The Cursed Demon Prince-Chapter 234: Dining Room

Almost an hour passed with them seated on the bench in silence, staring blankly ahead. Every now and then, Lilith glanced at Viktor, trying to read the storm behind his expression, but failed each time. So much had unfolded in such a short span that her head felt heavy, she could swear a headache was forming.

"I believe Hades isn’t aware of all this?" Viktor finally spoke, his voice hoarse and raw.

She let out a tired sigh and shook her head faintly. "He doesn’t know... and I don’t think I’m going to tell him."

Viktor looked at her sharply. "I think you should. You cannot.." his voice cracked, "you cannot just leave like that. It will destroy him. Well... he’ll be destroyed either way. But he deserves to know."

"I deserve to know what? And who’s leaving?"

Lilith and Viktor sprang to their feet at the sound of the prince’s voice. Hades stood a few steps away, eyes narrowed with suspicion. He must have sensed something was wrong, and Lilith refused to let him discover the truth and not now.

She stepped toward him quickly, looping her arms around his. "Viktor and I were just having an emotional conversation. I only just found out he is my older brother." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Hades blinked, stunned. His brows shot up as he looked between the two of them. "What!? Are you serious? How is that possible?"

Lilith smiled gently at his reaction. "It’s a long story. While we were in Eryndor, my mother confessed everything to him. Apparently, when my parents were separated, my father left with their son, who later ended up adopted into Charlotte’s family. She showed him proof that he was indeed her child."

The prince ran his fingers through his hair, still looking bewildered. "That’s... wonderful. Truly. I mean, you both do share similarities, but I never would have guessed you were related." He let out a soft chuckle.

"Viktor is a wonderful man, and I’m glad he’s my brother. It feels nice to have a sibling who doesn’t resent me," she added with a light laugh.

But Viktor didn’t smile. His eyes brimmed with tears, and his jaw tightened painfully.

"I’m exhausted. I shall return to my chambers now. Good night." He offered the smallest bow, then walked past them without looking back.

Lilith and Hades turned, watching him disappear down the path.

"What’s going on with him? He seems really sad," Hades muttered, frowning.

"I’m sure he’s just overwhelmed," she said quietly, rubbing her thumb along his hand. "Finding out he suddenly has a sister, it’s a lot."

Hades turned fully to her, eyes narrowing. "Did you just tell him today that you were related?"

"Not at all. I only found out today. Viktor has known since Eryndor."

"If that’s the case," Hades said slowly, "then he already had time to accept it. And a reunion like this should be joyful. So why... why does he look like someone just died?"

Lilith swallowed at the mention of death, the lump in her throat thickening. Instead of breaking down, she forced a smile. "I don’t have an answer to that, but you might have to ask him yourself. I promise it’s not a big deal, no one is dying, and everything is alright."

Hades stared at her for a few seconds before pulling her into his arms. "Very well. It’s getting late. We should return to the chambers."

Relief washed over her. "Yes, we should. It’s getting too cold."

With their fingers intertwined, Lilith and Hades made their way back into the building.

~~~

As the morning rolled in, Lilith groaned before forcing her eyes open. She had struggled to fall asleep last night. Lying in Hades’ arms, her head resting on his chest and his warmth spreading across her body, her mind had been flooded with thoughts that refused to settle. It was only in the early hours of dawn that sleep finally overtook her.

Stretching out on the mattress, she rubbed her eyes and looked around, realizing she was alone in the bed. Sitting up, her gaze drifted to the clock, it was a few minutes past nine. She had slept far too long. Pulling herself together, she climbed out of bed to prepare for the day.

After a warm bath, dressed in a peach-colored gown with her hair curled into soft waves that fell over her shoulders, Lilith made her way out of the chamber and down the stairs toward the dining room, her stomach growling with hunger.

When she stepped into the room, she paused, startled by the sight of the prince seated at the table, a broad smile stretched across his face.

"Good morning, beautiful," he greeted as he rose from his chair, taking slow steps toward her.

Lilith returned the smile, closing the distance between them. "You seem quite cheerful this morning. Is everything alright?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

Hades chuckled, taking her hand into his. "With you, there is always a reason to be cheerful. This is all your doing, my love." He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss against it while keeping his gaze locked on hers.

Her heart skipped at the intimacy, heat rushing to her cheeks.

"Come, let’s have breakfast together." He guided her to the table, pulling out a chair for her before taking his seat beside her. As always, the table was filled with mouthwatering dishes but one in particular caught her eye, a chunk of thickly coated chocolate cake. Her mouth watered instantly.

Hades noticed and smirked, clearly pleased. "Would you like some? We can start with that."

She turned to him, too eager to feel embarrassed about having been caught ogling a piece of cake. "Yes, please, I would very much like to have some."

The prince gestured to one of the two servants, who immediately cut a slice and set it before her.

"Thank you," she whispered, and the servant bowed before stepping back.

Lilith picked up her fork, ready to dive into the cake only to stop when she sensed Hades’ intense gaze lingering on her. Turning to him, she felt her stomach tighten. The look in his eyes was unmistakably seductive

Lilith swallowed before asking, "Aren’t you going to have some?"

"I will... if you feed me," he replied, voice low and sultry.

Her heart stuttered, heat curling deeply within her. "Very well."

She cut a small piece with her fork, then rather than bring the fork to his lips, she picked up the piece with her fingers and lifted it toward him.

Hades’ smirk widened. He leaned in, opening his mouth to take the moist pastry from her fingers. Lilith’s breath caught as his warm lips brushed her skin, his tongue grazing her fingertips. Heat rippled through her, her toes curling against the floor.

His eyes locked with hers as he slowly licked off every trace of chocolate, savoring her touch before she withdrew her hand from between his lips.

Suddenly, Hades rose from his seat, stepped closer, and pressed his mouth to the side of her neck. Lilith’s hands shot to his chest in alarm, her gaze flicking toward the servants standing nearby with their heads bowed, cheeks flushed.

"We are not alone," she whispered urgently.

Hades pulled back just enough to speak, his voice ringing through the room. "Leave us."

The servants scrambled out immediately, the doors closing softly behind them.

In the next breath, his lips were on hers hungry, forceful. His tongue swept against hers as he threaded his fingers through her hair, pulling her closer with a low growl. Lilith moaned, arms winding around his neck as she kissed him back with equal intensity.

Hades’ arm slid around her waist. With one swift motion, he lifted her from the chair, swept the plates aside, and set her on the table, stepping between her legs as though he belonged there.

He broke the kiss just long enough for air. "I suggest you eat before the food gets cold, love," he murmured against her lips.

Lilith’s gaze dropped to his mouth, then back to his eyes. "I have no desire to eat anymore. I suggest you... continue this," she whispered, pulling him closer.

Hades chuckled, a low, dark sound that sent a delicious shiver through her.

"Keep talking like that," he breathed, "and I’ll have you screaming for mercy with your voice echoing through the castle walls."

Lilith stared into his eyes, heavy with lust. "I would rather scream for your mercy," she whispered, dragging her tongue slowly along his lips, "my lord."

His eyes darkened, jaw clenching at her boldness. "I do not show mercy, Lilith."

She smiled. "That’s even better."

Before the words had fully left her mouth, his lips crashed against hers again, kissing her harder and deeper. His hands roamed her body with eager familiarity as her legs wrapped around his waist. She could feel his hardening length pressed against her, sending electric shivers through her spine.

His mouth trailed from hers down her neck and collarbone, biting and sucking as soft moans escaped her lips. His breath was hot against her skin, each kiss unraveling her further.

"I... I would very much like to make love to you here," he murmured against her neck, "but..." He kissed his way back to her lips. "But there is something I must show you first."

He pulled back, and disappointment flooded her face, plain and unhidden.

"Is it that important?" she asked, voice tinged with frustration.

He smiled, brushing her hair gently into place. "Yes, my love. It is." He kissed her forehead. "Do not look so disappointed. We will return to this later."

He helped her down from the table, steadying her when her legs wobbled slightly.

"I hope it’s worth it," Lilith muttered, smoothing her dress.

Hades kissed her temple. "It is, love. Come with me."

With her hand in his, he led her out of the dining room.