"I still find it hard to believe that you easily made my father give in. He was always strict when it comes to me going out."

Vienna Mareyi was riding a horse with Iria. She was still bewildered by how fast her strict father gave her permission to leave the camp. The Prime Minister quickly nodded when the Crown Princess said that she wanted to get some fresh air and asked his daughter to be her companion!

"I think your father is a good person. Arin also relies on him a lot," Iria replied. This time, Prince Orius didn't come with them and instead, a few guards led by Rion followed them. She didn't get to inform the Crown Prince as the latter was busy.

"My father always prioritizes the kingdom but he also loves me a lot. That's why I always try to hold back myself even when I want some freedom. I don't want to make him worry," Vienna Mareyi said. "His Highness has a good relationship with my father. I think that's why my father permits me that easy. He wants you to have friends and feel at home."

"Then we should take advantage of that," Iria said and let out a laughter. "We can go out together often."

"I would love that," Vienna Mareyi promptly responded with a smile.

Iria Alewine glanced around to observe the weather. "There is still plenty of time before dinner. We can take our time."

Vienna Mareyi nodded and they fastened their pace.

In no time, they reached the mesmerizing waterfalls which were not far from the camp. They get off their horses and Iria looked up at the mountains above. The Blue Mountains.

"It's your first time in the camp, Your Highness. I don't expect you to know this place." Vienna Mareyi stared at the mesmerizing Sina Falls presented right in front of her eyes. When she inhaled the fresh air of the area, she sensed the smell of freedom and it made her smiled.

Iria recalled how she glanced down at this place from the Blue Mountains above just the day before yesterday. She knew this place with beautiful nature thanks to Arin Helev.

When their conversation last night crossed her mind, she quickly brushed it off and turned to Vienna Mareyi. "I also don't expect you to know how to ride a horse."

"General Hanson taught me a few years ago," Vienna Mareyi quickly said with a genuine smile. "I don't get to ride it often but I never forget the skill."

"Why don't you two get married? You have like each other for a long time and both of you are at an age for marriage." Iria was quite curious.

General Hanson was the same age as the Crown Prince and Lady Vienna was the same age as her. What stopped them from marrying each other?

Vienna Mareyi's smile faded a bit. "General Hanson is worried. Much more like he worried about me. He is a soldier who spent most of his time fighting wars. Anything can happen and that troubled him."

Hanson Lorin was scared that Vienna Mareyi would become a widow at a young age. Iria was surprised by the response but as a warrior herself, she understood that the General had a point.

Though life was uncertain, the uncertainty was doubled for warriors. Every day could be their last.

Vienna Mareyi looked up at the sky and forced a smile. "For us to get married, I think people under the vast shy should live in peace first. No wars and conflicts."

"It will be hard," Iria muttered. She recalled how many women were turned to widows by wars. She truly wished for Vienna Mareyi not to have such a fate. She deserved better.

"It is, " Vienna Mareyi promptly said. "It's the reason why General Hanson always keep himself in check despite his feelings for me. In case something happens to him, he worried about my reputation."

She smiled and added, "I always push it forward despite knowing that. If I don't do it, I'm afraid that we would be drifting apart from each other. I think that's the worst."

Iria Alewine quietly stared at the frank yet pure-hearted woman next to her. Though it won't be easy, she was trying her best to keep her love alive. Somehow, she finds her admirable.

Such an act required a lot of courage and even she, the infamous Masked Commander couldn't do it.

"Don't lose hope, Lady Vienna," she calmly said. "I'm sure that one day, peace will prevail among all the kingdoms."

It was Arin Helev's wish and she had confidence in the Crown Prince.

He will surely fulfil his wish.

*

The two women spent the late evening cooling themselves in the clear waters of the lake that was connected to the waterfalls. They laughed and chat all the time. This helped them know each other better and their bond eventually grew without them realizing it.

Apart from Crown Prince Zaro and Princess Iria, Commander Iria never had a friend, especially like Lady Vienna Mareyi. Though the Prime Minister's daughter appeared gentle and fragile, Iria slowly realized that it was the opposite. She had a hidden tough side in her and that fascinated the Masked Commander.

The two were enjoying themselves to the point where they didn't even realize that the sun had set and it was starting to get dark. They only learned about it when two unexpected men suddenly showed up before them.

Crown Prince Arin and General Hanson. How did they know to come here?!

When Iria and Vienna Mareyi glanced around their surroundings, they realized that it was more than time for them to return to the camp! Then they quickly get out from the water only to face the two men who seemed to come for them.

"We look for you two in many places." Arin Helev was the first to speak up. He glanced at Iria and recalled what happened last night.

He was busy the whole day and they still didn't get to continue their conversation. He truly wanted to have a chat with her and with a clearer mind this time.

When he observed her wet clothes, he almost let out a sigh. It's late and she might catch a cold if she didn't dry up herself soon. She never stops making him worry.....