Lyne ordered the carriage to stop right at the bridge that was being repaired by laborers. It's been weeks since they started but from the look of things, it didn't look like they could finish it soon. So much for building, a much stronger bridge with gates. 

She climbed down and the cold evening wind hit her in the face. Lyne shuddered. The weather looked like it will soon rain and it's normal since they were in November. The torrential downpours that had hit Vampire City over the last few weeks had caused the progress of the bridge construction to be slow. At least today, it was going to rain towards the end of the day, when the workers can be back in their shelters. 

And then she spotted her husband at the end of the bridge, giving orders to a man who had on a helmet and his jacket was covered in sand and it was evident he was the supervisor. He wore a black shirt, with the top slightly unbuttoned and he had his two hands dug in his pockets. He looked tall and manly with his hair brushed to the side and if she wasn't married to him, she would have thought getting this man's heart would be hard as he would be the dream man of every woman. 

However, since the construction started, Zeidan barely had time for her. He would simply come back into the room very late at night to bid her goodnight and he's off again. She could remember what she had told him one night.

He walked in one night when it was almost midnight, and she could feel his lips planted on her forehead.

"Goodnight, love." 

He turned to go but she stopped him.

"Why are you doing this?"

Zeidan glanced over his shoulders at her and she sat up, the sheets falling from her body.

"Why are you doing this to yourself?"

"I thought you were asleep." He came back and sat on the edge of the bed, closer to her.

"You never get to rest, Zeidan. When will you have time for me or the baby or yourself, even?" 

"Don't worry about me. I'm doing everything so that you can be safe with our child."

He pointed out.

"No." Lyne negated.

"I told you already, this fight involves the both of us and I'm ready to fight it until we win. No one is going to take responsibility alone. But you going about, neglecting me is not gonna solve anything."

"Lyne." He called, pressing a strong hand on her cheek. "I would never neglect you. As I said, this is for you. I'm sorry if you think I am ignoring you. But with the completion of the bridge, Shelbrooke will have a hard time crossing over. Talk more of getting the Onyx."

"You forget his boys can teleport?"

"If it was that easy to get the Onyx. If transporting to the room was all it takes, the Onyx would have been the Werecats' a long time ago. They only need the host to be killed."

Lyne frowned. "I see."

But then something else dropped in her mind. 

"What would the Onyx do to them if you did not die but they try to take it forcefully?"

Zeidan huffed. "They shouldn't dare."

"What?"

He leaned in, their faces inches apart. She could feel his warm breath on her face and his eyes were intoxicating as she stared into them. 

"They. Just. Shouldn't. Dare." He picked his words one after the other and straightened when he was done.

"You should get some sleep, Lyne. Tomorrow is a busy day. And the days that follow."

"What am I going to do?" She asked curiously.

"You have to sign some paperwork. It will help."

"In what?"

Instead of answering, he dropped a kiss on the corner of her lips and went out. What did he mean by that?

Lyne was jolted from her thoughts by a touch on her shoulder from behind. She jumped.

"Careful, Princess." It was Effinton.

"Thank you. You startled me, so..."

"I'm sorry, your Highness." He apologized with a small bow and a smile on his face. The smile faded as he looked at her with a studied face.

"You shouldn't be here, Princess Lyne."

"Why? I'm just here to check on the bridge and the King. I'll leave soon."

"No." Effinton frowned at her. "This place isn't good for you. Especially in your condition."

He pointed at her growing belly which she patted gently.

"I know. But the King won't give himself a good rest and I'm worried about him. He's being too hard on himself."

She glanced at him. He was now facing the laborers and watching them work, with a serious expression. She felt sorry for him. 

"When did he become King?" She asked.

"Twenty." He replied, his gaze following hers and finally landing on Zeidan. "I understand what you're thinking but that's the burden placed on leaders. Especially for positions that are hereditary like this one. You can't run from it but you have to do it. No matter how old you are."

"He was never allowed to enjoy childhood. But, he's not alone now, is he? I'm with him."

"When people run from their duties, we blame them, forgetting that we can't understand how they feel because we're not in their shoes."

"Well," she chuckled. "I never wanted to run from mine. It just ran from me."

There was silence for a while before Effinton sighed resignedly.

"I should leave now, Princess." He stepped in front of her, bowed, and turned to leave. He however took only a few steps before turning back.

"Talking about this construction. Something came to mind."

"Shoot." She prompted.

"I just don't know how the King would take it. But if the King hadn't told you before, we are running low on iron and bricks to construct the bridge. Every other resource keeps running low and we won't be able to finish even in two years if we go on like this." He spread a hand towards the poorly progressing construction.

Lyne looked at the bridge and she nodded in affirmation. "You don't have to say more. I...I understand. But there must be other ways to protect Vampire City from further attacks."

"We have two options. To go out to the forest right outside Vampire City to get the materials. And we know how dangerous that is."

"Sure. Any other option?"

"The Onyx."

The word was like a rock being thrown at her chest. It made her blood pump at a faster rate. 

"Wouldn't that annoy Zeidan?"

"Exactly my point. The King has had quite a history concerning the stone and may not want to agree. But I know you alone can talk to him. He seems to listen to you and do whatever you say."

Lyne smiled at his last words. Was that true? She looked at Zeidan who ran a hand through his hair, looking tired. Maybe.

"I guess so." She muttered. "I'll try."

"Really?"

"Really." She nodded and her heart melted at how happy the old man before her looked that it reminded her of Wikh. 

Wikh.

Her countenance changed and when she looked at the sun setting just right behind where Zeidan stood, she whispered.

"Where are you, Wikh?"