"Er... well, it's just that..."

"If my question makes you uncomfortable, Wayo, don't take it seriously."

"It's not that, Blue."

"Let's continue on our way. We're almost at the country house, and I want to rest."

Wayo looked at Catherine, the princess who had left her completely speechless with the surprising question. Faced with Wayo's evident hesitation and nervousness, Blue herself ended the subject, not expecting anything more from her.

The princess decided to resume walking, but Wayo quickly grabbed Catherine's arm.

"Please, Blue, hear my answer first."

"But you seem bothered by my question."

"It's just that, nowadays, it's not just about liking..."

"What do you mean?"

It may seem too quick to say this in such a short time, in less than a month in which they have spent so many moments together, but she is sure of her feelings.

"What do you feel for me, Wayo?"

Catherine asked, looking directly into Wayo's eyes, who stared back at her, waiting to answer. Meanwhile, Wayo's hands held hers, a little sweaty and trembling with nervousness.

"I'm sorry if I'm going too far. I'm sorry for not knowing my place. I'm sorry that, even though I'm so inferior, I can't hide what I feel anymore. I'm sorry for reminding myself of the difference between us a thousand times but still not being able to help it."

"..."

"Because I love you, Blue."

In the end, Wayo finally confessed what she felt, taking advantage of the opportunity since Blue had asked, not knowing how the princess would react to it.

In the worst-case scenario, Catherine might hate her to the point of not wanting to see her again, considering her shameless for daring to express such feelings without thinking of the consequences. If that were the case, Catherine probably wouldn't need a bodyguard who felt something beyond the call of duty anymore.

On the other hand, if there was hope, even if it was minimal, the fact that the princess was still listening to her answer, without removing her hand from hers or running away, gave her a small hope. Wayo just wanted that, upon knowing her heart, even if the feeling was not reciprocated, Blue at least would not hate her.

"So, where do I rank on your list of loves, Wayo?"

"Like this?"

"..."

"You've already told me that your loves are usually brief and fleeting. Perhaps what you feel for me now is superficial, a reflection of the situations that brought us together. I'd like you to reflect on whether it's love or just fascination."

"Precisely because I have already experienced many fleeting charms, I can say with certainty that you are love, Blue."

"I don't care if you have good feelings for me, Wayo, but I'm sorry, I can't reciprocate your feelings."

Catherine said this with some internal confusion, as Wayo's answer was unexpected and not exactly what she was looking for. She asked if Wayo liked her, but the other responded with love, something that Catherine didn't know if she truly understood.

So, she couldn't reciprocate or accept Wayo's feelings just by kindly receiving that affection. She wanted time to reflect on love and fascination, and she wanted Wayo to reflect on her feelings as well.

"The important thing is that you don't hate me or get angry with me. I'm already happy I told you."

"Shall we continue on our way? I would like to get to the country house."

"Before we go, I have one more thing to say."

"What is it?"

"For me, you will be the last love of my life, Blue, whether you love me back or not."

"..."

Because, even though Wayo's seemingly aimless life found the love she had been searching for, regardless of the future challenges, she was ready to face them.

Because now Wayo knew that her life was dedicated to protecting and caring for Blue.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"According to the original schedule, after completing activities in Taiwan, Princess Blue was supposed to return to Madelin next week."

"But if it is our will and our father does not object, I could visit Thailand for a personal rest before returning to Madelin. Would you, Isabel, oppose me instead of him?"

"No, Your Highness. I wouldn't dare go against Princess Blue's wishes."

"Then organize everything like this, Isabel."

"I will take care of everything as ordered, Your Highness."

Helena looked at Isabel, who seemed surprised by her decision to visit Thailand again as Princess Catherine, even though her previous trip had only been a few weeks ago. Even though she acted as if she was being manipulated and was part of a plan devised by others, she could not go against their orders, even though she felt that returning to Thailand would be too risky for everyone.

"Is everything okay, Helena?"

"All as you wish, Grace. Isabel will be in charge of the personal trip to Thailand. Although I question the princess's decision, she will not dare disobey, since King Arthur has given me permission to stay and rest a little longer before returning to Madelin."

Having power in your hands is great; things always end up favoring us.

"But isn't it too risky? You said Henry is going on an important mission to Thailand. Why should we go too?"

"I just want to make sure everything is right. When we return to Madelin this time, you will soon become Queen in King Arthur's place, being recognized as first in line to the throne. I don't want anything to go wrong and ruin our grand plan."

Grace smiled coldly as she thought of the success that was imminent, as she had dedicated her life from an early age to taking revenge on the De Lena royal family, who had deeply scarred her. Be it King Aldric, King Arthur, Princess Blue, or even Prince Karel, anyone who bore the De Lena name must fall.

Despite sending Henry to deal with the still-struggling Princess Blue, Grace decided to return to Thailand with Helena out of fear that Henry might fail or betray her to ally himself with Princess Blue, given the De Lena royal family's kind relationship with Henry's family. She feared that simple feelings of love would not be enough to persuade Henry to carry out the plan to the end she so desired.

"If Henry fails, this time I will take care of it personally!"

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Wayo?"

Princess Catherine called softly for someone who lived in the cottage with her, as she saw no sign of the lieutenant in the residence, except for the dinner already prepared. Wayo had not knocked on the door to announce anything.

The atmosphere had been quite quiet and tense since they arrived, with each of them heading off to their own personal space after discussing important matters along the way. Although Catherine had claimed to be tired from the journey and wanted to rest, she actually couldn't sleep.

"Where did she go? She didn't even leave a message."

Even after looking around, there was no note or sign of Wayo, not even in the surroundings of the house as seen through the window. Catherine decided not to bother with the appetizing dinner, more elaborate than the local foods on the island, as she did not want to eat alone.

After a few minutes outside the house, following the sound of the alluring waterfall, she found Wayo. Sitting on a rock by the stream, Wayo seemed absorbed, the sound of the water perhaps relaxing her, not noticing Catherine approaching.

"Wayo, cover yourself with this."

"Princess Blue!"

"If you get sick, who will take care of us here?"

Wayo seemed surprised by the princess's kind and thoughtful gesture, as she placed a shawl over her shoulders. As she tried to return the shawl, she saw Catherine refuse with a shake of her head and sit down next to her on the rock without ceremony.

"Don't you feel cold, Princess Blue? The wind is strong."

"I don't feel very cold."

"Then we will have to divide the shawl between us."

Although the situation could be arranged, Catherine moved even closer, until their shoulders touched, as the shawl was not big enough for both of them. This caused that familiar confusion in her heart, and Wayo was not sure if Catherine felt the same.

In the past, Wayo had never toyed with anyone's heart, never pretended to love another person even if her feelings were unrequited. So why did fate seem to laugh at her situation now, making the princess mess with her heart?

"I was worried when I couldn't find you."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before that I was going to sit near the waterfall. When I went out and saw it, I thought it was so beautiful that I ended up staying."

"Have you been here since we arrived?"

"Yes, except when I was making dinner. I was just thinking."

"Are you mad at me?"

Wayo looked at the princess, who was questioning her abruptly, just like during the trip. Catherine had asked her directly if she had feelings for someone else and how she felt about her. If the princess was known for keeping her words, Catherine was also frank to the point that her words deeply touched Wayo.

"I should ask if the Princess is upset with me for confessing my feelings."

"How could it upset me? I was the one who asked."

"It's true. I'm not mad at you, I'm just scared."

"Why would you fear me? Am I that scary?"

Princess Catherine's beauty could never be seen as intimidating. Her grace remained intact even in moments of anger, melting Wayo's heart.

"I'm afraid of being despised, of you feeling uncomfortable with me, now that you know my feelings."

"Being here, does it seem like I feel uncomfortable?"

"..."

"It's funny how I'm still the same, but it seems like you've changed, Wayo."

Catherine watched Wayo, who seemed bewildered, temporarily losing her air of courage and bravery, as if she were a completely different person from the one Catherine had known in the risky situations they had faced together. The confession seemed to have pushed Wayo away, although Catherine had not rejected her.

"How do you expect me to stay the same? I just confessed that I love you."

"I know you love me. Although I cannot return your love now, because I still do not know the true meaning of this feeling. Could you still be the same with me as before, so that one day I might understand love?"

"If you don't feel uncomfortable, I'll stay the same. But if I overstep the boundaries, feel free to call me out on it."

"If I feel uncomfortable, I promise to let you know and correct you."

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"If there is any update, will Mr. Watit send me news?"

"My father said that if there is something urgent or if we hear that someone from Madelin has come to Thailand, he will find a way to let you and me, Blue, know so that we can prepare. But if it is not serious, I would not like to send anyone, as it would be dangerous if the enemies followed us here."

"We think there is no safe place in Thailand if Grace is determined to find us. Eventually, she will find us; the question is just when."

Catherine was confident that Grace and everyone involved in the rebellion would soon show up to settle the score. She hoped that the plan, which would depend on her brother's help, would succeed. If Karel succeeded, she, Wayo, and everyone there would be safe.

"I hope Prince Karel's friends can warn us about this before the rebels find it."

"I hope so too. If Karel sees the letter in my handwriting and takes it to our father, I already asked in the message to keep the information secret from Antonie. I think my father and Karel will be able to find a safe way to help me and you, Wayo."

"When everything is over, you'll have to go back to Madelin, right, Blue?"

"Wayo, Madelin is my home."

"When we say goodbye, I will miss you."

Wayo expressed her fear of parting, even though that day had not yet come. Just imagining the moment when the two would part, with Catherine returning to the majestic throne and Wayo returning to reality, was as if the good times spent were an unforgettable dream.

"Doesn't Thailand have planes, by any chance?"

"What do you mean?"

"Madelin may be far away, but you can visit. As a host, I will welcome you with open arms, and I believe my father and Karel will do the same, since you saved my life."

"What if I wanted to move there permanently? Is there a position for me?"

"In Madelin, we already have plenty of royal guards, Wayo. It wouldn't be necessary."

"What about another role? Do you think that could be possible, Blue?"

"I'm not sure. I don't have as much power as my father does now to appoint you to any position, Wayo."

Catherine responded evasively, understanding the intention behind Wayo's words, but preferred to respond broadly so as not to raise hopes or cause hurt feelings due to Wayo's feelings for her, responding kindly.

"There would be no need to involve King Arthur. The position I desire only you can grant, Blue."

"I... I'm tired. If you want to continue preparing, Wayo, go ahead."

The talented lieutenant watched as Catherine hurriedly left, ending the conversation abruptly.

It wasn't hard to see the situation: if it was something she couldn't handle or she was afraid her true feelings would be discovered, the princess, who wasn't good at lying, would always walk away before the situation got out of hand.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"We only have one week to sort everything out before the princess comes to Thailand again."

"I understand, Henry. But after handling Lieutenant Wayo's matter for you, I've been under surveillance by Mr. Watit. Even though I haven't been transferred, finding information about Wayo and the woman who ran away with her has been tricky. Plus, Wayo was recently suspended from duty."

"That's your problem, not ours. If we're collaborating, you must do your part. Otherwise, Commander Santi will know what happens."

"Calm down, please. I promise I will find information about the whereabouts of Lieutenant Wayo and the person Henry is looking for as soon as possible."

"We will wait for a response within three days."

Henry gave an ultimatum to the police officer, Commander Santi, who was involved and was providing information in exchange for a large sum of money. There was only one week left until Grace and Helena, playing the fake princess, were to return to Thailand. If there was another mistake, this could be the last chance for all of them.

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆

"Uncle Chai, thank you for bringing the news. Take care when you return."

"You too, Lom. The lady asked you to take good care of yourself, and she said that as soon as you see any signs of emergency from the resort, you should follow the plan immediately."

"Understood."

Wayo said goodbye to the old servant on her mother's side of the family who was in charge of the operations of the local resort. Although Uncle Chai didn't know the details, he was trustworthy and was assigned to take care of her and Blue's temporary lodging. Wayo's father's information left her feeling uneasy and worried.

With the news that Henry's men had entered Thailand illegally, receiving help from Commander Santi, his former boss, and with the agenda indicating that the fake Princess Catherine would return to Thailand under the pretext of personal rest, Wayo and her family realized that something was wrong.

The situation seemed more serious than ever, as if a final gale was about to decide everyone's fate.

"It seems we are approaching the end of this story."

The lieutenant expressed her concern, but the tension eased when she saw Princess Catherine admiring wild orchids next to the house, bringing a luminous smile that transformed the atmosphere around her.

"Wayo, you arrived at the right time."

"What are you doing?"

"I found these beautiful flowers by chance."

"They are called wild orchids."

"Wild orchids? What a beautiful name. Do they mean anything special?"

"I'm not sure, I can't search without my phone. I'll check and let you know later, Blue."

"It's okay, they just need to be pretty. Too bad I ended up ripping one off when I picked it."

Wayo observed the orchid in the princess's hand, a flower that had fallen from the branch as Catherine, radiant and graceful, took it. Wayo then placed the flower behind Catherine's ear, adorning her even more.

"Now you are more beautiful than ever."

"..."

Catherine, even amidst so much natural beauty, radiated a magnificence that outshone all the flowers around her.

"Let's go back home."

"Blue!"

"Don't follow me."

"Be careful, there's a stream over there..."

Splash!

Before she could warn her, Catherine, stepping back, slipped and fell into the stream. The water was not deep, but in her fright, the princess lost her balance. Wayo did not hesitate to get wet and was soon at her side, keeping her safe.

"It's okay, Blue. You're safe now."

"Wayo."

"Did you hurt yourself when you fell?"

"I am fine."

"Don't worry, stay standing. This part isn't deep, unlike the path to the waterfall."

"Even if the water is shallow or deep, I can't swim."

Catherine admitted to her guardian, even as Wayo gently held her, ensuring her safety without being invasive.

"But that day, when I fell into the water, you said you would jump in to save me."

"At that moment, I was scared."

"Don't do that again. Even if you're scared, don't do anything so dangerous, Blue. Promise?"

"..."

Wayo watched the princess ponder silently, not accepting her promise. She simply wanted to ensure that Catherine understood the importance of her safety and the value her life held for so many people in Madelin.

"Blue, answer me. This is important for your safety."

"Wayo's life is also important."

"Not quite. Compared to your life, mine doesn't compare. If given a choice, I would sacrifice my life for yours."

"Don't say that in my presence!"

"Blue."

The lieutenant realized that, for the first time, she had perhaps really angered Princess Catherine. The princess, moving away, headed for a deeper part of the stream, although she had said that she could not swim, demonstrating how much her words had resonated.

"Stop, Blue. That's deep."

"This is my body and my life, I don't want you to trade yours for mine."

"I'm just worried about you. I want to protect you like someone who loves you."

"If you love me, Wayo, don't die. Don't say you'll sacrifice your life for me, please."

"Sorry, I understand. If you don't like it, I won't say it anymore. We'll face everything together, and I'll wait until the day you love me too."

"..."

Catherine stood in silence, wrapped in Wayo's arms, feeling the security of her embrace. The water of the stream seemed warmed by the warmth of that shared moment, transcending the cold that had existed until then. The two remained there for so long that time around them seemed to have stopped.

The two of them remained close for so long that they did not realize how much time had passed around them, until the agitation in her chest and the fear of losing someone, as had happened before, calmed down. Then, Catherine decided to move away from the proximity, to turn around and meet the gaze of those eyes that watched her without ever looking away, as there had never been a day in which her shadow was not reflected in those eyes so firm, sincere, and loyal.

And who always gave her more love than anyone else in this world...

This moment seemed to be another test for both of them, as many times these moments had happened and they had overcome them. It was as if it were a second in which they both needed to contain themselves, but this time Wayo thought she could no longer contain the desire in her heart, full of the word love, and so she ended up crossing the line of adequacy, going beyond just saying that she loved her.

Moving her lips towards the noble princess's lips with cautious slowness, expecting a reprimand from the other side for a second, as Blue had promised she would if she felt uncomfortable or if Wayo did something inappropriate, to warn her and make her stop.

But this time, no words were said to stop her, not even a syllable, only the eyes that closed, refusing to perceive anything around them, when feeling the touch of the soft lips that descended with such sweetness, softness, and care, different from the touch when helping to breathe and give new life to each other that day, incomparable.

As if taking them away from the ancient world, forgetting hierarchies and leaving behind the word adequacy, allowing two hearts to communicate.

And diving into the ecstasy of their enchantment...

⋆。𖦹 ̊。⋆