Nova Peak It's like an apple of temptation

Her question was met with a wall—his guard slammed up, and she could tell he would not offer her anymore views into his past, at least not tonight. She had a feeling the chances of him actually telling her all the sordid details of his past were slim. Did it sting a little? Sure. She liked that he had been willing to have these meaningful conversations with her, especially during a time when she didn't trust many others enough to let her own guard down. But, she understood; there were many things she wouldn't be very willing to talk about, and she wouldn't appreciate others not being respectful of that. So, she dropped it, not asking any of the questions that filtered through her mind at the mention of his exile. I'm glad, too, she offered instead and left it at that. 

The subject of her children always lightened her mood, and a small smile curved her lips. He is well, she answered. My other son, Ego, has been missing since the death of his father. He recently returned, Taki offered next. I never thought I would see him again.  One son still remained missing, and she would always hold on to the hope that she would see him again. She was grateful to know that her other three children were alive and well, though.