Yes, I am mad at you

Apollyon halted abruptly, his gaze locking with Lilith's, noting her raspy breathing. "You need to admit soon how much I affect you," he whispered, his voice a seductive blend of command and allure. Taking a step back, he added, "You can leave."

"Are you still upset with me?" Lilith asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"Yes, I am mad at you. What you told me this morning, I can't forget that," Apollyon stated, his voice dripping with anger and hurt. Before Lilith could respond, he vanished into thin air, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Lilith slumped back against the wall, sighing deeply. She stayed there for a moment, trying to steady herself, before finally stepping out and heading to the living room.

Zoey was still there, waiting for her. Upon seeing the Queen return alone, Zoey's eyes widened with concern, sensing immediately that something was amiss between Lilith and Apollyon.

"I would like to have breakfast," Lilith said as she was feeling hungry. Last night she didn't eat after seeing so many items on the feast table. She had her breakfast in silence, but she didn't enjoy it. She now hoped that breakfast would help steady her nerves.

Seated at the grand dining table, Lilith ate her breakfast in silence. Despite the delicious spread before her, she found little joy in the meal. The absence of Apollyon weighed heavily on her mind, casting a gloomy atmosphere in the pleasant morning.

After finishing, she dabbed the napkin across her mouth, took a sip of water, and placed the napkin back on the table. Rising to her feet, she signaled to Zoey, who had been waiting nearby.

Zoey followed closely as they walked outside, her concern growing with each step. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she asked, "Your Majesty, what happened? Since this morning, you seem lost and troubled. Not to mention, even the King didn't look happy." Zoey hoped that sharing Lilith's worries might alleviate some of her stress.

Lilith paused, looking at Zoey with a mix of gratitude and sadness. "Apollyon is upset with me," she admitted, her voice soft. "Something I said to him this morning... it hurt him deeply. And now, his absence is unsettling. I can't seem to focus on anything else."

"Oh," Zoey nodded sympathetically, understanding the depth of the bond between the King and Queen. "Perhaps speaking with him again could help, Your Majesty. Sometimes, even a few words can amend the matter."

"I talked to him, Zoey. However, it didn't end well," Lilith said, her voice tinged with regret. "Something happened between us last night," she continued, turning to face Zoey fully. "Someone mixed aphrodisiacs in our drinks, I think. I wasn't in my right mind, and I said a few things to him in my intoxicated state. Things got physical," she confided in Zoey, her cheeks flushing slightly. Zoey was the only woman she felt comfortable discussing such matters with, especially since Sister Elena had already left.

"Isn't that good, though? Her Majesty finally got physical with His Majesty?" Zoey asked, trying to find a silver lining in the situation.

"In the morning, I regretted letting it happen," Lilith confessed, shaking her head. "Oh, the last step didn't happen. According to Apollyon, I fell asleep before it could." She sighed deeply, the weight of her actions pressing heavily on her.

"Your Majesty, why did you regret it? Even in a state of intoxication, you did what your body desired. Did you tell His Majesty how you felt?" Zoey inquired, her tone filled with concern.

"I regretted it because it wasn't how I wanted it to happen," Lilith explained, her voice quivering. "I wanted our first time to be meaningful, not influenced by some substance. And yes, I told Apollyon how I felt. He was hurt, Zoey. He felt used and betrayed. That's why he's so angry with me."

Zoey nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. "Your Majesty, perhaps you can explain to him how much he means to you, and that your actions were influenced by the aphrodisiac. Maybe then, he'll understand and forgive you."

"I hope so, Zoey," Lilith said softly, her eyes reflecting the deep sadness in them. "But it seems he won't forgive me easily. He doesn't even understand that I have yet to develop my whole feelings for him. And most importantly, I fear if this blood bond removes, he may not love me," she stated with a worried glance.

"Your Majesty, don't think that way. You are still in the process of exploring many things. And it's not easy to accept everything so quickly, especially given the fact you've suffered in the past," Zoey affirmed, her voice filled with understanding and compassion.

Lilith nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Hmm," she murmured, acknowledging Zoey's words. She then turned and left for the garden, hoping to find some solace among the flowers and trees.

~~~~~~

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit chamber, Apollyon grabbed the throat of a trembling man, his eyes burning with fury. "Didn't I tell you to bring me the report soon? You truly tried to run away, didn't you?" he growled, tightening his grip.

The man gasped for air, his face contorted in fear. "My Lord, please! I was... I was delayed, not trying to run away. I swear!" he stammered under the pressure on his throat.

Apollyon's expression hardened as he leaned in closer. "Do you take me for a fool?" he hissed. "I do not tolerate disobedience or cowardice." He loosened his grip just enough to allow the man to speak.

"I'm sorry, my Lord," the man wheezed, his eyes wide with terror. "There were complications... unexpected obs-obstacles," he added quickly, fumbling to pull a rolled-up folded documents from his tunic.

Apollyon snatched them from the man's trembling hands, his eyes scanning the document quickly. He let go of the man's hands, who gasped for the much-needed air while caressing his neck.

"Your Majesty, this I retrieved from an old ledger of the royal family. I swear I never tried to fool you," the man stated while worrying for his life.

"They don't hold any information about Oliver," Apollyon stated, glaring at the man. "Victor, you were the one, who used to keep all the ledgers with you. I want the one in which the last royal physician information is present. Don't make me repeat my words the next time I come to you," he pronounced.

Victor's eyes widened in extreme fear. "Your Majesty, when do you need that?" he asked with a trembling voice.

"Tomorrow morning," Apollyon said and looked at the bag, placed next to the table. "You can't run away from me, Victor. You've a family, so put pressure in your mind and find out the information regarding Oliver at any cost. Failed to do so, you'll be perished tomorrow," he threatened Victor before disappearing from his sight.