Sylvian escorted Iliana all the way to the waiting carriage, his heart heavy with a swelling tide of unexpressed affection. Yet, beneath the weight of his unspoken feelings, his mind was clear; he knew precisely what duties he must fulfill before assuming the grand mantle of the Dukeship.
"Your Highness, thank you for bringing me here last night," Iliana said, pausing beside the carriage step. "I never dreamt of setting foot within the palace, and my stay here has been truly lovely. Thank you for bestowing such fine hospitality upon me—I shall treasure the memory until my final breath."
Sylvian offered a warm, quiet smile. "I am glad you enjoyed your time here, Iliana. Truthfully, I wish you could stay longer, and part of me aches to hold you back. But I respect your work, and I know you cannot abandon your shop for extended periods."
