The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!

While Cassian led her back she turned to look at Benedict, his nanny was completely confused as to why they were leaving early but she still followed him. Seeing his disappearing back she frowned, 'Where is my thank you?'

Just before she could turn away Benedict looked straight at her and gave her the brightest smile before sprinting away. 

Adeline felt uneasy coming to this 'playdate' but now she felt much better. Today was supposed to be the start of her eventual downfall according to the book. But seeing how innocent Benedict was and how easily it was to 'manipulate' Cassian, she realised they were just children.

She believed that she could genuinely change her future if she tried hard enough. She had already started to. Benedict who would stay for his mother's final moments would not turn into a cold, vengeful person. 

Although she didn't have the ability to save his mother, she could at least let him have a proper goodbye. 

"It's unfortunate that you sent back the pendant. It would've suited you well."

Adeline didn't know how to reply. After Benedict left, it was like his entire demeanour changed. He was much more approachable. Adeline didn't know what was happening.

Benedict and Cassian got along when they first met, but it was only later that Benedict grew to hate him. His mother's death was the cause of his hatred, but he suppressed it. When the woman he loved chose Cassian over him, the dam collapsed.

He could tell himself that Cassian was only a child and stop himself from going down that road. Cassian knew that he loved the Saintess but that didn't stop him. Was it Cassian's betrayal or the fact that he was the one who was able to win her heart, whichever it was, it was enough for him to go down a thorny path. 

"Well, I guess this is what passes for a party these days."

A noblewoman lavishly dressed stepped into the garden. She looked like she could outdo the Empress. Who would dare to do this? Of course the Imperial Concubine. One look and you could tell how favoured she was. Behind her stood her son, just as proud as she was. 

She bowed before the Empress as if she hadn't just insulted her efforts a few seconds ago.

"If this isn't up to your standards, feel free to leave." She flicked her hand to summon a few knights who quickly stood on either side of the Imperial Concubine. This was the Empress' form of intimidation. 

The Emperor didn't care about the fight between his two wives. He encouraged it, they would keep each other in check reducing a lot of his work. He was a cunning man, a fit Emperor. 

The Imperial Concubine gritted her teeth but didn't back down so easily.

Although her father was only a Viscount, he was an influential person. Their base was in the capital, and the imperial concubine used to rule in the social circle. She represented much of the nobility. Due to the distance, the Empress used to rarely participate in social gatherings before her wedding. 

"Remember why I brought you here." She turned to the young boy who hid behind her. 

Lucas was the second prince, he was much different than the Crown Prince. Timid, nervous and not outstanding. He didn't behave like a typical child, people often said he was mature for his age. The Imperial Concubine brought him here against his wishes. Upon her urging he he joined the children and tried communicating. 

Adeline didn't pay much attention to him, she was occupied by Cassian. 

"How are you liking the palace, would you like a tour?"

She knew that she didn't have the option to say no. He was asking simply for courtesy. A private tour of the castle given by the Crown Prince sounds good. 

Cassian led her out of the garden and into the palace, the grand decorations and beautiful paintings adorned the halls.

It was the epitome of luxury. Considering how they were the most powerful empires in the world they had a position to uphold. Adeline nodded along as Cassian explained, she didn't feel like engaging in the conversation too much.

The dry atmosphere made Cassian grow more and more dissatisfied. 

'This wasn't supposed to be like this... She... She should've been my friend, she wouldn't ignore me...'

"So how did you and Benedict... You are good friends?"

He couldn't stop himself from asking, he was the Crown Prince, and he had everything anyone would ever want, riches, power, status, comforts of all kinds, he never had someone ignore him the way she did.

He couldn't understand. Was that boy better than him? Still, he truly believed their conversation wasn't supposed to be like this. It was ingrained into his heart, 'Adeline was yours.'