Chapter 361: Carry this burden alone

"Your Grace," Joanna interrupted, bowing low to the mother and son. "I just saw Prince August’s bodyguard bringing an unknown woman into the estate. Perhaps you should look into the matter."

Roman pulled away from his mother, his brow furrowing in confusion at the maid’s words.

"Stay with Roman and take him back to his chamber," Eilika instructed calmly, smoothing her skirts as she stood from the stone bench.

She turned and walked briskly back toward the palace, tracking the bodyguard’s likely path to the guest quarters. Upon reaching the private chamber, she found the heavy oak doors shut. She raised her hand and knocked firmly.

The door swung inward almost immediately. Samir bowed deeply before stepping aside to grant her passage.

"I heard you brought a woman here," Eilika began, stepping across the threshold.

August rose from his armchair, resting his hands behind his back. "Eilika?"

"A servant informed me that Samir brought a woman onto the grounds," Eilika said, her gaze shifting toward Xenia, who stood silently near the window with her head bowed in a humble posture.

"It is not what you are assuming," August offered smoothly.

"How does the prince know what I am assuming?" Eilika countered, keeping her tone measured. "If you have not forgotten, this estate was attacked once before. We were fortunate to suffer no casualties that day, so I am merely exercising caution."

"Xenia poses no threat," August assured her, a slight smile touching his lips. "She is here because I intend to assign her a specific task. Forgive me for having her brought directly inside; I should have requested your permission first."

Eilika’s expression softened into confusion. "A specific task?"

"Samir, close the doors," August ordered gently before gesturing toward the mahogany chair opposite him. "Please, have a seat, Duchess."

Eilika took her seat, her eyes lingering on Xenia. The young woman bore the distinct look of a commoner, making her presence in the palace all the more unusual. August sat back down, then gestured for Xenia to take a seat as well.

"I am fine standing, Your Highness," Xenia said softly, keeping her hands folded.

"It is fine. You may sit," Eilika said, her voice softening as she motioned toward the empty chair.

Once Xenia also settled on the chair, August began explaining the reason why he wanted Xenia’s help.

"I have uncovered that several high-ranking nobles and wealthy merchants are involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics across the kingdom," August explained, his tone grave. "I believe the capital itself harbors many of these corrupt figures. The key witness I took into custody died while held at the station. It was a mistake on my part for leaving Mercer in that cell, assuming the corrupt officials would not dare eliminate him so quickly."

Eilika sat back, her brow furrowed in shock as she processed his words. She had known of subtle political friction, but learning that trade in illicit substances had penetrated the noble houses of Varos unsettled her deeply.

"If these men were bold enough to murder a prisoner inside a station, they will not hesitate to kill a spy," Eilika said, her anxious gaze shifting to Xenia. "Is it not far too risky to send her into a nobleman’s house? What if they discover her true identity?"

"That will not happen. Xenia only recently relocated to Varos," August replied with calm assurance. "I know her from the village where I conducted a previous investigation. She is remarkably capable and well-trained in self-defense. No one else is suited for this task, and I have no intention of allowing harm to come to her."

Eilika glanced back at Xenia, noticing the steady, confident resolve in the young woman’s posture despite the danger involved.

"Whatever path you choose, Prince August, proceed with utmost caution," Eilika warned, her voice heavy with concern.

"These nobles and merchants will view your investigation as a direct threat to their power. You have already seen how far they were willing to go when they targeted Damian. We were fortunate to apprehend the Count last time, but they will be far more ruthless now."

August nodded soberly. "I understand the threat completely. But this work is necessary. In doing this, I hope to clear the path for Damian. Louis mentioned to me that Damian has been quietly investigating this same matter for quite some time."

"Does the King fully realize the dangers you are facing?" Eilika asked, her eyes searching his face.

"Why would Father need to know every detail?" August replied, a brief, dry smile touching his lips. "He sent me here precisely to handle matters of this nature."

"Your Highness, please remember that there are people who care for your safety and who genuinely love you," Eilika affirmed.

Xenia remained motionless, quietly taking in their conversation, while Samir stood near the door, his jaw set in silence.

"No one loves me, Eilika," August said, letting out a soft chuckle. "Perhaps Father does, to a degree. But he already has two sons who have always brought him pride."

"That is simply not true," Eilika countered gently. "I was there in the palace when you were gravely injured. His Majesty refused to leave your bedside until you finally opened your eyes. And your brothers, they spent those nights praying for your recovery." 𝖋𝘳ℯ

She took a deep breath, turning her attention toward the woman. "You must not carry this burden alone. And Miss Xenia, how could you agree to such a dangerous task? Have you ever stepped foot inside a nobleman’s household before? If you are caught, even Prince August may not be able to shield you from the consequences. I assume you have a family relying on you at home?"

"Eilika, you are overthinking this," August interjected, waving a hand dismissively.

"Your Highness, forgive me, but as the Duchess of Varos, I cannot simply stand by," Eilika urged firmly. "So long as you reside within these lands, your safety remains my duty. A venture like this demands a meticulous strategy with proper contingencies in place. We must not send Miss Xenia into such peril unprepared."