Chapter 238: The Saintess
"Congratulations on the victory, First Prince."
The voice pulled Cassian out of his thoughts, and as he turned, he immediately recognised the speaker. Alaric, the newly titled Western Marquess, stood before him, his posture straight and his eyes sharp.
The man’s tone carried the courtesy expected of nobility, but it was devoid of any warmth.
Instead, his gaze was cold and unkind even though he wore a neutral expression.
Cassian’s piercing blue eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Alaric. He knew well enough that this man never liked him, but it was rare for Alaric to make his disdain so apparent... That too in public no less.
"Thank you," Cassian replied coolly, his voice as calm as he could manage. He was already calculating how Alaric would be an obstacle.
"I hear your wedding will be held soon..."
He had heard rumours of Alaric’s impending nuptials and knew it could serve as an excuse to meet Adeline. The royal family would naturally be invited to such an event, and it would provide a rare opportunity to see her outside of formal court events.
Alaric’s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes darkening at the mention of his upcoming wedding. "Yes," he said curtly, he did not mince his words and spoke clearly. "It will be a small ceremony with only family present."
The subtle edge in his voice was not lost on Cassian. The message was clear: Alaric had no intention of allowing the Crown Prince, or anyone else from the royal family to attend.
Whether it was a genuine preference for a private affair or a deliberate slight aimed at him, Cassian couldn’t be sure, but it hardly mattered.