Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 505

Outside Stillwater Court, Alaric stood beneath the carved estate crest, hands clasped behind his back as he stared up at it, his expression dark and unreadable.

The name was refined, almost poetic, but what truly grated on him was what it implied. A shared home. A shared life. Something intimate, something deliberate.

They really went and made this official, didn't they?

He let out a cold, silent laugh.

It suggested affection and devotion, the kind that looked effortless on the surface but was carefully held in place underneath.

If he ever took full control of Avenlor, the first thing he would do would be to have that crest taken down. No, not destroyed, that would be too simple. He would have it replaced, rewritten into something that reflected what this place should have been from the start.

Something that bore his name.

Alaric's gaze turned colder before he finally looked away and strode forward.

The two guards stationed at the entrance immediately tensed when they saw him. As he approached, they stepped forward in unison, blocking his path with clear caution.

"Your Highness," one of them said carefully.

"If you have urgent business, we can announce you first."

Alaric's voice dropped, sharp and controlled. "You do remember that I'm the Crown Prince, right? Everything in Vanelle answers to the Crown. Is there anywhere I'm not allowed to walk into?"

The guards exchanged a quick glance.

He took another step closer, his tone growing more cutting. "And let's not pretend things are what they used to be. There's no Duskmoor Manor anymore. The man you once answered to doesn't hold that title now. So if you decide to stand in my way, tell me, who exactly is going to back you up?"

The two men looked at each other again.

The lady of the house wasn't inside. Only Cassian.

If Alaric insisted on entering, stopping him would only cause trouble, and there was little risk in letting him through.

They stepped aside.

Alaric didn't spare them another glance as he walked in, his posture calm but laced with arrogance.

Behind him, Iris spoke up at the right moment. "Your Highness, I'll wait outside."

She had no interest in getting involved in whatever this turned into.

Alaric didn't look at her, only gave a quiet, indifferent response. "Mm."

Iris remained where she was, relieved.

Alaric walked straight toward the main residence. The estate was busy today, servants moving about with tasks, and no one paid him much attention.

He circled the main hall once and found no one. A faint crease formed between his brows.

Ella is likely in the study.

He had been here before. He knew where it was. As he drew closer, he heard the soft, clear sound of porcelain touching wood.

A cup being set down.

His expression softened slightly, a trace of anticipation slipping in.

She's there.

Cassian no longer held power. No longer stood above everyone else. He's just another man. Nothing more.

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