Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 484: Playing the Longer Game

Alaric studied her with clear approval. "You've got a talent for this."

His mood remained high, though something sharper crept in beneath it. "A Nordian prince is dead. That's not something that can be brushed aside. My uncle is stuck at court now, and all that's left is to see how Father handles it. Hopefully he doesn't lose his nerve at the last moment."

Iris shook her head gently. "He won't. Even if he feels inclined to protect his brother, he cannot ignore what this means for the realm. Nordia will expect a response, and the King cannot appear weak. Whatever he decides will reflect that first."

Alaric leaned forward slightly. "So what does that look like?"

Iris considered briefly before answering. "It won't be light, because that would invite further pressure. But it won't be severe enough to break him either. The Duke still holds his place within the royal family. Most likely, some of his authority will be reduced, his movements restricted, and his income cut back. There will be a formal censure, and perhaps a temporary loss of certain honors. Enough to satisfy appearances, without going too far."

The answer didn't sit right with Alaric.

Alaric frowned. "That doesn't solve my problem. Give it time and he recovers. Then what? Where does that leave me with Ella?"

Iris did not hesitate. "If you want the Duchess, removing him entirely is not the only path forward. There are other ways to shift the balance."

That caught his interest. "Such as?"

"You should go to His Majesty and speak in the Duke's favor."

Alaric's eyes narrowed slightly. "So I come off as reasonable. Loyal. Someone who values family."

"That is part of it," Iris said. "But not the part that matters most. Think about what comes next. The court qualification trials."

Recognition flickered across his expression.

"In past years, the Duke oversaw them. He built a reputation for fairness, and that left an impression. Many who entered service through those court qualification trials respect him for it. Some of them quietly align with him even now. They are not the most powerful figures yet, but they are everywhere, and in time, they will matter."

She met his gaze directly.

"This year, he cannot take that role. Someone else will be chosen. If you position yourself well, that responsibility can fall to you. Handle it properly, and you gain more than reputation. You gain influence over the next generation entering court."

The implication settled in.

"It strengthens your position now and secures it for the future."

Alaric studied the young woman standing before him, her posture modest, her gaze lowered, yet every word she spoke carried clarity and structure. The more he listened, the more his approval deepened.

Keeping her close was the right call.

If he had not acted on that passing moment of mercy back then, he would not be standing here now with everything unfolding so smoothly in his favor.

His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to Daphne.

She had someone like this at her side and still managed to end up where she was now.

Pathetic.

Leaning forward slightly, Alaric rested an arm against the table and asked, his tone curious but edged, "When you were serving the Garrett family, did it never occur to you to advise her?"

Iris kept her head lowered, her voice calm and even. "Daphne has always been strong-willed and certain of her own judgment. She tends to act on what feels right in the moment, without much concern for what may follow. Someone in my position could speak, but rarely be heard. Even when I did offer suggestions, they were usually dismissed."

She paused just enough to let the contrast settle before continuing.

"It is different with you, Your Highness. You listen. You weigh things carefully. That is why I am able to be of any real use."

The answer landed exactly where it was meant to.

A faint smile touched Alaric's lips. "You've got a way with words."

And more than that, she had substance to back them up.

His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer.

A shame, really.

Her features were too plain, too restrained, the kind that faded into the background no matter how long one looked.

Nothing like Elowen.

Elowen carried a warmth that drew the eye without effort, something bright and alive that made people want to stay near her.

And she was clever too.

If things had unfolded differently, if fate had not taken its strange turns and placed her at his uncle's side instead, then the one standing here now, offering insight, sharing these quiet moments, would have been her.

The thought dimmed his mood more than he cared to admit.

He straightened slightly, the earlier spark in his expression fading. With a casual flick of his hand, his tone turned indifferent. "You've done well. Go get some rest. I'll send for you when I need you."

"I understand, Your Highness." Iris inclined her head, composed as ever, showing no sign that she had noticed the shift in his mood. She withdrew quietly, the door closing behind her without a sound.