Octavian, the Head of Central Province

As Lilith and Apollyon settled into their thrones, the rest took their places as well. The occasion
commenced with a troupe of musicians, all humans, who held considerable popularity among
the attendees.
Lilith, after a prolonged time, immersed herself in the local music, which brought an
overwhelming sense of joy. Observing her delight, Apollyon couldn't help but share in her
happiness, his attention also drawn to the musicians.
In a voice audible only to Lilith, Apollyon mused, "Doesn't this music serve as a reminder of our
own essence?"
"Us? How?" Lilith asked, keeping her gaze fixated on the musicians.
"Two pairs met as their destiny entwined," Apollyon whispered.
"But we aren't soulmates," Lilith said.
"We are," Apollyon responded softly, and their eyes locked in a meaningful exchange. Lilith
blinked rapidly, her gaze briefly caught in his before she looked away.
"Allow me to enjoy the music," Lilith expressed, her tone gentle.
Apollyon hummed in acknowledgment of her request, but his gaze remained fixed on her.
"Shift your gaze, Apollyon," Lilith implored when she realized his unwavering stare.
A playful grin curved Apollyon's lips as he confessed, "Lilith, your beauty is captivating. It's
impossible for me to divert my eyes."
Lilith's smile remained subtle, her lips resisting the urge to break into a broader one. His
endearing words stirred her heart, causing it to beat faster in response.
Raising the chalice, Apollyon brought it to his lips, taking a sip of the wine. If the evening led him
to a state of intoxication, it wouldn't be due to the wine's effects, but rather the presence of Lilith
that had this effect on him.
Jareth keenly observed the depth of his brother's infatuation with Lilith. Despite her apparent
indifference, Apollyon persisted in his attempts to win her over, a spectacle that amused Jareth
enough to let out a chuckle. He opted to disregard their interactions and focused on the music.
Breaking free from Lilith's trance, Apollyon's awareness returned as the music concluded,
prompted by Lilith's delighted applause.
For the very first time, he witnessed her smile with genuine and unrestrained joy, a sight that
confirmed his intense feelings for her once again. Ensnared by her enchantment, he questioned
whether he would allow himself to relinquish control tonight and draw closer to her.
Lilith turned her head to look at Apollyon, finding his eyes shimmering bright red, a sight that
intrigue her. "Why are your eyes red? Are you alright?" She asked with a bit of worry in her tone.
"It's the effect of your love, Lilith. I am unable to control my emotions," Apollyon stated and
chugged the content from the chalice.
The dance performers enter soon, which consisted of a group of ten female dancers.
"I have to dress up less beautifully then," Lilith asserted.
"Well, I will still be attracted to you," Apollyon responded and looked at the center stage finally.
Lilith also glanced in that direction, ready to enjoy another performance.
However, the provocative choreography executed by the dancers left Lilith feeling uneasy. As
she glanced around, she noticed that everyone else's eyes were fixated on the performers.
Even Apollyon's gaze was directed toward them.
A wave of disappointment washed over her. Earlier he was not immersed in the music, but he
was also captivated by the dance. Could it be that he was charmed by one of those dancers?
Lilith got stunned when one of the dancers came too close to them, only a meter away from
them. She furrowed her brows together when the dancer moved her hips provocatively, in an
attempt to seduce Apollyon. Now, all Lilith hoped for was the end of this dance.
The devils started entering the stage to dance with those dancers which made Lilith think to
leave that hall. Why were men like this? A thought waved in her mind when Apollyon's voice
roared in the hall.
"Bring the dance to a halt," he commanded. Karin swiftly signaled the dancers to exit the stage,
and they vanished from the hall in short order.
"Have you all completely lost your senses?" Apollyon's fury was unveiled, a side of him rarely
seen, while Lilith looked at him in utter perplexity.
"What did we do, Your Majesty?" Octavian asked, a sly smirk still present on his lips as he
brought the chalice close to his mouth.
"My Queen is present here. Be respectful toward her," Apollyon declared. Those who had been
performing on the stage promptly expressed their apologies to him and retreated to their
designated spots.
"Did you arrange for these dancers?" Apollyon queried Karin, who affirmed with a nod.
"You could have chosen more appropriate performers. Remain at the center of the foray
throughout the entire evening. Should you attempt to shift from your position, be prepared to
face a fiery fate," Apollyon proclaimed the penalty, causing Karin to become visibly alarmed.
Lilith found herself contemplating the sudden surge of Apollyon's anger. "Let's not allow anger to
taint this occasion. They were here to entertain. Consider pardoning Karin," she intervened.
Apollyon's gaze eventually shifted toward her. "They disregarded your presence," he replied
with a firm tone.
"I don't mind it," Lilith fibbed, but Apollyon saw through her pretense. "They haven't been
accustomed to the presence of a woman among them. That might explain their behavior," she
reasoned, her gaze sweeping over the gathering of devils present at the grand feast.
"Why don't we get introduced to each other? Everything is new to me and I have yet to know all
of you," Lilith stated with a gentle smile, bringing solace to the atmosphere.
She brought her hand above Apollyon's hand and gently caressed it, calming him down.
"I am Lilith as you all know. My father was a doctor for the last royal family. I have not much to
tell about myself. I do think you all must be aware of how I woke up your lord," Lilith stated,
keeping a gentle smile on her lips.
"I am Octavian, the Head of the Central Province, Your Majesty. I am glad to meet Her Majesty
on this beautiful evening. Please forgive us for being neglectful toward her presence," he said
and gazed at the devil seated next to him.