Chapter 41: Behind The Past (2)
Arren looked at his father’s expression and noticed a somewhat complex emotion flashing for a moment. Arren was unsure whether to continue the conversation about his mother. His father may have noticed him watching, and the Duke’s face quickly returned to a gentle and calm expression.
His father gave him a gentle smile and said softly, "If you have something to say, say it."
Arren was quickly soothed by the familiar smile and voice that gave him security. While he still hesitated, his eagerness to find out the answer overcame it.
He realized it wasn’t that simple after his mind cleared, and he reflected on his forgotten and tragic childhood memories. Arren had a hunch that what happened years ago was the main reason why someone was after him. He didn’t know who but felt he was on the right track.
Arren responded by nodding at his father and assuring the Duke. He needed to take a deep breath before speaking. The topic was too heavy.
Arren opened his mouth and told his father about his dream after he was sure he was ready: "I didn’t know if it happened. My dreams were extremely vivid. The emotions... the touch of my mother, whose face I had forgotten, everything felt so real. And then..." he had to pause, knowing that his following sentence could be triggering for both him and his father.
And, as if the Duke had guessed his own, he squeezed Arren’s hand. As if saying that he was there, they were both together to face reality.
Arren continued after a brief pause, his voice low and soft. "I... saw what happened that night—I saw how my mother was killed right in front of me,"
He didn’t know how he finished that extremely sensitive sentence or where he got the courage to look his father in the eyes while saying those statements.