The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

"Grandpa, you took so long to meet me," Roman stated, his voice small but without any hint of resentment.

Henry pulled away slightly, cupping the boy’s face in his weathered hands. "Forgive me for that, Roman. You have grown so tall," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"Really?" Roman’s face lit up with a bright smile. "I think that’s because Mama makes sure I drink milk every day. She says it makes my bones strong like a knight’s."

The sheer brightness on the boy’s face brought a sudden, unexpected peace to Henry’s heart. Looking at his grandson, he realized that Eilika had truly stepped into the void, providing a mother’s love so deep and genuine that it felt as though she had been there from the start. It was a warmth he hadn’t expected to find in a palace he once associated only with grief.

"Grandpa, my father is marrying my mama tomorrow in an official ceremony," Roman added proudly, puffing out his chest. "And I am going to be the ring bearer!"

Henry offered a soft smile, noticing that the boy didn’t even seem to have a memory of Liliana to haunt him. While a part of Henry felt a pang of sadness for his daughter, he was mostly relieved. Roman wasn’t being deprived of anything; he was being provided all the love and care a child could ever need.

"I am sure you will be the best ring bearer the kingdom has ever seen," Henry said, patting Roman’s shoulder as he looked up at Damian.

"Grandpa, you shall meet my mother," Roman insisted, his eyes shining with excitement. "She is so lovely and beautiful. You will like her very much!"

Henry maintained a gentle expression, careful not to reveal that he had already met Eilika and witnessed her grace firsthand.

"Grandpa, are you hungry? The travel must have tired you out too. Do you want to rest first? Or maybe you want to see my wooden horses?" Roman’s questions tumbled out one after another, his energy boundless, until Damian finally intervened.

"Roman, your grandfather may not have the time to—"

"I will stay, Your Grace," Henry interrupted firmly, his gaze softening as he looked at the boy. He realized he wanted to stay more for his grandson than for anyone else. Now that he had finally seen Roman after all these years of self-imposed exile, he felt a need to reclaim the time they had lost.

Damian paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he nodded. "Then I shall have a guest room prepared immediately. It would be my honor to have you stay for the ceremony tomorrow."

Henry nodded while Roman jumped in happiness, excited to tell so many things to his grandfather.

~~~~~~

After Damian settled Henry into the guest room, he left with a light heart, assured that Roman would finally bridge the gap with his grandfather.

He made his way toward Eilika’s chambers, eager to share the news and perhaps find a moment of solace in her company, but he was abruptly stopped at the entrance by the head lady, Mariam, of the house.

"Your Grace, you are debarred from seeing your bride until the ceremony tomorrow," Mariam stated firmly, blocking his path with a respectful but unwavering stance.

Damian halted, a frown tugging at his lips. "Is that truly necessary? I saw her just earlier."

"The Duke is quite eager to see the Duchess," Louis remarked with a teasing tone.

Damian turned and saw his friend standing right next to his mother, Georgia, who watched the exchange with a knowing look.

"Son, you are meant to follow the traditions," Georgia stated with a smile, her voice gentle but firm. "Why don’t you come with me? I have something to say to you."

"I will see the Duchess," Louis added with a mischievous grin. Damian shot him a sharp look, but he knew arguing was useless in the wake of such long-standing family traditions. He conceded, turning to follow his mother as she led him toward the quieter wing of the gallery.

"I received word that Henry has arrived," she began, her curiosity sharpened by a note of genuine concern.

"He has," Damian replied. A trace of relief smoothed the edges of his voice, though he was careful to keep his more troubling discoveries well-hidden. "He’s chosen to move past his resentment toward Roman and me. He is with the boy at the moment."

Georgia’s expression hardened. "You are far too indulgent with him, Damian. He spent years directing his bitterness at you, refusing to see reason. I only held back and spared him because you insisted on it. Given the way he publicly shamed and injured you, he deserved nothing less than an execution."

Damian shook his head, his voice steady. "Let it go, Mother. You’re reading malice into what was simply pain. It wasn’t an intentional attack; it was the grief of a father who had lost his daughter."

Georgia’s brows drew together in a tight frown. "I noticed that Eilika’s parents are missing from the guest list. What is the meaning of this?"

"Eilika’s father laid a hand on her yesterday," Damian replied in a cold tone. "That behavior prompted my decision to strike them from the ceremony."

"And what will the people say when they realize the bride’s own family is absent?" Georgia countered. "I understand his actions angered you, but perception matters. Send word to their house, tell them you have granted a pardon and that their presence at the wedding is mandatory."

"I will. But if he speaks wrong again, I will not hesitate to throw him out of the ceremony," Damian muttered. "Mother, I need to see my bodyguard." He bowed and changed his direction.

After some time, he arrived at the barracks, which was a bit away from the mansion and saw Maurice instructing the soldiers on their duties.

Seeing the Duke, Maurice dismissed the unit of soldiers and walked to him.

"Your Grace!" he bowed.

"Why would Liliana do that?" Damian murmured.