The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

Georgia opened her arms wide as she welcomed her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson back to the palace. She immediately pulled Eilika into a warm embrace, pressing a kiss to her forehead and affectionately patting her cheeks.

"You look so lovely, dear," she whispered, noting the healthy glow the countryside air had left on Eilika’s face.

"Grandma, we had a lot of fun!" Roman exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of his feet with excitement.

Eilika stepped back with a smile, allowing Georgia to sweep her grandson into her arms. The older woman let out a small huff as she lifted him. "Why do I feel like my baby has gained weight in just a week?"

"I ate a lot, Grandma! All I did was eat and play the whole time," Roman asserted proudly, pulling away to demonstrate how much taller he felt.

Georgia laughed, her eyes flickering toward Damian, who stood watching the exchange with a softened expression. "It seems Netham agreed with all of you. I haven’t seen this much energy in the halls since you left."

"It was a productive trip, Mother," Damian noted, stepping forward to offer her a respectful nod.

"More than productive, I hope," Georgia murmured, her keen eyes shifting between Damian and Eilika, sensing the subtle change in the air between them. "Come, let us go inside. The kitchens have prepared a feast to welcome you home." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

All of them headed to the grand hall, where they had their supper before deciding to retire to their respective chambers. Eilika excused herself first, taking Roman’s hand to put him to bed as she had promised during the journey.

As Georgia and Damian walked through the quiet, dimly lit corridor toward the private wing, Georgia spoke softly. "It seems you and Eilika have grown close. You seem much gentler with her than before."

Damian slowed his pace, considering his mother’s words. "Mother, you were right about her," he stated. "Eilika is a wonderful person. She is selfless, and the kindness in her heart is something that can’t be ignored for long."

Georgia stopped and looked at him, a small, knowing smile touching her lips. "It takes a certain kind of strength to be that kind, Damian. I am glad you have finally opened your eyes to it. Can I expect you to get even closer to Eilika? Will you consider her your wife now?"

Damian turned quiet at that question.

"Behind your back, people speculated that you and Eilika were not doing well. You are the Duke, and you know how the people’s voices affect houses like ours," Georgia asserted, leaving her meaning clear.

"Mother, don’t fret about such rumors," Damian said. "You even sent Louis to check on Eilika and me. This is not the way I intend to grow closer to her." He stopped as they reached her door. "Mother, your chamber is here. Goodnight."

He bowed to her and continued down the corridor. Instead of heading toward his own quarters, he made his way to his son’s room. He reached the heavy doors and immediately raised a hand to hush the maid who was about to announce his arrival.

Stepping inside quietly, the dim glow of the bedside lamps revealed Eilika sitting at the edge of Roman’s bed. She was whispering a story that seemed to drift through the room. Roman was already half-asleep, his small hand tucked under his cheek.

Eilika leaned down and pressed a kiss to Roman’s forehead before slowly standing up. She turned toward the door, her eyes widening slightly when she noticed Damian standing there in the dark.

She hurried over to him and whispered, "He is now asleep."

Damian nodded and walked quietly to the bedside. He leaned down and planted a brief kiss on the top of his son’s head before turning back to the door, stepping out into the hall with Eilika.

As they began walking down the quiet corridor, Damian spoke, his voice low and steady. "Will you sleep in my chamber? I find I get better rest when you are around."

Eilika stopped, stunned by the sudden request. She looked at him, trying to read the expression in his dark eyes. "Is the Duke sure he wants to let me near him?"

"We were sleeping together in Netham," Damian reminded her, his pace slowing to match hers. "Besides, my mother is right about one thing: the staff talks. It would be better if they saw the Duchess where she belongs."

Eilika looked down at her gloved hands before meeting his gaze. "So, you want me to sleep in your chamber to quash the rumors," she murmured.

Damian tightened his jaw, shaking his head slightly. That wasn’t what he had meant to convey. He had wanted to tell her that he felt a rare peace in her presence, that when she was near, the dark imaginations and restlessness that usually haunted his nights seemed to vanish. But the words remained locked away.

"I will be in your chamber shortly," Eilika said. She offered a small bow before walking in the opposite direction toward her own quarters.

Damian watched her go before heading to his own suite. Once inside, he freshened up, the cool water hitting his face as he tried to clear his thoughts. He changed into his dark silk nightclothes and stepped out into the main bedchamber, his eyes falling on the expansive, empty bed.

A firm knock sounded at the door. "Come in," he called out.

Eilika entered, having changed into her own night robes. Her hair was no longer pinned up; it fell loosely over her shoulder. She paused as she entered, her eyes immediately drawn to the large portrait of the Duke hanging prominently on the wall.

"You can take the left side," Damian said, gesturing toward the bed.

Eilika nodded silently and moved toward the side he indicated. The room was large and silent, filled with the scent of sandalwood. As she sat on the edge of the mattress, Damian switched off the lights.