The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 281: Failsafe

Chapter 281: Failsafe

The engagement ceremony continued in full swing, the grand hall alive with music, laughter, and the endless murmurs of nobles. Everyone was intrigued by this alliance, the third prince’s faction... Not so much.

The empire had come together to witness this momentous occasion—an alliance between the Prince and the Saintess, a union that solidified Annora’s position as the future Empress.

And, of course, Edward was present.

As the Head Priest, it was expected. His presence legitimized the engagement, giving it the blessing of the divine. It was an honor, a tradition.

But to those who knew him, Edward’s presence meant more than mere obligation.

He stood near the altar, watching the festivities with an air of practiced serenity. The golden embroidery on his ceremonial robes shimmered under the candlelight, his pale hands clasped together in front of him. His lips were curved into a polite smile, but his eyes—his sharp, calculating eyes—missed nothing.

He observed Annora and Cassian, the perfect pair in the public’s eye. Cassian, composed as always, played his role flawlessly. Annora, dressed in a gown of deep red and gold, moved with grace, smiling at the nobles as if she belonged among them.

Edward let out a quiet hum.

Yes, she had changed.

Annora had always been stubborn, always fighting against the inevitable. But now, she was learning. Adapting. Taking control.

And then—

She turned, catching his gaze across the hall.

There was something in her eyes. A request.

Edward lifted a brow but said nothing as she made her way toward him, carefully excusing herself from the noblewomen fawning over her. Her expression was pleasant, unreadable.

She was good at that now.

When she reached him, she offered a small smile. "Your Holiness, might I have a moment?"

Edward studied her for a brief second before nodding. "Of course, Lady Annora."

He extended a hand toward one of the quieter balconies. Annora took the invitation, and together, they stepped away from the eyes and ears of the court.

Normally he would not entertain her request, but something had changed in her, she became smarter and sharper. He used to despise her but now... Maybe, almost maybe he seemed to respect her a little.

The air was cooler outside, the distant hum of celebration muffled by the heavy curtains behind them. The balcony overlooked the palace gardens, where more lanterns had been lit for the occasion, their soft glow painting the night in golden hues.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then, Annora turned to face him fully. "I assume you already know why I wanted to speak with you."

Edward tilted his head slightly, his ever-present smile in place. "You assume correctly."

Annora’s expression didn’t waver. "Then you must already have an answer."

Edward let out a quiet chuckle. "Now, now, Lady Annora. You know I am not a man who rushes into decisions." He glanced toward the ballroom through the sheer curtains. "This is a delicate matter."

She folded her arms. "And yet, you don’t seem concerned."

Edward looked back at her, his golden eyes gleaming in the low light. "Should I be?"

Annora exhaled, pressing her lips together.

He was testing her. As always.

It had always been like this between them—an exchange of words and hidden meanings, a careful dance where one misstep could mean ruin.

Annora hated it. Even though she had control over Dimitri, she knew she could never assert control over him. He will forever be unreachable and unattainable.

Even now, when she had to strike a deal with him, she was at a loss, she hated the terms, but was desperate, he hated her... She was now obsessed with him, she would lose her mind if he liked Adeline... But for the sake of her life...

She clenched her fists at her sides, but her expression remained composed. "I came to you because I believe we can be of use to one another."

Edward hummed, as if amused. "A bold assumption."

"You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t think the same."

Edward’s smile widened, but he said nothing.

Annora took a step closer. "What I am asking for—it benefits you as well. You know that, don’t you?"

He didn’t deny it.

Instead, he regarded her with quiet interest, his fingers tapping lightly against the stone railing.

"You have changed," he mused. "You were never one for... Strategy."

Annora tensed at the words, but she refused to react. "We all have to adapt, Your Holiness."

Edward chuckled. "Indeed."

Silence stretched between them.

Then—

Edward shifted, turning to face her fully. "And if I were to agree?"

Annora met his gaze. "Then we both get what we want."

He studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

Then, slowly, he smiled.

A real smile.

"I see," he said, nodding slightly. "In that case... I shall consider it."

Annora narrowed her eyes. "That’s not an answer."

Edward merely lifted a hand, brushing a nonexistent speck of dust off his sleeve. "Everything in due time, Lady Annora."

Annora’s patience was wearing thin.

But she could not afford to let it show.

She forced herself to exhale and took a step back. "Very well," she said smoothly. "I trust you will make the right decision."

Edward chuckled. "I always do."

With that, he turned, walking back toward the ballroom.

Annora remained where she was, watching his retreating figure.

Her fingers twitched at her sides.

Damn him.

He always had to be one step ahead, didn’t he?

She inhaled sharply, glancing down at the gardens below.

At least he was considering her request, she put it all out in the open, hoping for him to meet her halfway and join her. He was the only one who won against those forbidden magic practitioners.

Annora took a deep breath, steadying herself. She knew he would agree—he had no choice. Their goals aligned, and in the end, this would benefit him as much as it did her. Edward was her failsafe, her hidden card. If all else failed, he was her last chance at victory.

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