Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 544: A Familiar Trick

Elowen looked at him. "And then?"

Cassian's lips curved slightly. "I pretended to help her escape. On the way, she trusted me and shared quite a bit. When we reached the exit, Bran was already waiting with men as instructed. We captured her again."

Elowen shook her head, her tone sincere. "That's ruthless."

Cassian seemed perfectly at ease with that. "A seasoned hunter knows how to handle another."

Elowen smiled faintly. "But she's seen you before. You and Alaric look nothing alike. If she recognizes you tonight..."

Cassian shook his head. "It was dark, chaotic. She didn't see clearly enough to remember."

Elowen tilted her head slightly. "And if she does recognize you?"

Cassian leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough. "Then I'll be relying on you, Your Grace."

Elowen laughed.

Before long, the carriage reached the palace gates.

Night had settled in, and the palace was illuminated by rows of iron sconces and braziers, firelight casting a steady golden glow across stone walls and high archways.

Cassian stepped down first, as he always did, and extended his hand.

Elowen placed her hand in his, letting him guide her down carefully.

His gaze briefly passed over her rounded stomach, and a thought came to him. "When the child is born, you'll still step down first."

Elowen looked at him. "And then?"

"I'll still help you down."

Elowen smiled. "The child will cry."

Cassian answered calmly. "Then he can wait."

She laughed again.

"Aunt."

The voice came from nearby, familiar.

"What's so amusing?"

Elowen turned.

Alaric stood beneath the torchlight, dressed in formal court attire, a gold circlet set in place. His expression was composed, but his gaze had already dropped to their joined hands.

Something dark flickered there.

Elowen's smile faded slightly.

Cassian spoke lazily, "Grown matters. Not for children."

The tone was deliberate.

Alaric's jaw tightened as he looked at him. "So you've come as well."

He paused, then continued, "The invitation was sent to her by me. I didn't expect her to bring unrelated company. If I recall correctly, you are still under sanction. Bloodline aside, that leaves you little more than a noble without standing. This kind of banquet doesn't seem appropriate for you."

The words were not polite.

The air around them seemed to still. A few passing officials slowed their steps, listening quietly.

Cassian glanced at him. "I'm here as family of the Lady of Grace and Virtue."

He emphasized the last part.

Alaric paused.

Elowen nodded slightly. "You'll understand when you have a family of your own."

Alaric's expression faltered for a brief moment.

Then his eyes narrowed. "Still, you may want to be careful. Making too many enemies in Vanelle doesn't end well."

He looked at her more intently. "If you ever find yourself cornered, come to me. I can offer you more than certain... unreliable company."

Before this, he had used gifts to coax Leonhart into visiting Hale Manor and finding out what had happened recently.

Leonhart came back and confirmed everything.

Elowen had thrown an official's son into a pig enclosure.

She had also made Archer and his son spend half a day hauling water at Hale Manor.

All of it, for a boy with no standing.

Alaric had been stunned. For someone like that?

Even he wouldn't act so openly.

Now that Cassian no longer held the title of Duke of Duskmoor, they had lost that protection.

And yet Elowen still acted without restraint.

If the officials joined together to press the issue, even her title could be stripped.

And yet... A part of him almost looked forward to that.

Once she lost everything, once she had nothing left to rely on, she would have no choice.

At that point, she would fall entirely within his control.

Elowen showed no anger. Her reply was brief. "We'll see if you're in a position to help when that time comes."

She turned. "Let's go, Cassian."

Cassian acknowledged softly.

Alaric watched them walk away, his gaze fixed on their joined hands. It stirred something restless in him.

In all his memories, past or present, he had never once held Elowen's hand like that.

But then he thought of something else.

The arrangements for the court qualification trials were already in place. In half a month, the results would be announced. His cousins would pass and enter official ranks, becoming his support.

From then on, everything would move according to his will.

At that point, something as simple as holding her hand would mean nothing.

His mood eased.

He stepped forward and entered the hall. Most of the guests had already gathered.

Then movement stirred at the entrance.

The Nordian delegation had arrived.