The motor car ground to a halt before the quiet guest house where Damian and Eilika were to spend the night.
Maurice stepped forward to open the door on Damian's side, while the royal guards quickly formed a perimeter around the vehicle.
Once outside, Damian extended a hand toward her. She gathered the heavy folds of her gown in one hand, placed her fingers in his, and stepped down onto the stone path.
Together, they walked into the grand foyer, where the manager immediately stepped forward to escort them up to the top floor suite.
"Your Grace, should you or the Duchess require anything at all throughout the night, simply ring the bell beside the vanity," the manager offered, bowing deferentially. "The staff will be at your beck and call."
"Understood," Damian replied with a single, firm nod.
Taking the cue, the manager bowed low once more and retreated, softly shutting the wooden door behind him and leaving them in the silence.
