The Duke's Passion

Chapter 471 - Fabian's Request

Sam and Law's conversation made me realize why our son talked like that to his father. I already found it strange when I heard them converse the first time. But now it was clear.

Sam raised his son to be unconsciously aware of where to stand and how to carry himself. Maybe Sam wasn't unaware about this and Law simply picked up this habit by watching his father. Either way, it wasn't a terrible trait to have.

In the end, Sam agreed to let Adam stay only until the young earl recovered. I've seen Adam's body and the bruises on it. I don't blame my son for sympathizing with Adam. The young earl was already ten going eleven this year, but he was too small.

He was almost skin and bones on top of the traces of abuse Jaime inflicted on this child. It was better for him to stay in a more peaceful environment to relieve his stress. Fortunately, Law and I had a powerful backer who had Jaime Malum on a tight leash.

"You seemed happy, Madam," I snapped back to the current lapse when Fabian's voice came from my side. I raised my head at him, smiling.

"I'm just thinking it feels nice to have a strong backer," I explained briefly, peeling my eyes away from Fabian and back to Law and Adam. We were currently in the garden to enjoy some morning air. I sat on the bench while Adam and Law were plucking some flowers not far away from me.

"I feel sorry for Adam, Fabi. If only I can take away all the bad memories he experienced until now, I will do it," came out in a soft voice while staring at the two innocent boys. "Jaime Malum is a terrible person, but I know that those types of people will always exist. It's just sad. Especially now that I have a son, my sympathy for those children increased a hundredfold."

"But with your reign, imagine how many children will avoid such tragedy?" Fabian's tone remained kind. "That is just how this world, madam. We can't save everyone."

A deep exhale escaped my nose as I glanced up at him. "Is there anything you need?"

"His Majesty told me to send you the invitations from the noble houses and said you will be in charge of the young master's birthday," Fabian didn't beat around the bush while I nodded my head in understanding. "If you plan to send out an invitation to faraway lands, I advise Madam shall do it today so it will arrive on time."

"You really know me, Fabi." I chuckled, thinking that Fabian guessed who was the guest I had in mind. But my brows knitted at Fabian's next words.

"Madam, please do not invite Rufus."

"Why not? Did you fight with him?" I asked in surprise as I didn't expect such a request. I've always known that the Barrett Brothers had this complicated relationship, but this was still a shock.

"I might kill him," Fabian answered without looking at me, making my nose scrunch up.

"Just what sort of issue did you two have for you to say such scary things?"

"Just to prove I am stronger than him in front of the young master."

"..."

I couldn't react to Fabian's simple explanation. Even though I didn't know the details, I already know my son looked up to strong individuals. With Rufus's popularity that even the people in the south knew his name, my son would surely see him as a hero. Meanwhile, Fabian was a butler.

I looked at Fabian apologetically, shaking my head. "I'm sorry, Fabi. But I still want to send Sir Knight a letter out of courtesy. I know he is a busy man, but I don't want him to think we are not thinking of him."

"It's alright, Madam. I understand... completely."

A sense of dread instantly crept up my spine, making me gaze at Fabian. The way the corner of his eyes squinted as they glinted made me swallow a mouthful of saliva. Now, even I had to consider sending two letters to Rufus. One was an invitation and the second one was a personal request that he should refuse the first letter.

Our dear butler was, after all, jealous. He would drop his gloves to challenge Rufus for sure.

"Fabian, my heart is torn," I mumbled before I raised my brows as I watched my son and Adam run back to me.

"Mother!" called Law with a bright smile on his face. He and Adam were carrying flowers with them.

"Mother, we got you some flowers!" Law lifted his hands that were carrying the variety of flowers they pluck out from the garden. "I pluck them out while Adam arranged it! Do you like them?"

I stared at the flowers, and my smile relaxed. "They're beautiful. I love it," I said as I accepted the flowers, sniffing at the fresh aroma before casting the two of them a look.

"Thank you, my baby," I expressed, taking one daisy out and placing it above Law's ear. His brows rose, but his cheek was colored with pink.

"Adam, my child, come here." I tilted my head down, waiting for Adam to stand next to Law. Just like what I did, I took out one stem and placed it above his ear.

"Thank you, Adam. The arrangement is really pretty." My smile remained while seeing the innocence in their eyes. I was unsure how my time together with them would affect their lives, but I hoped they would grow up well.

"You two make me happy," I said while bending down to sniff the flowers. The two boys only stared at me before they smiled brightly.

After some time, Fabian spoke. "Madam, we should head in so you can write the invitations for the young master's birthday. Also, it is about time that the young master's tutor will arrive."

I gazed up at him and nodded. My eyes then shifted to the two innocent boys.

"Let's go?"

"Yes, mother!"

"Yes, Auntie!"

Adam and Law answered in unison while I giggled. With that being said, the three of us headed inside. Since I wanted to spend more time with them, Fabian arrange that Law would be tutored in the library with Adam and me.. While they were being taught, I started writing the invitations to the people I missed so much.