Chapter 124 - Blue Dress

Midnight Mansion - 8:00PM-

Rhys thought that if word got out that Queen Lyn was not in her Kingdom - people would flock over to attack. But instead, representatives of the countries they have an alliance with went over. Rhys had to admit that he was impressed. Lyn must have built strong connections and ties over the last few years.

Lyn really has went ahead and done it. The reason she ended up being late is because of this, huh? He supposed it's like her to do this. Since he met her again, Rhys noticed how strangely perspective she was regarding other people's emotions. It's as though she already knows even before she's said anything.

That sort of sharpness is something she lacked before. No, rather than lack, it's because back then, she closed her heart off to others. However, it's different now; she's changing. Even if it's frightening, she is slowly accepting others into her circle. She's allowing them in.

Lyn, - he's glad. That it's different now. Back then the her who had to deal with the comparison between her brother was so very weak and fragile. To the point that she didn't mind showing a stranger like him. Although she still has a vulnerable side now. In contrast to then, she is much stronger.

And now the next dance is starting, now that she had arrived, of course, Prince Zenith will dance at last. The third prince, despite receiving numerous offers from a young noblewoman, had yet to dance. He supposed it just goes to show his loyalty. His thoughts broke when Lyn let's go of the third prince's hand and makes his way over to him. Eh, is she?

"Your highness Prince Rhys. Please grant me my 1st dance of the night."

She…. Murmurs filled the crowd instantly; he glanced over at Prince Zenith, who sighed and nodded.

"Alright, Queen," Rhys said, taking her hand and leading her on to the dance floor. "You know, doing something like this will attract attention."

Isn't it bad enough that people know about her abandoning her Kingdom?

Lyn laughed, "Aha indeed, that's true. But right now, I want to dance with you."

How honest and blunt. He didn't expect it from her, but then again, Lyn tends to do loads of things that are out of the realm of his expectations.

"Although I'm not expecting a compliment from you. I thought that I'd at least try. "

" . .beautiful. ." Rhys finally said the words he had been holding back this entire time. Maybe it was because of her teasing. But, it slipped so easily."

Lyn looked at him with wide eyes, "Eh.."

Rhys clasped a hand to his mouth, yet she heard him. She took his hand away, and this time leads him during the second stanza of the song. Her violet orbs softened, and her cheeks flushed with innocent sort of happiness.

"Thank you, Prince."

She really is too cute.

"If you can say that. Then I'm sure Kazjya is speechless now too. You see, I chose this dress in mind while thinking of your happiness as well as Kazuya. Although he's never paid attention to my clothes before when I wear certain colors, he's happy. That's why I wanted to show him."

So that's why Lyn danced with him. He's wearing a blue corsage. It matches, Rhys, sighs deeply. He supposed it's better than not being acknowledged by her at all. "I see, then hopefully, he's watching."

"Yes, I'd like that to be the case."

Even when her eyes sparkle for another man, to him, she will always be important. Lyn, right now she looks so lovely in his eyes. Even if her heart is calling out to someone else. Still, she's been talking about Kazuya this entire time, so it leaves with a slightly depressed feeling.

"Right now, your face is displaying signs of jealousy, making it a very unpleasant for the guests," Lyn commented.

"Uh…are you mad?"

"Not at all. Im not mad about the fact it took you so long to come out and compliment me. Nor the fact that you hid the fact that you knew that woman.."

His sweatdropped that means she's mad, doesn't it? "My bad." Rhys didn't know what else to say.

"Well, I'm not bothered by it. But I thought you'd at least trust me with something like that."

It's not because he didn't trust her. It's because his mind was so distracted by the idea of seeing Lyn in a dress. His cheeks fl.u.s.tered, recalling how wild his imagination was getting. No, no, he better stop having impure thoughts before she sees right through him.

"But you know dancing with you like this is somewhat mysterious."

"Mysterious?"

"Yes. Although we danced together the last time, too, there's something different now…"

Different.. . The only thing he can think of that's different now is the fact that Rhys back now. With Kazuya by her side, his time with Lyn is up.

"Rhys, do you still like me?"

"Should you be asking that so bluntly? At a time like this too…" he trails off, "Besides, if it stopped at like, then would I be here with you right now?"

"That's true. Sorry for saying such strange things right now. But it's because I had a dream earlier. "

"A dream…? "

"Yes, a dream of a faraway land. A place that I wanted to protect, but I couldn't to the very end, and yet I died surrounded by the people who love me. Such a death, even now it would be nice for that to happen."

At that, his eyes went wide, is it possible that she knows? That she remembers it all?

Lyn continues, "You know Rhys, right now, I have so many people I want to protect. And although my voice is strongest when I fight for Kazuya, fight for everyone - fight for those who have become so dear to me isn't a bad thing once in a while. Like just now. This dress, too, wearing blue - in a wedding style dress represents a supporting role. Right now, I want to be everyone's support and yet, at the same time, be the one to protect them in the center."

. . . That's right, that's how it was. Back then, Lyn was like that, wasn't she? The desire to protect people, perhaps that's the only part that hasn't changed. No, it's slightly different now. Back then, her desire to protect people was something only she and a few others know. However, now she's letting everyone know about it, know about the fact that she will do anything to protect them.

"I'm sure if it's you, you'll be able to do it."