The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

”What do you mean?” August was a bit confused by her statement.

”Ah, I meant Your Highness saved the life of my brothers, so I owe him. I will do whatever he wants me to do. But will it be really risky?” asked Xenia.

He couldn’t help but smile. ”Of course. I told you that you might lose your head,” he asserted.

”Ah, yes.” Xenia turned quiet. He noticed she was fiddling with her fingers, clearly nervous.

”Take the night to weigh your decision,” August said softly. ”I did not save your brothers simply to collect a debt from you. But rest assured, should you agree, I will protect you with my life.”

Xenia lifted her head to meet his steady gaze, a strange warmth blooming in her chest at his pledge. She remained silent, contemplating on his suggestion.

As much as her heart urged her to aid him without a second thought, the image of Lara waiting at home stayed her tongue. She had a younger sister relying on her, and she could not afford to make a reckless choice.

”Alright, Your Highness. I will give it deep thought and bring you my answer in the morning. That is... I will inform your bodyguard,” Xenia said softly.

August merely hummed in response, shifting his gaze toward the dark streets passing outside the carriage window. Xenia followed his lead, leaning back against the cushioned seat and staring out into the night.

As the wheels clattered rhythmically over the cobblestones, her mind drifted back to a time when riding in such luxurious carriages had been her reality.

It was a life of comfort that her younger sister had never truly known. Yet, a faint smile touched Xenia’s lips. Despite everything they had lost, her five brothers, not biological, worked endlessly to keep their family afloat, ensuring she and Lara never went hungry. For that, at least, she was profoundly grateful.

She shifted her gaze back to August, whose serene demeanor gave nothing away. Yet, a persistent thought nagged at her. Their paths had crossed too frequently of late to be mere chance.

”You will bore holes through me if you keep at it,” August remarked.

”Huh?” Xenia blurted, a sudden rush of heat flushing her cheeks.

”You are staring at me rather intensely,” he observed without looking away from the window.

”Forgive me, Your Highness. That was not my intention,” Xenia stammered, hastily lowering her eyes to her lap.

To divert his attention before her embarrassment deepened, her mind seized upon the memory of the noblewoman he had ordered arrested earlier.

”Your Highness... if I may ask, what became of the noble lady who spoke so ill of you? Was she released? I imagine she must be deeply regretful.”

”Her father came begging on his knees, so I saw fit to release her,” August answered casually.

”I heard from my brothers that banners were raised against you in the city,” she continued, probing carefully. ”Is it because the nobility remains displeased with you? I suppose your actions threaten their selfish interests.”

”Hmm. That touches upon the very reason I require your assistance,” August affirmed. ”I need someone capable to gain entry into a specific residence. As for the details, I shall share the full plan only after you give me your word.”

”His Highness said that he will protect me with his life,” Xenia said, meeting his eyes directly.

”Yes,” August agreed, his expression serious.

”Then I do not need until morning to decide. I know you will come for me if anything goes wrong,” Xenia replied firmly.

”Very well. I shall discuss the details with you tomorrow. Samir will fetch you and bring you to the Duke’s estate. It is far more discreet for a sensitive matter like this,” he explained.

”I understand, Your Highness.”

The carriage ground to a halt outside her home.

”We have arrived,” August said, peering out into the dim street.

In a few moments, the door opened from outside.

”Thank you for dropping me home, Your Highness,” Xenia stated, giving him a respectful bow.

She stepped down onto the cobblestones and offered Samir a grateful nod before turning toward the wooden gate.

Behind her, the coachman turned the carriage around, and the sound of iron rims and clopping hooves gradually faded down the dark street.

Xenia pushed open the gate and stepped into the yard.

”Xenia! You’re back!” Oliver called out from the front porch, holding a tear-stained Lara in his arms. ”I was just about to run and get our brothers. Did those officers hurt you? What happened? Also, whose carriage was that? It didn’t appear ordinary.”

”I am fine, Brother. Please forgive me for making you worry. Prince August happened to be at the station and intervened on my behalf. He was kind enough to offer me a ride home,” Xenia explained.

”Thank goodness you are safe,” Oliver breathed, a wave of relief washing over his features. ”But please, Xenia, do not act so recklessly again. You never picked such fierce fights back in our village. What has come over you since we arrived here? Poor Lara was terrified.”

He set Lara down onto her feet, and the young girl instantly sprinted across the yard, throwing her arms tightly around Xenia’s waist. Xenia wrapped her arms around her sister and gently patted her head to soothe her trembling shoulders.

Getting on her knees, she kissed Lara’s cheeks. Dropping to her knees, Xenia kissed Lara’s soft cheeks. ”Look, I am completely fine. Your sister is a fighter. It takes far more than a few thugs to defeat me,” she reassured her. Reaching deep into the inner pocket of her woolen jacket, she produced a small candy and held it out. ”Here, this is for you.”

Lara’s tearful expression instantly vanished, replaced by a bright smile as she eagerly unwrapped the treat and popped it into her mouth.

Xenia stood up and turned to her brother. ”Brother Oliver, please do not mention any of this to the others, especially Brother Henry. They will only fret over nothing.”

”I will keep quiet on one condition,” Oliver said firmly, crossing his arms. ”You must promise me never to get involved in such danger again.”

”I promise,” Xenia replied without hesitation, giving him a reassuring smile.