Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 150: Not Familiar?

What kind of spell did this woman cast on Uncle Cassian?

The guard pushed the door open.

Instantly, Cassian's cool, measured voice reached Elowen's ears. "I know."

The timbre was pleasing, but the tone was as cold and unyielding as iron, devoid of any emotional warmth.

For a fleeting moment, Elowen found it unfamiliar.

But perhaps this was the real Cassian.

The Cassian of legend, the one described in countless tales, was exactly like this—aloof and unapproachable, seated high above the fray.

Taking a step inside, Elowen was suddenly met with the gaze of a room full of men.

Their stares held no malice, but they were strangers, and she couldn't help the flutter of nerves.

Cassian sat at the head of the large central table, his eyes lifting to meet hers. The light in the room was dim, making it hard to read his expression.

She drew a steadying breath, her fingers tightening around the handle of the tiffin carrier, and forced herself to walk forward.

Reaching his side, she glanced left and right.

The table was strewn with tactical maps, letters, inkwells, and quills—no clear space in sight. Every item looked more important than the simple container in her hands.

As she hesitated, Cassian reached out and took the carrier from her.

With a decisive sweep, he pushed a large map aside and set the carrier squarely on the table.

The other officers seated around the table stared, eyes wide.

Hold on.

Weren't you just saying that map was more vital than all our lives put together?

Cassian looked up at Elowen, his voice softening. "What brings you here?"

The officers' eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

What in the blazes?!

What kind of voice is that?

Your Grace, have you been possessed?

Under the collective stare, Elowen felt her cheeks warm. She lowered her voice, embarrassed. "Doctor Dray said your legs haven't fully healed and you need to keep taking medicine. I didn't know when you'd be back, so I brought it to you."

Cassian nodded, understanding. "So you were worried about my leg."

He spoke at a volume that ensured everyone present could hear him clearly.

For some reason, Elowen got the distinct impression he'd said it on purpose, as if... showing off.

But what was there to show off about?

Puzzled, she tilted her head and gave him a curious look.

Cassian lifted the medicine bowl from the carrier.

"The journey was long," Elowen said, glancing at it. "It might have gone cold."

"It's fine. Perfect temperature."

With that, he brought the bowl to his lips and drained it in one go.

He drank so quickly that a few drops clung to the corner of his mouth.

Elowen took a handkerchief, intending to hand it to him. But he didn't seem to notice, so she reached out to dab the liquid away herself.

At that exact moment, Cassian set the bowl down, and his hand came up to cover hers.

The touch of his skin against hers sent an involuntary shiver through her, and she snatched her hand back.

The handkerchief fell into Cassian's hand. He smoothly dabbed his mouth again and asked, "I'll be a while. Can you wait for me?"

Elowen nodded. "I'll wait outside."

"Very well."

She collected the empty bowl back into the carrier and retreated the way she came.

The moment the door clicked shut, the officers exchanged glances, their faces alight with poorly suppressed glee.

One, gathering his courage, ventured, "Your Grace, the Duchess is truly devoted! To come all this way just to bring you your medicine!"

A faint smile touched Cassian's lips. "Yes. She cares for me deeply."

Another officer, a burly man with a thick beard, looked puzzled. "But... when you touched her hand just now, she pulled back as if stung. You two don't seem familiar with one another?"

Cassian's smile vanished. He shot the man a frosty look.

Not familiar? We kissed just last night!

A square-faced officer next to him chuckled, "How could they not be familiar? His and Her Grace have been wed for some time now. I wager it won't be long before we hear news of a young heir. Who says they're not familiar?"

He expected this comment to earn at least a smile from Cassian.

Instead, Cassian's expression darkened further.

Before the man could attempt to recover, Cassian's icy voice cut through the room. "Funny how you're all so chatty now. When I asked for volunteers a minute ago, every last one of you went dead quiet."

Instantly, all heads bowed in meek submission.

...

Outside, Elowen stepped out of the tent, pointedly ignoring Alaric where he stood waiting.

She offered the guard a polite smile. "Might there be a place to rest nearby? The Duke asked me to wait for him."

"Of course, Your Grace. Right this way," the guard said.

They turned to go.

"Aunt." The word came from behind her, sharp and clear.

He said it more smoothly than before, but it carried a distinct, gritted-teeth quality.

Yeah, he was pissed.

Elowen turned back, voice cool and even. "Your uncle is still occupied. He will see you when he is finished."

Alaric frowned. "That's not what I wanted to ask!"

But Elowen had already turned away, showing no intention of listening further.

"Stop!" Alaric commanded, his voice rising.

When she didn't halt, he strode after her. "I said stop! Are you deaf?!"

With that, he reached out, rough and abrupt, to grab her arm.