I Hope This Time

CHAPTER FOUR

Lily Pov

As I ventured away from the palace, still within the enchanting kingdom of Therania, a sense of confusion lingered in my mind. I couldn't shake the persistent question of how and why I found myself in this unfamiliar place.

Lily: How did I end up here, and why? It's perplexing. The beauty of Therania is undeniable, but the mystery surrounding my presence remains unanswered.

While the memories of Princess Amelia's warmth and the kingdom's grandeur lingered, a curious uncertainty about the circumstances of my arrival persisted, adding an intriguing layer to my journey through the captivating realms of Therania.

As I continued walking, lost in my thoughts, the scenery transformed, and before I knew it, I found myself in a dense forest surrounded by tall trees. It was then that I noticed a small house nestled among the woods.

Lily, intrigued by the unexpected discovery, approached the quaint dwelling with cautious curiosity.

Lily: A little house in the midst of this enchanting forest? Perhaps there's someone who can shed light on how I ended up in Therania.

With a mix of wonder and apprehension, I decided to approach the mysterious house, hoping to find answers or perhaps a friendly face in this captivating yet perplexing realm.

The door creaked open, revealing a woman in her forties. Her eyes held a mixture of surprise and curiosity as she looked at me standing on her doorstep.

Woman: Well, hello there. What brings you to my humble abode in the heart of the forest?

Lily, with a polite smile, decided to be honest about her situation.

Lily: Good day. I find myself in this enchanting forest and the kingdom of Therania without a clear understanding of how I got here. I was hoping you might have some insights or information that could help me unravel this mystery.

The woman's expression softened, and she gestured for me to enter.

Woman: Mysteries have a way of finding their way to us, don't they? Come in, dear. Let's see if we can make sense of it together.

As I stepped inside, the door closed behind me, leaving the mysterious forest outside and the promise of answers within the cozy confines of the woman's home.

Curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but inquire about the woman's story.

Lily: Thank you for welcoming me. May I ask if you live here alone?

The woman's eyes momentarily glistened with a hint of sadness.

Woman: No, dear. I used to live in the city of Therania with my husband. We decided to escape and start anew here in the forest. Sadly, my husband passed away three years ago, and now it's just me and the memories.

Lily, sensing the woman's sorrow, expressed her condolences.

Lily: I'm truly sorry to hear about your loss. It must have been a challenging journey. I find myself in a peculiar situation as well, unsure of how I ended up in Therania. Any guidance or information you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

The woman nodded empathetically, ushering me to a cozy corner as we embarked on a conversation that held the promise of understanding and, perhaps, uncovering the mysteries that surrounded us both.

In the midst of our conversation, the woman, whom I now knew as Elise, opened up about her longing for family.

Elise: You can call me Mother if you'd like, dear. My husband and I always wished for a child, but fate had other plans. Are you hungry perhaps?