The Male Lead isn� Chapter 239: According to Plan

Chapter 239: According to Plan

A sudden ripple broke the lake’s stillness. Cassian’s hand instinctively went to his sword. His cold eyes scanned the area.

The air shifted, growing colder by the second. Then it ca- an unnatural black fog, seeping out of the lake like a living entity.

The fog swirled and expanded, coiling toward him like a serpent. Cassian didn’t flinch. His grip on his sword tightened, his muscles ready to spring into action.

"Show yourself," he commanded, his voice cutting through the oppressive silence.

The fog didn’t answer. Instead, it grew denser, circling him like a predator stalking its prey. It rose higher, enveloping him in a cocoon of darkness. The tendrils of black fog tightened around him, clawing at his skin.

Cassian did not struggle too much he waited to make a move.

For a mont, everything was silent. Then the fog pulsed as if it had finished its work. Slowly, it began to dissipate, retreating back into the lake.

When the fog finally cleared, Cassian remained standing, utterly unhard. His posture was calm, his expression unreadable. But his eyes held a dangerous glint, it quickly vanished and he returned to normal.

Without a word, he turned and began to walk back to the palace.

The palace was alive with activity. Nobles filled the grand hall, their attention focused on the Saintess, Annora, who was preparing to leave. The Emperor stood at the centre of the gathering.

Cassian entered, his steps were slow and deliberate as he made his towards Annora.

The crowd parted instinctively as he walked through, their gazes shifting between him and Annora. Whispers rippled through the room, but Cassian ignored them all. His focus was solely on the woman standing at the heart of it all.

Annora turned as he approached, her radiant smile never faltering. There was a twinkle in her eyes, a sense of satisfaction that she made no effort to hide.

Cassian stopped in front of her, his imposing figure towering over her. The room grew silent, all eyes on the two of them.

"It would be my pleasure to escort you back," he said, his voice calm and steady.

Annora’s smile widened, and she tilted her head slightly, her tone light and sweet as she replied, "I would be honoured, Your Highness."

From the side, Alaric narrowed his eyes. He had been watching Cassian closely since his return, and this sudden display only heightened his suspicion. However, he did not care about this prince.

He was going to tell Adeline what went down so she wouldn’t keep sulking because of him and move on. It would be best for her to cut him off.

Benedict, on the other hand, was visibly angry. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, his usually composed deanour slipping. The sight of Annora smiling at Cassian, the ease with which they interacted, was unbearable.

"I can’t watch this," he muttered under his breath. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the hall, his heavy footsteps echoing in the silence.

Cassian barely acknowledged Benedict’s departure. His attention remained on Annora, though his thoughts were elsewhere.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the Emperor approached, his expression unreadable as he addressed Cassian. "You have made a wise decision, my son. The Saintess’s presence is important to the Empire, and your support will strengthen that."

Cassian inclined his head slightly. "Of course, Father. I only wish to serve the Empire."

The Emperor’s approval was clear in his gaze, but he said nothing more, allowing the nobles to resu their chatter as he stepped away.

Annora glanced at Cassian, her expression soft and curious. "You’ve been quiet, Your Highness. Is sothing on your mind?"

Cassian t her gaze, his expression unchanging. "Nothing of importance, Saintess. I am rely ensuring that your journey back is a smooth one."

Annora’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a flicker of sothing in her eyes- amusent, perhaps, or maybe intrigue. "How thoughtful of you."

As the two of them stood at the centre of the room, the other nobles watched with varying reactions. So admired the pairing, whispering about how perfect a match they seed.

Others, like Alaric, watched with suspicion, so wanted their daughters to beco the Empress, while others who supported the third prince now looked at him with wariness.

As Cassian escorted Annora back to her carriage, the sound of their footsteps filled the silence.

Cassian walked a step behind her, his expression unreadable but his posture relaxed. Annora glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, testing the waters before speaking.

"You’ve been quiet, Your Highness," she said, her voice light and teasing. "Should I take it as a sign that my presence has left you speechless?"

Cassian’s lips curled into a small smile. "Perhaps. Or maybe I’m just taking the ti to appreciate the company of the newly declared Saintess. It’s not every day one gets to escort soone so..." He did not finish the sentence on purpose and smirked at her.

Annora’s heart leapt at his words, though she kept her composure. "Are you not going to finish the sentence? Your Highness is teasing

on purpose. Fine, I’ll return the complint. It’s not every day that I get escorted by a war hero who kept the borders safe." She returned the smile.

Cassian chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on her for a mont longer than necessary. "I suppose we are both exceptional in our own ways. Though I must admit, the attention you have garnered tonight... It suits you."

Annora’s smile widened, satisfaction blooming in her chest. Everything was going as planned. Cassian’s interest in her... Hah, who cares how it ca to be? She was going to let him experience the pain she felt...

If she could have him on her side, her revenge against Adeline would be just as satisfying.

"You flatter , Your Highness," she replied, lowering her gaze demurely. "But I believe it is you who deserves the spotlight."