2017, October 7th There was some mystery keeping Troy from taking Caroline and Aaron to that castle. After making such a fuss about taking her over there and her making nice on the first night, he seemed to have decided against them meeting after all. They had already been in the country for a month for goodness sake. All the cancelled dinners and brunches, it must be intentional and CC wanted to know why. Today was the same. Aaron was already being driven past the castle’s gates when he got the call. “Brunch is off. Get out of there,” said Prince Troy, ending the call abruptly. “Good morning to you too,” said Aaron, sticking his phone back into his pocket. He was just about to tell the driver to head on back out when he saw her. Those flames going down her back were unmistakable. He got out of the car and followed after her. When she came into view again she was pulling her shirt up and over her head. Aaron watched as the fabric lifted and revealed her

2017, October 8th “This is a stupid idea,” said Aaron, watching CC as she emerged from the partition in yet another ball gown. “This kind of thing is not for a guy like Troy. He will burn you.” “I’ll take my chances. We’ve tried everything else and we’re out of time,” CC answered, holding out her hand for him to hand her a tiara. “I still think-” “You still want to start a three way war,” said CC, cutting him off. Aaron came up behind her and put a tiara on her head, sighing. “How do I look?” “CC, think about what you’re doing. No matter what you do, in five days prince perfect is going to want to put a ring on it. That’s for keeps.” “I know. I’m counting on it.” Aaron sighed disapprovingly. “You know you look amazing,” he said, frowning as he rubbed her arms up and down. “Remember what I said. If he suspects even for a second that you’re acting out of character, that you’re bluffing, the game’s over. You’re done. You lose. So don’t hesitate and don’t start things you can’t finish. An

2017, October 9th Aaron was lying in the middle of a field of flowers on a hill that offered a view of ruins of a castle. They had been headed that way, were still he thought, only he didn't want to ruin the moment. He liked having her so close, liked watching his fingers go up and down her body without her protesting. She'd even let him drag his fingers through her silky, long flames like he'd always wanted to. This was not what he should be doing, not at all, but when Adele showed up this morning declaring that there was peace at the castle after all and asked him out on a date, he was so flabbergasted that he ended up just watching her, letting her drag him along wherever she wanted. "It turns out Duke Dormer was meeting with Diane to relay messages from her brother Dean to her. The royal palace is hosting a ball to welcome the so called Prince of Wars, Prince Dean, tonight. Also, now that that's settled, want to go out with me?" she'd said all in one breath. Aaron grinned, zeroi

2017, October 10th Returning home a disappointed man that morning after Adele was a no show, Aaron Condor was about to be a shocked man too. Henry and King Edward, the king of Warlanda, were in a video conference call with Troy and CC. “I’m afraid that with the appearance of Prince Dean in Sartis Est, a union between our countries at this time will not be feasible. I fear for Caroline’s safety,” said Troy. CC gave Troy a confused look. “What are you doing?” “Unfortunately, your fears may be justified,” said King Edward. “Your brother’s amassed quite the following. There are talks of a rogue army. I’m afraid of what he’ll do if he can’t bring Diane home.” “If it pleases Your Majesties, I would like to send Caroline back to Caines, at least until the matter has been resolved,” said Troy, refusing to look at CC. “Absolutely not!” CC exclaimed. “What she means is put us on a

2019, December 20th “You’re just going to stand up here and watch them while your mind implodes?” Troy asked, leaning forward with his clasped hands over the railing as he came to stand next to CC. “What do you want me to say, Troy? It’s not that you spend four hours a day working out and training, it’s that you do it with her? Don’t spend time with your dead best friend’s sister?” CC snapped. Troy chuckled. “Wow, four hours. That’s something. Looks like I missed a few things. When did this start?” he asked, smiling as he watched Aria laugh as she sparred with Bart. CC turned her head to Troy, watching his beautiful brown eyes darken ever so slightly. CC had made herself fluent in even the subtlest changes in Troy’s facial expressions. How long had she spent studying this man to try and outwit him? Back then, he always kept her close and she would go hours at a time just watching him. You wouldn’t know it from the easy smile on his face, but while Troy wasn’t nuclear angry, he was d