My Heroine

William.

She tried to control her heart rate and breathing as her thoughts were brought to the memories of the person that held that name. She never had any issues or problems with Will; on the contrary, she had considered him one of her good friends growing up. The last time she saw him was just days before the break up, the last time she talked to him was the day before she left for the states.

*Flashback*

“Lia, thank god you finally answered! I’ve been worried about you; Gran told me that you’re leaving tomorrow.” Will’s voice had a slightly frantic, worried tone, but also relief when she finally answered.

“Yeah, I just need to get away for a while before I start classes. I have to clear my head.”

“I understand Lia, I’m so sorry for everything. I know you don’t want to talk about it, but just know that I am here for you and no matter what, nothing will change that.” Lia felt the familiar feeling of tears filling her eyes at his words. “Call me if you need anything okay? Can you promise me that?”

“I promise and Will?” She heard him answer back. “Thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me.”

“I’m going to miss you Lia, but you are going to do amazing things both in school and life. Have a safe flight and call when you need. Bye Lia.”

“Bye Will.”

*End Flashback*

Lia couldn’t help but wonder what would happen when he got there. Looking at the clock, she realized she needed to get ready. She was hoping that getting ready would take a while and would just be finishing when he arrived, but when she finished she found that she still had 20 minutes.

Moments later there was a knock on the door; confused, Lia walked slowly to the door peeking through the peep hole since she hadn’t buzzed anyone in. Scrunching her face, she saw nothing but darkness when looking through the peep hole.

“Who is it?” She asked through the door.

“This is Bill ma’am.” Said a familiar voice causing her to laugh, opening the door. He smiled at her dropping his finger from where he was covering the peep hole. “Can my friend look around?”

Lia moved from the doorway to allow his friend to go in.

“So, Bill, huh?” she laughed shaking her head. “I see you’re still up to your same games and tricks.”

Will walked into her flat after getting the okay from his PO.

“Lia, why would I ever change? I make life interesting.” He replied a cheeky grin on his face, pulling her into a hug. “I’ve missed you.”

Wrapping her arms around his waist, she replied the same sentiment.

“I have to say, I was surprised when Gran said you were picking me up.” She mentioned moving into the living room once they released the hug. Lia took a seat on the couch with Will seated across from her.

“Yes, well, when Gran told me she had plans to invite you to lunch I offered. I figured it was better than a stuffy palace driver.” Lia nodded.

“So instead I get the stuffy Duke of Cambridge?” Will opened his mouth in mock outrage causing a laugh to escape Lia. “I’m sorry I miss your wedding, well, not really missed it because I still saw it. I’m sorry I couldn’t be physical present for it.”

“It’s fine, really. I would love for you to meet Kate, you would love her.” Lia noticed how his face brightened when he talked about his wife; she couldn’t help but wonder if Harry’s face did the same when she talked about her.

“She seems like a lovely woman, I’m very happy for you.” She smiled at him. Lia noticed that he nodded then seemed to drift into his head, something Harry often does when things are on his mind. “Penny for your thoughts Will?”

He looked at her; she saw the internal debate in his eyes.

“Just spit it out William.” Lia encouraged the obviously conflicted male across from her.

“I’m sorry if this upsets you, but I’ve always wondered about it.” Will eyed her carefully. “After you and Harry broke up, he said that it was because he just didn’t want a relationship anymore. It is a likely reason to anyone who can’t read my brother like an open book; I’ve always thought there was a bigger reason. I know for a fact that Harry was desperately in love with you and unless something big happened, he wouldn’t have broken it off with you.”

“I’m sorry Will, but why are you saying all this? Are you asking me if there is a bigger reason to why we broke up?” Will nodded. “Will, that isn’t my place to tell you. What Harry chose to tell you as the reason is Harry’s choice and I cannot over step those boundaries.”

“You’re right Lia, I’m sorry.” Lia waved her hand dismissing his apology. “You look well though. Everything is going good now that you’re home?”

“I could deal without the snow, but yes everything is good.” She smiled a thankful smile as her eyes moved to check the time. “We must be off if we expect to be on time. Are you joining us for lunch?”

Will followed Lia out of her flat after helping her with her coat.

“No, I’m afraid not. Gran wants it to be just the two of you, as always.” She laughed at the sight of Will rolling his eyes. “I swear she likes you more than me or Harry.”

“Yes, well, who could blame her?” Lia winked a cheeky grin firmly on her face.

The ride to Buckingham Palace was filled with playful banter between the two friends. Pulling up to the door Lia would be going through, the friends said goodbye.

“So, dinner at my place on Thursday, Kate will be thrilled you’re coming.” Will hugged Lia tightly.

“I’m looking forward to it. It was lovely to see you Will.” She exited the car, waving to him before walking through the door that was being held open for her.

“Miss Williams.” Lia heard another familiar voice say as she handed her coat to the staff waiting to take it. She smiled turning to the voice being greeted with a similar smile.

“Martin. How I’ve missed you. I hope the wife and grandkids are well.”

“Very well, in fact Marie is expecting her third.” Martin smiled at Lia as they began walking to the room where lunch would be served.

“Congratulations Martin, be sure to tell Marie the same.” Martin promised he would as they stopped in front of the door Lia knew as Gran’s office.

“Miss Williams, Your Majesty.” Martin said, as he held the door open for Lia. With one last smile to Martin, Lia walked into the room curtsying upon seeing Gran’s secretary was also present.

“Angelia you do not have to do that just because Margo is present.” Gran stated walking to greet the young woman she adored.

“My apologies Gran.” Lia kissed both cheeks of the shorter, older woman. “Margo, always a pleasure.”

Margo nodded, excusing herself. Gran lead Lia to one of the couches in the room. Lia noticed tea was already waiting on the table; she poured two cups, handing the first one to Gran.

“I hope my grandson was a gentleman to you on the ride.” Gran said after swallowing a sip and placing the cup in the saucer.

“He was, but of course all the Windsor men are groomed to be proper gentlemen.” Lia winked causing the woman to laugh.

“Groomed, trained, it’s all the same.” Gran joked laughing. “How was your time at Camp Bastion?”

Lia couldn’t help but notice a certain look in the older woman’s eye, she knew Gran never just jumped into a certain conversation.

“It was good, busier than last since I was the nursing supervisor. I rather enjoyed that position.” Lia sipped the tea in front of her.

“How is my grandson?” Gran asked, innocently sipping her tea. Lia placed the back of her hand against her mouth as her eyes shot to the woman on her right. Using the napkin on her lap, Lia wiped her mouth and hand.

“Excuse me that caught me off guard. Your grandson Gran?”

“Yes Angelia, my grandson. The younger brother to William, he has ginger hair and answers to the name Harry.” Lia eyed her Gran, eyes widening when she realized she knew. “Oh Angelia, stop being so silly, I’m sure it can’t be a big surprise that he’s told me about what happened. After all, he is aware how much I love and adore you. Are you happy dear?”

Lia smiled, feeling tear prick her eyes. He had told the one person he knew she told everything to. She knew they were going to keep everything to themselves for a while, but he knew she needed someone to talk to about missing him; about all the nerves and worry with him still out there.

Gran smiled, placing her hand on Lia’s knowing that she was surprised that harry told her everything.

“I am Gran, I really am.” Lia smiled shaking her head. “Is this all crazy though? I mean 10 years later, here we are, together again. After 10 years of not seeing each other, not once, yet we are both at Camp Bastion and out of the thousands of people there, we connect again. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all.”

“Well my dear, if I know anything it’s that life is crazy and this family is just part of the crazy.” Gran smiled reassuringly at Lia. “I also believe there is a reason that things happen the way they do. There’s nothing wrong with wrapping your head around everything, just don’t question or doubt what’s happened because it will never make sense. He sounded thrilled, if you care to know. I’m quite relieved to tell you the truth.”

“Why is that?” Lia asked tilting her head in wonder.

“After the break up, Harry just seemed to struggle with life, with who he is. I don’t mean just the Royal aspect of him, but who he is as Harry. For a while, he just seemed to float, just get by if you will. He made some decisions that weren’t all that wise, but he was after all a young adult and that’s when you should be making mistakes. I’ve always felt for my family, for the way the media scrutinizes them, especially William and Harry. He did seem to get a hold of himself during his gap year and then at Sandhurst, but it always seemed that he was trying to find something. When Chelsy came around, I saw bits of the Harry, we as a family, knew prior to your breakup. Chelsy is a lovely girl; smart, caring and she loved Harry, but we could all see it wasn’t the same with her, as it was with you. When they finally called it quits for good Harry threw himself into his Royal duties even more than before and then Vegas happened.” Gran shook her head before continuing. “It was after all that that Harry seemed to understand how his life needed to change. When he was told he was going to Afghanistan, he was excited because it’s something he’s wanted for a long time. I had known you were at Camp Bastion, but never said a word to Harry. Then, one night, he calls me, telling me about how you were there and everything that was said between you. He asked me if I thought it was possible for you to fall in love with him again. I told him that you never fell out of love. So imagine my lack of surprise when he calls me again days ago, telling me that I was right. Angelia, I don’t think you will ever quite understand how much you changed his life, both before and now. I also don’t think he will ever understand how he has changed yours in the same way.”

Lia realized that everything she said was true; Harry had always had this piece of her that was strictly his. He had been this big part of her life that, whether he realized it or not, helped mold her into the person she is today. There was absolutely a reason that everything had happened the way it had and Lia would never again question why it had