The Duke's Passion

"Tsk. How come you and Fabian think alike?" Sam clicked his tongue, as if that was also Fabian's reason.

That's because we know you too well, my lord.

But I ignored it. I focused my mind on the topic.

"So, why did Mister Fabian didn't become a knight? Even if it didn't interest him, why did he choose to be a butler?" I asked, intrigued.

I didn't expect to hear such revelation about our butler. With how Fabian smiled politely, it was hard to see him in a different light.

Well, now that I thought about it, it was already hard to read Mister Fabian's thoughts. His smile never changed; whether he was digging a grave pit, stomping on a hand back to the grave, or serving me tea.

Fabian's smile were all the same! A sudden chill ran down my spine. 

Would he have the same smile if he slit my throat?

"You have such a wild imagination. I can even read your thoughts just by looking at you." Sam chuckled. He would've flicked my forehead if I were closer.

"Don't worry. Fabian is fond of you. Otherwise, he wouldn't intervene on our first night together." 

Sam reassured in a knowing tone.

"About your question, hmm… it's less bothersome."

"Less bothersome…?" I asked.

"Fabian used to have a temper. So, I advised him to play as a butler for a while to practice self-control. He sort of liked it since he is still a butler until now." Sam explained as he looked at the window once again.

"Honestly, it turned out to be good because Fabian somehow learned how to be human. He knows how to care about others and already knows fear. Despite that, he enjoys his life now."

He added. I remained silent as Sam's words registered in my head.

"Was he that really terrifying before?"

"Well, he was a piece of work. He took out Klaus' fangs before, that's why until now, Klaus still wants to kill him." 

"The fifth prince?"

"Mhmm."

Oh… that was the reason for their bad blood. No wonder Klaus' aura that time changed when he heard Fabian's name. 

"Was it an insult if a vampire lost their fangs?" I blurted out, intrigued.

"Insult?" Sam arched his brow as he shot his eyes at me. "Come here, my lady."

He then cocked his head to his side. I bit my lower lip and carefully sat beside him.

"A vampire's fangs are our life and pride. Normally, it never grows back. But, since Klaus is still alive and his fangs grew back, there's only one answer." 

Sam slowly faced me, leaning over, raising his finger up. He added; "The king."

"The king…?"

"Hmm!" Sam nodded, staring at me up close.

For reasons unknown, I drew away a little, creating distance. However, Sam instantly snaked his arms around my waist.

"Let's stay close, my bride." He smiled. His eyes squinting into a curved line. His smile stretching from ear to ear.

"Hehe." I instinctively placed my fist on his chest. "We're already too close, my lord."

"Are we?" Still bearing that smile, Sam pulled me closer, which made me look away.

"But I've tattled too much my throat hurts. Don't you think it's only proper to reward me for information?"

Why did he even got annoyed when Fabian and I thought alike? He just wouldn't tell me anything with nothing in return.

"My lord —"

Suddenly, Sam blew softly on my neck, making me all red in shock. Did he just…?

"Sam!" I gasped. My eyes widened. 

"Haha. Tickles?" He chuckled, pleased to see me flustered.

I pressed my lips together, suppressing myself from erupting. He knew I'm sensitive, and how easily I give in to him.

"How about we go back and we just stay on the bed?" He offered, feigning innocence with that generous smile plastered on his face.

Since when did he learn to smile like Fabian? Although Sam gave it a more mischievous feeling.

"Sam…" I frowned and sighed. "I was looking forward to this."

"Me too."

"You just suggested in going back!" I argued almost immediately, my face scrunched up at his lame lie.

"I think you've misheard me."

Shameless.

And that was how our brief journey to the town went. Sam kept teasing me, snuggling and feigning ignorance. While I've suffered from being attacked by his beautiful face and subtle yet sensual gestures.

**

When we arrived in the main town of Cunningham, I'm already exhausted. With dark gloomy air surrounding me, I gazed at the man behind me.

Unlike the exhausted me, Sam seemed refreshed as he instructed the coachman of the carriage where to wait for us. Even the air around him also seemed to sparkle.

'Hah… I should've asked Fabian to come.' I muttered helplessly as I retrieved my eyes away.

I blinked, moving my gaze from left to right. The main town of Cunningham, Knotley, was not alike Grimsbanne and Whistlebird. 

Grimsbanne had more fields, and the main towns were rather small and old. Whistlebird was more advanced with infrastructure and clothing. It was a rich land, after all. 

Grimsbanne, although small, it had suffered for many years with Rufus having limited power over the land. Not to mention the constant pressure from the nobles. Whistlebird, although rich, the air was too think and suffocating.

Meanwhile, Knotley, Cunningham, was a mixed of both. What was pleasant was what it gave off. One could breathe in peace as the people passing us by bore carefree smiles. Although, there were fewer people around.

"What a peaceful plaza." I whispered as the corner of my lips tilted into a smile.

"It's been a while since I've been here. This place surely changed." Pleased, Sam nodded in agreement. "Cameron did a good job."

I chuckled. "Lord Cameron might appear young, but he is really capable."

If I put aside their nature of being a cult. That was Cameron's only flaw. Still, I felt proud for some reason.

"Since the people around here only know your name, we will be fine." Sam smiled, offering his hand for me to grasp.

I read this type of scenario in the novels I've read. The scenario when both leading characters went to a date. I could not believe I'd be experiencing it as well.

Slowly, I reached for his hand and wrapped my fingers around him. 

"Is this alright?" I wondered. "Holding hands in public?"

Sam smirked suggestively. "We can do it privately, if you want."

The smile on my face instantly died down. Yet my reaction made him chuckle as he straightened his back and looked somewhere else.

"Although this place surely changed, there are things that haven't. I know some good place." Again, he cocked his head to me and smiled, feigning innocence.

For some reason, I could not help but doubt the 'good' places he was talking about. 

"Shall we?" He suggested, receiving no response from me. 

"My lord, I don't feel good about this entire good place you're talking about." I murmured as he escorted me to a dark alley.