And Then There Were Four novel Chapter 186

Chapter 186: Prince Finnick

Cassie.

Perfection. It's a word thrown around a lot, but at the end of the day, I don't think anyone knows what the fucking word means. Instead, they throw around their own personal ideas of what they think it means and try to claim it as the only truth.

Fucking fascists.

"Cassie?' The slow, hesitant tone of Ansley caught me by surprise, and as I looked up from where I was buckling the strap on my shoe, I raised a brow in question before straightening myself, making sure I looked the part of fascist perfection.

'Good morning, Ansley. I'll be eating breakfast in the hall today. I have business to attend to."

It was unlike me to do something like this, and the fact that I was even up early made her lips part, and her eyes widen as she nodded her head. 'Oh-okay. Um, I'll let them know-”

"No. Don't tell them anything."

Ansley looked more than confused, but in silence, she nodded her head and went about her usual activities of taking care of my room. I didn't abuse my status over her like so many others had, and just because I had been warned about the girl, I didn't want to believe that she was like them.

Ansley was a sweet girl... but at times, I wondered if she was actually going to be loyal to me.

Perhaps I was having my own doubts about her, but I wouldn't know until she slipped up and gave me something to be untrustworthy about. I only hoped she would prove me wrong, and that would never happen.

Satisfied with my appearance, I let a heavy breath escape me as I nodded to myself in the mirror with approval of my choice in appearance. I was prepared to go down there today and show them what kind of person I was. Not just opinionated but capable of taking them all on.

Making my way from my room with my heels tapping against the cold flooring, I headed towards the grand hall. My attire today... black dress pants, a royal blue blouse with black swirls on it, and black heels that reminded me of my Jimmy Choos I had back home.

I had worked all summer for those damn shoes, and they never made it here.

No doubt my little sister had stolen them... she was always quite the thief.

The halls of the palace were far quieter than they usually were, and the only noise I heard was coming from the open hall door that signaled everyone was in attendance and enjoying themselves. Part of me was nervous walking in there after how I had acted last night, but the other part was eager to see who was in attendance.

If I was going to pull off my new person, I was going to have to make sure my entrance was epic, and straightening my shoulders, I held my head high and stepped forward around the corner into the glimmering hall to see the two long fifty foot tables decorated with foods of all kinds... not to mention the numerous eyes of men and women who landed on me the moment I entered.

Usually, I would have been hesitant... uncomfortable even. Not this time, though.

"Cassie," Odin said with a slightly confused tone to his voice as his eyes met mine. "I didn’t realize you were joining us this morning."

Moving forward. I headed straight toward him, where Solina sat at his side with her brother across from her. There was no way her brother would move, but if I was going to start somewhere, it was going to be with her.

"Well, I figured if I'm going to be the highlighted prize. Grandfather, it would only make sense that I make an appearance at all times. Plus, the people here will all one day be under my rule... correct?"

There was a twinkle of amusement in his eyes as I stopped at his side and casually leaned in to give him a small hug. The hug itself definitely shocked him as I felt him stiffen under me and gently return the favor. "Yes, I suppose you’re right."

The moment he released me from the 'hug' I had given him, I cast my gaze to Solina and frowned. 'I think you're in the wrong seat, Solina. That seat is reserved for the next in line... and in fact-'

I turned my gaze towards Mani and smirked. “Grandfather, shouldn't the fae prince be sitting on the other side of you, considering he is royalty?“

Mani stared at me in shock and anger. 'Had you been here in time, Cassie, you-"

Odin held up his hand, silencing everyone at the table. "Cassie is right... Solina, you need to find another place to sit. As for the prince... I apologize for the confusion. Finnick, would you please take Mani's seat next to me? I don't know what I was thinking this morning."

Solina and Mani both hesitated for a moment before quickly getting up with their plates and moving further down the table. The servants made quick of placing new dishes in front of me and making sure Finnick was situated across from me.

I hadn't taken the time to properly take notice of the prince, and after the way I acted last night, I found myself feeling slightly foolish for my behavior. Something I was definitely going to have to make amends for.