CHAPTER 13

 

Dinner seemed to go on forever for Paul, he was afraid he would see Skye but also afraid he wouldn't.  'Why didn't she tell me?'  He thought to himself.  'If only I had known.'

 

Dinner was over.  It had been a pleasant evening Queen Daphne and Queen Mother Adolphina were very gracious, the food was wonderful, and everyone had a good time.

 

"Gentlemen, you should retire early tonight you have an early start in the morning." Queen Daphne stated.

 

"We want to thank you for your hospitality," Gene began "and for all the help in getting the boat repaired."

 

"Yes," Bruce added, "I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't found this island."

 

"Fate has a way of working things out." Queen Mother Adolphina said.  "Good night gentlemen."  Queen Daphne and Queen Mother Adolphina left the banquet.

 

"We should head for bed too." Bruce stated to no one in particular.

 

"She never came to dinner." Paul said.

 

"Did you expect her to?" Gene asked.

 

Paul shrugged and headed off to his room.  Halfway to his room he realized he needed to talk to Skye they needed to work this out.  Paul changed direction and headed for Skye's room.  Bruce and Gene watched Paul go and just shook their heads.

 

"He won't learn." Gene said.

 

"No he won't." Bruce answered.

 

Paul arrived at Skye's room and mustering all his courage knocked on the door.

 

"Skye, we need to talk, can I come in?"

 

Paul waited for an answer.

 

The only thing he heard was the lock turning in the door.  Paul hung his head he had his answer.  She did not want anything to do with him.  He couldn't blame her, not really.  He had acted foolishly and had hurt her beyond repair.  Paul returned to his room leaving a weeping Skye on the other side of the door.

 

Bright and early the next morning Andre was at their door ready to escort the three men to the dock.

 

Queen Daphne was at the dock waiting to say good-bye.

 

"Thank you for your hospitality Queen Daphne." Gene said as he shook her hand and then kissed it.

 

"Mr. Simmons you are quite an interesting man and I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet you." Queen Daphne told him.

 

"Your Majesty thank you for all your help." Bruce added.

 

"It has been my pleasure." 

 

Queen Daphne looked at Paul, "You will not find our island again.  It is best to let it go." 

 

Paul looked at Queen Daphne in confusion.

 

"She will not see you off."

 

Paul nodded in acceptance as he boarded the ship without saying anything.

 

The three men waved good-bye as they headed out to sea and back home.  Gene touched Paul's shoulder and pointed to the cliff.  There stood Skye watching as the boat set sail.  As Paul lifted his arm to wave good-bye she turned and walked away, leaving everything between them unsaid.