Chapter 8: Success!
Without himself knowing Cassian decided to follow her. He didn't know what came over him, and although he wanted to bring her over to his side he wasn't someone who would follow her after being publicly rebuffed. At least, that was what he thought.
Though there were a lot of heirs he had to build connections with, he found himself following Adeline. Something about her made him attracted. 'She is yours.' They had just met. But for some reason, he was absolutely sure that she would initiate the conversation and follow him around, not the other way around.
Her world should have revolved around you, he thought. This feeling was ingrained in his heart. Her clothes were specifically chosen by the Empress so that they would match, a subtle way of showing her intentions.
He didn't care at first but after seeing how they matched he was glad it worked out this way.
Once she behaved in a way he didn't expect there was a feeling of insecurity that emerged. He should follow her.
"Don't follow me."
His glare and tone were alienating enough. He didn't care if his mother would go beserk after learning he refused to communicate with the heirs. It wasn't something new to him. Ever since his half-brother was born she would take her anger out on him.
Eventually, he felt nothing. Being the Crown Prince was just a role he would play, from his education to his likes and dislikes, everything was carefully curated by his mother to project a certain image.
Even getting Adeline on his side was her plan. But for the first time, he felt something. He had to follow her, he just had to.