Chapter 117. Blood and Vengeance (Two Little Words) (2)

But she didn’t do any of that on her own. He was with her, at her side every step of the way. Troy was her salvation. He carried her through the loss of her family, losing Aaron, the wars and finding baby Ethan. All that while stealing her heart, no matter how hard she held onto it for someone else, no matter how badly she didn’t want, didn’t mean to give it to him, he just kept asking, kept demanding it, kept making her need him. He always told her how strong she was, but Aria only ever felt that way because he was there. Where are you Troy? I don’t care that it makes me weak to want you. Protect me, come for me, save me, tell me what to do, make me fall in line, anything as long as it’s you, as long as I can be with you.

There was a knock on the door before Keira came through it.

“We can’t wait anymore, Aria. You need to get ready.”

Maids and beauticians flooded the room. Tears aren’t for monarchs she reminded herself over and over.

“Just two little words,