CHAPTER 169: A MISTRESS

Lilith pressed her lips together, fighting the smile that threatened to break through as her face and neck flushed red.

"Oh my! Dear gods! You and the prince are indeed lovers. This is overwhelming!" Vanessa exclaimed, placing one hand on her waist and the other dramatically on her forehead. "No wonder you are treated like a proper noble lady."

"The prince has always treated me properly, even before we grew... close," Lilith corrected with a small smile.

"He must have been interested in you from the first time he saw you in Eryndor," her mother murmured.

"No, Mother. I already told you, he wanted me for my powers. He asked for my help with his curse," Lilith explained patiently.

"So... what are people saying? The king? Those in the castle? What do they think about your relationship?"

"I honestly don’t know," Lilith said, her brows knitting slightly. "I suppose they might not think it’s proper, but the prince doesn’t care about anyone’s opinion. No one dares say anything insulting to his face. He’s highly disciplined and strict. His people know that."

Now that her mother mentioned it, she thought deeper about it. She hadn’t heard the servants or guards whisper a word about her and the prince. Surely, they said things amongst themselves but never in front of her.

"Oh, well. I suppose that’s a good thing. At least you’re not harassed or mocked for it," Vanessa said as she moved closer to her daughter. "But what is his plan? Do you intend to remain his mistress forever? I mean, having the prince’s favor is wonderful and all but what comes next? We both know he will not make you his wife."

Lilith swallowed, a sharp tug pulling at her heart at her mother’s words, but she ignored the sting.

"Things are very complicated in Valyron right now. There are more pressing issues that need attention," she said carefully. "Besides, the prince and I haven’t spoken about marriage or anything further. I don’t even think he’s interested in having a wife. But once things settle, we’ll talk about it.".

Vanessa tucked a few loose strands behind her ear. "Lilith, I know I’m saying a lot of negative things, but I don’t think being the prince’s mistress is a good or reputable path. You’re supposed to settle for a non-scandalous match, a man on the same level as you. I thought you always wanted a... more normal and quiet life."

"I did want a quiet life," Lilith admitted softly, her gaze dropping to her lap, "but the gods had a different plan for me. I found myself drawn to the prince. It’s not something I could control, Mother. When I discovered who he truly was... I couldn’t help my heart." She paused, lost briefly in her thoughts before meeting her mother’s gaze. "And I am not his mistress."

Vanessa crossed her arms over her chest, her brows raising in question. "You’re not? Then what are you to the prince, if not his mistress?"

Lilith let out a deep sigh, her frustration creeping into her voice. "I told you about my relationship with the prince because I thought you would be happy that I’ve found someone who cares for me, who accepts me as I am. But it seems I was wrong to expect that."

Her mother stepped forward, placing her hands gently on Lilith’s shoulders. "Nonsense, Lilith. I am happy for you. I’m just trying to be rational because I care about you and your future. The prince is a man of high status, destined to become the future king of the powerful Valyron. He will be expected to marry someone of equal rank. That’s how society works."

Vanessa’s eyes softened. "I’m saying all this because I don’t want you to hurt yourself, clinging to a false sense of affection and companionship. I don’t want you to get hurt again, my sweet Lilith."

Lilith felt her chest tighten painfully. She gently pulled away from her mother’s grasp. "Thank you for your concern, Mother. I... I need to retire to my chambers. Good night."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and quietly left the kitchen, ascending the stairs to her room. Once inside, she closed the door behind her and leaned against it, taking deep, shaky breaths as tears welled up and rolled freely down her cheeks.

She quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand, though more soon followed. Crossing the room, she collapsed onto her bed and stared up at the ceiling.

How did such a joyful moment turn to sadness so quickly?

She should have known better than to share something so precious with her mother.

She sighed aloud, her mother’s words gnawing at the back of her mind. She knew that sooner or later, she would have to confront the reality of her situation. Even though Hades had told her he did not care for rules or society’s expectations, she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen as time passed.

Would he grow bored of her in a few years and move on to another woman, just as he had done with Kathryn?

No! Lilith shook the thought from her head. Kathryn was different. The prince had never harbored affection for her, not like he did for Lilith. She was special, he had proved that over and over again. She had to trust him. Trust their bond. No more doubts. No more negative thoughts.

Her focus needed to return to completing her merge with the deeper connection to her powers and saving the prince. That was her true purpose now.

Lilith exhaled deeply, rising from the bed and walking to the window. She pulled the curtains aside and peered outside. Evening had settled over the land, and she knew they would soon be invited to dinner. But she had already made up her mind, she would decline. She wasn’t in the mood to speak with anyone.

Dark clouds were gathering in the sky. Lilith suspected it would rain later in the night or perhaps in the early hours of the morning. Either way, she wasn’t concerned, she had no plans to go outside tonight. As for Salistra, she would meet with her once the rain stopped.

Drawing the curtains closed, Lilith crossed the room and made her way to the wardrobe. She changed into her nightdress. As she prepared to lie on the bed, a knock sounded at the door. She rose and went to open it, finding a maid standing politely in the hallway.

"Good evening. Lord Gerald has requested your presence in the dining room," the maid said courteously.

"Please tell him I appreciate the invitation, but I will pass. I am quite tired this evening," Lilith replied.

The maid hesitated, then added, "He said it is urgent, my lady, and that you cannot refuse to attend."

Lilith let out a weary sigh. "Very well. I will be there shortly," she said, gently closing the door.

She pressed her eyes shut for a brief moment before turning to prepare herself.