Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60 The Carriage Ride

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The mention of a beheaded official instantly silenced Marwen.

Yvonne’s expression also shifted slightly.

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Elowen’s

gaze settled calmly on her. “So you see, since we are not in the military and don’t know the facts, discussing it within these walls is one thing. But it ends here. It would be unwise to spread idle talk outside. Don’t you agree, Duchess Yvonne?”

Yvonne forced a smile. “Yes… of course, you’re quite right…”

Once outside the courtyard, Yvonne couldn’t help but mutter to Marwen, “You were right. That girl is sharp. A few words, and she shut us both down completely.”

Marwen sighed dramatically, “Yes, my life here is truly difficult.”

Yvonne cast her a sympathetic look. “You’ve got it rough.”

Her eyes flicked to the trailing Sylvia. “But if your daughter catches the Crown Prince’s eye- even as a concubine-you won’t have to endure such slights.”

Marwen beamed. “I’ll take that blessing, Countess!”

The visit from Yvonne and Marwen left Elowen in a somber mood.

She would, of course, not ask Cassian about the incident.

If Yvonne’s story was true, if Cassian’s former love had indeed gone to the garrison to confront him, then Elowen would likely have to step aside.

She wondered if the money she had now would be enough to live on for the rest of her life.

Perhaps I should return to my old trade? Write another story as Azure?

With these thoughts, the day of the royal gathering arrived.

Given the summer heat, Isla had scheduled it for the morning.

After breakfast, Elowen instructed Bran to prepare the carriage.

“Two carriages,” Cassian stated from beside her, his tone unhurried.

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Chapter 60 The Carriage Ride

Elowen glanced at him, surprised.

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Reading the confusion in her eyes, he explained, “I’m coming too.”

Elowen stared.

Seeing her expression, Cassian raised an eyebrow. “Don’t want me there?”

Elowen shook her head fast. “That’s not it…”

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These past few days, Elowen had decided to revive her pen name. She’d heard the publisher who used to handle her work would be at the gathering, and they had arranged to meet discreetly.

She had always kept her identity as Azure a closely guarded secret, even within her own family.

If people around her found out she wrote stories? Mortifying.

Just imagining friends or family reading her work made her cringe.

She had said nothing about it to anyone, least of all to Cassian.

If he accompanied her, she would feel constrained, unable to slip away for her private meeting.

She felt a twinge of anxiety but carefully kept it from showing.

As they moved to leave, they found Sylvia already waiting outside.

Seeing them, she immediately curtsied. “Your Graces.”

Cassian gave a noncommittal grunt.

Elowen offered her a kind smile. “Come on. Let’s ride together.”

“Yes.”

Two carriages stood ready. Elowen’s plan was to ride with Sylvia.

She was about to head toward one when Cassian’s voice stopped her.

“Elowen.”

She turned.

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Chapter 60 The Carriage Ride

He looked at her, a faint smile on his lips. “Aren’t you coming?”

Elowen gave a soft, “Oh,” and obediently walked over to him.

Inside the carriage, they rode in silence.

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Elowen could not fathom it. For all the talk of a verse salon, this gathering was plainly a crown princess selection hosted by Isla expressly for Alaric.

Cassian clearly didn’t dote on his nephew, so he wasn’t here to help Alaric vet brides.

So why was he coming?

The carriage rolled smoothly into the palace grounds and came to a halt.

Suddenly, from outside, came the sound of light, mocking female laughter.

“Isn’t this the Duskmoor carriage? The Duchess is alone in the palace again, I see.”

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