Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 470

Dominic spoke up, his tone firm. "That's hardly fair, Your Highness. The Duke's condition is temporary. He won't rely on that chair forever. And even now, that doesn't mean he cannot take part."

Galen added with a measured sigh, "Still, since Nordia has raised the challenge, if His Grace declines, it may reflect poorly on Avenlor."

The murmurs built, all of them pressing in the same direction. Toward Cassian.

Alaric felt a flicker of satisfaction settle in his chest.

This was exactly how he had planned it.

The banquet, the proposal, the deliberate mention of Cassian, he had set the stage knowing Roderic would take the bait.

And now here it was. What could a cripple possibly do in front of everyone?

The thought nearly made him laugh.

Then Cassian's quiet chuckle cut through the noise.

He set his goblet down with a soft, clean sound.

"A fine idea, Your Highness," he said, his tone steady and unhurried. "If it adds to the evening and serves as goodwill between our nations, it would be poor form for me to refuse."

He placed his hands on the arms of the wheelchair and pushed himself up.

For a heartbeat, no one seemed to understand what they were seeing.

Then he stood.

Straight and steady, his posture unshaken, his presence filling the room as though it had never left.

The dark fabric of his ducal attire fell cleanly, revealing legs that were firm and unyielding.

A wave of shock rippled through the hall.

Several Avenlor officials rose to their feet without realizing it, eyes bright with disbelief and something close to relief.

Across the table, the Nordian delegation stared openly. Roderic's expression froze.

Alaric felt the blood drain from his face.

That's not possible.

His legs were ruined. I saw it. I remember it.

How is he standing right now?

Cassian took a few measured steps forward, as if to make the point undeniable, then let his gaze settle on Roderic. "You wanted a bout. Let's have it."

Roderic hesitated, something unsettled flickering in his eyes as old memories pressed in. "Byron," he said quickly, "you take this one."

Byron blinked, caught completely off guard. Me?

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