The car ride was thick with an awkward silence that Eilika couldn't break. After Damian's bold comment about her blushing, she found herself completely tongue-tied. She kept her gaze fixed firmly out the window, but her mind was racing, replaying Joanna's pointed words from earlier.
'Can a marriage truly be consummated without feelings?' she wondered, shutting her eyes for a moment to steady her thoughts. 'No, it isn't possible. Damian is just teasing me. I've noticed lately that he seems to enjoy keeping me off-balance.'
Her internal debate was cut short when the car jolted as the driver applied the brakes.
"We have arrived at Baiton Street, Your Grace," the driver announced.
Damian stepped out of the vehicle first. He didn't move away, instead reaching back into the car and taking Eilika's hand firmly in his to help her out.
Eilika noticed the bodyguards fanning out from the second vehicle, their presence subtle but alert as they secured the immediate perimeter.
