CHAPTER 93: RUINED REPUTATION

Hades returned to his chambers feeling exhausted and incredibly frustrated by his body’s reaction to being near Lilith. The entire time they spent together out in the snow, he couldn’t stop thinking about claiming her lips, tasting them just once. He wanted her—gods, he wanted her more than he’d wanted anything in a long time—and the thought had consumed him.

"Fuck me," he muttered, dragging a hand down his face.

And it didn’t help that the attraction wasn’t one-sided. He knew she wanted to kiss him just as badly. He’d seen it in her eyes, felt it in the way she lingered too close, in the hitch of her breath when he touched her. That alone was enough to unravel him.

He sighed again and decided he needed a distraction—something, anything to clear his head. So he changed into riding gear and headed for the stables.

The scent of horses and hay greeted him before the stableman appeared, leading his horse out. Hades nodded his thanks and gently patted the horse’s neck.

Just as he was about to climb into the saddle, he heard a familiar voice calling from a distance. He turned to see a silhouette approaching quickly.

"Dear gods," Viktor panted as he finally reached him, clearly out of breath. "I went to the lake and didn’t find you. Then I returned to the castle and Lucian told me you were here."

Hades arched a brow. "How does Lucian know I’m in the stables?"

"He probably saw you. You’re not invisible, Hades," Viktor replied, glancing around before fixing his eyes on him again. "Why are you out here?"

"Horse riding," Hades said dryly, gripping the reins.

Viktor scoffed and crossed his arms. "Obviously. I meant why are you riding? You haven’t done it in months."

"I need to clear my thoughts," Hades muttered, swinging into the saddle with practiced ease.

Viktor narrowed his eyes. "Something happen? Did Lilith break your heart? Were you rejected?" A hint of teasing in his voice.

Hades scowled. "I just need space to think—and that means away from you and everyone else. Any other questions?"

"Yes, of course, I would—"

But Hades didn’t give him the chance to finish. He flicked the reins, and his horse shot forward in a fierce gallop. The thunder of hooves filled the air as he disappeared into the forest of thick trees.

"..And he just left," Viktor sighed, running his fingers through his hair. He decided not to follow after the prince, choosing instead to give him the time and solitude he clearly needed.

Viktor made his way back to the castle and wandered into the courtyard to get some rest a little while. That was when he noticed Charlotte already seated there—and she wasn’t alone. Sitting beside her was a man. Not just any man, but the Viscount. The same Viscount he had explicitly warned her about.

Viktor sighed again. He considered watching them for a few minutes longer, but the moment the Viscount’s hand moved to rest on Charlotte’s knee, his patience snapped. Without another thought, he began striding toward them.

Charlotte was the first to spot him. Her eyes widened slightly as she watched him approach, his expression anything but friendly.

"Viktor?" Charlotte’s voice faltered as she rose to her feet, looking almost guilty as she stood next to the Viscount.

The Viscount followed her gaze and turned his head, only then noticing Viktor’s presence.

"Lord Rune, I am Viscount Kieran. It is my earnest pleasure to finally meet you," the Viscount said with a smile, rising to his feet. "Charlotte has said so many wonderful things about you."

His brown coat was dusted with patches of snow on the shoulders, and his tone was far too casual for Viktor’s liking.

"Did she? How lovely," Viktor replied, his gaze flicking to Charlotte, whose lips were pressed together tightly. "Oddly enough, she hasn’t mentioned you to me."

His eyes shifted back to the Viscount. The man had a thick moustache and thin, almost colorless lips beneath it. Other than that—and his painfully bright green eyes—Viscount Kieran seemed quite remarkable.

"Oh, how unfortunate. Perhaps she simply forgot," Kieran replied, chuckling lightly. "Isn’t that right, Charlotte?"

Both men turned to her, and she forced a tight smile. "That’s correct," she said quietly.

Viktor’s attention returned to the Viscount. "You know you shouldn’t be sitting alone with an unmarried woman without a chaperone. I’d expect someone of your title to know better, Viscount Karan."

"It’s Kieran, and we are out in the open," the Viscount replied smoothly. "Besides, Charlotte mentioned she doesn’t care much for such outdated formalities." He chuckled again, as if mocking Viktor’s concern.

"And you’re willing to risk ruining her reputation just because she says she doesn’t care?" Viktor shot back, his voice low and sharp. "Anyone could see the two of you here and assume anything. Then the rumors begin..."

"You’re making a big deal out of nothing. Let the rumors—"

"You, more than anyone, know how society works. Don’t act so foolish with me," Viktor interrupted, his eyes narrowing. "I know you have already ruined your reputation beyond repair, but I refuse to let you do the same to Lucy."

"Viktor!" Charlotte whispered harshly, trying to interject, but he ignored her.

"I’ve never met you before, and yet you greet me with hostility. Is this how you speak to all of Charlotte’s suitors?" Kieran asked, feigning offense, though mockery laced every word. "I must say, I expected more from you."

"Suitor?" Viktor scoffed. "We both know you have no intentions of marrying her. Don’t insult my intelligence. You forget I know your reputation well—one of a shameless manwhore. If you’re truly serious about Lucy, then ask for her hand in marriage right now."

Kieran’s eyes widened in disbelief. "This is ridiculous! How dare you speak to me in such a degrading manner?" He turned to Charlotte, clearly seeking support. "Charlotte, are you going to let him speak to me like this? I’m your guest. I deserve to be treated with respect."

"You bastard," Viktor growled, stepping closer. "A man like you deserves no respect. I suggest you leave immediately, before I have the guards escort you out. And trust me—you won’t like that. Hold on to what little dignity you have left and go."

Kieran looked stunned, glancing between Viktor and Charlotte, who said nothing. After a beat, he turned stiffly and stormed off, muttering, "This is preposterous," and other unintelligible words under his breath until he disappeared from sight.

The courtyard fell into a tense silence, only to be broken by Charlotte’s sharp voice.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?" she snapped, her eyes blazing.