Chapter 34 - Princess Lyn P6

"That's when I thought of you, tell me Lyn do you still think your family doesn't care about you?" Gabrielle asked, her tone serious.

Lyn knew Gabrielle was her Eldest brother's fiance and that maybe she shouldn't tell her too much. But she already knew that brother and Gabrielle fought on this matter before. She felt terrible that they had to fight because of her. But from the very start, Gabrielle said her circ.u.mstances were unusual.

"Did you know? About Brother..."

Gabrielle looked down, "Forgive me. I wanted to tell you. But I wasn't sure how to phrase it. I don't get it myself. Queen Orthez didn't have to take it this far, and the method seemed a bit familiar. Between those people around you, only one person could do something like this. So I asked him directly."

"..And what did he?."

"He told me it's for your own good and in the future, you'll thank him," Gabrielle shook her head, "I don't think it's right. I've always thought Queen Orthez was a wise woman, but now I'm questioning her ability to discipline her eldest son. She gave him full reigns on this matter."

"Brothers in charge completely? He didn't just suggest the idea?" Lyn asked eyes widened surprised.

Gabrielle looked over at Andrew and nodded.

"I hope you don't mind me saying so but whenever it concerns you. Your brother always acts a bit strange..." she trailed off, "I used to think that maybe he had a sis-con like Prince Kotaro."

Lyn almost choked on her drink, "That's not funny."

Gabrielle smiled, "But it is true that he dotes on you a lot."

Lyn looked down and sighed, "I'm actually a bit afraid of my brother."

"Afraid?"

"I don't know what he's thinking. I'm aware that many elites hide behind a mask and don't mean anything they say. They do this to protect themselves due to their status. Some wish to suck up to others, bribe them or have other purposes. The elite world does not have solely pleasant things. I learned this a long time ago. However, the look in his eyes scares me. My brother, he will do anything to protect this Kingdom. He will use any means."

That's why the idea of her taking the throne never once crossed her mind. Why would it? There's somebody like brother around who will dedicate his whole life and do anything for the throne. Lyn is sure that Mother would do the same too. Such dedication, she doesn't have it.

"But, you truly care about the people Lyn. Whenever I go out into town, I hear people speak about you."

"That's because they don't know I am a Princess. Once they learn of that, then they'll definitely turn against me," Lyn could say this for sure because of all her visits to the town. Many people are grateful towards her Mother Queen Orthez. But just like any royal Queen, many are dissatisfied with her, especially amongst the town people. Anybody connected to her Mother will share her hate.

She took a deep breath before she continued, "There were times where I played with the idea of exposing my identity. It would be easy to show them I'm a Princess too. But each time, General Adrien and Pupillam would advise me otherwise."

That's right. No matter how good those two are to her, Lyn knew that there are certain boundaries that they will not cross.

"Do you dislike it? Being a Princess?"

Lyn laughed, "I practically live the life of a commoner. But it's true that these shackles weigh me down. I'm not you're average Princess, but I'm still a Princess. I can't escape my duties nor my bloodline. I wonder if this has anything to do with it, but my heart cries out to the people. I want to help them."

She doesn't understand it herself, but for as long as she could remember. Lyn has always held such deep feelings for the town and the people in it. It's not just limited to the town people too. But the servants, the Knights in the castle. Whenever she hears people complain, Lyn always thinks to herself. If only there is a way she could help them.

"The reason you want to go outside so badly, I see."

For the next few minutes, Gabrielle doesn't say a word, and Lyn thought she offended her. But eventually, she spoke up, "This is why I think you'll become a good Queen."

"Eh?"

"Though you express it a lot differently than your mother and Andrew. You love and care for the people in the Mist Kingdom just as much as they do. Would you not say that's enough to become a ruler?"

....

By the time she returned, it was already late. The skies had turned black. It looked like Allen wanted to say something to her, since he lingered by her door for a few minutes. But eventually, he left. Lyn then recalled what happened earlier and thought to call after him, until she spotted Kazuya fast asleep on her couch. For the last few minutes, she had been staring at him.

She wondered why Kazuya kept coming to her like this. Ever since what happened during the opening day, he always drops by at night. Is he afraid that people will chase after her again? That's the only thing that comes to mind here.

Her thoughts broke off when he stirred awake, "Mmm? Lyn?"

"Hello, intruder."

Kazuya laughed, "Hello adorable Princess, hey why don't you join me?"

Lyn looked at him puzzled, but then Kazuya grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her up. Kazuya wrapped his arms around her protectively.

This was a first for Lyn somebody nestling her in their arms; it felt oddly comfortable for her. Does this count as hugging too? Ever since she learned the warmth of another person, Lyn discovered herself growing increasingly more and more curious. Especially since it's Kazuya, Rhys told her that Kazuya isn't like him. He seldom hung around girls.

Lyn can tell from his clumsy behavior. Still, Lyn gently moved a strand of loose hair from his face.

"Are you tired Kazuya?"

"Yeah, sorry I'm not good company right now."

Lyn shook her head, "It's okay." She doesn't mind even if he doesn't talk much. Just spending time with each other like this, safe and away from harm's way makes her very happy. Lyn wondered if Kazuya felt the same.

These days he is busy with a lot of things. Lyn heard from Pupillam that Kazuya has slacked off a lot on his duty as the Sound Kingdom Ambassador. The deal he made with her eldest brother was him ensuring he fulfill those duties. It made sense then, why eldest brother lifted the restrains with her. Her brother liked those people who fulfilled their duty after all.

Still, Kazuya did not make such a deal about coming here when he's obviously tired. She knew he made the choice himself. Lyn wonders what she meant to him. Why does he go so far for her?