Cooking and confession

The afternoon had passed by in a blur of frustration for Lilith. She had spent hours attempting to read the magic book her mother had left her, but it yielded nothing more than what she had already gleaned earlier. With a sigh of exasperation, Lilith gently set the book down on her chest of drawers before allowing herself to collapse onto the bed.

"It looks like I'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what's next," she muttered to herself before her stomach let out an audible growl, as if echoing her disappointment.

Lilith reluctantly pulled herself up from the bed and decided to venture out of her room in search of sustenance. She opened her bedroom door cautiously and then closed it just as carefully, hoping not to disturb anyone. Her footsteps were slow and deliberate as she made her way to the dining room, but to her dismay, it was deserted, devoid of both company and food.

"Why isn't there any food?" Lilith couldn't help but vent her frustration, her voice escalating to a shout as she kicked the door open, which, unfortunately, slammed shut on someone's unsuspecting head.

"Ouch!" a voice cried out in pain from behind the door.

"You can't be freaking careful!" the voice continued, clearly irritated. The door creaked open, revealing a slightly disheveled figure.

"Oh, Lilith, it's you," the person, revealed to be Ava, said with a nervous smile, stepping back a little, rubbing her head where the door had made contact.

Lilith arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms, a hint of accusation in her voice. "You're hungry too," she stated, more as an observation than a question, as she heard Ava's stomach rumble in response.

Ava didn't immediately reply, her cheeks flushing slightly in embarrassment as she nodded in acknowledgment of her hunger.

Lilith decided to take the initiative. "Let's go into the kitchen," she suggested, her irritation giving way to a sense of camaraderie. The two of them turned and headed toward the kitchen.

As Lilith and Ava entered the palace kitchen, the stark contrast in their culinary skills became apparent. The kitchen was spacious, with gleaming marble countertops, rows of gleaming copper pots and pans, and a massive, ornate stove that looked like it could prepare a feast for an army. The aroma of herbs and spices wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl in anticipation.

Lilith looked around the kitchen, her eyes wide with awe. "Wow, this place is huge. I've never been in here before."

Ava chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, you're in for a treat today, Lilith. I'll show you the ropes."

Lilith nodded, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the array of ingredients and utensils before her. "Alright, what can I do to help?"

Ava handed Lilith an apron and a chef's hat, grinning mischievously. "First things first, we need to make sure you're properly dressed for the occasion."

Lilith raised an eyebrow but obediently put on the apron and chef's hat, looking both silly and endearing at the same time.

Ava couldn't help but laugh. "You look adorable, Lilith."

Lilith blushed, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and warmth at Ava's compliment. "Stop teasing me."

Ava winked. "I promise, I'll go easy on you."

They decided to make a simple pasta dish with a tomato and basil sauce. Ava effortlessly started chopping tomatoes, her knife skills precise and graceful. Lilith, on the other hand, picked up a knife with trepidation and began to clumsily slice a tomato, nearly losing a finger in the process.

Ava couldn't help but giggle. "Careful there, Lilith. Let me show you." She took Lilith's hand and demonstrated the proper way to slice the tomato, their fingers brushing gently.

Lilith's heart skipped a beat at the touch, and she found herself mesmerized by Ava's dexterity. "You make it look so easy."

Ava smiled warmly. "Practice makes perfect."

As they continued to cook, Ava guided Lilith through each step, from sautéing garlic to boiling pasta. Lilith was a willing student, albeit a clumsy one, but her determination to learn was evident. They laughed and talked as they worked, the kitchen filled with their banter and the delightful aroma of their meal.

Finally, they plated the pasta and topped it with a generous sprinkling of fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. The dish looked and smelled delicious, a testament to Ava's culinary prowess.

Lilith marveled at their creation. "I can't believe we made this together."

Ava grinned, her eyes sparkling. "See, you're a natural, Lilith."

After Lilith and Ava had finished their meal in the cozy palace kitchen, the two women found themselves in Lilith's room. The flickering candlelight cast a warm, intimate glow, illuminating the room in a soft, golden hue. Lilith leaned against her wooden chest of drawers, and Ava perched herself on the edge of the bed, their eyes locked in a quiet, charged moment.

Lilith hesitated, her gaze drifting down to the floor before she let out a heavy sigh. "Ava, there's something I realized I haven't said tonight."

Ava looked at her, her expression a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "What is it, Lilith?"

Lilith's fingers nervously toyed with the edge of her apron. "Well, it's just that... I never really told you what I think of you."

Ava's heart skipped a beat, and she leaned in a bit closer, her eyes fixed on Lilith's. "What do you think of me, Lilith?"

Lilith's cheeks flushed as she struggled to put her feelings into words. "I think... I think our relationship is going well, for now."

Ava nodded, her enthusiasm tempered by a hint of disappointment she couldn't hide. "I'm glad to hear that, Lilith."

However, something about Lilith's response didn't sit quite right with Ava. She had hoped for more clarity, a declaration of affection perhaps. Instead, Lilith's words were somewhat ambiguous, and it bothered Ava.

Lilith sensed Ava's unease and took a step closer, reaching out to gently hold Ava's hand. "Ava, I know I'm not always the best at expressing myself. But please understand that I truly value the time we spend together."

Ava smiled softly, her disappointment melting away as she squeezed Lilith's hand. "I do too, Lilith."

Lilith couldn't help but smile in return, relief washing over her. She took a step closer to Ava, and without saying another word, they wrapped their arms around each other in a warm, affectionate hug. The embrace felt like a confirmation of their connection, a silent promise of something more.

They held each other for a long moment, reveling in the warmth and comfort of each other's presence. It was a perfect, intimate moment that seemed to suspend time itself.

But just as they were lost in each other, the door to Lilith's room creaked open, startling them both. Lilith and Ava pulled away from each other, their cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and surprise.

Standing in the doorway was Lila, a look of digust on her face. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said.