Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Blood on the Threshold

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Marwen felt as if she had been plunged into an icy lake. Even though the Duke of Duskmoor lay unconscious, he was still the full-blooded brother of the King. His rank and standing were beyond question.

An attempt on his life was a capital crime.

It was over. Marwen stood on the edge of collapse, despair threatening to swallow her whole.

Elowen took in every change in her expression, paused briefly, then spoke again, “Fortunately, Lucien did not manage to harm His Grace. Out of consideration for the Ashcroft family’s past service, and because this was Lucien’s first offense, His Grace chose to spare him. However, from now on, Lucien is forbidden from approaching that courtyard, not even a single step.”

Marwen nodded sluggishly, then suddenly realized something and looked up. “You said His Grace spared him… but isn’t His Grace still unconscious?”

Elowen replied calmly, “His Grace woke briefly last night. Physician Halbrecht was summoned to Duskmoor Manor overnight. You didn’t hear about it?”

Marwen froze. She had heard that Halbrecht had come the previous night. At the time, she found it strange, as it wasn’t a regular monthly examination.

So the Duke of Duskmoor had awakened, even if only once.

“Aunt Marwen,” Elowen said evenly, “now that you have handed over the entry token, from this point on, no one may enter the courtyard without my permission. This matter ends here.”

Ever since hearing that Cassian had awakened, Marwen felt as if her soul had left her body. She didn’t dare utter a single word of protest and obediently handed over the token.

Elowen closed her fingers around it and finally let out a quiet breath. With this, no one would be able to barge into the courtyard again.

She said nothing more and turned to leave. Inside the room, Marwen collapsed onto the couch, her entire body drained of strength.

When she lifted a hand to her face, her forehead and cheeks were slick with cold sweat brought on by fear. Just a seventeen-year-old gir, yet she carried such oppressive force.

For a fleeting moment, it was as if Cassian himself had been standing there.

A maid brought over a cup of warm drink. “My lady, have something to steady yourself.”

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10:26 Wed, Feb 11 D

Chapter 13 Blood on the Threshold

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Marwen took the cup and drank. As the warmth spread through her, her thoughts gradually cooled, and her expression darkened.

Today, that Hale girl had taken the entry token. Tomorrow, she would likely come for the household keys.

If she lost control over Duskmoor Manor, the comfort and status she and her children enjoyed would come to an end.

No. She absolutely could not sit and wait for that to happen.

After dealing with Lucien and Marwen, Elowen returned to her courtyard and continued reviewing the account books. By the time dusk fell, she finally finished.

Mira came in and said, “Your Grace, you really shouldn’t keep pushing yourself like this every day. You’ll ruin your eyes.”

“It won’t happen again. I’m done now,” Elowen said, stretching slightly. “There are quite a few muddled accounts. Although the manor generates a substantial income each month, its expenses are even higher. We’re spending more than we take in and relying on old reserves.”

Mira trimmed the candlewick and made a small sound of surprise. “That sounds a lot like Hale Manor.”

Elowen let out a soft sigh. “It does.”

Over the years, Avenlor had never been free of war. Where there was war, there were always casualties.

Some soldiers returned from the front wounded or crippled. Others died outright, leaving behind elderly mothers and young children who could barely fend for themselves.

Although the court issued stipends for various reasons, those funds often failed to reach the people who truly needed them or arrived in greatly diminished amounts.

These situations happened again and again. They could not be fully prevented, but the soldiers’ families and orphans could not afford to wait.

So her father and brothers had always used the manor’s own funds to make up the difference. It seemed Duskmoor Manor was no different.

“If things keep going like this, how long can the old reserves last?” Mira muttered quietly. “Surely you’re not going to use your dowry to cover it?”

Elowen didn’t answer. She only smiled faintly. Cassian, lying quietly on the bed, heard every word. He found it strange. He clearly had more than enough money, enough for the manor to last for generations.

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10:26 Wed, Feb 11 D

Chapter 13 Blood on the Threshold

When did things become so tight?

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