Chapter 28: Taste of Sea

Hailey’s POV

“How come you never told me anything about it?” I ask Dad, feeling my eyes glaze over with tears, but he just denies. He looks deeply sorry, and at the same time relieved, as if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

“I couldn't do it, daughter. Until recently you were just a child, so I kept the truth hidden to protect you. It would have been dangerous for you to tell anyone, even Sabrina. Being so close to the council, and with the king as absent as he is... I apologize, Hailey, but I didn't want anyone to make decisions for you. I wanted you to be free and to be able to shape your life as you saw fit. It was a possibility that neither your mother nor I could have.”

I look at him noticing the deep pain in his eyes and hug him as he hugs me back.

“I don't blame you,” I affirm, and kiss his cheek as he takes my hands in his. “But this... This changes everything, dad.” He nods.