Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 429

Chapter 429 A Different Choice

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She reached out and gently brushed a stray lock of hair away from Nikki’s forehead. “If your essays are as strong as you say, there is no world where you fail. His Majesty values ability, and the examinations are taken seriously. No one gets away with cutting corners, not under his watch.”

Nikki blinked up at her, eyes wide and shining. “You really mean that?”

Elowen’s lips curved with quiet certainty. “I do. I am the Duchess of Duskmoor. If I tell you something, you can take it to the bank.”

That seemed to settle something deep inside the girl. Nikki let out a long breath she had clearly been holding for far too long.

Then her expression shifted. A flush crept up her cheeks, and her voice dropped, hesitant. “Elowen… please don’t tell my brother about this. He… he doesn’t take things like this well. When he gets angry, it’s… a lot.”

Elowen studied her for a moment, then spoke evenly. “I can keep this from him, but only if you promise me something in return. No more work like this. Not even once.”

“I promise,” Nikki said immediately, the answer coming without a second’s hesitation.

That earned her a softer smile. “Good. Then I’ll keep my word too. He won’t hear it from me.”

“Thank you, Elowen!”

Nikki’s smile returned, bright and unguarded, her eyes curving warmly, dimples showing as the tension finally lifted from her face.

Elowen watched her for a moment, something stirring unexpectedly in her chest.

If I ever had a daughter… I’d want her to turn out like this, gentle and full of life, the kind of person people can’t help but love.

But the thought of what Nikki had just gone through dimmed that warmth almost instantly, a shadow passing through her eyes.

“Scarlet!”

Nikki called out, her voice light again.

Elowen turned.

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19:25 Tue, Apr 28

Chapter 429 A Different Choice

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Scarlet had changed into something entirely different from before. The bold, attention- seeking look was gone, replaced by a tailored lilac bodice fastened neatly at the front and a long, dark green skirt that moved softly with each step. The overall effect was composed, almost understated, the kind of elegance that did not ask for attention but earned it anyway.

She approached at a measured pace, then lowered herself in a respectful curtsy. “Your Grace, thank you for what you did today.”

Elowen inclined her head slightly. “You’re welcome. Tell me, what do you plan to do now?”

Scarlet lowered her gaze. “I will stay at Stargazer Pavilion. I have nowhere else to go. I was raised there. Outside of it… I wouldn’t last long.”

Even without saying it outright, the reality was clear. After what had happened today, staying there would not be easy.

Elowen spoke calmly. “You could come with me instead.”

Scarlet looked up, caught off guard.

“I have something in mind,” Elowen continued, her tone steady. “It’s not fully formed yet, but I intend to build it step by step. Come back to Duskmoor Manor with me. When the time comes, I’ll need people I can trust. You could be one of them.”

Scarlet hesitated, clearly overwhelmed by the offer.

Before she could respond, Nikki jumped in, practically glowing with excitement. “You should go! Really. If you stay with Her Grace, you won’t have to deal with men like that ever again. It’s a fresh start. Just say yes.”

Scarlet’s fingers tightened slightly at her sides. “But… I don’t have any real skills.”

Elowen’s expression softened. “Skills can be learned. Reading, writing, riding, even handling a bow. None of that belongs to men alone. If you put in the time, you’ll get there.”

Scarlet’s lips parted slightly. The hesitation was still there, but something else had taken root beneath it.

Nikki leaned closer, lowering her voice but not her enthusiasm. “She’s right. And don’t forget, she saved us today. You can trust her.”

Scarlet drew in a slow breath, then finally made her choice. “Alright… I will go with you, Your

Grace.”

Elowen nodded, clearly pleased.

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19:25 Tue, Apr 28

Chapter 429 A Different Choice

41

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Elsewhere, Rowan staggered toward the Crown Prince’s Wing, barely holding himself together.

His hair was disheveled, his face swollen and scraped raw in places, dried blood dark against the dirt clinging to his skin. His clothes hung unevenly, marked by the aftermath of a brutal

encounter.

He stopped at the gate and snapped at the guards, voice strained but forceful. “I need to see His Highness. Now. Go inform him.”

The guards took a moment to recognize him. Once they did, the lead guard stepped forward, posture rigid.

“His Highness is currently in seclusion, focusing on his studies. He is not receiving visitors.”

Rowan’s temper flared. “I am not just anyone. You know exactly who I am. I am to be the princess’s future consort. My relationship with His Highness is not something you can brush off.”

The guards did not react.

Frustration sharpened his tone. “And I am not here for small talk. I have urgent business. It concerns the Duke of Duskmoor and Her Grace.”

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