The Empress blinked, clearly not expecting resistance from her son. "Cassian," she began, her tone was sharp, "This is a gift. A symbol of-"
Cassian interrupted, he looked right into his mother’s eyes and spoke firmly, "You’re putting Adeline in an impossible position, Mother."
The Empress’s eyes narrowed, and her voice was devoid of warmth. "I am simply recognizing the most worthy young woman in this hall. Surely, you don’t have a problem with that?"
If he publicly rebels against her, he deserves more than just a whipping. She will show what happens when he crosses her.
Cassian understood what she meant. He didn’t fear her... He was conditioned to follow her orders. To break that cycle, it took all of his might. But when he saw the relief on Adeline’s face he knew he had to do this.
He would be lying if he said it didn’t sting. Adeline was so against getting engaged to him. He let out a deep breath, it would be fine. He knew that he would be able to change her mind.
"I do. I don’t like to be forced into things."
A ripple of shock swept through the crowd. Nobles exchanged glances, unable to believe that the Crown Prince would dare defy his mother so openly. The Empress’s expression hardened, a chill settling in her eyes.
The Empress’s fingers tightened around the necklace, her knuckles turning white, but after a long pause, she lowered her hand.
"If that is your decision," the Empress said raising her head, though her voice trembled, she could barely suppress her rage. "I trust you know the weight of it."
She would not take this insult, even if she was rejected she was determined to hold her head up high. She looked at Cassian like he was her enemy.
He dared to defy her orders... He dared...
Are you alright?" he asked quietly, his voice now filled with concern.
Adeline nodded, whatever happened just now was like a weight pressing down on her. "I’m fine," she whispered. "Thank you."
She was relieved it was over and was surprised Cassian did this for her... The book Cassian would never. She saw him in a new light. She carefully observed his face.
There was tension, there was relief and also concern. He wasn’t like the old Cassian who was just after her family’s power. He actually cared.
Her brothers, Alaric and Aaron, ran up to her. Alaric patted her head lightly. Both of their expressions were a mix of concern and anger.
Aaron was the first to speak, he didn’t hide his anger. "She had no right to do that. You should never have been put in that position, Linny."
Alaric nodded and kneeled to reach her eye level, a child being put on the spot like that was bound to cause a lot of stress. First and foremost he wanted to ensure she was alright.
"I’m alright, Brother. Don’t worry."
How could he not worry? She was their only sister.
Adeline glanced at Cassian, he was looking at the Empress who took her seat. He had a complicated expression on his face. She knew this wasn’t over. The Empress was not going to let this go. She was going to do something to Cassian.
Think Adeline... Think. Was there anything she could do?
’Goddess, if you hear me. Help me help Cassian.’
"There is not much that I can do, only you can do something about it."
A second after she got a reply, a memory came to her mind. Cassian hid his ice powers, he only revealed it much later. He used this secret as an advantage, he let people underestimate him and took out his enemies.
But why was she shown this? What could she do with this information? Should she tell him to use his powers and show the world how capable he was?
Adeline took a seat to the side. Victoria joined her, she wasn’t great at sensing emotions but she could tell that her friend needed her.
Alaric and Aaron were now surrounded by a crowd. They were the talk of the town.
Lucas didn’t care that the attention wasn’t on him. He felt relieved, he kept observing the actual main characters of the banquet, Adeline and Cassian.
Benedict went to find his father but he was told by the Holy Temple’s servant that his father was in the middle of an important discussion. He decided to wait outside if needed.
Dimitri went to get Adeline something to drink. And Cassian was nowhere to be found. She was praying that he wasn’t caught by the Empress’ men.
"So, here you are."
Dimitri was getting a glass of lemonade for Adeline when Annora interrupted her. He already disliked her. But since he considered himself a future knight, he tried to treat everyone with respect.
"What do you want?"
"Dimitri," she called, her voice was sugary sweet, but laced with venom. "How are you so sure that Adeline isn’t using you?"
Dimitri’s brows furrowed, but he didn’t stop walking. His steps quickened, he hoped to avoid her. He didn’t want to talk to Annora, she was someone he wanted to stay away from.
"Think about it," she continued, her voice light, as though they were discussing something trivial.
"We both approached you with ulterior motives, but you chose her, didn’t you? Was it because she had more influence? Or was it just because she was more convincing?" Annora’s words dripped with disdain, her smile mocking.
Dimitri clenched his jaw. He had never doubted Adeline before. She had been nothing but kind to him, a light in the darkness that had once consumed him. But Annora’s words cut into him.
"Face it," Annora pressed, stepping in front of him to block his path. " Adeline only helped you to gain your loyalty, just like anyone else would. She’s no different from the rest of us."
Dimitri’s eyes flared with anger, and he finally snapped. "You approached me with ulterior motives, Adeline didn’t. She helped people because that’s the kind of person she is. She is nothing like you."