Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 701

Chapter 701 A Secret

Elowen paused, caught off guard.

She hadn’t expected those words to come from Caelan, let alone be directed at Iris. If he sincerely meant them, his foresight was remarkable. If he was just saying what Iris wanted to hear, his ability to read and manipulate people was even more formidable. Either way, the man was dangerous.

“I’ve given this a lot of thought,” Iris continued. “It’s true that I could just walk away from the palace with a light heart, come to the Silverloom Exchange to work as your advisor, and live a free, independent life doing what I love. But there is another path open to me. You founded the Exchange to give women more options in life, Your Grace. My becoming a consort serves the exact same purpose. If I can establish a secure foothold in the palace, I can help other women from humble backgrounds like mine. And the higher I climb, the more good I can do.”

Elowen felt a profound shift stir within her. The young maid standing before her was like a tree hardened by storms–its roots anchored deep in the earth, its branches reaching boldly toward the sky. Suddenly, Elowen realized she had no right to hold her back.

In the end, Elowen simply let out a quiet sigh. “Very well.”

It was her consent.

After a brief pause, Elowen looked at her intently, her tone turning solemn. “But promise me this, Iris. If you are ever mistreated in the palace, if you regret your choice, or if you simply feel you cannot walk this bath anymore, come to me. I will help you leave. The palace won’t keep you, Elira won’t stop you, and neither will Caelan. Remember that with me, you will always have a way out.”

ris froze, tears instantly welling in her eyes. She wanted to say, Thank you, Your Grace, but the words choked in her throat. Unable to speak, she nodded vigorously, the motion scattering her tears.

Elowen reached out to wipe the tears from the girl’s face. Then, sparked by a sudden curiosity, she asked. Tell me, Iris–do you actually love Caelan?”

Iris thought it over for a moment. “Your Grace, in matters like this, love doesn’t really factor into v Affection, or the lack thereof, can always be faked. Especially for someone of my background putting on a front and adapting to your surroundings are the easiest things in the world. Besides, how many couples in this world truly love each other? Most just compromise, endure, and settle for mutual fespect

Sensing a touch of cynicism in the girl’s view on love and marriage, Elowen smiled softly. “Let me tell you a secret. Before I married Cassian, I didn’t love him either. It was only after living together day in and day out that I found myself falling deeper and deeper in love with him.”

Iris blinked, surprised

Elowen smiled warmly, offering her a sincere blessing. “You are a wonderful woman Iris I hope that one day, you too will find a partner who shares your heart and matches your soul

Iris nodded, stood up, and performed a deep, formal bow It was a gesture of mumense reverence, her forehead pressed against the floor, and she remained there for a long time

Finally, she straightened up. “I am leaving now, Your Grace

Finished

“Go on then, Elowen replied gently.

Iris stepped outside and closed the door behind her.

A little way down, where the covered walkway curved around the corner, Caelati was waiting. Hearing her footsteps, he looked over. “How did it go

Iris nodded quietly but offered no details about her conversation with Elowen. Instead, she simply said, “We should head back, Your Highness. Lady Elira looked upset when she left earlier today; you ought to go

and comfort her.”

Seeing that she had no intention of sharing a single word of what had just passed, Caelan felt a pang of disappointment.

In her heart, Lady Elowen would always come first. What did it matter that he was the Sixth Prince? To her, he was still nobody.

Iris remained silent throughout the ride back. Yet, there was a difference in her silence today; she lacked her usual cold detachment. Caelan stole a few glances at her. She seemed troubled, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to ask what was weighing on her mind. He spent the entire journey worrying and waiting, but Iris didn’t say a word.

Slowly, Caelan’s heart sank. His disappointment deepened into frustration.

When the carriage came to a halt, Caelan set his face, remaining tight–lipped as he moved to get out.

A beat too late, Iris called out softly. “Your Highness.”

Her voice was barely a whisper. Caelan paused and turned back, his expression blank. “Yes?”

Iris kept her head down. “I come from nothing. Before I turned six, I had never once eaten a full meal. Whether it was during my time with the Garrett family or after I entered the Crown Prince’s Wing, I have been slapped, forced to kneel in punishment, and severely beaten.”

Caelan stared at her, caught off guard.

“I never dared to dream of anything more,” Iris continued. “Just staying alive and having enough to eat was plenty for me. As for marriage… even a servant from a decent family wouldn’t look twice at me. After all, I have no education, and I’m not beautiful.”

Caelan’s brow furrowed sharply. “Who told you that you aren’t beautiful? Elowen?”

Iris shook her head slightly and risked a glance at him, her eyes rimmed with red. “Her Grace only mentioned the day Lady Delphine locked me away in the back courtyard. She told me you said you liked me and that you wanted to marry me. I told her you were just taking pity on me, that you only wanted to save a lowly maid. But Her Grace asked me if you just wanted to save me, there were so many other ways to do it. Why would you use marriage as an excuse?”

Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess