After having breakfast Damian left in the motorcar, Eilika informed her mother-in-law that she would be taking Roman out for his summer shopping.

"Take the bodyguards with you," Georgia insisted, her tone carrying the weight of palace protocol.

"Yes, Mother. The Duke has already made arrangements for that," Eilika stated. "Mother, is there anything you need? I would be happy to buy something for you as well."

"Nothing, dear. I only want you and Roman to have a pleasant time. Just remember, don’t go anywhere alone, understood? You are the Duchess," Georgia reminded her, her eyes drifting for a second to the red rose still tucked in Eilika’s hair.

Eilika nodded, acknowledging the responsibility that came with her title even on a simple outing.

"Roman, do not stray from your mother’s side," Georgia instructed her grandson, her voice firm but kind.

"I won’t," he promised, tightening his grip on Eilika’s hand.

"Let us go then," Eilika said, looking down at the boy. They both offered a respectful bow to the Dowager Duchess before heading toward the waiting carriage.

Georgia watched from the steps as her grandson settled comfortably into Eilika’s lap, while Eilika wrapped her arms securely around him.

"Wave to your grandmother," Eilika prompted.

Roman waved a cheerful goodbye as the carriage began to move. The moment they passed through the high iron gates of the mansion, Roman’s curiosity took over.

He began peppering her with questions, eager to know everything about her, asking about her favorite color, her favorite fruit, and every bird he spotted through the window.

Eilika answered each of his questions, her patience only fueling the boy’s growing curiosity. Half an hour later, they reached the heart of the market.

The three bodyguards dismounted from their horses, and one moved forward to open the carriage door.

As the crest of the Duke’s mansion came into view, the bustling crowds in the market streets slowed to a halt, drawn by curiosity. Their eyes widened as Eilika stepped out, followed by Roman.

To the young boy, the marketplace of Varos was a revelation. It was vastly different from the quiet, modest stalls they had visited in Netham.

"Your Grace, the three of us will follow you closely," said Vincent, one of the bodyguards. Eilika gave a sharp nod and took Roman’s hand firmly in hers. Two guards moved to the front to clear a path, while the third fell into step behind them.

"Mama, the pinwheel!" Roman cried, his finger pointing toward a vendor who was carefully slotting brightly colored paper wheels into large bamboo sticks. The vibrant colors spun rapidly in the afternoon breeze, catching the boy’s eye immediately.

"Yes, let’s go, Roman. We’ll make sure to get one for you," Eilika said, guiding him toward the clothing boutique where the new summer collection had just arrived.

As they climbed the store’s steps, the manager himself hurried forward to welcome the Duchess.

"The Duke sent word that Your Grace and the young master would be visiting today," the manager said with a humble smile.

Eilika stepped inside and noticed the shop was uncharacteristically quiet. Unlike the usual bustle of the day, the aisles were empty of other patrons. She realized then that Damian must have arranged for the store to be cleared, ensuring her privacy and Roman’s safety.

"We are honored to have you," the manager continued, gesturing toward the displays of light linens and fine cottons. "Please, everything has been prepared for your inspection."

Eilika looked at Roman, who was already eyeing a miniature sailor suit on a mannequin.

"Roman, do you like this outfit?" she asked, pointing toward the mannequin. "Let’s try it on you. When your father takes us on a big boat ride, you can wear it."

"I would love to go on a boat ride!" Roman’s eyes shone with excitement. Then, his expression faltered. "But boats stay in the water. Grandma told me to stay away from the water. She said it holds spirits," he muttered, his voice dropping.

"You didn’t mention that when we were in Netham, near the pond," Eilika said gently. She signaled to the staff to bring the sailor suit over, intent on having Roman try it on.

As they moved, Roman’s eyes fell upon a summer shirt with intricate patterns he hadn’t seen before.

"It is a brand-new design in our store. I am certain the young master will like this one as well," the store manager said, already presenting the fabric to Eilika.

"I want to see, too," Roman insisted, reaching for the edge of the shirt. Eilika held it down so he could inspect the patterns just as a staff member informed her that the changing room was prepared. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Roman, let’s go," Eilika said and took the boy to the changing room.

~~~~

Rosaline’s grip tightened on her porcelain cup as she heard the conversation from a nearby table of nobles.

"The Duchess has brought the Duke’s son to the market," one man noted, leaning back in his chair.

"Really? I thought such elite families didn’t roam among commoners," his companion replied, sounding skeptical.

"The Duke himself sanctioned it. They say half the market is closed for three hours just for their security."

Rosaline’s friend, Chelsea, sitting directly across from her, arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow. A small, knowing smirk played on her lips as she leaned in. "It seems your sister is enjoying quite the privilege, Rosaline. To have the Duke clear the streets for a simple shopping trip... it’s a statement, isn’t it?"

Rosaline felt a sharp prick of irritation. The idea of Eilika, the sister who was supposed to be a mere placeholder in a cold, distant marriage, walking through Varos with the Duke’s protection and his heir was a bitter pill to swallow.

"It’s certainly a change," Rosaline managed to say, her voice strained as she forced a polite smile. "Though I’m sure it’s more for the boy’s safety than her own vanity."

"Still," her friend continued, stirring her sugar slowly, "to have the Duke’s favor so publicly... one wonders if your unwanted sister is no longer unwanted. I think she’s won the Duke’s heart."