Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 573

Awakening Love. Reborn to Be His Duchess

Chapter 573 A Calculated Choice

071

Finished

When dealing with Alaric, there was only one way to survive. Absolute loyalty, careful words, and just the right suggestions at the right time.

Elowen was different.

With her, hiding things, twisting the truth, or playing clever games was the worst possible

move.

She saw too much. She could tell what was genuine and what wasn’t, and once she realized she’d been deceived, there was no going back.

So Iris chose to be completely honest.

Elowen remained silent.

Unhurried, Iris continued, “Your Grace, I won’t pretend otherwise. I’ve been planning an exit for a long time. The Crown Prince’s Wing isn’t a place anyone can rely on forever. I’ve always known that. At first, I thought about finding a way to serve Duke Roland’s heir. He’s kind, but he lacks real influence. When I was injured and recovering, he never came into the palace, so he knows nothing of what happened. And even if he did, given his position, there’s little he could actually do.”

She went on, steady and composed.

“There’s also Prince Caelan. He approached me several times, asking me to stay where I am and act as his informant. At the banquet welcoming Nordia’s envoys, he told me that if I agreed, I could leave a peach branch outside Lady Elira’s residence as a sign. But I never did. Even after I collapsed from the punishment, I didn’t go to him.”

Elowen finally spoke, “Even if Duke Roland’s heir isn’t reliable, Prince Caelan seems like a strong option. If I take you in, I won’t move you to Hale Manor right away. You’d remain in the Crown Prince’s Wing, just as he intended. So why choose me?”

Iris met her gaze directly. “Prince Caelan is indeed a good choice. He promised to treat me as an advisor, not merely a servant.”

She didn’t hesitate.

“But

you are better, Your Grace.”

Elowen raised a brow slightly. “That’s quite a statement. Why?”

Iris pressed her lips together, then answered firmly, “Because you are a woman. You understand what I’ve had to endure.”

1/3

17:24 Fri, May 22 N

Chapter 573 A Calculated Choice

71

Finished

Elowen stilled, something stirring beneath her calm expression.

Iris remained where she was, posture straight, eyes clear and unwavering.

After a moment, Elowen said quietly, “Iris, you are very perceptive.”

Iris lowered her head. “Everything I’ve said today is the truth. Not a single word is false. If you choose not to accept me, I will understand. I’ve done many wrongs while serving His Highness. You have every reason to refuse me, and I would not resent it.”

Elowen leaned forward slightly. “One last question.”

A flicker of tension crossed Iris’s face as she looked up. “Please ask, Your Grace. I will answer honestly.”

Elowen narrowed her eyes just a fraction. “The assassination of the Nordian prince, Roderic. All the evidence pointed to the Duke of Duskmoor. Was that your doing?”

Iris froze for a brief moment.

Her face paled, but she did not look away.

“Yes,” she said. “It was my suggestion to His Highness. From choosing Roderic as the target, to arranging for the Vice Minister of Rites to approach His Grace and earn his trust, to leaving the arrowhead at the scene, and coordinating false testimony afterward to mislead the

investigation… every part of it was planned by me.”

Elowen let out a soft, brief laugh.

It was too fleeting to read.

Iris felt her chest tighten.

Then Elowen spoke again, her voice calm and even.

“Very well.”

Her gaze settled on Iris. “From now on, you serve me.”

Iris blinked, stunned. “Truly? Your Grace is willing to take me in? Truly?”

Elowen gave a small nod. “Yes.”

The answer was simple, but it carried weight.

All the fear, the uncertainty, and the pressure Iris had been holding onto since she risked

2/3

17:24 Fri, May 22 N

Chapter 573 A Calculated Choice

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify