"I am sure he has forgiven you already, just like Kotaro will in due time. They are your family, even if you share no blood ties to sir Zepher. You were raised as siblings and share a deep bond. Sir Zepher's feelings for you may disappear, or they may remain. But that will be his choice. Avoiding him like this will only make the situation worse."
Lyn sighs hearing her friend's advice. Gabrielle was always the more level-headed and rational one between them. Certainly, if they continue like this brother Zepher will drown himself in alcohol and continue being depressed. She has missed his company too.
With brother Andrew, Kotaro and Shaaraya no longer residing in the castle. Brother Zepher made it his mission to visit nearly everyday. He made sure she wasn't lonely.
"Then, after the war I-" Lyn pauses.
After the war she will go see mother and father, she can even sort everything out with brother Zepher. There is a lot she has to do 'after the war' ends. However, what if she fails? If she fails, then everybody's happiness and future will be stained red.
She cannot fail, and yet she cannot bring herself to kill her friend.
Feeling warmth in her hands she noticed that Gabrielle had grabbed hold of it.
"It's going to be fine Lyn. There isn't anybody out there who is scared of failing. Even the confident soldiers and members of the council who are telling you to get the war over with. Everybody has fear in the back of their minds. Many are frightened about losing, and dying. But, what is scarier than that is not trying at all, it's giving up before anything starts."
Her eyes widened at Gabrielle's words.
"I'm sorry I-" Lyn felt ashamed.
That's right, what is she doing being so faint hearted? It's not just her who is scared. There are those who do not have as much power as her, those who do not have power at all who are even more frightened than her. But, they are still willing to fight for their peaceful future.
If she falters now, what about all the people who believe and trust her?
Gabrielle shakes her head. "No, it's understandable. Ever since you were a child you have always hated fights and warfare. Back when Andrew used to take you around to the battlefield, you'd always vomit after a large scale fight. He used to ask me for advice, and I told him truthfully that you probably disliked war."
"Thank you for saying that, if you didn't I would have stayed in that place for much longer."
"Your welcome, it's the least I could have done for you." Gabrielle said regretfully. "I have always thought that I could have done more for you as your friend."
"But you've done so much for me." Lyn argued.
"No, what I did for you was only the bare minimum. As Andrew's fiance, as the potential future Queen of the Mist Kingdom. I could have made your arrangements better. I could have pleaded with the Queen to reveal your identity much sooner. I could have stopped the servants from bullying you. I had the power to do so, but instead I made you suffer."
At those words Lyn hugged Gabrielle tightly and her friend laughs. "Careful, I am still unwell."
"Gabrielle, I have missed you so much. Pupilliam is my dear friend, but the one who first approached me was you. At first I thought you pitied me, but it did not take long before I realized that you meant well and that you truly cared for me. You say you haven't done enough for me, but don't you see? Just you asking to be my friend was already more than I deserve."
When Gabrielle 'passed away.' she tried to remain calm. She did so, because she saw how her friend's death broke her brother. They couldn't both break down. Last night, they had to speak business and her friend seemed tired so she didn't keep her up for long.
It's only now when they are talking like this, that she can confirm that her friend has truly returned to her.
"I truly am sorry for making you worry Lyn. But I am fine now, and I won't leave you anymore."
Hearing the sound of a sword being tossed to the ground. Lyn turns her attention back to the fight, preparing to run to Rhys and heal him. However when she turned her head, she was in the biggest shock of her life.
The sword on the ground wasn't blue but silver, it was her brother Andrew's sword. Brother Andrew was kneeling on the ground, exhausted and Rhys standing opposite with his sword pointing inches towards brother Andrew's neck.
Huh?
Huh??? Rhys actually won? H-how? Oh no, she got too distracted speaking with Gabrielle. If only she watched the fight properly just now she would know how this even happened.
"Are you satisfied with this Prince Andrew?"
Her brother looked very annoyed, but he sighs and nods. "I admit defeat."
Rhys pulls his sword away and back into it's sheathe. He turns to her with a bright smile and holds his hands up. A small victory pose.
It seems like they weren't the only ones who had been watching, moments after Rhys did that he was surrounded by some knights.
"Sir Rhys your so cool!"
"I can't believe you actually beat Prince Andrew."
People were looking at him with a mixture of disbelief. Lyn too couldn't believe what had happened. She knew that Rhys had gotten stronger. But, for his strength to surpass her brothers. He must have worked very hard.
Feeling emotional, Lyn just stood there. But she feels a light push from behind. Gabrielle looked at her with a smile.
"Go to him."
Lyn nods and rushes over. The other knights must have seen her since they all cleared a path for her. Rhys turned to her with an even brighter smile than before.
"How did I do?"
Even though she was distracted and didn't watch, just seeing the outcome of the match was enough. She walks over and wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him. It wasn't just a brief kiss but a long one that lasted five minutes. When she finally pulls back, Rhys was looking at her with a mixture of surprise and embarrassment.
Lyn laughs seeing his red stained face.
"I think, we should start talking about your reward."