The Duke's Passion

We only encountered a few knights, which Fabian got rid of easily. I was almost in awe of his skills, but the situation didn't allow me to. 

"It's been a while, Your Grace. Our people had made a route for you." Noah uttered as soon as we met with him at the gates of the east wing. 

"It has been, Noah. What a surprise that you're also part of this." I pursed my lips, recalling the time I spent in Whistlebird in the past. Although I barely saw him from afar, I was acquainted with his father, Anton, and brother, Arthur — they're dead now. Good for them.

"How is the situation inside?" asked Noah to Fabian, and the latter cast me a glance. 

"His Grace will meet us at the border." Fabian kept his answer short. "About the situation outside?"

"Apparently, the awakening had begun as well. It will be more troublesome if you don't reach the border until its completion. The king can just send them to you to bring Her Grace back as their first mission." 

"I see." Fabian nodded as if this information didn't surprise him at all. He turned and faced me, his expression solemn.

"We should hasten, my lady," he said, gesturing me to ride on the steed Noah prepared for us.

I stared at him momentarily before looking back at the palace. There was fire and thick smoke ascended the dark sky, making me more worried about my husband. 

"I don't want to go…" I whispered through my gritted teeth, feeling more reluctant to go knowing my husband was still out there, fighting. "… why do you have to do this to me?"

My voice shook as I kept the rage in my heart at bay. I already agreed, but it was just hard to proceed with all these worries in my heart. Not to mention, we got out so easily — as if Stefan purposely wanted me to go.

"Your Grace, please trust us in this." Fabian stayed adamant and looked at me straight in the eye. 

"I already did, Fabian, that's why I am here. However, my husband… is out there fighting. Even if he is strong, how can he fight his enemies alone?"

"Rufus will assist him out of this."

A shallow scoff slipped past my lips, finding it hilarious how powerless my words were. I could fight my way back and be stubborn, but part of me wanted to trust them. That, I should put all my trust in them and ignore my gut feeling.

"My lady." Fabian took a deep breath, holding the steed's reins, and guided it to my standpoint. He reached for my hand to hold on to the rein.

"His Grace doesn't gamble if he knows he will lose." He asserted, squeezing my hand to grip the reins. "Stake your bets on us, please."

There was a touch of desperation in Fabian's words, making me waver once again. I hate to do this, but I had to trust them. That's right. I knew Sam very well and he wouldn't do something this big if he wasn't prepared.

"I will throw all your gardening equipments once this is over, Fabian." I pulled the reins from him, walking towards the horse, and mounted it. 

"Thank you, my lady." Fabian smiled and heaved a sigh of relief. He then jogged to the other steed, and we galloped our way to the east.

******

"Captain, what should we do?" asked Ramin, dropping a severed arm of the undead who attacked him. "It seems there's no end to…" he trailed off when an undead whom he assumed dead lurched at him, but was shot down by an arrow in his head.

"Nice cover, Charlie!" Ramin gazed in a certain direction, raising a hand for a salute.

Rufus remained silent, standing mightily with his eyes scanning the waves of undead marching their way. This was one of the reasons he opposed this idea. The undead attacked just about everyone.

"The palace is the last place we want to protect." Rufus set his eyes towards Ramin, expression grim. "The awakening had begun. Those turned-ones will surely find something to fill their thirst as soon as their fangs grow. Take Charlotte with you and help the Remingtons and Kristina to evacuate the humans."

"How about you, Captain?"

Rufus took a deep breath as he turned his back against them. "I will stay here."

Ramin frowned as he fixed his eyes on Rufus' broad back. Although his captain's back looked so reliable, he could not help but hesitate.

"This is our duty, Ramin. To protect this land and its people — not the king or the La Crox. Regardless of our personal feelings, we are knights born to fight and die for this kingdom." Rufus uttered without looking back, gripping his sword.

"Protect as many people, be it vampires or humans. Those newly turned ones will act as abnormals unless they quench their thirst. So, seize them for now." Rufus continued as he looked at Ramin. "And as much as possible, avoid any confrontation with any of the La Crox or any people of the king… they had the third squadron on their list."

"Yes, sir!" Ramin clenched his teeth, his fist across his chest as he bowed. "I accept the captain's order."

Rufus nodded before he looked ahead, eyes glinting with killing intent. "Go."

As soon as Rufus ordered that, Ramin gestured in Charlotte's direction before leaping away from Rufus. Ramin gazed back at his captain, only to see another person appearing across from Rufus.

'Did he send us away because of that guy?' Ramin wondered but shook his head as he stared ahead, eyes glinting with resolve. 'Regardless if that is the reason, this is the duty of the Divine Orders. Protect the people of this land.' 

******

A wind blew past Rufus as his shoulder relaxed. His eyes remained on the person who just appeared out of nowhere. 

"Your highness, the seventh prince," Rufus greeted coldly. "You didn't come here to help me clean up these undeads?"

Dominique chuckled as he gazed at the remains scattered around the ground. "You had caused this mess, so why would I?"

"I see." Rufus sighed while nodding in understanding. "I guess talking is unnecessary at this point."

"Indeed," Dominique smirked, watching as Rufus lift his sword while he just spread his fingers, highlighting his long, sharp, claw-like nails.

They stared at each other and the air around thickened. After a beat, both of them bolted forward, adding a loud explosion of aura as the swords of the kings clashed.

**A/N: CHECK THE COMMENT SECTION FOR ARTWORKS