The Prodigal Son
AN: This is a sequel to Moving On. I just couldn't leave it all angsty.
He had heard that her coronation had been perfect and that her intended had watched her take the crown, a proud look on his face the entire time.
He had heard that the wedding had been even more perfect than the coronation had been. He had received an invitation, but had torn it up immediately.
He heard about the birth of their first child, a girl named Nicole Gayle Cain. It had been in all the papers. His father had written him, asking him to be present at the naming ceremony, but he hadn't responded.
Two years later, he heard that he now had a half-brother. Tristan Dominic Cain looked just like his father and the kingdom couldn't stop talking about how he would be breaking hearts like his father had. No letter had come asking him to go to the naming.
Then one day he heard about an assassination attempt on Nicole and Tristan's lives. It had been all over the pub he frequented and when he heard it, he rushed out, knowing that he had to go to the palace.
All the way there he thought about what he would say to his father when he saw him. Probably beg him for forgiveness and tell him that he would never leave again. But the words vanished when he saw DG standing in the hallway to meet him.
Jeb bowed before beginning trying to apologize. "Your highness…"
"Jeb, we're family. And he's waiting for you."
He followed her down the silent hallway until they reached a room. DG walked in and Jeb, only hesitating a second followed her in. He saw his father sitting in a chair by a bed, stroking a head full of blond curls.
"Dad?"
Cain looked up. "Jeb." He stood up and walked over to his son, pulling him into a giant bear hug.
"I'm so sorry Dad. I should've been here. I never should have said what I said. Great Ozma I'm sorry."
"It's forgiven. I'm just glad to see you safe and sound."
They broke apart and Jeb tried not to look as his father brushed tears out of his eyes.
"Is that?"
"That's your sister, Nicole" DG answered, smiling at him.
"Tristan is in the room next door already sleeping. We have a room made up for you."
"How did you know I'd be coming?"
"We didn't. But we wanted you to have a room just in case."
"But tonight. How did you know I'd be here tonight?"
"One of the guards reported it." Cain answered.
Jeb was silent for awhile. "Alright then. Where do I stay?"
Cain hugged his son again. "Welcome home, Jeb. Welcome home."