When Lilith woke up, the clock read a few minutes past twelve, and the prince was no longer beside her—or anywhere in the room. She stretched, took her time freshening up, and prepared for the day. Once she was ready, she made her way downstairs to the kitchen, where she found Fiona and Eldric already at work, preparing lunch for the prince and the nobles.
With nothing else to do, Lilith joined them, helping with the meal while they chatted casually. An hour later, the food was ready, and the three of them sat around the table to eat.
"Eldric and I were planning to go to the market tomorrow to get a gift for Madam Thalia," Fiona said with a gloomy sigh, her lips forming a slight pout. "But this horrible snow just won't let us leave the palace."
Lilith frowned and glanced between them. "A gift? Why are you getting a gift for her?"
"Her birthday's coming up soon," Eldric replied.
"Oh, that's wonderful. I had no idea! I'd love to get her something too," Lilith said, smiling.
