Lilith watched as the guard bowed and left the room. She could feel three pairs of eyes on her. She had wanted this mont to be handled in private, until she was ready to explain everything to them but now, she had to face it on the spot.
"What’s she doing here?" Viktor’s cold voice broke the silence.
Lilith drew in a deep breath. "I wrote to her about my death. She must have thought I was still in my final hours, that’s why she’s here."
He frowned. "So you plan to hug it out and return to one big happy family?" He didn’t sound pleased about Vanessa’s visit.
"I plan on giving us a chance. She is still my mother... our mother. We must try to fix our relationship before it’s too late. I would rather go through this than live the rest of my life with regret for not trying," Lilith explained.
"Alright. You can do as you please, but know that I want no part in this," Viktor replied. "Vanessa and I will remain as distant as we are. I have no intention of reconciliation."
Lilith had expected this. She knew it would be difficult to reach Viktor, but she was determined to try when the ti ca. For now, she would let him be.
"Very well, if that is what you wish," she said calmly.
Viktor placed his spoon on the table and wiped his lips with a napkin. "I am full. I shall take my leave now. Excuse ." He rose from his chair, bowed briefly to Hades, and strode out of the room. Charlotte excused herself and hurried after him, the doors clicking shut behind them.
"Are you alright?" Hades asked gently.
"Yes, I am," Lilith replied with a small smile. After everything she had endured, she refused to let sothing like this weigh her down.
They finished their al and prepared to leave when Lucian spoke.
"I have been aning to say this, but I didn’t think the timing was right. Now, however, I believe it is."
"Alright," Hades said, settling back in his chair. "What is it?"
"Valeria has been without a king for a very long ti," Lucian began. "You have shown unwavering commitnt and dedication to both the people and the royal family. It is only right that you take your place as King and ruler of Valeria."
Hades chuckled softly. "I don’t think I deserve to be made king not after everything that happened with my curse, nor after the pain and damage I caused the people. It would be selfish of ."
"We, the people, do not think so," Lucian replied firmly. "A few days ago, a eting was held with the bailiffs and chiefs of the towns surrounding the kingdom. They unanimously agreed that you should be their king. The people love you, Hades, and we believe there is no one more fit to take the throne."
Hades fell silent, mixed emotions clouding his eyes.
"I don’t know..."
"You may take your ti to think on it," Lucian said. "But I want you to know that the people want you and they eagerly await the day they can crown and celebrate you as their king."
Lucian rose from his chair. "I shall leave you to your thoughts, Your Highness." He bowed respectfully to both Hades and Lilith before making his way out of the dining room.
"Hmmm, King Hades," Lilith mused, tasting the words. "That has a nice ring to it." She placed her hand over his. "Lucian is right. You have done so much for the people of Valeria, you deserve to sit on the throne, and it is also the people’s wish." She squeezed his hand gently. "You are a wonderful man, Hades, and you would, without a doubt, be a wonderful king."
Hades let out a sigh, lifting her hand to his cheek. "How are you so sure about that? I could ruin everything and bring it all crashing down."
"I know you won’t," Lilith replied softly. "I know you will do great things for this kingdom. Life isn’t perfect, and things won’t always be smooth or easy, but that’s what makes it beautiful." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Think about it. I have to go see my mother, I’ve kept her waiting long enough."
"Very well, my love. I shall tell you my decision when you return."
"Alright. I’ll be waiting for that." She leaned in again to kiss his cheek, but Hades pressed his lips to hers instead, kissing her gently before pulling away.
"Good luck, and take care," he whispered against her lips.
Flustered, her cheeks turning pink, Lilith nodded and walked out of the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she disappeared down the hallway.
As she neared the courtyard, her heart began to pound harder. She was nervous, unsure of how everything would turn out. Pushing her anxious thoughts aside, Lilith took a deep breath and drew a small, welcoming smile across her face.
Stepping into the courtyard, Vanessa imdiately rose to her feet upon seeing her. Worry and concern were etched across her face. As Lilith moved closer, the older woman stretched out her arms and engulfed her in a tight hug.
Startled by the sudden action, Lilith quickly leaned into her mother’s embrace, hugging her back.
"Oh, dear heavens! I was so frightened after reading your letters. I’m so glad you’re alive and well," Vanessa cried. "Forgive for not coming sooner, it took a lot to be able to co here. Your father... Gerald didn’t want leaving the house to see you."
Lilith looked at her mother’s tear-stained face. "How did you manage to leave if he tried to stop you?"
"Well," Vanessa said, tucking a loose strand of hair that had slipped from her scarf behind her ear, "I have decided to leave him."
Lilith’s eyes widened. "What?!"
Vanessa giggled softly, excitent shining through her tears. "I left your stepfather, Lilith. I couldn’t put up with him any longer. He is an awful, despicable man, and I am deeply sorry that I wasn’t strong enough to protect you when you needed most." Fresh tears fell down her cheeks. "I know I wronged you, but I want you to find it in your heart to forgive . I was foolish, weak, and afraid. I should have done sothing but I didn’t. Please, my dear Lilith, forgive your worthless mother for..."
Lilith pulled her into a brief embrace, then held her mother’s hands in her own. "There is no need to ask for my forgiveness, I have already forgiven you. And I am so proud of you for walking away from Gerald."
Vanessa smiled through her tears. "Thank you so much, Lilith. You have no idea how happy I am to hear those words from you."
"Thank you too, Mother." Lilith linked her arm through Vanessa’s. "Allow to show you to your chambers. You’ll need to rest, we have so much catching up to do."
"You’re right, my child. There is so much I want to tell you," Vanessa said with a smile, her heart nearly bursting with happiness.
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