Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 163

Chapter 163 The Easy Snare

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The scheme itself was not particularly sophisticated. It only worked because Elspeth had exactly that kind of temper. With someone like her, you never saw the trap until you were already standing in it.

Elowen took her seat and answered obediently, I know. It was His Majesty’s own order. I was told to stand out on the courtyard stones in full view.”

Elspeth let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. “So now you are hiding behind His Majesty again?”

Elowen tilted her head and looked at her. “Marchioness of Havenstead, you are His Majesty’s aunt. You know him better than anyone. His Majesty is decisive and clear-minded. He does not hand down harsh punishment because of a few whispered words. If he made such a public example of His Highness, then His Highness must truly have crossed a line.”

Elspeth went still.

With Theodric’s temperament, he would never come down hard on His Highness just because someone fanned the flames.

Her gaze shifted again to the gold hairpin at Elowen’s temple.

If she remembered right, it had once belonged to Isolde’s most treasured set of gilded gemstone regalia. Isla had admired it for years, yet Theodric had never passed it on to her.

Elspeth had a fierce temper, but she was not foolish.

Now that she had calmed down, something finally clicked. She glanced at Isla with new scrutiny.

Isla sensed the shift and smiled at just the right moment. “His Majesty and the Duke of Duskmoor are brothers, after all. His Highness is still young. If he was disciplined, then he was. It is hardly the end of the world.”

The hour arrived, and the banquet officially began.

For the time being, the matter was dropped.

ΠΑ

Halfway through the feast, Elowen rose and dipped into a graceful curtsy. “Your Majesty, may I be excused for a moment?”

Isla’s smile remained gentle. She nodded. “Of course. Go on.”

Elowen left with Mira.

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14:38 Sat, Feb 21

Chapter 163 The Easy Snare

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Isla cast a subtle look at the matron behind her. The matron understood immediately and slipped out. As she passed another table, she brushed Marwen’s shoulder without drawing attention.

Marwen turned and caught sight of Elowen’s retreating figure.

Her heart jumped. She quietly followed.

Keeping a careful distance, Marwen watched Elowen stop midway and say to the maid guiding her, “I know the rest of the way. You can head back.”

The maid answered and withdrew.

Elowen waited until the maid was well out of sight. She scanned the corridor to make sure no one lingered nearby. Only then did she turn to Mira. “Go to the front court. Tell His Highness I have something important to discuss with him, and it must be in person.”

Hidden behind the stone wall, Marwen heard every word. Her eyes widened.

Meeting His Highness in secret. On the night of his own betrothal banquet.Unbelievable.

Inside, she sneered at Elowen.

But to Marwen, this was perfect.

If Elowen were caught alone with His Highness tonight, she would be thrown straight out of Duskmoor Manor. And His Highness’s engagement to the Garrett family would collapse with her.

Then Sylvia would have her pick. The Duke of Duskmoor or His Highness.

The thought made Marwen’s pulse race.

She followed Elowen farther and saw her settle in a pavilion, clearly waiting.

So it was real.

Marwen’s fingers curled tight, trembling with anticipation. She hurried back toward the hall.

She headed straight for Isla, only to be stopped at the entrance by the matron.

Marwen snapped, “Move. I have something urgent to report to Her Majesty.”

The matron smiled politely. “Her Majesty is hosting guests at the moment. If you would like, you may tell me, and I will relay it.”

Left with no choice, Marwen leaned close and whispered everything she had seen and heard.

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14:38 Sat, Feb 21 00 W

Chapter 163 The Easy Snare

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The matron’s expression grew serious. She returned to Isla and murmured a few words.

Isla had been smiling. After listening, her expression shifted at once.

Elspeth noticed. “What happened?”

Isla lowered her voice. “Marwen claims she saw Elowen meeting Alaric alone in the pavilion.”

Elspeth stared. “What?”

Just moments ago, she had almost felt sorry for Elowen.

And now this?

“It is only what she says,” Isla replied carefully. “It may not be true. I would like to see for myself. But this is Alaric’s betrothal banquet. If I leave now…”

“I will go,” Elspeth cut in immediately.

That was exactly what Isla had been waiting for. Satisfaction flickered in her eyes, though she kept her tone hesitant. “Are you sure?”

Elspeth patted her hand. “Do not worry, Your Majesty. I know how to handle it. I will not cause a scene. But if it turns out to be true, then the Duchess of Duskmoor needs to be removed from Duskmoor Manor without delay

She rose, face cold, and strode out.

Marwen led the way.

As they walked, Marwen fumed, “That woman circles around the Duke of Duskmoor one minute and slips off to see His Highness the next. Men everywhere, yet she keeps blocking Sylvia’s future on purpose.”

Elspeth’s expression darkened. “She still refuses to settle Sylvia’s match?”

M

“Yes,” Marwen said quickly. “Sylvia could have married His Highness. The Duchess refused. Then Piers from Falconcrest Manor took a liking to Sylvia, and she refused again. Sylvia is my daughter. I cannot let her end up widowed young. I was planning to go back and beg the Duchess in a few days. She can scold me all she likes. I will take it. As long as she agrees to arrange Sylvia’s marriage…”

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14:38 Sat, Feb 21