The Kidnapped Queen (8)

"I don't care about that right now. The Princess needs our help, at this rate she will be in danger, and everybody back home too," Rin said.

"I know."

Why does a dead person care so much, anyway? Or rather Rhys could tell from Rin's clothing that she didn't come from the same 'time' period or era as him and Lyn. So why would she express interest? Rhys scrutinized his eyebrows and looked at the girl from head to toe, exactly what is this one planning? Though he's gotten used to her company, he probably shouldn't let his guard down too much.

...…..

Following morning or rather later that day - Rhys looked down at the girl beside him. She was still fast asleep. At some point in the night, she kicked the covers away. His lips curve to a smile, her lousy sleeping habits have not changed, huh? It felt unusual for him. This was the first time they shared the same bed, and he did nothing to her. A deep sigh passed his lips; when it comes to Lyn, he's become a real softie it seems. Still, he reached over and gently caressed her hair before moving down to her cheeks. It looked like she slept peacefully, thank goodness.

For a while now since they met up, Rhys noticed how the dark circles in her eyes seemed to grow worse as the day went past. It didn't help how she was already naturally so pale - so the dark circles stood out. When they first met again, her face was a ghostly shade of white not the usual pale like snow color.

Colour seems to have returned to her face in just the span of a night, "Amazing," he muttered. Rhys played around with the idea of taking Lyn away. He imagined a lot of things, the two of them living peacefully and her looking more healthy. But Rhys didn't think that his care towards her would produce such results overnight. Then again, he evaded talking about anything stressful and ensured she rested well. So, it was normal.

Lyn stirred and Rhys drew his hand back when he hears her mutter, "Rhys.."

Rhys eyes widened. For a moment, he thought he heard things when he hears her call his name again. A deep sigh passed his lips, Kazuya exactly what do you expect to happen? Why did Kazuya ask him to watch over Lyn - when he knows of what happened back then? He ran his hand through his hair, "So frustrating,"

..

Teahouse - Town XX

"A man named Joe plans to attack one of the Mist Kingdom Noble houses. The Ichinose family," his companion who sat in front of him, said. This was Luxin; he was neither part of the Mist Kingdom nor the Sound. Even now his origin remained a mystery. However, regardless, Rhys had his reasons to place his trust in this man. It was interesting to hear this news, considering how Luxin's last letter confirmed that the anti fraction planned to take advantage of the opportunity of the current chaos - to dupe items.

Rhys wondered why they were so confident. But after snooping around before Luxin's arrival, it seemed like the reason why Joe was so confident was due to Ayah's backing. He sighed, "It wouldn't surprise me if Ayah is the one backing the anti fraction. Otherwise, why would they boldly go against the Queen?"

"Did it cross your mind that Queen J herself could be sponsoring them?"

That did cross his mind. However, Luxin played with the cup in his hands, "I don't want to make assumptions just yet."

Indeed, as stupid as it seemed like there does still seem to be hope that Queen J is being tricked or deceived. But they also can't rule out the possibility that demon or not. She would have eventually started this war.

"I dislike Joe," Rhys admitted. He disliked associating with the man. Although the man had quite the reputation amongst his people as having equivalent strength to some of the most powerful Knights. Rhys didn't like his character. The man was worse than he was. With his shrewd character - Joe would toss a person away in a blink of an eye when they finish serving their purposes.

Luxin nodded, "Naturally anyone would. I share the same sentiments."

"You and I know both know that he doesn't mean his threat," Rhys took a deep breath, as he exhaled through his pie, "He just wants to pressure the Ichinose family to side with them," even if things have looked bad for the Mist Kingdom lately. It doesn't change the fact that the Mist Kingdom is at the top of the Empire right now. And other than Lyn and Kazuya's hard work to reach that position. The reason why they climbed that far was because of the Ichinose family's strong support, "Joe wants to create a discord between the royal family and Ichinose family."

Indeed, it was a 'wise' move. The Ichinose families strength and influence aren't limited to the Mist Kingdom alone. If Joe succeeds with his plans, then people would regard him as the man who managed to subdue that family. People would undoubtedly treat him differently, "However," Rhys continued, "He is only acting this big-headed, because of the recent misfortunes/work of his fellow anti fraction members. This battlefield can still shift."

"Ichinose Ralph will not falter you mean to say?"

Rhys nodded, "I've never truly understood him, but he has been my mentor this entire time."

Then again he disliked any man who is remotely close to Lyn in any way.

"There is no doubt he is capable. Even if it's just House Ichinose and House Bennet that remains standing amongst the Mist Kingdom, elite families. They would survive."

This may be a 'town' influenced by Ayah. But it's still a town in the Mist Kingdom, so them discussing this matter out in the open is not unheard of. But regardless, Rhys chose a quiet tea shop and chose sat down in a more private area.

Luxin agreed, "Word got out. Ichinose Ralph is directing a new army towards Joe's camp."

"Oh? He's going, personally?"

"Because Joe plans to cross this path."

Rhys paused, "You're saying he is coming out personally for Lyn's sake?"

"It is too much of a coincidence otherwise."

Indeed. A deep sigh passed his lips, "I made a bet with her. During the time period, her husband isn't around; I will win her heart."

"And so you kidnapped her and locked her up?"

"I went to rescue her, and we ended up in Ayah's hands."

"That is an excuse. You could have gotten her out before you landed in Ayah's clutches. Why did you wait?"

Rhys looked down, "I wanted her to know about Ayah. I figured that Lyn would never believe me - that's why I had to make sure she saw it in person," it was risky. He knew Ayah's personality very well, "It was stupid of me, though, I should have just brought her to the safe house right away."

The wounds Lyn sustained maybe minor, but she still got hurt. Rhys figured that the soldiers wouldn't try to hurt her since she came with them willingly. But once he saw the head wound, he wanted nothing more than to destroy the people who hurt her. On their way out, Rhys caught those very same guards who escorted Lyn and didn't leave a trace of them.

"Do you wish for me to head over to the Mist Kingdom?"

Rhys nodded, "I have a plan," he pulled something out of his robe, it was the letter he wrote this morning, "Make sure this reaches King Allen and King Allen alone. Though I mainly addressed it to Lyn's circle - the King should decide what to do."

If Ayah wants to play this game, then so be it. He doesn't intend to lose.