The next morning, as Damian dressed, his valet discreetly identified the servants responsible for the gossip regarding his relationship with Eilika.
Damian gestured for the man to step back. The valet finished smoothing the shoulders of his overcoat, and Damian turned to the mirror, pulling his black leather gloves onto his hands with a sharp tug.
"I would like you to call Mr. Enrico Riffled this afternoon," Damian commanded.
"Certainly, Your Grace," the valet replied, bowing his head.
As Damian strode out of his chamber, he found five maidservants already on their knees in the drawing room, their faces pale with terror.
"Your Grace, please forgive us! We will never speak against—" one began, her voice trembling.
"I do not give second chances," Damian pronounced. "Give them thirty flogs and throw them out. No mercy petition shall be brought to me."
