Valyron

The Valyron Palace was far more magnificent than Lilith had ever imagined. The carefully arranged flowers lined the walkways in perfect symmetry. A majestic water fountain stood proudly at the palace's entrance, with a finely sculpted statue of the prince at its center, water cascading elegantly around it. Everything about this place was beyond her wildest dreams, luxurious, imposing, and utterly foreign.

As the prince and his uncle arrived, three guards stepped forward to greet them, swiftly taking the reins of their horses and leading them toward the stables. One of the guards extended his hand, offering assistance as Lilith hesitated for a moment before allowing him to help her down.

The moment her feet touched the ground, an unsettling awareness settled over her. She stood among men of power and stature, her tattered, dirt-streaked dress making her stand out like a blemish. Keeping her hands clasped tightly in front of her, she lowered her head, hoping to shrink into herself, to appear smaller, less noticeable. Yet, despite her efforts, she could feel the weight of their gazes on her, silently reminding her just how out of place she truly was.

"Come with me," the prince's deep voice broke her trance, drawing her back into her current state. Lilith did as she was told, taking fast steps to meet up with the prince's long strides. He was having a conversation with his uncle, but the frantic beating of her heart in her ears made it hard for her listen to their conversation.

"Your Highness, what wonderful news to hear that you have returned from your travel, I was getting bored waiting here all by myself." A young woman pouted, her voice cutting through the air around them. As the clicking sound of her heels drew closer, Lilith lifted her head a little to catch a glimpse of the woman.

She was dressed in a red dress, hugging her curves tightly. Her black hair cascaded down her pale, exposed shoulders, and her features were sharp and defined. The woman was beautiful, but in a dark, striking way.

Her deep blue eyes moved to Lilith, before settling on the prince, "what is this thing? And where did you get it from?" Her voice was filled with disgust and condemnation.

"I don't think it is any of your business, Kathryn. I was told you would be arriving tomorrow. Why are you here?" The Prince's voice held on warmth. It was obvious that whatever feelings the lady had for him, was never reciprocated.

Kathryn covered her embarrassment with a nervous laugh, "I was only asking, there is no need to be hostile towards me, Hades. Not after everything we have shared." Her eyes shifted back to Lilith.

"I have important things to do, Kathryn. Do enjoy your stay here or don't, I really don't care either ways." He resumed walking before she could muster up a response.

Lilith wasted no time in trailing behind the prince, in hurry to get away from the woman whose looks could kill. They climbed up a beautiful stairs to the second floor where a middle aged woman stood, waiting patiently.

"Thalia, i want you to see to it that, she is properly taken care of. Bathed and clothed. Have a meal prepared for her and set her up in one of the room. I will speak to you later if I have other orders for you." The woman bowed her head as Hades made his way toward the stairs, heading to the next floor with his uncle behind him. Lucian offered Lilith a small smile before disappearing from her sight.

Lilith felt her stomach churn even more, the prince had left her standing awkwardly with a woman she had never met before without saying a word. Even looking at the window beside the stairs, she could feel Thalia's stares burning into her head.

Summoning enough courage, she turned to look at the woman who was dressed in a burgundy coloured dress, her hair held up in a tight bun that pulled back the skin on her face, she did not look happy neither did she look sad.

"I am madam Thalia and head maid of the palace, I see to it the smooth running of the palace. Tell me child, what is your name and where are you from?" Thalia inquired, her voice softer than expected.

Swallowing the lump in her throat before clearing it, she spoke, "my name is Lilith Sherburn and I am from Eryndor," the older woman's eyes said she wanted to know more of her story, "I was sentenced to death by burning when the prince saved me. The Councilors believe I made a pact with the devil to bring a plague upon my people," Lilith explained.

"And did you do what they allege you did?" Thalia questioned.

"I..I will never do that, I will never cause pain and suffering on my people." Lilith replied genuinely.

Thalia's face softened, "then I believe you child, come with me, I will show you to your chambers." She gestured towards the hallway with a small smile on her lips.

When they stepped into the room, Lilith's mouth hung open, the room was grand and spacious, grander than that of her stepfather's. A bed was placed in the center of the room, a plush carpet under her feet, an oval mirror in front of the dresser, and sliding windows leading to a small balcony.

"It is beautiful," Lilith voiced out.

"It is indeed, you should rest while I fetch maids to prepare you a bath and something to wear." Thalia walked out of the room closing the door behind her.

Lilith smiled in excitement, she had never gotten anything as nice as this. Even with how beautiful everything appeared to be, she couldn't shake the nagging thought at the back of her mind, why was the prince giving her all of this? She was a nobody, no power, status or money. What could he possibly want with her? The taunting feeling in her chest returned. Lilith felt her palms begin to sweat. If there was one thing she had learned, it was that nothing came for free. She could only imagine what she would be forced to pay for the luxury she was enjoying.

Just then the door opened and Thalia was back with two young ladies who appeared to be sisters, although they offered her polite smiles, Lilith could see the curious looks in their eyes.

"Now, child, take off your clothes. We must wash all that dirt off you," Thalia instructed, causing Lilith's eyes to widen in shock and confusion. Her face flushed a deep red, her heart racing.