Strawberry pie

An hour had slipped away since the archery competition, but Lilith couldn't find her way back to her room. Instead, she opted for a solitary walk through the serene forest with her two wolves, seeking solace in the embrace of nature. As she strolled beneath the canopy of ancient trees, her thoughts weighed heavily on her heart.

"Maybe I'll run into Red," Lilith mused, finding herself yearning for her friend's comforting presence. Her life had taken an unexpected and tumultuous turn lately, beginning with the attempt on her life and culminating in a heated argument with her sister, Lila. She knew she needed to share her burdens with someone, and Red had always been a patient and understanding confidante. Yet, several days had passed since Red's last visit, and Lilith couldn't help but feel a sense of abandonment.

Lilith paused for a moment, the memory of their last encounter resurfacing in her mind. Red had asked her for a strawberry tart from the kingdom's finest patissier. A small smile tugged at Lilith's lips as she continued her walk. "Thank you, Father, for doing something good for once," she whispered to the wind, grateful for the opportunity to mend her friendship.

For the occasion, Lilith decided not to don her usual concealing cape. Being a princess occasionally had its perks, and today, she hoped it would grant her a small favor – obtaining a strawberry tart without the hassle of waiting in line.

Lilith's journey took her through the picturesque cityscape. After a brisk 15-minute walk, she arrived at a bustling bakery. A lengthy queue of at least fifty people, comprising men, women, and children, stretched out in front of her. They seemed to sense her approach, for the crowd began to part, offering her respectful bows and greetings like "It's a pleasure to see you, Princess," "Congratulations on your marriage," and "You're so beautiful, Princess."

Lilith returned their compliments with a gracious smile before stepping into the bakery. One of the employees greeted her with enthusiasm. "Princess Lilith, it's a pleasure to have you. What brings you here?" he inquired.

Approaching the counter, Lilith smiled politely. "Well, I'd like to buy two of your finest strawberry tarts, please."

The employee quickly fetched two delectable tarts, offering them to Lilith. "Yes, of course," he replied.

However, Lilith had more in mind. "Thank you, but I'd like to add a few things, please," she said.

Curious, the clerk leaned forward. "What's that?" he asked.

Lilith thought about the long queue of people outside, waiting eagerly. In a moment of spontaneous generosity, she decided to share her good fortune. "I'd like you to offer a pie to all the people waiting outside," Lilith said, her voice holding a firm resolve.

The clerk's eyes widened with concern. The bakery typically produced only forty pies, and there were far more than that in the queue. "I don't think we can manage that, Princess," he hesitated.

Undeterred, Lilith placed a small bag filled with thirty gold coins on the counter. "Consider this a token of my generosity. Please produce more pies today, just for today," she implored.

The employee was visibly impressed by Lilith's gesture, and the baker himself entered the scene. "Very well, Princess," he declared with a respectful bow. "We shall make more pies today. Thank you for stopping by."

With that settled, the baker walked outside and addressed the waiting crowd, "Princess Lilith has graciously agreed to treat you all to a pie today. Come and get your share!"

As Lilith exited the bakery, the people in the queue erupted in applause, showering her with gratitude and praise. "Thank you, Princess, you're the best!" they exclaimed, and even a young child offered her a flower as a token of their appreciation.

"Thank you," Lilith replied with genuine warmth, accepting the flower. She continued her leisurely walk through the city, carrying two pies and accompanied by her two loyal wolves. The people she encountered along the way greeted her kindly, casting warm smiles in her direction.

Eventually, Lilith found herself at the serene fountain that graced the heart of the city. Unlike the bustling bakery, this place was unusually empty today, with hardly anyone in sight. She settled down by the fountain and opened the box containing the delicious strawberry tart.

Lilith sliced a piece of the pie, her senses overwhelmed by the sweet aroma and the promise of its delectable taste. But, as she indulged in the first bite, something strange began to happen. A subtle drowsiness crept over her, like a gentle, not-too-thick fog descending upon her senses.

Confusion flickered in Lilith's eyes as one of her wolves succumbed to sleep, followed by the other. She struggled to stay awake, uttering bewildered words. "But what's happening?" she murmured, her eyelids growing heavy.

In the end, the drowsiness proved irresistible, and Lilith drifted into slumber, right there by the serene fountain, the pie half-eaten beside her.