Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 64

The barbed implication–that his current punishment was due to his own lack of discipline and that he was clearly asking for more–landed perfectly.

Alaric’s face darkened.

After a tense pause, he forced a careless laugh. “If only we could meet Azure today”

Elowen’s hand stilled mid–air.

Isla looked puzzled. “Azure? Who is that?”

Alaric’s eyebrow arched, his gaze sliding to Elowen. “An author of popular tales. Surely you’ve heard of her, Aunt?”

Elowen shook her head immediately. “I haven’t.”

Isla’s memory sparked. “Ah, I remember now. At the birthday feast, the Garretts gave Maerwyn some manuscript pages. She adored them. They were drafts of Azure’s work.”

Alaric nodded. “Exactly. According to Maerwyn’s sources, Azure is attending today’s salon. I promised my sister I’d seek her out in person.”

Elowen suddenly found the cake in her hand utterly tasteless.

That blabbermouth, the owner of Willow Breeze Bookshop’s wife!

She had stressed secrecy, emphasizing that her identity must never be revealed.

And yet it had spread.

Even Alaric knew…

Seeing the subtle shift in Elowen’s expression, Alaric pressed on, his tone deliberate. “Mother, if Azure can write such compelling stories, she must be exceptionally talented, a true literary genius. It seems she’s also a noble lady from Vanelle. Maerwyn is quite taken with her, even hopes she could become my wife. Let’s check her out later together. If she’s the right fit, I’ll make her Crown Princess.”

Elowen lowered her eyes, a flicker of anxiety tightening her chest.

Meeting the bookshop owner’s wife today was now impossible.

Fortunately, her last visit to Willow Breeze to deliver Tales of Luminara had been years ago. She had worn a heavy veil that obscured her face completely.

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10:08 Thu, May 7

Chapter od The Veiled Azure

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Even face–to–face now, the owner’s wife might not recognize her.

The thought brought a wave of relief.

Noticing her sudden relaxation as she calmly picked up another cake and even offered one to Sylvia, Alaric frowned.

Then he thought it through. From the way her expressions had shifted, she still cared about him–and about who his crown princess would be.

She was just good at hiding it, tucking her feelings away in a blink.

What good will that do? He sneered. When my wedding day comes, she’ll be the one weeping her heart out, begging for forgiveness at the gates of the Crown Prince’s Wing.

Soon, the verse salon formally began. Though its true purpose was matchmaking, Isla maintained the pretext.

She announced the theme: “Summer,” and invited all the young ladies present to compose a

poem.

This provided a perfect opportunity for each girl to step forward, present her work, and be assessed by the Queen and the Crown Prince.

As a Duchess, Elowen enjoyed a privileged position. She sat beside Isla, observing the proceedings while leisurely enjoying refreshments.

Sylvia joined the others to write, but Elowen watched her bite her quill, frown, and fidget without putting a single word to parchment. It was clear she had no talent for this and was only here under her mother Marwen’s stern orders.

As Elowen finished a plate of cakes, she spotted the owner of Willow Breeze Bookshop’s wife, Mora, entering the hall. Mora’s eyes scanned the assembled young ladies, clearly searching for

someone.

Isla beckoned Mora forward. “We hear you are here to meet Azure?”

Mora bowed, flustered by the royal attention. “Your Majesty, I never imagined such a trivial matter would reach your ears.”

Isla smiled benignly, “My daughter, Princess Maerwyn, is a great admirer of Azure.” She leaned forward. “Have you seen her in person?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Mora replied. “Years ago, when Azure finished Tales of Luminara, she delivered the manuscript to my husband herself. However, she wore a full veil. I couldn’t see her face clearly.”

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Chapter 04 The Veiled Azure

Alaric frowned. “Then how will you identify her today?”

Mora explained, “In her last letter, Azure said the matter was urgent and we must meet. She said she would attend today but not reveal her face. Instead, she would wear a light veil and feign a slight limp. That is how I am to recognize her.”

Alaric found this amusing. A light chuckle escaped him. “How cautious of her.”

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