Deviating from the original plot

Chapter ninety

Cassius's jaw tightened, a flicker of pain crossing his face. "I... I didn't realise," he murmured, his gaze dropping to his hands.

The Queen swallowed, her composure trembling. "I don't hate you, Cassius," she said softly. "But every time I look at you, I see the shadow of everything I lost... and everything your father took from me."

He drew in a shaky breath, struggling to meet her eyes. "I... am sorry."

"I should be the one to apologise; it wasn't your fault, but I kept part of the blame on you..."

Cassius looked away. "How did you and Father even meet?"

"It was my parents' wedding anniversary. After I came back from living with my uncle in another kingdom, I stayed with him for a while. I furthered my education, you see; I wanted to be a scientist and explore different places with Amelia, but fate had other plans."

✦ ✦

Many years ago

Genevieve stormed down the marble corridor, her heels clicking sharply against the floor, tears burning at the corners of her eyes. "I can't believe Amelia would do this to me," she muttered bitterly, brushing at her cheeks.

The scene replayed in her mind like a cruel echo—Amelia's bright smile, the way she had boldly looped her arm through his, and then that unbearable introduction:

"Genny, I'd like you to meet my fiancé, Richard."

"Your fiancé?" 'Genevieve had repeated,' her voice cracking.

"Yes! This is my friend, Genevieve," Amelia had said with a radiant smile.

Friend. The word stung like venom.

"Friend, like we were ever friends," Genevieve whispered bitterly now, swiping at her cheeks. "What went wrong? How could she..."

Needing air, she pushed open the balcony doors and stepped out into the cool night breeze. The garden stretched below her, silvered by moonlight. She inhaled deeply, trying to steady her trembling heart—when suddenly, a shadow vaulted over the railing and landed beside her.

Startled, she gasped and stumbled back. "Who—who are you? What are you doing climbing onto our balcony?!"

The stranger straightened smoothly, brushing dust from his dark coat. "I can go wherever I wish. I'm the Crown Prince of this empire. I was sent to deliver my father's message to the couple."

"That doesn't mean anything!" Genevieve snapped, glaring up at him. "Prince or not, that's reckless! Who climbs onto a someone else's balcony at night? Have you no manners? What if you fell?!"

The prince blinked, clearly taken aback—no one ever spoke to him like that.

He tilted his head, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "You said this is your estate?"

"Yes," she said, still bristling. "And I don't appreciate you sneaking in like a thief."

A slow smirk curved his lips as he leaned closer. "Do you have any other advice for me, my lady?"

Genevieve stepped back, slightly disgusted. "Yes—use the main entrance next time."

For a heartbeat, silence hung between them. Then the prince laughed, rich and genuine, his eyes gleaming. "You are... interesting."

Genevieve crossed her arms, unimpressed. "By telling you how to act?"

The prince grinned wider. "Perhaps. But now you've made my night far more entertaining."