craftingmom

I think everyone was looking forward to this confrontation And yes, it's important to note they are moving the unloading of the cargo to the middle of the night instead of during the day when it would be expected to happen.

Glad you enjoyed Kye's 'meeting' with his father, especially his elbow. Thanks!

Chapter 34 My stomach had twisted into knots after seeing my father—Mr. Benjamin. My belly fluttered as I rubbed my sore elbow. He still brought back all my old fears, and yet I'd been able to confront him. Without completely breaking down, I had actually been able to stand up to him—hell, I'd even hit him—before Tareth had swept in like a damn wildfire bent on total destruction. His attitude when he'd first realized it was me had nearly gutted me. But, it was his total disregard for m

Thank you There is still so much for Kye to learn, and even when the story ends, there is no way he'd be completely recovered, just on the top side of the recovery process.

Chapter 33 "When I get to Trienza, I'll visit the haberdashery. I'm sure I can find some things perfect for you," Ash said as we headed upstairs after dinner. He had spent most of today with Rowland and Liam working on plans to ensure the safe arrival of the cargo into port. It sounded like a large contingent of men were going with them. "You mean we," I amended, pushing the door open. I saw Amelia and Will inside, placing clothing from Ash's wardrobe into a small trunk, preparing for th

Hmmm, I'm sorry it feels that way. Kye has been slowly 'recovering', learning to trust, etc since chapter 21 when he begins to feel hope again. I've been trying to show Kye's slow acceptance of Ash's love--he has moments of happiness, trust and security, but then he also still doubts himself, that he could be good enough. This chapter was actually an unexpected one--it just sort of happened as the magistrates were planning to leave, and they felt Kye should be honored for everything he'd done. But my intent was to also show Kye still isn't fully 'whole' yet, as he immediately assumed he was going to be punished. He resorted back into his original thinking, and it took Ash to pull him back out again. I will think about your suggestion to moving it around. It could come at the end as well, maybe even with the Regent coming back with the princeling to do the knighting! It's certainly a thought, and this chapter isn't as necessary plot-wise as most of the other. I could drop it all together and it wouldn't affect the storyline. It's main task was showing Kye is still tormented by his guilt and fears even as happy as he currently may be with Ash, and also just a little reward for him Thanks for reading and letting me know what you thought. I'll definitely keep it in mind when I get around to finalizing the story.

While he's been slowly settling in, he still has residual fears. Up until recently, he's had no reason to expect anything good to happen, and he still expects what happiness he's finding to be stripped away. So glad you enjoyed the chapter.

Awww, thank you!

This was actually an unplanned chapter. I thought it showed both kye's growth, but also those residual fears, as he automatically assumed whatever was waiting for him in the courtyard was something bad. I'm glad you liked it!

Hehe, Isobel is a bit of an unknown still. One more chapter before they head to the port to deal with the shipment

Ahh, yes, that is actually mentioned in the next chapter!

Thank you. I hope you are enjoying his slow growth at becoming his own man.

Chapter 32 Strangely, as much as I didn't want to relive my time with Lord Barrett by talking with Lord Solomon and Lord Federic, I was in such as state of bliss over the last three days, that I barely remembered the questions. I had worried over some of the intense questioning, but Ash constantly reminded me they were just searching for the truth. The magistrates were often rather fierce in their interrogations, and sometimes their sharp, quick scrawl with the fountain pen over the paper h

Exactly, his doubts, while diminishing are still always there. Although, as you noticed, Amelia has already decided he's on par with Ash

Thank you!

Chapter 31 "You need to go," I shoved lightly at Ash's chest as he continued to nuzzle at my neck. We hadn't made it very far in dressing. I know we had to be well past the hour timeframe Amelia had given us. Ash had decided to 'help' me clean up. I had balked at him following me into the washroom at first. Even after what we had just done in the bed, I still felt awkward about my naked body in front of such an exquisite man. He was perfect and my bony, flawed frame was not. I'd hated

Yes, Barrett had no idea just how formidable an enemy Kye would become to him, just with the information Barrett let him be privy to thinking Kye was just his plaything.

Exactly!

Hehe, yeah, Kye has no idea the wealth of information he's inadvertently been privy to.

Yes, Barrett is still a wild card. Gerard has confirmed Barrett's anger at losing Kye, and a desperate man is never someone to turn your back on.

There is definitely enough 'evidence in play to put Huxton and Barrett out of commission now. Glad you liked it!

Chapter 30 It had been a little strange climbing into the bed together last night for the first time—well, at least starting out the night together. I felt gangly and awkward standing in my night shirt in front of Ash after changing in the bathroom, and he seemed to sense my nervousness. He'd dressed in a pair of soft sleep pants, but his chest was gloriously bare. When he had grabbed up the book he'd been reading to me and crawled into the bed, propping himself up against the headboard,

Strangely, Gerard's reappearance wasn't in my original plan, but here he is! And Ash and Row aren't into torture (Liam, maybe a little when really pissed off by a threat to Row), and while Ash has threatened Charlie with execution by the crown, he's really just threatening it to scare the man. Just so you know

Thank you, thank you! I'm so glad you are enjoying it. And I'm glad to be back, even though the cruise was great (the bed sucked though and I really needed to catch up on sleep!).

You are absolutely right. They should be suspicious of a stranger showing up after everything that's happened. I think you'll enjoy the next chapter!