Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4 Sharing a Bed with the Duke Alaric’s brow twitched. Since his uncle remained unconscious and couldn’t perform the bridal escort himself, someone else had to take his place. And if Elowen had been given the choice, she would have picked him without hesitation-or so he believed. He knew her tricks all too well. She claimed to admire his uncle. Claimed she wished to marry him out of sincerity. But wasn’t it obvious? This was just another performance, another roundabout way to draw his attention. The Queen had likely orchestrated Leonhart’s visit today for that very reason.

Worried he would refuse outright, she had sent someone to soften him up first. Leonhart, after all, had once harbored a crush on Elowen. Mostly because of the pastries she baked-but still. Regardless, Alaric had no intention of escorting Elowen from Hale Manor. A maid entered and set down warm drinks. Leonhart accepted his cup, blew gently across the surface, and took a cautious sip. When he didn’t speak, Alaric frowned. “Has anyone else in the royal family done it? I don’t have the time-or the interest.” Leonhart blinked and looked up. “But-” Alaric shot him a sideways glance.

“What?” Leonhart swallowed, scratched the back of his head, and spoke carefully. “Her Majesty initially thought that since you’re not married yet, you’d be the most suitable person to stand in for Uncle Cassian.” Alaric let out a short, dry laugh. Exactly what I expected. “But,” Leonhart continued, “Lady Elowen said it wouldn’t be appropriate to trouble Your Highness. So Her Majesty summoned me instead. She said I could go in your stead.” Alaric froze. Elowen said… she didn’t want him? He had felt nothing but irritation at the thought of being dragged into her wedding arrangements.

Yet hearing that she had explicitly refused him didn’t bring relief. Instead, an indistinct annoyance stirred in his chest. Leonhart watched his cousin closely and noticed the subtle shift in his expression. Trying to smooth things over, he added, “Maybe she figured you’re always busy. Escorting a bride would be too much trouble. Unlike me-I’ve got nothing going on. I’m free every day.” Alaric didn’t respond. The study fell into an uncomfortable silence. Suddenly, the drink in Leonhart’s hands felt unbearably hot. He shifted, then stood abruptly.

“Alaric, I still have other matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave.” Alaric gave a low, indifferent hum and didn’t rise to see him out. Leonhart took a few steps toward the door, but something held him back. He stopped, turned around, and spoke quietly. “Alaric… about what happened back then. Elowen really wasn’t at fault. You’ve blamed her all this time, but that isn’t fair. Things have gone this far, and it’s obvious you’re not happy. She-” “Leonhart,” Alaric cut in, his brows drawing together, his voice low and edged with warning.

“Didn’t you say you had somewhere to be?” Leonhart lowered his gaze. “Yes.” He swallowed the rest of his words and left the Crown Prince’s Wing. … The wedding day arrived. The first thing Elowen did upon waking was walk to the window. Sunlight poured down from a cloudless sky. The air was bright and dry-no hint of rain. She released a quiet breath of relief. It truly was a good day. She rose, washed, dressed, and sat calmly before her vanity while maids and attendants fluttered around her, preparing her from head to toe.

Perhaps because she had already lived through a wedding once before, she felt no nerves at all. Her heart was steady, composed. This was merely a formality. By the time Leonhart arrived, everything was ready. Traditionally, a bride was led out the door by one of her male relatives. But nearly all the men of Hale Manor had fallen on the battlefield. The only surviving male was a five-year-old boy. So Leonhart took on the role. As he bent to her and took her hand, cheers and laughter rose around them. Amid the noise, he lowered his voice and whispered, “Elowen…

Alaric won’t be coming today.” She was briefly startled. Why bring up such an ill-omened topic on her wedding day? “He’s… unwell,” Leonhart continued. “Ever since I returned from the palace that day, he’s been sick. Still hasn’t recovered. The palace ordered everyone to keep it quiet…” He seemed as though he wanted to say more. Elowen sighed softly and interrupted him. “Leonhart, I stopped caring about His Highness a long time ago. I know you mean well, but the past is the past. Eyes are meant to look forward-not back.” The words lodged in Leonhart’s throat.

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