"Roman, where were you?" Eilika asked, having just finished going over the expenditure ledger a few minutes ago. "I've been looking for you. I thought you and I could go outside to play."
"Mama, I went to your chamber, but I didn't see you there," Roman lied softly. He couldn't bring himself to tell her what he had just overheard from outside his father's study. He carefully placed his sketchbook on the table, stiffening slightly as he felt Eilika's gentle hand touch his head.
"Baby, what's troubling you? Won't you share it with me?" Eilika asked, bending down slightly and resting her hand under his small chin.
"Nothing, Mama," he replied, forcing a bright smile to his face. Perhaps growing up in the house of a Duke had already taught him far too well how to hide his true emotions.
