The ball was everything one would expect from a royal gathering, grand and opulent. Noblen and won adorned in exquisite garnts moved gracefully through the hall. Lavish delicacies decorated the tables, from vibrant pastries and rich wines to succulent roasted chicken and lamb. In the center of the room, musicians played a soft, enchanting lody, setting the perfect rhythm for the couples swaying elegantly on the dance floor.
Despite the grandeur surrounding him, Hades remained unimpressed, his boredom growing with each passing mont. His expression only darkened further whenever Kathryn opened her mouth. He wasn't sure how he had managed to endure her presence for this long.
Once, long ago, they had shared a fleeting intimacy. But the mont Kathryn began developing feelings, Hades had grown tired of her. He had ended things swiftly, assuming she would move on. Yet, for reasons beyond his understanding, she refused to let go. She seed convinced that her persistence would change his mind, that if she pestered him enough, he would co back to her.
If only she knew how futile her efforts were. Not even the gods themselves could make him reconsider.
"...Are you even listening to ? I have been speaking to you," Kathryn pouted, her manicured fingers trailing along his arm.
Hades sighed, barely masking his irritation. "Is there any reason I should? You never have anything important to say. All I hear is your endless whining about sothing your father did. Frankly, I don't care." His gaze flicked lazily to her face, and for the first ti that evening, he felt a sliver of satisfaction at the hurt flashing in her eyes. He could only hope it was enough to make her finally shut the fuck up.
Kathryn's lips curled into a strained smile, though her eyes darkened with determination. "One day, Hades, you'll realize that all I want is to be with you. I know I have said it countless tis, but I am in love with you. I want us to be together, as lovers. And you must know, I always get what I want."
Hades chuckled, shaking his head. "There's a first ti for everything, darling."
Before Kathryn could respond, Lucian leaned in slightly, his voice low as he addressed the prince.
"Did you invite the witch girl?"
Hades frowned, his attention shifting. "No. Why are you asking?"
Even as he spoke, his gaze flickered down to Kathryn's fingers, still absentmindedly caressing his arm. He resisted the urge to pry them off.
"She's here, looking around like a lost dog," Lucian murmured.
Hades followed his uncle's gaze, his sharp eyes landing on Lilith. She stood stiffly, visibly uncomfortable under the scrutinizing, condescending stares of the nobles around her.
A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Ah, I have a feeling my night is about to beco far more interesting." His gaze remained locked on her, watching the way she fidgeted, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for sothing, or soone.
Lucian adjusted the mask on his face. "Do you want to bring her over to you?"
"No. Let her be." Hades leaned back in his seat, observing her closely. From the corner of his eye, he caught Kathryn staring at Lilith as well, her expression darkening with evident displeasure.
anwhile, Lilith had already debated leaving the ballroom more than twice, but her heart refused to let her abandon her purpose. She forced herself to stay, even as her fingers toyed nervously with her hair, an attempt to appear unbothered, though she knew she was fooling no one but herself.
Lilith continued scanning the room, searching for the maid who had been in the room with those won earlier. However, she saw no sign of her. Instead, her eyes landed on the two noblewon, easily recognizable by their distinctive dresses. They were engaged in conversation with other won, their faces concealed behind elegant masks.
Swallowing hard, Lilith shifted uncomfortably, standing awkwardly in a corner. Her gaze flickered toward the Prince and his uncle, but the mont she realized Hades was watching her, she quickly looked away.
Even with the distance between them, she could feel the intensity of his gaze burning into her. Heat rushed to her face, and to her horror, her heart fluttered in response. Goddess, what a foolish idea it was to co here.
Determined to leave, she spun around hastily, only to nearly collide with soone.
"I...I'm so sorry. Please forgive ," Lilith stamred, stepping back.
The woman she had almost bumped into wore a maid's uniform. She didn't respond, rely shooting Lilith a cold glare before adjusting the goblet on the golden tray she carried and walking away.
Lilith's eyes instinctively followed her retreating figure. Then, she saw it, he faint scar cutting across her elbow.
Her breath caught in her throat. The maid from earlier.
Shock coursed through her veins as she watched the woman stride purposefully toward where Hades and his uncle were seated.
Just as Hades lifted the goblet to his lips, Lilith's body moved before her mind could catch up. She bolted toward him, shoving past people in her way, her heart pounding in her chest.
"STOP!!! Do not drink that, Your Highness!"
Her voice rang out, sharp and urgent, cutting through the lively chatter of the ballroom. Heads turned, and all eyes fell on her.
Hades paused, lowering the goblet from his lips, his gaze locking onto Lilith. But before he could say a word, Kathryn's voice sliced through the tension.
"Who let this foolish girl in here?" she spat, her face twisting in irritation. "How dare you raise your voice at the prince? Do you have a death wish?"
Lilith forced herself to ignore the condescending tone and instead focused on Hades. "Forgive , Your Highness, but this is urgent. I fear your drink has been poisoned."
Kathryn let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Poison? What nonsense! You must be seeing things. From the mont I saw you, I knew you would be trouble." She turned to Hades, her voice softening with feigned concern. "She must be punished for causing such a scene, my Prince. She dares to insult our loyal servants with baseless accusations."
Three guards stepped forward, awaiting the prince's command to seize Lilith.
But Hades hadn't taken his eyes off her. His grip tightened slightly around the goblet, and instead of giving the order, he simply tilted his head, studying her.
Lilith fell to her knees, desperation lacing her voice. "You must believe , Your Highness. I would never lie to you." Her hands clenched into fists against the cold marble floor as she pleaded for him to listen.
Hades remained seated, watching her with an unreadable expression. "Tell , little witch, this maid has served in my household for almost thirty years. Why would I believe she would suddenly betray ?"
Lilith swallowed hard. "I... I overheard her speaking with two won about poisoning a man. They gave her sothing to mix into his drink, and when I saw her offering you a goblet, I realized they were conspiring against you."
Hades turned his gaze to the maid, Cassidy. His piercing eyes bore into her as he asked, "Cassidy, is she speaking the truth?"
Cassidy's hands trembled slightly before she clasped them together, forcing a tight-lipped smile. "No, Your Highness," she said smoothly. "I would never dream of committing such an atrocity. She's clearly lying to you." Her tone took on a venomous edge as she added, "I know people like her, desperate for attention, willing to say anything. After all, she's an outcast, abandoned by her own family and village."
Lilith flinched at the words. Her chin trembled, but she forced herself to remain composed, refusing to let them see her break.
Hades humd, tapping a finger against the goblet. Then, slowly, he extended it toward Cassidy. "I believe you, Cassidy," he said, his voice calm yet sharp as a blade. "So why don't you prove it? Drink from the cup and show everyone that she is nothing more than a liar."
The color drained from Cassidy's face, leaving her as pale as a sheet.
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