Chapter 17

Lilith sat in the quiet of Alaric’s study, her fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve. The memory of Asher’s imposing presence lingered in her mind—the cold precision in his eyes, the way he had barely glanced at her yet carried an undeniable intensity.

Alaric, noticing her unease, spoke gently, leaning against the desk. “You’re thinking of him, aren’t you?”

Lilith flinched slightly.

“I… I don’t know what to think. He’s… terrifying sometimes. The way he looks at everything—he’s so… precise, so… dangerous. I don’t know if I can… I don’t know if I can trust him.”

Alaric’s expression softened.

“Lilith, listen to me carefully.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice, with quietness and calm.

“I have known you since you were eleven. I have never seen you in that way.”

Her eyes widened, and a flush rose to her cheeks. “I… I don’t—”

“No,” he interrupted gently, placing a steady hand near hers, though not touching.

“I am not your suitor. I have never desired you in that way, nor will I. You are not to fear me—nor should you fear him because of me. You are under my protection.”

Lilith swallowed hard.

“But… the duke… what if he—what if he is… like the rumors?”

Alaric’s lips tightened into a faint line, a hint of sternness creeping in.

“If Asher ever harmed you—if he even thought to—he would find himself facing me. I will protect you, Lilith. Do not doubt that.”

Her breath caught in relief, but a quiet unease lingered.

“You… really mean that?”

“I do,” Alaric said, his voice unwavering.

But inside, he allowed himself a private acknowledgment: he already knew his dear brother too well. He would never hurt her. He had seen the way his younger brother’s eyes lingered on her, the unspoken obsession that threaded through every glance, every careful movement around her. Asher’s bloodthirsty reputation and harsh demeanor were for the world to see; for Lilith, he would change in a good way.

Alaric leaned back, voice softer now.

“I cannot promise that he won’t intimidate you. He is… formidable, yes. But I know him. And I know this: nothing will happen to you that he does not allow himself to prevent—because he would not risk it.”

Lilith looked down, fingers still twisting her sleeve, heart a mix of fear and hesitant curiosity.

“I… I don’t know what to feel.”

“Then feel safe,” Alaric said simply.

“I will make sure of it. Always. Trust me to protect you, and trust him… even if his ways are harsh, you will see that his loyalty runs deeper than anyone else’s. And I promise, no harm will come to you.”

Lilith exhaled slowly, a fragile thread of relief weaving through her fear. She didn’t fully understand the complex bonds between the brothers, but for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that she would survive the dangerous game her father had tried to force her into—and that Alaric would ensure it.

But her resolve soon faltered. Her father objected this political marriage heavily but he was bound by the loyal decree issued by Alaric.

Queen mother was helpless, from the whispers in the palace it was heard that she was once confronted by the crown prince so violently that she backed down from politics and focused more on her deteriorating health.

Lilith’s dream about her wedding was completely destroyed by the duke. Despite the Emperor’s grand preparations her marriage was not more than a silent funeral. Her husband imposed rules on her even before she entered her new house. 

But still she was confident. Confident that the Emperor Alaric was protecting her. She showed a bit of bravery but now… The husband that she feared the most left her needy. She was craving more for the new sensations that she never experienced before but he was not at her sight to satiate her desire.

“Is he really made of stone? How can he resist it… ha…”

Little did she know that her husband the Duke Magnus Asher Dreadborne was fuming far more violently with desire than her, for god knows how many years, even before she met him or acknowledged his existence.