"I asked Raven to make it, because no matter how pressured I was. I couldn't bring myself to be with another guy. When I am under the effects of the drug, I do not remember sleeping with Raven at all. I am aware that we meet up and do something since I wake up in his chambers. But the details, I do not recall anything." Lyn explained.
"Then why are the elders still pressing the issue about you having another husband?"
"Because even though Raven has played the role as my lover, I have not gotten pregnant nor have I decided to marry him. Those elders want me to formally have a third husband, just having another guy isn't enough."
Ark's frown deepens hearing Queen Lyn's explanation. Even after five years, he still doesn't understand the court politics very well. Indeed, he certainly cannot see himself accompanying Lyn any further than this. If she truly becomes the Empress, he will only stand in her way.
"I understand the situation with you and Raven. But, I still dislike his other methods."
Lyn nodded. "I understand, but please give him another chance. He truly isn't a bad person, and he was the first one who truly accepted you aside from me correct?"
Certainly that logic is the reason why he stuck by Raven's side for so long.
"But, the court corrupts people." Ark commented.
At those words a sad expression flashes through Lyn's eyes as though agreeing with his statement.
"When he is with you, does he not act like a jerk?" Ark muttered.
"At the very least, I can trust him to have my back and trusted him not to take advantage of me."
'Part of me probably realized that a long time ago, that no matter how much Raven changes. Deep down he is still the person who helped me.'
His thoughts break off when Lyn patted his shoulder and stands up.
"Settle your emotions first, and then go and see him okay? It's hard watching you two fight and misunderstand each other."
He only just returned and the Queen is already trying to resolve the main issue lingering in his mind. It truly is like her to notice and care more about his issues than her own.
"I understand."
Lyn smiled. "That's good, and also I know you have a lot to do now that you have returned. But, would you like to have a meal with me and Rhys? I have wanted to introduce you two properly for a long time."
"I do have a favourable impression of him from the brief words we exchanged five years ago. So, I was hoping you'd ask."
"Then, the next few days? Maybe four?" Lyn suggested and Ark nodded.
After chatting with the Queen, they parted ways since she had to return to work. The heavy weight he was feeling in his heart had vanished. She truly is an amazing person.
___
The following morning, Rhys sighs deeply as he finally escapes Pupilliam's nagging. Lyn didn't inform him that Pupilliam would be attending their training session too. The entire time she kept shooting daggers at him for going 'overboard' with the training. She didn't get a chance to nag at him last night, since it was early morning when they finished. But, when the morning chime rang, Pupilliam sent for him.
At the same time she muttered a half hearted apology about not warning him about Raven's arrival. He verbally confirmed with her regarding Raven's identity. So, it truly is that man. To think the one he was looking for to help with his condition and Lyn's lover is the same person.
He felt troubled. It would be awkward for him to ask the guy for help now. Despite only seeing their brief interaction yesterday, Rhys could tell that Raven guy must like Lyn. The main reason why he wants his eyesight to return is so he can properly stand by Lyn's side. That guy will definitely see through his motives.
Rhys approaches Lyn's chambers. When he left she was still fast asleep, and he knew her schedule was clear this morning. He was looking forward to them spending some more time together.
His thoughts break off hearing the sound of kissing.
Rhys freezes hearing the noise.
What's going on? These are Lyn's chambers, why is there the sound of kissing? Rhys hesitantly opened the door to see Lyn pinned against the wall and a guy with blue coloured hair was kissing her deeply. Rather, the man had just finished feeding her a pill.
"Raven....there is something I have to say." Lyn panted.
The girl's breathing seemed unsteady and her face was flushed.
"Can't it wait?" Raven muttered.
"...It's important-"
But, after that man gave her another pill. Lyn didn't protest anymore. Rhys just stood there frozen for a few seconds. Pupilliam already gave him the full details just a few minutes ago. But, this still surprised him.
'The Queen asked him to make her a drug and allowed this intimate relationship to continue to appease the elders. For a while it worked, but when the Queen didn't get pregnant or formally marry Raven, they started with the candidates again.'
He wanted nothing more than to walk away and escape from this scene. But, if he did that then something more than kissing would happen. In fact, Rhys watched Raven tug on Lyn's clothing. He won't allow this to continue. He takes a deep breath before rushing into the room.
He has the girl in his arms in seconds and knocks her out with some magic. He doesn't know what type of drug Raven gave her. But, if she remains conscious. She may go to Raven herself and he didn't want her to do that. Now that he has returned, these two have no need to continue this relationship.
"Woah where did you come from?"
"Sir Raven, I believe what you're doing is inappropriate."
Raven chuckled. "You may think so, but this has been normal for the past four and a half years."
"I have heard, but there is no need anymore. How could you come looking for and do this when you clearly know?"
"That's exactly the reason why. I figured, I would have some fun with her one last time. Unfortunately she avoided me the entire of yesterday. It's not easy to catch her alone, so I waited until you left this morning."
Rhys frowned. Despite the man's slightly harsh words, the image of him gently patting Lyn's hair and the look in his eyes remains fresh in his mind. This guy genuinely cares for Lyn, he will not do anything that will betray her trust.
*Unedited*