Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14 When the Duke Stirred

Elowen nodded.

Mira immediately forgot her sadness and swallowed reflexively.

In had

Elowen’s second aunt had been the daughter of a renowned chef, and she had passed on all her skills. Elowen was clever and quick to learn, eventually surpassing her. Everything she made was exceptionally good.

In the past, Elowen often made food for Alaric, experimenting with different recipes and methods. Mirá always tasted them first, and every time she was delighted.

But ever since the betrothal banquet, Elowen had rarely entered the kitchen.

“Tomorrow, I’ll return to Hale Manor on my own. I’ll go to the chapel, say my prayers for my father, my brothers, and my uncles, and leave bread and cakes at their resting place. I want them to know that I’m married now, and that I’m living well.”

Her voice was light and gentle, like a spring breeze brushing across water. Mira nodded obediently.

Cassian listened, his emotions tangled.

The two of them went to the small kitchen and were gone for quite a while before returning.

Mira was thoroughly satisfied, a smile lingering on her lips as she helped Elowen take down her hair. “Your Grace, the cakes were incredible. If someone never tastes your baking in their lifetime, they’ve truly lived in vain.”

Elowen looked a little distracted and forced a smile. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“It’s true,” Mira insisted, then glanced at the mirror. “Your Grace, are you unhappy?”

Elowen shook her head. “No. I’m just tired.”

It was already very late. Mira didn’t question it further and hurried to help her wash and prepare for bed. Afterward, she withdrew respectfully and closed the door softly behind her.

The room fell silent. Elowen sat alone at the dressing table for a while,

Only when an unseen bird chirped outside the window did she seem to snap back to herself. She stood and walked toward the bed.

Cassian lay neatly on the bed, a thin blanket covering him. If he were awake, she would have felt embarrassed. But with his eyes closed, seemingly unaware, sharing the bed didn’t make her uncomfortable.

As she climbed in, she lifted her right foot first, but not high enough. Her foot struck the bedframe, and she hissed softly.

The mishap happened too suddenly. She couldn’t pull back in time, and her body tipped forward toward Cassian

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Thu let 14 When The Duke Stirred

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She let out a small cry, instinctively reaching out to brace herself. There was no floor beneath her hand, only warmth.

Firm, solid, with distinct muscle beneath her palm. Her face flushed bright red as she realized what she had touched.

The weather had been hot, the bedding thin. It felt as if her hand had landed directly against his body.

Meeting the sight of his lean, handsome face, Elowen finally came back to her senses.

As if burned, she quickly withdrew her hand and said in a hurried whisper, “I’m sorry”

Cassian lay still, unresponsive. Elowen muttered helplessly, “I almost forgot. You can’t hear me.” She pulled her hand back, climbed onto the bed, and lay down beside him.

But the sadness she had been holding back rose again. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t suppress it.

As for Cassian, he was caught in quier self–doubt. Compared to the night before, she was sleeping much farther away. Was he too thin now? Had she brushed against him and immediately recoiled in distaste?

Suddenly, he heard her sniff. Cassian paused.

Elowen turned over, her back to him, and pulled the blanket over herself. Soft, broken sobs echoed in the quiet room. Cassian frowned. His fingers at his side twitched twice.

Then everything fell still.

The next day, Elowen rose early. Padding softly across the floor, she made her way to the mirror.

Leaning in close, she carefully inspected her eyes–only when she was sure there was no visible redness or swelling did she finally let out a quiet breath of relief.

Mira entered from outside, holding a fresh basin of water. “Oh! You’re up early, Your Grace.”

“Going home today.” Elowen replied lightly, settling herself before the mirror. “I suppose I’m a little happy.

Mira didn’t press further. “Alright, we’ll go with something more modest today.“

Once her hair was done and her attire arranged, Elowen prepared to depart, Mira trailing behind her.

Bran met them in the front courtyard and gave a small nod. “Your Grace, allow me to assign two of the house guard to escort you. Both men served in the army–disciplined and trustworthy.”

Elowen paused, then gave a short nod. “Very well.”

When they arrived at Hale Manor, the carriage rolled slowly to a halt before the gates. As Elowen stepped down, her gaze happened to fall on two small tufts of wild grass sprouting beside the worn stone threshold.

Suddenly, a memory surfaced–clear and vivid.

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Years ago, when her father and lowthers were still alive, the street outside had been packed with anrlagron late to the night. Guests came and went in endless strecession. The stone steps before the gate hard om e been worn smoods by the tread of a hundred boots.

Now, at was all ton quiet. A quiet ache stirred in her chest.

“My lacly.

The steward, Regan, stepped forward. At the sight of her, his weathered face lit up, voice trembling with emonan. “My lady, you’ve finally, finally come home.”

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