Chapter 272: Longevity and protection
Damian received an official message from the capital regarding the fall of the Queen.
"Son, what does it say?" Georgia asked, looking up at him with concern.
"Aunt has been imprisoned on the charges of murdering the King’s mistress and ordering her brother to wipe out the innocent Spencer family," Damian asserted, his expression grave as he lowered the scroll.
"Now that the Queen has fallen, won’t the throne be weakened?" Eilika asked, her gaze filled with worry.
"There will be political instability for some time, but I believe the King will manage it. Besides, the Crown Prince remains next in line for the throne," Damian affirmed.
"It should never have come to this for Victoria," Georgia sighed sadly. "She poured her entire heart into her marriage with the King. If only he hadn’t brought a mistress into the palace, none of this would have happened."
Damian and Eilika exchanged a silent glance, neither wanting to reveal to Georgia just how twisted and evil Victoria had truly become in her hatred. And how she had threatened them simply because they brought forward the evidence against Xavier.
"I will go to my room and have my dinner there," Georgia said, rising slowly from her chair.
They both stood up and watched her walk away in quiet sorrow.
"Mother is quite upset about all of this," Eilika noted softly.
"They were well acquainted long before their marriages. Mother has always held a soft spot for the Queen," Damian asserted. "From her perspective, she isn’t wrong to place the blame on the King."
Eilika hummed in agreement as Damian reached out and took her hand in his.
"Roman seemed to be hiding something from me earlier," she began as they walked toward the grand staircase together.
"Is it about the academy?" Damian asked, glancing over at her.
"I don’t know," replied Eilika. "I don’t know," replied Eilika. "I don’t think it’s related to the academy. He has blended quite well with the other children. It’s something else, but it’s hard to tell."
"Did you try asking him?" Damian inquired.
"I did, but he is hiding it well," Eilika answered with a soft sigh. "He is far too mature for his age, and I believe something is weighing heavily on his mind. I will try speaking to him again later tonight. Hopefully, he will open up to me."
"Roman can’t keep things from you for long," Damian said. "Once he feels the burden of his secret, he will come running to you."
They both entered their chamber, and Damian promptly dismissed the servants present. They walked through to the inner bedchamber, where Damian reclined on the mattress, propping himself up on his elbows as he watched Eilika lock the door from the inside.
"I heard from Louis that the officials have approved the new settlement for the vulnerable residents. Will the project start soon?" asked Eilika.
"Yes, starting tomorrow," Damian answered.
"That’s wonderful," she replied, walking over to the wardrobe.
"Don’t you need to change your clothes?" she asked, opening the heavy wooden doors to check inside.
"I’ll change after dinner," he stated. "Why don’t you come rest for a moment as well?" He removed his waistcoat and set it aside, loosening a few buttons at the collar of his shirt.
Eilika shut the wardrobe door and turned to look at him. He was lying back against the pillows, his eyes fixed thoughtfully on the ceiling above.
"Is Roman upset because of me?" He tilted his head toward her as she sat down on the opposite edge of the mattress.
"Why would he be upset with you?" she questioned.
"Perhaps I was too harsh when I spoke to him earlier. I know I have a tendency to sound cold and stern," Damian admitted.
"I don’t think that’s the reason," Eilika replied softly. "Whenever you scold him, he always comes straight to me to complain about it."
"Then I have no idea what is bothering him," he murmured, shifting his weight across the bed to move closer to her. Restless, he reached out and rested his hand gently over her lap. "Liliana’s death anniversary isn’t anywhere near, so I don’t believe his mood has anything to do with that."
Damian closed his eyes as Eilika reached out, her fingers running through his hair in a gentle, rhythmic caress.
"Both father and son are far too good at keeping secrets from me," she remarked quietly.
His eyes snapped open, a sharp look of defense crossing his features. "When have I ever hidden things from you?"
"In the beginning. All the time," Eilika answered with a knowing look.
"That was completely different," Damian asserted, leaning slightly into her touch despite his protest. "Now, I don’t hide a single thing from you."
"Hmm. I know," she replied with a soft smile. "I only meant that Roman has inherited your habit of burying his feelings and keeping his own counsel."
She smoothed back a lock of his hair, her tone turning thoughtful. "He is remarkably perceptive for his age. I cannot always decipher what goes on in that little mind of his, but whenever I listen to him speak, it strikes me how deeply he understands the people around him. It reveals a quiet kind of empathy, one he guards carefully."
Damian finally sat up, shifting his position to face her directly. "You notice far more in him than I ever managed to. Tell me, Eilika, what can I do for you? You never ask for a single thing from me. No gifts, no fine dresses, nothing."
"You have always provided for me long before the thought could even cross my mind to ask," she replied, a gentle smile touching her lips. "I heard a local festival approaches soon. Before we depart for the North, I want us to celebrate it together."
"What kind of festival is it?"
"A tradition where women light small oil lamps and set them adrift upon the water, offering prayers for the longevity and protection of their husbands," Eilika explained.
"And can I not set one afloat for you as well?" Damian asked, a faint smirk softening his features. "Surely such a gesture isn’t strictly reserved for wives."
"Hmm, perhaps not strictly," Eilika replied softly, her eyes gleaming. "Though very few men ever think to do so."
"I’ll do it for you," Damian declared.