"Eilika, we need to go somewhere," Damian said, catching her just as breakfast concluded.

Georgia offered a knowing smile and quickly ushered her grandson away; the boy had a full schedule of classes ahead, starting with his horse-riding lesson.

"Where are we going?" Eilika asked, her curiosity piqued.

"You’ll find out soon enough," Damian replied. "I also wanted to let you know that I’ve donated funds to the school we visited yesterday, and I did so in your name."

"What? Why in my name?" Eilika asked, her eyes widening in shock.

"Because," Damian said, a small smile finally gracing his lips, "I want every good thing to be associated with you."

"I appreciate the gesture, but please don’t do it in my name in the future. Still, thank you for supporting the school’s welfare," Eilika replied, her voice softening with gratitude.

"Why shouldn’t I do it in your name?" Damian was clearly puzzled.

"Because then everyone will think I’m forcing you to do it. You’re the Duke here. So, your name shall come with it," Eilika argued.

"I’ll add both of our names. That sounds perfect for me," he asserted. "If you had told me about the conditions there earlier, I would have stepped in sooner. I noticed the children don’t even have proper furniture or equipment to play. I hope this donation improves those facilities immediately. I’ll be sending my own men to oversee the progress and ensure the funds are used correctly."

"That would be wonderful," Eilika said, though her expression turned thoughtful. "But Damian, there are many schools throughout Varos that lack those same basic facilities."

"Visiting your school made me realize the extent of the problem. Louis is already compiling a list of similar institutions," Damian assured her. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them until he stood directly in her space.

"Shall we go, then?"

"You still haven’t told me where you’re taking me," Eilika teased, crossing her arms and tilting her head.

"It’s for work," Damian replied. He suddenly leaned in, his face inches from hers before he moved to her ear. Her smile faltered as her heart began to race. She could feel his warm breath against her skin as he whispered the true intent behind their outing.

When he pulled back, he saw a faint flush creeping across her cheeks.

"Meet me outside in ten minutes. I’ll be waiting in the car," he whispered, his eyes lingering on hers for a second before he turned and walked past her.

Eilika pressed the back of her palms to her heated cheeks. "He’s started invading my personal space, but he still won’t kiss me."

"Kiss?" She shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the thought. "How could I even think of that right now?"

She hurried to her room to prepare. After a quick refresh, she stood before the mirror while Joanna took up a comb to smooth out her long hair.

"Do you have a hairstyle in mind?" Eilika asked, trying to distract herself.

"I think leaving it loose is best, Your Grace," Joanna answered. "I’ve noticed the two of you are growing closer. I truly hope you consummate the marriage soon. The Dowager Duchess and her friends were discussing it just a few days ago. People are starting to whisper that the Duke doesn’t care for you since he hasn’t touched you yet. It’s all a show in their eyes."

"What are you saying?" Eilika’s blush deepened, turning a vivid red. The thought hadn’t even crossed her mind in such a way. Though they had shared a bed several times, they had never ventured beyond that.

"Your Grace, don’t you want to be loved by your husband? That is all I mean," Joanna stated plainly. She finished her work and set the comb back onto the dressing table.

Eilika chose her words carefully before answering. "Damian is still recovering from everything that has happened recently." She turned to face her attendant fully. "People will always gossip about us, Joanna. There is nothing new in that."

Joanna hummed softly, not entirely deterred. "I only hope you receive your husband’s love soon, Your Grace. It isn’t right for you to be kept waiting like this. Perhaps you should make an effort to awaken the Duke’s desires for you."

"The Duke’s... desires?" Eilika furrowed her brows, the term sounding foreign and heavy in the quiet room. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"Yes, Your Grace," Joanna stated firmly. "You cannot expect to thrive without his affection for much longer. A marriage needs that spark to truly survive."

"I... I have to leave now. Let’s talk about this in the evening," Eilika suggested, eager to escape the conversation.

"Of course, Your Grace," Joanna replied, bowing and stepping aside to let Eilika pass before following her out.

They found Damian standing by the car, finishing a brief conversation with Maurice. He paused when he saw her and held the door open, waiting for Eilika to slide into the seat first. Once she was settled, he climbed in from the other side.

"Drive to Baiton Street," Damian ordered the driver.

Eilika’s interest was piqued. Baiton Street was a well-known destination, famous for being a hub where couples enjoyed various activities together.

’But he said we were going out for work,’ she thought, casting a side-long glance at him as the car pulled away.

"Eilika," he called, his voice breaking the silence of the car.

"Yes?" she asked, tilting her head toward him instantly.

"Your cheeks are exceptionally red today," he mused, his tone carrying a teasing edge. "I noticed you haven’t applied much makeup, so I have to wonder—what is the reason behind that blush?"

"What? You must be mistaken," Eilika stammered. She searched for a reason, settling on one that felt weak even to her own ears. "The weather is quite warm today. I’m likely just reacting to the heat."

"Is that so?" Damian asked, his expression shifting to a mask of mock seriousness. "Why don’t you just admit that it’s because of me?"