A day late, but here’s a WIP *Thursday* post, teasing a bit of the upcoming chapter 22 of The Last Time. It’s slowly but surely coming together and I’m excited to update soon! Thanks to anyone still reading and invested in this story. Enjoy 😘
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The memory stays with Arya for days, weaving in and out of her mind as she continues South.
The twists and turns her thoughts take almost mirror the meandering route she chooses through the Riverlands, driving with no destination in mind and stopping whenever she’s compelled to.
In the Saltpans, she spends the day on the beach, skipping rocks at the still bay water, and gorging herself on saltwater taffy.
At a local market on the outskirts of Maidenpool, she spots a pair of red and blue booties with little silver fish embroidered on them, and she doesn’t think twice about buying them.
The tiny socks seem to serve as a reminder of something she’s missing, tugging at a faint ache that Arya has refused to lean into completely.
Aside from sharing her location with Sansa once or twice, there’s been no contact with her family. No calls from Jon, or emails from Bran, or -
Well she’s not going to think about how she’d cowardly deleted her last text conversation with Gendry just so she wouldn’t see it in her message queue.
And yet, even with the slightly warmer climate of the Riverlands - winter an errant thought in these parts - Arya finds herself feeling colder than ever, a hollow forming in the pit of her belly that reminds her very much of regret.
Maybe her partner had been right all those years ago when he’d flippantly told her to fuck her reasons for isolating herself. Maybe it’s not too late to fix it.
Maybe she can still turn it around and avoid being that girl who was so focused on running away, she ended up right where she started.
And if that’s the case, then there’s really only one place she can go at this point. The one place - judgement free - where she can start to piece herself together.
A/N: Hello readers! I wanted to take a minute to say thank you for your understanding last week while I dealt with some personal things. I am back and cannot wait to share this next part with you. As a thank you this chapter is a very loooooong chapter so get comfy, grab some popcorn and enjoy! Much love xx
“I think we will end things here for the day Harry, if you are comfortable with that?” Peter, Harry’s psychologist leaned back into his seat eying the prince. This was Harry’s first session with him and he had felt a bit guarded sharing everything with a man he did not know. Adalyn had encouraged him to talk to someone about his dreams and flashbacks that were becoming more apparent since his return home from Afghanistan.
If he was brutally honest he only did it for her. Harry had his fair share of therapists in his life that his father insisted he saw as a teenager trying to help his son deal with the loss of his mother at such a young age. He thought it was a waste of time to sit in a room pouring out your feelings to a stranger a few times a week. A small part of him secretly delved into the fact that maybe this would work.
Glancing at the hanging clock on the wall the big hand ticked loudly landing on the hour officially ending the agonizing session he had just been a part of. It was not easy for the prince to put all of his trust into a stranger even if he had the credentials; he simply was not completely comfortable with Peter yet.
“Thank you for coming here Peter. I appreciate the discretion.” Harry stood up and shook his hand leading the therapist to his office door in his Kensington apartment.
“I want you to try and use those strategies we have discussed in our session and next week we can see how they have worked for you your highness.” Peter’s calming voice spoke.
Harry nodded a simple reply. “Please no formalities. Harry is fine.” Peter smiled warmly at the prince before being escorted to his vehicle by Harry’s RPO Luther.
Knowing that Addy was waiting for him in his room ready to bombard him with questions about how it went, Harry took a silent moment to himself.
Closing his eyes Tariq immediately popped into his mind. He could feel his little body go limp again in his arms knowing that there wasn’t anything the prince could do for him. His heart began to beat loudly in his chest picking up the pace like he had just been on a 10 kilometer run. Opening his eyes he looked down at his trembling hands unaware that Adalyn was leaning up against his bedroom doorframe watching him in silence.
Harry did not hear the sounds of her feet stepping across the floor towards him. All he could see was his hands covered in Tariq’s blood, shaking as his mind held him hostage to that day.
Addy had made it halfway to Harry watching him fixate on his trembling hands. She gently called out his name, not being sure of how to proceed next she stood in agony seeing his features twist in a bout of anguish and hurt. Unable to watch any further she walked towards him and softly grabbed one of his hands breaking his trance.
His eyes flew down to hers. All she could see was fear swirling amongst the blue pigments in his eyes that slowly dissipated as he refocused his eyes onto her.
“Harry?”
“Listen Addy. I am not in the mood to talk about it.” His voice was cold and hard shutting down any conversation of the matter.
“I know and that’s why we need to hurry….” Addy’s lips turned up into a grin. Harry suggestively raised an eyebrow, confused at what she was meaning.
“Grab your wallet and jacket. Oh and don’t forget a beanie!” Addy hollered back at him over his shoulder as she ran back into his room gathering her things hastily. Harry followed in behind her still not understanding what was going on.
“Addy you are making no sense. Where are we going?” Harry’s voice was still low. He was not in the mood to go out tonight. If he was to be honest, he wanted to be entirely alone.
Reaching for her jacket she pulled it on over her shoulders. Passing by Harry she went into his closet pulling out one for the prince in a hurry. “We only have a few minutes until Luther comes back and we need to leave now or he will catch us.”
Her smile beamed up at him as she handed him his jacket. “We are going out on a date without your security like a normal couple.” Taking a few steps forward she closed in the distance between them. “You need to get your mind off of things and have a little fun so tonight I am taking my man out for dinner and to the new Harry Potter movie. I didn’t tell you before hand because we are ditching Luther and it will be just us… now do I have to waste more time convincing you or would you rather me leave you here?”
All of his stress that was piling up weighing down on his shoulders was immediately lifted at the thought. Harry knew he would be in huge trouble for what he was about to do, but he couldn’t say no to her. A part of him desperately wanted to just be normal, rather a normal couple for one night and there was no way he was going to miss that.
Grabbing his keys off his dresser Harry replied with a crooked smirk. “Ever been on a motorcycle before?” The way Addy’s green’s eyes lit up at the idea gave Harry his response.
Addy glanced down at Harry’s hand holding a firm grasp on hers as they ran down the corridor of Kensington Palace taking a new route she was unfamiliar with. “We need to hurry Harry.” Addy picked up the pace trying to keep up with Harry’s long legs.
Reaching the garage where his motorcycle was stored Harry helped fasten Addy’s helmet on securely pulling the strap snug around her neck. Quickly getting on the bike he offered his hand to Addy. Holding on tightly she swung her leg over the bike finding a comfortable place behind the prince. Opening his visor he angled his head to the left so Addy could hear him.
“Hold on tight Addy.” She nodded briefly before snaking her arms across his abdomen securely holding onto him. The garage door opened slowly as Addy glanced back behind her hoping they would be able to get out of the Palace grounds before his security showed up and noticed that he was gone.
Hearing the revving of the motorcycle fill the room Addy squealed with excitement. Harry kicked off the cement and drove out heading towards a back entrance he knew would be less guarded. Having no issues passing through the gate Harry turned into traffic listening to Addy’s directions of where to go.
The sound of Adalyn’s laugh behind him caused his heart to skip a beat and his smile light up brightly. It was full of life and too contagious not to join in. How could he have wanted to be alone without her a mere 8 minutes ago? Addy was his therapy, she made everything better; her laugh, her smile, her gentle touch was enough for him. The late night walks she insisted on going on with him even when her tired head rested on his shoulder struggling to stay awake while they walked amongst the chill of the middle of the night.
Waiting at the light for a turn signal Harry turned his head back to make sure she was ok. “You alright babe?” Harry’s voice was muffled by his helmet. Addy laid her head down on his back snuggling into his warmth blocking the cool wind.
“Better than ok…” she sighed heavily.
Reaching their destination, Harry pulled into the back of a diner. By the looks of it, it was a family owned diner that belonged in a movie. Climbing off the back of the bike Addy took off her helmet smoothening over her brunette hair with a wide smile.
“We are going to eat here?” Addy could see how quick Harry’s mood had changed for the better, which was exactly her plan. Harry had surprised her lately and now it was her turn to return the favor.
“Yes we are…” Angling her head at him she took in the view of her boyfriend sitting on his motorcycle sporting a leather jacket. Biting her bottom lip she let out a quiet moan.
Harry barked a laugh seeing her bite down on her lip. “Enjoying the view?”
Addy nodded taking a step towards him wasting no time in capturing his lips against hers. Harry gently wrapped his hand around her neck, pulling her lips firmer onto his. Feeling the desire building with each passing second Addy knew that if she did not stop now she would let him take her right there on his motorcycle.
Gripping his leather jacket in her hand she reluctantly tore her lips off of his releasing a small whine. “Why do you have to be so sexy?” Addy shook her head before turning on her heel to walk into the diner.
“What can I say… I was just born that way.” Harry teased back at her.
Taking a few quick steps to beat her to the door Harry opened it for her following in behind her. “Where do you want to sit?” Scanning the diner the place was relatively empty giving them ample choices. Harry saw a booth at the back corner that was a bit more secluded. Addy had reassured him that he didn’t need to conceal his identity here, that they wouldn’t even know who he was.
Harry followed beside his girlfriend to the back corner placing a hand on her lower back in a protective manner. Addy shimmed into the booth first motioning for the prince to sit on the same side as her. Setting down their helmets on the other side Harry joined her taking a look at the menu.
“Have you eaten here before?” Harry questioned as he took of his jacket tossing it over the table.
“Yeah. This is Ainsley and mine’s after party diner. They have the best breakfast here, it cures all hangovers I swear. But, I think you might like their burgers. Their milkshakes are amazing, you have to try one.” Addy leaned into him pointing to certain things on the menu.
A waiter greeted them telling the couple about their specials and what he recommended. “And for the beautiful lady I would definitely try the cordon bleu burger.” It was clear to both of them that he was flirting with Addy causing quite the stir within the prince.
“Can we have more time to decide?” Harry spoke lowly, his voice demanding. The waiter nodded flashing a wide smile to Addy before vanishing.
Addy turned to gaze at the prince, seeing his features harden as he was practically staring a hole through the menu. “What do you think? Do you want to share a few things?” Trying to change his mood and distract him from the obvious jealousy he was feeling.
“Why don’t we each get a burger and can share some fries and a milkshake?” Harry suggested. “Mmm that sounds good babe.”
The waiter came back a few minutes later. Harry immediately wrapped his arm around Addy pulling her body tight against him while she ordered causing her to giggle a bit at his forward action. Placing their orders Harry took a sip of his water feeling the cool liquid run down his throat.
Turning his head he felt Addy’s eyes on him. “What?” Harry raised his eyebrow at the look his girlfriend was giving him.
“Are you jealous?” Addy chuckled lightly.
“No.” Harry denied quickly taking another drink of his water. Of course he was. This waiter was full on flirting with his girl. He had to make him know that she was his and no one else’s.
“You so are…” Addy searched for his hand giving it a tender squeeze. His eyes flashed back towards her. “It’s alright. I think it’s cute how protective you get sometimes.” Leaning in she brushed her nose against his.
Catching her off guard Harry’s hand grabbed her neck pulling her back close to him causing a light gasp to escape her lips. Feeling his hot breath spread across her lips she realized how close he had made them. “I dare you to kiss me here…” he teased her.
Memories of their first kiss came flooding back into her mind. An instant smile spread across her lips remembering that night. “Be careful Wales…. that dare got you into trouble last time.” Addy leaned in closer brushing her lips on Harry’s for a mere second before pulling away from him.
“It still is. You are trouble.” Harry winked down at her causing him to receive a playful swat on the arm.
“You know this is our first actual date out in public.” Addy blurted out with a smile before realizing what she had said. Harry waited in silence for her to continue. “It’s nice that we are taking a chance…” Addy trailed off, not wanting Harry to be upset about what she had said.
Hearing him sigh she closed her eyes waiting for his reply hoping that she hadn’t ruined their night at her outburst. He knew it was hard for Addy sometimes. She was giving up everything there was about having a normal relationship. Nights like this were extremely risky for the prince no matter if they had security with them or not. He knew that she understood why he was so cautious; it was merely for her protection. Once the press found out about her, he could not longer protect certain aspects in her life.
One thing he knew was sure. Addy needed this night more than him. He would do anything in his power to make her smile tonight and be as normal as a couple they could be. Even if that meant taking a risk.
“It’s nice to get out and take you on a proper date.” Harry watched her head lift at his response. Her green eyes lit up at his words as she sighed with relief.
Their meals had arrived smelling just as delicious as they tasted. Addy was right, their food was amazing and it hit the spot. Sharing their milkshake Addy had gotten a splash of wipe cream on her face. Wiping it off of her cheek he licked his finger off.
“How does it taste?” Addy giggled as Harry smacked his lips lightly. “You always taste so good…” Harry’s devilish grin caused her eyes to roll.
Asking for the bill Harry pulled out his wallet refusing to let the brunette pay for anything. The waiter continued to flirt with Addy relentlessly while Harry plugged in his information into the machine.
“You know you look quite familiar.” The waiter spoke to Harry handing him the receipt. Harry’s body was tense acting like they had been caught.
“He gets that a lot.” Addy piped in swiftly with a reply. “Don’t you see the Ed Sheeran resemblance? Too bad he isn’t as good as a singer.” Addy caused herself to force a laugh with the waiter at Harry’s expense. It was the only thing she could come up with promptly.
“That was close.” Harry leaned in placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, thanking her for her quick wit. “But I bet I can sing just as good as him!” Addy laughed so hard she was nearly in tears at his remark.
“Alright alright. Let’s go before they figure out who I actually am.” Harry helped Addy out of the booth this time grabbing a hold of her hand letting the waiter see as they walked out the diner.
Waiting in line at the concession stand at the movie theatre Addy glanced up at the prince. His flaming ginger hair was covered by a beanie in hopes to better conceal his identity. Since it was a Tuesday night, the theatre was not as busy, but they still could not take the chance in such a public place.
Harry looked down at his phone that continued to vibrate. “Damn it Luther stop calling me.” He muttered under his breath. Addy grabbed his phone from him turning it off. His mouth literally fell open at her brash action.
“You better be there too when I am getting a swift kick in the ass from Luther and my father for ditching my detail. And you don’t believe me that you are trouble Miss Mackenzie.” Harry bent down whispering in her ear.
“I promise I will be right by your side. I can fully take the blame… but I don’t think that they will believe that little innocent me put you up to this.” Addy winked up at him giggling silently at the prince’s shocked expression.
Carrying their drinks and popcorn Harry spotted Addy in their seats she had saved. Making his way to her he handed her the items before taking a seat beside her. Harry had told her to go in without him to find a good spot for them. Addy had chosen an isle seat for the prince so he didn’t need to sit beside anyone, no doubt on purpose.
“Did you get butter on it?” Addy took a handful of the popcorn. “Extra butter just for you.” Harry proudly smiled remembering what she had liked at his home. “Good man.”
The movie had started playing it’s beginning advertisements. Wrapping his arm over his girlfriend he brought her closer to him. It was on a rare occasion that Harry had actually been to a movie theatre, always having to sneak in last minute before the movie started, but this time it was different. He had never in fact been on a date to one and Addy had made that happen for him.
“Did you know that most girlfriends during a movie date give…” he stopped seeing her eyes grow wide at what he was about to say next. “Henry!” She quietly whispered his name knowing exactly what he was talking about. “No… I am not doing that during a Harry Potter movie! There are children here!” Addy pointed to the two little kids sitting ahead of them.
“But later I am going to…” it was her time to get a little revenge on him. Addy whispered what other fun their were going to do later that night. Watching the prince shift and squirm was her objective.
“I will punish you later for that…” Harry’s voice was stern in a playful way. His remark turned her cheeks red knowing what he meant by that.
Snuggling into the prince Addy rested her head on him while they watched the movie. At times Addy would laugh when no one else would causing her cheeks to flush a crimson red. Harry could not stop laughing at her in return. He had known this about her from the numerous movies they had watched together. It was a quirk about her that he loved.
Harry and Addy waited until the theatre was empty before leaving thinking it was a better idea then to leave with a crowd of people. The two of them sat there in the dark theatre watching the credits go by talking as if neither one wanted this night to end.
“Did you have fun tonight?”
“Of course I did babe. I always do when I am with you.” Harry grabbed her hand firmly leading her down the steps out of the theatre.
The couple walked silently out of the theatre hand in hand. A smile was plastered on Addy’s lips. It was all Harry could do to not continually stare at her and see how happy she was. Tonight they had taken a risk and so far they had been lucky. Pushing the thought from his mind of how terrible it could have been in the paparazzi had found out.
Not wanting the night to end Harry had a surprise for Adalyn he had been holding back all night. Reaching his motorcycle Harry fastened her helmet back on safely.
“I want to take you somewhere else…” He looked deep into her eyes.
Addy eyed him suspiciously. “I hope not to the tower of London. Please don’t go all Henry the eighth on me!” Harry couldn’t help but laugh at her as he dissolved into a fit of giggles. It was true. Laughter was the best medicine.
“No babe… not there.” He managed to spill out between laughs.
He could sense her impatience at not knowing where she was heading to. Harry refused to let her in on the secret. Riding around the city on his motorcycle he vowed to do this more often, especially with his girlfriend behind him.
The motorcycle climbed up a winding road leading to a hill on the outskirts of the city. Going off the road down a dirt path Harry carefully drove down until they reached an opening.
Addy’s mouth nearly dropped to the ground. The night-lights of the city of London were displayed before her in a spectacular view. Turning the engine off Addy dismounted the bike pulling her helmet off walking closer to the edge of the small cliff in astonishment. She had never seen anything like this in London.
Hearing the crunching of the ground behind her she looked back over her shoulder at the prince. “This is amazing Harry. How did you know about this?”
The prince came up from behind her wrapping his arms around Adalyn as he released a heavy sigh. “My mother used to take me here sometimes at night. It is a place only her and I shared together.”
Knowing that Harry’s mind had drifted to memories of his mother, she stood there in silence letting him take in the view that he had so fondly shared with his mother. Diana had never come up in the conversations in the past, not wanting to force that sensitive subject with Harry, she never asked him about her.
Minutes passed by in a comfortable silence with Addy engulfed in Harry’s arms. It had been years since he had come here and felt that he wanted to share this with someone else. No one else had ever been privy to this, but somehow tonight he wanted Addy to know.
“Thank you for taking me here Henry.” Addy softly spoke not wanting to disturb the peacefulness this place exuded. Pulling one of his hands off her arm she bent down to kiss it sweetly in a thankful gesture.
“She would have loved to meet you Addy.” Hearing him talking about her in the past tense nearly broke her heart, but she understood him to an extent. She knew what it was like to grow up without a mother, the only difference was hers chose to abandon Addy where as Diana was taken away from Harry all too soon.
Addy had remembered that day when she learned of the news that Princess Diana was tragically killed in a Paris car accident. She remembered watching the funeral procession with her grandmother as she vividly said how heavy her heart was for those two boys.
Closing her eyes she so desperately wanted Harry to know the story about her mother knowing that it was unfair for him. He couldn’t keep parts of his mother to himself. He had asked her once before, but their relationship was still very new then and it was a part of her that she always kept privately guarded until it was the right moment to share.
“I miss my mom too.” Harry heard her voice brake as she spoke those words. In all honesty it shocked him to hear Addy say anything like that about her mother. All Harry knew about her mother was she hadn’t been in her life since she was a very small child.
Turning her body around to face him he needed to know that she was ok. Addy refused to let him see the tears that betrayed her trickling down her cheek. She planted her head on his chest away from him acting as if she still wanted to see the lights.
The couple stood there for a while longer in silence before Addy started to get to cold. Clambering up on the bike she held onto Harry with a tighter grip a sign that he definitely picked up on. Something between them had changed that night. Guarded walls had crumbled allowing each other a glimpse into something deeper that was locked away within the other.
Arriving at the back gates of Kensington Palace Harry parked the motorcycle in the garage. Taking one final moment to themselves before the onslaught of Luther’s wrath came down on them he gave Addy a chance to escape it.
“You can go home if you want Addy. You don’t need to be subjected to what’s about to happen.” Harry pulled the brunette into a hug as she shivered into his warmth that surrounded her.
“No…” Addy glanced up at her boyfriend. “We chose to do this together. All of it.” Addy reminded him that she was not going anywhere.
“YOU THINK THAT YOU… A PRINCE! CAN WALK OUT OF HERE AND DISAPPEAR WITHOUT A WORD FOR A WHOLE 6 HOURS!?” Luther paced back and forth in front of the couple that was seated on Harry’s sofa. Holding her hand with a tight grip they both sat in silence hearing Luther yell at them.
“YOU THINK IT’S SMART TO LEAVE THE PALACE WITHOUT YOUR DETAIL ALL BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO TAKE YOUR GIRL OUT ON A DATE? HAVE YOU GONE MAD HARRY?!” Luther stopped to stare down the prince letting him know that his actions were unacceptable.
“Luther it was my fault.” Addy choked up not wanting Harry to get all the flack for it, which of course made the prince even more angry because he was now sure Addy would get yelled at.
“Addy…” Luther became quiet as he kneeled in front of her. “You have no idea how dangerous it can be for Harry.” Luther stood to continue his angry pacing as his heavy feet stomped across the floor.
“I DIDN’T EXPECT THAT YOU WOULD DO SUCH A THING. NOT ONLY THAT I FIND OUT THAT IT WAS YOUR IDEA… WERE YOU EVEN THINKING OF THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES? THAT HARRY COULD HAVE BEEN ATTACKED?” Luther was now putting on the guilt trip to Addy. He needed to know that she would never convince the prince to do it again.
“Luther… STOP!” Harry moved to the edge of the sofa ready to defend Adalyn.
“No Harry! You know better… you know better.” He shook his head at the prince. “I HAD TO WAKE UP YOUR 80 YEAR OLD GRANDMOTHER AND TELL HER WE HAD NO IDEA WHERE HER GRANDSON WAS FOR 6 BLOODY HOURS!”
“He needed it.” Addy piped in, no longer being able to sit quietly and be yelled at.
“What did you say?” Luther became quiet again and Harry knew that it was best to just be quiet and take it.
“He needed the night away. I admit it wasn’t one of my brightest ideas, but I don’t regret it and if he needs to do it again…” Addy tore her eyes away from Luther landing them on Harry. “I will do it again.”
Luther was speechless at what he had heard coming out from Adalyn’s mouth. “He needed it… or did you need it?”
A deafening silence fell across the room as the tension rose. Luther had taken it too far now. The anger had bubbled within Harry building into a boiling rage. He could take being yelled at but what Luther had said to Addy was not fair to her.
Her head lowered to the ground in defeat not wanting to say another word. Harry stood up from the sofa. “You do not speak to her that way Luther.” Harry’s fists were balled up in anger.
“Addy only did this for me.” Harry’s voice grew loud filled with building anger.
“You know better Harry. Damn it I thought we were through with this behaviour!” Luther and Harry started a yelling match making Addy wanted to curl up into a ball and disappear.
Not being able to take it anymore Addy sat up and grabbed her things heading towards the door. Harry and Luther were too busy yelling at each other for them to realize she was leaving. Hearing the door slam shut broke through Harry’s train of thought as his yelling subsided. Looking beside him he had realized that Addy had left.
He gave Luther one last glare blaming him for it all before he took off running after her. “Addy!” he yelled which only made her walk faster eventually turning into a run.
Taking off faster Harry nearly making it outside to see her trying to unlock her door. Slamming her car door shut he begged her not to go. “I’m sorry Addy. Please don’t go.”
He could tell that Luther’s words impacted her more than he thought. Her eyes were teary on the verge of overflowing. “I want to go home Harry!” She tried to open the door, but his body blocked it.
Hearing her take in a strangled breath she finally looked right at him. “I am ok… I just want to go home.” Addy reassured him as best as she could knowing that he didn’t believe any of it.
Taking a step towards the prince she placed her lips on his pulling away all too quickly. It was a distraction so she could get her door open. Harry took a step back not wanting to make things any worse after the amazing night they had together. He was inwardly kicking himself seeing her drive off. His anger got the better of him tonight.
Addy took one last glance behind her seeing the prince standing there shaking his head. A part of what Luther had said was true. This relationship was not normal and a small part of her planned this evening for her satisfaction. It was harder than she thought dating a prince and tonight reminded her of how much she missed being able to go out and do things without being in fear of someone spotting them.
After all the yelling and anger Addy needed to escape. She needed a little time to herself to think, knowing that things would be getting more difficult in this relationship for her.
