First meeting

The way the crowd surrounded her left Adeline overwhelmed, she wanted to get away. She turned to look at her brother who seemed to be doing far better than her. He did have some experience after all.

Adeline excused herself and slipped away, she went further into the garden to get away from the crowd. There she met Benedict again. He still had tears in his eyes, he sat down hugging his knees. His nanny was nowhere around here, she was probably looking for him.

Adeline didn't know whether to leave or stay, she hesitated for a second and then decided to stay. Knowing what was about to happen and seeing him in distress made her feel sorry for him. She couldn't just leave him here!

She slowly walked up to him, his face was hidden, he didn't want anyone to see him like this. He couldn't hear her walking up to him in the middle of his sobs.

Only when she sat down next to him did he realise there was someone else there. He lifted his head and looked at the girl sitting next to him. 

"Why are you crying?"

"I- I want to go home..."

Perhaps his father warned him not to tell anyone about his mother's true condition, ladies would be lining up to take her place and become the new Duchess. 

Adeline patted his back. "I can help with that. Do you trust me?"

"Why would you help me?" There was clear distrust in his eyes. Why would some strange girl offer to help him? Did she have ulterior motives?

Adeline shrugged, "I just don't want you to cry." 

He blinked his amber eyes a few times trying to comprehend what she just said, she wanted to help him just so that he would stop crying?

"Let's do this....." Adeline told him her crudely formed plan. She wasn't sure it'll work but for a five year old there were limited things she could do. 'You miss all the chances you don't take.' She thought to herself.

If this worked, maybe he wouldn't turn out to be the cruel man the novel made him out to be.

She even handed him her handkerchief so that he could wipe his tears which he gratefully accepted. 

"Wait, what's your name?" She got up to leave but before she could he grabbed her hand, stopping her. They had been talking all this while but he didn't know her name. 

She smiled and said, "Adeline."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him up from the ground. They decided to enact the plan Adeline came up with. 

They came just in time, Cassian had just made his appearance, and he stood next to the Empress. The only thing he inherited from her was her dark blue eyes that resembled the depths of an ocean, other than that, he was the striking image of his father, the emperor.

Adeline agreed with the description in the novel, he was a devilishly handsome man who was as cold as the tundra regions of the Empire. It fit him well considering his mother came from that region.

The Southern part is governed by Duke Walter, and it is covered with various mountain ranges, although the place is barren for the most part, they control one of the most profitable industries, the mining industry.

She could practically feel the coldness coming from him. He was older than Benedict wasn't he? When she saw Benedict, she didn't feel afraid. She felt uncomfortable at first but she realised he was also just a child.

But when she saw Cassian she couldn't help but shiver. It made her feel very uneasy. 

He scanned the crowd as everyone greeted him, his eyes stopped on Adeline as expected. She was the most awaited guest of his. He smiled knowing she wore the dress he gifted her. The pendant was sent back but that was alright. He was sure she would take the bait.

His eyes narrowed at the boy standing exceptionally close to her. Just who was he? 

"Now?" Benedict whispered.

"Not yet."

Cassian knew why this 'playdate' was held, it was to find himself a few allies. He was expecting his half-brother to be here but he seemed to be late. Cassian knew what he intended to do, he wanted to get the attention of everyone by making a late entrance.

'Just as dramatic as his mother.' Cassian rolled his eyes. Focus on the goal Cassian, he told himself. He looked at Adeline again, she was much closer to Benedict this time. This annoyed him instantly. He felt like there was an annoying pest hindering his plans.

'How hard would it be to win over a five-year-old?'

Ignoring those who wanted to greet him he made his way over to Adeline. 

"The dress looks good on you."

Adeline smiled, "Thank you, your highness. Please excuse us." She bowed and dragged Benedict away from the Crown Prince. After a few steps she turned around to glance at him, there was a visible frown on his face. She turned to look at the Empress and their eyes met. The Empress' face was hidden behind the fan but her piercing eyes gave her goosebumps.