Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 435: What Matters Now

Cassian held her gaze for a long moment, something in his expression softening in a way that only ever showed when it was her.

He had always known that Elowen was sharp, steady under pressure, and far more perceptive than most people realized.

Elowen took a breath and let the tension ease out of her shoulders before her smile returned, lighter this time. "At least there's one good thing. I got Scarlet and Nikki out of there."

Cassian's expression warmed. He reached up and brushed his fingers along her cheek, slow and deliberate. "That was the right call, Ella."

Elowen smiled, then lifted her hand and tapped his cheek lightly in return, mimicking him without thinking too much about it.

A thought struck her, and her expression shifted. "Cassian, earlier today you stood up in front of everyone. A lot of people saw it, especially Rowan. He answers to Alaric, and if he hasn't already gone straight to the palace with it, I'd be surprised. If the Crown Prince or Her Majesty find out your legs have recovered, isn't that going to complicate things?"

Cassian gave a quiet laugh, like the idea barely registered as a concern. "If they weren't paying attention before, they will be now. That works in my favor."

Elowen tilted her head slightly, studying him.

Once they were back at Duskmoor Manor, Elowen brought Scarlet and Nikki straight to Gerda.

"Find a room for Scarlet," Elowen said, her tone calm but decisive. "She'll stay here for now. There's no need to assign her work immediately. Let her settle in first and we'll figure out where she fits best."

Gerda nodded. "Of course, Your Grace."

Nikki had been hovering nearby the entire time, and now she leaned forward, unable to stay quiet any longer. "Elowen, I want to stay too. I can work, I promise."

Elowen glanced at her. "You want to stay here? I was planning to send you home tomorrow so your brother knows you're safe."

Nikki shook her head quickly, her expression turning serious. "I told my family I was leaving to find work, and my brother already knows that. If I go back now, they'll know something went wrong. They'll worry, and I don't want that."

She stepped a little closer, her voice gaining urgency. "Please let me stay. I work hard, I don't complain, and I can handle things most people avoid. I've dealt with situations worse than this."

Elowen couldn't help the smile that slipped through. "You're making this sound like we run a battlefield here."

Nikki paused, thinking, then brightened again. "I'm good with cleaning too. Floors, windows, whatever you need. I don't leave things half done."

There was a note of pride in her voice that made it hard not to like her.

Elowen let the moment stretch just long enough for Nikki's hope to start dipping before she spoke again. "You can stay with me and help in the study."

Nikki froze for half a second, then lit up like someone had handed her the world. "Really? Thank you, Elowen. You have no idea how much that means. My mother always said your family was known for kindness, and now I see why."

Elowen watched her, amused by how quickly her mood shifted. "You'll be paid five dollars a month."

Nikki blinked, then stared at her in disbelief. "That much? I think I might actually faint."

Elowen laughed softly and reached out, smoothing a stray strand of her hair.

A girl like this... raising her would probably be pure chaos, but honestly, it'd be kind of fun.

The next morning, while breakfast was still being served, Bran arrived with news from the palace.

"At this morning's session," he said carefully, "several officials raised formal complaints about what happened last night at Stargazer Pavilion. They're accusing Your Grace of overstepping and causing disorder."

He hesitated before adding, "His Majesty was not pleased."

Elowen's hand paused slightly.

Cassian, on the other hand, didn't seem bothered in the slightest. "That's expected."

After breakfast, Elowen walked him out herself, staying close as they moved through the courtyard until they reached the carriage.

She still looked uneasy. "Cassian, if His Majesty pushes back, don't force it. If the place keeps running the way it always has, then let it. Not everything is worth pushing to the edge."

Cassian rested his hand lightly against her abdomen, his voice lowering. "It'll be fine, Ella."

He looked at her for a moment longer. "Stay here. You and the baby."

Elowen nodded.

By the time Cassian arrived at the palace, Theodric was already in his study, going through reports.

Quin stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the Duke of Duskmoor has arrived."

No response. Theodric didn't even look up.

Quin set the chair in place, then cleared the room, leaving them alone.

Cassian glanced toward Theodric before speaking, his tone steady. "Your Majesty."

Theodric did not respond, not even a flicker of acknowledgment.

Cassian showed no sign of impatience. He simply remained where he was, composed and unhurried, as if the silence itself didn't concern him in the slightest.

The room settled into a heavy stillness, broken only by the faint scratch of pen against parchment and the soft rustle of fabric as Theodric shifted now and then while reviewing documents.

Time stretched.

Theodric's irritation built gradually, tightening beneath the surface until he finally lost patience and tossed the report aside with a sharp snap against the desk.

Cassian chose that exact moment to speak, his voice calm and almost casual. "I misjudged the situation."

Theodric looked up sharply, his gaze cold. "You misjudged it?"

His voice hardened. "From what I've heard, you seemed perfectly satisfied with yourself."

Cassian met his eyes calmly. "If that's how it came across, I won't argue."

Theodric went still, clearly not expecting that answer.

His anger faltered, just for a moment.