As they began to eat, Lilith found it increasingly difficult to chew and swallow. Her throat felt tight, her face burned with unease, and her palms grew clammy, forcing her to discreetly wipe them against the fabric of her dress. Across from her, Hades appeared entirely at ease, enjoying his meal with deliberate movements, whether he was truly oblivious to her discomfort or merely pretending to be, she couldn't tell.
She cast a quick glance at the maids standing at the far end of the dining hall, hoping to find some reassurance in their expressions. But they remained motionless, their faces as unreadable as stone, as if they were merely decorative figures rather than living, breathing individuals. The suffocating silence pressed heavily upon her, making each bite feel like an insurmountable task.
After managing only a few reluctant mouthfuls, Lilith carefully set her cutlery down, reaching for a napkin to dab at her lips. Forcing a polite smile, she turned to the prince.
"I believe I have had my fill, Your Highness. Thank you for the exquisite meal, I am truly grateful."
Her voice was steady, but beneath the table, her hands trembled.
A low chuckle escaped Hades' lips as he lifted his gaze to meet hers. His expression was unreadable, but there was an unmistakable glint of amusement in his eyes.
"I highly doubt that, little witch," he mused, his voice smooth yet commanding. "I would prefer if you gained some weight soon. It is crucial that you remain strong and healthy for what you will be required to do later on."
Lilith's brows knitted together in confusion. She instinctively straightened in her seat, her fingers tightening around the napkin in her lap.
"What I will be doing?" she echoed, her voice laced with uncertainty. "I do not understand, Your Highness."
Hades waved a dismissive hand, his smile deepening. "You need not concern yourself with that just yet. In time, all will be made clear to you. For now, simply focus on your well-being and enjoy the luxuries I so generously provide."
Though his tone was light, there was an unspoken weight behind his words, one that sent a shiver down Lilith's spine.
She couldn't stop the sinking feeling in her chest, her heart dropping to the pit of her stomach. Her fingers curled into the fabric of her dress as she hesitated before speaking.
"Why did you save me from execution?" Her voice wavered despite her efforts to remain composed. "Why am I here?"
Hades leaned back in his chair, an amused smirk tugging at his lips. "Ah, so you fear death after all?" He tilted his head slightly, his piercing gaze never leaving her. "And here I thought you had already surrendered yourself to fate."
He reached for a wet towel, leisurely wiping his hands as if they were discussing nothing more than the weather. "But I told you before, little witch, I had no intention of killing you."
His words should have brought relief, yet they did the exact opposite. Lilith forced a weak smile, though it felt hollow even to her.
Before she could say anything further, the heavy doors creaked open, drawing both their attention. A tall figure stepped inside, Lucian, Hades' uncle. His sharp eyes flickered from Hades to Lilith.
Lilith quickly lowered her gaze in respect, bowing her head as Lucian took a few steps forward.
"Apologies for interrupting you Your Highness, I have something important to discuss with you." Lucian voiced, in a cold voice.
Hades sighed, clearly displeased by the abrupt end to their dinner. He turned back to Lilith, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "How unfortunate," he mused. "It seems our little moment together must come to an end. I must say, I did enjoy your presence, little witch."
Lilith stiffly rose from her chair, her movements tense as she quickly excused herself. She didn't dare look back as she made her way to the door, slipping out of the room with quickened steps.
Hades, however, kept his gaze fixed on the door long after it had closed behind her. His expression remained unreadable, but there was a glint of intrigue in his eyes.
Lucian, watching the entire exchange, arched a brow before shifting his gaze back to his nephew. "She is quite... interesting, isn't she?"
Hades leaned back, tapping his fingers against the armrest of his chair. "That, she is."
Lucian exhaled, crossing his arms as he turned to look out the window. "I still don't understand why you brought the girl to the palace," he said, his voice edged with skepticism. "Do you intend to make her your mistress? Or is there something else you have planned?"
"A mistress?" Hades scoffed. "You know very well that the little witch isn't my type. She's far too soft, too docile, completely inexperienced. Hardly the kind of woman who could handle me. And besides," he added, his voice turning colder, "I am far too cruel for emotional attachments of any kind."
Lucian remained unimpressed. He didn't turn away from the window. "Then enlighten me," he said evenly. "Why is she here? You have treated her like a guest rather than a servant, which means she holds some level of importance to your cause."
Hades exhaled slowly, as if carefully considering his words. "You are right, Uncle," he admitted, his voice quieter but no less firm. "She does have a purpose." He tilted his head slightly. "I believe she holds the cure I have been searching for, something I have longed for."
"You can't be serious, Hades," Lucian scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Powerful witches, ones who have spent centuries perfecting their craft, have all tried and failed. And you think a mere girl, one who has barely scratched the surface of her own abilities, can succeed where they did not?"
"Yes, Uncle. That is exactly what I think." Hades leaned forward, his gaze dark and unwavering. "I see it in her eyes, she is far stronger than she realizes. All she needs is the right push and rigorous training. Which," he added pointedly, "I hope you will oversee."
Lucian's eyes widened in disbelief. "Me?" he repeated. "I may know magic, but not nearly enough to train anyone, let alone someone untested and inexperienced." He shook his head, exhaling sharply. "And what happens when your father finds out about this?"
"That is also your job, to ensure he never finds out," Hades replied coolly as he rose from his chair. "Besides, I highly doubt my father cares about Valyron or anything that happens within these palace walls."
Lucian's expression darkened. "I still don't think this is a good idea, Your Highness. This could end badly for all of us." The concern in his voice was unmistakable.
Hades let out a slow sigh, brushing nonexistent dust off his sleeve. "That's why I do the thinking, and you handle the execution." His gaze flickered with something. "Besides, I can't imagine anything worse happening to me than what I've already endured."
Lucian hesitated, but Hades didn't give him time to argue further. He turned toward the door, pausing only to add, "I'll leave you to handle my attire for tomorrow while I find something… entertaining to occupy my time."
A smirk ghosted across his lips before he strode out of the dining hall. As he stepped into the dimly lit corridors, the playful facade melted away, replaced by the cold, calculating expression that had become second nature to him.