In the darkness of the room, all Lyn made out is a tired looking Kazuya. At first, she tried to get some rest and attempted to do so by closing her eyes. But that quickly failed, so she turned to the person beside her and softly called his name out.
"Say Kazuya," Lyn said. She knew he wasn't asleep since he stirred every so often.
Sure enough, she received a quick reply from him, "What is it, Lyn?"
"I want to spend some more time together.."
She knew what she was saying was unreasonable. Kazuya is busy with his Ambassador duties, and it's not like she can accompany him since his job involves standing out.
"Mmm, you want to spend more time with me?"
Lyn nodded.
"Won't that cut into your time with your fiance?" he asked her in a normal tone. But Lyn sensed some bitterness behind his words.
So Kazuya knew about her occasional daily visits to Allen.
"Tell me Kazuya; you seem to be overprotective of me.." Lyn trailed off. Overprotective was one thing, Kazuya didn't even like the idea of Rhys training her. So, for now, that idea is on hold.
"I just want you for myself."
Lyn's cheeks turned a rosy red at his words. Want her for himself? Why?
"You don't feel the same?"
Well, it's true that she wouldn't like it if Kazuya spent time with somebody more than her. But she doesn't quite understand why she thinks this way. Lyn nodded, and Kazuya smiled.
"Good girl."
Lyn felt his lips brush against her forehead, "Get some rest, Lyn."
"I want to chat a bit more."
"Mmm," Kazuya murmured against her hair. It left her feeling ticklish, "But it's late. I know you have lessons tomorrow."
But, if they don't talk now. Then the next time Lyn will see him is much later as she thought of ways to convince him to keep talking. Lyn noticed that he had closed his eyes but not before he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. Only then did he fall asleep. She hears soft breathing in a matter of seconds.
Honestly before Kazuya, she's never slept with anybody beside her like this. As a Princess even one living this isolated lifestyle, she could not show her defenseless side to anybody. This is one thing eldest brother told her, 'A person is most vulnerable when they are sleeping, that's why unless it is your partner. You must not sleep beside anyone.' Lyn wonders what brother would do if he found out Kazuya frequently came here and slept beside her like this.
It was fairly innocent. Recently though, Lyn understood that a man and woman of their age shouldn't act in this manner; especially her who is engaged. But Lyn didn't stop Kazuya from coming here despite figuring that much out.
He's sweating again; he must have those nightmares again. The first time Lyn made him stay beside her, Lyn woke up in the middle of the night and found him sweating a lot. When she got close to him, he hugged her tighter and said, 'I won't lose you again, I won't.' Lyn wondered who he was talking about. The idea of Kazuya having a special person felt strange to her. Maybe that's the reason why she didn't tell him she knew about his nightmares.
If Kazuya wants to confide in her, he will. She won't open up a topic that brings him discomfort. Still, it pained her to see him in this much pain. Lyn made sure they were close enough, so his forehead brushed against hers.
...
Even though Kazuya's nightmares had stopped, hers came. Lyn seldom had them since Kazuya came, so it took her by surprise. Also, it didn't help that she woke up with his lips inches away from hers. Lyn woke up a few minutes ago flushed and nervous. A feeling that's becoming too frequent when she is around the man named Kazuya. At the start, Lyn genuinely approached him because she was curious. Seldom people knew about her existence and could enter her quarters.
That's why she knew there was something about him that was different than all the others. Why would her mother lift the barrier for a stranger? At the start, it was genuine curiosity, and then it turned into her happiness since she knew she had somebody else to speak with. Then in the next moment, she is a nervous mess and completely red. Pupillam always said words like she's too naive and innocent. At first, Lyn didn't understand what she meant by those words. But Kazuya said the same things also.
The first things that ran through her head when somebody called her innocent now though is when Kazuya kissed her.
At that memory, crazy thoughts ran through her head, and she shook her head frantically. "Don't be stupid Lyn."
She decided that going back to sleep would probably be futile. She knew in a few minutes the sun would rise signaling the start of a new day. It was quite a view if one looked at it from the second floor. But, her gaze landed back on Kazuya's sleeping figure, since she left him he seemed to shiver. She quickly returned to his side and snuggled up to him.
This is much better. Lyn is normally the type, who watches the sunrise when she's awake. Right now it's more comfortable being by his side.
...
The following morning, Lyn sat in her study and worked on the afternoon lessons materials ahead of time. She was bored. Pupillam had to pay a visit home, and the General is busy with meetings all morning. Hence the reason why she is by herself. Lyn deeply sighed, how boring. It's not like any of the content she learns here will actually come to practical use. Unless she makes changes with her very own hands, nothing will change.
"Kazuya!" Lyn exclaimed surprised. She genuinely didn't expect to see him so soon. She unknowingly became giddy and stood up excitedly.
Kazuya laughed, "Slow down, you'll trip."
Oh, Lyn realized half way and changed her footsteps to much slower ones.
"Hey, mind taking a walk with me?"
"A walk?" Lyn said puzzled.
Kazuya nodded, "Outside."
Outside the castle? Though Kazuya took her to the market a few times since then. She was still suspicious about the whole affair. Surely there's a catch to all this? During their little outings, she always expected her Eldest Brothers guard crew to appear and drag her back.
"In town?"
"No, outside."
Ehhhh? Lyn looked at him with wide eyes, "Kazuya, I'm flattered. But you know I don't think they'll let you this time." Whatever bargain he struck with her Mother. There's no way she would allow him. Wait not Mother but her brother.
Kazuya's lips curve to a smile, "Hmm? Then what do you call these?" he dove into his pocket and took something out.
It was two golden card passes out of the main town gates. Her eyes widened, "Wh--?"
Kazuya laughed at her reaction, "See?"
She took them from her hands and scanned the validity. When she saw the signature, she frowned, "My sister?"
"Yeah, she owed me a favor so.."
Kazuya he knew her sister? Since when? He hasn't been here for long?
"I met her before I came here."
At that comment, Lyn felt something heavy weigh down in her heart. Kazuya knew her Eldest sister Lethia before he came here? The more she repeated those words, the heavier the feeling in her heart. Kazuya pulled her to his arms, "Are you jealous?"
Lyn's cheeks puffed into a pout, "Not funny."
"Relax it was only a short encounter. Your sister was under ignito and caused some trouble with some thugs with her haughty attitude. I was passing by and helped her out."
Why would he help a stranger, no that shouldn't surprise her? This person is a kind and gentle person after all. Lyn tightened her hold, but it still bothered her. She liked the idea that she net Kazuya first. But now... Lyn shook her head, stop being so petty.
Kazuya suddenly drew her away from him surprising her, "Kazuya?"
He smiled brightly as he held her hand up, "The ring."
Ah.
"Thank you."
Lyn looked at him confused. Why is he thanking her? Isn't it normal to wear things you receive from people? However, Kazuya didn't get a chance to let her explain.
"Do you need to get dressed? Should I leave and come back later?"
Lyn shook her head, "Ah, no it's okay. I can wear these clothes out."
Today she picked out a rather western off shoulder yellow and white dress that went past her shoulders. She does not wear such clothing often. But considering how nobody was around, Lyn thought she might as well. Her thoughts broke off when Kazuya wrapped his cloak around her, and she blinked in surprise.
"It's chilly today, so wear that."
But it's sunny today? Lyn knew because she spent more time loitering around in the balcony than study. Odd person. Still, her gaze fell on the cloak around her shoulders. She doesn't dislike wearing the clothes he gives her.