The Tyrant King Is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 120: Chapter 120 - Moving soliders

Lilith quietly continued mending the torn fabric.

Mary stood in the corner, facing the wall as punishment, muttering to herself in low tones

Eventually, Cassian returned, bearing the fruits and water he had promised. T

When Cassian entered, his brow furrowed at the sight before him: Mary staring at the wall, speaking under her breath, while Lilith sat on the bed with his shirt still clutched in her hands.

Cassian opened his mouth to comment, but he stopped himself. He remembered how peculiar Lilith’s relationship with Mary was. The answer, he suspected, would never make sense to him.

"All that you asked for is here," Cassian said, setting down the tray upon the bed. "Along with your medicine. It is warm."

"Mary, you may leave us unless you wish to stay behind and taste some of the medicine. Traitor," Lilith muttered, her eyes narrowing as Mary hurried out of the chamber. "She isn’t truly loyal."

"If the roles were reversed and she asked that you stay to have some of the medicine, would you?" Cassian asked, uncovering the small bowl. A pungent scent rose immediately.

"I wouldn’t have," Lilith admitted, wrinkling her nose. "There is an awful smell."

"That means it is good," Cassian replied, moving the bowl closer to her lips.

"No, that isn’t what it means. It is a lie parents tell their children to make them drink. Have the fruit ready," Lilith said, taking the bowl from him and bringing it swiftly to her lips.

She took one large gulp, but the bitterness clawed at her throat, forcing her to stop. She moved the bowl away, her face contorted in distaste.

Cassian was ready, offering her a slice of apple. Lilith bit into it eagerly, the crisp sweetness washing away the foul taste. When the fruit was gone, she braced herself and took the final sip of the medicine.

Cassian placed grapes in her hand, and she ate them quickly, filling her mouth in an unladylike manner. The juice dripped at the corner of her lips.

For his laughter, Lilith pointed at her mouth, demanding more. Cassian obliged, feeding her one piece at a time.

The two fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by light conversation. In rare moments of kindness, Lilith offered him some of the fruit.

As the days passed, Lilith remained confined to bed, much to her dismay. The chamber grew heavy with the scent of herbs and medicine as each day a doctor came, prescribing remedies in hopes of restoring her strength.

On the third day, news from Solomon finally reached the castle.

Cassian took the note, delivered by a carrier bird, and opened it. Eric lingered nearby, waiting for the news to be read. He was ready for some kind of action which would take him away from the castle.

"Gather the men," Cassian said after reading. "They found where Athena has been hiding. Send word to the groups stationed around the town to circle in on the marchioness’s land."

He handed the note back to the soldier who had delivered it.

"You must have the men act fast, or she will leave and hide with someone else. You should send your fastest rider to meet with the men. Allow me to join them," Eric requested, matching Cassian’s stride as they left the study. "You can’t leave the queen’s side now that she is ill. Send me in your stead."

"Ready your horse and armour. Prepare to leave with your group in the next hour," Cassian ordered Eric.

Eric nodded and departed to gather his belongings.

Before sending the men off, Cassian knew he must inform Lilith of Athena’s whereabouts. The note revealed that the men he had ordered to track Solomon were keeping close to the marchioness’s home, watching Athena’s movements. Cassian expected another update tomorrow or the day after.

He ran towards the chamber he shared with Lilith.

Cassian pushed open the doors, startling Lilith.

Lilith’s right hand flew to her chest, while her left hand reached instinctively for the dagger hidden beneath her pillow. Her body relaxed only when she saw him, her hand slipping away from the weapon.

"Are you trying to scare me to death?" Lilith asked, sitting upright. "It isn’t true that I spilt the medicine on purpose. Mary is a liar."

"They found where Athena has been hiding. Thalia reunited with her mother, and the men I sent to track them are now with Solomon," Cassian said quickly as he had no time to waste.

Lilith’s eyes widened, her lips curving into a broad smile. "You must get dressed in your armour," she said, throwing aside the blanket. "I should join you."

Cassian moved to the bed and nudged her gently, urging her to lie back down. "I am not leaving the castle, and neither are you. We are both staying here. I am sending Eric to lead the men, and the others stationed around the town will join if there is a fight."

Lilith frowned, her heart rebelling against the thought of staying behind. "I would feel most comfortable with you leading the charge. No one will be more determined than you to ensure she doesn’t slip free."

"Cassian," Lilith said, touching his arm. "We mustn’t let her find a new hiding place. It will give her more time to gather allies."

"I trust the men I am sending to bring her and her allies back to the castle. What I don’t trust is leaving you here alone when you are not well. I care more about keeping you safe. Trust that the others will bring her here. Can you?" Cassian asked, his hands placed upon her shoulders.

Lilith’s heart wavered. She didn’t fully trust the others to have the same drive as she and Cassian, but she felt the need to trust him. She nodded reluctantly. "I will trust them only because you have asked."

"I will take it," Cassian said, pressing a kiss to her forehead without hesitation. "I must go select the men I am sending out. Wait for me. I shall tell you all that has happened," he promised.