Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 471

When he heard those last two words, Alaric's eyes narrowed slightly, the kind of subtle reaction that gave away just how quickly his mind was turning.

That part's true. Father probably has no idea.

If he went to the royal study under the excuse of reporting on today's negotiations and casually brought up that his uncle's leg had recovered, it would not necessarily lead to punishment, but it would plant doubt, and doubt alone could be enough to shift favor.

With that thought settling into place, Alaric rose and headed straight for the king's study.

The moment he stepped out of the Hall of Imperial Grace, Iris called after him in a low voice, "Your Highness."

He did not slow or turn, his gaze fixed ahead as he responded, "Yes?"

"Are you going to see His Majesty to accuse the Duke of Duskmoor?"

Alaric's tone carried faint impatience. "Isn't that obvious?"

Iris pressed her lips together, hesitating just long enough to catch his attention.

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "You don't think I should?"

She did not answer directly, her brows drawing together as she chose her words with care. "The duke has always been cautious, and he and His Majesty have spent a lifetime understanding one another. When he appeared at the Stargazer Pavilion, he went to the palace soon after. I cannot know what was said, but it seems very likely he had already told His Majesty about his recovery."

Alaric slowed, then stopped altogether.

A moment later, the implication sank in.

Of course.

His uncle was not careless.

More likely, he had already revealed the truth and then deliberately continued the act, waiting.

So this was never about hiding anything. This was about a trap.

Today's negotiations had included a martial exhibition, and his uncle had known it from the start.

He had been waiting for Alaric to make a move, waiting for him to push, so he could turn the moment around and make him look reckless and small.

The more he followed the thread, the clearer the pattern became.

It was not just one trap, but several layered together.

His uncle had likely anticipated that he would take the matter to the king, and when that happened, the blame would not fall where Alaric intended.

It would fall on him.

A cold sweat broke across his back. If Iris had not spoken when she did, he might have walked straight into it.

Alaric turned to look at her fully now, his gaze sharpening.

This woman was far more perceptive than Galen ever had been.

Lowering his voice, he asked, "So what would you do?"

Iris lowered her head slightly, her voice soft as a draft slipping through a stone corridor. "I wouldn't dare claim I have a solution. I only thought... the air is still bitter this time of year, and Your Highness has already had a long day. It might be better to return to your own wing for now."

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