Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 158

Chapter 158 Cloak and Crown

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You don’t have to wear the whole set,” Cassian said, his tone easy and unhurried. “Pick one piece. It’s enough. You’re beautiful. Gold and gems were made for you.”

Elowen paused.

In all her memories, this was the first time Cassian had ever called her beautiful.

She suddenly remembered what he had said before, that the one he cared about was her.

And now he was saying she was beautiful. Maybe… she and Cassian would not part ways after

all.

Inside the palace, word that Alaric had been forced to remain on his knees at the Royal Meridian Gate spread fast.

When Isla heard, she slammed a cup onto the floor. It shattered.

“What?” she demanded.

A maid lowered her head. “They say the Crown Prince caused the Duchess of Duskmoor to injure her wrist. When His Majesty learned of it, he was furious. He forbade anyone from speaking on the Crown Prince’s behalf and ordered him to remain outside the Royal Meridian Gate for two full hours.”

Isla’s brows drew tight, anger flashing in her eyes. “The Duchess of Duskmoor again.”

Every time Elowen was involved, nothing good followed.

Isla turned sharply, her long skirt sweeping behind her as she strode out with her attendants. to find Theodric.

Theodric was seated at his desk reviewing state papers. When a servant announced Isla’s arrival, he did not even look up. “I said two hours. No one is to plead for him, including Isla.”

Isla’s eyes were red. “Your Majesty, Alaric is your own son. Two hours like that, what if he injures his legs? What if he cannot stand properly afterward?”

Theodric finally raised his head. “Because he is my son, and because he is the Crown Prince, I must discipline him. Today’s punishment is for his own good.”

Isla clenched her fingers, then forced herself to speak. “Or is it not about discipline at all? Is it because you fear angering Cassian?”

Theodric’s gaze sharpened. “What did you just say?”

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Chapter 158 Cloak and Crown

Isla realized she had gone too far. She pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

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Theodric stared at her. “You believe I punished Alaric because I do not dare offend Cassian?”

Isla did not answer.

Her silence was answer enough.

Cassian’s military record was unmatched. In court and beyond it, his prestige ran high, sometimes even higher than Theodric’s.

Theodric set down his pen and gave a cold laugh. “Yes, I fear Cassian.”

Isla froze.

“If not for Cassian, the unrest would not have been settled so quickly,” Theodric said, his voice hardening. “The moment he fell unconscious, the garrison fell into chaos. Those cousins and distant relatives you recommended was a single one of them capable? They even siphoned off military funds. When Cassian woke, the first thing he did was use his own silver to cover the deficit. How could I not fear that? Without Cassian, I do not know if this throne would remain secure, or if this realm could even be defended.”

Isla’s confidence faltered. Her tone softened. “Even so… the punishment was too severe.”

“Severe?” Theodric’s voice grew colder. “He caused the Duchess of Duskmoor to fall, her wrist was dislocated, and he refused to admit it. He slipped back into the palace ahead of her. When I summoned him to answer for it, what did he say? He told the Duchess of Duskmoor not to regret marrying Cassian. He called Cassian a gossip. A Crown Prince speaking like that. Tell me, should I punish him or not?”

Isla’s expression changed. “He truly said she would regret it?”

“I heard it myself,” Theodric said. “Do you think I would lie?”

“I would not dare,” Isla replied.

Theodric let out a quiet breath. “As compensation, I bestowed the gilded gemstone regalia upon the Duchess of Duskmoor.”

Isla’s eyes widened.

That set. She had seen it before. Lavish, intricate rare. She had once assumed it would one day be hers.

Instead, it had gone to Elowen.

A duchess wearing ornaments more precious than her own.

J

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Chapter 158 Cloak and Crown

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“She is young, yet sensible,” Theodric continued. She even attempted to decline the gift. Unlike Alaric. He is no longer a child, yet he still acts without thinking.”

Hearing her son criticized, Isla felt a sharp sting in her chest. She forced a tight smile. “Your Majesty is right.

“From today on, the Crown Prince will be instructed directly by me,” Theodric said. “You focus on preparing his betrothal to the Garrett family.”

Isla bit down on her frustration. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Theodric’s anger subsided slightly. He returned his attention to the documents on his desk.

Isla did not leave immediately. After a brief pause, she spoke again. “In a few days, it will be the day of Alaric’s formal betrothal.”

Theodric did not look up.

“I ask for Your Majesty’s permission,” Isla said carefully. “Allow Maerwyn to attend her brother’s betrothal banquet.”

“No.”

The refusal came instantly.

Isla hesitated, then tried another approach. “Then what of Marwen? She may be foolish and has offended Your Majesty before, but she is Aldric’s lawful wife. She bore him children, and she is family by marriage. For Alaric’s betrothal, she ought to be invited.”

Compared to Maerwyn, Marwen mattered far less.

Theodric barely paused. “Since I have entrusted this matter to you, decide as you see fit.”

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