Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47 The Trap Closes

Alaric’s face turned deathly pale.

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Theodric’s brow furrowed into a deep, angry crease. His gaze, heavy with authority and displeasure, fixed on his son. “Is this true?”

Alaric’s lips parted, but no sound came out.

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Theodric’s expression turned icy. He turned to Alaric’s attendant. “You speak. If you dare shield him, you will answer to me.”

The attendant dropped to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling. “Y-Your Majesty… it is true. His Highness… did push the Duchess.”

Which meant the rest of it was likely true as well.

Theodric’s eyes darkened with growing anger, his gaze sharp as a blade. “Are your days still too idle? Was my recent admonition wasted? I told you to comport yourself as a Crown Prince should! Yet here you are, accosting Elowen with such nonsense! Need I remind you she is now your aunt by marriage?”

Alaric dared not argue. He hung his head like a scolded child, accepting the reprimand in silence.

After delivering the rebuke, Theodric turned to Elowen, his tone softening into one of gentle apology. “The fault lies with me for failing to instill proper discipline. Elowen, please… accept my deepest apologies.”

He then asked, concern etching his features, “How is your back? Shall I summon a physician? We can’t have it scar.”

A wave of bitter irony washed over Elowen.

In her past life, after Maerwyn’s “discovery,” Theodric had not openly chastised her, but neither had he stood by her.

He had not declared his belief in her innocence, nor had he ordered a true investigation.

• Isla had openly favored Maerwyn. Theodric, while perhaps sensing the impropriety, had not pressed the issue.

After all, Maerwyn was his daughter by blood. Elowen was only a future daughter-in-law-an outsider.

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12:42 Thu, Feb 12 F

Chapter 47 The Trap Closes

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Besides, Elowen’s father and brother were gone. Alaric had been indifferent. In all the world, she had had no one to champion her.

What did the honor or life of a lone orphan girl matter?

Only now was it different.

Elowen had married Cassian.

No matter what, Theodric had to give Cassian face.

It proved a harsh truth-who a woman married mattered above all else.

But that was not the most pressing matter now.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty,” Elowen replied. “The injury is minor. However, there is another, more urgent matter…”

Back in the Gilded Hall, Maerwyn’s mind was far from her own celebration.

The aphrodisiac wine had been prepared well in advance of her birthday.

Maerwyn was of an age to be betrothed. From her parents’ hints, they intended to choose a husband for her from among the newly elevated young lords of merit.

She found the idea utterly beneath her.

A princess of the realm deserved a scion of a great noble house.

She had set her sights on the youngest son of a general.

He came from a military family, was handsome and tall, and by all accounts, lived a clean life with no mistresses.

She had sounded out her parents, and their response had been far from enthusiastic.

So, she had prepared the potion. If necessary, she would have used it on him.

Once they had sex, her parents would have no choice but to consent.

Too bad he hadn’t come to the palace today.

Still, it wasn’t wasted. Using the potion on Elowen wasn’t a loss.

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12:42 Thu, Feb 12

Chapter 47 The Trap Closes

Maerwyn counted the minutes.

It had been quite some time since Elowen drank the wine and left with Autumn.

The effects must be in full force by now.

Maerwyn felt a thrill of curiosity. What did Elowen look like when the heat took her?

And how “spectacular” would she be, clothes a mess, trapped with those two guards?

Impatience burned within her.

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The time had come. She sprang to her feet and caught Daphne’s eye from across the room.

Daphne had already gathered four other young noblewomen, their heads bent together in gossip.

Meeting Maerwyn’s gaze, she immediately understood. “Shall we accompany Princess Maerwyn for some fresh air?” she suggested brightly.

The group rose and followed Maerwyn in a chattering procession toward the side chamber.

Maerwyn led the way, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.

She had already dismissed the guards from this area under a pretext. The corridor was deserted and silent.

As they neared the chamber door, faint voices drifted out. The specific tones were muffled, but it was clearly a man and a woman.

A man asked, “How did it end up

like this?”

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