Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42 A Proper Gift

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“That’s true, she is still just a child,” Elowen agreed amiably, nodding. “After today, she will be seventeen, won’t she? Practically a woman grown, and nearly my own age.”

Isla’s gracious smile flickered for just a fraction of a second.

Elowen then heaved a theatrical sigh. “At such an age, yet she doesn’t address me as ‘Aunt’, but calls me by my given name with such impertinence. And to speak so carelessly of His Majesty…”

Isla forced an apologetic expression. “…You are quite right. The King and I have been so occupied with affairs of state that we’ve regrettably neglected her education in proper conduct.”

Elowen tilted her head, her gaze steady on Isla. “Cassian and I, as her elders, naturally wouldn’t hold a grudge against a child. But she represents the royal family’s dignity. If she shows no sign of improvement, people outside the palace will surely gossip. Don’t you agree, Your Majesty?”

Cornered, Isla could only nod with a strained smile. “Yes… I shall ensure Maerwyn receives stricter guidance from now on.”

Only then did Elowen allow a faint, satisfied smile to touch her lips. She gestured to her maid. “Mira.”

Mira stepped forward, holding an ornate lacquered box.

Elowen’s expression was all polite warmth. “This is a humble birthday gift from Cassian and me. We wish Princess Maerwyn endless joy and blessings in all the years to come.”

Maerwyn wanted nothing more than to snatch the box and hurl it to the marble floor, followed by a torrent of scathing remarks to salvage her wounded pride.

But her mother’s hand clamped firmly over hers, a silent, unyielding command.

Isla’s smile was perfectly measured. “Thank you both for your thoughtful gift,”

She signaled a maid to accept it, then turned a pointed look at her daughter. “Aren’t you going to thank your aunt?”

Maerwyn’s brow furrowed. “I won’t-”

“Say it.” Isla’s words were slow, deliberate, her eyes sharp with warning.

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Chapter 42 A Proper Gift

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A cold dread prickled Maerwyn’s scalp. She feared her mother’s displeasure far too much. With immense effort, she forced the words out toward Elowen, “Thank you… for the gift.”

Elowen raised a single, questioning eyebrow. “Hmm?”

Maerwyn knew she was being toyed with. Fury simmered, but under her mother’s gaze, forced into a suffocating submission. The word was ground out between clenched teeth. “…Aunt.”

it was

Elowen’s smile blossomed, genuine and bright. “You’re most welcome. It’s the least an aunt can do.”

Maerwyn, clearly fuming and desperate to end the interaction, turned away. But Elowen wasn’t finished. “Aren’t you going to open it?”

Maerwyn looked to her mother. Isla gave a slight, permissive nod.

Gritting her teeth against the vitriol rising in her throat, Maerwyn snapped open the box’s clasp.

Expecting a hairpin or bracelet, she was instead greeted by the sight of several slender, cloth- bound volumes. The title on the top one read: The Conduct of Noble Ladies.

Beneath it lay another: Admonitions for Women.

Maerwyn stared, aghast. Her voice rose to a shrill pitch. “What is this? Who wants this junk?”

Elowen had initially prepared jewelry. First, the bracelet was taken by Alaric. Then, upon reflection, she realized she no longer needed to curry favor with a mere princess. She was the Duchess now.

She explained with serene grace, “The Conduct of Noble Ladies was penned by a Queen. A King declared her work a guiding light for future generations. Like Admonitions for Women, it serves to instruct young women in proper speech and behavior. As a princess of the realm, it is most fitting for you to study such texts, to understand your duties and govern your conduct accordingly. Only then can you truly honor the expectations His Majesty and Her Majesty have placed upon you.”

She paused for effect. “These particular copies were personally transcribed by the late, revered Queen Genevieve of the previous dynasty. They are quite precious. It took no small effort to procure them.”

Genevieve had been famous for her gentle virtue and submission, a model Isla often held up for the court ladies-and one she had frequently used to criticize Elowen in the past.

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Chapter 42 A Proper Gift

Now, Elowen presented these very books.

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The sentiment was impeccable, beyond reproach. Both Isla and Theodric could only praise her for her thoughtful consideration.

The important part was that Maerwyn was thoroughly miserable.

“Elowen, you are truly thoughtful,” Isla said, her praise sounding genuine enough.

“It is my duty,” Elowen replied modestly.

Maerwyn’s expression was one of pure disgust, as if she’d swallowed a mouthful of flies.

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