A Dragon's Tale
Copyright© 2022 by Antiproton
Chapter 74: The Ultimate Price
Fantasy Sex Story: Chapter 74: The Ultimate Price - An accident + Magic = A man's mind in a dragon's body. After being pulled into a high-fantasy world of elves, magic, and airships, our hero finds himself chased by lords, hunted by mages, and fighting to protect and nurture those he loves while also fighting his new dragon instincts. I promise a happy ending to this character-driven saga, but don't forget: "the course of true love never did run smooth".
Caution: This Fantasy Sex Story contains strong sexual content, including Ma/Fa Fa/Fa Mult Consensual Mind Control Reluctant Romantic Lesbian BiSexual Heterosexual High Fantasy Restart Magic non-anthro MaleDom Light Bond Group Sex Harem Polygamy/Polyamory Cream Pie First Oral Sex Pregnancy Slow
Author’s Note: You might want to make sure you can read this whole chapter in a single sitting. Just a suggestion.
Ethan and his wives were just outside the wood elven palace with Ahjah and Thea, the latter pair looking a bit more nervous than usual. Thea tended to wear her heart on her sleeve of course, but even Ahjah seemed pensive and quieter than usual.
“I wish I could go with you.” Sarah said wistfully to Thea.
“Sorry.” Thea’s face fell. “I would love if you could be there, but...”
“I know.” Sarah looked down a bit.
“Honored prophet, fear not.” Delabor -- who had met them out front to escort them in -- spoke up. “They will be shown to the same room as your last visit and given refreshments while they wait.”
Ethan nodded, a frown on his face.
“We’ll be fine.” Alana assured him.
“I know that, but you shouldn’t have to be fine; you should be able to come.”
“The entire court will be assembled.” Rachel pointed out. “Perhaps you could ask The King if you could address everyone to bring the issue of shame up?”
“It would be a good opportunity.” Thea said. “Though, could you wait until after Ahjah asks? I want my guardian in the best mood possible.”
“Sure.” He smiled, seriously considering speaking up.
“It might be wise to offer the apology we discussed concerning the public argument with Plesius before you address the ascribing of shame without cause.” Ahjah suggested.
“I’ll...” He frowned. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You don’t want to?” Thea asked.
“Honestly, I’m not sure.” Ethan replied. “I could apologize for the personal attacks, but beyond that...” he frowned again.
“I’ll pray that you make the right choice Master.” Tee said with an encouraging smile.
He smiled right back. “I never doubted that you would.”
“Hey Thea, something just occurred to me.” Selene spoke up. “What about your coming-of-age ball? Isn’t it against tradition or something for Ahjah to ask before you’ve had your coming-of-age ball?”
“Actually, it’s almost the opposite.” Thea replied. “There’s always at least a month between when an elf maiden comes of age and her coming-of-age ball. The delay is to give friends of the family time to ask for her hand before acquaintances or strangers have the opportunity. It’s considered improper and quite rude for someone who isn’t close to ask before her ball.”
“Oh, that makes sense.” Selene replied.
“Honored prophet, the time for the first audience approaches.” Delabor said, indicating the sun’s position in the sky. It was still relatively early, though after sunrise.
“Right.” He nodded, then turned to the Lightguard. “Take care of my wives; they are more precious to me than I could explain.”
“We will guard their lives with our own.” The closest one replied.
“I hope that’s not necessary, but thank you.” Ethan replied.
He said a quick goodbye to the wives who weren’t coming, then he, Beth, Kendra, Selene, Thea, and Ahjah followed Delabor into the palace and through its gorgeously carved walls to the ornate doors leading into the palace’s throne room.
“Come, you shall join the queue at the front.” Delabor said to Ethan and Ahjah, then turned to Beth, Kendra, and Selene. “You may join as observers, of course. Remain on the periphery of the room wherever you wish, provided you do not intrude on the proceedings.
They all agreed.
“What about Thea?” Ethan asked.
“I’m his ward; I can come and go freely.” The gorgeous elf replied. “I’ll probably stand with Ethan’s wives, or maybe go stand by The Queen in as proper a manner as I can manage.”
Ethan chuckled. “Stranger things have happened.” He teased.
She stuck her tongue out playfully.
Ahjah cleared his throat.
Thea sighed, then stood up straight and arranged her face in a proper expression for a lady ... but her eyes still had an impish glint. Ahjah looked amused.
Delabor opened the door.
Ethan had only seen the full royal court in session one other time, and this time was no less grand, nor were fewer people in attendance. He wondered for a moment if that was because the ‘Prophet of Illuminar’ was here, as he highly doubted that news of him coming wouldn’t have spread. Indeed, almost every eye was on him, though many looked at his wives as well. Selene especially drew a lot of eyes.
A part of him enjoyed the fact that so many people couldn’t take their eyes off of her, but only because she was his, and his alone.
The room was unchanged, though that was hardly surprising. It was still breathtaking though. It was at least fifty feet wide and half that again long. There were two rows of what looked like columns, but were actually trees or branches forming an aisle leading to the throne, which sat on a slightly raised platform. The walls were adorned with stained-glass windows and the ceiling curved inward, made from living trees that had been grown together.
It was breathtaking.
Behind him, Beth and Selene gasped.
He smiled.
Thea steered Ethan’s wives to the side of the room, where a large number of wood elves had gathered. Even at 5’ 2”, Beth was taller than most of the women and several of the men. Thus, Selene, Ahjah, and Thea towered over most of them by several inches. By Ethan’s guess, the average wood elf was about 4 inches shorter than the average man, but there also seemed to be less variation in height. The King was about 5’ 6” and he was almost the tallest wood elf in the room, though he wasn’t in the room yet.
“Do you remember what you should say?” Ahjah asked Ethan quietly.
“Wait, I’m supposed to say something?” Ethan winked back, since they had gone over the proper thing to say that morning.
Ahjah raised one eyebrow fractionally.
“I’ve got it, relax.” Ethan replied.
Ahjah nodded, obviously not relaxed. He wasn’t quite tense either, but he did look slightly nervous. Ethan didn’t blame him; he’d be nervous too if he was in the elf’s shoes.
Not a minute later, The King entered the throne room regally, strode to the throne, and then sat down. “The court is now in session.” He said in a loud and clear voice, after which he nodded to Delabor.
“O Great King, live forever.” Delabor said with a deep bow. “I bring you Ethan Ejder, called Illuminar’s Prophet -- blessed be He -- and also the honorable Ahjah Methkarah, called Golden-Tongue.”
“Approach, Ethan Illuminar’s Prophet -- blessed be He -- and Ahjah Golden-Tongue.” The King said.
Ethan and Ahjah did so.
Then, just as he had been instructed, Ethan bowed and then spoke. “Great King, I come before you today on behalf of my companion, Ahjah Golden-Tongue, to intercede for a noble request he wishes to make of the crown. He is an elf of honor and note, and I ask that you give ear to his request and grant it if wisdom and prudence allow.”
There was a general murmur from the onlookers. Not shock, but they definitely sounded interested.
∗Thea says that was perfect.∗ Selene thought to Ethan.
∗Thanks.∗ He smiled.
“Ahjah Golden-Tongue, present your request.” The King said.
When she woke up, Fiona’s mind was racing just as fast as it had been the previous night when she had fallen asleep, her mind still not settled about Ethan Ejder. For all that Tabitha frustrated her, and she did to no end, Fiona trusted her laconic bodyguard --uh, former bodyguard and her ability to read people. Tabby could certainly read her like a book, and had done so more than once. Yet despite Tabby clearly being excellent at reading people, she hadn’t noticed any trace of deception from Ethan Ejder or his wives. Obviously that wasn’t surprising in Sarah’s case, but the rest of them?
That was on her mind as she nursed Conner, ate her breakfast, and eventually followed her husband into the captain’s cabin so that Tabitha could continue reciting Ethan’s story word-for-word thanks to her incredible memory.
“Tabby, before you’re starting, how have you been?” Fiona asked.
“Alive.” Tabitha replied.
“Come on Tabby, I’m wanting a real answer.” Fiona replied with a sigh. “I’m caring about you even if you’re trying to make me not care.”
“I am adapting to recent changes.” Tabitha said after a moment.
Fiona sighed; she hadn’t given any more information, but at least Tabby had spoken a complete sentence.
“Resume your recitation.” Lord Delmar said.
Tabitha did, and Fiona found herself rather more interested in the story than she had thought she would be.
Ethan watched as Ahjah stepped forward and bowed deeply to The King, rather excited to see how this would play out.
“O great King, live forever.” Ahjah bowed again. “I first wish to offer an apology for the unconventional timing of my request. As you know, your illustrious and magnanimous wife, The Queen herself, requested this audience on my behalf.”
The whole room erupted into low-level whispers, leading Ethan to believe that while they knew that he and Ahjah had something to ask about, they didn’t know what it was. Apparently, that had avoided the rumor mill. Ethan thought about it for a moment and realized that Ahjah had worded it that way on purpose, disguising The Queen’s approval as an apology.
“Many are the requests that my honorable wife has made.” The King replied. “It is noted that two greatly honored people in the realm appear to have support for your request.”
“Thank you my king.” Ahjah bowed again. “It is traditional when making a request such as I will make to present evidence of two things: the character of the one requesting, and also evidence of his ability to provide for a family.”
Instantly, the entire room erupted in murmurs and whispers whose sum total created rather a lot of background noise. Apparently, Ahjah’s statement made his upcoming request obvious.
“Peace.” The King said to the room at large.
The whispers dramatically decreased in volume. They didn’t cease, but were no longer distracting.
“Proceed.” The King said to Ahjah.
“O wise King, I offer the strongest evidence of my character that is possible to bring in this court: the approval of The King himself. For as you yourself know, you considered my character to be true enough to entrust the apple of your eye into my care, your ward, Pelathea Numiarian Asimentae, called Wild-Child.”
“As to your character, the crown does not harbor doubts.” The King replied. “There are, however, other considerations.”
“You are wise my King.” Ahjah bowed. “What noble concern could be greater in a father’s mind than the safety and security of his daughter when choosing the man to whom she will be wed? And can a good father do less for his ward?”
There was a general murmur of agreement from the onlookers.
“To security, I offer this.” Ahjah continued. “I have a standing offer from Your Majesty’s illustrious Diplomatic Corps to return to their service at the rank of--” He said something in elvish that Ethan didn’t recognize. “--which, as you know my king, is salary enough to afford even a house in the downtown district of our most beloved and fair capital.” He paused. “However, I will acknowledge that the luxury provided by even this salary will not attain to her current level of comfort provided by you yourself, most honored King.”
“And yet you wish for her station in life to be reduced.” The King replied, his tone skeptical.
“Her station, perhaps, but I would never wish for her happiness to be reduced my King.” Ahjah smiled. “As you yourself know and as her title implies, her wanderlust has caused no end of mischief.”
Ethan glanced at Thea, who had the good sense to look abashed. She had a tiny smile on her face anyway, but she did look embarrassed. Also notable, her lips were moving like she was speaking, but even his wives next to her weren’t listening. Was she praying under her breath?
“My desire for a life filled with travel matches her own, as attested to by my choice of compensation when you offered the choice to me for my services as Thea’s custodian.”
The King nodded. “The Nomad’s Pride is a fine airship.”
“Thanks to your generosity, she is my King.” Ahjah head bowed. “If I might speak plainly, Your Majesty, I am well aware that I will be the most inferior candidate for Thea’s hand in every metric save for one: my ability to bring happiness to her life. As you know my King, I have not the wealth, titles, nor influence that even the most minor of nobles could boast. I do not dispute that, for I do not even possess the titles that are ordinary to seek her hand. I do not possess the wealth that even a minor noble could call upon in a moment. I do not have the influence to affect policy in a single great house, nor even a minor house.”
You could hear a pin drop.
Ethan thought it might be unheard of for a wood elf to admit such things, but couldn’t be sure.
“However, most wise and noble King, there is one thing I can offer: her happiness.” Ahjah continued. His tone was just as polished as before, but there was a note of longing in it. “As the honorable Prophet will attest, Pelathea’s greatest joy is being on an airship and viewing a different part of the magnificent creation of Illuminar -- blessed be He -- at each sunrise. I share that joy. As you know, my king, the Nomad’s Pride was designed such that it would be possible to raise a family on it, so you know this is my desire. It is Pelathea’s as well. I can deliver her heart’s desire to her, which no other suitor will be able to offer.”
Ethan glanced around to see visible confusion on nearly every wood elf’s face. It almost made him laugh ... almost.
The King didn’t reply immediately.
He sat on his throne with a pensive look, scrutinizing Ahjah for several long seconds before speaking. “Were I to accept that argument and consider your petition, there is still the matter of Pelathea’s bride price. As her guardian, I could not expose her to the shame that would result from an unsuitable bride price.”
“You are wise my King.” Ahjah bowed. “It is true that even a minor noble could offer a bride price of much greater monetary value. However -- as perhaps befits your ward’s ... unusual inclinations -- I am able to offer something that not a single other noble would offer for her bride price. Something that, while it does not match the monetary value of what even a minor noble could offer, ultimately is of greater value.”
“Pardon the interruption, honorable custodian.” The Queen spoke up, though Ethan hadn’t noticed her arrive. “But I must ask; what might that be?”
Ahjah gave her a respectful nod, then looked at The King. “Everything.”
Again, you could hear a pin drop.
Ahjah continued. “As you know, my king, the purpose of the bride price is for a suitor to prove he is capable of accruing a level of wealth necessary to provide for a family. It also provides insurance in case of his death, as the father then has the funds to help provide a fresh start for his daughter should her husband die. Thus, I offer as her bride price something that will allow Pelathea to have her heart’s desire even should I perish.”
Ethan glanced at Thea and saw her eyes go wide and her mouth fall open.
“As you know, my king, I have not a single possession of notable value besides the Nomad’s Pride.” Ahjah continued. “It is all the wealth that I possess, aside from some small funds on which I subsist. That is what I offer: The Nomad’s Pride. It falls short of the worth of Thea’s hand, but unlike even a minor lord, I offer all the material wealth I possess. I could not match the monetary value that even a minor lord could offer, but he would not match my commitment to Pelathea’s well-being by offering all of value that he has.”
The King frowned. “If you no longer possess an airship, you will not be able to sail with Pelathea as you have suggested she would desire.”
“The honored Prophet has solved that conundrum, most noble King.” Ahjah smiled. “As you are doubtless aware, He has offered to grant Pelathea and me a room on his airship, and thus we will be able to assist him in his noble task of doing the God of Light’s work.”
“I did.” Ethan confirmed. He glanced at Thea and it looked like she had happy tears on her face.
She noticed him looking and mouthed: “Thank you.”
He smiled at her, nodded once, and then looked back at The King, who hadn’t spoken yet.
“I offer what no noble would: everything as proof of my commitment to her happiness.” Ahjah began to summarize. “I offer a lifetime of Pelathea having her dream fulfilled every day, and the chance to assist the Prophet in his noble work in the service of the Great God Illuminar -- blessed be He.”
“Blessed be He.” The entire room echoed, including The King.
“So, you wish to impoverish yourself -- and thus my beloved ward -- to attain her hand.” The King replied. “Poverty and happiness rarely go hand-in-hand.”
“You are wise my King.” Ahjah bowed. “But do I not have the offer of employment in your Diplomatic Corps to provide her with a comfortable life while I begin to save for an airship? And alternatively, does not a luminar and his wife command honor and joy from being in the God of Light’s service, even though his wages are meager? Would service to the Prophet of Illuminar -- blessed be He -- count for less? Could there be a greater joy than to have your heart’s desire fulfilled because of your service to the God of Light?”
“Ahjah Golden Tongue.” The King said, a trace of amusement in his tone. “Your title is well earned.”
“Thank you my King.” Ahjah bowed.
“Pelathea Wild Child, come.” The King beckoned her.
She came, wiping her cheeks and blinking, clearly trying to compose herself while grinning silly. “Yes, Your Majesty.” She said when she had stopped near the throne, trying and failing to fully compose herself or stop smiling.
He smiled. “It would, perhaps, require a shrewd man with great observational skills to deduce your opinion of the match.”
The whole court laughed at his joke, Thea included.
“Your Majesty, might I have leave -- just this once -- to speak as a daughter to her father in the presence of the court?” Thea asked after a moment.
“It is so granted.” The King said, his smile extending deep into his eyes.
“You and The Queen have been the best step-parents I could have imagined.” Her voice cracked slightly as her smile widened. “I truly thank Illuminar -- blessed be He -- for your intervention after my parents passed, for you have been a light and comfort in my life since then and the source of innumerable blessings.” She paused. “And yet, had that tragedy not occurred, my bride price would not be reckoned like that of your other daughters. I fear my honorable custodian has overstated the case for me having a high bride price, as I am merely your ward, though I love you as any daughter would love a wonderful father.”
“Well, this is curious.” The King got an amused smile on his face, and the expression vaguely reminded Ethan of Thea. “A woman making the case that her bride price should be lower.”
The whole court chuckled.
Thea got her trademark half-embarrassed, half sheepish smile as she chuckled too.
“Perhaps we should allow women a say in their bride price; it would save much coin throughout the realm.” The King added, his eyes twinkling.
The whole room laughed.
“Both my ward and her honorable custodian are correct.” The King said to the room. “Ahjah Golden Tongue’s offer of his airship, The Nomad’s Pride, is indeed far too meager a bride price, even if it fully demonstrates his commitment to my ward. Yet my ward is also correct that, in certain situations, it is honorable if a lower bride price is accepted.”
Thea’s eyes and smile widened, hope obvious in her posture and on her face.
“No man would assert that one who had dedicated himself to the service of Illuminar -- blessed be He -- should be denied a good wife simply because the wages of a luminar are not high.” The King said. “Thus, as both Ahjah Golden Tongue and Pelathea Wild Child wish to assist the Prophet, I could possibly consider this situation similar to a luminar.”
Thea’s eyes went wider and she sucked in her breath, obvious yearning in her expression.
“However, such decisions require careful forethought and the weighing of many factors to ensure the happiness of my beloved -- if slightly mischievous -- ward.” The King continued, then looked affectionately at her.
Thea again had the good sense to look abashed, but she was still smiling and still had hope on her face. The court likewise seemed more amused by The King’s comment than anything else. At least, it didn’t seem like Thea’s antics had earned her a poor reputation in the court.
“I consider the honorable Ahjah Golden Tongue’s offer to be sincere, legitimate, and worthy of careful consideration.” The King said. “The happiness of my ward is also paramount and worthy of careful consideration. For that reason, I shall not make my final decision today.”
Thea opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, then almost started to speak, then stopped and bit her lip.
“I believe our Thea would like to know when she can expect an answer.” The Queen said, looking just as amused as the rest of the court.
“If Ahjah will agree to a more private luncheon with Thea, The Queen, and myself, I believe I can commit to a decision by noon tomorrow.” The King said.
“I would be most honored, my King.” Ahjah bowed deeply.
∗Thea says she should’ve known he wouldn’t decide today.∗ Selene thought to everyone. ∗But she also thinks that she and The Queen can talk him into it.∗
∗Glad to hear it.∗ Ethan smiled.
He hadn’t yet told his wives that The King had planned for Thea and Ahjah to fall in love. He’d wanted to, but thought better of it since several of them weren’t very good actresses and he didn’t want to give anything away. They would probably be slightly upset, but he also figured that they would understand his reasoning.
Fiona took a deep breath as Tabitha finished recounting Ethan Ejder’s story. She had no idea what to make of it. None. It seemed too fantastical to be real, but at the same time, she couldn’t pick out any particular point that made it impossible either.
“Thank you Tabby.” Fiona said after a moment, sure this would keep her mind occupied for days.
Tabitha nodded slightly once, but otherwise didn’t reply.
“Can you be coming back as my bodyguard?” Fiona asked.
“Not presently.” Tabitha replied.
“Perhaps sometime soon?” Fiona asked.
“Perhaps.”
Fiona sighed.
“Agent Ellentil; give a more complete answer.” Lord Delmar instructed.
“I am on standby for an assignment.” She replied. “If I am not activated, I could return. If I am, I will not.”
Fiona nodded.
“You may go.” Lord Delmar told her.
She did, without another word.
“Thank you.” Fiona said to him after the door had closed. “It’s sometimes feeling like trying to convince a dragon to donate gold to charity when I’m trying to get her to talk.”
He nodded once. “Many in her profession are that way.”
“That’s putting me in mind of Kendra.” Fiona mused. “Are you thinking the story might be true?”
“Without the intelligence provided by Lady Ekthros, I would likely accept that version of events.” He replied.
“I’m having my own doubts about her.” Fiona frowned. “I don’t think Sarah would be lying, and what she said that Lady Ekthros was doing...”
“I suspect that Sarah was compelled into believing a falsehood, as I find it unlikely that she would be willing to lie on such matters.”
“Sarah was accusing Lady Ekthros of stone-cold murder.” Fiona said. “And of threatening me and my son.”
“Perhaps.” Lord Delmar replied, clearly not convinced. “That would not explain why Lady Ekthros has recently foiled an attempt on your life.”
Fiona blinked. “What?”
“Eleven days ago, her intelligence informed the castle guard where and when an assassin would attempt to gain entry to the castle for the purpose of assassinating you. The would-be assassin was apprehended based on her intelligence, and I personally confirmed that his goal was to assassinate you.”
Fiona stared at him. “Why am I just now hearing of this?”
“It was foiled before any danger could result, so I saw no need to worry you needlessly.” He replied.
“Oh.” Fiona said, feeling like someone had just pulled a rug out from under her. “But why was someone wanting me dead? I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and I don’t think I was upsetting anyone either.”
“There are some in Narlotten who remain loyal to the previous lord, Helene’s father.” He began to explain. “They view me as little more than a lord regent and wished for a child from Rachel to sit on the throne, thus continuing the previous Narlotten ruling bloodline. However, since neither you nor I are related to him, our son -- the future lord of Narlotten -- will not be of that bloodline. That faction believes that by assassinating you and I, one of the previous bloodline who is more distantly related will be put on Narlotten’s throne.”
“Oh.” Fiona said, not sure what to think about that. They wanted her dead and yet she hadn’t done anything wrong. For some reason, that unsettled her more than if she had done something for which they wanted to kill her.
She thought about that for a moment before speaking again. “So, Lady Ekthros was protecting me?”
“She was, and is.” He confirmed. “She does indeed find your naïveté frustrating, but she recognizes how vital our son is to the continuity of Narlotten government. She has created a small division dedicated to discovering threats to your safety, primarily because of that faction. It was on her advice that I sought out a bodyguard for you. Though, knowing your discomfort with Lady Ekthros, I gave her no input on Tabitha’s selection.”
“Well, what about the will-breaker ring she was giving me?” Fiona asked.
“Her safe was examined by Mage Weston, who determined that Lady Ekthros does not have the skill required to disenchant and re-enchant the safe.” Lord Delmar replied. “She is a skilled mage, but enchantments are a weakness of hers. Thus, she would not have been able to fabricate the evidence that her safe was broken into.”
“Why are you trusting her so much?” Fiona asked.
“She is aware of my ... unique situation.” He replied, then touched the medallion on his chest that projected his disguise enchantment. “Despite this, she has protected my secret multiple times. She nearly died to save Helene many years ago, has all but eradicated organized crime from Narlotten, all but eradicated corruption from the government, introduced what she called a ‘Bill of Rights’ for all Narlotten citizens, has greatly raised the standard of living in Narlotten, has discovered countless threats to Narlotten so they could be ended, and she works from before the sun rises to well after it falls for our lorddom. She does this for nearly no pay, for as I told you some time ago, she donates whatever of her pay she does not require for sustenance to the honorable charity, the Sisters of Mercy. She has done more to improve Narlotten than any soul living.” He paused. “Possibly including myself.”
Fiona frowned.
“The Book of Light prompts us to know someone by the fruit produced in their life.” Lord Delmar continued. “Her fruit is exemplary.”
Fiona’s frown deepened.
“While I will never trust Lady Ekthros as much as Helene or you, she has my trust.” He added.
Fiona smiled. “You’re trusting me?”
“I saw the entirety of your life when we bonded, including your character and motivations, just as I said I would. Thus, I know you are trustworthy,” He replied without much emotion, as if they were discussing the weather, their favorite foods, or some other trivial topic.
She smiled. “I was never expecting to be coming close to Helene in any area. I’m glad I can in at least one.”
He nodded once.
Most others wouldn’t notice, but she could see the tiny, subtle shift in him at the mention of Helene. An almost imperceptible stiffening of the shoulders, the subtle way he moved his head, and the way his breath caught ever-so-slightly when he inhaled.
“Milord, I’m sorry that you’re still hurting that she has passed.” Fiona said, her heart melting. “I would be doing something to help if I could.”
“Thank you.” He replied, his tone subtly off from normal. “I have much work to attend to, if there is nothing else.”
She nodded and then slipped out of the office, wondering if perhaps he wanted to be alone because he had been reminded of Helene yet again. She wished she could help him with that, she truly did, but she didn’t know how. She had broken down sobbing over Sean the previous day, so she was still healing as well.