Princess Lyn: Fleeting Dreams 489 Something Dear To You

"I only meant I would bare with the pain if you do decide to do it with me...and the pain whenever you do those strange things."

Rhys recalled the first time he did anything with her and clenched his fist. 

I did not mean to be so forceful with her. It was an accident, it was a mistake.

No I would choose to break that boundary if I was given another chance. 

Rhys knew that he was currently mindful of her health and changes in her body. But how much longer could he kept this act up?

"What about recently?"

"Recently.." Lyn trailed off and he watched as her cheeks colour even more. "It isn't painful, you were gentle and considerate like ...like you were holding something dear to you."

He blinked when he heard her description. Indeed, he did intend for it to be that way. But Rhys found it hard to believe that Lyn understood from his actions alone. Did Lady Penlope or somebody else tell her? A girl with no experience whatsoever?

No, they wouldnt bother. Rhys knew Penelope well, she would not discuss such things with Lyn even if she wanted to. Lyn is the type of person who would shy away when it comes to talking about guys. Penelope understands that very well.

Rhys pulled Lyn into his arms and held her tightly. "So, do you understand what it means to be a woman now?"

Does she understand how it feels to be held and loved by a man?

Lyn shyly nodded her head. "Rhys, you like me?"

"Like I said a thousand times, I love you." The word love still felt foreign in his mouth. But unlike before he could say it more naturally. Rhys brought his lips to her and placed some gentle kisses on different strands. "Well I dont know if you know this but lately you frustrate me."

"I do?" Lyn repeated puzzled.

"You do, you have no idea do you?"

Lyn paused but she slowly nodded. "I think I may have an idea. But all of this is new to me. You're different from Allen and Kazuya, Rhys. This relations.h.i.+p did not start off properly too. That is why I wanted to ask you to let me take my time so I can adjust."

Adjust huh? "Will that take long?"

He is in a hurry, he wants to take her away and then get married to her. Rhys recalled the words Prince Andrew said to him on the way out. That was an indirect approval right? To steal her away and make her -- Rhys thoughts broke off when he saw her gentle smile as she looked at their intertwined hands.

Does she like this kind of thing? It seems like she does. He needs to learn how to be sweet with her. She seems to prefer that stuff over kisses. Hmmm…

"Hey Lyn, when are you free?"

"Not anytime soon." She turned to him. "Do you want to take me on a date? If it's for a date, I could make time for you."

"Yes it's for a date."

"Then, I'm free the day after tomorrow."

Rhys chuckled. "A bit eager I see."

Lyn rolled her eyes. "I just want to miss a meeting with certain people I dislike."

"I see."

"So, where are you taking me?"

"You will find out."

..

He wanted to cuddle with her for a bit and relax but Lyn suddenly sat up and mentioned food. He figured she was hungry so he quickly agreed. When he saw her weakly get out of bed and almost fall, Rhys offered to cook but Lyn strongly insisted that she would. He scooped her up in his arms and brought her to the kitchen. 

The entire time he remained near her to steady her balance.

She is strangely a good cook. Rhys found it puzzling that Lyn could cook so well considering her circ.u.mstances.

"I had to learn." Lyn said. "I mean for my survival and all."

Well he supposes that makes sense. "You would make a good wife."

To his surprise her cheeks coloured. Her entire face including up to her ears turned red. Rhys blinked with this reaction of hers. Huh? Wait, what? Why is she embarra.s.sed again? Over that wife comment? To think something like that would phase her.

Rhys bent down and kissed her cheeks. "Just to let you know, I don't believe in the traditional marriage values of the empire. I like a good surprise too."

By those words Rhys implied that it would be okay for Lyn to propose to him.

It seemed like this only further heightened her embarra.s.sment. 

Her behaviour these days is strange. She acts like a girl in love for the first time. When they first did this arrangement, she acted calm no matter what he did. But ever since he went out with her officially, Lyn slowly started to change. 

Does she take this relations.h.i.+p seriously too?

Rhys kissed her behind her neck and Lyn shuddered. "Rhys?" She mumbled. 

"Mmm, what?"

"I wanted to ask you a few questions about the situation outside."

A deep sigh crossed his lips when he heard her words. He should have known better, this is the type of person she is. He heard that she did this to Prince Allen too on their engagement banquet. The first thing Lyn asked him was the state of affairs on the battle field. There was a war going on at the time.

"Are you really going to bring this up now?"

"If you dont tell me, I will return to my quarters for today."

His eyes twitched in annoyance. This girl is she threatening him? But if she does leave now, Rhys knew he would not be able to get any rest. Lately he cannot sleep without her by his side.

"What do you want to know?"

"The people, are they safe?"

Rhys paused and sighed. "Is that what your concerned about?"

"Of course! Even though I only went out a few times, the village people remembered me. They treated me very well. Even when my ident.i.ty was revealed, they didn't treat me with contempt."

"How would you know---" Rhys paused. "Wait when did you go out?!"

Lyn looked away. "It was a few days ago. I was very worried so I snuck out and went. The village people feared for my safety so they helped me get back."

"Did they send you directly to the door?"

"No they told me to use another pa.s.sage."

It seems like the village people do care about her. If they sent her directly to the doors then it would look like they were trying to get a reward.