'I demolish my bridges behind me...then there is no choice but to move forward'

-Fridtjof Nansen

***

Three months later,
The Palace;

Geoffrey stood facing Maya with a soft smile.

When he had decided to inform her of his decision, he knew she wouldn't be thrilled about it. But seeing her dispirited face, made him want to retract his words.

"Maya, please say something."

Maya found herself unable to control her melancholy.

He was leaving...

"But why? You have us here. Why would you ever want to leave?"

Geoffrey sighed, taking assured steps towards the bench she sat upon. He bent down to her, with his smile intact on his face,

"I know you are happy. That is all that I had wanted to assure. Now, it is time for me to fulfil my promise to myself."

Maya's eyes glistened with tears as she spoke with a choked voice,

"But that is so far away. When will you come back?"

She saw the hesitation in his eyes and gasped.

"You do not intend to come back, do you?"

Geoffrey shook his head apologetically.
He knew that she was saddened by this. He himself, was hurting at the thought of leaving his little angel behind; but he had faith in her.

He knew she had grown into a strong woman, one who embodied her mother's perseverance. She did not need him anymore; not with the love and support of her husband.

"You are doing this for her, aren't you, uncle Geoffrey?"

Maya spoke in a small voice, gauging his reaction.

She had always suspected the depth of his feelings of her mother, but had never had the courage to voice her thoughts.

He had always told her that he and her mother had been good friends. But now, after hearing him, she could not help but state the truth.

Geoffrey's shock lasted for just a second, before he looked into her eyes with surety,

"She once told me that she dreamt of seeing the place that had once been her home. I want to be able to tell her about it, afterwards."

Maya marveled at the unadulterated devotion in his tone and flung her arms around him, not bearing to acknowledge the fact that this might be the last time she would ever see him.

"I have already been granted the permission from His Highness. I just want to know that you will not be sad.
Promise me that you will take care of yourself."

Maya pulled back to look at him with a wistful smile, feeling grateful for having him in her life.

"I will, uncle Geoffrey. I promise."
__________________________________

Bradford Estate;

"No!"

Brandon flinched at the finality of Geoffrey's tone.

"Please, uncle Geoffrey."

Geoffrey shook his head decisively .

"No, Brandon. I cannot allow you to come with me. This is ridiculous. You have an entire life to live here. You have your brothers and sister. I am not sure how long I will be gone. You cannot leave all this."

His words were met with a firm shake of Brandon's head.

"I know what I would be leaving here, uncle Geoffrey. But I need this. For years, I have longed for my mother; my mind has conjured up innumerable images of her. But those are nothing more than futile illusions.
This is my only chance to feel close to her. Perhaps I will finally be able to understand a part of her- the part that had been an integral essence of the woman she was."

Geoffrey could see the longing in Brandon's eyes, and hesitated.

He knew he could not refuse him, not when he looked at him with such hope and expectation.
__________________________________

Graves Tavern;

"It is time at last, isn't it?"

Gwen smiled wryly, handling the tumbler in her hand.

Geoffrey sat at the stool; his hands devoid of any drink.

"Yes. I think my duty here is done."

Gwen fixed her reluctant gaze at him, taking in the firmness of his expression.

She knew that trying to dissuade him from leaving, would be of no use. She had no right to do that anyway. He was determined to make this journey; and nothing could stop him.

"She is a lucky woman, my lord. There are not many who would be willing to love someone with such passion; even to the extent of crossing the seven seas."

Geoffrey passed a wistful smile, reminiscing the beautiful afternoon, years ago, when Saya had confided in him about her wishes.
He could still remember the forlorn smile she had on her face when she had spoken of her land.

"I am doing it for myself, Gwen. There was a time when she had told me of her dreams. You should have seen the sparkle in her eyes...she looked so alive.
I want her to know that her dreams were not forgotten; that there is someone who cherishes them as his own. I want to live her dream for her, Gwen."

Gwen passed a final smile in his direction.
She was content with the knowledge that by doing this, he would finally get some peace; and tried to mask her hurt at his departure, with a brave smile.

"Then, do what is needed, my lord. If that is what your heart desires, then I wish you a safe journey..."
__________________________________

Hayworth Estate;

Brandon's heart swelled with love as he held his daughter in his arms.

He found himself looking into wide, curious eyes- eyes that were an exact replica of his.

"Oh, my love..."

He placed a tender kiss on her forehead, trying to infuse all of his love for her, in that one touch.

"She is usually sleeping at this time of the day. Perhaps she knew you would be here."

Emma looked at them with a soft smile.
Her heart clenched when she saw the longing on Brandon's face.
She knew he loved their daughter; and felt immense gratitude for his ability to set aside his own wishes, for the sake of the little girl.

Brandon did not remove his gaze from the child, grinning when she found one of the strands of his hair to pull at.
He looked up at Emma with a delighted expression,

"She has quite the grip."

Emma's smile dimmed before she replied,

"Yes. Even she doesn't want you to leave."

Brandon lowered his eyes back to his daughter.
He knew leaving her would be the toughest.

This was the first time he was holding her in his arms, and he already felt reluctant to part from her.
But he knew that he had to. To love her the way she deserved, he first had to find his true self.

She had Emma and Averey.
His daughter had a family that loved her unconditionally.

Even if he did stay, he would never be able to claim her as his own; not if he wanted her to remain happy.
Perhaps it would be better to shield her from the knowledge that was bound to hurt her.

Was that not what a father was supposed to do?

His staying here, would not do anyone, any good.

He needed to discover his own path, to be able to understand what the Lord had intended for him.

Perhaps this journey was written in his fate.

"I have to, Emma."

Emma nodded solemnly; knowing that he needed this.
She could already see the changes.

He was no longer the tortured, miserable man she had seen months ago.
He looked much wiser.
His eyes held a determination and purpose that she had never seen in them.

"I hope you know she will be waiting for your return. We will tell her all about her Uncle Brandon."

Brandon tried not to let the effect of her words show on his face. Knowing that his daughter would never be addressing him as her father, was like a stab to his heart.
But the pain dulled with the reminder that at least he could stay in her life.

"When will you be returning?"

Brandon looked at Robert, finding his younger brother's face contrite with hopefulness.

He carefully passed his squirming daughter in Emma's outstretched hands; his yearning gaze never once leaving her.

It was another moment before he approached Robert with a grin,

"I will be back before you know, brother."

Robert jerked his head, in what was supposed to be a nod; his eyes still remained downcast with disappointment; a reaction similar to the ones by his other brothers.

Both Philip and Edmund had made sure to affirm their displeasure at his departure; though it wasn't something he could rectify, not when he knew it was imperative.

It was before making his way to Averey, that Brandon was approached by Scarlet. He had not seen her since his father's funeral.

He could still remember the desolate look on her face, as she had stared at the casket.
He had never seen someone so crushed.

It had been the face of a woman who had lost the reason of her existence. She looked pitiful.

Now, she faced him with a forlorn expression.

"I know why you are leaving. Just...be safe, Brandon. A-And please know that I am very sorry for what I did to Saya- truly. I hope she knows that."

Brandon passed her a curt nod, trying his best to not let her presence remind him of his losses, opting instead to focus on what lay ahead; for, that was what he had vowed to do- live.

He walked past her without another glance, finally nearing his brother- the person who had always had faith in him; one who had been the best brother he could ask for. And the one who would be just as good a father to his daughter.

"I am sorry, brother."

Brandon barely managed to get the words out, his throat clogging with emotion.

Averey fought back his tears as he held on tightly to his shoulders,

"No, Bran. You have been sorry enough. It is time for you to let the past go."

Brandon glimpsed at his daughter, sleeping soundly in her mother's arms behind Averey. Emma's rueful gaze met his, and he forced his eyes back to Averey.

"My past is my present, brother. I cannot let it go. But I have accepted it, and that alone seems enough.
I never thanked you, Averey. I do not know what would have happened if you didn't step up for Emma...I just- I might never have met the little angel."

Averey gave a firm shake of his head, fixing his sincere gaze to his.

"But you did, Bran. She is here, and she is safe."

"I know, I know. And I have you to thank for that...you, and Emma.
There is just one thing I ask of you- keep them happy, Averey. Take care of them."

Averey nodded solemnly, with a sorrowful smile on his face. In the very next moment, he found himself enveloped in Brandon's sturdy embrace.

He squeezed his eyes shut, letting a few drops of tears fall from them. When he spoke next, his voice was saturated with gratefulness,

"Thank you, Brandon. Thank you for trusting them with me. I give you my word to protect them with my life."

Brandon pulled back to look at him with belief,

"I know you will, brother. I know you will..."
__________________________________

The Palace;

"What? Did you say something?"

Edward frowned, seeing his wife's blank gaze.

"I said there is someone here to meet you."

Maya's nodded distractedly, cementing his belief in the necessity of this particular visit.

She had been spending much of her time, lost in her thoughts. It had all been okay, up until the moment they were blessed with the fortunate news.

That absorbed look of her face had only intensified with time. He knew that part of the reason was her anxiety, much alike his own, over the safety of their child.

After what had happened last time, the entire Palace had been extra-vigilant with her health.

But for Edward, her happiness mattered the most,; something that had been missing ever since her brother's wedding.

He knew she had been worried about Brandon. He could see it on her face.
Her thoughts always circled around him, worrying whether he was alright, or not.

What he couldn't understand though, was why she was unable to enquire about his wellbeing with the man himself.
That problem however, was soon to be resolved.

"I am going to leave and let the person inside."

His words piqued Maya's attention, and she looked up from her lap.

"Why? Who is it? Why would I be meeting someone in our chambers?"

Edward decided to let her questions go unanswered; opting to simply smile, before leaving his perplexed wife alone.

Maya's confusion did not last long though, as the very next moment, her brother made his way inside.

She stood abruptly, finding herself brimming with relief to see him well and good, after such a long time.

"Bran."

Her voice came out in a breezy whisper.

Brandon approached his sister with an affectionate smile on his face.

"How are you, Maya?"

Maya choked back a sob, before flinging her arms around him, unable to control her delight.

Brandon pressed his face against her shoulder, finding the much-needed solace.

Maya sniffled before straightening back to look at him with a conflicted gaze.

"How are you?"

Her words were met with a soft smile from him.

"Much better than before."

Maya gave a slight nod of her head, knowing that he spoke the truth.
He definitely seemed better.

Brandon continued in an apologetic tone,

"I just wanted to apologize, Maya...for all that I did. I know it will not be enough, but-"

His words were interrupted by Maya's emphatic voice.

"I know, Bran. I can see it in your eyes. I am your sister; I cannot stay angry at you forever; not when you have owned up to your mistakes and atoned for them. I forgive you; I do, brother.
I also know that I was too harsh on you. I know you were hurting. But believe me, Bran, I only did that because I could not bear to see you like that.
I could no longer see you punishing yourself and those around you, for something that had never been your fault.
Our father is no longer here, Bran. It is time to let go."

Brandon nodded his head in understanding,

"I do not blame you for what you said to me, Maya. I needed to hear that. I think I needed that to realize what I was turning into. You were right. And I am not that man anymore, Maya.
I do not want to be that man.
Do you know what I felt as I stood near his grave? I felt nothing!"

Brandon chuckled drily, shaking his head with disbelief.

"Imagine that, sister! My own father, lying cold beneath the ground, and I do not feel a single thing- no sorrow, no anger, certainly no hate.
But wouldn't any of that been better than nothing?
And do you know what I decided that day?
I decided that I would never be like that man. I felt pity for him, Maya. Pity that he had to leave this world like that- with not even a single loving word from anyone...
I realise that I have forgiven him. But it is a resigned feeling, with nothing more to it than that. I cannot love, or respect him.
I certainly could not bear to see my daughter looking at me like that!"

Maya felt her eyes well up with tears at his words.
What he did not realise, was that she had not felt much different.

As she had stood there, she had felt nothing but a deep sense of futility.
Had all their pain and suffering amounted to this?
Was this where it all ended?

Over the years, she had tried her best to not let her disappointment and shame at her own father, rule her life.
She had been adamant to lead a happy life- one that her mother would have desired for her.

But at that moment, when she saw his body being lowered to the ground, all her hurt and pain resurfaced. But it was not for the man who had sired her- no; it was for her mother.

She had finally allowed herself to weep for a last time, for the woman who had suffered at the hands of her father; the woman who had led a life full of humiliation.

And for what?
For a man whose remains were soon to be turned to dust?

She wept for the life they could have had; but the one they had been denied by the fate.

And in some pathetic corner of her heart, she cried for losing the man who had been her world while she was still a child; a man who had been a loving and caring father, willing to go to any extent for his children's happiness.

But she knew that was
not the man who lay before her.
No- that man had been long dead.

The Lord did have a fitting sense of justice for all the sins that we commit...

So, Maya had wept one last time.

But she had vowed for it to be the last time, for she had to continue living her best life, one she owed to her mother.

"You are not him, Bran.
I know I said otherwise that day at the meadow, but I know you are not. Not when you were able to own your mistakes in a way he never could."

Brandon composed himself, sighing before he spoke in an assured tone,

"I know, Maya. I am not like him. I will not allow myself to become like him. I have my daughter to think of now.
Have you seen her? Isn't she wonderful?"

Maya smiled warmly at the mention of her darling niece.

"Yes, she really is..."

She reminisced about the sweet child, possessing her brother's wise, dark eyes.
Maya had fallen in love with the little girl, the moment she had laid eyes upon her.

She then thought of Brandon, and how he must be hurting.

"Bran, I-"

"It is for the best, Maya. I know you are concerned about me. But I have accepted the truth, and it doesn't hurt that much- not now; not when I know she will be happier there.
Averey loves her, Maya. She will never have to know any pain."

Maya put a gentle hand at his cheek, looking at him with a soft gaze,

"And you? Will you be alright?"

Brandon smiled back, his eyes displaying his sincerity.

"I will be. I will be alright, knowing that she has her family to take care of her. I know you will love her with all your heart. Why would I not be alright?
As long as she is happy, I am too. I will be happy knowing that- no matter where I am at."

Maya's brows furrowed as soon as she heard his words.

"What do you mean? Why are you talking like you plan to leave somewhere?"

A sense of panic gripped Maya when she saw her brother avoiding her gaze.

"Bran?"

He sensed the apprehension in her voice, and knew that delaying the news, would not do her any good.
Taking a deep breath, he finally managed to get the words out,

"I came here to tell you that I am leaving, Maya."

Maya felt her head pound with distress.

"Leaving where?"

Her voice was hardly audible to her own ears, muffled by her consternation.

"I am leaving with Uncle Geoffrey. We set sail tomorrow at dawn."

"No! Why? Why do both of you have to leave? What about me? What about your daughter?"

Brandon fixed his beseeching eyes to hers.

"She will be fine, Maya. I know that. As for you, I have faith in your strength, sister. You do not need your fool of a brother anymore.
And if you do, remember- I am always with you."

Maya regarded her brother with dismay,

"But I do not want you to leave, Brandon. It doesn't matter whether I need you or not. You are my brother; how could I ever bear your absence?
I do not even know when you might be back!"

Brandon shook his head imploringly.

"I am not leaving forever, Maya. I will be back, there is no doubt about it.
But, this? This is my only chance to be where I was always meant to be. I feel it in my heart, Maya. Haven't you ever wondered what it was like?
Knowing that you carry an undeniable essence, of a place you have only ever heard about? That your roots lie there; and you would forever be a part of it, just like it has forever been a part of you?
I want to see it for myself, Maya. I want to visit the place where our mother took her first breath; the place where it all started... I want to see the beauty that she had always wanted to see..."

Maya felt understanding dawn on her, at his words.

Had she never wondered about the place?
Of course, she had.

But she knew she could not leave her life behind to go in search for it.

However, her brother could.
He had always been a free-spirit. She had always known he was meant for something different than the others.
And though she would have loved to see him settle down and start a family here, she knew that it would not be possible; not while facing a constant reminder in the form of what he had lost.

He needed to be away from the place that had given him nothing, but loss and hurt. Perhaps then, he could allow himself to be merry.

Maya knew that he deserved a fresh start- somewhere he could finally free himself of all the remnant hurt and regret.

Though she would want him to be here- now more than ever, she would not allow her selfishness to be a hindrance in her brother's chance at a fulfilling and meaningful life.

She sighed heavily, closing her eyes in acceptance,

"I cannot change your mind, can I? Alright. But remember to come back as soon as possible. I will not be responsible for it, if my child forgets his Uncle's name."

Brandon's relief was instantly replaced by hope as he gazed into her eyes.

"What?"

Maya's glistening eyes, sparkled with love as she smiled tenderly.

Comprehension dawned in Brandon's eyes and he grinned joyously.
His sister would finally get the happiness she rightfully deserved.

"That is wonderful news, Maya! Why did you not tell me before?"

Maya's face filled with mock-annoyance as she replied,

"I would have, had you not sprung up that disastrous news of yours."

Brandon's smiled turned sheepish, and he rubbed the back of his neck.

"It is alright, Bran. If this is what you need, I would not stop you. Go, brother. Just promise me to be back."

Brandon raised his fervent eyes to hers, holding the promise of the future.

"I cannot not dream of letting my nephew or niece grown up without having known their marvellous Uncle Brandon."

__________________________________

Author's Note-

Hello to all my wonderful readers!

So, what did you think of the chapter?
A few of you had already stated the possibility of Brandon leaving.

It was something that I thought would be the best for him.
He deserves a chance to start afresh, away from all the hurt.
Plus, he is going to his mother's birthplace.❣️

As for Brandon and Maya's reaction to their father's death, I know it might seem harsh to some of you...
But to have them abruptly loving him, simply because he had died, would have been unrealistic.

Geoffrey is finally going to achieve Saya's dreams (remember their little flashback from Part 6?)❣️

And I want to assure you that I'm nothing like this while writing this story-

(I am not evil! I promise)

P.s. The next chapter is pretty short, as compared to my other chapters.
It will be followed by the epilogue.

I hope you all are safe and healthy.❣️

Till the next time 👋