The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

Eilika stood close to him, her knuckles occasionally brushing against his forehead as she moved the towel in slow, rhythmic circles over his damp hair. The scent of his soap was overwhelming, and she hoped he couldn’t hear the frantic thudding of her heart against her ribs.

"I received a request from your father. The valet informed me just this morning," Damian said, his voice vibrating slightly through his chest.

"A request?" Eilika asked, her hands faltering for a split second before she resumed. "What kind of request?"

"I have no idea. I was wondering if you might have some insight," he replied.

"No," Eilika said firmly, though a knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach.

She knew her family’s estate had been struggling with mounting losses lately. The thought that her father might be using her position to ask for a financial favor, or worse, a political one, made her feel cold. She didn’t want to be a burden or a transaction in Damian’s eyes.

’I hope it isn’t what I suspect,’ she thought desperately. ’If Damian thinks I’m just here to siphon off his wealth for my father, he will never respect me.’

Damian’s voice eventually broke the quiet. "I think it’s done."

Eilika hummed in response, slowly pulling the towel away. His hair was now a messy, dark tangle that fell over his forehead, giving him a softer, less guarded appearance. As he looked up, his gaze locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. Almost instinctively, she reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair away from his eyes with her fingers.

"Let’s have breakfast together," she suggested softly. She took a step back, turning toward the door, but was stopped when Damian’s hand shot out and caught her wrist.

The contact was brief, he let go almost as soon as he had touched her, as if surprised by his own impulse.

"It is Roman’s birthday in two weeks," Damian said, his voice returning to its usual composed tone. "I wonder if you were aware."

"No. I had no idea," Eilika admitted, feeling a pang of guilt that she hadn’t known sooner.

"I hope we return from Netham early," Damian stated, looking toward the window. "I’ve been thinking of making his birthday special this year. If you have any ideas on how to celebrate, I would be happy to hear them."

Eilika offered him a small smile. "I have a few already. We can discuss them once we’re on the road."

"Sure," Damian replied.

Eilika then turned and walked out of his sight.

"She’s exceptionally kind to Roman. I don’t think if there was someone else in her place, she would have even stood the sight of my son," he murmured with a thoughtful gaze.

~~~~~

Eilika returned to her chambers and stopped at its center.

"Joanna, begin packing my luggage immediately," she directed. "And Roman’s as well. We must be ready by the afternoon."

Joanna paused, her hands hovering over a stack of linens as she looked up with a startled expression. "Are you going somewhere, my lady? So soon after your recovery?"

"Yes. The Duke wishes to take us away for some time," Eilika replied. She chose her words carefully, intentionally omitting any mention of Netham. In a mansion filled with listening ears, a mission involving child trafficking was a secret she needed to guard closely. "We will be gone for at least three weeks, so pack accordingly, sturdy clothes for travel and something warmer for the evenings."

"I understand, Your Grace," Joanna murmured, though her curiosity was clearly piqued.

"And where is Roman? Is he still asleep?" Eilika asked, glancing toward the bedchamber’s door.

"No, he woke up only five minutes ago. He was surprisingly quiet," Joanna replied, moving toward the wardrobe. "He has already gone back to his own room to begin his morning routine."

Eilika continued toward Roman’s chambers, but her path was soon crossed by Maurice, the Duke’s most trusted bodyguard. They exchanged formal greetings before Eilika voiced the question that had been lingering in her mind.

"Will you be accompanying us to Netham as well, Maurice?" she asked.

"Of course, Your Grace. My place is wherever the Duke requires my service," Maurice replied with a disciplined nod.

"That is a relief," Eilika said, then lowered her voice. "And regarding the investigation... Did you find out anything about that night?"

"I did. I have already delivered a full report to the Duke this morning," Maurice answered. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must oversee the final travel arrangements. I shall take my leave." He offered a sharp bow and moved past her.

Eilika stood still for a moment. "Damian didn’t mention a word of this during our conversation," she murmured to herself, a trace of frustration blooming in her chest. "I suppose he still thinks I’m not ready to know about the matters that don’t concern me. I will have to confront him once we are in the motorcar."

As Eilika stepped into the chamber. She heard the sounds of protest and the frantic movements of the maids. Roman was standing in the center of the room, his small face scrunched in a pout as he dodged a pair of silk stockings.

"Mama will help you," Eilika announced, her voice a calm melody that cut through the chaos.

Roman, who was currently draped in an oversized towel that made him look like a little Roman senator, turned instantly. His pout vanished, replaced by a radiant, toothy grin. "Mama! Good morning!"

"Good morning, my boy." Eilika knelt on the plush carpet, pulling him into a warm embrace and pressing a lingering kiss to his forehead. "Now, let’s see what we should pick out for Roman to wear for the travel today."

"Travel?" Roman’s eyes went wide, reflecting the golden morning light. "Are we going somewhere, Mama? To the gardens?"

"Further than the gardens," Eilika replied in a hushed whisper, leaning close to his ear. "Your father is taking us on a grand adventure. But you must be fast in getting dressed if we are to be ready on time."

The maids sighed in relief as Roman suddenly became the most cooperative child, scrambling toward his wardrobe with newfound vigor.