Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 417

Chapter 417 The Accusation

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Theodric looked at Elowen with a trace of amusement in his expression. “That’s enough. You should not strain yourself in your condition. If anything happens, Cassian will hold me responsible.”

Elowen allowed a faint smile to touch her lips.

Mira and Cora stepped in smoothly, helping her back to her feet with careful hands.

“Your Majesty.”

Before the moment could settle, a clear voice cut cleanly across the hall.

“The Duchess of Duskmoor cannot be Azure.”

It was Maerwyn.

Theodric’s brows drew together. “I lifted your confinement so you could attend tonight. Is this really how you choose to behave?”

“I am not causing a scene, Your Majesty.”

Maerwyn rose abruptly and strode forward, stopping at the center of the hall with her back straight and chin lifted.

Elowen turned her head slightly, catching the tension in her expression.

Maerwyn did not spare her a glance. Instead, she faced Theodric directly, posture rigid with conviction. “Azure’s work has been my constant companion. I have read Tales of Luminara more times than I can count. There is no chance I am mistaken.”

Her voice sharpened. “Azure exists. But she is not the Duchess of Duskmoor. This is a false claim.”

A ripple of unease spread through the gathered nobles.

Theodric’s expression darkened.

Elowen, however, was quietly surprised.

This had not been part of what she anticipated. Isla had clearly arranged more than one move tonight, and Maerwyn was one of them.

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19:23 Tue, Apr 28

Chapter 417 The Accusation

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She angled her head slightly toward Maerwyn and spoke under her breath. “We had an understanding. At the hunt.”

She meant the agreement they made during the autumn outing.

Maerwyn’s eyes flashed, something harsher surfacing. “Whatever that was is finished. But pretending to be Azure is something else entirely. Do not think I will let that pass.”

Elowen paused, then chose not to press further.

At the head of the hall, Theodric’s voice dropped, steady and commanding. “Maerwyn. Return to your place. This does not concern you.”

Maerwyn lifted her chin, refusing to yield.

Isla exhaled softly at just the right moment, her tone gentle and composed. “Your Majesty, perhaps we should allow her to speak. You know how devoted she is to Azure. If there is any misunderstanding, it would be best to clear it here and now, with the family present.”

Her gaze turned toward Elowen, warm on the surface. “If the Duchess truly is Azure, then there is nothing to worry about. But if she is not, the title of Lady of Grace and Virtue has already been announced. Should doubts spread later, it may reflect poorly on her. Clarifying things now would spare her unnecessary trouble.”

The words sounded considerate.

In truth, they placed Elowen squarely under scrutiny.

Theodric pressed his fingers to his temple, irritation flickering across his face. After a moment, he lowered his hand and looked at Maerwyn. “Very well. Explain why you are so certain.”

Maerwyn’s voice rose, firm and unwavering. “Because I understand Azure. Her writing shows breadth, insight, and compassion. There is depth in her work, real vision.”

Her gaze finally shifted toward Elowen, cool and dismissive.

“And what of the Duchess? She has never shown any real interest in literature. Her attention has always been on courtship and intrigue. First pursuing the Crown Prince, then marrying the Duke of Duskmoor, and there have been rumors involving others besides. Someone like that does not suddenly produce writing of that caliber.”

The words landed heavily.

No one spoke aloud, but glances passed between the guests.

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Chapter 417 The Accusation

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With the Duke of Duskmoor present, no one dared voice agreement, yet the shift in their expressions was impossible to miss.

Under those watchful eyes, Elowen slowly lifted her gaze.

There was no embarrassment, no urgency to defend herself. Only a calm that seemed entirely out of place.

“So,” she said evenly, “you have no evidence. Only your impression.”

Maerwyn stiffened. “What did you say?”

“You cannot prove I am not Azure,” Elowen continued, her tone steady. “But I can prove that I

am.”

“That is absurd,” Maerwyn shot back.

“Maerwyn,” Elowen said calmly, “have you read my recent work, Ode to Springlight?”

Maerwyn hesitated, then shook her head. “Not yet.”

“That explains it,” Elowen replied. “If you had read even the opening chapters, you might not be so certain.”

A flicker of unease crossed Maerwyn’s face.

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