The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 54: Don’t Refuse the Empress

Chapter 54: Don’t Refuse the Empress

The banquet hall was a sea of noble faces, laughter and music filled the hall as everyone revelled in the grand celebration. Chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, glowing warmly over the elegant gowns and tailored suits.

One had to say, it was like the chandeliers were the star of the banquet and not the second prince, the Imperial Concubine went overboard.

Seeing the beautiful display of precious gems, the Empress couldn’t sit still. She had to make a move and draw attention away from Lucas.

It might be his birthday. But the star of the show will always be her son...

Adeline stood near the edge of the gathering, her thoughts briefly wandered, she thought she would feel overwhelmed, this was her first gathering of this scale. But she didn’t, she felt tranquil. Her friends surrounded her, and she felt happy.

In her past life, she was pretty much on her own. But in this one, she made loads of friends. She smiled to herself.

Her eyes wandered over to where her brothers, Alaric and Aaron were. They mingled with a group of noble children with such ease, charming and charismatic as always. They inherited their father’s people skills alright. Everything seemed to be perfect.

But there will always be someone who disturbs this ’perfect’. Adeline didn’t do what she initially planned, that is avoid the male leads, and because of this, she found herself at the centre of attention.

Her gaze shifted across the room and landed on the Duke of the North—Benedict’s father. The tall, stern figure of the Duke stood by the far wall, deep in conversation with Edward.

What was going on? To her knowledge, they never crossed paths. Her heart beat faster, the plot was changing rapidly.

This was something she was always afraid of. But, now wasn’t the time to be afraid. She needed to meet him! She needed to enter their manor and meet his wife. She could heal her and bring her back, this was the only way to save the Northern Duchy!

Before she could make her move, a sudden commotion rippled through the room. Gasps of awe echoed around her. Adeline shifted her gaze to the source of this commotion.

The Empress stood up and clinked her glass. She wanted everyone’s attention on her.

The regal woman, dressed in a gown of deep sapphire velvet, exuded an air of authority that silenced the room. The Empress was a force to be reckoned with.

But it wasn’t her presence alone that had caught everyone’s attention. It was the breathtaking pink diamond necklace she had on her neck. She strategically removed the shawl she was wearing to reveal it to the society.

It was mined in the Southern Duchy. Her father brought it over immediately after she shared her plans. Did the Imperial Concubine want to overshadow them by displaying their pathetic lot of gems?

She needed to be reminded of her place. She will always be second to her. In title and wealth.

Whispers of admiration and envy filled the hall. The size of the gem alone was enough to make it one of the rarest pieces in the Empire, and to see it in the hands of the Empress sent waves of shock through the gathered nobles. It was the size of a child’s fist!

The chandelier’s light only made it glow brighter.

Adeline’s breath caught in her throat as she realized the Empress was walking directly towards her. She was slow and deliberate, she wanted everyone to guess her purpose. It wasn’t really a secret that the Empress tried to get her son engaged to Adeline.

They were not surprised when the Marquess prevented it from happening. But it now, the Empress was trying to declare she chose Adeline in front of all the nobles!

Cassian tensed beside her. He saw Adeline’s shock and discomfort. His jaw was clenched, and his usually composed expression almost fell apart. He didn’t like this... None of it.

"This necklace," the Empress began, her voice commanding, "Is one of the rarest treasures in the Empire. A symbol of both beauty and power. And there is only one young lady in this room worthy of wearing it."

Adeline felt her heart drop. She knew what was coming... She couldn’t accept this!

Adeline felt all eyes on her, envy, surprise, they didn’t hide any of their emotions. Her mind raced as did her heart. Why was this happening?

She didn’t want this necklace. This wasn’t part of her plan. If she accepted this necklace, she would be tied to the Empress, to Cassian.

That necklace is nothing more than shackles that would bind her. She shot a glance at Cassian, hoping he would say something, anything, to stop this.

His head was hung low. He... Was powerless against his mother. Years of abuse and forced submission took a toll on him.

He wanted Adeline, he won’t deny it but this wasn’t the right way. He wanted to be the one who got her, he didn’t want his mother to ’deliver’ her to him. He wanted to win her.

"Adeline," she said, her voice carrying across the hall, "this belongs to you." There was a certain gleam in her eyes. She thought she had won. She turned to look at the Imperial Concubine with provocation.

"I-"

"You wouldn’t refuse the Empress’ gift would you." Each word of hers pressed Adeline.

This was an order. The Empress had to have her way. She turned to look at the Emperor but he didn’t care. He was immersed in his own world.

The Imperial Concubine on the other hand was clenching the armrests with all her might. She could barely contain her rage.

Just when Adeline was about to accept defeat, something happened.

Cassian stepped forward. He shielded Adeline and said firmly, "Mother, that won’t be necessary."

The Empress didn’t expect her obedient son to step in... How dare he?! How dare he publicly cross her?!

"What do you mean... Cassian?"

She was glaring daggers at him, but Cassian’s face was full of resistance and determination.

Adeline was filled with surprise... Cassian was standing up to his mother?