~Time-Traveler's Dilemma~ ~~Chiyeon~~ ~Book 6~

Hidden Passages and Handmade gifts.

Ahyeon stood at the entrance of her chamber, her eyes fixed on the blueprints spread across the large oak table. The candlelight flickered against the paper, casting long shadows that matched the furrows of concentration on her brow. She had been working tirelessly for days, ordering the construction of an underground passage to one of her secret estates—an escape route, should things in the castle become unbearable. Though she maintained a composed façade in front of her workers and courtiers, the weight of her responsibilities and the secrecy surrounding her relationship with Chiquita was beginning to wear on her.

Her mind raced as she thought of all the intricacies involved in the passage’s creation—ensuring it was built in total secrecy, that no one, not even her closest advisors, would suspect its existence. It was a monumental task, but one that Ahyeon was determined to see through.

"Your Highness," one of the workers approached, bowing deeply. "The initial excavation has begun. We’ve secured the area behind the castle as you requested, and we’ll work day and night to complete the passage as soon as possible."

Ahyeon nodded, her voice steady but firm. "Ensure that no one outside this team knows of this project. I’ll tolerate no mistakes."

"Of course, Your Highness," the worker replied before bowing again and exiting the room.

Once the door closed, Ahyeon let out a quiet sigh, allowing herself a brief moment of vulnerability. She walked toward the window, looking out at the gardens below. It was late afternoon, and the sky was painted with hues of pink and orange. Her gaze landed on Chiquita, who was in the back garden, her hands moving skillfully among the branches and flowers. Ahyeon tilted her head, curious about what Chiquita was doing.

Despite the stress that weighed heavily on her, Ahyeon couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Chiquita, her focus and gentle nature always managing to warm the princess’s heart. Chiquita had a certain ease about her, a calmness that contrasted Ahyeon’s constant state of alertness. And though they had both been busy, especially after the rumors, their connection had only deepened.

Down in the garden, Chiquita was working on a surprise for Ahyeon. The idea had come to her earlier that morning as she wandered through the castle’s grounds, searching for some way to express her love. She had spent most of the day gathering branches, flowers, and soft soil from a nearby pond.

Kneeling on the ground, her hands smeared with dirt, Chiquita carefully wove the thin branches together, creating a round crown adorned with vibrant flowers. The earthy scent of the wet soil filled the air as she shaped a small heart-shaped bowl, a simple gesture, but one she knew would mean the world to Ahyeon. Chiquita’s heart raced with excitement at the thought of presenting her gifts to the princess.

As the evening shadows lengthened, Chiquita held up her creations, admiring her work. The crown of flowers was delicate but beautiful, and the bowl, though rough, had a charm to it that made her smile. She wiped her dirty hands on her already messy tunic, smudging more soil on her pants, but she didn’t care. All she could think about was Ahyeon’s reaction.

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Later that night, Ahyeon returned to her chambers, exhausted but determined to push through. She had barely seen Chiquita all day, and the thought of her warmed Ahyeon’s heart, as it always did. There was a knock at the door, and her heart fluttered as she sensed it was Chiquita.