"You made me see more than a family with you, Eilika."
Those words echoed in Eilika's mind throughout the night, tethering her to wakefulness until the grey light of dawn finally seeped through the curtains. By the time she stirred, it was already well into the afternoon.
"Joanna, why did you not wake me?" Eilika asked, sitting up with a start. "And Roman... he must have been searching for me."
"Your Grace, the Duke gave strict instructions," Joanna replied, moving to open the drapes. "He said you were exhausted and that you were not to be disturbed under any circumstances."
As Joanna turned to assist her, her gaze lingered on Eilika's collarbone. She paused, her brow furrowing as she caught sight of the dark crimson mark on Eilika's neck.
"Your Grace," Joanna asked, her voice tinged with genuine concern, "did you suffer an insect bite during the night?"
