A/N: Kings is one of the best programs currently on television. Unfortunately, the ratings are low because people would rather watch idiotic reality tv shows. I really hope the show sticks around -- the world needs a smart drama. Plus, the fact that Chris Egan is in it doesn't hurt ;)
Thanks to my wonderful beta WinterBaby19 for her genius editing! She hasn't seen Kings yet, but she will be watching it soon....
Please read, review, and enjoy!
A Devoted Cocker Spaniel
"I should warn you – he has a little thing for my sister."
"Things change…"
Her mission was easy. Show David a good time. That wouldn't be a problem. She showed many men a good time. Saul on Mondays, Jack on Wednesdays, Peter of Thursdays, and other men on other days. David was different though, she could tell. His unease was palpable. Nothing that a few kisses and some alcohol couldn't cure.
That's what she thought at least.
They sat in silence while techno blared behind them. Jack occasionally picked a fight someone and still, David didn't speak. Intermittently, he'd make as if to speak. She hoped it was an offer to dance or even better, to get a room. But no, he spoke briefly of Michelle and then lapsed into silence again.
She almost felt sorry for the poor boy. He was obviously being set up and pushed away from the princess on purpose. As Jack had said, "The cocker spaniel's interest in Michelle is dangerous. Fix it." But maybe it was Michelle's interest in this so called uncouth soldier that was inappropriate. Either way, David got a bad deal and Claudia had a job to do – show David a good time.
She whispered soft words of false comfort in his ear and tugged at his hand.
"Let's dance."
This time, he stood up. He still wasn't willing. He looked so uncomfortable. A boy lost in a herd of cattle. But she had a job to do. Jack said it had to be done. This hero needed to become a besmirched name on history's ledger. No more golden boy at state events. No more waltzes with the princess. No more nose to nose conversations about late night meetings with Michelle. It cost Jack, the prince, her brother, too much. The cocker spaniel needed to be sent to the pound.
"Let's go."
Resistance again. He knew what was expected.
He didn't want to, but Jack's insistence made him. Who was he to refuse the prince? Claudia knew she could turn him from Michelle. Men always fell in the end. They always dug deeper.
In the alley, she shoved him against the side of building and kissed him hard. He barely kissed her back. What was his problem? So he didn't get Michelle. So what? No one got her.
Getting him in the alley was half the job. Jack would be happy.
But once at Jack's apartment, David's apprehension increased tenfold.
"This might not be a good idea."
"No it's a very bad idea," she whispered coyly.
His countenance paralleled a lost lamb. How was she supposed to show this staunch saint a good time? She pushed him onto the bed but again he pushed her away. He lay completely still. She kissed him one more time then sat up.
"David…"
"I'm sorry. Tell Jack I couldn't dig deeper."
He took his coat and slipped out of the apartment in silence.
Claudia lay down, stunned. Every man succumbed. Every. Single. One.
Even those that were in love.
"I think the poor dope is in love and doesn't know how to let go…"
