Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 547: A Silent Pact

A cool night breeze drifted through the corridor at the Crown Prince's Wing, brushing past the rows of iron sconces fixed along the stone walls. The flames flickered gently, casting shifting shadows across their faces.

Iris said nothing.

This was no small matter. Once she took that step, there would be no turning back.

Caelan studied her in silence for a moment, then eased the tension deliberately, stepping back just enough to give her space.

"I've said everything I needed to tonight," he said, his tone calm but measured. "I don't expect an answer right away. If you agree, within three days, find a way to leave a branch of peach blossoms outside my mother's residence. If you don't... then do nothing. I'll understand."

He stepped back further, his figure gradually disappearing into the dim edges of the corridor.

"It's cold tonight. You should head back."

Iris stood still for a brief moment, then gave a proper court bow toward him. "Understood. I'll take my leave, Your Highness."

She turned and walked down the corridor toward the Crown Prince's Wing.

Her steps were steady.

Her heartbeat was anything but.

Inside the grand banquet hall, the atmosphere was still lively.

Theodric sat at the center, elevated above the gathered nobles, his presence commanding without effort. His gaze swept across the hall, sharp and calculating, carrying the weight of years spent ruling.

At last, it settled on Valessa.

"It pleases me to finally meet the princess," Theodric said, his voice deep and steady.

Valessa rose gracefully and offered a formal Nordian salute, composed and unyielding. "Your Majesty is too generous. It is an honor for our delegation to be received with such distinction."

Theodric allowed himself a faint smile. "Now that you've arrived in Vanelle, it is time for our nations to resume negotiations."

Valessa inclined her head slightly. "Of course. My brother, the King of Nordia, places great importance on these talks, which is why I was sent personally. However, whether these negotiations succeed depends greatly on who represents your side."

Her tone remained even, but the intent beneath it was unmistakable.

"As I understand, the matter was previously handled by Your Majesty's brother. Unfortunately, his conduct was... less than acceptable. It even led to the death of my brother, Roderic."

The hall fell into complete silence.

Roderic's death was not something openly discussed, and yet here she was, stating it plainly, the accusation clear.

Theodric's expression did not shift. "The circumstances of the prince's death are still under investigation. As the primary suspect, my brother has already been stripped of all duties and confined to his residence. He will not take part in these negotiations."

Valessa gave a small nod. "That is reassuring."

She continued without pause, "In that case, given his status and legitimacy, the Crown Prince would be the most suitable choice. As heir, he represents the future of Avenlor. Having him oversee the negotiations would demonstrate sincerity."

She turned toward Alaric, her gaze softening slightly.

"If he is not the one presiding... I doubt I would have much interest in continuing."

The implication was unmistakable.

Even edged with pressure. Several senior officials exchanged subtle glances, their expressions tightening.

Theodric remained silent for a moment, then glanced toward Cassian. Cassian, however, seemed entirely unconcerned.

He sat beside Elowen, carefully separating the bones from a piece of roasted river fish, placing the clean portion onto her plate with quiet focus, as though the entire exchange had nothing to do with him.

Theodric frowned faintly, clearly dissatisfied, then withdrew his gaze.

At last, he nodded.

"The princess makes a reasonable point. Very well. The Crown Prince will oversee these negotiations."

Alaric felt a surge of exhilaration.

He had never realized how effortless things could feel when someone powerful stood firmly on his side.

With Valessa openly supporting him, his path ahead would be smooth.

Alaric rose and gave a formal bow. "I will give this my full effort and will not disappoint Your Majesty or the princess."

By the time Elowen returned to Hale Manor, it was already late into the night.

As the carriage came to a stop at the front courtyard, Anson stepped forward immediately, lowering his voice.

"Your Grace, you have a distinguished guest waiting."

Elowen already knew who it was.

She gave a small nod. "As usual, show her to the study."

"Yes, Your Grace."

She turned to Cassian. "You should get some rest."

Cassian gently pressed her fingers. "Don't overdo it."

Elowen nodded. "I won't."

Inside the study at Hale Manor, the hearth burned steadily, filling the room with warm light.

Flowira stood near the center, still dressed in her Nordian envoy attire. Her features were striking, but a trace of worry lingered in her expression.

She steadied herself before speaking.

"You may not know this, Your Grace, but in Nordia, my aunt holds a position very similar to His Grace."

She continued slowly, her voice quieter.

"She is my father's full sister. When he ascended the throne, she played a crucial role. On the night of the uprising, she took a blade meant for him. The wound damaged her deeply... she was never able to have children afterward."

Flowira lowered her gaze briefly.

"My father has never forgotten that. He grants her almost anything she asks. That's why she acts the way she does. I've tried to reason with her, but she doesn't take it seriously."