Keep lying?

Lilith's heart raced as she found herself unable to look away, her uncertainty evident in her wide

eyes. Gradually, he released her hands, and sensing her hesitation, he spoke calmly, "You

should leave."

Without a second thought, Lilith hurriedly left the dressing chamber and didn't stop until she

reached the drawing chamber. Placing her hand close to her chest, she tried to steady her

racing heart.

Also, Lilith got worried thinking she hurt Apollyon's feelings while not responding to him. She

decided to explain her stance once he came to the drawing chamber.

Several minutes later, when Apollyon entered the chamber in loose, black robes, Lilith turned to

look at him.

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," Lilith pronounced. "I have yet to figure them out," she said.

"Hmm. I will wait patiently," Apollyon said, passing a smile to her. He asked her to take a seat

and after her, he settled on the couch next to her.

Lilith fiddled with her fingers. "In the morning, I could not thank you for understanding me.

Yesterday was a tough day for me. Thank you for staying beside me," she asserted.

"If I won't understand you, then who will? If I claim to love you, then I love everything about you:

your past is mine, so is your present and your future," he affirmed and leaned his back on the

couch to relax.

Lilith smiled at her thoughtfulness toward her. "What work do you have outside?" She asked.

"Umm... It was related to the kingdom," Apollyon replied. He didn't reveal to Lilith he went to her

home and how he encountered a witch, who was coming in her dreams. Lilith's aura must be

strong that Thea couldn't get control over her.

"Why didn't you tell me there's a feast in the evening? Also, will there be music and dance

performances?" She changed the topic of their conversation.

"I was in a hurry to leave in the morning. Yes, there will be music and dance," Apollyon said and

moved close to her. He rested his head on her shoulder and held her hand. "It will be a joyous

moment in the evening," he stated.

"Tell me about the devils whom I will meet in the evening," Lilith asked.

"I have military heads, who lead my armies in the four directions. Other than them, the

governors from every state," Apollyon asserted.

"There are twenty-four states in the Kingdom," Lilith said.

"You'll meet 28 new faces among the devils. I keep human interaction in the kingdom's affairs

except in the palace affairs," Apollyon proclaimed.

"I suddenly feel I am only surrounded by the devils," Lilith remarked.

"Yes, you are," Apollyon stated. "Did you read more about sorcery today?" he asked.

"I did and I again found nothing," Lilith answered. "However, I will read all three until I find

something about blood bonds," she said with determination.

"Hmm. But you don't need to stress over that. I am thinking of meeting my father. Perhaps I will

find some answers," Apollyon informed her.

Lilith immediately moved away, causing Apollyon's head to fall off her shoulder. "I heard from

Ragnar that your father despises humans. What if he finds out that you married me? He may kill

me," she said with a terrified expression on her face.

"Father will never do that... At least not unless I am with you. Also, the lord of hell isn't

welcomed on Earth. He cannot come here and go on his wish," Apollyon asserted and told her

not to believe anyone, except him.

Apollyon looked at the pendant around her neck and said, "I want to ask him about my mother

and the significance of this crystal."

Lilith knitted her brows together. "Why do you suddenly want to know about this and your

mother? I thought you were not interested," she inquired.

"Suddenly, I felt I should. Now, you will keep it to yourself. That's why I shared it with you,"

Apollyon said.

Lilith told him her lips would remain sealed. "You can trust me," she said. "Do share with me

about your mother. I will love to hear about her," Lilith expressed her wish.

"I will," Apollyon stated, "however, you have to welcome me with a kiss when I return."

Lilith's cheeks turned red, and she chuckled lightly. "What kind of wish is this?" she mumbled.

"Well, it is my kind of wish. You have to kiss me to get the information about my mother,"

Apollyon asserted.

"That's wrong," Lilith opposed his condition.

"Nothing is right or wrong when it is about winning," Apollyon pronounced.

"In expecting love, you don't wish to win. You willingly accept your defeat. After all, their

happiness matters," Lilith proclaimed.

"Wrong, Lilith. I expect to win only. I don't wish to lose in love," Apollyon stated and ran his

thumb over her lips.

"It's crazy how fast the circumstances between us change. Earlier, you wanted me to die, now

you want me to live. You don't wish to love me today, but tomorrow, a situation may arise when

you won't be able to resist your developing feelings for me," Apollyon said, which was true.

"In love, I condemn using force. I believe in winning the heart over using the authority in love,"

he affirmed.

Lilith was mesmerized upon hearing those words. Till now, he never once used force on her.

Whatever happened was according to her wish only. She heard the thumping of her heart and

her inner voice too, 'How long can you lie to yourself about what you feel for him?'

Apollyon found how deep her gaze was at him. He flicked his fingers in front of her eyes,

causing Lilith to blink.

"What were you thinking?" Apollyon asked.

"Nothing," Lilith said and averted her gaze from him.

"Your eyes carry different emotions though," Apollyon remarked. "Sadly, I cannot read your

thoughts, else by now, you have been on my bed, Lilith," he proclaimed.

Lilith promptly gazed at him, wondering why he made such a statement. "I can hear the beats of

racing hearts. You are adamant about not confessing your feelings to me. That's the only thing

that prevents me from getting intimate with you. Let's see how long you'll keep lying to me, Lilith.

Perhaps tonight the walls break down and you willingly kiss me," he whispered against her lips,

confidence filling his voice.