Bathing Ritual 2

Zoey and the other two attendants helped Lilith get dressed for the bathing ritual. Lilith was
adorned in an elegant white satin dress with subtle slits, but she couldn't shake off the
discomfort it brought her. According to the custom, she was supposed to sit naked in the
bathtub alongside her husband, but she vehemently disagreed with the idea.
"Her Majesty shall go inside," Zoey said.
Lilith felt weird to hear the title 'Her Majesty' for her. She didn't know one day she would become
the Queen. Amidst that Lilith could not hide her nervousness about being alone in the bathhouse with
Apollyon. He was trying to woo her. She was determined not to let him get close to her.
"Your Majesty, please go inside," Zoey entreated humbly, gesturing to the servants to open the
door for their Queen.
Lilith took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself, and gracefully stepped into the bathhouse.
As the large doors closed behind her, a sense of anticipation engulfed her. She clasped her
hands together, intertwining her fingers, seeking solace.
She was greeted by a row of long, billowing white curtains, their fabric would merely conceal the
silhouette of a person.
"Lilith, are you going to stand there for eternity?" Apollyon's deep voice reverberated through the
air, reaching her ears. "Or shall I come and whisk you away?" he added mischievously.
Lilith could sense the amusement on Apollyon's face even though they were not face-to-face.
He loved teasing her and she experienced it a few times already.
Gathering her courage, Lilith ventured beyond the veiled curtains, her steps guided by a mixture
of apprehension and curiosity.
As she approached the pool of water, its surface glistening with the soft glow of candles, Lilith's
attention drew to Apollyon's back. It was her first time seeing Apollyon unclothed, or partially so.
Her gaze traced the contours of his muscular back and broad shoulders, captivated momentarily
by that sight.
As Apollyon turned around, Lilith froze at her place, her eyes grew wider momentarily before
they rapidly blinked.
She noticed how the water droplets trickled down the center of his chest and moved down,
disappearing into the pool of water. And her name was truly carved on his chest.
Apollyon's eyes roamed over Lilith's figure, his gaze tracing her from head to toe. He hadn't
expected her to look so stunning in those robes. The hunger for her was evident in his eyes, but
it was mingled with his profound love as well.
"Lilith!" Apollyon voiced her name and she came out of the trance. Their eyes met, and in that
moment, a sense of calm washed over her as she peered into his captivating golden orbs.
"Come," Apollyon beckoned, a gentle smile gracing his lips. Like a true gentleman, he extended
his hand, silently urging Lilith to take hold of it and join him in the pool.
"The longer you make me wait, the longer you have to spend time with me in this pool," he
playfully pronounced, his smirk widening.
Lilith didn't stand still anymore and walked toward him. However, she didn't hold Apollyon's
hand, which made him chuckle. As she cautiously placed her foot onto the marble floor of the
pool, she suddenly lost her footing.
A low scream escaped Lilith's lips as she feared she might injure herself in the fall. However, the
worst happened.
In her stumble, she collided with Apollyon, who struggled to maintain his balance as well. Her
hands instinctively pressed against his bare chest, and within moments, they both found
themselves submerged in the water. Lilith's heart raced as she emerged out of the water, and
she gasped for the air.
She felt Apollyon's warm hands on her bare arms, their faces drawn intimately close to one
another. Water droplets adorned their features, veiling them in a watery haze.
Lilith blinked several times before her breathing turned stable as she regained her composure.
Part of her wished to create distance between them, but Apollyon's unwavering gaze held her
captive. She found herself enchanted by his gaze, unable to break free from the captivating
spell of his eyes.
"Are you alright?" Apollyon inquired, bringing Lilith out of her thoughts.
"Yes, I am," Lilith replied and moved away quickly from him.
Lilith's eyes landed on Apollyon's chest where he engraved her name. She gazed again into his
eyes and lowered her body into the water. An intoxicating scent, reminiscent of blooming
flowers, enveloped her senses, evoking a strange familiarity. She couldn't deny that the
fragrance stirred something within her.
"Why did they choose a perfume intended for..." Lilith hesitated to speak, unwilling to divulge the
complete thought to Apollyon.
"To increase our sexual desires for each other," Apollyon replied as if he read her mind. His
words carried a mischievousness that mirrored the smirk on his lips. "It is customary for
newlyweds," he added, emphasizing the significance with a playful gleam in his eyes.
"You weren't supposed to enter the pool fully clothed, but I like your innocence," Apollyon said
as he moved closer to her.
"We should keep a distance," Lilith said, wondering if he was fully naked. Her gaze was no
longer on him and she swiftly turned her back on him.
Her hands gently rubbed her arms, thinking of a way to escape the bathhouse.
Apollyon approached her from behind and rested his hands on her shoulders. Lilith stopped the
motion of her hands, her heart began thumping against her chest.
"I am well aware of how shy you are! You have still not considered me as your husband, so I
decided not to enter the pool fully naked. I never changed my decisions for anyone, but for you I
did. You can understand your significance in my life," Apollyon whispered. He slowly moved her
hair to the other side. His lips were merely an inch apart before he brushed them on her earlobe,
kissing it.
"Apollyon, you should stop," Lilith softly said.
Immediately Apollyon pulled his lips away from her earlobe.
Lilith turned around to face him. "But you have no significance in my life. My words may hurt
you, but it is the truth. You and I can never be together. I will seal you one day and you may
regret loving me," she proclaimed, her unwavering gaze depicting the deep hatred she still
carried for Apollyon.
"I could have forced everything on you. However, I didn't. It is easier for me to overpower you,"
Apollyon's voice showed his sadness. "I love you and that is the reason, I do not want to hurt
you in any way," he said. His thumb traced the top of her lips, wiping the water droplets from
them.
"The more you push me away, the more you will find me getting close to you. The same will
happen to you. I only need to kiss you once to break your illusion toward me. But I won't do it
since I want you to tell me to kiss you someday. That day will come soon, Lilith," Apollyon
affirmed with determination.