Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38 The Princess’ Banquet

Cassian frowned, an expression that looked almost like displeasure.

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Instinctively, Elowen shrank a little further under her blanket. If it doesn’t work, then forget it… it’s really not—”

“You don’t need to tiptoe around me,” Cassian said.

Elowen blinked, confused.

“I entrusted the stewardship of this household to you. That means you have the authority to command its guards. There’s no need to seek my permission for such things. Take as many as you wish, wherever you wish. Asking for approval over such minor matters makes it seem as if I’m keeping you under my thumb.” His gaze remained fixed on her. “Do you understand?”

Elowen nodded slowly. “I understand.”

Her voice was a soft promise. “My lord, you can rest assured. In public, I’ll conduct myself with confidence. Even before the King, I’ll speak of your trust and generosity.”

Cassian felt his jaw tighten slightly.

I don’t think she fully grasps it.

But Elowen was already succumbing to exhaustion. A yawn escaped her, her words growing faint. “Oh, and don’t worry-the gift for Princess Maerwyn is ready. I’ll present it in Duskmoor Manor’s name…”

Her sentence trailed off as sleep claimed her.

It was no wonder. She had been busy all day.

Cassian didn’t disturb her.

He set his book aside and, with a wave of his hand, extinguished the bedside candle.

News of Cassian’s recovery wasn’t widely broadcast, kept even from the residents of Rose Hall.

For the next two days, Elowen prepared him two elaborate, nourishing meals daily, along with medicinal broths.

The care paid off. By the third day, the color had returned to Cassian’s face, and some strength seemed to have seeped back into his frame.

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Chapter 38 The Princess’ Banquet

Soon, Maerwyn’s birthday arrived.

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Before leaving, Elowen gave Cassian final instructions. “Drink this broth before you leave, my lord. It might rain later, so take the oiled canvas cloak.”

Cassian nodded. “Alright.”

Elowen thought for a moment, then added, “If there are any special delicacies at the banquet, I’ll bring some back for you.”

Something in Cassian’s chest softened. “…Alright.”

Elowen departed.

Nervousness still fluttered within her, but the sight of the two guards-handpicked by Cassian for her protection-eased it somewhat. She settled into the carriage bound for the palace.

As the carriage approached the palace gates, the sounds of a bustling crowd filtered through the curtains.

Maerwyn, beloved by the King and Queen, was celebrating not just her birthday, but her formal debut into society. The guest list included royals, high nobles, and powerful officials.

Rumor had it all, but the central ceremonial gate was open to accommodate the influx.

The Duskmoor carriage approached the southwestern gate, already a scene of congested activity.

The gate could only admit one carriage at a time, leading to a long, slow-moving queue.

Elowen peered out and instructed the coachman, “We have time. No need to rush or jostle. Just follow the line.”

To the guards, she said, “Only intervene if absolutely necessary.”

She didn’t want to give anyone reason to accuse them of throwing their weight around.

Cassian already held immense power and faced no shortage of envious, plotting enemies.

She had no wish to put them back in the crosshairs.

The summer heat was oppressive. Even the well-ventilated, high-quality carriage grew stuffy after a while.

Fine beads of sweat formed on Elowen’s nose and brow. She said nothing, simply fanning

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Chapter 38 The Princess’ Banquet

herself with her hand.

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Finally, the carriage lurched forward-their turn to enter.

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They were halfway through the gate when the coachman outside let out a sharp, “Whoa!”

The carriage jerked to a sudden halt. Unprepared, Elowen was thrown forward, her forehead striking the wooden frame with a dull thud.

“What happened?” she asked, rubbing her temple.

“Your Grace!” the coachman called back, indignation clear in his voice. “Someone cut the line!”

Elowen heard his heated exchange.

“Can’t you see we’re already moving? Charging in like that-if I hadn’t reined in, we’d have collided and blocked the whole path!”

A haughty, dismissive voice retorted, “The road is for everyone! Your carriage was crawling. Don’t blame us for your sluggishness. If everyone moved at your pace, we’d be here till midnight!”

Elowen pushed the carriage door open and stepped out, slightly taken aback.

She recognized the other carriage’s design. It belonged to the Garrett family.

The head of the Garrett family now was Galen Garrett. Once a low-born advisor to her father, he’d been steadily promoted under her father’s patronage.

After her father’s death, Galen had been appointed Lord Chancellor, a position of significant influence with the King.

The Garrett family’s star had risen swiftly in Vanelle’s social circles.

The door of the Garrett carriage opened as well. Elowen found herself looking at a face she

knew all too well.

Daphne Garrett-Galen’s second daughter, a year older than Elowen.

In the past, Daphne had often trailed behind Elowen, calling her “Lady Elowen.” When Elowen sneaked out to wander the markets with Alaric, it was Daphne who covered for her.

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