“Alicia, my father once told me that there is nothing greater in life than a woman. He’s right. You look beautiful, my dear niece.”

Alicia was a gorgeous bride, the most beautiful in the world and no one could dispute this, but he knew how disarmingly unaware she was of her prettiness. Her silver-colored crown decked with jewels and her traditional bridal robe embroidered with silver and gold thread reminded him of the time when her mother married.

The marquis sighed, eyes overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m reminded of the time when I sent my sister to Ehrlich. I took her hand during the ceremony on behalf of my father who...