The message came from her father, King Daichi in the form of a very sad letter. Though he didn't attend the funeral personally, Lyn was grateful that he informed her. If it were anybody else, she would not believe them.

A few days ago, her dear friend. The first woman she called a friend Lady Gabrielle died. After she heard And that very same day Pupillam returned to her side. Lyn confirmed the events with her. It was indeed like what her Father wrote in the letter.

Lady Gabrielle pa.s.sed away. Lyn created a mini alter and prayed there every day. Right now she could not leave the town as much as she wanted to. Pupillam informed her of the events that lead to her death, and she knew better than to take any risky moves. Since Somina's actions are because of a personal grudge, it would not surprise Lyn, if she got attacked directly.

The moment she heard a sound coming from outside. Lyn bolted out. It was a faint sound, but Lyn knew it was him. She quickly wrapped her cloak around herself and walked down the steps. It didn't take long before she got outside.

A single horse, and no guards.

A man got off with his head down, his clothes sticking to his body because of the rain.

"Brother," Lyn murmured.

"..."

Lyn could tell from his expression how worn down and tired he was. She walked over, and he immediately hugged her. Her eyes filled with pain, as she felt him shake and tremble in her arms. Her brother, this is her brother — the First Prince Of the Mist Kingdom Andrew. The strong and courageous brother she admired is now trembling so badly in her arms. He's so fragile and weak. Her gaze darkened as she recalled the reports.

The Snow Kingdom, she won't let them get away with this. It's one thing to mess with her Knights, another to mess with her family.

....

On the way inside Uncle Adrien scolded her for going outside without an Umbrella. Thankfully, she didn't stay out for too long, and her body didn't get that soaked. Her brother, on the other hand, looked like he would get sick any minute.

She somehow convinced him to take a bath. However even when he came out, the man looked ill. So pale and his eyes are bloodshot. Since Gabrielle died, has he gotten any rest? What about the food? The two went to her room, and he laid in her arms like a child.

"Are you calm now?" Lyn asked. For the last few minutes, she spent it caressing his fair.

Andrew shook his head and held on to her tighter. Her gaze softened, "In the past, it was you who used to comfort me like this."

"Sorry, I.."

Brother lost his wife.

And she lost a dear friend.

"This.."

Noticing him point to the marks in her neck. Lyn deeply sighed, "Well Rhys is stubborn. Do you know how many times I had to use a concealed blade on him? Ah, this mark, he did it when I was asleep," she angrily said.

"Hey, are you insulting me because you know I'm outside the door?"

"Don't enter!" Lyn exclaimed.

The doors, however, opened revealing a man with a deep scowl on his face.

Rhys entered the room with a tray, "Pupillam asked me to give these, and wow this is a first...Are you two having an affair? Seem pretty intimate."

She glared at him, what's with this guy?

"I'll drink," Andrew said.

Her eyes widened when she heard those words. Her gaze softened, it seems like Pupillam is still important to him. But nothing will happen between them now. Why would it? The loss of his wife, his second love is far too great. For now, though, she wants to help her brother recover.

Lyn watched as he picked up the cup, even when he's depressed there's this n.o.ble aura about him. Her strong brother, he's never broke down like this before. Even during Mothers death, brother pa.s.sing away and sister disappeared. He didn't act like this.

"Why are you sitting down with us?"

"I brought my food here too."

A deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips, as she rubbed her forehead. Lately, Rhys is becoming even more annoying. She watched as his gaze fell on her brother though and paused. Is he actually worried?

...

When brother finally fell asleep, a relieved sigh pa.s.sed her lips.

Rhys took the plate, "Sleeping?"

Lyn nodded, "Yes, thank you." She figured that Rhys was worried too and that's why he stayed.

"I was half serious about the affair thing. In the past, your brothers doted on you too much."

She rolled her eyes at that comment; gaze softened as she turned to her brother who laid fast asleep on the bed.

"I'm glad he came here. Brother and I, have anybody else left anymore. Shaarya is studying far away. I ensured after what happened with Mother that she no longer remained in the Kingdom. I felt it wasn't safe for her to stay. Back then, I noticed something was amiss. But until I became a proper Queen, I couldn't send for her."

"You didn't think you could protect her?"

Lyn nodded, "That's why I had to send her away. Even if I have enemies, they'd never go so far as to harm her when she's in another place. Those people aren't stupid."

"Is it safe? In his current state."

"It'll be fine."

Though she suspected the actual reason her brother came here was for revenge. But Lyn didn't voice those thoughts out loud. It's fine this way. If she were to admit that, then she would have to send her brother back. As the Queen of this Kingdom, she cannot allow her subjects to act recklessly. She cannot allow them to put those she cared about in jeopardy. Even if her brother doesn't mean to, the one who will most likely be on the receiving end of his frustration is Pupillam.

"Could you do me a favor Rhys?"

"No."

Lyn laughed, "I have said nothing yet."

"a.s.sign one of the other two to protect her. My job is to protect you, Lyn. I will not leave your side after hearing of such a brutal turn of events."

A deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips as he said those words. Well, she supposed she could ask Uncle Adrien. Contrary to their disagreement, she knew General Teo would say the same thing as Rhys. She stood up and left the couch and walked over to her brother on the bed. Gabrielle, do not worry.

She will protect her brother. She will make sure he overcomes this.