Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 468

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Elowen shifted slightly, settling in with clear interest.

Hugh began at an easy pace. "When I was twelve, I had it in my head that I'd make a name for myself as a wandering swordsman. I picked a fight in Falkriver, lost badly, and ended up bleeding out by the roadside. Your grandfather happened to pass through, took one look at me, and hauled me back with him. Nearly dying once tends to change a person, so I decided I liked the idea of staying alive. That's how I ended up studying medicine under him."

A faint smile tugged at his lips. "He didn't want me at first. Turned me away more than once. I stuck around anyway, running errands, pouring his drinks, saying whatever I thought might win him over. Eventually I told him I had no intention of going back to Vanelle. When he heard where I was from, he asked if I knew Clement. I said I did. Then he asked what I thought of him. Truth be told, I didn't know much. But the way your grandfather looked when he asked made it pretty clear what answer he was hoping for, so I said I didn't think highly of him."

Hugh let out a quiet chuckle. "That did the trick. He took me in after that."

Elowen fell silent for a beat. Clement was her father.

She had always known her grandfather held him in low regard.

When she was a child, he would often mutter, "Ella, your father's no good. Men who live by the sword rarely end well. Stay here with me in Falkriver, and I'll see you want for nothing."

Hearing Hugh recount it now, she could almost picture the exact look on his face.

Her mood lightened without her realizing it.

Then she remembered something. "You started training with him at twelve, and you stayed in Falkriver. I've been there many times. How did we never cross paths?"

Hugh shrugged lightly. "Back then I slept three hours a night and spent the rest of my time buried in study. Medical texts, herbs, pulse reading. I barely set foot outside, so it's no surprise we never met."

Elowen nodded, understanding.

At last, the day of the peace talks arrived.

Given her condition, Cassian chose not to bring her along.

The negotiations were to be held in the Hall of Imperial Grace within the royal residence.

Cassian arrived just as the appointed hour approached and happened to run into Alaric outside the hall.

"Uncle," Alaric said immediately, "why didn't she come with you?"

Cassian knew exactly who he meant. His expression cooled, just slightly. "She's expecting. I'm not about to drag her across the palace for something like this."

His gaze flicked over Alaric. "What about you? Why isn't your Crown Princess here?"

Then, as though the answer had just occurred to him, he added with mild indifference, "Ah, right. I forgot. She's been stripped of her title and confined to the Secluded Wing. No children either. There are some things you wouldn't understand."