The next morning, August arrived at the Duke's estate in Varos. The moment he stepped out of the carriage, he heard the hurried patter of footsteps approaching from across the courtyard.
"Uncle August!"
Roman came running toward him, his small chest rising and falling rapidly by the time he stopped a few steps away. He was clearly out of breath, but his face was bright with excitement.
"It is so nice to see you again!" Roman exclaimed. "You disappear every time I come looking for you, and then you suddenly reappear. I have a holiday today. Please take me to the market. I need to buy a new toy!"
August's stern expression softened at the sight of the boy.
He raised his hand, and Samir immediately stepped forward and placed two small boxes wrapped carefully in silk cloth into it.
August lowered himself onto one knee, resting the other against the tiled ground so that he could meet Roman at eye level. He held the parcels out toward him.
