Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 472: Close Enough to Stay

His head remained lowered, his face pale. "I only meant... seeing that Your Grace's leg has recovered, I felt relieved for you."

Cassian did not respond. He simply continued forward.

By the time Dominic looked up again, all he could see was the edge of a dark cloak lifting in the night wind before disappearing into the waiting carriage of Duskmoor Manor.

The carriage door closed, shutting him out completely.

Dominic stood there for a long moment, watching it roll away into the darkness before finally letting out a breath.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, the chill of the night settling uncomfortably against his damp clothes.

Everyone in Vanelle knew the Duke of Duskmoor was distant and sharp-tongued.

Knowing it was one thing.

Standing in front of him was another entirely.

It left no room to breathe.

Shaking his head, Dominic turned back toward his own carriage, his steps unsteady.

He could not help but wonder how the young lady from Hale Manor managed her days, living beside a man like that.

By the time Cassian returned, the manor had long since quieted for the night.

He headed straight for the main residence, servants stepping aside as he passed.

"Where is Ella?" he asked as soon as he entered.

Gerda stepped forward to take his cloak. "Her Grace retired earlier. She should still be in her chamber, reading."

Cassian acknowledged her with a quiet nod and continued on.

Along the corridor, iron wall sconces flickered softly, their light shifting with the draft and stretching his shadow across the stone floor.

Inside the bedchamber, gauzy curtains framed the bed, half-drawn, with a warm glow spilling from a nearby lamp.

Elowen rested against the headboard, her head tilted slightly as sleep had claimed her. The book in her hand had slipped loose and lay open across the coverlet.

Cassian slowed as he approached, his gaze settling on her face.

Her brows were faintly drawn, as though her sleep was not entirely peaceful.

The soft light brushed over her lashes and warmed her cheeks with a gentle flush.

Something in his chest softened.

He reached out, brushing his fingers lightly over the tension in her brow before letting his touch drift along her cheek.

His eyes lowered, lingering on the gentle curve of her abdomen.

Is it because of the child that she can't rest properly?

He had imagined this countless times, a child that belonged to both of them.

Yet now, seeing the toll it took on her, he found himself questioning whether it was worth it at all.

Carefully, he took the book from her hand and set it aside.

Supporting her shoulders, he eased her down onto the bed. She murmured softly, shifting in her sleep, but did not wake.

After dimming the lamp, he lay down beside her.

The mattress dipped slightly, and sensing the warmth, she instinctively moved closer, still half-asleep.

He drew her into his arms without hesitation.

When Elowen woke the next morning, she was wrapped in warmth.

Still drowsy, she leaned toward it, breathing in that familiar, clean scent before awareness slowly caught up with her.

Her eyes opened suddenly.

Soft morning light filtered through the curtains, and there he was.

She stared at him for a long moment, quiet and intent, before leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

His lashes shifted, and he opened his eyes slightly, his voice low and rough with sleep. "You're up?"

She gave a soft hum. "I thought you weren't real."

"What do you mean?"

"These past few days, I kept waiting for you, and I'd fall asleep before you came back. When I woke up, you were gone. Sometimes I'd wake in the middle of the night and the bed felt empty." Her voice softened. "There were moments I wondered if you'd even come back at all."

His expression eased as he pulled her closer, feeling the softness of her hair against his jaw.

"I've been tied up with the negotiations," he said quietly. "But that's nearly finished now. I'll have time to stay with you."

She looked up at him. "You mean it?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

She let out a small scoff. "More times than I can count."

Holding up her fingers, she began listing them off with mock seriousness. "You told me your leg was hurting, dragged me over, and then you kissed me, held me, and..."

Her words trailed off, her cheeks warming.

He laughed under his breath. "Did I?"

She shot him a look, embarrassed.

His smile deepened. "Alright, I did."

He leaned in and kissed her again, slow and unhurried.

She wrinkled her nose, pretending to complain. "You smell like you just woke up."