Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 437: Not Letting Go

Theodric gave a half-smile, clearly unimpressed. "I should have known. You stirred all this up over a woman. The way you went after that situation for her sake, do you even realize how much that cost?"

Cassian let out a quiet breath, his tone calm but steady. "Your Majesty, Ella said something afterward that stuck with me. She said you and I are family, and whatever trouble I cause should not be pushed onto you. If the money is what bothers you, then just restore Stargazer Pavilion to how it was before."

Theodric lifted a brow, watching him closely. "So she feels bad for you now?"

A trace of warmth surfaced in Cassian's eyes, something unguarded and real. "She does. She understands more than people give her credit for. If you are angry, direct it at me. Don't let it fall on her."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice turning more deliberate. "However you want to deal with this, I will accept it. This started with me, so I will take the consequences. Just leave her out of it."

Theodric said nothing for a moment.

The logic was sound, but somehow it only made him more irritated.

The way Cassian protected Elowen was... excessive.

"And there is something else," Cassian added, his expression tightening just a fraction.

"If Falkriver turns into open war and someone needs to take command, send me."

That caught Theodric off guard.

Cassian's voice remained even, but there was weight behind it. "I told you before, no matter what it costs, I will make sure you stay where you are. I meant that. Even if I do not come back, Falkriver will hold."

Theodric went quiet again.

Over the years, Cassian had spent more time on campaign than in Vanelle. The life he lived was nothing like that of other nobles.

He had delayed marriage for so long. Part of it was Elowen, but just as much of it came from the reality that he might not survive the next campaign.

He never spoke about what those battles were really like.

He always brushed it off.

But Theodric knew.

From battlefield reports, from the lists of the fallen, from the endless flow of military expenses, he could piece together what Cassian's life had been.

Always on edge. Always one step from death.

Two years ago, when news of victory came back, it was followed by word that Cassian had been gravely wounded and had not woken.

Theodric still remembered how cold his hands felt hearing that.

For the first time, he realized that the one person who had always stood in front of him, clearing every obstacle, might not return.

Even back when they were still princes, every hidden threat had been intercepted by Cassian first.

He had never failed him.

Never once broken his word.

The anger slowly drained out of Theodric, replaced by something quieter, something heavier.

"...Fine."

After a long pause, he exhaled. "Stargazer Pavilion stays as it is. Take it as something I am giving you and Elowen. Those rules should have been dealt with a long time ago anyway. I have seen what goes on there. It is not clean, but it is tangled up with too many interests. Money complicates everything. Since you already stepped in, then let it stand."

Cassian's expression eased slightly. "Thank you."

He turned his chair, already ready to leave.

Ella is probably still waiting.

"Stop right there."

Cassian paused and looked back. "Is there something else?"

Theodric let out a short laugh. "Other men forget their family once they marry. You did not just forget the family, you forgot me specifically. How long has it been since you stayed and actually spent time here? And now you think you can just leave?"

Cassian hesitated, then answered honestly. "I would prefer to go back."

Theodric raised a brow. "You would."

"Yes. Ella knows you were upset earlier. She is likely worried. I should go back and put her at ease."

Theodric nodded slowly. "I see."

Cassian looked at him, waiting.

Then Theodric's lips curved slightly. "In that case, you can stay for lunch."

Cassian froze, completely caught off guard.

Theodric looked satisfied. "I will admit, watching the two of you gets a little irritating. Makes me want to get in the way now and then."

Cassian looked at him, completely speechless.

In her chambers, Isla sat by the window with a finely crafted silver set laid out before her.

She held a small whisk and worked it through a bowl of warmed cream, blending it with care until it thickened into a smooth, airy foam that slowly rose to the surface.

The texture turned light and velvety, just the way she liked it.

Watching it come together, she felt her mood ease, steady and quietly pleased.