"Eilika, dear, I have been waiting for your arrival for far too long," Georgia said warmly as she approached her daughter-in-law.
Before Eilika could respond, Georgia pulled her into a sudden embrace affectionately.
"You look lovely in this gown," Georgia continued, stepping back to inspect her from head to toe. A pleased smile curved on her lips, until it sharpened into something more intrusive. "But why don't you reveal more of your bosom? It symbolizes beauty, after all."
Eilika's expression stiffened for a fraction of a second, though she forced a polite smile in response. She knew better than to react.
Georgia, seemingly satisfied, took Eilika's hand and guided her toward the large balcony attached to her quarters.
Outside, the morning air seemed even more fresh thanks to the trees. A white circular table rested near the railing, arranged neatly with three chairs. The setting looked almost inviting for a conversation that carried thorns beneath its surface.
Georgia sat down first, crossing her legs with elegance.
Eilika took the seat opposite her, folding her hands neatly in her lap.
Georgia leaned forward slightly, her gaze flicking toward Eilika's cheek.
"You should have hidden that mark," she said casually, like she was commenting on an unflattering accessory. "I have asked a well-known doctor to visit tomorrow."
Eilika's smile faded a little, her fingers tightening together.
"If there's a way to remove that scar," Georgia continued smoothly, "it would be better for you. Damian wouldn't hesitate to hold you then."
Eilika felt in the end the scar on her cheek was a problem. What hurt her was that Damian didn't say it on her face, but spoke about it with his mother.
A servant stepped forward with a silver tray in her hands and rested two bowls with freshly cut fruits in them.
"Have the fruits," Georgia said, already holding the fruit fork. "Damian's first wife was too beautiful. To make him forget her, beauty is important too. However, that's not the sole reason I chose you."
Eilika was hurt by that remark. She was someone's replacement in her house. Though she was aware of it, hearing it directly hurt.
"I know, Mother. I have to give a mother's love to Roman, whom the Duke neglects," replied Eilika.
"Yes. And I think you're already doing it so well. I heard how you put Roman's heart to ease. The boy doesn't come even near me, but with you he's already forming a bond. That's truly remarkable," Georgia stated. She raised the fruit fork and lifted a grape delicately, placing it in her mouth.
"Eilika, if you ever find yourself in need of anything at all, you must ask me. Do not hesitate for even a single moment," Georgia stated, her voice carrying the warmth of a matriarch.
"Yes, Mother," Eilika replied with a polite nod, her focus shifting downward as she began to pick at the sliced fruits on her plate.
"Since you are newlyweds, I think it's only right that I ask Damian to take you away for a few days, perhaps a short trip to the coast," Georgia suggested, her eyes bright with the prospect of a blossoming romance.
"That won't be needed, Mother," Eilika replied instantly, her voice a pitch higher than usual. She felt Georgia's sharp gaze on her and quickly added, "I—I mean, the Duke has a mountain of work to attend to. I wouldn't want his responsibilities to pile up and cause him unnecessary trouble later."
While her words sounded dutiful, the truth was far simpler and more desperate, 'I don't want to be trapped in the same room as him.'
Georgia studied the young woman's face, her eyes narrowing as she peeled back the layers of Eilika's polite facade. The silence stretched until Georgia finally leaned in closer, her tone shifting from motherly to commanding.
"Listen to me, Eilika. Now that you are married to my son, you must make a concerted effort to win his heart," Georgia said. "The Duke's residence is full of distractions. Tonight, ensure he does not leave your room. You must bind him to you, Eilika. Seduce him in whatever way you can."
Eilika found the suggestion incredibly awkward, her cheeks flushing with a mix of shame and dread, but she didn't dare refuse the Dowager Duchess.
"Pardon me for intruding, but Lady Eilika's sister has arrived at the residence to see her," a maidservant announced, appearing at the wide glass doors of the sun-drenched balcony.
"Oh! By all means, call her in!" Georgia stated, her curiosity piqued.
The maidservant bowed and returned a moment later with Roseline. Eilika's breath caught in her throat. Her sister was dressed provocatively, the neckline of her gown dipping lower than etiquette usually dictated, though the craftsmanship was undeniably beautiful.
"Greetings to Lady Georgia," Roseline said, dipping into a graceful curtsy while lifting the hem of her gown just enough to show off her silk slippers. She then turned her gaze toward Eilika, who had stood up on shaky legs.
"Sister Eilika!" Roseline greeted her with a saccharine smile, repeating the elegant gesture.
"Dear, you are absolutely stunning. Please, have a seat," Georgia insisted, already gesturing for a servant to bring a fresh setting. "Would you like some tea?"
"I would be delighted, Your Excellency," Roseline replied, her eyes sliding toward Eilika with a predatory glint that went unnoticed by the Duke's mother.
"Mother has sent your favourite brownies for you," Roseline told Eilika.
"Do thank her from my side," Eilika replied, not understanding the intention behind it.
"Roseline, dear, how old are you?" Georgia asked, her eyes tracing the girl's sharp, striking features.
"I will be twenty-one this year, just one year younger than sister Eilika, Your Excellency," Roseline replied in her bright smile.
"Oh! You must be receiving a flood of suitors," Georgia remarked. A fleeting thought crossed her mind, wondering if she had been too hasty in choosing Eilika.
However, she quickly reminded herself of her true goal: finding a mother for her grandson. Of all the women she had observed, most were too vain or ambitious. Only Eilika had demonstrated the genuine kindness of heart necessary for the role. It was a pity about the scar on her cheek; without it, she would have been the perfect Duchess. But the vows were spoken, and the matter was settled.
"Yes, there have been many," Roseline remarked, her tone dropping into a mock-sympathetic lilt. "But my parents insisted our elder sister marry first. It was quite a challenge to find a suitable match for Eilika. She is so lovely, yet people can be so cruel, judging her merely because of the scar she carries."
Eilika felt the sting of the words, recognizing the venom hidden behind the "sweet" sisterly concern.
"You are a very thoughtful sister, dear. Do have your tea before it grows cold," Georgia said, seemingly touched by the sentiment.
Amidst the clinking of porcelain, Joanna leaned in and whispered urgently into Eilika's ear, "My Lady, the Duke wishes to see you in his study immediately."
"Go, child," Georgia stated, waving a hand dismissively. "He must have something of great importance to discuss with you."
Eilika stood abruptly, offering a quick bow to her mother-in-law before hurrying out of the balcony.