Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 545: A Dangerous Beauty

Elowen lifted a crystal cup of honeyed drink to her lips, taking a slow sip before looking up.

The Nordian delegation was larger than expected.

Flowira and Zachary walked among them, flanking a woman at the center.

That had to be Valessa.

She had clearly dressed with intent.

A deep crimson gown, richly woven with gold thread, caught the torchlight as she moved. The cut followed Avenlor court fashion at a glance, but the tailoring was sharper, the sleeves fitted closer along the arms instead of flowing loose, giving her silhouette a more controlled, almost predatory elegance.

At her wrists were a pair of heavy gold cuffs, each sculpted into snarling wolf heads, the craftsmanship so vivid they almost seemed ready to bite.

Her skirt fell straight without splits, paired with dark deerskin boots that rose to her ankles. The tips curved slightly upward, each adorned with a single luminous pearl that swayed faintly with her steps.

Her hair had been braided into multiple fine strands, each tied off with small gold rings. Half of those braids were gathered and secured with a crescent-shaped comb set with rubies, while the rest spilled freely down her back and shoulders.

At her brow rested a deep amber gem, large and glowing like captured firelight, intensifying the sharpness of her features.

Her brows arched cleanly, her lashes thick, her eyes naturally tilted upward at the corners. There was something untamed in her beauty, something bold and unapologetic, the kind that didn't invite admiration so much as demand it.

Elowen watched her for a moment, then said softly, "She's stunning."

Cassian didn't look up, his attention still on peeling the skin from a grape with careful precision before placing it into a small dish for her. "Not as stunning as you."

Elowen glanced at him, caught slightly off guard.

Before she could respond, Valessa had already stepped forward and come to a stop in the center of the hall.

"Which one of you is the Lady of Grace and Virtue?"

Her Avenlor speech was flawless.

Elowen had just placed the grape into her mouth. At the question, she looked up.

Every gaze in the hall had already turned toward her.

Valessa followed their attention and locked onto Elowen. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"So it's you."

Her gaze moved over Elowen once, deliberate and unhurried. "You live up to the reputation."

Elowen swallowed, then lifted a linen napkin to lightly touch the corner of her lips before rising with composed grace. "Your Highness is generous. You are truly—"

"Beautiful, yes," Valessa cut in, her attention already drifting away as if she had lost interest mid-sentence. "But empty."

Her tone carried open disdain. "A bloom with no fragrance. Looks good from a distance, offers nothing up close."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall.

Elowen paused briefly.

She had never met Valessa before. The hostility was immediate, deliberate.

Cassian's expression darkened, his posture shifting as he started to rise. Elowen caught it instantly and placed her hand lightly on his shoulder.

Cassian looked at her. There was no hurt in her expression.

Only calm refusal. She didn't want him intervening.

Cassian held her gaze, the tension in his eyes cooling into something colder, more restrained. After a moment, he settled back into his seat.

"Your Highness..." Flowira spoke from the side, still dressed in Zachary's attire. "The Duchess is widely admired. Her Tales of Luminara have spread through Nordia, and many readers truly enjoy them—"

Valessa's expression tightened. She shot her a sharp look. "If you remember who you're speaking to, then hold your tongue. Taking someone else's side so easily, I wonder who taught you that."

Flowira stiffened, her face going pale.

Zachary, dressed in women's clothing and still struggling with the language, looked between them, clearly unable to follow what was being said.

At that moment, Alaric stepped forward, a courteous smile on his face.

"Your Highness has traveled far. You must be weary from the journey. The Duchess is family to me. If there has been any offense, I hope Your Highness will be gracious."

Valessa turned her gaze to him. "You're the Crown Prince?"

"I am."

She studied him for a moment, and something in her expression softened slightly. "You're too soft-hearted. That's why people walk all over you."

Alaric paused.

He had never framed it that way before. But hearing it now, it settled into place too easily.

Yes.

He had always been too accommodating. That was why Cassian overshadowed him. That was why Elowen had turned away from him.

Valessa gave a quiet, dismissive breath. "But now that I'm here, I won't let that continue. A crown prince should act like one."

The protective tone in her voice was unmistakable.

A thought surfaced in Alaric's mind, unexpected and strangely compelling.

Could it be she's heard of me in Nordia... and taken an interest?

The idea amused him. A faint smile curved at his lips.

If that were true, it wouldn't be a bad thing.

It could strengthen his hold over the Crown Prince's Wing.

And perhaps... Make Elowen look at him again.

"Your Highness is kind," Alaric said smoothly. "Please, take your seat. The banquet will begin shortly."

Valessa gave a slight nod and took her seat.

The Nordian delegation followed.

Alaric gestured behind him. "Iris, pour the wine."

Iris stepped forward, lifting a cup.

Valessa glanced at her. "You only keep one attendant?"

Iris lowered her gaze. "I am honored to serve His Highness."

Valessa studied her, her gaze sharp and critical.

Iris wore a pale blue servant's gown, her hair neatly arranged. Her features were pleasant, but understated.

Valessa let out a faint laugh. "Unremarkable."

She tilted her chin slightly toward Elowen. "Not even close to her."

Iris knew her place. She had never considered herself comparable to Elowen.

And faced with someone like Valessa, there was no room to argue. Not when the woman herself carried such overwhelming presence.