Is it painful? Of course, it is, but she can't complain. She chose this path for herself. If she ended it a long time ago, she wouldn't have to go through this pain. However, that would be taking the easy way out. Sometimes Lyn regretted it. She regretted meeting Kazuya and Rhys. Regretted ever stepping out of isolation.

Why? Why did she decide to leave that day? Why didn't she take a step back? If she didn't leave to find Kazuya that day, then nothing would have changed for her. Brother and sister - one of them would have taken the throne. Her sister wouldn't have left; mother would still be here. Her father wouldn't be wandering around, lost around the Empire.

She hurt them.

She is the main cause of their pain and suffering.

Even though she has so much, she wants to give back to them. All she can do is cause them more pain.

Lyn couldn't get any sleep at all. So she wandered around for a bit. Wandering around in the dark wasn't the wisest idea. When she b.u.mps into Rhys - Lyn knew she couldn't hide it. So she lied and said she didn't feel well.

"Take some medicine, then."

"I already did."

"Then go to sleep."

Rhys brushes past her then. "It just makes you feel worse to be home alone when you don't feel well. That's why I'm out here."

What on earth is she doing, delaying him from leaving? But Lyn recalled how much fun she had during the outing earlier.

"Hey, but don't mind me. I'm sure I'll be okay." Lyn continues her exercise. But no sooner did she start again, did Rhys grab hold of her wrist.

"Come with me."

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"Why?"

"Just follow me."

Lyn hesitated but followed him out. It was quiet; she couldn't hear a single sound. As one would expect, there is n.o.body around. Not a single soul and yet Lyn wondered why, it felt like somebody was watching them. She felt the sound of her heartbeat and shook her head. These feelings - she already threw them away, didn't she?

That time Rhys stopped her from confessing. She already sealed her feelings away. But Lyn wondered why. Whenever they are alone together like this, she feels strange. The reason she even fell for this person is quite peculiar. Due to Kazuya's job, the one she spent more time with before is Rhys. At first, Rhys awkwardly watched over her, but eventually....

'Lyn, snap out of it.' How many years have pa.s.sed already?

"You're dawdling."

Lyn immediately averted her gaze, but Rhys saw her, "You were looking at me. Do you need something?"

"I don't," she mumbled. She doesn't need any of this right now.

Rhys brushed his fingers across her cheeks, and she flinched at the sudden contact. "I think I know what you're thinking. But don't think about it now. Right now, just focus on your duties as Queen."

"You're so heartless."

"Not as much as you. Don't get confused now; you don't love me, Lyn. You never have."

"Alright," Lyn didn't believe him. She doesn't remember about that time they supposedly went out. However, 'once upon a time, she liked him.' But, he crushed those feelings - and in doing so, she gave more love and attention to Kazuya.

Rhys briefly brushed their lips together. He didn't kiss her, but she felt the sensation of his lips. "You've always made things rather complicated for me."

"At the church, do you remember our conversation?"

"I do," he smiled bitterly, "I remember."

"You know....I.."

"Don't talk, Lyn. You can't get confused right now. I'm sorry, it's my fault. I shouldn't have appeared before you again. You and Kazuya are a happy married couple."

Since it was quite dark out, the vibrant red color of the bench, stood out even more than the pure white snow that covered the grounds.

Rhys grabbed her wrist and ma.s.saged it; he wrapped the string around her palm when she saw the sharp needle though Lyn immediately averted her gaze and didn't hesitate in expressing her discomfort.

Even if she is a Princess who secretly went through harsh training, she does not like having sharp objects, that aren't weapons pointed at her.

"Shut it, already," Rhys snapped.

"It's been a while since someone p.r.i.c.ked my finger."

Rather he must have been staring at her hands the entire time because she clearly didn't make it evident that she injured herself there.

"Do you think I'm doing this for you because I want to? Just sit still."

Lyn averts her gaze. Alright bear with it, bear with the pain. Although she was screaming in her mind, she was aware that her discomfort was showing in her expression. If this were the others, they would have expressed it out loud now. But after that brief scolding from Rhys, Lyn knew better than to irritate him further. When the pain ends abruptly, she watched as Rhys places a cotton bud over the wounds gently.

It feels odd, being so close to him like this even though it was always like that before.

"You seem to be a pro at this."

"Hm? Well, I'm still a doctor," Rhys commented.

True, even though he certainly doesn't look the type. Still, she found this entire situation strange. Why did he bring her outside to treat her injuries? They could have stayed inside. Lyn glanced over at Rhys carefully. 'He's so attentive..' She knew it was a bad idea coming here - but when Kazuya and her fought, she just naturally came here.

It's not like it was a big fight. But she didn't want to stay. For a while now, Lyn felt like she only got in Kazuya's way. He told her it was okay for her to come with him. Lyn missed him so much; she couldn't bear to part with him. However, now that they are together, it's a bit different than what she thought it would be.