Cordelia was not like other women who wore her heart on her sleeve. Most people could not read her expression; it's the same when she received that startling news last night.

'I would die with her' huh? It's not as though she did not know that. From the very moment, she met King Allen several years ago. She knew his heart would always belong to Queen Lyn. Or rather people called her out for having a strange ability like this, being able to read people's emotions.

..

Her parents named her 'Cordelia' because of the legendary Queen Cordelia from Shakespeare's King Lear 1606. A tale from several decades ago but still holds such importance. But then again for them, it is 'several decades ago.' The 'Empire' is not on any map; n.o.body can find it. When one gets close to the place, they simply arrive, but they lose their memories of where they came from. Legend has it that witches created this place in the 2000 century. A separate kingdom, paradise - people can enter. But that legend has always left room for doubts. People can travel far from this place; there is a world outside. If they were stuck in some different dimensional s.p.a.ce, those with high magical abilities would have noticed already.

So it is more accurate to say the calendar is different here. They are certainly living in the 'modern century' because of technology. Ah, she is getting off topic here, her name? Other than the a.s.sociation with the play. There is a connection with the Welsh name Creiddlyald meaning a jewel of the sea. For the French, heart of a lion. The first definition suits her; people regard her beauty as compared with a jewel. But the second? She wonders if that meant behind her indifferent att.i.tude exists a strong personality.

"Allen," Cordelia called out. It was none other than the man that is to become her husband. After what he said last night, her thoughts were a mess, and she could not sleep well. So she took the back route to the training grounds; not wanting to disturb the other n.o.bles that came to visit, when she noticed a pale blonde haired man taking the secret pa.s.sageway so casually in broad daylight. Had it been anybody else, she would have allowed them to go since their attendants would be with them. However when she spotted pale blonde; she rushed over to him immediately.

The one she found trying to sneak away is the first Prince of the family, Allen. Allen turned to her, "I am not doing anything unsightly, I merely wish to take a quick stroll around the town."

Cordelia raised her eyebrows, "In that get up?" Allen who usually dresses in formal wear is wearing casual clothing and hiding his family ornaments.

"So you caught me, I suppose I cannot go along with my original plan."

So he was up to something, "I apologize."

Silence descended upon them, and Cordelia directly looked down at the cold steps. When she looked up, Allen had extended his hand out towards her, "Come Cordelia."

"Where are we going?"

"You shall see."

Cordelia nodded and accepted his hand. They are walking around the pa.s.sageway silently for a while, when she spoke up, "Your hand."

"Hm?"

"This is the first I've held hands with anyone, it's quite unusual," Cordelia mentioned. Not even her own parents have held her hands before. From a very young age, she's always walked alone.

Soft laughter pa.s.sed Allen's lips, "Well my dear, you shall get used to this."

"I see."

Even if he has no feelings for her, he can still hold her hand? Then again the act of holding hands is not just limited to lovers.

........

Allen lead her to an area separated from the Main Castle grounds. The area covered in greenery, several large trees dawned both sides, an archway of hedges and a large fountain in the center. It was quiet, Cordelia could tell that n.o.body used the place in a very long time. She walked over to the bushes, "Flowers," she murmured. The flowers in this place are well cared for; they still bloomed beautifully.

"Was this Queen Lyn's chambers before?" Cordelia said knowingly. Her parents had informed her when she was a child about the unfortunate Princess who turned out to be the Mist Kingdom's hidden gem. Before then the Princess was isolated in a place separated from the castle grounds.

"Correct."

So, she stayed in a place like this? Cordelia looked around, "It is peaceful here, you cannot hear the idle gossip from the maids. The soldier's discussions or any political affairs," A completely peaceful and beautiful place like a paradise, and yet living completely isolated and cut of from the world, "Did you often visit her here?"

"It was the first place I came too when it arrived."

So he didn't even greet the Queen?

Allen murmured something to himself that Cordelia didn't catch, before she whispered, "You loved her this much."

Allen didn't reply but started to walk off, Cordelia followed after him silently until they arrived at a clearing. A single large tree stood there amongst nothing, Cordelia noticed how this area was beautiful but felt more isolated than the area they just pa.s.sed. Cordelia saw a building not too far, and looked back at the area, "This is her real quarters?"

It was a guess considering the look Allen had on his face. This is what makes them different, Allen wears his heart on his sleeve. It's easy for her to read his emotions.

"Yes, what we pa.s.sed by just now is a front. Just in case anyone was to find the place. They'd see it as a useless place. n.o.body would think to walk any further."

That's certainly true. But now that Cordelia has seen this, "Queen Lyn is a lonely person, did you back down because you realized you couldn't give her the warmth and kindness she needed?"

"That is part of the reason, other than the fact that I told my feelings for her too late."

Cordelia said nothing and continued looking around.

The woman named, 'Lyn' is somebody she became familiar with.

But only just recently.

It was only a single conversation that lasted several hours. But Cordelia felt that she got to know her.