Chapter 23 - Your highness
Lilith:
Running my hands down my gauzy, white dress, I walk across the sand until I reach the beautiful blue ocean. My hair stirs in the wind like silken strips, and my skin heats comfortably beneath the sun’s rays. Sitting down on the edge of the water, I slide my toes through the sand, close my eyes against the bright sunlight and lean back on my elbows. It’s a peaceful moment that I relish when I can since memories of Cain and Fallon continue to plague me most of the time. Sometimes I envision Fallon happily caring for his mate and child, and I smile. I just hope that my sacrifice was not in vain. I hope that Cain is redeemed and creating a new life for himself.
It’s only when a shadow falls over me that my visions fade, and I remember where I am.
Blinking my eyes, I meet a pair of familiar eyes, “If I wasn’t already dead, you’d probably give me a heart attack. What are you doing here, Lucifer?”
Lucifer sits beside me and looks out into the horizon. “This is brilliant, luv.”
I arch a brow and scoff, “I know. I’m actually surprised that I’m here instead of some hellish cell. How did you make this happen, you tosser?”
He snickers, “I figured you deserved a nice place to rest. Even if it is in hell.”
“So, what brings you by? Shouldn’t you be with your mate or sitting on that horrid throne bullying your minions around?’
He chuckles, “I should have come to see you sooner. But there were some things I had to organize before I came to see how you were. I know it has only been a month, but aren’t you happy to see me?”
I roll my eyes, “Happy is quite a stretch, Luce. How about we use the word mildly annoyed instead?”
Lucifer gives me a feigned wounded expression and places his palm on his chest dramatically, “You wound me, Lil. And here I was coming with good news.”
I look at him from the corner of my eyes, “Oh yeah, and what news would that be?”
He nudges me with his shoulder, “Aren’t you going to ask about Cain first?”
My eyes tear, and my chest aches at the name. Even in death, I can’t stop thinking about Cain and how wonderfully he kissed me, “How is he? Was he redeemed?”
Lucifer shakes his head, “No, actually, he wasn’t. After your…death, he told Ma’at to shove her redemption up her arse.”
I reel back with surprise, “Why would he do something as bloody stupid as that?”
This time it’s not Lucifer who answers. Instead, a familiar male voice that haunts my dreams answers. “Because if I didn’t reject the redemption, I wouldn’t be allowed to come to hell.”
My eyes widen, and my shoulders stiffen as I slowly turn to face the man I love. Cain is standing behind me, his arms crossed in front of his chest and face set into its usually arrogant smirk.
Rising up, I lift the hem of my dress and run into my lover’s waiting arms. My fingers slide through his golden hair, and my lips slam down on his as I feel his tender touch. His kiss and the way he holds me are as close to heaven as I’ve ever been.
We only break apart when Lucifer clears his throat and reminds us that he’s still there. “Save the snogging for later, you two. Right now, there are a few things we need to speak about—like my future.”
I look at both males. “Why on earth would we speak about the future? In case you have forgotten, I’m dead.”
Lucifer rolls his eyes sarcastically. “I already bloody know that, Lil,” he scoffs, “You really need to have some new things happen to you, luv.”
Cain pushes Lucifer lightheartedly, “Alright, enough of that, mate. Tell her why we’re here already.”
Lucifer smiles, “Well, I am here because I’ve decided to retire from being the king of hell. As a recently married bloke and soon-to-be grandfather, I need to take some time away from my throne and spend it with my family.”
I give him a careful nod and brush away the pang that strikes my heart when he mentions being a grandparent. I would have been a grandmommy if I hadn’t died and Fallon had not hated me. Either way, it doesn’t matter because I can’t leave hell.
“Alright, congratulations. So, who’s going to be your replacement?”
Lucifer lifts his finger and points it at my chest, “You are, Lil. You’re going to be the new queen of hell and your lover here…” he points to Cain, “Is going to be your consort. That is if you’ll have him. He’s a bit of a sod once you get to know him.”
Cain snickers, “I think you’re confused, mate. Last I checked, you were the sod.”
I give them both a confused scowl, “What? But I’m dead.”
Lucifer nods, “Once you are crowned as my successor, you will gain the powers of hell. One is that you can travel to earth and visit your grandchild.”
Tears gather in my eyes as I consider his proposition, “But won’t you need the powers?”
Lucifer shakes his head, “You forget that I am a fallen angel. I will always have my angelic powers. So, what do you say, Lil? Are you ready to be the CEO of hell?”
I look at Cain, who takes my hand and whispers, “It's up to you, luv. Regardless of what you choose, I’m not leaving you again. We can stay here and live happily together if that is what you wish.”
My mind stalls. On the one hand, it would be nice to go back to earth again. But then I consider the fact that Fallon wouldn’t let me near my grandchild, and I grow despondent again.
Tightening my hand around Cain’s, I mutter hesitantly, “Perhaps it's best if I stay here. I’m sure Fallon would prefer it if I wasn’t around.”
Both males look at each other before they look past me and point, “Why don’t you ask him before you give us a final answer,” Cain says.
Looking back, I see my son standing several feet away. Like I was before, he’s standing on the edge of the sand barefoot. Tendrils of his hair shift with the wind, and his black shirt and jeans mold to his sinewy form.
“Go on,” Lucifer mutters, “Go and talk to our son.”
Swallowing hard, I walk toward my son until I’m standing a couple of feet in front of him.
My breath hisses through my teeth when Fallon glances back at me, his eyes softening when they land on mine.
“H-hello, Fallon,” I manage to say.
Fallon’s lip quirks, “Hello, Lilith.”
My heart skips a beat as I think about what I want to say, “I…I think you heard me when I said it before, but I feel that I should say it again,” I wring my fingers nervously, “I’m…I’m sorry for everything I did to hurt you. You’re right, I was a terrible mother, and I don’t deserve to be in your life—”
Before I can say another word, Fallon approaches me and wraps his arms around me. I hesitate at first. But then, I wrap my arms around him and cling tightly to him. He feels so warm and alive, and he smells like sunlight. I close my eyes and savor the feeling of finally having my son in my arms.
“I didn’t know,” he mutters, “I never knew what you suffered. But I know now, and I understand. I forgive you, mother. I just hope you can forgive me too. I hope we can start again.”
Tears fall freely down my face as I hold my son tightly to me, “I’d like that,” I croak out tearfully, “…and there’s nothing for me to forgive. I know you were only reacting to what I had done. But I promise you, I will never be that horrible person again.”
Fallon pulls away and gazes down at me, his similar eyes glowing like liquid silver in the sunlight, “Then perhaps it’s time for you to accept father’s proposition so you can be around to meet your granddaughter.”
I take his hands in mine and give him a grateful nod, “You’re going to have a girl?”
He nods, “It seems so. What do you say?”
I bob my head enthusiastically, “I would love that.”
Cain and Lucifer approach at that moment. Cain stands behind me and pulls me into the comfort of his arms. “What is your answer, luv?”
I look up at him. “Are you sure you don’t mind being my consort?”
He nods. “I love it when you boss me around. But we can take it as slowly as you’d like. I’m happy with just being close to you. I missed you so much.”
I nod and glance back at Lucifer. “Alright, I accept your proposition, Lucifer.”
Lucifer smirks. “We should go then.”
With those words, my new life begins.