The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

Iliana opened the box at Angelina’s request, revealing a stunning pair of gold earrings nestled within. Their radiant sheen held her spellbound for a moment before she found her voice. ”Your Royal Highness, this is far too—”

”You cannot refuse,” Angelina interrupted gently, placing a warm hand over hers. ”Sylvian is like a younger brother to me, and I have waited so long to bestow this token upon the woman of his choosing. He has chosen you.” She offered an encouraging smile before adding, ”Why the hesitation? You have already accepted Sylvian’s heart. Consider this merely the first of many gifts.”

Iliana offered her sincere thanks as she finally accepted the exquisite present.

”You may call me ’sister.’ There is no need for formal titles between us,” Angelina replied with a reassuring smile.

Iliana hummed softly in response, a quiet smile touching her lips. Gazing over at Sylvian, she gently stepped back from the bedside.

”The Crown Princess should rest now, especially while the little one is asleep,” Sylvian said in a hushed tone, stepping forward. ”And thank you, both of you, for making Iliana feel so welcome.”

”Alright, do not flatter us too much. Take Iliana for a walk through the gardens,” Ciaran told his younger brother with a quiet chuckle. ”And make this union official as soon as you can.”

Sylvian nodded in agreement, taking Iliana’s hand as they took their leave.

”The Crown Princess bestowed such a grand gift upon me. I truly did not expect it, especially when we are not even engaged yet,” Iliana said, tilting her head slightly to catch his reaction.

”She does so because she already considers you family. She knows I intend to make you my wife,” Sylvian answered, a tender smile warming his features. ”Forgive me for being consumed by work since morning and unable to spend time with you. I, too, have prepared something for you, but you must come to my chamber to receive it.”

His fingers slid gently between hers, intertwining as he guided her down the grand corridor toward his private quarters. As they reached the entrance, where servants stood waiting in attendance, he spoke quietly, ”Leave us. I require privacy.”

The attendants bowed heads in silence and withdrew.

Stepping inside his bedchamber, Iliana paused in wonder. The room was tastefully decorated, its walls adorned with exquisite paintings created by Sylvian’s own hand.

He allowed her a moment to admire his space while he crossed to the wardrobe, retrieving a beautifully wrapped package alongside an elegant jewelry box.

”Iliana,” he called softly.

”Yes?” She turned away from the portrait she had been examining, her eyes landing on the gifts cradled in his hands.

”I had intended to present these to you when I traveled to Varos to ask for your hand, but the gown had not yet been completed. I also worried it might feel overwhelming had I offered everything at once during our initial meeting. I know you are a woman of simple desires, Iliana, but it has long been my wish to spoil my future wife with such treasures.”

A soft smile touched her lips, and she carefully set the velvet box from the Crown Princess onto a nearby table.

”I would not mind being spoiled by my prince,” she murmured, taking the wrapped parcel from his hands. ”May I open it?”

”Yes,” Sylvian replied softly, watching her closely.

Iliana moved to a nearby recliner, sitting down as her fingers gently tore through the wrapping paper. The sheer weight of the fabric inside surprised her, and as she stood to unroll the full length of the gown, her breath caught.

It was a breathtaking shade of deep wine, adorned with intricate, hand-crafted motifs that shimmered subtly in the light. Rich, sweeping layers of skirt pooled gracefully around her feet, giving the entire creation gave a regal look.

”It is truly beautiful, Your Highness. I love it. Thank you so much,” Iliana replied, her eyes gleaming with genuine affection. ”I believe I shall wear it for our engagement.”

”You certainly should, if you love it so,” Sylvian answered, a warm, satisfied smile gracing his features. ”To be honest, I knew this shade would look divine on you.”

”How did you manage to get my measurements, though?” she inquired, raising an eyebrow with a curious gaze.

”I simply made a guess,” Sylvian admitted smoothly. ”Which is why you must try it on. If it requires any adjustments, the seamstress will see to it at once.”

”I shall try it on in the morning,” Iliana answered softly.

”Why not now?” Sylvian pressed gently. ”It is not as though you have pressing duties at this hour. I can step outside while you change. The dress features an integrated corset, so you likely will not need assistance, but I can call a maidservant if you wish. What do you say?”

Iliana read the quiet hope in his gaze and realized he simply longed to see her in it. ”Very well, I will change now. There is no need to disturb a maid; I can put it on myself.”

”Wonderful. I will await you outside.” Sylvian set the jewelry box down upon the table and swiftly withdrew, closing the doors behind him.

Ten minutes later, Iliana approached the door and pulled it open slightly. ”Your Highness, you may enter.”

Sylvian paused for a brief moment before pushing the heavy door wide. The words died on his lips as his gaze fell upon her, his eyes widening in pure fascination.

The rich wine gown fit her figure flawlessly, the structured corset defining her waist while the heavy, intricate skirts flared gracefully around her. She stood amidst the warm light of his chamber, transformed into a vision he had envisioned. Sylvian remained motionless at the threshold, entirely captivated by the sight of his future bride.

Iliana’s hand rested hesitantly over her chest, trying to cover the plunging neckline that subtly lifted her bust. ”Umm... the neckline seems a bit of a problem to me.”

”No, it is not a problem at all,” Sylvian replied softly, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. ”You look graceful. Truly. There is no need to be shy.” He reached out, gently taking her hand to lower it from her chest before brushing a few stray locks of hair away from her cheek. ”Come, see for yourself.”

He guided her into the adjacent dressing room, where a tall mirror stood at the center. Positioned in front of the mirror, he stepped up directly behind her. ”Look at yourself, Iliana. You look breathtaking—confident, elegant, and beautiful.”

Iliana gazed at her reflection. ”My sister always wished to see me in such fine clothes, but I never agreed. Seeing myself like this suddenly brings her to mind. If she were alive to see this, she would have been so happy. Thank you for making me feel so special.”

She turned toward him, rising onto her toes to press a tender kiss against his cheek, only for the sudden realization of her bold action to hit her a moment later.

”Ah, that...” Iliana murmured, lowering her head as her chest rose and fell with sudden nervousness.

Sylvian gently cupped her cheeks, tilting her face until her gaze was forced to meet his. Without a word, he leaned down and pressed a slow, lingering kiss to her cheek, igniting a sudden warmth that flared between them both.

”I prefer when you express your affection so openly,” Sylvian whispered softly.

Before she could process the moment, he spoke again. ”May I kiss your lips?”

”Huh?” Iliana blinked rapidly, her voice failing her completely.

”Never mind. We shall save it for another evening,” Sylvian said with a soft, understanding smile. ”I brought additional gifts for you tonight. You ought to examine those as well.”

He began to turn away, only to feel a faint, deliberate tug at his sleeve. Sylvian paused, glancing down to find Iliana holding him back, her gaze burning with a desire that perfectly mirrored his own.

”You may,” Iliana whispered, her lashes fluttering shut as a slight, nervous furrow appeared between her brows.

Sylvian leaned down, closing the small distance between them until his lips pressed against her soft ones. The stillness of the dressing room enveloped them as the touch lingered for a moment, before he began to move his lips over hers. His hand slid upward, his fingers cradling the back of her head to hold her gently against him as the kiss deepened.

Iliana’s fingers tightened on his sleeve, holding fast to the fabric as she began to return the motion of his lips, timidly following his lead. She had read of first kisses, heard the soft, starry-eyed whispers of what it felt like, but experiencing it was a sensation she had never truly imagined—certainly not in this life, and certainly not with him.

A sudden, dizzying warmth rushed to the tips of her toes, sparking a sensation entirely foreign to her. It was an overwhelming wave of joy, sweeping through her until every lingering doubt was completely swallowed whole.