Fall into a romantic, magical fantasy with Zia Lathyrus, a young heroine with dreadful knowledge of her past life in a new world. From lonely office worker to aristocratic beauty, Zia is swept into keeping the world she once read in a novel safe fro...
This Story is categorized as a "why choose" romantic fantasy, with themes of sexual relationships, magic, and whimsical worlds. This story is inspired by isekais and has references to modern-day earth occasionally and Black femme experiences.
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Chapter Five: Lily of the Valley
Avoiding Lily is out of the question at this point. The mystery of Zia Lathyrus's best friend was about to be solved if Zia could bring herself to open the doors and see the woman mentioned in the journal. Her hand hovered over the handle, and she took several quick breaths in and out. Closing her hand over the handle, she pulled it down and pushed the door open.
A warm fire cast a gentle glow in the dusky pink tea room, and sitting among the ornate sofa was a fair beauty with long white hair cascading down her back. She looked up at Zia's entrance, and her eyes lit up with joy as she stood up in a rush.
"Zia, it's so good to see you," she proclaimed and rushed to grab her hands affectionately. Zia, confused but used to adapting, squeezed her hands back. As they broke apart, the woman sat beside her.
"It's good to see you, Lily; it's been a while since we have seen one another," Zia offered, hoping that Lily would fill in the gaps. Unease made her hands sweat as she prepared for the moment she would finally be found as a body usurper.
Instead of her lies unraveling, Lily smiled broadly and began chatting away about Bliss's gossip. Her voice was soothing with a charming quality to it. Zia found herself nodding and laughing at the antics Lily brought up. She listened attentively as hours passed by. Only when the teapot was freshly refilled and a new tray of sweets placed down did she realize that hours had passed of Lily catching her up on all of the local shenanigans.
"I've missed you so much, Zia, things haven't been the same since you first became sick" Lily confessed as she grasped Zia's hands in her own. Lilys hands were warm and soft, a telling sign of the type of life she led.
"Has it really been that long?" Zia whispered, as Lily squeezed her hands affectionately.
"Well, the past couple of months challenged my patience with your mage, but we had little chance to meet for almost 4 seasons. People around town inquired about your health from me all the time."
"Really? Four seasons? I'm honored you kept me in your thoughts that long Lily" Zia teased, familiar with how flighty Lily had treated her lovers from the journal. Lily smiled and shook her head in protest.
"I shall not keep you in my poor graces Zia, I'm just happy that you are back now and that we are together again" Zia looked at the soft expression Lily held as she looked at the window deep in thought. There was something sad about her expression that she found oddly confusing. As friends, Zia could understand missing the chances to meet and talk, but from her understanding, Lily sent the weird flowers every week while Zia stayed sick. Zia squeezed her hand affectionately and offered a weary smile.
