As they made their way back to the dining room, Lucian approached them with a scowl on his face.
"What is it this time?" Hades frowned as Lucian fell into step beside him.
"You have visitors, Your Highness. Lord Keiser Regins and Lord Dain Regins arrived a few minutes ago to pay you a visit," Lucian said in a polite but clipped tone.
"Those fools, where are they now?" the prince asked.
"They're in the dining room," Lucian replied.
Hades clicked his tongue in irritation. "How unfortunate. I was planning on having breakfast alone."
They continued walking toward their destination, and as soon as they stepped into the dining room, the sight of two men greeted them. Both were of average height and dressed in fine attire. As the prince entered, the lords immediately rose to their feet and bowed their heads in greeting.
"Good morning, Your Highness. It has been quite some time," said the thinner of the two men, a polite smile on his face. "We have come to ask for your forgiveness. We regret missing your masquerade ball, but an urgent matter required our attention."
"There is no problem," Hades said indifferently. "When I host another one, you will have the opportunity to attend." He gestured for them to sit, and the men promptly took their seats.
Hades moved to his chair, while Lilith stood awkwardly near the corner, hands clasped together in front of her.
"My cousin and I are hosting a ball of our own," Lord Keiser announced, picking up a napkin and tucking part of it into his shirt. "The current Viscount, who is my brother, is getting married."
"Oh, I thought he was already married. What is this, his third marriage?" Hades raised a brow at the lord.
Keiser let out an awkward laugh before clearing his throat. "It… it is actually his fifth marriage," he admitted, glancing away as if embarrassed by his brother's history.
"That's even worse. It seems the problem lies with your brother, not his wives," Hades remarked dryly. "Anyway, when is the wedding?"
"In two weeks' time. I will send you a formal invitation in a week's time," Keiser replied.
"Very well," Hades said, his gaze shifting to Lilith, who stood staring at her feet.
"Your Highness, I didn't know you had acquired a new maid. Though, I did hear you saved her from death. How remarkably generous of you," Dain commented, his lazy gaze flicking from Lilith to the prince.
Hades smiled, but there was a sharpness in his expression. "I never knew noblemen took such an interest in gossip. Then again, how can I be surprised? You do look like you have nothing better to do with your time."
Dain let out a feigned chuckle. "You are a funny man, Your Highness. I only know this because my sister, who attended the ball, told me."
Hades simply hummed in response, his amusement unreadable. Just then, a group of servants entered, carrying trays of various delicacies. They placed them carefully on the table before bowing and retreating.
"This looks absolutely delicious. Your cooks put great effort into this, I'm highly impressed," Keiser said, his eyes glittering as he admired the food.
"You may begin eating before it gets cold," Hades said. The lords wasted no time in filling their plates, and as Hades did the same, he noticed Dain stealing glances at Lilith from time to time.
The prince calmly picked up a piece of chicken with his fork, placed it in his mouth, and leaned back into his chair, chewing slowly as he observed the lord's lingering gaze.
After a few minutes, Keiser reached for the jug of juice, but before he could pour himself a drink, Hades stopped him. "She will pour the drinks. There's no point in having her stand there like a statue if she can't be of use."
Lilith's head snapped up at his words, her heart beating faster as he gestured for her to come forward. She swallowed before offering a small smile and stepping toward him.
"Pour us drinks. I believe the lords must be thirsty for a cold drink," Hades instructed.
Lilith lifted the jug, carefully tilting it as she poured the liquid into the prince's golden goblet. Once it was full, she moved to Lord Keiser and did the same. The only person left was Lord Dain.
She noticed him already staring at her with a creepy smile. Without shifting his upper body, he subtly moved his goblet to the side, forcing her to lean closer to him as she poured.
Lilith was aware of his intentions but chose to remain composed. These men were likely important guests of the prince, and she didn't want to cause a scene. However, just as she poured the drink, Dain bent slightly, extending his hand toward the floor before brushing his fingers against her foot. He then slowly trailed his fingers upward, lifting the hem of her dress slightly with them.
The unexpected contact startled Lilith, causing her hand to jerk slightly. A small amount of the drink spilled onto the table. Dain immediately withdrew his hand, placing it back on his thigh just as Hades and Keiser turned to look.
"What happened? Do you intend to stain the lords' fine clothing with your clumsiness?" Hades scolded, though there was no real anger or harshness in his tone.
"It's not a big deal, Your Highness. It didn't get on my clothes," Dain responded almost instantly, his voice calm.
"Oh, very well," Hades said before returning to his meal.
Keiser, however, narrowed his eyes at his cousin, as if he suspected what had just happened. Dain exhaled a silent sigh of relief, but his gaze soon found Lilith again. He knew that if he tried anything further now, he might not escape so easily. He would have to be patient and wait for a better opportunity.
Lilith stood there, burning with rage. She wished she could dump the entire jug over his head. How vile of him to touch a woman he had never met in such an inappropriate manner. She could only imagine how many women he had taken advantage of simply because he had the power to do so. She couldn't wait to get away from him.
Minutes later, after they finished breakfast, Hades wiped his lips with a napkin and spoke. "Gentlemen, I would like to show you a beautiful part of the castle that I recently renovated. I'm sure you'll love it."
The lords exchanged glances before nodding eagerly, their excitement visible.