In a land torn apart by war, you return to a homeland you barely remember, the place where your father once ruled as Prime Minister before sending you to America for safety. Now a successful doctor, you're called back for reasons unknown, thrust int...
The next visit as a contender for the crown was to an ORPHANAGE. Early next morning, the royals, along with Penelope and Kristine, had just finished eating breakfast and were ready to leave for the orphanage on the outskirts of the capital. The visit is part of a public relations effort, but for Kristine, it's more than just a political gesture. It strikes an emotional chord, reminding her of her past struggles and separation from Tuleria. As a doctor who frequently treated young children, Kristine was genuinely excited and could not wait to interact with the children and help them.
For this visit, she wore a modest white dress with black shoes that were suitable for the occasion.
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As they got into a black car with the royal crest, Kristine sat with Claude and Penelope at the back. She observed the city in awe as they traveled towards the countryside. Near the outskirts of the city, Kristine saw a young girl sitting on the sidewalk, crying her heart out.
She looked lost and disheveled and Kristine couldn't bear to leave the poor child there all alone.
She shouted, "STOP THE CAR!"
The driver immediately stopped and everyone looked at her in surprise. "Everything okay Kristine?" asked Claude, concerned.
"No, there is a young child crying on the road, and she looks lost. I'm going to take her back to her house," she said as she got out of the car, not waiting for anyone's response.
She kneeled and lifted the girl in her arms. " Sweetheart, are you lost?", she asked kindly
The child cried even louder, but Kristine, who knew how to deal with children, patted the child's back and calmed her down. On the shirt was the name of the orphanage that they were going to-Haven Orphanage. So, Kristine took the child back into the car and decided to take her to the orphanage.
As they approached, Penelope's eyes widened in horror. "What on earth are you doing?" Penelope gasped, recoiling in disgust. She leaned away from the window. "You can't bring her in here. She's filthy!"
Kristine paused, stunned by the coldness in Penelope's voice. The little girl's eyes filled with fear again, her hand trembling in Kristine's. "Shhh, you're safe now, sweety. Don't worry," said Kristine.
"I don't mind," Kristine replied firmly, her gaze locking with Penelope's. "She's scared and needs help."
But Penelope folded her arms, her nose wrinkled in disgust. "Absolutely not. This is a royal carriage for the elite, not for filthy outsiders."
Kristine felt a surge of anger rising, but she swallowed it, determined to remain composed for the child's sake. She looked down at the girl, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's okay," she said gently. "We'll walk."
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Without waiting for further protest, Kristine turned toward the road, keeping her pace steady as she held the girl's hand and walked. She didn't care about her reputation at present, what mattered was the little girl.
As she walked, a voice called out from behind. "Kristine, wait."
She turned to see Claude striding toward her, leaving the carriage behind. His expression was soft, and there was a hint of admiration in his eyes as he fell into step beside her.
"You didn't have to walk all this way," he said quietly. He glanced at the little girl, offering her a kind smile.
"I wanted to," Kristine replied, her voice firm. "She was scared, and no child deserves to feel that way."
After a few minutes of silence, Claude broke the quiet. "I admire what you did back there."
Kristine glanced at him, a little surprised. "It was just the right thing to do."
He shook his head, his expression earnest. "No, it was more than that. Not everyone would choose to walk when there's an easier option. Especially not in your position."
For a moment, their eyes met, and something passed between them-an unspoken understanding, a shared sense of responsibility beyond the royal duties that had brought them together. For the first time, she felt a connection to him beyond formality.
"You're different from anyone I've ever met," Claude said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "I'm beginning to see why my parents admire you so much."
Kristine felt a blush rise to her cheeks, but she quickly looked down, focusing on the path ahead. "I'm just trying to do what's right."
They finally arrived at the orphanage gates, where a caretaker rushed out to greet them, her face full of relief as she took the child's hand. "Thank you," the woman said, her voice filled with gratitude. "We've been looking for her."
The little girl's companions rushed to hug her, and the girl looked at them both with gratitude.
Word spread quickly about Kristine's rescue, and by the time the royal carriages arrived, a group of children had gathered, eyes wide with curiosity and awe. They all rushed forward to meet her and thank her for saving their companion.
The moment Lee stepped out of his car, he spotted Kristine standing amidst the children. His face lit up with relief as he rushed over, "Kristine! I'm sorry for not following you earlier. I should've come with you."
Kristine waved it off. "It's okay, Lee. I'm fine."
But Penelope, who had emerged from the car gripping Claude's arm, wasn't as gracious. She threw a cold look at Lee. "Well, someone had to stay behind. Claude was responsible."
Claude gave Penelope a polite nod but gently shook off her hand. His eyes were on Kristine, and there was something unreadable in his gaze. He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the laughter of the children.
