Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 49

Chapter 49 A Reckoning

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Back then, Autumn had wept, claiming Elowen had insisted on entering the chamber and refused to be dissuaded.

The two guards had sworn that Elowen had dragged them inside, stripped their shirts, and told them that since she was to marry Alaric soon, she wanted a final taste of freedom.

Elowen had desperately denied it. She had tried to explain about the wine.

Isla had ordered the wine from the table to be examined. The physician had declared it perfectly untainted.

In that moment, Elowen had felt as if she’d been plunged into an icy abyss.

She had looked instinctively at Maerwyn and met her gloating, triumphant smile.

She had understood everything then.

Kneeling on the floor, disheveled and humiliated under a barrage of pointing fingers and scornful looks, she had been consumed by helplessness and shame. The memory still chilled her blood.

She could never understand how one woman could so callously destroy another’s honor.

But she had learned-a blade doesn’t hurt until it cuts your own flesh.

The reprimand Maerwyn was receiving now was nothing less than she deserved.

And it was still not enough.

Collecting her thoughts, Elowen spoke softly. “Your Majesty, it was surely an error of judgment. I’m certain Princess Maerwyn regrets it deeply. Now that I married Cassian, and she calls me ‘Aunt,’ let’s just drop it today.”

Invoking Cassian ensured Theodric could not let the matter slide easily.

Cassian wasn’t here, so she might as well borrow a little of his influence discreetly. Strategic retreat was an excellent tactic.

Hearing this, Maerwyn twisted around, furious. “Quit playing saint! You think I don’t know what you did? If it weren’t for you-”

“Maerwyn!” Theodric roared, cutting her off. “Your aunt shows you mercy,

and you

have the

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Chapter 49 A Reckoning

gall to press your advantage! I have indeed spoiled you beyond reason!”

Tears welled in Maerwyn’s eyes, a mix of fury and self-pity. “I didn’t—!”

“Silence!” Theodric thundered.

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Maerwyn flinched, tears finally spilling over her cheeks. She had never seen her father this

angry.

“Bring them in!” Theodric commanded.

Heavy footsteps sounded from the corridor. Guards entered, escorting three individuals: Autumn and the two palace guards.

Maerwyn’s defiant posture crumpled instantly.

Elowen watched her reaction coolly.

Earlier, when Autumn had been leading her to the side chamber, Elowen had stopped midway, claiming a sudden, severe headache and ordering Autumn to fetch a physician.

Autumn had frowned. “Her Highness instructed me to take you directly to the chamber to rest, Your Grace. Please try to endure it. A headache is nothing serious.”

Mira had stepped forward without hesitation and delivered a sharp slap across Autumn’s face.

“Do you remember who you’re addressing? The Princess’ order is important, but the Duchess’

you lost your mind?” health is not? Telling Her Grace to ‘endure it’—have

It was a tactic Mira had picked up from watching Edith.

Stunned by the blow and Mira’s fierceness, Autumn, clutching her reddened cheek, had scurried off to obey.

Elowen had praised Mira quietly.

The area around the side chamber had already been cleared by Maerwyn’s orders, so it was easy for Elowen to have the two guards she had brought with her enter and subdue the waiting palace guards.

As instructed, they gagged the men and held them elsewhere.

Then, Elowen had waited in the colonnade for Isla.

Once Isla entered the chamber, Elowen had gone to find Theodric.

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Chapter 49 A Reckoning

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She could have left Isla alone with the two guards. But she could not bring herself to do something so vicious to another woman, no matter her faults.

Besides, bringing Theodric made everything cleaner and more definitive.

She had told Theodric that while resting from the wine, she had heard strange noises from the side chamber and had people seize them. Then she saw Isla heading that way, looking unwell. Being young and unsure, she had sought his guidance.

Theodric had gone to calm Isla. Elowen had excused herself to fetch the physician.

And just as she returned, Maerwyn had stormed in to catch the adulterers-her own parents.

Theodric said coldly, “You three. Speak the truth.”

Autumn prostrated herself on the floor, not daring to look up.

Theodric pointed at the two guards. “You. Speak.”

They served Theodric, not a princess. They dared not lie.

Just as they opened their mouths, a weak voice came from the chaise.

“Your Majesty…”

Thanks to the physician’s injection, the effects of the potion had receded enough for Isla to regain some clarity.

She had heard most of the exchange between Theodric and their daughter and understood the gist of what had transpired.

Theodric turned to her, his tone softening. “Are you feeling better?”

Isla pushed herself up to a sitting position. “I am fine. But Elowen was wronged today because of me. The fault is mine, as Queen. Please punish me.”

She made as if to rise and kneel.

Theodric quickly took her wrist, stopping her. “This has nothing to do with you. The blame rests solely on Maerwyn for her wicked, reckless plot!”

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