Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 262: The Threat

Cassian lifted a brow.

"Alright," he said calmly. "Then the moment we return, Cecilia goes back to the palace."

Elowen froze. "What?"

Her thoughts tangled instantly. Heat rushed to her face and she struggled to form words.

"I... I..."

Cassian did not let her finish.

He kissed her again, slower this time, his lips moving downward along her throat. Elowen's breathing unraveled on its own.

Her chest rose and fell unevenly, her body responding before her mind could catch up.

Just when she felt herself slipping completely under the tide of it, Cassian suddenly stopped.

He looked down at her.

The expression in his eyes carried quiet amusement, but there was something deeper beneath it.

"Do you want this?" he asked.

Elowen bit her lower lip. Her thoughts argued fiercely with the warmth running through her body.

Her body won. She let out a small, helpless sound.

"Mm."

Cassian's mouth curved slightly.

He kissed her again. Just as he had the second time the night before, he drew her onto his lap and lifted her by the waist.

Elowen squeezed her eyes shut in pure humiliation.

And still Cassian asked, his voice low near her ear, "What are you thinking about, Ella?"

Elowen forced out the words between uneven breaths.

"If I ever believe you again when you say your leg hurts, then I must be the dumbest hound alive... mm..."

Cassian laughed under his breath.

"Then I suppose our stubborn little hound deserves a reward."

When everything finally settled, Elowen slept for a long time.

When she woke again, Cassian was gone. Only the faint warmth he left behind lingered.

Outside, the sky was still gray and dull. Thick clouds pressed low over the hills. For a moment she could not tell whether it was morning or evening.

Elowen slowly pushed herself upright, pulling the blanket close around her shoulders.

Mira had been waiting outside.

Hearing the movement inside the bed curtains, she stepped in quietly and stopped beside the bed.

"Duchess, you're awake?"

Elowen spoke, her voice hoarse.

"What time is it?"

"Evening," Mira answered respectfully.

Elowen blinked. "Evening?"

Mira nodded. "His Grace gave orders before he left the room. He said you were exhausted yesterday and no one was to disturb you."

Heat rose to Elowen's face again.

She quickly changed the subject. "Where is he?"

Mira lifted the bed curtains as she answered.

"His Grace woke before dawn. Around midmorning he had someone bring Doctor Dray to examine him. He should be in the study now. He also ordered the kitchen to keep supplements and a few light dishes ready, so they can be served the moment you wake."

Elowen let out a quiet huff.

At least Cassian still has a trace of conscience.

With Mira's help she washed, changed into fresh clothes, and ate the supplements and light dishes prepared for her.

The food settled her stomach, and some strength returned, though a faint soreness still lingered in places she would rather not think about.

After rinsing her mouth, Cora entered.

"Duchess, Anwen from the Baker family has arrived. Clarisse is with her."

Elowen frowned.

Anwen and Clarisse? Why would they come here?

After a moment's thought she said, "Bring them to the Great Hall."

"And invite Yvonne and Elspeth as well. Tell them Anwen and Clarisse have arrived and I would like them to join us."

"Yes, Duchess." Cora left immediately.

Elowen made her way to the Great Hall and took the main seat.

Her thoughts drifted briefly toward Cassian's leg.

Hugh had already examined him. So is he better now, or worse?

Anwen and Clarisse soon entered, led by a maid.

But Elowen's attention shifted immediately to the man walking behind them.

He was enormous.

Nearly seven feet tall, broad across the shoulders and thick through the back, his work clothes stretched tight over heavy muscle.

He looked like a man shaped by open fields and hard labor, rough and powerful in a way that lacked any polish.

Elowen recognized him instantly.

In her previous life, at the lookout, he had been the one holding Clarisse. Later he had climbed into the carriage with her and another man.

Elowen had not expected Clarisse to be bold enough to bring him here openly.

Today he wore plain laborer's clothes.

His head was lowered, his posture exaggeratedly submissive as he followed behind Anwen and Clarisse.

He stopped beneath the eaves outside the Great Hall and stood quietly with his hands at his sides, looking like nothing more than a harmless servant.

Clarisse wore a pale green gown.

It was simple but elegant, showing off her slender waist. Her cheeks carried a faint blush.

When she saw Elowen seated above, Clarisse performed a proper curtsey.

Anwen stepped forward first, smiling eagerly.

"Greetings, Duchess," she said warmly. "We heard that His Grace and the duchess were resting at this estate, so I brought my daughter to pay our respects. If we've intruded, please forgive us."

Elowen returned a polite smile. "You're very thoughtful. Please sit. As it happens, Yvonne and Elspeth are staying here as well. I've sent for them. They should arrive shortly and we can speak together."

Anwen's eyes flickered. She hesitated before speaking again, her tone suddenly strained.

"To be honest, Duchess, I did not come merely to visit. There is something urgent I hope to ask of you."

Elowen tilted her head slightly. "Oh?"

Anwen sighed deeply.

"I only received confirmation at noon today. Yesterday my husband acted foolishly while serving in the army and committed a grave mistake. His Grace was furious and ordered an investigation himself."