Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 543: A Simple Order

No harsh questioning came.

No sudden accusation.

Alaric simply spoke, his tone controlled. "Go find Tristan. Have him leave the palace at once and carry a message to the Baker Estate. Tell my two uncles the matter they requested has already been handled."

Iris paused for a brief moment.

So it was only a message.

The tightness in her chest finally loosened just a little. She lowered her head. "Yes, Your Highness."

The following day, just beyond Vanelle's outer gates, banners snapped in the wind as ranks of guards stood in formal formation.

Caelan stood at the front, dressed in full ceremonial attire, dark velvet layered over deep crimson, trimmed with gold thread. His posture was upright, his expression composed.

There was still a trace of youth in his features, but his gaze had steadied. The weight of royal bearing had already begun to settle over him.

The Nordian delegation approached at a measured pace.

Their carriage rolled to a stop. The curtain was drawn aside, and under the escort of several Nordian guards, the newly appointed envoy stepped down.

She appeared to be in her early twenties, dressed in the signature style of Nordian nobility. Her gown was richly layered, bold in color and intricate in pattern, adorned with heavy goldwork and large gemstones at her throat and wrists.

Her figure was tall and full, her skin warm-toned.

Her eyes stood out the most, long and slightly lifted at the corners, carrying a sharp, alluring edge.

There was something calculating in the way she looked at people.

Caelan stepped forward, his voice clear and steady. "You've come a long way. The journey must have been tiring. His Majesty has sent me to welcome you personally, and a reception has been prepared within the palace this evening. We would be honored if you would attend."

Valessa let her gaze travel over him slowly, her voice lazy but edged. "Last time my brother entered your palace, he never came back out. From what I hear, your palace doesn't sound particularly safe."

She paused, then let out a faint, amused breath.

"I think I'll stay where you've arranged for us instead. Feels more reliable."

Then she tilted her head slightly, her lips curving. "And I am the sister of the King of Nordia. By custom, shouldn't a prince of higher standing be sent to receive me? Instead, you send someone like you?"

Her eyes lingered, openly dismissive.

"Still a boy."

The words were blunt.

Several Avenlor officials nearby shifted uncomfortably.

Caelan, however, remained composed. The day before, he had gone to Hale Manor. Cassian had warned him clearly.

Valessa was difficult.

Proud, sharp-tongued, and fond of testing boundaries.

Caelan met her gaze calmly. "His Majesty sent me precisely because he values Your Highness's safety."

Valessa raised a brow.

"By custom," Caelan continued, "a visiting royal of your rank would indeed be received by one of our senior princes. That was the case when Roderic arrived last year. However, His Majesty considered that Your Highness is in the prime of youth, while most of our senior princes are far older. He believed sending someone closer in age would make the reception feel more fitting. It is a gesture of consideration."

He did not rush his words.

"As for the reception in the palace, security has been reinforced at every level. Every detail has been reviewed and secured. What happened before was unforeseen on both sides. His Majesty remains deeply regretful. Avenlor sincerely seeks peace, and your safety will be fully assured."

Cassian had told him something else. She liked being praised for her youth.

And she had another weakness. Caelan continued, "All arrangements for tonight's reception have been placed under Alaric's supervision."

Valessa's expression shifted slightly. "The Crown Prince? Alaric?"

Caelan nodded. "Yes."

This time, her lips curved with interest. She lifted her chin slightly. "Then I'll attend."

Caelan allowed himself a faint smile.

The task was done.

Thinking back, it was fortunate he had listened to Iris and gone to Hale Manor.

Cassian had given him exactly what he needed.

At the time, just before he left, Cassian had called him back and said, "If she refuses, tell her Alaric will be there. She won't decline after that."

Caelan had wanted to ask why.

But Cassian had already been in a hurry, heading off to prepare dinner for Elowen, apron tied, clearly unwilling to delay.

There had been no chance to ask.

Now, the answer was obvious.

As the evening banquet approached, preparations within the palace were nearly complete.

Elowen received her invitation and set out early with Cassian in a carriage.

Along the way, she seemed to recall something and turned toward him. "Cassian, why is Nordia's new envoy so interested in Alaric?"

Cassian leaned back against the cushioned seat, resting his chin lightly against his hand. "During the campaign in Nordia, there was a battle at Wolf Ridge. We set an ambush and captured an elite unit. Valessa was among them. She was the sister of the commanding officer and knew quite a bit about their troop deployments."

His tone remained easy.

"The situation was tense, so I needed information. I told her I was Alaric, said I despised the war and had slipped away from the army to stop it."