Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 497

Albert blinked, clearly still foggy, his expression slow to catch up. "The Duchess of Duskmoor... who's that supposed to be?"

Liam shot him a look, a little sharper, a little quicker on the uptake. "You're kidding, right? That's Elowen."

Elowen.

The name hit harder than it should have.

Albert froze for a split second, then straightened slightly as the haze of last night's drinking cleared from his mind far faster than before.

Her.

Liam, meanwhile, was already thinking ahead, his tone more practical. "With the Duke stripped of his title, I doubt many people will bother showing up to her celebration. It doesn't exactly sound like an event worth attending."

Clarisse let out a soft laugh, the kind that carried just enough edge to make the correction unmistakable.

"You're behind on your information," she said smoothly. "The Duke may have been stripped of his title, and the estate has been reassigned, now officially known as Hale Manor, but that doesn't change her standing. The title 'Lady of Grace and Virtue' was granted to her personally by His Majesty and Queen Isla. That rank doesn't disappear just because her husband fell from favor."

She paused just long enough for the point to settle.

"And more importantly," she continued, her tone turning almost light, "she's Azure. The author everyone in Vanelle can't stop talking about. People admire her far beyond the court. She doesn't rely on the Duke to hold her place."

As she spoke, her gaze drifted, deliberately settling on Albert.

She took in the way his expression had gone slightly distant, the way something unspoken flickered behind his eyes.

For the first time that morning, she felt a trace of satisfaction.

So it does get to you after all.

The corner of her lips lifted.

"When the day comes, make sure you're dressed properly," she added, her tone easy but carrying quiet authority. "Whatever his current situation, the Duke still commands real wealth, and that kind of influence doesn't vanish overnight. The celebration will be anything but modest. Anyone who matters in Vanelle will be there."

Her gaze moved between the two of them, measured and deliberate.

"So try not to embarrass the family."

The invitation made its way into the royal residence as well.

Isla held the parchment between her fingers, reading it once, then again, her brows drawing together.

After a moment, she asked, "Did she send one to Elira too?"

The attendant beside her shook her head. "No, Your Majesty. This was delivered only to your court. Nothing was sent to Lady Elira."

Isla let out a faint, humorless laugh. "Careful. Very careful."

Anyone paying attention knew where Duskmoor's loyalties had once leaned. And yet this time, Elowen had followed court etiquette perfectly, acknowledging only the Queen.

The attendant lowered her voice. "Will Your Majesty attend?"

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