him up. 

"Glo!" 

Suddenly, from a distance, Omar yelled as someone was trying to attack Glory from behind. However, he couldn't go and save him since he was battling three rebels at the same time as well. Omar ground his teeth, blocking the three swords before glancing in Glory's direction again.

To his relief, who he saw was someone that fueled their desire to fight. Lilou. 

Lilou didn't wield her sword. Instead, she just planted her hand on the rebel's shoulder as if he was her friend. 

"Hey, a sneak attack is smart, but how can you all try to hurt these handsome gentlemen?" She cocked her head to the side before glancing at Glory and smiling. "What will you do if you hurt their handsome faces?"