The Duke's Passion

I felt like a fool, crying in a public space and gathering some unwanted attention. But I didn't care — my husband didn't care as well. Instead, he pulled me into his embrace and patted my back until I stopped bawling my eyes, albeit still hiccuping. 

"Since... when.... did you... know how to become so romantic?" I hiccuped while drawing away from his embrace. Sam chuckled playfully as he leaned forward with a pout.

"What are you saying, Silly? I am always the romantic type. Didn't I say we will have a romance that will move even the most callous heart?" he poked the apex of my nose lightly. "Hush now. If Law sees you crying, he will surely dig my grave and push me off of it."

A chuckle slipped past my lips. No wonder he named our son Law. He was Sam's law... and mine as well. His smile remained, wiping the remaining tears from the corner of my eyes.

"You will be fine, Lilou. Having a beast within us is fine, so long as we can tame it," he murmured reassuringly. "I will be there with you every step of the way. Law and I will be there for you. I trust in you, so you have to trust in yourself."

I pressed my lips into a thin line, nodding as I held his hand to my cheek. I loved this man, and this love just continued to grow every passing second. God... how could he be so precious?

We had always been busy fighting off the people who wanted to harm us. This even separated us many times and even planted doubt in our hearts. But until now, we were together. Stronger than ever. Loving more than before. And more grateful than yesterday.

"Thank you," came out a weak voice. "For loving me."

Sam just smiled and let out a shallow breath. My eyes that had recovered from crying welled up again. I could feel my eyes swelling now, but I couldn't help it. I was still scared and I wouldn't deny that. But I knew for sure that with them — with my husband and our son — I would be alright. 

Everything would be alright.

"We'll take it slowly, hmm?" he lulled, still wiping the tears rolling down my cheek. "No rush, wife. We'll do it slow and steady."

I nodded, suppressing my tears until I succeeded. Sam even offered me a handkerchief to blow my nose. I only realized he had a handkerchief after blowing on it, holding it with both my hands.

"How come you carry handkerchiefs now?" I asked with a shaking voice. Sam chuckled as he shrugged.

"Well, I have a son who tends to create a mess. So, it became a habit."

I crumpled the handkerchief together, placing my hand on my lap. "I'm so proud of you," I muttered, my voice coarse from all that crying and hiccuping. 

"Well, thank you." Sam laughed as a smug smirk resurfaced on his face. I stared at him as he gazed at the crowd to where Law and Adam, together with Charlotte, were immersed in the storytelling. It made me wonder what it was all about for everyone to focus.

I cleared my throat once I recovered from my initial drama. My eyes veered forward as my lips parted.

"Sam, what happened during the five years? Why did you become the emperor? And why are we in Minowa?" I asked in a soft voice, without looking at him. "How is Yul? Sivi? and Klaus? And how come Ramin and Charlotte had become your right and left hand? Mister Fabian, what about him? Heliot and Beatrice, what happened to them? And most importantly, what happened to Stefan and Zero?"

I felt Sam gaze at me, so I turned my head to him. All I could do was shrug after bombarding him with a series of questions. It just felt like I had to ask him now, or we not might get a chance later.

Sam didn't complain, though. He simply let out a long hummed, peeling his eyes away from me.

"What happened during these five years, huh?" he mumbled, trying to recall the last five years while I was in my slumber. Sam seemed to struggle to recall things that happened, which made me furrow my brows.

"Actually, there's nothing worth noting about the past five years. Heliot threatened to snatch you away from me if I can't protect you, so I became an emperor so I can put him in his place. It turns out fine since I can do more with this authority." My brows raised at what he said about Heliot. 

That man threatened Sam to snatch me? I almost doubted his words, but Heliot and I had a deal. It was still a miracle he didn't kill me. 

"Why we are in Minowa is simple; I don't want to raise my son inside the palace or let him be surrounded by malicious people who will feed him poisonous thoughts. Minowa is the farthest place from the capital, so it's the best option." Sam nodded, agreeing with his own explanation. 

"About Yul, Silvia, and Klaus... Yul is the new Duke of Grimsbanne, Klaus is the chief knight of the Earl in Monarey, and Silvia was granted the title of Marchioness of the east. They're doing fine so far and became popular not just in the lands they dwell, but also in the high society."

"Really...?" my eyes softened upon hearing how those three made a name on their own. I didn't even inquire how they got into those places, since it was obvious. Sam must've ordered them to oversee those lands. 

"They made me proud," he muttered and I could not help but nod as well.

"They surely never disappoint," came out a whisper as a subtle smile resurfaced on my lips. I missed those three and I would want to meet them again. I was excited to listen to their story.

"Fabian is still a butler, although he is now the head butler of another estate called the House Roux." Sam cast me a knowing look with a large grin. "He just returned after his vacation. I'm sure he had prepared a banquet once we return later."

"Fabi..."