Fleeting Hope

Chapter 11

Raven's POV:

Damian was taking a while in the shower and for the first time it hit me. Being blinded by our daughter's kidnapping, I didn't see how much visiting his mother would torment him.

Damian was my life (so was Emma). And he was suffering from mixed emotions.

His mother might have abandoned him for reasons we don't know or understand, but it is only right for him to be both angry and curious. The woman who was supposed to love and protect him his whole life is a mystery.

Damian is hurting.

I cradle Emma close to my breast, pained at the thought of my own child hating me. But Damian had every right to his emotions.

I sat at the foot of the bed, waiting for Damian to finish getting ready.

"Beloved," Damian called as the door opened. "How about we take a walk?"

"A walk?" I was confused. We were in a new place, with no way to navigate right from left. Walking right now didn't seem like a safe option.

"Yes," he nods. "We find a stroller and take Emma to get some fresh air. According to the records, the grounds are large and full of gardens and walking paths."

"Shouldn't we just stay put?" I shake my head and stand, holding Emma closer. "Wouldn't it be safer?"

"But this way we can plan our escape if things take a turn," he whispers in my ear, making my stomach drop.

"Okay," I nod because he has a point.

"Everything will be alright," he assured me, probably seeing the panic I wasn't hiding.

"Let me find a stroller," I nod, not believing him. How can he say it will be okay. Our daughter was kidnapped right in front of us. Do we even stand a chance.

"Would you like me to hold Emma?" Damian followed me into the nursery.

"No," I was quick to hold her closer to my chest.

"Raven," Damian cupped my face. "Beloved, what is the matter?"

"I can loose her again," I shake my head and tears stream down my face.

"We won't," he tries to ease my worries.

"Damian," I turn to him. "We hardly have an idea what people are doing around us anymore. We are puppets in their game. I just can't live like this. Why must I look over my shoulder constantly?"

"Beloved," he wrapped his arms around my waist and gently brought be into a hug (Emma between us). "I am so sorry you feel this way. I know the shock of Emma is going to change the way you think, but when you are around me. You are safe."

"I can't help but worry," I lean my head onto his chest. "And you shouldn't be comforting me. I wanted to comfort you."

"Comfort me?" He brought my head to look at him.

"You don't like your mother. Seeing her again had put you on edge. I should be the one holding you." I tried to explain through the sobs.

"Next time," he assured me. "Next time you can hold me as I cry. For now, I hate seeing my wife sad. Please, let's go on a walk. Getting some fresh air can help."

"Alright," I nod.