Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 443: A Gift That Cuts Deep

Isla smiled, completely at ease. "Not at all, Your Majesty. Maerwyn came to see me early this morning and told me herself she's changed her mind. She no longer wishes to marry Rowan."

Theodric looked up, a hint of surprise crossing his face. "Is that so?"

"Absolutely."

Her tone remained steady, then softened into something more thoughtful. "I've been thinking about it since. Maerwyn isn't a child anymore. It's time we find her a proper match. But I've spent so long within the palace walls, I'm not as familiar with the young nobles outside or the standing of their families. This concerns her entire future, and the dignity of the royal house. I would feel far more assured if Your Majesty personally took a hand in choosing."

Theodric's expression eased as he nodded. "You're right. I'll give it proper attention."

Isla lowered her gaze with a gentle smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Once his attention shifts to arranging Maerwyn's marriage, even if something happens to Elowen, he won't have the time or inclination to dig into it.

The small plates of pastries Isla had brought were arranged neatly across the table, each one crafted with care, topped with fruit and delicate sheets of edible gold.

"Would Your Majesty care for one?"

Theodric picked one up and took a bite.

The texture was soft, the sweetness balanced, the flavor refined.

Under normal circumstances, he would have appreciated it.

Now, it barely registered.

He frowned, swallowed with effort, then set the rest down. "No... I can't shake this feeling. The more I think about it, the worse it sits with me."

He looked toward Quin. "Go to the treasury. Have the ivory statue of the Lady of Blessings carefully prepared and sent to Duskmoor Manor. It's to be given to Elowen, to ease her condition and watch over the child."

The moment he said it, Isla's expression stiffened.

For a split second, the composure slipped.

That statue... she knew exactly what it was.

Carved from a single block of the finest white jade during the late emperor's reign, flawless and luminous, shaped by a master whose work had never been equaled. The figure itself carried a quiet dignity, robes flowing as if caught mid-motion, the child in her arms full of life.

It was beyond value.

More than that, it carried a reputation people didn't dare dismiss.

When Selene had been pregnant years ago, her condition had been unstable to the point where even the court physicians had given up hope. It was the Ashcroft family who had gone to great lengths to bring this statue into the palace. From the moment it was placed in her chambers, her condition had steadily improved, and she later gave birth safely to Cassian.

Later, when Elira faced a similar crisis while carrying Caelan, Theodric had the statue brought out again.

By morning, everything had stabilized.

Since then, people spoke of it in hushed tones.

Isla had planned for years to give it to Maerwyn as part of her marriage dowry.

It would show favor, display the strength of her family, and serve as a blessing for her daughter's future.

And now, just like that, Theodric was handing it to Elowen.

A sharp wave of resentment surged through her.

She forced her expression back into something composed. "Your Majesty's care for Elowen is truly thoughtful. I understand your intention. However... with everything that's happened recently at Stargazer Pavilion, there is already quite a bit of attention on the Duke of Duskmoor and Elowen. If such a significant gift is delivered openly, it may invite further scrutiny. People might say Your Majesty is showing too much favor, or that Elowen is becoming... indulged. That wouldn't do her any favors, nor would it help the stability of the court."

Theodric fell quiet, his fingers tapping lightly against the table as he considered it.

Isla felt a flicker of relief.

That should be enough to stop him.

He nodded slowly. "You've thought this through well. That's fair."

Her shoulders almost relaxed.

Then he added, "In that case, send it discreetly. No announcement. No need for anyone else to know."

Isla froze.

For a brief moment, she felt like she couldn't breathe.

Quin had already bowed and left to carry out the order.

Isla watched him disappear, the ache in her chest sharp enough to feel physical.

Theodric reached for her hand, noticing how cold it had become, and gave it a light squeeze. "Isla, you need to understand. I can't settle my conscience. If I hadn't kept Cassian here today, talking over a game and keeping him for dinner, Elowen would have been resting quietly at home. She wouldn't have heard those rumors or been frightened like that. This isn't just a gift. It's... something to make it right. Maybe then I'll feel a little less burdened."