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...
"She saved me!" the small girl they had helped earlier exclaimed, running toward her friends. "This aunty saved me!"
The children crowded around her, tugging at her hands and calling her to play with them. "Come with us!" they said, their little voices full of excitement. They handed her handmade cards and flowers, each one bright with innocence and admiration. Kristine kneeled, smiling, as she accepted their gifts.
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The royal family entered the orphanage. As they walked into the play area, Kristine was already playing a game with the children. Lee and Claude exchanged a glance before stepping forward, joining her in the fun. The children squealed in delight as the two princes awkwardly joined in, unsure at first but quickly warming to the lively atmosphere.
Kristine decided to teach everyone how to fly kites. She showed the children first, guiding their small hands as they tugged the strings and watched the brightly colored kites soar into the sky. The children's eyes sparkled with joy, and soon, Claude and Lee found themselves flying kites alongside them, listening carefully as Kristine explained the process.
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"You have to let the wind guide it," she said, her voice light and full of joy. "But you also need to control it, to keep it steady."
Lee laughed as his kite dipped suddenly, and Kristine, with a teasing smile, showed him how to pull the string just right. Claude watched her closely, admiring her patience and how effortlessly she managed to bring life and light to everyone around her.
As the afternoon wore on, Kristine took a break from the games to sit with the children and talk about hygiene habits, explaining the importance of handwashing, brushing teeth, and staying healthy. The children listened intently, their small faces serious with concentration.
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It was a sight that didn't go unnoticed by the queen, who observed Kristine's natural ability to connect with the children with quiet admiration. The queen approached Claude, who was still flying his kite and glancing toward Kristine. "She's quite something, isn't she?" the queen said softly.
"She'll make a wonderful queen one day," he said, his voice full of conviction, as he saw Kristine helping a child tie his shoelaces.
The queen's eyes softened. "Yes, I believe she will.", she said. "She's what Tuleria needs."
Lee, meanwhile, was sitting with a group of kids, with a boyish grin as he helped them build small sandcastles. He glanced over at Kristine from time to time, admiration clear in his eyes. Every now and then, their eyes would meet, and there was a connection between them, which was electrifying.
Just before they left, the small girl from earlier ran up to Kristine and placed a small, handmade bracelet in her hand. "For you," the girl said shyly. "Thank you for being kind and saving me. Come back soon to visit us; we love you!"
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Kristine bent down, hugging the girl tightly. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Kristine, Lee, and Claude, along with the rest of the royal family, made their way back to the waiting cars. Claude glanced at Kristine, his expression softening. "I meant what I said," he murmured. "You'll make a wonderful queen." Claude's voice carried a rare sincerity she had never heard before.
As the cars drove away from the orphanage, Kristine stared out the window, her heart full of warmth. For the first time since her return to Tuleria, she felt like she belonged.
