Chapter 43: Chapter 43

I could feel the dampness in my palms, slippery with sweat. After dinner, Hades concluded it with a thank you speech and asked everyone to retire back to their rooms. It was clear that he was going to do damage control.

Persephone trudged towards me, an apologetic smile on her face. It was marvellous to see how she handled the situation and calmed everyone. After Zeus retired to the room, she managed to bring back the spirit in everyone.

"Hey" She whispered, standing in front of me.

"Hi. The dinner was wonderful."

"Well, I tried my best."

I shook my head, "No, it was. I loved the duck, especially."

"Thanks, I needed to hear it. Trust me; it's not always like this. Hades will handle the situation, and you won't have any trouble from now on" Her lips twitched.

I knew that she was referring to the incident earlier. Why did Zeus say that to me? I was equally confused because even his sister earlier said the same thing. How could they recognise me when I have seen them for the first time?

"It's fine."

Persephone grinned, "Besides the real fun begins tomorrow. Go and rest plenty. We will announce the schedule for the week and play some games."

I tensed at that. Even though I assured Lukas, I was terrified. The demons I dined were powerful, and there was no way I stood a chance against them. But I wanted to win for Lukas. He deserved it.

"Sounds fun."

Persephone sighed as if she understood the emotions I was feeling.

"I know you feel like you don't fit in, but you'll realise along the way that this is where you belong. I'm saying this because I have been there."

Her words touched me. I was freaking out so much, but I almost forgot that Persephone went through the same thing. She must have a difficult time adjusting to the Underworld, being the Queen of Dead.

"Thank you so much. It's just new to me. All of it"

She patted my shoulder, "You'll come around. Have faith in yourself."

I hummed, and she bid me good night. She had to make sure everything was for the next day. My eyes were hurting by seeing her walk-in those pointed heels.

Lukas came by my side and cleared his throat, "Shall we?"

"Yes"

***

I felt exhaustion seep in my bones by the time we got back to our room. After I woke up from the nap I felt exhausted, but now it was worse, tiredness creeping up over every pore.

As soon as I noticed the room in the bed, I stopped abruptly, letting Lukas crash into my back. He held on to my arm.

"What's wrong?"

I gestured towards the bed in the room, "We have to share the bed, I think."

There was a couch in the living room, but it was too tiny to sleep. Besides I can't ask him that. From the look on his face, he was drained out as well.

He arched his brow, "I noticed. What is the problem?"

Hello! We will be sharing one bed. Is he not hearing himself? I tried to bite my tongue. The last thing I wanted was to argue with him. I could feel a slight throbbing in my bed already.

"Nothing..." I trailed and threw the clutch on the nearby chair.

Lukas stared at me for a few seconds before bobbing his head. Did he know what I was thinking? Of course not. I held my breath as he took off the suit and neatly put it back in the closet.

"You can go ahead and change I'll dust the blanket."

It felt too domestic. Words did not leave my mouth, so I nodded my head. Hastily grabbed my pyjamas. I rushed to the washroom.

Lukas also changed by the time I was out.

"I will take the right side of the bed" He announced, slumping on the right side.

Did I have a choice? I bobbed my head and deposited my dress in the closet. The demon scrunched his nose at the way I stuffed it inside. I was half expecting him to comment, but he didn't say anything.

As he was peacefully leaning against the headrest, I bounced onto the bed beside Lukas as hard as I possibly can. It was enough to send the phone clattering from his hand. Score.

He let out a sigh and turned towards me, "Why did you do that?"

I innocently blinked my eyes, "I am just going to sleep."

He rolled his eyes.

"Sure, you are."

I switched off the lamp on my side and lied down on my back. From the corner of my eyes I noticed that he retrieved his phone. Why did he need it anyway?

"Are you not going to sleep?"

He shook his head, "I rarely sleep."

"What do you mean?"

"Demon King doesn't need to sleep like human beings."

I scoffed, "Have fun staying up then."

"I will. Good night" He dismissed

After a while of tossing and turning, I couldn't sleep. I looked over my shoulder.

"Lukas I am cold."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Turn off the air conditioner."

"No"

I made a face, and purposely pulled the entire blanket. He said he wasn't going to sleep anyways.

***

I squinted my eyes open, trying to shield from the morning rays. As I tried to shift around, I felt an arm around my middle. My breath caught in my throat because I was aware of the loud breathing. Lukas said he wouldn't be sleeping then what happened? I thought.

It felt strange being snuggled by him. The first time we slept together, he left. This is what I was expecting back then. I shook my head at the memory. When I think about it feels like ages ago.

I had no idea about Lukas sleeping patterns, but he is always on time for breakfast. Maybe because we are in Underworld, he was enjoying himself.

But I wanted to get up because of my bladder.

"Lukas" I mumbled, squeezing the back of his hand as it was lying on my belly.

He made some sort of noise, which meant that he's listening, so I continued, "I want to get up."

He grunted in response but made no effort to move. I wanted to punch his hand just to see if I can elicit another response. Even though it felt nice to have his arms around, I had to pee.

"Mmh"

"Are you even listening?" I sighed, trying to turn around but his arms were tight against my body. I looked over my shoulders, straining my neck in the process.

"Eggs and toast" He mumbled back, unmoving. I could feel his hot breath and the vibration of his voice against my back. It made me feel weak in my knees.

"What are you even talking about?" I sighed and blinked at him, but his eyes were shut tight. Why was he punishing me like this? I thought to myself.

I held my breath, waiting so that he can finally open his eyes and let me slip away. The sound of clock ticking made rang in my ears, and I stilled. Finally, I concluded that he was not going to get up any time soon.

Grumbling loudly under my breath, I slowly managed to pull my hand. I rolled my body out of bed, landing awkwardly on my knees. As the bed was closer to the ground, I didn't hurt myself.

I stumbled towards the washroom and did my business. After washing my hands and face, I walked back across the room only to notice Lukas squirming under the blankets. His hand was moving around as if he was trying to search for me. I held back a giggle at that.

As a little payback, I shut the door harder than necessary, making him jolt on the bed. He sat upright, tangled in between the sheets. Unable to hold myself, I snickered, my feet padding towards the bed.

"Wha-What was that for?" He groaned, rubbing at his face.

"For not letting me pee."

"Huh?" He raised his brow, still tugging at his messy locks. I admired him for a while, staring at his black satin pyjamas and messy hair. His face had pillow marks on the side from being smushed the entire night.

My stomach tightened as I kept staring at him. A few days ago, I thought it would be impossible to see him again.

"I am sorry I don't know how I slept like that" He murmured,  brushing his hair off his forehead.

"It's alright."

He licked his lips and tilted his head towards me, "Anyways, we should go downstairs for breakfast."

I chewed on my lips. I didn't want a repeat of the previous night. "Is there any chance we don't have to? I thought maybe we could eat in bed."

He thought about it for a while before he leaned forward and picked the phone, "Sure let's order in."

I sighed. We decided to have an excellent warm breakfast in the room and go downstairs, pretend to be a couple in front of everyone again. Should be easy enough.

***