Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 484

Alaric studied her with clear approval. "You've got a talent for this."

His mood remained high, though something sharper crept in beneath it. "A Nordian prince is dead. That's not something that can be brushed aside. My uncle is stuck at court now, and all that's left is to see how Father handles it. Hopefully he doesn't lose his nerve at the last moment."

Iris shook her head gently. "He won't. Even if he feels inclined to protect his brother, he cannot ignore what this means for the realm. Nordia will expect a response, and the King cannot appear weak. Whatever he decides will reflect that first."

Alaric leaned forward slightly. "So what does that look like?"

Iris considered briefly before answering. "It won't be light, because that would invite further pressure. But it won't be severe enough to break him either. The Duke still holds his place within the royal family. Most likely, some of his authority will be reduced, his movements restricted, and his income cut back. There will be a formal censure, and perhaps a temporary loss of certain honors. Enough to satisfy appearances, without going too far."

The answer didn't sit right with Alaric.

Alaric frowned. "That doesn't solve my problem. Give it time and he recovers. Then what? Where does that leave me with Ella?"

Iris did not hesitate. "If you want the Duchess, removing him entirely is not the only path forward. There are other ways to shift the balance."

That caught his interest. "Such as?"

"You should go to His Majesty and speak in the Duke's favor."

Alaric's eyes narrowed slightly. "So I come off as reasonable. Loyal. Someone who values family."

"That is part of it," Iris said. "But not the part that matters most. Think about what comes next. The court qualification trials."

Recognition flickered across his expression.

"In past years, the Duke oversaw them. He built a reputation for fairness, and that left an impression. Many who entered service through those court qualification trials respect him for it. Some of them quietly align with him even now. They are not the most powerful figures yet, but they are everywhere, and in time, they will matter."

She met his gaze directly.

"This year, he cannot take that role. Someone else will be chosen. If you position yourself well, that responsibility can fall to you. Handle it properly, and you gain more than reputation. You gain influence over the next generation entering court."

The implication settled in.

"It strengthens your position now and secures it for the future."

Alaric studied the young woman standing before him, her posture modest, her gaze lowered, yet every word she spoke carried clarity and structure. The more he listened, the more his approval deepened.

Keeping her close was the right call.

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