Preserve till the end

*UNEDITED*

Indeed, this really is quite a lot to take in. However, if this is all correct then she must be suffering quite a bit right now. "I see. And the light from yesterday?"

"I too was rather taken back by it. However after analysis came in it turns out that she took a portion of Kazuya's power. She did this to help him maintain control."

"Does that mean…."

Zepher shook his head. "No her status as the Queen is still evident. But there is no mistake, that her taking a portion of his power has affected him. King Kazuya levels have stabilised since then and if she keeps this portion taking for at least two years then the damage will vanish completely."

"And the condition this has on her body?"

Zepher sighed. "Dangerous."

Zepher's reply did not surprise him.

"I see." Allen leaned back on his chair.

Lyn, she is already bearing the burden of the curse and her illness. That cursed power was already tough for you and now she took on a portion of Kazuya's power. He can't even imagine the amount of strain she is going through right now.

'She ran straight ahead into battle. She went there despite knowing what the weather conditions were here; and what was going on. Even with that knowledge she would still do that - even if it means endangering her health. Endangering her life even.'

Lyn would go that far for Kazuya? Allen bit his lip. Why does that surprise him so much? He already knew this from the very start. Lyn's feelings for Kazuya are strong. Sure she liked Rhys at some point. But Allen knew she would go back to Kazuya without fail.

One of the reasons why he came to the Mist Kingdom was because he heard the news. He heard that the marriage between the two was strained. He came here to confirm things, and if -- if there was still a chance..

Hah, what was he thinking? A chance? Even if the two quarrel, Lyn would not go to him. He lost his chance a long time ago.

"It appears as though I've suffered quite the defeat."

"Hn. Were you not planning on nobly surrendering anyway?"

"Perhaps I was." Allen mumbled. "Zepher, continue your investigation and we will deal with the internal affairs."

Zepger nodded and headed towards the door, he halted. " A noble surrender is indeed the best option. But preserving to the very end can also be considered a noble gesture. " With those words said the blue King left.

Preserving to the very end huh?

Indeed, if he could do that then perhaps he wouldn't be having such a hard time. Allen thought he surrendered back then. He watched the woman who was raised to be his wife from birth get snatched away.

Allen could still remember the words she said to him when she said she wanted to break the engagement. It was sudden and her method was not the best. But it seemed like even before then she wanted to say it.

The decision to break the engagement broke the close bond between their Kingdoms. It was not until he got the throne did he finally patch things up. 'But many people remain bitter. I told them repeatedly it doesn't matter, but they will not let it go.' In other people's eyes,

Allen looked back at the space where the man was moments ago. Zepher has not appeared before Lyn since the incident with Princess Lethia.

'It seems that man feels guilty over what happened.' Perhaps Zepher realized that he actually liked the First Princess. Everybody is moving forward now. But what about him? Even now he still loves Lyn.

'If I knew it would hurt this much, then I would have confessed a long time ago. Lyn liked me, she had feelings for me.' Allen looked up at the ceiling in a daze. If only he could return to the past.

His thoughts broke off when he hears the sound of light footsteps.

"King Allen, if you are sick. Please go back to your room."

The voice belonged to his fiancé, Lady Cordelia.

"I shall, after I finish some work."

At that comment Cordelia sighed. "Is there any need to push yourself so much? I hear Queen Lyn and King Kazuya are on their way back."

His eyes shot open then and he sat up. "On their way back?"

"Yes. I thought you received word already."

"No…" Allen trailed off. Even though he is the one in charge here. It seems like the people would rather keep it to themselves. So Lyn is returning? "She managed to bring him back."

"It appears so. I heard the legendary knight Rhys is returning to his post too."

Even Rhys? It seems like the fate of those three will forever be interwinded. Just like back then, those three will be at the center of the battle. Again, there will be no place for him.

A bitter smile appeared on his face. He came here hoping for something to change. But in the end it seems like everything will return to how it was in the past. He will forever remain in the shadow of those two.

"Is it that important to you?" Cordelia suddenly asked. "Your pride."

"..."

"King Allen, pardon me for saying so but it was your pride that got in the way. The reason you lost was because you couldn't tell her your feelings honestly. Is it that important? Your reputation, what others think and the proper setting?"

"I didn't think you of all people would lecture me on this."

Cordelia sighed. "Like I told you when I first came here. I will remain faithful to you. I am not asking for your love, that would be foolish of me. But I want you to at least treat me with respect--" She took a deep breath. "But you're not doing that. Putting in this much effort and standing in for your former fiance. Have you heard what people are saying?"