CHAPTER 168: TOO MANY QUESTIONS

Lilith sat at the small table, carefully peeling an apple while her mother stirred a pot over the hearth. Neither of them spoke, both simply enjoying the comfortable silence that settled between them.

Yet Vanessa’s gaze kept flickering toward Lilith, as though she was searching for the right moment to ask something that had clearly been gnawing at her.

Lilith, noticing the lingering glances, finally looked up from the half-peeled apple. "Mother? You’ve been staring at me since we came back from the garden. Is something the matter?"

Vanessa hesitated, her hand tightening around the wooden spoon. "No... not exactly. It’s just..." She paused, as if carefully weighing her words. "That man you brought with you, Viktor. How did you meet him?"

Lilith’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "Viktor? He’s one of the prince’s most trusted men. A long-time friend of his."

"Oh... that’s lovely," Vanessa replied, setting the spoon aside and wiping her hands on her apron. She turned to face her daughter, leaning against the counter, her expression carefully neutral, though her eyes shimmered with something more, an unmistakable curiosity. "But how do you know him personally? There seems to be... a familiarity between you two."

Lilith blinked, her fingers absentmindedly turning the apple in her palm. "Well, I met him at the palace shortly after I began serving there. The prince was hosting a ball and Viktor was one of the attendees. He’s... a kind man. He has always treated me with sincere kindness. He’s also a good friend to me more like a brother, dare I say." She chuckled softly at her own words.

Vanessa hummed, her head tilting as she studied her daughter. "Like a brother?"

Lilith frowned, sensing her mother’s pointed interest. She set the small knife down. "Why are you so curious about him?"

Vanessa smiled, but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I just want to know about your relationship with him, that’s all. The lords I have met aren’t usually good men. It’s surprising to see one who seems different."

Lilith’s gaze narrowed slightly. "Mother, I can’t help but feel like you’re not telling me something."

Vanessa let out a soft laugh, waving a hand dismissively. "Don’t mind me. I simply wanted to know a little about him, truly." But there was something in her eyes, a flicker Lilith couldn’t quite read, an expression she’d never seen there before

Still, she chose not to press. She knew her mother well enough to understand that no amount of questioning would make her spill a secret she wasn’t ready to share. Vanessa was skilled at holding things close to her chest. If Lilith wanted answers, she would have to watch her carefully and wait for the truth to reveal itself in time.

Vanessa turned to the shelves, retrieving a jar as she spoke, her tone shifting back to casual. "Ah, I almost forgot. Your stepfather is hosting an engagement ball tomorrow evening for Prudence"

Lilith sighed. "Can the ball not be postponed until after I leave? I am in no mood to see the lot from Eryndor."

"Well, you don’t have to attend if you don’t want to. I only wanted to keep you informed." Her mother’s voice was calm.

"Very well. I’ll stay away so I don’t ruin the mood for everyone. The last thing I need is to cause more trouble."

Vanessa glanced over her shoulder. "Don’t mind your sisters. They can be troublemakers sometimes, but I doubt they’ll have the time for mischief. They’ll be too busy enjoying the ball."

Lilith sighed again. "I suppose, but I still have no desire to attend. I would rather spend the evening in my room with Charlotte."

"Very well, I won’t force you to go," Vanessa said. "But you might miss the chance to pair yourself with a reputable, dashing young suitor of your choice. Gerald will be inviting young lords, dukes, and viscounts."

Lilith slowly set the knife down and pushed the sliced apple aside. "A suitor? No, Mother. I have no interest in finding one now or anytime soon."

"But why?" Vanessa asked, turning fully to face her now. "Do you not wish to experience love? To get married and have children of your own?"

"I do," Lilith admitted softly, "but I have more pressing matters to attend to. After I successfully break the prince’s curse, only then will I have the space to think about marriage or children."

Vanessa crossed the room and gently placed her hand on Lilith’s shoulder, her thumb brushing soft circles. "I understand, but that shouldn’t stop you from finding a suitor now. If he truly cares, he’ll wait until you’re ready."

Lilith looked away, her voice quiet. "It’s not that easy, Mother."

"Why? You are beautiful and smart. Any man would be lucky to have you in his life." Vanessa’s eyes softened as she smiled. "Or... do you already have a lover in Valyron?"

Lilith swallowed. "You’re right. I do."

"Oh, that’s lovely! Why haven’t you told me about him? Tell me everything! Is he handsome? How is his family? Have you met them?" Vanessa’s voice bubbled with excitement as she peppered Lilith with questions.

Lilith pressed her lips into a thin line, her cheeks warming. "He is, without a doubt, the most handsome man I have ever seen. He is kind, loving, thoughtful... he always protects me, always makes sure no harm comes to me. He’s not a perfect man, but he’s perfect for me." Her face flushed deeper as she swallowed hard, thinking of Hades. No matter how much she tried to keep herself busy, her thoughts always wandered back to him, especially at night.

Gods, she missed him so terribly.

"Oh, that’s wonderful to hear. I can’t believe you’re in love! Tell me, how did you meet him? Is he also a servant at the palace? A trader? A blacksmith?" Vanessa asked eagerly.

Lilith shook her head slowly. "He has a title."

Vanessa’s eyes widened, lighting up with curiosity. "A duke? A viscount? Oh dear, tell me already. My heart can’t handle the suspense!"

"None of those." Lilith’s lips tugged into a small, knowing smile. "His title is much higher than that of a lord, duke, or viscount."

Vanessa’s breath hitched, and Lilith watched as she pieced it together.

"Dear heavens!" Vanessa gasped, her eyes wide as saucers, her hands flying to cover her mouth. "Your lover... is the prince!"