Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 300: Revenge

Daphne paused. "You mean... Elowen?"

Alaric might not believe it, but Daphne did.

She'd suspected, even at Sylvia's wedding, that the exposure of Azure's identity had been arranged from the shadows, Elowen's work.

And now Daphne had been shoved into humiliation because of her.

Hatred pooled in Daphne's eyes.

One day, I'll make sure you fall from that high horse of yours—and when you do, everyone will be there to laugh.

And when she did, Daphne would be there to watch everyone laugh.

A few days later, Sylvia's return visit arrived.

Since she'd married from Duskmoor Manor, she returned here by custom.

Elowen rose early. While she sat at the mirror getting ready, Cassian leaned in, thoughtful.

"Ella," he said, "when you married me, I was unconscious. You returned to your family alone."

Elowen nodded. "Right."

Cassian frowned. "I should've gone with you."

Then, as if making a decision, he said, "Let me make it up to you. In a couple days. Okay?"

Elowen nodded easily. "Okay."

Cassian looked satisfied and kissed her.

Once she was ready, Elowen gathered her attendants and went to meet Elspeth, and together they headed to the front hall.

Not long after, Piers arrived with Sylvia.

They greeted Elowen and Elspeth properly. Then Piers went to pay respects to Cassian by custom.

Sylvia stayed behind with Elowen and Elspeth to drink coffee and talk.

Elowen looked Sylvia over with warm satisfaction.

She wore a pomegranate-crimson gown of rich brocade, its fabric woven with winding floral patterns that shimmered subtly in the light. In her hair rested a set of red-gold ornaments set with deep rubies, their glow warm against the dark strands.

Her skin was smooth and luminous, like fine porcelain, carrying a natural flush that lent softness to her features, the delicate color of early spring blossoms just touched by the gentle warmth of the season.

Sylvia's doing well at Falconcrest Manor.

Elspeth grinned. "So. Wedding night. How was it? Did it hurt or did it feel good?"

Sylvia went rigid, face flaming. "I... I..."

Elspeth waved it off like it was nothing. "We're all married women. Talking about it privately is normal."

Sylvia looked like she wanted the floor to open and swallow her.

Elowen sat there with her warm cup and watched, entertained.

Then Elspeth's eyes slid toward her. "Actually, when you and Cassian were at Sunspire Hill that many days, I'm guessing you two had a great time."

Elowen's face went pale instantly.

Elspeth's tone stayed completely serious. "Why are you blushing? The important thing now is getting pregnant. You need a big healthy boy, and you need him soon."

Right then, Gerda came in to announce, "The marquess is here."

Elspeth's smile froze.

Gerda hesitated and added, "He brought someone."

Irritation flickered through Elspeth's eyes.

Elowen said, "If you don't want to see them, we can send them away."

Elspeth's mouth turned cold. "It's Sylvia's return visit. If they show up now and I throw them out, how does that look?"

Elowen nodded once. "Gerda, tell them to come later."

Gerda bowed and went to deliver the message.

The three women returned to conversation.

Elowen had wanted to keep Piers and Sylvia for a meal, but they planned to go to Aldric's grave to pay respects, so Elowen didn't force them to stay.

After they left, Gerda returned, expression complicated. "The marquess is waiting in the side hall. He says if he doesn't see you, he won't leave."

Elowen looked at Elspeth.

Elspeth gave a sharp laugh. "Fine. Let them come. Let's hear what nonsense he wants to spill."

Not long after, Alistair arrived with Lydia.

Elspeth didn't even let Alistair speak. "Say it. Why are you here?"

Lydia stepped forward first, dipping into a graceful bow.

She was dressed simply today, soft and restrained, voice gentle. "Elspeth... these past days, you've stayed at Duskmoor Manor and refused to go home. Alistair misses you. He can't sleep. He barely eats."

Elowen glanced at Alistair.

He did look thinner, more worn.

Elspeth's eyes sharpened. "You know he can't sleep at night?"

Elowen blinked.

That is... a very pointed way to interpret that.

Lydia dropped her eyes, voice still meek. "Alistair always tells Nina stories at night. Since you've been gone, he hasn't done it. I've thought about it over and over, and... this is my fault. I stayed too close to him, and it upset you. I've made my decision. I'll take Nina and leave the marquess's estate. We'll live on our own. We won't bother either of you anymore."

Elspeth's expression stayed cold. "No, don't do that. If you leave, won't he be devastated? Then afterward he'll blame me and say I'm petty and jealous and can't tolerate anyone."

Alistair let out a sigh. "Elspeth, you always misunderstand me. This is something Lydia and I discussed together. She's sincere. She wants you and me to be okay."