Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 514

Albert, bored out of his mind, glanced around until something caught his eye. He quickly nudged Liam. "Hey, look. Alaric's back."

Liam followed his gaze.

Albert leaned closer, his voice low but urgent. "Should we go talk to him about the court qualification trials now? Before the banquet wraps up?"

Liam grabbed his arm immediately. "Bad idea."

Albert blinked. "Why?"

Liam let out a breath. "You really can't tell? He's in a terrible mood."

Sure enough, Alaric was pouring himself another drink. The decanter ran dry, and his irritation only deepened.

An attendant hurried over with a polite smile, reaching to take it and replace it.

Alaric didn't even look at him. He let the empty decanter drop from his hand.

It hit the stone floor and shattered cleanly.

Liam gave Albert a look. "See that? He's already smashing things. You walk up to him now, and you might be next."

Albert shuddered. That made sense, but he still looked confused. "But he was fine earlier. It hasn't even been that long. What happened?"

Liam shrugged. "Could be anything. Maybe whatever he went to do didn't work out."

They were related, technically, but not close enough to know his mind.

"Either way," Liam added, "this isn't the time."

Albert frowned, clearly worried. "So what now? At this rate, we might actually lose to someone with no backing at all."

That wouldn't just mean a harsh lecture from their grandfather. Worse, it would cost them face in front of the Duchess.

Liam patted his shoulder. "Relax. If today doesn't work, we'll have our fathers visit the Crown Prince's Wing. Let them handle it. Same outcome."

Albert thought it over, then nodded, visibly relieved. "Yeah... that works."

As long as they passed, the method didn't matter.

"Passing's all that matters," he muttered.

The light faded, and evening settled in.

Duke Roland and his wife were the first to rise, offering their farewells to Elowen with warm blessings and polished courtesy.

The banquet was coming to an end.

Elowen stood beside Cassian, seeing the guests off one by one.

They left with smiles and well-wishes, praising their union, offering hopes for a long and prosperous future together.

Elowen returned each with calm grace.

As the crowd thinned, iron sconces along the manor walls were lit, their warm glow softening the edges of the night.

Then, through the hum of departing voices, Elowen caught the sharp scent of wine.

She looked up.

Alaric was walking toward her from the dim courtyard, his steps uneven. Tristan moved to steady him, but Alaric shoved him aside without a word.

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