Admit one's feelings

After Lilith and Ava's mother had their heartfelt conversation, Ava's mother decided it was time for Lilith to have a proper meal and then rest. Lilith, despite still feeling a twinge of pain from her earlier ordeal, eagerly agreed. She appreciated the chance to regain her strength.

As Lilith savored her meal, the rich flavors filling her senses, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the care she was receiving. Ava's mother had a way of putting her at ease, and the tension that had weighed on her heart since the argument with Ava began to dissipate.

Once she had finished her meal, the ambiance in the room shifted as a familiar voice sounded outside her window. "Knock, knock," the voice playfully called out. Lilith recognized the voice immediately, and a genuine smile spread across her face. "You can come in, Red," she responded, moving to open the window and welcome her enigmatic savior.

Red's entrance into the room was nothing short of captivating. Her every step was a declaration of her presence, an unspoken demand for attention. It was as if the world shifted its focus onto her, leaving no room for anyone else. Her slender figure glided across the room with an air of confidence that spoke of her regal heritage.

In her hands, she carried a treasure trove of delectable pies and strawberry tarts, all sourced from the famous bakery that had long eluded Lilith's grasp. As Red approached, her typically reserved demeanor softened, and her voice took on a soothing quality that contrasted with her enigmatic aura.

"You're looking better," Red remarked, her words carrying a weight of concern for Lilith's well-being. Her eyes, like pools of mystery, held a hint of genuine care beneath their unreadable surface.

With grace and generosity, Red extended the box of strawberry tarts towards Lilith, offering them like a priceless gift. Lilith accepted the box with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity, her fingers delicately tracing the edges of the delectable pastries. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she examined the mouthwatering treats.

"Is this the one from the bakery?" Lilith inquired, her voice tinged with excitement. Her previous encounter with these renowned tarts had been less than ideal, and the prospect of finally tasting them was tantalizing.

"Yes, last time you didn't really get to enjoy your pie," Red replied, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. Lilith's heart fluttered at the thought of Red's memory of their shared experience. It was a subtle connection that seemed to deepen their bond.

With great care, Lilith selected one of the tarts from the box, holding it gingerly in her hand. The aroma that wafted from the pastry was nothing short of delightful, and she couldn't resist taking a bite. The flavors exploded on her palate, a symphony of sweet and tangy notes that danced across her taste buds.

"Hmm, it's so good," Lilith exclaimed, her delight evident in her every word and gesture. The quality of the pie was beyond her expectations, and she found herself thoroughly impressed. "You see, it really is the best pie in town," Red added, her own enjoyment mirroring Lilith's sentiments. With a playful glint in her eyes, Red reached for one of the tarts that Lilith held.

Lilith couldn't help but laugh, her heart swelling with happiness at this unexpected visit. "Hey, that's my pie," she protested, but her tone was light-hearted, filled with the joy of their shared moment. As they continued to enjoy the tarts, their laughter filled the room, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie that transcended the boundaries of royalty and enigmatic savior.

Amidst the sweet aroma of strawberry tarts and their shared laughter, Lilith's curiosity got the better of her. With another bite of the delicious pie, she turned her attention to the enigmatic figure seated before her.

"Red," Lilith began, her voice soft and contemplative, "what does it feel like to be in love?"

The question hung in the air, a weighty pause that stretched into eternity. In the silence that followed, the room seemed to hold its breath, the only sound the gentle ticking of a nearby clock.

Red leaned back slightly, her gaze distant as if she were peering into the depths of her own memories. "Being in love," she finally spoke, her voice carrying a touch of nostalgia, "is like... a storm."

Lilith's brow furrowed with intrigue, her curiosity piqued by Red's enigmatic response. "A storm?"

"Yes," Red continued, her voice filled with an almost wistful tone. "It's like standing in the midst of a tempest, where the world around you blurs and fades. It's chaotic and unpredictable, yet strangely beautiful in its own way. Love can be a force that consumes you, leaving you vulnerable and exposed."

Lilith couldn't help but hang onto Red's every word, her heart racing as she pondered the depths of emotion in the woman's description. She thought of Ava, of the moments they had shared, and how her heart seemed to flutter in the presence of the princess.

"Do you...?" Lilith hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice barely above a whisper, "Do you think I'm in love with someone?"

Red's eyes, those mesmerizing orbs, bore into Lilith's with an intensity that made her feel seen in a way she had never experienced before. Her response was measured, filled with a wisdom that seemed far beyond her years. "I think," Red began, her voice low and deliberate, "that the heart knows what it wants, even when the mind is clouded. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of time and self-reflection to recognize the truth."

Lilith's thoughts raced as she considered Red's words, the truth behind them resonating deep within her. She couldn't deny the feelings that had stirred within her, the way Ava had looked after her, the warmth of their connection, and the spark that seemed to ignite whenever they were near each other.

Before Lilith could delve any further into her thoughts, Red's actions took her by surprise. In one swift and unexpected movement, Red pushed Lilith gently, yet firmly, against the softness of her bed. Lilith's heart leaped in her chest, and a rush of warmth spread across her cheeks.

"What are you feeling right now?" Red inquired, her voice low and filled with an undeniable allure.

Lilith met Red's gaze, her own eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The atmosphere in the room had shifted once again, a palpable tension filling the space between them, like a gathering storm about to break.

But before Lilith could respond, the door to her room swung open, shattering the moment like fragile glass.

"Lilith, I came to see how you were doing," said the person who entered, their presence a sudden interruption to the electric air that had enveloped the room.