Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 602

Chapter 602 A Worthier Man

From the royal dais above, Theodric watched the entire exchange between Valessa and Cassian without interrupting once. He did not know what had happened between them years ago, hur after ruling Avenlor for so long, he could already sense the shift taking place within the chamber.

The balance inside the court had changed again.

Rather than question either of them directly, Theodric merely rested one hand against the carved arm of the throne and spoke in a calm, measured voice.

“As for the negotiations between our kingdoms, I believe there is still room for compromise. Alaric’s crimes are serious, and he cannot be forgiven lightly. My decision remains unchanged He will be stripped of his position as Crown Prince, though he shall retain his status as Prince for now. Since the princess has spoken on his behalf, he may continue overseeing the negotiations until the treaty is finalized. Once both kingdoms formally sign the agreement, his merits and offenses can be judged together.”

As he finished speaking, Theodric turned his attention toward Valessa.

“What does the princess think?”

Valessa gathered herself quickly, the turmoil from moments earlier already hidden beneath her composed exterior.

“Your Majesty is wise.”

After a brief pause, however, she continued thoughtfully, “That said, I’m curious. What exactly did your former Crown Prince do to deserve such punishment?”

Theodric had not expected the question, though he saw no reason to conceal the truth before the gathered court.

“Following investigation, it was determined that Alaric personally orchestrated the corruption surrounding the court qualification trials.”

The moment the words left his mouth, disgust surfaced plainly across Valessa’s face.

“Corruption within the court qualification trials?” she repeated sharply. “Then even I can’t defend him.”

For the first time since she entered the chamber, genuine surprise appeared on Theodric’s face.

Valessa lifted her chin slightly, her expression growing colder beneath the torchlight

Chapter 602 A Worthier Man

220

“My father taught me from childhood that capable people are the foundation of every kingdom. A realm may survive poor harvests. It may survive weakened armies. But no kingdom survives once it loses talent. As long as capable minds remain, the kingdom endures. Once they disappear, decline follows soon after.”

Her gaze hardened with unmistakable disdain.

“He stood as heir to the throne, yet he manipulated the trials that determine the future of your scholars and officials for his own gain. If my royal brother heard of this, he would conclude that the nobles of Avenlor are unworthy of trust altogether. A man like that should never oversee negotiations between kingdoms. My brother would never agree to it”

Then, with complete seriousness, Valessa placed one hand over her chest and offered a formal bow toward the throne.

“Your Majesty judged correctly. Removing him as Crown Prince was absolutely the right decision. Earlier, I spoke rashly before understanding the full circumstances, and for that I owe the court an apology.”

Silence settled briefly through the chamber.

Even Theodric looked momentarily stunned.

I haven’t even brought up Alaric trying to assassinate your uncle yet…and you’re already decided the punishment was justified?

Nearby, Colton’s eyes widened so abruptly they nearly bulged from his face.

What is happening?

He had arranged for the Nordian princess to appear precisely because she was supposed to pressure the throne into protecting Alaric.

She was supposed to force Theodric into compromise through the peace negotiations.

So how had everything collapsed after only a few exchanges?

Unless…

Unless the person Valessa truly cared about had never been Alaric at all.

Colton instinctively looked toward Cassian.

Yet before he could think further, his eyes collided directly with Elowen’s calm dark gaze.

A chill shot straight through his chest.

It’s over.

JUZ A Worthier Man

This time, it’s truly over.

By now, Theodric had already pieced together enough of the situation to understand the larger picture.

Simply put, his son was a fool.

Faced with Valessa’s sudden change in attitude, Theodric’s mood visibly improved.

“You acted without knowing the full circumstances,” he said mildly. “No offense was taken.

Valessa immediately followed with another flawless court bow.

“Today’s misunderstanding was entirely my fault. I entered the royal chamber before learning the truth and spoke recklessly in defense of the wrong person. I ask Your Majesty’s forgiveness. Since the court still has matters to resolve, I shall take my leave and allow you to continue.”

“Very well,” Theodric replied.

Only after receiving permission did Valessa finally relax slightly before turning toward the doors.

Yet after taking several steps, she paused again as though another thought had suddenly occurred to her.

“The negotiations between our kingdoms should not be delayed any longer,” she said while glancing back toward the throne. “Once Your Majesty finishes handling today’s matter, discussions ought to resume immediately. However…” Her eyes shifted naturally toward Cassian. “Your representative should probably be replaced.”

Theodric nodded once. “I will consider it.”

Valessa continued without hesitation.

“In my opinion, the Duke of Duskmoor was far more suitable than Alaric. He has stood on battlefields himself. He understands bloodshed, sacrifice, and what peace truly costs. A man like that is worthy of negotiating with me.”

At those words, Theodric glanced toward Cassian as well before giving the same answer.

“I will consider it.”

Valessa said nothing further. After one final bow, she turned and strode toward the exit. This time, however, her pace was noticeably quicker than when she had entered, almost as

3/5

Chapter 602 A Worthier Man

though she wanted to escape the chamber before another humiliating moment could catch up to her.

After all, she had stormed into the royal court earlier in full confidence, prepared to defend someone before the eyes of the entire kingdom, only to discover she had mistaken an insignificant fool for the man she actually remembered.

The embarrassment alone was enough to make her skin burn.

At this point, Valessa wanted nothing more than to leave as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately for her, the moment she stepped beyond the chamber doors, a ragged voice called after her desperately.

“Princess! Princess!”

Outside the hall, Alaric was still restrained by the King’s Guard, his robes disheveled and his entire appearance carrying the desperation of someone already standing at the edge of ruin.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify