"It's a gift for you. I made it like mine."
"A gift?"
"Happy belated birthday." Rhys mumbled. "Normally I would have sent a gift to you anonymously like I did every year. But I have been quite occupied."
"With the sun Kingdom Princess?"
"That woman was a huge pest. It was difficult sneaking in my gifts for you." Rhys trailed off. "I made this from some of the shells I picked up on the beach in the Rain Kingdom."
"It's pretty."
She has always liked small trinkets like this.
"Long ago, the god of this universe decided that he would create life that would live in these beautiful lands. He or she created a beautiful world, and yet there was nothing there. In order to create the first life, they offered parts of their body and merged it into a crystal before splitting it in half. Since then, humans have been born without half their soul, and are fated to search for the one who would complete them."
Oh this tale, she read about it in a book she found in her mother's collection. One of the first privileges she found as a Queen was being given access to the royal library. Amongst those thousands of books collected over the years since the Empire formed, she discovered her mothers secret collection.
The collection contained tales and myths of other islands, the myths of other Empires and another world.
"My soul mate?"
"That's right."
"Your too confident."
Rhys lips curved to a smile and she continued to avert her gaze. "Even though you have no memories, my wish hasn't changed since back then. I wish to grow old with you, and together we will change this Empire. If you are the other half of my soul, it will explain why even when I chose my own path it felt like something was missing."
After hearing Rhys lips she could no longer hold back her tears.
"You just told me that you told Kazuya that you feel something towards me, correct?"
"-something small."
If she said there is something more, won't he suspect that she has her memories back? Even though she remembers everything now. She doesn't want to rush. The feelings she had for Rhys back then, those strong and powerful emotions. It's unlike the feelings she gained for Kazuya. It's something more, and that's why she truly doesn't want to rush this.
His gaze turned towards the sea. "Now, this is perfect. Look."
Lyn turned her head and her eyes widened seeing gorgeous red and blue coloured floating lanterns all over the sky. There were some still on the sea and she extended her hand out to pick one up.
"These are water lanterns correct?"
"Mm, it's an easterm tradition. The main purpose of water lanterns is to send away the disasters and problems of life and to welcome happiness and peace instead."
Happiness and peace.. Lyn's gaze fell towards Rhys.
"You didn't tell me this was a date."
"I figured if I did, you would run away."
"Isn't that only natural?"
Rhys laughed. "This is why I didn't say, I wanted to surprise you."
"But you let go of my hand earlier, and chose a quiet restaurant. Can you truly call this a date if your being so sneaky about it?"
Rhys suddenly leaned forward and grabbed hold of her hand causing her to drop the lantern. He brought her fingers to his lips.
".....!"
Lyn is very thankful that it was dark now, otherwise Rhys would be able to see how red her face was.
"I'm sorry about that. But I wanted to get an answer from you first before I let people know that I am officially courting you."
She felt even more embarrassed hearing those words.
"P-officially courting?"
"Yeah, since we reunited you know I kind of just went along with the flow. I wanted to learn more about the present you."
"-and what did you learn?"
"I learned that you are truly the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. The other half of my soul can only be you."
"Y-you say that but how many women have you met the past few years?"
With Rhys charisma and kindness, she is sure that there are more women who fell for him.
"Your already getting jealous? I suppose this will end up in my favour after all."
"Your too confident."
'But that is expected of my husband.' Lyn kept those words to herself as she continued to look at Rhys who was still kissing her fingertips. Isn't he tired of that yet?
"Lyn, do you want to return to the castle tonight?"
For a moment she didn't understand what he was saying but feeling his piercing gaze on her, causing her already red face to turn redder.
"O-of course I do."
"I suppose we can save it for the next date."
"Who says there will be a next one?"
"Your red stained face says it all." Rhys trailed off. "Anyhow, we can save this chat for later. The food is going to turn cold."
Food? Lyn watched as Rhys picked up one of the lanterns that floated towards them and he tapped it causing it to open, revealing various dishes.
"It's not wet?"
"I used magic." Rhys picked up one of the buns on the leaf shaped plate. "Open your mouth."
Lyn immediately did so without thinking and before she knew what was happening Rhys was feeding her. She felt her already red cheeks reddening even more.
"Is it tasty?"
"I-I suppose."
Rhys suddenly slipped a flower into her hair. "This first date is a bit extravagant, I wonder if I can maintain the quality."
"D-did I say we would have another one?" Lyn argued.
"Considering how you haven't run away yet, despite knowing this is a date. I can assume that there will be a next one."
She can't argue against that.
"It feels like you are playing with me." Lyn picked up one of the buns and took a bite. "This tastes fluffy like a cloud."
The other one had a different texture.
"I am glad my cooking pleases you."
It took her a moment to register what he just said. He cooked this for her?
Rhys averted his gaze. "W-well you know, it only makes sense to make an effort on the first date."
Lyn watched as his entire face turned red, even his ears. Her gaze softened. So, he still has a clumsy side.
'Dear goddess, I don't know if my heart can take anymore of Rhys behaviour.' She silently prayed in her mind that she would survive this evening without revealing anything.
*Unedited*