Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 469

Alaric let out a quiet scoff, forcing the irritation off his face as he smoothed his coat and stepped inside behind the others.

This gathering marked the first formal exchange between Avenlor and Nordia, less a negotiation than a careful circling, each side testing how far the other could be pushed while laying out initial positions.

Theodric had chosen not to attend in person. In his place, Cassian, the Duke of Duskmoor, and Crown Prince Alaric stood as Avenlor's representatives.

If this stage went well, the two monarchs would later meet to finalize a formal alliance.

Nordia's side was led by Prince Roderic, Fourth Prince Zachary, and their deputy envoy, Byron.

Cassian's wheelchair had barely settled at the head of the long table when Byron rose and inclined his head in a formal bow. "Your Grace."

Zachary, still Flowira in disguise, sat poised and composed. Apart from Roderic, no one present knew her true identity.

Her gaze drifted lightly to the empty space beside Cassian. "Your Grace, will the Duchess not be joining us today?"

Cassian paused for a fraction of a second.

Why does everyone suddenly care so much about my wife?

The thought put a sharp edge in his voice. "She is expecting and needs rest. She won't be troubled with state matters."

Roderic gave a rough, humorless chuckle, the kind that grated against the ear. "I've heard that when a man's legs are shattered badly enough, it ruins more than just his stride. Leaves him with no heirs to speak of."

His eyes flicked toward Cassian's legs, his tone turning openly vulgar. "So tell me, are you certain the child she carries is yours? Would be a pity if you ended up raising another man's blood. Hah."

His Avenlor was clumsy, but the insult landed cleanly.

The hall went still.

Byron stiffened, a sheen of sweat forming at his temples as he shot a cautious glance toward Roderic.

Cassian did not react the way anyone expected. He simply lifted his eyes, calm and unhurried. "If memory serves, every time you lost to me on the field, you managed to run fast enough to save your own skin. I never crippled your legs. So where does all this experience come from? Did your wife take another man to her bed, or have you been doing favors in someone else's household?"

Roderic's defeats had always been a sore point. Being reminded of them so plainly, then mocked on top of it, snapped his temper. He slammed his palm against the table and surged to his feet, fury blazing.

"Uncle."

Flowira's voice cut through the tension, sharp and controlled.

Roderic turned toward her, breath heavy.

"We are here for peace," she said, each word deliberate.

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