Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 456: A Polished Smile

Isla lowered her gaze, saying nothing.

She knew exactly how effective this kind of approach was on Theodric.

Cassian turned slightly, a trace of concern in his expression that looked just convincing enough. "Still, I would not want this to trouble Your Majesty."

Isla almost laughed.

Trouble me?

That was putting it lightly.

She wanted to tear straight through that carefully composed expression of his and see what lay underneath.

But none of that could show.

Instead, she steadied herself and allowed a faint, composed smile to form. "You are too considerate. Since Elira took charge, the inner court has been running quite smoothly. I have seen it for myself."

Cassian seemed to relax at that. "That is a relief. I was concerned I might have spoken out of turn and caused unnecessary difficulty. If that led to any strain between you and His Majesty, I would find that hard to forgive in myself."

Isla's fingers tightened where they rested out of sight.

He calls this concern. It is nothing but another layer of pressure.

She had used harsher words before, though never for someone like him.

And yet, the description fit too well.

If Cassian had been born into the inner court, there would be little left for anyone else to hold on to.

"Enough."

Theodric's voice cut cleanly through the room. "This matter ends here."

He turned to Quin. "Go to Duskmoor Manor and bring Beatrice and Alyssa back at once. Send them straight to the laundry ward and place them under strict watch. No visits, no exceptions, and they are not to leave without my written order."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Quin bowed and withdrew.

Theodric's attention returned to Isla. "You may rise. You have had a difficult day. Return and rest."

"...As you command." Her voice came out low as she steadied herself with Hilda's help and rose.

Her legs ached from holding that position for so long, though the discomfort barely registered compared to everything else pressing in on her.

Theodric's gaze shifted again, this time settling on Hilda. "As for you."

Both women stilled.

"You spoke out of turn and overstepped your place. For the sake of your years in service, you will remain. Your stipend is suspended for a year. Take it as a warning. If it happens again, there will be no leniency."

Hilda immediately lowered herself again. "Thank you for Your Majesty's mercy. I will not forget this."

With that, the two of them withdrew, their composure strained, their steps unsteady.

Cassian turned back to Theodric. "I have said all that needed saying. If there is nothing further, I will return to Duskmoor Manor. Ella is not well, and I would rather be there."

He paused, then added lightly, "Unless Your Majesty would prefer a game to pass the time."

Theodric gave him a flat look. "If you wish to leave, then go."

Cassian smiled faintly. "Much appreciated. Once Ella is born, I will make sure she knows how to greet you properly."

Theodric let out a quiet scoff.

The soft roll of wheels faded down the corridor, and the study grew still again.

For a moment, Theodric's hand paused over the parchment.

His gaze drifted beyond the room.

In his mind, he saw a small child toddling toward him across a sunlit hall, wrapped in warm winter layers, cheeks flushed, eyes bright with delight. Tiny hands reached forward, voice soft and sweet.

"Uncle..."

Without realizing it, the sternness in his expression eased, and a faint smile touched his lips.

By the time Isla returned to her chambers in the inner court, she sank heavily into her seat, her body trembling beneath the weight of everything she had just endured.

She closed her eyes, her breathing uneven as she tried to steady herself.

After a while, Hilda dismissed the attendants and brought over a cup of warm tonic. "Your Majesty, take a sip. It will help."

Isla opened her eyes and accepted it.

And just like that, the memory came rushing back.

Maerwyn pulling away from her, eyes filled with hurt, looking at her as though she were no longer someone to trust.

Her own daughter.

The child she had carried and brought into this world.

And yet that same child had turned on her without hesitation, choosing someone else over her, even going so far as to speak before the king, nearly pushing her into a position she might not have recovered from.