The next morning, I felt much better. My stab wound was healing well, and I was confident I could move around with ease. Even the doctor assured me I was in good condition.
I glanced at Dane, who sat beside me, quietly absorbed in a history book. I nibbled on some biscuits and sipped my tea, enjoying the calm moment.
"Dane, since I'm feeling better and everything seems fine, I'm thinking of heading back to the inn. I'm sure Madame is worried about us," I said, setting my cup down gently.
"Then I'll go with you," he replied firmly without even looking up from his book.
"But… what about your father? Don't you want to spend more time with him?" I asked gently. For nine years, he must have wondered what it would be like to have a father. I didn't want to take that chance away from him.
Dane shook his head and reached over to hold my hand. "I'm glad I met him, but you're more important to me. Besides, I don't want to stay here. Honestly… I don't really like him. We don't get along at all," he added with a cheeky grin.
I laughed softly and playfully pinched his nose. "You silly boy."
A short while later, in Duke Darwin's office—
"What? You're leaving?" The duke finally looked directly at us, his full attention fixed on me.
"Yes, my wound has healed, and the doctor said I'm fine. Besides, I don't want to impose on you or your staff any longer, Your Grace. I'd like to return to where I belong—and to my work," I explained politely.
Dane tightened his grip on my hand as he stood proudly at my side.
"I'll be leaving too, Your Grace. I want to be wherever my mother is. I want to stay with her—whether you like it or not," he added confidently.
Duke Darwin sighed heavily as he massaged his temple. "I know you already realize it, Dane, but you are my only son—and my heir. I can't simply let you walk away."
I felt irritation spark in my chest at his words. "He is also my son, Your Grace. Doesn't my opinion matter? My son wants to stay with me rather than become your heir. And let me make something clear—we don't want a single coin from you."
"I am his biological father. It's my right to decide what's best for him," he countered, his tone sharpening.
"I'm the one who raised him, loved him, and cared for him. I know him better than anyone! Dane wants to stay with me, and with me he'll stay. I choose what makes my child happy!" I shot back, my voice unwavering.
The duke and I locked eyes, glaring fiercely at one another. It was obvious—we truly didn't get along.
James, the butler who had been silently observing us, cautiously raised a hand, cutting through the tension. "I have a suggestion."
Both the duke and I turned our gazes to him. I could see the pressure weighing on him under our piercing stares.
"How about… you both stay here? You can continue your work while living under this roof. And as a mother, surely you want your son to have a good education and a secure future? If he's to become the lord one day, this arrangement will set him on a solid path. And neither of you would have to struggle as you have been," he proposed gently.
I forced myself to breathe deeply and consider his suggestion. He wasn't wrong. Before all of this, I had been saving every coin to one day enroll Dane in a reputable academy. Education in this era was costly, and I had been working tirelessly to provide for it. On top of that, our home back in town was under a precarious contract. Technically, it could be taken from us at any moment despite my timely payments.
If we stayed here, Dane's future would be secure. As the heir to the dukedom, he would have endless opportunities. But one issue weighed on me—my place in this household. What would I be here? I didn't want rumors spreading, branding me as the duke's mistress or something worse. And if, someday, the duke married another woman—though it didn't happen in the novel—she could easily cast me aside and try to take Dane from me. I was still just a commoner.
Sensing my unease, Dane looked up at me, then turned to face his father.
"Then how about this? If you want me to stay here and be your heir, I have one condition," he stated confidently.
Both the duke and I focused on him.
Darwin narrowed his eyes slightly, intrigued. "Go on. What is it?"
"Grant my mother a noble title, a land estate, and a house. Since she saved me and raised me, she deserves proper recognition and reward, don't you think?"
My eyes widened in shock at Dane's bold condition.