The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

”Who is that woman with Prince Sylvian and Young Lord Roman?” Charlotte asked, looking down at Iliana from the upper balcony where she sat with several other ladies and her daughter.

”Judging by her clothes, she appears to be a servant,” one of the ladies remarked.

”Earlier, when I came to see Prince Sylvian, he told me he had a guest,” Charlotte said, her gaze remaining fixed on the scene below. ”Yet now he is down there with the boy.”

”You seem rather upset with Prince Sylvian,” Georgia observed, glancing at her.

Charlotte remained silent for a moment.

”He isn’t obligated to answer to anyone about whom he chooses to meet,” Georgia continued calmly. ”And he clearly told me earlier that he had no intention of meeting any woman recommended to him. Despite my warning, you still decided to visit him.”

”Ah, that.” Charlotte lowered her gaze briefly. ”Forgive me, Dowager Duchess. I had no intention of offending you or disregarding your advice.”

Georgia studied her for a moment. ”I hope that remains the case.”

”Prince Sylvian hasn’t chosen a bride even from the capital,” another lady remarked with a mocking smile directed at Charlotte. ”So why would he search for someone here in Varos?”

Charlotte’s expression tightened slightly, but before she could respond, Georgia intervened.

”Let us not make Prince Sylvian the subject of our gathering,” Georgia said calmly. ”We did not come here to discuss his personal affairs.”

The ladies fell silent, and the conversation gradually shifted toward other matters.

~~~~~

”Wow, Sister, you really know how to fly a kite!” Roman exclaimed, looking up at the sky with excitement.

”Here, Young Lord. You should try it yourself,” Iliana said, handing him the spool.

”Slowly. Move the thread little by little,” she instructed.

She knelt beside Roman and gently guided his hands, teaching him how to control the kite. Roman eagerly followed her instructions, his attention completely focused on the colorful kite soaring above them.

Meanwhile, Sylvian stood a short distance away, his gaze fixed on Iliana. He watched her patiently guide Roman, unable to tear his eyes away from her.

”Ahh! It’s falling!” Roman cried when the kite suddenly dipped in the air.

Iliana immediately held his tiny hands and adjusted the thread. ”Loosen your arms, Roman,” she instructed, keeping her eyes on the kite. ”Don’t pull the thread too tightly. Let it catch the wind.”

Roman carefully followed her guidance, and the kite slowly rose again.

”There! You’re doing it,” Iliana encouraged him with a smile.

Roman’s face lit up as he watched the kite climb higher, while Sylvian continued observing them, a faint smile forming on his lips. Suddenly, Sylvian’s attention shifted to Iliana’s dress, and he realized that it was quite different from what she usually wore. He had been so surprised by her arrival that he had failed to notice it earlier.

I didn’t notice it before, but it seems she dressed like this especially for me. I’ll ask her about it later, he thought, a small smile appearing on his lips.

Iliana slowly released Roman’s hands. The young boy was now holding the spool more confidently, guiding the kite through the wind with much greater steadiness.

She rose to her feet and moved toward Sylvian, who immediately reached for her hand and gently intertwined his fingers with hers.

Iliana tilted her head toward him, surprised by the gesture, only to find him smiling at her.

She instinctively tried to pull her hand away.

”You accepted me,” Sylvian whispered, leaning slightly closer. ”So why are you still shy about holding my hand?”

”Because the others don’t know,” Iliana replied in a low voice, glancing around cautiously.

”Then they will know.” Sylvian’s smile widened. ”Besides, I would be more than happy to declare you my fiancée. Everyone should know that you are the woman I have chosen.”

Iliana’s lips curved into a shy smile, and her heart fluttered inside her chest.

She had taken a significant step in her life by accepting Sylvian, and although certain fears still lingered quietly at the back of her mind, she wanted to place her faith in him and in the promises he had made.

So far, Sylvian had shown her something she had rarely seen in men. He did not hesitate to acknowledge his feelings, nor did he seem ashamed of choosing the woman he loved. Perhaps that was what gave her the courage to trust him.

”We need to travel to the capital as well. My father should be the first to know about our relationship and that I intend to marry you. My brother and sister-in-law will be happy to meet you too,” Sylvian told her.

Iliana felt a flutter of nervousness at his words. The thought of meeting the King made her stomach tighten. ”The King?” she repeated, licking her lips before nervously biting her bottom lip.

Sylvian noticed her reaction but said nothing about it. Instead, he turned toward Roman. ”Roman, we’re leaving now, if that’s all right with you.”

”Yes, Uncle,” Roman replied without looking away from the kite. He remained completely focused on keeping it in the air.

Sylvian glanced at Joanna, who immediately bowed in acknowledgment. Then he gently gestured for Iliana to follow him, and the two of them began walking away from the garden.

”Your Highness, do you truly wish to take me to the capital?” Iliana asked as they entered the corridor. Her steps slowed slightly. ”I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. I mean...” She trailed off, unsure how to explain the uneasiness building inside her.

”I’ve already told my father about you,” Sylvian said calmly.

Iliana looked at him in surprise.

”However, you don’t have to meet him before you’re ready.” His expression softened as he continued down the corridor. ”You can take your time, Iliana. I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything simply because you are with me.”

Iliana nodded, thanking him for understanding her viewpoint.

”So, you intend to marry a commoner, Sylvian,” August’s voice echoed from the other side of the corridor, making both of them stop.