Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 420

Back when they were younger, Cassian would use that exact same look whenever he wanted something and wasn't getting it.

He would lean in just enough, lower his voice, and say, "Come on, just this once."

If they weren't in a formal hall right now, with half the court watching, Theodric had no doubt Cassian would have said it again.

Let me take her home.

The thought eased his mood.

He lifted his chin slightly. "Granted."

Cassian didn't hide his satisfaction. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Make sure you take proper care of your wife," Theodric added.

As Elowen stood and moved behind Cassian, guiding his chair with unmistakable energy, Theodric watched them for a moment longer than necessary.

A faint sense of something settled in his chest.

After years in power, even something as simple as this could feel distant.

Then he added, "The rewards meant for your wife will be sent to Duskmoor Manor later."

Cassian raised a hand in acknowledgment without turning back.

Elowen glanced over her shoulder instead, smiling brightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Outside, the air felt entirely different.

Cool, crisp, and alive, it cleared away the heaviness of the hall in an instant.

Rows of lanterns stretched along the palace eaves, their warm glow reflecting softly against the last traces of snow.

Elowen took a deep breath, her shoulders easing. "That feels so much better."

Their carriage was already waiting.

But instead of heading straight back to Duskmoor Manor, it turned through the city streets and eventually stopped along a quieter stretch of Cloudmere Lane.

They stepped down in a dim alley, tucked away from the main road.

By then, they had already changed.

Elowen had traded her formal court attire for something lighter and easier to move in, a soft green dress with delicate embroidery, a pale cloak draped over her shoulders.

Cassian had done the same, dressed now in a dark, tailored coat with a simple cloak, his presence still striking even without the weight of rank behind it.

No attendants followed. No formalities lingered. Just the two of them.

Their hands found each other naturally as they walked toward the glow spilling in from the main street.

Elowen's eyes lit up. "I haven't done this in so long. Not during a festival like this."

Cassian glanced at her. "What do people usually do?"

Helping someone else stayed with you longer than anything you could buy.

Cassian listened quietly, then gave a noncommittal response. "Sounds lively."

Elowen tilted her head slightly, studying him. "You're not impressed at all. Don't tell me you've been there before."

"I haven't."

She narrowed her eyes just a little. "Then why do you sound like it's nothing special?"

Cassian glanced at her. "Because, Ella, Stargazer Pavilion is mine."

Elowen stopped mid-step.

"...You're serious?"

"I didn't mention it?" His tone stayed easy. "I own quite a few places. Some slip my mind. That one's a bit different, though."

He continued, "It used to belong to the Second Prince, back before Theodric took the throne. It had a reputation for burning through money. After he died, it was handed over to me. I have people running it, but I don't go often."

Elowen was still looking at him.

Cassian added, calm and matter-of-fact, "The profits don't go to Duskmoor Manor."

A brief pause.

"They go straight back to the palace."