The Duke's Passion

I always wished for Sam's arrival. But I'm glad he has yet to arrive.

Knowing how being sired to someone and experiencing it felt very different. It was a hundred times more dreading to act according to someone's will.

"Don't stray away from me. The flowers here, although beautiful, they are deadly." Stefan gazed at me as we arrived in the garden of Avolire Palace.

I pursed my lips, gazing back at him. It was amazing how fast his mood switched.

"Yes, Your Majesty," I said, withdrawing my hand from him as he loosened his grip.

The last thing I wanted was to feel was the superiority of his words on me. I'd rather balance my compliance and disobedience; giving what he wanted and keeping the last shred of what was mine.

I had to be careful of what and what not to give. Hence, I had to put on a lot of masks to survive in this place and be practical.

"Aren't you going to ask me anything?" He asked, cocking his head at me.

Why would I if I already knew about his intentions?

"How dare I? Your Majesty?" I replied coldly, staring at the red rose standing out as the moon shone upon it. 

"What's this? Treating me so coldly?" Stefan walked in front of me, tilting and lowering his head to meet my gaze. "I didn't know you'd be this obedient."

"Pfft—!" I bit my lower lip, covering my lips with the back of my hand. Suppressing my ridiculing laughter from slipping past my lips. 

Just as I thought. These people are ridiculously comical in their own way. Did he forget he sired me? He just pinned me against the wall to obey his orders moments ago. 

How was he surprised?

"Ahh… that's better." Stefan grinned as he pointed at me, nodding approvingly at my reaction.

"Your Majesty, don't you want me to obey you?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

"Hmmm. Depends." He hummed, rubbing his chin. "There's no thrill if you just obey me all the time. I like you because you're interesting, assertive, and smart."

"So, His Majesty likes someone who speaks their opinions boldly?" I raised a brow, smirking as I watched him take a few steps back.

"I like it like the second time," He replied, baffling me.

Stefan slowly turned around, trudging away. He stopped when there was a good distance between us and then he turned around to face me.

Silence.

The wind whispered in my ear as my hair flowed along with it. Under the soft moonlight, his ebony hair stood out. Half of his upper face hid under the silhouette of his hair, highlighting the smirk plastered on his lips.

My heart thumped loudly against my chest, sounding overly loud in my ears. I breathed in and out heavily as memories rushed inside me, filling in the missing part of my memory.

That night three months ago… that man… was him.

"Hah…" I scoffed in disbelief as I shuddered uncontrollably. "It's you…"

I clasped my skirt tightly. My eyes glinting with killing intent as my breath hitched. 

I could remember everything. From the time I went to the maze garden in the Crawford's residence, searching for Sam. To the time I met this man and succumbed to the illusion he was Sam. 

My breathing grew ragged, recalling and feeling everything vividly. I raised my hand to cover my lips with my palm, feeling sick to the point I wanted to throw up.

Now that I thought about it, Hanz's abilities felt similar to that night three months ago. That was the reason I recognized it was an illusion earlier.

"Oh, sweetheart. Why do you look so shocked? Didn't we enjoy ourselves?" Stefan humored, marching slowly towards me.

I wanted to take a step back, but my feet wouldn't move. Was this what he wanted to reminisce about? 

This sick bastard!

"It's still a shame that demon-like human Fabian interrupted us." He lifted his hand, reaching for the tip of my hair, and twirled it around his finger as he locked his gaze with me.

"You're too naugh… ty"

"Don't touch me!" I exclaimed through my gritted teeth, slapping his hand away from me. "Don't..."

I glared daggers at him as I ground my teeth, catching my hand that slapped his.

No wonder I had this strong urge not to go to the Capital yet. I remembered everything; even Lara's real intention. She was trying to undo the despicable thing Stefan had cast upon me.

But since Lara was already dead and only part of her lived in lakresha, her progress of healing was slow. I would've fallen deeper in this wicked ordeal and lose the entirety of my will if not for Lara's help.

'Still, it's not enough, Lara. His words still have power over me.' 

"Is this what they call shame?" Stefan chuckled, peering at me in awe. His eyes glinting in amusement as the corner of his lips stretched broader.

"It's disgust." I blurted out, due to overwhelming disdain. "But it is partially my fault to get tricked by you. I must have tainted you, Your Majesty."

I took a step back, turning my back on him. Staying with him for another second felt so suffocating. This was too much for me to handle for a day. I needed some time alone.

"A mere human squeezing herself in this world…" I halted upon hearing Stefan's words behind me. "… you baffled me, sweetheart. Do you even have any idea the real face of the man you've been dying to marry?"

I clenched on my skirt as my jaw tightened. It was funny; I thought. Those words uttered by him had left my lips long ago as well. 

I took a deep breath, breathing out through my gaped mouth. He could be more creative if his intention was to kill my spirit.

"A mere human?" I scoffed, barely setting aside the emotions overwhelming my heart.

Slowly, I turned around to face him. I smirked upon meeting his gaze.

"Your Majesty, I am not just a human," I stressed, not shying away from his gaze. "I am His human." I asserted before I turned around and walked away.

So get lost.