The Navy Hospital was on full lockdown, just as Davin had ordered. Security teams stood guard at every corner, and two officers were stationed outside Eden's room. Only Paula and Cynthia were allowed inside; even the attending doctor had to undergo a full body search before being let in.
Inside the command office, Ashmaria sat across from her father, Andrew, arms folded. A fresh bandage marked her forehead.
"Papa, what's really going on?" she asked. "Why are you even involved in this? You're supposed to be retired."
Andrew remained silent, scanning a report on his desk.
"Even Davin won't tell me anything," she pressed. "Earlier, he practically mobilized the entire Navy! The hospital looks like a fortress. I know she's the daughter of a famous actress, but this level of security—"
She stopped when the door opened. Davin walked in, his uniform still rumpled, a faint cut visible near his collar.
"Davin," said Anica, their mother, rising quickly to meet him. She touched his face, eyes shining with worry.
"I'm fine," Davin assured her gently, taking her hand and guiding her toward Andrew and Ashmaria.
"Did you capture them?" Andrew asked without preamble.
"Yes," Davin replied. "They've been turned over to the police. They confessed. Arrest warrants are being prepared for the masterminds."
Andrew leaned forward. "Was it from—"
"No," Davin cut him off sharply. "It wasn't them. One of the Kingdom's contracted models orchestrated everything. It was their way of getting revenge."
Ashmaria frowned. "Don't tell me you mean the Suarez siblings."
"You guessed it," Davin said, his tone clipped. "They were paid to scare Eden. Apparently, they went too far. No criminal records—just civilians drowning in debt."
Andrew exchanged a grave look with Davin. "Her face will soon be everywhere. The press will dig into her identity. Once they do—"
"Wait," Ashmaria interrupted, frustration flaring. "You're all talking like this is some classified operation! If it's just revenge, why does everyone look terrified?"
She turned to Davin, who had pulled out his phone. "Davin! You said you'd expla—"
He raised the phone, showing her a headline. It was a news article — one she remembered from months ago: King of Valenor Dies in Tragic Explosion.
Her breath caught. "Wait… that's…" She looked at Davin, realization dawning. "No way."
"She's the long-lost daughter of King Darius," Andrew said quietly. "The last heir to the throne."
Ashmaria froze. "What?"
"This information is highly classified," Andrew continued. "Only a handful of people know — for her safety. My most trusted men are aware, and now, you. Moving forward, I expect you to help us keep her safe. You'll be working closely with her anyway because of the Kingdom and Empire Project."
"I still can't believe this," Ashmaria murmured, shaking her head. "Her life will be in danger once her image goes public. The project itself practically exposes who she really is."
"That's why I'm telling you this," Davin said firmly. "I trust you'll do everything in your power to protect her. Even her handler doesn't know her real identity. So act normal — and never call her 'Princess' or 'Your Highness' in front of others."
Ashmaria turned to their mother. "You knew about this, Mama?"
Anica shook her head. "Only recently," she said softly. "I always thought she was just perfect for the role… I never imagined she actually was royalty."
"You'll help me, right?" Davin asked his sister. "I can't increase her bodyguards without drawing suspicion."
Ashmaria shot him a look. "But you nearly alerted the entire Navy."
Davin smirked. "Don't get smart with me, young lady." He flicked her forehead, making her yelp and cover it with her hand.
"Ma! See that?" she complained, seeking her mother's sympathy. Anica only chuckled, shaking her head. For a moment, they looked less like a high-security family — and more like ordinary siblings teasing each other.
Andrew cleared his throat. "Will you inform the Queen about the incident?"
"She has to know," Davin replied. "But it might not help. She's still under threat from the royal opposition."
A sharp knock at the door broke the tension.
"Lieutenant Commander," a voice called from outside. "Sir, you have an urgent call."
Recognizing the voice, Davin nodded toward the door. "You can open it, Lieutenant."
The door swung open, revealing Lt. Phillip standing at attention. "Sir, it's urgent."
"Yes, it's from the ambassador," Phillip said. "I've already transferred the call to this line, and I've made sure no one's listening."
Davin glanced at the phone on the desk, then stood and lifted the handset.
At first, he spoke with the ambassador — the formalities, the briefing — but soon, a softer, familiar voice replaced the line. The Queen Dowager herself. She informed him that she and her delegation would be flying in for the upcoming conference. Before hanging up, she made one request — she wanted to see her granddaughter.
Davin placed the handset back down slowly.
"What did he say?" Andrew asked.
"The Queen Dowager is coming," Davin replied. "She wants to see her granddaughter."
Ashmaria sank into a chair, wide-eyed. "This is way too much for me to process," she breathed. Then, glancing at her brother, she couldn't help but smile faintly. He's been protecting a royal princess this whole time… and he's damn good at it.
"Do you think we should delay the brand launch?" Anica asked, turning toward her daughter.
Davin shook his head. "No, that won't be necessary. We continue as scheduled. The key is to act normally — no sudden changes that might draw attention." He paused, his tone measured. "I spoke to her doctor earlier. Aside from the head wound, there's nothing serious. She just needs rest."
For a moment, silence filled the room — heavy but calm — before Andrew finally exhaled and leaned back in his chair.
Eden remained at the Navy Hospital for a week until she had fully recovered from the incident. The entire event on the island was kept secret from the public. Everyone involved was required to sign confidentiality agreements, and the capture of those responsible was handled quietly.
Davin's team arrested the Suarez brother, while the sister was spared from charges, as no evidence connected her to the plot.
Once Eden was discharged, the photoshoots resumed — this time held exclusively in the Kingdom's secured resorts and hotels for safety.
Despite knowing the truth about Eden's identity, Ashmaria did everything she could to act normally around her. There were moments when she felt intimidated — not because of fear, but because of the quiet grace Eden carried. Yet the young woman's kindness and gentle charm made it impossible not to feel at ease around her.
After another week of intense work, the production finally completed all materials for the upcoming brand launch of Empire & Kingdom. The two companies prepared a grand event to unveil the new "Royalty" line.
On the night of the launch, the venue glowed with golden lights and excitement. When the new face of the brand was revealed, the crowd erupted in awe and applause. Just as everyone expected, the public welcomed the new ambassador with overwhelming warmth.
No one in the audience knew that behind that radiant smile stood a true royal — a princess who had just survived an assassination attempt.