CHAPTER 105: HAVE DINNER WITH ME

"I don’t think you should be saying things like that," Lilith said, grateful her voice didn’t crack.

"Why shouldn’t I? I’m only being truthful, and you know it. I’m certain when you look in the mirror, you understand why I say such things," Hades replied, a soft smile playing on his lips, his eyes watching her with a look that made Lilith’s toes curl.

"Is this how you compliment every maiden that works for you? Including Kathryn?" Lilith asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Hades’ smile widened. "No, I do not care how every other woman looks, never have. I only care for you. I have an eye for beautiful things, so you can’t blame me for pointing out what’s pretty much obvious."

Lilith swallowed hard, her heart skipping a beat. "You are royalty. Aren’t you supposed to be getting married anytime soon? I don’t see any preparations for that."

The prince chuckled. "I guess you’re right. But there’s a problem, and that is, you are not ready to get married."

Lilith frowned. "Me? What does that have to do with anything? And I recall you saying you wouldn’t let me get married."

"I said I wouldn’t let you get married to someone else. There’s a difference."

"What does that even mean?"

"All I see are two unmarried people. So, if you’re interested in my marital life, you should know how to fix that."

Lilith’s eyes widened. "You... you want me to marry you?"

He shrugged. "It would definitely solve the problem. You are the one who pointed out that I should be preparing for marriage."

Lilith narrowed her eyes at him, clearly taken aback. What he was saying sounded completely absurd—if one thought about it reasonably. "You’re quite confusing, Your Highness. Half the time, I can’t tell if you’re joking or not."

Hades only smiled. "It’s getting pretty late. Come join me for dinner?"

"Thank you but I’m not hungry," Lilith replied quickly.

"Of course you are. Come with me willingly, or I’ll throw you over my shoulder and carry you to the dining room myself."

"You wouldn’t dare," she said, eyes narrowing. But she saw it—the mischievous glint in his eyes.

Before she could utter another word, Hades gathered her into his arms and threw her over his shoulder.

"What are you doing!? Put me down this moment!" she yelped, pressing her palms against his back, trying to push herself off. But Hades held her firmly.

"You should be careful what you wish for, darling. You might actually get it," he said, walking toward the crypt.

"I know that now! Put me down! Dear gods, this is so embarrassing!" Lilith cried out, wriggling.

Hades paused, then gave her a gentle smack on the backside.

"Stop moving. You’re going to hurt yourself," he said as he adjusted her more securely over his shoulder.

Lilith felt her entire body flush. He had just—just smacked her! It hadn’t been hard, but she could still feel the tingling warmth of his hand against her skin.

"I’m going to bite you if you don’t put me down!" she threatened.

Hades laughed, shaking his head. "You must be enjoying my hand on your arse. Please, bite me. I’ll be nice enough to return the favor."

Lilith opened her mouth to retort but quickly swallowed the words. She would pass out if he ever did something like that. "Everyone’s going to see us. It seems you’ve forgotten that you’re a prince!" she said as they moved closer to the hallway.

"No, darling. I haven’t forgotten. I simply don’t care if anyone sees us," Hades replied.

When they reached the hallway, Lilith covered her face with her hands to avoid looking at anyone in their path. She was already flushed, she didn’t need to see anyone’s shocked expression to feel even more embarrassed.

She remained still as he carried her, only pulling her hands away and opening her eyes when they entered the dining room. Hades gently set her back on her feet, but as he did, his hand ran slowly down her body, lingering briefly on her backside before trailing down her back and brushing the tip of her hair. Then, he walked around her calmly.

Lilith let out a breath of relief, only for her heart to sink the moment she turned and saw a trio of eyes locked on her. Kathryn, Viktor, and Charlotte were all staring. Viktor had his lips pressed tightly together. Charlotte raised a cup to her lips, clearly fighting a smile. Kathryn, on the other hand, wore a tight, forced smile that didn’t reach her eyes—eyes that were glaring daggers at Lilith.

"Kathy, move to the other chair," Hades said casually. Then he looked up at Lilith. "Come, sit next to me."

Kathryn’s fists clenched slightly, but she kept her smile intact as she stood and moved to the next chair. Lilith wished the ground would open and swallow her whole. But somehow, she managed to move her limbs and take the seat beside the prince.

That’s when she noticed how close her chair was to his—so close, she could feel his leg lightly brushing against hers under the table. She wondered if Kathryn had intentionally placed it that way.

"It’s almost time for King Danus’s annual celebration ball," Viktor said, breaking the tense silence.

"Oh, how wonderful," Kathryn chimed in, her voice sweet. "Will you be attending this year, Your Highness?"

"If I have nothing better to do, I will consider it," Hades replied, lifting his eyes to meet hers briefly before looking away.

"How about you, Kathryn? Will you be attending?" Charlotte asked with a tilt of her head.

"I hope to attend—if His Highness will be there, of course," Kathryn said, her voice light but laced with something sharp. Her gaze flicked between the prince and Charlotte. "For years, we’ve always gone together, and I would hate to attend without his presence."

So, they weren’t just sleeping together—they attended royal balls too. Lilith stared at the table, her thoughts swirling. What more did they do together in this so-called "not serious" affair?

"What about you, Lilith?" Charlotte turned to her, eyes curious and kind. "Are you planning to attend?"

Lilith gave a small, awkward smile. "I don’t think so. I’m not sure what the celebration is even about."

"The ball is for nobles and royals only," Kathryn cut in smoothly. "So I doubt you would be allowed to go, even if you wanted to." She paused for just a moment, as if realizing the sting in her words, then added with false sweetness, "I really wish I could bend the rules and have you tag along with the prince and me."

The prince and me.

Lilith smiled tightly. "Thank you, Kathryn, but I don’t think I would enjoy something like that. I would rather stay in my room and read."

An uncomfortable silence fell across the table as the servants entered, placing trays of food before them. The scent of roasted meats and vegetables filled the room. Plates were set, drinks poured. Lilith took her utensils, ready to eat, hoping the conversation would move on.

Then she felt it—a hand on her thigh.

Her entire body stiffened. She glanced down, and there it was—Hades’ hand, resting possessively on her leg beneath the table.

Her heart slammed against her ribs. She looked up at him, alarmed, but he didn’t even glance her way. His expression remained composed, focused solely on cutting into his meal, as if his hand had a will of its own.

Lilith subtly reached down, trying to push it away, but his grip tightened firm. Her throat dried, and her breath hitched. Her gaze flickered around the table. No one had noticed. No one but her.

She tried to ignore it. Just breathe. Pretend it’s not happening.

But then his hand began to move upward.

A startled gasp escaped her lips, and she jerked back, knocking her knee against the table. She coughed suddenly, violently, grabbing her napkin and covering her mouth. Her eyes watered.

All heads turned toward her.

"Are you okay, Lilith?" Viktor asked, concern lacing his voice as Charlotte handed her a glass of water.

Lilith quickly took it, chugging it down to soothe the tightness in her throat. She forced a smile. "Yes, I’m fine. Thank you," she replied, setting the glass down and returning her focus to the meal, though her heart was still pounding in her chest.

She glanced down discreetly, Hades’ hand was gone. Relieved, she subtly tried to shift her chair away from his, needing space.

But it didn’t move.

Frowning, she tried again, this time with more force. Still nothing.

She lowered her gaze and saw Hades’ leg, deliberately resting against the foot of her chair, holding it firmly in place.

Lilith’s jaw clenched. Her gaze darted up to his face.

There it was. That maddening smirk curling at the corner of his lips.

This damned man, she thought, biting back a curse aloud.