Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181 A Bitter Thought

Chapter 181 A Bitter Thought

That possibility unsettled Alaric more than he expected.

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Elowen had liked him since childhood, almost as if she had been born with her heart set on him. She had always found ways to stay close, to please him. No matter how cold he was, no matter how often he pushed her away or humiliated her, she never changed.

He used to say it was annoying. Even disgusting.

Yet there were moments when knowing someone loved him without reservation, without conditions, felt like the purest kind of indulgence.

So when had that changed?

When had Elowen started keeping her distance?

“Your Highness,” Daphne said softly as she walked up to him, her tone gentle and sweet, “the autumn hunt is about to begin. Her Majesty said I should sit beside you.”

A faint blush rested perfectly on her cheeks as she lifted her eyes shyly toward him.

Most men would have been moved by that look.

Alaric did not even glance at her. His mind was still on Elowen. His expression remained distant as he replied, “Suit yourself.”

Daphne felt a flicker of frustration and bit her lip, looking at him with wounded eyes.

Am I really so lacking in charm?

Following his gaze, she saw Elowen in the distance. Her fingers tightened. Could it be… that he likes Elowen? No. That’s impossible.

Daphne gathered her thoughts, then said lightly, as if puzzled, “How strange. The Duchess of Duskmoor should have entered from the southgate of the grounds. Why would she head over there instead? That’s near the stables, and it’s fairly secluded. Surely she’s not meeting

someone.”

Alaric’s brows drew together,

Daphne curved her lips faintly. “I’ve heard that every year during the autumn hunt, young couples sneak off near the stables. Things can get rather… heated.”

A dull thud sounded nearby as a cup struck the table.

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14:42 Sat, Feb 21

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Chapter 181 A Bitter Thought

Maerwyn had failed to steady her hand in time

Daphne’s heart stirred.

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Maerwyn had always disliked Elowen and never feared offending her. Surely she would not miss this chance to add a cutting remark.

Turning toward her, Daphne asked with faint excitement, “Your Highness, don’t you think so too?”

Just then, Elowen approached and happened to catch that line.

“Your Highness, don’t you think so too?”

She slowed her steps and asked lightly, “What are you all discussing? Let me hear it too, and I’ll see whether I agree.”

Daphne smiled gently. “Your Grace may not know, but we were just saying that the stables are quite secluded, and that couples often meet there in secret.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Elowen glanced at Maerwyn. “So that’s what Her Highness is discussing?”

Maerwyn stiffened, about to respond.

Daphne spoke first. “Some of them aren’t even unmarried. There are married women who slip away while their husbands are occupied, unable to bear their loneliness, and meet other men in private.”

The implication hung clearly in the air.

Daphne cast Maerwyn another look.

She had gone this far. Surely Maerwyn would seize the moment.

As expected, Maerwyn frowned deeply, her expression turning dark.

Daphne felt triumphant.

Then Maerwyn shot her a fierce glare. “Daphne, do you have any idea how vulgar that sounds?”

Daphne froze. Vulgar? Am I being criticized?

“In front of my brother, you’re talking about secret meetings and loneliness? Is that all you think about? And you’re meant to become Crown Princess.”

Daphne was completely stunned.

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14:42 Sat, Feb 21

Chapter 181 A Bitter Thought

What’s happening?Why is Maerwyn not mocking Eloen?

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“Her Highness seems to understand propriety better,” Elowen said mildly, a faint smile playing at her lips as she moved toward the upper seats.

Behind her, the three of them were left with different thoughts.

Maerwyn replayed the exchange in her mind, wondering whether she had said anything that might anger Elowen.

Daphne could hardly believe it. Maerwyn had actually sided with Elowen.

Alaric felt increasingly restless. From beginning to end, Elowen had not spared him even a single glance.

Theodric and Isla sat at the head of the gathering. Elowen stepped forward and bowed respectfully to them.

Her seat was beside Elspeth. Not long after she sat down, Elspeth arrived, slightly late.

Elowen asked quietly, “Aunt, why are you just arriving?”

Elspeth answered casually, “A small matter at home. I handled it before coming.”

Before Elowen could ask more, a rhythmic roll of drums echoed across the grounds. The autumn hunt had officially begun..

Before the hunting itself, there was a customary display.

In Avenlor, it was tradition to demonstrate horsemanship. After all, during the hunt, control over one’s mount was fundamental.

As in the previous year of Elowen’s memory, an elderly stable hand with a white beard led out a striking stallion.

Ember.

As the organizer of the event, Galen stood with his hands clasped and looked around before calling out, “Who would like to try taming this horse first?”

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