Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 700

Chapter 700 Iris’s Choice

Elowen studied her quietly for a moment–before asking, “Weren’t you supposed to return with Lady Elira today? She’s already gone back to the palace, so why are you still here?

Iris’s lashes fluttered slightly. “His Highness hasn’t left yet. I planned to return with him later.”

Something about that answer made Elowen pause.

You seem rather close these days.”

Iris bit lightly against her lip, then stepped backward and lowered herself to the floor.

Elowen frowned in surprise.

‘What are you doing?”

Keeping her head lowered, Iris answered softly, “Your Grace, I’m afraid I can’t keep the promise I made before. I won’t be able to join the Silverloom Exchange or work beside you as an advisor.”

Elowen looked genuinely confused. “Why not?”

ris’s fingers tightened inside the folds of her skirt, but her voice remained steady.

I’ve decided to become His Highness’s secondary consort.”

The words caught Elowen completely off guard.

For several moments, she did not know how to answer.

Meanwhile, Iris continued calmly.

Your Grace, I heard what happened both at Duskmoor Manor and at the Silverloom Exchange. I know the young heir’s fever and the trouble surrounding the exchange were connected to Lady Elira and the Josies family.”

She lifted her eyes toward Elowen.

“The conflict between them and Duskmoor Manor didn’t begin yesterday, and it won’t end tomorrow either. They fear His Grace’s influence. They fear he may one day threaten Caclan’s future. So they’ll continue testing boundaries again and again.”

Her voice softened tightly.

“Yes, His Majesty reprimanded Lady Elira today, but that won’t erase the Jones tamdy’s ambitions

Then she asked quietly, “And what about the future? What happens when His Majesty grows old? What happens if Caclan eventually takes the throne? What will become of Duskmoor Manor then?”

Elowen remained silent.

Iris continued, “Your Grace needs someone inside the palace Not simply someone who occasionally

1.3

protect your interests.”

At last, Elowen understood.

“You mean… you want to become that person?

Iris nodded.

“Yes. If I become His Highness’s secondary consort, then outwardly I’ll belong to Lady Elira’s household. But my loyalty will always remain with Your Grace.”

Her gaze never wavered.

“If conflict rises between them and Duskmoor Manor again, I.can help smooth things over. If the Jones family makes another move, I’ll hear about it immediately.”

Then her voice softened further.

And if the day ever comes when you truly need help, I’ll still be able to speak for you before His Highness.”

Emotion tightened painfully in Elowen’s chest.

But Iris, you don’t have to do this. Your life belongs to you. You wanted freedom. You wanted to build omething for yourself.”

Her voice gentleɖ.

If you enter the palace as a consort, you’ll spend the rest of your life trapped there.”

ris looked at her seriously.

This isn’t sacrifice, Your Grace. It’s gratitude.”

Her eyes reddened faintly, though her voice remained calm,

If not for you, I would’ve died in the Crown Prince’s Wing long ago. You were the be superson who ever reated me with dignity. You gave me another chance at life.”

Then she smiled softly

A person is willing to give everything for someone who truly understands their Im no duterent

Trying to case Flowen’s concern, she added with a faint laugh Besides may be things won’t turn out so terribly for me I may not be especially beautiful but I do have some scuse and His Highness has always treated me kindly Who knows? Maybe one day Fll become the favored consort Maybe even more than

that”

Elowen’s heart felt painfully full listening to her

“But Iris,” she said softly, the palace is not a gentle place You know that better than anyone One Careless mistake there can destroy a person completely You already suttered enough in the Crown Prince’s Wing

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payment.

Viinis kind of

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