Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 523

Ayden lowered his voice, making sure no one beyond the room could hear. "Your Highness can rest assured. This will be handled carefully. Only family will know, and nothing will leak. Jayce, Albert, Liam, and I, the four of us will keep this completely sealed."

He leaned in slightly, his tone shifting, softer now, almost coaxing. "To be honest, this is for your benefit too. When Your Highness takes the throne one day, having people in court who are truly yours will make everything easier. Decisions move faster. Fewer obstacles."

He continued, voice low and deliberate. "Look at the court now. How many officials were brought up by the Duke of Duskmoor? When the time comes, if Your Highness has someone you favor, someone you want close, how can you expect those men to act in your interest if they don't belong to your circle?"

Alaric's gaze darkened slightly, something complicated passing through his eyes.

Yes. Someone he favored. Someone he would want near him.

The study fell into silence, heavy and drawn out. At last, Alaric shifted slightly in his seat. "What you've said, I'll keep in mind."

Jayce leaned forward, clearly about to press him for a clear answer.

Ayden caught his arm quickly and pulled him back, stopping him before he could speak.

Alaric waved a hand lightly. "That's all for now. You may go."

Ayden stood at once. "Yes, Your Highness."

Jayce followed a moment later, slower, still uncertain, but he said nothing more.

Once the door closed behind them, the quiet returned.

Alaric lifted a hand to his temple, irritation surfacing as the familiar headache crept back. He pressed his fingers there, eyes closing briefly.

"Your Highness."

At the sound of Iris's voice, Alaric finally looked up at her. "Do you know what they're here for?"

Iris kept her gaze lowered. "I wouldn't dare assume, Your Highness."

A faint, almost amused sound escaped him. "You know. No need to pretend otherwise."

Iris paused for a brief moment, then answered carefully. "They came to speak on behalf of the Baker brothers. They want Your Highness to ensure their success in the court qualification trials."

Alaric nodded once. "You read it well."

He watched her closely. "And what do you think?"

Iris drew a quiet breath before speaking. "If I may be frank, Your Highness and the Baker family stand together. If they rise, Your Highness benefits. If they fall, it will make things more difficult. Supporting them now would, in truth, serve your own interests."

Alaric's fingers paused briefly against his temple before lowering. "That aligns with my thinking."

Iris hesitated, then added softly, "There is one more matter."

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