Dinner With The Prince

"You don't have to worry about that, I can bathe myself. Thank you for the assistance madam Thalia." Lilith smiled, as politely as she could.

"Poor child, I understand that you are shy, but we must bathe you. God forbid the prince hears that I allowed you to bathe yourself," Thalia said, pressing a hand to her chest.

"Trust me, I would not let a single word of it slip. You have my word." Lilith swallowed hard, but the look on Thalia's face told her she wasn't convinced in the slightest.

"We don't have the luxury of time to argue about this, Lilith," Thalia insisted, her tone firm but gentle. "We are all women here, there's no need to be embarrassed about your nudity."

Lilith swallowed the lump in her throat, she decided against arguing even more but the maids appeared bored and irritated by her act. "Very well then," she pushed the words forcefully through her gritted teeth.

The maids moved to the bath tub and began filling it with water, roses and strong fragrances that made Lilith choke, but she dared not complain. Taking in a deep breath, she began to unbutton her dress, pushed it over her shoulder until it fell to the ground.

She did the same with her undergarments, Lilith stood frozen under the shocked gaze of the three women. She knew what they were thinking, the questions lingering on the tips of their tongues, but she had no desire to talk about her ugly scars.

"Shall we?" Lilith broke the silence, her tone leaving no room for discussion.

"Of course. Please, step into the bath," Thalia said, her smile returning, though her gaze flickered now and then to the scars marking Lilith's torso.

Lilith obeyed, lowering herself into the warm water, allowing it to soothe her aching body and weary heart. The bath lasted longer than she had expected, with the maids scrubbing her skin as though they intended to peel it away. By the time they were done, her skin was red and hot, but at least she felt clean.

Once dried, they dressed her in a green velvet gown that fit her perfectly, hugging her form without being too tight. Her shoulder-length hair was neatly styled into a braid, pinned elegantly atop her head.

"You are truly beautiful, child." Thalia complimented, "I will have your food delivered to you in a short while, do enjoy yourself." With that she was out of the door with the two young maids trailing behind her.

Lilith was back to the silence of her chamber, she stood in front of the mirror admiring her hair and dress. Her fingers brushed across the intricate embroidery design on the sleeves and neckline. A small smile tugged on her lips, "this is beautiful," she whispered to herself.

A sudden knock on the door jolted Lilith from her thoughts, making her turn sharply. The door creaked open, revealing Thalia standing in the doorway.

"The prince requests your presence for dinner," Thalia announced.

Lilith's heart dropped. "W-what? Why?" she stammered, rubbing her palms together. "I'm perfectly fine eating alone in my room."

"I'm afraid I cannot answer that, Lilith," Thalia replied, her tone firm but gentle. "But you must not disobey the prince's orders. Come, I will take you to the dining hall." Without waiting for further protest, she stepped out of the room.

With a deep breath, Lilith followed, trailing slightly behind as they walked through the bustling hallways. Maids and servants moved swiftly, each tending to their tasks, their hushed whispers carrying through the corridors. She could feel their eyes on her, their curious glances and murmured speculations swirling around her.

Uncomfortable, Lilith moved closer to Thalia. "Is the palace always this busy at night?" she asked quietly.

"Not at all. Things are just different tonight," Thalia explained. "The prince is hosting a masquerade ball in honor of his birthday. Though, truth be told, I don't believe it's truly his birthday as he already celebrated it seven months ago. His Highness simply enjoys hosting grand balls twice a year."

A ruthless man who enjoys lavish parties? That's...unexpected, Lilith thought to herself. "That is... surprising," she murmured aloud.

Thalia offered a small smile. "It surely is. But who are we to question the prince's affairs? He announces a ball, and we ensure everything runs smoothly."

Their footsteps slowed as they approached a set of towering double doors. Thalia turned to Lilith, giving her a reassuring nod, her expression serious. "I cannot go inside with you. Do as he tells you without question, and do not speak unless spoken to. Be careful."

Before Lilith could respond, the heavy doors creaked open. Thalia gestured for her to step inside, offering a final, fleeting look of encouragement.

As Lilith crossed the threshold, the doors shut behind her with a quiet thud. The grand dining hall stretched before her, its golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the long table. At the far end, seated with an air of quiet authority, was the prince. He sat poised in his chair, dressed in a loose white shirt, his piercing gaze already fixed on her.

Lilith swallowed hard. "Your Highness, you called for me," she said, willing her voice to remain steady.

"I was told you hadn't eaten yet," Hades replied smoothly. "So, please, join me. Sit."

She hesitated for only a moment before moving to take a seat, at the far end of the table, as much distance as possible between them.

Hades exhaled a soft chuckle. "Come sit next to me, little witch. I can barely see you from all the way over there."

Lilith knew he could see her just fine, but something in his tone sent a shiver down her spine. Hesitantly, she rose and moved to sit by his left side. The moment she settled, the maids began serving their plates.

The table was a feast of indulgence, golden-roasted chicken, rich mushroom soup, freshly baked cakes, vibrant fruits, and pitchers of juice that smelled as sweet as honey. The scent alone was intoxicating, but Lilith's appetite was drowned beneath the weight of the prince's unrelenting gaze. There was something unreadable in his eyes, something that made her skin prickle with unease.