The Duke's Passion

Chapter 329 - Like Me More

"What do you think?" I turned to Heliot after Silvia toured us around the Academy.

"It is a surprise how you had truly turned Grimsbanne into a metropolis."

"As much as I'd like to take the credit, I can't." A chuckle escaped my mouth, shaking my head while we sat on the bench in the open garden of the Academy. "Grimsbanne is already prepared to have these advances even before I became its lord."

I smiled, staring at the people walking through the corridor from a distance. Seeing this still gave me this satisfaction.

"It's all thanks to Rufus. Grimsbanne just lacks in the budget since Stefan had been suppressing Rufus when he was taking care of Grimsbanne. But now that you'd been sending me lovely gifts, I simply funded his plans and put some annoying people in their place for this all to happen." Again, I glanced at him, who sat on the other end of the bench..

Heliot glanced back at me, blinking ever so slowly. There was neither awe nor ridicule in his eyes. He doesn't even look surprised, unlike what he had claimed.

"It's such a shame that you chose the path you've chosen," he said, making me arch a brow. "You are a great lord because you understand your people more than anyone."

"I was one of them." Another wave of low chuckle slipped past my lips. "It's funny, isn't it? That someone who came from nothing is now claiming such high stakes."

"Do you condemn it?" he asked, but I didn't bother casting him a look, although I could feel his gaze on him.

"I used to, but then again, thinking that this responsibility will continue... I'm relieved I was the one the core had chosen." A bitter smile appeared on my lips, recalling my last conversation with Lara. "It's a relief, Heliot."

Silence dawned upon us, but I never felt this tranquility before. Probably because I couldn't talk about this to anyone else aside from Heliot.

"I will end this, Your Highness," I reassured as I slowly turned my head to him and smiled. "That's for sure."

"You are strange, Your Grace," he commented, making me giggle. A second later, his brow raised as his eyes moved over me. Without a word, he lifted his arm, sprawling it towards me. Usually, I would back away, but this time, I only furrowed my brow.

Heliot brushed my hair, barely touching me with his eyes over my head. When he withdrew his hand, I noticed a small leaf clipped in between his fingers.

"I took it out." He showed me the leaf, sporting a nonchalant expression while I studied him. "Don't look at me like that, Your Grace. I'm not trying to charm you."

"Do you like me?" came out a straightforward question despite hearing his last remarks.

He didn't answer. Instead, he locked eyes with me in silence as a soft wind blew past us.

"I do." He nodded lightly, his eyes still on me. "I think you are quite exceptional. No wonder both kings were drawn to you. Aside from the blood that is running through your veins, you, as a person, is someone who could be a threat or a great ally."

"Exceptional, huh?" I murmured, casting him a brief look before setting my eyes back ahead.

"Exceptional, talented, strong, and smart, if I may add," He continued with a smile, peeling his eyes away from me. "It is rare to come across for such a person like you."

"Is that the reason you sent me a letter asking for my hand?"

"It is indeed."

"Why, though?" Slowly, I turned my head to him, tilting my head to the side. "Do you know how baffled I was when I read it? It is ridiculous."

Heliot laughed. His laughter was truly soothing in the ear. He should laugh more.

"Is it?" he quirked a brow, offering me a sly smile. "How can you blame a man who wants to try his chances of having someone like you as his wife?"

The expression on my face died down. How could he utter such ridiculous words to the person he would end?

"I'm serious when I asked for your hand in marriage, Your Grace." He affirmed without a second hesitation.

A shallow breath slipped past my lips. "Even when you know I will refuse?"

"That is the main reason I proposed. I know you will refuse." Heliot caught my attention as I looked at him while he leaned back. His leg rested over the other, arm over the backrest, and his body facing me.

"I do things so I don't regret not doing it. If I get rejected by you, I can tell myself that I tried. It is an excuse, but I do not mind having such a lame excuse because it makes me feel better." He smiled, and I could genuinely tell he was saying the truth.

"You said I was strange, but I can tell you the same, Your Highness." I chortled, shaking my head lightly. "You're strange."

"Vampires need something to look forward to so they could continue living. Having a long lifespan can be a gift to someone but a curse to others."

"So, do you consider it a gift? Or a curse?"

Heliot and I stared at each other in silence, and only the whisper of the wind sang a lullaby in our ears. Even though I had been in contact with him, I don't think I would ever figure Heliot out. He was the person I entrusted my death with, after all.

"I was also wondering." His eyes glinted, staring at me straight in the eye as he rested his jaw against his knuckled. "Maybe it is a gift since I got to meet someone as interesting as you, or a curse because I had to end you. I would think my fate is cruel... but I know that is not the case."

"What is, then?"

"You." His answer was immediate while his hand sprawled towards me and his thumb gently caressed my cheek. "You are the cruel one, Your Grace."

"You have such a warm touch, Your Highness." I smiled weakly, letting his thumb brush my cheek. "However, don't like me in that aspect. I don't want you hesitating last minute."

The corner of his lips stretched wider. "Trust me when I say you would prefer if I like you."

"And why is that?"

"Because my resolve in fulfilling your wish will be stronger." His smile remained and his answer gave me this sense of reassurance.

"Then..." I held the back of his hand, squeezing it lightly. "... like me more."