Chapter 314: Is it about a woman?

"It is time for me to leave for Varos," Sylvian told Iliana, watching her as she finished wiping down the morning breakfast dishes.

"So early?" Iliana murmured, biting the tip of her tongue the moment the words escaped her lips.

"Would you prefer I stay?" Sylvian asked, a smile playing upon his lips. "Though you might have to close your shop early then. I would hate for your business to suffer on my account."

"It is not that my business would suffer," she stated softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "It is just that you have to stay cramped inside that small room."

She thought back to the previous night, when she had insisted on taking the narrow sofa, leaving him with the bed despite his repeated protests. Yet despite the tight space, having his presence in the house had brought her a comforting warmth.

"Then shall I remain here today as well? Though I intend to sleep in your room this time, perhaps I will even have a larger bed brought in. What do you think?" Sylvian suggested, his gaze warm with amusement.

"No, Your Highness," Iliana replied, shaking her head. "You surely have duties awaiting you in Varos. You only intended to come for a single day, extending your stay simply because I failed to give you a prompt response."

"You have not given me a response today either," Sylvian noted, a tender smirk lingering on his lips. "And as for Varos, I would only be indulging in idle distractions until I could plan my next trip to see you. Truthfully, I find myself far more fond of this quiet, domestic life. Say the word, and I will leave everything behind. We can run your shop together." He took a gentle step closer to her, closing the space between them.

"No," Iliana answered softly, though her voice remained resolute as she held his gaze. "I could never ask such a sacrifice of you. You are a prince, and you must live as one. Fulfill your duties, as I must fulfill mine."

"So, shall I stay or leave?" Sylvian asked, his eyes searching hers for an answer.

Iliana looked up at him, unable to respond right away. A part of her heart desperately wanted him to stay, while the other reminded her that clinging to him would be selfish.

"I think Your Highness should go to the estate in Varos," she answered rationally, choosing duty over her own desires. "Wait here a moment." She turned and hurried into the kitchen, returning shortly with a neatly enclosed box held in both hands. "It has some cookies inside. I hope you enjoy them, Your Highness."

Sylvian took the box, a gentle warmth touching his features. "Thank you," he said softly. "I will come to see you again soon. It is not far from Varos, after all."

Iliana offered a quiet hum of agreement, her eyes drifting toward the door.

"Can I hug you?" Sylvian asked gently.

She froze for a brief second before giving a small nod.

Sylvian smiled, wrapping one arm around her waist and pulling her close. Her heart fluttered wildly against her ribs at the sudden closeness, her cheeks flushing as she realized this was the first time she had ever held a man like this.

"My time here was wonderful," Sylvian whispered near her ear. "Honestly, I felt as though I could live with you here forever. But you will not even permit me that much."

"It is not that, Your Highness," Iliana murmured, gently pulling back first to break the embrace. "I simply see you as someone destined to lead so many people. You belong to a greater calling."

"Hmm, I know," Sylvian conceded with a soft sigh. "I will not burden you any further today. See you soon, Iliana. And thank you again for the cookies."

He turned and walked out the front door. Iliana remained where she stood, refusing to follow him outside, knowing that if she watched him walk away she would end up calling him back.

Instead, she moved quietly toward the window and peered through the edge of the glass. He slipped discreetly into his waiting carriage, taking care not to attract any unwanted attention from the townspeople.

An ache bloomed in her chest as the horses began to move, but she quickly pulled the curtain across the small frame and turned to shut against the door.

"I will surprise Prince Sylvian," she whispered to herself and went inside to finish her day’s chores.

~~~~~

By afternoon, Sylvian had arrived at the estate. As he stepped down from the carriage, the low rumble of a motorcar signaled Roman’s return from the academy as well.

Turning his head, he watched the car come to a complete stop nearby.

The guards had already approached to bow and greet Sylvian, and one of them promptly opened the motorcar’s door for the young master.

The moment Roman stepped outside, he chimed in joy. "Uncle Sylvian! You are back!" He ran toward him, the leather satchel hanging loosely around his shoulder sloshing with every step.

Sylvian reached out, placing a hand on the boy’s back to pat it gently. "Yes, I am back, Roman. Let us head inside."

Roman pulled away slightly, reaching up to take Sylvian’s hand in his own. "Uncle Louis said he would take me to the theater after lunch. Will you join us?"

"I shall pass today, Roman. I am quite tired," Sylvian declined politely. "Have you received any message from your parents lately?"

"Yes, Uncle. They are doing well in the North. I miss them, but I know they will return soon," Roman stated with easy optimism.

"Your Highness," Joanna greeted, stepping forward with a respectful bow. "I shall take young master Roman to his chamber now."

"No, I want to talk to Uncle Sylvian! I have questions to ask him," Roman insisted, tugging on his uncle’s sleeve. "We played a game of puzzles at the academy today. I wonder if Uncle Sylvian knows the answers."

"Why do you not freshen up first?" Sylvian suggested warmly. "In the meantime, I will do the same. How does that sound?"

"Umm... that is a good idea!" Roman let go of his hand and bounded up the steps toward the grand staircase.

Joanna quickly bowed to the prince before hurrying after the boy, calling for him to slow down before he tripped. ℯℯ𝑙.

Sylvian let out a light laugh, but the moment faded as a group of ladies entered from the garden, having just concluded their afternoon gathering.

"Oh, Prince Sylvian!" Georgia exclaimed in surprise, catching sight of him in the hall.

"Good afternoon, Aunt," he said, offering a slight bow as the other noblewomen curtsied and murmured their greetings. Giving them a polite nod in return, he promptly turned and took his leave toward his private chamber.

The ladies walked toward the courtyard, heading toward their respective waiting carriages, when Lady Charlotte suddenly paused and turned back.

"What brings Prince Sylvian to Varos?" Lady Charlotte inquired, tilting her head with a curious expression.

"He must have business here. I did not ask," Georgia replied smoothly.

"My daughter has taken quite an interest in Prince Sylvian," Charlotte admitted, stepping closer with an earnest look. "If the Dowager Duchess could arrange a meeting between them tomorrow, it would be wonderful."

"Arranging a meeting without first knowing Prince Sylvian’s preference would be improper," Georgia told her friend, avoiding a direct refusal. "I shall speak with him first and let you know."

"Of course," Charlotte agreed, offering a pleasant smile. "Just be sure to put in a good word for my daughter."

"Naturally, I will."

Lady Charlotte offered her thanks before stepping into her carriage. Once the carriages pulled away and the visitors had departed, Georgia turned and walked back into the quiet of the mansion.

"Is Roman back? I heard his voice earlier," Georgia asked the servant, who had just stepped into the room to inform her that lunch was prepared.

"Yes, Your Grace. The young master is currently resting in his chamber," the servant answered with a respectful bow.

"Great. Tomorrow is his day off from the academy, and I am thinking of taking him out. I wonder which place would be best for him," Georgia murmured, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

"Aunt Georgia, leave that to me," Sylvian pronounced, entering the dining hall. "I shall take Roman to the botanical garden. He is sure to enjoy it there, or perhaps hunting. Though, as I personally despise the sport, I will not drag him along on such a wild adventure."

He smiled faintly and sat down at the table across from her, his dark front hair still slightly damp from having just washed his face.

"Alright, I will leave Roman to your care," Georgia replied, resting her hands over her lap. "Prince Sylvian looked quite delighted. Where did you go? You did not even tell me."

"Aunt, that is a surprise," Sylvian stated, a quiet smirk playing upon his lips.

"Since when does my nephew start keeping secrets from me?" she mused, raising an amused eyebrow at his evasiveness.

"I will tell you soon," Sylvian replied, his smile lingering.

"Is it about a woman?" Georgia asked suddenly, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.