Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 356: A Dangerous Proposal

Even Theodric looked startled. His brows knit together. "Did Princess Flowira truly tell you this herself?"

Daphne answered calmly, "If she had not said it to me personally, how would I dare spread such a claim? That would be deceiving the throne."

Elowen spoke then, her voice sounding hesitant and strained. "Your Highness... are you certain the princess meant affection? Could it not simply be admiration?"

Daphne shot her a glance.

Already nervous?

The moment she heard someone liked Cassian, Elowen was afraid her place as Duchess might be threatened.

But Daphne had no intention of letting her brush this aside.

She drew a breath and said with a tight smile, "Have you forgotten? The Duke of Duskmoor is renowned for his military victories, especially his triumphs against Nordia. The princess grew up hearing countless tales of his bravery. Naturally, she admired him long before arriving here."

She continued smoothly, "When the Nordian delegation first arrived in Vanelle, it was the Duke of Duskmoor who welcomed them at the city gates. That was when the princess first saw him. She was captivated at first sight."

Elowen frowned. "But the princess does not speak Avenlor's court language very well. Perhaps there was some misunderstanding."

Theodric nodded slightly.

Daphne gave a soft scoff. "The princess may not speak the language, but I invited an official from the Ministry of Rites to assist us. He translated our conversation word for word. There were witnesses present. None of this could possibly be fabricated."

Elowen seemed ready to say more.

But Daphne did not give her the chance.

Turning to Theodric, she said earnestly, "Your Majesty, if Nordia and Avenlor truly wish to establish lasting ties, then marriage is the best path. If Princess Flowira were to marry the Duke of Duskmoor, our two nations would become family. Such an alliance would benefit the people, strengthen the realm, and secure peace for generations."

The idea sounded appealing, yet Theodric's brow remained furrowed.

Daphne knew exactly what he was thinking and smiled reassuringly. "It is true that the Duke already has a duchess. However, the princess herself told me she does not mind her rank. She is willing to serve as a secondary consort and remain by His Grace's side."

Theodric fell silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest of the throne.

Then his gaze shifted to Flowira.

"Fifth Princess," he said, "is what the Crown Princess claims true?"

Flowira looked confused.

Daphne smiled politely. "Your Majesty, perhaps you forgot. The princess does not understand our language. She likely cannot follow your question."

She turned to Byron. "Perhaps you could explain."

Byron glanced at her briefly.

"It is true that the princess visited the Crown Prince's Wing twice," he said carefully. "However... regarding her supposed affection for the Duke of Duskmoor..."

He hesitated, choosing his words with caution.

"I have accompanied the princess often, yet I have never personally heard her speak of such feelings."

Isla's brows drew together slightly.

After years of navigating palace intrigues, her instincts were sharp. At this moment, she clearly sensed that something unusual was unfolding.

She offered a gentle smile. "In my view, this is most likely a misunderstanding. The Duke of Duskmoor is famous for his victories. Women across the realm admire him. It is only natural for a young princess to feel admiration for a great hero."

She continued lightly, "And as for the Crown Princess, her concern for the peace between our nations speaks highly of her sense of duty. Such goodwill deserves recognition. I suppose I must prepare a generous reward for her tonight."

With those words, she gracefully provided a way for the situation to settle.

Theodric nodded slightly, clearly willing to let the matter end there.

But Daphne was far from satisfied.

An opportunity like this rarely appeared. If she allowed it to slip away now, she might never again see Elowen put in such an awkward position.

Her nails dug into her palm as she steadied herself.

"Your Majesty, please allow me to explain further," she insisted. "This is not a misunderstanding. The princess's feelings are delicate matters of the heart. Naturally she would not discuss them with a male envoy. It is perfectly understandable that he would not know."

Isla's eyes darkened slightly with displeasure. But Daphne had already committed herself.

She rose from her seat and walked directly toward the throne.

Stopping before it, she bowed deeply with flawless respect. "Your Majesty.I speak today at great risk."

She lifted her head, her gaze burning with conviction.

"My proposal that Princess Flowira marry the Duke of Duskmoor as a secondary consort is not only because she admires him. It is also out of sincere concern for the royal family and for His Grace himself."

Her eyes flicked toward Cassian.

"The Duchess of Duskmoor has been married into the household for nearly half a year. Yet His Grace's injured leg shows no sign of recovery. He still requires a wheelchair whenever he moves about."

She spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Does that not suggest that the duchess's care for him has been... insufficient?"

Theodric's expression hardened. His voice carried unmistakable authority.

"Cassian's condition is treated by royal physicians. Elowen's is young and not trained in medicine. What could she possibly do about such an illness?"

"And besides." Lyra suddenly lifted her head.

At twelve years old, her voice was bright and clear.

"Didn't Aunt say earlier that she doesn't want to share her home with other women?" she said innocently. "Then why is the Crown Princess trying so hard to send another wife to the Duke?"

She tilted her head thoughtfully.

"That Nordian princess looked very skilled with that blade. If she and little Aunt ended up fighting, who would Uncle Cassian help?"