Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 330: The Duke And His Old Foe

Elowen didn't understand a word the Nordian prince had said, but his attitude alone was enough to make her bristle. The man was openly rude.

Cassian's brows tightened, the change slight but unmistakable.

Byron hurried forward with a smoothing smile. "Your Grace, let me introduce Prince Roderic. His Highness asks, now that he has met you, when he will be received by His Majesty."

Cassian answered in an even voice, cool as winter. "His Majesty has prepared a welcoming banquet. Once the prince and his siblings have rested, they'll be summoned to the palace."

The inn Cassian had chosen was at exactly the right distance from the palace, neither too near nor too far, and it had been cleared of all other guests. Only the Nordian party would be staying there.

On the way to the inn, Elowen noticed Cassian was quieter than usual. She slipped her hand into his and laced their fingers together.

"You seem upset," she said softly. "What's wrong?"

Cassian gave her hand a squeeze. "I am."

She looked up at him. "Is it because of Prince Roderic?"

He turned to her, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "You caught that?"

Elowen muttered, "He looked like he wanted a fight. Then he said something else in his language. I couldn't understand it, but I'm sure it wasn't kind."

Cassian's tone stayed matter-of-fact. "It was Nordian. He said, 'Why waste time talking to a cripple in a chair? When do we meet His Majesty?'"

Elowen's face tightened at once, her brows drawing together. "That's unbelievably rude. Who talks like that?"

Seeing her so angry, Cassian let out a rare, genuine laugh. "Ella, you're this mad?"

She nodded hard. "Of course I am. If someone messes with you, they're messing with me too. If they bully you, they're bullying me."

Just like that, the last of Cassian's irritation disappeared.

He toyed with her slender fingers. "Still, I can't say I'm surprised."

Elowen tilted her head. "Why not?"

A faint smile touched his mouth. "Did you notice the scar on Roderic's face?"

She nodded.

Cassian's eyes gleamed. "Nordia and Avenlor fought a battle a few years ago. I commanded our army. Roderic wasn't a prince then, just a young officer. That scar? I gave it to him."

Elowen's eyes widened as she put it together. "So that's why."

Cassian lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Let it go. He isn't worth the trouble."

Elowen smiled and finally relaxed. "If you're not angry, then I'm not angry."

No matter how he tried, Cassian couldn't quite suppress the smile tugging at his lips.

How had Clement and his wife managed to raise someone as gentle and sweet—and beautiful—as Elowen?

And honestly, was Alaric completely blind?

He'd had Elowen right in front of him and acted like she wasn't even there.

Then again, if Alaric hadn't been such a fool, Cassian would never have been this lucky.

Elowen didn't return to Duskmoor Manor. Instead, she stayed in the carriage with Cassian all the way to the palace gates.

It was late autumn, nearly winter, and darkness came early.

By the time they arrived at the palace, night had already swallowed Vanelle whole.

Keeping close beside Cassian's wheelchair, Elowen followed him through the winding palace corridors toward the Gilded Hall, where the royal reception would be held.

Everyone important would be there tonight—not just the royal family, but Avenlor's highest officials as well.

Since the war with Nordia years ago, the two kingdoms had barely exchanged envoys. This visit marked a major shift, and no one in Avenlor was taking it lightly.

When Elowen entered the hall, candlelight flashed off the gilded pillars and glazed tiles, scattering gold through the room. Attendants stood in perfect silence. Music drifted through the air, soft and stately, giving the whole scene the weight and grandeur of the royal house.

Only one person was missing: Alaric.

Theodric had confined him to the Crown Prince's Wing, and tonight there would be no exceptions.

Not long after they took their seats, the Nordian delegation entered.

They had changed into traditional Nordian robes after returning to the inn.

They strode into the hall and bowed formally before Theodric.

Theodric sat at the head of the hall, commanding as ever, his voice measured and gracious. "Your arrival gives me great pleasure. May this meeting lay the foundation for lasting friendship between our lands."

At his side stood an official from the Ministry of Rites, translating his greeting into Nordian.

Roderic, who led the delegation, did not answer at once. Instead, he swept his gaze across the hall, then suddenly called out in accented Imperial, "Your Majesty, why is His Highness not here tonight?"

Theodric's expression did not change. His tone remained steady. "The crown prince has taken a chill and is resting in the Crown Prince's Wing. Perhaps you will remain in Vanelle a little longer. When he recovers, the two of you may meet in person."

Roderic dragged out his reply, thick with sarcasm. "Unwell, is he?" He gave a snort, then muttered something in Nordian.

The official from the Ministry of Rites went pale. He managed to translate the first part, but the rest stuck in his throat. His lips trembled, and he seemed unsure whether he dared continue.

Theodric turned his sharp gaze on him. "Go on."

Shaking, the official dropped to his knees. "The prince says... he thought perhaps the crown prince had fallen from favor with His Majesty and was being punished. That is why he cannot show up."