Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 391

Chapter 391 The Weight of Expectations

Kaclan struggled to get the words out. “Mother… it isn’t his fault…”

His face looked pale. Elowen glanced at him briefly before turning her attention toward the young attendant who had been forced to crouch on the floor.

The boy was trembling uncontrollably. The back of his right hand was swollen and bright red, clearly burned.

A quiet sigh formed in Elowen’s heart.

She had a feeling she already understood why Kaelan had fallen ill. Even before Hugh spoke, the answer seemed painfully obvious.

Kaelan’s weak defense was completely ignored. Aveline’s brows tightened sharply as she prepared to deal with the servant.

“Aveline.”

Elowen spoke at just the right moment.

Aveline composed herself with visible effort and turned back with an embarrassed smile. “I’m afraid you had to witness such poor discipline, Your Grace. The staff have become terribly careless lately.”

Kaelan stared in shock. With great effort he lifted his head, disbelief filling his eyes as he looked toward Elowen.

Elowen stepped to the side of the bed, her voice gentle.

“Kaelan, your mother said you’ve been seriously ill. I came to see how you were doing.”

Kaelan gazed at her blankly. His eyes were bloodshot, his lips trembling slightly, yet no sound came out.

Seeing her son in such a state made Aveline’s heart ache. She raised a handkerchief and quietly wiped the tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

Elowen turned to her.

“Aveline, why don’t you step outside and rest for a moment? Let Doctor Dray examine Kaelan carefully. I’d also like to speak with him for a little while.”

Aveline hesitated.

Her gaze moved between her son and Elowen. Eventually she nodded. Even as she walked toward the door, she looked back several times, her worry impossible to hide.

Once she left, the room finally grew calmer.

A quick-thinking attendant hurried over with a chair lined with a soft cushion and placed it beside the bed for Elowen.

Elowen sat down.

Her gaze passed over the servant who was still crouched on the floor, trying to endure the pain in his burned hand. Turning slightly toward Hugh, she said, “Doctor Dray, his hand was burned. Could you give him some ointment first?”

Hugh nodded and opened his medical case. From inside he took out a small white jar and handed it to the servant.

The boy stared at it in disbelief, carefully holding the cool jar with both hands. Elowen gestured gently toward the door.

“Go find somewhere to treat the burn properly, and change into clean clothes afterward.”

The servant finally snapped out of his daze. His eyes instantly reddened.

He bowed deeply toward Elowen, his voice shaking. “Thank you, Your Grace. Thank you for your kindness.”

Only then did he hurry out. With the servant gone, the room became even quieter. A faint herbal fragrance drifted through the air.

Kaelan spoke in a hoarse voice filled with frustration.

“I’m glad you came to see me, Your Grace… but at the same time, I wish you hadn’t. I didn’t want you to see me like this.”

Hugh nodded thoughtfully. “If that’s not the reason, then tell us what is.”

Kaelan lowered his head, his voice heavy. “I…”

He wanted to speak, yet the thoughts tangled in his chest felt overwhelming. There was too much to say, and he had no idea where to begin.

Hugh waited patiently for a while. When Kaelan still said nothing, he studied his expression. “Well? Why stop now?”

Kaelan suddenly covered his face with both hands. His shoulders trembled slightly.

“Is it because Aveline puts too much pressure on you?” Elowen asked quietly.

Kaclan’s movement stopped instantly. Hugh also turned to look at her.

Elowen remained seated calmly in the carved chair, her hands folded lightly over her knees.

A faint smile touched her lips.

“While walking here, I noticed how deeply your mother cares about you. She clearly places great hopes on your future. Your courtyard and your study are filled with calligraphy and paintings meant to inspire you to work harder.”

Her gaze softened as it returned to him. “Kaclan,” she said gently, “you’re carrying far too much pressure, aren’t you?”

She no longer addressed him formally. Instead, she used his given name. Her voice was soft and comforting. Something inside Kaclan finally loosened.

He lowered his head and gave a quiet, defeated nod.

Elowen had expected as much.

Kaelan might admire her, but no one would fall this ill simply because they couldn’t have the person they liked.