Chapter 139 A Calculated Invitation
Elowen nodded slightly.
The King always paid back kindness.
How could such a principled ruler have sired an ungrateful son like Alaric?
“Oh,” Elowen remembered. “Her Majesty asked me to enter the palace tomorrow.”
Cassian didn’t look up. “If you don’t want to go, just turn her down.”
Elowen blinked. “But… I already agreed.”
“You can still refuse.”
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Cassian gave her knee a gentle squeeze. “Looks like the rain will keep on tomorrow. Your knees are already acting up. No need to run all that way.”
In truth, Duskmoor Manor was close to the palace, and Elowen would travel by carriage, not on foot.
Cassian said it like that for another reason, obviously.
Elowen considered for a moment, then asked obliquely, “Is there something happening tomorrow?”
Cassian gave her a long look. “Tomorrow, the Queen has also summoned Daphne to the palace to select a wedding date.”
Elowen shrugged. “What of it? It’s Daphne and the Crown Prince marrying, not me. Even if we bump into each other, no big deal.”
Cassian said nothing.
“The thing is,” Elowen continued seriously, “the Queen and I are sisters-in-law now. If she invites me and I refuse, it might seem disrespectful to the King. My lord, you and the King are full brothers. I don’t want to strain your relationship over trivial matters.”
She leaned closer, offering a smile. “Besides, ever since you’ve protected me and given me your personal seal, whether it’s Daphne, the Crown Prince, or many others in Vanelle who once looked down on me, none dare slight me now. When I go out, they must bow and address me properly as the Duchess of Duskmoor.”
Only then did Cassian’s lips curl. “Alright.”
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Chapter 139 A Calculated Invitation.
After they lay down, just before sleep, he added in a low voice, “Take Edith with you
tomorrow.”
Elowen agreed.
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Reflecting on recent events, she made a decision She turned towards Cassian, cautiously moved closer, and gently draped an arm over his waist, hugging him.
Cassian stiffened in surprise.
Elowen fell asleep peacefully. He, however, lay awake, his heart pounding.
The next day, Elowen woke to the sound of rain. A steady drizzle still fell over Vanelle.
The space beside her was empty; Cassian had risen early.
She lingered a while before getting up.
A bowl of medicine sat on the table. Mira told her, “Bran prepared it. He made two bowls this morning. His Grace has already drunk his.”
Beside the bowl was a small dish of candied fruits. Mira smiled, “This, well, His Grace prepared himself, worried the medicine might be bitter for you.”
Elowen’s cheeks warmed. She sat at the table without a word.
A sip of the medicine-it was bitter!
She quickly ate a candied fruit, which helped.
One sip of medicine, one candied fruit-by the time the medicine was finished, the candied fruits were gone as well.
Mira couldn’t help but remark, “His Grace truly understands you.”
Elowen’s heart skipped a beat. She changed the subject. “Where is he?”
Mira shook her head. “I didn’t ask.”
Elowen guessed he had likely gone to the army camp.
In the afternoon, Elowen had the carriage prepared for the palace, taking Edith as Cassian had instructed.
Outside Harvesttide Hall, she could hear laughter and conversation from within.
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Chapter 139 A Calculated Invitation.
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It was Isla’s voice, filled with pleasure. “I have always favored you, my dear, and thought our connection was not to be. Yet by a fortunate twist, it is you who will become my daughter-in- law.”
Elowen felt no particular stir. She continued forward.
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