Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 556

Elowen recognized the crest immediately.

A servant hurried to set the step in place, and Kaelan stepped down, his expression tight.

She had expected him to come, just not this fast.

"Your Grace."

He walked straight up and stopped a few steps away. "Is Josh back? Is he safe?"

Elowen nodded calmly. "He's fine. You didn't need to worry."

Marissa tensed instantly. "Why are you asking about my son like that? Did something happen?"

Kaelan turned to her at once, offering a respectful bow. "You must be his mother. Earlier today, the Crown Prince hosted a banquet at the Crown Prince's Wing for the newly admitted scholars. Your son was summoned as well."

Marissa frowned, confused. "But he didn't pass. Why would they call him?"

Kaelan hesitated. He couldn't say the truth.

That Josh had been used as leverage. That would only make things worse.

Elowen stepped in smoothly. "There's nothing to worry about. Josh and Nikki are both here. You can relax. For now, your family should stay here with us."

Marissa's eyes reddened. "We already owe you so much... He didn't pass. He let you down, and his father..."

Elowen shook her head gently. "Let me ask you something. Do you think his writing is actually poor?"

Marissa sighed. "I wouldn't know. I've never understood that kind of thing. I just know he studies constantly. But if he failed... then it must not have been good enough."

"No," Kaelan cut in, unable to hold back. "That's not true. He's better than I am."

Elowen added, "This is Kaelan, Lady Aveline's son. He studied under Edmund as well, same as Josh, and he took the court qualification trials this year."

Marissa quickly inclined her head in greeting.

Kaelan thought for a moment, then turned back to Elowen. "I passed by the Imperial Examination Hall on my way here. There are still people gathered outside. A lot of them. The ones who didn't make it aren't leaving, and they're talking."

He paused.

"They're saying the results don't add up. Especially the Baker family. Those two made the top ranks somehow. People aren't buying it."

He glanced at her, hesitant. "As for you..."

Elowen smiled faintly. "I'll handle it. You should head back."

Kaelan understood. He bowed and returned to his carriage.

Once he left and Marissa's family had been settled, Elowen called Anson over.

"Go find Finn," she said. "Bookshops are where news spreads fastest. Scholars, travelers, people from everywhere. Have him start something."

Her tone sharpened.

"Nothing obvious. Just enough to make people question things. Say the results look off this year. Talented men didn't make it, while noble sons rose to the top. Suggest there might be something behind it."

She met his eyes. "Make sure it spreads. The right people need to hear it."

Anson nodded immediately. "Understood."

You don't fix weak writing overnight. And you definitely don't fix it two days before an exam.

They're all connected. Whether he realizes it or not.

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