You must be dead

Lilith's eyes fluttered open, and she furrowed her brow in discomfort, immediately sensing a dull ache in the center of her forehead. With delicate fingers, she gently massaged the sore spot, piecing together the memories of what had occurred earlier.

Enveloped by a velvety soft blanket, her surroundings bathed in a rich maroon hue, she realized she was far from the comfort of her own home. As she gingerly rose from the mattress, which felt as plush as a bed of feathers, her fingers pressed firmly against the smooth silk sheets, mirroring the deep maroon shades that dominated the room.

A question lingered in her mind: Could this possibly be a palace?

Intrigued by the opulence surrounding her, Lilith couldn't help but conclude that this room could only belong to a palace. She recalled Karin mentioning his intention to bring her here.

She reached for the curtains, elegantly draped around the four-poster bed, and gently pushed them aside to reveal a view beyond.

Stepping down from the bed, she continued to explore the room, her gaze sweeping across its lavish furnishings. A vintage-style chaise lounge occupied a place near the foot of the bed. To its right stood a stately dresser, while to its left, a cozy living area beckoned.

The living room showcased a collection of exquisite mahogany wood furniture, its timeless elegance commanding attention. A rich brown-colored sofa ensemble, complete with a chaise lounge, dominated the seating area. Above the central coffee table, a magnificent golden chandelier hung in all its grandeur, casting a warm glow throughout the space.

Lilith's curiosity led her to the ornate fireplace, where an assortment of objects rested. Her gaze fixated on a crystal ball, which had shifted from its previous bluish hue to a nearly ethereal whitish glow as she picked it up. She hesitated for a moment before placing it back where she found it.

However, her attention quickly shifted to an old clock mounted on the wall, and to her disbelief, it indicated that a whole day had passed.

"What?" she exclaimed, realizing she had slept for an entire day.

Just then, a gentle voice broke the silence, addressing her with a courteous greeting.

"Miss Lilith, Good morning."

Startled, she turned to face a young woman of her own age, or perhaps even younger, standing before her.

"Good morning," Lilith greeted in return, her curiosity piqued. "Did Karin bring me here?" she inquired, to which the young woman, now introduced as Zoey, nodded in affirmation.

"Miss Lilith, I am Zoey," she introduced herself with a graceful bow, her hands resting on her belly. "From today onwards, I will be at your service. Please accept me in your service."

Lilith was taken aback by the offer, her brow furrowing in confusion. "My service?" she questioned, clearly puzzled. "I cannot accept that," she firmly declared. Zoey straightened up, her gaze unwavering as she met Lilith's eyes.

"I will leave after meeting Apollyon," Lilith announced to her. Zoey was surprised to find that the mistress she was supposed to serve took the name of the King of Azuria.

"Do you know where he is?" Lilith queried and her eyebrow slightly moved up.

"I am afraid, Miss Lilith, but I am not aware of it," Zoey replied in her humble tone. "His Majesty will see Miss Lilith later. She must get cleaned up. Please follow me, Miss Lilith," Zoey informed her, whose blood was already boiling in anger.

"I want to see Apollyon now," said Lilith and stepped forward to find the door. Zoey followed her and asked her not to be adamant as it could be fatal for their lives.

"Indeed, he is fatal for everyone's lives. That's why he must die," Lilith asserted and found the door. She held the handlesets when Zoey stopped her.

"Miss Lilith, His Majesty will kill me if you step out of this room." Lilith stopped and turned to look. She found Zoey on her knees, who was trembling in fear.

Lilith stepped back and decided not to step out for Zoey's sake. "Fine. I won't go out," Lilith replied. Zoey thanked her and rose to her feet.

"Miss Lilith, you must freshen up. His Majesty will surely come here after completing the work," Zoey suggested to her. Lilith agreed to her. Since she could not go out, she must clean herself up.

After freshening up, and having a hot water bath in a magnificent bathtub with pleasant perfumes mixed in the water, Lilith felt good and light. She was dressed in a royal blue gown with long flaring sleeves, which fit her body perfectly. Despite her refusal, Lilith had to wear it as Zoey's life was on the line.

Sitting on the velvet puffy stool in front of the dresser, Zoey brushed Lilith's hair. Miss Lilith has smooth and silky hair," Zoey complimented her. As Zoey was instructed, she helped Lilith get ready in that way.

"Miss Lilith, did you have this flower tattoo carved on your neck," Zoey asked in amusement. Lilith looked at herself in the mirror and shook her head.

"So, by birth?" Zoey queried.

"No. It appeared ten years ago," Lilith replied.

"Oh. It's strange but beautiful," Zoey answered and almost sprayed perfume on her when Lilith stopped her.

"I don't like the scent of this perfume," Lilith stated and asked her not to use it. Zoey hummed and put the perfume bottle on the vanity table.

Zoey let Lilith's hair open as Apollyon asked her to, but Lilith started to make a hair bun.

"Miss Lilith, His Majesty wants to see your hair open," Zoey informed her. Lilith found that Apollyon was controlling her and it annoyed her more. How dare he decide what she could do with her hair?

"I don't like my hair open," Lilith said.

"Oh. Then, let me help, Miss Lilith," Zoey replied and let Lilith put her hands down. Zoey made a beautiful bun of Lilith's hair. She used the hair clips to keep it intact. Two curls hung at the respective temples of Lilith's forehead. She recalled it was her birthday. The last time, Lilith dolled up this way was when she turned 9. Now, she could only cherish those beautiful memories.

"Miss Lilith, I will bring breakfast for you," Zoey informed her and stepped back to the bow. She turned and left the room.

Lilith finally got the opportunity to go out and meet Apollyon. She stood up from the stool and looked for a knife for her safety. Checking the drawer near the fireplace, she found a dagger and walked out of the room.

"Apollyon, you are dead today," Lilith said as she reached the corridor. She halted at her place because she realized that the palace was so large that it was almost impossible for her to find him. And if she would ask anyone around, they probably would bring her back to the room.

She decided to wait for him in the room. Also, if she were reported missing, who knew Apollyon might punish Zoey for this? She didn't want anyone to die on her birthday except Apollyon. She turned back to her room and walked in.