Fleeting Hope

Chapter 12

Raven's POV:

Damian found a stroller in the bedroom closet, to which he checked thoroughly before placing Emma inside. I started to push, careful to go slow and stay so she can get some sleep.

We were outside without much trouble, and no one stopped us or guarded the doors. Everyone just watched with their eyes, keeping track of us.

I felt uneasy having so much unwanted attention, but Damian held my hand as we walked, assuring me everything was going to be alright.

He showed us down the paths and pointed out the different species of plants and their medical properties. He seemed to know a lot for just "reading in some old book once".

"And that one is a bug eater," he points to a ugly looking plant. "Keeping's bugs from your other plants."

"Fascinating," I rolled my eyes. "Can we please stop talking about plants? I don't really care for their medical properties or fun facts."

"Sorry," he blushes.

"I didn't know you were such a plant person. With your knowledge you could be a farmer or a herbiest." I didn't want him to feel I didn't like talking with him about plants.

"But sadly we have other purposes," he kissed my head. "How about we talk about Emma's room? What color it should be and all that."

"We just had it done though," I didn't understand why he wanted to change the nursery so suddenly . 

"Well that's her room in the castle," he smirked. "Before all this craziness, I had a surprise for you. I built us a small castle by the lake. A place just for us. I hadn't decided the nursery colors for there yet."

"You didn't," I stopped and turned to him in excitement.

"I wanted to give it to you sooner, but I wanted it move in ready. It was that night but I wanted to wait. It was my mistake. Maybe then we would have been at the new castle and Emma never would have been taken."

"Don't think like that," I grab his hand.

"You are right," he kisses my tenderly. "Where would I be without you."

"Let's never find out," I smiled and turned back to Emma. "Come on baby, let's let dad tell us more about plants."

****four hours later****

We have been walking for long enough that my feet ache. Damian offers to push the stroller, but at this point, it's the only thing keeping me on my feet.

"Damian," I stop walking completely. "Please. Let's stop."

"What's the matter?" He turns with concern.

"My feet are about to fall off, that's what," I snap before sitting down on the nearest rock. "You weren't lying when you said this place was big."

"I am sorry beloved," he kisses my forehead. "I didn't even notice how much pain you were in."

"Just give me a few minutes to rest," I didn't want him to feel guilty.

"There you are," a cheerful voice bursts our bubble. "Damian, they said you left four hours ago. Your wife just had a baby not to long ago and having a baby outside for this long could be dangerous."

She went to pick up the baby but I shoved her back and picked up my child to protect Emma.

"I am sorry, Raven," she gave me an apologetic look.

"Mother, what are you doing here," Damian stepped between us, knowing I was about to kill his mother for trying to touch my baby.

"I can to see if you wanted to have some lunch with an old woman," she gave a pity smile.

"We are fine," Damian refuses.

"Damian," I was tired and food sounded wonderful. So good that I didn't care whose company I was in.

Damian looked down at me, confused until he saw me lick my lips out of hunger. He sighed and turned back to his mother. "Fine."