Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 551: No Turning Back

The carriage never slowed. It rolled straight through the side gate of the royal residence and out onto the main road beyond.

"There are more women than you could count lining up for me. Who do you think you are?

"I'm the Crown Prince. Do you have any idea who you're talking to?

"Yeah, maybe I liked you. But I'm not about to sit around waiting for you like it's my only option.

"This is the last time I'm saying it. If I ever come crawling back or even look your way again, then I'm not Alaric."

By the end, his voice had gone raw, cracking under the strain.

But the carriage was already gone, wheels rattling over the stone-paved street outside the palace grounds.

Cassian tilted his head slightly, listening for a moment, then turned back with a faint grin. "Sounds like Alaric's still shouting after you."

Elowen didn't even bother looking back. "If you hadn't said anything, I would've thought it was some stray mutt losing its mind."

Cassian let out a quiet laugh.

...

Back at the Crown Prince's Wing, Alaric stood alone along the stone passage, his hair disordered, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at the empty road where the carriage had vanished.

"Your Highness..."

Iris spoke carefully, her voice small.

Alaric turned. His hand came out of nowhere.

The crack rang sharp against the stone walls.

The blow sent Iris stumbling sideways, completely caught off guard. Her carefully pinned hair came loose at once, strands falling across her face, and the edge of her lip split from the impact. The pain hit hard, then dulled into a heavy numbness.

"You useless little worm!" Alaric snapped. "Didn't I tell you she wasn't allowed to bring anyone with her? You can't even handle something that simple. What exactly do I keep you for?"

Iris dropped immediately, folding herself down low until her forehead nearly touched the ground. "Your Highness, please don't be angry. This servant failed. I deserve—"

"I know you failed," Alaric cut in coldly. "So stay right there. Don't move. You'll hold that position for twelve hours."

Her whole body stiffened.

Twelve hours?

Through the day and into the night?

The path beneath her was uneven stone, hard and unforgiving. Holding that posture for that long would destroy her legs.

But no one argued with the Crown Prince.

No one dared.

She sank lower, her voice shaking. "I understand. I'll take the punishment."

...

Elowen brought Josh straight back to Hale Manor.

After stepping down from the carriage, she turned to him, her tone gentle but firm. "You'll stay here for the next few days. I've already sent word to have your mother brought over as well. The Crown Prince won't let this go easily, and it's not safe for you out there."

Josh bowed deeply, gratitude written all over his face. "Thank you, Your Grace."

He hesitated, pressing his lips together before speaking again, quieter now. "I didn't make the list... I've let you down."

Elowen shook her head. "This wasn't on you."

Josh straightened, his shoulders firm, his gaze steady. "If I didn't pass, that's on me. My writing wasn't strong enough yet. That's all there is to it. Please don't try to soften it for me, Your Grace. I'll sit the trials again next year. I won't fall short twice."

A flicker of approval passed through Elowen's eyes.

He's steady. Doesn't make excuses, doesn't look for someone to blame. That kind of spine... he'll go far.

She didn't say it out loud. Instead, she turned to Cora. "Take him to Tranquil Court. When his mother arrives, bring her there too. They'll stay together for now."

Josh hesitated. "Your Grace, we could stay in a smaller room. There's no need to clear out an entire residence for us."

Elowen smiled lightly. "It's been empty long enough. It could use a bit of life again."

He still looked like he wanted to argue, but she lifted her chin slightly. "Go on. I need some rest."

His eyes flicked briefly to her stomach. She had already done far too much today, going all the way to the Crown Prince's Wing to pull him out of trouble.

Swallowing his words, he bowed again and followed Cora without protest.

Once he was settled, Elowen turned to Mira, lowering her voice.

"Go to Falconcrest Manor. Tell Sylvia that I had a scare after returning from the Crown Prince's Wing today, and I'm not doing well. Ask her to come see me."

Everything she'd been setting up was finally starting to fall into place.

Mira froze. "A scare? Your Grace, are you—"

"I'm fine."

Elowen's lips curved, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I just need a reason to bring her here. When you speak, make it sound serious. Worried. And make sure the Duchess hears you."

Mira caught on right away. Her mistress wasn't just sending for Sylvia, she was making sure the news reached the Duchess too.

And the Duchess never ignored this kind of thing. If she heard even a hint of trouble, she'd come in person without a second thought.

Mira straightened. "I understand. I'll go right away."

After Mira left, Elowen returned to her chamber.

She sat at her dressing table and opened a carved ivory case, taking out a fine powder. With a soft puff, she pressed a light layer across her face.

The powder was finely milled, a gift from the royal court. It settled smoothly, dulling the natural warmth in her skin just enough to leave her looking faint and drained.

She tilted her head toward Cassian. "Well? How do I look?"