Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 446: A New Move

"Meat pies," Elowen said immediately.

"Alright."

Cassian stood. "Stay here. I'll handle it."

Elowen nodded without hesitation.

Later that day, a finely carved Ivory Goddess of Blessings was quietly delivered to Duskmoor Manor as part of Theodric's reward.

Elowen looked at it for a long moment.

Then she smiled faintly.

So even this still happens... just differently.

Because of her "condition," she remained in bed for two days.

Meanwhile, Beatrice, Seren, and the others who had caused trouble were kept standing out in the courtyard the entire time.

By the third day, word spread that Elowen was well enough to spend time in the study again.

The punishment, however, had not been lifted.

With Seren gone, there was a gap in the study staff.

Elowen thought for a moment, then said, "I've heard there's a girl named Alyssa. Sharp, capable. Bring her in. She'll take Seren's place."

Cora hesitated, clearly surprised. "Your Grace... Alyssa?"

Elowen nodded. "Yes."

Cora looked uneasy. "I'm not sure she's the right choice."

Elowen tilted her head slightly. "Why not?"

Mira stepped closer and lowered her voice. "Your Grace, you remember, right? She came from Her Majesty's household. She's even related to Beatrice. If we bring her close—"

Elowen smiled, unconcerned. "Then she's probably better trained than most. Bring her in."

Cora and Mira exchanged a glance.

Neither of them looked convinced, but neither dared argue further.

"Understood, Your Grace."

A short while later, Alyssa entered.

She wore a neatly arranged teal dress, her hair pinned back cleanly with a simple silver piece.

She stopped at a proper distance and lowered herself into a respectful bow.

"Alyssa, at Your Grace's service."

Elowen looked at her calmly. "There were four of you serving here before. Cora, Mira, Rosaline, and Seren. Seren is no longer suited for this role. From now on, you'll assist in the study."

She paused slightly.

"Can you handle that?"

It wasn't really a question someone in her position could refuse.

But Elowen asked anyway.

Alyssa kept her head lowered, her voice steady. "Before I left the palace, Her Majesty made it clear. Once I entered Duskmoor Manor, I no longer belonged to her household. I serve only His Grace and Your Grace. Wherever I'm assigned, I will carry out my duties with full loyalty."

Everything about it was measured, careful, and clearly thought through.

Isla really knows how to pick her people.

Elowen smiled faintly. "Good."

Later that afternoon, Sylvia and Rowena came by.

The three of them sat together, coffee laid out between them as the conversation drifted easily.

Sylvia had settled into Falconcrest Manor with a mother-in-law who thrived on social circles and gossip, which meant she always had the latest news.

"Have you heard?" Sylvia said, leaning in slightly. "Maerwyn's changed completely. She's not chasing after Rowan anymore. His Majesty and Her Majesty are thrilled. They're already looking for a match."

Rowena sighed. "That's what favor gets you. Most princesses don't get a choice. But for her, His Majesty is letting her decide."

Sylvia nodded. "They've already picked a few candidates from the major houses. She'll meet them herself and choose."

Then she added, glancing at Elowen, "Although I heard she's not interested. She stays in her rooms all day reading Ode to Springlight."

Elowen smiled slightly. "When is she meeting them?"

"End of the month," Sylvia said. "There's going to be a garden gathering at the palace. All the candidates will be there. Her Majesty and Elira will attend as well. She'll choose in person."

Elowen nodded and took a slow sip of her coffee.

At the palace, Maerwyn finished the last page of Ode to Springlight. Her vision blurred, tears welling despite herself.

It really is her.

It's Elowen.

She closed the book and held it lightly against her chest.

After a long moment, she stood. "Someone come with me. I'm going to see Her Majesty."

When she arrived, Isla was just about to begin dinner.

"You came at the right time," Isla said with a smile. "Dinner's ready. I was just about to send for you."

Maerwyn stepped forward, composed and gentle. "Mother, let me take care of you tonight."

Isla paused, clearly surprised.

Maerwyn sat down, picked up her utensils, and carefully prepared a portion of fish, making sure it was clean before placing it onto Isla's plate.

Isla looked at her, momentarily speechless.