CHAPTER 186: RETURN

When Lilith finished eating, she made her way to her mother’s chambers to speak with her, but Vanessa wasn’t there. Instead, she ran into Penelope, who informed her that their mother had gone out to the market and would return in a few hours.

With nothing else to do, Lilith returned to her own chambers to pack up her things while patiently waiting for her mother’s return.

It wasn’t until evening that Vanessa finally came back. When Lilith went to check on her again, it was Penelope who answered the door. She explained that their mother had developed a headache and had retired to bed early. She asked that Vanessa not be disturbed for the rest of the night.

Although Penelope’s explanation seemed genuine, Lilith couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Deep down, she sensed that her mother was avoiding her. The unease settled over her as she walked back to her room, her mind clouded with restless thoughts.

She had no appetite to eat anything else that evening. Instead, she changed into her nightdress and climbed onto her bed, pulling the blanket over herself as she prepared for sleep.

Despite having been unconscious for two days, sleep came easily. Within moments, Lilith drifted into a deep, dreamless rest.

~~~

When Lilith opened her eyes, morning had already arrived. She groaned softly as she rose from the bed. It was currently six o’clock, and she needed to be ready by seven. A warm bath had been prepared for her, and as she slipped into the tub, the heat helped to relax her muscles. Lilith enjoyed it so much that she didn’t want to leave.

After spending twenty minutes soaking, she finally stepped out when the water began to cool. She dried herself carefully and dressed in an olive colored gown, her hair curling gently down her shoulders. She took a few extra minutes to pack the remaining belongings she hadn’t sorted the night before.

As she stepped out of her room, she noticed Charlotte’s luggage and boxes already arranged by the door, with servants carrying them out to the carriage.

"Good morning, Lilith. How was your night? Are you feeling better now?"

Lilith turned to see Viktor standing by the door, carrying his own luggage. "Yes, I am. Good morning to you too, Viktor. Did you sleep well?"

"I slept wonderfully well, thank you for asking," he replied, his expression lighter than it had been yesterday.

It was clear he had rested well, the dark circles under his eyes had nearly vanished, and he appeared much more relaxed. "That’s lovely to hear," she said with a smile.

"Yes, it is indeed." He glanced behind her. "We must leave in the next twenty minutes. The sky is heavy with grey clouds, it might rain soon."

"Very well. I’ve finished packing everything."

"Good. I suppose we’re waiting for Lucy now." Viktor sighed as he walked to her door and knocked twice. "Lucy! We have to leave. You have five more minutes," he called, stepping away just as the door swung open.

Charlotte appeared, one braid completed while the other side of her hair remained undone. "Forgive me. I woke up rather late this morning. I’ll join you both at the carriage shortly," she said with a cheeky grin before closing the door again.

Viktor shook his head with a faint smile. "Let’s head outside," he said to Lilith, who nodded and followed him down the hall. The front doors were already open, and their belongings were being carefully loaded into the carriage by the waiting servants.

"Lilith!"

She turned to see her mother approaching quickly. "Mother! How have you been? Penelope told me you were sick."

Vanessa pulled her into a brief hug. "I wasn’t sick, I just had a headache, but I’m feeling much better now. How are you, my dear? Did you sleep well?"

"I’m fine too, Mother. I feel much, much better now," Lilith replied sincerely.

"I’m glad to hear that."

A brief pause settled between them.

"You said you had something important to tell me yesterday. I’ve been in suspense all day," Lilith added with a light chuckle.

Vanessa pressed her lips into a thin line. "Well, it’s not that important anymore, Lilith. I just wanted to talk to you about... your sister. I heard what happened between you two at her engagement ball. I don’t know what you said to her, but she’s been unusually calm and... nicer lately." Vanessa added with a soft smile.

"Oh, good for her, I guess." Lilith forced a small smile in return. She could see it in her mother’s eyes, the woman was lying to her.

"Yes, it is," Vanessa replied, her voice a little too steady.

"I’m here, everyone!" Charlotte’s voice called, drawing their attention as she hurried over to them. "Good morning, Vanessa."

"Good morning, Charlotte. You look wonderful," Vanessa complimented warmly.

Charlotte glanced down at her burgundy dress and blushed. "Thank you. You are so kind."

"You’re welcome, dear. Please, do visit again, all of you. I would love to have you back here." Vanessa’s gaze flicked between the two ladies.

"We shall. I would love to visit again," Charlotte said cheerfully.

"Once all of this is over, I will invite you to Valyron to see its beauty and its people. You’ll love it there," Lilith added with a smile.

Vanessa’s smile widened. "I will look forward to that."

"The luggage has all been loaded into the carriage. It’s time for us to leave," Viktor’s voice interrupted their conversation as he approached.

"Goodbye, Vanessa," Charlotte said, giving her a quick wave as she made her way toward the carriage and climbed in.

"Take care of yourself, Mother," Lilith said, hugging her one more time before following Charlotte into the carriage.

Viktor turned toward Vanessa, his expression neutral. "Thank you for your hospitality, Vanessa. It will not be forgotten." He bowed politely.

"Thank you, Ru...Viktor," Vanessa said, her voice faltering as emotion thickened her tone. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I know things are difficult now, but I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. Please, take care of yourself. I hope to see you again, someday."

Viktor clenched his jaw briefly. "Take care of yourself too, Vanessa. Goodbye." He turned and climbed into the carriage.

The coachman snapped the reins, and the carriage jolted into motion. As it rolled away, Charlotte and Lilith waved to Vanessa until the house slowly disappeared from view.

Vanessa was already missing her son...her children.