Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 283

Alaric took the chair Elowen had been sitting in. Slowly, he picked up the fork from her place setting and asked, "How did she take it?"

Daphne hesitated. "She... barely reacted."

Alaric's frown deepened. He turned sharply to Daphne. "What do you mean she barely reacted?"

Daphne's heart pounded. She had the uneasy sense that if she answered poorly, Alaric would turn his anger on her.

"She... she..."

"Your Highness," Iris said softly from behind.

Alaric glanced at her.

Iris kept her eyes lowered. "Even if she was displeased, she would never show it in front of the crown princess. But I'm certain it left a crack. What woman would calmly accept her husband keeping another mistress elsewhere?"

Alaric didn't speak. He rubbed Elowen's fork between his fingers, as though he might still find a trace of warmth there.

"If Your Highness wants proof she took it to heart," Iris continued, "it's simple. Have someone keep watch on that residence north of the city, and keep watch on the duchess as well. See whether she goes there. Then find out whether Cassian and the duchess quarrel. That will give you your answer."

Alaric studied Iris for a long moment. "You're a clever girl."

Iris lowered her head even further. "You flatter me. I've only picked up a little by staying close to the crown princess."

Alaric snorted. "Learned from her? She's a fool."

Daphne had been humiliated so openly that even her own maid now seemed to outrank her. Her face twisted with shame, yet she did not dare show the slightest reaction.

Alaric turned back. "Fine. We'll do it your way."

Then, using Elowen's fork, he finished the remaining piece of fish one bite at a time.

In Duskmoor Manor's carriage, the wheels rolled steadily over the road.

Elowen lounged against the cushion, one hand resting lightly over her flat belly. "Alaric really hasn't changed. He chooses a restaurant, orders a table full of dishes so everything looks impressive, yet hardly any of it actually tastes good. The abalone was overcooked, far too tough. The bird's nest soup wasn't even prepared properly. Our cook could throw together a simple plate of greens and it would still taste better than that meal."

Cassian's expression, which had been cold earlier, softened slightly. "When we get home, I'll have the kitchen prepare whatever you like."

Elowen looked at him. "Were you angry when you saw him trying to serve food?"

Cassian didn't deny it. "Yes."

Elowen smiled, reached for Cassian's long fingers, and squeezed them twice. "Don't be upset. I didn't eat any of it."

Cassian gave a low sound and closed his hand around hers.

For a while, the only sound inside the carriage was the steady rhythm of the wheels against the road.

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