Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 351

Chapter 351 Laughter

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Cassian hadn’t thought much about happiness since his mother died. Only now, hearing Elowen say it aloud, did Cassian feel a quiet warmth spread through his chest.

He realized that what really mattered wasn’t the fancy royal banquets, or the endless echoing palace halls. No, what he truly missed were the little, unpolished rituals of an ordinary home. And for the first time in years, he felt genuinely content.

“Well?” Elowen’s eyes sparkled, challenging and hopeful. “Cassian, are we doing this together or not?”

He didn’t even hesitate. “Of course.”

They left the warmth of the bed, dressed quickly, and went to the study.

Elowen spread a sheet of gilded parchment across the desk, practically glowing with excitement. She uncorked the inkwell, dipped a quill, and began to write.

Cassian raised an eyebrow. “You want me to do the writing?”

She replied instantly, “Your handwriting’s gorgeous!”

He only nodded, picked up a quill, and let the ink glide across the parchment.

A moment later, the letters emerged-bold and deliberate, the strokes firm and balanced, as steady as a fortress wall.

Elowen leaned over his shoulder, grinning. “See? I told you! I’ve seen the finest handwriting in all of Vanelle, and none of it comes close to yours. Next to this, theirs looks like a child’s first attempt at holding a pen.”

Cassian tried to keep his expression neutral, but the corners of his mouth still twitched despite himself. Of course, he would never admit she had pleased him.

Elowen dipped the quill again, satisfied the ink was just right. She set the inkwell aside, leaning closer to admire the writing.

That was when she got careless.

Her fingertip slid straight across the still-wet ink, smearing the line into a dark blot.

She gasped and looked down at her stained finger.

Cassian noticed immediately. Without thinking, he caught her wrist, his voice warm and low.

“You’ve gotten ink all over yourself.”

He only meant to wipe it away, but a spark of mischief flashed in Elowen’s eyes.

Before he could react, she twisted in his grasp and, quick as lightning, dragged her inky finger straight across his cheekbone.

A bold black streak now marked Cassian’s face, stark against his sharp features.

Elowen burst out laughing and darted away before he could retaliate.

For a moment Cassian simply stared, too surprised to move.

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Y 245

Chapter 351 Laughter

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Then he caught her easily, as though he had expected it all along, pinning her gently between the heavy writing desk and his chest.

“Was that on purpose?” His voice dropped low, dark amusement flickering in his eyes as he took in the lingering flush of her laughter. “I suppose I’ll have to punish you.”

He reached for the quill and spun it lightly between his fingers, clearly plotting revenge.

Elowen shrieked and twisted away, laughing even as she protested. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Cassian, don’t you dare draw on my face!”

He only grinned. “Sorry isn’t good enough, I’m afraid.”

Elowen braced a hand against his arm and rolled her eyes. “So what’s it going to take?”

He leaned closer, mischief glinting in his gaze.

“Kiss me.”

Elowen blinked. “That’s it? That’s way too easy.”

She rose onto her toes and planted a quick kiss at the corner of his mouth. “There-”

But she never finished the word.

Cassian had already abandoned the quill and pulled her into a deeper kiss, slow and unhurried, stealing the breath from her lungs and every thought from her mind.

It was a long minute before he let her go, leaving her blushing and a little dazed. With ink still streaked across his face, he just murmured, “Guess I ought to wash up.”

Elowen nodded, still smiling.

While Cassian went to wash the ink, Elowen pulled out another stack of scarlet paper to make decorations for the windows. She hadn’t changed her style since childhood. Every year she cut the same design, an eight-pointed star, simple but delicate.

Cassian returned a moment later, face freshly washed. He paused in the doorway.

“What are you making now?”

“Decorations!” Elowen held up the newest star between her fingers. “Well? What do you think, Cassian? Pretty, right?”

“Very.” He didn’t hesitate. “Mind if I try?”

She grinned and handed him the scissors.

“What should I make?” Cassian asked, turning the sheet of red paper in his elegant hands.

“Anything you like. I’m not expecting anything complicated,” Elowen teased, resting her chin on her palm. “You’re a beginner, after all.”

He frowned slightly in concentration. His fingers moved with quiet precision, the only sound the soft snip of the scissors and the faint rustle of falling paper.

A moment later he unfolded it.

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11:33 am

Chapter 351 Laughter

A heron emerged from the paper. Its neck curved gracefully, wings etched with delicate detail.

Elowen’s jaw dropped.

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