The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

The carriage rolled past the outer gates, carrying Eilika and Roman toward her father’s estate. Inside the cabin, Roman’s small legs swung as he hummed the opening notes of a verse.

Softly, Eilika joined his voice, blending the cadence of the song with the steady clatter of the horses’ hooves against the frost-rimed road.

”Over the hills where the white snow falls,

While autumn departs and the winter draws near,

Through forest and meadow, on ice-bound streams,

The winter wind awakens a quiet white dream.”

As the final words faded, Eilika reached out to adjust the thick woolen muffler wrapped snugly around his neck, offering his rosy cheek an affectionate pat.

Roman looked up at her, his eyes bright with eagerness. ”Mama, shall I tell you the meaning of this poem I learned?”

Eilika smiled, pulling him slightly closer. ”Do tell, my little scholar.”

”It means when the warm days of autumn are gone, the cold weather of the winter takes over. And the white frost covers everything like a blanket, resting until the spring comes back again,” Roman narrated the poem’s true meaning.

Eilika clapped softly for him, a warm light in her eyes. ”Look at you! You have already become quite the scholar of verse,” she complimented.

Roman beamed, his chest swelling with pride at the praise. ”This year the winter will not be cold, Mama.”

Eilika tilted her head, watching him with affectionate curiosity. ”What do you mean by that, my love?”

”I have you, Mama. I do not have to sit by the window and just stare at the white cover outside for hours,” Roman answered, his small voice bright. ”Like the other children, I can play in the snow with you and Father as well.”

Eilika’s hand came to rest gently on his crown, her fingers tracing through his hair. ”It would be wonderful,” she whispered, leaning down to press a soft kiss against his temple. ”We shall have all the fun in the world. Who knows, perhaps your father will take us away on a grand winter holiday.”

Roman’s eyes widened with delight. ”That would be even better. I’m so excited for the snowfall,” he pronounced cheerfully.

~~~~~

August examined the wine bottles displayed on the shelves of a local wine shop before turning to the shopkeeper.

”Is this the most expensive wine you have?”

”Yes, Your Highness. I’m certain you’ll appreciate its taste,” the man replied eagerly.

”Then pack it for me.”

August reached into his pocket and took out a gold coin worth three hundred sheels. He placed it on the counter without bothering to negotiate the price.

”Here.”

The shopkeeper’s face brightened at the generous payment. He thanked August repeatedly before handing him the carefully packed bottle.

August took it and turned toward the exit. However, just as he stepped outside, he collided with someone entering the shop.

He steadied himself and glanced at the person before him. It was a woman dressed in fine clothes, her appearance suggesting that she belonged to a noble household.

”Forgive me, Your Highness,” she apologized immediately, lowering her head.

August gave her a brief, indifferent glance but said nothing. Without waiting for her to move aside, he continued toward the carriage waiting outside.

The woman hurried after August as he approached the carriage.

”Your Highness, I’ve been wanting to give you this for a very long time,” she called out.

Samir immediately stepped forward, preventing her from approaching August any further. August, who had one foot on the carriage step, paused and turned to look at them.

His gaze fell on the envelope in the woman’s hands.

”What is it?” he asked.

”It’s... a letter,” she replied hesitantly. Gathering her courage, she held it out toward him. ”Please, Your Highness. I would be grateful if you would read it.”

She bowed her head, waiting for his response.

August remained silent. Before he could say anything, Samir smiled and accepted the envelope on his behalf.

The woman looked relieved, as though she had finally accomplished something she had been waiting a long time to do. August, however, showed no interest in her gesture. He stepped into the carriage without sparing her another glance.

Samir followed him inside, and the coachman soon set the carriage in motion toward the estate.

Once they were settled, Samir examined the envelope with an amused expression.

”It’s a love letter, Your Highness,” he announced.

August turned toward him with a frown. ”Why did you take it?”

”Because it’s meant for you, Your Highness.”

”You seem more excited about it than I am,” August remarked nonchalantly.

Samir glanced down at the envelope, still looking entertained.

”Throw it away,” August ordered. ”I have no interest in entertaining such rubbish in my life.”

His expression made it clear that he considered the matter closed. He turned toward the carriage window, leaving Samir to decide what to do with the unwanted letter.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Samir tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter inside. He cleared his throat and began reading aloud.

”Greetings to His Highness, Prince August. It has taken me considerable courage to write this letter. Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I have been unable to forget you. I sincerely hope Your Highness will give me a chance to be by your side.”

August stared at him for a moment before letting out a chuckle.

”Is she asking to become my maid?” he asked, almost laughing at the thought.

”No, Your Highness,” Samir replied, struggling to keep a straight face. ”She’s expressing her affection for you and hoping you’ll give her a chance to court you.”

August’s amusement faded into disbelief.

Samir glanced at the letter again before adding, ”Her name is Janelia.”

”Wonderful,” August muttered, turning his attention back to the carriage window. ”Now I know the name of the woman whose letter you should have left unopened. You can throw this rubbish out.”

”Your Highness, how can you call it rubbish?” Samir looked at him in disbelief. ”I believe Miss Janelia truly desires you.”