Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 263

Elowen's hand paused on the cup.

So that was why Cassian had been busy.

That explained why he left so early that morning and could not accompany her to Sunspire Hill.

Elowen said nothing and calmly took a sip of water.

Anwen watched her expression carefully.

Seeing Elowen remain composed made her even more uneasy, but she continued.

"It was not... some catastrophic matter. He simply let greed cloud his judgment. He diverted a portion of the army's grain and supplies and brought them home. And on the pay roster... he added several names that were not real, so the extra wages could be drawn."

Elowen stared at her. Military rations and wages fed the soldiers of the realm.

And she called that "not catastrophic."

Anwen continued, "I heard His Grace left in a hurry yesterday. My husband has been detained, but no punishment has been decided yet. And the matter has not been reported to His Majesty."

She studied Elowen again and sighed sorrowfully.

"That is why I came. I only hope you might speak a few gentle words to His Grace. He cares deeply for you, Duchess. Surely he would listen."

Elowen sighed and set her cup down.

"Anwen," she said sincerely, "you may remember what I said at the banquet when His Grace was still unconscious. I said I wished to marry him with all my heart. That is how I ended up in this position. It was His Majesty's grace. His Grace treats me decently because of His Majesty. But saying he deeply cares for me is an exaggeration. And matters of the army are not something I understand. I stay within the household. I would never dare interfere."

She paused before adding gently, "If you are anxious, His Grace is here at the estate. Why not speak with him directly? I could even take you there."

Anwen's face turned pale instantly.

She waved her hands quickly. "N-no, how could I?"

Cassian's reputation in Vanelle was terrifying enough. If she appeared before him herself, she might be thrown out before she finished speaking.

She came here because Elowen looked young and easier to persuade.

Anwen's eyes reddened. "Duchess, I truly have no other way. Please help me."

She began to rise, as though preparing to drop to the floor.

Elowen quickly reached out and stopped her. "Please don't do that. Stand up."

But Anwen seized the opportunity and clung to it.

"If you refuse me, I won't rise."

Then she pleaded pitifully, "You only need to mention it to His Grace in private. One sentence from you could save my husband. And saving him saves our entire family."

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