Chapter 40 - Princess Lyn P12

She noticed immediately that he was acting strange.

"Lyn, I want to tell you everything. If you could remember, that would be great."

His lips were getting dangerously close to hers and Lyn could not stop her heart from beating loudly. Wh—what? Now that she thought about it. This is a first for her, seeing Kazuya like this. Kazuya no longer hovered on her side, but he was on top of her. When she saw the look in his eyes, she paused. He looked sad, so lonely. Why? Why is he looking at her like that?

"Kazuya?" Lyn called out.

Kazuya drew back from her and sat up. A deep sigh passed his lips. "Sorry."

Why is he apologizing?

"Get some rest."

....................

Year 4014 Mist Kingdom - Two Days Later -

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she made her way through the archway of the main castle, inner courtyard. It surprised her when second Brother left that rather conspicuous looking message. But Lyn felt bored. While she tried to go through the books again for her studies, Lyn wasn't satisfied. The more Lyn read, the more the desire inside her grew. Lyn felt restless, so she supposed her Brother's timing was good. While she usually avoided contact with her Second Brother. It's not like she could ask Gabrielle to hang out right now.

She knew Gabrielle, and Eldest Brother is preparing for another diplomatic conference. Though if Gabrielle knew she wanted company, the girl would most likely drop everything at the speed of late. Eldest Brother would get angry, so Lyn doesn't want to risk that.

Her thoughts broke off when she finally arrived at the area her Brother wanted to meet. It was at the back of the main castle garden. But her Brother wasn't alone.

Why is he here? No, Lyn shook her head. After meeting him in the restaurant the other day. She should have known he would come here next. Luckily Lyn spotted him from afar and wasn't entirely off guard. Though it surprised her that second brother is with him. Her second brother knows nothing. Nobody, well nobody except Kazuya knew. At least that's what she thought. Eldest Brother may have caught on to something. The reason for this is, she noticed the Stone Kingdom's gradual decline over the last few years.

She knew because of those actions of her Eldest Brother - this man would have to focus on his own Kingdom matters. Even more so now he's become the King. Lyn shuddered at the thought. When she heard the news of the 60th King passing away, Lyn immediately understood. She wondered how the 60th King felt getting backstabbed by his own son.

This man is the 61st King of the Stone Kingdom John.

Lyn slowly walked down the steps with caution but proceeded. She can't show him any weakness. The moment she does, she loses.

"Ah, look your sister has arrived."

Kotaro beamed happily, "Lyn, look who came to visit you?"

".. Your Highness."

John chuckled, "Now, now. We are old friends. No need to be so formal."

Lyn shuddered at the word, 'friends.' What is with this guy? How can he say that so calmly? Friends? Them? The two of them have no such relation. Just looking at him made her sick.

Her thoughts broke off when someone hugged her from behind. A familiar warmth filled her body, the disgust she felt just moments ago immediately left. Only one person could make her feel this way. "Kazuya?"

"Correct."

Lyn laughed, "Um, what are you doing?"

"I saw this flower and thought you'd like it."

He brought out a lovely red flower.

While they may limit her to certain areas, Lyn immediately noticed it wasn't from the main castle grounds. He must have gone out again. She gratefully accepted it, when Kazuya took it from her again. She looked at him puzzled when he brought it towards her hair.

"There, it suits you."

It was just a simple compliment, but Lyn felt her cheeks turn red at his words.

"T-thank you, Kazuya," Lyn said, she was quite embarrassed and shyly looked down at her feet.

This moment, however, broke when her Brother coughs awkwardly. Oh right, she forgot about them.

"I was not aware that you got yourself a boyfriend."

Boyfriend? She's familiar with the word. It's a term used to describe a person's lover. Lyn sensed the sarcasm in his tone and frowned. What's with him? So what if she got one? Though Kazuya isn't her boyfriend.

Her thoughts broke off when Kazuya wrapped his arms around her, "I'm honored you acknowledge our relationship. May I ask what your relationship is with my girlfriend?"

Wa—what? Her head felt muddled at Kazuya's words. What is he talking about? Girlfriend? Is he referring to her? She doesn't understand it. But Lyn's gaze met Kazuya's. Is he saying this to help her?

John seemed taken back by Kazuya's words, "So, I'm correct?"

Kotaro frowned, "Wait, when did this happen?"

Kazuya laughed, "Now big Brother, you didn't notice the last time? Why else did you think I entertained your little games?"

"Who's your big Brother!"

….

"Sorry, I know I just decided that without your consent. But after I gave it much thought, this is the temporary solution I came up with."

When Kazuya lead her away, Lyn let him. She glanced down at her hands that he still held in his. Come to think of it, before she knew it the two of them naturally started to hold hands.

"Kazuya, I'm engaged."

"...Yeah, sorry," Kazuya apologized, "But it just doesn't seem like your fiance is showing that you're in a relationship. Otherwise wouldn't that guy have backed away by now?"

Indeed Lyn had to admit that was true. Even if it's an engagement for the sake of political purposes, if Allen showed, he cared about her than this guy would have certainly given up by now. If he did so two years ago, then perhaps she could have avoided that situation. So many, 'what if scenarios.' As impulsive as Kazuya's actions were, Lyn noticed a change in expression.

"Lyn?"

"I guess we can pretend," Lyn murmured, "At least in front of that guy."

Kazuya's gaze softened, and he reached over to pat her hair with his free hand, "Yeah. I won't do anything to you though, so you can rest assured. I just want to make sure you're safe," he squeezed her hands with his, "I don't want anyone to hurt you. I'll make sure that nothing like that ever happens again."

She felt touched by his words.

This person is very kind, even if entering a 'fake' relationship with her might bring more harm than good. He's still willing to sacrifice himself for her. How many times has Kazuya sacrificed himself for her sake since they met? This person has gone to such great lengths to help her. She doesn't really have a particular reason to refuse his offer either.