The Cursed Demon Prince-Chapter 246: A Madman

Charlotte led Viktor to her chambers, both of them settling onto the couch. She could tell he was stressed about Lilith’s intentions concerning their mother. Reaching out, she stroked his hair as they sat in silence.

"I know you’re still angry about what happened between your mother and Lilith," she said softly, "but I think Lilith is right."

Viktor turned to face her. "Please, not you too."

She grabbed his hand to stop him from pulling away. "Listen to me, Viktor. Everything Lilith said at breakfast was true. I understand how you feel, but you shouldn’t completely cut ties with your mother. You should at least give her a chance to redeem herself, to prove you wrong."

Viktor scoffed. "I highly doubt she can be any different from what I know of her. It would be a waste of time to give her any chance."

"Don’t say that," Charlotte replied gently. "Don’t let your anger cloud your judgment. Deep down, you don’t even believe your own words." She cupped his cheeks. "I’m not saying you should forgive her right away, I know it will take time. I’m only asking you not to shut her out completely. Give her a chance to prove herself. Maybe things will be different this time."

Viktor sighed, conflicting thoughts flickering across his face.

"Please," she added softly. "Just give it one last chance. Whatever decision you make after that, I’ll stand by you completely." She moved closer, pressing light kisses to his cheek, then down his neck.

He exhaled slowly. "Gods, Charlotte... are you trying to seduce me into agreeing with you?"

She chuckled quietly. "Maybe," she murmured, her lips brushing his ear.

He sighed audibly, closing his eyes as he welcomed the warmth of her touch. "You know I can’t think properly when you do this."

Charlotte pulled back just enough to look at him. "Do you want me to stop? I can, so you can think clearly..."

Viktor’s hand shot to her waist, keeping her in place as she tried to move away. "Don’t you dare. You can’t awaken my desires and then run away from me."

"Run away? I wouldn’t dream of it," she replied, watching his fingers work their way into the lace of her dress. "I only wanted to give you space to think."

"I no longer want to think," he whispered, pulling her closer. "I only want you with me, on my bed screaming my name until you lose all sense of yourself."

"Hmmm, I do like the sound of that," she said, placing a finger over his lips, "but this is actually my bed not yours."

Viktor chuckled, amused. "Ah. Even better."

He pulled her finger away and captured her lips in a fierce kiss, one that quickly consumed them both.

~~~

It was nighttime when Lilith finally returned to her chambers. She had been so lost in conversing with her mother that she hadn’t realized how much time had passed. Discovering how late it was, Lilith decided to leave her mother to rest while she returned to her own chambers as well.

As she stepped into the bedroom, her eyes immediately landed on Hades, who stood at the balcony clad only in his trousers, his broad back turned toward her. Smiling to herself, she tiptoed closer, intending to scare him but just as she was about to reach him, he turned around, catching her midway.

"You knew I was coming, didn’t you?" she said, rolling her eyes as she went to stand beside him.

"I heard you open the door." He pulled her closer, draping an arm over her shoulder. "How was your time with your mother?" he asked.

Lilith sighed softly. "It was better than expected. I enjoyed talking with her and spending time together," she admitted sincerely.

"I’m glad you did. Did she eat lunch and dinner?"

"She only had lunch," Lilith replied. "She said she was full and needed to rest after the long journey."

"Alright, that’s good." Hades paused. "I was quite surprised her husband allowed her to travel all this way by herself."

"That’s because he didn’t," Lilith said calmly. "She left him."

The prince turned to face her, narrowing his eyes. "Left him as in permanently, or came here against his will?"

Lilith smiled. "Both. She’s decided to end her marriage. It took her a long time, but I’m proud of her for being strong enough to finally go through with it."

"I agree," Hades said. "The man is beyond foolish. If you weren’t so kind, I would have taught him a lesson he wouldn’t forget."

Lilith rolled her eyes, resting her head against his chest. "There’s no need for that. He’ll pay for his sins one day, I’m certain of it."

"Alright, my love. I trust your judgment." He cleared his throat. "I’ve been thinking about what we discussed at breakfast, and I’ve made a decision."

Lilith straightened immediately, looking up at him. "You’re going to take the throne?"

Her reaction made his smile widen. "Yes, my love. I’m going to take the throne. I’ve already informed Lucian, and he’s delighted."

"Dear heavens! that’s wonderful!" she exclaimed. "I’m so happy you agreed. When will the coronation be held?"

"Tomorrow evening."

"So soon?" she asked, surprised.

"Lucian suggested it. He said there was no reason to waste any more time, and I agree."

Lilith laughed softly. "Congratulations, Your Highness... Your Majesty... my King. Dear gods, what do I even call you now?"

Hades kissed her forehead. "Anything you wish. I’ll be happy with whatever you call me."

"Hmmm," she mused, "you should be careful. What if I call you a madman? That would be terribly inappropriate and insulting."

"Inappropriate and insulting?" He arched a brow. "If you call me a madman, it wouldn’t be far from the truth. I’m indeed a madman who is madly in love and undeniably obsessed with you. So I’d gladly accept it."

Lilith stared at him, dumbfounded, her heart swelling at his words. Gods, this man knew exactly how to melt her. "You’ve become quite skilled with your words, Your Highness."

He laughed. "You make me learn new ways to express my feelings and render you speechless. I enjoy that very much."

Lilith blushed, about to reply when a loud clap of thunder roared through the sky, followed by flashes of lightning. They both looked up instinctively. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"We should head inside before it starts to rain," Hades suggested.

Lilith nodded, and together they returned to the room, closing the doors behind them.