The Duke's Passion

Chapter 773 This particular night III

Florence managed to hitch a ride on a group of merchants who were leaving the land of Karo. She covered her head with a shawl, just showing her eyes. She was glad that these people were kind enough to let her hitch a ride, even though she had to be on the empty wagon. Florence could feel every bounce. Sitting on this rough wooden surface without any cushion was uncomfortable and painful on her rear, but it was better than going by foot. By this, her brother wouldn't be able to catch her once he figured out she fled the palace. Hugging her knees, sitting on the corner of the wagon, Florence raised her head. The night sky was clear, and the moon was in clear view for everyone who would look up tonight. Her eyes were slowly filled with bitterness, remembering her encounter with Fabian several hours ago. "He can be very frustrating," she mumbled, peeling her eyes from the sky to her surrounding. It was dark, but as a vampire, she could see through the darkness clearly. It was just that despite this ability, Florence always felt scared of what comes along with the darkness. The silence. The heightened emotions made her feel wary of the slightest sound lest she had to run away. "Don't return to Karo at all cost…" she whispered, recalling the words the letter told her with such conviction the night of the regression. "... I'm scared."

For someone who was too weak to be out in the outside world, her decision to run away was bold. However, she wanted to keep that promise. Heliot might not remember, but Heliot and some people were aware of the regression, and Florence had to make this decision. She had to do it before it was too late. 'I won't become a leverage,' she told herself, burying half of her lower face in her arms that were resting over her knees. 'Never…'

Florence lowered her eyes that swirled with uncertainty and fear. She knew where to go, but she didn't know how and if she could survive all on her own. However, her desire to not become a tool for someone to use her to destroy her land and her brother was stronger. "You're not the same Florence anymore," she whispered, looking up at the sky to look at the moon once again. "I will be fine, right?"

The corner of her lips curled up bitterly, embracing the uncertainty of tomorrow. Under the same moon and sky, someone on the other side of Karo was staring at the moon. Fabian was lying on the wagon, unbothered by the harsh bounce it would make while going through the rough road.

Fabian had been staring at the sky as the cart ambled away from the Kingdom of Karo. He was using his arms as his pillow, watching how the moon follow him. His mind, however, would wander from time to time to different timelines and scenarios. He kept thinking about what happened to him a minute before the regression because he couldn't remember clearly. Anything could happen within that one-minute time frame. But in the middle of his deep thoughts, Florence would cross his mind. 'She really left,' he thought, blinking ever so tenderly. Fabian could vividly recall the letter Florence received the night of the regression, and as Fabian was Fabian, he already got a gist of what she had planned to do. Honestly, he was tempted to take her on his journey.

"She will die…" he told himself, estimating the distance between them right now. "... no, she won't."

Stubborn people usually die first, but there was a part of him who believed Florence wouldn't die. That woman, who was scared of many things, would learn to stand on her own. He was sure of it because he was once been a weak and helpless man. Back then, Fabian was weak and couldn't survive on his own without Rufus's protection. Even when he was uncertain and incapable of protecting himself, he fled Grimsbanne — previously called the Mock Town — because he couldn't bear to watch Rufus fight every single day for him.

Even though the result was Fabian gained Maleficent and lost touch with his sanity, he achieved his goal. He didn't need Rufus to protect himself; he could protect himself now, take another person's life if he must, and could stand on his own without being a burden to anyone. If a helpless human like him could do it, Florence, who was a pureblooded vampire, could. As long as she was willing to use the gift she was born with, she would manage. "I wonder… if she would be able to reach the mainland? It seemed that will be her destination." The side of his lips curled up as his eyes fastened with anticipation. "I am looking forward to meeting her again. I'm certain she will be different."

"Will I get a kiss then?" he smirked. "It'll probably be difficult."

With that being said, Fabian chuckled as he looked forward to what Florence would become in the future. He dwelled on this thought for quite some time, before his focus shifted to another important matter: his destination. ******

[THE ROYAL PALACE OF KARO]

Heliot kicked the door open, only to see the infirmary empty. His eyes flared, marching inside to look around. Someone told him the princess was missing. He rushed here to double-check, and much to his dismay, they were correct. Just as Heliot called for the knights, he noticed a letter under the lamp, on the bedside table. He hurriedly picked up the lamp and took the letter underneath it. Reading the short message, the anger in his chest slowly subsided. [ Your Highness,

If you are reading this, then that means you already figured out what I was missing. Do not fret. This decision was my responsibility to bear. You might wonder why I fled home. To be truthful, the reason was simple. You might not remember everything, and you and I might not share the same memories, but I cannot turn a blind eye to what I know. That is why I chose to stay away from Karo for I… am told by Your Highness to never return to Karo at all costs. That was after your death, Your Highness. And also before mine. Until now, I do not understand the purpose of this message. However, I deem it of great importance. Therefore, before anything can happen and before it is too late for everyone, I decided to stay away from our beloved Karo.

Please do not look for me and do not send your men to bring me back. If you truly want me to return, then, Your Highness, find out the truth behind those orders. Only when you uncovered the truth, will I return to face the consequences of fleeing from my post. Thank you for your protection until now. I, your humble subject, will always be grateful to Your Highness. However, please allow me to walk on my own and shoulder the responsibility for my decisions.

May you take care of yourself, Your Highness. The land of Karo and your subjects need you. Your humble subject,

Florence Von Stein ]

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