He had run.
His very blood predicated that he would not return, either. His mother had run. To his knowledge, she was still running. She had never been a parent to him, other than giving him life, and he had very much done the same with his own offspring. That he was considering changing his ways this late in life—after all he’s done—well that was not to be thought of. He refused.
Upon the beach, flopping about as a fish, gasping for air, he had left Marlyn in his cave, looking beyond him, hoping for… something. Something that was not his to give. Something he no longer had possession of…
Because unwittingly, he had given it all to her.
And in his fear, he had run like hell.
And in his wake he had left a gift. One night in the peace of their limestone cave, he had left a part of himself that would stay with her. He knew by now she must be aware that she was to give life to their child, whatever he may be. Ashley could not fathom the depth of his failure that he had dropped the ball on her.
But dammit if he couldn’t get her from his mind.
She plagued him as she always had—those soulful, trusting eyes that looked to him as if he held the world in his metaphorical hands. He was nothing more than the warrior who held a sword and watched over the kingdoms. Ischia was his home, his lifeblood. He had never meant to steal a queen from her throne.
His was a story not to be repeated, and yet he had done just that very thing.
He takes a chance, stepping out of the trees and into the sun, hoping above all hope that he would not find her here. However, there was business he had that would take him to the mainland.
God help him if he ever sees Marlyn again.
He would never be able to let her go.
ashley
I walked the path, it led me to the end.
@[Elle Belle]