The Tyrant King Is Obsessed With Me

Lilith moved slowly around Cassian’s chamber, taking in its contents in search of something that might reveal a secret, but all that lingered were his weapons, armour, and a few pieces of clothing.

Lilith eventually returned to bed, settling in to wait for the servants who would come to help plan the wedding.

The soft creak of the door brought Lilith’s hand beneath the pillow at once, fingers closing around the dagger she had taken from Cassian.

"Mary?" The surprise in Lilith’s voice was unmistakable. "What are you doing here? I said you weren’t to come near me."

Mary smiled as she entered, but it softened the moment the door closed behind her, and the guard outside could no longer hear. "It wasn’t my doing, Your Highness. One of his grace’s people found me and said I was to serve you. I was doing my best to stay out of sight," she promised.

Mary approached with her head low, carrying the look of someone who believed she had let Lilith down.

"I believe you. He mentioned your name last night, which means he has known who you were for some time. It has become more dangerous for you to be away from my side than beside it. Hold your head up, Mary," Lilith said. "Why are you crying?" she asked, puzzled by the sight. "You didn’t fail."

Mary set the tray of food down on the edge of the bed and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. "I heard the news that Solomon poisoned you and freed Princess Thalia. How could he do that to you?"

Silence settled over the chamber.

Lilith looked down at her lap for a brief moment before meeting Mary’s gaze again. The less Mary knew, the better. The fewer people told, the less chance Solomon had of being exposed.

"He was sent by my father to spy on me. It seems he never truly left my father’s side. You mustn’t dwell on it," Lilith said, reaching out to wipe the last of Mary’s tears with her fingers. "I am going to move forward. There is much to be done."

"If I ever see him again, I am going to kill him," Mary said with the certainty of it.

Mary pressed her lips together, unwilling to cry for a man who had betrayed Lilith.

"You fed us when you had nothing for yourself. You clothed us and took care of our families. Anyone who betrayed your kindness deserves to die," Mary said, her mind made up.

"We will settle this another day. For now, you must eat. We both must eat," Lilith said, looking down at the tray. She was reluctant to touch it, and Mary noticed immediately.

"His grace stood over the cooks while they prepared your food. He has been threatening to kill anyone who so much as looks suspicious while handling it. He is a frightening man," Mary said, glancing towards the door.

"Is he? I don’t think so," Lilith said.

"Of course you wouldn’t. You’re more frightening than he is," Mary said, and regretted it the moment the words left her. "I don’t like that he stole your moment, but I am glad he killed your father and the man they wanted you to marry."

"I wished to do it myself, but it is good to know they are gone," Lilith replied, still eyeing the food.

"Do you love his grace?"

"No. Why would you think that? Because I am in his chamber?" Lilith asked, finding the idea faintly ridiculous.

"No. I only thought this had all been planned with him, and that your reaction was part of an act. One can never tell with you. Forgive me for overstepping," Mary apologised, lowering her head.

"I don’t love Cassian, and I most certainly didn’t plot with him. If I loved him, I would say so. You have one too many questions, and you know I don’t like bringing you too far into my plans. Focus on the food. I can hear your stomach," said Lilith.

Mary looked up, her eyes widening. "Your Highness, that is your stomach. I managed to get hold of a little food from the soldiers."

"Oh, so it is. I haven’t eaten properly in days. Whether it is safe or not, I am going to eat," Lilith said, picking up a piece of bread and bringing it to her lips.

The crust broke easily as the bread was still warm from the oven. To Lilith, who had gone so long without a proper meal, it was as close to wonderful as bread had any right to be.

Her right hand moved to the fork to take a piece of the chicken. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Mary sat in silence, watching Lilith eat. She had failed many times to provide Lilith with a meal, but Cassian so easily succeeded.

While Mary was not yet fully settled in her feelings about Cassian, she appreciated his use in this particular matter.

"You need water," Mary said, looking around the tray. "I will get some and be back shortly."

"Mary," Lilith caught her arm.

"I will be quick, Your Highness. I will get the water and come straight back. I won’t go off course," Mary promised.

Lilith released her hold on Mary’s arm. "Be quick."

The door opened before Mary could reach it. Cassian stepped inside, carrying a small creature in his arms.

Mary gasped at the sight of the creature, which Lilith thought had died. She slipped quietly past Cassian and out of the chamber, though she wished she could have stayed.

Lilith stood up from the bed. The movement created a slight raise of Cassian’s brow.

He said nothing about it. He simply crossed the room and placed the cat into Lilith’s arms.

"Where did you find her? I thought she had died," Lilith said, pulling the cat against her chest. The cat pressed its head beneath Lilith’s chin as though it had always belonged there.

"In the gardens. I thought you would enjoy the company," Cassian said, watching the way Lilith’s entire expression changed. There was a warmth he had not yet seen directed at him since reuniting. "What would it take for me to be loved as much as the cat?"

"Get on your knees and purr," Lilith suggested, without once looking up from the cat.