Forbidden Flames

Chapter Thirty Seven

"Are you sure you can't stay longer?" My mother begged as I packed up our things.

I smiled, knowing we've been here for too long. One week was enough time to plan with my father, and besides, I needed to return Lilith home. Her parents were probably worried. It seemed though she also didn't want to leave as she clung to my parents, talking their heads off.

"I tried to beg him to stay," I heard her say to my mother as the two gossiped, my father among them, adding his two cents. Shockingly, Lilith had worked her way into my parents' grace and heart. It was a rare sight to see my father smile around anyone else beside my mother. He barely liked Roland, and that was his nephew.

"I hate to break this up, but we must head out," I joked as the trio stared at me, pouting.

"Safe travels, you two," my mother cried as she hugged us before sending us on our way. My father and I exchanged a knowing glance, nodding at each other. Often we didn't need words to communicate what we already knew. Lilith gave them both big, warm hugs before she was finally ready to head off.

Helping her onto the horse, we began our journey back to my uncle's kingdom. It would be a quick journey back as I didn't plan on stopping. "Your parents are amazing," Lilith spoke as I smiled, agreeing with her.

"Makes me wish I was granted better ones," she joked, but I disagreed. Lilith's parents loved her just as much, maybe even more. They were just concerned about her.

"They are only concerned," I reminded her as she rolled her eyes, sighing.

"No, my mother wants to control my entire life," she dragged out as I laughed at her.

"She loves you," I said, but Lilith shook her head.

"Love shouldn't feel like a cage," she muttered. I glanced at her, seeing the pain in her eyes. Despite her cheerful demeanor, there was a depth of hurt she rarely let show.

"I know it's hard," I began, choosing my words carefully. "But maybe one day you'll understand why she acts the way she does."

"Maybe," Lilith conceded, though her tone was doubtful. She turned to look at the road ahead, her expression thoughtful. "It's just... I wish she could see that I need to make my own choices, even if they're mistakes."

I reached out, squeezing her hand gently. "She'll get there. One step at a time."

She smiled at me, a genuine, if slightly sad, smile. As we continued our journey, the landscape changing around us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

I wasn't sure what state my uncle's kingdom was in after the wedding. Our trip here was sort of a vacation... an escape from the reality of our world.

"I truly enjoyed my stay with your parents," Lilith began another conversation as I smiled.

"You all seemed to click," I laughed.

"The all-evil Baylor was even nice to me," she joked, and I smiled. My father was the most shocking, as he rarely warmed up to anybody.

"But what surprised me the most was that garden," she continued.

"My mother works hard on it. Wait till spring; it's magical when all the leaves grow and flowers bloom," I explained, trying to help her picture it.

Lilith nodded. "I can only imagine, but what I loved most was finding out you all grow lilies during the winter," she smirked, and I froze.

That was something I never shared with her or intended on showing anyone. I grew a bit embarrassed as she know knew my secret to how I gift you lilies each year.

"My mother tends to talk a lot," I mumbled as Lilith laughed.

"It was beautiful, August," Lilith began, gripping my hand. "I always wondered how each year you were able to give me the most beautiful lilies, but now I see."

I smiled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. "Yeah, I've been sneaking them out of the garden for years. I wanted you to have something special, something that meant a lot to me."

Lilith's eyes glistened with emotion. "It made me feel special every time. Like you were sharing a secret piece of yourself with me."

"That's exactly what it was," I admitted. "A way to show you how much you mean to me, even when I couldn't find the words."

She looked at me with such tenderness that it made my heart ache. "You've always found a way to make me feel cherished, August. Even when you were just a boy, those lilies spoke volumes."

I squeezed her hand, feeling a profound connection. "I'm glad they did. You deserve to feel cherished, always."

Lilith leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "And you deserve to feel understood, August. I want to be that person for you."

The sincerity in her eyes left me momentarily speechless. Here she was, offering herself fully, despite the dangers and uncertainties that lay ahead.

But I wasn't ready for that step in our relationship. It was too dangerous to allow her that place in my heart, to let my unknown enemies use her against me.

"My life is dangerous, Lilith. Let's just take it step by step," I promised as she sighed, a hint of disappointment shadowing her features.