The Cursed Demon Prince-Chapter 248: Another Chance

Lilith stood on the balcony with a tumbler between her fingers, watching as the people below feasted during the celebratory dinner of Hades’ coronation. They all appeared to be genuinely enjoying themselves, and that alone made her happy.

A warm smile spread across her lips as she locked eyes with Hades. He looked beautiful in his ceremonial attire, the crown resting perfectly upon his head. He returned her smile and began making his way toward her.

She watched as he climbed the stairs and stopped before her. "Your Majesty," Lilith offered a slight bow, "how are you enjoying your ball?"

"Quite well," he replied, leaning closer, "although I would much rather be spending my time by your side." His voice dropped. "Or better yet, with you naked in my bed." He whispered, eyes glinting with mischief.

Lilith felt her cheeks warm instantly. "You are king now, Hades. Your time and attention will have to be focused more on your people."

He arched a brow. "I’m afraid that is completely incorrect. My time and attention will always be yours, my love." His arm slipped around her waist, pulling her closer. "You’ve been standing here for a while. Aren’t you supposed to be with your mother?"

Leaning into him, Lilith returned her gaze to the crowd below. Moments later, she spotted her mother deep in conversation with Lucian, laughing at something he had said. Interesting. She wondered what they could possibly be discussing.

"It appears my mother is already occupied with your uncle," she said. "They seem to be having quite a conversation."

Hades followed her gaze. "Huh. I never knew my uncle to be so chatty," he admitted.

Lilith looked up at him. "I’m just as surprised as you are. It will be interesting to see how things progress from here."

"I agree," he nodded, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Now that the coronation is over, I think it’s time for us to get married."

Lilith’s eyes widened. "Like... now?"

He chuckled. "Of course not now, though I wouldn’t be against it. What I mean is that we should begin planning our wedding and have it as soon as possible. I’d like to marry you by the end of the month."

Lilith blinked several times. "Are you serious?"

"I am always serious with you, Lilith. But it’s entirely your choice. If you’re uncomfortable with..."

"Forgive me if I seemed unsure," she interrupted with a soft laugh, "because I’m certainly not. I would very much like to marry you as soon as possible, Hades."

She smiled up at him, giggling with excitement.

Hades’ smile broadened at her reaction. "Very well, love. I shall speak to Lucian to begin the preparations. You can also ask for your mother’s assistance, since she’s still here."

"Yes, brilliant idea. I will definitely do that." She rose onto her toes and kissed him briefly on the lips. "I’m so happy, I can hardly wait for that day to come."

His eyes trailed from hers down to her lips before returning to her gaze. "I feel the same way." He leaned in to kiss her, but before his lips could touch hers, Lilith stopped him by placing a finger against his mouth.

"As much as I would like to be lost in your warmth, I need to find Viktor. It’s about time we had a talk about our mother."

Hades groaned, clearly displeased by the interruption, then exhaled. "Alright. I will leave you to attend to him, but we shall continue this tonight."

"I can’t say no to His Majesty, can I?" Lilith teased, tracing her finger along the curve of his lips and then his jaw.

"I’ll be waiting for you." He brought her finger back to his lips, kissing it gently before letting her go. With a small nod, he walked away. Lilith watched him until he disappeared into the crowd.

Taking a few breaths to steady herself, Lilith made her way back into the main castle, searching for Viktor. After several minutes, she decided to look for Charlotte instead, surely she would know where he was. But, as expected, she was nowhere to be found either.

The lovers had clearly eloped somewhere. Lilith sighed.

There was only one room on the second floor she hadn’t checked. She doubted they would be there, but still made her way toward it. After this, she would return to Hades, and tomorrow when they returned from wherever they had run off to, she would speak to her brother.

As she twisted the knob and opened the door, Lilith’s eyes widened.

Inside, Viktor and Charlotte were flushed and pressed together, lost in the bliss of a passionate moment.

Almost immediately, Charlotte noticed her and pulled away, nervously fixing her dress and smoothing her hair. Viktor sprang to his feet, turning away to retie the lace of his trousers.

Mortified, Lilith wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole. "Oh my—! Forgive me, I didn’t know you were here. I was only searching for Viktor. Dear heavens, I’m so sorry." She apologized, avoiding their gaze as she hurriedly closed the door.

"Wait! I’ll leave. You can speak to him," Charlotte called out, already moving toward the exit.

"No, you don’t have to..."

"I’m serious," Charlotte interrupted gently. "You can talk to him. I need to... go enjoy the ball. Besides, I’m quite famished." She let out a small chuckle.

"I’m so sorry again, Charlotte," Lilith whispered as Charlotte passed by her.

"No problem at all," Charlotte replied softly. "Please, make him see sense and reconcile with his mother." She leaned in to whisper before walking away.

Once Charlotte disappeared down the hall, Lilith let out a slow breath and stepped back into the room, closing the door behind her.

She watched Viktor rake his fingers through his hair, trying to compose himself. His movements were stiff, his gaze fixed anywhere but on her, clearly just as embarrassed as she was.

"I’m sorry, Viktor. If I had known you were here with Charlotte, I wouldn’t have barged in. I..."

"It’s truly alright, Lilith," Viktor interrupted, finally taking a seat on a nearby chair. "It is already awkward enough as it is, please, I don’t want to talk about it. It was a mistake, so no more apologies."

Lilith waited a few moments, gathering her thoughts, unsure how to begin the conversation she had come for. Clearing her throat, she moved closer and leaned lightly against the wall.

"Mother has left her husband. She’s finally free from the shackles of that horrible man."

Silence followed.

"Good for her," Viktor said at last. "It took her long enough." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"I’m simply glad she was able to leave him after so much suffering and pain. I’m truly proud of her." When Viktor didn’t respond, Lilith continued, "I understand how you feel about her, but I think it’s time you push past your hurt and give her a chance."

Viktor scoffed and rose from the chair. "I honestly don’t know how you can forgive her so easily after everything she did, everything she allowed that bastard to do to you."

"Because it’s easier to let things go and move forward than to hold on to the weight of years of pain and memories," Lilith replied calmly. "I’m finally at a wonderful point in my life, surrounded by amazing people. I refuse to torture myself with past suffering. Mother has her faults, and she deeply regrets them. She’s already lost so much, I don’t want her to lose you too."

"Lose me?" Viktor scoffed. "She never had me in the first place. And now, all of a sudden, she wants us to be a happy family like nothing ever happened?"

"No," Lilith said firmly. "She wants us to try. All we’re asking is that you give her a second chance to show you another side of her. Please, Viktor, don’t let your anger ruin everything."

She stepped closer, standing directly in front of him.

His jaw clenched, conflict etched across his features. "I don’t hate her," he muttered. "I couldn’t, even if I tried."

Lilith offered him a small, sad smile. "That’s a good start. Just try to get to know her while she’s here. You may never get this opportunity again. I love you both, and I want things to be better between you. I want my brother and my mother standing together at my wedding."

Viktor’s eyes dropped to the ring on her hand. "Wait—you’re getting married?" His expression softened into shock and joy. "That’s wonderful news."

"Yes," Lilith smiled. "Hades and I have decided to have the wedding by the end of the month."

"That’s incredible. I’m truly happy for you both." He let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think Hades would ever get married, much less to my sister. It’s truly wonderful."

"It really is." Lilith tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "So, you have exactly three weeks to work things out with Mother. I want to see progress before the wedding."

Viktor released an exasperated sigh. "I’ll try my best. It won’t be easy, but... I’ll try."

Her eyes lit up instantly. "You have to promise me. Right now. Promise you’ll truly try."

He sighed again, softer this time. "Yes, my dear sister. I promise. Are you happy now?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" She lunged forward, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. He hugged her back briefly, but with warmth and sincerity.

Lilith was the first to pull away. "I... I have to go see Mother. You should go find Charlotte. Goodbye." She waved at him before rushing out of the room, unable to hide her excitement.

Viktor chuckled, shaking his head as he followed her out.