Fated Hearts: Reborn to be His Duchess

Chapter 63: Chapter 63: What Aunt Thinks

King Zephyrus gave Cassiel’s shoulder an affectionate pat.

"I’ve collected quite a few useful things over the years. Before you leave today, take whatever you like from my private stores."

Cassiel inclined his head slightly.

"Thank you, Brother."

"It’s nothing."

King Zephyrus waved the gratitude aside with a smile.

"This year, I won’t be sending you to the frontier. Stay in the capital, focus on recovering your legs properly..."

His smile turned teasing.

"...and while you’re at it, give your wife a child or two."

Cassiel froze.

The mere thought of having children with Elysia sent an unfamiliar warmth creeping up his neck. He lowered his eyes, suddenly unable to meet King Zephyrus’s gaze.

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of the palace, Queen Ilara and Vaelen had already taken their seats at the verse salon.

A senior palace maid approached quietly and bent to whisper into the Queen’s ear.

Three young noblewomen had insulted the Duchess of Draevenor at the palace entrance. Duke Cassiel had personally overheard them and ordered them to kneel for an hour as punishment.

Queen Ilara’s fingers paused lightly against her teacup.

"So..."

A thoughtful smile appeared on her lips.

"She truly has some ability."

In all these years, she’d only ever seen Cassiel openly favour one person—King Zephyrus.

Yet now he was protecting Elysia so openly.

What exactly had that girl done to earn such devotion?

Just then, Queen Ilara spotted Elysia entering the hall.

Walking beside her was another young lady.

"Who’s that?" she asked.

The maid followed her gaze immediately.

"That should be Lady Lillian Asheford, the youngest daughter of the late General Gideon Asheford, His Grace’s maternal uncle."

Queen Ilara’s brows lifted slightly.

"Still unmarried?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

A faint, almost mocking smile crossed Queen Ilara’s lips.

"So that’s the plan..."

She gave a quiet snort.

"Elysia still has ambitions."

She assumed Elysia had deliberately brought Lillian to today’s gathering, hoping the girl might catch Vaelen’s eye.

At the mention of Elysia’s name, Vaelen instinctively looked toward the entrance.

The moment he saw her, his gaze lingered.

She looked even more radiant than the last time they’d met.

Her calm smile, elegant bearing, and quiet confidence made it difficult to look away.

"What is it?"

Queen Ilara noticed.

"Do you find that young lady attractive?"

Vaelen finally forced himself to avert his eyes.

"No."

Only then did Queen Ilara relax.

"Come to think of it, I’ve never actually asked."

She smiled gently.

"What sort of woman do you prefer?"

Vaelen’s eyes drifted back to Elysia.

She was smiling again.

That same serene smile.

His fingers slowly tightened.

"...I don’t like women who smile all the time."

Queen Ilara blinked.

"Really?"

Vaelen’s gaze unconsciously dropped to Elysia’s knees.

Before her injury, she’d loved horseback riding and archery.

She’d been better at both than he was.

His jaw tightened.

"I prefer someone quiet. Someone who stays within the household. She should spend her days reading the classics, copying scriptures, practicing embroidery... A proper, dignified lady."

By then, Elysia had already approached them.

Queen Ilara immediately greeted her with a warm smile.

"Duchess of Draevenor. We’ve been waiting for you. Please, have a seat."

Elysia offered a graceful curtsy.

"Your Majesty."

Behind her, Lillian also bowed respectfully.

Queen Ilara’s eyes shifted toward the younger girl.

"And this young lady is...?"

Elysia answered calmly,

"Lady Lillian Asheford, youngest daughter of General Asheford. I thought today’s gathering would bring together many ladies of similar age. I hoped she might make a few friends."

"I see."

Queen Ilara nodded pleasantly before instructing a maid,

"Bring another chair for Lady Lillian."

Once everyone was seated, Vaelen spoke again.

"Mother, you interrupted me earlier."

Though he addressed Queen Ilara, the words were clearly intended for Elysia.

She, however, appeared completely occupied with the tray of pastries before her.

"What I meant was..."

Vaelen continued, "I dislike women who are overly lively. If I am to choose a Crown Princess, she must be gentle, restrained, and dignified. And if she happens to be an excellent cook..."

He gave a faint sneer.

"I’d dislike that as well."

Queen Ilara looked genuinely puzzled.

"Why? If she cooks well, she can prepare meals for you."

Vaelen shook his head.

"I’m choosing a Crown Princess. Not hiring a cook. If my wife has to prepare my meals herself, what purpose do the palace servants serve? People would only say I mistreat her."

He finally turned to Elysia.

"What do you think, Aunt?"

Elysia looked up in confusion.

She had just taken a bite of a sweet pastry.

"Pardon?"

She hadn’t heard a word.

Her thoughts had been occupied entirely with Alhena and the meeting she planned later.

Seeing her genuinely bewildered expression, Vaelen felt another surge of irritation.

She hadn’t reacted at all.

Not even a little.

As if his every word meant nothing to her.

Queen Ilara smiled diplomatically.

"We were discussing the qualities a Crown Princess should possess. In my opinion, literary talent and refinement are the most important."

Vaelen kept his eyes fixed on Elysia.

"I remember Aunt Elysia struggling terribly with memorizing books when she was younger. She’d often complain of headaches. And essays were never her strength..."

"I suppose literary accomplishments aren’t exactly Aunt’s specialty."

"Vaelen."

Queen Ilara frowned immediately.

"Mind your manners. She is your aunt."

Elysia merely smiled.

"It doesn’t matter."

She looked at Vaelen with complete composure.

"Today’s gathering was arranged precisely so His Highness can choose a truly capable Crown Princess."

"Once the future Crown Princess helps manage the affairs of the Crown Prince’s residence, His Highness can devote himself fully to self-improvement."

Her smile remained gentle.

"Perhaps then His Majesty won’t have to reprimand him so often..."

"...or suspend him from attending morning court."

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