Chapter 92: Chapter 92 - Caught
In the morning, Lilith was the first to wake up after the eventful night. She managed to slip free from his hold and tiptoed across the chamber, careful not to wake Cassian.
During the night, Cassian held her as though she would vanish from his sight.
Lilith lingered at the side of the bed, her gaze fixed on Cassian. She wondered if he had truly let his guard down around her, resting in genuine peace, or whether his stillness was a façade, his senses sharp, ready to defend himself should she strike.
Yet Lilith had no reason to attack him. Cassian had proved himself even more useful last night. She pressed her finger lightly against her chest, where the warmth of his lips still lingered.
Cassian had marked her.
’Did he think this would unsettle me?’ Lilith mused, her eyes narrowing as she studied his sleeping figure. His muscular arms caught her eye.
Such small details were not matters of concern to her. She had repaid him with the marks on his back.
Lilith shook her head and picked up Cassian’s coat from the floor, draping it over her shoulders as she chose not to bother with a dress. The coat carried Cassian’s scent, mixing it with her own.
Moving to the window, Lilith gazed out at the bustling castle courtyard. The clang of armour and the voices reached where she sat. She was eager to see what Cassian would do to warn the others that her position was not to be questioned.
She longed for a spectacle, yet beneath her anticipation was her yearning assurance that her seat was secure.
"It’s too early to be out of bed," Cassian’s voice came from behind her.
"So, you weren’t sleeping. That answers my question about you letting your guard down. Did you fear I might harm you?" Lilith asked, turning back towards the bed.
"No. I’ve always been a light sleeper. I couldn’t take chances when sleeping outdoors, especially near enemy camps. Men from my side have tried to kill me," Cassian replied.
"Were they men sent by my father or your uncle?" Lilith pressed, curious about Cassian’s enemies.
"Both, though most were from your father. He despised that I was becoming beloved by the kingdom, so he plotted to kill me. Not once, nor twice. He has tried since the last war I fought a year ago," Cassian revealed.
"Yet you continued to fight for him again."
"Yes, I did," Cassian said, rising from the bed. "I did it for the sake of my land. To keep the peace and to win the war. Had his enemies triumphed, my family and land would not have survived."
"I see. It slowly makes more sense that you betrayed him. I would have killed him sooner if I were you. He gave you plenty of chances when stumbling drunk at gatherings and needing to be carried out. Thankfully, you acted in the end," Lilith said, her eyes following Cassian as he approached.
"Why are you in my space, Cassian?" Lilith asked, tilting her chin up defiantly. "Did you not have enough of me last night?"
"No," Cassian answered with honesty. He leaned down to kiss her, only to be met with her hand pressed against his mouth.
"You shouldn’t get carried away. I am sore, and I had had enough of you last night. If you force it, you will only spoil my good memories. Be wise," Lilith warned, lowering her hand with grace.
Cassian still brushed his lips against hers. "I was only kissing you good morning. My family and our guests await us. The other nobles shall soon depart, so we cannot keep them waiting."
"Hmm. I’ve heard that women fall in love quickly after the first night, but it seems you were the one affected. Then again, you claim to have been smitten with me long before this. If you entertain me well before your relatives, I just might reward you," Lilith teased, but she would hold to her promise.
"Then I suggest you begin preparing the reward. You, of all people, will enjoy what I have planned," Cassian said, stepping back. "It will send a message across the kingdom and to the other rulers."
"Now I am quite excited. I need Mary to prepare a warm bath for me and to dress me. I must send for someone to make new gowns, so I look the part of a queen. Could you be a dear and allow Mary inside?" Lilith asked, clutching the coat tighter around her. "She must be worried."
"Did you plot with her to ambush me should the night go wrong?" Cassian asked, moving towards the door.
"Oh, no. Had you acted out of order, I would have dealt with you myself. Why let Mary steal the pleasure of killing you? I will be in the bathing chamber," Lilith said, making a quick escape"Please let my pet inside. I’ve been an awful mother these past days."
Cassian opened the door once Lilith was out of sight.
Mary stumbled forward, her ear having been pressed against the wood, so when the door opened, she lost her balance.
Cassian did not reach out to grab her. He merely stepped aside.
Mary collided with the floor but scrambled upright, cheeks flushed.
"My wife is ready for her bath and to be dressed. You should attend to her quickly," Cassian said, holding the door.
"Right away, Your Majesty," Mary murmured, eyes fixed on the floor as she hurried inside.
Cassian’s gaze lingered on her before flickering to Gerald, who had just arrived. "You’re late for your shift, Gerald. Distracted by a lady, or did you go to bed too late?"
"I spent too many hours training last night. I lost track of time. Forgive me," Gerald said, bowing his head.
"Training?" Cassian chuckled, amusement curling his lips. "Is that what you call my mother?"
Gerald’s head snapped up, eyes wide with shock that Cassian knew. "Your Majesty," he stammered, glancing nervously at the soldiers by the door.
"Don’t mind them. They won’t speak of your little secret. They are not the ones you should fear," Cassian said, placing his arms behind his back as he peered down at Gerald.
