The Duke's Passion

My day may have passed in a blur, but that was because my mind was preoccupied with the memories Sam and I built together. It brought me back to the day we first met; to the day he welcomed me home, and then to his proposal, to the time everything just felt right, until the present. 

"It's not that Sam lacked in telling me about what to expect, I just chose not to see it. The fairytale-like life and love blinded me. I failed to see the darker side that had existed for a long time." I asserted with a tone full of conviction. 

"Just like how I chose to only see the good side of you, Mister Fabian. I never thought you are more than what meets the eye," I added as I sported a subtle smile. "I can't change history nor do I have the luxury to sulk in this room. If you blame yourself, then, I am also one to blame."

"My lady, I feel relieved that you've matured." Fabian expressed bitterly with a sigh. "But, please, don't blame yourself."

"I'm not blaming myself. I'm merely saying, if you perceive it as your fault, then, I also have to shoulder the same burden," I replied, my tone unwavering, emboldened for everything that happened so far.

"Instead of blaming ourselves, shouldn't we think of a solution instead? I don't know what happened last night, that's why I called for you. You're the only one I can trust, Mister Fabian. So, please, I will appreciate it if you fill me in with the details."

Part of me was telling me my knowledge of this situation was not just the tip of the iceberg. I couldn't continue living in the dark, I needed some answers and clarity.

Mister Fabian nodded and murmured, "You've changed, my lady." before taking the seat across from me after my gestures.

"I had to, Mister Fabian," I replied, with a hint of bitterness in my voice. The situation had forced me to broaden my understanding and set aside my own feelings for now. 

"I'm glad to know you've picked yourself up faster," Fabian said before he started.

"Back in Cunningham, the day you are abducted, we found a dreadful discovery. We encountered an undead." Fabian explained. 

But I couldn't help but furrow my brows. "Undead?" I never heard of that.

"Unlike Vampires and Abnormals, Undeads are people who were resurrected from the dead. They don't feed on blood, what they devour is one's soul. At first, I assumed it was the king's doing, considering that you were abducted on the same day. But I was wrong." Fabian stared at me straight in the eyes as his eyes darkened as they glinted.

"It is most likely another force; someone who has a grudge against the royal family or wants to bring ruin in this kingdom. It is also the reason the king had been gathering the divine order."

"What are the Undead and how do they pose a threat to the vampires? Also, if they have a grudge against the royal family, why are they targeting Sam first and not the king?" I asked a series of questions as I didn't want to miss anything at this point.

Everything I would learn from now on was crucial information. For my own and my people's survival, I had to be mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared.

"As I've mentioned, the Undead devour souls. Unlike blood which gets restored by the miracles of our body, souls don't, apparently." Fabian paused as he took a deep breath. "To put it simply, if they devoured a vampire's soul, it's an instant kill."

I nodded in understanding as that made more sense. "Undead, huh?"

"As for your last question, the answer is simple. The biggest threat in this kingdom for the other forces is the Duke. So, in a strategic view, it is only natural to nip the biggest threat that can overthrow their plan."

"Oh." How did I forget when Yul praised Sam to heaven and mentioned the purity of Sam's blood. 

"The king had the ability of foresight. Therefore, it is not impossible that he had seen the future of this kingdom. Hence, he acted on his own accord, abducting you before the Undead could."

"If that's the case, why didn't he tell Sam beforehand? Why did he have to force Hell to come out? His claims now are less credible with everything he has done so far." I argued, as it was hard to see Stefan in a different light. "If he is someone we can trust, why did he have to sire me?"

Fabian's expression grew more solemn. "My lady, you know the duke more than anyone. Even if this kingdom will crumble down before him, he wouldn't bat an eye. However, since you are the first target, someone should force Hell out of him before it's too late. It can happen if you fall into the Undead's hands, but we all don't know if you can live for another day. Knowing this, the king had to pose himself as the villain to force Hell out while keeping you safe."

I remained silent, as I didn't expect such a twist. I had seen Stefan as the villain, my abductor, and the man who had made things difficult for me and Sam. Now, Fabian was telling me he was an ally all along?

Ridiculous, but I had to keep my mind open.

"The Duke had realized that when he shut off his emotions. It is hard to admit, but compared to the duke we'd been for months, Hell is sharper. Hence, he already knew that there would be a truce between him and the king." Fabian continued without beating around the bush. "I'm not saying we can trust the king, but they were our ally for now."

"For now," I stressed, and we both nodded in understanding, before I added and propped my temple against my knuckles. "But, why did the king have to save me before it's too late? He shouldn't care whether I fall into the undead's hands since the Hell they all want will come out, anyway. And even if I die, they will still join hands since they share a common enemy."

I mumbled as I pondered about it. The reply I was expecting didn't come, which made me raise my gaze back to Fabian.

"Mister Fabian?" I furrowed my brows upon seeing him purse his lips in a thin line. "Is there another reason?"

"I don't think I am in the position to explain it to you, my lady."

"Why?" I asked in puzzlement. "Is it personal?"

Fabian was the type of person who wouldn't hold back in giving me full details of what he knew. Unless it was something he deemed too personal or unnecessary.

"Yes," Fabian hung his head low, politely. "My apologies."

"It's fine," I replied, and nodded in understanding. "It doesn't matter to me, anyway."

"My lady," Fabian raised his head and face me once again. "As I've mentioned, the king is gathering the bearers of the Divine Order."

"Yes." I nodded as I recalled it, but forgot to inquire about its purpose. "What is it again?"

"The Bearers of the Divine Order were individuals who wield powerful weapons blessed by the Saintess Selena. The purpose of its creation was to keep evilness and destruction from befalling on the kingdom." Fabian explained which I understood immediately.

"I see. But why are you telling me this?" I cocked my head to the side before my eyes slowly widened upon realizing it.

Fabian nodded and said, "Lakresha is one of them, my lady."