Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 500

The round-faced girl looked momentarily thrown, then recovered with a faint, amused smile. "All right then, explain it. What exactly makes her so admirable to you?"

Elara didn't hesitate. "Because she's Azure. I've read Tales of Luminara and Ode to Springlight more times than I can count. I never get tired of them."

The girl let out a soft scoff, her expression openly dismissive. "Those? They're just romantic stories people pass around for amusement. Entertaining at best, but hardly something worth taking seriously."

Elara's brows drew together, but before she could respond, the girl continued, clearly enjoying the sound of her own voice.

"My grandfather is Edmund, a scholar whose name carries weight across the realm. I was raised on proper learning, taught what truly matters. Stories that revolve around romance and personal entanglements don't hold any real value. Carrying one around would only make a mockery of my upbringing."

Elara felt her patience thinning. "If you don't like them, that's your choice. But why drag your family's name into it like that?"

The girl tilted her chin slightly. "Because it reflects standards. If we're being honest, the title Lady of Grace and Virtue should have gone to Clarisse of the Baker family. She's a true talent. As for the Duchess, those stories only appeal to girls who haven't been properly educated. No respectable lady spends her days buried in romance."

Elara's hand tightened at her side.

She really thinks she can talk like that and get away with it.

She took a step forward, ready to put an end to it, when a voice carried across the garden entrance.

"Her Highness, Princess Maerwyn, has arrived."

The tension shifted instantly.

Everyone turned.

Maerwyn stepped into view, dressed in deep rose silk threaded with gold, her posture effortless, her presence commanding without a word. A line of attendants followed behind her at a respectful distance.

She walked straight ahead, barely sparing a glance for the young ladies who inclined their heads as she passed.

As she neared the gazebo, the group quickly composed themselves.

"Your Highness."

Elara lowered her head as well.

Maerwyn didn't acknowledge them and continued forward, as if they weren't worth her time.

Elara glanced at the round-faced girl, then back at Maerwyn.

Then she made up her mind.

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