Drake got in the limo with Liam and Bastien and immediately crossed his arms, directing his brooding stare out the window.
“Drake? What’s wrong?” Liam’s voice was laced with real concern, which only further irritated Drake.
“Oh, I don’t know, I had to wake up at an ungodly hour to go to Olivia’s estate, so everything’s just peachy, Liam.”
“Come on, Drake, she’s not that–”
“Do not say bad. Just don’t. You know what she’s like with me.”
“… Fair enough. I still think it’s a mistake to be acting like this, though.”
“Why?” Drake finally turned to look at Liam, his eyes sparkling with misplaced anger. “You scared I’ll ‘embarrass’ you in front of your suitors?”
“That’s enough.” Liam’s voice was not angry, but firm. “Stop being a child.”
Drake’s mouth dropped indignantly.
“I understand why you don’t like Olivia, but you will make an effort to be civil, because I know you can be the bigger person. As for earlier, I merely meant that you shouldn’t let someone you dislike ruin your day. Try to have fun, at least.”
Drake recovered his composure. “Fine. I–I will.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Besides, there is just one Olivia. You can choose to spend time with Maxwell, Hana and Riley instead.”
“Lady Kiara will be there too,” jumped in Bastien with a knowing twinkle in his eyes.
“Shut up, Bastien. But yeah, I guess it could be fun,” said Drake with a grudging smile. He returned to looking at the window with a more relaxed posture.
“A child…” he grumbled, “I’m not a child.”
“Sure you’re not,” sniggered Bastien. “And before you ask, no, we’re not there yet.”
Drake – very maturely, in his opinion – resisted the urge to mimic Bastien mockingly and contented himself with pulling a face at him.
One long car ride later, Drake and Liam were woken up by Bastien, who had barely blinked the entire journey.
“Bastien,” said Liam, “now that we’re here, you should get some rest.”
“Your Highness, I can’t–”
“Assign one of your men to me and go rest. I am serious.”
Bastien sighed in defeat. “I will, Your Highness.”
Drake clapped him on the shoulder sympathetically. “Quit worrying, old man, he’ll be fine. I’ll be there.”
Bastien looked severely unimpressed.
Drake’s hand went to his chest, feigning outrage. “Your skepticism wounds me, but your man will be there too, anyway. So go rest.” He made a shooing motion and Bastien finally walked away, talking into his earpiece.
“I must go greet Olivia and thank her for her hospitality. I take it you’d rather stay and wait for the others?”
“You take it right,” replied Drake grumpily. “Say hi to annoying-ass Ronald McDonald for me.”
Liam shot him a look and shook his head with a reluctant smile.
As Liam walked away, Drake took in his surroundings. He was standing at the foot of an imposing mountain range. Their pristine white surfaces interrupted by snow-covered pine trees standing in small clusters. There was a frozen lake in the distance and the sounds of laughter and shouts of joy reached him through the crisp air. He breathed in deeply.
Despite his temper, he couldn’t deny it was beautiful here. The type of place he wouldn’t mind spending some time in with friends… or a girl. Whoa, where did that come from?
He did not often think that way. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d wished to have a relationship. He was by no means inexperienced, but he preferred to keep things casual. At court, with so much gossip going around and reputations to maintain, this didn’t exactly make him popular with the ladies. Is it because I’m not a noble? Huh. Or maybe it’s all those walls you put up, asshole… Yep, that sounds more likely.
He let his thoughts wander freely, curious about where they’d take him. He found himself daydreaming of skiing with this mystery girl and then cuddling next to a fire. He shook his head in surprise. Do I really want that? Something so… domestic? Or am I just being weird ‘cause Liam’s getting married?
His brain wasn’t done, though; he and the girl had started making out. Wait, why haven’t I thought of her face? He turned his attention to the girl, trying to picture what she looked like…
“Here we are…” said a loud, excited voice behind him. “Welcome to Lythikos! Land of ice, snow, and mountains.”
Drake wheeled around to find Maxwell, Riley and Hana approaching. He felt his face grow warm for no apparent reason and smiled sheepishly at them, feeling like a kid caught red-handed. What the hell, dude? Chill.
Fortunately, all three of them were too busy taking in the magnificent landscape to pay much attention to him.
“This is where Olivia lives?” Riley said, her mouth open in awe.
“Some of the time, yeah,” replied Maxwell. “She’s primarily at Lythikos Hall, which is further south, but she’ll host us up here for the social season, so we can take advantage of the snowy festivities…”
He mimicked skating, skiing and a snowball fight. Hana let out her tinkling laugh while Riley smiled and made eye contact with Drake, her eyes saying something like, “This guy.” Drake smiled back and rolled his eyes at Maxwell.
Riley’s face suddenly became serious,“And so she can take advantage of the Prince?”
Drake resisted the urge to say something harsh. Of course she’ll take the advantage of being in her home turf! She’d be a fool not to; and Olivia was a lot of nasty things, in Drake’s opinion, but a fool was not one of them. Why does she even care? Liam is clearly gonna choose her… God, how naive can you get?!
“She does have the edge here, but that’s no reason to admit defeat!” Hana said, chipper. She put a hand on Riley’s shoulder.
“That’s the spirit,” Maxwell put his hand on Riley’s other shoulder.
Drake looked around and realized something was missing. “What happened to your brother, Maxwell? I notice he’s not around lecturing Addams.” Riley nodded thoughtfully. Drake continued, “I thought he hated to miss out on the chance to eat fancy food and rub elbows with the royals…”
Maxwell fidgeted uncomfortably, then passed it off as a shiver. “Bertrand was called away for some business having to do with our estate.”
Drake narrowed his eyes at Maxwell suspiciously, while the latter pretended not to notice, bending down to form a snowball.
“Bertrand is gone?” Drake could swear Riley’s smile took up half her face; it would’ve been funny if it wasn’t so… endearing? Huh. At least I didn’t think cute first. “This is starting to sound like a real vacation after all.” Riley had a mischievous glint in her eyes as she said this.
“That’s one way to put it,” Maxwell conceded. “Now we can really enjoy ourselves.”
“Well, it is beautiful out here…” Hana said, still looking around admiringly. “Even if it is so very cold!” She shivered violently in her thin dress.
He turned to look at Riley and noticed she too was wearing inadequate clothing. This is crazy! Addams is gonna get hypothermia! Er, they both will! He looked at them disapprovingly.
“Didn’t you pack anything warmer?” he directed his question at Hana, who seemed to be shaking more than Riley.
She grimaced. She even did that prettily. “…Not exactly. I didn’t realize it’d be snowing quite this much… but I’ll survive.” Drake privately doubted that, but it didn’t seem like saying it out loud would be any help. “What say we check out the inside of the chateau?” Hana pointed in the direction of the chateau, whose roof poked out among the trees.
Maxwell, who had been building an indiscernible snow creature, came back to them. “Good idea. Riley, let’s go! I can show you where your room is…”
They walked towards the imposing chateau. The enormous double doors were opened for them by guards and they entered. The chateau was opulent and intimidating, all marble with purple details here and there. He noticed most of the decor had sharp points. Very Nevrakis.
“All right, I’m taking Riley to her room. Should we meet at the frozen lake for skating in 20 minutes?”
Drake snorted. “I won’t be skating, but sure.”
Maxwell shrugged and started towards the stairs.
“Why, Drake? You scared?” teased Riley.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he snapped. “I could skate circles around you.”
“Oh? How about that triple or nothing, then?”
“Well, uh, I’d rather ski, actually.”
“Fine. I can beat you at anything, Drake, no worries,” she gave him a cheerful smile and winked before catching up to Maxwell.
Drake turned to go and caught a glimpse of Hana looking curiously at him. It made him uneasy but he decided not to dwell on it.
After a quick nap, Drake put on a scarf and went out to meet the others. He really didn’t plan on skating and he was, in fact, scared. He’d never skated before and it seemed like the kind of activity that required the kind of grace he lacked.
He was sure Maxwell would be decent at it, being a noble, or at least would have the enthusiasm to make up for any clumsiness. Hana would be incredible at it, obviously. And Riley… Riley would approach it as she had done everything else, so far: fearlessly. He smiled involuntarily. He had to hand it to her, she was so much more than he’d thought.
After a few minutes of walking, he came to the clearing where the lake was. Like everywhere else around here, the ground sparkled with blue-white snow where it hadn’t been disturbed; around the shores of the lake, however, the snow was muddy and messy.
Everyone else was already there. He spotted Liam skating with Olivia and Maxwell skating with Riley, who had changed into something warmer. A weight he hadn’t realized had been on his chest this whole time, lifted. Okay, so I’m glad she’s not getting hypothermia, that doesn’t mean anything. I wouldn’t even want Olivia to get hypothermia… I don’t think.
Quite apart from being a better outfit for this weather, her new ensemble really suited her. She looked cozy and cute. Damn it, I thought it that time. He searched for a distraction and saw Hana sitting by the shore. She looked melancholy.
Here we go again.
He sat next to her, this time not waiting for her invitation. Hana didn’t even seem to notice, her eyes were so far away. Drake followed her gaze and found himself looking directly at Riley, who was now happily skating with Liam. They looked perfect together.
His staring in the same direction as Hana seemed to shake her from her trance and she turned to look at Drake, but her eyes still looked wistful. A moment of understanding passed between them. Drake just nodded and she shrugged as if to say, “What can you do?” She then surprised him by resting her head on his shoulder. Drake froze up for a second, then relaxed into it.
He noticed Liam skating off to join Olivia again and nudged Hana’s head with his shoulder. “Liam’s gone. You should go skate.”
“Oh! He is… but I’m not sure I–”
“Hana, go.”
“…You’re right. Thank you, Drake!”
Drake watched Hana skate perfectly – I knew it – towards Riley, who received her with a huge smile. Drake smiled slightly. So, Hana has a crush on Addams, huh? Can’t say I blame her. I mean, not that I see it, but whatever.
Just then, he heard Lady Kiara cry out after falling on her butt. Drake restrained his laughter as best as he could and waved her over. She slowly got up and made her uncharacteristically inelegant way off the ice towards him.
“Hello, Drake.”
“Hi, Lady Kiara. I hope you’re well.”
“Well, aside from a few bruises, I’m doing great. Et vous?”
“Yeah, you should be more careful. You’ll definitely be sore tomorrow.”
“Peut-être. But I plan on taking a bubble bath tonight, so that might help…”
She looked him directly in the eyes as she said this, a small, coy smile on her lips. Drake gulped.
“Uh, y-yeah, that should, um, do the trick. I’m gonna go on the lift now but enjoy your bath!” He practically yelled that last part. Goddamn, I’m out of practice. He shuddered at his ineptitude. Why was he acting like this? Sure, he’d never exactly been Don Juan, but he used to be able to talk to girls, damn it!
I don’t know. I guess I’m not sure about Lady Kiara.
He quickly got fitted for his boots and skis, then went on the lift by himself, not feeling up for company. Once at the top of the mountain, he reveled in the deep silence; a silence so complete it was almost palpable, like a heavy blanket. He sensed all his negative thoughts tip toeing out of his mind while he breathed in deeply, sitting down sideways with his skis already on.
A few minutes later, he heard voices slowly coming up the mountain. He looked up and say the whole party approaching the top on the lift. Two by two, they skied off their chairs. He got up with difficulty and got out of their way. Suddenly, his vision was obscured by snow and his clothes splattered with it; he heard a loud, clear laugh. Of course she had to spray me.
He scowled at Riley jokingly. She laughed harder, undeterred by his glare. He couldn’t help but laugh, too.
“So, Addams, you finally made it to the slopes.”
“What’s wrong, Drake?” She put her hand on her hip. “Were you starting to miss me?”
Drake rolled her eyes at her. Someone thinks highly of herself. “Hardly. I was just getting bored.”
“You didn’t go skating?” Riley asked.
Cool, so she didn’t even notice I wasn’t there. Yeah, that’s fine. “Figure skating isn’t really my thing,” he grumbled.
“Really? I think you’d look good in a tutu,” she poked him playfully and giggled.
“Some mental images aren’t worth the effort,” replied Drake, mock horrified.
“I suppose skiing is manly enough for you,” Riley said, gesturing toward the slope nearest them – a blue one – with her pole.
“I’d hardly call what’s going on here skiing,” Drake said scathingly, nodding towards Penelope, who was trying – and failing – to put on her second ski and looked to be seconds away from losing her balance. “But I’m looking to change that. How about a race?”
“What makes you think I can ski?” Riley smirked.
I’ve been so hard on her, how is she even talking to me? She’s actually doing better than any other suitor. He decided to go for honesty, “Maybe I’m starting to have faith in you, Addams.”
Riley looked shocked for a second, then a delighted smile spread across her face. “Drake, you’re scaring me with your… niceness.” She eyed him suspiciously.
Drake gave a short laugh. “I’m scaring myself. Anyway, I’m going to start skiing down this slope in a minute, and if I get to the bottom before you… Well, let’s just say I’m calling that a win, and I might never let you hear the end of it.” He turned his back on her and faced the somewhat steep slope in front of them.
He turned his head to look at Riley, who was still struggling with her pole’s straps, which had gotten tangled and winked. “Ready… set… Don’t wipe out!”
He took off with a push of his poles. Faintly, he heard Riley yell, “Hey!” indignantly. He laughed to himself and savored the cool air whipping at his face and the speed he was picking up by the second.
He heard Riley getting closer behind him and he bent his knees and leaned forward more, trying to gain on her.
“I’m gonna catch you, Drake! You’re gonna eat my dust… er, snow!” she squealed gleefully.
“You talk a lot of game for someone who’s losing, Addams!” he called back to her. When he turned his head back, he barely had time to swerve over a fallen log. He regained control and shouted, ”Watch yourself, Addams!”
He pivoted completely so he could watch her, worried. Shit, if something happens to her… Liam’s gonna be pissed.
He needn’t have worried. Riley swerved the log more gracefully than he did, thanks to his heads up, and continued skiing down seamlessly.
“Uh oh,” Drake muttered. Having lost his momentum, he pushed himself off with his poles again, but his speed was nowhere near hers; it was all he could do to keep up with her. They got to the bottom at roughly the same time.
“Not bad, Addams, we’ll call that a draw,” he offered his hand.
“A draw?” Riley slapped his hand away. “You had a head start.”
Drake gave her a smug smile, “I think you meant to say that you had a late start.”
“You just don’t want to admit you lost.” Riley crossed her arms.
“I’m being generous. I had at least a nose or two on you.”
Riley laughed and pushed him playfully. Drake grabbed her arms so she couldn’t push him anymore. They smiled goofily.
“Are you gonna attack me?”
“Depends.”
“On what?”
“On you recognizing that I was the clear winner.”
“Never gonna happen.”
“Then yeah, I’m gonna attack you.”
“Okay, how about this, I will admit your skiing skills took me by surprise.”
“In how superior they are to yours?”
“Don’t push it, Addams.”
“Fine, I’ll take it.”
Drake let go of her hands and breathed in the clean mountain air. “This trip hasn’t been half bad so far. Shame that tomorrow it’s back to waltzing and bowing and all that,” he grimaced.
Riley nodded in agreement, “At least I can ski better than I can waltz… which is barely at all.”
Drake’s eyes widened, “Wait… You can’t waltz? I thought you danced with Liam…”
“Yeah, but he did a lot of the work… Why? Is it important?” she looked like a deer caught in the headlights, her eyes huge and worried. It took everything Drake had not to laugh.
“Oh, Addams, Addams, Addams…” he shook his head with each “Addams”. “What would you do without me? There’s a ball tomorrow. All of the ladies are expected to dance the Cordonian Waltz in front of everyone.”
“Oh…” she tried to shrug nonchalantly; it came off as a nervous tic. “It’s fine. I’ll figure it out.”
Drake finally broke down and sniggered. “It’s very complicated.”
Riley glared at him and then shrugged again, more successfully. “No biggie. I’ve survived this far.”
Drake smiled and raised his eyebrows at her. “Whatever you say, Addams.”
“But let’s say I’m curious… How does one dance the Cordonian Waltz?”
She looked so helpless that Drake wished he could learn the dance then and there just so he could teach her. Who knew years of ignoring everything the nobles do would bite me in the ass one day?
“Sadly, I can’t help you there. I don’t know the steps.” He had an idea that would harvest two apples in one go, “You should ask Hana. If anyone knows everything forwards and backwards, it’s that one.”
“Yeah… maybe,” Riley said dubiously. She probably didn’t want to inconvenience Hana… Little does she know.
At that moment, the shrill voice Drake had successfully avoided all day broke through the stillness of the mountain. “It’s time to head over to the lodge. I’ve had enough snow for today.” Olivia didn’t seem too thrilled with how her day was going, which only further cheered Drake up.
He turned to look at Riley and gave her an open smile. “Thanks for the race. I actually had fun.”
“Maybe you’re not as bad as you seem,” she replied teasingly.
Drake rolled his eyes, privately pleased. “You’re going soft on me, Addams.”
“So where does this race leave us? With our bet, I mean,” she asked.
“I guess we’re still on triple or nothing. That is, if you’re up for it.”
“That’s not even a question. I’m not that soft,” she smirked.
They all returned their boots and skis and walked back to the chateau, exhausted.
Olivia directed them into a plush drawing room, where tea and hot chocolate were being served. Drake slumped gratefully on one of the fancy sofas and his friends all followed suit. They were each handed a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows floating in it. Drake sipped it happily. Today had been a good day.
As if echoing his thoughts, Maxwell asked, “Did you have fun today, Riley?”
Drake turned to look at her, trying no to be too conspicuous.
Riley smiled widely, “Today was super fun!” Drake couldn’t be sure but he thought she’d glanced at him when she said that. She probably means with Liam. “And now we have hot chocolate,” she said, drinking some.
“This is wonderful. Look, little marshmallows shaped like hearts!” Hana said excitedly.
Drake was momentarily distracted by Riley, who was licking off her chocolate mustache. He said the first thing that came into his head, “Just… just adorable.”
Before Drake had time to puzzle over what he’d just said, they heard footsteps and Maxwell said, “Watch yourself… We’ve got incoming.”
Olivia came into the room, wearing her signature arrogant smile. “Well, hello, my dear guests. I hope you’re enjoying my spectacular hosting.”
“I always enjoy my time here with you, Olivia…” Maxwell replied diplomatically.
“It’s…” Drake was about to end his sentence with “slightly better than being dead” when he remembered he’d promised Liam he’d be polite, “something.”
Olivia’s smile grew, “Did you see that we have eclairs, Drake? They always remind me of dear, darling little Savannah. She’d gobble them down like a sow at the trough.”
Drake felt the back of his neck grow hot, “Don’t talk about my sister.”
“Why ever not?” said Olivia, a shocked look on her face. “She was such a fixture at court, and then she just up and disappeared. You never told us what happened, and usually gossip is quick to spread.”
Drake balled up his fists, “She left because of people like you.”
Olivia tsk-ed. “She always was the sensitive sort. Ladies like that don’t last long here.”
She kept smiling at him gloatingly and he clenched his jaw. He needed to do something or he would absolutely explode and then Liam would be upset. Why did she have to talk about–Wait, that’s it! He looked at his phone and, sure enough, he was right on time. He relaxed and got up.
“You know what? I just remembered, I’ve got somewhere I need to be. If you’ll excuse me…” he bowed at everyone in the room and turned to leave.
“Wait, Drake, dear! Come back! I wasn’t finished with you!” Olivia yelled at his back.
To his utter bewilderment, he heard Riley say angrily – angrier than he’d ever heard her sound, “Olivia, leave Drake alone before I slap that smile off your face.”
She’s… she’s defending me? Nobody had ever stood up to Olivia for Drake, at least not to her face. Sure, Liam acknowledged the way she treated him was shitty, but he never really said much to her. He hesitated at the doorway, wanting to say something. But what, thanks? It felt like too much and too little at the same time. He left.
He walked the darkening grounds on his own, thinking about Riley and Savannah. Two women in a similar situation and yet such different approaches. Where Savannah had been sweet and trusting, Riley was… still sweet, but shrewd at the same time. He couldn’t picture her falling for fake friendships or relationships. She knew where she stood.
And here he’d been acting like an asshole, thinking she couldn’t protect herself. He almost laughed out loud at the thought. Oh, he’d still keep an eye out for her – these nobles were not to be underestimated – but he figured he could be less of a dick to her now. Maybe even be friends…
His feet had been taking him almost automatically to a clearing he’d noticed earlier while everyone skated. The wind was picking up more and more, but the storm was still some time away. He stood there, waiting for the sky to clear, when he heard footsteps behind him, followed by a decidedly unspooky, “Oooooooo…”
“Who’s there?” Drake asked, although he had a suspicion he knew who it might be.
Riley jumped out from behind a tree with her arms up and yelled, “A GHOST!”
“Riley?” He wasn’t surprised it was her, as he’d recognized her voice, but he was dumbfounded she was there at all. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Riley put her arms down disappointedly. “You don’t scare easily, huh?”
Drake smirked at her. “You’ll have to do better than that. Now answer the question.”
Riley twiddled her thumbs and looked down at her feet. “I saw you going off on your own, close to dark with a storm coming, and… I wanted to make sure you were okay.” She looked up from her feet and made eye contact with Drake. The look in her eyes was so sincere. “After what Olivia said to you… I could see that it struck something inside you.” She stepped forward with an arm outstretched, as if to comfort Drake.
He couldn’t believe his ears. She was looking out for him now? No. She needed to concentrate, to think about the competition and be on her guard with the other suitors. Shit, I’m distracting her. She needs to stop wasting her time on me.
“No offense, but you’re the last person I need looking out for me.” So much for being less of a dick. As per usual, what he said was a lot harsher than he intended.
Riley seemed to agree. She said, “Thanks,” then turned to leave, her face red with embarrassment and anger.
It was Drake’s turn to stretch out his arm, to stop her. He let it fall loosely to his side. “That’s not what I… Oh hell.” He rubbed his face, trying to come up with the words. She didn’t deserve this. “I’m not trying to be a jerk, Addams,” He looked at her earnestly. “I only meant that you shouldn’t have to worry about me. You should only be looking out for yourself.”
Riley’s face returned to its natural expression, though she didn’t seem too happy yet. “What did you come out here to do, exactly?”
Drake thought about explaining and unexpectedly found that he was too tired. It had been a long day for him, emotionally. “If you really want to know… you’ll have to trust me,” he gave her a small smile.
Riley arched an eyebrow. “Trust you? I’d trust you about as far as I can throw you. And you look pretty heavy to me.” She was smiling now, and Drake’s smile mirrored hers.
“Heh. Well, you’re out here alone with me at night, so you must think I’m at least not some kind of murderer.”
She replied, “The thought crossed my mind.”
“Here, I’ll make this easy for you…” Drake walked towards her and gave her a gentle yet firm push. Riley fought valiantly to keep her footing, but she did end up falling on her butt. She looked so offended as he looked up at him and said, “Hey!” that he could barely restrain his laughter.
Without a word he laid down beside her and looked up towards the sky. She noticed and did the same. Drake then decided he’d rather see her face when she saw it; it did not disappoint. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped, she looked absolutely amazed. Her reaction was everything he could have hoped for. She whispered, “Drake…” She turned to look at him.
“Yes, my lady?”
The look of awe on her face was replaced with a radiant smile, “This is absolutely gorgeous.”
Drake looked back up at the luminescent sky, shooting stars streaking past every few seconds. “Nothing beats a clear view of the sky during a meteor shower.”
Riley turned towards him. “I’m glad I didn’t miss this.”
“Really?” said Drake, still looking up. He gathered his courage to ask the next question, “Would’ve figured you’d rather eat bon-bons and dress up tiny dogs, or whatever Olivia had planned for the night.” It was a mocking question, true, but underneath it was real doubt.
Riley shook her head easily. “Not exactly my scene.” He turned to look at her and it seemed like she was being honest. She really would rather be out here with him, than inside playing princess. “Looks like we were just in time to see this before the storm comes.”
“Yeah. I didn’t want to miss it.” Before he knew it, the words were spilling out of his mouth, “I used to do this with my younger sister, Savannah, every year.” He looked up with a sad smile. “We grew up around the royals. My dad used to do security for Liam and his brother, and my sister and I were allowed to hang out with them. Liam and I ended up getting close, even though I didn’t have the lineage to merit it.” Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Riley shake her head, but he couldn’t be certain.
He continued, “Savannah, on the other hand, got along with everyone, and they were all friendly with her. She loved living at the palace when we were kids, being around all the pretty dresses and jewelry…” He smiled fondly, remembering the girl she’d been. He swallowed against the knot in his throat. “But it got harder when she was older.”
Riley was still turned towards him, giving him her full attention, “What happened?”
“She… It was hard on her. She couldn’t take it, I guess.” He struggled to find the words to encompass what Savannah meant to him, how painful it was that she didn’t trust him, how guilty he felt that he hadn’t been there for her…
“After what happened with…” He didn’t even know what had happened to his own sister, nor who was responsible either! “I… I failed her. I couldn’t protect her. I couldn’t protect her from this place… or these people.” That about sums it up.
He dragged his hand across his face, trying to erase everything, feeling shocked at his outburst. Even more shocking was that he didn’t feel embarrassed about it. She was a good listener.
“Sorry, it’s… I guess I’m still not ready to talk about it. This is more than I’ve talked about it with anyone in the last year, actually.”
“Really?” Riley touched his arm. He finally turned sideways to look at her and found her eyes filled with worry. He smiled at her, letting her know he was okay. She smiled back hesitantly. “Does this mean we’re friends now?”
Friends? He didn’t know what to say. Like before, the word seemed to involve too much and too little at the same time. He barely knew her, for one. For another, however, he’d just opened up to her in a way he rarely did to anyone else; maybe Liam sometimes, but not lately.
“Friends… I wouldn’t go that far, Addams,” he kept smiling while he said this, hoping to transmit a bit of what he was thinking.
She seemed to understand. “Should we just call it not-enemies, then?”
“I guess I can’t really stop you, can I?”
“Nope,” she replied and pushed him onto his back.
“Hey!”
“Are you kidding? After the way you pushed me before, you owed me!” she said between giggles.
“…Okay, true.”
Their laughs subsided and Riley spoke softly, “You know, I get it.”
“Get what?”
“What it’s like to lose somebody, and feel like you could’ve done more…” She sat up and hugged her knees to her chest.
Drake sat up next to her and waited to hear more. When she didn’t speak for a minute or two, Drake cleared his throat. “Do you want to, uh, talk about it?”
She seemed to come back from far away and then turned to look at him. “Not now, but it’s enough that you’re here, listening.”
She leaned her head on his shoulder just like Hana had done earlier. For some reason this felt… different. Although he was just as – if not more – surprised as when Hana did it, Drake’s body never froze, as if it expected her to do that; hell, as if she belonged there. Okay, stop, the cold is definitely getting to you.
He nudged her gently. “We better get back. It’d be quite the scandal if I let one of the Prince’s suitors freeze to death out here on my watch.”
Her playfulness was back in a second and it felt like it was somebody else who had been thinking that she belonged there, sitting with him. This is Addams we’re talking about. Annoying a good 90% of the time.
“I’d hate for my untimely demise to cause you any difficulty,” she said with horror.
“Not to mention that Maxwell would never let me hear the end of it,” he chuckled.
“I’m sure even Bertrand would be upset, in his own way.”
“Bertrand? He’d only be upset if he couldn’t turn it into some kind of press event.” She laughed loudly; it was incredibly contagious. He joined her and found that he didn’t feel as cold anymore. She grabbed his arm for support, still laughing. She finally stopped and took a step back. They shared an amused look that went on for too long. Drake cleared his throat. “Now, let’s go.”
He started walking, leading the way. He’d only taken a few steps when he felt a small, startlingly warm hand in his. He almost ran into a tree. Riley must have noticed his momentary clumsiness because she blushed and said, “For… y’know, safety.”
Drake gulped and nodded. “It’s really slippery out here.”
“Yeah.”
They shared another long look. “We should both be careful,” Drake said, not breaking eye contact. In more ways than one.
The smile she gave him didn’t make it clear whether she understood what he meant. “Exactly.”
The journey back seemed to Drake too short altogether. I enjoy her company, so what? He didn’t know why he was suddenly mad at himself.
They reached the chateau, still hand in hand.
“Well…” Riley said when they reached the main hall. “This was…”
“Yeah. Addams, I–”
“There you are!” Hana had come in from an adjacent room, looking relieved. They immediately dropped each other’s hand. Drake’s hand felt cold as soon as they did.
Riley turned towards Hana, delighted to see her. “You’re up late.”
“I couldn’t sleep.” Her forehead creased with worry. “With you and Drake out there in the storm…”
“I’m sorry we kept you up.” Riley went towards her and hugged her.
Hana patted her back, looking stricken, but pleased. “Oh, I’m just glad you got back before it really started coming down out there!” She turned to look at Drake and he thought there was a question in that gaze, which he decided to ignore. “But you must be freezing, Drake, dressed in just that.”
Drake realized he was, indeed, very cold. He waved goodbye reluctantly. “Yeah. I’m going to go get changed. G’night, ladies.”
It could have been his imagination, but he thought he saw Riley’s face fall a little before they both bid him good night.