As Eilika and Damian stepped out onto the veranda, the delightful sound of Roman's laughter echoed through the evening air as the maids playfully chased him across the lawns. Maurice stood a short distance away, keeping a watchful and protective eye over the young lord.
Damian gently took her hand in his, guiding her steps down the stone path that led toward the dark expanse of the seashore.
"Your Grace, you are becoming quite romantic these days. I must admit, I had not anticipated such a thoughtful gesture from you," she remarked, a soft, amused smile playing on her lips.
"To be completely honest, my initial desire was to escape to this place alone with you," Damian admitted, looking down at her as the sound of the crashing waves grew closer. "But then, I realized Roman was also in desperate need of a change of environment. And as you remind me so often, I must always keep the happiness and needs of my son in mind. So, I am simply endeavoring to do exactly that."
