Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 280

Chapter 280 Wrong

Alaric gave a cold laugh. “Move.”

His voice was cold enough that Iris stiffened. Alaric strode past her and went inside.

“Your Highness!”

Iris clenched her jaw and shouted.

Alaric frowned and quickened his pace.

When he entered, Daphne was sitting on the bed. She clearly hadn’t expected him, she scrambled and shoved something behind her back.

Alaric narrowed his eyes. “What is that? Bring it here.”

In less than half a month, the woman who’d been radiant on her wedding day had grown

The dress tailored to her frame now hung a little loose.

Daphne bit her lip and shook her head frantically. “Nothing. It’s nothing.”

Her eyes begged.

Alaric didn’t soften. He tilted his head slightly, signaling with his gaze.

69

thin.

An attendant behind him understood at once. He stepped forward, held Daphne down with ease, and pulled the item from behind her. Then he presented it to Alaric with both hands.

It was a crudely stitched cloth doll, stuffed tight and studded with long silver pins.

Alaric took it from the attendant. His fingers brushed over the small parchment charm fixed to the doll’s chest. Written across it in red ink was a single name.

Elowen.

Alaric lifted his gaze to Daphne, his voice slow and cold.

“So this is what you’ve turned to. Trying to lay a hex on her?”

Daphne’s eyes reddened instantly, tears gathering along her lashes. “I… I…”

Alaric set the doll aside and rose to his feet before she could finish.

He walked toward her, each step measured.

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19:49 Tue, May 12

Charter 290 Wrong

When he reached her, he caught her chin in his hand and forced her to look up at him.

“Daphne,” he said quietly, every word deliberate, his tone stripped of warmth. “Everything that has happened to you is the result of your own choices. None of it has anything to do with Elowen.”

Daphne bit her lip harder, tears sliding down. “But it’s because I love you so much. Your Highness…”

Alaric’s expression turned mocking, but his tone shifted slightly. “Is that so? Then I’ll give you one more chance.”

Daphne stared at him through tears. “Really?”

Alaric made a noncommittal sound. “In two days, Cassian and Elowen return to the Vanelle. You’ll come with me to meet them at the gate. There’s something you need to do.”

Including packing time, Cassian and Elowen set their departure for the Vanelle for the morning two days later.

That morning, the weather was fine, but Elowen slept late.

Cassian was already up. He didn’t rush her. He simply had the kitchen keep a pot of oatmeal warm and waited for her to wake on her own.

Meanwhile, at Vanelle’s city gate, Alaric got word that Duskmoor Manor’s carriage was returning. Early that morning, he brought Daphne and went to wait.

They waited from morning until the sun climbed higher, until the light turned harsh.

Even with autumn underway, the sun still burned hot.

Alaric had rushed out without preparing food. After nearly two hours, his stomach growled loudly. He forced down half a flask of water just to feel steadier.

Still, sealed in expensive robes, sweat beaded across his forehead.

He’d groomed himself carefully, since he’d be seeing Elowen today, but now he only looked rumpled and miserable.

Just as his patience ran thin, a carriage finally appeared at the far end of the road: Duskmoor Manor.

Alaric inhaled, pushed down the irritation, and smoothed his expression. With Daphne and his attendants, he walked forward to greet them.

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19:49 Tue, May 12

dr Zan Wrong

The carriage stopped at the gate.

Alaric stepped forward and bowed. “Uncle, Aunt, welcome back to the Vanelle.”

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