The helicopter descended onto a wide, grassy lawn surrounded by the vast shimmer of the sea. From above, the island looked serene—remote and untouchable. As the blades slowed, Eden peered out the window and caught sight of a grand mansion in the distance, its lights glowing softly against the dark horizon. A line of guards stood watch at the entrance, their black uniforms crisp, their stance unwavering.
"This is your grandmother's private residence," Donna explained as she stepped out first. "It was built in secret. Her Majesty uses this place whenever she visits this country. The island is completely secure—accessible only by air or sea—and monitored by surveillance cameras around the clock."
Andrew followed her out, then turned to help Eden disembark. Davin reached out his hand next, steadying her as her heels touched the ground. The sea breeze brushed against her face, cool and salt-laced. As she looked around, the water surrounding the island gleamed with reflected moonlight, painting the whole scene in quiet elegance.
"Let's go," Donna said, leading the way toward the mansion. Andrew followed closely, while Davin gently guided Eden behind them.
The moment they stepped inside, Eden felt the weight of history in the air. Ornate chandeliers cast golden light across the marble floor, and the walls were lined with grand paintings—portraits of kings, queens, and princes long gone. Her eyes caught on one particular portrait: a regal woman wearing a crown, her expression serene yet commanding. Eden's chest tightened for reasons she couldn't explain.
Then, from the grand staircase, a woman began to descend. She looked to be in her early seventies, her silver hair perfectly arranged, her posture tall and dignified. Despite the years etched on her face, there was a warmth in her eyes that softened her royal presence.
"Princess Eden," Donna announced with reverence. "May I present your grandmother, Queen Eleanor."
The older woman smiled as she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Eden… my granddaughter." Her voice was rich and gentle, filled with both affection and authority. She stepped closer, her gaze softening even more.
Eden bowed respectfully, her heart pounding in her chest. "Your Majesty," she whispered.
"Your Majesty," Andrew greeted, saluting alongside his son. "We are honored to have escorted the princess here safely."
The Queen's eyes shifted to Eden again—and widened when she noticed the blood on her gown. "Oh, my dear child! What happened to you? Are you hurt?"
"I'm all right," Eden replied quickly, forcing a small smile. "It's just a small wound, nothing serious."
Davin stepped forward, lowering his head slightly. "Your Majesty, I must apologize. I failed to protect her properly—"
Before he could finish, Eden moved in front of him, shaking her head firmly. "It wasn't his fault," she said, her tone steady but respectful. "I acted on my own. I only wanted to protect a friend."
For a moment, silence filled the grand hall. Then Queen Eleanor's lips curved into a proud smile. "Bravery runs deep in our family," she said softly. "You remind me of your mother when she was your age."
Eden's heart skipped at those words, though she said nothing.
Turning to her secretary, the Queen added, "Donna, please escort the princess to her quarters and help her change into something more comfortable. Then prepare the dining hall. I'd like to have dinner with her this evening—there is much we need to talk about."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Donna replied with a nod.
"Dinner sounds perfect," the Queen continued with a smile. "Tea can wait until morning."
Donna gestured politely for Eden to follow. As they began to climb the grand staircase, Eden looked back for a brief moment. Down below, Queen Eleanor stood between General Andrew and Commander Davin, speaking in low tones.
The sight felt surreal—three powerful figures from different worlds, connected now by her presence.
As she ascended to the upper floor, Eden's heart trembled between awe and uncertainty. This was no longer a dream or a secret—this was the beginning of a life she had never truly known.
"I saw what happened on the news," said Queen Eleanor as she reached the upper floor with Andrew, Davin, and Donna behind her.
"My apologies, Your Majesty, I—" Davin began, but the Queen raised a graceful hand to stop him.
"Please, Commander. As my granddaughter said, it was not your fault. Bravery runs in her blood—she is just like her father. Always ready to protect others, even without a thought for herself." Her eyes softened with pride. "I cannot thank you enough for what you and your father have done for her. I've already taken care of matters back home. I believe it's time the world meets her—as the next Queen."
Davin stood at attention, silent, respectful.
"I know you are a soldier," the Queen continued, "and you have duties beyond this. Still, I trust very few people, and you—and your father—are among those I hold in the highest regard." She turned to Andrew with a small, gracious smile. "General, thank you for accepting my request on such short notice. I wasn't aware you had already retired."
Andrew bowed slightly. "It was an honor, Your Majesty. If you'll permit me, I'd like to return home now. My wife is waiting, and after what happened today, I think my daughter needs me as well."
"Of course," Queen Eleanor said warmly. "Thank you again, General."
She then turned her gaze to Davin. "Commander, would you consider staying here for a while? I believe my granddaughter feels safest when you're near."
Davin's expression remained calm but firm. "I would like to, Your Majesty, but there are matters I must still resolve regarding tonight's incident. However, I believe Her Highness will be safe here. The island is heavily guarded and secure."
"Yes, indeed," the Queen nodded. "We've upgraded all surveillance systems to ensure her protection. Though I've managed to calm most of the nobles, some remain unconvinced. We must stay vigilant. Once again, I thank you and your father for everything you've done. I know that Alaric and Rowan would have felt the same gratitude."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Davin replied, his voice steady.
After a final bow, he and Andrew exited the mansion and made their way toward the helicopter. The night breeze swept across the island as the blades began to spin. Davin paused for a moment, his eyes drawn to the terrace above the garden where a soft light glowed. There—standing silently—was Eden. Their eyes met, even across the distance.
"He's leaving," Eden whispered, her voice barely audible above the wind.
Donna stepped beside her. "This might be his last day as your bodyguard," she said gently. "The Commander and the Queen agreed that he would protect you until the two of you finally met. Now that you're with Her Majesty, his duty is complete. After the upcoming summit, you will be introduced to the world as her heir. From then on, your life will change forever—you'll return to Valenor with the Queen."
Eden didn't reply. She simply watched as the helicopter lifted off, its lights fading into the horizon. Her chest tightened—each beat of the blades echoing like a goodbye she wasn't ready to say.
"What's wrong, Your Highness?" Donna asked when she noticed Eden clutch her chest.
"Nothing," Eden replied softly, forcing a small smile. "Nothing at all."
"Come," Donna said kindly. "Her Majesty is waiting."
Eden nodded faintly and followed her down the corridor toward the dining hall, her steps light but her heart unbearably heavy.