That smile, however, turned to a frown as he looked at the ring on the girl's finger. Yes, she was already a married woman. He always believed that he would be the one by her side. It's not as though he underestimated the importance he had in her heart, Allen always knew that she harbored no romantic feelings. That was fine for him. At the time he wasn't aware of his own feelings for her. Had he realized sooner, perhaps the outcome would have been different?
After all, part of the reason that guy won was because he confessed first. Lyn probably doesn't realize it, that she was waiting to find someone who genuinely loved her, not for her status, but just for herself. That man got ahead of him and expressed those feelings. What is that man doing, leaving her alone like this for such a long time? As he thought that, he recalled the letter and pulled it out.
Allen silently handed it to her, "This?" Lyn asked, puzzled as she accepted the letter.
"A letter from your husband, only a few lines are for me. So I believe you ought to keep this."
"So the idiot finally greeted me... The nerve of him," she complained.
As the girl opened the letter, he noticed how gentle and tender her gaze became. Contrary to her complaints just now, she wore such a beautiful smile right now.
"He's in the southern continent..."
"South?"
"That's..near the Snow Kingdom..." Lyn muttered.
"I've heard the news of the chaotic situation in the Snow Kingdom, and how they've entered the Mist lands with a large army..." he trailed off. He honestly wasn't sure what to say. He was aware of the friendship Lyn had with the Queen of Snow. But once he heard the situation, he immediately assumed it was a war too and wished to warn her. Now he has the chance though; he found himself tongue-tied.
It's not something he can talk to her about so easily.
His thoughts broke off when her hand brushed against his face, and a soft laugh escaped her lips, "You don't have to worry about me so much," Lyn said, "I'm fine now."
Allen froze on the spot, "Your ability to read people is still as amazing as ever."
"No, I just know you well. I'll be fine."
"Are you investigating the circumstances? I did not see your head knight or mage."
Lyn pulled her hand back and nodded, "That's right. The two have been diligently reporting to me, Arkwright informed me that the Snow Kingdoms people hadn't attacked them. But they aren't cooperating either. Kristy hasn't run into any troubles with them, but she's spotted them in several villages. Something's happening. Whether it's war or not, it's not peace.."
Seeing a frown appear on the girls face, he reached over and pulled her into his arms.
"Calm down," he muttered.
"But.."
"No butt's.." he trailed off, "I understand your concern, but what will happen to the mist kingdom if you lose control? Be wary Lyn while your circumstances are a lot better now. If your emotions are affected too much, your powers.."
"I know. I know that. But, right now I'm unsure of what to do."
As he felt the girl tremble in his arms, he frowned. He does not enjoy seeing her deprived of her natural smile. While she's become a lot stronger since she became Queen, he understood full well that she still had her weak side.
"I shall be here for you. I'll stay for a while as I said."
"But your kingdom..."
"You know me well do you not? I hire only the best. They shall be fine without me there."
"Thank you..." she murmured quietly.
_____________________________________________________
Joust Tournament, Outside Arena.
Despite the slight detour, she made it on time. Allen was sitting on the row below her seat. Her gaze flickered toward him. He really has changed, hasn't he? She thought so before. But he's always been a very handsome man. While she's slightly biased towards her husband, she knows when to give compliments to other people. Lyn wonders if it was wise for her to thank him.
Lyn knew she ought to instruct him to head back once this was all over and yet she didn't. Also, she could tell from his actions alone; his feelings for her have not vanished yet. Lyn shook her head; what's important now isn't her personal feelings. But the situation at hand with the snow kingdom. Whatever is going on, she will need all the help she can get.
The last thing she wanted to do was doubt the people of her kingdom. However, she recalled the reactions to the audiences the other day and sighed. Everyone's getting anxious. Nobody can think straight right now. Allen's calm and collected attitude is something she needs right now.
"The maids are gossiping again, that your relationship with him is too close for mere friends."
The fifth knight, Ashley commented.
Lyn exhaled deeply, "It appears as though a man and woman can't be close with each other without being in a relationship.."
The fourth knight, "Now my Queen. Surely you understand why they think so? He was your fiance for many years."
That's true.
Pupillam interjected, "Even back then, they were more friends than lovers. So I'm unsure where all the misunderstanding is coming from."
"Is Miley out there?" Lyn changed the topic swiftly.
"Yes," Ashley replied.
"And the two of you?"
"Our turn isn't till much later, it appears as though people find us as a threat," Ashley informed her.
"Putting me on the same wavelength as this brute.." Lan said.
"What was that?"
Pupillam exhaled deeply, "No fighting. It's unsightly."
Lyn chuckled, "It's okay; I've always liked how lively you two are." She examined her surroundings. It's been quite some time since she held a tournament. While the mist kingdom seldom has any enemies, there are many who dislike her and hold a personal grudge. With the events of late lately, she isn't sure whether it was wise to hold a tournament. Even more than that, she doesn't want Miley to go off on her own. She will bear the risks.