I'm Home.

After revealing their feelings, sleeping that night was quite awkward. Both of them didn't know what to do. It was strangely more natural before.

Amidst the silence, Lily suddenly thought of something and turned to Chen.

"Chen?" She voiced softly.

"Un?"

"I think I should surprise Anne soon!" She smiled. "Can you take me to her in a few days?"

"Anything for you." He replied with his eyes closed.

Lily stiffened.

Chen opened his eyes and turned to her direction.

Seeing her expression, he lightly laughed and patted her arm. "Go to sleep. It's late."

She turned around with her back facing him. "I know!"

"Goodnight, Lily." Chen smiled at her back and closed his eyes.

Up until now, he had mainly worked day and night without rest. Insomnia allowed him to sleep three to four hours a day.

Her presence brought relaxation in his heart. Sleep automatically came over. It was the best sleep he ever had in years.

The next morning when they woke up, they realized that they were sticking to each other again. Chen's arm was under Lily' head, and her legs wrapped around him like an octopus.

"..."

She knew it was her who most likely go them to this position. After all, Chen had always given her practically the entire bed except for the edge.

It was extremely awkward. More awkward than yesterday.

Lily suddenly heard Chen's chest vibrating and lifted her head.

He let out a chuckle. "This is quite fast, don't you think?"

"Y-you're right." Lily sat up, but Chen tightly gripped her in place in his arms.

"It's fine if it is." He didn't mind. He was planning to lead anyway.

Lily was always brazen, but when it mattered the most, she was always so shy. It's cute.

Chen hugged her tightly and closed his eyes. "It's still a little early before I have to go." His voice was a little rough from the early morning. A very milky deep voice.

Her heart faltered.

Lily awkwardly shifted into a more comfortable position and stiffly hugged him. Her cheeks were burning, and so she hid her expression in his chest.

'Is he showing his true self now? This man! Did he set up a trap!?'

They lazed around in bed for a while more.

Chen was reluctant to leave, but he had to go right after breakfast.

It was the final day of the festival, and it had to be done correctly to the end. He had his trusted guards help Lily put their things onto the carriage and leave for his home first. It would be hectic on festival grounds. He didn't want her to be stressed with a bunch of people stampeding.

______________

When the time came, the royals and nobles appeared to do their duties. After the closing speech from both countries, Chen escorted the king and Anne.

"How was it, your grace?" Chen asked in a professional tone.

The king raised his brows. "You're awfully thrilled. Did our miserable state satisfy you?"

After spending a long time with each other, he understood Chen. He was oddly in a good mood when right now should be a stressful day. Right now, Chen should've started the day with a lecture.

"You can tell?" Chen replied, sarcastically.

The king laughed. "You!"

Chen quickly became serious and said, "Some rats happened to appear. We need to discuss this soon."

"Very well. We'll talk right away when we get back."

Chen finally turned to looked at Anne. "And you, Your Highness?"

Anne looked at him, rigidly. "I'm fine."

Hearing both of their answers, he did not press any further.

'Ah- I want to go back to her already.' was his thought constantly throughout the day.

This was the first time he felt that work dragged him down a little, but he had to focused again.

________________________

Lily, on the other hand, was staring off at the clouds in the carriage. Her lips curved up unconsciously.

She couldn't believe yesterday was all real. The words 'I like you' and their first kiss constantly replayed in her mind.

She squealed to herself with both of her hands cupping her face.

Happiness; however, was shortlived.

In the back of her head, she knew there were things that were still unsettled to be rejoicing now. She now only had a week left. Lily had planned to go a little earlier, but this development was unexpected.

'What do I do.'

———-

At the castle, Chen closed the door and ordered to have no one near the door. He turned around and waited for permission.

"So, What is it?" The king asked, walking towards the window.

Chen kneeled towards his back and said. " I encountered one of the spies of that wretched country. I got rid of him, but there was originally three total."

The king listened intently.

Seeing that he had permission to continue, Chen said sternly, "It seems we might have some 'other eyes' during this festival. They were trying to gather information. I would assume our current state and topography, but I feel like there might be more." This was too simple. They are a country that has been claiming surrounding land after all.

"Hmmm. It seems that we have to prepare for war at any given time as well as dig up those traitors." With a dangerous aura, the king looked at Chen. "Quietly."

He understood what that look meant, "As you wish your highness."

———————

Closing the door gracefully behind him, he quickly walked in the hallway towards the entrance of the palace.

Turning on the corner, he bumped into Anne and quickly bowed to her. "I'm sorry your grace, I'm in a hurry."

She gave him a sad smile and asked. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"...home," Chen replied awkwardly. He couldn't say that someone was waiting for him because his flower wanted to surprise Anne.

"Home?" Anne scrunched her brows. Why is he in a hurry to go home?

"Yes, home," Chen said coldly. "Now if you would excuse me."

"W-wait!" Anne stopped him. "Won't you join me for tea? You've been acting so distant."

Chen's hand twitched.

He slowly removed her hand and turned to look at her.

"Your highness, we cannot be too friendly. What would people say when they see us? An affair? Did the Queen seduce sir Chen? Was it the other way around? Please do keep in mind you are a royal now, Your highness."

And he doesn't want strange rumors to come floating into Lily's ears. Though Lily probably won't believe it, he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. It would also leave a bad taste in his mouth.

"I-I" Anne gripped her hand on her side.

Chen bowed again, "Have a wonderful day, your highness, may the gods be in your favor."

Anne stood there and looked at his receding back. Her eyes were full of sadness these days.

She felt tired.

She murmured quietly. 'I thought you loved me.'

Usually, Chen would walk home instead of taking a form of transportation. This time he asked for a horse and quickly left for home.

When he opened the door, he could smell a delicious scent filled his home. The lights were brightly lit on. It was the first time he felt his home had some life in it.

Something suddenly came up to his mind.

It was something he always wanted to do, but it required another person.

He curved his lips into a huge smile.

Chen already knew what kind of reply she would say and it warm his heart even more.

"I'm home."