Beloved

Chp. 69

Lilith

I looked at the empty side of the bed. I was alone again tonight. I recalled what he had told me the night before.

"W-Where are you going?"

He looked back at me and sat at the edge of the bed beside me.

"There's someone I must meet. I don't want to delay it any further."

"W-Who?"

"You'll be able to meet her as well."

I wondered who this person was to him. She must've been very important to him.

"How l-long will you be gone for?"

I was worried to hear his answer because if it would be another few weeks, I didn't think I would be able to let him go. But his warm smile assured me it wouldn't be long this time.

"Just a few days. It's not far from here so don't worry."

He pulled me close and pressed his lips against my forehead. When he pulled away, I caressed his face and pulled him back to me to place a kiss on his lips. Even as I did this, I felt shy.

"H-Hurry back to me..."

I looked at him shyly while he looked at me with wide eyes.

"I will."

*

All finished. Did I forget anyone?

I checked over just in case I missed anyone and stacked the invitation letters on the side of the table.

I climbed down the stairs from the library in the North Tower. The library here was enormous, overwhelmed with books. The sweet, musky smell between the pages wafted into my nose and lingered. Some had a tint of the smell of vanilla. It was the perfect place for me to soothe my mind and body.

"Good Evening, Lady Lilith."

"G-Good Evening."

Everyone seemed to be in good spirits. I've heard from the girls that this was the first ball at Draylum. Even though the North Tower had been standing for a while, the ballroom was never really used. Even the male workers here seemed excited by the event.

"Now that we have a lady of Draylum, it seems like the place is coming to life."

I opened the doors to the ballroom and my lips parted in awe. It caught my breath as I'd never been in a space that made me feel so small. It was a completely different look from what I saw a few days ago. It was as if the place was sprinkled in gold. A crystal chandelier spiraled down the center of the arched ceiling ready to illuminate the glimmering golden walls and the floor so polished like that of a frozen river. The paintings on the ceiling looked as if they could come to life. It was such a clever idea as the colors of the paintings would change from the time of day.

The room held both the presence of Roem and Draylum. It was perfect.

It would be great for Khael's birthday celebration and for the people here. And a nice experience for me as well. I wanted to do something meaningful for Khael. My first ball would be with Khael.

What a magical experience it would be...

My heart pounded by the mere thought of it. I wondered if it would be something like the times I've seen the ball by my window in Roem. Perhaps even greater.

Days passed and everything was just about finished. The letters were also shared to the messengers for them to be delivered. I also felt a lot more comfortable with all the maternal teachings. Our baby Lovis was also in healthy condition. As a matter of fact, he's gotten a bit heavier.

My mind drifted to how Lovis would look. His eyes, nose, lips. I wondered whose they would resemble. I smiled in thought while placing the small pair of socks on the mini shelf beside the wall. I wanted to show Khael of how much this room had changed.

And like every other day, I sat on the soft rug in his room and spoke to Lovis briefly. They weren't long conversations but things that just popped into mind sometimes. The thoughts I had, things I've come to like, how my days were, and about Khael. I spoke to Lovis as I did to Khael.

You are so precious to me.

*

It feels so warm but rough. Someone was stroking my cheeks so gently. I wanted to lean against it.

"Why is she sleeping on the floor?"

Khael? This is Khael's voice.

I heard faint murmurs in the background as he spoke to someone.

"I told you not to have her stay up so late...It doesn't matter, just wake her up next time and bring her to her room."

A large blanket was wrapped over me and I felt warmth of his arms slide under to carry me. He was careful to place my head against his chest as we went to our room.

I forced my eyes to open and I only got a glimpse of his neck and lips. I looked up with my head still against his chest as my eyes tried to come to focus. When he felt my movements, he turned his attention to face me.

"I'm sorry did I wake you? I know it's a bit chilly, we're almost there."

I pressed my head against him further and rubbed my hand on his bare chest.

"Khael..."

Khael

I placed her down gently, hovering over her in bed. I peered down at her for a long moment in our dimly lit room. Her face faintly glowed from the dim light of our room. Something about her aura seemed different today. She held my attention like she always did.

My eyes trailed down to her clothes as I unwrapped the blanket I wrapped her in. She was in red wine but more musky in color. The soft lace long sleeves covered her arms and it held small ruffles by her cleavage. It wasn't sticking to her growing belly so it seemed quite comfortable but not the best to sleep in.

The necklace I gave her slipped down between her breasts from her movements and so I leaned down to grab it with my teeth. My hands reached behind her to unhook the light dress and started to pull it down her body.

"Mm..."

My eyes shifted back up to her.

"Cold aren't you. I'll cover you in a bit."

I pulled the rest out down from her legs and gently slipped her in a softer night gown. Just when I was about to tie the front she turned to grab onto my arm. I felt her breasts pressing onto them, skin to skin.

I smiled in thought.

This isn't so bad either.

She mumbled words I couldn't decipher but I responded even though I didn't understand. Even when she was half asleep, she pulled my hand close to her face as if to check that I was really here.

How adorable.

Although I knew she would not hear me. I wanted to share the news with her.

"I've brought her back with me. I'm sure you'd love to meet her as well."

I was already anticipating her reaction. I laid beside her, waiting for our morning to come.

*

Thank you