Chapter 522 - Tale of Rain Part 4

Meanwhile back in the Rain Kingdom

A few days had passed since the girl's father had left. Since then she seldom smiled or reacted to anything. Moreover, he looked at the spacious room with a frown on his face. Where on earth did she disappear to again? It is a good thing that father's women are forbidden to go to these parts. Lyn would be easy prey to them.

'I know she misses her father but she keeps causing me to worry.' Rhys felt very frustrated but knew all he could do was search for her.

He quickly exited the room and turned to the guards that were with him. A few maids kneeling on the ground. "Y--your highness we are very sorry but--"

"Please give us another chance. We are already starting to find her, the others are--"

His gaze dimmed and he turned to the guards on his side. "Find those people and behead them on the spot."

"Wait sir-"

"Throw these ones in the dungeon and torture them."

Rhys didn't bother looking at their cowering faces anymore and exited the area. Where could she have gone? Lyn does not know this place very well. He only showed her a few areas. But Rhys knew better than to search those places. Lyn will not go to an area where it would be easy to find her.

"Hassan."

"Yes sir?"

"Do we have any abandoned rooms in this wing?"

"Yes sir we do in the east."

...…

The east wing was a rather gorgeous place but the further he walked, Rhys realized how quickly his surroundings turned dark. So it seems like this is where father places all the women who he is tired of. After walking for a few minutes and passing by so many rooms he arrived at the one in the furthest end. He slowly opened the door only to see darkness.

The other soldiers offered to bring a candle but he told them to wait at the door. Despite the darkness, Rhys could clearly see. An old bed in the center covered in cobwebs, several brooms, and a shelf tilted sideways. 

There was a small prison-like window with broken glass. Right below the window was a girl with long black hair curled in a ball shape. 

Hassen must have seen her too since he stepped forward but Rhys shook his head. He walked over to her and scooped up the girl in his arms. 'She is so light, she needs more food.'

He quickly stepped out of the room and soon the girl stirred in his arms

"Rhys?"

"Again, I told you not to run off." He debated between lecturing her or a light warning. But when she called his name out like that he decided on the warning. "Why do you keep going to places like that?"

"Why do you treat me so well Rhys? Aren't you a Prince?"

Instead of answering his question, Lyn asked him something else. It seems like this girl doesn't trust him just yet. 

He is unclear about her identity but he can confirm that she is a noble. 

"Why cant I?" Rhys couldn't answer her question so he gave her one instead.

This lead to the girl tilting her head puzzled. She looks cute when she is thinking. He squeezed their hands together. "I bought those books and games you wanted."

"Ah." Her face lit up. There was no trace of that clouded look in her eyes. "Was it okay?"

"Of course I am a Prince."

Actually, it was harder than he thought to get things from the commoners into the palace. Rhys had no idea they would be so strict about it. The inspection for the items took him longer than he thought. 

It did not take them long before he reached his room. Rhys made sure to take several shortcuts which according to Lyn were far too dangerous. If he told her he did it deliberately so she could cling to him he wondered how she would react. 

The moment he arrived though he noticed that the doors were open. Could it be-- Rhys took a step forward, Lyn was still in his arms but realizing there were guests she pulled away.

"P--put me down."

He reluctantly let her go and looked at the intruders. Only one group of people would intrude like this. When Rhys opened the other door he turned and saw two people. "Third brother and first brother."

His third brother Isaki and first brother Tetsuki heir to the throne, the current crown Prince. 

"Rhys! You have to talk to this stone-faced man he hasn't slept all night and still insists on working more." Isaki looked very troubled.

Tetsuki deeply sighed. "Do not cause a fuss, it is childs play for me to pull several all nighters."

"Childs play? Dont you remember that you collapsed last time."

Rhys quickly interjected. "First brother, when did you get back."

"Just the previous afternoon. Apologies I had to attend meetings."

"Not at all--" Rhys felt Lyn tug on his clothing. 

Tetsuki glanced over. "This girl?" He seemed very surprised.

"Lyn, it's okay." Rhys noticed that her hands seemed to tremble a little. Now that he thought about it during her stay here she has only spoken to him and third brother. She is wary and cautious towards everybody else, especially the servants.

"The Second Princess?" Tetsuki suddenly said.

Huh? Princess--? Rhys looked at Lyn to confirm and the girl stopped hiding behind him. She curtseyed.

"Um, it is a pleasure to meet you Prince Tetsuki?"

Tetsuki nodded. "Correct. I see so you came here."

"Yes, um thank you for all the gifts."

"Your welcome. I am glad you liked them."

Rhys looked at his brother and then Lyn confused. It seems like this is their first time meeting but they seem to be aware of each other's existence. He suddenly felt irritated. Why does she know about his brothers and not him? 

Tetsuki suddenly stood up. "It seems we are disturbing. I have a lot of work to attend to so excuse me for leaving so early Princess."

"N--not at all, thank you again."

Once his two brothers exited the room he tugged on Lyns hand. "A Princess?"

"I suppose." Lyn said vaguely.

But those clothes she came in and her appearance plus her behaviour. It is not like she lacks elegance but her manners seem off at times. Rhys didn't care for such things but some of the servants have pointed it out. Her circ.u.mstances are beyond unusual.

"Rhys." Lyn called dout. "Im cold."

At that comment he picked her up and placed her down on the bed. He tucked the covers on her. "Sleep?"

"Unn I am sleepy..but.."

"The games wont go anywhere, you should rest."

Even though it looked like she was sleeping in that place. Rhys knew it was uncomfortable in that place. 

"Rhys you and your brothers get along."

"Hmm? Isn't it normal?"

A pained look flashed through her eyes and Rhys immediately regretted his words. Right now that he thought about it, since she came there has been no word from her siblings or even her mother. Her relationship with her family must be very strange.

Rhys placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Im here."

"Un okay, goodnight."