I Hope This Time

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lily: Why do you have to be so beautiful? I supposed to hate you

Emily with confusion asked lily

Emily: what are you saying lily?  ( Emily looks lily in the eye with the concerned look.

Lily then takes a deep breath and says the words that she knows she will regret in the end.

Lily, a pained expression: Emily, I shouldn't be feeling this way. We're friends, and it's complicated.

Emily, earnestly: Lily, You know I really value our friendship too but I can't seem to Understand you.

Lily, looking away: I know, but I can't let myself go down this path. It's not right. Emily I-I can't explain what I'm feeling right now, I -i Thought maybe it was just because of our closeness that's why I'm feeling this. B-but it's different I don't see you as a friend. I see you as someone , a-as a l-lover instead

Emily, Shock: W-what? lily I don't know what to say

Lily, regretful: I never meant for this to happen. I should have kept these feelings to myself.

Emily, reassuringly: Lily, our friendship means to me. I don't know lily

As they stood in the river, Lily felt a heavy weight on her chest, the weight of emotions she hadn't anticipated. Emily, sensing Lily's turmoil, moved closer.

Emily, tenderly: Lily, I'm sorry I can't give you the same feeling

Lily: It's ok Emily I understand( lily with a pained expression still manages to smile at Emily)

Lily then was planning to go out in the river and cry for herself but then she heard Emily laughing at her

Emily: HAHAHA look at your face HAHAHAH I finally get my revenge. ( Emily laughing continuously)

Lily: Don't laugh at me. i'm hurting here. Go home alone tsk tsk!!!

Lily was about to go when Emily hug her at the back.

Lily: What are you doing Emily? Don't play with my feelings. ( Lily turn around and face Emily)

Emily: I'm not playing, Look at me. I've been feeling something for you in a while now. I thought you don't feel the same that's why I keep it to myself.

Lily, with a blush, asked hesitantly: Emily, is this real? You're not joking right?

Emily, looking into Lily's eyes: It's as real as it gets, Lily.

With a mix of trepidation and desire, Lily closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a gentle kiss, and in that moment, the complexities of their emotions and the uncertainty of the future seemed to fade away. Lily and Emily savored every second, immersed in the newfound depth of their connection.

As Lily and Emily slowly withdrew from the embrace, the forest surrounding their  world seemed to hold its breath, as if sharing in the momentous shift that had just occurred. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm afterglow over the little house nestled in the heart of the forest.

Lily, breaking the silence with a soft smile: Emily, this is... unexpected, but it feels right.

Emily, equally touched: Life has a way of surprising us. Let's see where this journey takes us.

Lily: But I think we need to go home now, probably mother elise was already looking for us

As they approached the little house, its warm lights welcoming them, Lily couldn't help but feel a sense of home in this haven. The air was filled with the laughter they had carried from the river, and the forest whispered secrets of their shared emotions.

Lily and Emily, still immersed in their shared tenderness, approached the little house unaware of the unexpected presence waiting for them. The warm lights spilled from the windows, creating a comforting ambiance as they continued their conversation.

Lily, with a contemplative tone: Emily, this place feels like a sanctuary, but we should be careful. Mother Elise might be worried.

Emily, nodding: You're right, Lily. Let's make sure everything is okay.
As they neared the entrance, the soldier in front of the little house came into view, accompanied by nine others. Their uniforms bore the insignia of Therania, a sight that immediately sent a wave of tension through Lily and Emily.

Lily, voice dropping to a whisper: Emily, who are they? What's going on?

Emily, eyes narrowing: I have no idea, Lily, but we should approach cautiously.The soldiers noticed the approaching figures and stood at attention. A commanding officer stepped forward, his stern expression suggesting a serious matter at hand.

As the royal soldiers stood at attention, the commanding officer stepped forward, and Emily found herself froze in her spot! damn!

Officer: Princess Emily of Therania, we finally found  you. The king is very worried and summoned us to find you so you could return to the kingdom immediately.

Lily, bewildered, turned to Emily: Crown Princess? Emily, what's happening?

Emily, hesitatingly: Lily, I never mentioned it, but I'm the Crown Princess of Therania. They've found me.

Lily, wide-eyed: Crown Princess? I... I didn't know. Why didn't you tell me? ( Lily feeling hurt)

The officer, noticing Lily's confusion, explained: The Crown Princess is essential to the kingdom. She disappeared due to assasination, now we're bringing her back

Lily, still processing: So, you're royalty, Emily?

Lily was really hurt and she felt down

Emily, with a nod: Yes, Lily. I never meant for you to find out like this. I'm really sorry I didn't tell you, forgive me.

As the soldiers prepared to escort Emily back to Therania, Lily, overwhelmed with the revelation, protested as the soldiers prepared to escort Emily back to Therania.

Lily, determined: Emily, you can't go back! We can figure this out. I really love you! Please don't go!

Emily, torn but resolute: Lily, it's not that simple, I'm really sorry Lily. I really love you too.

Emily and lily were already crying

Lily, frustrated: But what about us? What about everything we shared?

The officer, sternly: Your Highness, your father and duty awaits.

Emily, with a heavy heart, turned to Lily: I promise, Lily, I'll come back. We'll find a way to be together. And If I didn't come back, I hope you can find me

As lily try to fight back the soldiers, She got cut in her stomach

Emily: Please no don't kill her! Please lily don't fight anymore( emily while crying).

Emily kisses Lily's forehead for the last time before coming to the soldiers

Soldier: Here Poor woman! Get these 100 gold as a reward and leave the princess alone.

As Lily lay wounded on the ground, her pain echoed the emotional turmoil that unfolded around her. Emily, now escorted by the soldiers, glanced back with tearful eyes, torn between duty and the love she left behind.

Mother Elise rushed to Lily's side, concern etched across her face.

Mother Elise, worried: Lily, what happened? We need to tend to your wounds.

Lily, tears streaming down her face: Emily is the Crown Princess, Mother Elise. They took her away.

Mother Elise, gently comforting Lily: Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry. Let's take care of you first.

As Mother Elise tended to Lily's wounds, the digital forest remained silent, the laughter and warmth replaced by an air of sorrow. Lily grappled with the pain of her injuries and the ache of a love abruptly torn apart.