Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 732

FHN

Chapter 732 She Could Live with That

By this point, Josh had completely reassured his mother. Sensing hex ease, he deftly changed the subje “By the way, Mom, was there a specific reason you and Nikki came all the way out here to wait for me today?”

Marissa nodded, her expression growing earnest and slightly anxious. “Her Grace mentioned that she wants to speak with the three of us tonight. It sounded important, so I wanted to make sure we caught right after work. That way, we can go see her together as soon as we get back.”

“I see,” Josh said, understanding perfectly.

Marissa couldn’t help but add a gentle reminder. “Speaking of Her Grace, our family owes her immens The kindness she has shown us is truly beyond measure, and you would never have secured your positi at court without her help. You must give your absolute best to your duties and ensure you never disappoint her.”

“I always keep that in mind, Mom,” Josh replied dutifully.

Without a carriage, the three of them made their way back on foot. Fortunately, the Royal Scholarium wasn’t too far from Duskmoor Manor-just a walk through two main streets and down a long alleyway.

By the time they reached the manor gates, Nikki had finished almost all of her candy. She licked her lips wishing for just a little more, but as the sweetness faded, the words from the man in the diner came rushing back to plague her mind.

“Her Grace is probably telling you to pack your bags and get out. They’re leaving the city; do you really think they’re going to let you stay there forever?”

An uncomfortable weight settled in her chest.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that since Her Grace was leaving, the man was probably right-they were going to be sent back to their old home.

In truth, Nikki didn’t think going home was the worst thing in the world. Their old house had a squaller yard and smaller beds, but she could live with that. The only part that truly upset her was what it would mean for Josh. Once they moved back, his daily commute to the Royal Scholarium would take forever H would have to cross nearly the entire city of Vanelle, waking up long before dawn and hot returning until the dead of night.

Thinking about how exhausting that would be for her brother made Nikki’s heart ache

Inside Stillwater Court, the lights blued bright and warm. Nikki, following her mother and brother, was led into the room by Mira to find Elowen sitting in the main seat, cradling Emily in her lap while playing ring toss with Emily in her lap. With an easy flick of her wrist, Elowen sent a wooden ring sailing neatly onto peg every time. Emily watched with fascination. Reaching out with both hands, she eagerly tried to grab one of the rings herself. Amused, Elowen handed her one. Emily chuched it tightly and attempted a throw. but she was still too little. The ring slipped from her fingers and bounced harmlessly across the floor Rather than getting upset, Emily burst into giggles and immediately reached for another ring.

Cassian lounged nearby, a book propped lazily in his hand, though his attention was clearly elsewhere, watching the mother and daughter with fond amusement. Beside him on the daybed. Catus was fast

Finishe

asleep, his hitle fists curled up by his head.

“Greetings, Your Graces, Nikki chimed in, bowing alongside her mother and brother.

Elowen looked up, gently taking the stick from Emily’s hands to set it aside as she smiled at the three of them. “I was actually planning to head over to your quarters to look for you, but you beat me to it.” With a gracious wave of her hand, she added, “No need for formalities, please sit.”

Marissa, looking a bit constrained, offered her thanks repeatedly before guiding her children to their seats Cora arrived promptly to serve coffee.

In Elowen’s lap, Emily was still squirming, completely fixated on the game and leaning heavily to the side to reach for the sticks again. Pulling the restless toddler back, Èlowen turned her attention to Josh. “How have things been at the Royal Scholarium? Is everything going smoothly? Have you run into any difficult people or situations?”

Josh stood up immediately, answering with utmost respect. “Everything is going very well, Your Grace. My seniors at the Scholarium are incredibly kind and generous with their guidance. Right now, I’m mainly handling editing and proofreading. It’s meticulous work, but I’m learning a great deal. His Majesty is exceptionally benevolent, and the officials are well taken care of-our uniforms and stipends are always issued on time without exception.” He paused, his voice softening with emotion. “I know I only have this opportunity because of your sponsorship, Your Grace. I am deeply grateful, and I will never forget your kindness.”

Elowen gestured for him to relax. “We’re just catching up tonight, Josh. There’s no need to be so tense. Sit down, please.” Once he complied, she continued, “And you don’t need to thank me. You earned your place hrough your own talent. I merely gave you a starting push by passing along a word; where you go from nere depends entirely on your own hard work.”

osh nodded earnestly. “I won’t let you down, Your Grace. I will do my absolute best to repay your Kindness.”

Having failed to reach her toy, Emily quieted down for a split second before inhaling deeply and starting o fuss in earnest. Realizing she couldn’t carry on a proper conversation like this, Elowen paused and ooked down at her daughter, though Emily’s mind was completely elsewhere.