Chapter 535 - Truth mixed with lies

Meanwhile at the edge of town.

Orthez examined the ruins carefully and sighed. This is going to be a tricky situation. She thought so before but now it is clear to her. It seems she will have to put that plan into motion soon. There is no longer anytime to spare. Andrew should be able to handle things here until Lyn is ready. Even if Lethia gets in the way, Andrew will not let her do much damage. At the very least there will be a joined leadership.

But it's no good having the children fight like this. Is there any way to fix their relationship?

A deep sigh crossed her lips as she stepped back from the ruins. She turned to the left side of the tunnel and walked down the passageway. There seemed to be more markings on the wall since the last time. Eventually, she arrived at a large open area with a huge lake, in the center was a huge statue of two dragons. 

Noticing the crack in the center though Orthez frowned. It seems like it was a good thing she came here. 

"You came?" Orthez isn't surprised to see her husband.

Daichi chuckled. "It's no fun now that your senses are sharper."

Orthez sighed. "I've known you for long enough."

"Then can you tell me what I am thinking?" In the next second, she brought her blade out and her sword clashed with her husband.

"Orthez." Daichi said gently. "I need you to escape with me."

"I can't."

"It is my duty to keep you safe."

A frustrated look appeared on her face when she heard those words.

"Enough." A familiar voice said. Orthez glanced over and spotted a man with long blue hair.

"Are you two going to squabble during this time?"

Daichi lowered his blade and chuckled. "Well, I wasn't serious. If I wanted to take Orthez away I would have done it a long time ago. Besides I think she keeps forgetting that I am stronger than her."

Orthez frowned at his words and was about to say something when he pinched her cheeks. "That was a little test for you. You seem undecisive lately. But don't forget what you went through."

So that's why he did that?

"I haven't forgotten."

Daichi smiled gently. "That's good."

Prince Ralph was anything but happy as he coughed again. "You two." He looked very troubled. "Don't do such troublesome things. I wonder how my father dealt with this."

"He used to let us go." Daichi and she said at the same time.

"Is that so? I remember him yelling a lot."

"Is there a reason why you came here?" Orthez thought he was occupied with other work.

"I am here to report about your daughter."

"Which one?"

"Princess Lethia seems to be getting out of hand. As her mother, I think it's high time you gave her a little warning."

Orthez sighed at that comment. "You do realize that I have no control whatsoever of any of my children?"

"That's because your communicating skills are terrible Queen."

Daichi laughed. "I can't disagree there."

"After he passed away I've been awfully busy. The last thing on my mind was to pamper and cater to any of them."

'I made sure I was busy.' Orthez silently thought. If she didn't then the situation would end up thinking of him. She would end up thinking of the moment he died in her hands. The blood from that day, even now she could clearly smell it.

"Orthez," Daichi spoke gently. "You don't have to do everything alone."

"Hah, it's a bit too late for that."

It's far too late. None of those kids actually need her. 'Not even Lyn.' Despite receiving such terrible treatment Lyn still became so strong. That child did not need her support at all. 

"Regarding your other daughter." Ralph trailed off. "I think it's time you talk to her about why you locked her up in the first place. My Queen, there isn't much time left. If you don't tell her and somebody else does…"

"Somebody as in that young man who she made a deal with?"

"....you're aware of her situation more than anybody. Yet I do not understand why you--"

"Even now, I think he is still more important to me," Orthez muttered.

The death of her first husband was far too cruel. The more she thought of it, the bitter she became. After he died it felt like her world had stopped. 

Ralph looked very frustrated. "I genuinely don't understand. You should tell Lyn the truth. You should tell her who her father actually is."

Tell her huh? 

She felt a pair of familiar arms wrap around her waist. "Ralph, you can go."

The man sighed but gave a small nod. "Do not stay out here too late, both of you."

With those words said he swiftly disappeared behind the rocks. Orthez tried to push Daichi away but he didn't let her go. "I'm sorry." She mumbled. "The reason we don't have any actual children is because…"

"Ssh, you don't have to explain yourself Orthez." Daichi trailed off. "I don't mind you know? Lyn is a sweet child. She is the opposite of him so it's not like it was obvious."

The secret she kept for so long. She wondered if one day Lyn would find out. The closer she gets to see more of this world. The more exposed to people -- she will soon find out. Orthez knew that eventually, somebody would point it out. Lyn looks a lot like him. 

Personality-wise Lyn is different. When the girl grew up, she didn't look that much like him. But Orthez didn't want to risk it. The reason why she locked the child away had nothing to do with her mark. She didn't care what others thought about that. The real reason was. "I still can't destroy all his enemies. So many years have passed but.."

She didn't want to risk the child. If they knew that Lyn was the legitimate heir to the throne they would kill her. Andrew was born first yes, and Lethia next. But Lethia does not count. In terms of Mist Kingdom laws, in the end, the children of the first King are still the legitimate heirs to the throne. Andrew and Lyn share the same father.

How could she possibly tell the girl that she locked her away because of fear? Those people would not kill a boy but a young girl? Orthez shuddered when she recalled the bodies of the servants who served her. 'That innocent servant girl who got dragged into things…' 

She saw with her own hands how brutal they were. It would be difficult to-- her thoughts broke off when she saw Daichi's expression.

"Will you tell her one day?" Orthez asked.

Daichi nodded. "One day, when I see her on that throne."

Orthez laughed. "You're biased after all."