Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 353

Chapter 353 Swords Dance

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

124

+10 Free Coins

Cassian moved with effortless composure, lifting the two cups one after the other and emptying them smoothly, his motions as fluid as flowing water.

Seated beside Theodric, Isla watched the entire exchange. A gentle, almost motherly smile appeared on her carefully maintained face.

“Cassian is truly attentive to your duchess. It is quite enviable,” she said warmly. “Come to think of it, it has been nearly half a year since Cassian and the duchess were wed, has it not?”

Elowen kept a polite smile on her face. “Your Majesty, it has indeed been almost six months.”

Isla nodded with a pleasant smile. Her gaze drifted, almost casually, toward Elowen’s still-flat stomach. Her tone grew even softer.

“How quickly time passes. Still, Duskmoor Manor must feel rather quiet with so few in the household. If the manor were blessed with a child soon, that would truly be joyous news.”

From the Crown Prince’s table below, Daphne suddenly spoke.

“Half a year of marriage and still no sign of a child. Aunt Elowen, could it be that your health is… troubled in some way?”

The hall fell silent for a brief moment.

Alaric’s brows tightened with displeasure as he shot her a look.

But Daphne had already thrown caution aside.

“Please don’t misunderstand me, Aunt Elowen. I mean no offense. An heir is important, after all. There is no need to feel embarrassed about such matters. I heard His Grace invited Doctor Dray to reside at Duskmoor Manor. Presumably that was to help restore the duchess’s health. But one physician may not be enough. Corwin, the royal physician in the palace, is renowned for women’s ailments. Perhaps he should also visit Duskmoor Manor to assist with your treatment?”

Earlier, she had spent a full five dollars paying members of the Baker family to investigate matters at Duskmoor Manor.

They had tracked down a cook who served in Elowen’s residence and questioned her carefully. From the woman, they learned that the Duke of Duskmoor dearly wanted a child, yet the duchess had not conceived.

That was why Hugh had been invited to stay at the manor.

After hearing that, Daphne drew her own conclusion.

There could be nothing wrong with Elowen’s health. If she had not conceived, it could only mean one thing.

She refused to share a bed with Cassian.

In her heart, Elowen must still be thinking about Alaric.

“There is no need,” Elowen said, her smile carrying a faint hint of strain. “My health is perfectly fine.”

At that moment, Isla spoke leisurely.

1/3

Chapter 353 Swords Dance

+10 Free Coins

“In truth, Elowen is still young. These matters cannot be rushed. But the palace recently brought in several new attendants. They are healthy girls with strong constitutions. If two were sent to Duskmoor Manor, they might help ease the duchess’s burden and bring heirs to the royal line sooner.”

The two women played their parts perfectly, their words falling in smooth succession.

Elowen rose from her seat and inclined her head respectfully toward Isla before speaking in a steady voice.

“Your Majesty, please forgive my refusal. The Hale family does not permit its daughters to share a household with concubines. The palace attendants may be admirable, but I cannot accept them.”

From nearby, Elira added gently, “Her Majesty’s kindness toward Elowen’s future heirs is admirable. Still, tonight is the feast, a celebration of reunion and joy. Is this really the time to discuss such matters?”

“Elira, I’m afraid you misunderstand,” Isla replied with a smile. “Reunion is a joy, yes. But the royal line flourishing is an even greater joy. Besides, welcoming good fortune on Christmas Eve is an auspicious sign. If two blessings arrived at once, would that not show the royal house’s enduring prosperity?”

She turned to Theodric with a smile. “Your Majesty, wouldn’t you agree?”

Theodric’s smile faded slightly. His gaze lingered on Isla for a moment, his eyes unreadable. When he spoke, his tone left no room for argument.

‘That is enough. Tonight’s family banquet is for reunion. We will speak of nothing else. As for taking additional women into the household, that can be discussed another time.”

sla had served beside him for many years. She could easily tell that his mood had turned sour.

The smile on her face remained unchanged as she inclined her head obediently. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Theodric shifted his gaze elsewhere.

‘Let us enjoy the performances.”

The moment he spoke, the sound of flutes and zithers rose once more. Dancers dressed in vibrant silks entered in graceful procession, their movements flowing with the music.

Soon, Lyndor Hall was once again filled with the clink of cups and lively conversation.

Alaric’s expression darkened. He turned toward Daphne and spoke in a low voice.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you? You were trying to make things difficult for her.”

Daphne felt a flicker of unease but forced herself to remain calm.

“Your Highness, why would you say such a thing? I merely supported Her Majesty’s suggestion with a few words. Her Majesty’s health has not been good, and the authority to oversee the palace has already been handed to Lady Elira. If I do not speak on Her Majesty’s behalf, would she not feel hurt?”

“Her Majesty?”

A cold, cutting laugh slipped from between Alaric’s teeth. His sharp gaze swept over Daphne’s carefully painted face.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify