The Baroness Misbehaves
Chapter 164: Elian’s Secret (1)

Chapter 164: Elian’s Secret (1)

Swiftly turning to look at tonight’s intruder, Elian’s vile gaze switched into one of surprised confusion when he saw no one but an empty hallway. An eerie silence occupied the space, leaving him slightly unnerved, and he was just starting to take note of the absence of guards in this particular hallway.

Did Elijah do something to them?

Staying alarmed, he looked back and forth, his hands going inside his long coat and feeling the hilt of the blade he had kept there for safety reasons. His footsteps echoed softly as he surveyed the corners of the hall carefully, the only sound he was capable of hearing besides the sound of his own breathing.

He couldn’t have imagined it, Elijah’s forbidden presence still filled the hallway, it was impossible to avoid it. He had his suspicion that Elijah would show up tonight, and if he’s here, there’ll be more Fiends showing up to the party as well.

"Shit!" Understanding the dire situation they were going to face soon, Elian’s gaze momentarily darkened, and with a hand in his pocket, he composed himself and headed for the ballroom to inform Cassian, hoping he must have been done having his little chit-chat with His Majesty.

Ten minutes later, Madeline and Theresa went down the stairs together, a lingering smile playing on their lips as they indulged in a light conversation. Two palace guards followed Theresa at Alaric’s orders, and Madeline wondered what it must feel like to always be in company of the guards.

Why would they need security in their own palace?

"Your father is the late Baron?" Asked Theresa, who looked impressed upon receiving that information, "I’ve heard many good things about him, although I have never met him." Theresa smiled, "but from what I’ve heard, your parents do not sound like the mediocre type as everyone seemed to put it.

She folded her arms, her brows slanted as her eyes seemed to ponder on something, "was it their choice to remain in the lower East quarters?"

"I...I don’t know." Madeline let out a nervous laugh, trying her very best to remain composed. "But we were comfortable with ourselves and how we lived, my parents were happy and content, and that was all that really mattered to me, it was..... until the tragic incident that took them away." Madeline’s tone mellowed down, shaking off the painful image and forcing a smile.

"I see, it must have been difficult for you." Theresa genuinely felt touched. "But you’re lucky too, you know, things would have escalated quickly if you married someone else from the upper East quarters, but when the news of Cassian being married turned rampant, no one could utter a ’no’ not even his father, if I’m correct."

She whispered that last part, reminding Madeline of the drama she and Cassian had caused on that particular day, and a slow progressive smile subconsciously formed on her lip, making her think back to how it all started and how they’ve both come, and they’re still together.

"I’m guessing I considered him the right choice because of that fact." Madeline agreed, and Theresa smiled gracefully in return.

"I am happy he found someone he likes, my husband always persuaded him to get married back then. After our wedding, Alaric taunted Cassian about him being single and lonely, forcing him to get a wife. My husband was desperate; he even made exclusive dinner nights with Cassian as a special guest, but who knew faith would lead him to you."

Theresa had to admit that Cassian’s choice had her stunned for a while. Not only was she beautiful, she possessed a positive aura that would make one want to stay and extract some of that gaiety. She assumed Cassian would be into women who were as stubborn-headed as him, but his actual taste was on a timid woman.

"You two are still leaving for Whitebrige city’s capital?" Asked Theresa, and Madeline nodded, feeling glad that His Majesty gave them the approval they needed to continue with their plan.

"Hey, Maddie."

Their conversation was interrupted by the presence of a tall and imposing man with reddish-color hair and a silver mask adorning his face partially. His piercing green eyes narrowed at Madeline before looking slightly relieved that he had found her amongst the guests present.

"Elian?"

"Where’s Cassian? There’s something urgent that I have to tell him." He said, trying his best to sound serious. He glanced at Theresa and lowered his head, gesturing a bow.

"Forgive my rudeness, I was only thinking about the information I had to give and didn’t see you here." He sincerely apologized, and Theresa didn’t hesitate to let him off the hook, knowing it must be something crucial.

"I think he’s still with His Majesty." Madeline answered subconsciously, wondering what the problem might be.

"Can you come with me? We need to find Inna as well. If Cas is still with His Majesty, it would be mannerless of me to interrupt them."

"Of...of course." Madeline nodded, still curious about what was going on. She looked at Queen Theresa and gestured a polite bow.

"Your company has been wonderful, but I must cut our conversation to find Inna, if I may?"

"Not a problem, we still have time to continue later. This must be important, you are free to find Inna." Theresa assured Madeline who’s eyes expressed her gratitude before she quickly left with Elian.

Making their way past the crowd and into the empty carpeted hallway, Madeline tried to keep up with Elian who had longer legs and took longer strides than her who had shorter legs.

"Why do we need to find Inna? Is something wrong?" Worried, Madeline felt the need to ask since he sounded so concerned regarding Cassian and Inna, but strangely, he just kept walking without giving an answer to what she asked.

"Elian."

He stopped walking when she called his name in a serious tone, and Madeline also stopped a few feets behind him. Not understanding his sudden silence, Madeline walked up to him, standing in front of him and meeting his green eyes that stared back at her.

"Why are you quiet? And why did you stop walking? We need to find Inna, right?"

For some reason, Madeline could feel her heart race, not particularly sure about what was going on. Alone in the silent hallway, the man before her unhurriedly took off his mask, revealing his handsome face, and a smirk graced his lips when his eyes shone with pure hatred, startling Madeline.

"Hello, Maddie," he said, his voice dripping with a venom that made the look on Madeline’s face pale drastically. "Long time, no see." He tilted his head at her.

Madeline’s stomach dropped as she took a staggering step back, realizing at a failed moment who was standing before her. His face, it looked exactly like Elian’s, the similarity and everything was something even a blind person would notice, but this.... This isn’t Elian, right? This couldn’t be Elian....

"Elijah??" That particular name fell from her lips in a shock shaky whisper.