Lyn thought for a moment, but the more she thought about it, the more confused she became. It's not like the scent is familiar or anything. So why does she recognize it? Her gaze fell on the stack of books on the side. She wanted to study the scriptures from the Eastern Kingdom. However, right now, 'it bothers her a lot.' It could be any smell. But what is this feeling?
She quickly shook her head. It feels like she is becoming more paranoid lately. She wonders what she wants to do with Rhys. This current relationship is only temporary. For the past few days, Lyn thought it through. But no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't come up with an answer. Once this is all over… Could she tell Rhys to stop?
Aaah, it's no good. Even though he told her he was simply going along with it. Lyn doubts he would let her go now. She wanted nothing more than to study but with her thoughts like this…
Lyn put the doc.u.ments away onto the bedside table and slumped on the bed. She brought one of the pillows to her chest and hugged it.
When did her life become so complicated?
What a stupid question. Even long before Rhys and Kazuya came here, her life was already complicated. Lyn felt her eyelids turn heavy, and she decided to close her eyes. Maybe she can sleep of these strange thoughts.
...…
Lyn ended up sleeping for a very long time when she woke up; it was already night. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and realized somebody else was in the room. Other than Rhys, nobody else could get in here. So despite her dazed state, she knew it was him.
"Rhys?" Lyn called out.
It took her a few minutes before she heard a reply. It seemed like he just finished taking a shower since she hears footsteps emerging from the bathroom.
Lyn averted her gaze, "Can't you put some clothes on before you come out?"
"You know this is my room, right?"
"Just put something on," Lyn exclaimed. "Besides its winter, aren't you cold?" Unknowingly Lyn found herself glancing over at Rhys. Lyn already knew he had a good figure. However, this was the first time she got a proper look. Rhys was very muscular, with no trace of fat at all. The large wound on his chest, however, bothered her greatly.
Is that from the incident with her mother that her master spoke to her about before? Lyn wanted to ask him but felt like it would bring back bad memories. Whenever anybody mentions her mother in front of Rhys, a dark gaze would appear on his face.
Rhys picked up his black robe from the side and slipped it on. "For someone who overreacted just now. Aren't you checking me out?"
"I am not!"
"Then what do you call this staring thing you have been doing for the past few minutes? Really, you have more guts than I thought." Rhys did not put his robes on properly. He left his chest exposed.
He must be doing that deliberately! "I didn't check you out," Lyn emphasized. "You and your crazy ideas."
"Is it crazy, I wonder?"
Lyn was about to retort back when she saw his serious expression.
"Your mother was the one who did this to me. I won't hide that from you."
At that comment, Lyn looked down at the ground, 'She thought as much.' But now that Rhys has admitted it. Lyn no longer knows what to say. She still found this whole thing difficult to believe. Her mother did something so cruel, and to a child too. How come?
"It doesn't hurt anymore," Rhys said. "So, don't go and make that face."
She wants to apologize to him. But Rhys will say something like how this has nothing to do with her, right? Lyn extended her hand out. "Can I help you?"
Rhys nodded, and he walked over to her. He sat down on the edge of the bed, and Lyn fixed up his clothes. She tied the sash firmly around his waist, to make sure the robe wouldn't slip off.
"You slept all day, right?"
"Yes."
"Then, let's go out now. I said I would take you somewhere. You can eat there too."
Her cheeks colored when she realized he noticed the low grumbling sound in her stomach. 'How embarrassing.' But forget about her pride and stuff now. She is hungry. With her legs in this condition, it's very difficult for her to do anything alone. She still isn't used to using the crutches either.
Rhys brushed his fingers across her cheeks. "You feel okay to go out?"
"I do."
"Then let's get going. Your clothes right now are fine."
"Eh?" Lyn said puzzled. "But this is my sleepwear…"
Rhys, however, already scooped her up in his arms. Lyn wanted to protest but knew it was futile to do so with him. The two of them quietly left the room.
'Well, if he wanted to harm her a long time ago, he would have done so a long time ago.' So Lyn relaxed in his arms.
"You okay?"
"I'm fine," Lyn mumbled. She is okay. "I wanted to get some fresh air anyway. It's difficult going around during the day."
Rhys nodded. "Sorry about that. I know you want to, but you understand the situation, right?"
"Because of the dark magic, right?"
"Yes, your leg wound was infected with dark magic. It's difficult, but please stay low for a few more days. I will keep you company."
"Don't you have work?" Lyn questioned.
"I do have work. But honestly, it can wait. Spending a few days extra with you won't harm me."
He says that. But, Lyn examined his expression and saw a complicated look appear in his eyes. If Lyn told him to go, he will overreact and say something about her not wanting to be with him. It seems like she has no choice but to accept his offer. She glanced up to look at the sky.
A full moon against the gorgeous midnight blue skies. Small glistening stars. 'What a beautiful night.' Lyn thought. She wonders when was the last time she properly looked at the sky like this. While they are living peacefully here inside the castle town. People outside are suffering. It didn't feel right for her to be enjoying the scenery. That's why Lyn kept herself occupied with other tasks.
"What are you thinking, Lyn?"
"I was thinking, it's beautiful tonight."
Rhys chuckled. "You like the scenery, huh? I don't see it as anything special but," his gaze fell on the sky. "Watching this sky with you. It feels different than usual."
Lyn's eyes widened when she heard those words escape his lips. 'It seems like she underestimated his feelings for her.'