Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 571

Chapter 571 A Performance of Mercy

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The maid barely got through half her eager flattery before it broke into a sharp scream.

Iris forced her eyes open, the dim glow of a wall sconce blurring at the edges of her vision. Through the haze, she saw Alaric drive his boot hard into the girl’s midsection.

“You useless fool!” he snapped. “Who told you to neglect her like this?”

The maid collapsed onto the floor, curled in on herself, her face drained of color.

Alaric didn’t spare her another look. He crossed the room in long strides and stopped at the bedside, lowering himself slightly, his voice softening in a way that felt almost deliberate.

“Iris, can you hear me? How do you feel? Are you in pain anywhere?”

Her lashes fluttered as she tried to push herself up, instinctively trying to lower herself in

respect.

“Don’t. Stay where you are.”

He reached out as if to steady her, then abruptly turned, his expression hardening again.

“Tristan, what exactly were you doing?” His voice cut sharp and cold. “She’s in this state and you didn’t think to call for a physician? Are you blind, or just useless? If anything happens to her, you’ll answer for it.”

A bitter frustration rose in Tristan’s chest, and he felt completely wronged.

He had suggested calling for a royal physician more than once. It was His Highness who refused.

But a servant didn’t get to argue.

He swallowed it all, stepped forward, and bowed deeply. “This is my failure, Your Highness. I should have handled it better. I beg your pardon. Please don’t be angry.”

“Then stop standing there,” Alaric said, his tone turning impatient. “Go to the royal infirmary and bring me the best physician they have. Tell them I want the finest treatment, and I want her back on her feet quickly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Tristan turned and hurried out without another word.

Once the room cleared, Alaric looked back at Iris, his tone gentler again

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Chapter 571 A Performance of Mercy

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“Don’t worry. I’ve sent for the best. You’ll be fine.”

His gaze drifted around the narrow servant’s chamber, taking in the low ceiling, the bare stone walls, the single dim light.

A frown creased his brow.

“This place isn’t fit for you,” he said. “Once you’re better, I’ll have you moved somewhere brighter. Somewhere proper.”

Iris listened quietly and gave a faint nod. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Only then did the tension in his chest ease. By evening, Tristan returned with a physician.

Examination. Prescription. Herbs simmering over a small brazier.

After taking the medicine, some color finally returned to Iris’s face. Strength followed slowly, enough for her to sit propped against the pillows.

Tristan stayed close. When he saw her breathing steady, he spoke carefully, “Are you hungry? I could go to the kitchen and find you something decent.”

She shook her head. “I can’t eat.”

He pulled a low stool closer and sat beside her, lowering his voice.

“Iris, you saw it yourself today. His Highness does care. He was angry before, sure, but once it passed, he immediately called for the best physician. Since he’s said it out loud, things will be different now.”

Her expression remained calm, almost gentle.

“Yes,” she said quietly.

Is that really why? Because his anger passed?

No. That’s not it.

Her thoughts settled, cold and clear.

She turned slightly. “Where did you and His Highness go earlier? Outside the Crown Princes Wing?”

Tristan didn’t hesitate. “We went to Baker Estate. Lord Colton hasn’t been well and wanted to see him, so His Highness paid a visit.”

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Chapter 571 A Performance of Mercy

Of course. So that’s it.

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So it seemed the Crown Prince had picked up a few pointed remarks during his visit to the

Baker estate.

That would explain why he rushed back and put on this little show of concern for his attendants.

As for Tristan’s claim that His Highness would treat her well from now on-

Iris let out a silent, almost amused breath.

Maybe he would.

Maybe he wouldn’t.

She wasn’t about to tie her fate to a master that unpredictable, not for the sake of a moment’s kindness that could vanish just as quickly.

Her gaze shifted. “The ointment Lady of Grace and Virtue sent… where did you put it?”

“I hid it,” Tristan said. “Didn’t want anyone noticing, so I tucked it beneath a loose stone under your bed.”

“Good.”

She closed her eyes again.

Two days passed.

Iris had mostly recovered. Her face was still pale, but she could move about without difficulty.

She remained in the same cramped servant’s chamber.

The promise Alaric had made that day about moving her somewhere better turned out to be nothing more than passing words.

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