Special thanks to Jany_Calypse for the gift (≧ω≦)
~~~
Lilith took only a few bites before announcing she was full. She thanked the prince and quickly rose from his thighs. This time, he didn't stop her, he only watched her for a moment before shifting his gaze elsewhere.
"I will be attending the festival in the village later this evening. I might not return until after midnight," Hades announced.
Lilith felt her heart drop to her stomach as she waited for him to invite her to go with him, but seconds passed, and he said nothing of the sort.
"Very well, Your Highness. I hope you enjoy yourself," she said with a slight bow.
"The old friend I mentioned earlier will also be attending the festival. Anyway, you are free to do whatever you want for the rest of the day. I have business to attend to with my uncle."
Hades rose from his chair and strode toward the door, his steps slow but deliberate. He paused at the doorway for a split second before walking out.
Lilith waited until he was completely out of sight before dashing out of the dining room and down the stairs. Once outside the castle, she hurried toward the servants' quarters, where she immediately spotted Leonidas sitting with two other men, whom she assumed were his friends.
When Leonidas saw her, he excused himself from his friends and walked toward her, placing a gentle hand on her arm, they moved to somewhere private, his features were etched with worry.
"Are you alright, Lilith? You look very pale," he asked softly.
"I had a terrible night, but I'm fine," Lilith assured him. "I came to tell you that the prince will indeed be attending the festival. He just informed me a few minutes ago and said I was free to do as I pleased."
Leonidas finally smiled. "That's wonderful news. We will make our escape tonight. I've made all the necessary preparations on my end. I just need you to have your things ready and meet me here at exactly 8 p.m. Do you understand, Lilith?"
"Yes, I understand. I'll be ready," Lilith nodded, returning his smile.
Leonidas wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug before pulling away. "Very well, then. I'll be waiting for you," he whispered, trailing his hand down her arm until he took her fingers. Bringing them to his lips, he kissed them lightly.
Lilith turned red, pressing her lips together to stop herself from smiling too much. Leonidas let go of her hand and waved goodbye before heading back to his friends.
Still flustered, Lilith hurried back into the castle and up the stairs to her room. Locking the door behind her, she jumped onto her bed, closing her eyes as she dreamed of the perfect life she and Leonidas would have once they escaped. Having never traveled before, she wondered what village they would go to and what kind of life awaited them beyond the palace walls.
She rolled onto her side, placing her hands under her head. Her thoughts drifted to the prince and how he might react to her leaving without his permission or knowledge. Would he even care? She doubted it. He could easily find another personal maid, there were plenty of women who would gladly serve him if he asked.
Shrugging off the thought, she closed her eyes, hoping to take a short nap.
A sudden chill brushed against her skin, sending goosebumps up her arms. Lilith shivered, curling in on herself, but no matter how tightly she tucked her body, the cold refused to fade. Then, she heard it.
" Lilith... Lilith..."
Her eyes snapped open, scanning the room. It was empty, just as she had left it. But the voice, it had been so clear, as if someone had been right beside her, whispering in her ear.
As she sat up, the chill vanished, along with the eerie presence that had come with it. Had she imagined it?
Lilith sighed, brushing her hair away from her face. When her gaze landed on the clock, her heart skipped a beat. 7 p.m. She had slept for almost eight hours.
Wasting no time, she climbed out of bed and began packing her belongings into a small bag she found inside one of the drawers. She stuffed the three dresses she owned inside, then swung the strap over her shoulder and quietly made her way downstairs, her eyes darting around, watchful in case the prince or anyone else was nearby.
As she stepped out the door, she nearly collided with Fiona, who stood beside Madam Thalia. Both women turned to face her.
Madam Thalia's gaze shifted to the poorly concealed bag on Lilith's shoulder. With a knowing look, she returned her eyes to Lilith's face. "What are you doing out here at this hour, Lilith?"
Lilith's heart pounded. "I... I need to do laundry. I was supposed to do it earlier in the afternoon, but I slept off and only just woke up," she replied, forcing a smile and hoping they wouldn't see through her lie.
Thalia studied her for a moment before nodding. "Oh, alright. When you're done, I would like us to go downtown to experience the festival."
"Very well, Madam. I will see you as soon as I am done with the washing," Lilith said, guilt gnawing at her for lying to the woman who had been nothing but kind to her.
"Alright, child. I will be waiting," Thalia replied before walking away.
Fiona, however, lingered a little longer, her narrowed eyes studying Lilith as if she could see right through her. Then, leaning in closer, she smirked. "I know you're going to see that lover of yours, the fine gentleman I've seen you with on many occasions. You don't have to be shy about it. We all have lovers of our own. I'll cover for you, but don't stay out too long."
She flashed Lilith a sly smile, winked, and then strolled away.
Lilith could only stare after her, speechless, her mouth slightly agape. That was certainly not the response she had expected. Shaking her head, she quickly composed herself, cleared her throat, and continued on her path to the boys' quarters.