Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 442: The One Who Moves First

Theodric frowned, irritation breaking through. "What do you mean should be safe?"

Cassian's tone remained even, almost detached. "I changed the rules at Stargazer Pavilion without approval. Even if Your Majesty is willing to overlook it out of regard for me, it's only natural that some displeasure remains."

He continued at the same steady pace.

"I should stay and give Your Majesty time to let that pass."

A brief pause.

"As for what happened at Stargazer Pavilion, it is not entirely unrelated to Elowen. If she has to bear a little discomfort today, that is not unreasonable."

Theodric inhaled sharply, something heavy settling in his chest. Then suspicion followed quickly after.

"You're not putting on an act to make me feel worse, are you?"

Cassian's brow shifted slightly. "...Of course not."

He looked up again.

"I simply find something strange. Your Majesty decided to keep me here on a whim. No message was sent to the manor, and I didn't send word either."

His voice cooled slightly. "So how did Elowen hear about it?"

Theodric froze.

The realization hit him a moment later, and it turned his expression cold. Someone had taken that piece of information, twisted it to their advantage, and used it against Elowen right under his nose.

His expression darkened.

"This isn't the time to dig into that," he said quickly. "No matter how the news reached her or who is behind it, what matters right now is her and the child."

His gaze locked onto Cassian.

"As for what you said earlier, I understand it. Stargazer Pavilion has already been granted to you and her, and I won't take that back. I may be displeased, but I am not so unreasonable that I would take it out on my own family."

His voice hardened. "I would never use her or the child to balance anything. Go. Now."

Cassian finally nodded. "Very well."

He gestured to Anson. "We're leaving."

Anson quickly moved behind him and pushed the chair out.

The room fell quiet again. Only Theodric and Quin remained.

The chessboard sat untouched, the game abandoned halfway through.

But Theodric's attention was no longer on it. Cassian's words kept repeating in his mind.

How did Elowen hear about it?

The more he thought about it, the heavier the guilt became.

If he hadn't kept Cassian here, none of this would have happened.

If anything happened to her... or the child...

He let out a slow breath.

"Quin," he said at last, his voice lower now, "who in this palace would have the motive to do something like this?"

Before Quin could answer, a voice came from outside.

"Your Majesty, Her Majesty has arrived."

Theodric turned his head.

Isla entered with her usual calm composure, a gentle, perfectly measured smile resting on her lips.

She offered a formal greeting. "Your Majesty."

Her gaze swept lightly across the room before returning, a hint of polite surprise in her expression.

"I thought Cassian was here. Has he already left?"

"He returned to the manor. There was something urgent," Theodric replied.

"What could be so urgent?" Isla asked casually.

Theodric did not answer directly. Instead, he shifted the subject. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Isla smiled softly and gestured behind her.

A servant stepped forward carrying a covered tray.

"I had some fresh honey delivered to the kitchens and tried a few new pastries. I thought Your Majesty has been overworking, and since Cassian was here today, I prepared extra and brought them for you both."

Theodric's tone eased slightly. "You're thoughtful."

He paused, then added with a trace of regret, "I shouldn't have kept him here so long."

Isla's expression remained unchanged, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Your Majesty is too hard on yourself. Wanting to spend time with your brother is only natural."

Theodric shook his head, still troubled. "Even so, Elowen is in a delicate condition. She shouldn't have been frightened like this."

Isla's gaze flickered briefly.

So it's true. The child was affected.

Even Theodric is this shaken... she really is fortunate.

Theodric exhaled. "If anything happens to her, I won't be able to forgive myself."

Isla spoke softly, her tone soothing but deliberate. "Your Majesty, if they act without restraint and provoke your anger, that is hardly your fault. If she was so easily frightened into this state, it only shows her condition was unstable to begin with."

She paused, then gently redirected the conversation.

"Of course she matters. But Your Majesty shouldn't overlook our own children either."

Theodric's attention shifted slightly. "What is it? You're not here to speak on Alaric's behalf, are you?"

Isla shook her head at once. "No. I came to speak for Maerwyn."

Theodric raised a brow. "Don't tell me she's causing trouble again over that marriage."