Lilith approached to see how Richard was faring. She kept her distance, unwilling to involve herself too closely when she did not consider Richard her family. Cassian’s stare already hinted at his suspicion that she was behind the poisoning, but now was not the time for questions.

Lilith watched as Diana performed her role, feigning concern for Richard as though she had always cared. In Lilith’s eyes, too much display would only invite suspicion.

In the little time that Lilith knew Diana, she could tell that Diana hated him, which meant the relatives noticed it as well, so her behaviour now was too much.

’If they suspect her, it’s better for me,’ Lilith thought.

"Gerald," Lilith turned to her guard. "You should help them find the doctor while Alexander stays at my side. Mary, take him to the doctor’s chamber. You must both act quickly if his life is to be saved."

"Right away," Gerald replied, looking to Mary to lead the way.

Lilith continued to observe, wishing she had managed a bite of food. Watching Richard die was far less entertaining on an empty stomach. She considered whether it would be impolite to return to have a bite of the meat and some bed before coming back to Richard’s side.

Alexander ushered Lilith back as Richard was lifted by his son and carried away to be seen by the doctor. Richard’s silence troubled him as it was a bad sign that he might not see the next day.

Alexander stepped aside as Cassian approached with Diana trailing close behind.

Cassian slipped his arm around Lilith’s waist, pulling her near. "Are you well?" he asked, memories of her poisoning herself flashing in his mind. Fortunately, she hadn’t placed herself in danger today.

Lilith nodded, going along with Cassian’s act. She knew what he wanted from coming to her. "I am well, but your uncle is not. You should go to his side. Your cousins will need your support."

"She is right," Diana agreed quickly. "The celebration can wait until we know Richard is well. We should have stopped him from drinking sooner. I hate to think it has led to this state," she said, pressing her hand to her chest.

"I must speak to my wife alone first," Cassian said, moving Lilith aside. He led her to a quiet corner.

"Not here," Lilith said, touching his cheek. "It is dangerous to speak here. You must focus on your poor uncle."

Cassian had many questions for her, but seeing her composure now, he knew he would not get the answers he sought.

"Did you get the chance to eat?" he asked, shifting the topic.

"No. I only had wine. Seeing what happened to your uncle, I think I shall stop drinking for the night. You mustn’t drink either. I know how emotions run wild when a loved one is ill, but don’t," Lilith said, caressing his face. "I will do my part to keep the others calm."

Cassian studied her, curious how she managed it. He did not question why she might target Richard, as he already knew of their talk. He only wanted to know how.

Lilith lowered her hand. "Go to your cousins and comfort them. If their father dies, only you can guide them through it."

"Return to our bedchamber. I will have your dinner sent there. There will be no celebration after what has happened to Richard," Cassian decided.

"The servants worked hard to prepare the dinner. We must offer the guests some food and let the servants enjoy the rest. We must not waste food at a time like this," Lilith said, her eyes sweeping over the tables. "We don’t need any more celebrations with feasts." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Go on," Lilith added, realising she was keeping him too long. "Your cousins await you."

Cassian caught her by surprise, leaning down to kiss her lips. It was brief as his lips lingered on her own for a second before he pulled away. He was not angry with Lilith for what she did. All that mattered was that she was not the ill one. "Straight to the chamber and no more plotting."

"I wasn’t the one who kept offering him drinks. That had nothing to do with me," Lilith whispered, leaning forward to embrace him. "Be safe," she said before parting.

Lilith meant every word. She had planned from the start to poison Richard, but she had not forced his endless drinking. Still, it gave her the perfect opportunity to mask her deed beneath his drinking.

Lilith returned to where Alexander and Diana stood as Cassian went to his cousins. Her plans were unfolding neatly. All she needed was for Cassian to remain occupied with comforting them, leaving no room for tension.

"Cassian has gone to see Richard and to offer comfort to his cousins. He says the celebration is over, so I have decided the guests will have their food sent to their chambers, and the servants will eat from the feast," Lilith told Diana.

Diana looked at all her hard work, which was now wasted. "I wish I had not thought of celebrating with the others. So much food is prepared, and most of it will not be eaten."

"There are many servants in the castle. The food will be eaten, and it will give them strength to carry on. Do not see it as a waste. Still, we must agree the castle does not need more celebrations for a while," Lilith said.

"I agree," Diana replied.

Lilith placed her right hand lightly on Diana’s back. "You must be concerned about Richard. You should go to his side."

Diana almost let her mask slip at the suggestion. She wanted only to confirm his death, not to comfort him or his sons.

"No. His sons and Cassian are enough. You may return to your chamber while I order the maids to plate the food for the guests and let them have the rest. I shall send a maid to your chamber with food," Diana offered.

"It is kind of you, but my maid will bring my food once she returns. I wish you well and pray for Richard’s recovery. Excuse me," Lilith said, tilting her head in farewell.