Year 4014 Mist Kingdom - North Quarters (Princess Lyn's area) A week later

Lyn stared absentmindedly out of the window; her gaze wandered around - looking for a particular person amongst the trees in the surroundings. Sadly though Lyn could not find him anywhere. Since that time Kazuya hugged her - her mind was in a daze. She was often distracted. What was actually distracting her? The hug? Or was it the words he said to her, 'let me cherish you' huh? It's the first time somebody said something like that to her. Is that the reason why she cried? She wasn't expecting to hear such words from somebody she just met. He turned her around and let her cry in his arms.

Lyn shook her head; there must be something wrong with her, what is she thinking about now? But experiencing the warmth of another person, that was a first for her.

"I realize my lessons are boring Princess. But, were you not the one who summoned me here?" The man lecturing her with a book in his hands is General Adrien of the Bennet household.

"I summoned you here; yes," Lyn repeated. However, that was because she thought lessons would distract her from thinking about Kazuya, sadly though it wasn't working very well.

Adrien sighed and closed the book. He put it down on the table, and pulled a chair over, "The last few days, the light in your room has been on. Is there something troubling you Princess?"

Lyn looked at him surprised, oh, he noticed. It's like what she told Kazuya; she has no time to feel lonely when she is this busy, and she has people who care for her. Pupillam and the General for one, they genuinely care for her. That much she can tell. She kept the second meeting a secret since she was worried about what they would think. Lyn knew both the general and Pupillam would reprimand her for meeting with Kazuya. After all, she's a young woman, and she went out to meet a man in private. For their time's such practice was regarded as unsightly. Though Lyn personally didn't see anything wrong with it personally. How are two people supposed to get along with each other, if they have guards watching them left and right?

It's the same with Allen too, even after all these years. Lyn still felt slightly distant from him. It's difficult; he never lets the two of them be alone without any guards. To her, that was a sign that he did not want to get close with her. He treats her well, and everybody believes that the marriage will end up smoothly. But, Allen is still putting on a mask with her. He does not openly display what he's thinking, even though it's evident to her. Regardless Lyn didn't mind when they were first engaged. She worked on getting to know him.

But that failed, that's why this time around she doesn't want to fail. She wants to learn more about the man named Kazuya. Is she just trying to find someone to ease her loneliness? At the start that was her intention - to try and fall in love with Allen. If she could fall in love with someone, then the loneliness she felt would disappear. But she couldn't even get close.

With Kazuya, she too intended to use him and yet her intentions are different. Lyn wanted to use him, but now, the words he said about cherishing her repeated in her head. But maybe it's already too late? He stopped meeting her after that time. Did she do something wrong? Lyn tried dropping by his quarters, but he was never around.

"I was thinking General, what do you...do to get closer to another person?" It was a vaguely worded question. But the General seemed to understand.

Adrien seemed to understand since he sighed deeply, "Princess Lyn, did you meet with the Sound Kingdom Ambassador again?" Lyn nodded, and Adrien continued, "Exactly what were you two doing?"

Lyn's cheeks flushed at his questioning tone, what does he mean by the last line, "N--" Lyn's sentence fell short when somebody appeared at the window ledge.

"Kazuya!"

"Yo Princess! Haven't seen you in a few days," Kazuya's tone was casual. He wore his usual bright and stupid looking smile on his face. When Lyn saw this, she felt like an idiot for worrying.

Lyn felt a piercing gaze on her and knew the General was overseeing the scene. Though she was nervous, it didn't seem like he would drag her away. Lyn stood up, and walked over to the window ledge, "Um, what brings you here?"

"I was thinking of making a grand entrance and save the Princess stuck in boring lessons. But it seems like you stopped because you were worried about my lack of visits."

Lyn felt her face grow hot at his words, Kazuya laughed and reached over to gently caress her cheek, "Your red like a tomato, that's cute."

What's with this man? Why does he say things that's simply uncalled for? Before Lyn could say anymore though, the general pulled her away, and his blade was inches away from Kazuya's face, "Wait a minute?" Lyn said puzzled. Adrien wore a deep frown on his face, while the general often scolded her. This was the first time Lyn saw him like this.

Kazuya remained calm, "I realize you didn't like me since you first saw me, General Adrien, but drawing your blade at me is a bit too much," Those words did not phase the General, and Kazuya continued, "Should I take this as a sign of war against the Mist Kingdom?"

When Lyn heard those words, she pulled herself away from the General and walked back over to Kazuya. She tugged on his arm and looked at him with a pleading expression. Lyn doesn't want this situation to blow up into a political issue. She already causes her family enough trouble with her mere existence.

"I apologize," Adrien said and drew his blade back.

Kazuya smiled, "Rather than an apology, I'd like to take Princess Lyn away to accompany me for lunch outside, " Oh! Her eyes brightened at the suggestion.

"Feel free," Adrien turned to walk away, but he paused, "Princess Lyn, please remember to at least attend to your afternoon duties."

Lyn nodded, "Ah yes."

...…..

Once outside, Lyn sighed deeply. What's with the general? Why did he have to mention her afternoon duties in front of Kazuya? Even though her existence is unknown to most people. Those who know her understand that even though she's a Princess, she seldom has any duties other than those that involve Allen. In this instance, the preparations for him coming here, "Stupid General, I hope he goes bald," Lyn cursed, she doesn't understand why it mattered so much. But Lyn felt like Kazuya didn't like it when she brought up Allen.

Even on the first day they met, he seemed uncomfortable with the mention of her fiance. Lyn peered over at him, what's the point of him taking her out if he's going to give her the silent treatment? Just as she thought that Lyn felt his hands brush against her cheek, "So, you missed me, Princess?"

Sensing his smug tone, Lyn averted her gaze, "I didn't miss you.." That's clearly a lie, he already heard her, "I just, I'm curious about you." Lyn admitted. She might as well tell him the truth.

Kazuya nodded, "Likewise it's the same for me. But, I want to get to know you better before I confirm my feelings."

Feelings? Lyn looked at him with a puzzled expression on her face. But Kazuya didn't explain, and laughed as he drew his hand back, "You're cute when you're flustered."

Lyn stepped on his foot then, and Kazuya let out a massive yell, "Ouch, ouch. Don't you know you're wearing heels? That hurts!"

"Tough!" Lyn retorted back. It's not like she's against it entirely.

Lyn felt warmth whenever he touches her, a kindness she has not felt in so long too. When was the last time she felt it? When was the last time Lyn felt so comfortable and natural around another person? Despite the injury she just gave him, Lyn watched his expression and noticed that his smile didn't waver once. What an unusual person, he's always smiling.