Aideen's Answer

~Chapter Thirty-Five~

  Aideen felt as though her blood had just run cold. She could not think, she could barely feel. Her hand went to her dripping wet cheek.
"He is, have you, I mean," She took a deep breath and began again, "Is he here?"
Jeremy nodded gravely, she could feel all three men watching her closely. Only then did she feel the compassionate eyes of the prince, and turn to him.
"Forgive me, Prince Garrett, we seem to be in the habit of having family reunions in your presence. I do hope that you will understand why I have need to go with my brothers just now. Please excuse my rudeness, and I hope that we can take our walk on another day?"
Garrett nodded and gave her a small smile, "I certainly do understand, my Lady. I am certain that this will be a most difficult time for you, so would you mind if I were to pray for you?"
Aideen lost her breath for a moment, how quickly he had reminded her that God is still in control! And oh, how she needed His strength right now.
"I would like that, Garrett. I would appreciate it very much, thank you."
He bowed his head, nodded to both her brothers, then turned on his heel and was gone.
"Well!"
"Not now, Jayden, please," Aideen said.
He looked at her strangely, but nodded and offered his arm.
She took one arm from each twin and, together, they headed back up to the castle.
"Will you please accompany me to my rooms, and wait as I make myself presentable?" She asked them both. "As we walk, perhaps you would be willing to tell me all that has transpired in the time that you have been gone?"
She noticed the surprised look the twins shared, and found herself flushed with shame. Aideen could see it was from her making requests, rather then demands.
"We would be glad to, Little Sister," Jeremy answered.
"And perhaps, afterwards, you would deign to tell us of the changes that have taken place in the castle in our absence?" Jayden added, with a meaningful look.
"What makes you think that anything has changed, Brother?" Aideen could not resist teasing.
"Well!" He exclaimed in a tone that suggested he had simply been bursting to share this news with someone. "As we were riding in, we saw a young lad who resembled our Mitch, but he must have been a foot taller! Jeremy believes it to be our brother but not I!"
Aideen could not smother a giggle, which, of course, only encouraged him to continue.
"Then, as we came upon the east entrance, low and behold, there were red roses lining the path! Again, Jeremy saw nothing odd, but I am well aware that Mother has only violet roses along the eastern path! Strange things are afoot," He murmured, shaking his head soberly.
Aideen burst into laughter as they entered the castle, and she could not help but think how very wonderful it was, to have them home.

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Regan had tsked at the sight of her hair and gown, but said not a word and quickly put all to rights.
Hair redone and fresh gown in place, Aideen made her way to her sitting room, where her brothers waited patiently, not more than ten minutes later.
"I am impressed, Sister," Jeremy teased gently, "For that took only half as long as usual."
Aideen chuckled, "Yes, well, I had reason to hurry today."
She sat on the sofa, across from the armchairs the twins had occupied. They exchanged a knowing look, and Jeremy nodded. Jayden took a deep breath before plunging into the story.
"After we found you, Father wanted to go himself, but we managed to talk him out of it. It was clear he was needed more here at home, to help you through this. We struck out again that very night, but that-ahem, I mean to say, Kevin."
Aideen smiled slightly, for she had not missed his slip, nor had Jeremy's pointed glower escaped her notice.
"Kevin had managed a head start of at least a few hours and, in his mad escape, he left a trail that only a fool would have missed, but unfortunately we were also in a bit of an agitated state, causing us to make multiple mistakes that cost us valuable time."
'Agitated?' Aideen thought wryly, 'A kind way of saying that you were in a rage, I am sure.'
"We found him soon enough, however, though it took longer than either of us would have liked. Making our way home was delayed by his repeated escape attempts, one of which resulted in the fool breaking his leg. After that happened, it was much faster going," Jayden sat back, but did not relax as he watched her.
"A broken leg?" She breathed, "Boys, surely you would never have..."
"Gracious, no!" Jeremy exclaimed, "The man was not paying attention to the animals as he watched us, he crept upon the horses to make an escape. He must have startled Jayden's mount, for it kicked him and broke his leg."
"I would not say that I am sorry that it happened," Jayden added, "But you should know better then to think that we would do such a thing, Aideen."
Looking at the two of them, she knew that they both spoke the truth. She nodded slowly, ashamed.
"You are correct, forgive me."
"Of course, Sister," Jeremy said immediately, "Do not spare it another thought."
"Now!" Jayden said excitedly, "Now that that business is complete, Aideen, it is high time for you to get to talking."
He jumped up and went to the window, rubbing his hands together.
"Why, what do you mean?" She asked, thoroughly confused by his obvious excitement.
"Dear sister," He said, shaking his head and turning to her. "I am well aware that my own courting techniques may sometimes be rather, unique."
Jeremy snorted at this, but Jayden ignored him.
"But truly," He raised his eyebrows, "The fountain?"
"I thought it looked rather fun," Jeremy put in, causing both siblings to stare at him open mouthed.
Then all three burst into uproarious laughter.