CHAPTER 172: PITY

"Excuse us, we must go visit our other guests," Prudence said, pulling the Duke along with her as they walked away, though the man continued to glance over his shoulder at Viktor.

"That was intense," Charlotte chuckled lightly. Before they could say another word, a tall, lanky man in a green coat approached them, his eyes fixed on Lilith.

"Forgive my interruption. I am Lord Tron Yale and I would like to ask the lady for a dance."

Lilith hesitated, but Charlotte gave her a soft nudge on the back, urging her forward. "Go on, we’ll be right here."

Reluctantly, Lilith accepted the man’s gloved hand and allowed herself to be led to the dance floor. The moment the music swelled, his polite smile twisted into something sly.

"I don’t know if you remember me," Tron began smoothly, "but we met a few years ago. I came here with my father for a business meeting with your stepfather. You were dressed in a raggedy dress, serving us tea."

Lilith met his gaze evenly, unfazed. "Oh, I don’t remember you."

He smirked, his hand sliding around her waist and pulling her closer than was necessary. "I never knew you could be this dashing. I suppose all you needed was a little brushing up."

Lilith sighed, her patience thinning. "I honestly don’t know how you expect me to respond to that. Did you bring me here just to insult me?"

"No, of course not," he said, his tone deceptively light. "I’m interested in you, Lilith, as much as I am curious." His gaze darkened. "Curious about how you became someone important to the mad prince of Valyron."

Lilith’s brow arched slightly. "I don’t understand."

"Some say the prince fell hopelessly in love with you. Others claim you seduced him, cast a spell on him after all, you are a witch, aren’t you?" His voice dropped to a mocking whisper. "Tell me, which is true?"

Lilith let out an exasperated sigh. "I see the nobility’s manners are as refined as ever."

Tron chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Oh, don’t be so quick to take offense. I’m simply curious. It’s not every day a prince falls for an outcast. Such a scandalous combination. Surely, you must understand why people ask questions."

"No," Lilith said coldly. "Unlike you, I don’t meddle in the affairs of others."

"Ah, but that’s what makes you interesting," he murmured, his grip tightening slightly around her waist, his other hand sliding lower on her back as they turned. "But what happens when the prince tires of you? Will you return to scrubbing floors? Or perhaps you’ll hunt for another powerful man to keep you warm at night? Or maybe... use your witchcraft?"

Lilith’s stomach twisted in disgust. She tried to pull her hand away, but his grip only tightened.

"Is this how you speak to ladies?" she hissed.

"Marry me, Lilith," he whispered, leaning in, his breath brushing against her cheek. "I won’t get bored of you. I may not be as wealthy as the prince, but I can offer you security. I have enough coin to keep you happy. Allow me to uplift your status and reputation in Eryndor."

The moment the music ended, Lilith jerked her hand free and stepped back, her voice cold. "You disgust me, Tron. I don’t need your money, your security, or your help. Do not approach me again, or I will cast a spell on you, strip you of your wealth, your pride, and render you blind to the world."

Tron’s smile faltered for the first time. "Are you threatening me? I do not fear you."

"You should." Lilith’s lips curled into a dangerous smile as she brushed imaginary dust from his shoulder. She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Speak to me again, and I will ruin you. After all..." she paused, letting the words sink in, "I am a witch."

Without waiting for his reply, Lilith turned and strode away, leaving Tron standing alone on the dance floor, eyes widen.

She made her way back to the refreshment table, where Viktor and Charlotte were chatting. As soon as they noticed her approach, Charlotte’s brows lifted.

"What happened?"

Lilith shook her head, brushing it off. "Just another man who thinks his status gives him the right to belittle others."

Viktor turned to glance at Tron, who now stood awkwardly across the room, his confidence visibly shattered. "What did you say to him? He no longer looks proud."

Lilith bit her bottom lip, suppressing a grin. "I might have threatened to ruin him by casting a spell on him."

Both Viktor and Charlotte burst into laughter.

"Incredible. Serves him right," Charlotte said, picking up a biscuit from the nearby tray.

At that moment, Prudence reappeared, as if she’d been watching from the sidelines all along. She sauntered closer, her smug expression poorly concealed.

"Did Lord Tron tire you out so quickly?" she asked, feigning innocence. "He does have quite the reputation for being... bold with the ladies. But I suppose that’s something you’re used to, given your... reputation."

Charlotte’s eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with your future husband?"

Before Prudence could reply, Lilith stepped forward, her gaze locking onto Prudence’s. "You know, it’s actually quite sad. Your parents planned this entire evening to prove how important you are, yet here you are, desperate for my attention."

For the first time, Prudence’s smirk faltered.

Lilith took another step closer, her voice quiet. "You have the title, the husband, your perfect little life... yet you’re still so consumed by me. Tell me, Prudence, when you lie awake at night, do you think of me?"

Prudence’s face flushed, her composure slipping as she glanced around, noticing the curious eyes now turning their way and the whispers rippling through the nearby guests.

"How dare you," Prudence hissed, her voice trembling with rage. She leaned in, lowering her voice to a venomous whisper. "Do you think you’re someone special just because you’re fucking the prince? I could never be jealous of you. I will always be better than you. I will be a Duchess, a woman respected by society, while you will always be nothing but a mistress. A woman with no name, no place, no importance."

Lilith tilted her head slightly, a sad smile forming on her lips as she studied her stepsister. "This is your day, Prudence. Don’t ruin it by causing a scene."

Prudence’s jaw clenched, but Lilith pressed on.

"You know, I always wondered why you despised me so much. But now I see it clearly, it was never about me. It was always about you. You’ve been drowning in your own insecurities for years. Even when you had everything, you were still bitter. And now, when you should be happiest, you’re still that same bitter, insecure little girl."

Prudence’s lips parted, but no words came out.

Lilith’s voice softened with genuine pity. "I don’t hate you, Prudence. I never did. It’s unfortunate that you turned out this way. I truly hope you can sit with yourself one day and reflect. Maybe then you’ll grow, for your sake, for your future family’s sake. I really do wish you the best. You were never fighting me." She paused, her gaze unwavering. "You’ve always been fighting yourself."

Lilith let out a quiet sigh, then offered a small, sincere smile before turning and walking away without another word.

Prudence stood frozen in place, trembling as tears welled in her eyes and slipped down her flushed cheeks.