Arguments and false reconciliation

After reading the letter from Red, Lilith's spirits lifted, infusing her with an unexpected sense of contentment. The words had brought an odd but welcome change in her demeanor. She lingered with her wolves, enjoying their presence until the sun began its descent and it was time for dinner. Lilith's eyes found her father already seated at the table, but Ava's absence was conspicuous. Concerned, Lilith couldn't help but voice her query, "Where's Ava?"

Her father, looked up from his plate, his expression a mixture of annoyance and bewilderment. "Ava categorically refused to come out of her room. What did you do to her, Lilith?"

Lilith's brows furrowed, her countenance one of offense. She hadn't anticipated that her recent improved mood would be met with such skepticism. The idea that Ava would miss a meal due to a mere disagreement seemed out of character. "Me and Ava had a bit of a row," Lilith calmly explained, trying to dispel any notion of serious wrongdoing.

The king's irritation was palpable as he prodded further, "What was the argument about?"

Lilith hesitated, searching for the right words to encapsulate the complexity of their exchange, "Well, we were in the garden, and one topic led to another." Before she could delve into more detail, her father's voice cut through.

"Go and apologize to her at least, Lilith," he commanded, his tone now raised.

Lilith's frustration mingled with a growing anger. It was as if her emotions were expected to bend to the will of a royal decree. "Why should I have to apologize to her?" she retorted defiantly, arms crossed, pushing against the stifling authority she felt closing in on her.

"Because she is your future wife and the future queen of the demon realm," her father snapped, his patience wearing thin. "You have a duty to respect her and treat her well. She is the best thing that ever happened to you."

Lilith's eyes widened in disbelief as she heard her father's words. How could he say that? How could he ignore her feelings and wishes? How could he force her into a marriage she didn't want? "The best thing that ever happened to me?" she repeated incredulously, her voice rising in volume. "Are you kidding me? She is the worst thing that ever happened to me!"

Her father's face turned red with anger as he slammed his fist on the table, making the dishes rattle. "How dare you say that? How dare you insult Ava like that? She is a wonderful person and a powerful demon. "

Lilith shook her head in disbelief as she listened to her father's praises of Ava. She couldn't understand how he could be so blind and deluded. He didn't know Ava like she did. He didn't know how manipulative and controlling she was.

He didn't know how much she hated being with her. He didn't know how much she longed for freedom and happiness. "I doesn't love her," Lilith spat out bitterly, her eyes flashing with resentment. "Ava only loves herself and her ambition. She doesn't care about me or this kingdom. She only cares about power and glory."

Her father's eyes narrowed as he glared at Lilith with contempt. He couldn't believe how ungrateful and rebellious his daughter was. He couldn't believe how much she rejected and resisted his plans for her future. He couldn't believe how much she despised Ava, who was his ally and friend.

He couldn't believe how much she disappointed him as his heir and successor. "You don't know what you're talking about," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You're just a spoiled and selfish brat who doesn't appreciate what you have. You're just a foolish and stubborn child who doesn't understand what's best for you."

"I don't care what it does, Dad," Lilith shot back, her voice laced with defiance. And with that, she stormed off to her room, locking herself away from the mounting tension.

Hours passed, the silence of her room and her own thoughts becoming deafening. Lilith's decision was firm; she needed to escape the walls that felt like they were closing in. Draping herself in a cape, she mused, "I really must stop going outside the palace at night."

With stealth, she slipped out of her room, embarking on a clandestine journey. The growling of her stomach was a testament to her hunger, an echo of regret for skipping dinner. Her steps led her to the kitchen, but to her surprise, the door was sealed with a magical barrier, a testament to her father's punitive measures.

"So this is how you punish me, Dad," Lilith's mind seethed as she contemplated her limitations. Frustrated and yearning for freedom, she made a decision. The palace may have been off-limits, but she could still venture into the outskirts.

Beyond the palace, however, an invisible magical barrier halted her progress, effectively preventing her from venturing too far. Lilith's frustration now turned to curses as she grappled with the realization that her father's ire had resulted in this confinement.

"Damn you dad." Shout Lilith.

In her limited domain, a small part of the forest adjacent to a river was her sanctuary. It was here that she ventured, her hopes of finding sustenance driving her steps. But as she drew closer to the river, the scent of smoke wafted on the breeze. Someone had lit a fire nearby.

Peering through the underbrush, her heart skipped a beat at the sight that met her eyes. There was Ava, shirtless, her physique adorned with well-defined abs that caught Lilith off guard. Ava's hands moved with grace as she caught fish from the river, her strength and beauty combining in an unexpected dance.

Lilith felt a flush of embarrassment as she watched from her concealed vantage point, " Am I really spying on Ava." Lilith thought a little bit ashamed. She observed, captivated, as Ava expertly cleaned and seasoned the fish, preparing them for cooking over the open flame.

The aroma was tantalizing, and Lilith's stomach rumbled in response, threatening to betray her presence. As if in response, Ava's voice broke the quietude, demanding, "Who's there?"

Startled, Lilith's heart raced. Caught between the impulse to flee and the intrigue of the moment, she hesitated, her heart pounding as the possibility of discovery hung in the air.

Lilith decided to take a chance and reveal herself to Ava. She emerged from her hiding place and faced Ava, who looked surprised and wary. Lilith couldn't help but blush at the sight of Ava's beautifully sculpted body, her eyes drawn to her abs.

"Hi, Ava. I'm sorry, I wasn't spying on you. I just… I was hungry and I smelled the fish and I…" Lilith stammered, trying to explain herself.

Ava relaxed a bit and smiled. She noticed Lilith's blush and felt a pang of attraction. She decided to be friendly and invite her to join her.

"It's okay, Lilith. I'm not mad at you. You look like you could use some food. Why don't you come and eat with me? I have plenty of fish." Ava offered, gesturing to the fire.

Lilith nodded gratefully and walked towards Ava. As she did, her stomach gurgled loudly, making her feel even more embarrassed. Ava laughed and said, "Don't be shy, Lilith. You're not the only one who is hungry."

Lilith and Ava sat down by the fire and ate the fish. They tasted delicious and Lilith felt her hunger subside. She also felt a warmth in her chest as she looked at Ava, who was eating with gusto. Lilith noticed that Ava had a scar on her left shoulder, a sign of her past battles.

Ava caught Lilith's gaze and winked at her. She teased, "You know, Lilith, you haven't stopped looking at my abs since the beginning. Do you like what you see?"

Lilith blushed even more and looked away. She muttered, "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare. It's just… you're very… fit."

Ava chuckled and moved closer to Lilith. She whispered in her ear, "It's okay, Lilith. I don't mind. In fact, I like it when you look at me."

Lilith felt a shiver run down her spine as she felt Ava's breath on her neck. She turned to face Ava and saw that she was looking at her with a soft expression. Lilith felt a surge of emotion but suppressed it. She remembered the argument she had with Ava earlier in the day. She felt angry at Ava but had to do as Lila told her.

Lilith faked a smile and lied. She said, "Ava, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean to hurt you or doubt you. "

Ava smiled and kissed Lilith's forehead. She said, "It's okay, Lilith. I'm sorry too. I should not have talk like that earlier."

They hugged each other and cuddled by the fire. Maybe there was a connection but Lilith felt nothing but contempt and resentment for Ava. She waited for the right moment to make the plan works.