Madam Thalia stood stiffly at the door, her posture as rigid as usual. She was dressed in her usual attire, though today it was a deep shade of blue. Her expression, however, was soft.
"Good morning, Lilith. I trust you slept well?" she greeted with a polite smile.
Lilith forced a smile of her own, though it barely reached her eyes. "Good morning, Madam Thalia. I wouldn't exactly call it a good sleep, but I managed. Did you sleep well?"
Thalia nodded. "I did, thank you for asking." She paused briefly before continuing, "I assume His Highness has informed you of your new position as his personal maid?"
At the mention of it, Lilith felt her stomach tighten. Any remnants of warmth from their brief exchange evaporated. She had spent all night trying to push away the reality of her situation, but now it was standing before her in the form of Madam Thalia.
"Yes, I'm aware," she said, keeping her voice steady. She forced an excited expression, though she could feel how unnatural it must have looked. "Is that why you are here so early?"
Thalia gave a small nod. "Yes, that is precisely why I am here. His Highness has requested your presence. You will begin your duties immediately."
Lilith felt her body tense, but before she could even respond, Thalia added, "Additionally, the prince has arranged for you to move into the chamber opposite his. He insists it will make it easier for you to attend to him whenever necessary."
The forced smile on Lilith's lips wavered, then faded completely. Move? As if serving him wasn't bad enough, now she was expected to live right across from him? The very thought sent a shiver down her spine.
She lowered her gaze, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "Is that really necessary?" she asked, her voice quieter now. "Surely, I can continue staying here… Is there anything you can do to convince him otherwise?" She looked up at Thalia, pleading, though she already knew the answer.
"I don't think you understand," Thalia said, her voice firm. "The prince and I are not friends, nor are we acquaintances. He gives me orders, and I follow them. Just as you must. I am nothing more than a servant in this palace, as are you."
Lilith swallowed, pressing her lips together. Of course, she had known that already. It had been foolish to hope for any leniency.
"I understand," she said quietly. Then, straightening her back, she asked, "Shall I gather my belongings before we leave?"
Her belongings, if they could even be called that, were nothing more than three simple dresses. One from her village, the only reminder of the life she had lost, and two that Madam Thalia had given her when she first arrived at the palace.
"There will be no need for that," Thalia replied. "The prince has requested you immediately. A maid will bring your things to your new chambers later."
Lilith bit the inside of her cheek to keep from protesting. Instead, she nodded.
"Come along, child. We should not keep the prince waiting."
With a final glance at her room, Lilith closed the door behind her and followed Thalia.
They walked in silence through the grand corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors. The prince's chambers were on the third floor, in the east wing of the building. As they neared, Lilith couldn't help but notice the countless portraits of him hanging along the hallway, each framed in ornate gold.
There were only two doors ahead, one, no doubt, belonged to the prince, and the other, she realized with a sinking feeling, would now belong to her.
There was nothing comforting about this side of the palace. The air felt heavier, colder, and as Lilith glanced at the massive portrait on the wall, an uneasy chill ran down her spine. It was as if his painted eyes were following her every move, staring through her with an unsettling intensity. She quickly averted her gaze, refusing to meet those lifeless yet disturbingly piercing eyes.
She kept her focus on the polished floor instead, counting each step as she followed Madam Thalia down the hallway. When they finally stopped before a grand door, Thalia rapped her knuckles against it twice. A low creak echoed through the corridor as the door slowly opened on its own, revealing the prince's chamber beyond.
Unlike the eerie hallway, his room was surprisingly warm and well-lit. Though she couldn't see much from where she stood, the glimpse she caught spoke of undeniable wealth and luxury, dark polished wood, rich velvet curtains, and glistening gold cushion. The scent of burning cedar filled the air, mixed with something darker, muskier, uniquely him.
"I have returned with the young woman, Your Highness," Thalia announced, her tone neutral, as if delivering an ordinary report. "I will leave you to attend to her."
Lilith's heart kicked against her ribs. She took a small step toward Thalia, about to whisper a plea for her to stay, but the older woman merely offered her a small, apologetic smile before turning away.
Lilith watched helplessly as Thalia disappeared down the hallway.
"Are you going to stand there all day?"
The deep, rich depth of his voice sent a shiver through her, pulling her attention away from the retreating figure of Thalia.
Lilith swallowed hard before stepping inside. Her gaze swept over the room, taking in the intricately carved furniture and the grand chandelier that hung low from the ceiling And then, her eyes found him.
Hades lounged in a cushioned armchair, his posture relaxed but commanding. A crystal glass rested between his fingers, the deep red liquid inside swirling as he twirled it absentmindedly. His piercing gaze was already on her, studying her in a way that made her feel like an insect caught under glass.
He was dressed in a thick black fur robe. The firelight flickered against his sharp features, casting shadows that made him look even more otherworldly.
Lilith bowed her head slightly. "Good morning, Your Highness. Is there anything you would like me to do?"
His lips curled into the faintest smirk. "I would like you to prepare me a bath. I am going horse riding in an hour."
His tone was casual, but his eyes never left her, watching for a reaction.
"Very well, Your Highness." Lilith gave another small bow before turning swiftly on her heel, eager to put distance between them.
She made her way out the room and down the stairs, her mind racing.