Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 460: An Unusual Visit

Zachary stepped in wearing a pale, impeccably tailored coat in the fashion favored by Avenlor's scholars, the fine fabric catching the light with a quiet sheen. The clean lines of it followed his frame neatly, giving him a tall, almost delicate silhouette without looking overstated.

His features were refined to the point of being arresting, his jaw clean-cut, his neck long and pale where it showed above the structured collar. There was a certain sharpness to him beneath all that elegance, something subtle but unmistakable, like a finely honed edge concealed under polished layers.

Elowen found herself studying him for a moment longer than she meant to.

He was, quite simply, too beautiful.

"What brings you here today, Your Highness?" she asked.

Mira stepped forward and set down two cups of freshly poured coffee, the steam rising faintly.

Zachary accepted one but made no move to drink. He looked at Elowen and spoke evenly. "In a few days, once the roads have fully cleared and travel is easier, the Nordian delegation intends to begin formal negotiations with Avenlor. Matters of trade, the exchange of envoys, and movement along the borders will all be addressed."

Elowen gave a small nod.

The delegation had been in Vanelle for some time already, but until now, everything had remained at the level of courtesy and quiet testing. The real discussions were only just beginning.

"This should have started earlier," Zachary continued, "but I could see you had pressing matters to deal with, and things here were not entirely settled. So I chose to wait."

Elowen nodded again.

Zachary set the untouched cup aside and straightened slightly. "Before we begin those formal talks, there is a personal matter I once promised to handle."

"Elara," Elowen said.

"Yes."

Earlier, she had told him in confidence that Elara had become deeply attached to him at first sight.

He had taken that seriously.

"You may invite Miss Wrenner here," Zachary said. "Once she meets me properly, those feelings will fade on their own."

Elowen glanced at him again.

If anything, getting this close to him will probably just make it worse.

"Please trust me," he said, his tone steady and sincere.

Elowen considered it briefly. Perhaps he had something in mind that she could not yet see.

"Very well."

She called for Anson. When he entered, she instructed him, "Go and invite Miss Wrenner. Tell her I would like to speak with her."

Anson bowed and left at once.

The study grew quiet, filled only with the soft ticking of the clock and the distant sound of birds beyond the window.

As they waited, Elowen found herself thinking about the coming negotiations. Trade between the two nations would shape the stability of the frontier, and a few ideas began to take form in her mind.

But when the words reached her lips, she stopped herself. These were not matters to speak of lightly.

Zachary seemed to notice. "Was there something you wished to say, Your Grace?"

She paused, then chose a different question. "How is your sister these days?"

Zachary smiled faintly. "She is well."

In truth, her brother asked about Elowen constantly, even pretending to be overcome with longing. He bought a copy of Ode to Springlight nearly every day, to the point where the delegation's funds were beginning to suffer for it.

Elowen nodded.

Zachary looked at her as though he had something else to ask, but hesitated.

Elowen spoke first. "Is there something you wished to ask me, Your Highness?"

He rubbed lightly at his cheek, almost awkwardly. "Is the Duke of Duskmoor in good health?"

Elowen smiled. "He is quite well. Thank you for your concern."

The exchange was polite, though a faint awkwardness lingered between them.

Silence settled in again, stretching just a little too long. Even Elowen felt a slight tension building.

At last, the sound of hurried footsteps approached from outside, light and quick.

Rowena's voice followed, half exasperated, half amused. "Slow down. You said you were not fully recovered yet, and now the moment you hear the Duchess has sent for you, you rush off like you cannot wait another second..."

Before she could finish, Elara stepped into the study.

She wore a soft yellow jacket, and though she had grown noticeably slimmer, a healthy flush colored her cheeks.

Elowen couldn't help but think, so this is what love can do.

"Your Grace, why did you send for me today?" Elara asked, her gaze fixed entirely on Elowen, her voice gentle and eager. "Did you want to speak with me?"

It was clear she had not noticed Zachary at all.

Her cheeks deepened in color as she went on. "I know now, you are Azure. I truly love your work. I have read Tales of Luminara and Ode to Springlight, and I adored every one of them. Are you planning to write anything new. Do you need someone to help prepare ink or copy drafts?"

Elowen hesitated slightly. "I have not made any plans for a new story just yet."

But Elara leaned forward, her eyes bright with intensity. "But I want something new so badly. Your Grace, please write another one. I can hardly stand it. I feel restless all the time, like I cannot settle, like I can barely breathe. Please, just one more. Only one. I promise I will not ask again. I truly cannot help it."