Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 139

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.”

3.44%

+30 Free Coins

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.”

III

1/3

19:36 Fri, Feb 13 TTD.

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.

3.44%

+30 Free Coins

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.

။။

2/3

19:36 Fri, Feb 13 TTD.

Chapter 139 A Calculated Invitation.

44%

+30 Free Coins

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.

Entering the hall, she saw Isla seated above, holding Daphne’s hand with apparent fondness.

“The Duchess of Duskmoor arrives,” a chamberlain announced.

Daphne, who had been looking down demurely lifted her eyes towards Elowen. A slight, triumphant smile curved her lips, her gaze openly arrogant.

Elowen paused briefly.

In her past life, after marrying Alaric, Isla had said similar things to her countless times.

“I have always favored you. Lucky me-you’re my daughter-in-law.”

“Having a daughter-in-law like you is a blessing.”

Back then, Elowen had felt happy.

Only later did she gradually realize it was all empty flattery.

One judges sincerity not by words, but by actions.

If Isla had truly favored her as a daughter-in-law why hadn’t she urged Alaric to treat her well? When Elowen suffered in the Crown Prince’s Wing, how could Isla not have known?

Isla “favored” Elowen because Theodric had decided she would be Crown Princess, not from genuine affection.

Now, Isla said she favored Daphne. How much of that was true?

But Daphne believed it wholeheartedly, casting a challenging look at Elowen.

Elowen offered a faint, composed smile. “Speaking of which…”

Her gaze settled on Daphne. “In the past, your father served under mine. We often played together. After your father’s promotion, we saw little of each other, and I thought our connection had faded. Lucky me-you’re about to marry the Crown Prince. We shall be family. In the future, when the Crown Prince comes to pay his respects to his uncle, you may also come along to visit me.”

三