Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 384

Chapter 384 A Clever Servant

VPH

$10 Free Coins

Questions about royal secrets and tangled affections had nothing to do with someone of Iris’s

station.

All she wanted was to survive.

If she could remain in the Crown Prince’s Wing and serve carefully, then when her term of service finally ended she would be free to leave the palace.

She planned to save as many coins as she could. Once she stepped beyond the palace walls for good, she hoped to buy a small plot of land or perhaps keep a modest shop of her own. Then she would marry an honest man and live the rest of her days in quiet peace.

When Alaric allowed her to remain in service, the tight knot that had been lodged in her chest finally loosened.

Cold sweat dampened her back, though she forced herself to keep her posture steady.

She had survived.

Alaric’s voice drifted down from above her again, thoughtful and measured. “I remember that you have always been clever.”

Iris quickly gathered her composure and lowered her head again in a respectful bow.

“Your Highness overpraises me. I am not especially wise. But if there is anything Your Highness wishes to know, I will answer honestly.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow with mild curiosity.

“In that case, tell me something. Since I am confined to the Crown Prince’s Wing for the time being, do

you know of any way I might regain my freedom sooner?”

Iris paused briefly before answering, her voice gentle and careful,

“In

my humble opinion, Your Highness may not need to hurry to escape this restriction.”

“Oh?” Alaric said with interest. “Explain.”

“The order came directly from Your Majesty,” Iris said softly. “Once a royal command is spoken, it cannot simply be withdrawn because someone grows impatient. Since Your Highness must remain here for now, it may be wiser to accept the situation calmly. At a time like this, patience carries great value. If Your Highness spends these days reading, practicing

1/4

10:21 Thu, Apr 23

Chapter 384 A Clever Servant

VPH

+10 Free Coins

calligraphy, and conducting yourself with discipline, word of it will eventually reach His Majesty. When he learns that Your Highness has not shown resentment but instead devoted yourself to study and reflection, he will surely feel reassured.”

She glanced up carefully, studying Alaric’s expression before continuing.

“And besides, Your Highness was confined because of the former Crown Princess’s actions. The guilt His Majesty feels may prove more useful than ordinary favor. Once the matter fades from public attention, His Majesty may treat Your Highness even more generously than before.”

Alaric stood quietly, considering her words. The more he thought about it, the more reasonable her argument seemed.

He crouched slightly, looking at her with renewed interest.

“You truly are clever. If you had been born a man…”

With a mind like this, she might have built a respectable career in government service.

Iris lowered her head further. “I would never dare entertain such thoughts. I only wish to serve Your Highness faithfully.”

Alaric studied her carefully.

She was intelligent. More importantly, since arriving in the Crown Prince’s Wing with Daphne, she had always behaved with strict propriety in his presence. She had never once shown the sort of ambition or flirtation that some women used in hopes of gaining favor.

That restraint pleased him.

He gave a quiet snort and rose to his feet. “Stand up.”

Iris obeyed at once. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke again, “There is one more thought, Your Highness.”

Alaric lifted a brow.

“Go on.”

“Several other princes have now reached adulthood and begun observing affairs within the six ministries. Some of them have already shown real ability. Meanwhile Lady Elira now oversees many matters within the palace and also has a prince under her care. In addition, Your Majesty’s younger brother, the Duke of Duskmoor, often attends the royal court and remains close to His Majesty. Surrounded by so many people, His Majesty may not think of the Crown

2/4

10:21 Thu, Apr 23

Chapter 384 A Clever Servant

64

+10 Free Coles

Prince confined in the Crown Prince’s Wing for some time. Because of this, someone will need to remind His Majesty of Your Highness’s virtues.”

She did not say more.

But the implication was clear.

Support from Isla would still be essential.

Alaric gave her a long, thoughtful look. “I understand,” he said slowly. “Anything else?”

Iris pressed her lips together before speaking again.

“There is one small matter.”

She spoke gently, “The winter air is bitter tonight. Your Highness may wish to put on a cloak. Standing outside in light garments for too long could easily lead to illness.”

Alaric’s brow shifted slightly.

He had believed she was clever enough to understand boundaries and had no inappropriate thoughts toward him.

But it seemed the women around him were rarely exceptions.

Now she was already worrying about whether he wore a cloak and whether he might fall ill.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify