Allen stood inside the main courtyard of the Mist Kingdom castle by the entrance alongside his guards. He only waited for a few moments before the large doors opened, and a carriage came through. The doors to the carriage opened fairly quickly. Golden blonde hair as bright as the sun cascading past her shoulders, emerald green eyes that matched the jade hairpin she wore. Eyes that seemed to suck a person the moment they got close, stepped out of the carriage; her emerald green eyes are common amongst n.o.blewomen. But there was something about them that was more beautiful than the average person. The complete opposite of Lyn; yet the woman wore a similar type of cold look.

This was the last person Allen expected to get 'engaged' too. While he exchanged greetings with her during his and Lyn's engagement banquet, he's never seen or spoken to her since. Allen figured that his long absence would give the elders time to plan a new engagement. But he did not think it would be right away. This woman is Cordelia; her official t.i.tle is the d.u.c.h.ess of Camelia. While the rank 'd.u.c.h.ess' is merely equivalent to the 'Princess' rank, there are those who see the t.i.tle as containing more value. That can be applied this time too.

Allen's gaze fell on Cordelia's; he does not say a word. Most men would be tongue-tied with this beauty in front of them. But, it was not like that now. He felt nothing even looking at her. Allen found it was not like the time he met Lyn, and sighed deeply, "Of course it's not that simple," he murmured to himself. What Allen felt towards Lyn is unique. It won't just go away because he wants it too.

"Welcome Lady Cordelia."

Spotting Pupillam and a handful of knights approaching, he frowned. Usually it's courtesy for the Queen to go out and greet the guests.

"Lyn?" Allen asked.

Pupillam looked down at the ground, desperately averting her gaze from him, "Well you see.." Pupillam paused, unsure of how to continue before she took a deep breath and apologized, " Please pardon our rudeness. The Queen has caught an unexpected cold due to the change of seasons... Even then it's inexcusable for her not to come out here. But the doctors advised her not to move," Pupillam paused again, "But the rest of us are at your service."

It was clear to Allen that the head aide wanted nothing more than to rush to Lyn's side. She's sick, several memories from the past appeared in his head. When Lyn is ill, she becomes rather careless.

"If you wish to tend to Queen Lyn, I shall not stop you," Cordelia said.

Allen looked into the woman's eyes and knew she understood. But he shook his head, and wore his usual businesslike smile, "I shall show you around, as your future husband." His words were empty as usual, and in the center of Allen's mind was the sick Lyn.

...…

To take a stroll with anyone but Lyn was something Allen had never done before. Then again, he only ever spares time for other matters when it comes to Lyn. That girl, what foolish and careless thing did she do now? Why did she suddenly get sick? Unless, realization dawned on him and he paused walking, letting Cordelia walk ahead. They brought a few bodyguards, so Allen did not see the need to walk beside her in particular. His mind was in a daze. Before his personal feelings take over him - and he rushes over to Lyn's side, he ought to strike up a conversation with this woman. But, he could not stop himself from thinking about Lyn. Does she need him by her side? Amongst the guards that came along was the head advisor - Lyn must have ordered this.

Lyn is the type of woman who gets lonely easily when Allen figured that much out about her. He found himself gradually ensuring that she was always with somebody. His thoughts broke off when Lady Cordelia asked the guards to leave. Allen is surprised but followed along.

Once the guards left, Cordelia stopped walking and turned to him, "I shall be straightforward with you. There's no need to put on your mask around me," Cordelia trailed off, "I'm aware this engagement was arranged without your consent."

"Most things are completed without my consent, but they leave serious affairs like the kingdom to me, "Allen replied calmly. How intriguing, he didn't think she would be so blunt about this, "Yet, this is a matter I will not argue about, since it causes too much fuss and drama."

He doesn't care who he is engaged too. He will only love Lyn.

Cordelia exhaled deeply, "Indeed, you're a man who is suited to me. I see you as quite similar to myself, you have too much pride to display your emotions openly," Allen said nothing and watched Cordelia take a few steps forward until she stood directly in front of him. The woman seemed to examine him up and down. She murmured something he could not overhear before continuing, "But that pride will cost you somebody special."

"What are you implying?"

"The Queen's usage of dark magic has always bothered me. While her body contains something special that acts as a

It does not change the fact that even reading the dark spells out loud, or laying eyes on them drains your life force." Cordelia paused, "For somebody born with such an unusual condition, a man who bears the same insignia is necessary to help the other person. Did you know? You just happened to be around the day she was born."

Allen's calm composure vanished then, and he sent her a harsh glare, Cordelia, however, remained unphased, "King Kazuya belongs to the sound kingdom, he hid it well, but every time he fought, people took note of his powers. The sound Kingdom people are familiar with dark magic and banished because of that knowledge. Is it not a coincidence that he came over here, the moment the ban got lifted?"

"The ban got lifted yes, but those people live in isolation and fear even now. It was not a coincidence," Allen said. But that's something the two as a couple discussed. Kazuya felt obliged to tell him; however, Allen did not press him for details.

Cordelia did not seem surprised, and nodded, "It seems like the three of you have a closer bond than I thought. I apologize," Allen simply nodded, "However, I wish to discuss these matters first before we marry each other."

"That is only natural, you are an outsider to this, but at the same time, you have become involved. But just as I was the third wheel, the same could be said about you," Allen implied for the woman to speak no more on the matter and she nodded. Allen watched as she walked away from him and made her way over to the cherry blossom tree, despite winter nearing, the blossoms were still in full bloom.

"An outsider I shall remain, even for the rest of our married life," Cordelia spoke, her voice contained no trace of malice whatsoever. The woman's gaze filled with acceptance.

"Ah," Allen murmured to himself. Lady Cordelia has already accepted it. Accepted that no matter what happens, his heart will always belong to Lyn, "You do not wish anything from this marriage?" Allen clarified with her.

Cordelia nodded, "I will not selfishly ask you to love me. But I do want one thing from you."

One thing? Allen looked at her, expecting to figure it out from her gaze. But he couldn't, so he simply asked, "What is it? Speak."

Cordelia extended her hand out, "I will be faithful to you, so you should at least treat me with respect, I have the right to ask for that much don't you think so?" In other words, Cordelia implied it was okay for him to continue loving Lyn. But in front of the public, he must prioritize her over Lyn as not to tarnish either of their reputations. This woman was indeed born to be n.o.ble — another type who is destined to be Queen.