Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Two of Twenty Two
As the weeks went by things moved into place to give Lilith the chance to pass Brogdrin’s different tests. Minerva moved closer to the castle to teach her full time. Poppy took on her role as Madam and everything settled nicely into summer.
Lilith was so excited for her anniversary with Brogdrin but was still unsure if he wanted to do anything. He didn’t mention any gifts like he did for other holidays. She knew he liked the way she squirmed with anticipation whenever he gave hints. After this year he wasn’t that hard to figure out. If she had been raised normally he would have been an easy catch. Simple things kept him happy and she was more than grateful to give.
Time crept on and now it was only three days until their anniversary and Lilith was busy working in her library. Returning books after lunch. Aspen was off doing something with Layla. It was quiet in the library. Lilith loved times like this. Reminded her of her first few days here. Back then the silence was deafening and horrible now she adored her quiet days. Over a year ago now. What a change in just a short period in her life. And now that she was going to live forever, it seemed so small compared to other things. The pain and sadness she once lived through would soon be nothing but a passing memory in the eternity that was her life.
“Lilly?”
Her name snapped her mind back into focus and she turned to find Brogdrin staring at her.
“Are you alright?”
She smiled at him setting her books down.
“Yes sir. I am sorry. Off thinking again.”
“You’ve been doing that a lot lately. Is there anything I can help with Little Flower?”
Lilith shook her head as she let out a soft sigh.
“It’s all good things Master, I promise. I am very excited to be where I am right now. It is a new feeling to me still. For so long I wanted to die it’s odd to yearn for life now.”
“I can’t say I understand but I am here for you.”
He came over and pressed a kiss into her forehead.
“For anything you need.”
Lilith nodded. She looked up to his sparkling silver eyes as he moved to hold her hand.
“Thank you Master. Did you need something? You usually leave me be after lunch for my duties.”
“Only because I know how much you care for this library.”
Brogdrin chuckled and squeezed her hand playfully.
“I think you would kick even me if your system was messed up. But, yes I just had a question. It is three days until our anniversary and with you and Aspen hinting at it for a month now, I wanted to see what your ideal plan would be. Something from a book you read or did you have your own thoughts?”
“Would you want to do something sir? A year is not a long time to demons and I understand that.”
Lilith wasn’t expecting this conversation right now. She hadn’t time to plan her thoughts out or anything. Brogdrin nodded staring down at her.
“I do want to do something but I wanted to see if you had a dream of some sort first. I should have asked earlier.”
“No-no Master it’s fine.”
She sighed but smiled to him. Moving into his arms she hugged tight to him.
“Anniversaries are all well and good but I enjoy every day I get to be with you. And I know we cannot do anything within the castle because everyone doesn’t know I am freed and such, which I am still fine with sir. I was worried it be a “human” thing and you wouldn’t want to do anything?”
“Well I do.”
“And I don’t really have any particular dream or anything like that. As long as I am with you Master it is a good anniversary.”
He nodded and rubbed his hand up and down her back.
“Then I have a surprise for you.”
Lilith of course squeaked with joy and clutched his robes in her fists.
“Really!? You know I love surprises! Especially from you Master.”
The corners of his beautiful eyes crinkled as he smiled that handsome smile down to her. Always making her heart sing.
“I know you Little Flower. Very well now. I will leave you to your duties and see you for dinner.”
Reaching into her shirt he lifted her chain up and out between his fingers.
“This strange feeling I have for you seems to grow daily and I do not understand why, but I do enjoy it.”
Lilith laughed and smiled back up to him.
“That’s what I felt when we first got together Master. Every day I felt more and more for you until I was falling so hard it made my head spin.”
“I am glad you can walk me through this then.”
He replied with a laugh of his own.
“Because I don’t want this to ever stop but it is scary. Even to me.”
“I’ll protect you.”
She teased. Brogdrin gave a soft growl and tugged her into a kiss by her chain.
“We will protect each other. I love you Little Flower. You make me feel unstoppable.”
Letting out a soft gasp as she stumbled closer to him. Strangely enjoying him tugging her into place.
“I love you Master. I promise.”
“I trust you.”
><
Dinner time had gotten easier over the last few weeks. Usually bustling with everyone talking about their day, only a few conversations could be heard now a days. The weight of the loss had softened a bit.
Brogdrin had been busy for most of the last few days. Working things out between the big move from the attack from Tipton Castle these past few mornings.
Aspen and Layla seemed to be alright and settled in their emotions along with Lilith. Poppy had been a rollercoaster. Ups and downs. She was sobbing and smiling at the same time once. If Lilith hadn’t seen it with her own eyes she would had never believed it was possible to do such a thing. Everyone took her to advancement well. Proud of their sister. Congratulating her at every turn but minding their bearings. Lilith didn’t though. She was Poppy’s third best sister. That came with extra privileges.
Like usual Brogdrin came over after they had finished eating to check in. Lilith smiled to him as he approached. She truly adored him.
“You have hearts in your eyes Lil.”
Aspen murmured. Lilith threw her a look as Layla slumped over giggling.
“Good evening ladies.”
Brogdrin looked between them with a grin.
“Having a good night?”
“Yes Master. Aspen’s just funny is all.”
Layla explained collecting her things.
“I must be off. I promised Poppy…I mean Madam…I’d help her move into her new room tonight.”
“Thank you Layla. Have a good night.”
“I will Master.”
As Layla left Lilith looked back to Brogdrin. He seemed happy tonight.
“Did you need anything Master?”
“No, thank you. Just checking in.”
He paused to look over to Aspen.
“With my most loyal.”
“We’re alright Master. Thank you.”
Aspen responded with a smile.
“Not to brag sir…but I pride myself on being a loyal worker.”
“Bragging rights to you Aspen.”
Brogdrin said kindly.
“You’ve been a staple here for a while now. It was only your name who rivaled Poppy’s when I thought on who to replace Olga with.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you mean a great deal to my Little Flower.”
Brogdrin squeezed Aspen’s shoulder and smiled to her.
“You trained her for me well.”
Aspen’s brows lifted in surprise and her eyes darted between Brogdrin’s.
“Sir?”
“I know you know. I am the Master for a reason here.”
He chuckled.
“Thank you for helping me find my forever. I am indebted to you, always.”
“I just don’t want to be alone again, ever.”
Aspen quickly grabbed Lilith’s hand and said.
“She’s my sister and where she goes I go.”
“Deal.”
Brogdrin answered with a nod of his head. Aspen smiled and turned to Lilith.
“Like a real family.”
“Yes, like a real family.”
Lilith hugged Aspen tightly and let out a content sigh.
“My family.”
><
The morning of Lilith’s anniversary came slower than she expected. With all the changes about the castle she had been busy helping Poppy adjust to her new status.
Waking in her normal fashion to Brogdrin pulling her back into his body because she had moved too far away. His right arm held her tightly around her waist pinning her slightly under his big body. He always seemed to be facing her when the morning hours came. Like he subconsciously knew she would wake soon and want to be close to him. Waking up with him, in his bed, in his room, in his castle was still a wonderful feeling. She thought back to her old fairy tale books and how it almost mirrored her own life now. Strange.
Reaching up she ever so softly danced her finger tips down his jaw line. This ferocious ancient demon that was feared pretty much all over the world looked adorable when he slept beside her. Letting out a wide smile as her fingers traced his throat. Funny how someone so mean could be so cute.
His heart beat sped up a bit and she knew he was waking up like always. She knew him so well now.
“Good morning Little Flower.”
He rumbled when his voice came to him. Lilith of course smiled and pushed her face into his neck. Inhaling his forest scent.
“Morning Master.”
“Happy anniversary. Are you excited for your surprise today?”
“Yes but first…I’d like to lay with you for a bit sir.”
He chuckled and adjusted to gaze down at her.
“Feeling clingy to me? I never thought I would be someone who liked clingy. If you would want to hold my tail all day I would love it.”
Lilith sighed softly but smiled at him.
“I’d miss my library Master. Maybe for a whole night.”
“Alright I think that is fair. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, of course sir. How about you?”
“Always. Body feels rested and I more than excited to see your little face light up when you see what I have planned for us today.”
Brogdrin growled as his smiled turned wicked.
“And tonight.”
Lilith nudged against him dragging her eyes up to his. Doing her best to stay brave.
“Are you pinning me beneath you tonight Master?”
“Beneath, atop, maybe even at the end of our bed.”
He waved his hand down towards the footboard then slid it up between her breasts.
“Anywhere really. Maybe on my breakfast table in the mess hall?”
Her cheeks were set ablaze instantly and she hid away. Her braveness disappearing in the blink of an eye.
“Or I could just eat you for breakfast? Do you think you’d echo in there Little Flower?”
“…yes sir…”
She murmured closing her eyes. The images from his words danced through her head.
“I would just die is Aspen saw us Master…”
He quickly slid his hand down between her thighs. A long finger danced between her folds as he growled at her.
“Then why does that thought excite you?”
Lilith shook her head against his body, closing her eyes tightly. Trying not to give in too quickly. When she didn’t answer his hand seemed to just appear at her neck.
“I asked you something Little Flower.”
“It’s not that. Well sort of, I seem to like the idea of being caught a lot. More than I thought I would. To be honest with you sir, I’m finding a lot of things I like that I never thought I would.”
He slipped his finger into her mouth and she groaned as he forced her to taste herself.
“I am excited to show you everything. I am the demon of lust. I plan to mate someone who can keep up with me.”
Her eyes opened and she met his. A wickedly possessive look in return. A seemingly new look from him, it was amazing how he could be so expressive with something simple as a look. His fingers traced her bottom lip as she asked.
“Am I doing well Master?”
“Very much so. You handle everything I throw at you with beauty and grace. My perfect Little Flower. I love you.”
“I love you Master. Happy anniversary.”
“Happy anniversary.”
><
Lilith was in the best mood when she arrived at breakfast. Surprised how her happy memories seem to just keep stacking against all the bad. Almost like it was another person’s life she had read about in a book. Her own scars healing over nicely.
After grabbing her breakfast she found Aspen and settled into her routine.
“Morning Lil.”
Aspen said with a smile.
“Today’s the day?”
“Yep. He has a surprise for me today.”
“I hope you explode.”
“I usually do.”
She replied with a laugh.
Layla joined them soon enough with a surprise of her own.
“Poppy says we are having a special dinner tonight.”
Lilith instantly looked up to her and asked.
“Where did she hear that?”
“Master told her to tell Roma to cook something special tonight.”
Layla answered with a shrug. Lilith’s mind went to their anniversary dinner. Did Brogdrin plan this for her or was it just a coincidence. Aspen nudged her and gave a sheepish grin.
“That’s so cool. I always like surprise dinners. Don’t you Lil?”
Lilith just rolled her eyes and turned back to her food. Brogdrin joined them soon after they finished eating with Poppy beside him.
“Good morning ladies. How is everyone this morning?”
“Well Master.”
They answered. Lilith noticed Poppy looked so proud, the tips of her ears as red as her own hair.
“Good. I know you all have grown fond of Poppy and are having issues referring to her as Madam.”
Brogdrin paused to look to Poppy.
“It is your choice Poppy. You are the Madam here now. You tell them what to call you.”
Poppy nodded then looked right to Lilith and smiled.
“Poppy. Because I am and always will be your sister.”
“Good choice.”
Brogdrin approved with a nod.
“I do enjoy flowers.”
Lilith felt a flush rise to her cheeks but she quickly gathered her plate then said.
“I’m heading to the library Master. Did you need anything?”
“No, thank you.”
He smiled to her.
“I am making my morning rounds. I have to say good morning to each of you.”
He looked back to Aspen.
“You all here now are my most loyal. You all have my thanks. It means the world to me.”
“Anything for you Master.”
Aspen smiled to him. Happiness in her eyes. Layla nodded as well holding up her glass to Brogdrin.
“I am happy here Master. I wish to stay.”
“Good. Well, me and Poppy are off. You all enjoy your day.”
He smiled to her then left with Poppy. Lilith noticed he had been acting odd lately. Not in a bad way just, different.
“I’m excited for dinner tonight.”
Aspen said snapping her back to life.
“Oh yeah. Me too.”
><
Working on checking in and out books it became early afternoon quickly. Lilith always enjoyed working in her library. The simple tasks, easy work, the smell of books. There was only one other place she loved to be. Brogdrin’s room.
“Ah there you are.”
Brogdrin’s voice piqued her attention from over her counter. Standing up she smiled to him and said.
“Never far Master. What can I do for you?”
“Nothing. Come for company as usual.”
He played with an older book on her counter as he spoke.
“Everything has settled from our fight so Luca has gone back home for now. And the movement of workers is finished.”
“Master…”
Lilith gave a soft laugh and hopped up on her stool.
“Are you bored?”
“Bored…”
His lazy eyes moved to hers as he puzzled over her words.
“Yes I am bored. I do not like this feeling.”
Laughing again Lilith reached over the counter to hold his hand.
“Come Master. Sit behind the counter with me and read while I work. That’s normally what you do when you keep me company.”
Brogdrin nodded and came around to join her. Lounging in a chair just beside and below her he propped his leg over the other. With a wave of his hand a book appeared into his lap.
“You are quite useful Little Flower. In many ways.”
“Thank you sir.”
She said with a smile. His eyes turned to the pages and he was soon just sitting quietly beside her. It was nice having him with her. Always.
Turning back to her own book she remembered their dinner tonight and looked back at him.
“Master? There is a special dinner tonight.”
“Yes there is.”
He replied without looking up. As if answering a normal question. Lilith settled her hands into her lap.
“Is it for us…sir?”
Brogdrin’s beautiful smile broke out as he looked up to her.
“Yes it is. The food is a surprise though so don’t you go asking me about that.”
“I won’t Master. Thank you. It means a lot to me that the whole castle gets to have a special dinner too. All for us. Together.”
“Like a family. Yes I know.”
He chuckled and closed his book on his finger.
“I want that for you. I want you happy.”
“I am Master. To be fully honest with you I’ve been happy for a long time now.”
Lilith let out a giggle then said.
“I almost forget what it’s like to be that sad. Thank you. I mean it sir.”
“You are very welcome. I await lunch with you Little Flower. Your surprise to follow. Are you ready?”
“Yes Master.”
><
Finally time for her surprise from Brogdrin. It felt like lunch took years to end. Following Brogdrin back to his throne room, it felt like her whole body was vibrating.
“Keeping up back there?”
Lilith hurried to his side and said.
“Yes sir. So is my gift an actual thing or sex? Either way I am happy.”
“It’s a thing and I’ve told you before.”
He paused to kiss her suddenly.
“That doesn’t count as a gift. That happens anyways.”
“Always.”
She smiled back at him. He chuckled and turned to continue walking.
As the door clicked behind him Lilith couldn’t take it anymore and nearly exploded with joy.
“What is it?!”
“Relax Little Flower.”
Brogdrin patted her back as he went by to his desk.
“Your blood pressure spikes must be so extreme.”
“Sorry Master. Excitable.”
“I know, I just like to remind you that I care.”
He pulled a long rectangle box out of his desk and two other smaller boxes with it. Lilith hopped up in his throne studying him with puzzled eyes.
“What is that?”
“Your gifts. This big one I made specially for you. Took a good amount of my magic to get it right.”
Brogdrin sat the large box in her lap and smiled.
“But it is perfect now. Just like you.”
“Thank you Master.”
“Save that for after you open it.”
He stood before her and watched intently as she shredded the wrapping paper. Lifting off the top she stared down at a beautifully carved wooden bow. All kinds of strange symbols lined up and down the riser. The wood was a soft tan color and curved sharply towards her. Reaching down the wood felt soft, almost like bamboo.
“Wow…thank you Master. It’s beautiful…but I don’t know how to use a bow…”
“Not yet, no. Minerva will teach you.”
Brogdrin answered taking the bow out of the box.
“The enchantments on this bow make the arrows fly straight always. No drop or wind issues. Just aim and release. I’m having arrows mass produced already at Ballgrouf so you will always have a full quiver.”
“Thank you so much! I love it!”
Lilith set the box on the floor and took the bow from him to try.
“Oof. It’s hard to pull.”
“Draw.”
Brogdrin set another box in her lap and smiled.
“You draw a bow. And yes it will be hard at first. You will learn.”
Smiling up at him she nodded and said.
“Yes Master. Another gift?”
“Kind of goes with the first one. Open.”
Inside was a set of light armor. Silver in color it reminded her of his eye color. Lilith picked up an arm brace and turned it over in her hands.
“It’s light. I always imagined armor to be heavy and annoying.”
“It’s enchanted as well. Everything is for you.”
Brogdrin chuckled and pecked her cheek.
“Only the best for you Little Flower.”
Blushing she set the armor down and looked away from his eyes.
“Thank you Master. I’m going to be a warrior!”
“Yes you are. Last one.”
The last box contained a new nightgown. Peach in color it was much shorter than any nightgown he had given her before but still held the beautiful lily across the breast area.
“Is this enchanted too Master?”
She said with a laugh. Hugging it to her chest she smiled wide.
“I love it!”
“No it’s not and I am glad.”
“Bit on the short side Master? Is this a special time nightgown?”
Brogdrin took her hand and stood her up in front of him.
“Yes. You wear this to bed and I will take it as an automatic yes to any and all of my advances. Think of it as a consent gown. You wear it.”
His hand slid up her back and held the back of her neck.
“And you want me to rail into you…whenever-where ever I please.”
Shivering she nodded and stared him back in the eye.
“Yes sir. I like that idea.”
“So do I.”
He rumbled releasing her. Lilith held up the nightgown in front of her and was just a happy little mess. She loved her gifts and couldn’t wait to try everything out. Brogdrin stood a few feet away just watching. Letting her muse over her new bow.
After a few minutes Lilith turned to him and said.
“Master. I don’t think my gift is good enough now…I just painted a picture again…”
“Little Flower. Having you with me is a gift all in its own.”
“Can we go try my bow out? Just for fun? I wanna try.”
Brogdrin chuckled and hugged her into his side.
“Of course. We can go outside. It is nice out. Maybe a walk like old times?”
“I’d love that Master. Thank you.”
“You are very welcome.”
><
At dinner that night Lilith knew something was up as soon as she entered the hall. The whole room was set up like a party. Streamers and all kind of decorations lined the walls, the ceiling, and each individual tables. Aspen gripped up Lilith’s arm and whispered right in her ear.
“Oooo, I think someone is having a party in someone’s honor…”
“Don’t start Aspen.”
Lilith hissed back to her.
“It could be for-.”
Aspen put her fingers in her ears and walked away towards the tables.
“I’m not listening!”
Rolling her eyes, Lilith followed her. Yes, Aspen had truly become her real sister.
Layla soon joined them with a confused look on her face.
“A party? It’s not a holiday…”
“I know…maybe to celebrate all of us who stayed here.”
Lilith pondered out loud. Layla shrugged.
“Either way, I’m happy because with parties comes great food. Roma is going to make us all fat.”
“Maybe that’s Master’s plan.”
Layla joked.
“Keep us all full and sleepy so we don’t want to run away.”
“I’d stay for Roma’s food.”
Lilith replied with a shrug her own.
“I can’t imagine my life without her breakfast foods.”
They sat and talked for a while until the food was ready. Lilith was surprised to find that Roma had made meat pies. Her favorite food. Much larger than the smaller ones she ate with Brogdrin. It basically took over the whole plate it sat on. As soon as Roma started handing out the food the entire hall started to smell wonderful. Lilith was so happy Brogdrin had asked Roma to make this. This was the best anniversary ever.
“I bet you’re happy Lil.”
Layla said returning to their table. Lilith nodded quickly a big smile on her face.
“Yes!”
Half way through dinner Brogdrin appeared at their table. Lilith instantly lit up and Aspen of course mumbled something about being cute. Which in turn made her face turn red.
“Evening ladies. Are we enjoying the special menu item tonight?”
Aspen and Layla gushed over the food to him. Lilith just sat there admiring him. She must be in love with him, every time he was around she felt near perfect.
“I am glad you all like it.”
His voice snapped her back to life and she said.
“It’s my favorite dinner food. Thank you Master.”
“You’re all welcome. After you are finished I ask you to stay seated here.”
Brogdrin scanned them all but made sure to linger his gaze to her. Butterflies started in her stomach.
“I have an announcement to make and then we can start our party.”
“I knew it was a party Master!”
Aspen laughed. Lilith gave Brogdrin a confused look.
“For what?”
“No spoilers. Enjoy your food.”
With that he turned and left. Aspen looked right at Lilith and smiled wide.
“AWWWW.”
“I swear Aspen…”
Lilith rubbed her eyes with one hand.
“I liked it better when you pretended not to know.”
“Know what?”
Layla added. Aspen spoke before Lilith took in a breath.
“I just like to tease her. It’s nothing really.”
“You two were meant to be real sisters.”
“Thanks.”
Lilith and Aspen said together.
They laughed and ate their fill of the wonderful food Roma had made. This was a nice little idea Brogdrin had for them. Lilith was happy her whole family could celebrate together like this. Even if they had no idea what they were actually doing.
As the evening drew to an end, Brogdrin called attention to the entire room. He stood in front of his personal table. Gazing into the crowd he smiled.
“My most loyal. I am proud to have you here with your own say so. Means I have made a safe place for wayward humans. I hope I am changing your views on demons. We are not all shadows in the night. Just like humans we can be kind.”
Stepping away from his table he continued.
“This castle has had a master for a long time now. Many of you remember me prowling the halls at all hours, alone. And most of you have noticed that I have stopped.”
His eyes moved to Aspen who’s face instantly turned red.
“It is because I have found a mistress to help me run this castle.”
Lilith’s knees grew weak and she clung to Aspen for support. Where was this going? Why hadn’t he talked about this before? A mistress?
The room was deathly silent after he spoke. Giving a small chuckle he then said.
“Stunned to silence I see. Well I’ll continue then. I expect some waves in my pond now from this…it is not something I ever thought would ever happen. And I know about forever. I have lived it. All I ask is if this choice makes you upset, please come to me and not Lilith.”
The entire room turned their eyes to Lilith. Shock and awe met her senses. She felt dizzy all the sudden. Thank goodness Aspen had a hold on her.
“Well? What are you staring at?”
Aspen snapped at everyone.
“It’s rude!”
“Thank you, that’s enough Aspen.”
Brogdrin said with a laugh.
“Lilith is this castle’s mistress now but she will always remain your sister. That will never change. Her love for this place nearly matches my own and I want that. Because I care for this and want to do this for a very long time. Now, since I have broken that news I can tell you all that this party tonight is for Lilith and I. We are celebrating our one year together and hope that all of you will stay and enjoy this night with us. We all start a new chapter in our lives tonight, let us rejoice as a family.”
Lilith’s eyes were so tearful she couldn’t even see anymore. Streaming down her cheeks she held onto Aspen. Brogdrin held out his hand and looked right at her.
“Take your place with me.”
With wobbly legs Lilith made her way to his side. Taking his hand in hers she squeezed tight and leaned into him for support.
“Celebrate with us. I care for you all and want this to be a night for all of us to remember.”
“I’m staying!”
Aspen called out.
“Me too!”
Layla was next.
One after another chimed in with their willingness to stay and be a family. Just like how Lilith had dreamed about for so long. Wished and prayed so hard, and now it was all happening right before her eyes.
Turning to look up to Brogdrin she met his silvery eyes and smiled.
“I love you Master. Thank you.”
“I love you Lilly. And it is I who should be thanking you.”
Everyone in that castle celebrated that night. Dancing to music, eating wonderful food, and spending time together as a family.
Lilith swayed to the music with Brogdrin. Dancing with him was one for her favorite things to do. And she had mastered it now. Today she was Lilly tomorrow she would start her path to Lilith the Fierce. An adventure all its own. She was ready, she was excited, and she was so in love with him.
Tonight would finally cement her foundation. Her past was her past and nothing could change that; but she could build herself up now and become the person she had only ever read about. Lilith would be Brogdrin the Great’s apprentice and soon to be his mate. Such adventures she will have.
The End