The King had been in Highever just over a week when Fergus received word that ships were approaching. Jayden had already contacted him to say they would be arriving within the hour having given the names and descriptions of the ships. No-one wanted to be taken by surprise in case the slavers were foolish enough to approach.

Standing on the battlements with Cailan, Arl Eamon watched the ships enter the harbour, Fergus already there to personally greet them. They not only held the refugees from Gwaren, but a passenger he was not sure how to approach even after weeks of careful consideration. When Cailan and Teagan had arrived at Redcliffe and explained they had returned to Ostagar and why, he had felt terrified. Yet Cailan had regained his memories from the ordeal and had been saved by Holy Andraste herself. The latter was a revelation that would never be made public however, for that would lead to them having to explain that Cailan had become compromised and as King that would cast a shadow on his ability to rule. There would always be the fear from some quarters that his mind would not be his own.

They had requested horses and supplies to aid them in getting to Highever as quickly as possible, which had revealed his lack of knowledge about what was going on in his own country, something he had always prided himself upon. The news that Fergus had retaken Highever and managed to keep it quiet had frankly astonished him. While there was still some tension between himself and his nephew, it had been Cailan who had insisted he accompany them to Highever. A Landsmeet needed to be called as soon as the Wardens had gained the last of the help their treaties demanded and he would be needed. He had provided horses and supplies and if the truth be told, he had left Redcliffe a little too eagerly. Isolde barely looked at him these days let alone spoke to him and she had taken to sleeping in a separate room and while Connor tried to hide it, he saw resentment in his son's eyes. He was sure in time they would come to understand his decision that Conner had to go to a Circle was the right one, but for now he had to turn his attention to his country.

The third revelation however and the one Cailan had been the most hesitant to tell, was the apparent truth about Captain William and it was this that was causing him such conflict, that his stomach ached. Once he had been told the young man was Loghain's son he assumed him to be a bastard, but the truth was far more significant. The defiant young man who had enraged him was in fact Jayden, a young man not yet eighteen and yet he was a Captain and deeply respected by their country's military. It made no sense to him until Cailan revealed the threat on his life and why Loghain had chosen to send his son into hiding. For once Eamon had felt a level of understanding of Loghain and did not envy his situation, his own with Connor was terrible enough. He remembered the boy Jayden had been, mischievous and full of laughter, the boy who had given Isolde the bloom of Andraste's Grace and told her she was brave. Despite the unintentional harm she had caused him when intending to lash Alistair and the lashing she had received in punishment, Isolde had never forgotten the words and gesture from the boy and when that flower was in season, she would pick one each day and carry it with her. He supposed it was fitting in a way that Jayden had become Andraste's Champion, to have gone through all he had and still be dedicated to his country and people was a testament to the young man he was. He was Loghain's son true, but he was his own man, the threat on his life had seen to that and Eamon knew he needed to approach him in a different way now. As Andraste's Champion, assuming he survived the blight, he would become an ambassador for their country and despite the threat on his life that was suspected to be Orlesian in origin, he needed to be steered into allying with Celene to ensure peace between their countries. Jayden was all about duty as his father was, something he was now profoundly grateful Loghain had instilled into his son, because marriage into Orlesian nobility while potentially distasteful to him, would create bonds that would all but ensure peace. It was his duty to protect his country and this was how he could do that most efficiently, he just had to be made to see that.

xXx

Bounding off the ship Airyl waited impatiently for Jayden to join her. She sniffed the air shifting restlessly the ground feeling as though it was moving as the ship had.

Jayden was relieved that Fergus and his guards were bringing order to the chaos of so many people disembarking. He felt a moment of anxiety as he stepped off the ship and realised Lyra was moving towards him, Gilon standing at a distance, but watching.

"Can we talk for a moment."

"Of course." He followed as she moved away from the growing crowd, they would not be heard, but Gilon would still be able to see them.

"First, I need you to know how glad I am that you survived. It was tearing me apart that I had left you to die. I … but I have done a lot of thinking on the way here and I … I love you, I always have, but I love my husband and my life is with him and …and our baby."

Jayden's eyes widened. "You're pregnant!"

"I realised on the ship. It's a terrible time to be pregnant, but it has made me realise how foolish I was being and the awful position I put us both in. I … it is difficult to be around you, I can't seem to think straight, it is too confusing. I forget the things that matter, my husband, my people. When you are near you are all that I want. I … I need you to stay away."

Swallowing hard, Jayden nodded. "I understand."

"I wish there was a way to have you in my life too, but what I feel for you …"

"It's alright Lyra, I understand."

"I hope you find happiness too."

xXx

Delilah scowled fiercely, she had been on her way to greet Jayden, only to see him talking with a young elven woman she was sure must be Lyra. She turned as Ellown nudged her.

"That will be Lyra and she is a married woman so there will be nothing between them. She was and perhaps still is his friend Delilah. Her home was destroyed by the Darkspawn too, so if anyone knows what he is going through right now it is her. She can offer him comfort that perhaps we cannot." She sighed as Delilah's expression darkened. "Maker, why must you think the worst of him?"

"Because she was his first love and he still loves her."

Ellowyn sighed, Delilah reminded her of Rory at times and she wondered how love could be so awful at times. "They have history and it is only natural for them to want to offer comfort to each other."

"I am here to comfort him." Delilah snapped back.

"Your jealousy is getting tiresome. He doesn't deserve your suspicion and what comfort would you offer him right now, accusations that he is sleeping with her. Maker, Delilah do you hear yourself?"

"I …"

"No, you and I are going to return to the castle and you are going to leave him to get settled. When you do see him, you will be kind and loving and if you cannot manage that you will stay away from him because as the Maker is my witness Delilah, if you start goading him again, I swear you and I will have a problem."

xXx

Jayden remained silent, watching as Lyra returned to Gilon's side. He saw them embrace, startled by how relieved Gilon looked. They were going to have a baby and no matter how happy he wanted to be for them it tore at his heart. Glancing up the hill he noticed Delilah and Ellowyn heading back towards the castle, assuming they had seen him talking with Lyra. He groaned softly, having no doubt Delilah would make him pay for it. He thought of his own future and realised that his second brush with the Alpha had put things into perspective and he had no intention of entering into such a destructive marriage. He glanced in the direction of the Chantry and for a moment he seriously considered becoming a brother, Delilah had reminded him after all he would no longer one day become Teyrn, but that would give the Chantry more power over him. He gave a weak smile as Rathnal joined him.

"Everything alright?" Rathnal asked cautiously.

"Never better. Captain Marcus is with Fergus to get the accommodation arranged, people will start to wonder if I get myself involved, so I'm going to take Airyl hunting before she runs off by herself."

"I will see you before we leave for the base, I want to make sure grandpa is settled first."

"Alright."

Rathnal watched as Jayden headed off after an excited Airyl, noticing Gawain following him at a slight distance. He sighed deeply, the look on his friend's face had told him he wanted to run as far away as he could. He turned, catching sight of Lyra standing with Gilon and his grandfather. He had no idea what she had said to him, but it had shaken his friend deeply. Perhaps Jayden would confide in him in time, for now however he made his way through the crowd to his grandfather, desperate to take what time with him he could.

xXx

Finally heading to his room as the sun began to sink, Jayden intended to skip the evening meal having no appetite. He had finally persuaded Gawain that he was safe enough in the castle and he could return to his other duties, though the guardsman did so reluctantly. He caught a glimpse of Ellowyn in the Great Hall eager to see her, but thought better of it when he realised she was with Edward, the two looked deep in conversation and Ellowyn was smiling. He was glad the Free Marches Lord had returned and seeing Edward take her hand, he allowed himself the hope that perhaps something beautiful could blossom even in the darkness.

Falling onto the bed in the room that had been prepared for him Jayden smiled as Airyl jumped up next to him. Closing his eyes he sighed, he knew he should go and find Delilah, but he simply couldn't face her, still needing time to come to terms with Lyra's final words to him. He wondered if the ache for her would ever leave him. Sighing he turned his attention to all that had been accomplished during the day.

The moment he returned from hunting with Airyl, he had immediately sought out Fergus, finding him continuing to oversee the people of Gwaren's re-location himself. He had been true to his word and had arranged accommodation for all of the refugees. Many homes in Highever, empty due to loss of life or those taken by slavery now housed those who had fled Gwaren. It was a short-term solution, but he was grateful for it. The citizens of Highever, still reeling from their own losses, but fortified by Fergus's leadership had opened their arms and their hearts to them and he was deeply grateful for that too. He was surprised, but relieved to discover the elves had also been greeted warmly and he found himself hoping that despite the tragedy that had befallen each of them, it would bond them in ways that would not be broken when the blight was finally defeated.

Once they had had a moment, Jayden took the opportunity to speak to Fergus regarding Govak's need for a building to create weapons and explosives. After an extended discussion with Govak and his men, Fergus had come to the conclusion the safest place would be the Storm Coast, obviously at a distance from the new settlement. In the end Fergus sent for various craftsmen to accompany Govak to plan and build a workshop that would meet the necessary requirements. Having previously had to fight for what was needed, Jayden had found it was a welcome change to have the idea accepted and acted upon.

Having then gone to check in with the Captains, Jayden discovered the crews had already begun varied maintenance tasks required for each ship. The plan was that they would be on standby should it become necessary for people to be evacuated to the Free Marches should Ferelden be lost. Heading up to the castle Jayden had then checked in on his Company relieved they were all safe, listening intently to their report. Mercifully there had been no cause for concern with the King. It took a weight from his shoulders he had not been aware he was carrying. He in turn answered their questions about the events in Gwaren, almost smiling at their disbelief and steady stream of questions regarding the trees that had attacked the Darkspawn. He had then explained about his brush with the taint, connection to the Alpha and the army of ogres. His revelations had been met with stunned silence. He wondered if he should have waited to tell them, but he needed them to understand and be ready for what they would face and he couldn't have some of those under his command knowing and others being kept in the dark. Everyone was subdued until he explained about Govak's fire and although he didn't outline the plan, he pointed out it gave them options and as always, he reminded everyone if they had an idea on how to take the ogres out of the battle, he wanted to know.

A short time later Rathnal and Alistair had left for Soldiers Peak, Rathnal having reassured himself that his grandfather would be taken care of. Jayden was grateful to hear that the Alienage was clean and well looked after and the homes were comfortable. His friend was clearly relieved that his people would not be living in squalor. The main surprise had been from Zevran who stated that he would remain in Highever, Jayden suspected he wanted to give Rathnal and Rinna time to sort things out between them and he could admit to himself he was glad that Zevran had stayed. He made a quick visit to the Alienage himself, reassuring himself that Tolman and his family were alright, surprised, but pleased to find the druffalo had been taken to the Alienage and were being looked after by them.

Letting himself relax Jayden sighed softly. For the moment at least the people of Gwaren were safe and now he just wanted to sleep. He groaned at the knock on the door wondering if he could just ignore it, sitting up as the door cautiously opened and Delilah stepped inside.

"You look tired." She shifted uncomfortably at his silence. "I did not mean for our last conversation to become so fraught."

"It seems that is the way for us."

Delilah hesitated, he was clearly agitated, but there were things that needed to be said. "Were you being serious about the Divine's intentions?"

"That is what Anora told me. I suspect once she knows who I am she will realise such an attachment would never work."

"Still, it means we must be cautious with the Chantry."

"Glad you finally understand that."

Unable to help herself and despite Ellowyn's warning, Delilah began to pace. "I saw you at the dock with Lyra."

"She was saying goodbye."

"Is that all?"

"It was a permanent goodbye if that eases you."

"Good."

"You know something Delilah, I am so tired of your attitude towards me."

"You cannot blame me where Lyra is involved!"

Jayden glared at her angrily. "You think I would betray you, well I had the chance and Maker I wanted to, but I didn't." He scowled as she paled. "This isn't right between us Delilah, what you feel for me isn't love." His eyes widened in alarm as her face crumpled and she sank to her knees, her hands covering her face as she sobbed painfully. "Delilah I …" He sank to his knees beside her, gently trying to take her hands from her face, his anger draining. "Delilah."

"I do love you!" She sobbed. "But I … I know something awful and every time I get close to you the guilt makes me drive a wedge between us. You will hate me once you know."

"Tell me what is going on, please."

"I cannot."

"Why?"

Forcing herself to look at him she trembled. "Thomas needs to be the one to tell you, it has been eating him up too."

Confused and frustrated he stood. "Then let's go and speak to Thomas." He held out his hand, gently helping her to her feet.

Taking a shuddering breath Delilah tried to calm herself, dabbing her eyes and cheeks before setting a swift pace to the room her brother was staying in.

Thomas glanced up in alarm as Delilah entered, realising she had been crying, quickly moving to her side, glancing at Jayden. "What happened?"

"We have to tell him. I cannot keep punishing him for our mess!"

Thomas glanced anxiously at Jayden who was giving them both a worried look.

Warin rose and cleared his throat. "Is it really the appropriate time for this?"

"Whatever this is, it has Delilah in a state." Jayden stated. "Let's just get it out in the open and deal with it."

Thomas paled but nodded. "You better sit down."

Warin sighed. "If you are intent on doing this, I suggest Lord Fergus and Lady Ellowyn, also be present. This is all interlinked and it saves telling it twice." He moved to the door. "I will see if they are available."

Jayden sat on a chair gently rubbing Airyl's ears as Thomas comforted his sister. It was only a short time later when to his relief Warin returned.

"Lord Fergus has suggested we convene in the study. I suggested the larger meeting room so there is … space."

Jayden raised an eyebrow but nodded and moved to Delilah's side, his gut twisting at her anxious glance and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Whatever this is about, whatever is upsetting you so much, it will be better once it's out in the open."

Delilah remained silent, knowing that while it might be better for her, it would not be for him.

xXx

"What is this about?" Ellowyn whispered, catching Jayden's arm and holding him back as the others moved into the room.

"I have no idea, but whatever it is has Delilah in a mess. She said it's why she has been pushing me away."

"Should Fergus and I be here if this is to do with your relationship?"

"Apparently it involves your family too."

"Maker, I do not think I can take much more awful news." She smiled as Jayden gently squeezed her hand.

"Whatever this is, we face it together."

Taking a calming breath she led the way inside, Airyl darting immediately to her favoured spot in any room, the fireplace. Ellowyn settled at the far side of the table next to her brother opposite Thomas, Delilah and Warin who were seated with their backs to the door.

Jayden moved to the remaining seat nearest to the fire and settled down. He caught Delilah's gaze and saw only worry. Thomas was ghastly pale and while Warin looked calm, Jayden knew enough of the man to know he was tense. He forced himself to project calm, glancing at Thomas when the silence became uncomfortable seeing Delilah squeeze his hand. He gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile, startled to realise it only seemed to make Thomas feel worse.

"Thomas, perhaps you can tell us why we are here." Fergus requested gently after several more moments of silence.

Swallowing painfully Thomas forced himself to look up and met Jayden's worried gaze. He was grateful as Delilah gently placed a reassuring hand on his arm. Warin was between himself and Jayden, ready to protect him if it was needed; Jayden was his friend now, but he wondered if that would remain so once the truth had finally been spoken. Swallowing nervously, he shifted in the seat. "This is awful timing given what happened to Gwaren, but I … there is something you should know. Something I should have said long ago, but I was too much of a coward."

"Thomas, you are not a coward." Jayden stated, hoping to soothe his friend. "You have more than proven that."

"You may change your mind in a moment."

"What is this about?" Fergus demanded feeling unnerved.

Lowering his eyes Thomas took a deep breath before turning to Jayden. "I know who you really are, I have known since the morning after I helped you to leave Vigil's Keep."

Jayden didn't bother to hide his surprise. "Well, aren't I the worst kept secret in Ferelden, but that hardly makes you a coward and it doesn't explain what Delilah is so upset about, both she and Warin know who I am." He felt a sliver of unease at the sick look on Thomas's face. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"I wanted to, but I … I was afraid, ashamed."

"Why would you be afraid or ashamed?" When he said nothing, Jayden felt the unease become dread. "Thomas?"

"I … I know who is behind the threat on your life." He looked up and met Jayden's shocked gaze, seeing the colour drain from his face.

Fergus was desperate for the answer, but Ellowyn's hand suddenly clamping on his arm stilled him, he followed her gaze to Jayden and reluctantly maintained his silence.

Clasping his hands when he realised they were trembling Jayden took a shaky breath hesitating because he was afraid he already knew the answer, because only one answer made sense of why Delilah was so upset and why she was pushing him away. "Tell me." He whispered.

Feeling as though he was choking on the words, Thomas forced himself to push aside the rising nausea and face the truth. "My father." He wanted the earth to swallow him at the shocked gasps of Fergus and Ellowyn, but Jayden didn't seem to react, he was staring at him with an unreadable expression. "He … he told me the truth when I helped you to flee once I told him what I had overheard."

"Why?" Fergus demanded when it became clear Jayden wasn't going to respond. "Why in the Maker's world would he do such a thing?"

"He feared a match between Jayden and Ellowyn." Thomas risked looking at Jayden, still unable to read him. "The pair of you were always so close and after your mother's death he feared you would grow closer. In his madness he decided to make sure that couldn't happen while making himself the only person your father could rely on. He counselled your father not to tell anyone. He was able to distance your father in this way from Teyrn Cousland and Bann Teagan. He hoped the same would be true with King Maric, but I believe your father spoke to him of the situation."

Jayden stared at Thomas, finally finding his voice. "So, it is a lie? All this time and it was never real?"

"Grand Duke Gaspard does or at least did have men looking for you, just as he was looking for Nate. I do not know why, perhaps he keeps himself aware of the location of all Ferelden nobility who are travelling, but the written threat itself … that was my father." He swallowed uneasily as the storm grey of Jayden's eyes seemed to darken.

Looking straight at Warin, Jayden clenched his fists struggling to hold onto his temper. "Who else knows? Does my father know?"

"Maker, no! He believes as you did that the threat was genuine."

The relief of that one statement was so intense it was almost painful.

"Do you think Rendon would be alive if your father knew?"

Feeling shaky Jayden remembered Cailan's words to him, realising despite his father's assurances, he had been genuinely terrified it had been the truth. Gripping the table, he was startled to realise Airyl was at his side. He felt her strength in a way he never had before, a solid and unwavering support he desperately needed. When he spoke again his voice was low as though speaking to himself. "I had my suspicions he knew where the threat had come from, that he would use that knowledge at an opportune time to find favour with my father or sister, but it came from him!" As silence fell, he slowly raised his head and met Delilah's worried gaze. "You knew. All this time you knew and you never said a word. Not a single word."

"I … we had no proof."

Shaking his head Jayden forced himself to look at Thomas who looked on the verge of tears. "Why didn't you just tell me?"

"I haven't exactly had a commendable past. It would have been my word and that doesn't really mean anything. I was afraid you would have thought I was trying to hurt you again."

Warrin swallowed uneasily beneath Jayden's piercing glare.

"And your excuse?"

"I have none." Warin cleared his throat. "The Arl, he … he has not been himself for some time. He changed after the terrible events of the occupation and what we did together in those days bound us in ways I never realised." He sighed softly. "But even I had no idea of how far he would go. At your mother's funeral he saw you and Lady Ellowyn holding hands, it stirred a kind of madness in him. He devised the threat to separate you so he could encourage your father to accept Lady Delilah as your betrothed."

Tears slipped down Delilah's cheeks as she looked at Jayden. "What he did to you and your family is my fault." She hurried on not waiting for a response. "It was that day on the beach before you mother … before she returned to the Makers side. My father, he … he wanted me to get close to you, to … endear myself to you, but you were a child to me then and I was in love with someone as you know. I saw how you were looking at Lyra and I realised you were in love with her. I told my father you had feelings for another and when he looked at you, you and Ellowyn were together and laughing. I realised what he suspected and I did not correct him. If he knew you loved an elf it would not stop him, but if he thought it was Ellowyn …" She glanced at Jayden and then Ellowyn tears in her eyes. "I thought it would stop him; I thought he would leave us alone." Tears slipped down her cheeks as she gave a choked sob. "Maker, this really is all my fault."

"You could never have known." Ellowyn whispered shakily.

"That my father was a monster? Of course I knew, but I never thought …"

Heart pounding Jayden forced himself to turn away from Delilah and focus on Warin. "Was he always going to blame the Cousland's for this threat he created?"

"Not that I ever knew; when you and Lady Delilah were married, he would have provided bodies of the perpetrators with proof, but of course no way to confirm it, likely the bodies of convicts. I believe he is enthralled by the blood mage he has with him."

"When did this blood mage come onto the scene?" Fergus demanded, struggling to control his own fury. "Before or after the threat?"

Warin sighed softly. "Afterwards, but I truly believe he would never have gone as far as to kill your parents if he had not been enthralled. I saw the mage enthral him with my own eyes. I couldn't help him which is why I got Lord Thomas out of there as fast as I could. I have no means to fight blood magic."

"How do we know you are not lying to protect him?" Fergus stated coldly. "You are obviously adept at it."

"I am telling you the truth, I swear."

"What he did to Jayden and his family was before the blood mage." Ellowyn stated softly. "He might have been enthralled when he decided to destroy our family, but everything he did to the Mac Tir's was his own mind, his own decision."

Warin sighed softly. "Yes, it was."

"He used my past with Orlais to terrify my father into doing what he wanted and you stood by and did nothing!" Jayden snarled, getting to his feet. "You could have gone to my father! You could have told him the truth, but you went along with it. Damn you, you hunted me down to take me back to him when I fled! You could have told me the truth then!"

"He would have killed Thelda!"

Jayden felt as though he had been punched in the stomach, sinking back down. "Is there anything he won't do?" He turned sharply to Fergus. "We need to tell my dad and Anora that he might still be enthralled."

"That might not be the best course." Fergus stated cautiously in as soothing a tone as he could muster, shivering at the fury in Jayden's eyes. "If you tell your father what was revealed here then he will likely force a confrontation. Not only would that potentially put him and your sister in danger from this mage Rendon has at his side, but we will lose any advantage over him."

"But he has to be stopped!" Jayden snarled.

"He does, but in a way that he cannot escape, surely you understand that."

Ellowyn moved to Jayden's side, tears in her eyes. "I hate that this is being asked of you, I cannot imagine how angry and in pain you must be, I know he took your whole life from you, but he killed my parents, he tried to kill Aedan and Oriana, he had Oren poisoned and they very nearly killed Fergus too. He had blood magic used on me. He has accused my family of being traitors, we need him to confess all of this at the Landsmeet. It is the only way to clear our parents, our family."

Feeling selfish and utterly wretched, Jayden shook his head. "This is a mistake; Maker knows what they are plotting! My family has a right to know; I … I have a right to be me again."

"Just give us a little more time." Fergus pleaded. "Let us call for a Landsmeet and all of this will be over, everyone will know the truth. We need to have as much evidence against him as possible if we are to have any chance of him confessing."

Jayden thought of the vial of truth serum he had hidden in his belongings. I will make you admit the truth Arl Howe, I swear it. "I don't understand how he could do that to us at all, but so soon after my mom died …"

"Your family was at their most vulnerable." Warin stated softly.

Closing his eyes Jayden leaned back against the seat. "It's all a lie and I still have to live it."

"Just until we stop him." Ellowyn soothed.

Delilah stood, wanting to be next to him as Ellowyn was. "Jayden I …"

"Don't! You have nothing to say that I want to hear."

Paling Delilah clenched her fists. "Jayden!"

"You knew! All this time you knew!"

"And it's been tearing me apart!"

Jayden stared at Delilah in disbelief. "All this time, all this petty jealousy and arguing was because you were feeling guilty because you knew what your father had done to my family, to me." He shook his head. "Why didn't you just stay away from me?"

Delilah swallowed hard. "I wanted you to know you were not alone and that I love you."

"Love! You know nothing of love! I would rather have been alone than have lived through your twisted version of it."

Paling Delilah sank back onto her chair. "I … I …" She glanced at Thomas, tears gleaming in her eyes as he gently squeezed her hand. "Please try to understand, I …"

"I don't care!" Jayden snarled. "I don't want to understand how awful this has been for you! Your father took me from my family pretending there was a death threat on my life! My mother had barely returned to the Maker! All those times telling me he would make sure I returned home, when he was the one keeping me from it! All the time with grandpa I lost that I can never get back because he died!" Jayden stood, leaning over the table, his eyes dark with fury. "Whatever was between us is over and Maker help whoever tries to force a marriage between us, because it will never happen!"

The remaining colour draining from her face, Delilah stared at him in shock. "Please, I …"

"I need air." Jayden growled, turning and striding from the room, Airyl slipping out with him as he slammed the door shut behind him.

Silence filled the room, Delilah staring at the door, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"It was just a shock for him." Thomas soothed, though his voice shook. "We knew he would be angry. Perhaps we should return to our rooms." He urged getting to his feet and helping Delilah to hers.

"But …"

"He knows now Delilah, but we cannot control how he reacts. What I do know is he will need time without us being around him."

"I have lost him." Delilah whimpered.

"Stop being so damn selfish!" Ellowyn snapped, her own temper fraying. "You have had him twisted in knots with your accusations and anger and he didn't deserve any of it. You only have yourself to blame for losing him. He is a good, kind man and you do not deserve him!"

"I have to make him understand. I …" She jumped as Ellowyn slammed her hand off the table.

"I warned you if you hurt him, we would have a problem. You will stay away from him Delilah or so help me …"

"Ellowyn." Fergus stated warningly. "Do not say things you will regret."

"I would not regret it." Ellowyn snapped. "If you will excuse me, a friend needs support."

Delilah shrank beneath her frosty glare taking a trembling breath as she left the room.

Fergus sighed deeply. "They will need time to calm down, this was … unexpected and very distressing information."

Panic almost choking her, Delilah allowed Thomas to guide her from the room. "We never should have told him."

"He would have found out at some point."

"He never needed to know we knew!"

"Could you really have lived with that?"

Delilah remained silent, her stomach in knots that Ellowyn had gone after Jayden, horrified by the jealousy that gripped her.

xXx

Entering the courtyard Jayden was barely aware of the guards moving swiftly out of his way as he strode past them towards the main gates, his fury clearly evident on his face. Airyl remained at his side, her ears erect, fur bristling, a low growl warning others to stay away. Not really knowing where he was going Jayden just knew he had to get out of the castle and away from Delilah, Thomas and Warin. Quickening his pace he headed for the beach, his mind in chaos.

xXx

Looking out of the window Delilah saw Jayden take the path down to the beach from the cliff, there was no mistaking the wolf at his side, hating herself for the wave of relief that Ellowyn was not with him. She sighed softly as she realised her fingers were pressed against the glass as though she was trying to reach him.

"He just needs time." Thomas stated softly.

"I have lost him." Delilah whispered.

"Give him a chance to catch his breath, it cannot have been easy to hear any of that. I know it was not easy to say it. We had to tell him Delilah." He sighed at her silence and sat on the edge of the bed. "I should have told him long ago. I don't blame him if he never forgives me."

xXx

Staring at the horizon Jayden felt as though he was struggling to breathe, trying not to give into the barriers that wanted to rise around him like a fortress. All the time lost with his family and friends all because of one man's obsession. The fear and grief he had been forced to bury deep within himself welled up inside, too immense to suppress as Warin had taught him. The grief of a child forced from his home and family for no reason other than a man's selfish grasping for power became impossible to hold back. Instead, it tore from his chest and throat in a roar of rage and anguish, Airyl howling with him. He screamed out his fury until his throat was raw and his jaw ached and still the pain of the lie built within him. Finally, he dropped to his knees on the sand staring at the waves, barely aware of the drops of rain becoming steadily heavier, imagining the tide sweeping him far away from this madness.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading, it is always appreciated.