Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65 The Imposter

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Elowen was too preoccupied with maintaining her composure to bother with Alaric’s blatant disrespect. The accusation, though insulting, was currently the least of her worries.

Mora sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I waited and waited at the agreed-upon spot, but Azure never appeared. I’ve been looking since I entered the hall, but I haven’t seen her either.”

“Perhaps she was detained by other matters?” Alaric suggested.

Isla’s expression sharpened as she recalled something. “Speaking of which, there are still three young ladies who haven’t arrived. Eleanor, Cathy… and Daphne. Daphne is the Garrett girl who gifted Maerwyn Azure’s manuscript pages at the birthday feast.”

Alaric’s memory connected the dots. “Lord Chancellor’s daughter, Daphne?”

Isla nodded.

The two exchanged a significant look.

Galen had once been a famed strategist and advisor for Elowen’s family, renowned for his sharp intellect and literary prowess.

His daughter’s talents would naturally be considerable.

Furthermore, it was Daphne who had given Maerwyn the manuscript.

How did she get her hands on it?

One possibility-she was Azure herself, humble for years and never revealing her identity.

As if summoned by their thoughts, Daphne entered the hall slowly.

eyes

All turned. The girl had a pale lilac silk scarf draped loosely over the lower half of her face. More noticeably, she walked with a distinct, painful limp.

Mora’s eyes widened. “That… that must be her! That’s Azure!”

Isla smiled with satisfaction. “Bring Lady Daphne here.”

Across the hall, Daphne was in a world of hurt. Earlier punishment from Cassian had forced her to kneel under the harsh sun. She’d used the scarf to shield her face from sunburn.

The stone pathway had been merciless, leaving her knees throbbing so badly that every step

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Chapter 65 The Imposter

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was agony.

She was just about to collapse into a seat and gulp some water when a senior maid from the Queen’s retinue approached, summoning her forward.

Daphne took a deep, bracing breath and forced herself to walk, each step a fresh jolt of pain.

As she drew near the dais, her eyes immediately found Elowen.

There she sat, looking perfectly comfortable, nibbling pastries without a care in the world.

A spike of bitter resentment shot through Daphne.

“Are you… Azure?” Mora ventured, her voice tentative.

Daphne froze.

Azure? Me?

The idea was absurd.

“No, I’m not-” she began to deny.

Isla’s voice was gently encouraging. “Lady Daphne, please don’t be afraid. We mean no harm. It’s just that Maerwyn is such an admirer of Azure. We heard she would attend today, and both Alaric and I were curious to meet her in person.”

Alaric made a sound of agreement.

His earlier intrigue about Azure had softened his demeanor. He rested his chin on his hand, his gaze on Daphne almost pleasant. “Just tell the truth. No need for nerves.”

But Daphne’s nerves were screaming. Her palms grew clammy with sweat.

This was the first time Alaric had ever spoken to her with such a mild, almost friendly tone.

In the past, due to her family’s connection with the Hales, she’d crossed paths with him a few times.

He had always been like a distant, untouchable peak-aloof, indifferent, his attention a rare commodity.

The only person who ever seemed to thaw that icy exterior was Elowen.

Daphne had watched, green with envy.

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Chapter 65 The Imposter

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Later, when Alaric began ignoring Elowen too, Daphne. had initially felt a spiteful satisfaction. But she soon realized that without Elowen as a link, she had lost her only tenuous connection to Alaric, leaving her frustrated and disappointed.

And now, he was looking at her, speaking to her. His tone was almost gentle.

A warm, dangerous thrill shot through Daphne’s chest.

Azure…

If only she really were Azure. How perfect that would be.

But…

They didn’t seem to have ever met Azure in person.

The author was beloved by many in Vanelle but had always been a ghost, never seen.

Perhaps Azure had stopped writing. Perhaps she was even dead.

A wild, audacious idea took root in Daphne’s mind.

If that was the case, what was to stop her from claiming the name?

She could write. She composed poems and stories; she believed herself no less talented than this so-called Azure. She’d just lacked the opportunity.

And if she claimed the title here, now, under the witness of the Queen and the Crown Prince, even if the real Azure surfaced later, who would believe her if Daphne held firm?

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