Chapter 1176:

After their conversation, Elyse quickly left, avoiding Garret. Garret leaned against the doorframe, smirking as he watched her go. “Her reaction clearly shows she has a thing for Jayden.”

Louise’s voice came from behind him. “Give her a break. She’s very confused right now. Even if you confronted her about her feelings for Jayden, she wouldn’t be able to answer you.”

Garret closed the door and turned to the room. Louise sat in her silk robe, arms and legs crossed, radiating an effortless elegance.

Garret walked over and gently cradled her face in his hands, tilting it to meet his gaze. “What were you and Elyse discussing?” he asked. “She’s been unusually somber since.”

Louise met his eyes. “She believes I would be a better ruler than my brothers. What do you think?”

Garret hesitated. “Is ruling something you actually want?”

“I’m unsure,” Louise admitted. “What I am sure of is that I don’t want to marry Edward as Chesney commands.”

“Why oppose marrying him?” Garret pressed. “He’s a promising, competent, and responsible man. Being his wife could bring you happiness.”

Louise looked intently at Garret. “Have you ever considered us getting married?”

Garret stiffened, then released her face. “That’s not an option.”

Louise persisted, her gaze unwavering. “But wouldn’t you like to see me happy?”

Garret sidestepped her question. “You’ve expressed fondness for Edward before. Why not consider him?”

Louise chuckled softly. “It seems you care for me too, yet you insist on pushing me away.”

Frustration edged Garret’s tone. “I’m not right for you. If we married, how would we face the world?”

Louise’s voice was calm but firm. “You’re avoiding the truth.” Garret fell silent.

Silence filled the room. Louise watched his back as he moved away, a deep ache in her heart. She had misled Elyse; her affection for Garret ran much deeper than she’d admitted. But Garret wasn’t ready to sacrifice for their love, and she knew she couldn’t let herself become bitter over it as a princess.

Louise decided to take control. “I’m going to bed,” she announced, rising and heading for the door.

Garret wanted to call her back but realized he’d forfeited that right when he’d drawn a line between them.

Outside the room, Louise leaned against the door, sighing deeply. Returning to her room, she encountered Elyse leaving hers. Their paths crossed.

Curious, Elyse asked, “Where are you going?”

Flustered, Louise replied, “Just for a stroll. I’m not familiar with this place, and it’s unsettling.”

Elyse accepted this without question. “I hoped you could help. Edward’s taking me back tomorrow, but I’m not ready. Could you help? I asked Garret, but he was evasive, so I thought I’d ask you.”

After considering, Louise said, “I can delay him a few days, but I can’t stop him completely.”

Elyse’s face lit up. “That’s fantastic! You’re amazing.” She paused. “How will you manage it? Can you really delay Edward?”

With a proud lift of her eyebrow, Louise said confidently, “Absolutely. I know him well enough to know exactly how to preoccupy him.”

Admiration filled Elyse’s eyes. “You’re incredibly capable. If Garret hadn’t tipped Edward off, he wouldn’t even suspect you were helping me.”