She spent time training, trying to work off some of the nervous energy that made it hard for her to sleep. She spent time with her friends.
But even so, thoughts of Lex and what he was doing lingered.
At night, she found it hard to sleep alone. It wasn't like they'd actually slept together. They had stayed on opposite ends of the bed, but his presence had become comforting. Now, all she could feel was the cold, empty space where he usually slept.
She found herself thinking about the three days they'd spent alone at the house more than she cared to admit. She missed the sound of his voice teasing her. She missed the look in his eye when he laughed and the way he ran his hand through his hair, leaving it messy.
Her thoughts and the realization that she actually missed him scared her a little.
"What's got you so down?" Grace asked one night during dinner, but not in a tone that implied she actually cared. "Missing your lawfully wedded?"
For a second, Aria wanted to snap at her. But she thought better of it. Grace didn't seem as lenient as Lex. Yes, Aria was the queen, so she could technically talk to anyone in any way she wanted. But something told her that making an enemy of Grace was the last thing that she should do.
"Yeah, actually," Aria answered honestly, looking Grace right in the eye. Challenging her.
"Well, maybe you shouldn't have been a deceitful little bitch."
Aria glared at her. She wasn't surprised that Lex had told her. They didn't seem like they were the type of people who kept things from one another. Either way, Grace's words pissed her off. Yeah, she'd lied to Lex. Yeah, he had a right to be upset. But Grace?
"I'm still the queen," Aria said, getting up. "Don't talk to me like that."
Grace looked a little surprised by what Aria had said. For a second, Aria felt a little satisfied. She left without another word.
The next night, Lex came back. Aria and Grace were eating dinner, not talking to one another when he entered the throne room.
Aria felt a little embarrassed by the feelings that were washing over her; relief and longing. She shook her head to compose herself, remembering that she wasn't supposed to feel that way. He had made it very clear that he didn't much care for her anymore.
He joined them at the table as the others bowed in acknowledgment.
Lex greeted the room and sat down to eat. Grace waited a few minutes before asking him about his trip.
"It was fine," he said.
Grace nodded but didn't ask him anything else. Aria figured that Grace knew where he'd gone and why while she remained in the dark.
No matter. Lex would have to talk to her tonight. She wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Ben," Lex called suddenly. Ben turned from his spot at the table, and almost all of Aria's people went quiet. "Come here."
Ben rose as Aria fought the urge to ask Lex about what was going on.
"Yes?" Ben asked, standing a few feet from the table.
"You'll be leaving the day after tomorrow, so pack any items you own and say your goodbyes," Lex said, looking impassive.
"What? Why?" Ben asked.
"You know why. Don't ask such foolish questions," Lex said.
"Where am I going?"
"My guards will be taking you to a village about a day's travel from here. The people there will be expecting you. You'll have a place to live. Work. I don't want you here, but I will allow you to visit every few weeks, for the sake of your friends."
Ben looked shocked, angry. "You agreed to this?" he asked, glaring at Aria.
"She had no say," Lex said. "And don't speak to her with that kind of tone. I'm doing you a kindness. If it were up to me, I'd have you sent back to the Terra lands. Or worse."
"And if I refuse?" Ben asked, still looking at Aria.
"I apologize if I made it seem as if you have a choice. You can either go where I'm sending you or be taken back to where you came from."
"Fine," Ben said, finally turning to look at Lex.
"But Ben," he said, his tone turning threatening. “If I hear one word about you causing trouble or disobeying my orders, I won't think twice before ordering an execution. Do you understand?"
Ben nodded.
Lex dismissed him with a wave of his hand, and Ben left the room.
Aria didn't know what to say. Part of her felt a little sad because she was sure that he had a good heart despite all of the things Ben had done. The other part felt relieved because he was allowed to stay here despite the trouble he seemed determined to cause. He wouldn't be sent back. It was more than she could hope for.
"I need a drink," Lex said, getting up. He made his way towards the table her friends were at and talked to Brent for a few minutes. He returned to their table while Brent went to the kitchen, returning what Aria assumed was his special drink. Brent gave Lex the bottle, and he poured himself and Grace a glass.
"Want some?" he asked, looking over at Aria.
"No, thank you," she said. It felt formal and stiff. He only shrugged.
She finished her dinner and left the room. Grace and Lex had migrated to one of the other tables, joined by Brent, Martinez, Mara, and Peter. Aria took one last glance at them before leaving the room; they looked like friends. It made her a little sad; she should join them. She should want to join them. But she didn't.
Upstairs, she took a long bath and tried not to think of Ben, or Lex. Or anyone else for that matter.
She put on a long black nightgown and climbed into bed. She willed her muscles to relax, focusing on relaxing each part of her
