CHAPTER 164: CHAMOMILE TEA

Lilith stopped before Viktor’s door and knocked gently, waiting patiently for it to be opened. After a moment, it creaked open, revealing Viktor, his eyes half-lidded, hair messy, and face still dazed with sleep.

"Dear heavens, you look terrible!" she exclaimed.

Viktor arched a brow at her and moved away from the door to let her in. "You can say that again."

"Forgive me, I didn’t mean it like that. You just... look quite unwell," Lilith said as she stepped into the room. The curtains were drawn, dimming the space and shutting out any trace of sunlight.

He ran a hand through his hair before collapsing onto the couch near his bed, one arm draped across his forehead.

His voice was hoarse but gentle. "Is it already noon?"

"It’s already past two," she said, stepping further in and closing the door behind her. "How are you feeling? Is it still bad?"

Viktor tried to sit up but groaned softly and leaned back again. "It’s just a headache. Nothing serious."

"Nothing serious? You can barely keep your eyes open," she said, walking over and perching on the edge of the bed.

He gave a weak smile. "I was asleep before you arrived. I’m just feeling very drowsy now."

"Charlotte mentioned you haven’t eaten anything all day," Lilith said, concerned.

"Yeah... I don’t have the appetite right now. Not really hungry."

"Nonsense. You can’t heal properly if you don’t eat." She stood and straightened her dress. "I’ll go get you something. My mother made herbal tea for fever. I’ll be back in a moment."

Viktor closed his eyes again. "Thank you, Lilith."

Lilith let out a soft sigh before exiting the room. She made her way down the stairs to the kitchen in quick steps.

Back in the kitchen, her mother was humming one of her favorite tunes while cleaning the last of the dishes.

"Is he finally awake?" Vanessa asked as Lilith entered.

"Yes, but he’s still not well. He needs to eat and take that herbal tea you mentioned," Lilith said.

Vanessa nodded and poured the steaming tea into a small lidded kettle. She wrapped it in a cloth to keep the heat in, then handed it to Lilith. "It has fever root, chamomile, and a touch of ginger. It should ease the headache and help lower his temperature."

Lilith accepted it with a grateful smile. "And the bread?"

Her mother gestured toward a wooden board on the counter where several slices of honey glazed bread had already been prepared. "I added a small pot of butter too, in case he wants that as well."

"That’s very kind of you, Mother," Lilith said warmly as she wrapped the bread and butter in a cloth-lined basket. "Thank you."

"You’re welcome, dear." Vanessa’s eyes softened, but she said nothing more. She simply leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Lilith’s forehead before watching her go.

When Lilith returned to Viktor’s chambers, she knocked lightly before entering.

He was still on the couch, though now sitting upright rather than slouched. He lifted his eyes as she stepped inside.

"I’ve brought tea and food," she said, holding up the items as she walked over to his side. "You’re going to enjoy the bread. It’s the best."

He gave a tired smile. "I’m sure it is."

Lilith set the basket down on the side table and poured the tea into a cup. Sitting beside him once more, she helped him sit up straighter, placing a pillow behind his back.

He took a sip, then grimaced slightly. "It’s hot."

"Let it cool a little. Take a piece of bread first."

Viktor nodded, sighing as he leaned back. "Alright."

Lilith offered him a slice of bread. "Eat slowly."

Viktor took it and nibbled quietly. "Mmm. It’s lovely. One of the best I’ve had in a very long time."

"My mother made it. She always bakes the best bread," Lilith said with pride.

"I should meet and thank her personally for her kindness," Viktor replied, reaching for another slice.

"You will, once you’re better."

A short silence followed as Viktor finished the bread, savoring every bite. Then he picked up the cup and sipped the tea more slowly, the peppery warmth soothing his throat.

"You look tired too," he said, watching her through half-lidded eyes.

Lilith tilted her head. "But I feel energized. I was out training this morning."

"Training?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

Lilith sighed. "Yes. Salistra, the witch I met at the ball in Dubliton, she was in the same tribe as Celeste. She’s helping me grow stronger... to prepare me for breaking the curse."

"Oh, that’s interesting. I did hear Lucian mention something to Hades about your training, but I was distracted at the time and couldn’t focus on what he was saying," Viktor replied.

"Well... that’s another reason I moved over here. The demon in the prince, it’s spreading fast."

Viktor sighed. "I caught the hang of that."

He reached out, brushing his fingers gently along her wrist. "Are you alright?"

She hesitated, then gave a small shrug. "Yes... but sometimes I fear things won’t go as planned, and I won’t be able to help the prince. I’ve seen what the demon is capable of, and it’s beyond terrifying."

"You don’t have to worry about that," Viktor said gently. "You’re much stronger than you think. You will gain your full powers, and you will break the curse. I believe in you. We all do."

She glanced at him, her heart warming. "I suppose you’re right."

He finished the last of the tea before continuing, "I am right. Don’t doubt your strength or your purpose. You’re going to be great, Lilith. Nothing can stop you from that."

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked down at their hands.

"You’re going to make me cry with those sweet words."

Viktor chuckled softly. "Please don’t cry. I only wanted to make you feel better."

Lilith laughed, blinking the tears away. "Well, I do feel much better."

"I’m glad. And I can say those encouraging words as many times as you need to hear them."

She gave a sheepish smile. "Forgive me for dampening the mood. I came here to cheer you up and help you feel better."

"And you did exactly that," Viktor said, placing a hand over his stomach. "Your presence alone makes me feel better. And the food you brought, it’s absolutely divine."

"Very well then," Lilith said, rising to her feet and gathering the empty cup, kettle and the cloth wrapped basket. "I’ll leave you to rest. I’ll come back later to check on you. Get some sleep."

"I will. And Lilith?"

She turned at the door.

"Thank you. I appreciate it. Truly."

Lilith’s smile was soft and it reached her eyes. "You’re always welcome, Vik."

Then she slipped out of the room, closing the door gently behind her.