The Duke's Passion

I looked at Fabian blankly. Momentarily, my state of mind came to a standstill. 

Fabian and Rufus…? They're brothers?

"Like… actual brothers? With the same mother and father?" I asked before I could realize my words slipped past my lips.

"Yes." Again, Fabian chuckled, as if he found delight in my reaction.

How could they be brothers? They don't share any resemblance, nor their personalities are alike. I have had little interaction with Sir Rufus, but I didn't have a good impression of him.

The world was truly a strange place, huh?

"My brother may annoy you, but he only does things for the goodness of his lordship. He is a kind person. The long slumber of the duke had put a lot of pressure on him. Thus, I apologize on his behalf if he offended you." 

Fabian expressed and beckoned a neck bow. I pursed my lips and bit my lower lip.

Such a nice brother Sir Rufus had.

"No, there's no need to apologize. I'm a bit surprised, though. That's all." I waved and let out an awkward laugh.

After that, Fabian escorted me to the garden. I heard him instruct the maidservants to keep their distance and to not bother me.

I really appreciate him for everything. With that being said, I trudged further into the garden and looked around.

It was pretty; surrounded lush green with added colors of pretty daffodils, daisy, rose with different colors, and other variety of flowers.

Trimmed trees in different shapes added character to the garden. I had gone in here my first night, but only now I got to adore its beauty.

"My lady, I found you a suitable spot where you can read and enjoy some tea. Follow me." Fabian approached and beckoned me to follow him.

I nodded and did as I was told. He led me to one of the tree around the garden.

There was a quilt on the lush grass, a tea and a pot on a tray beside it. I smiled as I gazed up. The canopy was shading the spot perfectly.

"If you need anything, just ring the bell and the maidservants will come to you." Fabian offered a smile as I faced him.

He added, "Enjoy your time, my lady." 

"Thank you, Mister Fabian." I expressed with a soft smile.

I saw his lips parted, but he pressed them together and said nothing further.

When Fabian left, I excitedly found a comfortable spot under the tree. My back resting against its trunk, feeling the soft wind brush past me.

"How serene," I whispered, scanning the area with a smile.

I felt at peace. I couldn't recall such a laid-back day in my life.

"Well," I giggled, picking up the book. My eyes flickered with glee, excited to read a book in such a serene atmosphere.

Thus, I read it. Unlike last night, my brain absorbed all the words I've read and had a full comprehension of its message.

I got immersed as my imagination took me to a beautiful place within the poet's mind. I didn't notice time, constantly enjoying a sip of the tea without taking my eyes off the book.

As I read, Sam's sudden interruption snapped me back to reality.

"Hay… yesterday, I want to become a butler. But today, I want to become a book." He said, as he suddenly laid his head on my lap — on top of the book.

Surprisingly, I didn't flinch. Or any of the sort. I just blinked, gazing down at him on my lap.

"My lord, you're using the book as your pillow. I can't read it like this." I muttered, more concerned about reading the book instead of Sam using my lap as his pillow.

"Tsk." Yet he snapped his tongue annoyingly before lifting his head.

As if on cue, I pulled the book away, and he rested his head directly on my lap. Once I made sure the book wasn't creased, my gaze went back to him.

He had his eyes closed.

I didn't know where I got the courage or how I stared and study his face without shying away. But I did.

From his long eyelashes, to his fleek brows, narrow pointy nose, lean cheek, and thin plum lips. To be honest, Sam's facial features had already made him look wickedly and dangerously charming.

His personality was like the paint that gave colors to the raw sketch.

As I stared at him, Fabian's previous words crossed my mind. If Fabian was saying the truth… there's nothing I should be afraid of, right?

Perhaps, if I put bits of my trust, I could fully trust him just like how everyone trusted him.

"My lord, can I ask something?" 

"Mhm?"

"Am I being afraid of nothing?" I mustered my courage, bearing Fabian's advice and Sam's words from last night with me.

"Hmm." He hummed a long tune. "No, you have all the reasons to be afraid of me."

Slowly, his eyelashes fluttered as he opened his eyes. That instant, his gaze caught mine and my heart suddenly skipped a beat.

"I get that a lot. But as long as I can prove I'm sincere, I don't mind." Upon saying so, he smiled.

But his words just made my heart clench. Was there a time where he wasn't judged by his race? Did he have to prove himself to people all the time?

"Let me rest for a bit. Rufus is torturing me with all these duties. He might as well just kill me." He added in a complaining tone and closed his eyes again.

I bit my lip again. Between me and him, who was the veritable monster? A born vampire who did nothing to me but treat me well, or a human who deemed him as a monster without knowing him?

I reached for his naturally white hair. Each strand shone like a beautiful thread. Halfway, I held my hand, hesitant.

Again, I glanced at his closed eyes and gritted my teeth. 

One step at a time, Lilou. I told myself, taking a deep breath as I resumed.

Soon, my fingers stroked his hair. His hair was soft underhand. The side of my lips curled into a subtle smile.

Simultaneously, Sam opened his eyes. This time, it was me who caught his gaze first.

"Rest, my lord. I will wake you up when I see Sir Rufus nearby." 

"Goodness…" Under his breath, he whispered, as if surprised at what he was seeing.

But it didn't take long when he grinned and moved his head, finding a more comfortable spot on my lap. As I stroked his hair, it soon became a casual petting.

I realized he wasn't as frightening as the first time.

Soon, I resumed reading the book while he rested on my lap. With the serene air brushing past us, I'm glad to share this moment with him.

We weren't talking, but I'm starting to like his presence around me. 

'No rush, Lilou. Slowly but surely.'