Aideen's Answer

-Chapter Twenty-Eight-

Aideen took a gulp of air to try and steady her racing heart. What was she going to tell them? Would they want to know everything?
'Yes,' a voice in her head answered the unspoken question. 'They will want to know all, just as you would, were it your daughter.'
Aideen crossed the room and settled herself in her favorite chair, just as she had the day her parents had informed her of her betrothal to the prince. My, that seemed like many years ago.
But how was she going to get through this? The way before her seemed so unclear, when before she had always known exactly where she was headed and what she wanted.
What did she want? Kevin? Her heart positively ached at his abandonment, yet it still pulsed with love for him. Oh, what to do?
For I know the plans I have for you...
The words were so clear to Aideen that she started, sure that someone had spoken them aloud. When she realized that no one had, she took another steadying breath. There was no doubt in her mind about where those words had come from. But when she looked up and found her father preparing himself to speak, she pushed the words away, as she had become quite adept at doing as of late.
Daniel cleared his throat, and looked over at Aideen. The love in his gaze made her throat feel suddenly tight. Had he always looked at her in such a fashion, and she had merely taken it for granted?
"Aideen," Said his deep and familiar voice.
"Yes, Papa," She answered, staring into the fire so as to avoid looking into his face.
"Would you please explain yourself?"
"But, Papa, where are the others? Are we not going to wait for the boys?"
The king and queen exchanged a look that made her gut clench. What had happened? Where were the twins? And Mitchell?
"Are they all right? Has something happened? Have they been hurt?" So agitated was she, that Aideen had half risen from her chair, as if to rush to their aid.
"Mitchell is playing in the kitchen, with Cook no doubt ruining his supper shamelessly. The twins," The King glanced at his wife before continuing, "Have not yet returned from their mission."
"Mission, Father?"
"They are tracking this, Kevin."
The silence that followed this statement was so thick Aideen felt as if she could reach out and touch it. Her heart had begun hammering again. Kevin was on the run, from her own brothers! Yet, she knew she should have expected something like this, there is no way that they would have merely allowed Kevin to escape.
"I-I see," Aideen responded to her father in a quavering voice.
"I must admit, I am a bit surprised at your concern, Aideen," her father said softly.
Aideen gaped at him, "How could you say such a thing? They are my brothers!" She asked in a whisper.
"You chose to leave us, Aideen. Such actions would indicate that you care not what happens to your family."
Aideen could not speak, his words had indeed wounded her greatly. And yet, she had to ask herself, how much more had her actions not wounded them?
Seeing her hesitancy, her father continued, "Mitchell is too young to be involved in all of this, so your mother and I will speak to him tonight. Now, my dear, I believe that it is time for you to explain yourself."
Aideen nodded slowly, dreading what was to come. However, putting it off would make it no easier, and so she began. Her voice was shaking at first, as she told of their first meeting and how he had saved her. She saw her fathers fists turn white as she told of sneaking out to meet Kevin in the forest, but he made no comment. She explained their plans for leaving and all that had happened after they left. She heard her mothers sharp intake of breath as she went over the sleeping arrangements, but did not take her eyes off her father. She ended her long tale with the part where she fainted as Garrett caught up to her.
"And well, you know as well as I do what happened after that," She finished a bit awkwardly.
Her father nodded gravely as she finished, then turned to her mother and quickly explained all that transpired after they had found Aideen. Some of this was new to Aideen as well, she had not even known that her brothers had assisted in tracking her! So she, too, listened intently.
When all had been told and everyone knew the events of the past days, they sat for a few minutes in contemplative silence. Finally, Daniel addressed his daughter once more.
"Aideen, I can not yet say what the consequences for your actions shall be, your mother and I must first discuss it and we will reveal our decision to you at a later date. One thing I am sure if, however is that you will not go anywhere unless accompanied by Enrique or another knight that I have appointed."
Seeing her open her mouth to protest, he held up a hand for silence.
"My mind is made up, Aideen. You need the protection, and as your father, I will see to it that you have it."
"Yes, Papa," Aideen answered quietly.
"Now, Garrett," The King turned to the younger man as he spoke.
Aideen felt her eyebrows rise, what now?
"Garrett, I would like to know if you intend to break the betrothal, in light of recent events. I would like you to know that there would be no hard feelings from us. If that is what you want, you may depart for home a free man, with no ill will between us," Daniel said calmly.
Aideen's heart sped up, here was a chance!
'Say yes, say yes,' She begged him silently.
Garrett turned and locked eyes with Aideen. A rush went through her like nothing she had ever known. He smiled at her gently before turning back to her father.
"My intentions have not changed," He said clearly. "I stand before you, sir, as ready as ever to marry your daughter."

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To benny_fehr7 thanks for your constant support:):):)