The next morning, Eilika carefully removed the small bandage from her skin. She applied a thin layer of the herbal ointment provided by the palace physician, ensuring the faint, remaining scar would completely vanish within a matter of days.
"Your Grace, how was the short trip for you?" Joanna inquired as she tidied the vanity. "I noticed the Duke trying rather hard to catch your attention this morning. Are you deliberately keeping him at bay?"
"Joanna, did you not advise me yourself to make the Duke crave my attention? I am merely following your counsel," Eilika stated with a knowing smile. She set the small porcelain jar of cream down onto the dressing table and turned around.
"You have executed the plan beautifully," Joanna replied, a supportive smile lighting up her face. "By the way, word has reached the servants' quarters that the maid formerly in the late Duchess's service desired your demise. Did you perhaps think to see her?"
