I want to make sure

She felt a pair of soft lips on hers and sighed in content.

"Lyn, don't sleep like this. At least go to bed."

"I'm okay." Before she could even finish that sentence Rhys lifted her up and carried her over to the bed.

He tucked her in and patted her hair. Her eyes widened and she recalled how he petted Kosame earlier. For some reason this seems a bit different.

"You should sleep for a bit, I will wake you."

"I'd like to stay awake."

She wants to watch the scenery of him cooking for her, just for a bit longer. The scene that reminds her of their past. Their past huh? The memories came back to her so suddenly and she was flustered for awhile. But now that she has time to think about it properly.

'I was in a lot of pain when he left me. While I understood his logic, I still think he is foolish. He probably has no idea that I know what happened to his right eye.'

When she made the contract with Kosame and gave the dragon that name, she became connected with the dragon. In other words she could see a glimpse of her memories. She saw it clearly, Rhys eyesight being stolen.

She wants to talk to him about it, but if she does he may run. He may leave her again.

'I have to speak to Kazuya, and then I will tell Rhys everything.' Kazuya is the one responsible for returning these memories to her. She needs him to explain everything.

It's better to have a discussion with him before jumping to conclusions. There are still many parts of her memories that are blurry. Why is that? Is it because Kazuya isn't the spellcaster?

Rhys loss eyesight, she has to find a way to return it. If she helps Rhys regain it, then maybe they can have a proper discussion afterwards? She doesn't understand.

Her thoughts break off realizing that Rhys was still looking at her.

"Is something wrong?"

"It's a bit dangerous seeing you on my bed." Rhys admitted.

He was so honest about it, that she can't even comment about him being so shameless.

"Then, do I leave?"

"Surely you jest." Rhys paused before kissing her forehead. "Did your wounds reopen? I think you have a light fever."

"Maybe."

"Then, I'll make you something light to digest too."

Lyn nodded but she was only half paying attention to his words. This situation is very strange but maybe she is getting used to it.

She extended her hand out. "I want you to get a bit closer."

"You're only ever honest when we are alone. You still have that stubborn trait." Rhys paused. "I'll finish cooking, then we can continue."

"Okay."

She watched as he disappeared behind the divider again. It's strange, why did she behave like such an ice Queen when they first met again after five years.

'Lovers forest.'

Could it be the reason why she could enter that place was because of her feelings for Rhys?

'I want to make sure, but travelling that far again just to see the forest wouldn't be right.' Moreover she just returned to the Kingdom not too long ago. If she were to venture off again, then it won't surprise her if there is an uprising.

There are still many who wish to see brother Andrew as the King, and there is still a fraction that supports her second brother.

Second brother Kotaro, she hasn't seen him since the war five years ago. When brother Zephyr got rid of the demon possessing his body, he was filled with remorse and shame. But, he still stood by his words.

'I dislike Lyn, that is something that will not change. Demon or not, those feelings were real. But, I do feel guilty for all the pain and anguish I caused her and the people.'

Lyn recalled that conversation she overheard and sighed. What use is there thinking about it now? The reality is, right now she is the only one left. Mother who worked hard, she had multiple husbands despite it going against her belief and had multiple children.

Now there is only one person left. Her other sister Shaarya never liked the throne or being royalty. After her studies finished in the academy, she went off to a remote village and is living there in peace. The girl often wrote her letters but she seldom came to visit.

Brother Andrew just lost Gabrielle. Right now he is trying to meet up with Gabrielle's soul, otherwise he will 'die.' Though she doubts that he cares about that, he probably just wants to see Gabrielle.

Mother's husbands, Shaarya's father has retired and has now joined his daughter living in a remote village. Lethia's father, that crazy man named Claude perished during the jade war. Kotaro's father remains on the elder council, but he clearly holds a grudge against her.

Now the man called Daichi, who she assumed was her 'father' for many years. Ever since mother's accident he hasn't appeared in the castle once. He briefly showed up to help brother Andrew. But, he won't step foot in the castle again.

The reason why mother doesn't return here. Is she truly searching for her birth father? Is King Osamu truly alive?

Her gaze fell on Rhys back. 'My beloved, you are most certainly my soulmate. There is no doubt about that.' However, it would be cruel of her to leave Kazuya now. Even though nobody is telling her to divorce Kazuya. She will not have multiple husbands, she made that clear when she first became the Queen.

She must have fallen asleep after that, since when she woke up to a lovely aroma. Lyn rubbed her sleepy eyes and groggily stood up and followed the scent. Rhys had just finished placing dishes on the table.

He turned to her with a bright smile. "Hey, I was just about to wake you. The food is ready, are you feeling okay?"

"Mm, just a bit sleepy still."

Rhys walked over to her and led her to the table. She feels strange being supported like this. The moment they reach the table she sits down and Rhys takes the seat opposite her.

"Dig in, it's not much since it's short notice but I hope it will do."

Not much? But there is an entire course meal here. Lyn's gaze fell on Rhys who was watching her ear and she averts her gaze. "You can eat too you know. I doubt I can finish this by myself."

"I know."

This part of him hasn't changed, he often spent time staring at her like this in the past too. He used to say something like, 'It's because I like looking at you.'

*Unedited*