Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Keys, Ledgers, and Power

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Perhaps she had truly liked him once. Or maybe.. he had been her only way to escape grief.

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Elowen swallowed the sob that tried to rise. Her voice grew quieter. “Now, I’m only waiting for His Grace to wake. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait.”

She set the candle back into its holder, then lowered herself to her knees and bent forward, bowing so deeply that her forehead struck the cold stone floor with a dull, muffled sound.

When she finally stepped outside, she was surprised to find that Alaric and Leonhart were still there. Which meant… they must have heard everything she just said inside.

“Would you like to join us at the House of Hundred Flavors?” Leonhart asked eagerly. “We are going there for breakfast. It’s been ages since the three of us shared a meal.”

Elowen shook her head without hesitation. “No. I’m returning to the manor.”

Leonhart tried again. “Come on. Back then, the three of us would often eat there. It was always such fun…”

“It’s different now,” Elowen said. “We were young then, unmarried. We could do as we pleased. That’s no longer the case.”

Leonhart opened his mouth to argue again, but Alaric interrupted him. “Maerwyn’s birthday celebration is in a few days,” he said abruptly. “You’ll attend, won’t you?”

He emphasized that last part, speaking slowly and deliberately. Elowen remembered that gathering. In her previous life, she and Alaric had just gotten engaged. Naturally, she attended the princess’s birthday banquet.

Even though she knew Maerwyn didn’t like her, Elowen had carefully prepared a gift. After all, she was going to be her sister-in-law.

But something unexpected had happened that day. Her relationship with Alaric grew worse, and she became the laughingstock of all Vanelle

“You don’t need to be nervous,” Alaric said, eyes fixed on her. “It’s only a small event. Just family, really. My mother has invited a few noble daughters from the capital, nothing more.”

He made sure to stress that last part. The implication was obvious.

The birthday banquet would double as a matchmaking event-his mother’s effort to choose him a bride.

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Chapter 16 Keys, Ledgers, and Power

Why say that to her? Did he think she’d be upset

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Elowen smiled faintly. “You’re of age, and it’s only right that you marry soon. If you happen to find someone you like at your sister’s celebration, have your mother arrange it. I’ll be sure to prepare a generous gift for your wedding.”

Alaric’s jaw clenched. Ever since the banquet-ever since she volunteered to marry Cassian- he hadn’t known peace of mind.

He used to hate it when she chased after him. But now that she didn’t, he felt even more irritable.

To make sense of it, he’d found a reason to come here today.

He wanted to see her. And this… this was how she spoke to him?

That calm, patronizing tone was like a proper noble lady lecturing a junior. It grated on his nerves. Elowen turned and walked away.

Leonhart watched her go, then muttered under his breath, “She really has turned into an elder. The way she talks… just like my grandmother back home.”

Alaric let out a cold laugh. “Elowen? Don’t call her that. She’s your elder now, remember? You should say ‘my lady.”

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