Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 58

Chapter 58 Marwen’s Request

60

+5 Free Coins

Marwen swallowed nervously, gathering her courage. She gestured to Sylvia beside her, trying to sound casual. “It’s just… my daughter, Sylvia, she’s so sheltered. Spends all her time embroidering at home, hardly any friends in Vanelle. I was thinking… perhaps you could take her with you to the gathering? Let her see a bit of the world?”

Elowen smiled but remained silent.

Marwen’s goal wasn’t to broaden Sylvia’s horizons or make friends. She wanted her daughter to be seen by Isla and, more importantly, by Alaric.

The silence made Marwen more anxious. “I know I’ve made mistakes in the past, presuming on my seniority. But Sylvia is innocent in all that. Could you please take her?”

Elowen sighed softly, “It’s not that I’m unwilling. But the gathering is a royal affair, hosted by Her Majesty. I’m still newly married. I don’t have the authority to make such a decision. Perhaps later, when the Duke returns, I’ll ask him?”

Marwen nodded, though her expression was strained. “I… I suppose that will do.”

She stood up. “If there’s news, please send someone to tell me.”

“Of course.”

Marwen led Sylvia away.

Mira looked puzzled. “Your Grace, didn’t His Grace say you have full authority over household matters? Why would taking Lady Sylvia require his permission?”

Cora smiled knowingly, “Her Grace isn’t really going to ask him. She’s deliberately making Marwen wait!”

Elowen nodded in agreement.

Marwen had finally come begging. If Elowen agreed iminediately, it would be too easy. Marwen’s arrogance would likely resurge within days.

Making her wait would take the wind out of her sails and teach her to be more compliant.

Nevertheless, Elowen decided to mention it to Cassian.

But for some reason, she waited and waited, the sky darkened, and Cassian still hadn’t returned.

1/3

12:44 Thu, Feb 12 G

Chapter 58 Marwen’s Request

Mira grew concerned. “Could something have happened?”

-S Fige Cons

Elowen thought for a moment. “We’re in Vanelle. He has Bran and guards with him. It’s not likely. He’s probably just delayed by some matter.

She wasn’t overly worried. As the hour grew late, she finished reviewing the last of the household accounts, washed up, and went to bed.

Fatigue from the day claimed her quickly, and she fell into a deep sleep.

As for Cassian, he finished his business quite late.

Bran fretted, “Her Grace must have waited up for you, unable to sleep.”

Cassian didn’t comment, but the thought that someone was concerned for him, waiting for him—and that someone was Elowen-sent a warm, unfamiliar sensation through his chest.

He only said, “Tell the coachman to hurry.”

“Yes. Your Grace!”

They rushed back to Duskmoor Manor. Lanterns glowed in the courtyard, providing light.

But to Cassian’s surprise, the windows of the main bedchamber were dark.

He entered quietly. Elowen was fast asleep in bed, looking utterly peaceful.

Cassian was so surprised he almost laughed. She went to sleep? Without waiting? And she’s sleeping so soundly!

But as he wheeled closer to the bed, the moonlight fell on Elowen’s serene, delicate face. She looked like a fine doll.

His irritation evaporated instantly.

He watched her for a long moment, then let out a silent sigh.

Fine.

I’ll be patient.

The next morning, Elowen awoke feeling uncomfortably warm.

2/3

12:44 Thu, Feb 12 G

Chapter 58 Marwen’s Request

A

60

+5 Free Coins

Her hand rested on something hard and radiating heat. She squeezed it absently, noting a surprising firmness beneath a layer of softness.

Her mind slowly processed this as her eyes opened. She was met with the sight of Cassian’s shoulder.

She was curled on her side, nestled against him, her right hand resting on his chest.

And what she had just squeezed… was his pectoral muscle.

Sleep fled instantly. She snatched her hand back and glanced at his face. He was still asleep.

Relieved, she carefully slid out of bed.

During breakfast, she brought it up. “Your Grace, Lady Marwen came by yesterday. She requested that I take Lady Sylvia with me to the Queen’s gathering.”

Cassian gave a noncommittal grunt. “That’s your decision.”

Elowen nodded. “Okay.”

After breakfast, Cassian went out again.

Elowen sent a maid to Rose Hall with the message: Cassian had consented, and she would take Sylvia to the gathering.

Marwen returned, her spirits high. This time, she wasn’t alone with Sylvia. Another woman accompanied them.

She appeared to be in her early fifties, dressed in a vibrant red overdress with a green undergown, full of energy.

Elowen knew her.

She was the legitimate wife of the Duke of Falconcrest, mother of Piers-Yvonne Leofric.

She was notorious in Vanelle for her love of gossip and meddling, always prying and spreading

rumors.

In her past life, the tales of Elowen’s life in the Crown Prince’s Wing, her troubles with Alaric, had spread throughout Vanelle thanks largely to this very woman.

As Elowen saw her now, a wave of deep aversion washed over her. Her fingers clenched tight.

3/3