I just want my memories

Why is she so damned strict? A deep sigh passed his lips; eventually the two of them laid down on the bed. His gaze fell on the girl who had her back turned from him. Does she really think he won't do anything? Why does she trust him so much?

It doesn't make sense for her to trust somebody like him. However, if he were to voice those thoughts out loud. She would certainly get angry at him. It seems like one of the things that still hasn't changed is this.

"Say, Rhys? You really won't do anything?" Lyn suddenly speaks up.

"Quit bringing it up," he was honestly very irritated now. But the last thing he needed was Lyn in tears again. So Rhys was holding himself back, like usual. His thoughts broke off when Lyn got closer to him.

"Hey...what are you trying to do?" Rhys said, slightly panicked.

If she continues getting so close to him, he doesn't

"I'm sorry, Rhys," Lyn mumbled, and Rhys instinctively knew what she was talking about.

"I don't need your apologies." Because he doesn't, the last thing he wanted was Lyn apologizing to him. It isn't her fault that things ended up this way.

"No, I wish I could remember…"

"Didn't you say…"

"If I remember, I'd be able to clear away your remaining doubts. Hey Rhys, I do care about you. But, you...told me before that you didn't want to become King."

"Is that why you're refusing me?"

"I'm not sure, but," Lyn trailed off. "The moment you told me that I most likely sealed off a part of my heart to you."

So that's how it is. He supposes that it made sense, but he struggles to accept this explanation.

"Lyn, you can have another husband, right?" Rhys suddenly said.

'We are already married, but that is something she doesn't have to know about just yet.' Lyn shook her head immediately, understanding what he was asking. "Rhys, no, you deserve a proper wife."

"But, I only want you, Lyn," Rhys insisted. He only ever wanted her. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he has only ever wanted her.

"Rhys"

"Think about it," Rhys mumbled against her ear. "I don't care if I'm your second husband. I just want to be with you."

Lyns next suggestion surprised him. She told him it was okay to act intimate.

"Lyn, do you really want to…?" Rhys looked at the girl uncertainly.

"I...I just want my memories." Lyn said nervously.

'Back then, I touched her a lot like a beast with no restraint.' However, it is different now. He wants to treat her more preciously.

Rhys brushed his hands on her cheeks. "I know you're afraid, you're trembling. I'll make this go by quickly."

She's still trying to act tough. It was like that back then too, he supposes that part of her still hasn't changed

"Don't be afraid.." Rhys grabbed hold of her hands, "Sssh.."

"Rhys…."

Rhys continued to lick her legs, and Lyn kept squirming around uncomfortably. Now that he thought about it, she was like this too. It took him a very long time to persuade her. But when he did, she was very uncomfortable.

—

Year 4015

The bed produced sounds of shaking; and the air was tense.

"What's wrong?" Her expressions changed. Does she not want to? For a while now, Lyn had been uncomfortable. But Rhys didn't think much of it. He thought it was only natural for her to be tense.

"Rhys, I...um-" Lyn said nervously.

"Are you scared?" Rhys said knowingly.

"A little.." Lyn admitted.

"You don't have to be," he mumbled. "This isn't your first time. It won't hurt."

"..."

Rhys knew what she wanted to say, 'It is the first time with someone other than Kazuya.' Even now, Kazuya is still in the center of the girl's heart. He should pull away now and tell her to forget it. But, he can't waste this chance.

Before he used to think that as long as he got the chance to touch her, then he would win, but he isn't so sure anymore. Even with her like this, she is still thinking about Kazuya.

"Don't be afraid." Rhys whispered.

_

Present

Rhys doesn't recall how many times he said those words to her. Did she ever stop shaking? His thoughts broke off when Lyn placed a hand on her head. A look of confusion appears on her face.

At that action, he stopped what he was doing. Rhys hugged Lyn tightly. "Are you okay?" Rhys asked.

"I...we...really did something before?" Lyn clarified.

"We did." Rhys admitted. "Rhys, I think I-"

Rhys cuts her off and shakes his head and brings the duvet over her,

"Go to sleep now." He instructed.

"I.."

"Ssh, don't apologize, yeah?"

It isn't her fault; it never was. The one at fault is him. If he never left her, she would never have fallen in love with Kazuya again.

"Rhys, you were a gentleman?" Lyn said, surprised.

Rhys sighed. "Don't remember that part."

Lyn chuckled."Okay. " she hesitantly reached over to caress his cheeks. A content sigh escaped his lips. "Rhys, you really don't have anybody else? It's been so long."

"I tried," Rhys mumbled. "There was a point where I realized that I'd never be able to get you. That I should stop kidding around and move on. You're already married to Kazuya; you're the Queen of the Mist Kingdom. I thought it would be better for me to surrender my feelings."

'Moreover, I erased your feelings for me. I was the one who made that stupid move. So, what right did I have to appear before you again and destroy your relationship with Kazuya?'

He tried, but even when he got into another relationship. He couldn't forget Lyn.