When Lyn woke up and saw the orange rays of light fill the room, she sat up abruptly, what time is it? Did she just sleep all morning to the afternoon? Lyn doesn't recall the last time she got this much sleep. She had to admit, Rhys company wasn't too bad as annoying as his persistence on courting her was.

Rhys knew how to relax despite these peril times. Though it was apparent why she was so stressed, it didn't help that her environment was negative. The people she a.s.sociated with were just as stressed as her. That must be why Lyn felt so relaxed around Rhys - that man doesn't stress about anything. Once in a while, he would get a distressed look on his face. But that's all.

She got up immediately and stretched her arms. Lyn spotted a small package from the corner of her eye. Since someone placed it near her bed, Lyn knew it was for her. Sure enough, when she picked up the box, she saw it was addressed to her.

To my future wife,

Your old clothes were covered in blood, not a pleasant thing to wear I'm sure.

She sighed. No other person in this world would call her his "future wife." It was rather stupid of him to get big-headed and call her his wife though. A deep sigh pa.s.sed her lips; maybe he can act this way because of the memories she lost. After much thought, Lyn decided it would be better for her to get those memories. Initially, when she heard it, Lyn decided it would be better for her to remain ignorant. After all, Rhys looked so pained whenever it's mentioned. Something terrible happened, and she honestly didn't want anymore on her shoulders right now. However, for the sake of her sanity, she should probably try to recall. Otherwise how else would she deal with Rhys?

____________

A few hours later.

It was late when Rhys returned to the mansion. They ended up discussing a lot more than just the information Luxin obtained. A deep sigh escaped his lips; in the end, Rhys couldn't answer Luxins question. Regarding Lyn, what is he supposed to do right now? No matter how many times he questioned himself, no answers came to mind. Why would it? Rhys felt like if he did conclude the situation, then his time with her would end.

"Lyn, I'm back," not hearing a response. He tiptoed across the hallway. Is she still fast asleep? It wouldn't surprise him to find her sleeping still. After all, she hasn't slept much in a long time. The moment he entered the room; however, he was greeted with the sight of a dust free room and the smell of food.

Lyn appeared from the kitchen door, "Welcome back!"

Rhys looked at the place in awe - though unlike Kazuya, he furnished his house. Aside from the bedroom that is, he still didn't have a lot of belongings. Yet it looked cleaner than usual, "Did you do some cleaning?"

Lyn nodded, "You'll be amazed how dusty the place was. Ah, are you hungry? What would you like? A bath or food?"

".."

Rhys looked at her dumbfounded, hasn't she adjusted to the wife role way too quickly? Then again since it's her, she's just being courteous. She most likely wants to return the favor and all that. But it still brought a smile to his face.

"Bath."

"Ah, then I'll get you some towels," Rhys grabbed her wrist, "Rhys?"

"You're coming with me."

Her eyes twitched in annoyance, "Like I would do that."

….

Bathroom

This place was neither too fancy nor too small, that's why it made the perfect hideout. It easily blends in with the rest of the houses.

"Hey, Lyn?" Rhys called out. He knew the girl was on the other side of the screen since he told her to stay there though she was very, very reluctant.

"What?"

Sensing her angry tone, he chuckled, "Why are you so cautious?"

"Because you're a pervert, who knows what you will do."

Who knows? He does. But Rhys wouldn't be surprised if behind the screen she already had that knife out. Whenever he thought of the first time she pulled that blade out in front of him. Rhys struggled not to laugh. It was clear that the small dagger was too much for her to carry before.

"Feeling better?" Rhys asked.

"A little, I got some rest," Lyn said, "Say, Rhys?"

"Hm?"

"Did you hug me to sleep?"

Rhys didn't reply right away. Rather, he wasn't exactly sure himself before he knew it he had his arms wrapped around her.

....

When he left the bathroom, Lyn already had the food set out. It's killing him not to do anything. It reminds him of back then - Rhys shook his head. What use is there dwelling in the past for? He took a seat on the chair and quickly ate his meal. He intended to tease her for doing all this for him; however, Rhys found himself lost in thought.

He knew this was all wrong, keeping her here. If he brought her to one of the safe houses, it wouldn't just be the two of them. There would be guards from the main castle there; she would be safer. Yet he brought her here, Rhys isn't sure whether Ayah knew of this place either. After a somewhat silent meal, he sat down on the couch to relax and pulled Lyn into his arms.

"Lyn," he muttered against her ear.

"Please don't be unreasonable."

"Don't friends, hug? You should at least allow this much contact," he trailed off when he hears her heartbeat, his lips curve to a smile, "So, you don't dislike this?"

"Please quit it. Rhys, you know I'm married."

"So you keep telling me. But other than the ring on your finger, I don't see your husband anywhere."

Rhys regretted his words a second later since Lyn slapped him. It was only natural for her to get mad. After all, it's not like Kazuya isn't by her side because he doesn't like her. She's angry because he of all people knew the reason why Kazuya isn't with her now.

"Sorry, I took things too far."

Lyn looked down, "I, don't want to hurt you anymore. So I have to draw the line."

Draw the line, huh? A frustrated look appeared on his face. He regretted many things, if only he refused the elders orders back then. If only he convinced him he was the only one who could do this job.

"Say, Rhys," Lyn spoke up.

"What?"

"I want to ask a few questions," Lyn drawled. Sensing her tone, Rhys paused. Is she going to ask about her lost memories? That's a topic he doesn't want to get into right now, "I have the right to know, don't I?" Lyn said.

"You do, sorry. But, this isn't an easy topic for me."

"I understand, I won't ask too much. But did.. did I love you?"

Rhys sensed that the uncertainty and confusion in her voice. It's only normal, and yet it frustrated him. She doesn't remember a thing, huh?

"You were very lonely when Kazuya left. At first, you didn't let it show on your face, but I could tell. You would always go to the places he showed you — the places he had memories. When the rumor came that he was engaged to the Sound Kingdom's long lost Princess came about. Your facade broke, and you broke down."

"So, you took advantage of me?"

Rhys scratched his head, "Don't put it that way, but yes I approached you then," he paused. Honestly, he didn't want to wait that long to talk to her. But after Kazuya left, Rhys didn't want to start any rumors between him and Lyn. If he followed her around regardless of whether Kazuya was there, then people would talk. It always frustrated him that he had to have an excuse to be able to speak to her.