Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 417

Theodric looked at Elowen with a trace of amusement in his expression. "That's enough. You should not strain yourself in your condition. If anything happens, Cassian will hold me responsible."

Elowen allowed a faint smile to touch her lips.

Mira and Cora stepped in smoothly, helping her back to her feet with careful hands.

"Your Majesty."

Before the moment could settle, a clear voice cut cleanly across the hall.

"The Duchess of Duskmoor cannot be Azure."

It was Maerwyn.

Theodric's brows drew together. "I lifted your confinement so you could attend tonight. Is this really how you choose to behave?"

"I am not causing a scene, Your Majesty."

Maerwyn rose abruptly and strode forward, stopping at the center of the hall with her back straight and chin lifted.

Elowen turned her head slightly, catching the tension in her expression.

Maerwyn did not spare her a glance. Instead, she faced Theodric directly, posture rigid with conviction. "Azure's work has been my constant companion. I have read Tales of Luminara more times than I can count. There is no chance I am mistaken."

Her voice sharpened. "Azure exists. But she is not the Duchess of Duskmoor. This is a false claim."

A ripple of unease spread through the gathered nobles.

Theodric's expression darkened.

Elowen, however, was quietly surprised.

This had not been part of what she anticipated. Isla had clearly arranged more than one move tonight, and Maerwyn was one of them.

She angled her head slightly toward Maerwyn and spoke under her breath. "We had an understanding. At the hunt."

She meant the agreement they made during the autumn outing.

Maerwyn's eyes flashed, something harsher surfacing. "Whatever that was is finished. But pretending to be Azure is something else entirely. Do not think I will let that pass."

Elowen paused, then chose not to press further.

At the head of the hall, Theodric's voice dropped, steady and commanding. "Maerwyn. Return to your place. This does not concern you."

Maerwyn lifted her chin, refusing to yield.

Isla exhaled softly at just the right moment, her tone gentle and composed. "Your Majesty, perhaps we should allow her to speak. You know how devoted she is to Azure. If there is any misunderstanding, it would be best to clear it here and now, with the family present."

Her gaze turned toward Elowen, warm on the surface. "If the Duchess truly is Azure, then there is nothing to worry about. But if she is not, the title of Lady of Grace and Virtue has already been announced. Should doubts spread later, it may reflect poorly on her. Clarifying things now would spare her unnecessary trouble."

The words sounded considerate.

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