Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 516: What She Wanted

The past faded like smoke.

And now, Elowen was watching fireworks once again.

But this time, it was no simple scattering of light. It was overwhelming, filling the entire sky, illuminating the whole city.

All of it had been prepared for her.

Beside her, Cassian lowered his gaze slightly, his eyes lingering on her for a long moment.

The shifting lights reflected in her eyes, bright and alive.

She liked it.

Cassian's mood lifted, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips. In truth, he had begun preparing this long ago.

Even before they had discussed hosting a grand birthday celebration. Even before this year.

He had started when he was still confined to that chair, unable to stand.

He concealed every step carefully, mobilizing former subordinates, reaching out to trusted craftsmen, selecting locations in secret, and testing patterns and timing over and over again.

He gave strict orders that no one involved was to reveal even the slightest detail.

That was why Elowen had not heard a single hint. As for why he chose this as her gift, Cassian had seen Elowen a few times in the past.

Once, he had overheard her speaking with Julian.

Julian had asked her, "Ella, what do you want for your birthday next year?"

Without hesitation, she had replied brightly, "Fireworks! I saw some before, and they were so beautiful!"

Julian had laughed. "You silly girl, what do you want that for? You can't keep it, and once it's over, it's gone. I'll get you something more practical, jewelry, rare books, things you can actually keep and use."

At the time, Elowen had pursed her lips slightly, clearly disappointed.

Cassian had turned his head away as if uninterested, but his gaze had caught the green ornament by her temple, and he had taken in every detail of her expression.

Elowen herself probably no longer remembered saying those words.

She certainly did not know that someone had quietly held onto that wish for years.

Cassian knew there was a considerable age difference between them, and he had once believed that Elowen only cared for Alaric.

He had thought he'd never get the chance to give her something like fireworks in this lifetime, never imagined there would come a day when she would stand beside him as his wife.

His wife.

That changed everything.

If that was who she was to him now, then whatever she wanted, he would make it happen.

Her brother had it wrong.

What did it matter whether something could be held onto or not?

As long as Elowen loved it, that was enough.

Only Alaric stood frozen where he was, his expression dark and rigid, the shift in the air hitting him harder than anything else.

The fireworks continued to explode overhead, accompanied by the guests' laughter and astonished cries.

All of it made his earlier accusations and mockery seem utterly ridiculous.

At last, the final cascade of light faded from the sky.

The fireworks came to an end, and Vanelle returned to night, though the faint scent of smoke still lingered in the air.

Many of the guests were reluctant to look away.

When they glanced toward Elowen, their eyes now carried unmistakable envy.

Elowen turned her head to look at Cassian, meeting his deep gaze.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Cassian's expression softened. "Happy birthday."

Her eyes curved into a smile. "I love it. I'm really happy."

After lingering on him for a moment longer, Elowen finally turned to look at Alaric.

He was still drunk. The wine he had consumed had finally taken full effect, leaving him unsteady, his eyes reddened.

He stared at Elowen for a moment, as if wanting to say something.

Elowen smiled and cut him off before he could speak. "Iris."

Her gaze shifted to the maid behind him. "Take the Crown Prince back to the palace."

Iris bowed respectfully. "Yes, Your Grace." She turned to Tristan. "The steed His Highness brought, since the Duchess refused it, he has ordered it put down. I'll go oversee it. You help His Highness back."

Elowen's brows drew together slightly.

Watching them leave, she leaned closer to Cassian and spoke in a low voice, "That sounded like she wanted me to hear it."

Cassian nodded. "She did."

Elowen frowned. "If I don't accept it, he wants it killed? That's unbelievable. He could sell it or keep it at a royal stable. Why go that far?"

Cassian replied calmly, "That sounds like something Alaric would do."

Elowen sighed softly. "He may be awful, but the horse did nothing wrong. And it's a rare northern breed. It might even be related to Ember..."

Cassian smiled faintly. "Alright."

Elowen blinked in slight surprise.

Cassian had already turned to Bran. "Make arrangements. Find someone unconnected to us and have them purchase the horse quietly. Make sure it's handled cleanly, no one notices."

Since Iris had deliberately said those words, she likely did not wish to see the horse killed either.

And after giving the order, Alaric would not think to check on the matter again.

That left plenty of room for those below to act discreetly.

Selling it quietly would bring profit, and no one would question it.

Bran nodded in acknowledgment, then glanced at Elowen. "Should I bring the horse back here, or keep it elsewhere?"

Before Elowen could answer, Cassian shook his head. "She still has Ember on her mind. She won't want another of the same kind. Arrange for it to be sent to Rivenshire, and hand it over to Marwen. Nina enjoys riding, doesn't she?"