It didn"t cross his mind back then that his future bride would have such a playful character. Then again, when they first met she didn"t hesitate to voice out her discontent. She even admitted that she would use him. Allen chuckled at the mere thought, it sounds ridiculous. If anybody else heard what she said then, they"d certainly think that. While he initially laughed it of, Allen didn"t completely dismiss it. Even after he parted ways with her that day. Allen thought about it at night. "That woman is serious." Such a fiery and determined look in her gaze. 

After tending to her wounds. He took her back to the horse. However, he made them stop by a friends mansion before heading over to Princess Lethia"s place. The snow is thick and heavy. So, he didn"t want to risk it.

"Shouldn"t your chaperone be with you?" Allen questioned helping myself to another gla.s.s of wine. It feels good to relax and be himself for a bit.

"He is outside the door as we speak.  After all, we do not want rumors to fly about the Wind Kingdom Prince making a rendezvous with his future bride."

He chuckled at that comment, "A renedevous would be nice dear. I"ve never laid a hand on you."

At that comment Lyn froze up, "Wait, are you serious?" a tint of red appeared on her cheeks and he laughed. "Don"t joke around with me!" she mumbled.

"How is um Rhys, you were with him right?"

He placed his hand on his chest, feigning hurt by her question. "The most eligible man is inside the room and you are looking for another?"

She gave a small laugh. "Oh, you are eligible alright. But for the longest time you are uninterested with the opposite s.e.x."

Uninterested dearest? The only reason why is because he is interested in you only. This oblivious woman. Even though she has become a lot sharper now. Why does she not understand these situations? Then again, that"s mainly his fault isn"t it.

"Rhys is slightly dignified. On the other hand you make others quake on their feet with your presence!"

"It"s because I look grand and intimidating. And for your information, that man maybe a Prince, but he can"t compare to me."

Since when was Rhys dignified? Lyn dearest, doesn"t she usually insult him. What"s with this sudden change of heart? He doesn"t understand her at all.

"At least he is honest."

He shook his head, he needs to clear his mind. Where is this conversation heading? It seems like even now he doesn"t understand her very well. 

"Allen, can I go take a walk now?" Lyn swiftly changed the topic.

Allen reached over and brushed his hands across her forehead. "Are you sure? You seem a bit feverish. Your wound is making you have a fever. I think we should call a medical expert."

"I"m fine Allen, is it fine?"

He paused for a moment before nodding. "Don"t go out too far. My friend has pet familiars in the outter yard, they get agitated around strangers."

"Pets?" Seeing the sparkle in her eyes, Allen immediately regretted telling her. Why does she get curious about every single little thing.

"We shall see them tomorrow morning. For tonight, go on your walk and come back," he wrapped his cloak around her. "Alright?"

"I understand," she mumbled. "Then, I will go for a bit."

...

-Courtyard -

Realizing that Lyn was taking too long, Allen decided to find her.

Back then Allen had kept that promise. He kept it not because he actually agreed. The truth was back then, he already had such thoughts of wrapping his arms around the girl and not letting her go. He only kept his word then when he saw the look in the girls eyes and her tone. It was the first time since he first saw her again that she sounded that way. That feebleness and weakness. 

Perhaps that woman is right. His type of girls really are the strong willed ones with weak sides like Lyn.

Allen spots her immediately, her back against the tree. Her arms hugged around her body, and her cheeks completely flushed. Her chocolate brown orbs flas.h.i.+ng a brighter red by the second. If somebody else were to see her now they"d certainly get crushed by the pressure or run away in fear. But he wasn"t like that at all. Allen doesn"t hesitate to take a step forward.

She hides it well. Of course she does, she has always been able to do that.

But, he recalled the brief eye contact from just now. That was clearly a sign for help. Geez, she"s really way too indirect and stubborn. 

Allen reached over, "Lyn--!"

"Don"t look at me !"

"...."

She"s really in pain. A pain he probably won"t be able to understand. Allen already heard the reports from the others, but

"Ahh....don"t look...."

How can he look away when she"s in so much pain right in front of him? How could he possibly do so? The black haired girl panted heavily, Atus.h.i.+ grabbed hold of her arm. "No, don"t come any closer."

"Lyn," he repeated.

Lyn shook her head and made attempts to escape from his grasp, " No! Let go of me!"

Yet he didn"t let up for a second. She"s really stupid, why is she even now trying to hide it? If she"s in pain she should just say so. Allen pulled her closer and stares in to her eyes, as he said her name in a much more serious tone, "Lyn!"

When he saw the tears well up in her eyes, his eyes went wide and yet he pulled the black haired girl in a deep embrace. Feeling a p.r.i.c.k in his neck, he winced a little as he felt the blood from his body being drained bit by bit. Yet at the same time he could feel a wash of sadness, the girls tears clearly had yet to stop.

"Allen, I"m so sorry."

She"s never had anything to feel sorry for. This is mainly because of him.