Cassian spoke with the nobles first, as Lilith had asked, then went to find Diana to say goodbye for the night.
"Congratulations on your marriage, son. May you and Her Highness have a lifeti of happiness together. Soon you shall be nad king and bring glory to the Mortir na. Your father would be proud," Diana said, her hand settling on Cassian’s arm.
"Thank you. Before the other guests grow too rowdy, you should retire to your chamber. Have a maid bring your supper to you and don’t leave during the night," said Cassian.
Diana smiled, ward as always by how carefully he looked after her. "I was hoping we might spend a little ti together before I retire. We ought to celebrate your wedding."
Cassian clasped his hands behind his back. "And leave my bride alone all night? No, I must go to our chamber soon."
Diana kept her disappointnt from showing. "Have you considered that the princess might need a mont to prepare herself? Wedding nights can be daunting for most ladies, and her situation is not an easy one."
"My wife doesn’t need ti to prepare. I expect she is already waiting," Cassian answered.
"Why hold the wedding before the coronation? It only hands the church another reason to oppose you. You had the power to seal your place as king first, yet you spent your ti arranging a wedding," Richard said, irritated that the pair spoke about useless matters.
"Good to see you as well, uncle. The coronation takes place tomorrow, and I will be king. It is only a day behind the wedding," Cassian said.
"Don’t let yourself get too caught up over a woman, especially a Beaufort-"
Cassian’s gaze moved to Richard, a coldness resting behind it. "Lilith is a Mortir now. Are you so drunk that you have already forgotten this is a wedding, or are you simply being foolish?"
Richard ran his tongue over his lower lip. He was accustod to Cassian’s coldness, but there was sothing more behind it tonight. "I speak as soone who cares for you. The church does not support this marriage, and holding the coronation second was an error in judgent."
It gave the court and others more ti to question the legitimacy of Cassian’s claim to the throne. It didn’t matter that he had taken it by force.
Cassian took one step towards Richard, looking down at him with a hint of annoyance in his eyes. "When I am crowned king, Lilith will be crowned queen at my side as my wife. That leaves no space for anyone to question her place."
"I don’t concern myself with what the church and the nobles object to. I will create a new river in this town with their blood if they get in my way. If you question my plans again, you may find yourself floating down it," Cassian said, his voice low, which made it worse than if he had shouted.
Diana looked between the two n.
The two most powerful figures in the family could not afford to fight each other tonight.
"The two of you should find so wine or rum and settle yourselves. There is no use in quarrelling now that it is done. Cassian, go to your guests and work on winning the nobles present over to your side," Diana said, stepping between them.
Cassian’s gaze did not shift from Richard. "A wedding was arranged quickly enough. A funeral can be arranged just as fast. I would hate for you to miss the coronation, uncle."
Richard let out a short laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "Forgive an old man for questioning his king. I ought to bow to the man who killed the forr king. Congratulations on your wedding, nephew. May the night go well for you."
Cassian didn’t believe a word of it, but he let Richard have the mont. Lilith was waiting.
"I shall do you the favour of speaking with the nobles. Good night," Richard said, excusing himself from Cassian’s side.
Diana let out a sigh of relief once Richard was gone. "Now is not the ti for this family to divide. We must face the nobles and the church as one. A divided house is an open door for our enemies. Do not forget that."
"I am well aware of it, but I will not hold my tongue when my marriage to Lilith is questioned," Cassian said, annoyed it had already started. "Return to the chamber assigned to you and rest. I am going to see my bride," he said, making it clear the conversation was over.
Diana reached for his arm, not yet ready to let him go. "I was hoping we might still talk."
"Mother," Cassian said, gently but removed her hand. "I am going to see my wife. If you have sothing important to say, we have the morning. Rest well and enjoy the night," he said, already moving away.
"Good night, son," Diana said softly, watching him go.
Cassian walked away before anyone else could pull him from Lilith’s side.
With so many guests filling the castle, Cassian needed to be near Lilith to protect her.
He soon arrived at the bedchamber. The guards outside announced him before the door was opened.
Maids filed out quickly with their heads lowered, careful not to disturb the newlyweds.
The room was warm and dimly lit, with candles placed along the windowsill and beside the bed.
Lilith sat with her back to him, still in the position the maids had left her in when they finished dressing her for the night, her hands resting in her lap.
Cassian slowly approached her, eagerly awaiting the sight of her dressed for the night.
Lilith glanced over her shoulder first, then rose. She turned to face him, revealing the gown prepared for this mont.
She noticed that Cassian kept his gaze on her face. "I hope you did as I asked and settled the nobles," she said, moving closer to him.
"I did," Cassian answered, his gaze dropping slowly to take in the rest of her.
Lilith stopped before him and pressed her hand flat against his chest, feeling the steady beat beneath her palm. "Good. Then we can give our attention to our wedding night."
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