The Tyrant King Is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 123: Chapter 123 - Switching sides

Four days passed, and during that time, Diana departed from the castle with Gerald faithfully at her side.

After days of rest and bitter medicine, Lilith finally regained enough strength to walk the castle halls again. She worried that after being confined to bed for so long, rumours would spread that the queen was frail, perhaps even dying.

The thought of it picked at her pride.

"Have you heard any new gossip to share with me, Mary?" Lilith asked, in need of something to feed her boredom. The silence of her chamber had begun to feel suffocating.

"I have shared all that I know with you. The maids are still speaking of Lady Diana choosing to be with a guard," Mary replied with the current gossip.

Lilith scoffed. "How dull. Men of this kingdom take women of different status to their side all the time, yet they talk about a soldier? It is not as though he is destitute. They are only fixated on his current title."

"He is wealthy?" Mary asked, curious.

"Cassian pays his soldiers from the spoils of war and the wealth of his lands. I’ve been looking into why they are so loyal, and I pressed the answer out of Cassian himself," Lilith said, satisfied with her method.

"You two have grown so comfortable that he shares secrets with his soldiers. How wonderful," Mary said.

A sly smile rested on Lilith’s lips. "He did not yield easily. I had to do a bit of convincing. Mary, I’ve discovered the best way to make a king submit. One day, when you are grown, I will share it with you."

Mary shook her head. "I stand by your door for most hours when you are meant to be resting. I have a fair idea of how you managed to convince the king. I wonder if he has been submitting to you or playing you, merely to make love to you."

Lilith paused, considering the thought. "Well, that could be true. Either way, I got the answer I wanted and pleasure along with it. Being ordered to stay in my chamber was rather thrilling."

"Your Majesty, you must remember there are others around you who are lonely. Do not flaunt what you have for my sake. Think of Alexander’s ears," Mary reminded her, glancing towards the silent guard.

"I forgot he was there," Lilith admitted, her voice softening. Her gaze shifted suddenly to the courtyard. "What are those soldiers running to? Is there an attack?"

Alexander strode ahead, scanning the scene. "They are not armed, so it cannot be an attack. It must be good news."

Mary’s eyes lit with hope. "What if it is Athena and Thalia being brought back?"

"Mary, go find out," Lilith ordered, her heart quickening with anticipation.

Mary nodded and hurried off, eager not only to bring news but to see Athena and Thalia locked away. They deserved it for their cruelty, and Mary longed to witness their downfall.

"Your Majesty, until you know what it is, stay back," Alexander urged Lilith, caring only for her safety.

"I am not going to rush into danger for your king to confine me again. I will watch from a safe distance. There are windows overlooking the gates. Follow me," Lilith said, leading the way. "If it is my family returning, should I not be near to give them a warm welcome?"

Alexander thought that her idea of a warm welcome would be to set them on fire.

"I am most excited about seeing Solomon, the guard I had before you. He will take a break, but eventually return to my side. I hope you get along with him. I was going to dismiss you once he returned, but I have come to like you," Lilith said, glancing back at Alexander with a rare softness.

"I know you sometimes report to my husband, but you have not angered me yet. Keep that up, and you will go far at my side. I once stole Solomon from being my father’s spy, so perhaps I might do the same with you," Lilith said, challenging herself.

"I cannot be bought," Alexander said.

"I did not buy Solomon’s loyalty as I had no money to do so," Lilith replied, almost proudly. "I would never trust anyone bought with a coin. When the money runs out, so does the loyalty. I will keep you at my side, and one day, your loyalty will turn to me. Watch."

Alexander doubted it, but as long as Lilith was Cassian’s wife, he would protect her.

Lilith stopped at a tall window, gazing down at the castle gates. "It appears the captives have arrived. I hope they brought the marchioness as well, so I can give her a little scar."

"You mean scare, Your Majesty?" Alexander asked, his brow furrowing.

"What is the difference? She harboured someone wanted by the castle. The marchioness will not escape so easily. Come, let us greet them. I must take my half-brother away from the chaos," Lilith said, eager to see the group. "I hope someone has informed my husband."

Alexander cast one last look at the arriving men before following her. He wondered what fate awaited the young prince once his mother and sister were inevitably killed. Would he join them in death?

The walk to the front doors was silent as the servants and soldiers stepped aside to clear Lilith’s path.

Cassian was already outside, waiting to direct the carriage with its captives straight to the dungeon. His presence was commanding.

Lilith stopped beside him. "What a wonderful day this is. I have already thought of what your reward shall be," she said, reaching for his hand, displaying their unity for the captives to witness.

Cassian’s gaze flickered briefly to her, but his attention remained fixed on the carriage.

Alexander, silent at her back, kept his eyes on the captives. He wondered if Lilith’s hunger for control would one day consume her entirely. Yet, despite his doubts, he could not deny the commanding presence she carried.

Seeing how Lilith was now, Alexander considered the possibility that she could very well pull him to her side.