Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 549

At Hale Manor, as evening settled in and the last of the daylight faded against the tall windows, Elowen had nearly finished going through the ledgers at her desk when Bran stepped inside, bringing Cora with him.

Elowen remained seated, her posture composed as she looked Cora over carefully from head to toe before speaking.

Cora lowered her gaze, her hands folded neatly in front of her. "Your Grace, I was sent here on the Crown Prince's orders."

Elowen rested her fingers lightly against the edge of the desk. "What message did he send you with?"

Cora replied, "His Highness received the top ten candidates from the court qualification trials today and has invited Your Grace to attend at the Crown Prince's Wing. First, Princess Valessa of Nordia is present, and His Highness hopes the two of you may become better acquainted. Second, Your Grace holds the title of Lady of Grace and Virtue. With such distinguished scholars present, your attendance would serve as encouragement."

She paused, then added in a quieter tone, "His Highness also gave a specific instruction. When Your Grace comes to the Crown Prince's Wing, you are not to bring any family members."

As she spoke, her gaze flickered briefly toward Cassian standing nearby.

Elowen lifted a brow. "And if I choose not to go?"

Cora lowered her head further. "His Highness said that among those invited today is a young man named Josh. He comes from a poor household. The Crown Prince's Wing does not have a carriage available to send him home, so Your Grace would be asked to take him back afterward. Otherwise, he would have to walk back on his own."

She hesitated only a fraction before continuing, "That alone would not be much of a problem, but His Highness also said that if Your Grace is unwilling to assist, Josh may be required to remain behind and work to repay the cost of today's reception. The Crown Prince's Wing does not keep idle hands."

Her voice softened at the end, her head bowed low.

Elowen's fingers curled slightly, her expression cooling. "So this is a threat."

Cora remained still. "I am only repeating His Highness's words."

Elowen let out a quiet, humorless laugh. "If he's gone this far, then I suppose I don't have much of a choice."

She rose from her seat, glancing briefly at Cassian before turning back to Cora. "He made it clear I'm not allowed to bring anyone?"

Cora nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. Only you."

Not long after, the carriage from Hale Manor rolled through the gates of the Crown Prince's Wing.

Alaric had been waiting.

The carriage came to a smooth stop, and the door was opened.

Inside, Elowen sat alone.

Alaric looked in, and something unmistakable flickered across his eyes.

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