Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 466

Cassian gave a slight shake of his head. "No need. Today was mostly about settling the escort lists for both sides, along with the banquet that follows the negotiations. All of that will be announced sooner or later."

Elowen nodded, listening.

"Alaric put forward a few names," Cassian continued. "Galen, for one, and several others who are clearly tied to his circle."

Elowen let out a quiet huff. "He's not wasting any time, is he? Already trying to plant his people in the middle of it. Makes you wonder what he's scheming this time."

A faint curve touched Cassian's lips. "Even he knows better than to make it too obvious. If the delegation were entirely his faction, people would start talking. So he added another name to balance it out."

Elowen tilted her head slightly.

"Dominic," Cassian said. "Deputy of the King's Works. One of Rodney Jones's protégés. That puts him firmly on Elira's side."

A sharp clink broke the moment.

Elowen turned toward the sound.

Scarlet stood nearby, holding a lacquered serving tray with two cups of freshly brewed coffee. Her hand must have trembled, because the cups had knocked together just enough to make that sound.

A few drops of hot coffee spilled over, landing on the tray and splashing against the back of her hand, turning the skin red almost instantly.

Her face went pale for a brief second, but she quickly lowered her eyes and steadied herself, though her breathing grew uneven.

Cassian's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his expression tightening ever so slightly.

Elowen spoke gently. "Careful. Did you burn yourself? Just set them down on the desk."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Scarlet placed the cups down, her movements controlled despite the tension in her hands.

When she finished, Elowen added, "That's all for now. You can go. If it stings, ask Mira for some salve."

Scarlet didn't move right away.

She lifted her head and looked at Elowen, something conflicted flickering in her eyes. Her lips parted slightly, as if she meant to speak, then hesitated.

"Your Grace..." Her voice came out dry.

Elowen turned toward her. "What is it? You've got something on your mind?"

Scarlet's lashes trembled, and for a moment it seemed like she might say it.

Then she pressed her lips together and shook her head, the resolve draining out of her expression. "No... it's nothing. I was careless."

Elowen studied her for a moment but didn't push. "All right. Go get some rest. You're not needed here."

"...Yes, Your Grace."

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