Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 314

Chapter 314 The Royal Decree

Quin reacted at once and stepped back.

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Linched

The two armed guards behind him immediately drew their swords halfway with a cold flash, steel barring Lydia’s path to the decree.

“That’s enough!” Quin dropped all pretense of politeness. “This decree is a personal gift from His Majesty to his aunt!”

Lydia froze where she stood.

Quin did not spare her another glance. He turned to Elspeth instead, opened the decree, and read in a clear, carrying voice.

“By the grace of God, His Majesty proclaims: Lady Elspeth of distinguished virtue and honor, steadfast in character and exemplary among women of the realm. In times of adversity you have shown dignity and compassion, and your conduct has brought credit to your house and to the kingdom. In recognition of your virtue and service, His Majesty hereby grants you the title of Lady of the First Rank, with all rights and honors belonging thereto. Given under royal authority and confirmed this day by His Majesty.”

When he finished, Quin’s smile became more genuine. “My lady, please step forward and accept the decree.”

Elspeth sank to one knee and bowed her head to receive the decree. Quin stepped forward and placed the scroll in her hands. Lowering his voice, he added, “His Majesty hoped this would mark the beginning of a new chapter for you–and offer you his protection from anyone who might wish you harm.”

Elspeth held the decree and let out a soft sigh. “Good children, all of them.” Theodric and Cassian… they both still care for me.

With a dull thud, Lydia dropped weakly to the ground, her face pale. She stared at the scroll in Elspeth’s hands, humiliated and crushed.

“Lydia!”

Alistair’s voice broke the silence,

Lydia looked up, eyes rimmed red, and saw him. Alistair hurried over and helped her to her feet. When he saw the state she was in, he frowned, a trace of anger turning toward Elspeth. “Lydia’s still recovering. How could you be so cruel to her?”

Elspeth’s face went cold.

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19:59 Tue, May 12

From huby a Pecten

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Elowen, afraid her aunt might lose her temper and do something rash, quickly caught Elspeth’s hand and said evenly. “No one bullied her.”

Elowen had watched the whole thing. She knew exactly what had happened. “Lydia thought the title of Lady of the First Rank was being granted to her.”

Lydia’s face went pale all over again.

Alistair’s gaze finally dropped to the bright scroll in Elspeth’s hands. He hesitated, then said slowly, “Elspeth… you received the decree?”

Elspeth’s expression stayed icy. “Yes. Is there a problem?”

Alistair opened his mouth, but nothing came out at first.

Lady of the First Rank. The highest honor a noblewoman could receive–a title granted not for a husband’s or son’s merit, but for her own. Most women could only dream of it, and it had never once occurred to him that Elspeth, after divorcing him, would receive such an honor from Theodric.

Then, with a shiver, he realized something else. During all the years Elspeth had been married to him, the king had never shown the slightest sign of valuing her enough to bestow such an honor. Yet only days after their divorce, the decree had arrived.

Is His Majesty making a statement to the entire court? That he never approved of me?

The thought unsettled Alistair to the core.

Lydia clenched her teeth and forced down her disappointment.

She slipped an arm around Alistair’s and rested her head against him, her voice gentle and affectionate. “It’s nothing, Alistair. I never cared about titles. As long as we’re together, Lady of the First Rank or not, none of that matters.”

Of course it mattered. Lydia had wanted that title more than anything. Now that it was out of reach, she had no choice but to settle for second best. At least the manor’s wealth would still be hers.

She smiled sweetly at Alistair. “When we move into Havenstead Manor in Rivenshire, all those assets will make sure we live comfortably for the rest of our lives.”

“Assets?” Elowen asked softly.

Lydia turned, a strange chill running through her.

Elowen tilted her head. “The Marquess didn’t tell you?”

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19:59 Tue, May 12

Chapter 101ahe Poy #thec DOO

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