The Duke's Passion

Chapter 679 I feel lost

"Is everything alright?"

Lilou hastened her steps to keep up with Stefan's tracks. Apparently, their meeting with Heliot was short since he had to leave — duty called. So, the two of them had to return to the banquet hall, which slightly confused her because it seemed Stefan and Heliot had this nonverbal agreement.

"Yes." Stefan slowed down after noticing her hastened steps. "Everything is alright."

"You don't look convinced, though."

He snapped his eyes after he stared at her, setting his eyes ahead in the dimly lit hallway. "It's better to blend into a crowd. It's harder for people to find you."

"What?" her brows knitted. "Lexx, hold on."

Lilou held his arm and stopped in her tracks, causing him to pause as well. She faced him, raising her chin up.

"Don't leave me in the dark, Lexx," she urged airily. "I don't like surprises. What do you mean by that?"

When she received no answer from him, even after a full minute, she let out a deep exhale. But Lilou pressed his arm, tugging it lightly.

"Is there something I must know, Lexx?" she asked adamantly, hoping to have the slightest idea of this unknown restlessness in her heart. "Please, Lexx. Stop keeping me in the dark. You know I prefer knowing the problem beforehand instead of getting caught off guard. I might not do anything to stop it, but at least I know what is coming."

Her grip around his arm tightened, hinting to him she was overthinking right now. Stefan stared at her before he breathed out, taking a step forward and he bent over.

"Lulu, your husband — I mean, my brother didn't just enter the land of Karo, but he trespassed. There's a difference, and if you were listening, you'd know that my devious brother didn't travel as quietly as possible and brought his enemies with him."

Her frown grew worse, as she already had a vague idea of that. She was listening… more like she was listening to Heliot's voice since she didn't have a choice. The man's voice was cold in the ears and somehow very soothing. It calmed her down slightly.

"Heliot is not pleased about it since he doesn't welcome any disruption that causes disharmony in this peaceful land." His voice was utterly low as if to make sure no one else would hear him, even if someone was listening. "Hell had always had his grand ways of dealing with things, so… it'll be a little chaotic for a while, but it'll be fine."

He nodded reassuringly, letting her stare at him until she was sure it was as he claimed it was. Lilou nodded while pursing her lips.

"Alright." He sighed in relief at her agreement, patting her head. "Stop patting me like that. I'm not a child."

"I know — alright, let's head back and enjoy their delicacies." Stefan offered her a grin, knowing the food was something that could comfort her. "Free food," he stressed.

"Free always tastes the best." She chuckled and shook her head. Stefan pulled her hand to his arm as they head back to the banquet hall.

Just like what they expected, their brief disappearance from where everyone had gathered didn't make a difference. A group of ladies and gentlemen were dancing in the center of the hall, moving in sync, something that was new to her. Even though Stefan had seen the traditional dance in Karo, seeing it once again truly made him realize he was once again alive.

Both of them stood on the sidelines before he and Lilou headed to the food pantry, where they nibbled bits and pieces of the snacks on the long table. The two of them exchanged giggles as if nothing had ever mattered; just Stefan, Lilou, and the free food.

"I take it back." Lilou stood beside him, holding a wineglass in her hand that she hadn't drunk, afraid she would feel stuffed once she shoved any liquid down her throat. "I like banquets."

"Because of free foods?"

"Yes, why else would I like it if not for the food?" She giggled, face relaxed as she never felt this full in her entire life. "Although you've been feeding me, I can't deny foods in banquets were ten times better."

He cast her a side-eye before he shoved his hand inside his suit, only to take out a handkerchief. "Wipe your mouth."

"Why do I need to?" Lilou licked her lips, but still reluctantly took the handkerchief, afraid of a round of scolding. "It's such a waste to wipe the food when you can just lick it," she mumbled, pouting while wiping the sides of her lips.

"Am I starving you?"

"I was a peasant, so even if you feed me a daily feast, I'll still eat every crumb of it." She put down the handkerchief and looked up at him. "Even if there's a little or half of it is dirt, I'll still eat it. You know the story of my life."

Bitterness flickered across his eyes because, just as she said, he knew the story of her life and even the part that was taken away from her. He felt sorry. But before he could make her feel better — or himself, by trying to console her — someone approached him.

Stefan's eyes glinted, setting them on Lilou. The latter tilted her head to the side, wondering what the masked person was whispering in his ears.

"Lulu, will you stay here for a while?" he asked. "No, I mean, I'll take her with me."

"But His Highness said it's important and dangerous," whispered the other person and this time, Lilou heard it.

"It's alright, Lexx." She flashed him a smile, looking around the jovial atmosphere. "I can stay here and eat a bit more. What could possibly go wrong if you leave for a moment, right?"

There was hesitation in his eyes, but she simply nodded encouragingly. If not for the fact this was important and Heliot said it was dangerous, he wouldn't even think about taking his eyes off of her.

"Stay here," he stressed. "I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Don't worry. This place just became my safe haven." Lilou waved, urging him to go as the masked person's body language showed signs of urgency. Stefan looked at her for a moment before he reluctantly followed the masked person.

Lilou kept waving as he looked back at her after several steps before marching away. As they squeezed through the crowd, Lilou looked around. The more she did, the more little and intimidated she felt. She thought she was alright, but deep down, she only ignored the strong sense of being left out, and Stefan distracted her.

"I feel lost," she whispered, taking a small step back only to bump into something sturdy behind her.

When she turned to look at what it was, her brows furrowed as she raised her head at the towering figure of a man. As soon as she did, the first thing she noticed was those pair of burning crimson behind the mask and his bright silver hair that was neatly brushed back.

"Me too." Her breath hitched when his low yet slightly youthful voice caressed her ears, making her heart race for reasons she couldn't understand. She fought her desire to lean back as he bent over until his mask was a palm length away from hers.

"I also feel lost."

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