Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 698

Chapter 698 What Finally Reached Theodric

Cassian tilted his head slightly as he listened.

“Sounds like someone crying”

According to the original plan, Elowen should have stood now, apologized to Theodric, and gone personally to deal with the matter in the servants quarters.

Inside, Nelly was already kneeling where Elowen had arranged for her to be. Soon, she would reveal everything about eating the honey cakes Rosaline had given her and how the spoiled milk afterward caused Caius’s fever.

Elowen had already tested the distance herself beforehand. From where Theodric sat in the great hall, he would not hear every single word clearly, but he would hear enough.

What Elowen had not expected was Emily’s reaction..

The moment the crying reached the hall, Emily turned immediately toward the rear corridor while babbling insistently and waving both little arms toward the sound.

Theodric lowered his head with amusement. “What’s this? Poppy wants to go over there?”

This time Emily even kicked her feet excitedly as though urging him to hurry.

Theodric was currently so charmed by his niece that naturally he indulged her without hesitation.

“All right then,” he said warmly while standing. “I will take you to investigate.”

Elowen exchanged a glance with Cassian.

Both of them saw the exact same thought reflected in the other’s eyes.

Their daughter really is something special.

As for Elira, the moment she saw Theodric heading toward the rear chambers, a terrible feeling settled heavily in her stomach, and her fingers tightened instinctively around the handkerchief in her lap.

By the time Theodric reached the back rooms, the voices inside had become perfectly clear.

“…Nelly, please stop crying,” someone inside was saying gently. “Today’s supposed to be a joyful celebration for the young lord and young lady. Her Grace already showed mercy because you once cared for the young lord personally, and she even rewarded you with ten dollars before sending you away. If you keep making a scene today, it’ll only put Her Grace in an awkward position.”

Then came another burst of sobbing.

“I know I made a mistake,” Nelly cried miserably. “But Her Grace never punished me. She even gave me money before dismissing me, and I’ve felt guilty ever since. I’ve gone over it again and again these past few days. I truly didn’t eat anything improper. Every meal I had came from the manor kitchens, and I never dared touch anything outside of that. It was only that day when Rosaline brought back some cakes and shared one with me. I thought a pastry wouldn’t matter, so I ate it without thinking… how was I supposed

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Chapter 698 Whst Finally Roached Thoodric

to know.

Outside the doorway. Theodric’s face darkened completely.

Emily seemed to notice his mood immediately.

She

both tiny arms around his neck as though trying to comfort him.

xpression softened slightly at once, and he patted her gently on the back before turning ven and Cassian behind him.

both of them had heard every word as well.

owered her gaze. “Your Majesty, this was my failure.”

sn’t on you.”

codric’s voice had gone cold.

I’ve had enough wine for tonight. I’m tired.” He paused briefly. “I’m returning to the palace.”

Cassian answered immediately. “Then I’ll escort Your Majesty out.”

Theodric allowed it.

Before leaving, he reluctantly handed Emily back to the wet nurse, though even then he could not resist gently touching her cheek one last time.

Only after that did he finally leave.

Elira followed behind him unsteadily.

Naturally, she had heard everything from the servants’ quarters.

Especially Rosaline’s name.

Cassian and Elowen escorted Theodric and Elira all the way to the front gates, watching silently as the royal carriage disappeared into the night beyond Duskmoor Manor.

Inside the carriage, Theodric leaned heavily against the cushioned wall with his eyes closed and his face frighteningly dark.

Across fr

broidered handkerchief so tightly her knuckles had gone pale.

She

SHOW.

st her lip.

quietly. “I’ve committed a grave offense.”

sened his eyes.

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arhed Thandie

“What offense?

Elira lowered her head further.

“My useless younger brother learned that the Duke of Duskmoor was overseeing the negotiations with Nordia and feared his growing influence among the people would eventually threaten the throne. That’s why he resorted to something so foolish. He only wanted to warn Duskmoor Manor and remind Her Grace that certain matters shouldn’t be touched. The moment I learned what he’d done, I reprimanded him severely and forbade him from trying anything like it again.”

At that, Theodric finally opened his eyes.

His gaze landed on Elira with terrifying coldness.

“Something foolish?” he repeated slowly. “Poisoning an infant is what you call foolish?”

His voice sharpened.

“Then tell me, Elira. What exactly would count as unforgivable?”

Elira’s whole body stiffened instantly.

The color drained from her face.

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