The Tyrant King Is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 114: Chapter 114 - Warning

Back in the castle, the gathering Lilith hosted drew to a close. The ladies were more respectful to Lilith as they departed. They didn’t dare attempt to make the same mistakes as when Lilith first arrived.

Lilith was amused by how low the women curtseyed during their partings, as though she would kill anyone who didn’t go too low to the ground. Rather than give them some ease, Lilith allowed the women to be careful with their goodbyes.

In the end, only Eve and Diana lingered, while the others slipped away, returning to their carriages to run to the safety of their homes.

Lilith did not spare Eve a second glance as she had already dealt with her. Rising from her chair, she was ready to leave when Eve abruptly stood.

The sudden movement stirred the guards, but Lilith raised her hand, halting them with a calm authority.

Eve’s head was bowed, her face hidden, until she slowly lifted it. "How did you know I was not pregnant?"

"It was a wild guess. Arthur would never have allowed you to carry a bastard. It is by some grace that I live, for Athena tried to rid herself of me," Lilith replied.

"I could see in your eyes that you thought this was your grand chance. If you were truly pregnant, whoever sent you with this scheme would have advised you to remain hidden longer. They would have let the child see the light of day before speaking of it," Lilith said, thinking both Eve and her companion acted too fast.

Eve’s eyes widened, betraying her shock as Lilith revealed she had not acted alone.

Lilith smiled faintly, amused by Eve’s expression. "It is obvious that someone in your life who knew of your meetings with Arthur pushed you into this. There is always a man lurking nearby. I advise you to let go of Arthur and think for yourself. This plot is finished."

"There is a new king, and anything tied to the Beauforts is being erased. Did you truly believe a child that could rival mine would survive?" Lilith asked, wanting to tap Eve on the head to shake up a bit of sense.

"You are a bastard," Eve spat, then instantly regretted it.

"So, because I am a bastard, I must care for all of them? I would rather no more children be forced into my position. It is not a life worth living. When women like you use children as bargaining tools for a place in the castle, it enrages me, because I know the torment that child would endure," Lilith said, her playful mask gone.

"Do not let a child be your ladder to rise in this town. It is sickening, not only as a mother but as a person. Stop and think of what the child would face. Let me give you some motivation," Lilith said, stepping closer, her presence suffocating. "If I hear of you claiming pregnancy merely to better your status, I will kill you."

Lilith patted Eve’s arm lightly, her smile returning with chilling ease. "Thank you for coming today. You made it quite entertaining. See, there is always a man nearby," she added, her gaze catching Cassian in the distance. "Excuse me."

Eve remained still, wondering if she had worsened her fate by daring to speak.

Lilith left the garden, her thoughts already shifting to Cassian’s presence.

"You look pleased. I assume your day went well," Cassian said, extending his hand.

Lilith took it, walking close beside him. "It did. There was even a little spectacle at the start. I now see why women host so many gatherings, as it is a chance for drama to unfold before them. I would have preferred to sit back and watch, but perhaps next time."

"What did you do about Arthur’s former lover?"

"I revealed there was no child and convinced her I had placed something in her tea to rid her of it. Before you scold me, know that I did not. I only said it to see her reaction," Lilith promised.

"I will believe you this once," Cassian replied.

"I would not have liked to hear your judgment forever. Perhaps I frightened her from using another child. Why does everyone look at me and think I must be a saviour for bastards? I despise it," Lilith muttered, frustrated.

"Because you can help them," Cassian said simply.

"I would prefer there were no bastards at all. That children grew in loving homes, free from torment. In a perfect world, it could happen, but this world is far from perfect. While we are alone, tell me another tale," Lilith urged, her curiosity about his past still burning.

"What truly drove you from the castle and your estate?" Lilith asked.

"You have seen your father. Eventually, one longs for escape. My morals did not align with his. You must know when to leave, so I did," Cassian answered.

"You did not fear he would pursue you for abandoning him? He has ordered men to their deaths before," Lilith said, recalling grim memories.

"I expected it, but he did not strike fully. He caused trouble for my land, but nothing more. I think your family spared me greater harassment because they did not know we were married. Our marriage was private," Cassian revealed.

"Well, there would be no reason for me to tell my father I had married. If I did, I would no longer believe your tales. I am also curious why you left your estate," Lilith pressed.

"The title of duke may sound grand, but it can be suffocating. With my uncle stirring up trouble and years spent at war, I needed time alone. I was uncertain what would follow, but the outcome was good," Cassian said, his gaze softening as it fell upon her.

His marriage to Lilith had been unexpected, yet he would abandon land and duty a thousand times over to marry her again and again.

"Of course, it would be good if you married me. I shall keep you close as you seem to be a lucky charm," Lilith declared with a sly smile. "I should get a chain for you."

"No."