After she spent some time with Kazuya, she returned with Allen who waited for her at the bottom of the path. Lyn recalled Kazuya's expression when he held her hand on the way down. He seemed to be in deep thought about something. As Allen lead her back, her thoughts kept wandering. All the stuff regarding what happened with Allen flew out of her mind; her thoughts shifted to Kazuya. Is he okay? Should she have stayed with him?
It did not take them long before they arrived at a familiar clearing. This time around though Allen lead her down the path towards the main castle. Is he taking the short cut?
Her thoughts broke off when she spotted familiar people. There in the central garden area stood her eldest brother and a beautiful lady. Somebody, she knew all too well, Lyn hurried over and waved, " Gabrielle!"
The woman turned around, she seemed surprised, but a smile formed on her lips. "Lyn."
.....
When Lyn envisioned the type of woman, she would be in the future; she always used this woman as an example. Her dear friend, the very first friend she made.
Lady Gabrielle, a woman who overflowed with charms and charisma.
"Quite some time has passed since we last met, I'm glad to see you are doing well."
Lyn happily nodded.
She felt about interrupting their little date. But she wanted to have a chat with her friend. A lot has happened lately, and she's kept loads of things to herself. Lyn considered Pupillam a good friend too. But she knew how the girl was bound to her duty. There are certain things she can't disclose even if she wanted to. The two of them sat around a circular table; the servants had prepared them some tea and snacks. At least that's what she thought.
"I don't need the snacks; you can give them to brother."
Gabrielle's cheeks colored, "You can take some too; there's a lot."
Lyn laughed, "I'm okay. I just ate."
She did just eat; the banquet was only an hour ago. Hardly anytime has passed, so the food has yet to digest in her system. Gabrielle looked at her for confirmation and Lyn nodded her head. Gabrielle murmured thank you, as she quickly got up and made her way over to where brother and Allen were.
Lyn looked over curiously and saw them discussing and occasional laughter leaving Allen's lips. Brother is probably trash talking her. But, Lyn examined Allen's smile. There's something genuine about it. So even Allen can smile like that?
Her gaze landed on Gabrielle and her brother.
He seemed solemn and indifferent, but once Gabrielle gave him the basket. He smiled fondly at her.
"Thank you, dearest."
"Your welcome dear."
She blinked confused at the lovey-dovey names. Since when did the two get like this? Maybe something changed between them? Lyn knew of the circ.u.mstances surrounding their engagement. Her eldest brother thinks that Gabrielle doesn't like him because of those rumors. Her second brother and Gabrielle? They seldom spoke to each other. Whenever she heard such rumors, it leads to her wanting to do something. It tempts Lyn to reveal her identity. But whenever she tries General Adrien stops her without fail, he tells her that it's none of her business.
Lyn understood that logic, but at the same time, her curiosity gets the better of her. So that's why she makes sure she's up to date with the situation. Eldest brother and Gabrielle seem close to each other now, so maybe things are okay? But Lyn couldn't forget the expression on her eldest brothers face when he first heard those rumors. A deep sigh passed her lips, and maybe it would be better if she doesn't get involved.
She's no good when it comes to things like relationsh.i.p.s after all. She doesn't understand them very well. When Lyn first heard she was engaged, she not only learned about that person but to ensure he liked her she perfected her manners. Though Lyn disliked those Princess lessons of hers, Lyn made sure she was good at everything.
"Not that it mattered," Lyn murmured to herself.
In the long run, it didn't matter since Allen did not care whether or not she was good at those things.
It surprised Lyn.
She thought every Prince was the same. No, she thought anybody born into royalty would have that mindset. But it was not like that at all. The Wind Kingdom's Prince Allen is completely different than all the other Princes out there. Gabrielle hurriedly returned to her seat and apologized.
Lyn shook her head, "I'm glad you two are getting along better now."
Gabrielle's gaze softened, "I'm surprised too. One day he suddenly returned in a good mood."
She frowned at that comment, "You're not suspicious?" Lyn implied that he might be keeping a mistress. Otherwise, why else would her brother return in a good mood?
"I have faith in him regarding that part. While forgive me for saying so, "Gabrielle coughed, "Your brother is indeed handsome. Many back down because of his personality."
Her sweat fell when she heard those words. That's the reason for her reassurance? Her brother's strange, eccentric personality? Well, she supposed it's a good thing for Gabrielle. Indeed, not many candidates put themselves forward when it came to becoming her brother's wife.
The personality thing aside, Lyn knew the main reason was nobody wanted the responsibility. Or at least had the courage to admit that they could become Queen of the Mist Kingdom. Only a few families stepped forward. Becoming her brother's wife meant - becoming the next Queen.
He is the eldest son. It's only natural that the throne is his.
Lyn noticed Gabrielle stared at her closely, "What's the matter?"
"You really have become an elegant beauty. I thought so before, but I think you're the only other girl who can challenge me for Queen."
She almost spat out the drink, but somehow managed to swallow the contents. "What are you talking about? Eldest Brother is the heir, the one who becomes his wife will be Queen."
Gabrielle shook her head, "Originally I thought the same. But as more time passed. I wonder if he truly wants the throne and if Mother in law actually decided already."
Lyn never thought of it that way before. From a very young age, people have always said her brother resembled Mother the most. Over the years people said the one who helps Mother with the Kingdom affairs is brother and not father. She didn't think much of that though. Her father she seldom saw around. So Lyn couldn't judge the situation even if she wanted to.