Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 524

Iris tilted her head slightly, as if recalling. "I don't know much about art, but I did hear one name mentioned. Winter Crows on the Water."

Leonhart stopped mid-step, eyes going wide. "You're serious? That piece?"

His voice rose with disbelief. "I've been looking for that for years. Everyone says the original is gone, only copies left, and most of those aren't even worth mentioning. He actually found it?"

He rubbed his hands together, excitement practically spilling over.

Iris kept her tone mild. "I can't say whether it's genuine. I only heard that the brushwork makes the birds look almost alive."

Leonhart gave her a sideways look. "You say you don't know art, then say something like that? That's not fair."

Iris lowered her gaze quickly. "I wouldn't dare. I'm only repeating what I was told."

Leonhart studied her for a moment, then smiled, clearly charmed by her sincerity.

Then something clicked in his mind. "Wait, yesterday at Hale Manor, you seemed a little off. What was going on? Is someone giving you trouble at the Crown Prince's Wing?"

At that, Iris's smile faded just slightly. She shook her head. "You misunderstand. No one is troubling me."

Leonhart didn't believe that for a second. If anything, it made him more curious. He was about to press further when he suddenly stopped and straightened.

"Your Highness."

Iris followed his line of sight.

She lifted her gaze slightly and met a pair of dark, steady eyes. Then she saw him clearly.

Caelan.

His expression was calm, composed, his presence quiet but unmistakable. The moment their eyes met, something tightened in her chest.

She immediately lowered her gaze and stepped aside, giving a proper curtsy.

Caelan didn't look at her again. His attention remained on Leonhart. "Leonhart, heading to the Crown Prince's Wing?"

Leonhart grinned. "Yeah. Alaric got his hands on some rare pieces and asked me to come take a look. Might even gift me one or two if I'm lucky. Where are you headed?"

"To the Pavilion of Imperial Grace. His Majesty asked me to retrieve some records."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted briefly toward Iris. "And this is?"

Iris felt her shoulders tense slightly.

Leonhart answered casually. "She serves at the Crown Prince's Wing. Very capable. Her name's Iris."

Iris remained lowered, but a chill crept through her. Caelan gave a quiet acknowledgment.

"I won't keep you," he said calmly. "I have somewhere to be."

Leonhart waved him off. "Go ahead."

They parted at the crossing path. Iris straightened and Leonhart kept talking beside her, going on about the paintings with growing excitement, but none of it reached her. His words blurred into background noise.

It's on him. On that gaze.

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