Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Be Careful

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Chapter 9 Be Careful

Sylvia’s hand throbbed, her cheek stung, and tears streamed down her face. She was overwhelmed by grievance. Without another word, she grabbed the half-finished embroidery from the table and rushed outside.

“Sylvia?”

At the doorway, she nearly ran straight into Lucien.

“You’ve got no skill and still have the nerve to cry. How did I end up raising such a fool?” Marwen shouted behind her, her voice shrill with rage.

Sylvia couldn’t bear to hear another word. She didn’t even stop to call Lucien’s name. Her eyes filled with tears as she hurried off.

Lucien watched her go, then stepped into the room. He asked calmly, “Arguing again?”

Marwen was already fuming. At the sound of his voice, she exploded.

“Who else but that useless sister of yours? I’ve worked myself to the bone, planning her future. And what does she do? Turns her back or us, throwing herself into another family’s arms. She’s already calling that woman cousin-in-law. At this rate, she’ll be begging to wash their feet in a few days!”

At the word cousin-in-law, Lucien raised an eyel row. He sat down beside Marwen and gently

took her hand.

“She’s still young, Mother. She doesn’t understand how things work. Don’t let it upset you. As for our new Duchess…”

He paused, lips curling into a slow smile. “I’ll visit her later. Mother, give me the manor token.”

The guards watching over that wing were far too strict. Without the token, Lucien couldn’t get in. And if he tried to force his way in, those guards wouldn’t hesitate to draw their blades -even on him.

Marwen frowned. “What are you going there for Absolutely not.”

But for hours now, Elowen’s face and that slim waist had haunted Lucien’s thoughts. The images had gnawed at him, itching in a way he couldn’t ignore. There was no way he was giving up.

He coaxed her softly and sweetly. “You’ve been saying she hasn’t come to greet you, haven’t you? You run the household, you can’t be expected to chase after her. She clearly doesn’t care

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Chapter 9 Be Careful

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for the servants. Only I can speak with her. Don’t worry. I promise, by tomorrow, she’ll greet you with proper courtesy.”

Elowen loosened her hair, removed the ornaments from it, and settled herself for the night. Mira finished arranging the blankets and stepped out. She hadn’t taken more than a few steps when a sudden cry escaped her.

Elowen rushed two steps toward the door, just about to ask what had happened.

A man’s voice rang out from outside, calm and amused. “No need to be alarmed, miss. I am Lucien Ashcroft, cousin to the Duke. I mean no harm. Here-this is my access token.”

Elowen’s brow furrowed. Why would he come at such an hour?

Outside, Mira’s voice took on a colder tone. “It’s the middle of the night, Lord Lucien. Might I ask why you’re here?”

Lucien responded with a pleasant tone, “There’s an urgent matter I must discuss with Elowen.”

Mira didn’t hesitate. “Her Grace has already gone to bed. Lord Lucien, please return in the morning.”

Lucien persisted, “It’s truly urgent. Please inform her.”

Mira remained firm. “I’ve served Her Grace since childhood. Once she’s asleep, she’s very difficult to wake. If the matter is urgent, you may come earlier tomorrow.”

Her voice was steady, leaving no room for argument. Lucien was silent for a moment, then gave a soft chuckle. “Very well. I’ll return in the morning.”

Outside, Mira quietly let out a breath. Inside the room, Elowen also relaxed and moved toward the bed.

Then, from the west window, came the faint rustle of movement. She turned her head. A shadow pushed the window open and slipped inside.

Her heart dropped. The figure moved forward two steps. In the candlelight near the bed, his face was revealed-cocky, grinning, and unmistakably familiar.

“So you were lying to me.”

Elowen didn’t hesitate. She opened her mouth to call for help, but Lucien was already prepared. He crossed the room in two quick strides and clamped a hand over her mouth.

“Shhh.”

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Chapter 9 Be Careful

He’d done this before-far too many times. Every movement was practiced.

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“Don’t scream. If the others rush in and see you here alone with me, what do you think they’ll say? It won’t sound good. And besides, do you really want to live the rest of your life as a lonely widow?”

Elowen struggled. She had trained briefly with her father and brothers, but against a grown man like Lucien, she was no match.

Sensing her resistance, Lucien’s breathing grew heavier.

“You’ve never tasted pleasure, that’s why you resist. Just once-and I promise, you’ll crave it every night.”

He lowered his head. His sticky gaze landed on her face.

Then he noticed her eyes-fixed not on him, but on the bed behind them. He laughed low in his throat.

“No need to worry. My cousin won’t ever know. Every royal physician and herbalist has examined him. They all said he’ll never wake again. He’s already useless.”

Elowen struck. She stomped hard on his right foot.

Lucien yelped, his grip faltering. Elowen tore free and shouted, “Mira! Bran!”

They were too far to arrive in time. The path from her room to the outer doors wasn’t short. She knew she couldn’t outrun Lucien, so instead of trying to flee, she sprinted to the display shelf.

Resting there was a heavy broadsword. Bran had once told her it was the sword Cassian had carried into war.

Elowen, daughter of a soldier’s house, would never allow herself to be violated without a fight.

Lucien looked amused. “Are you sure you want them in here? I’m only trying to spare you the shame. Once they’re gone, we can do it right here, in front of my cousin. He won’t know. You and I, though we can enjoy every second.”

“Shut up.”

Elowen snapped. She gripped the sword with both hands. She had held blades before. But this one-this one was absurdly heavy. She lifted it with great effort, her arms trembling under the weight.

So focused on the sword, she failed to notice the movement on the bed. She tightened her

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