Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182 The Challenge

No one moved at once. Instead, murmurs spread through the crowd.

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“That’s a Tynelle bloodline. Look at that coat. You might see one like that in ten thousand.”

“It’s notoriously hard to handle. The trainers can manage it on a lead, but the moment someone tries to mount it, they’re thrown or kicked clear off.”

“Why don’t you give it a try?”

“And get trampled? No, thank you.”

Someone sighed. “If Hale family still had someone here, this wouldn’t be a question.”

“In past years it was always someone from Hale family, or Duke of Duskmoor. This year is unfortunate. Hale family has no riders left, and Duke of Duskmoor is absent.”

“Who says Hale family has no one? Isn’t there still…”

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The moment those words were left hanging, attention shifted almost at once.

Many eyes turned toward Elowen. She continued eating her cakes calmly, hearing fragments of the whispers.

“In the past, perhaps. I heard the Duchess of Duskmoor once had real skill with horses.”

“Her knee was injured years ago. She hasn’t ridden in a long time.”

“She’s probably forgotten how.”

Elowen did not lift her head. Nearby, Daphne listened with growing satisfaction. This was exactly what she wanted.

Amid the murmurs, Daphne lifted her gaze toward Galen.

He gave her a slight nod. Everything was ready.

Daphne rose to her feet and, under everyone’s watchful eyes, bowed respectfully toward Theodric. “Your Majesty, I request permission to tame this horse before the court.”

Silence fell. Daphne volunteering was the last thing anyone expected.

She stood there, slender and graceful, as though a strong wind might sway her. And she intended to tame Ember.

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Chapter 182 The Challenge

Even Theodric looked doubtful. “You?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

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Theodric turned to Galen. “Your daughter has a gift for verse. But this is no small matter. She is not built for rough sport. One bad fall could lay her up for weeks.”

Galen only smiled. “Your Majesty, Daphne has more to her than people realize. She is more capable than she seems.”

He had already arranged for the horse to be given a measured dose of poison. The timing had been calculated carefully. The pain would weaken it just enough.

Even the fiercest stallion could not lash out properly while wracked with pain.

Daphine did have some riding skill. Mounting would not be difficult.

It was a calculated risk, but it would elevate both Daphne and the Garrett family’s standing in

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Many still said she had married above her station by entering the Crown Prince’s Wing, and compared the Garrett family unfavorably to Hale family.

After today, no one would dare make that comparison.

“Are you certain?” Theodric asked again.

“Absolutely, Your Majesty,” Galen replied firmly

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Theodric was not one to dwell too long. Seeing both father and daughter confident, he laughed and said, “Very well. Let me see it.”

Daphne’s eyes brightened. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Before stepping forward, she cast a proud glance at Elowen.

Once she succeeded, who would still remember how formidable Elowen once was? Amid renewed murmurs of anticipation, Daphne walked toward the field.

“I didn’t expect Miss Garrett to have this kind of skill.”

“No wonder she’s to be Crown Princess.”

Under the sunlight, Ember stood powerful and vibrant, every strand of its reddish coat gleaming.

As Daphne approached, her thoughts drifted back many years.

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Chapter 182 The Challenge

On Elowen’s seventh birthday, Daphne had followed Galen to Hale Manor.

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At that time, Hale family was at the height of its glory, and Elowen was cherished beyond

measure.

She had worn an exquisite gown that day, her hair styled with delicate ornaments that shimmered in the sunlight. Any single gem in her hair had likely cost more than everything Daphne owned at present.

Elowen had stood in the center, smiling sweetly accepting gift after gift with grace. Her manners were flawless, almost regal.

Daphne had stood at the far edge of the crowd, watching with envy.

On her own birthday, no one in her family remembered. When she timidly brought it up, her parents had simply ordered a small honey cake from the kitchen.

The cook had even placed a bit of sugared fruit on top for her.

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Chapter 183 Ember Returns