Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 676

09:35 Fri, Jun 5 M

Chapter 676 A Future Worth Watching

Howen quietly sighed inwardly.

This boy is going to become someone truly formidable someday,

But the thought had barely crossed her mind before another problem followed immediately behind it eaving her with an entirely different headache.

She and Iris had already spoken privately long ago. Once the current turmoil settled, Iris was supposed ty eave the palace and become Elowen’s adviser.

But if Theodric truly decided to grant Iris to Caelan as a secondary consort, refusing would become near impossible.

Imperial decrees were not something anyone could casually reject, especially not marriage arrangement personally bestowed by Theodric himself. No matter her position as Duchess of Duskmoor, Elowen

ertainly could not compete with Theodric over a person.

After listening to Caelan’s explanation, Theodric suddenly burst into hearty laughter.

So that’s what this is,” he said with clear amusement warming his voice. “Sounds like the two of you were meant to cross paths after all.”

Caelan lowered his head again at once, his ears still visibly red. “It’s only that Iris came to Lady Delphine’s residence earlier and never returned. When I came searching for her, Lady Delphine insisted she’d never seen her at all. I… honestly couldn’t stop worrying.”

Theodric waved the concern aside easily. “Lady Delphine has suffered too many blows one after another and lost her senses. Don’t concern yourself. I’ve already sent Quin to search for the girl, and he’ll make sure Iris is brought back safely.”

As he finished speaking, he cast Quin a brief glance.

Quin immediately understood and strode from the chamber.

Theodric remained in good spirits for a moment before another thought suddenly occurred to him. “Actually, if you came here because of Iris, then why is the Duchess of Duskmoor involved in this as well?

Elowen turned her head slightly at once.

The question sounded casual enough, yet hearing it still made her chest tighten faintly.

‘Caelan, however, answered without the slightest pause.

“Your Majesty, because I’d grown fond of Iris, I spent time quietly asking about her past. I learned that while serving beside Daphne, she was treated rather harshly and often punished, while my little aunt had shown her kindness on many occasions before. Iris has always remembered that kindness deeply.”

His explanation continued smoothly and naturally.

“When I heard Iris had become trapped here tonight, I worried I might not be clever enough or persuasive enough to save her on my own. After thinking it over, I sent word outside the palace to my little aunt

09:35 Fri, Jun 5 M

because I believed that if I failed, she would still be able to help fuis

After a slight pause, his voice lowered

I with lingering unease.

just never expected things to escalate this badly. Not only did I nearly endanger my little aunt caused harm to Your Majesty as well. I failed to think things through properly. Please punish me

Standing nearby, Elowen suddenly felt both amused and exasperated all at once.

Caclan truly had the nerve to claim he was poor with words?

She glanced sideways toward Cassian.

Is this some sort of Valebourne family talent? Every one of them better at pretending than the last.

Cassian was exactly like this.

And Caelan clearly was too.

Theodric dismissed the matter with a wave of his hand. “Isla was the one who lost her mind. None of this is your fault. Besides, you weren’t frightened tonight, were you?”

Caelan immediately lifted his head with an obedient smile. “I’m alright, Your Majesty. Thank you for worrying about me. But Uncle Cassian was injured protecting you tonight. The blade cut deeply into his palm, and there was a great deal of blood.”

Theodric sighed softly before looking toward Cassian, whose hand was still being carefully wrapped in fresh linen. “Yes. Cassian has always protected me this way.”

Cassian immediately smiled. “Then if you truly feel moved, perhaps a few extra rewards would be more practical.”

That earned another laugh from Theodric.

Once the laughter faded, the atmosphere inside the chamber relaxed considerably.

At that exact moment, footsteps echoed outside the hall.

Quin entered first, and behind him followed a slender figure.

Iris had arrived.

Two swollen handprints stood vividly across her face, dark red and already bruising purple around the edges. One look alone made it obvious she had been struck hard more than once.

Her hair had partially come loose as well, several strands falling untidily across her forehead, while one sleeve near her wrist had been torn open.

Iris walked steadily into the center of the chamber before lowering herself into a deep formal bow.

Tris greets Your Majesty.”

Theodric studied her quietly for a moment before finally asking. “So you’re Iris?”

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Keeping her head lowered, Iris answered softly, “Yes, Your Majesty

Theodric continued leisurely. “Do you realize Caclan risked himself tonight after hearing you were here?”

Iris’s lashes trembled faintly.

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