Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 507

More than anything, he loved putting on a show. It didn't matter where he was, if there was a moment to play it up, he would.

Elowen didn't mind that at all.

She leaned in just slightly, her tone easy. "I was going to call him out anyway. Someone like Alaric practically asks for it."

Cassian chuckled under his breath. "Sounds like you're doing him a favor."

Elowen tipped her head, eyes glinting. "Then maybe I should throw a couple insults your way too. Keep things fair."

Cassian lifted a brow, clearly entertained. "Go on then."

She actually paused, thinking it over with mock seriousness. "You're hopeless."

Cassian laughed, pulling her in by the waist and drawing her close.

Elowen let herself sink against him, relaxed in his arms. "And kind of unbearable."

That only made him laugh harder.

They stayed like that for a while, until something crossed Elowen's mind. Her smile softened, a touch of regret slipping in. "It's a shame my aunt couldn't make it today."

The moment Cassian agreed to host the celebration, Elowen had written to Rivenshire, asking Elspeth to bring Nina back to Vanelle.

But Elspeth had replied that she hadn't realized the exact date. By the time she found out, she had already promised Nina a trip, everything packed and ready.

Now that she treated Nina as her own daughter, she couldn't bring herself to break that promise.

Elowen didn't blame her.

If my mom made me a promise at that age and then took it back... yeah, I'd hold onto that for a long time.

Cassian's arm rested loosely around her. "She may not be here in person, but her gifts showed up days ago."

That drew a laugh from Elowen.

For a birthday, Elspeth had sent what could only be described as a small caravan's worth of gifts.

Out of curiosity, Elowen had opened a few crates. Inside were neatly stacked gold bars, silver pieces, fine brocades and silks, and even a full chest of tiny garments and delicate ornaments clearly meant for the child she was carrying.

Along with the gifts came one of Elspeth's attendants, looking deeply apologetic as she delivered the message.

"My lady worries the gifts are too modest. She asks Your Grace not to take offense. Once she and Nina return from their travels, they will come to Vanelle to visit in person."

Compared to that, the offerings from the other noble houses in Vanelle felt almost insignificant.

The manor's storage rooms were already filled to the brim, so the extra chests had been placed in an adjacent courtyard under guard.

"Your Grace."

Anson's voice came from outside the study door. "Lady Aveline has arrived."

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