Eilika and Roman carefully patted down the damp sand, entirely absorbed in building their castle. The two of them had been busy perfecting its towers and walls for hours, while Damian and Maurice remained seated a short distance away on the dry sand, content to watch them enjoy the afternoon.
"Shouldn't the Duke be playing with his son?" Maurice asked, glancing over at Damian with an observant look.
"He enjoys playing with his mother much more," Damian replied softly, his gaze never leaving the pair. "And I want to give them space. Roman's entire world lights up because of Eilika. Just look at how happy they are making that castle. I already snatched four years of happiness away from my boy; I will not take another moment from them now."
"But Duke, you are a part of that world now, too," Maurice asserted gently, nudging his shoulder.
