As the night stretched on, Cassius became increasingly impatient, awaiting when he can see Lilian again.
Julius, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in his king. A quiet smile tugged at his lips, filled with genuine happiness at the possibility that Cassius had found his fated. It amused him, though, how obvious it was—how the King of Ironwood, known for his cold restraint, now wore his eagerness so plainly.
As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, Cassius could contain himself no longer. He nearly flew from the throne room, his long strides betraying his urgency as he made his way to the dining room, Julius faithfully following him.
When Lilian entered the dining room, bowing respectfully but her eyes darting around the room. This time they landed on Julius.
"Good morning, Lilian," Cassius sprung up at her sight. His usual composure crumbling in her presence and his voice warmer than usual, almost too eager. He knew it, but he couldn't help it. Just the sight of her brought him a sense of relief.
Lilian bowed gracefully, "Good morning," her eyes still rested on Julius.
"This is my right-hand man and royal advisor, Julius," Cassius introduced him.
"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am." Julius stood up and bowed, In his heart, he knew that this human woman could very well be his queen one day.
"The pleasure is all mine," Lilian responded, her voice gentle but guarded.
Cassius felt a faint ripple of dread pass through him, echoing Lilian's unease.
"Please, sit," Cassius gestured toward the table, eager to divert the conversation. "I hope the cook's efforts are to your liking."
"Certainly. The food smells divine," Lilian replied, her smile lighting up the room, though Cassius could sense the flicker of discomfort still lingering beneath her poised exterior. She sat down in her usual place.
As they settled into the meal, Cassius couldn't help but steal glances at her. The way the morning light played in her hair, the delicate way she moved—it all enchanted him.
"As the day is starting, so you have many plans for today?" Cassius tried to strike a conversation.
"I've started reading a lovely book from your library," Lilian said, her eyes lighting up. "It's captivated me from the very first page. I cannot wait to read the rest to see how the story evolves."
Cassius's lips curved, "I'm glad you've found something you enjoy."
"How was your night, your majesty?" Lilian asked with genuine interest, keenly reaching for pastries.
"Rather uneventful." Cassius replied as he slowly reached to pick the foods he desired, but only after he ensured that Lilian was eating herself.
But before their casual conversation could continue, Julius spoke up, his tone casual but probing. "Ma'am, if I may ask, which human kingdom are you from?"
Lilian finished spreading butter onto the warm roll and slowly looked up at Julius, "Elderwood," she said carefully, her tone guarded. Cassius's stomach tightened. He recognised that hesitation, the way her voice grew quieter, more cautious.
"Whereabouts?" Julius pressed, his curiosity genuine but invasive.
"I lived in the countryside," she answered slowly. "Far from any village."
"Who did you live with?" Julius continued to question Lilian. He wasn't eating himself as he was fully focused on analysing Lilian's every move.
"My mother until she passed away three months ago." Lilian might have been smiling but coldness flashed through her eyes.
"Any other family?"
"No." Lilian's reply was firm. She was answering out of obligation, not desire. Yet something twinkled in Lilian's eyes. "If you're concerned that someone will come looking for me, rest assured, no one will. You could make me your next meal, and no one would even notice—though I suspect all this butter I am about to consume on this absolutely scrumptious roll might make my blood rather unappetising." She smiled, and Cassius chuckled despite himself.
"I did not indent to pry." Julius mumbled awkwardly as his attention diverted to his plate.
As the meal continued, the tension slowly dissipated, replaced by an easier conversation about books. But even as Lilian's eyes twinkled with amusement, Cassius's mind remained restless. He could feel the weight of something unspoken that rested within Lilian's heart.
After the meal, Lilian parted from the two vampires and went her own way.
As Cassius and Julius walked back toward the quarters, Cassius's restraint finally snapped. "I do not appreciate you interrogating her like that," he barked, his voice sharp.
Julius raised an eyebrow, surprised by the intensity of Cassius's reaction. "It was hardly an interrogation. I simply wanted to know more about her."
"She's already answered those questions. You didn't have to bring up her past," Cassius's emotions were boiling over. He hated how vulnerable Lilian had seemed under Julius's scrutiny, how her pain had been laid bare in front of someone other than himself.
Julius sighed, his tone softening. "Cassius, you're sensitive because you care. But what if she's hiding something? What if—"
"What if she fears that she will be killed by someone in the court solely because there's no one that will miss her?!" Cassius raised his voice. "What if she's afraid?"
There was a pause as Julius absorbed the weight of Cassius's words. He hadn't considered that.
"That won't happen." Julius said after a pause. "I meant no harm. I solely wondered if I've missed anything when searching for her family or friends. It is near impossible that she left literally no trace behind in Elderwood or Willowell."
"Unless she speaks the truth." Cassius pointed out.
"My only worry is that if she lies, humans will try to evade Ironwood and might want to cross Pandomurus. I understand that it is something y out may not want to think about…" Julius spoke anxiously knowing that he was considering an unlikely scenario.
"They won't be able to find Ironwood." Cassius said through his gritted teeth.
"Lilian did."
"She's an exception. Besides, she didn't look for it." Cassius's serious gaze softened. "What is the cause of your worries, Julius? Truly?"
"The prophecy." Julius said in a whisper. The words stunned Cassius. "If Lilian holds any influence in the human realm, she might draw a witch into our world." Julius drew another breath in. "Lilian is most certainly a noble. She reads and is educated. Even in the shreds she arrived in I could tell that she wore fine dresses."
"She is free to leave whenever she wishes to." Cassius declared as he walked away, slamming the door behind him.