Chapter 348 - Regrets

It made little sense to Andrew whatsoever. Is she joking? No, even though Mother is fond of telling jokes. She would not bother telling jokes now of all times. Andrew hesitated, but he looked at her face. 'She isn't joking, she is serious.' But then, what has he been doing this entire time?

Not only did he fail Lyn, but it seems like he failed Zepher too.

Andrew always disliked that title the other Prince. It made Zepher sound like an outsider. It felt like people knew. For the longest time, Andrew knew too. The a.d.u.l.ts weren't aware that he already overheard their conversation regarding Zepher. Even as young as he was Andrew could understand. Zepher isn't his brother. Yet for him, Zepher was his only brother. He could never connect in the same way with Kotaro. Was it because of the age difference? Andrew didn't know. But, Zepher was different.

That's why he didn't want to believe that his brother committed such a crime.

Orthez patted his shoulder, "Head back inside. We shall discuss what to do regarding Lyn tomorrow."

...

Andrew was unable to fall asleep. How could he possibly get any rest after everything? His gaze drifted towards the woman who lay fast asleep in his arms. Ever since that time in the library, Gabrielle and him have gotten closer. She has no more reservations sleeping in his room. At first she made such a fuss about it. She claimed that because they are not married yet, such things would be frowned upon.

Indeed, Andrew did understand where she was coming from there. But that time he accidentally fell asleep beside her when he was searching for her. Andrew realized that he is able to rest well with her by his side.

'Again it is for his own benefit. Is he really so self-centered and selfish?

To think he misunderstood Zepher. It's not as though the thought didn't cross his mind at all, that somebody had framed Zepher. Because it did cross his mind. For the longest time, he tried to search for clues in secret. While in everyone's eyes, it looked like he believed it right away. When Andrew thought back to the scene carefully, something seemed strange.

Zepher didn't have that crazy look in his eyes that day. The man seemed genuinely surprised when they stormed in. It wasn't him. His thoughts broke off when the girl in his arms stirred awake, "My Lord?" Gabrielle said sleepily.

"Go back to sleep."

He felt her gentle hands on his face, "My Lord too if you do not close your eyes. I won't either."

Andrew chuckled, "Alright, have it your way."

He really does have so many regrets. But, if something were to change then.. His gaze drifted towards the woman in his arms. He has to start somewhere, doesn't he? Change doesn't appear within a day. He couldn't protect Lyn or Zepher, but that doesn't mean the same has to go for Gabrielle.

Will this help him atone for the sins of the past? Andrew didn't know, but he genuinely doesn't want to feel those feelings anymore. Those deep feelings of regret.

___

After having that heart to heart talk with her. The next few days seemed normal, at least normal as in him sneakily making some advances. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"Brother Zepher, what are you doing?"

"Uhh," Zepher looked at her awkwardly, "I'm just sitting next to you."

Lyn rolled her eyes, "You're trying to do something!"

Damn, how did she know?

"Nice try brother, but Rhys already tried those things before."

That Rhys guy again.. Then again it was better than Lyn talking about her boyfriend. A deep sigh escaped his lips, well forget it. He walked over to his bed and laid down. His fever had yet to subside, but unlike a few days ago it wasn't as bad as before.

"Brother, are you feeling better now?" Lyn asked.

"Weren't you going to ignore me?"

"Don't act like a child," Lyn scolded. She brushed her hands across his forehead. "You're still a bit hot. I told you not to attend that meeting."

Zepher smiled, "That meeting was to make up for what happened a few days back."

Lyn looked down, "You're the one who canceled it."

Only because Lyn was concentrating so much, and he wanted to do what he could to help her. "Are you done studying?"

"Ah yes, the books here are very helpful. I'm learning a lot. So, I'm taking a break now."

"Don't overwork."

"I won't, brother."

Still with the brother thing. Then again, whenever she calls him Zepher in front of the others, he isn't used to it. How much longer can he keep her here? The island is a nice place and all. But everybody living here naturally understands that this place could become a battlefield anytime. It's a safety net and yet it can easily become a warzone.

The people living here all people who have been chased out of their hometown. Mainly commoners but there are elites who have lost their power and wealth here too. Zepher extended his hand out and Lyn grabbed hold of it, "What's wrong brother?"

"Can you tell me exactly what you've been up to? I've asked my subordinates to do some research, but the information they've given me is very little."

Lyn paused, "How to put it? I've been building up my connections."

"That sounds shady."

The girl responded with laughter, "Brother too."

He scratched his face awkwardly, "So, you knew?"

"Ah-huh, it isn't difficult. You've been gone for so long yes. But for somebody who lost everything to get this far in a short amount of time. Well, you must have used some underhanded means."

Zepher wondered if it was okay for Lyn to be speaking about underhanded means so casually. Then again, he is aware that she is no longer the same as she once was. No longer the same and innocent Lyn. A part of him felt regretful. After hearing the girl's outburst, it became clear to him why Lyn turned out to be like this. It was because of him, of course. Because he left her for so long. Lyn felt pressured and backed into a corner because she was all by herself.

If he came for her sooner, then perhaps she wouldn't have lost her innocence. But he has many other regrets. While the majority have to do with Lyn, not all of them. One of them is about that guy, about the man who he called brother. Zepher always regretted it. Not explaining things properly to Andrew. Sure the man was angry, anybody would be. But, instead of trying to flee. He could have accepted his punishment. Let himself be locked up in the dungeon - Andrew would come around.

Thinking about it now, escaping the way he did made it look like he did something wrong. It was a sign that he committed the crime. If he didn't do anything wrong, why run away?

*UNEDITED*