Chương 26: Given you two are... married...

As Adrian and Lilith stood in the courtyard, discussing their plans, the guard who had ushered them into the palace approached them once again. He walked briskly, almost at an apologetic pace, his eyes downcast as he came to a stop before them.

"My lord, my lady," the guard began, his voice respectful but tinged with nervousness, "I apologize for not waiting for you after the audience with the king and queen. I had to go prepare your room for the night."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his mind was still focused on their upcoming journey to face the Chimera. "Our room?" he asked in a neutral but questioning tone.

"Yes, my lord," the guard replied, nodding quickly. "The king has other guests, and most of the royal chambers are occupied. There's only one room available for you both to share. I assumed it wouldn't be a problem, given that you are…married." He hesitated slightly, as if expecting some sort of objection.

Adrian was about to correct the guard's assumption, his mouth already open to speak, but Lilith was quicker. She cut him off in a smooth voice, laced with playful mischief. "Of course, that's not a problem," she said, linking her arm with Adrian's in a gesture that was both possessive and affectionate.

She turned her gaze to the guard, her eyes wide with feigned hurt. "Wait, were you trying to separate me from my beloved husband?" she asked, placing her hand on her chest.

The guard's eyes widened in panic, and he quickly shook his head. "N-no, my lady! That was not my intention at all! I'm terribly sorry if it seemed that way."

Lilith's pout deepened for a moment before she broke into a smile. "It's alright dear. I was only teasing you," she said with a wink.

The guard heaved a sigh, looking visibly relieved, before bowing his head. "Thank you for your understanding, my lady. Your room is ready, and a hot bath is being prepared. If you are ready, I can show you the way."

Lilith clapped her hands, jumping slightly like an excited schoolgirl. "I love hot baths," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. She gestured for the guard to lead the way, and they began following him through the palace corridors.

As they walked, Adrian leaned in close to Lilith, his voice a low hiss. "Lilith…you'll have to tone this down a bit."

Lilith glanced up at him, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "What? Why?" she pouted, batting her eyelashes at him.

Adrian sighed, his patience thinning. "You're painting the wrong image. They'll think we're actually married."

Lilith's smile grew wider, her tone turning even more playful. "And what's wrong with that? I wouldn't mind if we were. We do make a great match, don't we?"

Adrian rolled his eyes, exasperation evident in his voice. "Unbelievable."

Lilith's laughter was soft and musical, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You did say I was full of surprises, Adrian. Well… buckle up. There are more to come."

Adrian shook his head, unable to suppress a small, reluctant smile at her antics. Despite the seriousness of their mission, Lilith had a way of lightening the mood, making the burden on his shoulders feel just a little bit lighter.

"You're insufferable," he muttered, but there was no heat in his words.

Lilith's smile grew wider, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.

"You like it," she teased.

And though he didn't reply, he couldn't deny that there was some truth to her words.

The guard finally led them to their room, pushing open the heavy wooden door to reveal a spacious chamber. The room was elegantly furnished, with thick rugs covering the stone floor and lush curtains framing the windows.

A king sized bed sat in the center of the room, and a small balcony overlooked the palace garden. There was a chair by the window and a door on the opposite side of the room led to what Adrian assumed was the restroom.

"Here you are," the guard said, his tone deferential. "If you need anything, please let me know."

"This is lovely," Lilith remarked, her eyes sweeping over the room. She walked in and did a 360° turn, taking in the sight before letting out a contented sigh. "Now this is what I call living."

The guard nodded, his expression a mixture of pride and embarrassment. "We hope you will enjoy your stay here, my lord, my lady. Should I come back to get you both for dinner, or should I have it delivered?" the guard asked, standing at attention near the door.

"Please bring it," Adrian replied, not wanting to leave the room more than necessary. The fewer interactions they had with others, the better.

The guard nodded, bowing slightly. "As you wish, Lord Adrian and Lady Lilith."

As the guard turned to leave, Adrian called after him. "Wait—what's your name?"

The guard paused, turning back with a slightly surprised expression. "It's Elias, my lord."

Adrian inclined his head.

"Thank you, Elias," he said. "For your help."

Elias smiled, seemingly pleased by the acknowledgment. "You're welcome, my lord. I hope you enjoy your stay." he said, exited the room, closing the door softly behind him with a soft click.

Adrian turned back to the room, his eyes widening as they landed on Lilith. She was standing by the bed, already in the process of undressing. Her cloak had been discarded onto the chair, and she was now slipping out of her dress, the fabric pooling at her feet to reveal her naked form.

Her boobs were huge and round, capped by dark pink nipples that seemed to beckon him. She had a slim waist that flared into wide hips, and her legs were toned and long. She had no tan lines, and her skin was smooth and flawless.

"Lilith," Adrian hissed, his eyes darting to the door, half expecting the guard to barge in again.

Lilith turned to him, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Well, ready to hit the bathroom?" she asked, a playful grin on her face as she made no effort to cover her naked body.