Year 4019 Mist Kingdom Rose Palace
No sooner had they reached the location, Pupillam rushed inside. For Lyn, this was a first seeing her aide so distressed. Then again, since they discovered that her brother left. Pupillam was very restless. It surprised Lyn when they arrived at the palace. The usually live place is shrouded in a dark cloud. She immediately noticed one thing, no security. Rather if she didn't receive word that her brother headed this way, then Lyn would have assumed that they abandoned the place. Lyn unmounted her horse, the moment she did Rhys extended his hand out. Lyn, however, brushed him off and got off herself.
A deep sigh passed his lips, "What happened to the cute girl that would naively take my hand before."
Lyn shot him a glare, as she recalled how easily he used to trick her. Rather if she could go back in time, she would warn her young self about this man.
"Part of the reason brother rushed off was you. What did you tell him?"
Rhys said nothing, "Not like he was much use, anyway. Wasn't he meant to help us? All he did was sat around and mope about."
"Of course, he just lost his wife. Did you expect him to be all smiles and rainbows?"
"I just checked, but there's no security at all now. It's unusual, we will remain outside to keep guard," Teo called out and then paused, "Interrupting?"
"Yep."
"Like hell-" Lyn stopped herself from cursing when she spotted the person who approached Pupillam.
"Madam Pupillam, I'm glad you--" the Butler named Hibiki paused when he saw her, "Queen Lyn."
Lyn walked across the bridge, followed by Rhys as she softly asked, "My Brother?"
"Please follow me."
.....
The old Butler had worked with her brother since childhood. So Lyn knew if he was the one greeting them and not her brother, then her brother is most likely not here. She considered it, after hearing what his reaction to the Supreme General's words - and whatever the idiot Rhys added. It's okay if he isn't here, that may explain the absence of the people in the palace. However, there's one thing that concerned her.
"Where's the child?"
Surely in her brother's condition, he wouldn't take the newborn infant with him? The old Butler pointed towards a room.
When she arrived at the room, Pupillam was on the ground. A letter beside her feet, Lyn didn't have to look at the contents to understand the situation.
She looked at the young baby and walked over; Lyn gently cradled the child in her arms. How pitiful. She truly felt bad for the child. His mother passed away, and now his father is gone. This was the first time she saw her cute nephew , and the occasion isn't a happy one. In the past when Gabrielle got pregnant the first time, Lyn came over to visit her. Rather she accompanied the girl home to ensure she was okay.
But eventually, she got called back. Who would have thought no sooner had she arrived home, did she receive the news of her sister in laws miscarriage? Lyn immediately knew they planned it from the start. Yet because she was there, their plans couldn't come forward.
She put the baby back down, and turned to her aide, "Pupillam, get up."
"Queen.."
"If you can't take care of the child, then I'll do so. But brother entrusted the kid with you."
"I…" she looked down and clenched her fist, "This is my fault."
"I won't gloss over my words, yes this is your fault." Lyn said, "But you aren't the only one to blame here. Brother shares responsibility, and even me."
"But you didn't…"
"No, these last few days I understood something. The only reason any of this came about is due to me taking the throne. Think about it; Gabrielle's parents who were one of the main ones who orchestrated this incidence only went so far because my brother refused the throne. Why did my brother refuse the throne again?"
When she thought it through, Lyn felt a wave of growing anger inside her. Once again, somebody lost their life because of greed, because of the desire for wealth and power. While her reign has been relatively peaceful, there are many things from Mother's rule - the seeds of conflict and hate that have yet to vanish.
Her thoughts broke off when the child extended its hands towards her. "-yn."
Ah? Her name?
"The young master, before he left spent some time with the child. He said young madam Pupillam is someone he can trust, and that you're his beloved his sister."
"...What's this child's name?"
...…..
Lyn entered the room and closed her eyes, on the door was sachet from her father. The moment she tapped it, all the belongings and furniture filled the room.
"Gabrielle," Lyn murmured.
She couldn't find any clues about whether her friend was truly dead. For now, Gabrielle remained dead. Lyn doubts she will find anything until she honestly solved things with the Snow Kingdom. Until she settled everything with J.
...
Mist Kingdom (Central Town)
When she arrived in town and saw the gloomy atmosphere of the place. Lyn isn't surprised. How awful, she only went away for a short time. No, Lyn shook her head. At least more than a week - around two weeks have already passed. What was she doing? In the end, her hunt for her husband was useless. Lyn hoped that the next time she came here, Kazuya would be with her. Then all those elders that have been running their mouth
"Queen Lyn?"
"Let's go to the palace."
Pupillam nodded and rode back, while Rhys remained at her side and General Teo ahead of them. Lyn didn't think it was necessary to be so cautious. The town may be like this now, but surely nobody would attack her directly right?
.....
Main Castle
When they arrived, the guards welcomed her back with open arms. It looked like they had tears in their eyes. Her sweat fell when she recalled what happened moments ago. Her guards who were usually so formal cried and welcomed her back. Exactly what sort of abuse has Allen put them through? Then again, it's probably not just Allen. They've most likely had to deal with the annoying anti fraction members.
Lyn walked through the castle, on her way to her audience chambers lost in thought. It felt strange to be walking alone. Of course, she wasn't really alone; the others remained close by in their unique formation. But she wanted to return with Kazuya. Her heart is still restless, even though she received the letter and the Supreme General promised her.
When they reached the chambers, it was a complete chaotic mess. Everybody was shouting at each other, and there stood Allen in the center platform, rubbing his forehead with his hands. Lyn frowned, he looked stressed and worn out.
"My, my, isn't this quite the spectacle? Is this how you're going to greet me?" Lyn called out.
She did not yell but simply raise her voice slightly, despite this though everybody froze. One by one they slowly looked at her.
"Q—Queen— L—Lyn."
A mixture of fear from those who disliked her and a relieved sigh from the ones on her side. It amused her when she saw the different reactions. But that amusement didn't last long when she overhears a nearby comment.
"Now she comes back.."
Lyn frowned at that comment but shook her head. He makes a point. She shouldn't have left for such a long time. She shouldn't have gotten too caught up with her personal wishes and emotions. Her thoughts broke off when she heard a clattering sound. The sound of high heel shoes, scraping against the carpet.
"Gee you guys are late if I didn't come here. I'm sure the old fiance would have murdered everybody in the room."
Lyn's eyes widened as she recognized the voice. She turned to the direction of the sound. Coming down from behind the curtains to another room on the platform was a woman with long midnight blue hair and deep blue eyes.
"Kristy!"