Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 546: The Game Begins

Iris lowered her head further. "I wouldn't presume to compare myself to Her Grace."

Valessa waved her off with little interest. "I don't need you. Step back."

Iris glanced toward Alaric.

She didn't mind the task, nor the insult. But she had stepped forward at his instruction.

Alaric watched the exchange, his mood unexpectedly light.

He waved a hand. "You're dismissed."

Relief passed quietly through Iris as she withdrew.

Across the hall, Elowen had taken in everything. For a moment, something amused her, and she let out a soft laugh.

Cassian turned slightly. "She spoke to you like that, and you're laughing?"

Elowen's eyes curved. "She still called me beautiful. I'll take the compliment."

Cassian's expression didn't ease. "Ella, you shouldn't have stopped me."

Elowen turned serious. "I know you didn't like seeing that. But this isn't just about that moment."

She shifted closer, lowering her voice.

"I thought of something."

Cassian glanced at her. "What?"

Elowen leaned in slightly. "Cassian, do you remember that account in The Chronicle of Kingdoms, the one where a ruler let his rival grow bold before moving against him?"

Cassian's eyes sharpened.

Understanding settled in.

He looked at her, then said quietly, "You're letting her push... on purpose."

She's not ignoring it. She's setting the stage.

Outside the hall, away from the noise, Iris walked along the pale stone corridor until the sound of voices faded behind her.

Only then did she stop in the shadow of a column and draw in a slow breath of cool night air.

She lifted her hand unconsciously, brushing her cheek.

"Iris."

A voice called softly from the darkness.

Her heart jumped. She recognized it immediately.

Caelan.

Her first instinct was caution. She glanced around quickly. No one.

"Don't worry," Caelan said, stepping forward into the dim light. "No one from the Crown Prince's Wing is nearby."

Iris stepped back slightly, lowering her gaze as she gave a proper bow. "Your Highness."

Caelan looked at her directly. "Have you considered my offer?"

She understood exactly what he was getting at.

It meant walking away from the Crown Prince's Wing, not turning to Duke Roland, and choosing him instead.

For a moment, she said nothing, the weight of that choice settling quietly between them.

Caelan continued, his tone steady. "What happened inside, I saw it. If you were under my protection, I wouldn't have allowed that. I would have stood for you."

Iris's fingers tightened slightly at her side.

Life in the Crown Prince's Wing required constant care. Alaric wasn't cruel, but he had never truly trusted her.

More often than not, she was simply useful.

Nothing more.

But those thoughts could not be spoken aloud.

She kept her gaze lowered. "I am not someone worth noticing. There's nothing to take offense at."

Caelan shook his head. "A woman's worth isn't defined by her looks. Intelligence matters far more."

Iris pressed her lips together, then finally looked up at him.

Under the moonlight, his expression was composed, his presence quieter than Alaric's, but deeper.

"May I ask something, Your Highness?" she said carefully. "If I were to serve you, what would you expect of me? Would I stand at your side, or remain where I am?"

Caelan's eyes lit slightly. "That's the right question."

He stepped closer. "Right now, Alaric holds the advantage. I can't bring you over openly. It would draw attention, and he wouldn't allow it. So I need you where you are, acting as my support."

Iris didn't respond immediately.

Instead, she said, "You went to Hale Manor, and word reached the Crown Prince quickly. How can I be sure I won't be exposed? If I'm discovered, you may be safe, but I won't be."

Caelan smiled faintly. "That visit was intentional."

Iris froze.

"I didn't do it for him," Caelan said. "I did it so you would see how I treat the people I rely on. If I trust someone, I don't question them."

He paused slightly. "I listen."

He did not call them servants. He spoke as if they mattered.

Something in that shifted inside her.

Caelan continued, "You don't need to worry about your safety. Once the Nordia negotiations are settled, I'll find a way to bring you to my side. You're sharp. I'll make use of that. And I'll protect you."

His voice remained calm, assured.

"You won't have to stand in halls pouring wine or enduring petty slights. You'll advise me. That's where you belong."