Escape

Sky’s house was a modest, well-secured home on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by high walls and heavy gates. The tension was palpable as Sky led Nani inside, their hands brushing briefly before they stepped into the living room. Sky’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nateetorn, were waiting. Sky’s grandparents sat nearby, their expressions a mix of concern and resignation.

As soon as Mrs. Nateetorn saw them, she stood up and slapped Sky on the shoulder. “Are you out of your mind, Sky? You’ve brought the prince here! Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

Sky, unshaken, put himself between Nani and his mother. “Mom, calm down! I know what I’m doing.”

“Calm down?” Mrs. Nateetorn's voice rose. “Do you understand what will happen if they find out? Not just you—our entire family could be executed for this! And all for what? Love?”

Mr. Nateetorn, who had been silent until now, held up a hand to stop his wife. “Enough, May. Let me talk.” Turning to Nani, his expression softened, but his tone remained firm. “Your Highness, with all due respect, this is foolish. You shouldn’t have done this. Sky is reckless, but you… you should’ve known better.”

Nani bowed his head, guilt evident in his eyes. “I know I’ve put your family in danger, and for that, I’m deeply sorry. But I couldn’t stay. My engagement is tomorrow, and I can’t marry someone I don’t love. I love Sky. I beg your forgiveness and permission to stay with him.”

Sky’s grandparents exchanged a glance. His grandfather sighed heavily. “What’s done is done. There’s no point in scolding them now. We need to focus on what to do next.”

Sky’s father nodded. “The palace hasn’t realized Nani is missing yet, which gives us a small window of time. For now, everyone believes Sky is on vacation, so we’re not under immediate suspicion. But you two need to leave the country—immediately.”

Sky clenched his fists. “Leave? Where would we go? How would we even—”

Before he could finish, Nani interrupted. “I have an idea.” He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “I’ll call Prince Win, my best friend. He’s already on his way to my engagement, but if I explain the situation, he’ll help.”

Sky’s parents looked skeptical, but they didn’t stop him. The phone rang twice before a familiar voice answered.

“Nani? What’s wrong? You sound… tense.”

“Win,” Nani said, his voice trembling. “I need your help. I’ve run away from the castle… with someone.”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Win spoke again, his tone serious. “I see. Who’s with you?”

“It’s Sky, my… my bodyguard,” Nani admitted.

Win chuckled softly. “Of course it’s him. I always knew there was something between you two. Don’t worry, Nani. I’ll help. Here’s what we’ll do…”

---

Win outlined the plan. Sky and Nani would secretly make their way to the airport where Win’s private jet had just landed. Win would cover for them, using his arrival as a distraction. Sky immediately contacted his closest friends, Off and Tay, for support.

Off, a major posted at the castle for engagement security, assured Sky he would keep an eye on the situation and report any developments. “I’ll do what I can to buy you time,” Off promised. “Just be careful.”

Tay, a chief inspector in Pattaya, offered his home as a safe haven for Sky’s family. “If things go south, bring your family to me. I’ll hide them until you figure something out.”

Grateful for their help, Sky turned to Nani. “Are you ready for this?”

Nani smiled faintly. “As long as I’m with you, I’m ready for anything.”

---

The journey to the airport was nerve-wracking. Sky drove cautiously, avoiding main roads and checkpoints. Every shadow seemed like a threat, every passing car a potential pursuer. By the time they arrived at the airport, both of them were tense but determined.

Win’s jet was parked on the runway, its sleek exterior gleaming under the floodlights. Standing at the entrance was Win himself, waving them over.

“Quickly, before anyone sees you!” Win called out.

Sky and Nani sprinted across the tarmac and climbed aboard. Just as the door closed behind them, a convoy of cars pulled up to the airport. It was the general of Nani’s kingdom, along with a group of officials, arriving to greet Prince Win.

“Stay hidden,” Win whispered to Nani and Sky before stepping out of the jet to meet the general.

“Welcome, Your Highness,” the general said with a deep bow. “We’re honored to have you here.”

Win smiled graciously. “Thank you. However, I must apologize—my jet needs to return to my kingdom immediately. There’s an urgent matter that requires its presence.”

The general frowned. “But how will you return after the engagement ceremony?”

Win waved dismissively. “My jet will come back for me. It’s not a problem.”

Satisfied, the general nodded. “Very well. If there’s anything else you need, please let us know.”

Win watched as the convoy departed, then returned to the jet. Inside, Nani and Sky were waiting anxiously.

“It’s done,” Win said with a grin. “You’re officially out of the kingdom.”

---

The flight to Win’s kingdom was quiet but emotional. Nani gazed out the window, his mind racing with thoughts of what they’d left behind. Sky sat beside him, their hands intertwined.

When they landed, Win’s parents were waiting at the airport. They greeted Nani warmly, expressing their happiness at having him in their kingdom.

“You’re safe here,” Win’s father said. “We’ll protect you, no matter what.”

That night, Win returned to Nani’s castle as planned, playing the role of the oblivious guest. He greeted Nani’s parents with his usual charm, deflecting any questions about Nani’s absence.

“Nani is probably resting,” Win said with a smile. “He must be tired from all the preparations.”

The king nodded. “You’re probably right. Let him sleep.” King smiled at Win, as Win left for his room, while the queen gave him a questioned look.

Later, as the castle settled into silence, Win sat in his guest room, thinking about his best friend. He hoped Nani and Sky were safe and couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of the handsome bodyguard who had stolen Nani’s heart.

“Nani, you lucky brat,” Win muttered to himself, a smile tugging at his lips. “Take good care of him, Sky. I hope you guys have reached safely.”