"Can I ask you another question?"

Lyn nodded.

"Does that man force you?"

Her sweat dropped when she heard those words. He wanted to ask that from the start it seems. Then again was Pupillam not the same? Sumire could not forget how the girl reacted when she learned about Rhys. It"s a bit awkward for her to explain such things to Allen. A political marriage huh? How can she be so shameless and ask Allen. 

"Well he does strange things." Lyn looked down at the ground.

"Strange? Please elaborate."

"Uh.."

"The details."

Why does Allen want the details? Is he purposely trying to put her in a bad situation? Then again since this is Allen, he most-likely does not understand what he is asking? Before Allen could question her any further, they both hear somebody chuckling. Lyn turned to the source. Standing not too far from them is a man with ocean blue coloured hair, wearing similar aquamarine coloured clothing. Lyn had to admit that he looked stunning, almost like he came out of a painting. "Master."

Ralph chuckled. "Sneaking away and having a romantic stroll with your fiancee on your birthday?"

Lyn sighed. "Me and Allen wanted to discuss the investigation results in private."

"Is that so? Poor Prince Allen."

Huh? Lyn looked at Ralph puzzled. What does he mean by that? Allen who was quiet the entire time suddenly spoke up. His signature business smile on his face. "Prince Ralph, I wonder what brings you here. I do believe you had other matters to attend to?"

"Indeed, but I cancelled. I wish to personally hand over my gift." Ralph turned to her. He placed a small box in her hands. "Open it when you get home."

"Ah." Lyn immediately understood. Despite the strange packaging, she could tell what it was due to the weight of the item.

One of the Mist Kingdom seven treasures. Originally this item belonged to her, but because of her cursed mark they took it from her. The seven Mist Kingdom treasures are covered in the highest degree of light magic, using these could help enhance and bring out a person"s true strength. Normally one takes many years to develop their magic, even if they have talent for it. But with these items, that strength naturally comes forward.

Lyn did not need it for such things. It was a momento from childhood but something much more. She quickly hid the small box and put it in her pocket. Allen did not say a word but she noticed him glancing over. Lyn wanted to tell him, she saw no reason to hide it. But even the master advised her not to. No secrets only apply to married couples. Until you are certain that you"re marrying him.

Lyn never thought of marrying anybody else before, even now that thought has crossed her mind. Then, why did she accept Kazuya"s gift? The more she thought about it, the more confused she became. 

"Is that all?"Allen asked.

"I believe you two should head inside now. The stars of the party should not be gone for long."

Lyn could not disagree there and Allen seemed to think the same, so the two of them headed inside. The moment they arrived, different groups of people approached them. It was more like an ambush to her, with the way they gathered around. 

"Lyn, I need to speak to these people for a moment."

She glanced over at his face and saw the distressed expression on his face. If he wants to refuse he should do so. But reputation seems to be important to him. "Go." Lyn did not say anything more than that. She did have a lot to say to him, but now is not the time for that.

He nodded and quickly rushed off. What a busy man...Then again she may be the highlight of the party but so is Allen. She is sure the people gathered here today came because they want to learn more about her, others have questions on their engagement. Lyn deeply sighed, this is very uncomfortable. But from now on things will be like this. She will be the center of attention whether or not she likes it. She has to resolve herself as the second Princess, no, as the next Queen.

The next Queen huh? Despite her initial determination, Lyn felt strange whenever anybody mentions it now. Is it because the circ.u.mstances have changed since then? Her gaze fell on her surroundings. Many people looked over at her and yet n.o.body came over to introduce themselves. They all watched her like she was some kind of endangered species. What an uncomfortable environment...This was not the first time for her to attend an event without disguising herself. But this event is strange, everybody"s watching her.

Lyn shuddered when she felt a piercing pair of eyes on her. So many people watched her but Lyn sensed something different about this. Sure enough when she turned her head she saw the very person making her feel uncomfortable. That piercing stare belonged to King John, he was leaning against the ledge on the second floor with a cup of wine in his hands. Why is he here? Did he sneak in? No, he does not appear to be wearing a disguise of any kind.

She felt somebody tap her shoulder, and turned to spot a certain blunette haired man. "Master."

"He said he wishes to negotiate. Your brother is up there alongside Lady Gabrielle."

"I see." Lyn paused when she registered his words. "Gabrielle too?"

"The lady insists to stay with him since Andrew is overdoing it recently."

"The main reason?"

"Lady Gabrielle has the best cards to use against him." Ralph admitted. "It seems like her friend has been investigating him for awhile now."

So that explains why Gabrielle does not see her as much as before. She had no idea what her friend was doing and did not think to ask. Lyn never abused their friends.h.i.+p. 

"You seem to be very uncomfortable."

"I already planned to not enjoy this event so…" Lyn trailed off. So this should be normal. However, Lyn could not bring herself to say those words and simply remained quiet.

Ralph chuckled. "But weren"t you and Prince Allen having fun in the garden?"

"Fun huh?" Lyn repeated. She enjoyed herself but once again Lyn could not read that man"s thoughts. It bothered her greatly not knowing what went on his mind. She wonders if it is possible for her to understand him.

"Why does he keep looking at me?" Lyn said.

"Now isn"t it because you"re prettier tonight?" She glared at him but Ralph continued. "The reason why Prince Allen is taking you around with him."

Now that she thought about it, Allen is strangely clingy tonight. She is prettier? Lyn did not understand. Her gaze fell on her clothing. Is it the dress? This is the dress Allen bought for her. So this is the impact of beautiful clothes. She has to thank the other servants for their help. They helped with her clothes and everything else.

Allen was not gone as long as she thought. He walked over and brushed his hand against her forehead. "No more fever." 

How did he know about-- Lyn recalled something. It must be Rhys.. She wonders what he is up to right now.