Sword of Lycoris Part 23

"Lyn, he won't harm you anymore."

That's not it, she doesn't care what happens to her. But, recalling Silver's mad eyes when he fell off the bridge and the words he mumbled.

'This isn't over, I will hurt what's precious to you. What you treasure the most.'

What she treasures the most is Rhys, it has always been Rhys and Silver knew that better than she ever did. She couldn't control her tears anymore and they continued spilling from her eyes. Rhys didn't say anything and patted her back.

Even though she is stronger now, she is still uneasy that she won't be able to protect the one she loves. When she first made the contract with Kosame, and saw the dragon's memories. She finally understood why Rhys left. She failed to protect him, she should have never reversed Kazuya and Rhys roles.

She failed to protect the person she loves.

"Lyn." Rhys mumbled. "It's alright, because your not the only one who has gotten stronger."

She cried even more knowing that Rhys already understood what she was the most afraid of. Ever since they met again, she wonders how many times she has cried in front of this person? How many times has she shown him her weak side?

It takes her a few minutes to calm down but when she did she still didn't raise her face from Rhys arms. Now she is too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

"You know Lyn, when you cry I find it very pretty."

"Do you have strange habits Rhys?"

Rhys only laughed at her words. "Well, I used to find everything you did pretty. So maybe it was strange. I couldn't stop staring at you back then."

Lyn sighed. "Back then? You still do it now. No matter how much you like me, you should keep it under control."

"Is that a command? If it is, I will obey you my Queen."

Like she could ever give him orders. Rhys tone was half serious and half playful. But she knew if she ever said it was a command he would listen to her immediately. She raised her head to look at him. This person has changed a lot. She has already heard that he has been going from one war to another, but there is still something else he isn't telling her.

"What is it?"

"This time, you kiss me."

It's not bad that she took the initiative for once, and Rhys didn't take control. But she likes it when he kisses her, and he gets possessive of her lips.

Rhys blinked and then laughed as he brushed his nose against hers. "I thought you were upset."

"That is different."

"I see."

_____

After he made sure she was calm, they resumed their scouting on the town. He decided to stop at tavern knowing that she would be hungry about now. Travelling with Lyn like this often reminds him of when they were escaping the Mist Kingdom and travelling together. This is why he wanted to travel with only her, so he could relive the memories from before.

'Even now, I am still so attached to the past. But, I can't help it.' Is it because their story was left unfinished?

They enter a worn out looking tavern, thankfully the patrons inside weren't a bunch of rowdy men like he imagined.

"Table for two?" The waitress asked.

Rhys nodded and the waitress leads them to a spare table at the back. His gaze fell on Lyn who was tugging on her hood, and making sure it stayed down.

Now that he thought about it, she often travelled like that before. She would always wear a hood because her hair colour stood out. In the western Kingdom where people often have blonde hair, Lyn's hair colour is considered unusual.

Eventually however people will learn that black hair is a symbol of high level mages.

"What would you like to order?" Rhys asked kindly seeing her bright eyes.

"Ah, it's okay to eat?"

Rhys nodded. "We need to blend in after all."

He watches Lyn excitedly point out foods from the menu. The waitress seemed delighted speaking to her. Lyn has always naturally gotten along with people. Although in the past she was a lot more clumsy at speaking, becoming the Queen has made her more confident.

"Rhys, can you not look at me like that?"

"Hmm?"

"I--I understand why people learned about us so quickly. Your expression gives it away, we are way too obvious."

Indeed, he can't deny those words. But, she is so silly. He has been looking at her like this since they met again.

"It's too late for you to start noticing now."

"T-t-"

"Can I sit next to you? I think we are a bit too far."

"Yes."

Rhys stands up and walks over and takes a seat beside her. For a moment neither of them spoke, until he grabs hold of her hands.

The ring from Kazuya immediately caught his attention. "That's some rock."

"I-I can remove it if you want." Lyn replied nervously.

Rhys shakes his head. "Keep it on, after all your still married to him."

"I--"

He leans forward and kisses her forehead, eyelids, nose and then her lips lightly.

"Don't be so nervous. I mean you no harm."

"I am aware." Lyn mumbled.

Rhys felt her rest her head on his shoulder.

"Are you tired?"

"Just a little. I need some energy if I have to pull out a dangerous sword."

"So, your getting it from me?"

"Yes, you can be useful."

Rhys laughed. She still does such cute things. He squeezed their interwinded hands together.

"Are you sure you didn't want to go with Pupilliam?"

"I am."

"I said before that person would always remain your ally, but those words actually make you uneasy right?"

"I was thinking, Pupilliam has served me for so long already. One day, I'd like to give her back her freedom."

Rhys frowned hearing those words. "You haven't actually said that to her in person have you?"

"No, why?"

"How to put this, if you said that to her in person I am sure she will think that your abandoning her."

"That's obviously not it! It's just, we are getting older and not younger. Right about now, any normal woman in the Kingdom would have settled down and gotten married by now."

"But, does she want to get married?"

"I think Pupilliam is still in love with my brother."

"Then, you should understand better than anybody. Her remaining a Knight is probably for the best. She has been a Knight this entire time, and the person she loves is impossible for her to reach."

Actually now that he thought about it, her situation was quite sad.

*Unedited*