Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61 A Lesson in Respect

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Cassian leaned forward and pushed the wooden door open with one hand.

Daphne and the other young women found themselves face-to-face with his strikingly handsome, yet utterly icy, countenance.

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His gaze was sharp as a blade. Unaccustomed to such intensity, the girls instinctively recoiled.

But they were already surrounded. Duskmoor Manor guards had silently closed in, cutting off any escape.

They never would’ve guessed that someone as high and untouchable as Cassian would actually show up at a verse salon with Elowen.

Right now, Cassian stood above them, looking down, his eyes sweeping over their faces.

“Eleanor Ginvier, daughter of Councilor Edward Ginvier.

“Cathy Lancaster, daughter of Academician Richard Lancaster.

“Daphne Garrett, daughter of Lord Chancellor Galen Garrett.”

With each name, their faces paled further.

Cassian paused, as if in thought.

“Did your fathers neglect to inform you? Elowen was wed to me by His Majesty’s own decree. I am more than satisfied with this union. To disrespect her is to disrespect me. And to disrespect me,” his tone lowered, “is to disrespect His Majesty. I heard every word you said. It seems your fathers hold strong opinions-about both His Majesty and me.”

Thud.

Daphne was the first to drop to her knees. The other two quickly followed.

“W-We were wrong, Your Grace! Please forgive us!”

“Have mercy, Your Grace!”

“We… we were misled by rumors!”

Cassian raised a brow. “Oh? Rumors? I’m curious-who spread the tale that I’m in love with someone else and that I’m marrying Elowen because I’ve been forced into it?”

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Chapter 61 A Lesson in Respect

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Daphne kept her head bowed so low her chin touched her chest. “I… I don’t know the source… It’s just what many in Vanelle are saying…”

The others nodded frantically. “Yes! So many people in Vanelle say

it!!”

Cassian’s voice was flat. “Fine. However, your vile insults towards my wife just now-I heard every

bit of it. Today, I’ll let this be a small warning for a big lesson. Kneel here for an hour, and we’ll let the matter rest.”

Daphne bit her lip, humiliation burning through her. She had never endured such public shame.

But they were undeniably guilty, caught red-handed by one of the most powerful men in the kingdom. There was no choice but to submit..

After instructing the guards to ensure the sentence was carried out, Cassian turned to Elowen. His voice softened. “Let’s go.”

Elowen murmured an assent.

Finally, she understood why he had insisted on coming today.

The incident with the woman at the Northern Garrison had spread through Vanelle’s gossip mills.

Sheltered in the manor these past days, Elowen had been unaware. But once she entered the palace, especially one teeming with noblewomen, she would have inevitably faced whispers and barbs.

Cassian had come to shield her.

Daphne and her friends were the example he made to warn the rest, and the spreading gossip would soon die down.

As she pushed his wheelchair towards the palace halls, Elowen bowed her head slightly. “Thank you,” she said, her gratitude genuine.

A faint smile touched Cassian’s lips. “Don’t you have any questions for me?”

About the garrison woman. About whether he truly had a beloved. About who she might be.

He felt she could ask. He wanted her to.

Elowen considered for a moment. “I do have one.”

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Chapter 61 A Lesson in Respect

His expression warmed with anticipation.

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“Would you prefer to go see His Majesty first?” she asked gently. “The verse salon is for ladies. You might find it uncomfortable.”

Cassian stared. “…That’s your question?”

“Is there… another I should ask?” Elowen seemed genuinely perplexed.

Cassian almost laughed, a short, humorless sound. It confirmed it. Her supposed admiration was just empty words. She felt nothing for him.

“Fine,” he bit out, the word sharp. “To see the King.”

Elowen sensed his sudden displeasure but found it baffling. She decided not to press.

Years ago, under the pen name

“Azure,” she had partnered with the Willow Breeze Bookshop in the west district to publish Tales of Luminara.

The bookshop owner’s wife was attending today’s event, and they had arranged to meet.

Once she delivered Cassian to the King, she could slip away for her own rendezvous.

Elsewhere in the palace, Maerwyn was in a state of delightful agitation.

She gripped her maid Moll’s hands, her voice trembling with excitement. “Is it true? Are you certain? Azure might come to the gathering today?”

This was the third time she’d asked.

Moll nodded vigorously. “It’s true, Your Highness! I checked thoroughly! Azure published Tales of Luminara with the Willow Breeze Bookshop. The bookshop owner is cousins with the Court Chronicler. The Court Chronicler’s wife and daughter are attending today and brought his cousin’s wife along. She has met Azure in person! She said Azure will be here today!”

A blush crept onto Maerwyn’s cheeks. “She’s coming… She’s really coming… Could she be the daughter of some official here in Vanelle? Who could she be? Oh, if only she could marry my brother! If Azure married Alaric, I would be the happiest person in the world!”

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