His Majesty's Devious Sins

There was nothing that Adeline wanted to know from the usurper. She didn't even want to be in his presence. Everyone in this world was telling her they did things for her benefit. 

Asher didn't want her to marry Elias because he wanted to keep her safe. The Mardens locked Adeline at home because they wanted to keep her protected. 

Aunt Eleanor prevented Adeline from eating because she wanted to keep the young woman thin. Her Uncle Sebastian prevented her from gun training to maintain her image.

Everyone claimed they did it for her sake, but never once stopped to ask if she wanted the help. Adeline knew how ungrateful she sounded, but it's not fair. People pushed their expectations and beliefs onto her, expecting her to accept it just because it came from the good of their heart.

"Ah, I know that expression," James muttered. He casually observed her, a slight fox of a smile resting on his face. "Your mother wore it when she's lost in thought. You resemble her, in every way. Do you know that?"

Adeline stiffened. Was it wrong of her to say she didn't remember her parents face that clearly? She could remember their affectionate pats on the head, and the peck of her mother's kiss. 

But she had also remembered her father's enraged expression as he strangled her to the ground. She recalled the warmth of his tears that landed on her face, and the pain in his gaze when he pulled away.

"However, your eyes," James softly said. "Your eyes are akin to your father, they shine like emerald found in the deepest cave of a jungle."

Adeline wondered what was the purpose of this comparison.

"Does this irritate you? To dwell on the past?"

Adeline's brows raised. 

"Why do you lament over the things that happened in the past, Adeline?" James tilted his head. "No amount of hatred and tears will rewind the clock. There is no point in crying over what can't be changed. Kastrem has forgotten you, and will always remember me. Stay in Wraith. Lead this nation as you would've led Kastrem."

"I wonder where your fear stems from," Adeline suddenly said.

James straightened up. "My fear?"

"You're trying your hardest to convince me that Kastrem doesn't need their Princess back, but now I know why. The throne still belongs to me, even if you stole it from me. I am, after all, the first in line for it."

James' lips tugged into a pained smile, his eyes grimacing in pain. How could he have forgotten how wise his little niece was? Sometimes, he could still remember the swing of her legs in the library chair, as she recited the stories he told her to read. He could picture her concentrated stare.

Back then, he'd use to tell her—

"Right as always," Adeline mused. 

"Right as always," James reluctantly said. 

"You fear that once I return to Kastrem, the servants that bow to you will kneel to me. The throne you cling to has always been mine. The citizens that adore you will fawn over me, the long lost Princess." Adeline lifted the tea cup to her lips, smiling at the bitter taste of the earl grey.

James stiffened at her words. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his face troubled by her confidence. He let out a small sigh before chuckling at her audacity. That shamelessness of hers was exactly like Kaline.

Even now, James could envision his older brother leaning against the bookshelf, a nonchalant look on his face. James could practically envision Kaline's arrogant smirk, the kind that only a Crown Prince could have. Then, he thought of the fearless Addison who's confidence knew no bounds.

"But fret not, Uncle, I won't come for my throne." Adeline settled the tea cup back to the table. "As long as you give me what is mine."

"And what's that?" James questioned, narrowing his eyes. He couldn't find it in himself to be angered by her arrogance.

James was beginning to lament too much of the past. He couldn't help it, when the very creation of his best friends was sitting in front of him. 

Did she need to look like both Addison and Kaline? Did she need to have her Father's eyes, and her mother's face? It was so difficult to converse with her, knowing they had died, knowing they lived on inside of her.

"The trade deal that you're giving my husband a hassle with," Adeline deadpanned. 

Adeline felt Elias's startled gaze land onto hers. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Weston stand up straighter. They were both bewildered that she knew the truth of James's visit.

"Over the mines that belong to my father," Adeline softly said. "And coincidentally, me."

"Adeline—"

"Everything in Kastrem belongs to me anyways. The mines are for me to exploit, the lands are for me to abuse, and the companies under the Rose clan are for me to control." Adeline leaned into the couch, feeling the affectionate hand of Elias slither upon her lower back.

"You will accept the next proposal Wraith sends to you," Adeline said. "The trade deal will be altered in favor of Wraith. If you refuse, I will take back what has always been mine—the throne of Kastrem."

James's eyes flew open at her audacious words. He stood up, but so did she. Elegantly, she rose to her feet, her heels clicking upon the ground. She presented him with a favorable smile.

"It was great conversing with you Uncle. You may show yourself out." Adeline didn't give him the time of day to rebuttal. She sauntered off, closing the doors behind her.

Elias remained seated. He suppressed a smile, but it showed on his face anyways. Even a blind man could see he was proud. 

Elias casually leaned his arm on the coach and chuckled at James dumbfounded expression. "My wife is such an impressive woman, isn't she?"

James glared at the arrogant King. "You'd be a fool to think she wasn't impressive the first time you met her."

Elias raised a brow. "That's an interesting thing to say, especially after you've been bested by her today."

James sighed. He turned his head to the side, where Vincent, his secretary looked like he was going to have a word vomit. Vincent's mouth was twitching, and his expression was unpleasant. The poor man wanted to say so much, but could utter so little.

"My sources were wrong," James muttered. "I didn't think she had the same arrogance as her father."

"People change." Elias shrugged.

"It seems you're a positive influence on her," James sighed. He tilted his head back upon the couch. "Let's hope your negative side doesn't rub off on her too."

"One can only hope so much for a miracle," Elias snickered. 

Weston stepped forward and placed a contract onto the table, directly sliding it to James. He came prepared with a black pen as well.

"You better thank your wife for her behavior today," James irritatingly muttered. 

Adeline could never disappoint him, could she? Even when she fled for her life, James was not disappointed in her. Why? Because she had glared at him the entire journey to the car. It was a type of hatred that told him revenge lurked in the shadows, and vengeance was quickly approaching.

"What an interesting woman she has become," James reluctantly said. "You know, after all this time, I am surprised she still remembers you. Especially, when both you and—"

James paused. "Nevermind."

"Both me and who?" Elias asked, his voice lowering into a dangerous octave. His amiable expression dispersed. The warmth fled from the room, an icy chill entering it.

"That's for me to know, and you to find out," James mused, finally pleased he still had an upper hand over the King.

James took the pen from Weston and grabbed the contract.

In elegant black font, James Rose was scribbled onto the signature line. The trade deal between Kastrem and Wraith had been finalized.