Mist Kingdom Main Castle, Courtyard.
The following morning, Rhys found himself frantically searching the castle grounds. He didn't know where he went wrong. Actually he did, but that's even more so the reason.
It happened after Pupilliam paid them a surprise visit.
..
Mist Kingdom, Year XX, Queen Lyn's chambers
Rhys gaze fell on the woman fast asleep in his arms. The events of the previous night remain firmly in his mind.
'Damn, I'm in trouble. What is she doing to me? She is so cute.'
He bent down and kissed her lips again. The moment he did that
"Good morning Lyn." Rhys brushed his forehead and nose against hers before lightly kissing her lips. "It's early, but if we want to get the sword we should start now."
"Mmm. Do we have time for breakfast?" Lyn asked.
"I've already prepared something, go get changed."
Rhys watched her for a few minutes. Lyn was clumsily putting on her garments, she was still half-asleep.
He hesitated but helped Lyn change her clothing. It was only halfway when he was tying her sash where she snapped out of her daze. Lyn's cheeks coloured and she averted her gaze.
"Sorry, I'm not very good at this. You can fix it later." Rhys apologized.
"I--I think you're doing well."
"Should I do your hair too?"
"Eh?"
Rhys kisses a strand of her hair. "Let me be in charge of everything."
"A-as you wish."
In the end he brought her to the dressing table, and Rhys did her hair and makeup for her.
"Your naturally pretty, so I don't need to put too much in."
'T-this situation is so weird, why is Rhys doing this for her? But when he asked I couldn't say no.'
Rhys blinked hearing her thoughts.
Should he tell her that after they do it, he ends up hearing her thoughts for a short while the next day?
"Rhys."
"What s it?"
His sentence fell short when Lyn wrapped her arms around his neck and he felt his heart beat increase.
"Last night, thank you."
H--huh?
"It was embarrassing, but I didn't mind."
He felt his heart soften hearing her words.
"Were you happy?"
"Very much, I was happy, Rhys."
It truly feels like a future is possible with her. Last night when he was holding her, he could see her very clearly. Now that he thinks about it, he feels like he can see more when he is with her. That's probably why Lyn hasn't noticed that there is something wrong with his vision.
No, if its her perhaps she already knows. His thoughts break off when she hugged him tightly. When did she learn to behave so cutely? Rhys pressed his lips against her forehead.
A content sigh escaped her lips.
"Rhys?"
"Hm?"
"It's nice that we can spend a lot of time together. But, what about your work as the spider's chief? Running an information guild isn't easy, right?"
"You don't have to worry, I'm not shrinking my duties."
"That's not it. I am just worried that you are overworking yourself." Lyn turned caressed his cheek. "You look tired. It's not easy is it?"
"Indeed, the work is difficult. But, the reason I can work so hard is knowing that I'm not just a Prince in name. I have something to show if people question my position by your side. It's not like before."
The main reason why he started the spider group was because if he ever returned to Lyn. He wanted to have accomplishments that he could use if the elders questioned his presence.
"Rhys, you don't have to work so hard. I'd never let anybody bad mouth you."
"I know, but I always felt useless. Even when my title Prince returned to me, I realised I didn't have any accomplishments. I spent so many years being an underling and not doing anything for myself. So while I was mainly motivated for our future together, I also wanted to do something for myself."
"But Rhys, now that you're the spider's chief. There are more normal women who like you."
Rhys blinked hearing those words. It takes him a moment to process what she just said before bursting into laughter.
"It's not funny!" Lyn exclaimed as she puffed her cheeks. "At least in the past, the women who flocked to you were different."
"In the past?" Rhys repeated.
"I-I mean when I was dating Kazuya, you were always with different women from the red light district." Lyn stammered.
He may have believed this before but after the talk with Pupilliam, he can confirm his suspicions. She truly does have her memories back now.
Before he could say anything however they hear a knock on the door. Lyn scrambled to her feet and quickly slipped on her robe before heading to the door.
It was Pupilliam, she stood there with her arms folded across her chest and was inspecting the Queen and glaring at him.
"Queen Lyn, I will be joining you on your travel to the North. Before you refuse I have already handed my duties to someone else. So even if I remain here I will have nothing to do."
Lyn laughed. "I would never turn you away. Of course you could join us."
"There is also one more." Pupilliam trailed off. "King Allen wishes to join us."
King Allen huh? If King Allen is coming along, there is no need for him to come too. Rhys appeared behind Lyn.
"You will be safe with King Allen."
At those words she looked at him angrily. "What about you? Aren't you supposed to be keeping me safe?"
"There is actually work I have to attend to. If King Allen is coming with you then-"Rhys regretted his words when he saw the look on her face.
…..
Which leads him to this current situation. Where did she get to?
The past five years he spent away from Lyn, he had a lot of time to think about their relationship. He had time to reflect, that's why he understood how at one point his feelings for her were occasionally 'toxic.'
'I love her so much, that it became an unhealthy obsession. I wanted to posses her as my own. It was dangerous.' Even if the dragon didn't take his vision, he would have left eventually.
The reason why Lyn stormed off, was because he was behaving like how he used to.
'I use to entrust her to other guys, because I did not believe her feelings for me were real.'
When he saw King Allen, he told Lyn that maybe it would be better if she went with him instead. It was a stupid mistake.
They were supposed to leave early at sunrise but now two hours had passed. His thoughts break off seeing Lyn by the huge tree in the courtyard. A relieved sigh escaped his lips. Of course she would come here. Other than her old chambers as a Princess, this would be the next location to find her.
It was a place she often went to whenever she was sad or just wanted to be alone, at least when she was still a Princess. A separate courtyard that needed a person to go through a large tunnel before reaching. He didn't think she would still come here.
*Unedited*