The Duke's Passion

Chapter 348 - Is It Really Him?

"Goodness!"

"Your Grace..."

Gasped and worry welcomed me as soon as I returned to the duchy. Silvia and Yul gazed at me from head to toe, pupils constricting while some servants covered their gaped mouths with their palms.

A sigh slipped past my lips, strutting inside the foyer. "Don't mind me. Run me a bath. Yul, Sivi, follow me." My tone was cold as I didn't falter in my steps.

"Oh, right!" I halted, pivoting my heel to face Heliot.. "Rest first, Your Highness. I will see you later."

Heliot slightly nodded before following the servant to his room. My eyes remained on him for a few seconds before jogging my way back to my quarters. Once I reached my destination, I let out a sharp exhale.? My palms were on my hips, taking deep breaths as Silvia and Yul arrived seconds later. When they closed the door, Yul's voice immediately echoed across the room.

"What happened, Lilou?" I turned around upon his question. "How can... this happen?"

Yul gazed at me once again. My brow raised as I looked down, experiencing face spasm as I only noticed that even my arms had hickeys. Did Sam want to refrain me from going out? As if this was enough to keep me locked in this mansion. However, I was certain people would start thinking Heliot did this to me.

'Hmm... Heliot.'

"Lilou, are you... alright?" Silvia's voice snapped me out of my trance as I lifted my chin up.

"Don't worry about me, I'm alright. Anyway, how was Grimsbanne yesterday?" I inquired, diverting the subject from me. This was important, though. I had to make sure about something.

"Yesterday, the townsfolk all fell unconscious. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and it seemed whoever cast that ability didn't mean harm... to the people, at least." Yul reported sternly, but his expression made me squint my eyes.

"Say it, Yul," I urged suspiciously. "I know you more than anyone. What are you so hesitant to say?"

Yul let out a sigh, casting me a reluctant look. "While I was investigating the matter, I stumble into the carriage used by the Prince of Karo Kingdom. All the knights that were escorting him were capable knights, Your Grace."

"Your point?"

"I am not completely confident, so I don't want to make assumptions."

"Say it."

He took a deep breath and mustered his courage. "I think the knights that escorted His Highness passed out from a different ability. That power that was cast across the duchy can only knock out people who were weak-willed or simply weak. That is why knights who received training only feel slight dizziness."

"That's right. Those knights who assisted His Highness were capable knights hand-picked by Klaus." My eyes narrowed as my brows knitted.

"That power yesterday is strong, but since it covered the entire duchy, it wasn't harmful. But if it was cast directly to a person, even trained knights will become powerless." Yul summarized with confidence.

"I see." I nodded in understanding, massaging my temple. "We'll have this conversation later, Yul. I will wash up first and rest a little so I can think."

Yul pressed his lips together, reluctant to abide, but still hung his head low. "Yes, Your Grace."

"You did well. You and Sivi." I smiled at them, but their response was just eyes full of worry. I ignored it.

******

The duchy was chaotic for what happened. Thanks to Silvia, who was like a mother to all, the townsfolk calmed down while I was away. Still, this thing should be addressed.

"Heliot..." I whispered, staring at my distorted reflection in the tub. "Now that I think about it, how did Heliot find me before Klaus did?"

At first, I simply believed it was because he was capable and skilled. However, Klaus wasn't any less capable. He had his advantages as well, and he would surely know where I was. We had a blood link.

'That Sam I made out with... I don't think he is part of an illusion. These damn hickeys are proof that it was a person.' I slid back until my entire body was underwater so to clear my head. 'I don't know why, but I'm certain Heliot had nothing to do with it either. Still, why would he refuse to return to the estate and come to me instead?'

It was strange. Not that I was important to Heliot. My death was what he wanted, and he simply chose a peaceful way to make me accept my death. Even so, dying right now would not be a big deal for him; it would even make things easy for him.

So, why did he go to me? And how did he find me?

When I couldn't hold my breath anymore, I lifted my head out of the tub. I gasped for air, holding on to the rims of the tub.

"Again," I whispered, going back underwater. This had been quite a habit I picked when I became the duchess, as it was rather quiet. Being underwater helped me think and clear my chaotic thoughts.

'I can just ask Heliot. I will know if he is lying,' I mentally nodded, knowing Heliot wasn't the type to lie. 'As for what that Sam said..."

Again, I resurfaced from the water and gasped for air. This time I didn't plan on going underwater. What that person told me, can I believe it? Should I believe it? The possibilities were tearing my internals apart. He had said things that only Sam and I knew.

Imitating Sam and his personality was one thing. However, can an impostor steal a person's secret as well? Being familiar with different types of vampire abilities, it came to my understanding that each ability had its own set of rules and limitations; there were also strengths and weaknesses.

Take illusions, for example. If one was aware they were in an illusion, the illusion would be less effective.

"Is it... really him?" I whispered, my entire body trembling from the unknown fear creeping into my heart. "Did he... really...?"

I choked as I bit my lower lip as hard as I could. There was this fear of uncertainty and false hope that I would like to cling to.

"One week... I will know if I meet him again." My hand balled into a fist, clenching my teeth as I steeled my heart. "Just one week." A subtle smile resurfaced on my lips as there was this tiny flame within me that was sincerely hoping that this wasn't just a joke.

Silently and sincerely, I prayed that this little hope wouldn't shatter.