Show a little love 3

Show a little love 3
She could have told Aria the rest, about how he’d had a meltdown in the courtyard, but Keira didn’t see how that would help matters. Aria couldn’t stand Keira, but since Ethan’s death Keira had become rather protective of Aria. She wasn’t just here because she wanted blood, like she’d told Troy. She wanted to protect everything the man she loved had left behind. A marriage to Troy was the best way to do that.

What the hell did that mean?! He was just running after her 10 minutes ago, looking for her, seeking her out. Did he change his mind again? Was it so easy for him to walk away from her a second time? Was there really nothing between them anymore? Had there ever been? Did she let herself get played after all? It certainly looked that way. He only ever wanted one thing from her. That was just who he was.

“Get out,” said Aria, her voice cold as ice.

When Keira had retreated out of her room, Aria picked up her hairbrush, the way she had a million times when she wanted to remember the way he had brushed her hair, doted on it. Before she knew it, she had a pair of scissors in hand and she was snipping the long red hair he was so in love with. Cutting until she'd snipped her way into a bob haircut. It was some kind of retribution, some sort of revenge. For the first time, she hated him. Felt true and pure rage toward him. He was right there and chose to walk away again. This was the last time she would let him get to her. It was well and truly over now.

“There’s something else,” said Keira. “This came today.”

Keira held up two photographs. One was of a pregnant Diane. The photograph was distorted, but he would know her anywhere. The second was clear as day. It was of Diane holding a newborn in her arms. Troy’s heart was a mess.

“How old—”

“They’re from months ago, but they’re the first proof of life we’ve managed to find so far.”

So the child was definitely Ethan’s then. Troy didn’t know whether to be mad or scared. He was probably both. This changed things.

“We? You made nice with Madz?”

Keira shrugged.

“Had to. You need The House of Dormer backing you now more than ever.”

"She's with Dean, isn't she?"

His mind was racing. He already knew the answer. Troy’s brother didn’t just have Diane. He had the legitimate heir to a throne Dean was trying to take, had always been trying to take. It got dark in his head. Diane was one thing, but would Dean keep her kid alive? Would he keep either of them alive now?

“We need to get them out. Who knows how much time there is, if she’s even still alive, if they’re still even alive. Fuck!”

The dark prince was on full display. Troy was pissed off. This news meant something to Keira too, whether she liked it or not. She wanted to protect what was left of Ethan just as much as Troy did. Keira even found she wanted to protect the kid more than she wanted Dean dead.

“Keep your shit together, Troy. They’re sending Kate to get them out.”

Keira was right. This wasn’t the time to lose it. He had to rein it in.

“I want in.”

“This is a stealth mission, Troy. You know you can’t take him. Not with him being regent. Not now. Live to fight another day. It’s Kate. You can’t hope for better.”

“Or more dangerous. You know how she is about Dean!”

Troy punched the wall repeatedly, completely wrecked anything and everything he could get his hands on. How had he missed a fucking pregnancy?! How had Dean kept this from him for all this time?! Diane, sweet Diane. Her loving, doting heart didn’t have a chance in hell, not now, not when her kid threatened what Dean wanted.

“Kate will follow orders. I’ll make sure of it. You know The House of Dormer has a zero tolerance policy. Not even Kate is stupid enough to go against Madz. It’s probably time you left Warlanda, Your Highness, so that I can be relieved of babysitting duty and do what I do. Keep my little sis in check.”

He had to calm down. Be rational. Think. Make the right move. Not cost more people their lives. Not cost Diane and her kid theirs.

“You better bring them back alive, Keira,” he finally relented.

“I’ll give my life trying to spare theirs, Troy. You know I don’t lie to you,” she vowed. “Oh and, Troy, when you get here do me a solid and at least try and act like you’re not still hung up on some other chick. How is she supposed to agree to marry you when all you ever do is talk shop? Show a little love. You guys are like a bunch of teenagers, making eyes and crushing on each other. Honestly, briefings with you are awkward. Time to work those brown eyes and get her between the sheets.”

Aria didn't know how she had gotten there, only that she was back in her office, listening to Keira wrap up a video call with Troy.

Well, that certainly was a change. Troy didn't know what had happened, but clearly her hair had borne the brunt of it. She was different again. The fire was gone, but this time in its place he didn't find dead, cold eyes. This time, she just looked like he felt. Broken. Scared. Sad. Alone.

Keira watched their little exchange, saw Troy lower his walls, give up the mask for her and decided to slip away.

"Is your visit with your friend over already?" Troy asked.

He couldn't look at her with anger in his eyes, wouldn't allow that, but he knew something was getting out. Troy just didn't have it in him to hide today.

She sat down in her chair, picked up the king piece off of the chessboard and turned it around and around in her hands before starting to pack up the chess set.

"Yes, it's over, well and truly over this time."

"Leave it out," he said, bringing out his own chess set. "I'll teach you."

He wasn't going to be working his eyes or getting her between the sheets anytime soon, but he did want to be with her, did want to share this moment with her.

Aria hesitated, saw perhaps for the first time ever that he was hesitating too. For the first time in her life, Aria liked the hesitation in a man's eyes. Troy wasn't hesitating to commit to her, to them, he was hesitating to try and connect. Those vulnerable eyes were so much more than the strong ones she'd been expecting. He was exactly what she needed him to be to unpack that chessboard and sit down with him.

"You should know I'm coming for you. I'm finally coming to get you, my queen," he said, making his first move.

Even as she watched him, heard him say the words, her heart was shattering for the umpteenth time.

"I'm afraid you might find that there's nothing t
o come for," she said, mimicking his opening move. "You can certainly try, though. I won't stop you from trying."