Constantine snores on, blissfully ignorant of the woman glaring in the direction of his half-open mouth. The loud, crackling rattle seems to emerge not so much from his nose as from his chest; so deep is the sound. Most nights, she can manage to drift off into slumber before he does - tonight, she is not that fortunate.

Regina winces; her forehead throbs, in what she knows to be a precursor to a particularly vile, sleep-deprived headache. She grabs her robe and hauls herself, reluctantly, off their bed. If she can just get someplace else, just relieve herself of the sounds of snoring for twenty minutes, she is sure she can salvage this one awful night with at least five hours of sleep.

Gingerly, she ties her robe, feels her toes around for her slippers, then pads her way out the bedroom with a measured softness, still taking furtive glances at the slumbering form of her husband. She runs a nervous hand through her hair, tousled and very unlike the sleek updo she prefers to be seen in, in public, and hopes fervently that no one else is awake. "Carefully rumpled" is more her cousin's style.

The corridor is mercifully dark, except for the thin slivers of light emerging from two rooms.

Regina stands still and keeps her breathing a bit slower, a bit more measured, listening for sounds. Five months and she still feels as much of a stranger here as she did on her wedding night. Part of her wants to believe that it is most likely because she is the sole woman in a family surrounded by males, the one who came into this family when it had already spent several years functioning as a unit (even if a little dysfunctional sometimes) with an altogether different type of woman.

A woman who clearly knew how to work around "her boys", even if they couldn't work with her.

But another part of her wonders if the lack is within her. If it is because - no matter how she and Constantine feel about each other - she could be the right queen but the wrong wife...and, most importantly, the wrong mother for their boys.

Regina faces the first door with narrowed eyes and a pinched mouth, sighing as she strains to ignore the reedy rasp of a rock star's voice and frantic guitar strumming, made faint by the door that blocks any entry into her eldest stepson's most private space. Neither knocking the door nor telling Leo off would change things - if anything, he would snap back with what he believes to be a smart remark, or increase the volume just to get a rise out of her.

Regina shakes her head. It's almost hard to believe that it hadn't always been this way. And depressing to know, that there was a time when the boy seemed to at least try. Murmurs in court from as recently as last year seemed to indicate that while his far-younger brother was clearly better suited to be heir to the throne, Leo was beginning to show a little interest in the role.

Looking at him as a member of this family, Regina wonders now what changed for him so drastically. Yes, the cruel, untimely death of Queen Eleanor would doubtless come to mind - Leo had already lost a mother figure, to lose another at this vulnerable age would have broken anyone - but she is beginning to get the feeling that there may have been more to it than even that devastating loss.

Still...even if that were the case, Regina knows that she would be the last person Leo would want to confide in. He has made no secret of his resentment of her even since her engagement with the King, of his displeasure in having her as part of their family. No compromise, no olive branches, no attempt to reach out to him seems to work.

She cannot blame Leo entirely either. Perhaps, embracing Queen Eleanor and accepting her as his mother had taken up so much of the boy's energy, that he has none left for the woman who has now - unfortunately - taken her place.

Regina shakes her head, moving away from Leo's door. She isn't losing hope, not really, that she will...one day...succeed in changing things between herself and Leo. But she is beginning to sense that she shouldn't hold her breath for that moment either.

Softly, soundlessly, she makes her way across the corridor. She stops midway, at the door of her younger stepson. By the little sliver of light she can just about see from the slightly-ajar door, she can tell young Liam has made a rather appalling attempt at pretending to be asleep. Surreptitiously, she knocks.

A pause. Perhaps he is still weighing his options, still wondering if he can still get away with acting like he is asleep.

Unconsciously, Regina taps out a rhythm with her foot as she waits for Liam to decide. It is ironic how, of the two boys, it is far easier for one to get a read on Leo. What you see is what you receive.

Now Liam...is another kettle of fish. He is a wonderful boy, really - gentle and generous of spirit. He has made all the effort a young teenager could possibly make, to ensure his new mother experienced no distress in her first months here. He has been affable, he has been charming, he has been kind.

But there is a wall. And so far, any attempt to be a mother to him, adds yet another brick to it, making it almost impossible for her to reach him.

Regina genuinely likes Liam, even if she doesn't feel particularly maternal towards either of the boys yet. If she continues to fail with him, Regina will consider that the more crushing failure.

She doesn't knock again, giving Liam the opportunity to decide what he wants. He could wave any questions he gets in the morning, with the excuse that he had forgotten to switch off the lamp in his room. She would be impressed enough with his ability to spin at age eleven, that she'd pretend to believe it.

He does not. He opens the door, fully. Hair tousled, bags under his eyes, not a single wrinkle on his plain blue pajamas. And the look on his face spells - plainly - his intent to not lie to her.

Regina is a tad bit more impressed than she expects to be.

"Not asleep yet?" she asks him lightly, as if it's just 10 PM, and not quarter to 2 in the morning.

Liam's eyes flit from behind Regina to around her to her slippers and the floor - anywhere but her eyes. On closer inspection, she thinks she can spot crumbs of something around his mouth.

When he finally lifts his eyes to her own widened ones, he quickly, and guiltily, covers his mouth, mumbling inaudibly. Biting back a smile, she moves her gaze from his face to a spot behind his shoulder. A spot on his bed where only sheets should be. A spot on his bed...where a small, half-finished golden box of baklava now rests.

Regina's brows raise almost to the level of her hairline. "I thought you liked baklava."

Taken aback, the boy lifts a finger to a corner of his mouth, furtively directing a stray crumb inside, almost as if to savour the honeyed taste he had just enjoyed a minute ago. "I do," he says, hesitantly, "a lot."

She takes a mental inventory of the box. One...two...five and a half pieces left, glistening in the soft light from Liam's bedside lamp. The box itself looks half empty - it came from Istanbul packed with twenty pieces of baklava, five pieces each for four varieties. Walnut, almond, cashewnut and pistachio.

It had been addressed specially to Liam two weeks ago, from Evrim Köse, the Turkish ambassador to Cordonia. And by specially, she means that not another soul but him could lay a hand on those sweets. Which suited the rest of the palace just fine - most of them tended to find such a treat too cloying, too sugary for their tastes.

Regina feigns flicking lint lightly from a few fingers. "I thought you'd have finished that box by now. The last one didn't take you two days!"

Liam tries, and fails, to stifle a giggle. "I really, really wanted to savour it this time."

Intrigued, Regina turns her gaze back to him. It's not every day she hears of an eleven-year-old extol the pleasures of waiting. "What do you mean?"

Slowly, Liam pads his way back to the bed, gingerly touching the box. There's a certain glow of pleasure in his eyes, as he remembers that first exhilarating experience of biting into a baklava in Turkey three months ago. As if he only has to look at the sweet to relive how that one bite nearly changed his life.

"The last time I took a box like this home, I gobbled it up in two days." The two chuckle together at the memory. "It got over so fast. I'd wake up at night craving one more bite and wishing I hadn't hurried up so much, eating it," Liam says, his murmur tinged with slight regret. "This time I promised I'd take my time with it. That lovely little feeling every time I have a taste... I want it to last a little longer."

As he says it, Regina can already see in her mind's eye the way Liam would hold that sweet, carefully, delicately...the way he would chew, slowly...the way he would close his eyes so every available sense would be attuned to the golden glow, to the sweet rosewater scent, to the delicate crunch of forty layers of filo pastry. The way he would prolong this bliss till that was no longer possible.

How long she's spent, attempting to be mother to this boy. Yet how little she - really. truly - knows him.

Almost as if he is reading her thoughts, Liam raises his eyes to the level of hers. He holds a piece out to her.

"No, no," Regina whispers guiltily, wondering if anything on her face could give the impression that she wanted the sweet. "It's all yours. I am not as fond of it as you are."

Neither do his eyes leave hers, nor his hand the baklava. She relents, holding the piece for a moment, her gaze soaking in its heavy, golden perfection. She pops it in like it's candy, then grimaces.

"You don't like it?"

Liam's voice is soft and unnervingly speculative, for a mere boy on the cusp of adolescence. Regina cannot make out from his gaze whether he expects her to feign a liking for the sweet, or be honest with him. Every bit of maternal advice she has heard from noblewomen who used to be her friends - noblewomen who settled into marriage and children far earlier than she did - has recommended appeasement, especially at this delicate stage in a child's development.

One more look into Liam's eyes, and Regina opts not to pretend. Her grimace stays unmoved on her face.

"Too sweet for me," she murmurs back.

On the face of it, Liam's expression seems to remain unchanged. Quiet, watchful, casually moving from her face to the baklava in her hands, and back. But Regina can sense a shift in the air. There is a glimmer in his eyes, some trace of an unspoken need reflected there, that she has unwittingly met. The muscles around his mouth relax more, his stance feels less guarded. He takes out another one, not exactly smiling, but Regina can feel the welcoming sentiment in the gesture regardless.

"This one has walnuts."

Regina smiles. She can't pretend not to be a little touched. "I do like walnuts," she says as she accepts this little treat, grateful not just for what it is but what it represents.

All this time, Regina had focused on being a mother to Liam and Leo. Inwardly cursing herself for not feeling that maternal instinct straightaway (or at all), wondering whether her new sons will resent her for not being mother enough. Especially for Liam, who had just lost his mother two years ago, and who was still too young to fully process that loss.

When all this time, what Liam needed hadn't been another mother at all.

Regina bites into the baklava Liam has offered. It's a tad bit better than the previous one; the walnuts prove a better, slightly more bitter contrast to the sugar syrup...but the latter is still too overpowering for her to ignore. It shows on her face, again; she begins to feel an involuntary pang of regret, then shakes it off.

She isn't sure yet what it is that Liam needs from her. What would strengthen this tentative bond that has blossomed between them tonight. But one thing she does know: whatever their relationship grows to become - a friend, a guide, a mentor - the foundation of it has to be her willingness to be honest with him.

For the rest of their time in the room (twenty minutes at most), Regina is content to merely watch as Liam finishes off the remaining contents of the box. "Anaïs told me I should finish them off now before they start going bad," he explains to her when she remembers his wish to savour the baklava slowly.

Aha! Regina stifles a bubble in her throat that feels suspiciously like laughter. So it's the head chef who has told him where the baklava was kept!

"It's almost two now, Liam," Regina tells him, a frown wrinkling her forehead. "You ought to get some sleep."

Liam appears a little taken aback when he looks at her, perhaps in response to the doubt in her voice. Somehow she highly doubts he will be able to sleep tonight. He's had so much baklava tonight that the ensuing sugar rush would make him too keyed up to sleep at all.

Regina isn't wrong. When Constantine - bright-eyed and alert - casts suspicious glances upon all three members of his family at breakfast time, she knows he has seen the bags beneath all their eyes.

"Has no one gone to bed on time tonight, besides me, Regina?"

Inwardly, Regina bristles. Indeed, it is so easy to sleep soundly in the face of such earth-shattering snores, when you're the one doing the snoring!

Meanwhile, she is conscious of the way their two sons stare at her. Leo's resentful and defiant (although he couldn't possibly know she was outside his door last night), Liam's nervous and hesitant.

"Surely I would have known if they were up all night," Regina feigns a bored drawl, "You know how sensitive I am to noise, darling."

The sigh of relief from the two brothers, once Constantine leaves the dining table, is almost audible. Before Liam leaves for his morning lessons, he rewards her with his biggest smile.

Regina bites back her own, and moves to her study so she can write a note to Chef Anaïs, in anticipation of any future kitchen-related adventures from the youngest prince. It is simple; a single line. Regina has to remind herself to not laugh, even as she passes the note to a member of the palace staff.

Let Prince Liam have baklava at any other time, except midnight. We really can't afford any more midnight sugar rushes at his age.

--

Notes:

1. The reference to Liam's first experience of baklava comes from this headcanon.

2. This story also hints at Leo's relationship with Eleanor and his secret relationship with a boy named Damien, which is explored to some extent in Eleanor's Kitchen, Chapter 6.

Parents: Constantine Rys and Eleanor Rys (both deceased)

Siblings: Leo Rys

Spouse: Jade Isabel Bourbon-Rys

Children: Elise Valentina Bourbon-Rys, Louis Philipe Bourbon-Rys, Sophie Eleanor Bourbon-Rys

Closest relatives: Regina Rys (stepmother), Ava Mei Tsui-Rys (niece), Emma Zhen Tsui-Rys (niece), Daphne Wang-Foredale (fourth cousin)

Background: Second son of King Constantine Rys and Queen Eleanor Rys, Liam is a kind-hearted, polite and sophisticated man with impressive diplomatic skills. Though he wasn't raised to be king, he was prepared from a very young age to serve the Cordonian Crown taking etiquette lessons, politics, philosophy, learning different languages (aside from English, he's fluent in Greek, Spanish, French and Italian) and even dancing and survival skills. While growing up, he was a free-spirited kid and had more opportunities to enjoy his childhood with his friends and the Walker family than his older brother.

After his mother's tragic passing, Liam became a reserved person, taking his role in the Royal family more seriously. With time, Liam grew apart from Drake (who left to the US to go to college) and joined the Royal Air Force to please his father. A few months after, the Royal family suffered an assassination attempt. Liam developed signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, avoiding social interactions, having trouble sleeping, being easily frightened/startled and showing some physical symptoms of panick (sweating, nausea, trembling). Leo asked Drake to return to the palace to help Liam, both encouraging the young prince to seek therapy.

As he got better, Liam enrolled in the University of Cordonia to study History and returned to the Royal Air Force. Liam had plans to follow an academic career when Leo abdicated the throne. After Liam got his major degree, he was formally introduced as the Crown Prince and officially prepared to rule the Kingdom. Though it was a drastic change of path in his life that required many sacrifices, Liam adjusted to the life of future monarch quite fast, undeniably enjoying the perks of using the many skills he had developed over the years to make a difference as a politician.

What's his family like?

Constantine wasn't a present parent, nor a father who easily showed affection towards his sons. Liam was mostly raised by his mother and a few nanies and tutors. Eleanor constantly talked about the importance of Constantine's role as king and father not just for their family but for the entire country, which is why Liam always looked up to his father.

Eleanor was a loving mother to him and his brother, but also disciplined them when necessary. She shared her love for reading, writing and History with Liam. Her passing had an enormous impact on Liam's life and personality. He still misses her dearly and visits her whenever he can. He always takes a bouquet of jasmines to her grave on Mother's day and on her birthday.

Being six years younger than Leo, the brothers always had divergences, often teasing each other, Leo and Liam played pranks that usually led to getting both of the. in trouble while growing up. Yet, Leo always knew Liam was a better fit for the Crown and has always been a protective of his baby brother, taking the blame for himself whenever Liam did something wrong, defending his brother from malicious comments and insults, helping him during his first months as Crown Prince and teaching him self-defense and mixed martial arts. Liam looks up to his brother and fully supports the lifepath and choices his older brother makes.

Regina entered the Royal family a few years after Eleanor's passing. Despite her usual commanding presence towards her stepsons, she cares for them deeply. Liam has great respect and fondness towards Regina.

Liam doesn't have a long list of relatives he's truly close to. The only exception are the Foredales, specially Lady Daphne.

Favourite childhood memory: Playing with Drake and Maxwell around the palace, trips to the Walkers ranch and summers at Applewood Manor.

Nicknames: He didn't use to have nicknames while growing up, but he loves all the petnames Jade has given him.

Astrology sign: Capricorn sun, Libra rising, Scorpio moon

Hobbies: reading, horse riding, sailing, playing guitar, singing, writing

Top 5 songs:

The Seasons, op. 37a: VI. June "Barcarolle" - Piotr Ilitch Tchaikovski

Requiem: Lacrimosa - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Bachianas Brasileiras n°1 - Heitor Villa Lobos

And I Love Her - Beatles

Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

Favorite books:

The Metamorphosis - Franz Kafka

Dubliners - James Joyce

Hamlet - William Shakespeare

Charneca em Flor - Florbela Espanca

Jane Eyre - Emily Brontë

Favorite movies:

Star Trek (1979)

Matrix (1999)

The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2011) [he likes all the LOTR saga, but the first one is his favorite]

Black Swan (2010)

Lion (2016)

Favorite TV shows: Liam enjoys watching anything that gets his mind out of his life. He grew up watching The X-Files and Firefly with Drake and Maxwell. A friend introduced him to Death Note during his teenhood and it blew him away. Nowadays, he likes watching Stranger Things and Arcane by himself, but he often watches comedies like Friends and Parks and Recreation with Jade.

Biggest guilty pleasure: he's getting addicted to watching videos of people building things from scratch like furniture, houses or doing crafts. In any spare time he has, he will watch people building furniture out of bamboo, small cabins in the woods and intricate craftsmanship like jewelry design, intarsia and pastry sculpture.

Sweet or savoury? Sweet.

Favorite food: Baklava, chicken tagine, apple pie, any sort of pasta.

Favourite drinks: coffee (the stronger, the better), vanilla milkshake, wine, scotch.

Most treasured possessions:

A Lion Cross Royal Crown designed for his thirtieth birthday;

A small double bladed dagger that belonged to his ancestor Queen Kenna Rys;

Photo albums with many pictures of his family and friends

A Statue of Liberty keychain given by his wife on his coronation night;

Jade cufflinks given by his wife during the trip to China;

His wedding band;

His children's baby teeth (the kids find it gross, but Jade and him proudly keep them in the family safe).

Close Friends: Drake Walker, Maxwell Beaumont, Hana Lee, Bertrand Beaumont, Leo Rys

Goals for the future: Liam has many goals for Cordonia such as bringing back economic stability to the country, hosting big events that will increase tourism, supporting projects involving environmental sustainability, arts, culture and philanthropy, etc. But in his personal life, he simply wants to travel around the world with Jade, watch his children grow and spend as much time as he can with his loved ones.

Dog lover or cat lover?

Dog lover. He loves strolling with the family corgis. But he also likes Jade's cats and encourages his kids to have any domestic animals as long as they actually take care of them.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. But he can't deny he loves late nights with his wife.

How does he relax after a bad day?

It depends gon how bad the day was. On a not so bad day, half an hour listening to music (he has a soothing playlist on Spotify) when he needs to slow down will do. He goes horse riding or walking when he needs to clear his head. But on really tough days, he'll go to the gym to practice any sort of martial arts. Muay Thai and Krav Maga are his favorites.

Personality: INFJ-T (Turbulent Advocate)

Idealistic and principled, people with the INFJ personality type (Advocates) aren’t content to coast through life – they want to stand up and make a difference. For these compassionate personalities, success doesn’t come from money or status but from seeking fulfillment, helping others, and being a force for good in the world.

Thoughtful and often selfless, INFJ personalities pour a great deal of energy and care into their relationships, but this doesn’t mean that they always feel appreciated in return. People with this personality type tend to slow down and really evaluate how what they do might impact others before they take action. Consequently, it can frustrate them when other people don’t recognize their good intentions. INFJs are very sensitive to criticism of any kind and can take things very personally. A few close relationships, provided that they’re genuine, can fill INFJs’ hearts to the brim.

He eagerly waits behind the dense hedge of the Mastic tree, for Savannah to come out of the day care. Liam's heart soars high at the first sight of his son. He is mesmerized at the sight of his own miniature form trotting down along with a grown up Savannah. He steps back to keep away from them. They cross over, Fabian busy narrating the events of the day to his mother. He picks up on their conversation. Fabian is explaining, “....I told her it's simply milk, cream and plain vanilla, isn't it mother?” Savannah nods. Fabian punches his fist in air. “I knew it. I couldn't be wrong with my favourite drink.”

‘He likes Vanilla, just like me!’ Liam is excited on discovering a tiniest detail about his son. He wants to know more but he has to patiently wait for Savannah’s call. He starts walking back to his hotel. Seeing Fabian with Savannah takes his mind to the memories of yesteryears when he was with his mother…..

Little Liam walked with a skip to his mother. She could see through his focused eyes that he had an agenda in his mind. He stopped a few steps away from her and stood with his arms pushed back, his fingers wrapped tightly around each other behind his back.

“Mother, when are we going to visit Drake’s place?” He asked, hiding his nervousness.

“After two days my son,” Eleanor replied wondering where his thoughts are wavering. “why?”

“Oh, it is nothing, mother.” Liam tried to make it light.

Eleanor pulled him to her holding both his arms. “I can see you are pretty excited about something. What is going on in that smart head of yours?”

He brought his hands ahead, fidgeting with Eleanor’s scarf. Coyly, he raised his eyes to her. “I… I am fond of the vanilla shake that Drake’s mom whips.”

“Aahaan ! So you want to visit them just for that milkshake. I bet I can make one too” Eleanor teased.

Liam jerked back. “Not just any milk shake, mother. It’s Bianca’s special vanilla milkshake. Besides, playing around their cozy little rooms with Savannah.” He tried reasoning.

“I never knew you like to play with that little girl.”

“I meant Drake and Savannah.” Liam added.

“Hmm. So Drake and Savannah?”

“And Vanilla shake.” Liam reminded her.

“And the vanilla shake.” Eleanor repeated. “You are sure you are not hiding anything else ?”

“No mother, it’s Vanilla milkshake.” Liam laughed shyly.

Savannah’s home. Lozzi village, Corsica.

Savannah had narrated many bedtime stories about King Liam to Fabian and she had narrated many stories about his father though she was always careful not to overlap any of those. But today everything seems difficult. She tries to speak to Fabian throughout the day and each time she finds herself beating around the bush. She always thought she would be ready and exhilarated to introduce Fabian to his father. Now she is at a loss of words.

After dinner, Fabian makes his bed with his mother and gets under the covers. Savannah keeps roaming around his room still pondering where to start.

“Mom?”

“Yes, baby.”

“Are you worried about something?”

She stops replacing things idly and looks at him, “Not exactly, dear.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

Savannah leaves everything aside and moves towards his bed to sit beside him. “You didn't…Why would you say that?”

“Because I can see you picking up the same things and placing them back again, going round and round the room. You do that when something is bothering you.”

“Oh Fabian!” Savannah bends down to place a kiss on his forehead. “You are such a sweetheart . Always so observant and caring.” ‘Just like your father’, she thinks.

“Does this mean there is something nagging you?”

“Nothing, dear. Actually it's just that… I want to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

She pats on his blanket and moves her fingers gently through his golden locks. “You remember, you lost that set of colour pens I gifted you last Christmas?”

“That one? I found it, mom. It was just misplaced under the pile of my colouring sheets.”

“And how did it feel, getting it back?”

He claps his hands gleefully, “I was so glad, I found those. They are the best gift.”

Savannah smiles. “What if I tell you that you are going to get the best gift you could have ever wished for?”

“What could that thing be?”

“Fabian, it's not a thing. It's a person who wants to meet you.”

“Do I know them?”

“Yes, you know him by certain names , now you will see him right in front of your eyes.”

“Does he know me?”

“Yes, very well.”

“Is he important to you, mother?” he asks in a serious tone making Savannah smile. His change of tone taking the matter at hand seriously reminds her again of the similarities he shares with Liam.

“Yes. He is someone very important.”

“Someone like….do you mean… like is there... is he… is he your boyfriend?”

Savannah laughs out loudly at that and starts shaking her head in denial.

Fabian pouts his lower lip and lowers his eyelids in embarrassment. “I am sorry. I just…”

Savannah cuddles him up. “You don’t have to be. Fabian, it’s time you meet your family, my child. He is one of the important part of our family. Let’s just meet once and then we take it ahead from there.”

The word family has Fabian thrilled. He has been patiently waiting to see uncles and aunts, grandparents and cousins like all other children do. He leaps at the opportunity. “Okay, when are we meeting?”

“Whenever you are comfortable.”

“I am ready, mom. Like, right now .” he emphasizes with his small hands.

“That’s great. Although right now won’t nd possible. How about breakfast tomorrow?”

“I would love that, mom” he beams at her.

“Okay, tomorrow morning then it is. Breakfast.”

“Will you be able to make some vanilla shake?”

“Why not. See you my sunshine. Good night. “

“Good night mom.”

Savannah trudges to the bedroom still smiling at Fabian’s vanilla shake request. ‘Like father, like son.’ She remembers how Liam too used to like Vanilla shake . He had once visited with Drake after a polo match and they all had shake made by Savannah.

She got into her bed, remembering the young age fun.......

“What man! I defeated the prince and all I get is a vanilla shake?” Drake whined to Liam.

“Vanilla shake is a good celebration, Drake.” Liam tried to convince.

“Yes, try it.” Savannah said walking in with three tall glasses in a tray.

“Cheers!” said Liam, picking up his glass.

Without a minute to waste he took a big sip and so did Savannah while Drake just watched them in disinterest.

“Who has vanilla shake for celebrating a victory?” he was mumbling when he heard his sister giggle.

He followed her gaze settling on Liam’s face that had a big white moustache of cream. Drake smirked.

“What ?” Liam asked looking between both of them.

She pointed out snickering, “ You got a big Moustache like an old man.”

Instead of wiping it off, Liam got up to look into the reflection on the TV’s black LED screen.

He turned towards Savannah and boomed, “Ho,Ho,Ho. I am Santa Claus. I am here to give you the Christmas present. What do you wish? Tell me young lady and I will grant it.”

Savannah shied looking at Liam’s playful manner and giggled more while Drake rolled his eyes.

She shakes her head to come back to reality and messages Liam inviting him for the breakfast. Next moment she goes into a deep slumber while thinking about the golden days. It has been a long day.

Next morning

Savannah greets Liam and ushers him into her humble abode. There in front him stands his replica. Fabian’s sandy blonde hair and ocean blue eyes are a straightforward giveaway for anyone to see.

Savannah awkwardly smiles and tries to break the ice. “Fabian, Come meet William.” She introduces.

“Good morning Fabian. I am William.” Liam says.

“Good morning sir,I am Fabian.” He moves ahead and shakes his hand in a very formal manner. Liam is surprised and impressed too.

“Pleasure meeting you.”

Savannah guides them to the dining table where Fabian already has his glass placed. “Please have a seat. I will be back in a minute”

She goes to the kitchen leaving them alone for sometime.

Fabian is slurping his favourite Vanilla shake while his eyes are fixed on the man who has come to meet him. Surprisingly his looks are too familiar to him. So he is observing him with his big blue eyes.

Liam smiles at him waiting for Savannah to join them.

“You like Vanilla Shake?”

Fabian nods, “Its my favourite drink.” He swallows in another sip and asks, “What is your favourite?”

“Same as yours.” Liam bends over the small round table, to whisper.

Fabian imitates bending towards him and whispers back . “My Mommy makes the best vanilla shake. You can ask her for some. She won’t deny. She has a big heart.”

Liam straightens. “I know, Fabian. I love the one she makes.”

Savannah walks out of her kitchen holding two glasses and offers one to Liam.

Vanilla shake. His favourite drink that Bianca made, that Savannah learnt and mastered from her mother, that his son is also fond of. He gives out a heavy breath that he didn’t realise he was holding up and takes the drink from her hands and places it on the table.

He gives a dry smile, first time at loss of words.

Savannah nods slightly telling him to wait. She is going to handle it. ‘The way she handled everything in her life. Alone.’ Liam thought. She is stronger than anyone can think of. She is stronger than him. He knows. So he lets her take the reins of this moment.

She sits down beside Fabian, her son and starts. “Fabian, you remember those bedtime stories?” she pulls him into her lap.

“Yes, Mother.” He answers and Liam thinks. ‘Oh, he answers like me!’

“Do you remember, you always felt strongly about one person in particular, in those stories?” Savannah continues.

Fabian nods, stealing a glance at Liam.

‘Was it me?’ Liam questions himself silently.

“Mommy?” Fabian holds on to her hands, “Is he really King Liam?”

While Liam is surprised that his son has recognised him, Savannah isn’t. She knows how her eight year old was smarter than any kid around. She simply nods.

Fabian’s gaze is intense making Liam squirm in his chair. The fear of rejection grappling him. ‘What if … ? ‘

Before Liam’s mind could wander into the threatening possibilities, Fabian shocks him with another question. “Are you my father?”

Liam expected Savannah to tell Fabian about him. But his son is intelligent enough to connect the missing dots. Liam loses control over the stoic appearance he carries. His emotions are raw as he looks at Savannah. She nods at him.

He Is scared, ‘What if…?’ his mind is continuously taking him down the spiral, ‘What if Fabian doesn’t accept me? What if he hates me?’ He shakes away the wild thoughts and swallows. He doesn’t realise his mouth has gone dry. A heavy minute passes before he answers, “Yes.”

Fabian breaks away from his mother’s arms and leaps to hug Liam taking him back with surprise, yet again. His short arms circle Liam’s neck as he hugs tightly, resting his head on Liam’s broad chest.

“I knew it.” He utters. “I knew it, father. I am glad you could come. I am very happy that you came.” He keeps repeating. “ I am sorry, you had to go through so much, Father. I am sorry I couldn’t help you. I am sorry, I wasn’t there to tell you that we love you and we care for you, father. We do, we really, really do. Both Mommy and I do.”

Savannah had told Liam that Fabian knew about him. But he didn’t expect the little one to forget his own hardships and instead console his father. Liam hugs him back, tears falling unfiltered from his eyes, breaking his strong façade of a king. Fabian has not only accepted him but is pouring out all his love and affection forgetting all the wrong that happened. His little boy is already so grown up and he has missed it all! His heart brakes at the thought and he looks up at Savannah.

She sits there, quietly watching the reunion, wiping away her tears. Fabian made her proud. And then, this man! She catches his gaze and he mouths the words at her, ‘Thank you.’

He caresses Fabian, moving his hand over his head and then placing a kiss in his hair. His other hand is still snuggled around his son’s little frame. Fabian looks up and Liam cups his face placing kisses on his forehead and cheeks and the nose and his eyes. He can never get tired of kissing his son but Fabian shakes his head. Liam stops. ‘Does he not like my kisses?’

Fabian shakes his hand while he raises his tiny little fingers and starts wiping Liam’s tears.

‘Oh dear God! I need to learn a lot from my son.’ Liam thinks and smiles through the tears, hugging his son again. He stretches out an arm for Savannah to join in and Fabian circles his one arm around his mother other arm latching on to his father.

After a long time, they finally sit around the small circular table, Fabian settled in Liam’s lap.

Savannah pushes the vanilla shake that sat idly on the table towards Liam.

Liam instantly indulges into his drink. After a gulping half the glass in one go, he smiles at Fabian.

Fabian looks wide eyed at Liam and then back at his mother . He is not sure if he can react in front of his father. When he sees his mother chuckling, he joins in.

Liam gives them a confused look.

“What happened ? He asks.

“You got moustaches like Santa!” Fabian splits into a laughter.

Liam catches Savannah go stiff at mention of Santa. The memories come back to her like a whiplash. Before Fabian could notice his mother’s sad face, Liam jumps at him and grabs him. “Ho,Ho,Ho. I am Santa Claus. I am here to give you the Christmas present. What do you wish? Tell me young boy and I will grant it.” Liam circles his arms around Fabian

Fabian rolls out laughing, “Really?”

“Always!” Liam beams hugging Fabian and looking at Savannah with a promise in his eyes.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

"But! But! I just gave birth! To twins!"

"Yes, you did. Over a year ago. And now you're pregnant again."

Shanelle felt like she couldn't breathe. 

"Your Majesty?" he asked. 

"And you're 100% sure doctor?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. Your test was positive," he replied. 

"Should I take another test?" she asked, "Maybe this one was a false positive." 

"We can take another one ma'am but it more than likely won't change the result."

Shanelle let out a defeated sigh. 

"I can not believe this is happening again." 

Dr. Andersen looked at her sympathetically. 

"I know that you might not want to hear this but this is a happy time. For you and The Royal Family. You and His Majesty are great parents. I've seen it with my own eyes. And I am happy for you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"Thank you, Dr. Andersen. I appreciate it."

"Of course My Queen. I will contact your Obstetrician."

"Thank you again."

Dr. Andersen nodded before taking his leave. The reality was finally hitting her. 

"Oh my God! I can't do this again! I can't be pregnant! Not now! I have way too damn much going on to be pregnant!" she thought to herself. 

To make matters worse, she found out she was pregnant two days before her father's birthday. She was so in denial, that she snuck out of the palace and headed to a local pharmacy and bought as many drugstore pregnancy tests as her arms could carry. When she got back to her office she took every last one. And they were all positive. She is indeed pregnant. 

"Damn it all to hell! Of all the times to be pregnant, Mother Nature chooses to do this to me now?!" 

Shanelle let out a frustrated sigh. 

"I can't believe we're doing this again," she said out loud but not alone, "doing what again?"

She was startled by her husband's voice.

"Don't do that!" she said as she caught her breath, "You scared me half to death." 

"I'm sorry."

He took in the look on her face. 

"Are you okay?" he asked. 

"No. Yes? Maybe? I don't know?" she replied. 

"What's wrong?"

"Umm..." She struggled to come up with words. 

"Okay, now you're starting to scare me. What's wrong? Why do you look like that?"

Shanelle took a shaky breath as she sat down at her desk.

"Close the door and have a seat."

He closed the door and then took a seat across from her. 

"Okay, I'm sitting down. What is going on? What's wrong?"

Shanelle sighed. 

"You're about to be a father again," she said quietly. 

"What?"

"You're about to be a father again," she spoke up. 

"What?!"

"Do NOT make me say it to you a third time!" she snapped at him. 

Marquise blinked in realization. 

"Wait! You're pregnant?" he asked. 

"Yes, I'm pregnant. Ya, happy now?" she asked in a frustrated tone. 

Shanelle closed her eyes to keep tears of frustration from falling. 

"Shanelle, look at me," he said to her. 

Shanelle exhaled and then looked at him. 

"You're absolutely sure you're pregnant?" he asked. 

"Yes. I had Dr. Andersen do a pregnancy test and it came back positive. Then I went out and bought my own. They're all positive." she replied as her voice hitched. 

Marquise reached across her desk and gently took her shaking hands in his. 

"If this is true, why do you look so upset?" 

"Because I don't have time to be pregnant! We have two one-year-olds and a six-year-old to raise already. On top of the fact that two cocky idiots are gunning for our thrones. I can't be pregnant now. It will derail my entire year not to mention that it would derail my life! I can't afford that!" she replied as tears started rolling down her face. 

Marquise stood up and brought her to her feet. 

"First of all, I need you to breathe."

"I am breathing."

"No, you're stressed out and upset. I need you to breathe!"

"Is that an order?"

"Yes. Now breathe."

Shanelle closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"Good. Now I want you to hear me. I know you're upset because of the timing of this but my love this is not something to be upset about."

"You don't understand Marquise!"

"I do understand. I understand that you don't want to be inconvenienced. I understand that you don't want to stop. I understand that you'd rather not have to think about being pregnant. I understand that you feel we have enough to deal with. Between raising our children, running and governing our kingdom, and especially having to deal with this god-forsaken challenge. I know what you're feeling. I know you feel like being pregnant will get in the way of all we're doing. But this is not a bad thing. We will do what we always do, we will breathe, straighten our shoulders, hold our heads high, and rule together."

Shanelle felt him rub his thumbs in circles on her knuckles. 

"This is great news, my love. Our family is growing again. Our parents will be thrilled. Our nieces and nephews will be over the moon. And God knows Khari will be insufferable."

Shanelle chuckled. 

"And our boys, they will be big brothers. Can you imagine how adorably hilarious they will be?"

Shanelle nodded. 

"Yeah, I can."

He tilted her chin up so she was looking at him.

"I know this isn't what we expected. Especially you. But this is the hand we've been dealt. And like all things we do in love and life, we will handle this head-on. Because you know I would never allow you to walk this journey alone."

"But I don't know that I'm ready. I don't know if I can devote time to this."

"The woman I married. The woman I share a life with. The woman who gave me my three beautiful children. The woman who has had my heart since the first time I laid eyes on her. The woman I will always say I love you to. The woman who leads one of the greatest nations in the world. The woman I will lay my life down for. The Queen of Cordonia...is always ready."

Shanelle exhaled slowly. 

"Okay okay. You win." Shanelle said before taking a shaky breath, "While I wish the timing of this was much better, you're right. I can do this. We will do this."

Marquise nodded. 

"Never forget. You are a fantastic mother. The way you love, nurture, protect, teach, and defend our children always leaves me in awe. You are gentle, silly, firm, and caring. Our children are blessed not because of me but because of you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"I wanna wait to tell people though. I want to take one last test. Just to be extra sure before we start telling everyone."

Marquise nodded. 

"When do you want to tell everyone?"

"Next week. Since my parents will be here to celebrate their birthdays."

"Alright. For now, only we will know. So go ahead and order one more test."

"Okay." 

"And don't worry, my love. You'll see that this is a good thing. Even if it doesn't feel like it right now. You'll see, it will be alright."

"I know it will be. I'm just..."

"Still in shock and disbelief?"

"Yeah."

He pulled her into a loving embrace. 

"Listen to me, I know it's a shock. But once it settles, you'll see the joy in all of this." 

"I know I will."

"So let's breathe then get ready for the madness this is about to cause."

Shanelle exhaled slowly. 

"Thank you for talking me off a ledge."

He chuckled softly. 

"It's what you married me for."

Shanelle smiled at him. 

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

She kissed him. 

"Thank you."

"Keep that up and you'll be pregnant twice."

"And...he ruins the moment."

"You love meeee."

Shanelle shook her head with a small smile before she took one last look at the pregnancy test on her desk before putting it away In a drawer and then leaving her office with him. 

The couple was able to keep Shanelle's pregnancy to themselves until her parents arrived that weekend. And that Sunday was the big reveal. After Khari and her brothers sang Happy Birthday the best they could to their Grammy it was time for cake and presents. While Marquise got the cake with the children, Shanelle gave her parents the news. In the cutest way possible. 

"Got an early present for you and Daddy before the kids get cake everywhere," Shanelle said as she handed her mother a small gift bag.  

"What's this butterfly?" her mother asked.

"Open it and find out." 

Shantel gave her daughter a look. 

"It's not bad. I promise."

"I don't know, this may be revenge for that gag gift we gave when you were 9." her father piped up. 

Shanelle rolled her eyes. 

"Your father has a point." 

"Oh my goodness! Just open it!"

Shantel set the gift bag down and began taking the tissue paper out of it.

"Is there a present in here or is this just a bag of paper?" her father asks. 

Shanelle merely shrugged. 

"Honey, you may be right. Your daughter may have finally got her revenge." Shantel said to her husband.

"Good Lord! You two are impossible."

Her parents laughed as Shantel continued taking out more and more tissue paper. When she finally got to the bottom of the bag, she pulled out a small box. 

"What's this?" Shantel asks.

"You have to open it to find out," Shanelle replied. 

Shantel looked at her and then at her husband before opening the box. She nearly dropped the box after opening it. 

"Oh my God!" she gasped out loud. 

"What? What is it?" Damien asked. 

Shantel held up a positive pregnancy test for her husband to see. 

"What?!" Damien asks. 

They both looked at her stunned. 

"Happy Birthday?" Shanelle said to her parents. 

"Are you serious?" her mother asked. 

"Yeah. It's real." Shanelle replied. 

"You're really pregnant?" Damien asked Shanelle. 

"Yes, Daddy. You and momma get to be Grammy and Pop Pop all over again," she replied. 

Their shock slowly turned to joy. 

"Oh my God! Congratulations baby!" her mother said to her as she hugged her. 

"Thank you, momma."

"Another one? When did you find out?" Damien asks. 

"Yes, Daddy, another one. I found out I was pregnant two days before your birthday." she replied, "I hope you and Momma aren't mad that I didn't tell you right away."

"Of course not my darling," he said as he hugged her. "We couldn't be happier for you."

Shantel dried her eyes. 

"Does Margo know you're pregnant?" Shantel asks. 

"No, I don't think Marquise has told her yet," Shanelle replied. 

"Hasn't told me what?" Margo asked as she walked up grabbing everyone's attention, "I apologize to everyone. I didn't mean to startle you all."

"It's quite alright Margo." Shantel said to her, "This is what your son hasn't told you yet."

Shantel handed her the small gift box. When Margo looked into the box her eyebrows shot up. 

"Oh my goodness!" 

"Oh God no!" Shantel said with a laugh, "Not me Margo." 

"Then who?" Margo asks. That's when Shantel nodded to Shanelle and it dawned on her. 

"Wait! You mean?" she asks before looking at Shanelle. 

"Surprise?" Shanelle replied sheepishly. 

Margo's jaw dropped. 

"Welcome to the Grammy for a third-time club sweetie," Shantel said to her. 

"My goodness! Congratulations my dear!" Margo said as she hugged Shanelle. "I am so happy for you and my son!" 

"Thank you, Margo. I just hope I didn't steal His Majesty's thunder. He wanted to tell you himself."

Margo shook her head with a tearful smile. 

"My heart is so full. I am thrilled for you and him. And especially my grandbabies. They'll be thrilled."

"I'm not too sure the boys will understand."

"This is true. But they can learn." Margo said with a happy sigh, "I wish George was here. He would be over the moon with happiness."

Shanelle smiled at Margo. 

"I miss him. I remember how happy he was when we found out I was pregnant with Khari." 

Shantel hugged Margo. 

"Oh, sweetie. He's here. I can hear his laugh now."

Margo smiled. 

"I can too."

That's when Marquise popped his head in. 

"I was sent here to ask if we are ready for cupcakes."

Margo gave him a look. 

"What? What's that look for?" he asked Margo. 

"When were you going to tell me?!" she replied. 

"Tell you wha—" he asked before seeing his wife mouth the words "She knows", "Ohhhhh! That."

"Yes. That," she said with her hands on her hips. 

"I promise I had every intention of telling you."

Margo shook her head with a smile. 

"If only it wasn't considered treason to pop you." she playfully warned before hugging him, "Congratulations my love. I am so happy for you."

"Thank you, mama."

"Daddy! Are they ready yet?!" Khari asked from the other room. 

"Yes, my love! They're ready. Bring the cupcakes in." he replied. 

"Otay (okay)! We toming (coming)!" Kylo replied. 

The kids brought in a cart full of cupcakes with lit candles in them. 

"Alright boys! You ready?"

"Ready!" they replied. 

"Okay. One...two...three!"

"Happy!" Zyon said. 

"Birthday!" Kylo followed. 

"To Pop Pop and Grammy!" Khari cheered. 

Everyone clapped. 

"Okay, now Grammy. You and Pop Pop gotta make a wish and then blow out the candles."

Everyone watched as they blew out the candles. 

"And now the best part!" Khari said. 

"Cupcakes!" the twins said together. 

As everyone was enjoying a cupcake, Khari noticed the small gift box. 

"What's that Grammy?" Khari asked. 

Shantel chuckled softly.

"That is a very special gift from your mother and father to me and Pop Pop," Shantel replied. 

"What kind of gift?" Khari asked. 

Shantel looked at Khari's parents. 

"I'll let them tell you." 

Khari looked at her parents. 

"Looks like the jig's up," Shanelle whispered to her husband.

"Yup," Marquise replied before clearing his throat, "Come here, my love. There's something your mother and I have to tell you and your brothers."

Khari brought her brothers with her. 

"What is it, Daddy?" Khari asked. 

"Yeah? What?" Zyon asked. 

"Well, it's about our family," he replied. 

"Huh?" Kylo asked. 

"I don't understand Daddy," Khari said to him, "what's wrong with our family." 

"Nothing's wrong baby. This is a good thing." Shanelle replied. 

"Oh okay. So what is it?" Khari asked. 

"Our family is going to be getting bigger," Shanelle replied. 

"Huh?" Zyon asked. 

"What dat (that) mean Mommy?" Kylo asks. 

"Hmmm..."

Khari thought for a minute then gasped. 

"Wait! Is mommy pregnant again?!" she asked. 

"Yes, my love. Your mother is pregnant." Marquise replied. 

"Oh my goodness! I'm gonna be a big sister!" Khari said. 

"You already are a big sister sweetie. But your brothers will be big brothers now." Shanelle said to her daughter. 

"Big brudder (brother)?" Kylo asks. 

"Me and Kyyo (Kylo)?" Zyon asked. 

"Yes, my boy. You and Kylo will be big brothers." Marquise replied. 

"What's that?" Kylo asks. 

Shanelle shook her head with a smile. 

"I don't think they understand."

"That's okay mommy. I'll teach them everything I know!"

Later that evening after telling the rest of Marquise's family, Shanelle was out on her balcony before she was joined by her husband. 

"How are you feeling my love?" he asked her. 

"I'm relieved. Part of our family knows. I still have to break the news to a certain group of women."

Marquise snorted. 

"They will eat you alive."

"I don't mind them. It's the rest of the world that I'm worried about."

He kissed her forehead softly. 

"We will reveal to the world when you're ready and not a moment before."

"Are you sure that we can?"

"Of course. This isn't the first time we've hidden a pregnancy."

"But what about my appointments?"

"You and I both know that there are a million and one ways in and out of this palace. And in terms of your Obstetrician's office, there's a service elevator that we can take to avoid detection." 

Shanelle shook her head impressed. 

"You really do think of everything."

"Any way that I can alleviate any of your stress and keep you at ease, I will employ." 

"I don't know what I'd do without you but I'm not willing to find out."

Marquise chuckled. 

"I do it because I adore you. That's why." 

"Well, you've certainly set the bar high for your daughters' future suitors."

Marquise scoffed. 

"It's cute you assume she'll have any."

Just then, there was a knock at their bedroom door. 

"Now who could that be at this hour?" she asks. 

"I'll go find out," he replied. 

He walked to the door and when he opened it there was an attendant on the other side. 

"Apologies for the late intrusion sire but this just came for you and Her Majesty." the attendant said as she handed him an envelope.

"Thank you. That will be all."

"Of course, my King." the attendant replied with a curtsey before leaving. 

Marquise curiously turned the envelope over in his hand. 

"What is it?" Shanelle asks. 

"Let's find out, shall we?" he replied. 

Marquise broke the seal on the envelope and then pulled an invitation out. He read the invitation with an eyebrow raised and finished with a scoff. 

"What does it say?" she asked. 

"Your presence is hereby formally requested to be in attendance at the official Welcome Ball of Lord and Lady Aldon Douglas Joseph of House Gallagher. Saturday, May 19th at 5:00 PM at the Palace of Dalevandon." He read aloud. 

"No, they didn't." Shanelle hissed. 

"They did. And they're having this ball at King Elgin's old palace."

Shanelle scoffed. 

"So this is bait?"

"Mmmhmm. They want a public spectacle and have sent us this in hopes that we'll reject their invitation." 

"Well, they're right. We are not going."

"Oh yes, we are."

"What? Have you lost your mind?"

"You have to remember, this is about optics. If we don't go, the people will wonder why we're letting them intimidate us. Also, I am not about to be intimidated by a couple of amateurs."

"Ugh, I don't want to go."

"We don't really have a choice, my love. By sending us this they're forcing our hands. And if we don't go, they can say that they tried to extend an olive branch and we refused it." 

Shanelle groaned. 

"I hate courtly politics", Shanelle muttered with a frustrated sigh, "Fine. We'll go but we're not staying all night. I want to tuck our kids into bed at night."

"Deal. I'll have word sent that we'll be in attendance."

"In the meantime, I'm getting in the shower."

"Hey! Wait for me!" 

Shanelle rolled her eyes playfully.

The couple spent the next week flying under the radar until her first appointment with Dr. Ramirez that following Wednesday morning. After coming through the service entrance, they were taken to a private room where they waited for her doctor. 

"How are you feeling my love?" Marquise asked her. 

"Everything all at once. I still can't believe I'm pregnant. But here we are about to have another baby." Shanelle replied. 

"I'm sure. But this is an exciting time for us and our family. I know you're nervous but I am always with you."

"I know. It's just all the changes that are gonna happen. With us. With the kids. With the kingdom.  I don't want to not be present and available for them."

"You have my word, my love. I will make sure that no matter what happens, you will always be seen, heard, and felt. Understood?"

Shanelle nodded just as there was a small knock at the door. 

"Well, this is it," he said to her. 

"Time to get this show on the road." 

Dr. Ramirez and her nurse entered the room. 

"Hello, and good morning Your Majesties. It's good to see you both again."

"You as well Dr. Ramirez," Marquise replied. 

The doctor smiled at Shanelle. 

"And a very good morning to you my Queen. Let me say congratulations to you and His Majesty on your soon-to-be newest bundle of joy." 

Shanelle smiled softly at Dr. Ramirez.

"Thank you, doctor."

"So how are you doing? How are you feeling?" Dr. Ramirez asked. 

"So far I'm okay. No early signs of pregnancy or morning sickness yet." 

"That's good to hear. As always we'll check in periodically to be sure."

Shanelle nodded.

"Okay."

"In the meantime, we have an ultrasound to get started. Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I think so. Even though I hate this part."

Dr. Ramirez chuckled.

"I understand why my Queen. But I assure you that this won't take too long." 

"Alright."

"Now I need you to lie back so my assistant Mara can apply the gel."

Shanelle laid back while holding her husband's hand while Dr. Ramirez turned on the ultrasound machine and her assistant applied the gel. 

"Eek! Cold! Still cold!" Shanelle squirmed while Marquise stifled his laugh. 

"I'm sure it is but the chill will dissipate soon." Dr. Ramirez replied as the screen came to life.

"Now, let's find that heartbeat."

Dr. Ramirez gently pressed the wand to Shanelle's stomach, moved it around, and then stopped when the heartbeat was heard. 

"Say hello to your little one Your Majesties," she said gently to the couple. 

The couple was in awe. 

"Oh my God. They're real. Our baby is real." Shanelle with tears in her eyes. 

"They're real. This is real. This is actually happening." Marquise spoke up. 

They watched as Dr. Ramirez moved the wand around a little more. 

"And this time, it's only one baby."

Shanelle let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank God! I would've died if you said it was twins again." 

Dr. Ramirez chuckled. 

"No no. Just one."

Marquise nodded slowly. 

"At least now we know. Thank you, Doctor." 

Dr. Ramirez smiled at Marquise. 

"Of course Your Majesty. Again I am happy for you both."

"We appreciate that," Shanelle said to her. 

"We'll get you cleaned up then we'll give you two a moment alone. But so far we're off to a great start."

After cleaning the gel off Shanelle's stomach, the couple sat together in shock and love. 

"Life loves playing jokes on us, doesn't it?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Indeed. How are you feeling?" he replied. 

"I think reality is finally setting in. I think I'm slowly coming to terms with all of this," she replied. 

Marquise nodded. 

"It's a lot. Like a whole lot. But I know you. I know your strength. I know your perseverance. I know your tenacity. And God knows I know your love. I promise this will go smoothly. Unlike everything else in our lives."

Shanelle snorted. 

"Well, when you put it that way, bring it on." 

"There ya go! That's the spirit."

He rubbed circles on the knuckles of her right hand. 

"You never cease to amaze me."

"You always say that."

"Because it's true. Every single day that I get to spend in your light is a blessing I will never take for granted. That's how much you mean to me. That's how much I adore you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

She leaned over and kissed him sweetly. 

"I love you."

"I love you too, my love."

He smiled against her lips. 

"I'll call the car."

Shanelle nodded before he stepped outside. When he did he was greeted by Dr. Ramirez. 

"Your Majesty. I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to know if we should do the monthly check-ins that  we did the last time Her Majesty was pregnant."

"Yes ma'am. I would. Again it's not that I want to hide anything from her but if something should arise."

Dr. Ramirez nodded. 

"You will always be my first call."

"Thank you, Doctor."

Marquise stepped away from her to call their car. Later that day, it was time for Shanelle to tell the girls. 

"Now that I have you all gathered here today I have something to tell you lot."

"What is it, Princess?" Nina asked. 

"Now before I tell you girls what I have to say I just wanna preface what I'm gonna say with this, it's all Nina's fault! Y'all can blame her for what I'm about to say." Shanelle replied 

"Me?! What did I do?" Nina asked. 

"You were breathing on me! This is all your fault!" Shanelle replies, "You infected me with your cooties! I blame you!" 

"Oh my God! I haven't seen you since January!"

"That's how long your cooties have been on me. And now..."

The girls were stuck. They didn't know what Shanelle was talking about. 

"What are you rambling about Nelle?" Nina asked. 

Shanelle shook her head with a hand covering her smile that's when it dawned on Nina. 

"OH MY GOD! YOU'RE PREGNANT!" Nina guessed. 

"What?!" the rest of the girls asked. 

"Told y'all it was Nina's fault. She was spreading her pregnancy germs around and I caught them."

The girls cheered. 

"Congratulations baby!" Robin said to her. 

"Thank you, babe."

"I can't believe you're pregnant again!" Bron quipped. 

"I know right?" Shanelle said to her. 

"How are the kids?" Dee asked. 

"Well, the boys don't quite understand what's going on just yet. But Khari? She is...excitedly insufferable." Shanelle replied. 

The girls laughed. 

"Stop that! My Princess is allowed to be happy." Nina said to her. 

"We're so happy for you," Chutney said to her. 

"Thank you, my love," Shanelle replied. 

"How are you feeling?" Aly asks. 

"I am...everything, everywhere, all at once. Honestly when I found out I didn't believe it at first. Hell, I didn't want to believe it. But when it was confirmed that I am indeed with child...I couldn't deny it anymore." Shanelle replied. 

"When did you find out?" Nina asks. 

"Two days before my dad's birthday," Shanelle replied. 

"And you're just now telling us?" Robin asked. 

"Again I was deep in denial. At first, I thought the first test I took might've been a false positive. But when I took at least 8 more tests, they all said the same thing. And well here we are." Shanelle replied. 

"So are you having twins again?" Bron asked. 

Nina cackled. 

"No! Thank God! Besides, my uterus would've staged a mutiny if it was revealed I was having twins again. Thankfully for me, there is only one bun in this oven." Shanelle replied, "this time around the only one having twins is your sister-in-law."

Bronwyn laughed. 

"Well, congratulations anyway. You're a great mom."

"Thank you, baby. Thank you all really. It means a lot to me that you all are happy for me."

"Of course we're happy. Our family is getting bigger." Robin said to her. 

"Some might say that we're the mob." Aly quipped.

The girls all laughed. 

"Nah. The mob is way too disorganized. Besides, they never get away with it. Unlike us." Shanelle said. 

"True!" the girls agreed. 

After speaking with the girls Shanelle found herself out on her bedroom balcony and was joined by her husband who was just ending a phone call. 

"Yeah yeah. Asshole. Thanks again. I'll talk to you soon. Love you too." he said as he hung up the phone. 

"Who was that?" she asked him. 

"Leo. I told him you're pregnant," he replied. 

"Oh good. How is he?" she asks. 

"He's good. He's excited for us. How are the girls doing? How'd they take the news?" 

"They're good. They're excited."

"You didn't blame Nina for you being pregnant did you?" 

"It's her fault. And you know it."

Marquise shook his head with a smile before wrapping his arms around her waist. 

"And now it'll soon be time to tell the world." 

"We will tell the world when you're ready. Not a moment before."

Shanelle sighed contently. 

"So we're really doing this again?" she asked. 

"Mmmhmm. We are doing this again. We will be welcoming a new little one into our family." he replied. 

Shanelle smiled softly. 

"I swear I'm not in denial. It's just..."

"You're still in shock?" he asks. 

"Yeah. I keep thinking I'm dreaming. But nope! I'm wide awake."

He kissed the back of her left shoulder. 

"I'm excited for us. I know I could never go through the changes that you'll go through but I will always be with you and at your side."

"You'd be sickening if I didn't have such a giant praise kink."

"That's why I do it," he said before kissing the back of her left ear. 

"I guess I'm still struggling with the timing of this pregnancy. Well, that and the fact that we're being forced to attend this Welcoming Ball in a few weeks."

That gave Marquise an idea. 

"That gives me an idea."

"What?" she asked. 

"Since we are discussing timing, why don't we announce your pregnancy on Mother's Day? Which is also a week before their so-called ball," he replied. 

"That would certainly steal their thunder. And would force them to share their spotlight that night with us." 

"Precisely."

Shanelle nodded. 

"Okay. We'll announce it then."

"I love it when a plan comes together."

Over the next few weeks, The Royal Couple was able to keep Her Majesty's pregnancy quiet until their announcement on Mother's Day. It took the kingdom by storm and as Marquise predicted, stole the momentum from Lord and Lady Gallagher. Many were happy and excited about the soon-to-be newest royal baby. 

On the day of the Welcome Ball, the couple got ready. Choosing to go with a 20s glam. Shanelle picked a strapless navy blue crushed velour dress that fit and flattered her beginning baby bump with long white gloves. Marquise whistled low when he saw her. 

"Now what is a fine-looking filly such as yourself doing in a place like this?" he asked, showing off his Boston accent. 

Shanelle snickered. 

"You've been working on your Boston accent again." 

"You like it?"

"I certainly do," she replied in a southern belle voice, "well sir, if you must know I happen to enjoy the very finest things in life."

The couple laughed before saying goodbye to their children and making the journey to Dalevandon in what was once West Cordonia. The ride was quiet and pleasant, taking them through the Gianko Valley. As they arrived in the former capital of West Cordonia, Marquise took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" Shanelle whispered to her husband. 

"Yes, I'm fine. It's just been a while since I've been here. I have...mixed feelings about this palace."

"I'm sure. You spent a lot of time here. After all, your ex grew up here. It's perfectly okay to feel conflicted about being here."

Marquise nodded as they pulled into the motor court. 

"Well, we're here," she said to him. 

Marquise peered out of their limo window. 

"Indeed. And so is the press."

"Hmmm...with us announcing my pregnancy last Sunday, how do you think Lord and Lady Gallagher will react?" she asked. 

"Forcibly polite," he replied as he fixed his watch, "now shall we go dazzle the masses?"

"Lead the way, Your Majesty." 

Marquise was the first to step out of the limo, shielding his wife from the various camera flashes. Once she exited, he took her hand in his and smiled at the cameras. 

"Good evening everyone!" Marquise said to the members of the press. Many clamored to the King. 

"Your Majesties! Your Majesties! Over here!" many were heard shouting at the couple for their attention. 

"Your Majesties! Giacomo Torres here! First off let me say congratulations to you and Her Majesty on your new bundle of joy." He said to Marquise. 

"Thank you kindly," Marquise replied. 

"With Lord and Lady Gallagher challenging for the throne, many want to know why you're here tonight?" he asked the couple.

"We were invited by Lord and Lady Gallagher and it would be incredibly rude to refuse such an invite," Shanelle replied. 

"Agreed. Speaking of you Your Majesty, how are you feeling?" he asked. 

"I'm doing good, thank you for asking. No early signs of morning sickness so far."

"And how are the heirs? Are they excited?"

"Our boys are still very young so they don't really understand what is going on. But their sister is ecstatic at having another sibling." Marquise replied. 

"Thank you both for your time. Do enjoy the ball." Giacomo said to them. 

Both smiled and waved at the members of the press before making their way into the palace. 

"Well that was fun," Shanelle said to her husband. 

"It always is a fun time to show you off, my love. Now let's go steal the show from the idiots." 

The couple was led to the doors of the grand ballroom for their entrance. 

"Introducing His Majesty King Marquise Rys and Her Majesty Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys!" the herald announced as the doors opened. Their entrance grabbed everyone's attention. 

When they got to the center of the grand ballroom, they were greeted in the receiving line by Lord and Lady Gallagher as well as their parents. Prince Dante Laurent and Duchess Josephine Grimes-Laurent and Duke Allastair Joseph and Duchess Daphne Ballenger-Joseph. 

"Your Majesties. It is good to see you both. Our son wasn't sure you'd be joining us this evening." Duke Joseph said in greeting to them both. 

"Thank you, Your Grace. Your son's challenge aside, I would never miss a good party." Marquise replied. 

"Thank you for joining us, Your Majesties." Lord Gallagher said stiffly. 

His mother cleared her throat. 

"Yes, it is good that you're both here," she said to Marquise. 

Marquise nodded politely then looked over to Lady Makenna's parents. Who bowed and curtsied in his direction. 

"Your Highness. It's good to see you and the former Headmaster again. It's been quite some time since we've seen each other," he said to them.

Prince Dante nodded politely. 

"Indeed it has. You were His Highness the last time my wife and I saw you." he said to Marquise before turning his attention to Shanelle, "Hello Your Majesty. It is good to meet you. And let me congratulate you and His Majesty on your pregnancy."

Shanelle smiled politely. 

"Hello, Your Highness. It's lovely to meet you and Her Grace. Thank you very much for your kind words," she replied. 

Lady Makenna rolled her eyes. 

"You and Mama don't have to be so formal Papa. They won't be royals for very much longer." 

Prince Dante gave his daughter a withering look. 

"Makenna! You will show respect! You are not Queen yet! So until you are, you will represent our family with dignity! Now fix your face!" Prince Dante snapped at his daughter. This caused Shanelle to laugh quietly. 

"Do excuse our daughter's lack of manners Your Majesties. She forgets herself sometimes." Duchess Josephine said to them. 

"It's quite alright. Tell me, Your Grace, how is Elgin?" Marquise asked. 

"He is well. Well as well as he can be." Prince Dante replies. 

"His dialysis treatments are going well, yes?" Marquise asked. 

"Yes, Sire. They are going well. My brother is still stubborn but he's still alive." Prince Dante replies. 

"Papa! That is none of his business!" Makenna fussed. 

Prince Dante gave her daughter another withering look. 

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm glad His Majesty is doing well. I think it's time that Her Majesty and I should take our seats. Be well, everyone." Marquise announced before walking Shanelle to their seats. 

As they walked away, light bickering could be heard from Lord and Lady Gallagher to their parents. 

"Well, that was awkward," Shanelle said to Marquise. 

"Indeed but it was also informative," he replies. 

"What do you mean?" Shanelle asked as they took their seats. 

"Because Prince Dante lied to me. That's what I mean. He's not supposed to be within miles of the old palace," he replies. 

"Why not?" Shanelle asked. 

"Because Prince Dante is the reason why King Elgin owed a debt to my father in the first place. He had a gambling addiction when he was much younger and stupidly he risked his entire family's fortune on a race during the Royal Regatta one year and suffered a devastating loss to my father. And he seized on the opportunity." Marquise replied. 

"Yikes!"

"And when King Elgin found out about his younger brother's blunder, he had no choice but to pay my father. Because of this Elgin banned his brother from ever stepping foot back in this palace. That's why Makenna was mad at him. Because she knew he would be lying to me. Truth is I doubt he's seen his brother in years. The last time he was here I was maybe 12 at the time. He hasn't been back since to my knowledge."

"So do you think King Elgin knows his brother is here?"

"Hard to say but with the state he's in, I don't think there's much he can do about it." 

"Curiouser and curiouser. Do you think she's playing on her uncle's sympathies?" 

Marquise shrugged.

"She wouldn't be the first noble to do so. And I doubt she'll be the last. That's probably why Dante sent Makenna to court. She was meant to be a peace offering. But I don't know if it worked."

The room quieted down as Lord Gallagher gave his opening remarks. 

"Good Evening everyone! On behalf of my wife Lady Makenna Laurent, I want to welcome you all to our first of many balls here at my wife's family palace. I know some of you are loyal to Their Majesties. And I understand why. I don't blame you for your loyalty to them. I will be honest I didn't think Their Majesties would have had the decency to join us this evening. I am glad to see I was wrong. It is good to have you both here with us tonight. And my wife and I do wish you a warm and sincere congratulations on your new baby-to-be."

Marquise raised an eyebrow and then nodded at him. 

"Now I understand that many of you don't know us. Therefore you're not sure you can trust us. My wife and I understand that. We also understand that we must earn the trust of the noble houses and the people. That is our goal for tonight. And let me just say, we are not challenging for the throne because we want to overthrow the monarchy. While it is hard for me to admit, I will give the current monarchs their credit. They have indeed done things for Cordonia. Many nobles and commoners alike have prospered under their leadership. Her Majesty's overhaul of the healthcare system of our kingdom alone is a feat that should be marveled at and celebrated. Because of that overhaul, many of our people were able to afford the life-saving healthcare they needed. My wife's uncle included. I thank them for that. But I am not blind to their misfortunes either. It was because of them we all were threatened by the Via Imperii."

Shanelle rolled her eyes quietly. 

"And the unfair taxes many of us have had to pay. While yes, I can admit that money goes toward the healthcare system, education system, and emergency services and yes, none of it goes directly to either of them, we are well off now. We don't need to keep paying higher taxes. We don't need to keep doing trade, especially risky trades with hostile nations. And we certainly don't need to involve ourselves in petty squabbles between other nations. As many of you know, Kasnia is at war with Sulovaria and your King wants to involve us in that. That is military resources we don't need to expend. Not to mention he and the Queen spend more time gallivanting across the globe than they do at home."

His Majesty set his jaw. 

"That is the irresponsibility my wife and I are trying to avoid. Unnecessary and costly wars and useless vanity points. We need leaders who have common sense solutions for everyday problems. They don't have common sense solutions. They don't have Cordonia's best interest at heart. But my wife and I do. That is why we are throwing this ball. It is our hope that tonight we will be able to change your minds about us and them. With that, let dinner be served!" 

Servants busied themselves serving the first course of dinner. While they ate, Their Majesties discussed Lord Gallagher's opening statement. 

"Well, what did you think?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Not as bad as I expected. I knew they would take shots at us, but they played well to the crowd by keeping them at a minimum." Marquise replied. 

"This is gonna be a long night isn't it?" 

"Unfortunately but we're here and you are still pregnant. Which is something they didn't account for. We can still use that to our advantage."

"I love it when you get all political strategist."

"It's literally my job."

The main course, which was venison medallions in a wild boar ragu with chanterelle mushrooms and roasted Brussels sprouts, turned Shanelle's stomach. 

"Are you alright?" Marquise asked. 

"I don't think I can eat any of this. The smell of the mushrooms is making me queasy." Shanelle replied. 

"Hmmm...let's see if one of my favorite of King Elgin's staff is working tonight."

Marquise was able to flag down one of the staff. 

"Your Majesty! It is so good to see you again! I haven't seen you in ages!" the staff member said to him. 

"Thank you, Tarlov. It's good to see you as well. Listen I don't mean to be a bother, but could I get something else for Her Majesty to eat? With her being pregnant, her senses are sensitive, and the mushrooms of the entree are making her feel sick. Perhaps you could indulge me just this once and have something lighter prepared for her." 

"Oh dear! Of course sire. Right away!"

"Thank you again, Tarlov. Give Winnie my regards."

Tarlov nodded before taking Shanelle's plate away to the kitchen. 

"Ugh! Thank you. Another second and I would've ruined the china." Shanelle said with a groan. 

He rubbed the knuckles of her right hand. 

"You're welcome. I'm surprised Tarlov is still here after all these years."

"You two greeted each other like you knew each other."

"Tarlov has worked in the palace for years. He's one of the last bit of loyal staff that Elgin has left." 

With a new entree delivered Shanelle was able to eat. After dessert was served it was time for dancing. Lord Gallagher took to the middle of the dance floor. 

"After what I said earlier this evening, this may seem surprising but if Her Majesty would be so kind as to join me for the first dance?" he asked the gathered crowd, "I promise you, Your Majesty, I mean no harm."

With all eyes on her, Shanelle took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked onto the dance floor. 

"Thank you. And I mean what I said, no tricks. Just a dance." Lord Gallagher said to Shanelle as he offered his hand. 

"One dance. That's all you get," she said to him as the music started to play. As they began to dance Lord Gallagher regarded Shanelle with an appraising eye. 

"I saw you had your entree switched. Was the food not to your liking?" he asked. 

"No. The mushrooms made me queasy and rather than have me ruin King Elgin's fine china, His Majesty asked if a different entree could be prepared." Shanelle replies. 

"Well you'll have to forgive me. When we planned this menu we had no idea you'd be pregnant by the time we threw our ball. Also, you could've asked me. I would've happily had another dish prepared for you." 

"No thank you. I'd rather not eat rat poisoning."

Lord Gallagher rolled his eyes. 

"Despite what you may think—", he began to say before she cut him off, "save it. I'm just here to dance. Not have a conversation."

"I am trying to be polite," he said through clenched teeth. 

That's when Shanelle accidentally stepped on his right foot on purpose. 

"Why you!" he hissed. 

"Oh, I'm so sorry, my Lord. How very clumsy of me!" 

As they danced, Lady Makenna took the time to sidle up to Marquise. 

"That was quite a speech your husband gave Kenna. It was almost convincing albeit a tad bit boring."

Lady Makenna let out an exasperated sigh and then cleared her throat. 

"As much as I don't want to do this, Your Majesty would do me the honor of dancing with me?" she asked.

"No," he replied. 

"No?" she asked. 

"You heard me the first time. But for the sake of appearances and because I want to get my wife as far away from your husband as possible," Marquise said as he adjusted his cuff before offering his hand, "shall we?" 

Lady Makenna huffed before taking his hand and going out on the dance floor. They danced until it was time to switch partners. Shanelle couldn't get away from Lord Gallagher fast enough 

"My knight in shining armor!" Shanelle said to her husband. 

"That bad?" he asked. 

"Let's just say there are only so many times I can accidentally step on his toes on purpose." 

Marquise chuckled. 

After an hour of dancing and mingling with others, it was time for Lord and Lady Gallagher's closing remarks. 

"Here we go," Marquise said to Shanelle. 

"Can we just get this over with?" Shanelle replied. 

"Once again, my wife and I would like to thank all of you for joining us tonight. It is our sincerest hope that we were at least able to change some of your minds. Now—" Just as Lord Gallagher was giving his speech there was a loud pop. 

"What was that?" Shanelle to Marquise. 

Her question was followed by another larger explosion that rocked the room and knocked the giant chandelier off its chain sending it crashing to the ground. Marquise pulled Shanelle out of the way of the falling chandelier just in time.

"Guards! Guards!" Marquise called out to his guards. 

"Fire! Fire! Everyone out!" a staff member ran in yelling. 

"Your Majesties! This way!" one of his guards called out. 

"Guards! Get everyone out of here now!" Marquise ordered as he and Shanelle ran out of the ballroom. Without looking back the royals ran outside. When they got outside they watched as smoke billowed out followed by shooting flames. 

"Oh my God!" Shanelle gasped. 

A guard came running up. 

"Your Majesties! Are you alright?" the guard asked. 

"Yes. Her Majesty and I are fine. Gather as many guards as you can and get as many people out as fast as you can. And get emergency services out here to get those flames back!" Marquise ordered. 

"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Shanelle whispered in shock. 

Marquise took his jacket off and wrapped it around his wife. 

"Are you okay?" he asked. 

"I'm fine. I just..." she replied clearly shaken up. 

"I know. But you're okay. We're okay." he said as he held her close to keep her calm, "we're safe. I promise we're safe."

"Back! Back! Everyone back!" a guard instructed the gathered crowd. 

Everyone got as far back as possible. Many watched in horror as the old palace burned. Once emergency services arrived Marquise decided it was time to leave. 

"Come on. Let's get you home," he said to Shanelle. 

He led her to a waiting car. As he got in, a dark figure watched from the trees. As they drove away, the flames from the burning palace lit up the sky. When they returned to the palace, they were greeted by Margo and her parents. 

"Oh my God! Are you two okay?" Shantel asked, "We saw the news."  

They both nodded.

"What happened?" Damien asked. 

Shanelle nodded numbly as Marquise spoke. 

"There was an explosion while we were inside. And when we got outside there was heavy smoke and flames."

"Oh my goodness! The staff!" Margo said. 

"Do you think there will be any casualties?" Damien asked Marquise. 

"It's too early to tell. But when I hear something I'll be sure to let you know." 

Damien nodded before turning to Shanelle who was shaking. 

"You're shaking my darling. Maybe you should get to bed."

Shanelle nodded. 

"We'll take her." Shantel said to her husband, "Come on sweetie. Let's get you down the hall."

Margo helped Shanelle up. 

"Come, Your Majesty, gently now. That's it. Nice and slow." 

Marquise and Damien watched as they walked down the hall. When they were out of earshot Damien spoke. 

"Are you alright son?" Damien asked. 

"I'm alright. It's just been quite the night." Marquise replied. 

"I'm sure. I won't keep you long, go check on her and have a restful night."

"Goodnight Damien. You do the same." Marquise said to him before turning to walk down the hall to his bedroom. When he got inside Shanelle was sitting on their bed with her mother and Margo. 

"Thank you ladies. I'll take it from here."

Both mothers nodded before leaving. Marquise sat down next to his wife and wrapped his arms around her. 

"Are you alright?" he asked. 

Shanelle took a deep breath. 

"I'll be alright. I'm just in shock. That's all."

"I'm sure. Thankfully we got out of there safely. And hopefully, I'll know more in the morning."

Shanelle nodded. 

"In the meantime, I've had enough excitement for one day. I'm going to bed."

"Good. Let's get some rest." 

The next day, Shanelle stayed with their children, while Marquise was in his office on the phone with the authorities. He had just got off a call when Shanelle came to check on him with food. 

"Hey, you," she said to him. 

"Hey, beautiful," he replied. 

"You look like you haven't eaten yet." she said to him, "So what have you heard so far?"

Marquise sighed deeply. 

"Unfortunately the old palace has burned down," he replied. 

"What?!"

"It's a total loss. Nothing could be saved."

"Oh my God."

Marquise shook his head before taking a bite of his food. 

"It's such a shame. I really did enjoy that old palace."

Shanelle raised a questioning eyebrow at him. 

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked. 

"Whatever you decide it to mean," he replied. 

Shanelle crossed her arms and gave her husband a challenging look. 

"Marquise."

"Hmm?"

"Did you order that explosion?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Are you insane?! You could've killed someone! And what about King Elgin?" 

"King Elgin wasn't even there last night."

"What do you mean?" Shanelle asked. 

"While we were all in the ballroom, he was being safely evacuated. By the time the blast happened, he was on his way to his summer home on Lake Gianko," Marquise replies. 

Shanelle shook her head. 

"And what about Naya and her daughter Bernadette?"

"They are already at her father's summer house. I had them moved last week then I had His former Majesty moved. So it wouldn't look too suspicious." 

"Well, that explains why he wasn't at the Welcome Ball."

Shanelle sighed. 

"This is about to be a PR nightmare," she said with a groan. 

"Agreed. But it's a PR nightmare we don't have to deal with."

"Tell me something."

"Anything."

"How did you do it?" she asked him, "And don't you dare lie to me."

Marquise looked at her coolly before snapping his fingers. Soon an opening in his bookcase opened and one of his guards stepped in. He was dressed in black and silver. He was one of Marquise's Crown Shields. The guard knelt down on one knee with a fist over his heart. 

"My Queen." the guard said to her with his head still bowed, "My Liege."

"My love. You remember the Crowd Shields don't you?" Marquise asked. 

"Mmmhmm. You only employ them in emergency situations or at least that's what you're supposed to do." Shanelle replied. 

"True indeed. But since you wanted to know, now you know. This is Captain Desmond Emilo Felix. He's the current Head of the Crown Shield." Marquise explained. 

Shanelle nodded then looked at Captain Felix.

"It's good to finally meet you, Captain," Shanelle said to the Captain. 

Captain Felix rose to his feet and executed a perfect bow. 

"You as well, my Queen. I'm glad we could finally meet."

"Captain Felix is how I was able to pull off the explosion. You see, Captain Felix is a former member of the US Military." 

Shanelle nodded before looking at Captain Felix. 

"You're American?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. I'm as red-blooded as you are. I'm originally from Kansas City. My parents still live there. I served for 6 years in the US Navy as a SEAL before transferring to the Cordonian Army where I rose through the ranks. And was selected by Captain Nevrakis to lead in her stead when she retired." Captain Felix replied. 

"And now you're my husband's official unofficial right hand?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. I am at his beck and call and yours if and when need be," he replied. 

"He is the one who started the blast while we were in the grand ballroom," Marquise explained. 

"How?" Shanelle asked. 

Captain Felix cleared his throat. 

"It's quite simple. The Crown Shield has schematics of every noble house and palace. Including this one and the former palace of South Cordonia. It was just a matter of overloading the circuitry and turning on the gas. And making it look like a mere accidental gas leak." Captain Felix replies. 

"The goal was to scare and distract people. And I'd say we succeeded."

Shanelle sighed deeply then nodded. 

"Well, I guess I'll take your word for it." she said before turning to walk out of Marquise's office, "oh! And one more thing, touch my palace and I'll kill you both."

"Understood," Marquise said to her. 

The next day, after getting their daughter off to school and leaving their sons with her mother, Their Majesties returned to the old palace in Dalevandon to inspect the damage. When they arrived at the old palace, the devastation was clear. Where the former palace of West Cordonia once stood, there was now nothing but ashes. 

"I know your plan was to scare and distract people. But I think your plan worked a little too well." Shanelle whispered to her husband as they took in the damage.  

"Perhaps. But as long as the goal was attained, I'm satisfied," he replied. 

They were led to a podium where members of the press were waiting. Marquise held up a hand to quiet the murmuring crowd.

"Good morning everyone. Today is a sad day for us all. The Great Palace Of West Cordonia has been lost to a terrible accident. This is a heavy and personal loss for many. Myself included. But I want the people to rest assured that no one else will suffer. Thankfully there were no human causalities. Everyone from the guests to the staff to His former Majesty were all safely evacuated. The damage is being assessed and for those on staff who are now out of work, you will be compensated for your loss of work, your health insurance will continue, and resources to find other work via the Monarchy will be provided to you at no cost."

The reporters all clamored at once. 

"Your Majesty! Donnie Brine of the CBC here. It has been reported that the explosion was due to a gas leak. Can you confirm that?" Donnie asked Marquise. 

"Yes, I can. Preliminary reports suggest that the blast was due to a gas leak. While the investigation into the blast is still ongoing, the early reports confirm that a gas leak is the cause of the blast." Marquise replied. 

"Or maybe it wasn't an accident at all!"

The crowd turned to see Lady Makenna marching up to the podium with her parents. When she got to the podium she got in His Majesty's face. 

"You did this! You set the fire that burned down my family's home!" she accused. 

"Be careful with how you speak to me, my lady," he warned her. 

"I am not afraid of either of you! This is what my husband and I are talking about! You're so afraid of losing your throne, that you will destroy any and everything to keep it!" she yelled at him. 

Shanelle looked at her. 

"And just what are you and your husband doing to assist in this tragedy?" Shanelle asked Lady Makenna, "Other than accusing His Majesty of causing the fire that is."

Lady Makenna glared at Shanelle. 

"Because for the last 48 hours, the only people who have remotely done anything to assist in any way outside of the locals, are His Majesty and myself. What have you contributed hmm? While assisting those in need should never be a competition, I will not stand here and listen to you accuse your King of any wrongdoing."

As the press whispered fiercely, Marquise held up a hand to silence them. 

"She's right, my lady. Because challenge or not I am STILL your King! And you both are still subject to my rule! But since you're here now, why don't you tell us all what plans you and Lord Gallagher have for the people in the wake of this tragedy hmm." Marquise said to her as he gestured to the podium, "Go ahead, my lady. This is your chance to one-up us." 

Lady Makenna backed down. 

"Oh, so you don't have a plan? That's not surprising. Perhaps your father can come up with one. Oh! Wait! That's right I forgot. He isn't supposed to be anywhere near the palace. After all, the reason why your uncle owed a debt to my father was because of him and his gambling and that foolhardy bet where he risked your entire family's fortune." Marquise said to her, "See, I knew he was lying to me this past Saturday night when he told me King Elgin was doing well. When the truth is, he nor your mother or your siblings have seen King Elgin in years. So why would you host a ball in a palace your father was banished from? It is quite a curious thing." 

That sent the press into a frenzy. With many trying to get Lady Makenna's attention. With the media distracted, Their Majesties stepped off the podium. They finished their tour of the remains before departing for home. When they got to the palace, they headed to the throne room where they were greeted by Captain Felix and a few members of the Crown Shield. 

"Your Majesties. There's something you need to see."

The couple looked at each other.

"What do you mean Captain?" Marquise asked as a side door opened. 

"He means me..." a voice spoke up. 

The couple froze and when they turned around. Shanelle gasped and Marquise was beside himself. 

"Hello, Your Majesties. It is good to see you both again."

It was Lord Tariq Sauvageon. Alive and well. 

Cappadocia

King’s Study, Cordonian Palace 

Bright rays of light streamed through the bay windows as Liam sat down at his desk to open and review the mail he received while away on his honeymoon. 

Next to his ornate inbox on his desk, was the morning paper. 

He dropped the stack of correspondence he had just picked up back down as he read the bold lettering printed above the picture captured of the Royal couple leaving the jet as they arrived home. 

‘IS OUR HEIR HOME?’ 

‘KING LIAM SMILES WIDELY ARRIVING WITH HIS QUEEN.’ 

*** 

Reclining his chair, his thoughts went back in time to just four weeks ago... 

...it all started on their honeymoon, when Javier knocked the spoon of amuse bouche, having raw fish, out of Riley’s hand. Giving his apologies, ‘To have almost destroyed Cordonia’s future’, he assumed that Riley was pregnant. 

Taking it in stride, they laughed together as if nothing had happened, and continued with a leisurely dinner. 

...and then the intrusion of camera flashes, unknown at the time, were from unwelcome and uninvited paparazzi that were invading their privacy. It wasn’t until they arrived home and read the articles written about them and seen the pictures in the tabloids, did they realize how truly intrusive those cameras had been. 

...and on the last night on the island being told that the King and Queen of Auvernal arrived uninvited, wanting ‘to discuss the issue of his heir’.  

Arriving home with ‘a massive crowd of citizens and paparazzi’ waiting at Valtoria, which was to be expected. 

Yes, it was a normal occurrence for me, but for Riley, it was a new reality. A world she had never personally experienced before. 

My Queen won the hearts of our people and answered their questions with confidence and grace, despite the audacity of the press. 

As we entered the estate, however, the intrusive remarks by members of the court were even more personal and direct. 

...and then there was Madeleine. She was not only rude, but also snide and sarcastic. 

Liam’s thoughts were interrupted by a light knocking on the door of his study. 

“Come,” he said without looking up from his desk. 

Opening the door slowly, Riley stepped inside quietly closing the door behind her. 

“I hope I am not interrupting...” she began to say hesitantly. 

“Riley, my love, come here.” He smiled warmly as he stood and quickly moved around his desk. Taking her into his arms, “you are always welcome here, anytime.” 

“Hi Liam,” Riley smiles coyly, wrapping her arms around his neck.  

Breathing in her sweet smelling hair, Liam placed his hand on her neck and tilted her head up to capture a not so innocent kiss on her lips. 

After a few long seconds of exchanging passionate kisses, Liam pulled away, and gently caressed her cheek. 

“What would you say if I told you that we are going on an adventure this weekend?"  

A broad smile spread across her face, and she looked up at him in anticipation. 

“I would say, ‘when do we leave?’” 

Chuckling, Liam took her hand and led her to sit on the sofa by the bay window. 

Sitting down in a wingback chair directly across from Riley, Liam said, 

“‘What we need is space to ourselves.’ We have been home for a day and a half, and I think we need a distraction.” 

Riley giggled, "Oh, my King, that look in your eye tells me that you thought of something spectacular!" 

“Yes, My Queen, Indeed I did," he smiled widely. 

Laughing, Liam reached over and pulled her onto his lap, and gave her another kiss. 

"How does riding in a hot air balloon at sunrise over vast valleys sound? Or staying at a luxury hotel inside of a cave within a sandstone cliff?” 

“Oh my, yes! That sounds amazing!” 

“Good, because that is exactly what I have planned for us this upcoming week,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. 

"Love, we are going to Cappadocia, Turkey.” 

“Really? I thought we were going on a road trip in the U.S. with Hana, Maxwell and Drake?” Riley questioned, raising her eyebrow. 

“Don’t worry we will still arrive on Texas in time for Bertrand and Savannah’s wedding. But, instead of sharing time with our friends, I decree, my queen needs pampering.” 

*** 

Royal Jet, on the tarmac 

Aboard the Royal jet, Riley was settling into her seat as Liam discussed the flight plans with the pilot before take-off. 

“Your majesty, the flight will take approximately three hours, and we should be arriving in Cappadocia shortly after.” 

“Thank you, Captain,” Liam replied. 

Turning to Riley, “It seems like our adventure is just about ready to start.” 

Bastien and Mara were just entering the cabin, taking their seats behind the Royal couple as the sound of the engines increased in sound. 

As the jet lifted off the tarmac, Liam squeezed Riley’s hand. 

“We are going to see a part of the world that most people have never been to before. We’re going to experience things that very few people ever get to enjoy. And, most importantly, we are going to spend time away from court.” 

“Madeleine, Godfrey, and our royal visitors are going to revolt. When they find out we left the Capital, they...” 

“Riley, you forget something very, very important. You are my Queen now. Our word is law in Cordonia. As far as Bradshaw, Isabella and Amalas are concerned, they are uninvited guests and do not dictate our schedules. The reason there is a Royal council is to support the Crown in whatever the Queen and King decides.” 

“I’m sorry, Liam, I shouldn’t worry about everyone else.” 

Smiling, Liam kissed her hand, “It’s just one of your qualities that I love so much. Sometimes you must let go of the reins otherwise you’ll drive yourself crazy. Okay?” 

Grinning and nodding her head, Riley asked, “now, tell me more about this trip; what do you have in-store for us?” 

“Well, once we arrive in Cappadocia, we are going to travel to a town called Goreme. That is where the hotel we are staying at is situated. It’s just outside of Goreme. The entire town is built into the side of a mountain, with many caves that are used for living quarters by locals.” 

“It sounds amazing!” 

“There are several other villages near Goreme, including Selime and Nevsehir. All of them are lush and green, especially during the spring season. There are hot springs that we can enjoy, as well as several museums and ruins that we will visit. The area is rich in history, as well as culture.” 

“Oh Liam, it sounds incredible.” 

“Yes, it is. Now, I want you to relax and let me plan everything. I know how much you love surprises, and I don’t intend to disappoint.” 

With a wink, Liam added, “and, we will have lots of opportunities to work on our family.” 

*** 

When they landed in Cappadocia, a large white Mercedes SUV was waiting to escort them to their hotel in Goreme. 

As they travelled, Liam explained the local landscapes, including the tall, cone shaped rock formations known as ‘fairy chimneys’. “These were formed 60 million years ago after a sequence of volcanic eruptions hit the area. 

The name ‘Cappadocia’ is derived from the Persian word, ‘Katpatuka’, meaning the land of beautiful horses. In ancient times, gifts or tributes of horses from this region were presented to ancient Assyrian and Persian kings.” 

“It sounds like horses were paid for taxes to the crown,” Riley replied.  

“Yes, in fact the locals here still value horses and offer visitors an alternate mode of transport, instead of motor vehicles.” 

Liam directed the driver to slow down as they travelled by the rock cut churches. “They say that these churches number up to 600, and there is a possibility that many are yet to be discovered. The chapels were carved into the soft rock by monks in the dark ages, and some of them have kept their original impressive frescoes with amazing detail. 

Superstitious locals scratched out the eyes of some of the figures due to the fear of the ‘evil eye’.” 

“Well, we can check it out tomorrow morning after our balloon cruise.” 

Kayakapi Premium Caves Hotel 

After checking in, they were personally ushered to their penthouse suite by the resort chamberlain.  

“Your Majesties, this hotel is set inside 8 original fairy chimneys and has an indoor pool that resembles an ancient Roman bathhouse and spa.” 

Liam squeezed Riley’s hand, pulling her close to his side. 

Continuing, the chamberlain pointed out the traditional artifacts and artwork throughout the hotel as they walked passing by the sunrise balloon viewing terrace. 

Arriving inside their penthouse suite, Liam chuckled watching Riley’s jaw drop. 

“You didn’t tell me there was a pool.... inside our suite!” 

“Of course not,” Liam said with a laugh. 

Laughing, she smacked him playfully on the arm. 

“No, you did not.” 

“Oh good.” 

Liam set her down on the edge of the pool, then poured two flutes of champagne and handed one to her. 

“To our new life together,” clinking their crystal flutes. 

Taking a sip of champagne, Riley held her flute up, “to riding the skies tomorrow.” 

Liam raised his flute and added, 

“Because at sunrise we will be on a hot air balloon ride, for the absolute best view of the region in all its glory.” 

*** 

“Love is in the air”  

“OH. MY. GOD. I feel like we are flying over the moon!’ 

As Liam stepped up behind Riley, he wrapped his arms around her waist in a hug and placed a soft kiss on her neck. 

“Hidden beneath the landscape are over 50 underground cities. An interesting fact is that these cities held all the necessary facilities to lead an everyday life. These cities had everything a typical town would have, from wine presses to cooking places, oil storage, and livestock pens. These cities served as a safe space for Christians escaping persecution by Arabs. 

In fact, the name ‘Goreme’ means ‘one cannot see in here’.” 

Leaning back against him. She rested her head on his shoulder. 

“I love you,” he whispered. 

“I love you, too,” she murmured. 

Looking over her shoulder at Liam, “this place is amazing!” 

Gazing at the ancient rock formations rising from the ground like castles and churches, Liam smiled. 

“It certainly is. I had no idea that these places existed until a few months ago.” 

“This is so beautiful,” Riley said, looking around the stunning landscape below. 

“Indeed, it is.” 

*** 

Royal jet, en route to the U.S. 

Riley awoke from a nap due to turbulence. She sat up in her seat and reached for Liam’s hand. 

“What is it? Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine, the air turbulence is getting to me.” 

Lifting her hand to his lips, he gave her a gentle kiss. 

Riley felt her stomach turn, and she took a breath. 

Moving closer, Liam stroked her cheek. 

“Are you sure? You look pale.” 

“Thank you so much for taking me on this trip.” Riley was clearly getting emotional. “I love you so much.” 

Reaching over, he brushed aside her hair, kissing the top of her 

Forehead. 

“As soon as the wedding is over, I will take you home.” Riley looked up at her husband, “I am already home.... “You are my home.”   

My OTP Liam & Riley, LiRi

Face claims: Lucas Bravo & Lorena Tarantino

@sazanes + @lizzybeth1986, Thank you for hosting @kingliamappreciationweek 💕💕💕