The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

The next morning, Damian woke first. His arm had gone numb under the weight of Eilika’s head. He lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling as memories of the previous night flooded back.

They had crossed a significant line, stepping through the door of intimacy in ways he never imagined they would. Yet he hadn’t taken that final step. Even though she had clearly wanted him to, fear had held him back. He knew he had disappointed her, even if she hadn’t said it out loud.

With a quiet sigh, he drew her closer, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her head and then to her bare shoulder.

’I love you, Eilika,’ he thought, holding her tightly. ’I’ll overcome this last fear soon. Just give me a little more time.’

Their bodies remained tangled together under the sheets. Damian tilted his head toward the window and glanced at the time. It was already past seven in the morning.

Damian stayed in bed a few minutes longer, savoring the warmth of her body against his. Eventually, he carefully slipped out from under the sheets and headed to the bathroom.

Under the shower, he kept replaying the night before — Eilika’s eyes, her flushed expressions, and the way she had moaned his name.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he rinsed the soap from his body. He ran a hand through his damp hair. ”Eilika,” he whispered to himself, smiling again.

Once he was done, he turned off the tap, wrapped a towel around his waist, and quickly brushed his teeth. When he stepped back into the bedroom, he found Eilika stirring under the sheets.

He walked over, pressed one knee onto the mattress, and leaned down.

”Damian,” she murmured, tilting her head. A droplet of water from his hair landed on her forehead. Her eyes fluttered closed as he pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, right over the position of her scar.

”Stay in bed and rest a little longer,” he said softly. ”I have a lot of work today, so I need to get ready.”

Eilika sat up, holding the sheet close to her chest. ”Damian... did you enjoy what happened last night?”

”Hmm.” He sat down beside her, resting his chin on her bare shoulder. ”Do you doubt it?”

”No. I just felt like you were holding yourself back.”

”A little,” Damian admitted. ”It won’t happen next time,” Damian said. ”I want your first time to be good... something memorable.”

He swallowed hard, unsure if he would actually be able to follow through. The thought of disappointing her again sat heavily in his chest.

Eilika tilted her head slightly, her voice gentle as she spoke. ”Damian, take as much time as you need. Yes, physical intimacy matters, but I believe we’re also connected emotionally. I don’t want you to force yourself just to meet my needs, or yours. I want you to feel happy and safe with me.”

Her words hit him deeply. Tears stung his eyes. He quickly looked away, not wanting her to see his vulnerability, but he couldn’t hold back. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and pulled her tightly against his chest. No words were spoken. He simply held her in the quiet morning.

~~~~~

While her maids helped her get ready, Eilika couldn’t stop smiling. They had noticed the marks left on her skin and were quick to tease her about them.

”The Duke was quite wild last night, wasn’t he, Your Grace?” Joanna asked with a mischievous grin.

”There was even a bite mark on your waist,” the second maid added, barely holding back her giggles.

Eilika’s cheeks warmed, but she laughed along with them. ”Stop teasing me so much. When all of you get married, I’m going to tease you just as badly.”

”There’s still time for that, Your Grace!” one of the maids replied cheerfully. ”I saw the Duke earlier this morning. He looked quite happy today. It seems like his old self has returned.”

”Yes, I feel the same,” the second maid agreed. ”The Duchess has made it possible.” She quickly brought over Eilika’s heels and helped her slip them on.

After thanking the maids, Eilika turned to Joanna. ”Is Roman awake?” she asked. ”He doesn’t have any classes today. I think he should have his horse riding lesson.”

”Young Master is still sleeping, Your Grace. It’s his off day,” Joanna replied.

Eilika considered it for a moment, then nodded. ”Let him rest for another half an hour.”

As she stood up, a knock sounded at the door.

”Your Grace, Prince Sylvian is here to see you. He’s waiting outside,” the servant informed her.

Eilika hummed in acknowledgment. ”Joanna, please oversee the cleaning of the rooms.”

She stepped outside and spotted Sylvian standing near a stone pillar, his gaze directed toward the gardens.

”Your Highness, good morning,” Eilika greeted him warmly.

Sylvian turned around and offered her a warm smile. ”Good morning, Duchess. You look radiant today. Did Damian surprise you with something?”

Eilika let out a soft laugh. ”Why were you looking for me?”

”Didn’t Damian tell you?” Sylvian asked, raising an eyebrow.

”About what?” Eilika looked at him, confused.

”About me finding a woman I want to pursue,” he replied. ”Seems like he didn’t mention it.”

”That’s wonderful news!” Eilika said, genuinely pleased.

”Yes, it is. But I need your help, Duchess.” Sylvian’s tone grew more serious. ”I hope you won’t mind.”

”I won’t,” Eilika assured him. ”What kind of help do you need? Please tell me.”

Sylvian shifted his weight, glancing briefly toward the sunlit garden before meeting her eyes again. ”Um... in everything, really.” He exhaled slowly, his voice lowering. ”The woman’s name is Iliana. She’s a baker and a painter. What I fear is that when I tell her I’m interested, she might push me away. So far, she has made it clear that she doesn’t like anyone from high society.”

”Be clear of your thoughts to her. That’s what you need to do first,” Eilika advised.