Amid the soothing steam of the onsen, the three women continued their conversation, now lighter and filled with confidences.
Sienna her long chestnut hair and violet eyes catching the warm light, stretched slightly in the hot water and sighed:
"Love… it's so complicated, isn't it?"
Nilyna who had been observing the scientist from the corner of her eye, suddenly turned around.
With a wide mischievous smile, she moved closer to Sienna and grabbed her hands.
"Oh, Sienna my dear friend, tell me everything! Who's the lucky guy making your heart race?"
Raelia who had been silently listening, immediately blushed and straightened up slightly, clearly curious.
Her cheeks turned crimson but she leaned in closer, eager to hear the answer.
Sienna averted her gaze, her face a mix of shyness and nervousness.
"I-It's nothing…" she stammered.
But Nilyna wasn't about to let go. Her grin widened as she insisted:
"Ohh come on! Don't be so shy with us. Here, away from prying eyes, we can tell each other everything. We're friends, after all."
After a few moments of hesitation, Sienna finally murmured, her violet eyes shimmering and her cheeks turning red:
"K-Kaylen…"
A hush fell over the bath, quickly broken by simultaneous exclamations from Nilyna and Raelia.
"Hmm? So it's the White Tiger?" Nilyna exclaimed, stroking her chin with a thoughtful expression. "It's true he's brilliant; some of the maids talk about his intelligence."
Raelia surprised blinked several times before timidly asking:
"But… are you sure? Kaylen can be… difficult to approach, given his seriousness."
Sienna sighed, crossing her arms as her glasses slid slightly down her nose.
"I know that very well. I've tried dropping hints, doing little things to get his attention. But he doesn't seem to notice any of it."
Raelia, touched by her friend's efforts leaned closer, placing her hands gently over Sienna's.
— "Don't lose hope Sienna. I'm convinced you'll succeed. Kaylen might seem indifferent now, but I'm certain he won't stay immune to your charms for long."
Nilyna, listening intently, suddenly burst out laughing.
— "Rael is right! Listen to her advice; she's got some experience with matters of the heart."
Raelia's face turned a deep shade of red as she waved her hands in protest.
— "W-What?! No, I don't know what you're talking about!"
Nilyna smirked, a playful gleam in her eyes, and teased:
— "Oh, come on, Raelia. Don't play innocent. Isn't it you who's always watching over Jonady, worrying about him, even fretting about his sleep?"
Raelia covered her face with her hands, her blush spreading down to her neck.
— "That's… that's different! I'm just doing my duty…" she muttered.
Sienna, despite her embarrassment, couldn't help but smile as the princess squirmed under Nilyna's teasing.
— "So Raelia," Sienna amused, catching her breath "are you really in a position to be giving advice? It sounds like you could use some yourself."
Unable to argue, Raelia sighed and looked skyward.
— "Fine you two you have win. But it doesn't change the fact that I truly believe you should keep trying, Sienna. Kaylen might be the type to admire persistence."
Nilyna nodded enthusiastically.
"Exactly! Men like him don't get easily distracted but if you show him your determination, he'll have to notice you eventually."
Sienna, still embarrassed, felt a warm sense of reassurance wash over her. Their words renewed her hope.
"Maybe you're right" she murmured, looking at her two friends. "Thank you… I won't give up on Kaylen."
Raelia, her smile gentle, squeezed Sienna's hands lightly.
"We're here for you, Sienna. No matter the challenges, you're not alone."
Nilyna, ever energetic, rose slightly in the water and declared with enthusiasm: "Here's what I propose: let's make this a tradition. A bath together now and then, to share our worries, dreams, and… maybe our love stories too?"
Raelia and Sienna exchanged a glance before nodding with sincere smiles.
Those three young women was savouring this moment.
The three continued to talk and laugh, temporarily forgetting the responsibilities and tensions weighing on their shoulders.
These moments of happiness and camaraderie served as a refuge—a reminder that even in a kingdom scarred by conflicts and challenges, there were still reasons to smile.
When the water began to cool and the first hints of evening light filtered into the room, they finally left the bath, their hearts lighter.