Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 518

To Albert, her words felt like a thin, piercing thorn.

Not loud, not forceful, but sharp enough to sink deep and linger.

He did not know what expression to wear. Stiffly, he brought his hands together and bowed properly.

"Thank you for your hospitality, and for your guidance. We'll take our leave."

Elowen gave a small nod. "Take care on your way back."

It was not until he had climbed into the carriage and the door shut behind him that Albert slowly let out a breath.

Liam studied him for a moment, then asked, "What's going on with you? You've been out of it all night."

"Nothing..."

Albert slumped back against the seat, tilting his head up, his voice low and heavy. "I just feel like... this time, I have to pass the court qualification trials. No matter what it takes, no matter the cost, I have to pass."

Liam frowned slightly. After a brief hesitation, he lowered his voice. "Do you still like her?"

Albert reacted like he'd been burned, snapping his head toward him. "What? No. Of course not. She's married, and she's pregnant. Why would I..."

Liam looked at him steadily. "I didn't say who."

Albert choked on his words and fell silent.

Seeing his reaction, Liam understood enough.

They were cousins, but they had grown up in the same household, close in age, closer than many brothers. They knew each other's secrets.

For instance, Albert knew about Liam's early indulgences.

And Liam knew that Albert had once harbored feelings for Elowen, had even considered marrying her.

Liam let out a quiet sigh and patted his shoulder. "Even if that's true, it doesn't matter now. She's married, and she's Cassian's wife. That's Cassian. Do you think you can compete with him? Even without his former title, he's still the king's brother. You saw those fireworks tonight. Even if our entire family emptied everything we had, we couldn't pull off something like that. So what are you competing with? What do you have?"

Albert did not respond. He leaned his head back again and closed his eyes.

After a long moment, he clenched his jaw, as if making a final decision.

If I want to stir real trouble for Alaric during the court qualification trials, the Baker family is the best place to start.

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