The Blood War, Peaky Blinders

𝟎𝟎𝟗 The letters

The Blood War
Chapter nine, The letters
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-1920
London, England

Paige was pacing the castle corridors day in, day out. Tara barley talked to her anymore and she felt so alone. The only real person she could talk to was Nathalia, her only friend, if she's even to be called a friend. "Paige, we have things we need to discuss with you down in the great hall" Christian said. "Hold on" Paige said, setting down her pen. "Nathalia, could you post this for me while I'm away?" Paige asked, handing her the letter.

"Of course your highness" Nathalia said, walking out of the room. "The letter's has something to do with it" Christian said, turning to walk out the bedroom door, followed by Paige. They walked down to the great hall to see Kaitlyn and Tara sat at the table with two men. "You're majesty" the older one said, kneeling before Christian. "Your royal highness" he said, taking Paige's hand and placing a kiss on it. Tara gave them the biggest eye roll, Paige thought her eyes were going to end up on the floor.

"Who are these people?" Paige asked. "We'll get to that, sit down" Kaitlyn said. Paige did as her mother said and took a seat. "As everyone here knows, Paige is going to become the next queen of England. No doubt about it she will need a husband, which is where James comes in. We need a man fit to be the next king and we feel James fits the bill" Christian said. "Wait, wait, hold on. Are you proposing that I marry him?" Paige asked.

"Exactly right" Christian said. "No. No, not happening. I'm not marrying him" Paige said, getting off her seat. "Paige, sit back down" Kaitlyn said. "I won't, I will not do this" Paige said. Tara for once wasn't enjoying Paige's sorrow. She knew why she wouldn't go through with it. "Excuse me" Paige said, walking out of the hall as her footsteps echoed through the hall. "Tara, go see to her" Kaitlyn said. Tara nodded and walked to Paige's room.

She opened the door to see Paige pacing back and fourth on the Balcony. "Paige" Tara started. "Tara, I'm not in the mood" Paige said, finally breaking out of her pace and held onto the ledge of the balcony. "I see why you don't want to do it" Tara said, "Paige, you have to break out of this fantasy that you and Arthur will reunite and have the perfect life. The letters you send, does he write back?" She asked.

Paige shook her head. "I know it's hard to imagine but you have to let go" Tara said, holding her sister's arms. "I can't, I promised him" Paige said. "Paige" Tara said. "I can't, I wish it had been different and you were in this position and you do too but-" Paige started but Tara cut her off. "I'll never carry to term. We need heirs. That's why they chose you, you can carry and be with child without complications whereas me, I'll never, ever, carry to term" She finished.

"He looks like a descent enough man but I can't marry him" Paige said, beginning to spin a ring on her finger. "This is what's stopping you. Arthur fucking Shelby" Tara said, looking at the ring. "What would our brother say? He'd be all over trying to protect you but he'd want you to marry" Tara said. "That baby you have. You'll loose it?" Paige asked. Tara nodded her head. "He used to always write to me, always. He doesn't do it anymore" Paige said, looking out the window, "Oh Tara what if he's found someone?" "Then it's time for you to do the same" Tara said.

"Paige" Kaitlyn said, "what the fuck was that downstairs?" "Mum-" Paige started but Kaitlyn hit her across the face. "Mum!" Tara shouted. "That makes us look like brats" Kaitlyn said, "you are marrying James Canavan and that is final, do you understand!" "Yes mother" Paige said in a low voice. Kaitlyn walked out of her room and slammed the door.