CHAPTER 117: RED DRESS

It was a few minutes past four when the maid assigned to attend to their needs arrived. She was a young woman with short dark hair that grazed her chin, likely in her mid to late twenties. After exchanging pleasantries, Lilith learned that her name was Tabitha, and that she had been working as a maid for nearly ten years.

Tabitha gently urged Lilith to begin getting ready for the ball, which was set to begin at 6 p.m. As the maid helped her into the bath, Lilith listened quietly as she spoke about the royal family. She learned that Princess Elizabeth had been married once before, but her husband had tragically died of tuberculosis. Three years later, her current husband a well-respected duke had sought her hand in marriage. Not long after, they were wed.

Tabitha confided that she believed the princess was still in love with her late husband, as she and the Duke had been married for two years without conceiving a child. This, she found strange, especially since the princess had never hidden her deep love for children. Lilith, however, had her own thoughts on the matter but chose to keep them to herself.

After nearly thirty minutes soaking in the lavender-scented water, Lilith stepped out of the bathtub and dried herself with a soft towel. When she returned to the bedroom, her eyes widened at the sight that met her.

She had not seen the gown since the seamstress delivered it. She had intentionally avoided it, wanting the moment of wearing it to be a surprise. And now, standing before it, she was nearly breathless.

It looked like something commissioned for a royal wedding except it was red. A deep, vivid red, like freshly spilled wine or a pool of blood, spread across her bed in gleaming silk.

She swallowed hard. "The dress is truly gorgeous. I was lost in it for a few seconds when I unboxed it," Tabitha said from behind her, clearly reading the awe on Lilith’s face.

Lilith stepped closer, fingers brushing over the delicate embroidery that shimmered like flame under the light.

"Shall we begin? I truly cannot wait to see you in it," Tabitha said, barely concealing her excitement.

She helped Lilith into a lace-trimmed chemise that skimmed smoothly over her skin. One by one, layers were added—corset, petticoats, silk skirts that clung in places and flared with elegance in others. The bodice fit snugly, featuring an off-shoulder neckline that framed her collarbones and bared just enough to feel daring without being indecent.

As Tabitha tightened the laces in the back, Lilith gripped the edge of the vanity table for balance, her breath hitching with each firm pull.

"You have a beautiful figure, my lady," Tabitha murmured.

Lilith offered a small smile, still unaccustomed to being admired this way.

Next came the jewelry. Tabitha picked up a pair of dangling ruby earrings and a necklace that sat just above Lilith’s collarbone, the stones catching the light with every movement. The jewelry, Tabitha explained, had come with the dress.

Then came the hair.

Tabitha brushed Lilith’s long blonde locks until they gleamed, then twisted them into an elegant updo. Thin golden pins and soft curls were artfully woven into a crown around her head, with a few loose strands left to fall in graceful waves around her face.

With the hair complete, she moved to makeup—dabbing a soft rose tint on Lilith’s lips to deepen their natural color. A light touch of kohl around her eyes and a dusting of golden shimmer on her eyelids completed the transformation.

Tabitha stepped back, her eyes wide with admiration, a proud smile tugging at her lips.

"You look like a goddess," she whispered.

Lilith turned to the mirror, stunned. Every time she was dressed for a ball, the gown and makeup transformed her but this time, the change was staggering. She hardly recognized the woman staring back at her.

"You’re amazing, Tabitha. I can hardly recognize myself," Lilith said, turning to meet the maid’s eyes with genuine gratitude.

She chuckled, waving off the compliment with her hand. "I deserve no credit for your magnificence, Lady Lilith. You have always been a goddess."

Lilith blushed at the woman’s words. "Thank you. You’re too kind, Tabitha," she said, a smile stretching across her lips.

Before the maid could respond, a soft knock sounded at the door. It opened slowly, and Charlotte stepped into the room. She froze mid-step, her breath catching in her throat.

"Oh... my gods."

Lilith turned around slowly, the full skirt of her gown swirling. "Too much?" she asked, suddenly nervous under Charlotte’s stunned gaze.

Charlotte blinked, her eyes wide with admiration. "Dear heavens. You’re... breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything like you."

Lilith’s cheeks flushed. "Oh Charlotte, you exaggerate," she said shyly.

"I dare not. You are truly breathtaking," Charlotte said, crossing the room in her own shimmering pale blue gown. She reached out and took Lilith’s hands in hers, her gaze sweeping down the length of the dress and back to her face. "And the red... it’s perfect on you."

Lilith blushed deeper. "Thank you, Charlotte. You look absolutely lovely yourself," she replied, admiring her friend’s gown—pale blue layered with countless tiny pearls. The dress revealed her shoulders and a tasteful amount of cleavage, while her hair was pinned back loosely in elegant waves. Her makeup was soft, accentuating her natural beauty.

"Thank you, Lilith," Charlotte said, batting her lashes playfully. The flirtatious gesture made Lilith laugh.

Tabitha smiled, clearly pleased with the moment, then quietly excused herself, leaving the two girls to enjoy their final moments before the ball.

As the clock struck six, Lilith and Charlotte stepped out of the room. Their heels clicked softly against the marble floor as they made their way down the corridor, which was empty except for the glow of chandeliers and the faint, elegant hum of violins drifting up from the parlour below.

Descending the grand staircase, Lilith saw them waiting at the bottom, Hades, Viktor, and Kathryn.

The men stood side by side, tall and commanding in their formal attire. The prince wore a dark, impeccably tailored ensemble, a white dress shirt tucked into black trousers and a velvet coat embroidered with the royal crest draped over his broad shoulders. The coat was lined with crimson satin, its rich color matching the undertones of his gaze. He radiated power and refinement, every detail of his outfit exuding royal authority.

Viktor’s appearance was no less striking. His black coat was fitted to perfection, and a silver cravat gleamed against the dark fabric of his vest.