Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 171: Married..

"Lady Lilia, I advise you to marry him. There are many advantages... not to mention, extinction will not come your way," the lady said softly.

SHRRR.

She tugged the side of Lilia’s gown, cinching the waist tighter. Lilia gasped softly. Was her waist another target in this cruel plan?

She stayed silent. Saying anything might cost her—what if this woman was sent by the prince to gather information? For the past two weeks, her father had taught her the importance of guarding her words, no matter where she was. It was better to answer in your mind than to speak aloud.

Especially now.

These past few days, the prince had rarely called her to his chambers—a small mercy. She couldn’t deny that he seemed to be trying to make a good impression.

Tonight was the Royal Ball. She was certain the prince would ask her for a dance... perhaps even announce their wedding.

But she didn’t want this.

Not in the slightest.

Her eyes burned with unshed tears.

She missed Zethan.

Was this how it would all end?

’Calm down, Lilia. You’re a strong woman. Don’t worry—you can handle this,’ her inner voice screamed.

Her ink-black hair was curled delicately, silver pins carefully added to keep it from falling over her face. Her golden-brown eyes glanced down at the royal green dress she wore—a color that once symbolized honor, but now felt like a shackle.

This was the day she had been dreading.

She knew the prince had plans.

When she had asked him if she could return to stay with her father, he had refused—smiling as he said, "That place is too small for such a pretty lady. You belong here, in the palace."

That alone had told her everything. frёewebηovel.cѳm

She sighed softly.

"Is something the matter, Lady Lilia?" the lady asked, her voice laced with concern.

This was the same woman who had taken her from that world... to this land of the dead. She had been with Lilia ever since—no doubt by the prince’s orders.

Many of the maids despised her. They never said it out loud, but their cold glances and fake smiles spoke volumes.

From the moment she arrived, Lilia had not suffered—not even once. The prince had shown an unusual interest in her from the start, and it burned in the hearts of many.

Jealousy painted their faces like spoilt art, but none dared act on it. They knew their fate would be sealed with one wrong move.

There was no turning back.

Lilia quietly wondered how Zethan was truly doing. Deep down, she believed he would remain strong—even if, on that day they she woke up, his eyes had looked completely lifeless. But then, their eyes had met, and in that single moment, something had changed. That emptiness in him had been replaced by life.

Only now did she truly understand how deeply she had affected him.

A soft, lingering silence filled the room before the lady finally spoke.

"Oh, I apologize for the delay in informing you," she said gently. "But I’d like to let you know that you can now make your request."

The words felt heavy as they left her lips.

Lilia slowly stilled, and the lady continued, "You might be wondering why the process was delayed... You see, there was still a thread connecting you to the land of the living. But now, that thread has finally been severed. And surprisingly, that means your request can now be granted."

"You’re free to ask for anything," she added, "as long as it concerns the living world."

A bitter smile curved Lilia’s lips.

Anyone else might have been happy to receive such a rare chance.

But not Lilia.

She simply nodded.

"T... thank you," she whispered softly.

Her heart ached deeply.

She wanted him.

No denying it—she wanted him so badly.

It was no longer possible.

*

*

*

The hall buzzed softly with chatter as Lilia sat gracefully, one leg crossed over the other, sipping lightly on her orange juice. She wasn’t about to risk taking alcohol—not tonight.

Her golden-brown eyes scanned the sea of faces, and the more she looked, the more shocked she became. So many familiar faces—faces she had only seen from afar, on screens and in magazines—were now here, in the land of the dead. Celebrities that people had once cried for back in the land of the living were now mingling freely, looking more joyful than ever.

She wasn’t surprised.

It was all because of Prince Williams.

Her gaze moved toward the throne. The king sat there, poised and regal. By his side sat the younger prince and his sister. But Prince Williams was nowhere to be found. No doubt he’d arrive soon—especially judging by how often young ladies kept glancing toward the massive doors, hoping to catch a glimpse of him first when he comes.

"It would’ve been much better if my husband were here," Lilia muttered under her breath, taking another sip.

Then she noticed a group of girls her age whispering and stealing glances her way. Their judgmental expressions said enough.

Rumors had surely spread—about her staying at the palace, about the prince’s obvious interest in her. She could feel their envy, the sour energy thick in the air. But honestly? She didn’t care. As long as they kept their distance, she had no problem.

With a tilt of her head and a graceful lift of her glass, she smiled softly, shrugged, and took another sip.

Then she winked.

The look of shock that crossed their faces was priceless—and clearly, her indifference annoyed them more than anything else.

And then—

The door opened.

The prince entered.

His hair was swept back neatly, every strand in place. He wore a perfectly tailored black outfit, with golden stripes lining the sides of his pants—subtle, but striking. Eyes turned instantly, and a soft wave of gasps echoed through the grand hall.

Lilia calmly brought her glass of orange juice to her lips and took another slow sip. At this point, she wouldn’t have bothered attending... but she had said she would. And if there was one thing she had learned from her husband, it was to always keep her word.

A soft smile played on her lips.

"Very shameless husband of mine," she murmured, chuckling quietly.

Then she paused, blinking.

Was she seriously talking to herself now?

But who could blame her? This was Zethan’s fault. All of it.

He had made her fall so hopelessly, so maddeningly in love that now she found herself laughing to no one, lost in her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Prince William walked further into the hall, his presence commanding. The crowd watched him in awe, the whispers growing. Many of the young women glanced his way with hopeful smiles, their dresses glittering under the chandeliers—flashing elegance and clear desperation.

It was obvious they’d gone to great lengths tonight.

But Lilia? She just sipped her juice.

And smiled.

Clearly enjoying the show.

Prince William stopped in front of the king and gave a respectful bow before making his way to his seat. As he sat, his sharp eyes swept over the crowd—scanning, searching.

There was no denying it.

He was looking for a particular face.

Ever since Lilia had told him she was married, something in him had ignited. Instead of backing away, it only made him more determined. More intrigued. More desperate to win her heart.

He didn’t just want her here in the land of the dead—he wanted to be her husband here.

Her land of the dead husband.

Then, his gaze finally found her.

There she was.

Lilia.

But she wasn’t looking at him. In fact, she seemed to be... smiling. At someone? Or—was it at the orange juice in her hand?

William blinked.

"It seems she likes orange juice," he muttered to himself, lips twitching into a rare smile.

"Brother," his sister leaned in curiously, having caught the flicker of emotion on his face. "Is something the matter?"

"Yes," William said, still smiling, then slowly turned to her—his expression shifting into a cold frown.

"You... you’re the problem. Now shut up."

Her eyes widened at the sudden change in tone, stunned by his harsh words. But William had already turned back around, completely unbothered.

Only—

Lilia was no longer there.

He blinked again.

She was gone.

A slow, frustrated curse slipped from his lips. His sister had distracted him, and now—now he couldn’t find her.

Lilia walked quietly through the grand hall, her steps slow and steady. She had done what she promised—she had attended. That was enough. Now all she wanted was rest. Sleep suddenly felt more precious than gold.

But then—

The lights dimmed.

The music stopped.

A hush fell over the crowd like a cold breeze.

She felt it.

Eyes.

All of them.

On her.

A dreadful realization crept in before she even turned.

No. Please no...

Her heart stilled as she turned her head—and her golden-brown eyes widened.

Prince William was walking toward her.

Her inner voice screamed in panic.

’Lilia, why? Why didn’t you leave earlier? You could’ve been gone! Why didn’t you leave?’

But her body refused to move. She stood frozen as the prince made his way through the crowd, every step echoing with unbearable weight.

All eyes were on them now.

William finally stopped in front of her, the confident smile on his lips wide and radiant.

"Lady Lilia," he said smoothly, extending a hand. "May I have this dance?"

A slow smile curled Lilia’s lips as she lowered into a graceful curtsy.

"I’m afraid I’ll have to reject your offer," she replied, her voice calm but firm.

A sharp gasp rippled through the hall.

Eyes widened. Mouths parted. The air thickened with disbelief.

Prince William’s face faltered, caught completely off guard. The look in his eyes made it clear—he had never been rejected before. Not once.

But then, he forced a smile, trying to mask the blow.

"Why, Lady Lilia?" he asked, his tone still sweet but laced with edge. "Is it because of that husband of yours... in the land of the living?"

The smirk he gave her made her skin crawl. It said everything he hadn’t: He’s not here. You’re alone. You belong to this world now.

Lilia’s lips trembled, but her resolve did not. She straightened, meeting his gaze with cold fire.

"As I said," she replied, voice like ice, "I am married."

Prince William’s eyes narrowed slightly, his pride pricked. "Where is he then?" he challenged. "He’s not here. I want to marry—"

But his words were cut off.

"My wife says she is married," a deep, commanding voice rang through the hall.

The crowd turned sharply.

A man stood near the great doorway, tall and poised, his presence like thunder wrapped in silk. His eyes were fierce, his aura undeniable. The room fell into stunned silence.

"Or do you mean to marry a woman who already belongs to someone else?" he continued, his voice smooth but sharp enough to cut steel.

"She is married... to me."

Gasps echoed once more—louder, more chaotic. Glass slipped from someone’s hand and shattered on the floor.

Who was he?

Who was this stunning, dangerous, irresistible figure standing there as though the world itself bent around him?

Lilia’s knees wobbled slightly as her breath caught.

Her body trembled.

Her lips parted as the only name that echoed in her soul rose to the surface—one she hadn’t dared to hope for.

"Z... Zethan..."