Chapter 354: Likely by next week

"Thank you for accompanying me, Your Highness," Eilika said, stepping out of the carriage as August dismissed the soldiers behind him.

"I heard from the servants that he contracted some kind of lung infection," August replied, his voice level as he matched her stride toward the entrance.

"Yes, that is correct," she agreed softly, walking alongside him into the main hall.

In the drawing room, Roman was waiting anxiously with Sylvian. The moment the young boy caught sight of his mother, he rose quickly from his seat.

"Mama, is Grandfather sick? Why didn’t you take me with you?" Roman asked, his eyes wide with concern. "What happened to him?"

"He has a lung infection, Roman," Eilika answered gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. She then looked toward Sylvian, offering him a respectful bow. "Taking you there would not be a nice thing. You are young and can catch an infection too," she asserted.

"Your mother is right," Damian said softly.

"So, will Grandfather be okay? Is that why Mama returned so soon?" asked Roman. He took hold of her hand and said, "You must be so tired from the long journey. Why don’t you rest, Mother?"

"Oh, I will rest soon," Eilika said, offering him a gentle smile. "It is almost dinner time. Let us take our supper first."

"Oh, yes! Dinner is nearly ready. Grandmother asked the kitchen staff to prepare all your favorite dishes."

Sylvian and August, too, followed them to the dining room.

~~~~~

"Iliana, where have you been for so many days? You didn’t even tell me you were leaving," asked her longtime friend, Joe.

"I had some business in the capital," Iliana answered, neatly slicing a freshly baked loaf of bread into equal pieces.

"In the capital? What kind of work could you possibly have there?" Joe pressed, leaning against the counter.

"An art exhibition," Iliana lied.

A quiet twinge of guilt settled in her chest. She disliked lying to someone who had been by her side for years, but keeping the truth hidden was the only way to ensure both their safety.

"Iliana, you are hiding something from me. Tell me what is going on," Joe insisted, watching her closely.

"It is nothing for you to concern yourself with, Joe," Iliana replied calmly. "Tell me instead, how did the meeting go with the suitor your family arranged for you?"

"It went well. He is eight years older than me, but he is a thoughtful man. Since he is the son of the local officer of waterways, my parents are eager for the match. So, I agreed. I expect the wedding will take place soon—likely by next week," Joe explained, stepping in to help clear the counter. "Where is your assistant, by the way?"

"She returned to her village for the month," Iliana said. "An urgent letter arrived stating her mother had fallen ill."

"I see."

"If the man is to your liking, then the difference in age is of little consequence," Iliana said, offering a small smile. "I only pray you find lasting happiness."

"Thank you. You are right. As long as the man is decent, the age difference matters very little," Joe said, her tone softening. "I want you to bake the pies and the wedding cake. I have already informed my father that your bakery will be handling the order."

Iliana smiled, touched by her loyalty. "That is very kind of you, Joe. I will ensure every batch is prepared to your exact liking."

"I know you will. The engagement is set for tomorrow afternoon, just with immediate family. You must come," Joe insisted. "And join me for a bit of shopping later today?"

"Of course," Iliana agreed readily.

Once the display counters were fully stocked, Iliana unlocked the front doors to open for the morning trade. By early afternoon, nearly all of her fresh baked goods had been sold.

Iliana locked the shop doors, and the two friends sat down together over garlic bread, freshly prepared tomato sauce, and warm tea.

"What are your plans for settling down?" Joe asked, setting her cup aside. "You cannot stay all by yourself forever. I am certain there is someone out there who will cherish you far more than you can imagine."

Iliana pressed her thumb firmly against her knuckle, a quiet knot of guilt tightening in her chest. She could not bring herself to lie to Joe any further.

"I am seeing someone, Joe," Iliana confessed. "Forgive me for hiding it from you. I was simply uncertain. You saw how my sister’s life was ruined after her marriage, and I was hesitant to accept this man’s intentions."

"Wait, you are seeing someone!" Joe exclaimed, her face lighting up with genuine surprise. "Iliana, that is wonderful. I understand your hesitation, what happened to your sister was horrific. But I am so glad you chose to give love a chance rather than closing yourself off completely. Tell me, who is he? Is he someone from our town?"

"No," Iliana replied softly.

"Is he from the capital, then? A nobleman?" Joe guessed, leaning forward with a sudden sparkle in her eyes. "Don’t tell me you traveled to the capital just to meet him, Iliana. What is he like? Is he tall? Handsome? No, leave all that, how on earth did he manage to win your heart?"

Joe’s excitement bubbled over, her delight completely genuine.

"I do not know what he saw in me, but he fell for me at first sight," Iliana explained, a faint warmth touching her voice. "He told me he had been searching for someone like me for a very long time. He is quite handsome and tall, yes, but far more importantly, he is a deeply considerate man. He insists that I keep my own freedom and my own voice in my work."

Joe listened in quiet awe, recognizing that her friend had found the exact sort of man she had always longed for.

"Iliana, I’m so happy for you." Joe held her both hands. "May you always stay happy."