Chapter 81: Chapter 81 - Agreement
Lilith exited the bedchamber after getting dressed and headed for the dining chamber, where Cassian was gathering all the guests to share the news of Richard’s death.
Lilith was less concerned with offering condolences to Richard’s family and more focused on preparing to send supplies to the town for the coming winter.
"Your Majesty!"
Lilith turned to her right, where Diana approached with her maid and guard. "Lady Diana," she returned the greeting. "Are you also going to the dining chamber?"
"I am. It is only fitting that I stand by Richard’s sons and offer them some comfort until their mother arrives," Diana replied.
"I wonder why Richard did not bring his wife with him to the castle. He left her behind when there was to be a grand celebration for his nephew. How odd," Lilith remarked, curious about the missing wife.
"She is not one to enjoy matters concerning the family. She has a quiet nature and prefers to stay out of sight. You will see when she finally arrives," Diana said, forcing a smile that did not reach her eyes.
"Right. I am interested in seeing what kind of woman puts up with Richard for so long. Will she need to be comforted, or is this the start of her freedom? What was your marriage like? I only saw your late husband from a distance," Lilith asked, glancing at Diana as she continued to walk.
"My husband was a wonderful man. A very loving one who paid special attention to our son and me. If Cassian turns out to be anything like his father, then you are in good hands. My husband and Richard were very different," Diana said, annoyed at the thought of comparison.
"Then you were very lucky to pick the right brother," Lilith said, her eyes drifting ahead to the path before them.
"I didn’t get to choose. It was arranged by my father that I would marry the young heir. I always knew I was promised to someone from a young age, just not who. When I met him, I was quite happy with the decision my father made," Diana confessed.
"I would not have lasted long if I had been arranged to marry Richard. Unlike his wife, my family had more wealth and power to marry the future duke, not the spare son. Marriages not started in love have the potential to end well," Diana assured her.
"It seems that they do," Lilith replied, unwilling to entertain Diana’s subtle point.
"I heard an interesting tale around the castle recently. One that said you had lovers."
Lilith chuckled lightly. "Lovers? There is more than one?"
"I know the stories get twisted and turned-"
"Yet it seems you believe them. So much so that you bring up these rumours to me now as we walk to mourn your late brother-in-law. Not even a death could keep our truce intact," Lilith said, her irritation clear.
"I am not judging or scolding you. I am merely trying to warn you to be more careful with whom you meet. You don’t need gossip surrounding your name, and you should be wise with who you choose to be your lover," Diana advised.
"How intriguing that you would tell your son’s wife to be careful with her lovers. Especially when I don’t have any at the moment. I had men try to court me in the past, and my family would send men to attack me. I had one man I considered a lover, but Cassian killed him," Lilith revealed.
"My son did?" Diana asked, startled.
"He knew I once had a lover and still pursued me. The timing was perfect, as it was about time I rid myself of that man. Having a lover was easy when I wasn’t married, but now that I am, I will not entertain two men," Lilith said, not having the energy to do so.
"I don’t find it comfortable to speak with my husband’s mother about being secretive with lovers, nor discussing the topic. We are not yet so close to speaking of this."
"I understand. I was trying to help you. I am quite surprised there truly was a lover. I don’t know why I didn’t expect it of you," Diana admitted.
"Then I shall help you to understand me better. While your family was finding you a husband, mine were finding attackers for me. Rather than let someone else take my purity by force, I selected a man I could tolerate. I made that choice for myself so no one could ever take it," Lilith explained as though speaking of the weather.
"My life in the castle wasn’t as wonderful as your life outside of it. I had to make decisions that no young lady should ever have to make. So yes, I once had a lover whom I used, and I don’t regret any of it," said Lilith.
"Forgive me. I didn’t know the gravity of the troubles you faced," Diana said sincerely.
"I know you weren’t aware. I’m sure that when you sat with the queen, she painted a different idea of me. One that kept me in the box of being a disgusting bastard. I would be surprised if you didn’t lean into the rumours," Lilith said.
"Lady Diana, I like to think that after your last failure and our truce, we would force a smile and greet each other in passing. I understand trying to warn me about gossip, but I get the tiny feeling you enjoy hearing tales about me," Lilith pointed out.
"This time, I assure you, it was only out of concern. I no longer have any interest in getting involved in your marriage, as I have my own troubles. I want you to be ahead of the gossip since we are family now," Diana promised.
"I will try to believe you. Rather than bother ourselves with useless gossip, we should stand together to mourn the loss of Richard. A pity he passed, right?" Lilith asked, her tone lacking warmth as she linked her arm with Diana’s.
"It is," Diana replied, her voice matching Lilith’s.
