Chapter 10

The next morning, Bash was standing in front of Kenna's chamber door with a beating heart and pondered what he could tell her when she opened. Mary's forceful speech hadn't missed the effect. He knew now that it was the right thing to do to face the new situation. He had a son, and he would make sure that he could grow up under his name. He didn't know how Kenna would react, but what he had seen, he was convinced that she wanted only the best for Daniel. Everything else they would see about that. Perhaps he would find access to Kenna over their son. He hoped for that so much. He couldn't take away the pain he had caused her, but he could try to alleviate it. He knocked gently. It was the nanny who opened the door.

"Sir?"

"I would like to talk to your Mistress." He cleared his throat uncomfortably and waited til Kenna came to the door.

"Bash...?!"

He recognized astonishment and shock in her eyes. Obviously, she hadn't expected to see him again.

"May I come in?"

She nodded and opened the door further.

His searching glance roamed the room and got stuck at the bedside, where Daniel was sleeping peacefully. He looked questioningly to Kenna and she nodded slightly.

Slowly, he approached the bed and bent down to his son.

"He's still asleep." Kenna said softly. "Shall I wake him up?"

Bash shook his head. "Let him sleep. I just want to have a close look at him."

With amazement, he looked down at the little boy. Although he kept his eyes shut, Bash could recognize familiar features in the boy's face. Carefully, he reached out and touched gently Daniel's soft brown hair. Disturbed by the touch, the little boy woke up and opened his eyes.

Bash was thunderstruck as he looked in the eyes of his son, which had the same color as his own. A lump formed in his throat and he had trouble to suppress the rising tears.

"Go back to sleep, my son!" he said softly and continued with stroking Daniel's hair.

The little boy sighed, turned to the side and closed his eyes again. Bash turned to Kenna, who was standing close by the bed, her hand pressed to her mouth. Tears swam in her eyes.

"Come with me!" she begged and took his hand. "We can't talk here in peace." She nodded to Bernadette. "If he wakes up tell him that I'll be back soon."

Kenna was still holding Bash's hand when they arrived at his chamber. "We can talk here undisturbed." she said and pushed the door open.

Bash slumped in a chair and covered his face with his hands.

"You've seen him." Kenna said softly. "Do you believe me now that he is your son?"

Bash slowly lifted his head and looked at her with bleary eyes. "I've never had a doubt."

"Why did you run away then?" she asked, frowning, and took a seat on the sofa opposite to him.

"It doesn't happen everyday, that someone tells you that you have a son you knew nothing about." He sighed. „I panicked. I Just wanted to get away."

Kenna nodded. "What made you change your mind that you came back?"

Bash smiled slightly. "Mary. She read me the riot act and reminded me of my responsibilities."

Suddenly, he leaned towards Kenna and grasped her hands.

"I want to tell you how very sorry I am! I will fulfil my duty as a father and I will give Daniel my name!" he said determined while looking into her eyes.

His touch caused a nervous flutter in her stomach, and his gaze reawakened feelings in her she had believed were long forgotten.

„I... thank you, Bash!" she stammered. "That makes it easier for him to find his place in the society."

"Mary told me you wanted to leave the Castle. Did you change your mind?"

Kenna hesitated. "I... don't know." she replied unsurely. "A few hours ago I was sure that here is no place for my son and me, but now..."

"Stay... please!" He squeezed her hands firmly. "I just found my son. I don't want to lose him again."

He watched her reaction, noticed how her chest raised and lowered with every breath. Their eyes locked and he had to resist the urge to yank her up and kiss her. Automatically, he had bent forward and saw how her lips parted.

"Kenna..."

He could almost feel her breath, because she had leaned toward him as well. Mary had been right. Not only he still loved her, apparently, she had feelings for him too. But the intimate moment was interrupted when someone knocked at the door.

Guiltily, Kenna pulled away and looked nervously at the door.

Sighing, Bash rose from his chair. The magic of the moment was faded away.

"Yes, please?" he called.

It was Bernadette, the young nanny, who was standing on the threshold.

"Forgive me, but you told me that I should let you know when Daniel is awake. He is awake now." She grinned sheepishly, curtsied and walked off.

Kenna raised from the sofa. "Are you ready to meet your son?" she asked Bash and reached for his hand.

Bash nodded. Holding hands they went to see their son.