Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 331

Chapter 331 A Banquet And A Retort

The words wasn’t loud, but it carried through the hall all the same.

Several senior ministers stiffened where they sat, barely restraining their anger.

Theodric paused with his cup in hand, his eyes turning dark and cold.

The hall went silent. The stillness felt almost physical.

Then Cassian broke it.

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“It sounds like Your Highness speaks from experience,” he said, calm and sharp. “Are Nordian princes often kept under house arrest for their offenses?”

He spoke in Avenlor language, but once the words were translated, Roderic reacted at once. His face darkened. His eyes flashed as they dropped to Cassian’s legs, and a sneer twisted his mouth.

“Why worry about confinement?” Roderic said. “I doubt His Grace gets far with legs like that.”

At that, the Ministry of Rites official nearly folded to the floor in terror.

So this was why none of the senior Rites officials had volunteered to translate tonight. Every one of them had suddenly been sick or busy.

I thought this was finally my chance to stand out at court. If I make it through with my head attached, I’ll count myself lucky…

Byron tried to smooth things over. “Your Highness, that really isn’t appropriate-”

Roderic scoffed. “What’s he going to do? He doesn’t even understand the language.”

Cassian laughed then, low and cold.

He raised a hand and lightly tapped his own leg. “Prince Roderic, I believe you were speaking about my legs?”

He said it in flawless Nordian.

Roderic froze. The sneer vanished from his face.

Cassian held his gaze, cold amusement in his eyes. “Interesting. I injured my legs the same year you got that scar. The difference is that I crushed Nordia’s army and returned in victory. You lost that valley and had to retreat, wearing a fresh scar from my blade.”

Roderic’s face turned red, then white, then red again. His fists clenched so hard it sounded as if his knuckles might crack.

Before anything else could happen, Zachary-the fourth Nordian prince-stepped forward. He placed himself subtly in front of Roderic and bowed first to the throne, then to Cassian.

“Your Majesty. Your Grace.”

He kept his head lowered, his voice respectful. “Prince Roderic has spoken too harshly and offended both His Majesty and His Grace. I ask forgiveness on his behalf. Nordia comes in sincerity. We hope for alliance and goodwill. Please accept our apology.”

In the heavy silence, the only sound was the faint crackle of candle flames.

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1:32 am

Chapter 331 A Banquet And A Retort

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At last, Theodric gave a rich, pleasant laugh that never reached his eyes. “No harm done. In Avenlor, we say the strongest friendships are often forged in conflict. Consider us properly acquainted.”

He gave a dignified gesture. “Please. Tonight’s feast is held in your honor.”

After a few courses and several toasts, the chill in the hall gradually faded, replaced by an easy warmth.

After sitting for so long, Elowen began to feel a heaviness in her chest. She leaned slightly toward Cassian and whispered, “Cassian, I need some air.”

He turned to her, his voice gentle. “Do you want me to come with you?”

Elowen shook her head and glanced toward the Nordian guests. “Let Mira come with me. If the Nordians try anything else, you should stay here for His Majesty.”

Cassian considered it, then nodded. “All right. But take Bran too.”

His gaze flicked over her still-flat stomach, a silent reminder to be careful.

Elowen understood at once. She smiled sweetly and nodded back.

Not realizing she was being watched, she slipped quietly out of the hall, with Mira and Bran following behind.

The moment she stepped into the palace courtyard, the wind bit into her cheeks.

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