The Ross Castle’s gates opened as Lilith’s entourage rode into the courtyard.
The Underwood banners fluttered against the morning breeze, their sigil, a great white tree on a black background embossed on it.
Fluttering above as if in welcome was the Ross family’s sigil, a golden raven on a green field.
Ren stood waiting at the entrance, his posture relaxed, but his mind already working through the potential problems.
From what he knew of Lilith from visiting her, she wasn’t… right in the head. So, his problem was how would he stop her… quirks from showing in front of his parents?
As Lilith descended from her horse, he barely had time to brace himself before she rushed forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
"You took too long to invite me." She murmured against his shoulder, her embrace lingering longer than necessary.
Ren chuckled, patting her back lightly. "I didn’t think you needed an invitation. You would’ve come either way."
She pulled back, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "True. But I like being welcomed properly."
Ren shook his head but smiled nonetheless. "Welcome to Ross Castle, Lilith."
Behind her, Lady Maria, Ren’s mother, cleared her throat as she stepped forward, a warm smile on her face. "Lady Underwood, it is a pleasure to host you. You must be tired from the journey."
Lilith turned to her with a graceful nod, her demeanor shifting into one of refined elegance.
"Lady Ross, thank you for welcoming me. The journey was pleasant, and I appreciate your hospitality."
She sounded… polite, measured, entirely different from the Lilith Ren had known in private.
His mother smiled approvingly. "I trust your accommodations will be to your liking. If there is anything you require, do not hesitate to ask."
"You are too kind." Lilith responded with a smile of her own. "I will be sure to let you know."
"Ren, show her to your father." Ren’s mother nodded before stepping aside, allowing Lilith to move forward toward the castle.
"Yes, mother." He smiled as Lilith wrapped curtsied to his mother.
She carried herself with grace as she followed him, making her way to the entrance hall where Ren’s father, Lord Ross, was waiting to receive her.
As they walked, Ren kept glancing at her, looking for any signs of the possessiveness he had become used to. But there were none.
She bowed respectfully before his father. "Lord Ross, I am honored to visit your home."
Lord Ross studied her with a careful gaze before nodding. "You have grown since I last saw you, Lady Underwood. I trust your father is well."
"He is, my lord." Lilith answered, just like any other demure young lady. "He sends his regards."
There was no unnecessary familiarity, no clinginess, no hints of the obsessive attachment Ren had seen from her before. She was acting perfectly as an ideal noble lady should.
And that, more than anything, unsettled him.
He didn’t even know whether to be relieved or suspicious.
After the formalities were done, they both took a stroll around the castle grounds.
His mother’s gardens were vibrant with the colors of early spring, the scent of blooming flowers drifting through the air. The stone paths beneath their feet felt cool even under the sun’s warmth.
Lilith walked beside him, hands folded behind her back, a soft hum escaping her lips. "The capital will be wonderful, don’t you think?"
Ren glanced at her. "I imagine it will be eventful."
She turned to him, her eyes twinkling. "There is so much we will do together."
"We’ll visit the noble districts, attend the King’s banquet, explore the market streets— oh, and we should watch the tournament together."
Ren hesitated. "Lilith, you know I’ll be competing in the tournament. I won’t always be available."
Lilith frowned slightly but quickly smoothed her expression. "That’s fine. I’ll watch you win. And when you’re not competing, we’ll spend the rest of the time together."
Ren frowned. "There may be other matters I have to attend to. I won’t always be able to—"
"No." Lilith interrupted. "We will spend our time together."
Ren turned to look at her fully, and there it was. That intensity that had been missing earlier.
The way she was looking at him now reminded him of the Lilith who had thrown a knife at Elias for daring to interrupt their time together.
She took a step closer, her eyes locking onto his. "I’ve waited too long for this, Ren. We will be together in the capital. I won’t let anything get in the way of that."
Ren carefully chose his next words. "Lilith, I want you to enjoy the capital. You should meet other nobles, form new connections. This is an opportunity for you to—"
"I only need you." She said simply, as if just by saying it, the world would come together to make it true.
Ren felt a chill run down his spine at the sight in front of him.
He had always known of her attachment to him, but the sheer finality in her tone made him realize something that he had been trying to avoid.
Lilith wasn’t just possessive. She was entirely focused on him.
She reached for his hand, lacing her fingers through his, holding onto him tightly. "We’ll make so many memories, Ren. Every moment we have in the capital will be ours."
Ren tried to keep his voice light. "There will be times when I’m unavailable. You’ll need to be patient."
Lilith’s grip tightened slightly. "That’s what worries me."
Ren’s heart began beating faster. "Lilith—"
"I don’t like being apart from you." She murmured, tilting her head. "And in the capital, there will be so many people, so many distractions. I won’t let anyone take you from me."
Ren felt a new emotion coiling in his gut at her words.
He had thought that the greatest obstacles in the capital would be the criminals, the nobles, and the rival knights in the tournament.
But now, he realized something else.
Lilith Underwood was going to be the most unpredictable element in all of it.
And if he wasn’t careful, she might become the greatest obstacle to his plans.
He would have to tread carefully.
With a carefully curated smile, he squeezed her hand gently and began walking again, guiding her along the garden path.
"You know what? Let’s just enjoy the journey for now. The capital will be waiting for us."
Lilith smiled, though the possessive gleam in her eyes remained. "Yes. And when we get there, I’ll make sure we never have to be apart."