Aideen's Answer

-Chapter Twenty-Four-

Aideen was quite miserable.
They were supposed to arrive at the home of Kevin's family today. She was going to meet his siblings and dine with his parents. He was going to show her the house he had grown up in. Then, tomorrow, they were supposed to be wed in the town nearby.
She blinked back the tears. How could this have happened? Her world, her dreams were crashing down around her.
And Kevin was not even by her side to help her through it all.
How could he have left? Obviously, their secret was out. Her father knew about Kevin and their relationship, as he had read her letter. So what reason could he have had? Was he afraid? Had he left her behind rather than face the consequences of their failed elopement? Had he decided she was not worth fighting for?
She hung her head, thankful that Ginger knew the way home so that she merely had to hold on to the reins. Aideen knew that what awaited her at home was no picnic. Her mother would be heartbroken and her father... She glanced over to where he rode, at the head of their group. The firm set of his broad shoulders told her nothing.
Perhaps he was angry? The man was so hard to read! Like last night, he had seemed so concerned, yet upset, yet relieved to have her back.
But then, perhaps he was not difficult to read at all. Maybe that was exactly how he felt at the time. Concerned for her welfare, upset that she had run, and relieved to have his little girl back.
'Oh, my,' Aideen thought. 'If my stoic father is indeed feeling all of that, what must Mother be feeling? And Samantha?'
She looked at the skyline ahead of them and saw the familiar towers of their castle.
Home.
The sight made her want to weep. Out of relief or sadness, she was not completely sure.
'Oh, Samantha, will you forgive me for this?' She wondered. 'Would you forgive me if he comes back and I try again?'
But would Kevin come back at all? After all, he had simply left her when she needed him. But perhaps he was only fearful? This she could understand, for she was quite fearful at this moment as well.
But she was here! Facing the consequences for their actions instead of running like a dog with his tail between his legs.
She had to chuckle at the image that brought to her mind. Kevin might make a rather handsome dog.
Her laughter caused Prince Garrett to look at her abruptly. Which brought an end to her laughter.
Prince Garrett had obviously arrived.
"Oh, joy," Aideen muttered. "How am I going to handle this yet too? Everything was already difficult enough, without adding an extra trouble into the mess."
Garrett sent her a hesitant smile, which she could not help but return.
He was rather handsome, she supposed. Though definitely not the type of man that she preferred! Oh no, she would not choose someone so very dark. It made him look brooding, almost dangerous. She preferred a lighter type, like Kevin. With his blonde hair and green eyes, he was just about perfect, in her opinion.
'But a perfect man would be beside you right now, would he not? You would face this together,' A nasty voice in her head whispered.
She quickly pushed the unfaithful thought away.
'Kevin will come for me,' She decided firmly. 'And he needs me to be strong until he arrives.'
She heard shouts up ahead and looked up, her heart sinking.
'Besides, there is no more time to dwell on this, not now,' She told herself.
Garrett looked at her with a small smile.
"We have arrived, Princess Aideen," He said softly. "Welcome home."
She nodded her thanks stiffly, and tried to prepare herself for the storm that was surely coming.
'And what a storm it shall be,' Aideen thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hey everyone!!! I'm really sorry for the short chapter, I've been experiencing major league writers block lately. This chapter was insanely hard to write!!! But hopefully the next one will be better. Y'all have a great week!!!
Much Love,
Susie:)