Free Web NovelChapter 34: Chapter 34 - Trouble
"Would you like to join me on a walk after I have eaten? Just a walk to a nearby garden before returning. I could use a bit of fresh air and sun," Lilith requested, her fork tapping lightly against the plate as she spoke.
"There is a balcony. You can get your air and sun from this chamber," Cassian said, denying the request. "You need to rest so you can fully recover in time for the wedding. You can have your walk tomorrow when you walk up to the altar."
"How cruel," Lilith said, though a faint smile betrayed her amusement. "The strict side only suits your soldiers. You’re going to force me to have to sneak out of here when you are gone."
"Who said I am going to leave your side, Lilith? I came here to rest," Cassian said, making himself comfortable.
"Wouldn’t you rather go for a short walk and get to know each other-"
"Lilith, I am not a fool to fall for your trick. You are not the type to go for a stroll with the intention of getting to know me. You are plotting, and to be safe, I shall keep you here," Cassian said, his tone edged with caution.
"I am not plotting anything. I saw the maids return to their posts, so I wanted to see if you managed to calm the castle, and I wish to see how you are with your soldiers. How a man treats his army is very telling," Lilith said, hoping to sway him.
"No." The lone word echoed in the chamber.
Lilith frowned, annoyed that Cassian was unwilling to bend.
"I can be stubborn too," Cassian said as he laid back on the bed. His hands rested under his head, acting as a pillow. "Would you like me to open the balcony door?" freēwēbnovel.com
"I would like for you to get out. You’re bothering me," Lilith said, her voice sharp as her patience ran thin.
"A pity. This is my bedchamber solely until we wed. I have every right to be here and not move at your command. Eat before your food goes cold," Cassian said, tilting his head to look at her/
Lilith was fuming, but to Cassian, it was a pretty sight.
"You’re beautiful when you’re angry. Glare at me some more," Cassian pleaded, his lips curling into a grin.
Lilith gritted her teeth. Her hand tightened around the fork, and a dangerous thought came to mind.
"Don’t even think about it, Lilith. I would hate for my story to end with being killed by you using a fork. I do suggest you kiss me to death. I have nightmares of that horror. Why don’t you start now?" Cassian asked, offering his hand to Lilith so she could come towards him.
Lilith didn’t feel it before, but now she felt the urge to stab him with the fork.
"I refuse to believe that you are the one who led your army to victory. Is there some hidden man behind all your victories? Do you take his credit?" Lilith asked, considering the possibility. "My father tried to steal all the glory from you."
"I led my men towards victory. You can ask any of them, and they will speak the truth. Have you been expecting me to treat you like a soldier, Lilith?"
"Yes. It would give me some idea about how you are with others. I don’t simply care about how you treat me. I want to see how you are with your servants and soldiers. I am well aware that you can be doing an act now while you show your real face to others," Lilith said, certain what she saw now wasn’t all Cassian was.
"I’ll solve this for you and say that is how I am. I am never going to treat my woman as I treat my soldiers. I must be stern with them because one slip from them can cost lives. My patience is reserved for you, and it is evident I need it most for you," Cassian said, his gaze softened.
"How wonderful," Lilith said, lacking warmth in her tone.
"My soldiers might fear me, and they should. They should know that I am not a friend, but I also hold their respect. That is why they didn’t second-guess following me to kill the king. There, you didn’t need to go on a walk to learn this," Cassian said, closing his eyes.
Cassian going to sleep puzzled Lilith.
"You are bold to let your guard down and sleep beside me while I hold a fork," Lilith said, starting to view him as a bit foolish. The plot would be too easy to execute.
"You’re without your guard, and you won’t get past my soldiers in time to order your people to move. You also need me to help you against the other nobles and the queen. You don’t kill people you need to use, remember?" Cassian asked, recalling her own words.
"I don’t," Lilith said, relaxing her hand around the fork. "Rest as much as you can now because we are not sharing a bed until we wed."
"I can last a night, but can you? You were clinging to me in your sleep-"
"I had a dream that I was strangling you. A pity that it did not succeed," Lilith retorted, her lips twitching with dark humour.
Cassian chuckled, and for a moment, a warmth was felt between the pair. It was fleeting yet undeniable.
A knock on the door broke the moment.
Lilith continued eating while Cassian sat up and let the visitor in.
Eric opened the door and walked into the chamber. His face gave away that there was bad news to be told. "Your Highness, Your Grace," he greeted the pair. "There’s trouble in the castle. The priests from the church have come, and they are objecting to the marriage."
Lilith wasn’t the least bit surprised. "The church has always acted as though it is the castle and they are the royals. They were bound not to be pleased that we didn’t bring the prospect of marriage to their doors first, or that you killed the king without their support."
Lilith made herself comfortable, leaning back slightly. "I have dealt with those priests one too many times. Cassian, now is another chance for you to impress me. Send them away and ensure that our wedding will still be set for tomorrow."
