The Duke's Passion

After an hour, Lena and Mildred came in and helped me get dressed not as the duchess of Grimsbanne, but as a member of the Divine Order. I was surprised at how prepared they were while Sam went out for some 'trivial' (his words) matters.

I glanced at Mildred, who was standing on the side, keeping herself silent while Lena tied my hair up. I didn't expect to see Mildred in here tonight, after what happened last night. Vampire genes were surely amazing, as they could recover from that overnight.

"Your highness, do you really have to join the Divine Order?" Lena inquired, pouting as she tied my hair. "I know the palace can be lonely, but it's much safer here."

The corner of my lips subtly hooked up. Lena's honesty was truly something else, but I felt sorry that I couldn't trust her completely as well. Although I didn't plan to harm her, as long as she didn't give me a reason, she'll be fine.

"Lena, do you have that little faith in me?" I frowned and glanced up to see her reflection in the mirror. "It's not like I'm joining the front line in a war. It's just a meeting."

"But, your highness, will you really be alright?" she asked worriedly, making me furrow my brows.

"Is there a reason I shouldn't?" Lena was a handwringer, but she wasn't particularly this worried. Now, it made me wonder where was her anxiousness coming from?

Lena only gazed down and shook her head dejectedly. This child… I knew she was hundred times older than me, but I could not help but think she was just a young girl.

"Don't worry," I said, turning around when she finished tying my hair. "My husband will be with me," but my reassurance seemed it didn't matter to her.

"Yes, your highness," she replied reluctantly, sporting a forced smile as she knew I wouldn't change my mind. I gazed at the door and cocked my head when I heard a knock and Fabian's voice.

"Your Grace, his grace asked me to fetch you," Fabian informed me after performing a bow. It had been a while since I've seen Fabian, so I felt relieved to see him back to his normal state again. 

"I will be done shortly," I replied as I stood up. Fabian nodded with his usual smile plastered on his face. I didn't look at myself in the mirror anymore, but only checked Lakresha around my neck.

When I raised my gaze, I saw Fabian glanced in Mildred's direction and noticed how the latter stiffened. If this was before, I wouldn't understand that subtle gesture, but after staying here, I got accustomed to things, especially those silent threats. Still, I feigned ignorance as I cleared my throat.

"Done!" I grinned as I dusted off my legs. "Shall we?" 

Fabian only smiled and bowed before he escorted me out. On our way, I glanced at Mildred and our eyes met. I didn't need words for her to understand my warning.

"Mister Fabian, have you cooled down now?" I asked, linking my hands behind me as I jogged closer to catch up to him.

He glanced back with a smile. "Yes, my lady. The gardening and the mountain of tasks left to me helped me to find inner peace."

"That's good, then." I nodded, gazing at his side profile. Although he seemed fine, I couldn't shrug my gut feeling that Fabian wasn't fully well, but I didn't want to pry. So, I followed him in silence until we arrived at the room where the gathering was being held.

Standing in front of the door, Fabian reached for the door handle but didn't open it as he gazed back at me. "My lady."

"Yes?" I raised my brows, forcing a smile as I tried to keep my racing heart at bay. Fabian just gazed at me, and the more we wait, the more my anxiety increased.

"Please, breathe, or you will suffocate." He advised, and I instinctively breathed out as I held my breath for far too long. "You don't have to be afraid, his grace and Sir Rufus will be inside with you."

"How about you?" I blurted out before biting my tongue. How could I forget? Fabian was a butler, although very capable! 

Fabian let out a chuckle, it was cold, chilled to the bone. My eyes dilated as I instinctively gazed down. 

"I will also be inside, Your Grace," he said, but it didn't feel reassuring. "Don't worry, it is just a simple gathering. We only discussed the important state of affairs, which always ends up without a proper conclusion. So, no pressure."

No pressure, but it sounded as if I should feel pressured. But instead of worrying, I mentally shook my head as I steeled my heart. Fabian waited for me to get a grip before he opened the door. 

The chatterings immediately died down as Fabian and I entered the room. My eyes did a quick scan around the baroque style large meeting room; there wasn't any notable to see, with shelves filled with books, maps laid in the of the long table, and some documents.

"Your grace." I nearly jumped when Rufus approached from my side. I was too focused on keeping my exterior calm that his sudden approach shocked me.

"Sir Rufus," I called as I faced him with a subtle smile. "How are you?" 

"I am alright," he answered, making my under eyes twitched. By his tone, he was definitely not alright! "His grace will arrive soon. He said you should feel comfortable, he is just dealing with impor — trivial matters and would soon come."

"We both know it's not trivial," I clicked his tongue and let out a deep sigh. 

Rufus smiled and beckoned, "You should take a seat, your grace. They will be here soon."

"They?" I arched my brow as we walked towards a certain seat. 

"His Grace and His Majesty," he answered, and I froze, and then he leaned in, whispering, "My lady, forgive me for I have to tell you this; hold your tongue once the meeting started."