Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 170

Chapter 170 Shifting Tides

And that name. Ella…

So intimate. He used to be the only one who called her that.

“Your Highness…” Daphne’s voice turned soft and fragile, hoping to stir his sympathy.

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Alaric snapped back to reality. His gaze was icy. Don’t pull something like that again.”

She blinked.

He turned and walked away without another word. Daphne remained seated, fists clenched tight.

Elowen… It is all Elowen’s fault.

Years ago, when Elowen beat up the boy next door, the entire Hale family heard about it.

Clement went straight to the palace to see Theodric. That very day, the neighbor’s whole family was reassigned and sent out of Vanelle overnight.

Meanwhile, Elowen’s parents and brother praised her decisiveness. They said she was worthy of Hale family’s name and rewarded her with a large box of honey.

Daphne had watched in envy, certain she would be praised the same way.

Instead, when she returned home, she was met with furious scolding.

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Her mother accused her of being shameless, of risking her reputation for the sake of candy.

Her father said she had disgraced the Garrett family and humiliated him in front of Clement.

Daphne had been hurt and furious. She regretted ever telling Elowen about it. She blamed her for making it public.

Now her resentment only grew.

Why did every good thing, every good person, revolve around Elowen?

Was she not worthy too?

Her nails dug into her palms as she swore silently that one day she would take everything Elowen had.

On the carriage ride back to Duskmoor Manor, Elowen sat stiffly, sneaking glances at Cassian

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Chapter 170 Shifting Tides

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from the corner of her eye. She tried to read his mood, unsure whether she should speak first.

“Did it hurt?” Cassian asked suddenly.

She jumped. “I didn’t mean to. Daphne faked that fall and tried to make me fetch a physician for her. She kept saying things that were just… disgusting. I lost my temper.”

She lowered her head. “I know I was wrong. Please don’t be upset. I won’t do that again.”

Cassian exhaled quietly. “Ella, I’m not upset. I’m asking whether kicking them hurt your foot.”

She stared at him. He’s not blaming me. He’s worried about me?

She turned toward him. “You’re really not angry

One brow lifted. “Why would I be?”

“Because…” She faltered.

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“Because you pretended to be pitiful in front of Aunt, or because you kicked Daphne and His Highness?” he supplied calmly.

Color rose to her cheeks. She lowered her gaze. I really am sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize.” Cassian’s brows drew together faintly. “Ella, I’m not angry. I think you handled it well.”

She blinked. He thought she handled it well?

That was unexpected.

“Ella.” After a brief silence, he called her name again.

“Yes?”

“I leave the day after tomorrow.”

She looked at him. “To meet Lieutenant Wren?”

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“Yes.” He nodded. “I’ve asked Aunt to look after you. If anything happens in Vanelle that you can’t handle, go to her.”

Elowen hesitated. “The Marchioness of Havenstead?”

A faint smile curved his lips. “She’s bold enough to scold His Majesty to his face. With her behind you, you’ll be just fine in Vanelle.”

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Chapter 170 Shifting Tides

Elowen felt embarrassed.

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She had no intention of throwing her weight around. Today had been self-defense, nothing

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She pressed her lips together, wanting to ask how long he would be gone. But Cassian spoke first. “Is there anything you want? I’ll bring it back for you.”

She shook her head gently. “No. I don’t need anything.”

He had already treated her more kindly than she could have expected. If she kept asking for things, one day he might grow tired of her.

For some reason, that answer made him frown slightly.

She hurried to add, “Thank you for thinking of me. Truly. But Duskmoor Manor lacks nothing. I’m not missing anything either.”

He gave a quiet hum in response. His mood, however, did not seem to improve.

Elowen felt puzzled. Is he unhappy?

She replayed the conversation in her head. She had not said anything wrong.

Men were impossible to read. For the rest of the ride, neither of them spoke much.

That night, as usual, she waited until Cassian returned before getting into bed. While he washed up, she lay there alone, her heart thudding uneasily in her chest.

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