The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

”How long are we going to stay like this?” Eilika asked softly, her head resting comfortably on Damian’s chest while her eyes remained fixed on the ceiling. The elegant gold hairpin was held loosely in her hands, pressed close to her heart.

Turning her head slightly, she looked up into his deep eyes as a tender smile graced her lips. ”Damian, this is the most beautiful day of my life.”

”Really? I thought the day we got married held that title,” Damian remarked, a subtle, amused glint in his gaze.

”That day too,” she countered playfully, nudging him. ”But look, it is evening already. I should go down to the kitchen and bring up some hot tea and snacks for you.”

She began to sit up, but Damian immediately caught her waist and pulled her back down against the sheets.

The sudden movement caused the golden hairpin to slip from her fingers, tumbling harmlessly onto the mattress between them as their noses almost brushed in the close proximity.

”I will have a servant bring the tea up,” Damian murmured, his breath warm against her face. ”Besides, I forgot to mention that I bought those imported sweet cookies you like. They are still downstairs in the car. We shall eat them together with the tea.”

He then rolled over, hovering above her for a brief second before shifting to sit on the edge of the mattress. ”Stay right here. I will go down and instruct the servants.”

However, instead of actually heading toward the door, he paused, leaning back down to press another lingering kiss against her lips. His hands slid slowly up her arms until his fingers intertwined tightly with hers, anchoring her to the sheets.

Just then, a small, insistent voice rang out from the empty corridor. ”Mama! Mama! Why is the door locked?” It was Roman, calling out loudly as he rattled the brass handle.

Eilika was quick to push Damian away, her face flushing as she scrambled to sit up on the bed. ”Damian, button up your shirt,” she said frantically, her eyes darting to the collar he had loosened earlier.

He gave a low hum of agreement, quickly fastening the buttons of his linen shirt while Eilika hurriedly smoothed down her long hair, straightened the folds of her gown, and checked her reflection to ensure she looked presentable. Satisfied, she stepped across the room and turned the key to unlock the heavy door.

”Your Grace, I am so sorry. I explicitly asked the young master not to disturb your rest,” Joanna murmured from the threshold, lowering her eyes in apology.

”It is alright, Joanna,” Eilika reassured her with a gentle smile.

”Mama, I have something very important to tell you! Did you have a good sleep?” Roman asked all at once, already reaching up to grasp her hands, practically vibrating with excitement to share the news he had just received from Henry.

”Yes, I slept very well, my sweet,” she replied softly. She caressed the top of his dark head and led him inside the chamber.

”Father!” Roman exclaimed, stopping short as he noticed the Duke sitting by the bedside table. He immediately stood straight and greeted him, ”Good evening.”

”Good evening, Roman,” Damian replied with a smile.

”Mama, Henry told me that he got a little sister! She is only one month old. Because she is so tiny, he hasn’t even held her in his arms yet,” Roman suddenly explained, his eyes wide with wonder. He looked up at her pleadingly. ”Mama, can I ask for a sister too? Please? I want a sibling to play with.”

”Roman, that’s...” Eilika chuckled nervously, the warmth rushing to her face as her cheeks turned a deep beetroot red.

”What, Mama? Why did you stop speaking?” Roman asked, completely oblivious to her embarrassment. He then turned his gaze toward his father, seeking an ally. ”Why can’t I have a sibling of my own? I will love them so much, and I will take really good care of them. Father, please tell Mama to give me a little sister too,” he requested, his innocent tone quickly shifting into a stubborn pout.

”Roman, it is not that simple to have a baby,” Damian said, stepping into the conversation to rescue his flushing wife. ”Your mother still has many things she wishes to do. We have discussed this before.”

Roman pouted his lips further, crossing his arms over his chest. ”I know. You two say you don’t want to give me a sibling because you want to focus entirely on me. But I am a grown-up boy now!” he argued right back.

”Roman, it is simply not possible right now. Do not act so stubborn,” Damian stated, his voice adopting a firm, authoritative tone that brooked no further argument.

”Okay.” Roman let go of Eilika’s hands and ran out.

”Roman!” Eilika shouted back and asked Joanna to follow him. ”Why did you have to speak in a stern tone? He’s only a boy,” she said.

”Do you want a child?” Damian asked. ”Because I can’t give you that.”

”What?” Eilika’s eyes widened in shock.

”What if something happens to you during the childbirth? I can’t lose you. Call me whatever you want to but it scares me,” Damian stated, meeting her gaze.

She walked to him and sat next to him. ”It’s okay.” Eilika placed her hand on his arm. ”I do want a child from you in future. I love kids. I understand your fears but you need to overcome that, Damian. What happened to Liliana wasn’t your fault, okay? She wanted it. I told you this many times before too. And... You don’t have any control over death. Do understand that.”

Damian took a deep breath. ”What will you choose if there are complications later? Your life or the baby’s?”

”That’s a difficult question.”

”I’ll choose you. I don’t want to lose you.” He clasped his hands together. Tears suddenly rolled down his cheeks. ”I can’t remove this fear from me. It will break me apart if anything happens.”