The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

"What do you mean by that, Your Highness?" Iliana asked, her expression turning bewildered.

Sylvian signaled to the guards waiting near the vehicle to step back, then turned to face her fully. "My father intends to bestow a grave responsibility upon me. I am to be appointed Duke of the Western Province soon—perhaps as early as next month."

"That is wonderful news," Iliana said, a genuine smile breaking across her face.

"Indeed it is. Shall we go inside?" Sylvian asked.

"Yes," she assented softly.

Sylvian stepped out first, then walked around to open the door for Iliana. It had been her first time riding in a motorcar, and she had found the experience remarkable.

She glanced toward the guards, who kept their heads bowed as Sylvian informed her they would be walking toward the western wing.

"We have guest chambers prepared in that wing," Sylvian stated as she followed him quietly.

Most of the wide corridors were empty, but the grand architecture of the palace left her mesmerized, recalling how commoners often wondered about the life hidden behind these royal walls.

Intrigued by the intricate carvings sweeping across the vaulted ceiling, she walked with her head tilted upward, until her foot caught, and she stumbled.

A sharp gasp escaped her, but Sylvian caught her swiftly by the arm. "Careful, my lady," he whispered.

Iliana quickly pulled her hand back from his grasp and bowed her head. "Forgive my clumsiness. It is my first time seeing such grandeur," she murmured.

"I understand," Sylvian replied, a faint smile touching his lips. "There is no need to apologize."

The head palace lady approached them, offering a formal bow to the prince.

"Your Highness, may I inquire as to the identity of your guest?" Lady Betty asked, her gaze sweeping critically over Iliana from head to toe.

"This is Lady Iliana," Sylvian replied calmly. "She has traveled from Varos and is a baker of remarkable talent. I invited her to the art exhibition, and she remains my esteemed guest. Ensure she is provided every comfort."

"As you wish, Your Highness," Lady Betty said, bowing once more before turning her cold scrutiny back to Iliana. "If you will follow me, my lady, I shall escort you to your chambers. Prince Sylvian, His Majesty was searching for you earlier. You ought to attend to the King without delay."

"Very well. Please have a proper meal prepared and delivered to Lady Iliana’s quarters," Sylvian instructed. He turned to Iliana, offering a warm, reassuring smile. "I shall see you later."

Iliana and Lady Betty bowed as the prince departed, his footsteps echoing down the opposite corridor.

"If you will follow me, Lady Iliana," the head palace lady said.

Following close behind her, Iliana was ushered into a grand suite of rooms. The receiving room alone was vast enough to accommodate her entire home.

"I shall send a servant shortly with your meal," Lady Betty stated, pausing at the threshold. "In the meantime, you may rest in the inner bedchamber." With a polite nod, she withdrew, pulling the doors shut behind her.

Left alone in the quiet grandeur of the chamber, Iliana let out a slow breath. "Did I make a mistake coming here?" she murmured to herself.

Stepping into the adjoining bedchamber, she stopped short. The room was immense, easily larger than anything she had ever encountered in her life.

She unclasped the modest pouch bag slung across her simple gown and set it gently on a side table.

Mindful of the spotless floor, she unbuckled her humble sandals and neatly placed them in the corner to avoid trailing dirt across the floor.

After refreshing herself, she returned to the bedchamber, patting her face dry with a small towel before taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

The luxurious plushness of the mattress yielded beneath her weight, tempting her to lean back and sink into it completely. "It is so soft," she whispered, amazed by the comfort.

"My lady, I have brought your meal," a young maidservant’s voice called softly from beyond the door.

Iliana sat up instantly, adjusted her dress, and went to open the door. The maid stood waiting with her head respectfully bowed. "If you would follow me, my lady."

Iliana accompanied her to an adjoining room within the chamber, a private dining area where a magnificent spread of fragrant dishes had already been arranged upon the table.

"Thank you," Iliana said warmly.

She took a seat and began to eat with a quiet relish she had rarely experienced. To a commoner like her, the culinary artistry of the royal kitchen was an unimaginable luxury.

When she had finished every portion, she placed a hand over her satisfied stomach with a contented smile. "I have eaten far more than I ought to have," she murmured softly to herself. "Then again, I shall likely never taste such delicacies again after today."

"My lady, may I fetch you another serving?" asked the maidservant, stepping back into the dining room to clear the empty plates.

"No, thank you. I am completely full," Iliana replied, offering a grateful smile. "Thank you for bringing everything. It was truly exquisite."

The maid bowed and promptly gathered the dishes as Iliana reached out to assist her.

"Please, allow me, my lady," the maidservant protested softly, taking the glass gently from her hands. "You are Prince Sylvian’s guest. I shall surely face reprimand if anyone catches you performing such tasks."

"Oh, forgive me," Iliana apologized, quickly stepping back so as not to cause any trouble.

"It is quite alright, my lady. You ought to rest," the maidservant reassured her with a respectful nod.

Iliana offered a soft assent and retired to the bedchamber. She sank into the center of the plush mattress, resting her head against the pillows as she stared up at the high ceiling.

"How could Prince Sylvian harbor feelings for me?" she murmured to the empty room, turning onto her side. "I do not belong to his world. I doubt someone like me could offer anything of value to a life such as his."

Her eyelids grew heavy with exhaustion, and before long, sleep gently claimed her.

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