Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36 A Feast

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His hair was still damp, barely toweled, hanging loose over his shoulders, droplets tracing paths down his neck.

The moisture on his face lent his sharp features a hint of softness.

Elowen looked at him, then remembered the feel of the muscle in his arm.

She couldn’t understand it. A man like Cassian–noble, handsome, with a physique like that–how could any woman not want him?

Does he have some terrible secret? An unspeakable quirk?

“What are you thinking?”

Cassian’s gaze settled on her face.

Elowen could hardly say, “I’m wondering if you have a bizarre fetish.”

She offered a gentle smile instead. “I was thinking if you’re hungry. Would you like something to eat?”

Surely, a meal couldn’t be considered “disgusting.”

Cassian recalled the conversations he’d overheard while unconscious. Her cooking, it seemed, was exceptional.

He didn’t refuse. “Yes.”

“Do you have any favorites? Or anything you don’t eat?” Elowen asked, considerate as always.

“I’m easy. You decide,” Cassian said.

“Alright.” She nodded and left the room.

Bran, who had been waiting outside, entered to take her place.

Cassian wore only a thin layer of underclothes. Bran fetched a heavier tunic and began helping him dress.

“How has the Manor been these past days?” Cassian asked, his voice measured.

Bran, adjusting the garment, replied, “Everything’s been running smoothly. Your Grace. Her Grace is truly clever! Lady Marwen tried to play sick, holding onto the keys and account books. But Her Grace found a way. She had them back in no time.

“Her Grace’s got a good head on her shoulders and a kind heart. She raised the monthly wages for the servants and kitchen hands. Even arranged for chilled pea soup for them every afternoon… Lately. I hear folks whispering. They say since she arrived, life’s gotten better. They call her the Manor’s ‘lucky star.”

Lucky star

A faint smile touched Cassian’s lips.

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Chapter 36 A Feast

An interesting turn of phrase.

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“Oh, and word of your waking reached the palace. The Crown Prince was sent to visit,” Bran added.

Cassian’s head turned sharply. “The Crown Prince was here? Who received him?”

“Her Grace, of course.”

Cassian’s brow furrowed.

“But she didn’t give him an inch of ground,” Bran said, chuckling.

He recounted the exchange between Elowen and Alaric from the other day.

Cassian listened, his gaze deep and thoughtful. His fingers tapped a slow rhythm on the arm of his wheelchair.

Bran leaned in. “His Highness stormed out, puffed up like a bull. I made sure to sing Her Grace’s praises, said, you like her and mean to treat her well.”

Cassian raised a brow. “You’ve learned a thing or two over the years.”

Bran chuckled, “Sticking by your side, I had to pick up a trick or two.”

Cassian acknowledged this with a slight nod, then changed the subject. “What of the army?”

Bran’s smile vanished, replaced by a weary sigh. “Since you’ve been gone, the commanders can’t agree on anything. Brawls among the ranks are common. And I’ve heard rumors that the clans to the north and west, hearing you’re lying unconscious, are itching to make a move.”

Cassian considered this for a moment. “Send word. A council of all commanding officers, three days from now, at the Northern Garrison. Mandatory attendance.”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

Not long after Bran finished helping him dress, Elowen returned, directing servants bearing trays of food.

The rich, savory aroma reached Cassian even from across the room.

The servants laid out the dishes. Elowen stood by, explaining, “These are spiced meatballs in broth. This is a ham hock and root vegetable stew. This is almond custard. And this,” she pointed to a small, creamy- looking dish, “is a sweetened walnut and honey paste. For after the meal, to cleanse the palate.”

Cassian sampled each one, his eyes growing progressively brighter with appreciation.

It was, indeed, exquisite.

No wonder her maid, Mira, was always raving about it.

Cassian, a man of simple tastes, found himself taking several extra bites.

He remembered hearing that Elowen learned to cook from her aunt, Isobel.

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Chapter 36 A Feast

Frosted

He also recalled hearing that she used to send her best dishes to the Crown Prince’s Wing.

So Alaric had tasted these flavors long ago.

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