Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 476: An Unexpected Sight

Dominic startled and immediately lowered himself into a deep, formal bow. "Your Grace."

"No need to be so formal. You may stand."

Elowen regarded him quietly. "I hear you've come on official business for His Grace?"

"Yes, Your Grace." He straightened but kept his eyes lowered. "It's urgent. I was hoping to report to him directly. May I ask where he is at the moment?"

"He's occupied right now," she said evenly. "I'm afraid he can't see you just yet."

Dominic hesitated.

Occupied?

At this hour?

He chose his words carefully. "This concerns the next stage of negotiations with Nordia. It's quite important. May I ask what is taking his attention?"

Elowen answered as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

"He's preparing the midday meal."

Dominic froze.

For a moment, he wondered if he had misheard. "...I'm sorry?"

"It's nearly time to eat," she said calmly. "He's in the kitchen."

This time, there was no mistaking it.

And somehow, that only made it harder to process.

The Duke of Duskmoor, known for his cold temper and unapproachable presence, feared across court and battlefield alike...

Was cooking?

Dominic stood there, his expression stiff, trying and failing to rearrange his features into something polite.

"If it truly cannot wait," Elowen added after a moment, "you may go to him."

She turned slightly. "Anson, take him."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Dominic followed, though his steps felt strangely unsteady.

They passed along a covered walkway, and before long, the scent of food drifted through the air, rich and unmistakable, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of cooking.

He slowed as they approached, then glanced inside.

The kitchen was bright and orderly, the hearth fire burning strong.

Cassian stood at the cooking table in a simple dark tunic, sleeves pushed back, his movements precise and controlled. A deep blue apron was tied securely at his waist as he worked over the pan with complete focus.

Dominic stopped where he was.

For a brief moment, his mind went entirely blank.

"Your Grace," Anson announced, raising his voice slightly, "Lord Dominic has come with urgent business."

The sound of cooking paused.

Cassian did not turn around. "What is it?"

Dominic snapped back to himself and bowed quickly. "Your Grace, the Nordian delegation has sent word. They wish to resume talks today regarding the tribute terms and delivery arrangements."

"When?"

"In half an hour."

Cassian's hand stilled.

He finally looked up, his brows drawing together. "That soon?"

He had intended to sit down with Elowen.

Dominic swallowed, his throat dry. "The time was set by higher authority. The meeting will be held in the side chamber of the Hall of Imperial Grace."

A brief silence followed.

"Understood," Cassian said at last. "I'll attend."

That should have been the end of it.

But Dominic found himself unable to leave. His gaze drifted, almost against his will, back toward the pan, toward Cassian.

The image refused to settle into anything that made sense.

At that moment, Cassian plated the final dish and glanced at him, his expression sharpening with impatience.

"What, are you planning to stay for a meal?"

Dominic stiffened. "N-No, Your Grace. Of course not."

"There wouldn't be a place for you anyway," Cassian replied coolly. "You may go."

Relief hit him all at once. He bowed deeply, then withdrew as quickly as dignity allowed.

Once the meal was finished, Cassian had it set out in the small dining room before returning to the arcade to bring Elowen in.

She noticed immediately that only one place had been set.

Looking up at him, she asked, "You're not eating with me?"

He took her hand and guided her inside. "I need to go to the royal residence. The meeting was scheduled on short notice."

"At least eat something first," she said softly. "You'll be hungry."

He shook his head. "There's no time. I'll manage something there."

She knew better than to argue, not when it came to matters like this. She nodded and let go.

But after a moment, she stepped closer again, slipping her arms around his waist and resting her cheek against his chest, holding him just a little longer.

"I'll wait for you," she said quietly.

Cassian lifted his hand, his palm warm against her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly beneath her eye.

"Ella," he said, his voice low, "make sure you eat."

He left soon after.

Elowen stood there for a long moment, watching until he disappeared beyond the courtyard gate, before finally turning back toward the table.