Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44 A Tainted Toast

That incident had quickly reached Alaric’s ears.

He had refused to hear a single word of Elowen’s explanation.

He already despised her, and this had pushed his disgust to its absolute limit.

Finished

Perhaps a part of the reason he later refused to touch her was the deep-seated belief that she had been “soiled.”

Back then, because the marriage contract between Elowen and Alaric still stood, Theodric and Isla had issued a strict, absolute command: the matter was to be sealed, not a whisper allowed to escape.

Yet, rumors of Elowen’s alleged tryst with the guards spread like wildfire regardless.

Elowen became the laughingstock of the entire Vanelle.

She dared not leave the palace, dared not face anyone.

She hid in her chambers, drowning in misery, humiliation, and a venomous hatred directed inward.

Later, Elowen slowly figured it out. She shouldn’t hate herself.

She was the victim. She had committed no crime.

The guilt lay with Maerwyn, with the two guards, with the maid-with all those who had conspired against

her.

Now, reborn, Elowen would never again let herself be cornered.

She would fight back. She would ensure the wicked tasted the full bitterness of their own poison.

“Aunt Elowen.”

Maerwyn, now seated, poured herself a goblet of wine. Just as she had done in that other life, she raised it toward Elowen. “A toast to you.”

Elowen met her gaze, her expression polite but distant. “I’m not much of a drinker.”

Maerwyn wasn’t about to let her off so easily. She pouted. “No way you don’t drink. Isn’t it said that everyone from a military family can hold their liquor? Don’t tell me you’re the exception?”

She then adopted a penitent sigh. “Aunt, I was disrespectful earlier. I truly see my error now. I’m offering this toast to make amends. You wouldn’t refuse me, would you?”

Elowen’s eyebrow arched slightly. So, emotional blackmail it is.

Isla intervened diplomatically. “Elowen, if you truly don’t want to drink, then don’t.”

Maerwyn panicked at once. “How could that be?!”

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11:24 am

Chapter 44 A Tainted Toast

Isla now frowned, sensing something was amiss.

Finished

“I… I really just want to make things right,” Maerwyn insisted, forcing a contrite tone. “To mend our relationship…”

Isla clearly didn’t believe a word of it and opened her mouth to press further.

“Alright then,” Elowen said, sounding as if she had reluctantly relented. “Since Maerwyn is sincerely remorseful, I wouldn’t want to disappoint her.”

She gestured to Mira to fill her goblet.

Lifting her own cup, she then turned to Isla. “Your Majesty, won’t you join us? That we have become family is a rare blessing. It would be lovely to share this toast together.”

Isla was not fond of wine and hesitated.

Maerwyn, now wholly focused on getting Elowen to drink the drugged wine, eagerly chimed in. “Yes, Mother! It’s my birthday. Just one cup, please?”

Unable to withstand the combined pressure, Isla gave a reluctant nod.

Three goblets met in the air with a soft clink.

Watching Elowen drain her cup in one go, Maerwyn nearly laughed aloud.

Oh, Elowen. Now you’re truly finished!

A short while later, Elowen raised a hand to her temple, her eyes growing hazy, as if filmed with moisture. “Your Majesty, Princess Maerwyn… my head really hurts.”

Before Isla could speak, Maerwyn jumped in eagerly. “Aunt must be feeling the wine! Autumn! Quickly, escort her to the antechamber to rest!”

A maid named Autumn stepped forward from behind Maerwyn. “This way, Your Grace.”

Elowen rose, her steps slightly unsteady as she followed the maid out.

Maerwyn only saw her retreating back. She did not see how, once out of sight, the feigned drunkenness melted from Elowen’s face. Her eyes were clear and sharp, and a subtle, cold curve touched the corner of her lips.

Maerwyn watched her leave, a triumphant, poorly-concealed smirk twisting her features.

Isla saw it and her frown deepened. “What mischief are you plotting now?”

Maerwyn adopted an innocent expression. “Whatever do you mean, Mother? You wrong me.”

Isla knew her daughter all too well. She lowered her voice. “In the past, if you teased or bullied Elowen a little, it was of little consequence. But now it’s different. She has married Cassian! Need I remind you of his standing with the army? Or how dearly your father holds his brother? Elowen is the Duchess of Duskmoor now. If you cause trouble for her and word reaches your father, not even I’ll be able to shield you from his wrath!”

11:24 am

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