'I am truly a selfish Queen. Back when I was a Princess, I was very enthusiastic and determined to become the Queen. But in the last few years, I started to doubt whether this role actually suited me.'
The Mist Kingdom has certainly prospered since she became the Queen, and yet something is missing. Sister Lethia, perhaps this is what you wanted to say to her that day?
Her thoughts break off hearing shuffling. Lyn realised that Rhys was at the door.
"Lyn, remember to watch the temperature of the water. If it becomes too cold, get out."
"I-I understand." Lyn replied nervously as she stared at the door. He isn't going to burst inside is he? She completely removed all her clothes, and doesn't have a bathing suit with her.
"Are you still hungry? I could order some food."
"I'd like a light snack."
"Got it." With those words said she watched as Rhys figure faded from the door and she sighed a breath of relief.
Indeed, Rhys is acting so strange. He wasn't like this in the past. He was more pushy regarding his affections for her. But now he is being patient. In the five years that they didn't see each other, she wondered what happened to make him change so much.
'I don't dislike the current him.'
If he behaved like this from the very beginning, perhaps she would never have fallen for Kazuya.
'I sound like such a fickle woman.'
But there is no doubt that she has two husbands, even though she was the one who wanted to abolish the multiple marriage partners rule. That was before she remembered her marriage with Rhys. It makes sense why the elders didn't take her seriously, they knew. Kazuya too seemed disturbed whenever she brought it up.
Kazuya isn't at fault, as much as she wants to blame him. He most likely just did whatever Rhys asked him too. But she can't blame Rhys either. He still hasn't told her the reason why he left her side but it isn't too difficult to guess.
The talk they had before the battle with her sister Lethia, she remembered it clearly now. She felt something amiss when they spoke and yet tried her best to dismiss the disturbed feeling.
She stayed until the water turned cold and the petals had completely dissolved into the water. After her bath, it took her a moment to realise that she would need a change of clothes. She briefly opened the door and spotted a white bathrobe folded and immediately took it. She quickly slipped it on, and did her best to hide her chest.
These bathrobes were introduced fairly recently as clothing one would wear after bathing. But she found it inconvenient since the sash would come loose easily, and even when it's tied properly, there is a high chance of seeing a person's skin.
Lyn frantically shook her head. He already promised that he wouldn't do anything to her.
She stepped out of the bathroom and found Rhys perched on the window ledge. There was a familiar pipe in his hands as smoke filled the space he was in.
'So he still smokes.' She hasn't seen him smoke much since they reunited. Now, that she thought about it there are many bad habits Rhys had in the past that he doesn't do anymore. Once he saw her, Rhys put the pipe away.
She walked over to him like she was possessed. She knew that she ought to get changed into something less revealing. But, the image of him smoking overlapped with a scene from the past. Before she knew it she had walked over.
Her gaze fell on the bottle of alcohol and cup, and Rhys followed her gaze.
"That reminds me, your twenty now. Do you drink?"
"A little."
Rhys poured her a glass and she immediately gulped down the contents. It felt bitter, although she knew how to drink now. It didn't mean she liked it. She discovered when she first became Queen however that she would have no choice but to drink in social gatherings because others would consider it unusual if she didn't.
Feeling his gaze on her, she quickly poured herself another glass and repeated this process for the next few minutes. But her alcohol tolerance was very low, after five or so glasses she felt her cheeks flush. Eventually Rhys grabbed hold of the bottle and removed it from her hands.
"That's enough."
"B-but I can't calm down." Lyn admitted.
How is she supposed to face him? How does she behave around him? Ever since she regained her memories, she has felt lost and confused. At those words Rhys put the bottle down and suddenly lifted her in his arms.
Huh? He is walking towards the bed and he lightly places her down. Before she could even question his actions Rhys is kissing her deeply.
"U-unhand me." Lyn mumbled as she briefly pulled away.
Rhys sealed her lips with another kiss and she hit his chest.
"Y-you promised, you're a liar." She felt the tears well up in her eyes again.
The two kisses he gave her felt so bitter and yet sweet. This person truly loves her. His desires pour through the moment he touches her. Is this the reason why he refrains from getting too close to her? 'How stupid.' It's so stupid for him to hide his feelings for her now.
The confession at the heart of the sacred church was already romantic enough. But back then she had too much on her mind. Now that she has returned and spent the last few days living peacefully, she can reflect back on it properly.
"You're the worst."
"You told me that a lot already. It doesn't bother me, even if I am the most disgusting person in this world. I want you to know that I love you, and that I want to touch you."
"Stop I-"
"I'm your soul mate Lyn, and you know that too. You're so stubborn, do you really think I don't know your feelings? You've always been difficult to read but you can't hide your affections for another person."
"But I-I don't know Rhys. Kazuya and me-"
She can't leave Kazuya alone. Moreover, he is dying. How could she possibly leave his side now? It would be far too cruel for her to abandon him.
"I know, you fell in love with Kazuya again. It's only normal for you to do that. Even if you regained your memories of our time together now, I know that you won't leave Kazuya. You will feel conflicted."
'Indeed he is right, that is my current state. If only I could tell him the truth.'
She can't hurt Kazuya after everything he has done for her.
"But, I truly want you to understand. That I, Rhys, have only ever loved Lyn of the Mist."
"I-I understand- you don't have to-" Lyn's sentence fell short when he kissed her again. "Mmm."
"Your emotions are a mess Lyn, but I plan to fix that. I will make you understand that I am your soulmate and you are mine." His lips fell on her neck. "I will never leave you alone again. From this moment onwards, I swear that I will live only for you."
Before she understood what was happening, she felt tears fall from her eyes again. In the next second she had her arms wrapped around his neck and was responding to the deep kiss he was giving her.
'Rhys, Rhys is finally back. If only you knew how lonely I was when you left.'
*Unedited*