Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 186

Chapter 186 Stirring Words

Daphne’s face turned pale,

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“You fail and then blame others for scheming,” Alaric said mockingly. “The Garrett family. truly excels at that.”

Daphne’s lips trembled, but no words came out.

“Your Highness, please forgive her,” Iris said softly. “My lady was simply too anxious.”

Alaric glanced at her.

“She only wished to bring honor to the Crown Prince’s Wing and to you, Your Highness.”

Iris continued, “The Duchess of Duskmoor grew up alongside Your Highness. She also shared childhood years with my lady. But ever since Her Grace married into Duskmoor Manor, she has grown distant from you both. It is even said that she has publicly corrected Your Highness more than once, speaking as your aunt by marriage, causing His Majesty and the Duke of Duskmoor to reprimand you several times. My lady truly felt for you. That is why she wished to tame the horse today, to win some glory for you and for the Crown Prince’s Wing.”

Alaric’s brows tightened.

“It is true the horse was found by Mr. Garrett,” Iris said carefully. “But how would Mr. Garrett know whose horse it once was? Only the Duchess recognized it. If she were still the young lady she used to be, she would have warned my lady that it had been hers in childhood. If she had done so, my lady would not have been humiliated today. Yet she said nothing. If that is not intentional, what is?”

Iris took a breath. “All of this is merely my humble opinion. Your Highness is wise and will judge fairly.”

She lowered her head deeply at the end.

Alaric’s expression darkened bit by bit.

With just a few words from a maid, he suddenly understood the source of his recent irritation.

He had thought he liked Elowen. He had though he was unhappy because she married someone else.

That was not it.

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14:43 Sat, Feb 21

Chapter 186 Stirring Words

What bothered him was that Elowen relied on power to suppress him.

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Since marrying Cassian, she had shown him attitude, encouraged Theodric and Cassian to discipline him, and even dared to kick his knee the engagement banquet.

She’s leaning on Duskmoor Manor. Does she really think Uncle Cassian loves her?

After turning the thought over several times, Alaric felt restless and uneasy. He looked at Iris. “Then what do you think I should do?”

Iris was about to answer.

Daphne suddenly spoke first. “Your Highness must establish your authority as soon as possible.”

Alaric glanced sideways. “What do you mean?”

“Today the Duke of Duskmoor is absent. Her Grace is alone. Soon His Majesty will head out to hunt. Her Grace’s knee is injured and she cannot go along. Would that not be the perfect opportunity for Your Highness to assert yourself”

Alaric frowned. “Marchioness of Havenstead is still here. She is my grandaunt. She will protect her.”

Daphne smiled faintly. “Your Highness may rest assured. I have already made arrangements regarding Marchioness of Havenstead.”

After speaking, she leaned close to Alaric’s ear and whispered a few sentences.

Not long after Elowen returned from the stables, banners were raised high and drums rolled across the grounds.

The autumn hunt officially began.

Elspeth looked eager. She genuinely enjoyed riding and archery.

A memory from her past life surfaced abruptly in Elowen’s mind. She lowered her voice. “Aunt… could you maybe sit this one out?”

Elspeth looked puzzled. “Why?”

Because last time, not long after you rode out, your house bolted and threw you hard to the ground. The gravel tore your cheek open. It left an ugly scar that took forever to fade.

But she could not possibly say something like that. It sounded unhinged.

She lowered her eyes instead and spoke softly. “There are so many people here I barely know.

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14:43 Sat, Feb 21 W

Chapter 186 Stirring Words

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His Grace isn’t here. I can’t ride with my knee like this. If you go too, I’ll just be sitting here alone and I…”

Elspeth blinked, then laughed lightly. “You wantne to stay with you.”

Elowen gave a small nod and looked at her timidly. “But if you really want to go, Aunt, that’s fine too. I can manage on my own. I’ve been on my own for years anyway.”

Elspeth’s heart softened instantly. “Oh, Ella, what are you thinking? It’s just a hunt. We do this every year. I’m bored of it. I was already planning to stay behind with you.”

Elowen quietly let out the breath she had been holding. She smiled, obedient and sweet. “Thank you, Aunt. You’re always so good to me.”

Elowen froze, then her face flushed all at once.

She leaned in slightly, her smile turning teasing. Ella, do you miss him?”

Elspeth reached out and touched her cheek affectionately. “Wait, you said His Grace isn’t here…”

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“Aunt, Elowen.”

Theodric approached in full riding attire, smiling as he spoke. “Care to join us?”

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