Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 419

Maerwyn didn't respond at all.

Her breathing had fallen apart into uneven, shaky pulls, tears running unchecked down her face until her vision blurred. Every attempt to speak broke halfway through, like her voice refused to cooperate.

She couldn't bring herself to look at Elowen. The shame sat heavy in her chest, tangled up with guilt so sharp it made her feel like she might come undone right there in front of everyone.

It took everything she had just to force out a few broken words. "I... I'm sorry..."

Elowen watched her, eyes settling on the way Maerwyn's head trembled. Her lips parted slightly, as if she meant to say something.

But Maerwyn had nothing left.

She dragged the back of her hand across her face in a rushed, messy motion, completely past caring how she looked. Then she turned and rushed out of the hall without a second glance.

"Maerwyn!"

Isla's voice rang out, tight with urgency. She turned sharply toward the attendants nearby, her expression turning cold. "Why are you still standing there? Go after her. Now. If anything happens to the princess, you will answer for it."

Maerwyn heard her.

She just didn't slow down.

Not until the noise of the hall faded behind her, not until her legs began to give out on their own, did she finally stop running.

Even then, she didn't stop crying.

Tears kept falling as she walked through the palace grounds alone, the night air cool against her flushed skin.

Somewhere behind her, the official announcement carried through the air, voices rising and falling in practiced rhythm as they proclaimed Elowen's new title.

It sounded like a celebration.

To Maerwyn, it felt like something pressing down on her chest.

She was Maerwyn of Avenlor. Everyone said she was the most favored princess in the realm.

So why did it feel like there was never anyone truly there for her?

Isla was always occupied, either with Theodric or with the endless politics of the court. Managing alliances, watching every move in the inner palace, keeping the Baker family in line. There was always something more pressing.

And when guilt did surface, it came wrapped in velvet boxes and silk gowns.

Theodric had no time either. Too many affairs of state, too many children to divide his attention.

Even Alaric was always busy, buried in his responsibilities.

Maerwyn had grown used to being alone.

Until she found Tales of Luminara.

That had been the first time something felt like it belonged to her.

She read it over and over, each time finding something new to love.

In her mind, meeting Azure had always been perfect. A clear spring morning, sunlight soft and warm. She would wear her prettiest dress, run straight to her, heart racing, cheeks warm, words spilling out all at once about how much those stories had meant to her.

And Azure would listen, patient and kind, then smile and say, "I'm really glad you love it."

So how had it ended like this?

Maerwyn slowed to a stop near a stone garden feature, her strength finally giving out. She lowered herself to the ground, clutching her copy of Tales of Luminara tightly against her chest as her sobs grew louder, no longer held back.

Inside the hall, Theodric's voice turned cold.

"You told me she understood her mistake. I trusted you and lifted her confinement."

Isla's expression tightened, a flicker of unease crossing her face. "Your Majesty, I failed to guide her properly..."

But Maerwyn had only been used. Thinking about the way she cried, Elowen felt a quiet ache settle in her chest.

Cassian gave her hand a light squeeze, steady and reassuring. "Don't get stuck on it. We still have something to do tonight, remember?"

Elowen blinked, then suddenly recalled.

Her mood lifted a little. "Right."

They stayed just long enough to avoid drawing attention, taking a few polite sips and bites before Cassian straightened slightly and looked toward the throne.

"Your Majesty."

Theodric glanced over. "Yes?"

"My wife and I don't handle wine particularly well. If it pleases Your Majesty, we'd like to take our leave early."

Theodric studied him for a moment.

That look on his face.

Anyone who didn't know him might think he was heading off to something far more exciting than simply going home.

Not good with wine? That's a stretch.

A hint of amusement flickered in Theodric's eyes.

Cassian blinked slowly in response. Theodric understood immediately.

To most people, Cassian came across as distant and difficult to read.

But Theodric knew better. Cassian had a habit of getting exactly what he wanted.