Our song for tonight is "Please Don't Say You Love Me" by Gabrielle Aplin
ENJOY
Alex POV
For the past few hours, I've been stuck in what feels like a war council—only the war is apparently... a date. Adele and Obrovosky sit across from me, heads bent over parchment as they write out what they're calling a "woman's treatment guide."
I'm trying not to lose my mind.
"This is stupid," I mutter, dragging a hand through my hair for what has to be the hundredth time. The tension in my shoulders refuses to ease.
Obrovosky glances up. His posture remains straight, arms behind his back, even when seated. Ever the soldier.
"With all due respect, Your Grace, this is not a military operation. But... the success of tomorrow may rely on proper strategy."
I narrow my eyes. "So I need a strategy now to talk to a girl?"
"Not just any girl," Adele chimes in, not even looking up. "A girl you've kidnapped, belittled, nearly traumatized, and somehow, still expect to charm."
I scowl. That sting was intentional.
"Taking her to see the Sky Souls might soften her mood," Obrovosky offers.
I huff. "And then what? She forgives me because the view is nice?"
"Well," Adele says, finally lifting her chin and smiling at me sweetly, "that would depend on whether Your Majesty is planning on behaving like a person instead of a storm cloud."
Obrovosky clears his throat. "The Sky Souls are sacred to the people. It may appeal to her curiosity."
"Fine," I grunt. "So you'll tell her and get her ready. I'll handle the rest."
"No," Adele says firmly. "You're going to ask her yourself. Properly."
I stare at her.
"You can't be serious"
"Oh, but I am"
"And how do you think it'll go?...Good morning, Princess. I know you despise the very air I breathe, but would you accompany me to a mysterious celestial event like nothing you've ever seen?'"
I groan and drop my face into my hands.
"This is absurd. She's not going to accept."
"You do not know that for certain," Obrovosky replies, voice calm, respectful. "She may surprise you."
"She always does. And not in the good way."
"Then, perhaps, if I may say so, sir... you should try surprising her. Be gentle."
"I am gentle!" I snap, looking between them. "She's just—so—infuriating."
Adele exchanges a look with Obrovosky and sighs dramatically. "You'll be the death of me. Just ask her at breakfast."
"Breakfast? I never go to breakfast."
"Exactly," Obrovosky replies with a knowing nod. "She won't expect it."
I exhale. Fine. Whatever. Better than knocking on her door like a desperate idiot.
"Breakfast it is, then."
"Delightful!" Adele claps. Of course she's thrilled.
She checks the time and gasps. "Gracious me, I must see to the final ceremony details. Only two days away. Time is a cruel mistress."
She glides out with her usual flair. The door shuts, and silence falls.
I remain seated, staring at the place she stood.
When have I ever asked a woman for her time?
"Everything will be just fine, sir," Obrovosky says quietly.
I glance at him. He nods once, stands, and straightens his coat.
"Shall I have the carriage prepared to return the princess to the castle?"
"Yeah. Do that."
He bows slightly and walks out, boots tapping on stone.
Alone again.
I lean back in the chair, eyes on the ceiling.
It's just a girl, I remind myself.
But my gut churns. Because we both know it's never been just a girl.
Lilith POV – The Next Morning
"No, thank you."
Three words.
Three words and the room drops a few degrees.
Alex stands across from me, expression unreadable at first—then vaguely stunned. Did he really think I'd say yes?
"Pardon me?" he asks, like I've just committed treason.
"I said no. Polite of you to ask, but I'll pass."
His eyes narrow. "And what, may I ask, is your reason for declining, Lilith?"
He says my name like it's poison in his mouth.
"You know why."
"I don't."
Cold. Flat. Like this is a negotiation.
"I don't owe you an explanation."
"You're incredibly difficult, you know that?"
"Difficult? You're impossible, Alex. You're—"
I don't even finish the sentence. There's no point. We'll just spiral.
"Watch your tone."
"Or what? You'll strangle me again?"
His nostrils flare.
"You know I could."
"Oh, so it is a threat."
He stands from his seat
"Yes, so watch your fucking tone."
Disgust coils in my stomach.
"And you wonder why I said no."I also stand from my seat
I start walking. I need to get away. I need air. I need—
"Lilith, sit down."
I don't.
"Don't walk away from me."
But I do.
Until his hand grabs mine.
"I said stop."
His grip tightens.
Pain spikes.
"Let go. That hurts."
"As if I care."
That stings more than the pressure on my wrist.
"Of course you don't. When have you ever?"
He smirks
" You're a fucking psycho."
"And you a spoiled little bitch."
"Fuck you!"
He smirks. "Couldn't wait, could you, Princess?"
"You disgust me."
I yank harder, tears threatening.
"Get dressed. We're going to the city."
"You're insane."
"Yes. And you're coming with me."
"You can't force me!"
His fingers tighten. I flinch.
"Yes, I can."
He steps closer, shadow swallowing mine. His breath brushes my cheek.
"I can make you do whatever I want."
Terror floods my chest. My voice cracks.
"I hate you."
He freezes.
"I fucking hate you so much"
His hand drops.
I don't waste the moment—I tear myself away and bolt out.
"Lilith!"
I flip him off with shaking fingers and don't look back.
Back in my room, I slam the door and lock it.
Then I break.
Books fly across the room. Pillows, furniture, I break the mirror which crashes into the floor
Now everything is a mess.
Including me.
I collapse, sobbing, knees to my chest. My whole body shakes with rage and heartbreak.
How could I have ever kissed him?
I cry into my knees. The worst part is—
I don't know if I hate him more for what he's done...
Or for what he makes me feel.
Alex POV
"SHIT!"
The plates on the table shatter as they crash into the wall. I punch the stone next. My knuckles split. Blood drips.
My breath is ragged. My head spins.
If only she'd just said yes. If she'd just... listened.
I sit down, palms digging into my face.
Footsteps.
"Adele, get out."
"What a charming way to ask a lady out," she snaps.
"She started it."
"She started it? Are you stupid, boy?"
I glare at her.
"Watch your words."
"Or what? You'll threaten me like you did her?"
Silence.
She steps closer. "She's just a girl, Alex. A terrified one."
"She said she hated me."
It plays on repeat in my mind.
I hate you.
I hate you.
"And how could she not? This is how you treat her. You corner her like a beast. You grip her like an object."
I breathe hard.
"Nothing will change unless you change."
"I'm not the one who—"
"Oh, yes you are. She needs to know that she can scream, cry, fight—and still be safe. That no word she says will cost her freedom or her life."
I stare at the wall.
"I'm an idiot."
"I won't disagree."
I look up.
She softens. Just barely.
"I'll bring her some tea. You... figure out how to clean the blood you've spilled."
Suddenly, a loud crash echoes down the hall.
Then another.
"Lilith," I whisper, heart dropping.
She sighs, already turning toward the kitchen.
"I'll make tea. And you better think of a way to fix this."
I nod, but she's already gone.
Alone again.
And for the first time, I'm not sure I deserve to chase her.
Lilith POV
A knock startles me.
I scream from the floor, voice hoarse. "FUCK YOU, LEAVE ME ALONE!"
"That's not very ladylike," a soft, teasing voice replies.
Adele.
I leap to my feet, eyes darting around the wrecked room.
Oh God. If Alex doesn't kill me, Adele will.
"One moment!" I call, scrambling to move pillows.
Too late.
1... 2... 3—
The door creaks open.
"Hello, Ms. Adele," I mutter.
She surveys the disaster.
Then, with a straight face, says, "I wasn't aware a tornado passed through the castle."
I flush. "I apologize."
She steps in with grace, placing the tea tray on a table.
"No need, dear. He can be... complicated."
I scoff. "Complicated? He's a Psycho ."
She doesn't deny it.
"Why not give him a chance?"
I freeze.
"A chance? To what? Hurt me again?"
"To change."She sights
I laugh. "Change? Ms. Adele, you've known him longer than I've been alive. If he hasn't changed in all that time, what makes you think he will now?"
Her lips press into a tight line. "Because I see something different. You."
I shake my head. "What I see is someone who thinks three sweet words can undo a thousand cruel ones."
I pull up my sleeve, showing her the faint bruise on my wrist.
"He is insane, he god he is a monster"
She sighs, her voice dropping. "You barely know him, Lilith."
"Exactly. And yet he's already hurt me more than anyone ever has."
A tear slips down.
"I hate him"i cry
Adele walks forward and pulls me into her arms.
"I want to go home," I whisper.
"I know, sweetheart. I know."
Alex POV
Behind the door, I hear it all.
Her tears.
Her words.
Her pain.
Monster.
I lean against the stone, my breath caught in my chest.
You've become him.
The very man you swore you'd never be.
Adele steps out. Her expression cuts sharper than any blade.
Disappointment. The same look she once gave my father.
She pauses.
"I'll bring breakfast and tea," she says with softness
From inside, Lilith replies softly, "Thank you, Ms. Adele."
Her voice shatters something in me.
Adele stops before me, eyes like daggers.
"You have to change, Alex. Or she will never love you."
She walks past.
Love.
I never thought I'd care for it. Never needed it.
Until her.
And now...
It's killing me not to have it.
Lilith POV
It's been hours, and I still don't feel like leaving my room. The walls feel heavier, the silence louder.
Adele's question keeps echoing in my mind.
Why not give him a chance?
I'm sick for even considering it. My brain wants to strangle him. My body wants to run. But my heart? My heart aches.
Aches for him.
But also because of him.
"AHHHHHHH!" I scream into my pillow, muffling the sound.
I hate him. I hate everything he's done.
But worst of all—I hate how he makes me feel.
Confused. Torn. Weak.
A knock breaks through my thoughts.
My body stiffens.
"Adele?" I ask.
I pull myself to the door. Slowly. Carefully.
But the moment I open it—
Alex.
Every alarm in my body fires at once.
I slam the door shut.
"Lil—"
"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I yell from inside
"I just want to talk."
"I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU!"
"Lilith," he breathes, voice lower now. "Please... I'm sorry. I know you hate me—and you have every right to—but—"
"Leave, Alex."
"I can't."
Can't.
Or won't?
"Yes, you can! Just leave me alone."
"I can't, Lilith. Not until we talk."
I roll my eyes and sigh heavily, forehead leaning against the door.
Why is he always so complicated?
"Please," he repeats.
No lilith
No
"I'm not going anywhere," he says. "Not until we talk."
The softness in his voice irritates me more than his shouting.
"Why do you do that?" I murmur.
"Do what?"
"Act sweet after treating me like hell."
No answer.
I slide down, pressing my back to the door. My head tilts, cheek against the wood. And I can feel him there. Leaning. Waiting.
"I want to change," he whispers. "I know you don't believe me... but I need a chance."
"You're wasting your time, Alex."
"For you, I'd give all my time."
Liar.
"Stop playing with me."
"I'm not."
"Yes, you are. And I hate it. What you want is my brother, not me. So until you figure that out—I'll stay here. I won't try to run. But don't talk to me. Don't see me. Leave me alone until this is over."
A long pause.
"Lilith... please."
His voice cracks. Not loud. Just tired.
I wipe a tear off my cheek.
"Please, Alex."
"I can't."
I don't respond.
Eventually, I crawl toward the door and quietly turn the lock. I don't know why. Maybe out of instinct. Maybe to give myself a second of silence.
"I won't come in unless you let me," he says through the wood.
Damn it.
I don't answer.
I walk toward the couch by the window and curl up. My head leans against the cold glass.
Why now, Alex?
What are you looking for?
Why am I still asking these questions?
My eyes blur. The pain in my chest won't ease. I miss Viktor. I miss Elizabeth. I miss me—who I used to be.
I scoff softly. Funny. I used to talk about freedom like it was something I had.
But at least... I had them.
I cry again. Silent this time.
The window chills my skin.
And somewhere between thoughts and tears... I fall asleep.
Darkness.
I don't dream. Not tonight.
When I open my eyes, the room is still.
"Ugh... my head."
My neck aches from leaning against the window. I rub my face and glance at the clock.
"Barely midnight."
The silence feels... odd.
I sit up, eyes drifting to the door.
There's no way he's still there, right?
I walk slowly and press my ear to the wood.
Quiet.
I unlock it, barely making a sound.
I crack it open.
I peek.
The hall is dark.
Empty.
I scoff under my breath. Of course he's gone. Good.
But before I can close it again... something catches my eye.
Something on the floor.
I step into the hall.
There.
Alex.
Lying on the floor. Asleep.
This idiot.
Doesn't he know how cold it is?
I sigh and glance back toward my room.
I should ignore him.
But I don't.
I kneel beside him. His expression is... peaceful. Soft.
Almost like a child.
"Why can't you be like this when you're awake?" I whisper.
His eyelashes twitch. He shivers.
I turn, and almost stand up to grab a blanket
But
His hand grabs mine.
I jolt, heart skipping, i shake
"Sorry," he whispers. "I didn't mean to scare you."
My hand trembles. Even when I don't want him to scare me... he does.
I pull back. Try to stand.
I move wrong.
And fall.
"Ow—" I land on the floor again.
He sits up, concern flickering through him.
"Hey... I'm sorry. Are you okay?"
I glare. "What are you doing here, Alex?"
"Waiting for you."
I blink. "Seriously?"
"Yes."
"You're wasting your time. I don't want to talk."
"You didn't want to open the door either. And yet, here we are."
I roll my eyes. "It's not like I was going to stay there forever."
He gives a weak smile.
"I know you were looking for me."
I look away.
"Go back to your dorm, Alex."
"Not until we talk."
"We are talking. Now leave."
"You know what I mean."
I sigh.
"I'm sorry," he says.
"No, you're not."
"Yes, I am. I'm an idiot. But I swear, Lilith—I'm trying to change."
"Change for who? Why?"
He looks stunned by the question.
"For you. Because of you."
Tears rise.
"Why?"
"I... I don't know. I just—ever since I saw you, I... I wanted you. I want to be with you."
"You're insane."
"I know. And you drive me even crazier. I hate it when we fight. I hate seeing you smile for someone else. I envy them. I want you to smile at me. I thought that locking you up—"
He pauses. Swallows.
"Lilith, I just need one more chance. One."
I can't find words. I can't trust my voice.
"I want to show you I'm not the monster you think I am."
"Then let me go."
He freezes.
"I... I can't. You know I can't."
"Why? It's been three months. How much more time?"
"Ask me for anything else. Please—not that."
"Then a letter. One."
"A letter?"
"Let me send one letter. Just so they know I'm alive. Please."
He doesn't respond.
"I won't ask for more. Just one letter, Alex. Please."
He stares at the ground.
"I have to think about it."
I laugh bitterly. "And you want a chance."
"Lili—"
"Give me the letter, and I'll give you the chance. That's the deal."
He looks up at me.
A couple of seconds pass and his eyes are still on mine
"Alright," he says softly. "One letter."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
Tears of relief fall this time.
Finally
I throw myself into his arms.
After a moment, he wraps his arms around me.
"Thank you," I whisper, buried in his shoulder.
"No, Lilith. Thank you."
We pull apart slowly. His eyes linger on mine.
He leans in.
I lean away.
"Alex."
He closes his eyes, regret obvious.
"I know. I'm sorry."
I stand. "You should go now."
"But—"
"We've talked. Go sleep."
He nods
I turn andi get inside but when im about to close the door, Alex hand stops it
"Alex?"
" Lilith….Ahem so tomorrow is the Ceremony of Booth. I remember you once said you wanted to see one, so... would you like to go?"
He looks like it physically hurts him to ask.
I smile—small, cautious.
"I'd love to."
His shoulders relax.
"Alright. Then…um i guess I'll see you tomorrow."
He turns.
"Alex."
He stops.
"Goodnight."i smile
"Goodnight, Lilith." and so does he