Chapter 284 - Arising Trouble

On the way here Lyn noticed how odd the atmosphere in the streets were. Maybe it's because it was night, but everybody seemed strangely more vigilant and alert than usual. Then again, with talk of an impending war, and attack towards the Mist Kingdom, she supposes it made sense. When she saw Allen earlier, he looked very worn out.

….

When the others head out, she remained - but in a discreet manner as possible. She doesn't want Pupillam to freak out or anything.

Lyn made her way over to the balcony where Amakaze was. She carefully approached him and he did not seem surprised to see her. Lyn did not speak right away and waited for a few minutes, before she asked him. "Amakaze, the one who attacked you. .."

"Nakahara Korin. Although there were a group of men with her, she was in the center," Amakaze sighed. "I did hear that she was in the Mist Kingdom already, but I didn't think I'd be the unlucky guy that ran into her."

. . Korin.

'Lady Lyn look, the clouds are making shapes.'

"Reminiscing?"

A light smile appeared on her face, "If only. " she trails off and her gaze landed on the sky, "There are seven stars in the sky today, huh?"

"A celebration to our reunion, huh? 7 stars, the death of 7 10 fallen comrades. The two that were killed during the first incidence. One who disappeared without a trace after running an errand. Three who were killed during the fire incidence. One who went down with the Queen, the former first Knight."

The black-haired girl briefly closed her eyes before opening them again. All members of the royal family get assigned a group of Knights, even an outcast like her. Yet, how is it possible that all her knights met with such misfortunate?

"Truly, it's been a long time."

"I heard that you found Takao, and he is on his way here."

Lyn glanced over at him, "You keep up with the news after all former knight?"

"Perhaps. But this time around, I found the news directly from him. He visited here before he departed. "So that's it. Amakaze, continues, "7 out of ten is supposed to be dead. But how come there are four now? Me, Kiara, Takao, and Pupillam. Heh, the remaining originals are quite the mismatch."

Lyn chuckles, "Who knows? It may end up exceptionally well." She didn't comment on the seven out of ten-part. Everybody died -- at least that's what she was told. However, people like Takao and Kiara are alive. People who she thought were dead, then is there a chance for the others too? Lyn knew she shouldn't get her hopes up too much. But she couldn't help it.

"Do you wish for me to return Lady Lyn?"

Her gaze was unreadable despite the moonlight reflection, and so was his. " It is your decision, even now I believe that to be the case. I will force no one to return if they don't wish. Kiara the same. I had heard she was in this area and wished to check on her is all. If the topic of the knights do come up - then I'd ask."

" . . As humble as ever I see. That part of you, .. " Amakaze makes his way over and trails his fingers on the nape of her neck." .has not changed at all. My lady."

Lyn sighed, "Don't joke around," she drew back from him. "Otherwise…." her sentence fell short when she saw somebody approaching from behind Amakaze, "Somebody scary will chase after you."

Amakaze turned around, with his trademark sly smile. "I did not know you two were in that kind of relationship."

"Were--were," Lyn bit her lip. What were they? She really didn't know. Rhys didn't say a word and walked over to her; he grabbed hold of her arm.

"Tell him to leave."

Lyn nodded and turned to Amakaze, "Could you leave us?"

"Most certainly."

No sooner had Amakaze left, did Rhys pin her against the wall. An angry look flashed on his face, "You didn't tell me there was something between you two."

"What are you talking about? It's not like that."

Rhys clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Are you sure?"

"Of course!"

He reluctantly pulled back from her, "Don't go sneaking off. Don't you realize that it is even more dangerous at night?"

"Ah," Lyn nodded. "Are there really intruders in town?"

Rhys sighed, "You sneak around too much."

"Shioka told me. He said it's easier to get through security in my place lately."

"And you didn't report that to anyone because?"

"There are a lot of guards on patrol at night.." she trailed off and shook her head. "No, your right. That is a bit concerning. The barrier around my place is kept by mother, though, so it should be fine."

"Rumor has it that Queen Orthez keeps herself shut in her room lately. Are you sure she isn't sick?"

At that comment, Lyn paused, that would make sense. If the barrier around her place is turning weak, there must be something wrong with Mother...

….

Queen Orthez Chambers

Lyn let's out a deep sigh, 'Thank goodness nobody was around.' Climbing in through the window was not the wisest move. She sent a harsh glare towards Rhys, "Couldn't you have found a better way?"

"All the doors to this place is heavily guarded, and even the secret passageways…" Rhys sighed, "This much security is insane."

"Of course, Mother is the Queen."

Before Lyn could say any more on the subject, she hears approaching footsteps from behind her. Ahh! Damn, of course, there is somebody around. Even if it is her, she's going to get in trouble. How about if it's a guard who doesn't recognize her? She could get kicked out... As these thoughts ran through her mind, the persons footsteps got closer.

"Lyn?"

Lyn blinked, that voice... She held up the lantern and spotted her father. "Ah?"

Father chuckled, "Did you come to check on your mother? She's sleeping now."

"Is Mother unwell?"

He seemed surprised by her question. But nodded, "That's right."

"Ah, um I want to…"

She wants to what? What did she think of doing when she came here? Her thoughts broke off when Father reached over and patted her hair. "Come, I'll take you to her."

It's okay? Lyn dumbly nodded her head. She looked over at Rhys who kept quiet since earlier and noticed something unusual. He seemed to be on guard and cautious. What's wrong with him? Lyn reached over and caressed his cheeks, "Rhys, are you okay?"

"I'm fine… Princess you, you're fine?"

Eh, why is he asking? "I'm okay. Why?"

"You looked faint earlier, that's all."

Is that really the case? He seems a bit strange. This is the first time since she has seen him act this way. He seems vaguely afraid of something. Now that she thought about it, Rhys he...seems to act oddly whenever Mother is mentioned. "Wait," Lyn called out to her father. "Give us a few minutes. I'll come there in a second."

Father nodded in understanding and quickly left. Lyn turned to Rhys and grabbed hold of his hands. "You don't have to come with me."

"No, I'll go."

Lyn shook her head, "Your afraid right? Mother…"

Rhys smiled bitterly, "I just have some dark memories regarding your mother. But then again, back then, she was only following your grandmother's orders…"

"Can you tell me about it?" Lyn knew that asking him to tell her was far too cruel. However, it's better than him keeping it locked up inside.