CHAPTER 156: JOURNEY AHEAD

The hallway echoed with the click of Charlotte’s boots against the marble floor. Behind her, four servants followed, struggling with trunks, small boxes, and a leather luggage. The tallest servant huffed under his breath, trying not to stumble beneath the weight of a particularly large trunk.

Charlotte, however, walked ahead. She was dressed in a gown of deep emerald green, cinched at the waist with a matching belt and adorned with gold buttons. A wide-brimmed hat with a feather perched atop her head, her curls pinned neatly beneath. She glanced at her reflection in the glass every now and then as she passed.

As she rounded the final corner leading to the castle courtyard, Viktor appeared from a side passage, adjusting his gloves. He looked up and stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening at the sight of the procession trailing behind her.

"Good gods," he muttered, stepping into her path. "Are you planning to flee the kingdom or just going on a short trip?"

Charlotte arched a brow at him, with a mischievous smile. "These are essentials."

Viktor glanced pointedly at the mountain of luggage, his lips twitching with amusement. "Essential for what? Hosting a grand ball every evening in the village?"

"Well, yes, Viktor," Charlotte replied, stepping forward as the servants paused behind her. "There’s no harm in being prepared. One never knows what might be needed."

"You’re packed for more than a month."

She lifted her chin. "I only packed for three weeks. If I were going for a month or more, I’d have brought twelve boxes."

Viktor laughed, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "Twelve? That might be a bit excessive, don’t you think, Lucy?"

"Not at all," Charlotte said breezily, her eyes flicking to the small satchel slung over Viktor’s shoulder. "Is that all you’re taking?"

"Yes. It is," he replied simply.

"Well, I understand that," she said, voice light. "Not everyone is quite... proactive."

Viktor chuckled and began trailing behind her as they walked out of the building and into the courtyard. The servants moved ahead, beginning the difficult task of stacking her trunks into the open carriage compartment. It was a tight fit.

Viktor watched with barely concealed disbelief as the trunks were shoved and maneuvered into place. "We might need a second carriage at this rate," he muttered with a smirk.

"Oh, ha ha. Very funny," Charlotte said, glaring at him. "As you can see, all the trunks fit perfectly. There will be no need for a second carriage."

Before Viktor could respond, the castle doors opened behind them, drawing their attention.

Hades and Lilith stepped out together.

Lilith’s blue eyes scanned the courtyard, and when they landed on Charlotte and Viktor, she offered a soft smile. Her hair was gathered in a loose braid, and the light green of her gown matched the early spring leaves swaying gently in the breeze.

Hades, on the other hand, was dressed in a loose white tunic and black trousers, his hair tied in a low, messy bun with a few strands falling over the sides of his face. His expression was a blank calm, as his fingers remained intertwined with Lilith’s.

"Is everything ready?" Hades asked, his gaze shifting from Viktor to Charlotte, then back to Viktor, narrowing slightly.

Viktor nodded. "Almost. Just waiting for the servants to finish arranging the trunks in the carriage."

Hades glanced at the overloaded carriage, then back at Charlotte, who offered a polite bow accompanied by a charming smile.

"I wasn’t aware she would be joining you," he said, eyes flicking back to Viktor.

"She insisted," Viktor replied. "I believe Lilith has no objections."

"Not at all," Lilith said quickly, pressing a smile to her lips as her grip on Hades’ hand tightened for a brief moment. "I’d love to have Charlotte come with us."

"Very well," Hades murmured, slowly releasing her hand.

Lilith stepped toward the carriage, pausing beside it. She looked at it for a moment, then turned back to face Hades. "I guess this is goodbye... until further notice." She exhaled softly, then offered a small smile.

"Yes, it is," he replied, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Take care of yourself, and stay out of trouble. You seem to attract it."

Her lips curved as she fought back a smile. "I don’t entirely agree. I think trouble just has a fondness for me."

Hades chuckled. "Either way, avoid it and be safe."

Viktor looked away, suddenly feeling as though he were intruding on something intimate. Even Charlotte stood silent, watching from the corner of her eye.

Then Hades leaned in and kissed Lilith, slowly, deeply, as if time had stopped just for them. His hand cupped her jaw, thumb gently brushing her cheek. When they finally parted, the cold stillness in his expression had softened.

Lilith turned without another word and climbed into the carriage, the hem of her cloak disappearing behind her. Charlotte followed, offering Hades a polite nod as she passed.

Viktor lingered for a moment. Hades stepped closer.

"Take care of her," the prince said quietly.

"I will."

"And take care of yourself, too. I need you to return in one piece," he added with a faint smirk.

Viktor allowed himself a grin. "No promises."

Hades clapped a hand on his shoulder, and with that, Viktor turned and climbed into the carriage, settling into the seat across from the two women. The coachman gave a sharp whistle, and the horses surged forward. The wheels rumbled against the cobblestones, and with a creak and jolt, the carriage rolled into motion.

Lilith glanced out the window one last time. Hades still stood there, watching them leave. His figure grew smaller with each turn of the wheels, until the castle gates finally swallowed him from view.

Charlotte leaned back, folding her hands neatly in her lap with a soft sigh. "Well, I suppose I’m off to an adventure in Eryndor. How exciting."

Viktor gave a half-smile. "You’ve brought half the castle with you. It might as well be an expedition."

Charlotte shot him a glare, but said nothing.

Lilith remained silent, her gaze fixed on the road stretching endlessly ahead.