Perfection takes time

The dim light filtering through the canopy of trees had been my only measure of time, flickering between day and night like the turning of a page.

By my count, two days had passed since we'd found ourselves trapped in this infernal forest with no clear way out.

Ren, ever the resourceful one, had kept us alive with her cooking and survival skills, though her magic was still far too drained for us to teleport anywhere.

It was frustrating. Being stuck in this primitive situation was a far cry from my usual life of luxury.

The princess in me longed for hot baths, silk sheets, and someone to bring me perfectly brewed tea. Instead, here I was, surviving on roasted meat and fruits picked straight from the trees.

At least the forest wasn't crawling with magical beasts—small mercies, I supposed.

I glanced over to where Ren stood by the edge of a stream, fishing with the kind of quiet focus that seemed second nature to her.

She had already fashioned a makeshift fishing rod and, with her sleeves rolled up and her toned arms on display, looked every bit the skilled warrior she was.

My thoughts drifted to the conversation we'd had two days prior. Do you even know what real love is? Her words still echoed in my mind, unwelcome and relentless. I hated how they made me question everything, how they stirred feelings I didn't want to examine.

Butterflies? Smiles lighting up dark days? It sounded ridiculous, almost childish. Yet, the way she'd said it low and serious, her fiery gaze boring into mine had made it feel anything but silly.

I sighed and shook my head. I didn't have time for this. We needed to focus on escaping, not on… whatever this was.

A sudden splash snapped me out of my thoughts.

Cold water hit me square in the face, soaking my hair and dripping down my neck. I let out an undignified yelp, stumbling back in shock.

"REN!" I shrieked, glaring at the culprit.

Ren stood there, utterly unapologetic, her face split into a grin that was far too smug for my liking. "Oh, sorry," she said, not sounding sorry at all. "Didn't see you there."

"You clearly saw me," I snapped, wiping water off my face. "What are you, a child?"

She shrugged, still grinning. "You looked like you needed a distraction."

"A distraction?" I repeated incredulously. "From what? Thinking about how irritating you are?"

Ren chuckled, her laughter annoyingly infectious. "From brooding," she said simply, tossing another stone into the water. "You were standing there looking like the weight of the world was on your shoulders."

I huffed, crossing my arms. "I do not brood."

"You do," she countered, her tone teasing. "It's a very regal kind of brooding, I'll give you that. But brooding all the same."

Before I could retort, she flicked her hand, sending another small splash my way. It wasn't enough to soak me again, but it was enough to make me narrow my eyes in warning.

"That's it," I declared, grabbing a handful of water and flinging it back at her.

The stream of water hit her squarely on the chest, and she laughed, a genuine, carefree sound that caught me off guard. It was so rare to see her like this, relaxed and unguarded.

"Oh, it's on now," she said, scooping up water with both hands.

What followed was absolute chaos. For a few moments, we weren't princess and bodyguard. We were just two people splashing water at each other, laughing like idiots. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt so light, so… free.

As I paused to catch my breath, I caught Ren watching me, her grin softening into something more genuine.

"You look beautiful when you smile," she said, her tone quieter now. "You should do it more."

My heart stumbled over itself, and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. I turned away, focusing on wringing out the ends of my hair.

"Flirting again, are we?" I said, trying to sound dismissive. "You really can't help yourself."

Ren tilted her head, her expression turning mischievous. "Flirting? Maybe. But giving compliments? That's different."

I frowned, glancing at her. "Different how?"

"I flirt with girls all the time," she said with a casual shrug. "But I don't give them real compliments. That's reserved for people who deserve them."

The sincerity in her voice caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond.

Thankfully, or perhaps annoyingly, the tension was broken by Ren's triumphant shout as she pulled a fish out of the water.

"Finally!" she said, holding up her catch. "Dinner is served."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. "Took you long enough."

Ren smirked, holding the fish up like a trophy. "Perfection takes time, Your Highness."

I scoffed, but the warmth in my chest lingered. Despite everything, being here with her didn't feel so bad.