The Duke's Passion

Chapter 785  Yulis' destination

Death was never Yulis's worry. Ever since he replaced Cassara's twin brother to become an eye within the royal palace of the La Crox, there was never a day Yulis forgot how dangerous his everyday life was.

The man he called father was cruel, but also keen. He would end Yulis if he found out he wasn't one of his children, and he could do that so easily. The late king wouldn't be able to drive out the founding clans if he wasn't capable.

That was also the reason the former queen, Ameria Grimsbanne-La Crox, asked the founding clans to cut ties with her husband. The previous clan leaders might be capable, but against the patriarch of the La Crox and his wife, it would just be a losing war. Still, despite that the third prince, Samael La Crox, had had enough of his father's lack of regard, and challenged him to a duel and came back as a victor, Yulis never felt comforted. Because the people he called siblings had grown into capable, smart, and vicious individuals. The outcome would be the same for Yulis if they found out he wasn't one of them.

With Samael giving up the throne and passing it to the fourth prince, Stefan, Yulis had to tread on eggshells if he wanted to live. It wasn't like Yulis's driving force was his desire to live. No. Yulis's only reason and purpose were to support his one and only blood kin; the holder of the Bloodfang's will. Yulis waited patiently and carefully to the day the holder of their clan's will would appear. And she did. His only blood kin, Lilou, appeared as the bride of Samael — a La Crox. He did everything in his own subtle way to drive her out or make her reconsider her feelings and decision but to no avail. Lilou was deeply, madly, and devotedly in love with Samael. She came like a blank canvas with humble beginnings. Therefore, the only comfort Yulis had told himself was, "she was probably not the chosen heir." But as things escalated, Lilou became more and more capable, wise, and powerful — she had uncovered the will of their clan. Yulis would die for Lilou.

If she asked him to cut his arm, he would. Lilou was his life and the reason he endured for many years was to be with her; to watch her every step of the way, to guide or support her, and make sure she would achieve everything she set her eyes on. Therefore, Yulis… had accepted long ago his life wasn't his anymore but to his blood sister. Even if he died on the way, at least, he would die with purpose. It just so happened Lilou was not the type who would use her people as pawns she would sacrifice.

Lilou taught him what true life was; she taught him servitude, respect, and the value of life. And because of her persistence, Yulis found love. A love so strong he could live in a place so far away from the woman he called his queen to live with another. His marriage with Silvia was happy and something he would forever be thankful for. Never once did Yulis regret loving Silvia and marrying her and giving his all. If there was one regret he had, that was… he failed her. Not just Silvia, but Lilou as well. Yulis failed both of them by dying so easily and so quietly that no one even knew he had died. That was why… with this second chance, Yulis had made a pledge. Once blinded by this so-called love and life and peace, now all he could see was the abyss called complacency. "Yulis." Yulis blinked as he slowly returned to the current lapse, gazing up at the man sitting on the throne. The throne hall was dark with only a few lit candelabras just to avoid total darkness. Yulis stood in the middle of the carpet several steps from the raised platform where the king, Stefan La Crox, was sitting. "I heard Klaus had confronted you," said Stefan calmly. "Didn't you say you don't want others to know your circumstance?"

"Klaus is a tenacious man. His grit scares me." Yulis humored. "When he came to me after months of behaving, I knew he was already desperate. He would do everything to uncover the truth, and therefore, to save both of us the time, I told him a part of everything."

"I see." Stefan rocked his head in understanding, assessing Yulis from head to toe. When Stefan returned after collecting the members of the Divine Order, Yulis requested to have an audience with him. That day, Stefan came to know Yulis had regained his memories… and they weren't just simple ones. Yulis remembered everything till the day he died. It was a little unpredictable for Yulis to confess to Stefan, of all people. But Yulis wasn't admired for his brilliant mind for nothing, and Stefan wouldn't recognize his raw talent if the seventh prince didn't deserve the merit. Therefore, Stefan wasn't surprised that Yulis had already guessed about Stefan and Samael's alliance. All Yulis wanted in return was for Stefan to give him an excuse to leave the royal palace. Thus, the inspection.

"I had prepared someone to act as you during the inspection," said Stefan after a minute of silence. "However, as the person who had provided you this freedom, I have the right to know your destination. Lest I hadn't made myself clear, you are not needed where she is. I cannot afford to risk the little friendship I built with your sister. She'd kill me if she sees you in that place out of nowhere."

Yulis let out a weak chuckle as he imagined Lilou's troubled face if they meet in the Spade Kingdom. It would horrify her for sure.

"I am part of the Halberd, but no. I do not have the face to show her at this moment, Your Majesty," explained Yulis, keeping it short and concise. "Helping her doesn't necessarily mean I should be with her at all times. She is surrounded by people who candidly love her and are willing to protect her just as much as she wanted to protect them."

"Your loyalty to her had always amused me, Yulis."

"My loyalty… is the only thing I can offer to her." Yulis smiled. "I have a place I'd need to go and meet someone to settle scores with."

"And who might be this person who had touched the untouched part of your demon?"

Yulis kept quiet for a second, holding Stefan's gaze firmly. "The Cross Kingdom… to end Beatrice Le Blac."Nôv(el)B\\jnn