Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 162

Chapter 162 The Hairpin

She drew in a quiet breath and prepared to walk forward.

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Then something occurred to her. As if on instinct, she lifted her hand and adjusted her hair in full view of everyone.

Naturally, every gaze followed. There, gleaming in the light, was a gold hairpin.

Under the sunlight it flashed brilliantly, the craftsmanship so fine it was almost blinding.

It was clearly no ordinary ornament.

These women handled jewels and silks every day. In an instant, their attention shifted from gossip to the hairpin.

Whispers rose again.

“A piece like that, I thought only the palace had them.”

“I heard His Majesty granted it to her personally

“Honestly, even what Her Majesty wears does not look that exquisite.”

The voices were soft, but Isla still caught the meaning.

A flicker of irritation passed through her eyes. She glanced coolly at the two women speaking.

Elowen approached. The whispers faded.

“The Duchess of Duskmoor may be young, but she certainly knows how to make an entrance, Elspeth said coolly. “Arriving late so everyone can admire how favored you are.”

Others might be cautious because of Cassian. Elspeth felt no such restraint. And truthfully, she had never had a good impression of Elowen

Not only because of Marwen’s words. The last time she visited Duskmoor Manor, Elowen had claimed she was resting and refused to see her.

No sense of propriety at all.

Today, Elspeth was deliberately making things difficult. Yet Elowen showed no sign of

discomfort.

She stepped forward, gave a composed bow, and said evenly, “Today is His Highness’s

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14:38 Sat, Feb 21

Chapter 162 The Hairpin

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betrothal. The Duke was concerned for His Highness and came with me. His leg makes travel slower than usual, so we were delayed. I hope you will forgive us.”

Everyone knew Cassian used a wheeled chair. Everyone knew that meant moving slowly.

The explanation was reasonable and precise. Elspeth found herself briefly at a loss.

Elowen continued, “Thankfully the banquet has not yet begun. We hurried as best we could and did not miss the appointed hour.”

She had not arrived late. That was undeniable.

Elspeth had nothing to seize on. Isla maintained her gracious smile. “You are right on time.”

She added warmly, “Come sit. Once the banquet begins, Alaric will greet the elders. His knee has not fully recovered yet, he may still be limping a bit. Do not laugh at him.”

Elowen’s lashes trembled slightly.

Elspeth said coolly, “How His Highness injured that knee, you know better than anyone. If I were you, I would not dare laugh.”

Elowen looked at Elspeth. She did not dislike her.

In her previous life, they had crossed paths as well.

The first year after she married Alaric, there had been a family banquet at the palace. Elspeth had returned to attend.

During the feast, someone called out that Elowen was skilled with a blade and should perform for everyone.

It had been snowing that day. Her knee ached so badly she could barely stand, let alone perform.

If she forced herself through it, she might not be able to get out of bed for days.

She had clenched her fingers and looked at Alaric, still foolish enough to hope he would see her discomfort and speak for her.

Alaric glanced at her coldly. “Go on. It is a holiday. Are you trying to spoil the mood?”

In that instant, her heart sank.

Just as despair closed in and she prepared to rise anyway, Elspeth let out a sharp laugh.

“There are plenty of dancers already. Now you are eyeing the Crown Princess too. What is it,

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