Author's Note: Hey guys! Thanks so much for all the support! I've finally reached 400 reviews! YAY! And this story is now officially the LONGEST story I've written! 100,000 plus words! :) Hope you guys will like this chapter… 1 more Lilia/Reyn chapter and we'll move on to more Syao/Saku…
)Cheeseycraziness( - Lol yup, you summarized it up pretty well. :P And O.o umm nope, Ilonka is NOT Syao's wife… what made you think that…? O.o
)Irui( - Aww, yikes, you're busy this year too? I know exactly what you mean… T.T I'm absolutely DYING here… though at the same time gotta say, I kinda enjoy all this lack of sleep/insane tiredness/pressure because at least I'm still in high school and sharing all those pains with my friends and teachers… T.T Next year will be so sad… :(
)sakusyao( - Haha don't worry, I like Reyn a lot better too… but when I write I get into character (lol kinda weird, I know) so while deep inside I'm going "GAAH! I WANNA SEE LILIA/REYN TOGETHERR!" yet I won't write it 'cause I know it's just… not right… I torture myself too much like this… XD Ah, I'll try to make the sequel short so Syao and Saku will be together soon! And he can't just break the traditions so easily, ya? n.n; it's a dumb tradition now but back then it held a lot of meaning…
)emizee17( - you can tell? :) haha, yup, I enjoy writing "LOVE" so, so much… T.T
)indigo101( - Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
)BiskElle( - Aww, I'm sorry… I didn't mean for it to come off like that… n.n; I just didn't wanna give too much of a spoiler as not to ruin anything, ne? And I think I'm updating fairly quickly now! :P I don't know if you remember but there was a time when I updated like once every 6 months – 1 year… XD but of course that was disgustingly slow and I will try to prevent that from happening… Ah, you viewed Lilia's situation exactly as I felt! I think you might have noticed but I'm very, very fond of Lilia… and even as I was typing up the last chapter I could feel her... I guess "divinity" that she had from the beginning has begun to fade… and it made me really sad, though at the same time I realized that she is only human, and she does have flaws… I still love Lilia and Reyn though… T.T Ah, I feel Syao doesn't quite match up to Reyn… haha, Reyn finds time for Lilia despite all, yet Syao has other things he puts above Saku… but that will change in the Sequel… XD hehe, long reply… n.n;
)witch cheri( - Wow, thanks so much… that meant a lot to me! Glad you enjoyed it! And I'm flattered you even suggested it to your classmates! Thank you! :hugs:
)insanity-ward( - Haha, I know, Jayx seems so mean to Lilia now… I know a lot of ppl liked him in the beginning 'cause of how kind and nice he was to Lilia… but now he's just kinda… eeeeehh… .
Thanks so much everyone for the long reviews! Love them! :D
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Chapter Nineteen
Unbearable Losses
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Reyn didn't question her on her return. Nor did he accuse her, or demand anything from her.
Hours later they sat together on their grand bed, as Lilia leaned her head against his steady shoulders and he wrapped one arm around her, the other holding her hand, caressing it gently. "No matter what happened, no matter how long has passed, know that I'll always welcome you, love you, without questions." He kissed her gently, and frowned slightly at the weathering on her hair and complexion.
Of course he knew it was inevitable as she did not have the treatment of a Queen's for over 2 years now. But he swore he would restore her health and beauty during however long she is staying this time.
Lilia sighed—she knew what he was really trying to say. "Jayx and I… are still married… happily together."
His strokes above her hand stopped momentarily, before they continued. "Oh. That's good." He said, a touch of sorrow in his voice. "I'm glad you're still happy."
"Reyn… I…" she sat up slightly and turned towards him, her beautiful hair fell off the side of her shoulders and onto his lap. "Reyn, please, no more about me. Truly the sole reason I am back this time is for you. I… heard about what happened… with Father…"
King Reyn froze. "You have heard? How could you have? You reside so, so far away from the kingdom, treading only on the bare edges of our land! If you have heard, who hasn't? But truly, I made sure this news did not get outside the castle!"
Lilia couldn't help but to smile slightly that he still considered this "their" kingdom. "Rest assured Reyn, during my entire travel from… where I live to this castle, I have not heard a single soul mentioning the passing of the great King Reyn Lin II."
He sat a little straighter. "Then… how'd you know?"
Lilia smiled lightly. "I didn't, till before asking to see you at the door. Through my stubbornness your guards informed me."
King Reyn frowned. "They weren't supposed to be leaking information… I must have them punished."
Lilia shook her head as she grasped his hand. "No, Reyn, you promised me—no matter how long ago—you shan't punish innocence anymore. Had it not been for these guards today, who knows how long I will have to wait before we can finally see each other?"
King Reyn's eyes widened slowly. "Oh no, dear Lilia, how long have you been within these castle walls?"
"Well, a little over 70 days."
"70 days! Oh, my Lilia I am so terribly sorry, had I… had I only known!"
But Lilia shook her head as she pressed her finger gently against his lips. "Do not worry, my Reyn. Truly, you think of me too much."
Reyn felt a wave of warmth rushing through his body from such a simple gesture from her. Ever since she left… or even before, no woman was able to trigger such feelings inside him. Not before, not ever. "Then you knew of that after you came to castle… then… what made you come in the first place?"
Lilia looked down. She wasn't going to tell Reyn of her dispute with Jayx. She was definitely not going to tell him about how much she yearned for him everyday. "I really don't know… I just had… a feeling."
"Well, what a great feeling that was." Reyn said, smiling, as he drew Lilia into a tight hug. Gently, he kissed her hair, then her ear, her cheek, her neck, and her collarbone.
"Reyn…" Lilia whispered. "Reyn…" she said again, when she felt his hand running through her hair. "Reyn… stop…" Lilia ran her own hands through his hair, and across his strong jaw line. It surprised her how much she missed her former husband's touches. "Reyn… please, we have to stop. I'm still married."
At this, King Reyn stopped unwillingly, as he sighed and leaned his head across her chest.
Lilia sighed as she caressed his hair gently. "Reyn… how are you coping these days…? It must've been difficult…"
Reyn was silent for a long while, before he finally spoke. "I've always looked up to Father… ever since I was a child he was someone I wanted to grow up to be like. I told myself I would rule the Kingdom as he had, and every time I was unsure, I would find him for guidance… until… until, well, until you came along. Despite the fact we weren't the most compatible at first, later on, I admired you deeply, and you became an inspiration to me… and every time, when I faced uncertainty, I find myself often asking, 'what would Lilia do now?' But then… you left… and then… then… then father left… and I… I just…"
Lilia's heart broke feeling liquid seep through her dress. She grasped a handful of Reyn's beautiful hair as she wrapped her other arm around him, bringing him closer to her. "It's okay, Reyn… it's going to be okay…"
"Lilia…?"
"Yes?"
"Just… Just for the time you're here… please, do not call me Reyn, it sounds too harsh upon your lips…"
Lilia swallowed. How long has it been since she called him this? But slowly, she opened her mouth, and in a barely audible voice, she whispered, "Yes, love."
—
Many hours later, Lilia found herself—much to her protests—returning to her lifestyle as a Queen. King Reyn ordered a full flower-petal-filled bath for her, new beautiful night gowns, dresses, and jewelries.
"Really, Reyn, I do not wish to attract attention to myself." Lilia said, sitting in front of a mirror as a maid brushed through her hair and another attached various jewelries upon her.
"Nonsense. You deserve only the best." King Reyn said from a few meters away, leaning against the wall and looking her over.
Lilia laughed lightly thinking what the guards at the door must think when she walks out—not only does she stay here from morning till dusk, but suddenly looking like this.
"Is there anything else you wish for right now?"
"I… I wish to see Mother."
King Reyn fell silent. "She is not well." Was all he said.
"Precisely why I would like to see her… Honey, why didn't you tell me when Father fell ill?"
Reyn looked away. "I thought you wanted no connection to the castle."
"But… it's not fair Father should pass away without me even knowing!" Her voice dropped a slight. "Was he… angry with me?"
Reyn sighed deeply. "No one could be angry with you, love."
But that made Lilia even sadder, for she knew what a horrible person she had been. It would make things easier if they hated her. "But they should be…" she whispered. "Please, Reyn, I would like to see Mother…"
Reyn wiped his hand across his face as he thought. "Lilia… it's not that I mind you seeing mother—of course I wouldn't… but her state is delicate… please, please, please, if you see her, you must be very careful about what you say to her and what you don't. Any slight mood damage on her behalf could cost her her life… and… oh Lilia, I can't lose her too…"
"Oh my Reyn, I would never do anything to hurt Mother! I love her so very much, and she's been nothing but good to me. I wish to see her for I worry for her, and… I do not wish to have regrets that I never got to see her one last time, as I did for Father."
After a pause, King Reyn stood up straight as he dismissed the maids. "Very well." He said as he stood beside Lilia and offered her his hand.
Lilia accepted his hand with a smile. "Thank you." She said. "Truly, thank you. For everything."
—
There was a gentle knock at the door as King Reyn and Lilia walked into the much too pale room. In the middle of the room, among heavy blankets and fluffy pillows, lay an old woman, weathering away.
King Reyn waved his hand at the servants guarding the old woman, and they curtseyed before leaving, shutting the door behind them.
Lilia swallowed hard seeing the condition of her Mother-in-Law. It was just so hard to believe. Back in the old days Queen Genevieve used to be such a strong, and determined Queen… yet look at her now…
"Mother…" Lilia whispered, walking up to the old woman. "Mother…" she said again. But Queen Genevieve's eyes remained closed.
Lilia sat down on a chair next to the bed as she grasped Queen Genevieve's hand, caressing it gently. Behind her, Reyn stood, staring down at his mother with pain and sorrow. "Mother…" Lilia said once more. "Mother, please look at me… it's me… Lilia…"
At this, the old woman's eyes twitched slightly.
"My ears are deceiving me again…" she whispered, staring straight up at the ceiling, her eyes blank. "I'm hearing that dear child's name again…"
Tear drops slipped out of Lilia's eyes as they dripped onto the back of the former Queen's hand. "No, mother… I'm really back…" she whispered. It is time like now when Lilia especially questioned her decision. Back then she wept over the pain she caused Reyn, but now, she sees that her decision to stay with Jayx affected much more than just him. Her Mother-in-law, for example. What had this good Queen done to deserve such harsh treatments from her? "I'm so sorry, Mother… I've been horrible, and irresponsible, and, and…" Her words were cut off as she sobbed uncontrollably.
King Reyn knelt down beside her quickly as he kissed her on the side of her face. "It wasn't your fault, love…" he whispered over and over again. "It was your right. Your choice."
Slowly, the former Queen turned her head just the slightest, as she stared at Lilia slowly from top to bottom. "Lilia… Lilia…?" she whispered again.
Lilia nodded quickly, wiping at her cheeks. "Yes Mother, it's me, it's me! I am back."
Suddenly, the light returned in the Queen's eyes. "O-Oh, Lilia! Child! It's been too long! My child!"
Lilia quickly leaned down and hugged the old woman tightly against her. "I'm so sorry for all the pain I've caused you…" she whispered achingly.
"Have you… have you decided to come back?"
"I…"
"Mother," King Reyn said quickly, as he grasped his mother's hand. "Mother… she's made her decision… and she's living by it…" he said softly. "You should be worrying about yourself—your health, it's been declining rapidly since… father passed away… Please mother, please be strong for me…"
"Oh, my son…" The Queen smiled through cracked lips as she reached up and touched her son's cheek. "I remember… so many years ago… when you were still a young and irresponsible King… you came to your father and I, and we lectured you harshly, and you made an oath—you swore that you would become the greatest King the land has ever known…" she smiled warmly. "You have kept your oath well, my son. I am proud of you, and indeed, you are the fairest, and kindest, and greatest King this land's ever known."
"But mother, I couldn't have done any of that without you…"
His mother shook her head slightly. "You couldn't have done any of that without Lilia."
Lilia fell silent as she felt Reyn's eyes staring at her. "Yes, you're right, mother." He finally said.
The Queen turned back towards Lilia. "Child… please, will you stay this time?"
"I…" Lilia swallowed. "No, I won't. I will be leaving soon."
Behind her, King Reyn swallowed with difficulty, but he said nothing.
The Queen was silent for a long time, as she stared ahead of her. After a deep, long sigh, she finally said. "Reyn, could you please wait outside? I wish to speak to Lilia alone."
"Yes, Mother." Reyn replied, bowing politely before leaving.
As the door to the room shut softly behind Reyn, Queen Genevieve turned her attention fully to Lilia. "Child… I understand you have your own life to live and you have made decisions for yourself, and that is fair. I respect you for them and I will not now or ever ask you to change them. I know you're a kind, and fair young woman, and I trust your intuitions. You're a strong and powerful figure in our era, and I admire you for it—you're truly that rara avis among women. But please also understand that as a mother, even if I am slightly biased, I can't help but to care for my son more."
Lilia nodded slowly.
"I take it you are aware of… King Reyn Lin II's passing…?" she asked with difficulty.
"Y-Yes."
"Are you aware how hard it's been on Reyn, my son…?"
Lilia shook her head.
"King Reyn Lin II has passed away for nearly 6 months now. And during all these 6 months, Reyn has been deep in depression. So depressed, some days he does not even leave his room, nor eat…"
Lilia swallowed hard.
"Until today… he suddenly comes to visit me, with you… no less. And I know this change in his mood could only have been caused by your presence, Lilia." Queen Genevieve sighed deeply as she shifted her gaze to the beautifully jeweled and carved ceiling. "But times are about to get tougher for him… child, I can feel it… It won't be long now…"
Shaking slightly, Lilia asked, "W-What won't be long…?"
"My days on earth are numbered, I can feel it."
"No! How could you say such a thing? That's not true! It's impos—"
"Lilia, ever since my husband passed away, everyday, I can feel him near me… and I miss him so dearly. He is waiting for me. And I shan't make him wait long… my days on earth are over… and I have no more regrets. All that matters is that I will reunite with my husband. Now that the Kingdom is in good hands, my land is protected and peaceful… I have only two slight worries left, and I hope you will help me fulfill them."
"Anything, mother."
"I worry about Reyn… I am not asking you to leave your new husband… but please, for now… please be here when I pass away… please be here for Reyn, or it'll be much too difficult for him…"
Lilia nodded slowly. Even if the Queen had not requested that, there was no way she'd leave Reyn under such conditions. "I promise, mother." She replied. "I'll make sure he's okay."
Queen Genevieve nodded slowly. "Thank you. My second concern… is that this Kingdom must have an heir."
Lilia gasped. "An h-heir?"
"Yes… an heir…"
"Oh…" Lilia's hand came over her mouth. "B-But I… I cannot!"
Queen Genevieve chuckled lightly. "I figured you'd say as much… to be quite frank I was looking forward to children from you and Reyn… truly, you two would have beautiful kids…" Lilia blushed slightly. "But, seeing the situation, I would guess that to be impossible. Then please, help Reyn find a woman suitable for him once you leave… a woman who loves him, and cares for him, and is fair."
Lilia nodded slowly. She knew it was the right thing to do, but the thought of another woman next to Reyn made her feel… jealous. But who was she to complain? After all, she was the one to leave him first. "I, I promise…"
"Though I wonder how that would go…" the Queen whispered thoughtfully. "This, this competition he is holding… I guess he too realizes that he needs a Queen over this land… but it's been so long… I don't think he would ever be willing to deem another woman Queen after you have been next to him in that position…"
Lilia sighed. "B-But, I-I just… I just can't… things are much more complic—"
"Say no more, child. I will never question your motives. I trust you completely." Lilia nodded gratefully. "But just promise me one thing… if by the time Reyn reaches 30 and still has not produced an heir… promise me you'll have a child with him."
"B-But my Queen, I a-absolutely cannot! Truly, my husband would notice!"
"Lilia, please, for the Kingdom! I cannot have my Kingdom die out at this generation! I will never leave earth peacefully with that in mind! Lilia, consider the grand scheme of things! And this is only if Reyn doesn't find another woman!"
Slowly, but uncertainly, Lilia found herself nodding. "I-I promise…" she said hesitantly.
"Thank you. Truly, thank you, kind child." The Queen sighed with a smile on her face as she closed her eyes.
—
Three days later, she passed away.
—
Queen Genevieve's funeral was held a week later.
Family members and royalties each wept and laid down flowers, leaving quietly and mournfully after the funeral, one by one. The ceremony had begun at the break of dawn, and now, at dusk, King Reyn and Lilia stood there still, hand in hand, grieving silently. It had rained the whole day, but they did not budge.
They both dressed in black, weeping silently in front of the Queen's sleek, silver coffin.
In that moment, the two of them shared a mutual pain no one else in the world could understand. Queen Genevieve was a kind, caring Queen, who had guided both of them through all hardships and problems. When Lilia was only 15, and Reyn 17, they had met for the first time. Despite the harshness of Lilia's parents, Queen Genevieve and King Reyn Lin II treated her with trust and kindness. It was Queen Genevieve who did everything in her power for Lilia and Reyn to become familiar with one another. When they caused troubles in wrong rulings in various crime cases, the Queen never scolded them—instead, she only gave them wisdom. Unlike other mothers, she didn't try controlling them, she allowed them to learn and grow on their own, but was always there when they needed. She was someone they could count on regardless of situation. Someone they could depend on and look up to in tough times. She was their mother, guardian, friend, and angel. And now she was gone.
Lilia felt a deep hollowness within her heart as she stared in disbelief at the casket, within which lies the once lively and energetic Queen.
King Reyn was numb with pain; his tears had long ran dry. First it was his Father, now his Mother. Everyone he could count on… they were gone. Right now, he needed someone there for him, more than ever.
Deep into the night the rain continued to pour mercilessly, as the weather cooled down. Very soon Lilia began to shake from the cold, but she refused to budge from the spot; she refused to let anyone bury Queen Genevieve.
But Reyn noticed her trembling as he held her closer to him. "Let's go, love…" he whispered hoarsely, his eyes dull and lifeless.
"N-No…" Lilia replied miserably, as a fresh round of tears came unwillingly.
A few men were sitting nearby, waiting for the King and her to leave so they could bury the former Queen. "Honey, you'll catch a cold…"
"I… NO! Reyn! How could you? How could you leave now? Don't you understand? They're going to bury her! I'm not going to allow them to do that!" She cried angrily, tears pouring out of her eyes.
King Reyn stared at her for a long time, before he pulled her into a breathtaking hug, crushing her body tightly against his—he did so not only for her, but for himself as well.
Lilia cried freely on his shoulder as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. I promise to obey all your final orders, my Queen… she said silently to herself. So please, be in peace… "It's going to be okay…" King Reyn whispered softly, rocking her gently.
—
Lilia woke the next morning with a high fever. And King Reyn spent the whole day with her, personally feeding her meals and medicine, constantly replacing the towel on her forehead with fresh, iced ones.
The whole time, Lilia could only stare up at him, deeply touched. How she wanted to stay forever like this…
—
The next morning she woke at the crack of dawn, already feeling much better. Sitting on a chair next to the grand bed was King Reyn, fast asleep.
She stared down with a bittersweet smile as she kissed him gently on the cheek. He smiled a little in his sleep, and Lilia pulled a blanket over him.
Grabbing a wind coat, Lilia made her way through the familiar corridors of the castle, as she found her way to the outside of the castle.
There she stood, staring off into the endless distance, as the cold wind blew by, lifting her hair and the hem of dress.
Lilia was surprised when a snowflake fell down upon her nose. She gasped in surprised as she wiped it off, and stared at the droplet on the back of her hand. "Had winter come so soon…?" she whispered to herself. "I had promised Jayx I would return at the end of fall…" Lilia took a deep breath of the fresh, morning air, as she felt herself suffocate from the inside. Anxiety was buried deep within her heart and she couldn't rid of it. She knew she needed to return to Jayx soon, before he becomes suspicious of her location, but the same time, how could she possibly leave King Reyn in this condition? And what about this new Queen she had to pick out for Reyn?
"What's on your mind, love?" Behind her, she felt a pair of powerful arms wrapping gently around her waist, as King Reyn rested his chin on her shoulder. Lilia sighed as she leaned back against him.
"Reyn…"
"Mm-hmm?"
"Reyn… I…"
"Yes…?"
"Reyn… I… I need to leave soon…"
She felt him stiffen. "W-What?"
"I… I promised, promised Jayx, that I would be back at the end of fall… and look, it's already the start of winter…"
She felt his breathing quicken just the slightest. He really hated that man. "Lilia… I can't lose another person dear to me…"
Lilia bit her lips as she swallowed the painful lump at the back of her throat. Slowly, she spun around and cupped his face in her hands. "Reyn… I promise, I will be back, okay? I just need to let Jayx know I'm okay, and I'll come visit you the next chance I get…"
"You can't leave me now, Lilia…" was all he said in response.
Lilia sighed. "All right, 10 more days. I'll stay for 10 more days, and then I shall take my leave."
Reyn looked away. The thought of her leaving scared him. She had left him thrice, and that's thrice too many times, and he was afraid she might never return.
"Reyn, look at me." Lilia said, searching for his eyes. When he finally looked at her, she tried to put as much love and trust into her gaze as she could. "Reyn, I promise you, I will be back. The very first chance, I will be back, very quickly."
"Then… then let me send you an escort with a carriage and horses."
Lilia shook her head lightly. "There is no need, Reyn. Plus, Jayx would only become more suspicious."
Reyn sighed, but agreed. How that man frustrated him.
—
Lilia kept her promised and they spent 10 more days with one another. On the morning of the 11th day, Lilia woke up at the crack of dawn, hoping to leave quickly, without King Reyn's acknowledgements, to prevent trouble.
But inevitably, the moment she left their bed, he was up in an instant, rubbing his eyes, though barely awake. "Lilia?" He mumbled, a slightly confused and dazzled look upon his face.
Lilia sighed as she changed into her commoner's clothing. "It's the 11th day, Reyn…" she said softly.
He rubbed his eyes and attempted to blink sleep away. "Yeah," he replied softly. "The 11th day…"
Walking over slowly, Lilia sat down next to King Reyn on their bed, as she searched for his eyes. "Reyn… I'll be back soon, I promise."
King Reyn nodded slowly. Though of course soon, he knew, meant at least until spring, for the mere time for traveling—especially on foot—would take nearly a third of a full season. "Yeah, you'll be back…" he echoed.
Lilia paused, but she knew she had to say it. "Before I leave, Reyn, could you promise me something?"
"What is it?"
"Please… take care of Mirandin."
He blinked. "You know Mirandin?"
She nodded slowly. "She was my roommate during my stay within this castle before you realized I was here."
"Why do you care so much for her?"
Lilia frowned lightly. "Because, Reyn, she loves you."
At that, King Reyn stiffened slightly. "Does she now." He bit out, his tone changing drastically.
"Reyn… don't speak like that, please. She loves you, and you know it. And I know you're rather fond of her as well, even she told me so—she's the only one you haven't sent home so far."
King Reyn sighed. "Yes, that is true, because she is the most tolerable out of the women…"
"Reyn…" Lilia touched his shoulder gently. "You don't need to lie to me… I understand, you're moving on… it's okay for you to fall in love with another woman…" Despite how convincing her words sounded, Lilia couldn't help the stab of pain within her heart.
But King Reyn stared at her abruptly. "That is not true Lilia, if you think I've fallen in love with some other woman, then you're wrong. If you think I want to fall in love with another woman, you're even more wrong."
"Reyn, you don't have to lie to me. There must've been a reason why you started this competition. It's because you wanted a new Queen, a new wife, a new… love."
"It is true I've started this new competition to search for a wife, but believe me, it is not to find another woman to love. I do so out of duty for my Kingdom—this land needs a Queen. Our people need a Queen to be there for them. I symbolize father of the lands, but there must be a mother. But it's all for looks and show, it means nothing in my heart. You will always be the only woman who means anything to me."
"Is that so?" she retorted, slightly frustrated that even now, he wouldn't just admit the truth.
"Yes, it most certainly is so."
"If what you say is true, then why did you announce to all the lands that my position as the Queen never even existed, huh? Why did you announce to all the lands that Queen Lilia was never real? Had I meant anything to you, you wouldn't've gotten rid of me off so easily, and so degradingly!"
The room suddenly became silent, as King Reyn looked away to the side. "That was not my idea, Lilia. Originally when you left the castle, I had planned to tell the truth the next day—that you've left me and we've both been allowed to marry again. After all, mother had already announced to all the lands that you, Lilia had the power to unbind our marriage whenever you felt suitable; it is a privilege that even I do not have. But with my position as the King, things are never easy. After a long and thorough discussion, by majority vote of advisor, though definitely consisting of camarillas, it was said that had I announced the truth, it would do shame to the Kingdom, and it would be much more difficult to find a new Queen, and the people would lose respect for me. Even mother and father agreed, and you know how fond they are of you. Lilia, please don't drag something like this into our relationship. You of all people should understand, there are certain things one must consider when ruling a Kingdom, and ruling over so many people. The masses don't always want the truth—they just want something they think they can believe in."
With a deep sigh, Lilia looked away. What Reyn said made sense, she had to admit. During her time as the Queen, making important decisions, she knew more than anyone that often, to rule successfully, one mustn't always tell the truth, and do the supposedly 'moralful' thing. After all, what they don't know can't hurt them. It's the way life worked.
Slowly, Lilia stood up as she picked up her bag—packed with small amounts of gold, just sufficient for food and shelter for her trip back home. "Then Mirandin could be your new image, the new Queen for the public. Truly, she is a wonderful girl, and she loves you dearly… she loves you the way you deserve to be loved, Reyn…" She whispered.
King Reyn swallowed as he stared back at her. "But I don't love her… I love y—"
"Then please, for the sake of our people, for her, for me, for you, for this kingdom… learn to love her. She is a suitable Queen."
"But I cannot just—"
"Just at least take good care of her, please, and don't let her feel loneliness." Without turning back around, Lilia walked towards the door. But before leaving, she paused at the doorsteps, whisperings, "And take care of yourself too, Reyn." With that, she left, closing the door behind her softly.
—
But Lilia didn't leave right away. She had one last place to visit.
Mirandin.
The girl was startled as Lilia opened the door.
"Lilia, oh, where have you been?"
Lilia walked towards Mirandin slowly, her bag dropping gradually out of her hands. "Mirandin…"
"Lilia?"
"Mirandin… I should be your greatest enemy…" she said softly, as she embraced the girl in a tight hug.
"Why Lilia, why would you be my enemy?" Mirandin asked softly, surprised at Lilia's gesture.
But Lilia didn't elaborate, she simply said, "I must leave for a while now… I will be back later… but for now, please take care of the King, he is in bad conditions."
Mirandin's eyes widened as she drew back from the hug. "Y-You… were you with the King all these days?"
Lilia said nothing as she turned around to pick up her belongings.
"LILIA? WERE YOU?" Traces of desperation and jealousy were beginning to enter her tone.
"Goodbye Mirandin, I truly wish for your happiness with the King…"
"Lilia? LILIA? LILIA!"
But Lilia had already left the room, shutting the door softly behind her.
—
Lilia traveled back home as quickly as she could, and even then, by the time she finally arrived, it was near the end of winter.
She arrived home in the middle of the night. Quietly, she opened the door to the hut as she fumbled in the dark.
As Lilia changed blindly into her sleeping gown and got ready to sleep in her and Jayx's bed, a voice suddenly rang from behind her. "It's the end of winter."
Lilia gasped as she spun around in surprise. But in the pitch black, she could see nothing. "J-Jayx…?"
There was the flicker of a match, and soon a candle was lit, as it illuminated the speaker's face. It was Jayx. But he did not look pleased. "I've been waiting Lilia, day and night… since the end of autumn, for your return… you swore to me you would for sure be back before then. And so, loyally, I waited, anticipating your return each day, wanting to surprise you like some lovesick fool… and now, a whole season later, you return. Where have you been?"
"Jayx, honey, please. It's late, I've just returned from my travels and I'm tired. I wish to rest. Tomorrow morning I will tell you everything."
"Lilia. Where have you been?"
"Jayx—"
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?"
Lilia jumped at the sudden loudness of his voice. "Jayx! Please! Just wait till tomorrow, is that really too much to ask for? I come back after such a tiring trip and that's all you can say to me?"
"You make me wait for you for all this time and that's all you can say to me?"
Lilia sighed. Her heart was already weighing heavily from the death of King Reyn Lin II, Queen Genevieve, her and Reyn's situations, and of course, Mirandin. She couldn't take this too. Not now. "Jayx, don't do this."
"I'm not doing anything."
"Now can you act like that too?" Frustrated, Lilia blew out his candle light as she felt her way into bed, pulling the blanket over her head. "Now goodnight." She bit out tightly, her heart feeling lonelier than when she had first left.
—
Had Lilia known what would've happened, perhaps she never would've returned home. She had returned in hope of spending time filled with love and adoration with Jayx. Instead, it was turning out to be a cacophony.
Jayx was beginning to grow more and more frustrated as well as frustrating day by day. Lilia suspected it was due to the lack of human contact. She remembered reading somewhere, when she was a young princess, that being isolated, or being alone with a single person for too long could drive even the greatest man to insanity.
But despite what she knew, Lilia didn't know what to do.
Many days passed like this, and it tore Lilia apart, especially when she had to sleep next to him every night.
Inevitably, despite their dispute, the days go by, one by one, till it became the beginning of spring.
Even by then, Lilia and Jayx still simply did their daily portion of work, ate their meals together, and slept together—rarely saying a single word to one another.
But too much time has passed, and Lilia began to worry for Reyn. She had promised to return soon. But she did not want to leave till things were settled between her and Jayx.
More time passes by like this, till spring began to end.
By then, Lilia knew she couldn't wait this out anymore.
At one night, during one of their silent dinners within the small hut, Lilia set down her chopsticks, and cleared her throat. "Jayx… I… I'm leaving tomorrow."
The sound of chopsticks clinking against bowls stopped, as Jayx looked up. "Oh, where to this time, Lilia?"
"Just… another trip, just to explore the lands, visit some relatives."
At her words, his eyes turned cold. "Is that so?"
"Yes, Jayx. But, please understand, I really do not wish to leave under such conditions."
"And what conditions might those be?"
Lilia frowned. He appeared to be mocking her. "Us. Us not speaking to each…" slowly, she covered his hands with hers. "What happened to us? What happened to the time when we believed in everything, anything, as long as we had each other? When all we wanted was to be together, and nothing more. When we loved one another more than life, the sun, and all of God's creations?"
Jayx bore into her eyes. "I don't know, Lilia." He replied stiffly. "Maybe when you started on these 'trips' of yours."
"Oh that is absurd. I've left once and once only. They are not 'trips' of mine."
"Well tomorrow makes the second time. Why don't you tell me where you're actually going, and why you do not allow me to follow?"
"Because, Jayx, I simply need some time alone."
"Oh? Do you grow tire of me?"
"Absolutely not!"
"If you do, you should confront me so we could figure something out—not run to another man."
Lilia's eyes widened as her heart beat rapidly. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."
Jayx leaned in closer to her across the table. "You want us to stop fighting? You want us to return to the way we were? Then I give you one last chance—tell me where you have been going."
In that moment, as Lilia stared into the crazed eyes of the man she used to love above all, she wanted so much to just tell him the truth—'I've been visiting Reyn. Yes, the man who kidnapped me and nearly had you killed. Yes, the man who is the King of our land. But I've only gone to him because his parents have recently passed away and I feel he needs companion. That is all, Jayx, that is all.' But she couldn't. She knew especially in Jayx's currently conditions, the mentioning of the name 'Reyn' would drive him ballistic. And she couldn't have him even angrier at her than he already was. "I've been visiting friends and family." She replied.
Jayx closed his eyes as he let out a breath of air, leaning back in his chair, and withdrawing his hands. "Goodbye, Lilia. I won't be up to see you off tomorrow." Without looking at her, he got up and left for bed.
Holding back her tears, Lilia cleaned up the table as she waited outside for Jayx to fall asleep—she couldn't lie beside him if she knew he was awake. I'm sorry, Jayx… she thought, heartbroken. I lie only to save you… save our relationship… and I would stay till the end of time to mend what's become of us… but right now, Reyn needs me more… please, give me a bit more time… just to sort everything out, of my duties as the Queen… then I will return, and I will promise to never set foot in that castle again.
Lilia closed her eyes, tears slipping out of her eyes.
Sakura could not believe what was happening in the book. Well, it certainly did make her feel a lot better that even a woman as strong as Lilia would feel such moments of loss and confusion and neglect.
"Why is everything falling apart around me…?" she whispered softly. Everywhere around her—herself, her secrets, her favourite fictional character, her friends, the King, the castle—everything is simply falling apart. "Be strong Sakura, be strong…"
There was a firm knocking at the door.
Sakura settled the book down on her bed as she walked over to open the door. Who could it be?
"Lady Sakura." The man bowed politely.
"Yes?"
"I'm Captain Ramsa, and on special requests on behalf of the King I've been asked to inform you on an event you have been requested to attend." He cleared his throat as he unrolled a parchment and began to read. "Kinomoto Sakura, is hereby asked to attend to Trial m.k., k.t. vs His Majesty in a week at noon, in the Grand Hall."
Sakura blinked. A trial? She has only heard of them back in her village. "I'm sorry, but I was not aware that with my position I had the right to attend to such things."
"Well, my Lady," Captain Ramsa replied with a smile. "The King has predicted you would say such, and he told me to inform you, that as the Queen of the kingdom, one must possess the skills to deal with and sentence criminal appropriately. It is an essential skill."
Sakura's hand came over her mouth in shock. As the Queen of the kingdom? "B-But I, I'm not the Queen…" she whispered.
"Be glad of this, Lady Sakura. No other woman has ever been offered such a chance."
Numbly, Sakura nodded as she curtseyed. "Thank you, your Majesty." She said out of tradition.
Ramsa nodded as he rolled up the scroll. "Now, as traditional says, it is asked that you come with me to my studies and stay there till the day of Trial. Of course, you understand that this is to make sure information on this Trial is not leaked out, nor are you able to consult friends on this matter."
Sakura nodded. Like I have anyone to tell this to… she thought sadly. "Of course."
"There is a guestroom by my study, and that is where you spend your nights. In the day you are free to roam your bedroom or my study, and feel free to read any book or past Trial material you feel necessary. Now, if you're ready, shall we leave now?"
Sakura could only nod as she followed Captain Ramsa away. Could the King actual be… seriously about what he said…? Sakura thought, her heart beating furiously, as she remember what he said to her in the garden, right before being attacked by the assassin.
—
"I-I, I'm, I'm n-not!" She stuttered, her cheeks warmed up as she felt his hand against her waist. "A-And besides, haven't you heard? A man and woman shouldn't be too intimate till they're wedded…" She felt ridiculous at her actions, after all, she was a married woman and had experienced all there is to experience… yet somehow he made her feel like a young girl again, experiencing her first love story.
He paused as he looked her over carefully. "Then let's get married." He said.
Sakura had to blink. But quickly pushed away from him and huffed. "Oh, don't say it so simply like that! You can't expect such a quickly promised marriage to mean anything to me." She glared playfully at him as she stormed away. But deep inside, her heart was pounding rapidly. How his simple words touched her.
—
But if he is… what am I to do? I'm already wedded… with a daughter, no less… At that last thought, Sakura wanted to cry.
—
"WHAT?" Eriol exclaimed, spinning around in the shock.
"That's what we were told to tell you, Sir."
"Are you sure one of the criminal's name is Kaho?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Mizuki, Kaho?"
"Yes, Sir."
Eriol rubbed his temples furiously. How could she have been caught? He remembered as clear as daylight the day she escaped. He was the one who assisted them… he also remembered how fond Tomoyo was of her. Truly, she would be mortified if she was to hear of this. Eriol sighed as he stopped pacing momentarily. "You said I am given permission to invite one other to attend to this trial as a juror."
"Yes, Sir."
"All right." Eriol sighed as he walked over and pulled out a brush, a bottle of ink, and a blank scroll from his desk. He scribbled a few perfectly cursived words as he handed the scroll to the soldier. "Deliver this." He was all he said.
"Yes, Sir."
—
Tomoyo opened the door and was surprised to see two guards there.
The first guards stepped forward as he unrolled the first scroll. "Request from King Li, to Lady Meiling."
Meiling came to the door curiously as she curtseyed. "I am her." She replied.
"Raye Meiling, is hereby asked to attend to Trial m.k., k.t. vs His Majesty in a week at noon, in the Grand Hall. From now till the actual time of when the event is taking place, it is asked that you stay at Study A of the second floor, for security purposes. You will have access to all previous related trial records."
Meiling's eyes widened slightly. "Yes, your Majesty." She replied as she curtseyed.
The guard rolled up the scroll and stepped back, as the second guard stepped forwards and unrolled his scroll, and began to read. "Daidouji Tomoyo, is hereby asked to attend to Trial m.k., k.t. vs His Majesty in a week at noon, in the Grand Hall, as a special invite from Advisor Hiiragizawa Eriol. It is asked that you stay at Dorm 5-a of the first floor, for security purposes. You will not have access to any previous trial materials."
Tomoyo stood there, stunned, as she looked over at Meiling, before looking back at the guards. "Yes, Sir, understood." She replied, curtseying.
Meiling and Tomoyo gave each other an uncertain look as they hugged each other, slightly fearfully. "See you in a week, Tomoyo."
"Yeah… I don't really understand what's going on, but take care of yourself, ne Meiling?"
"Always, you too."
"Thank you, I will."
They parted and followed their escort, as they walked away in different directions.
—
Together, simultaneously, though all heading in different directions, Sakura, Tomoyo, and Meiling each took a deep breath as they got ready to prepare for one of the most important events of lives.
—
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Author's Note: Gahh, sometimes the worst part could be trying to figure out where to end it smoothly. I've been trying to end this chapter about 3000 words earlier so I could get on to the next chapter (the Trial, finally), but couldn't really find the right spot… n.n; well there ya go. Love is slowly catching up to Wanted, Sakura and Touya are about to meet, Kaho's destiny is about be decided… Wanted is slowly but surely coming to an end… Oh, and Jayx is really mean to Lilia right now for a reason… :( which you guys will find out later. XD Chapter 23-ish.
I got two more chapters stocked up… and after that gotta continue writing… hopefully will be done writing more before the updates run out… I'm kind liking this more consistent update actually, as opposed to my 1 year / update… -.- though I don't know how am I going to scrape time for it… this is pretty much my last week of semi-free… starting next week, I swear I will not get ANY sleep for TWO WEEK STRAIGHT. My next two weeks is absolutely INSANE… I got like 6 contests, and a huge roller coaster due, not to mention the normal tests and assignments and of course homework… I am DEAD… if anyone interested, my horrible, horrible contest schedule is on my bio… T.T Next contest: S.I.N. and ECOO Regionals! Both on the same day. -.- great.
8216 words.