CHAPTER 152: REST MY HEAD

Unable to go back to sleep, Lilith spent the next two hours reading a book, then took a hot bath. She dressed in a blue gown, styling her hair into two braids pinned neatly atop her head. After a light breakfast, she made her way to the prince’s study—Viktor had told her Hades had spent the night there.

She arranged for his breakfast and carried the tray herself. At the door, she gave a gentle knock before pushing it open.

Her eyes immediately found Hades seated at his desk, legs propped up on the table, a book in hand. Parchments were scattered across the surface, and several books lay in disarray on the floor beside his chair.

When he looked up and saw her, he blinked in surprise before setting the book down. "Lilith," he said, his voice carrying a note of pleasant surprise.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Lilith greeted, walking in and placing the tray on the table. "Viktor mentioned you were here all night."

"I was," Hades replied, stretching his arm out to pull her gently toward him. "I’ve been catching up on paperwork I’ve been avoiding for far too long."

"Can I help?" she asked, her fingers slipping into his hair to smooth it gently. "It looks like a lot."

"I’m almost done," he said, his gaze drifting to the tray. "This looks nice. Did you prepare it?"

"No, I didn’t," she replied, watching him pick up the cup of juice. He drank half in one go, then grabbed a slice of bread and took a bite.

"Tastes good," he said, raising a brow in approval before finishing the juice and returning the half-eaten slice to the plate. "Have you eaten?"

"Yes, I have," Lilith nodded.

Hades pushed the papers and tray aside to clear some space on the desk. "Sit," he said, tugging gently on her arm until she perched on the edge of the table. "Did you sleep well?" he asked, his hand brushing up her thigh.

"I did. You should get some rest too when you’re done," she replied, warmth blooming across her skin from his touch. "Aren’t you tired?"

"More bored than tired. But now that you’re here, I feel much better," he said with a smile, leaning forward to press a kiss to her clothed thigh. "What do you plan on doing today?"

"I’m not sure yet," she said, then hesitated. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Hades straightened slightly, his expression turning serious. "Something important? What is it?"

Lilith glanced down at her fingers, nervously twisting them. "I..."

"Come, let’s take a walk," Hades said suddenly, rising to his feet and holding out his hand.

"We don’t have to. You’re busy, and—"

"I’m nearly done," he interrupted. "And I want to. Come on, darling."

He gave her hand a gentle tug, guiding her off the table. Lilith sighed but allowed herself to be led, her fingers curling around his as they left the study together.

They down the stairs, and out of the building. The familiar path stretched ahead of them, leading toward the prince’s favorite place. Lilith smiled as the tree came into view, its beauty still took her breath away every time.

"Tell me, Lilith," Hades said, his voice soft. "What is it that troubles you?"

Lilith swallowed, her nerves rising again, though not as sharply as before. "I have to leave for a while."

She tensed as Hades came to a sudden stop.

"Leave? To where? What do you mean?" he asked, frowning, his eyes narrowing on her.

"To Eryndor. I wish to see my mother," she replied carefully.

"If that is what you want, I can have your mother brought here to Valyron," Hades said, his voice still calm. "There’s no need for you to travel all that way."

Lilith fought the lump forming in her throat. "You’re very kind, Your Highness... but I need to leave the palace. I need to stay away from you for a while, until we have everything figured out."

"I had you moved to another room," Hades reminded her, his tone firm.

"You know that’s not enough, Hades. As long as I’m here, within reach... we’ll never truly be apart. I must do this. The demon, it’s growing stronger with every moment we spend together. The veins on your body... they’re spreading."

Hades swallowed hard, his throat shifting under her gaze. "You’re right. We do need to be apart, for real." He paused for a beat. "But I won’t have you go alone. Viktor will accompany you. I need to know you’re safe and in good hands."

Lilith gave a small nod. "Very well, Your Highness." A smile touched her lips as she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into a warm embrace.

Hades let himself melt into her touch, his hand gently rubbing her back while the other stroked her hair. They held each other in silence for what felt like forever until, slowly, Hades pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. His eyes dropped to her lips before he leaned in, kissing her slowly, taking his time to savor her, to feel her, just in case it would be the last time for a while.

With her body pressed flush against his, Hades could feel his own body begin to respond to her warmth and closeness. He hated how quickly his body reacted but dear gods, it felt too good. She felt too good in his arms, against his hand, and on his lips.

He only pulled away when they both were gasping for air, their breaths mingling, fanning each other’s faces. Hades was sorely tempted to kiss her again, but he held himself back. Instead, he took her hand and led her to the bench beneath the tree, its surface still slightly damp from the earlier downpour.

"So," he began as they sat, "is the witch who’s been training you going with you?"

Lilith’s eyes widened. "You know about her?"

"I found out recently. Lucian told me," he said casually.

A twinge of guilt crossed her face. She lowered her gaze. "I’m sorry I didn’t tell you myself. I don’t really have a good excuse."

"It’s no problem, darling," he said, offering her a small smile. "So, is she going with you?"

"Yes, she is. She said I should call on her and she’ll appear," Lilith explained.

"Very well then," Hades murmured, before groaning lightly as he leaned forward, then rested his head on her thighs. One leg bent up on the bench while the other stretched out. "I need to rest my head," he sighed, glancing up at her. "is that okay with you?"

Lilith nodded, burying her fingers gently into his hair. "Yes, Your Highness."