Chapter 171: Dependance
She was glad to have been born a commoner. The things she saw in her life as the royal family’s servant...
The world of royalty and nobility was completely opposite to the image they tried to portray. She knew of the dark secrets. As much as she sympathised with the boy, there was not much she could do.
Cassian’s body ached, each movement sending a sharp jolt of pain through him. But his mind was clear. He had survived worse, and he would survive this too.
Lying in the quiet room, he thought about his mother’s words. She had called him useless, a failure. But he knew better. He had chosen to defy her and refuse the engagement she had arranged, not out of rebellion but because of Adeline.
What was it about her that made him do it? If he agreed back then... She would have been engaged to him, but he refused. He could not bear the thought of her hating him.
Was he ever this desperate for someone’s attention? No... He could not rationalise his situation, he sighed and let himself rest.
Back in her chambers, the Empress stared out the window, her mind still churning. She had always believed that power would bring her happiness, but now she realized it was a hollow dream.
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "I will not be forgotten," she vowed. "I will find a way to make them see my worth."
Her gaze drifted to the distant horizon, where storm clouds were gathering. It was a fitting metaphor, she thought. A storm was brewing, and she would either rise with it or be swept away.