Chapter 85: Chapter 85 - Seduced
Eric took a deep breath once Cassian was no longer near. "That bastard frightens me," he muttered. "I was only sharing my thoughts. If only he would write it all down and share it with me? Why is he being so secretive? Did I betray him?’
Eric was curious about what would become of him in the future.
"Nice, very nice. Remind me," Alexander said as he approached, curious about what almost got Eric killed. "Weren’t you the one who said we needed to be careful around Cassian these days?"
"What are you doing here? I saw you walking with the Queen," Eric replied, uninterested in speaking to Alexander. "If he sees that you are not at her side, he’ll hang you out to dry. At least, that would take his anger off of me."
"If you were paying better attention, you would have noticed that Her Majesty sent me away. She doesn’t seem too fond of being surrounded by the Mortimers and reduced the crowd by dismissing me. It doesn’t upset me," Alexander said, welcoming the order with a smile.
"Of course it doesn’t. You welcome any chance to lie around like the lazy bastard you are," Eric said, avoiding looking in Alexander’s direction.
"I have not long returned from battle, and as soon as I laid my back upon my comfortable bed at the estate, I was sent here to guard the queen. I need rest, so be kind and wake me when she is on the move," Alexander said, already searching for a quiet corner to collapse into.
"If Cassian finds you, you’re as good as dead. I hope you’re the one he takes his anger out on," Eric muttered as he walked away. "How can I convince him to share the future with me?’
Eric entered the dining chamber, staying close enough to watch Cassian yet keeping a cautious distance as the memory of Cassian’s fury was still fresh.
Though it angered Cassian, Eric still wished he would speak more of what had happened in the other life, so his assumptions about the present might be more accurate.
Since the castle was consumed by talk of Richard’s death, Eric put the matter aside and kept his eyes on Lilith, trying to understand her. Lilith was just as much of a mystery as Cassian going back in time. What made the cold-hearted woman worth going through all these for?
The day dragged slowly for Lilith as the guests each had a tale to share about Richard, and for some reason, wanted to tell it to her. She returned to her bedchamber at the hour nearing dinner to take her bath before Cassian’s arrival.
Lilith sat in warm water with flowers floating at the surface, releasing a delicate fragrance mingled with the oil Mary had poured.
Mary brushed Lilith’s hair, each stroke gentle, determined to make it soft as a feather and free of tangles for the evening’s occasion.
"We are not to be disturbed. Warn the guards," Lilith instructed, her voice calm yet commanding.
"Again, only the soldiers who changed their station for the night are outside. Don’t you find it odd that your guards leave so quickly? They’re meant to rest so they can protect you, but where are they rushing off to?" Mary wondered out loud.
"To rest, as you say. Or perhaps to entertain women, feast, or write to their lovers. I’m sure it will be revealed in time, but right now, I am most interested in what is to come," Lilith said, her mind already drifting towards her plan to seduce Cassian.
"I never thought I’d see the day you were so eager to have a child. I know the circumstances call for it, but you would not have spoken of such before. Times are changing," Mary noted.
Lilith leaned back against the basin. "It isn’t all about having a child tonight. That man managed to seduce me. There is something wrong with me, Mary."
"Have you fallen ill, or in love?"
"Neither. He misplaced his anger earlier, and rather than remain furious, I was seduced by it. I’ve been quite strained with all the wedding and coronation plans. What better way to ease myself than to use my husband?" Lilith asked, desperate to satisfy her own desires.
"It is a strange day," Mary said, surprised by the confession. "But His Majesty is a handsome and fit man, so he should be able to help you. I’ll do my part to ensure no one disturbs you tonight. Shall I wait for you to call me in the morning?"
Lilith glanced over her shoulder, amused by Mary’s assumption. "I’m curious about your private life now, Mary. Are you able to last all night? Doesn’t it grow tiresome within the first hour? I already consider that far too long."
Mary smiled, forgetting she was in Lilith’s presence. "Not if you’re with the right man. You wake and enjoy yourself again. I’ve heard the maids speak of how good the soldiers are, especially after returning from war."
"Near-death experiences seem to make some men talented, and the thrill is intoxicating. Oh, forgive me," Mary said, suddenly aware of her boldness.
"Please," Lilith said as she rose from the water, droplets sliding down her skin as she revealed herself to Mary. "Don’t be embarrassed. I’ve no one else to speak to about this, and you’ve succeeded in making me want my husband. I’ve teased him that he is small, so he’ll have plenty to prove."
Mary quickly wrapped a cloth around Lilith to keep her warm. "Just in case it gets out of hand, you should call for me, and I’ll come in to save you."
"If it gets out of hand, I shall save myself, but I’ll remember you are near. Now go," Lilith commanded, shooing Mary gently. "I don’t need you to dress me. No matter what, no one is to disturb us. Go quickly and share the order."
Mary curtsied and hurried out of the chamber, her footsteps echoing faintly as she went to carry out Lilith’s wishes. As she left, Mary hoped that Lilith and Cassian could be calm enough to last the night without hurting each other or themselves.
