Author's Note: Wow, this is slightly ridiculous. I was reading past chapter to this story, and I realized that I wrote the story during when I was preparing for the Pascal Contest, then Kaylee, then Fermat, and now Euclid. Wow. I pretty much spent my whole high school career trying to finish this story (4, long, years). Damn. I really need to get it done before I go to university… o.o but THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE who's actually stuck with me for this long! Truly, I am so grateful and honoured… and feel like such a lazy butt… u.u
)sakusyao( - Ah, you're very right about that… it would be like a completely diff fic… but I promise it won't be that different… and I really don't see another way around this… I know I'm the author and I can technically "do anything"… but I really don't wanna ruin this entire story with an unrealistic ending, ya know? :P I've already finished writing the summary to the sequel (big deal n.n;), so here's a small spoiler for ya: "…and what will King Syaoran choose? The traditions were set by his ancestors hundreds of years ago… is he willing to abandon it all for the woman he loves?" Oh, and Syao is still after Kaho 'cause of his PRIDE mostly… what with her directly disobeying a direct order him and crap… XD
)BiskElle( - Thank you so much! And always, always thank you for taking your time to write a lengthy review! n.n ah, I can just IMAGINE the slaughtering after the last chapter is published… and Touya-Sakura meeting definitely won't be a pretty scene… in fact it'll lead to… ahh, can't say! n.n; :shot: You will see! :P
)Irui( - Hmm an epilogue… that sounds like an idea… I could try that… though currently I don't know how will I fit everything into it… o.O
)insanity-ward( - Aww, but if Kaho thought of Sakura all day, Sakura thought of Touya/Meiling all day, Touya thought of Sakura all day, we'd never get anywhere! XD
)Jackie( - Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it! n.n
)Cheeseycraziness( - Thanks, glad you appreciate the long chaps. :) Err you want at least something happy…? Errr… you'll definitely want the sequel then… n.n; :shot:
Thank you everyone for the R n' R! :)
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Chapter Eighteen
Contemplate
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King Syaoran yawned as he got out of bed. Instantly, 2 maids came, one wrapped a robe around him, as another gave him a warm cup of tea.
At the sound of movement inside the King's bedchambers, a servant quickly rushed inside, and bowed at his feet. "Your Majesty! Captain Ramsa has been waiting all night to see you!"
"Oh?" King Syaoran was suddenly alert. "Tell him to wait for me in my library."
"Yes your Majesty." The servant bowed as he left.
King Syaoran groomed quickly as he hurried out of his bedchambers and headed towards the library, anticipating good news.
—
The door burst open as Captain Ramsa spun around and dropped on his knees. "Good Morning, your Majesty, sorry to bother you so early in the morning, I should've been more considerat—"
But the King walked past him in a whoosh, then spun around, a predatory smile on his face, his royal robe flying behind him from the sudden movement. "You've found her." He said.
Captain Ramsa smiled and thanked God one of his Lieutenant Generals proved useful. "Yes your Majesty, we have found her."
"Excellent." His smile widened, as his eyes became more wolfish. "Well? Where was she?"
"As you suspected, your Majesty, she was within that village, hiding in the home of a man who seems to care for her more than the gold."
"Oh." The King raised an eyebrow. "She's already found herself another man. Go on."
"Two days ago I sent a message to Lieutenant General Gray to command his men to do another full search of the village as soon as possible. The man followed the orders quite well—he ordered 4 teams of 5, consisting of 1 General, and four soldiers. They blocked all entrances and exists into town, and prepared three carriages at all sides of the village. The four teams then each headed in a different direction—north, south, east and west—searching every home merciless. Very soon, the group led by General Bradley found a suspicious house where there was a carriage parked in front. They asked the man inside what it was for, and the man lied and said his relatives came over today, not aware that all entrances had been sealed off and that it would've been absolutely impossible for anyone to enter the village at all.
"They then raided his home and found his 'maid', who was apparently mute and had some religion that required her hair to be hidden at all times—that alone is suspicious enough. But having no proof she really is the wanted Mizuki Kaho, they instead arrested the man for Deceit, and told her the only way they'd released him is if she turned in Mizuki Kaho. Surprisingly, to save the man, she revealed her true identity. But of course once that happened she is under arrest for Disobeying Direct Order, and he is still arrested for twice of Deceit (lying about these "relatives", and lying by saying he knew nothing of this Mizuki woman), as well as Accessory After the Fact.
"While General Bradley reported this find to Lieutenant General Gray, the four soldiers pushed the horses to run as fast as they possibly could to get back to the castle. Lieutenant General Gray on the other hand sent a message to me through Messenger Han immediately. I received the letter yesterday, and if I'm correct, Mizuki Kaho and her companion should have arrived early today morning, and they should both be in the cells—her in the women's cell, and him in the men's cell."
"Now that, is what I call work well done." King Syaoran smirked. What happened definitely sounded like a thrill—who knew Kaho still got it in her? And that she's already found another man willing to die for her? And that she's willing to die for him too…? "Ramsa, you, Gray, Bradley and the four soldiers shall be rewarded gold, as well as be promoted at the next ceremony for this brilliant accomplishment."
"THANK YOU YOUR MAJESTY!" Ramsa replied gleefully. "Would you like to see the prisoners now?"
"No, I shall see them at the trial. As long as I know she is caught and contained, I feel much at peace."
"When shall we hold this trial? And where? And which Lord do you wish to send to see to this trial?"
King Syaoran was thoughtful. "The trial will take place one week from now in the Grand Hall at exactly noon. As to who shall determine the final punishment for their crimes… I think, I shall personally attend to this."
"Very well your majesty, I shall let the whole castle know. I would assume you would want all twelve of your top advisors to show up?"
"Yes."
"Understood, I will inform all who are important of this."
"Good. One other thing… I would of course like you to especially inform Advisor Eriol as well as Princess Kalira of this, for they must attend… and… I will have two special guests attending, and I would like you to inform them."
"Yes my King, consider it done."
—
Sakura splashed cold water across her face as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying, her face a shade whiter than usual, and her honey-coloured hair matted across her cheeks in disarray. "What's happened to the old, confident, righteous me…?" She whispered softly, staring at the woman she no longer recognized.
Once upon a time she was a woman of strength, someone everyone looked up to, idolized, and came to for help. Now, she was nothing more than a man-thieving lowlife isolated from her friends.
She wanted to cry to Tomoyo for some measure of comfort, but she knew Meiling would be there and it would only increase the tension between them. She wanted to see Ilonka but the girl seemed to be a foul mood as of recent, and she seems to be spending a lot of time with Tomoyo and Meiling too.
She even wanted the company of the King—even if he is the one who brought all this onto her—but he was injured and very busy dealing with problems of the assassin.
Dejected, she walked over to her bed where she turned to the only sane solution left—"Love".
She touched the cover of the book gently, as she closed her eyes, thinking, It's been so long… where would I be now without this book? In the days of neglect, it comforted me. In my days of fear and imprisonment, it preserved my sanity… and now, when I should be the envy of all, yet I am cast aside by my friends, it's still here for me… "Oh Lilia…" she couldn't help but to whisper. "Why can't I be more like you? Why can't I be strong like you?"
She flipped open the book to the spot she last left off, and continued to read.
Ever since Lynetta's visit, Lilia felt restless. Somehow, she couldn't stand the thought of Reyn finding someone to replace her, someone sleeping next to him at night. Many times she told herself how unfair she was being, as this was probably what he felt imagining her sleeping with Jayx. She wanted to be strong and determined, but she couldn't help the sadness that crept slowly into her life, each day waking up and wondering with a pounding heart, has Reyn found his new Queen?
But months go by and Lilia hears nothing from Lynetta about King Reyn. During rare times when Jayx was gone from her side, Lynetta would quickly giggle and mumble a few more words about the King, about wanting to marry the King, or even just meeting him. But not once did she mention anything of a new Queen.
—
Two years go by like this, and despicably, Lilia's yearning for Reyn only grew stronger and stronger. As much as she tried not to think of it, life with Jayx was beginning to bore her slightly. Despite the fiery passionate love they once had for each other, time wore it down. Their life was plain and each day consisted only of doing their share of work to detain survival. And having only each other to see, to talk to for two years straight, it was beginning to drive Lilia crazy, and as much as she hated to admit it, it seemed to have taken the same affect on Jayx.
On a particularly hot day in the middle of summer, as Lilia was watering the crops, she was suddenly hit with a wave of dizziness. "Jayx… Jayx, honey!"
"Yes?" He called from close by, where he was milking the cows.
"Honey, could you please finish watering the crop today? I don't think I'm feeling too well…"
And for the first time, Jayx straightened as he stared at her figure, slightly irritated. "Lilia, do you expect me to do all the work around here? We both live here, we both sleep, and consume—you must keep up your share of the work." And without a second look, he turned his attention back to the cow.
Lilia stood there for the longest time as she stared at the man whom she once could die for. What happened? Is this what time does? It fades all love? Slowly, tears filled her eyes, but she didn't bother wiping them away—she let them fall silently on the ground. How could this have happened? What happened to the gentle, carefree and loving man I once knew, and loved? Even during my five years of marriage with Reyn… never once was he this harsh to me, demanding me to do something I didn't want… She thought miserably. Oh Reyn… Tears fell down quicker as she squeezed her eyes shut from the memories of her first husband, and love. Why is it that my love for Jayx has begun to fade, yet mine for you only grows stronger day by day?
She didn't know how long she stood there in the field, but with the sun beaming down on her, Lilia soon passed out.
—
She woke up feeling a cold towel on her forehead. "Oh…" she groaned slightly.
"Lilia!" Nearby, Jayx leapt out of his chair and grasped her hands. "Oh, Lilia, are you okay?"
She could only stare at him. "I told you I wasn't feeling well, yet you continued to force me to work. Well are you happy now?"
"Lilia, I didn't mean for, for this to happen! I just wanted you to pull your weight in this family!"
But Lilia withdrew her hand and looked away. "I do not wish to speak to you right now."
Jayx sighed as he got up and left for the door, where an anxious Lynetta immediately rushed in after her brother's departure. "LILIA! Oh, my dear, are you all right?"
"No…" Lilia whispered with tears in her eyes. "What's happened between Jayx and I? Why have we come to this? Once upon a time we loved each other enough to die for one another, yet here we are, arguing over simple house chores!"
"Oh Lilia, this is what happens as time pass… it's inevitable… But if you two can pass this difficult stage, then your love for each other is true and beyond."
Lilia closed her eyes with a deep sigh. "S-So, how's it been? What's the progress on that competition held by King Reyn?"
Lynetta giggled as she blushed slightly. "Oh, you know, same as always, women comes and goes, but he still hasn't found his perfect Queen…" she giggled. "Maybe it's destiny—he's waiting for me."
Lilia ignored the last part—she couldn't help the slight relief she felt in her heart. Oh Reyn, how could you do this? She tried convincing herself. It's been what—two years? You still have not found your bride? Do not toy with a woman's heart like this… Or do you need to be reminded again? You need someone to tell you of the cruelty of your ways right now, giving women false hope… You've always listened to me, have you not? But she shook her head quickly. I mustn't have such thoughts… she scolded herself gently.
—
More months pass by, and the ice between her and Jayx only grew. Many nights when Jayx had fallen asleep, Lilia would sit by the pond and gaze at the bright, star-filled night, dreaming of the old days when she was happy with Reyn, the old days when she was happy with Jayx. Yet now her life was loveless and dull—this was what she feared above all else.
A cold chill drifts by, lifting the hem of her skirt. Lilia hugged her legs closer to her as she leaned her head down on her knees. The last time she felt this way with Reyn she left the castle to find herself again in the world. Perhaps it's time to do so again… maybe only then, after her absence and new return, would their love re-blossom with the heated passion it had, many years ago.
Maybe it's time I set out again… she thought softly. But to where?
Reyn.
She shook her head. I will not turn to him. But he is so cruel to women of his land… someone must put a stop to it. Besides, it is fair to pay visit to an old… friend… She wiped at the tear that threatened to spill. Why do I miss him so?
But regardless, her mind has been made up—she will leave tomorrow for her journey.
—
Jayx woke the next morning to sounds of packing. He rubbed his eyes in irritation as he sat up from his bed, "Lilia, what on earth—" He paused at the scene.
There she was, filling a straw bag on the ground with various clothing, foods, and everyday necessities. She paused, before slowly looking up into his eyes. "Jayx, I'm leaving."
The words hung in the air for a very long time, before Jayx finally choked, "W-What?"
"I-I'm leaving… n-not forever of course, but just for a little while… I-I don't feel too well lately… I need to find myself within this world once more."
"L-Lilia, if there's anything I've done wrong, please—"
She walked forward and put her index finger against his lips as she sat down next to him. "Jayx, this is just something I must do for myself… I promise, I will return… I have sworn an eternal oath to be with you forever, and I shall keep that promise. I will be back—this is just a journey, a travel."
"T-Then, let me come with you!"
"No, Jayx… you must stay here… I must go on this journey alone to rediscover my true essence before it's lost forever."
He looked down. "L-Lilia… how long have you been planning this?"
"Jayx, honey, I have not been keeping this from you for long. It was simply last night, during a period of time when I simply could not sleep, did I realize that I need this time for myself."
His voice was dropping down lower. The thought of her leaving suddenly brought an emotion that he had forgotten for so long, back into his heart. "How long will you be gone for…?"
"I promise, I shall be back before the end of autumn."
He caressed her hand carefully as he brought his lips upon it. "Be safe, my love."
Lilia closed her eyes hearing such words. Truly, it's been too long since she last heard him call her by that title. "I will. You take care of yourself, too."
"Of course. I will anticipate your return."
Lilia kissed him on the lips one last time, before she picked up her bags and opened the door. "May the Angels be with you while I am away…"
"And may the Gods protect you on your journey, and bring you safely back to me."
Lilia nodded curtly. Without turning back, she walked out into the world, and closed the door behind her, bidding a temporary farewell to this place. How ironic; the place that had once saved her sanity in her loneliest of days is now causing her this loneliness.
—
Having been through these paths many times, the journey towards King Reyn's castle was no trouble at all. She stopped by villages and rested the night, though the quality of her stays dramatically decreased, mainly due to the decrease in her status, as well as wealth.
As the towns came closer, and closer towards the castle, talks of King Reyn's competition grew more and more, till it was the only thing she could hear of on the street. Curious, she walked up to a group of giggling young women. "Excuse me, misses, I am new in this town, and I have recently heard of some King's competition?"
The girls looked at each other before they burst out laughing. "I'm so sorry ma'am, but the King is looking for a wife, and that's the competition. Any woman can enter, and if he is pleased with her, he will marry her, and she will become the new Queen." One girl explained, sighing dreamily.
"Yeah… but he's only taking 10 girls at once… I've sighed up and waited forever! The King is so, so, so handsome! I can't wait to meet him…"
"Yeah, it's the talk of the town! You must be new to not have heard about that! I'm quite sorry ma'am, but… I do not really think your age is suitable for this…"
Lilia was slightly stunned, but she quickly touched her cheek and sighed. I'm no longer the woman I once was… she thought sadly. There was a time in my life when I could turn heads by simply walking by, when my beauty would flourish and light the whole room… but time and hard work under extreme conditions has weathered away the young lady that once was… I wonder, would Reyn still love me, after seeing me now…? Would he even… recognize me…? "Thank you for everything…" she replied softly, walking away to find the nearest hotel to stay for the night.
"Oooooh, I think you hurt her feelings…" one of the girls said, pointing at Lilia's retreating figure.
"Well, it's better than letting her find out the hard way… besides, this competition has been going on for a very, very long time… I'm almost beginning to doubt the King's true intent behind this… no point throwing another poor soul into the fire pit with the rest of us hopeless lovers…"
The third girl giggled. "Yeah…" she replied dreamily. "No matter what, he is handsome, young, and the King! Oooh, what I wouldn't do for just one night with him…" she said, a smile blossoming across her face as she covered her rosy cheeks.
—
The next morning Lilia woke up from her uncomfortable bed as she counted her remaining money. Barely a pence left. In fact she couldn't even afford the day's meal. Luckily, I made it just on time… she thought. Picking up what's left of her belongings, Lilia stood up with determination, heading towards her final destination: King Reyn's castle.
The whole way there her heart pounded uncontrollably, and when she stepped on the flowers of a garden that she could once call her own, she couldn't help the fevering bubbling sensation that rose inside her. Reyn… what will you say when you see me? Will you still recognize me…?
Morning fell to noon, and noon fell to dusk, Lilia became tired with hungry, but she kept going. By near twilight, she finally stood before the grand, majestic castle she used to call 'home'. "I… I'm here…" she whispered weakly. Slowly, she approached the gates, as from the other side, four guards began approaching her.
"HALT." They said, holding out their spears to block her path. "NAME, OCCUPATION, AND REASON."
She looked up at the new, foreign faces around her. "I-I'm Queen Lilia… tell Reyn I've returned…"
The guards looked at her, then looked at each other, and burst out laughing. "QUEEN LILIA? Gimme a break! There' s a reason the King is searching for a wife! How could he search for another wife whilst he is still wedded?"
Lilia stared up in shock and disbelief. "B-Because I gave him permission to…" she whispered. The sentence sounded foolish even to her own ears.
The guards laughed even harder. "YOU? Gave him permission to? WHAT A JOKE! NOW STATE YOUR TRUE REASON BEFORE WE THROW YOU INTO PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION!"
Lilia could only stare as her heart pounded rapidly. What am I suppose to say? Nothing I say they will believe, for these new men do not remember the time when a Queen ruled… She thought desperately.
When she said nothing for a few moments, two guards went on each side of her, grabbed her arm and began dragging her away. "All right, all right, stop wasting time here, let's go, let's go…"
Struggling for all she was worth, Lilia finally cried, "All right, all right! Wait! I'm here for the competition!"
They raised an eyebrow at her. "Then where is your escort? Where is your proof of entry? Why did you lie to say you are some Queen?"
"I-I, I… I wanted to see what it would be like if I became the Queen… so I just wanted to get to know the feeling…" she explained meekly. "M-My escort didn't want to stay with me all this way s-so he told me the direction of the castle, and left to attend to his wife and kids… my proof… well you tell me… my escort has it and he escaped so how am I suppose to know?"
The guards stared at each other not knowing what to say. "Should we believe her?" One whispered.
"I don't know… It sounds almost too bizarre to be a lie."
"But she could just be a bad liar…"
"C-Could you guys please just let me in now?" Lilia said, pretending to appear agitated at the situation. "Without my escort traveling to King Reyn's castle is like walking in a maze! I've been wondering around for so long… I'm tired and hungry…"
"Well that would explain why she's here at such odd hours." Another guard whispered.
"So we let her in…?"
"But what if she's not one of the women from the competition?"
"Ah, heck, I'm sure the King wouldn't mind one more."
"Besides, didn't a woman leave earlier today morning…?"
They looked at each one last time before nodding. "All right miss… miss…?"
She was about to say, 'Miss Lin', before she realized how awkward that would've sounded, and instead said, "Miss Lilia."
"Lilia? That is your last name as well?" The guards snickered. "What are you, Lilia Lilia?"
"No…" she whispered softly. "Just Lilia."
The sadness in her voice stunned them, and their laughter instantly died out. With a cough, one soldier stepped up, "I'll take you to your room, miss."
"Thank you sir." She said politely, bowing, as she walked away with her escort.
When they were gone from sight, the remaining three guards looked at each other. "Well, she's certainly strange."
"But there's something about her…"
"She looks familiar…"
—
Lilia was led to a small room. Her escort opened the door for her as he left without a second word. "Hello." Lilia called out softly at the young girl standing by the window within the room.
The girl with long, beautiful dark brown hair spun around as a small smile formed on her face. "I saw you down there." She said, pointing outside the window. "My name is Mirandin."
"Hello, Mirandin. It's a grace to meet you. My name is Lilia. Are you here for the…?"
Mirandin smiled. "Competition? To become the King's wife? Of course. All rooms in this hall are reserved for the women in the competition."
Lilia nodded as she walked over to the spare bed, where she dropped her bag. "How long have you been here, Mirandin?"
"I don't know… I've lost count… maybe a year, maybe not yet… who knows?"
Lilia gasped. "For that long? Are you not yet disappointed?"
Mirandin shook her head slowly, a smile still upon her face. "No, not at all. The fact that the King has yet to send me home is a sign. I believe I'm the only woman here who's been here this long. I also understand that His Majesty requires careful decision to choose the most suitable bride as well as Queen for his land. He is an extremely kind and responsible King, and I know he would never do anything rashly. I have faith in him and I will wait for as long as it takes for him to make his decision—and regardless what his decision is, I will respect it with all my heart."
Lilia listened to the way this seemingly simple girl spoke of King Reyn, and she was touched. "Mirandin… forgive me if I am rude, but… do you love the King?"
The smile on her face grew. "I believe I do. I knew of him ever since I was a young girl, when he was just a prince. I remember, even then, when I first laid eyes on him during one of his visits to our village, I fell in love. He was fair, handsome, and kind. I remember when I was twelve I heard about the arranged marriage of King Reyn to another woman…" Lilia's heart began to beat rapidly. "And I was so heartbroken… I remembered being depressed for so many years… until one day, on my sixteenth birthday, miraculously, they announced that for anyone who's heard of this 'Queen', that it was actually just a false rumour spread by an irresponsible Lord! Because the truth of the fact is that the King is now looking for a wife! I was overjoyed! It was perfect! After all these years of waiting, the day I dreamt of finally came!"
So that's how he covered up the situation… Lilia thought, closing her eyes briefly. That there was never a marriage. That it had all been one, big, horrible rumour. She smiled at Mirandin. "I wish you the best of luck then, young miss."
"Oh?" She was mildly surprised. "But surely you would want the King to fall in love with you? Why would you wish luck onto me, your competitor?"
Lilia shook her head slowly. "Sometimes, things are not as they seem, Mirandin. I do not feel jealousy, and I sense true love from you, which is why I wish you the best of luck over myself."
"You are so wise, Lilia…" Mirandin whispered, smiling brightly at her new roommate.
"And you are so full of love, Mirandin…"
She blushed slightly. "For the King, anything…"
"So when exactly does one get to see His Majesty?"
"That's for His Majesty to decide." She said, sitting down on her bed, facing Lilia. "But it has been a long while since I last saw him…"
"Oh…" Lilia didn't know what to say. She was slightly angered at Reyn's irresponsibility towards these women—but at the same time, she felt relieved that he hasn't replaced her so easily.
—
Many days go by, and Lilia and Mirandin were left abandoned in their room, having only each other as companion.
But when weeks began to pass, Lilia became restless. On the morning of her 70th day inside this castle, she finally had it. "Mirandin, it is absolutely horrendous and irresponsible of the King to treat us so—if he is to invite us here, he should at least see us once in a while. If he does not find us, I will find him."
"No, Lilia, you mustn't! The King is going through a difficult time, you must let him be…"
But Lilia shook her head. "No, I refuse. I absolutely cannot wait here any longer." She replied, gazing at the falling leaves outside the window. Autumn was approaching. She had promised Jayx she would return before winter arrived, and she cannot leave the castle without at least seeing Reyn once. "If I do not return, please ask the King to find me in the dungeons…" Lilia replied softly as she stepped out into the hallway.
—
The castle was still as familiar to her as she always remembered. The hallway that had been converted into rooms for women of the competition simply used to be guestrooms.
Following purely her instincts, Lilia walked for a very, very long time through this seemingly endless castle. But predictably, she arrived in front of King Reyn's sleeping chamber. Or, rather, what used to be her and Reyn's chamber.
As she approached the large, familiar door, she saw two figures standing nearby.
"HALT." They said, holding out their spears as she approached. "What business do you have here?"
"I wish to see the King." She said.
"And who might you be?"
"I—" She was about to say Queen Lilia, but thought better of it, and instead replied, "A woman from the King's competition."
They looked at each other, then back at her. "I do not believe the King has called for you."
"He hasn't, I've simply grown impatient."
The guards stared at her. "Preposterous! How dare you make such a ridiculed claim!"
Lilia couldn't help the frustration she felt in her heart. She was close, yet so far away… standing here in front of a bedroom she's slept in for nearly 5 years, and yet she's forbidden to enter. "Please… just let me see him…"
"Absolutely impossible." The guards said, irritated, as they tried pushing her away from the King's chambers.
But Lilia held her ground. "Please…" she whispered.
"We simply can't!"
"Then… can you at least… tell me why he hasn't been calling any women to him?"
They snickered at her comment. "Honey, just because he hasn't asked for your presence, doesn't mean he is not interested in any woman. After all, I've never even seen you around here."
"But my roommate is Mirandin, and I know she must be favoured by the King."
At the mention of her name, a flash of recognition did seem to cross the guards' eyes. "Oh, Lady Mirandin! How is she doing now?"
"She is well." Lilia replied stiffly. How things reverse. How cruelly ironic. "But please let us resume our original topic. If you cannot let me see the King, please, at least let me know what is bothering him so."
"What makes you think he is troubled?"
Lilia looked down. "I know him better than you think. I know him perhaps better than most people in this world…" she whispered. "So please, I can feel he is in deep pain and turmoil… I need to know…"
The guards looked at each other, then back at her, and finally sighed. "King Reyn Lin II passed away a few months ago."
Lilia gasped. "But how could that be! No! How could Father be gone just like that?" Lilia felt the tears stinging her eyes. Despite the rough condition her and Reyn's relationship were in, it gave him no excuse not to see her Father-in-law before his death. "That absolutely cannot be! Oh, how come no one has spoken of this?"
"SHH!" The guard hushed her. "The king wished not for this to be public information… he is… grieving alone…"
Lilia touched her heart. Despite the time that has passed, she will never forget the time when she had been grieving for the death of her parents; how Reyn had been there for her. Even if some times afterwards, she thought Reyn had faked it all… she knew she would not have gotten through such rough time without his comfort and love. "H-How is Queen Genevieve doing…?"
The guard sighed. "Not too well, or so I've heard. She took the death of King Reyn Lin II worse than King Reyn Lin III… But stop questioning, woman! You have no authority to know! I've already been overgenerous by what I've told you!"
Lilia bowed politely. "I know, Sire, and I thank thee from the deepest of my heart. I only have one small favour left to ask of you."
He raised an eyebrow. "Another favour? Well, what is it?"
"Please, I beg of you… just tell the King that a woman by the name of 'Lilia' wants to see him. Tell him 'Lilia wishes to see him, and… that is an order'."
"You dare order the King?"
"Please, sir, do not question. If what I say is truly preposterous and the King deems it so as well, you may throw in me jail for the remaining of my life—that's how important this moment is to me." Because I cannot let Reyn suffer through this all by himself…
The guards weren't certain, but the woman standing in front of them emitted a strange and powerful aura. Despite her seeming-status as a commoner, she was proud, and had gestures as graceful as that of a high royalty's. Her attitude was calm but at the same time certain. Just something about her…
After a long, long pause, the guards finally nodded, as they turned around and walked into the King's chamber, shutting the door behind them.
Lilia waited impatiently. Reyn… you're so close, yet so far away… How I wish to take you within my arms right now, and just comfort you, and be there for you… Oh, my Reyn… you knew where to find me… How could you not have told me of Father's illness…? And father's… leaving? Oh Reyn…
Much time passed before the guards walked out, shaking their head slightly.
Lilia frowned. "He said…?"
"You must be the luckiest woman alive. He's actually allowing you in."
A smile blossomed over Lilia's features. Soon, my Reyn… soon we will see each other again, after so long… will I still recognize you? Will I still be as beautiful in your eyes as I was all those years ago…? "Thank you, sires, truly, you are all kind souls. I will remember this moment forever." Lilia curtseyed politely as she walked in between the guards and through the open bedchamber doors. The moment she was in, the doors closed behind her.
—
As Lilia walked deeper and deeper into her old bedroom, she could feel the familiar atmosphere filling her from the tip of her toes to the brink of her throat. It was overwhelming, and she had to force back tears. After all this time, King Reyn has not changed a single detail to this room. Every feature she had loved about it remained there, waiting for her.
She walked past various closets, bookshelves, stands, and then, past their grand bed… As she walked by, she couldn't help but to run her hand across the silky blanket that once covered her, as she imagined those days when she was so happy, lying within Reyn's arms…
She continued walking, slowly, quietly, reminiscing all the memories within this room. When she was near the other side of the chamber, she finally caught the shadow of a figure, standing by the window, the bright light of the sun shining onto him, casting his powerful shadow onto the ground behind him.
Truly, he has changed so much since the day she married him. Back then he was an ignorant young man… but look at him now… Confident but not overly so. Kind but fair. He is loved and respected by men and women, young and old alike.
Lilia stopped a few steps behind him, admiring his powerful frame, embodied within the sunlight. He was facing the window, his long majestic rob falling down onto the floor near his feet behind him, his arm resting upon the handle of a sword; the tip of the sword dug perpendicularly into the plush carpet that covered the floor.
"Hello." Reyn said, acknowledging her, though still facing away.
Lilia's right hand came over her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes. How she missed that voice… The now matured and wise sound of her handsome… once-to-be-husband.
"I'm not quite sure who you are, and I do not wish you to think me a push over. I did not let you in because you 'ordered me' to. I take orders from no one. The reasons I have allowed you to trespass upon my private time, in my private room is for a matter completely different that you probably wouldn't care to hear about, and I wouldn't care to talk about. If you thought it was cute of you to be 'ordering' me around, you are sadly mistaken. I do not wish to hear of this happening again. But just for today… consider yourself lucky. Your… your name reminded me of someone important to me, that's all… as well as… what you said…" King Reyn sighed. "So tell me, what is it that you want?"
Lilia tried to speak, but her voice was caught in her throat.
"Well? Are you going to speak or not?" His back was still towards her, but his head turned just the slightest to glimpse better at the outside scenery.
But Lilia said nothing. She could only stand there and stare.
And for a while, King Reyn seemed not to mind that either, as he just stared outside. Perhaps to him, he was imagining himself with the real Lilia. What the eyes do not see, the mind can create. But once the eyes see, the mind is burdened by the limitations of reality.
It seemed as if an eternity has passed. Tears were rolling freely down Lilia's cheeks by now, but she made not a sound.
"Perhaps if you have nothing to say to me, you should leave. I prefer being alone at a time like this." When Lilia still said nothing, King Reyn finally called out, "Guards, GUARDS!"
Lilia's heart raced. She would not be thrown out without him at least seeing her, knowing she's here for him. In a barely audible voice, she whispered, "Reyn…"
Despite the volume of that simple word it was rich with a colourful variety of emotions—from pain, to happiness, to despair, to hope, and finally, to love.
And all those emotions had not gone unnoticed.
"GUAR—" King Reyn froze.
It's been so long. But he can recognize her voice anywhere.
His heart began to pound.
It pounded so rapidly he could almost feel a thudding pain in his chest.
Slowly, almost afraid, in case it was just an illusion, he spun around slowly.
The sword within his hands began trembling, his cape swept across the floor from his body movements.
After what seemed like an eternity, he finally turned fully around.
And Lilia and Reyn stared at each other, standing barely 2 meters away from one another.
They stared at each other for the longest time, as tears dripped continuously down Lilia's cheek. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop them.
Reyn swallowed hard. He seemed unable to find his voice.
At last, he said, "L-Lilia."
That one simple sound. Just a name. But it was her name, coming from his mouth. Hopelessly, Lilia let out a small laugh.
Truly, she felt so happy she would've willingly died in that moment.
"Yes." She whispered, feeling all strength draining from her.
And her knees buckled beneath her, as Lilia felt herself falling hopelessly yet fearlessly at the same time towards the ground.
But she never hit the ground.
Before she could, she found herself within Reyn's embrace.
Lilia had originally came to comfort Reyn for his loss, but as Reyn wrapped his arms tightly around her, his robes falling around her, shielding her from the rest of the world, Lilia couldn't help but to cry on his chest, breathing in his clean scent.
"Sshh…" he said softly, gently. "It's okay, Lilia… It's okay…" As he buried his face within her hair, hiding the tear drops dripping down his cheek.
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Author's Note: Awww… I loved writing this chap so much… personally I've always loved Lilia and Reyn so much more… T.T I just couldn't stand the thought of her forgetting Reyn forever for Jayx… Do you guys kind of see the connection of "Love" to "Wanted" now? :) This was originally suppose to happen near chapter 3 or 4, so it'll parallel the Wanted story… but of course I got too sucked into writing "Love"… :sweatdrops: That's why I'm trying to catch it up, because, YES, they WILL end at the SAME time.
Please leave a review guys! They really do make me so happy, and inspire me to write more for you guys! n.n
7000 words.