Steel Rose

Chapter 80

Ptolemus Pov

I have a son.

What else is there to say about that. The moment that the words left Isabelle's mouth my heart dropped in my stomach. I can't believe I'm actually a father. I have a son somewhere out there. I can't believe that he has been here this entire time. Not just in Monfort, but he has with Isabelle ever since Norta. She was right. We would get so caught up with each other, so taken, that the thought to take the proper steps to prevent a pregnancy never crossed our minds. I recall those restless nights and quiet mornings still.

I itch to see him. He looks so much like you.

Does he have my hair? My eyes? He must. It was a rare occurrence that any Samos child didn't inherit the Samos traits.

I return to my rooms quicker than I had intended. My legs carry me to my bed, where I sink down into the mattress feeling numb. I don't want anything more than to see him. Tomorrow seems too far away. 5:30 seems too late. A part of me, of us, is out there in the world. I lay back on the bed. I feel exhausted. But too excited. Perhaps I should sleep.

"Ptolemus!"

I recognize the voice immediately. I sit up and collect my thoughts. I hadn't even thought about telling Eve about my newly discovered son. Should I tell her? I know that Eve isn't so fond of Isabelle, they haven't had many interactions. And the last few times that Isabelles name has come up in conversation it was tense.

I hear my door open and Eve's voice calling out me again. "Tolly?"

"Here." I answer back standing up. I open my bedroom door and see her standing out in the middle of the room. Elane is lounging on one of the couches, a sly smile on her lips. "Whats the matter?"

Her eyes run over me with a critical glare. "Have you forgotten our meeting with the Premier and his people. It starts in 15 minutes." She gestures to my clothes. "Get dressed."

I feel my shoulders sag and my stomach plummet. I had forgotten. And now, I was in no mood or condition to discuss state matters with the Premier. A single thought ran through my mind. A single pair of people. Too far and yet so close. I find myself increasingly disinterested in what our meeting holds. The meeting that shapes my future here in Monfort. Isabelle's face flashes before my eyes. The image of us together a few nights ago. A memory that could be my future. I imagine my son's face. I ache fills my gut.

I force a dry chuckle. "Seems like I did."

Eve raises her eyebrow at me. "Where have you been these past few days?"

This time my laugh is real. "What do you mean? I've been here. Same as you?"

"I mean in your head," Eve clarifies. "You've been distant."

"I've had plenty to think about."

Eve tilts her head to the side and I know she doesn't believe me. "If this is about Isabelle-"

"And if it is?"

The muscles in her jaw clench. "I sympathize with you brother," Eve starts. "But for now I need you to push her aside. Push these thoughts and feelings aside and focus on what we need to get done right now."

How could he push her aside now? Especially when he had been doing it for so long When he had been causing her to suffer. Their son to suffer. I want to argue with her, but I know its no use in doing so. Instead, I nod once and say, "I'll be out in ten minutes."

True to my word I step out from my room, dressed in the proper attire and feeling no ready than I was ten minutes ago. Eve and Elane still lounge on the couch, but they arise when I step out.