Disclaimer: All characters are owned by Pixelberry and I claim no ownership of them. Enjoy!
The next morning, everyone congregated in the lobby of the hotel. Riley was the last to arrive, already sporting a pair of large sunglasses to try and hide her red-rimmed puffy eyes. She didn’t go to bed when she got back into her room. In fact she hadn’t slept at all. She spent hours sitting in a hot shower, trying to burn off the feeling of Drake’s hands on her skin and wondering if she’d made a mistake. The truth is Drake hadn’t slept either. Her words replayed over and over in his head like a skipping record.
“It’s always been you.” How is that even possible, he thought. Me over Liam? She’s clearly lost her mind.
“Hey, Little Blossom,” Maxwell exclaimed.
“Tone it down, chief.” Riley walked up next to him, moving her sunglasses down slightly as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
“Someone raid the mini bar last night?” He nudged her with his elbow.
“Something like that,” she grumbled, pushing her glasses back into place.
Drake grinned despite himself as he stood on the other side of Maxwell. That’s my line. She was picking up on his idiosyncrasies. The acknowledgment sent a twinge of adoration through him. His hand twitched in his pocket as he had to physically restrain himself from reaching out to touch her. Of all the moments they shared, for some reason, this one made him see a future with her. Them bantering back and forth, the same snarky remarks flying between them. He caught himself grinning again before carefully placing his usual scowl back on his face.
“You’re looking very Drake this morning,” Liam walked over to his friend and clapped him on the shoulder before winking at Riley. Her stomach lurched at the sight of him, guilt pulsing through her veins.
“Unfortunately for everyone, this is just my face.”
“Yes, truly unfortunate,” Olivia mocked.
Drake rolled his eyes at her, letting out an exaggerated sigh.
The limo arrived a few minutes later. Riley climbed in with the rest of the group, careful to place Maxwell between her and Drake. The ride was quiet for the most part until Liam spoke.
“Are you excited to be returning to your stomping grounds, Lady Riley?” He beamed at her.
“I am, yes. I miss the New York energy. Cordonia is beautiful, but it’s no Manhattan.”
“Too right. It’s a truly electric place.”
“We have a UN party tomorrow evening, correct?”
“Yeah. All the international big wigs will be there, Adelaide included.” Maxwell’s eyes sank to the floor of the limo. A shadow passed over his face, memories of the last time they dance together, and she drank too much, flitted through his mind. He was pretty sure the way she groped him was illegal in several countries.
“I’m sure my mother will be on her best behavior tomorrow evening. There will be many dignitaries there. For all her faults, my mother sure does know how to charm her way through any social circle. Not to mention she wouldn’t dare embarrass the future queen.” Madeline smoothed out her skirt over her politely crossed legs, shooting an icy smirk towards Riley.
“Don’t get too cocky. There’s still plenty of time to stop your reign of tyranny, your Not-Yet-Majesty,” Olivia snapped at her. Riley looked to Olivia and gave her a thankful grin. Olivia simply raised an eyebrow in response. Liam shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
“This is going to be a long flight,” Drake sighed.
They landed in New York City just in mid afternoon. The streets around the airport bustled with tourists and taxi cabs. Riley stepped off the plane and turned her face towards the sun, soaking in the noise of the city thriving around her.
“Let’s do the damn thing.” Maxwell clapped his hands and made off towards four black SUV’s waiting for them. Maxwell, Bertrand, Hana and Riley climbed into the SUV behind Liam and Madeline’s while Drake and Olivia each got an SUV of their own.
Smart move Liam, Riley thought to herself. Drake and Olivia would probably murder each other before we even got to the hotel.
They pulled up to a towering building lined with gold trim and everyone went inside, making their way to all their rooms. Maxwell took Riley to hers, setting down her luggage in the bedroom separate from a sitting area.
“How’s it feel to look out over that skyline again, Little Blossom?” Maxwell walked into the room and turned to the window, resting his hands on his hips.
Riley smiled out over the city as if she were greeting an old friend.
“Amazing. It feels surreal, honestly. People come and go out of this city all the time. It’s weird to see it still living on without me. Not that I thought it’d stop in its tracks, but…” she shrugged, “just doesn’t feel like home anymore, you know?”
“I get it.” He smiled at her. “Oh, before I forget, Madeline asked a favor of you for tonight.”
“Oh good, another dance with the devil.” Riley rolled her eyes as she sat on the couch.
“And the devil she sure as hell is. She wants you to pick up her wedding band.” He winced as the words left him.
“What?!” Riley’s eyes widened.
“Yeah, I know. It’s cold, even for her. She said something about her obligations and that she wouldn’t have time to do it with planning for the wedding shower tomorrow. She also said it was the least you could do for letting you stay here for your ‘arrangement.’” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“She’s a foul human being.” She shook her head.
“Agreed. But nonetheless, she asked you to do it. Here’s the address. I’d go over and get it soon. The UN gala is tonight, and you won’t have time to do it tomorrow.” Maxwell walked over and handed Riley a piece of paper with the address. “Safe travels, Blossom.”
Riley dramatically flopped on the couch as Maxwell closed the door behind him.
“I can’t wait to burn this bitch.”
After freshening up from the long flight, Riley made her way into the city to a small jewelry shop. She opened the door to find Drake hunched over and staring down at an intricate, and expensive, pieces of jewelry.
“Here to get Liam something sparkly?” Riley asked as she ambled towards him.
“Oh. Hey Johnson.” He gave her a half smile. “Something like that.”
He held up a gem-encrusted medallion that was so adorned with vibrant colors you could barely see the gold laying underneath.
“Unless you plan on also getting him a parrot and an eyepatch for his nonexistent pirate ship, I think that might be a little too much.”
Drake sighed and pushed it back toward the store clerk, who walked to the other side of the room to place it back in a glass case.
“Here to shoot down my amazing ideas or are you on a royal mission?” Drake straightened, casting a shadow over her.
“Madeline asked me to pick up her ring.”
“Ouch,” he placed a hand on his chest, “that’s pretty messed up.”
The clerk waved Riley over, handing her a smooth purple velvet covered box. She walked back over to Drake and opened it. It was a simple band with small diamonds running across it. Riley’s face scrunched.
“Isn’t that a little…”
“Simplistic?” Drake finished her sentence. “You would have picked out something much nicer.” He ran a hand through his hair as he motioned towards the door with his chin. “You wanna get out of here? I’m not sure this place has what I’m looking for and I could use all the help I can get.”
“Yes. Please. Let’s go.” She shoved the box into her purse.
Riley and Drake went through multiple stores, nothing piquing their interest enough to purchase. After they left the last shop, they both slumped defeated on a wooden bench in the middle of the walkway.
“This is impossible. What kind of gift do you get for the man who has everything?” Drake rubbed his temples.
“And you have to get him something nice and thoughtful. He’s amazing at giving gifts.”
“I know. It’s infuriating.” He looked around absentmindedly before his face lit up at one of the large windows that lined the street. “Stay right here.” He shot up and ran into the shop.
He returned a few minutes later, grinning down at his hand.
“So, what did you find?”
“This!” He shoved a plain looking gold compass at her, taking his seat next to her again.
“Drake, he has a security team with him at all times, not to mention a cell phone. If he ever gets lost he’s probably got some pretty big problems that I don’t know if a compass can fix.”
“No, no, Johnson. It’s more symbolic than practical. It’ll remind him to always find his own way. Forge his own path.” He studied his find intently.
“You’re pretty poetic for a peasant.” She playfully shoved him as a smirk lifted his lips.
“Hey, I can be poetic. You just haven’t earned that yet.” He continued looking down at the compass, turning it over in his hands.
Yet.
“Anyways, I don’t see the point of all this courtly tradition. All the gifts and extravagance. Shouldn’t it be just the people you care about with you on a special day like that?” He drummed his thumb against the gold before leaning back and putting it in his pocket.
“What would a Drake Walker wedding look like?” Riley put her elbows on her knees, resting her chin in her palms.
“Should I ask why you’re asking?” His voice was suddenly heavier than it was just a few seconds ago. She couldn’t see him, but she could feel his eyes burning a hole through her.
“Let’s just say I’m curious.”
“I don’t know. Nothing big.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Certainly not all this extra bullshit. Something small. Intimate. Just family and a few friends.”
“Luckily for you, you only have a few friends.”
“Ha, ha.”
“But seriously, that sounds lovely. Very Drake Walker.” She turned to look at him. “Who would you be marrying in this scenario?”
“You purposing to me, Johnson?” He laughed.
“Believe me, if I were purposing to you, you’d know it.”
“That part’s yet to be determined.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” She jovially patted his leg.
“I’m sure I will.”
“We should probably head back. I need to start getting for the UN thing. Come on, I’ve got a short cut that will get us there faster.”
They walked back towards the hotel just as the sun was setting. They rested on the fencing that separated them from the water of the Hudson River. Drake peered out over it, taking in a new appreciation for the city.
“I don’t know if this was faster.”
“Just because it’s scenic doesn’t mean it wasn’t quick, too.”
“You know, when we came here for the bachelor party, it was the first time I’d been back in the states in years. I’d never been to New York City.”
“Yeah? Does it live up to the hype?”
“Movies don’t do it justice.”
“So, what were you doing in the states before?”
“My mom lives in Texas. I came to visit with Savannah. She stayed here with mom, but I went back to Cordonia to be with Liam. He was going through some shit at the time. I couldn’t just leave him, so I went back.”
“That must have been hard on you, not having your family around. How old were you when Savannah left?”
“Sixteen. Mom left when I was thirteen. Dad died when I was twelve.”
“Sounds like a rough four years.”
“It was, but Liam helped me through it. We leaned on each quite a bit during that time.”
“Do you think your dad would have liked me?”
“I think he would have loved you, Johnson. You’re a lot like my mom in some respects. You’re nurturing but fair. That’s what he appreciated most about her. He was used to always being on guard, no pun intended. My mom was able to deal with us so he could take a beat. He knew she was a great mom.”
“You sound a bit like your dad.”
“That’s higher praise than you could imagine.” He looked out over the water thoughtfully. “It’s nice talking about him with someone. I can’t talk to Liam about this kind of stuff. It racks him with guilt, knowing my dad died so he could have his. Just another sacrifice the Walker’s have made for the crown’.”
“I’m sorry, Drake.” Riley reached over and slipped her hand under his. He gave it a gentle squeeze: a silent thanks.
“Me too.” His lips settled in a straight line.
“This is my favorite spot in the city. It’s a beautiful view isn’t it?” Riley smiled at the still water.
“It sure is,” Drake replied. But he wasn’t looking at the scenery, he was looking at her.
Riley turned and caught his eyes on her.
“What?” She giggled.
Drake closed the space between them as he dipped his head down, planting a gentle kiss on her lips.
“Thanks for showing it to me.”
“Anytime you need a break, I’m your girl.”
“I’m starting to believe you.”
He knew what she really meant. She was always one to sneak off with him. She wasn’t above taking a seat next to him in a hole-in-the-wall bar. She was always searching for her next adventure, and Drake was almost always in tow whether as a leader or a follower. But he also knew she meant she was his. Not Liam’s. Not the Beaumont’s. Not Cordonia’s. His. No matter what happened, he would always be hers, too.
A church bell chimed loudly in the distance. Riley took out her phone and looked at the time.
“Shit, it’s seven o’clock already. We better get in there. I’m supposed to meet Maxwell and get dressed.”
“Can’t let the princess be late to the ball,” Drake said sarcastically.
“If were up to me, I’d sit out here with you all night, but duty calls.”
“That’s alright. I get it. I’ll see you later.”
Riley turned and walked into the hotel lobby, Drake not far behind.
“There you are, Little Blossom. I was starting to think you got lost.” Maxwell turned to her as she walked into the boutique. “Here, I found the perfect dress. A little pizazz without being too showy!”
“Thanks, Max. You’re the best.” Riley got on her tiptoes and gave Maxwell a quick kiss on his cheek, which turned a bright red as she strolled into the dressing room. He tried to hide a smile and failed miserably.
Moments later, Riley opened the curtain with a flourish as she gave a spin, showing off her floor-length cream-colored lace gown. It revealed her narrow shoulders and hugged her curves perfectly.
“What do you think?” She asked Maxwell as she struck a pose.
“Brilliant. Gorgeous as ever. Now let’s go. We don’t want to be late!”
They walked into the hall together, her hand resting under Maxwell’s arm. He searched the room and found Drake and Bertrand mingling by the appetizers. Drake nearly choked on a shrimp when he saw her. Bertrand’s eyes grew with alarm as Drake waved his hand at him.
“I’m fine.” He cleared his throat.
“Gentleman.” Riley curtsied to them as her and Maxwell walked up.
“You look lovely this evening, Lady Riley.” Bertrand gave her a quick bow.
“I’ll say.” Drake raised his eyebrows.
“Thank you. Maxwell has excellent taste.”
“I’m a man of many talents.” He gave the group a series of finger guns.
“Look at this dashing ensemble.” Hana said cheerfully as she joined them.
“Hey, Hana! You look beautiful, as always.”
“Thank you, Riley.” Hana’s olive complexion flashed a pale pink on her cheeks.
A small commotion made them look towards the doors in time to see Liam and Madeline walk in. He looked stiffer than usual. Riley wondered if it had something to do with his dad. Constantine’s health had been in a slow decline since the cancer diagnosis. After his collapse in Shanghai Liam had been on edge. She assumed finding out your father set up the woman you love didn’t help, either.
Everyone broke off and made rounds, greeting dignitaries from around the world. At one point, Riley looked over to see Maxwell on the dance floor with Adelaide, who was grinding against him with vigor. Maxwell spotted Riley and mouthed the words “help me”, his eyes pleading for salvation. Riley walked up to the couple.
“Excuse me, Your Grace. Bertrand and I have business to discuss with Lord Maxwell. I’m afraid I must steal him for a moment.” She said politely.
“Oh, a shame. I was just starting to have fun at this drab event.” She straighten to full height and squared her shoulders. “Find me later, won’t you darling?” She turned to Maxwell and gave him a wink.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Maxwell said nervously.
The two of them stepped away to an unoccupied corner of the room.
“She’s like a vulture, and I’m a dead racoon on the side of the road.”
“Yeah, that looked pretty intense.”
“You know what, I overheard Kiara talking about a roof top patio here. I made an ass of myself earlier in front of a Swedish and a Norwegian diplomat. I’m pretty sure I’m an internationally wanted man. Wanna head up and take a break?”
“That sounds perfect right now. This room is stuffy.” She grabbed two glasses of champagne off a tray a passing waiter was carrying. “Here. Let’s try to erase the memory of what just happened.”
“I couldn’t if I tried.” Maxwell took a drink as he started walking towards an unmarked door in the back of the room. “Let’s get out of here before she spots me.”
They walked up two flights of stairs to a wide-open roof top patio. String lights twinkled above them like stars in the warm, summer air. Riley sat down on a comfortable couch that faced the city sky line and Maxwell sat across from her.
“You know, it’s crazy being here under these circumstances. I feel like a stranger in my own home. I lived here just eight months ago, but it feels like a lifetime. So much has happened since then. I feel like a totally different person.”
“I know what you mean. You kind of are a different person, Blossom. Would the you from eight months ago know the undertones of a Cabernet Sauvignon? Or proper fork placement? Or the Cordonia Waltz? You’re not a bad different, just different.” He shrugged.
“Do you like the new me, Max?”
“I like the new you and the old you. They’ve kind of melded into a Super Riley. Like, waiting tables by day and saving kings by night.” He struck a James Bond pose, a finger gun to his chin.
“I have enjoyed my time at court, though. The time I spent with you and Bertrand and Hana and Drake. It’s been a wild ride, but it was worth doing. I gained three new best friends out of the deal, too.”
“Any of us more than just friends?” Maxwell narrowed his eyes at her.
“What do you mean?” Her muscles tensed under her clothing. Surely, he didn’t know about her and Drake, did he?
“Well, I’m going to assume neither Liam nor Bertrand is included in that group, leaving me, Hana and Drake.”
“Okay…” She said suspiciously. “What are you getting at here?”
“Are you hooking up with Hana?”
Riley let out a hearty laugh and relaxed into her seat, relieved he hadn’t asked about Drake instead.
“No, Maxwell, I’m not hooking up with Hana… anymore.”
“I knew it!” He snapped his fingers and pointed at her. “You royal player!”
“It was a one-time thing, don’t get too excited.”
“If you weren’t like a sister to me, I’d be very excited.” He gave her an exaggerated wink.
“Oh Max, I love you. Never change.”
“Never!”
“Alright, I think we’ve avoided everyone long enough. We should probably head back down.” She drained her glass of champagne and sat it on a table.
“Yeah. I need to scope out large vases I can hide behind to keep Her Grace’s hands away from my butt.”