The Duke's Passion

I kept thinking about Rufus' advice, especially with the air of hostility I felt in other's gazes. However, I didn't expect that advice to also apply to everyone. Once the king and Sam arrived, everyone had taken their respected seats, and the meeting had started. No one spoke aside from the person who was briefing us on what matters we should discuss tonight.

My eyes kept scanning everyone. There were a few people I knew or was familiar with, aside from Sam, the other familiar faces around the table were Stefan, Dominique, and Wendell the twelfth prince from the La Crox family; Lord Noah Remington was also present. Rufus and Fabian weren't seated, but they were present and stood in the corner, along with other knights.

The atmosphere felt more stifling and different, as if a new side of what's truly going on within the palace walls forced its existence on me. I couldn't think that this place was just a luxurious asylum anymore, but more than that. 

I glanced at Sam, who was beside me. He looked bored, as always. He was the only person who couldn't sit still. It didn't seem he was even listening, but who am I to talk. I could barely understand their arguments. 

"If that is settled, let's hear Lord Samael's reports regarding the case of the Undead in Mithava," Stefan spoke and gestured his hand in Sam's direction. Naturally, everyone's attention would shift to my husband.

Sam arched his brow before he slowly leaned forward, resting his arms on the edge of the table. No one talked as we waited for what he had to say, while the person in question languidly drew circles on the table with his finger.

What was he doing? I wondered. Everyone was waiting for him to talk. I glanced at the people around the table, and it somehow made me proud. Although they all seemed hostile and distant towards Sam, I could see in their eyes that Sam's words were highly valued.

'Come to think of it, when Sam announced about our engagement, he carried himself with dignity.' I reminded myself, as that memory etched in the back of my head. Whenever I recalled it, I even wondered if I wasn't mistaken at that time, as Sam had always acted carefree.

After a long, dreading silence, Sam's languid voice shattered it. "Mithava," he said as he slowly raised his gaze and scanned everyone, "I was thinking about it, but then it occurred to me I'm not obliged to tell others." A smirk turned up on the corner of his lips.

I'm not even surprised to hear that from him. That was typical of him, although there's a little side of me, hoping he'd seriously take part in this gathering. 

"I figured you'd say that," Stefan replied calmly. "That's why I sent everyone the reports given by Sir Rufus to them to review it. However, we should at least hear your opinion about the situation."

"You burned down Mithaya, leaving no evidence for others to investigate. We respect His Majesty's decision for entrusting this case to you and also out of respect. However, your actions until now…" One expressed their dismay, but I didn't want to hear the rest as they were all indirect slander towards my husband.

But did he say Sam burned down Mithaya? I pursed my lips in a thin line and glanced at Sam. Although it shouldn't be surprising, knowing my husband's character, there should be a reason. 

"You've been abusing the excuse of following His Majesty's orders, but at the same time, your extreme measures only slower our investigation," another one commented in a much calmer tone, but I could tell he disliked Sam. 

After that, one after another voice out their opinions, verbally attacking Sam. I remained silent and bit my tongue, having a feeling that keeping my silence was the best decision. Not just me, but Stefan kept silent as well. Meanwhile, their words didn't seem to faze him, as Sam's expression was dull.

"Enough," Stefan ordered when the tension in the air gradually grew heated. "Lord Samael is an important piece to solve this problem. His extreme measures are expected, but we can overlook them, as I'm certain he had reasons for that. I let you know about this matter not to chastise the Duke, but because I trust you and begged for your cooperation so we can send aid to His lordship in this matter."

My mouth nearly fell open as I stared at the king and his demeanor. He had always acted as a righteous man, but right now, he sounded more like a king. His words alone calmed the mood down as those who were complaining earlier only cleared their throat but said nothing further.

Stefan spoke again. "So, Lord Samael, will you share your opinion regarding the situation?" his eyes suddenly darkened as he added, "have they declared a war?" Stefan's tone was low and solemn, suspending the air momentarily.

A war? I froze as my heart dropped to my stomach. Was this case so serious it could lead to a war? I turned to Sam, holding my breath as his words could change everything from now on. Just how little did I know about the kingdom's current state of affairs?

Silence befell the entire room, but no one rushed Sam. He wouldn't be able to take his words back, that's why everyone just kept silent and patiently waited for some answers.

Sam hummed, breaking the silence as he leaned his back against the chair. "Here's what I think," he said, cocking his head as he traveled his eyes full of nonchalance around, "a war will be the least of your concern, as --" he was cut off and raised his gaze at the person who suddenly slammed his palm against the table.

"The least of our concern?! How is sending our people to their deaths, not our concern?!"

"Hold your tongue, Irvine, that is, if you value your pathetic life," Sam cautioned menacingly. "The biggest threat in this kingdom is not the ones eyeing to conquer this kingdom, but the one who desires its demise."

"What do you mean by that, Hell?" Stefan inquired with furrowed brows. Sam slowly shifted his gaze to Stefan after casting me a brief glance. He said, "It's not confirmed yet, but there's a high possibility and my gut feeling is saying that Alphonse, the second prince, is involved."

Silence. A dead silence befell the entire room as soon as he mentioned the second prince.