Galen watched Dubhdara as he began to talk. He nodded in understanding about working. The doctor himself had many research papers to sort through and file. He smiled as Dubhdara apologized for his behavior. At the mention of dinner however, his eyes widened a little bit. He bit his lower lip trying to think of a way to decline. He couldn’t possibly imagine going to dinner at the same table with Dubhdara and Dee. Even if both of them didn’t know about the other, Galen didn’t think he could stand the awkwardness and guilt of the whole situation.
He was about to say that he just couldn’t make it, no matter what day it was before Dubhdara winked at him and began to walk away. Galen’s mouth opened and stayed that way, no words coming out. After a moment, he muttered, “Uh… okay.” He said as he watched the noble leave the room.
As soon as Dubhdara had left, Galen collapsed on his bed. What a night. What a predicament. His head throbbed with pain, his eyes were sore, his muscles ached, and his stomach churned. He felt the familiar rush of regret and guilt. However, he was the most guilty and ashamed that while he now knew Dubhdara was Dee’s father, he still felt that last night had been wonderful and he enjoyed it so. Perhaps because Dubhdara was closer to his own age, Galen didn’t feel the same kind of shame and regret that he had with Dee. After all, Dee was merely a boy while Dubhdara was a grown man and knew exactly what decisions he was making even if in a drunken stupor. Galen curled into a ball on his bed, covering his face with his hands. He sighed. Perhaps, he’d never see Dubhdara or Dee again. Maybe the lord would forget about the dinner and not invite him. Maybe all of this sudden activity in Galen’s life would disappear. Maybe it was all an illusion in the first place. As he thought this Galen drifted off into a shallow sleep, not wanting to be up to greet the day anymore.