"Yet I still wonder what prompted you to visit your father today," Damian mused, his eyes searching hers. "There is no harm in it, of course, but I recall how intent you were on guarding your peace of mind and confidence, the very things your family shattered time and again."
"Mother shared something with me this morning," Eilika confessed softly. "She spoke of how deeply she regrets failing to see her own father in his final hours. They had their differences, which kept her away until it was simply too late. She was carrying you at the time, and with her labor so near, traveling to her bedridden father was impossible. She warned me that while I may feel no regret today, a day might come when the weight of it becomes unbearable. That was what pushed me to go."
She paused, looking down at her teacup before meeting his gaze once more. "Besides... Father said something to Mother about me before he gave my hand to you. Hearing it softened my heart, if only a little."
