Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 423

Chapter 423 Velvet Lights

Chapter 423 Velvet Lights

42

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The moment the attendant spotted the money and caught the name of the Duke of Duskmoor, his whole posture changed. His back straightened, his face lit up, and he hurried forward with eager courtesy.

“My deepest apologies. I truly should have recognized you sooner. Please, come this way. I hope you will be kind enough to forgive my earlier mistake.”

Elowen said nothing.

Wow, that turn came out of nowhere… he really missed his calling, he should be up on a stage somewhere instead of pouring drinks.

Inside, the pavilion felt nothing like the chill outside.

A soft, refined fragrance lingered in the air, something warm and subtle that felt closer to a noble’s private salon than a public house. Polished stone floors reflected the glow of chandeliers overhead, while carved wooden beams framed the ceiling in elegant detail. Paintings and rare pieces filled the walls and display shelves, each one placed with deliberate

taste.

Elowen glanced around, openly taking it all in.

The attendant walked ahead, smiling as he spoke. “You two are out together this evening, I take it. A perfect pair, truly. If it pleases you, I can arrange a private room on the second floor. You will have a clear view of the main hall performance later, lively enough to enjoy, but still quiet and comfortable.”

Elowen followed at an easy pace. “Five floors, right? What’s each one for?”

“The ground level is open to most guests, merchants, travelers, anyone with the coin. The second and third floors are reserved for patrons of standing, guests such as yourselves.”

He lowered his voice slightly.

“As for the upper floors, those are reserved for the highest ranks, dukes, marquesses, royal envoys. I have never been allowed up there myself, so what truly goes on is beyond me.”

So much for making a scene and announcing I’m covering the bill tonight. Not in a place like this.

By the time she finished that thought, they had reached a private room.

The door opened to a refined, comfortable space. Tall glass windows lined one side, looking

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Chapter 423 Velvet Lights

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out over a brightly lit street filled with movement and laughter.

42

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The attendant bowed lightly. “What would Your Graces like this evening? We have fresh coffee brought from Southvale, aged wines, and dishes prepared by chefs from across the realm. If you can name it, we will do our best to serve it.”

Elowen looked over the menu, fingers brushing the edge of the page.

Should I just order everything they’re proud of and call it a night?

Before she could decide, a shout tore through the air from the stairway.

“You think you’re too good for this. Where do you think you’re going.”

The sound of a woman struggling followed, along with the sharp crash of shattered glass.

Elowen turned toward the noise.

On the staircase between the second and third floors, a woman in a bright violet gown had fallen onto the steps. Her hair had come loose, her clothes were in disarray, yet she held a young girl tightly behind her, shielding her with her own body.

The girl trembled uncontrollably, her face buried against the woman.

Several rough men blocked their path. One of them pointed at the woman, his voice rising.

“Mr. Boyd asked for the girl to join him for a drink. That is an honor. And she refuses. Who does she think she is.”

He scoffed. “Take a good look at yourselves before acting like you belong among nobles. Everyone here knows Rowan’s name. You think you can turn him down and walk away.”

Without warning, he stepped forward and drove his boot into the woman’s shoulder.

She let out a low sound of pain, her body tipping sideways, but her grip on the girl never loosened.

She forced herself upright, her face pale and damp with tears.

“Please,” she said, her voice shaking. “If he wants company, I will go. I will drink with him, as much as he wishes. But she is only fourteen. She serves tables, she cleans, that is all. Please let her go.”

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