Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 510: Rising Tension

Hearing that, Maerwyn suddenly remembered something, and her expression changed.

"Ember... was that during last year's royal hunt..."

She stopped halfway through her sentence.

Elowen's expression dimmed visibly.

She turned her head slightly, looking momentarily distant, then forced herself to recover. She let out a quiet breath.

"It's alright."

She smiled at Maerwyn and Elara, gentle and warm, though her eyes shimmered faintly. "It's all in the past now."

Before they could respond, Elowen continued softly, "Oh, right. I meant to tell you earlier. I know you both like my stories. When I was writing Ode to Springlight, I kept some drafts. I never threw them away. If you'd like, I can give them to you after the banquet."

Maerwyn and Elara exchanged a glance, excitement lighting up their faces.

Maerwyn nearly jumped in her seat. "Really? Aunt Elowen, that's amazing!"

Elowen smiled and nodded. "Really. Thank you for liking my work."

Maerwyn looked like she might faint from happiness.

Elowen sat back down, resuming her composed posture as she continued watching the performance.

But Maerwyn and Elara were no longer paying attention.

Maerwyn leaned in, her voice trembling with excitement. "Do you realize what this means? I already have the manuscript for Tales of Luminara, and now I'll have Ode to Springlight too. I might actually be the happiest girl in Avenlor."

Elara smiled brightly. "Azure's a Hale. My mother's a Hale too, and they're close. And now I'm getting a manuscript as well. I think I'm just as lucky as you."

Maerwyn grabbed her hand tightly. "Then we both are."

"...Wait."

Elara lowered her voice. "What were you saying earlier about Ember and the hunt? She looked really upset when she mentioned it."

Maerwyn's smile faded.

She glanced toward Elowen and saw that she was focused on the stage, then leaned closer and whispered, her voice very low.

"This is actually my brother's fault. He was being cruel. Back then..."

She quietly explained everything she knew about what had happened during the hunt.

Elara inhaled sharply, her eyes widening. "That's horrible. Elowen... and Ember... that's just awful."

"Exactly."

Maerwyn frowned deeply. "I didn't even know back then that she was Azure. I was too busy having fun. If I had known, I would have protected her. Maybe Ember would still be alive."

While they were whispering, Gerda returned once more.

She walked quickly to Elowen's side, her expression even more serious than before.

Gerda said, "The Crown Prince has arrived. He's just outside the inner gate. He says he came specifically to invite you to see the gift."

Elowen's voice was calm, but loud enough for those nearby to hear. "The Crown Prince is here? What exactly did he bring me?"

Gerda paused briefly, then understood. "From what I can tell, it is a rare warhorse."

Elowen bit her lip lightly, as if hesitating. "I don't think I'll go."

Gerda said gently, "But he seems very determined. If you don't go, he likely won't leave. And today is your birthday."

Elowen seemed to hesitate for a long moment, then sighed softly. "Alright."

She started to stand.

"Aunt Elowen, sit down."

Maerwyn stood up abruptly, her face filled with anger. "I won't let anyone bully you. Not even my brother."

Elara stood as well. "Exactly. He killed Ember and now brings another horse? That's just insulting."

Maerwyn grabbed Elara's hand. "Come on, let's go deal with him."

Elara nodded without hesitation.

"Maerwyn, Elara," Elowen called out.

The two girls stopped and turned back.

Elowen stood there, her expression calm, though her eyes were faintly red. "This is my matter. I shouldn't trouble the two of you with it. He came for me, so I should handle it myself."

Before she finished speaking, a tear slid down her cheek.

Maerwyn saw it, and her anger flared instantly.

She clenched her fists. "Aunt Elowen, don't be upset. I'll stand up for you."