Chapter 285: Their family moment
"Yet I still wonder what prompted you to visit your father today," Damian mused, his eyes searching hers. "There is no harm in it, of course, but I recall how intent you were on guarding your peace of mind and confidence, the very things your family shattered time and again."
"Mother shared something with me this morning," Eilika confessed softly. "She spoke of how deeply she regrets failing to see her own father in his final hours. They had their differences, which kept her away until it was simply too late. She was carrying you at the time, and with her labor so near, traveling to her bedridden father was impossible. She warned me that while I may feel no regret today, a day might come when the weight of it becomes unbearable. That was what pushed me to go."
She paused, looking down at her teacup before meeting his gaze once more. "Besides... Father said something to Mother about me before he gave my hand to you. Hearing it softened my heart, if only a little."
Damian was thoroughly intrigued; his mother had never shared such intimate memories with him.
"What did your father say to my mother? Now I am curious to know," Damian asked, raising his teacup to his lips.
"He said that despite how others perceive me, I possess a kind heart," Eilika answered quietly. "And he promised Mother that I would never bring her disappointment." She lifted her own cup, taking a slow sip.
"Well," Damian replied, a faint smile playing on his lips, "that is certainly the first time I have ever heard your father utter such thoughtful words about you."
"Even I was surprised to hear it," Eilika admitted softly.
The room settled into a comfortable silence as they enjoyed their evening tea and light refreshments. Setting his cup back down onto the saucer, Damian’s expression turned thoughtful.
"His Majesty assured me of his trust today," he began, his voice dropping slightly. "I laid everything bare before him and promised to uncover the full extent of her deception once our investigation concluded. However, the King insisted on personally investigating why my aunt was privy to so much hidden information. He suspects she knew Liliana far too well." He let out a low sigh. "I find that difficult to believe... Though then again, I spent years beside Liliana and never truly knew her at all."
Then, shaking his head, he continued, "We will leave tomorrow in the evening."
"Hopefully, we return before a month," Eilika stated. "But are the other regional Dukes also coming?"
"Indeed, there are three other dukes in the realm besides myself and the Duke of the North," Damian explained.
"Each year, we convene to speak on vital policies to foster the growth of our respective regions, after which we report directly to the King. Following these sessions, His Majesty makes a formal progress journey across the province, accompanied by his royal convoy, to preside over a grand council meeting."
"I had no idea such high-level gatherings were convened," Eilika remarked, genuine interest in her voice. "Where was the grand council hosted last year?"
"It was held right here in Varos," Damian answered, setting his cup aside. "So every lord and delegate made the journey to our grounds."
"That must have been a grand event. I knew nothing of it," Eilika said.
"It took place during that very time," Damian noted. "Perhaps you were away from the estate."
"No, I was right here in Varos," she replied softly, then paused as a thought struck her. "I did not see Prince Sylvian today. He has not returned, has he?"
"No," Damian answered with a firm shake of his head. "His presence is required at the palace for the time being. I suspect the King intends to bestow new responsibilities upon him now."
"Responsibilities... such as making him the next Duke?"
"Precisely," Damian said. "The Duke of the West has no heirs. He was once an advisor in the King’s court, which earned him his ducal title. Sylvian is expected to inherit that Dukedom before long."
"Prince Sylvian will serve his people well, that much I know. But he must brace himself, for with a dukedom comes the immediate pressure to secure an alliance through marriage," Eilika noted.
"Indeed," Damian agreed, a subtle glint of amusement in his eyes. "Was he not pursuing someone recently? He would do wise to make his intentions known before the title is officially bestowed upon him."
"He is still pursuing her, in truth. I suspect he will put forth a formal proposal soon if such a title is indeed awaiting him," Eilika said with a slight smile. She began to gather her skirts as she rose from her chair. "I shall go and check on Roman now. He was far too excited about his visit to my family’s estate."
As she turned toward the door, Damian pushed back his chair and stood to join her.
"I will accompany you," he said.
~~~~~
August stepped down from the carriage and strode into the estate, with Samir following a pace behind. Finding the grand hall quiet and deserted, the butler bowed low upon his approach.
"Your Highness."
"Have some wine sent to my room," August commanded without breaking his stride. "Samir, I shall see you on the morrow." With that, he swept past them toward the stairs.
As he strode down the corridor, the faint sound of laughter echoed through the hall. He paused and turned toward the arched window overlooking the courtyard, where Eilika and Roman were ducking and weaving across the lawn while a blindfolded Damian gave chase.
A sudden longing to join in their play warmed his chest. Yet, he pulled back, thinking to himself, ’It would be improper to intrude upon their family moment.’
Reaching his room, he finally sank into the velvet recliner with a weary sigh.
"What an exhausting day," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "And for what? I did little else than lie in that boat, while that madwoman and her sister refused to grant me even a moment’s peace."