Chapter 24: 24. The Snake Woman

"Did you hear clearly what your future wife just said?"

For a moment, the Empress Dowager seemed to be talking to herself. Then, a man emerged from a room within the audience chamber.

"Yes..."

"And do you understand what is preventing her from opening her heart to you?"

"Yes..."

"So what do you want to do? Will you proceed with your plan to overthrow or choose to live peacefully with her?"

"..."

For a moment, Cassius couldn't answer. His entire life, he was raised with that purpose.

Seeking revenge against the Emperor who had taken his parents away from him. And he couldn't afford to lose sight of that goal.

But he also couldn't bear the thought of Eleanor running away from him.

"Even if I choose to step away from all of this and live peacefully–which I can't possibly do– the Emperor won't let me go, and you know that."

Empress Dowager smiled and gazed deeply into Cassius's eyes as if she could see his intentions.