The Cursed Demon Prince-Chapter 249: I Do

As the days passed, everything slowly returned to normal. The excitement and glamour surrounding Hades’ ascension to the throne had not entirely faded, only dulled slightly. Hades ordered the reconstruction of the eastern wing, the one that had once belonged to his father. Everything that had belonged to Azazel had been burned to ashes, save for a single painting of Celeste, which Hades hung upon the wall.

Still, the presence of the former king lingered so heavily that servants feared stepping into that wing. Lucian reassured them that, with time, they would overcome their fear. Azazel was never going to return.

He was gone forever.

Three weeks passed, and the palace walls brimmed with life once more as preparations for the wedding of Hades and Lilith reached their peak.

Everything was flawless, perfect. Lucian and Vanessa had outdone themselves with the planning and decoration of the wedding hall. Yet despite the beauty surrounding her, Lilith felt her heart race with every passing minute, her anxiety growing stronger. She had hardly slept the night before. It wasn’t that she hadn’t tried, sleep simply refused to come. It was as though it, too, was aware of the grand ceremony awaiting her.

Charlotte stood behind her, carefully fixing the crown of the veil into her hair, while three maids moved around her, ensuring her gown sat perfectly. The wedding dress had been made by her mother, hand-sewn with meticulous care. Lilith had been skeptical at first, but the moment the dress was delivered, all doubt vanished.

Dear heavens, how could she complain?

It was far beyond anything she had ever imagined.

Her heart swelled at the sight of it, overwhelmed by the love and effort her mother had poured into every stitch.

"Excuse me, ladies?"

Lilith’s thoughts were broken by the sound of Viktor’s voice. He peeked through the door before stepping fully into the room and closing it behind him.

"Oh my," he breathed, a wide smile spreading across his face as his eyes took in her appearance. "You look absolutely beautiful, like an angel descending from the heavens."

Lilith felt warmth bloom in her cheeks. "You are very kind, Viktor. Thank you. And you look rather handsome yourself."

He wore black trousers paired with a thick burgundy coat over a dark undershirt, a single rose tucked neatly into his breast pocket. His hair was trimmed and styled with care.

"Ah, thank you, dear sister," he replied, clearly pleased. His gaze then shifted slowly to Charlotte.

"I’m all done," Charlotte announced, helping Lilith to her feet before stepping back.

Viktor hummed appreciatively. "A peach dress, hmm. You certainly know how to tempt me, my dear," he murmured against Charlotte’s ear, his hand lingering dangerously close to the curve of her backside.

Charlotte instinctively stepped away, her face reddening. "Behave yourself," she muttered. "We are not alone."

"But I’m not doing anything wrong," he said lightly. "It’s not as if I’m telling you how tempted I am to bend you over that table and fuck you into oblivion."

Her face burned even hotter, and Charlotte nearly choked on her own breath.

She wasn’t usually one to be easily flustered but something about Viktor had a way of unraveling her composure entirely.

"Charlotte, are you alright?" Lilith asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked between Charlotte and Viktor.

"Of course, I’m alright," Charlotte replied almost immediately, instantly regretting how overly pitched her voice sounded. She cleared her throat, about to speak again, but Viktor beat her to it.

"It’s time already. I think we should begin heading out," he said smoothly. "We don’t want to keep the groom waiting, do we?"

He extended his hand toward Lilith. She drew in a deep breath before placing her hand in his.

Charlotte swallowed, grateful for the diversion. She could already feel sweat gathering in her palms. If she was to survive the night, she would need to keep her distance from this dangerously charming man named Viktor.

Drawing in a steady breath, she squared her shoulders and composed herself before trailing behind them. Together, they made their way out of the room toward the wedding hall, which was located on the same floor.

As they approached the entrance, Lilith spotted her mother.

Vanessa looked exquisite in a pale blue gown, her hair pinned neatly atop her head with a few soft curls framing her face. Tears welled in her eyes as she stepped forward to meet Lilith.

"Oh, my dearest," she whispered, holding Lilith by the shoulders before pulling her into a gentle embrace. "You are so beautiful. Gods, I can hardly believe you’re getting married."

"Thank you, Mother," Lilith said warmly, returning her smile. "You look beautiful as well. Blue suits you perfectly."

"Shall we?" Viktor asked.

"Of course," Vanessa chuckled lightly, offering him a small smile which he returned.

Over the past few weeks, Viktor and Vanessa had been quietly working on their relationship. At first, Lilith had nearly given up, believing the effort was pointless. But Hades had urged her to be patient with them both. Slowly, progress followed. It began with Viktor acknowledging her presence, then relaxing around her. Small conversations turned into longer ones, and now, things were noticeably better.

Her mother and brother took their places at either side of her as the massive wooden doors creaked open, revealing the grand hall beyond. Soft music filled the air as they began their walk down the aisle.

With hundreds of eyes upon her, everything else faded away, everything except Hades.

He looked even more breathtaking each time she saw him. His coat fit him like a second skin, accentuating his commanding presence and natural aura of confidence.

Standing tall, hands clasped behind his back, his eyes never left her.

Lilith could hear her heartbeat pounding in her ears. Her throat tightened as tears threatened to spill, and she forced them back, unwilling to ruin her makeup before the ceremony even began.

After what felt like a thousand steps, they finally reached him.

Vanessa placed Lilith’s hand into Hades’, and he immediately wrapped his fingers around hers. He mouthed something to Vanessa, but Lilith was far too busy gazing at him to catch a single word.

Hades’ eyes returned to her face, lighting up as his breath caught.

"I might actually be dead and in heaven, because gods... you look like a goddess, my love. So fucking breathtaking," he whispered as they made their way toward where the officiant stood.

Lilith was certain her cheeks were already flushed crimson. She couldn’t even find the words to respond.

"Shall we begin?" Lucian asked.

Without looking at him, they both nodded.

"Very well." Lucian cleared his throat. "Welcome, people of Valeria. We are gathered here today to witness the blessed union between His Majesty, King Hades Arthorne, and Lady Lilith Sherburn. Now, we shall begin."

"You should face each other," Lucian murmured.

They did as instructed.

"Do you, Lilith Sherburn, take Hades Arthorne as your lawful husband, to love and support, cherish and protect, from this day henceforth until death?"

"Yes, I do."

Lucian turned to Hades.

"Do you, King Hades Arthorne, take Lilith Sherburn as your lawful wife, to love and support, honor, cherish, and protect from this day henceforth until death?"

"Yes, I do."

"Bring the rings forward," Lucian said.

The ring bearer stepped forward, handing him a small velvet pillow. "You may now exchange rings."

Lilith was the first to reach for a golden band, sliding it onto Hades’ finger with trembling hands. Then Hades took the second ring and gently slipped it onto her slender finger.

"Now that the vows have been spoken and the rings exchanged," Lucian announced, "I officiate this marriage. In the eyes of the gods, our ancestors, and the people of Valeria, I pronounce you husband and wife."

A pause.

"You may now kiss your bride."

Hades did not hesitate.

His arm slipped around Lilith’s waist, pulling her close as he captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Applause and cheers erupted throughout the hall, echoing off the marble walls.

"I could kiss you forever," Hades whispered against her lips, his breath warm against her skin. Even without looking at him, she could feel the desire radiating from him, the strain in his voice barely concealed.

Lilith pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. "An hour with our guests, then we retire for the night," she murmured.

His eyes darkened, a slow, dangerous smile curving his lips. "Not a minute later. My restraint is hanging by a very thin thread, my love."

Lilith brushed her lips against his in a teasing kiss. "Not a minute later."