Irene's Deepest Fear

"I … I don't know."

Irene really didn't know what happened to her. First, the seasickness made her nauseous and dizzy, then Catelyn and Daniel's presence became a catalyst that worsened her mood.

When Sebastian loosened his grip, Irene touched her chest and felt her heart beating so fast. "I feel suffocated and ... a little scared."

Scare of what? Even Irene wasn't able to answer her own question. 

Daniel? Catelyn? Ridiculous. 

Their presence might hurt Irene, but she would never be afraid of them. 

"It's okay." Sebastian brought Irene into his embrace. He patted her back and caressed her hair gently. "You're safe here."

Instead of feeling safe, Irene's fear increased as Sebastian tightened his arms around her. But she didn't want to push him away and hoped that the time would stop so he could hold her forever.

Ah, she finally knew what had frightened her.

She was afraid of falling in love with her husband, Sebastian.