Aideen's Answer

~ Chapter Seven~

"Well, I am not really sure where to begin."

"Try the beginning," Regan suggested softly.

So she did. Aideen began with her first meeting with Kevin, she told of their clandestine meetings since and how they fell in love. She even told of her fear that her parents wishes would come true and that she would be forced to marry the prince.

"And, the other night, I was not merely looking for my book in Fathers office, Regan. Well, I was yes, but in my search, I discovered something I wish I had never laid eyes upon!"

"Which was?"

Aideen gulped at the thought of what she planned to reveal, but stood and went to her dressing table. She opened the drawer and removed that hated letter.

"This," she answered as she turned back to Regan and held the letter aloft.

"What does it say, Aideen?" Regan asked, knowing that it would be better for Aideen to tell her the contents of the letter than for her to read it herself.

"It, it says," Aideens voice broke as she fought tears. "It says that Prince Garrett from Alderia is due to arrive in little more than a fortnight. And," she brought the letter to her face and read. "I am anxiously awaiting the meeting with my bride. I have prayed long and hard about this union and am quite positive that we shall suit. I realize that our chance at a courtship will be incredibly short, but I have no doubt that she will enjoy making Alderia her home. My people rejoiced upon hearing that she shall be their queen."

Aideen placed the letter in its envelope and back in her drawer. She turned back to Regan as a tear slipped down her cheek, then another.

"What am I to do, Regan?" Aideen asked, "I feel so hopeless! The prince is coming! I can no longer pretend that this is not going to happen, it is real. And I am positively terrified. Not to mention, I have yet to tell Kevin any of this! He knows that my father wishes for me to marry Prince Garrett, but not of my engagement. Nor the princes impending arrival! I-I know it is incredibly cowardly of me, but how could I admit this to him? How can I tell him that our love may very well go to waste? That I simply can not foresee a way in which this fairy tale will have a happy ending?" By now her tears were pouring down.

"It seems to me, that you will eventually have to choose, Aideen," Regan answered thoughtfully.

"Choose what?"

"What is more important to you. Love, or family."

"Oh, Regan, I-" Aideen could not finish her sentence, for just then the door burst open, startling both of the rooms occupants greatly.

"Heelllllloooo! I have finally returned! And I-Well! It seems I have interrupted a good time!" Samantha observed as she took in Aideens red tearstained face as well as Regans somber one. "Regan, how are you?"

"Doing well, madam," answered Regan with a smile as she effortlessly slipped back into her role as servant. "If you will excuse me, I have duties to tend to."

"Of course, Regan," answered Aideen.

Samantha waited until Regan had exited the room before rushing to the bed and enveloping her cousin in a long hug.

"Aideen, my dear! You have been keeping things from me! How else would I have no idea as to what troubles you so? Now, we are going to take a walk, get you some fresh air and I shall force you to tell me everything, all right?"

"You are merely hoping to run into Eric again," Aideen hiccupped.

Samantha laughed gaily, a beautiful sound. "Oh Aideen, it would be quite delightful to see your handsome cousin once again, but I plan on giving you the pleasure of my company for quite some time! Eric and I shall have many chances to renew our acquaintance in the upcoming weeks. Today, however, today is entirely for you."