The Promised Flower (8)

Rhys tried to hide his surprise, but it was evident in his face.

"So, you had no idea?"

Rhys nodded, "If I knew I wouldn't have.."

"I heard unsettling rumors about the Queen surrendering. Of course, most of those rumors simply believe that someone captured her. I figured that if you were to escape, you'd come near this area. But, I did not think you would actually come to this town," Kaede looked like she had a headache, as she placed her hands on her forehead, "It cannot be helped since you didn't know but, it's too dangerous here."

Indeed, forget this place being under witch jurisdiction - it's under control of their enemy, "It won't be easy to leave," Rhys muttered. The only reason he could enter the town was because he used the route from the mansion.

"I shall help you find a way out; that is why I called you today."

"What's the catch?"

"Please, my clan may have been against moving to the Mist Kingdom. However, that was only because they wanted to respect traditions. After Queen Lyn visited us, they were more than happy to come here,"

Did Lyn go to the Sound Kingdom? When?

Kaede continued, "The treaty stated to test out the 'connection' between the two Kingdoms. Noble families from both sides would switch - at the start, people treated it as a hostage situation. However, over time, those rumors died down because of Queen Lyn's visits to the Kingdom," she paused, "Honestly, she didn't have to go that far. But she did, and it more than proved to everybody that she was genuine about the treaty."

Indeed, if that isn't genuine, then he doesn't know what is. The Queen herself went to the Sound Kingdom despite those rumors floating around. Knowing Lyn, she most likely didn't bring many escorts with her to show that she meant no harm. That foolish woman.

"Tell me, Rhys, give me your opinion, what do you think of the Mist Kingdom? After you took over the ambassador role from Kazuya - did you learn more about their opinion of us?" Kaede asked, "Long before that feud with the 37th Queen, many generations ago there was also conflict with our Kingdoms. A conflict on a larger scale that brought about the deaths of many people.

"Why are you asking?"

"A long time ago, our Kingdom forbade anybody to research about the past, and yet the feud emerged again after somebody leaked the information to the Mist Kingdom's 37th Queen. How did that happen? Who leaked it? The elders forbade my family from clearing up the situation, just in case, it leads to disaster. However, this time around they allowed my Mother to host Queen Lyn when she came over,"

A knowing, "Ah," passed his lips, this girl doesn't act like a teenager at all. She is different from Lyn since her curiosity is not childish, and instead, there is an elegant way about the way she asked her question. Rhys picked up the cup of sake in his hands and brought it to his lips. He knew this one was safe since he recognized the scent. They must have brought it over from the Sound Kingdom, "While I can't exactly say my judgment is correct. I have some news that may ease your hearts a bit," he paused, "We caught sight of the Stone Kingdom's long lost Prince, but we cannot tell what his allegiances are. Nor can we tell what his intentions are working with the Snow Kingdom. But I can reassure you that amongst the Mist Kingdom population, members of our Kingdom are very welcomed now."

It genuinely took him by surprise how much things have changed. It was not like that in the past. A bemused smile appeared on his face, "Let's just say there are no more accidents or beatings,"

A relieved sigh passed Kaede's lips, her gaze turned severe, "You caught sight of King John's brother?"

Any remains of the Stone Kingdom current throne line would now be protected by this girl's family. After what happened back then, nobody wanted to help them - however, this girl's Mother had a kind heart — a woman who believed in second chances. The only reason King John remains on that throne after what he did to harm Lyn is because of Princess Kaede's family. However, Rhys has not heard anything about the man making contact with Kaede, despite her being here.

"Do you think he is planning something?" Kaede asked.

"Yes I do, his very presence reeks of foul play. If he has something to hide, then he is surely doing a bad job about it. Usually, I don't believe in conspiracy theories. But after I had my men follow him around, I believe there is a great chance he has alliances with the top leaders of the anti fraction. He has not come to see you once, correct?"

Kaede shook her head, "He hasn't come. Usually, people who would drop by in the towns we are in charge of would approach us. Everybody knows where our manors are located. It's no secret at all. However, he hasn't come once. What do you think?"

"We won't know unless he makes a move. However," Rhys trailed off, " I hear people have seen him around with a strange woman,"

"The Witch," Kaede whispered.

Rhys nodded, "Yes, usually, people are innocent until they are proven guilty or reveal their true colors. However, the fact that he met up with Ayah already marks him as suspicious," he trailed off, he knew it was getting late. But Rhys wanted to talk more in depth on this matter. He wanted to warn Princess Kaede. The only connection the two of them share is them both belonging to the Sound Kingdom and being elites. But the first thing is enough of a reason for him to warn her.

He opened his mouth to speak up again when somebody knocked on the door. Realizing how much time passed since he came here, Rhys stood up.

"It's probably somebody from my circle, they must be confirmed whether I really am here," he walked over to the sliding door and opened it, "Apologizes, I am swamped here, and I don't intend to share," his words are cut short when he felt a sudden pain in his stomach.

When he saw the colour of blood spreading on his clothes and a delicate yet pale hand holding the knife where the pain was, Rhys looked up, "Ayah...."