The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

”I’m not doing that, Your Highness,” Samir refused, folding the letter in his hands.

August arched an eyebrow at his trusted bodyguard’s unexpected defiance.

”I’ve been with you since we were teenagers. I want to see you get married, too,” Samir explained.

August stared at him for a moment before chuckling and rolling his eyes.

”My father isn’t worried about my marriage, but you are?”

”Because you’re like family to me. A brother, I would say,” Samir replied firmly.

Samir had always been reserved about expressing his feelings, particularly when it came to August. Their years together had built a bond that went beyond the relationship between a prince and his bodyguard. He had stood beside August through difficult times and understood him better than most people did.

August’s expression softened slightly, though his amusement remained.

”I know that,” he said. ”But I have no intention of getting married.”

He paused before turning a knowing smirk toward Samir.

”However, you’re free to pursue that woman yourself. I’d be delighted to see you get married.”

Samir stared at him in disbelief.

”Your Highness, the letter was addressed to you!”

”And?” August replied innocently. ”You seem far more interested in her than I am. I thought I was doing you a favour.”

Samir sighed, realizing that his attempt to discuss August’s marriage had somehow turned into another opportunity for the prince to tease him.

”How can a servant get married before his master?” Samir murmured, lowering his gaze to the letter.

August heard him and turned his head.

”I have never considered you a mere servant,” he replied. His tone was casual, but there was sincerity behind his words. ”Tell that lady what kind of man I am and why she shouldn’t even dream of being with me. Tell her I’m slightly cracked in the head.”

He paused, then gave Samir a knowing smirk.

”Better yet, pursue her yourself. She would be fortunate to have you as her husband. Not every woman gets the chance to marry a man like you.”

”Your Highness, I’m not doing that,” Samir clarified firmly.

He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the carriage seat, making it clear that he had no intention of entertaining August’s suggestion.

”Besides, Your Highness isnot cracked in the head,” he continued. ”Your methods are simply brutal. You act quickly and in ways no one expects, often doing things others would consider wrong. That doesn’t mean you’re mad.”

August stared at him for a moment before letting out a short laugh.

”Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

”I’m only stating the truth, Your Highness. I understand you have kept your heart closed ever since that incident happened but you need to let that pain go from your heart.”

August turned quiet, having no words left to argue further.

~~~~

Wilfred sat propped up against several pillows, resting against the headboard of his bed, when Susan entered to inform him of Eilika’s arrival.

”I told you to ask her not to visit. I’m still not fully recovered,” Wilfred remarked with a frown.

Before Susan could respond, Eilika walked into the bedroom.

”Duchess,” Wilfred murmured, immediately attempting to rise from the bed so he could offer her a formal bow.

”Stay in bed, Father,” Eilika instructed, moving closer to stop him. ”You seem much better than before. Just two days ago, you could barely speak.”

”The medicines from the capital have worked wonders. That’s why I’m feeling better,” Wilfred replied.

He settled back against the pillows and looked at her with gratitude.

”Thank you for taking care of me. You even arranged for the royal physician to examine me.”

Eilika pulled a chair closer to his bedside and sat down.

”You don’t need to thank me for that, Father. I couldn’t possibly leave you without proper treatment when you were so ill.”

Wilfred looked at her quietly, his expression softening. He had expected her to visit out of a sense of duty, but the concern in her voice made it clear that she genuinely cared about his recovery.

”Forgive me for what I’ve done to you,” Wilfred said, lowering his head in guilt. ”I’ve treated you terribly in ways I can hardly bring myself to speak of. I know my words have often been harsh, but you must believe me when I say that I only wanted you to have a good family and a secure future.”

He paused, his fingers tightening around the edge of the blanket.

”As for the benefits I stood to gain, I won’t deny that I was greedy. But tell me, which father wouldn’t want his daughter to marry into a powerful noble family? What parent wouldn’t feel fortunate to have such an opportunity and get benefited from it?”

”Father, let’s not talk about it,” Eilika interrupted gently.

She lowered her gaze, unwilling to revisit the memories that had caused her so much pain.

Wilfred fell silent, his shoulders drooping slightly. He had expected her to be angry, perhaps even to reproach him, but her quiet response made him feel the weight of his past actions even more deeply.

”Still, I owe you an apology,” he murmured. ”Whether I believed I was doing what was best for you or not, I should never have made you suffer. It’s true that you’ve been a filial daughter from a young age. And I still chose to neglect you.”

Susan remained silent, allowing Wilfred to pour out the emotions he had kept buried for so long.

”Father, you should focus on your recovery now,” Eilika said gently. ”I’m much happier now, and I no longer dwell on my younger years or the things that happened back then.”

She offered him a reassuring smile before continuing.

”I have a mother-in-law who treats me as though I’m her own daughter, a son who loves me dearly, and a husband who is willing to give me everything in this world. I’m fortunate to have them in my life.”

Her expression softened as she looked at him.

”So, Father, I’ve let go of the grievances I once held against you. I don’t want to keep looking back at the past when I have so much to be grateful for in the present.”