"Wait, Your Grace," Eilika said, stepping forward to meet his gaze. "Rosaline had no knowledge of Roman's affliction. If any blame is to be assigned, it must fall upon me. I was negligent; I did not examine the contents of the box she brought for him."
"The summons has been dispatched, and the matter is decided," Damian replied coldly. "Moreover, her malice was directed at you earlier. I cannot grant her mercy all the time. Her previous transgression carried my final warning, and she must learn the consequence of showing disrespect to the Duchess."
Eilika stared at him, her countenance shifting to one of profound astonishment.
Damian paused, raising a hand to his jaw. "Why do you look at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
"No," she replied softly, searching his features. "But you called me your wife, and you speak of defending my honor. It is... unexpected."
