The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

After lunch, Eilika tucked Roman into bed. Once he was sound asleep, she turned to straighten the few books on his low shelf. As she slid one back into place, a piece of folded paper slipped from between the pages and drifted to the floor.

She picked it up and unfolded it, squinting at the messy, childlike script. "What is this?" she murmured. As she read the lines, the warmth that had been on her face all afternoon faded, replaced by a tight, hollow ache in her chest.

It was a letter, written in Roman’s hand and addressed to a higher power:

’Dear God, if you are real, please make my mama happy. And she needs you to give her a lot of love. Please make me grow up fast so I can be a better son for her. That is all I want.’

Tears welled in her eyes, blurring the ink. A sharp pressure tightened her throat, leaving her overwhelmed by the sheer depth behind such simple words. She looked over at her son’s peaceful face, thinking, ’Roman has treated me with such kindness since the day I entered this house.’

She folded the paper carefully and tucked it back into the book, sliding it onto the shelf. Stepping out of the room, she encountered Joanna waiting in the hallway.

"Your Grace, Prince August has arrived," the maid announced.

Eilika paused. "At this hour? Is he here to see the Duke?"

"No, Your Grace. He asked specifically for you," Joanna replied. "He is currently in the main hall with the Duke."

"Understood," Eilika said, steadying her expression. "Instruct Roman’s attendant to remain close by him until I return."

She turned and began the walk down the corridor toward the main hall.

As she descended the stairs, she found Damian rising from his seat. August caught the subtle shift in his demeanor and turned his head slightly before standing as well.

Eilika greeted the prince, who returned the gesture. She asked him to sit before settling into the chair beside Damian. A maid had already placed glasses on the tray before August, followed by one for Damian.

Why did Prince August ask for me? Eilika asked in a poised manner.

Eilika, you did not provide what I desired when I handed the cure to you. Why do you not assist me with the case I am handling at the moment? August suggested.

Eilika is the Duchess of Varos. Are you asking her to be your assistant? Besides, why are you so persistent in involving Eilika in your affairs? Do you not think that is odd? Damian asked, his brow furrowed in annoyance.

"Duke, please, calm yourself," Eilika whispered, placing a hand on his arm.

"How can I stay calm? August constantly oversteps boundaries he has no business crossing," Damian retorted.

"Look at your husband, still refusing to acknowledge what I did for him," the Prince said, a sharp smirk playing on his lips.

"I am willing to acknowledge your help, but you make demands that are completely inappropriate," Damian said, raising his voice. He was grateful his mother was absent, and that he had dismissed the servants earlier.

"Do you honestly think I would try to snatch Eilika away from you?" August provoked him further.

"What?" Damian’s knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. "How could you even say something so disrespectful to your cousin’s wife?"

"Damian, I simply asked for her help," August remarked, spreading his hands in a theatrical gesture. "It is shocking to see the Duke acting this childishly."

"Will you two stop it?" Eilika finally interjected. She glanced at Damian, her expression softening. "Prince August’s request is not inherently inappropriate. In fact, I would be happy to assist him with the cases that have remained unsolved for so long."

"Eilika, you are the Duchess. You have far too many other responsibilities. I do not want you tiring yourself out," Damian countered. His primary concern, however, was keeping her away from August, and he was determined not to let them work together.

"People know Eilika’s capabilities well," August retorted. "I believe her insight would be invaluable. By refusing this, you are merely limiting her potential as the Duchess."

Damian’s brows drew together in a hard line. "I will never limit her potential. Fine. She can work with you, but Louis will accompany her to assist. How does that sound?""

Eilika offered a faint, placating smile. "Prince August will have no objection to that, I am sure.""

"Certainly, I have no problem with it, August muttered, his tone dry. Just ensure he keeps his mouth shut. He is remarkably talkative for an assistant."

~~~~

"Hak!"

Louis let out a hiccup as he polished off the last of his fish soup. Setting his spoon down with a clatter, he muttered to himself, "Was someone talking about me?" He grabbed his glass and downed the water in one go.

After signaling the waiter and settling the bill, he stepped out of the restaurant, only to collide squarely with someone rushing in the opposite direction. The force of the impact knocked him off his feet, sending him sprawling onto the pavement.

"Watch where you are going," the stranger snapped, looming over him.

Louis scrambled to his feet, brushing dirt from his clothes. "I could say the same to you, mister," he retorted, entirely unaware that the figure standing before him, despite the masculine attire, was a woman in disguise.

He expected an apology, but instead, the stranger suddenly grabbed his arm and dragged him into a nearby alley. She was being pursued by three men, clearly her father’s debtors.

"Hey! Let go of my arm!" Louis shouted as she shoved him forward.

"Just help me. Stay quiet. It won’t cost you anything," she hissed, glancing at him before throwing her arm over his shoulder to make them appear as though they were walking together. Her eyes darted constantly toward the entrance of the alley to see if the men were still following.

"Where are you looking?" Louis tried to turn his head, but she clamped her hand down to keep him from looking back.

"Keep walking straight if you don’t want to die," she threatened.