Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 313

Chapter 313 Lydia’s Mistaken Ambition’

She steadied her breathing and stepped forward eagerly. “Excuse me, may I ask who you are?”

Quin turned to her, polite but reserved. “I serve His Majesty in court. My name is Quin.”

Lydia couldn’t take her eyes off the decree. “Lord Jett, you’re here to deliver a royal decree, aren’t you?”

Quin nodded. “Yes.”

Lydia pressed on. “But the Marquess isn’t here right now. That won’t be a problem, will it?”

Quin glanced at her, puzzled. The decree isn’t for the Marquess, so why does it matter if he’s not here?

Still, he kept his formal courtesy. “No, it won’t.”

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Lydia let out a relieved breath. She straightened, smoothed her hair, and tried to assume a dignified, stately air. “Very well, Lord Jett. I’m ready.”

Quin took in her behavior with quiet confusion, but kept a polite smile. “All right.”

Then he turned straight to Elspeth, cleared his throat, and said in a solemn voice, “My lady, please step forward to receive the royal decree.”

Lydia jerked her head up, stunned. Isn’t this decree for me?

‘Lord Jett, there must be some mistake! She and the Marquess are divorced. She’s no longer the Marchioness!”

Quin did not waver. “Yes, I know.”

-ydia’s voice rose with panic. “I’m the Marquess’s wife now!”

Quin nodded. “Congratulations.”

.ydia’s breath caught. She was being humiliated, and still she could not stop staring at the scroll. “Lord Jett, then shouldn’t I be the >ne receiving the decree?”

She stepped forward and reached for the silk.

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Chapter 314 The Royal Decree

Chapter 314 The Royal Decree

Quin reacted at once and stepped back.

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The two armed guards behind him immediately drew their swords halfway with a cold flash, steel barring Lydia’s path to the decree.

“That’s enough!” Quin dropped all pretense of politeness. “This decree is a personal gift from His Majesty to his aunt!”

Lydia froze where she stood.

Quin did not spare her another glance. He turned to Elspeth instead, opened the decree, and read in a clear, carrying voice.

“By the grace of God, His Majesty proclaims: Lady Elspeth of distinguished virtue and honor, steadfast in character and exemplary among women of the realm. In times of adversity you have shown dignity and compassion, and your conduct has brought credit to your house and to the kingdom. In recognition of your virtue and service, His Majesty hereby grants you the title of Lady of the First Rank, with all rights and honors belonging thereto. Given under royal authority and confirmed this day by His Majesty.”

When he finished, Quin’s smile became more genuine. “My lady, please step forward and accept the decree.”

Elspeth sank to one knee and bowed her head to receive the decree. Quin stepped forward and placed the scroll in her hands. Lowering his voice, he added, “His Majesty hoped this would mark the beginning of a new chapter for you-and offer you his protection from anyone who might wish you harm.”

Elspeth held the decree and let out a soft sigh. “Good children, all of them.” Theodric and Cassian… they both still care for me.

With a dull thud, Lydia dropped weakly to the ground, her face pale. She stared at the scroll in Elspeth’s hands, humiliated and crushed.

“Lydia!”

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