Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 512: A Cruel Command

Maerwyn watched until his figure disappeared around the corner, then finally let out a long breath.

She pressed a hand lightly to her chest, her heart still beating fast, but the fear had already turned into excitement.

She had actually stood up for Azure.

Pride filled her as she turned and walked back, her posture straight and confident.

Alaric moved quickly down the path, his expression dark and stormy.

Partway there, an attendant from the Crown Prince's Wing approached cautiously. He was the one responsible for the prized stallion.

"Your Highness," he said carefully, "what should we do with the horse? Did Lady of Grace and Virtue accept your gift?"

Alaric stopped and turned slightly.

The sunlight fell across half his face, leaving the other half in shadow, making his expression look even colder.

Iris immediately read the mood and stepped forward before things escalated. "Take the horse back to the western stables outside the city. Make sure it's kept somewhere secure for now."

The attendant hesitated. "But it took so much effort to find a horse like that, and transporting it all the way to Vanelle cost a great deal of time and resources. Wasn't it meant as her birthday gift? Why send it back instead of—"

He didn't get to finish.

Alaric's gaze snapped toward him, sharp and icy. The attendant froze, a chill running through him as he quickly fell silent.

Alaric's voice came out low and cutting. "Then put it down."

The attendant stood there, stunned, unsure if he had heard correctly.

Even Iris felt a jolt of shock.

Put it down?

After everything that had gone into finding that horse?

And now, just because it couldn't be given away, it was to be destroyed?

Alaric didn't spare them another glance. As if he had just dealt with something trivial, he turned and walked away without hesitation.

That kind of indifference was colder than anger.

Iris remained where she was for a moment, the faint chill of early spring brushing against her skin, doing nothing to ease the cold settling deep inside her.

She took a slow breath before finally moving to follow him.

The Crown Prince was unpredictable, ruthless, and quick to turn.

There had been countless better options. The horse could have been sold to another noble house, gifted elsewhere, or kept for future use.

But instead, he chose to destroy it simply because he was angry.

Today it was a horse.

Tomorrow?

If he never gains Lady of Grace and Virtue's forgiveness, what happens to someone like me, someone connected to him? Would I end up the same way one day, over something trivial, or just because he needs somewhere to vent his anger?

Her original plan had been to wait until the court qualification trials were over, then slowly consider her next move.

Now, that plan clearly had to change.

Every extra day by his side meant more risk.

Back at the front courtyard, the music continued, the banquet still lively as if nothing had happened.

"Alaric!"

Leonhart spotted him right away and stepped forward with a grin. "That was fast. Weren't you going to check on her?"

Noticing the dark look on Alaric's face, he lowered his voice slightly. "She didn't want to see you?"

There was no malice in his tone, just casual concern.

But to Alaric, it only made things worse.

He stopped, glanced at him, and spoke coldly, each word edged with irritation. "If you already knew, why ask? What, did you leave your brain somewhere?"

Leonhart's smile froze instantly, his mouth parting in awkward surprise.

Alaric ignored him and walked past without another word, heading straight for his seat.

Leonhart remained where he was, looking confused and a little embarrassed. After a moment, he scratched his head, still trying to process what had just happened.

Iris had taken it all in. She stepped forward at the right moment. "Leonhart."

He turned at the sound of his name.

She gave a small, respectful nod, her tone gentle and composed. "His Highness had a disagreement with Maerwyn earlier, so he's not in the best mood. He spoke without thinking, it wasn't directed at you. Please don't take it to heart, and don't let it affect your relationship."

Leonhart blinked, realization dawning. He studied her for a moment before asking, "You're Iris, right? From the Crown Prince's Wing?"

A hint of surprise crossed her face, perfectly measured. "I didn't expect you to remember me."

Leonhart smiled, visibly more at ease. "Of course I do. Every time I visit, you're the one handling the drinks and desserts. You're always thorough. Hard to forget that."