Royalty

Chapter 24: Maison De La Peur

(A/N: Yesss another chapter I feel so productive.

Two quick notes: One, I start school again tomorrow, so that's fun, but also means I'll likely have less time.

Two, and I feel bad for not mentioning this earlier, but especially in the Great Game section of the story, I had to use arianedevere's Sherlock episode transcript an awful lot and she deserves all the credit you can give her. I was reminded when I had to go find a line for the title, and definitely, she needs to be recognized.

Thanks again for reading, and I hope you enjoy!)

I can't seriously be thinking about this? Can I?

My eyes fall on the letter. What's the message? What is James Moriarty trying to tell me?

And what does he want to hear?

"Astra!"

My head snaps up in the direction of Sherlock's voice. He and John are in their respective chairs, and I think I've been staring out the windows for an hour at the rain. It's coming on five in the evening now.

"Sorry?" I asked, my voice distant.

"Astra, I thought I already told you that you have a slightly more important matter to focus on?"

My gaze dropped immediately to the floor. He was right. I was an idiot for getting stuck on this so easily. The psychopath had worked his way into my head so easily. He must just be playing with me.

"I know," I responded softly.

"Well, then focus on it," Sherlock said, his voice laced with annoyance and impatience. I felt my guilt rise inside me. I only nodded.

He was right, after all. My arms wrapped around myself, my fingers clawing slightly at the sleeves of my shirt.

I stood up. "I'm going on a walk."

John gave me a look. "It's a little late. Plus, it's pouring outside."

"I need a walk." I grabbed my coat as I heard Sherlock huff, no doubt with a roll of his icy eyes. My jaw clenched and I left the flat without another word.

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John's POV:

I watched Astra leave the flat, my mind confused. Her voice had been shorter. Clipped. And what was Sherlock so ... frustrated about?

"What happened while I was out?"

"Nothing." Typical. Blocking it all out.

"Sherlock. Did you two have a little row? What happened?"

"Astra is just losing focus a little bit. I just tried to remind her that she needs to direct her mind to the case."

"What was making her lose focus?"

"It's not important."

"Really. Because that's not what it feels like. It's cold out there. Why did she want out of the flat so badly?"

"Because she's letting her emotions get the best of her. Have you found anything else about the Rucastles?"

"No, and don't change the subject."

"It's not important! Maybe you need to refocus as well!"

"Sherlock, explain and explain now."

There's silence. He tries to stare me down from his seat at the table, but I keep my eyes fiercely locked on his bright ones.

He sighs deeply. "It's Moriarty."