5 Chen, Let's go on a date!

Lily ended up staying the whole day since it was too late at night.

After the announcement, Chen proceeded to drink heaps amount of alcohol. It was always hard to get him tipsy, but today was different. He had let himself go.

He was so drunk, he couldn't even stand on one leg. Lily had to keep an eye on him the entire party, making sure he there was nothing wrong with him.

Chen eventually knocked out and she had to call for the servants to get him a room and a doctor.

The following morning, he apologized with a remorseful tone. She comforted him saying that it was okay and told him privately that she understood.

Chen still felt terrible about it and couldn't look at her in the eyes. She must've seen some horrible stuff.

After breakfast, including Anne, the three of them made their way to the same bridge from yesterday.

"Do you really have to go?" Anne said with tears forming at the corner of her eyes threatening to stream down. She held Lily's hand cautiously.

"Yes, you know how it is, deary. I'm happy to see you be so happy yesterday and fully relieved you found someone to protect you." Lily replied reluctantly. "Though it's hard to see each other, it's not like I'll never see you again."

"I know, but..." I see only see you once a year and only on your own accord!

Chen, on the other hand, was quiet. He felt a little conflicted.

"Then I'm leaving," Lily finally decided. She tried to leave no openings for any wavering. " It was brief, but it was quite eventful for me."

"No!" Anne started bawling her eyes out, grabbing Lily's leg.

"Anne goodness, gracious! It's not like I'm the only person in this world!" Lily tried to tug her leg back.

Anne's abrupt mood change was startling to her that she almost had a heart attack. "Now hurry up and stand, you are a noble lady for god sake!"

"But y-you're.....my..... only true friend!" Anne pleaded, thinking back to all the many parties she's been to, all those fake people. No one her age has kept such sincerity and pure nature as Lily.

They only mingled because they have ulterior motives; there is no such thing as a relationship based on true friendship. Anne felt lonely. Having Lily around every once in a while was like a breathe fresh air in a fire.

Lily frowned and coaxed. "You have Chen."

"..."

"Waaaaa!" Anne persuasively wailed. "He's his majesty's friend!" That was the best excuse she could give!

"..."

Chen didn't say anything. Even being quiet, he's still used as a scapegoat? Look at those crocodile tears.

As he stood there, looking at this unbearable scene, he finally decided to speak up. "Anne, you're making it hard for her. You're about to be the queen of this nation; let's be courteous."

"I know you don't want her to leave either!" Anne retorted glaring at him.

'Can't you see I'm doing this for your sake?!' She thought.

"I---" I knew it, I should've stayed quiet, this girl's tongue is one to fear. Chen shuts his mouth up.

After Anne marries, she was worried that Chen would be all alone. She will no longer be outside of the palace as much as she is now, accompanying him. They both had their duties to fulfill, but he was alone since the beginning, while she at least had his majesty.

Anne was also the only person who knew both of their stories and it would only be best if they would be happy together instead. It was only a small chance it would even work out, but she wanted to hook them up. Who would understand their hardships other than each other? They better thank me in the future!

Lily didn't know what to do. She didn't mind staying here. Maybe just one more week or two? Until Anne's wedding day? But will Aunty agree to help me out? She thought seriously with her expression slightly darkened.

It's fine right? I'll pay the price for my decision. It is a very important occasion for the only few people she could call her friend.

After a long inner conflict, Lily finally consented, "Very well, Anne, you are so spoiled, dear. I might as well stay to help you form proper manners before this country is doomed when you become queen.....but, I'll have to send another letter in hopes if I can stay."

Anne stopped crying instantly. "Really?!" The tears that were continuously streamed down her face seemed to disappear into thin air.

Lily sighed. "Yes, really, at least until your wedding day."

"Goodness! I don't know what to say. I'm so happy! There are so much to do, and so many places to go together!" Anne hugged her tightly.

Lily sighed helplessly and returned her embrace.

"Anne, you don't even have time now that you need to prepare for the wedding and preparations to become queen...." Chen intercepted. It was an impossible suggestion.

She gave him a nasty look.

As soon as he saw Anne's facial expression, he faltered. "...You guys can most likely have tea at the very least."

"Geez, Chen, you're such a mood killer," Anne responded with a disappointed expression. Little did they know, Anne also took this to her advantage. "but tea is still better than having Lily leave. I guess you'll have to show her around as well as accommodate her then."

"Yes, yes, I know I'm strict---—" Chen was expecting the typical phrase she would say only to be dazed at her statement.

"What?" Who's doing what now?

"Well, the palace is stuffy as well as busy with all these preparations like you said. I don't want her to be neglected, and well you look at the time, I have to go back now! Remember to send Lily to the palace every day for tea, or else I won't forgive you!" Anne hastily reasoned with him and ran towards the palace. "Don't forget to show her around and let her have the best time of her life!"

"..." Landed and disappeared instantly like a bird.

This girl, always going on her own pace and now she's flying away leaving him behind. His shoulders drooped, and his heart clenched. No, he had already decided a long time ago. Let go of this feeling. It was of no use holding them.

The wind blew towards his direction with the trees swaying, and the sky was clear as it can be, giving him a very lonely look. Lily looked at his back as he stared at Anne running.

In the noiseless place, she grabbed Chen's hand. He jerked at the sudden movement and before he could say anything, Lily led him to the opposite direction towards town. He robotically moved to her pace trying to process what is happening.

"I'm inexperienced in this, so you would have to lead me instead." She lowered her head without a clear explanation. It was a first for her, initiating things.

"What?" Chen answered with a blank expression. He didn't get what she was saying. Inexperienced in what?

"Chen," Lily shouted and looked up into his eyes. She gave him a hesitant puppy face with cheeks lightly blushed. "Let's go on a date!"

His ears had turned red in response.

Both of them quickly sped walk to town.