"Unless you try, you'll never know," Eilika replied.
August offered no response. He quietly finished his tea before rising from his seat and taking his leave. Eilika watched him go, wondering whether he had disliked her suggestion about Xenia.
I suppose he didn't appreciate my suggestion, she thought, letting out a quiet sigh before turning her attention back to the table.
"Your Grace, a messenger has arrived from the palace," a guard announced as he hurried into the room.
"Bring him in," Eilika ordered.
A servant immediately stepped forward to clear the tea things while the guard went to fetch the messenger. Moments later, a young man entered and bowed respectfully before the Duchess.
"Greetings, Your Grace. I bring a message from the palace for Prince August," he said humbly, keeping his head lowered.
