Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 507: A Little Performance

More than anything, he loved putting on a show. It didn't matter where he was, if there was a moment to play it up, he would.

Elowen didn't mind that at all.

She leaned in just slightly, her tone easy. "I was going to call him out anyway. Someone like Alaric practically asks for it."

Cassian chuckled under his breath. "Sounds like you're doing him a favor."

Elowen tipped her head, eyes glinting. "Then maybe I should throw a couple insults your way too. Keep things fair."

Cassian lifted a brow, clearly entertained. "Go on then."

She actually paused, thinking it over with mock seriousness. "You're hopeless."

Cassian laughed, pulling her in by the waist and drawing her close.

Elowen let herself sink against him, relaxed in his arms. "And kind of unbearable."

That only made him laugh harder.

They stayed like that for a while, until something crossed Elowen's mind. Her smile softened, a touch of regret slipping in. "It's a shame my aunt couldn't make it today."

The moment Cassian agreed to host the celebration, Elowen had written to Rivenshire, asking Elspeth to bring Nina back to Vanelle.

But Elspeth had replied that she hadn't realized the exact date. By the time she found out, she had already promised Nina a trip, everything packed and ready.

Now that she treated Nina as her own daughter, she couldn't bring herself to break that promise.

Elowen didn't blame her.

If my mom made me a promise at that age and then took it back... yeah, I'd hold onto that for a long time.

Cassian's arm rested loosely around her. "She may not be here in person, but her gifts showed up days ago."

That drew a laugh from Elowen.

For a birthday, Elspeth had sent what could only be described as a small caravan's worth of gifts.

Out of curiosity, Elowen had opened a few crates. Inside were neatly stacked gold bars, silver pieces, fine brocades and silks, and even a full chest of tiny garments and delicate ornaments clearly meant for the child she was carrying.

Along with the gifts came one of Elspeth's attendants, looking deeply apologetic as she delivered the message.

"My lady worries the gifts are too modest. She asks Your Grace not to take offense. Once she and Nina return from their travels, they will come to Vanelle to visit in person."

Compared to that, the offerings from the other noble houses in Vanelle felt almost insignificant.

The manor's storage rooms were already filled to the brim, so the extra chests had been placed in an adjacent courtyard under guard.

"Your Grace."

Anson's voice came from outside the study door. "Lady Aveline has arrived."

Elowen straightened at once, easing out of Cassian's arms. "I should go greet her."

Cassian brushed an imaginary crease from his cuff. "I'll come with you."

She glanced at him, faintly surprised.

Earlier, when other nobles had arrived, he hadn't gone with her. With the emperor having ordered him to keep a low profile, it wasn't wise for him to be too visible.

So his reason now was fairly obvious.

He knew Aveline had a son named Kaelan.

And Kaelan had feelings for Elowen.

They stepped out together, walking through the covered passage toward the front court.

By the time they reached the inner gate, Aveline's carriage had just come to a stop.

Kaelan stepped down first. He wore a tailored blue coat, fastened neatly at the front, a matching sash at his waist with a finely crafted ivory pendant hanging from it.

Compared to the pale, drawn figure Elowen had seen months ago, he looked far healthier now, his complexion warm, carrying himself like a proper young lord.

He didn't move forward right away. Instead, he turned back and offered his hand, helping Aveline down with steady care.

Once she was on her feet, she looked toward Elowen and Cassian.

They exchanged greetings, polite and measured.

Elowen turned to Kaelan. "The court qualification trials are coming up. That must be a lot to handle. Are you feeling the pressure?"

Kaelan inclined his head slightly, a relaxed smile forming. "Of course. But whenever I feel unsettled, I look at the painting you gave me. There's something about it that clears the mind."

Cassian spoke from beside her, tone easy but pointed. "We gave it to you."

Kaelan paused, then let out a quiet laugh. "Right. You both did."

Just then, another set of carriages approached, the sound of wheels rolling over stone echoing faintly.

Elowen glanced over, her expression shifting.

Two carriages, understated in design but clearly crafted from the finest materials. From the royal household.

They came to a smooth stop, and a servant quickly set down a polished step.

The curtain of the first carriage was drawn aside. A pair of well-made black boots appeared, followed by a young man in a deep blue coat patterned with subtle cloud motifs.

Caelan.

He stood tall now, caught between youth and full adulthood.

From the second carriage, a small hand pushed the curtain aside in a hurry. A young girl peeked out, her hair styled in soft loops.