Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 413: Playing the Long Game

By early evening, the palace had slipped into that golden hour where candlelight began to take over from the fading sun, casting a warm glow along the corridors.

Clarisse arrived once again at Isla's residence and was quickly brought inside to report.

"Your Majesty, everything has been set in motion," she said, lowering her voice slightly. "We spread word throughout the city that the bookshop is selling a new release under Azure's name. At the same time, we placed people in the crowd to stir up conversation, saying the book is underwhelming, even worse than what the Garrett girl passed off before. The shop did brisk business today. But once they sold out, they didn't restock. They shut their doors instead."

A faint, amused smile touched Isla's lips.

"She does know how to play this."

Clarisse blinked, confused. "Your Majesty?"

Isla leaned back into the cushions, one hand resting lightly against the carved armrest as she spoke with quiet disdain. "She realized the response wasn't as explosive as before, so she cut the supply on purpose. It creates the illusion that the book is hard to get."

Her fingers tapped once, slow and deliberate.

"People who had no interest will start wondering what they're missing. And then you have those who like to think of themselves as refined. Tell them something is rare, and suddenly they have to have it. She's holding back just enough to make everyone curious."

Clarisse let out a soft breath, understanding dawning. "So that's her angle. The Duchess of Duskmoor is far more calculating than she appears."

She hesitated, then added carefully, "I did manage to get a copy. I only skimmed a few pages, but... it's good. The writing is polished, the pacing feels natural, and the characters are vivid. It made me wonder if she truly is Azure."

Isla's expression cooled instantly, her gaze sharpening.

"Whether she is or not," she said, her voice turning firm, "in public, she cannot be."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Back then, Elias was enough to discredit Daphne. We can produce witnesses just as easily this time."

After all, Elowen had never openly claimed the name Azure. There was nothing concrete, only rumors and beliefs.

And belief could be guided.

Once enough people accepted a version of events, it became reality.

Clarisse nodded. "If I remember correctly, Azure's earlier works were first released at Willow Breeze Bookshop in the western district."

"They were," Isla replied calmly. "And that shop knows better than to refuse us."

Clarisse's expression shifted slightly. "There's also Princess Maerwyn. She's always admired Azure, and people know it. If she speaks, no one will question her."

Isla gave a small nod. "Did you bring the book?"

Clarisse quickly presented it. An attendant stepped forward, received it with both hands, and placed it before Isla.

Isla glanced at the cover. Ode to Springlight.

Her lips curved with faint disdain.

Predictable. Likely another shallow love story dressed up to look refined.

She didn't bother opening it. The attendant quietly set it aside.

Later that night, under a pale wash of moonlight, Isla made her way to Maerwyn's chambers.

Maerwyn had just finished bathing and was dressed in a simple nightgown, her complexion noticeably paler than before. The long confinement had worn her down, leaving her looking tired and subdued.

Still, she pushed herself upright when Isla entered. "Mother, what brings you here at this hour?"

Isla sat beside her, dismissing the attendants with a gentle motion. She took Maerwyn's cool hand, her tone soft and reassuring.

"Your father mentioned something earlier. During the midwinter banquet, when the court gathers, your confinement will be lifted."

Maerwyn's eyes lit up immediately. "Really?"

"Of course," Isla said with a warm smile. She gave her hand a gentle pat before continuing, "But there's something I need you to do."

Maerwyn tilted her head slightly. "What is it?"

Isla met her gaze, her voice steady and deliberate.

"At the banquet, I want you to stand before everyone and say that the Duchess of Duskmoor is not Azure."

Maerwyn let out a quiet scoff. "Her? Of course she isn't. Someone like her could never write Tales of Luminara."

Then she paused, something clicking into place. Her expression turned cautious.

"Mother... are you trying to go after her?"

Isla sighed softly, letting a trace of weariness show. "Maerwyn, this is for your brother. The Duke of Duskmoor holds too much power, and his intentions are unclear. If we can weaken his household even slightly, it will help secure your brother's future."

Maerwyn hesitated, fingers tightening unconsciously in the fabric at her waist.

"But if I accuse her... she'll hold it against me..."

That day at the autumn hunt flashed through her mind.

Elowen had caught her meeting Rowan in secret.

Cornered, with no way out, she had been forced to agree to Elowen's terms.