Exton

"Cassandra, shhhhh" Keon holds her close. He closes his eyes, focusing on just feeling her in his arms.

Guunnar laughs, slipping his arm around Star. "Is ok, Little Sister. I also tought Keon knew. I thought dat is vhy Cassie now vears his colors, as she vears his."

Keon opens his eyes. Everyone is still there. So much for that hope. It wasn't a dream. "Mela, come walk with me." He nods to the others as he takes her hand, "Excuse us please. We will be back in a bit."

Cassie is quiet. There is a sadness in her that tugs at Keon. His mind races. How long? Why didn't she tell him? Does she fear his HellHound side? Maybe it is his job... He moves past their room, heading for the balcony. She still has said nothing. Opening the french doors, he motions for her to wait. A demifae flits through the doors and checks the few shadows in the morning light. It darts back, giving an all clear.

As soon as the doors are closed behind them, he pulls her against him as he drops into a deck chair. "Alright Cassie, talk to me. Why didn't you tell me? Do you fear me that much?"

Her eyes open wide, shocked that he would think that. "No! Keon, it isn't like that. I didn't want you to... I mean..."

He presses an ebony finger to her lips. "Answer me this. Do you want the baby? Are you unhappy that you are carrying my child?"

Cassie starts to laugh, "Unhappy? Keon... I thought YOU wouldn't be happy. You are a Rider and a Dark Lord, a noble in the Dark Court. I am a halfbreed Nymph. I didn't tell you because," her voice drops as she looks down. "I thought you would leave."
 
He tilts her head up, forcing her to look into his dark eyes. "Listen to me. I have never wanted someone as much as I want you. Babies are precious. Our child is a gift from the Goddess. I will not leave you. You will have to leave me first."

"Don't be so serious Keon. I don't plan on going anywhere." She slides her arms over his shoulders. "Are you sure you aren't angry?"

His dark hands cup her face. "Stunned, pleased, amazed.. not angry. You aren't showing, is it still early? How do pregnancies run for your People? Will it be like Alise and Pandora?"

The questions tumble from his lips and Cassie leans close, kissing him hard.

"For such a private man, you suddenly can't shut up, can you?"

Keon laughs and pulls her closer, rocking slowly. "Ok... help me understand, mela." Wonder touches his words. "I am going to be a father..."