The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

Iliana smiled, raising the letter he had entrusted to Eilika to hand over to her. "I think I came because of this," she replied softly. "And soon after, news of what transpired at the palace reached us. I believe the entire kingdom knows by now." Her hand fell back to her side.

"Forgive me for my absence that day," Sylvian said. "I fully intended to come to you, as I had promised."

"Your Highness owes me no apology," Iliana said gently. "You were under no obligation to see me, and I well understand that urgent matters of state demanded your immediate return to the capital."

"Thank you for your understanding, Miss Iliana," Sylvian answered. "I can show you around."

"Is His Highness sure about that? If he walks with me, the questionable eyes will demand answers why a woman of my stature is with you. I came here because I felt it was the right thing to do. Maybe I can come some other day when the crowd will be less."

"Are you not an artist?" Sylvian remarked, a slight smile touching his lips. "One who carries true talent in her hands."

"You flatter me, Your Highness," Iliana replied candidly. "Yet you forget that I have no desire to make my craft known to the public. I intend to keep my work shared only among a trusted few."

"Ah, you are right. I had nearly forgotten," Sylvian admitted.

He found approaching her far more difficult than he had anticipated. If he were to lay open his heart, would she recoil? She possessed a quiet nature, and the last thing he wished was to sever the fragile bond between them.

Fearing she had spoken too plainly, Iliana gently shifted the subject. "Your Highness, shall we observe the gallery? I see a vast collection of paintings and sculptures displayed here."

"Ah, yes," Sylvian agreed, stepping into stride beside her.

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They moved along the hall, pausing before the work on display to share their thoughts on the brushwork, composition, and underlying themes. Time slipped away unheeded until a sudden hollow feeling in her stomach reminded Iliana of the hour.

"I believe we have spent far more time here than intended," Iliana remarked, turning to look out the window. Outside, the evening had settled, and the guests were taking their leave through the main gates—some boarding motorcars, others stepping into waiting horse-drawn carriages.

"Accompany me to the palace," Sylvian offered promptly. "In truth, I neglected to ask after your journey. Having traveled so far, you must surely require rest."

"I am somewhat weary, but I shall find lodging at an inn, Your Highness," Iliana replied, adding in a lower tone, "How could I possibly return to the palace with you?"

"Why should you not?" Sylvian urged. "You have journeyed all this way, and you are my guest."

"Your Highness, you well know that a woman of my standing cannot remain beside you for long," Iliana answered. "Our lives and statures are far too different."

"I agree," Sylvian conceded, slowly wringing his hands where they were clasped behind his back. "What if I tell you that I am drawn to you?" he asked softly. "Would you believe me? It may sound sudden, but during our time together, I realized I wish to pursue you. I am fully aware of what I am asking, and I have no desire to burden you, but I only ask for a chance to prove myself worthy of your heart."

"Your Highness, you are far beyond my reach," Iliana replied, shaking her head. "And you have no need to prove yourself to anyone. You are more than worthy of any woman in the realm. It is I who am unworthy of you. Moreover, I have no desire to marry. I fear that—"

"That your husband might treat you as your brother-in-law treated your sister," Sylvian interrupted, his tone softening with understanding. "At least give me a chance. You may come to regret dismissing this out of hand. What befell your sister was a grave injustice, something no woman should ever endure. Do not reject me so hastily. Stay at the palace tonight. I will not take no for an answer."

Iliana hummed, realizing that further refusal was impossible.

"Very well, Your Highness," she said, before pausing. "Though there is one thing I must admit."

"What is it?"

"I am famished," Iliana confessed. "I have not eaten since morning."

"Forgive me," Sylvian replied hastily, his anxiety having made him entirely overlook her comfort. "Let us make haste."

He gestured for her to follow as they made their exit through the rear corridor, safely out of sight from any curious onlookers.

Arriving at the palace in the car, Iliana found the huge structure guarded by the soldiers at every short distance. She could see troops matching, servants running from one spot to the other to carry out the tasks.

She grew uneasy, troubled by how the palace staff and courtiers might perceive her arrival. "Your Highness, do you truly believe that if I step out of this carriage and walk inside, it will go unnoticed? What if, by tomorrow morning, the entire capital learns that you are courting someone?"

Sylvian eased his foot off the accelerator, slowing the motorcar as they approached the palace gates. "I shall introduce you as my esteemed guest. Yet, I earnestly hope you will give my proposal true consideration."

Iliana shook her head gently. "I treasure my freedom above all else. While remaining by your side might afford me immense privilege, that independence is something I fear I would lose. Do you not agree?"

"If you fear I would expect you to abandon your life for domestic seclusion, put your mind at ease," Sylvian assured her, finally pressing his foot to the brake as the vehicle rolled to a smooth halt. "Your work and your pursuits will remain entirely your own after marriage. Whatever you choose to do, I shall never interfere. Besides, I am not staying in this palace after some time."

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