#lianaeleanor

“To stay calm, remain focused, because the end result is to live.”

“Very good your Majesty. Now, what’s the second thing you should do.”

“Know my exits. Be able to get away as quickly as possible, or hide if I must.”

“Now remember, your Majesty. You don’t have a whole lot of time, so your mind and body must work fast.  Time is of the essence.”

Those words resonated something within Jilian’s soul. Liam would almost always say them to her when they would spar together. 

“Yes, I know,” Jilian replied as she dropped her head, let out a breath and closed her eyes.  It’s either now or never, love; Liam’s voice ranged as clear as day in her head.

“Hrrrrrh. FLOP, PLOP!!!!” Mara’s body sounded as it hit the floor, due to being flipped over Jilian’s small frame. 

“And now deuces,” Jilian said as she held up two fingers and exited the room.  

“Uhmmmm, a little help here your majesty.”

Jilian let out a soft chuckle, “sorry.”

“You’re getting better with that move.  Duchess Olivia would be proud,” Mara said with a smile.

Jilian smiled back, “Thank you Mara.”  As she was walking out of the sparring gym, Jilian’s mind quickly went back to her training with Olivia.  Jilian, this should be an easy move for someone of your size.  This is a tactic that the Lythikos children are taught once they reach…..early adolescence.  

“What are you saying, Olivia?” 

“That you’re the size of a small child, keep up Jilian.”  Olivia quickly retorted. 

Jilian stopped as she remembered their last trip to Lythikos as a family. 

Jilian you have to get back into fighting form; and the best way to do that is to always remember what you’re fighting for. You’ve always been driven by your love for Liam. For your family. Remembering Olivia’s words gave Jilian the courage to call Liam.  As she took out her phone she thought was she really ready to talk to Liam.  Sure he’s called her a few times more, leaving messages; but Jilian never answered nor did she listen to them. She wasn’t ready to hear his excuses or even the truth; that he wants a Cordonian marriage agreement.

Jilian’s stomach began to flip and flop as she anticipated hearing Liam’s voice while waiting for him to pick up. “Maybe I should hang up and call back later...yeah I’ll do that-”

“Hello, Jilian?”

“Hello Liam.”

Liam released a breath of relief after hearing her voice.  “Love, I miss you.  Are you and Lily coming back home?”

“No Liam. We’re still at Valtoria.  I was just...just returning your call.”  Jilian tried to remain calm.  She didn’t want Liam to know that she missed him as well.  Truth be told, she was disappointed in herself for even missing him as much as she did.  How can you miss him, he cheated on you.

“Actually, I called you to see if we could reschedule the council meeting that’s scheduled for today.  Hana and I won’t be able to make it.”

“Oh. Sure.  I will need to reach out to the council members and let them know.  Is everything OK,” Liam asked as he was messaging Riley to reschedule the council meeting.

“Yes, everything is as well as expected...given the circumstances.”

Liam could tell that Jilian was still unhappy with him by the slight trace of annoyance in her tone.

“Ok, I uh...I was thinking that I would drive up there to see Lily later on today.”

“Yeah, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“But Love, I miss her; I miss you both.”

“Yeah, well I guess you didn’t think that through; seeing that YOU were the one kissing your assistant.”

“Jil, please. I didn’t--”

“You didn’t what Liam. You didn’t kiss her.  That wasn’t you I saw.  Really Liam! On top of everything, now you’re pretending it didn’t happen!?!  I guess I’m seeing things now.”  Jilian could feel her heartbeat elevate.  This is not why I called him, she thought. This was not part of the plan.

“No, no. I know what happened and I know you’ll never forgive me for it.  I just want to talk to you without arguing, without fighting,”  Liam said as his voice became lower.

Just at that moment, Lily began to babble.

“It sounds like my little princess wants to join in,” Liam uttered desperate to change the subject.

Jilian let out a small giggle as she approached Lily’s crib. “Yeah, she just woke up from her morning nap. Hey, can I call you back, I need to change a certain princess.” 

“Oh, uh sure,” Liam whispered wishing he was there with them.

“Ok...uhmmm I’ll talk to you later.”

“Ok, yeah. I’ll be here.” Liam replied as he let out a breath. “Jil.”

“Yes.”

“I love you.”

Even though Jilian wanted to say it back, she couldn’t.  She just sat there, holding the phone. 

What felt like a minute to Jilian felt like forever to Liam. “Love, did you hear me?”

“Yes, yes I heard you.”

“Well, do you--”

“Liam, you know I love you; but right now I’m really confused. I miss you, but--”

“Then come home, love. Come back to the Palace.  You don’t need to pack up; just come back. We can--”

Without any warning, Lily began to cry. “Liam, I’m sorry, but I need to go.  I’ll talk to you later.”

And just like that, Jilian hung up the phone.  Liam felt like his entire world was plunging down into a deep, dark hole.  I gotta get out of here, he thought as he loosened his tie and grabbed the first set of keys he laid his hands on.

*******Riley’s POV from the Costume Gala***********

Riley sat at her desk, preparing for the virtual meeting Landon and Hakim requested due to the cancellation of the council meeting.  As she reached inside her desk to grab her tablet, pen, and clipboard; she picked up a folded piece of paper.  A lined grin appeared on her face as she slowly opened the note and read the words “Meet me in 5 minutes out on the veranda.”  Riley relished in her moment of glory as she recalled every minute of their time out on the veranda.  Hello your majesty.  How are you enjoying the Gala?  Her mind raced as she leaned back into her chair, enjoying how she was able to get the King to succumb to her…... charm.  Here allow me to help you with this, as she moved closer to straighten his medals and regalia.  Those two are so predictable.  The look on her face was priceless when she saw her King kissing me.  Bravo, as she patted herself on the back for being able to keep a hold of the King, keep watch on the Queen, and still manage to get her note back from his breast pocket. Well done, Riley. Well done, as she sent a text confirming the completion of phase 2.  The ball is in your court now, she thought.

**********Liam’s study*********

After a long, fast, curve thrilling drive; Liam made it back to his study just minutes before his virtual meeting with Landon and Hakim.  

“Buzz, buzz,” went his phone.

Drake: “Hey Li, are you busy?”

 Liam thought for a brief moment before responding to Drake’s text.

Liam: “Hey. Well, I’m kinda running a country, so yeah you can say I'm a little preoccupied, but not busy. LOL.”

Drake : “Funny. I was wondering if you wanted some company?  I have an hour and half left on my shift.”

Liam: “Oh. I have a virtual meeting that’s about to start, but after that I should be free. Give me a couple of hours.”

While Liam was responding to Drake, Bastien opened the door and allowed Riley to enter.

He must be texting that shrew of a woman he calls his Queen. Riley cleared her throat to get Liam’s attention.

“Oh, Hello Lady Riley. I just need to finish this up; and then we can set up for our meeting.”

Drake: “Ok, I’ll be by then.”

Riley and Liam sat and listened to Landon and Hakim propose different facets of how to deal with Cordonia’s unexpected population boost.  As soon as they concluded the meeting, Liam and Riley went over the notes immediately.

“Lady Riley, we need to talk about what happened at the Gala.”

“Yes, your majesty; but before we do….I…..I would like to--”

Riley was quickly cut off when they heard Liam’s tablet humming.  

“Excuse me,” Liam said as he made his way over to his desk.

He noticed his little one’s chubby little face smiling on his screen with the accept button glowing in green. 

“Hello Daddy’s princess,” Liam said as he smiled at his little girl.

Lily cooed and babbled  as she looked at Liam’s face on Jilian’s tablet.

“I see you.” Liam sang as he played peek-a-boo with Liana Eleanor.

“Daddy’s little girl is very happy.”

“Bwaa haa wah ahhh.”

“Ah,” Liam gasped and placed his hand over his mouth. “You don’t say. Well, I miss you too; Daddy’s little princess.”

Riley could hear Jilian laugh in the background, and she realized she needed to think of a way to sabotage this little meeting.

“Ok, princess let Momma talk to Daddy.”  

Riley heard Jilian’s voice and immediately walked around Liam’s desk to purposely be in view of the tablet camera.

“Hello again Love. How was your afternoon?”

“It was Ok. Lily and I went for a walk and ended up at the Gazebo.”

“Oh nice.  I would have--”

“Liam.”

“Yes.”

“I was thinking that Lily and I should-,” Riley knew she had to act, now.

“Excuse me your majesty, but I really need to finish transcribing these notes and upload them into the electronic council meeting file.” Riley said as she purposely sat on the edge of Liam’s desk, right in front of the tablet.

Jilian could feel her anger rising up like lava in a volcano. “This bitch,” she mumbled just loud enough for Liam to look up and meet his Queen’s eyes locked on him and Riley.

Liam could tell by the intensity in Jilian’s eyes that he should finish up with Riley as quickly as possible. Although he knew the only way to do so was to hang up with Jilian, and that was out of the question.  He knew that if he disconnected with her, his chances of speaking with his family again would be next to never.

“You know what Liam, we will talk later.”  Jilian said right before she disconnected the call.

“No, wait Lo-.” Liam tried to stop Jilian, but he was too late.  As he let out a deep breath and sat back in his chair, while pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Your Majesty, I think I have-.”

Liam held up his hand to stop Riley from finishing her sentence.  “Lady Riley, I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to say it.”

Riley stood still, hugging her clipboard and tablet up against her chest.

“Lady Riley, why did you kiss me the night of the Gala?”

Riley was clearly caught off guard by how forward the King was being with her.  She didn’t know what to say, but she knew she needed to say something...and fast.

“Lady Riley, I asked you a question, and I expect an answer.” Liam’s voice began to raise just enough to give Riley the indication that he was becoming impatient.

“I….I..don’t know.  I’m so embarrassed by my actions. It was more than likely the champagne, your majesty.”

“The champagne,” Liam said with a questionable look on his face. “OK. Well, if it was the champagne, then what possessed you to intrude on my phone call with my family?”

Again, Riley just stood there. Showing no emotion or remorse.

“I see.  Lady Riley, your services here, with the Crown are no longer needed.  Please gather your things.  Bastien will escort you out.” Liam knew that this was for the best as he picked up his phone and said “Yes.”

Bastien opened the door and looked at Riley.

“Well, I guess this is where I beg and plead for my job.  Where I say for the better of Cordonia, please allow me to stay King Liam.”

It was becoming more evident that the more Riley spoke, the less sincere she sounded.  

“Is that what you would like King Liam? Would you like me to get down on my knees and beg?  Is that how Jilian became Queen...you know on her knees?”

“ENOUGH!” Liam’s voice boomed throughout his study.  “Lady Riley you are relieved of your duties immediately.  I suggest you stop talking and leave...NOW!  Bastien, please escort her out of the Palace.  We will send her things to her.”

“Yes your Majesty.  Come Lady Riley,” Bastien said as he motioned for Riley to leave the King’s study.

Riley glared at Liam realizing that she needed to get herself under control. As she let out a deep breath, she asked, “Is it ok for me to grab my purse before leaving?”

Liam sat back down in his chair, trying to calm himself down as well.  “Yes. Bastien please allow Lady Riley to get her personal belongings before leaving the Palace.”

Riley gave Liam a slight nod as she left his study with Bastien.  Once she made it to her office, she quickly grabbed her phone to fire off a text. “It’s now or never, I’ve just been fired.”  

Bastien was standing in the doorway of Riley’s office when he cleared his throat to signify that it was time for her to go.

Riley knew that her time to grab her personal items was up, and Bastien was letting her know that she should be making her way out of the Palace now.  As they made their way down the halls, Riley quickly remembered a certain note that she needed to keep in her possession. “Oh dear, I’ve seemed to have forgotten my favorite pen.” She said as she checked her purse and pockets.  “Bastien would it be OK, if I went back to grab it.  My father gave it to me,” she said with a solemn look.  “I know it sounds silly, but when I use it, I swear I can feel his presence.”

Bastien looked at Riley and nodded.

When they made it back to her office, Riley immediately pulled open the desk drawer and grabbed the note and a basic ballpoint pen.  “Got it,” she said with a smile.

“Right this way,” Bastien escorted Riley out of her office and off the Palace grounds.

**********Valtoria************

Jilian sat out on the balcony of Valtoria looking out over the lake, contemplating her life choices.  She was so deep in thought, that she didn’t hear Hana walk into her quarters.

“Jilian.” Hana called out just above a whisper.

But Jilian never turned around to face Hana.  Instead she continued to look out over the lake, reflecting on the night of the Lantern Festival. Jilian, do you want kids? Liam asked her as they looked out over the lake as the lanterns resembled floating candles.  I’ve thought about what our future family will look like, I’ve always pictured us with three.  

As she blew out a breath, she said “I think Liam is going to want a Cordonian agreement.”

*********The Palace********

Been sitting here

Can’t get you off my mind

I’ve tried my best to be a man and be strong

I’ve drove myself insane, wishing I could touch your face

But the truth remains

You’re Gone

As the chorus continued to play, Liam sat at his desk with a bottle of scotch, trying to numb the pain in his heart.

“Li, are you finished?”  Drake said as he slowly opened the door to Liam’s study.

Liam clicked stop on his playlist, as his glossy eyes met Drake’s.  “Yes, I’m just sitting here, thinking about my Love.  Drake I can’t lose her.” Liam began to cry out, “She…..she was my first…...everything.” Liam said right before he drained the last of the scotch he had in his glass.  “Drake she was my first...my first,” as he pointed to his chest.

“I know Li.”

 “She was the first person that I said I love you to.”

Drake knew that Liam guarded his heart, especially when he became the Crown Prince.  So when the opportunity came, Drake suggested that Liam have his bachelor party in the States.  That way, he could loosen up, get laid, and return back to Cordonia without anyone knowing that he was the Crown Prince.  It was a win win. Drake walked over to Liam’s desk wondering how long had his best friend been drinking; because the more Liam talked the more Drake noticed that he was slurring his words.  “I know Li,” Drake replied while picking up the nearly empty bottle of scotch and placing it back on the bar cart.  “Have you spoken to her?” 

“Yes. Twice today, but Riley,” Liam said as he threw his empty glass across the room; causing shards of glass to splay against the wall.

“O…...K. I’m almost afraid to ask what happened,” as he gave Liam a glass of water.

Liam let out a breath and began to tell Drake about relieving Riley of her Director of Communications duties.

***********Valtoria**************

Hana thought it would be a great idea for her and Lily to spend some girl time together; giving Jilian some alone time to collect her thoughts.  “Jilian, I really think you should go and talk to Liam face to face.  That way, no one will be able to interrupt.  I can stay with Lily.  Just think about it.”

*********The Palace**********

“Damn Li, she’s crazy.”

Liam stood from his chair and walked around to the front of his desk, leaning up against it with his left arm over his abdomen while resting his chin on his right fist. “You know, Drake.  I don’t think she’s crazy.  I think she’s up to something.”

Right as Drake was about to respond, his phone began to buzz.  Liam watched as Drake’s facial expression went from curious to fright.

“Drake. What is it?”

“It’s the panic button at Valtoria,” Drake said as he stood to his feet.  “Somethings wrong.”

**********Valtoria********** 

Jilian sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection in the mirror.  As she released a breath she thought, I guess I could ask Mara to take us back to the Palace.  It would be nice to see Liam face to face.  As she began to brush her hair, the door to her quarters opened and shut without a sound.  When she looked up at her reflection again, she noticed a figure standing near the entrance to the bedroom.

“Who’s there?” Jilian called out, trying not to sound afraid.

The figure moved slowly towards her, gaining the light of the room.

“Hello, My Queen.”

“Anton?”

 As she emerged from the bathroom, her fists were clenched and her jaw was tight.  Jilian’s stare was cold and her breathing was ragged. She glared at Liam as if she didn’t have any love left in her.  She looked broken. Jilian looked as if she was ready to fight.

“Love, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to...I--”

Jilian took a step closer to Liam, and before he could say another word, she punched him in the face. *Smack!*

They both winced after the contact of Jilian’s fist met Liam’s left jaw.

“Jilian, what the hell!  Why did you hit me?”

Cradling her right hand in her left, Jilian looked up at him with no remorse.  “Why did I hit you?!? Liam you know damn well why I hit you.” The tears welled in her eyes, but Jilian refused to allow Liam to see them fall. She turned her head and quickly wiped them away. 

 “I. SAW. YOU!  I saw you with her.  Liam. I’m Your wife, Your Queen, the mother of YOUR child; and yet I turn around and I see you kissing her!!!” Jilian poked Liam in his chest with every word she spoke. Pushing him further and further away from the bathroom door, but closer to their bed. 

Liam knew there was no way of getting out of this.  He knew he messed up, and he didn’t know how to fix it. I could ask for forgiveness.  

“Love, I’m so sorry, please forgive me, I don’t know what--”

Jilian swung her left hand, but Liam quickly grabbed it. 

“Owwww,  let.me.go.Liam!” 

“No!” Not until you calm down, and stop hitting me,” Liam said with a stern tone.

“Oh, so I need to calm down? Now, I’m wrong? I’m the one at fault here, Your Majesty?  Is that what you’re saying, Liam?”

Liam loved the way Jilian would address him as “Your Majesty.”  She always had a sexy tone to her voice when she said it; and the look she would give him, always sent chills down his spine.  But unfortunately, not this time; this time he could hear the hurt and anger laced with sarcasm, in her comment.

“No, I just want you to listen to me.  Please Jil let me explain.” Liam's voice fell to almost a whisper.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.  Jilian said “Come in,” at the same time as Liam said, “Not now.” 

The door opened slowly as Hana walked in holding Liana Eleanor nestled against her chest.  She was cradling the Crown Princess’ head so that she wouldn’t stir when she spoke.

“Sorry to interrupt, Your Majesties; but I have a little princess here that is starting to become incredibly fussy.”  Hana said as she looked from Jilian to Liam. It was obvious Hana noticed the bruise appearing on Liam's left jaw.

 He placed his right hand over it with great haste, to conceal the quickly forming bruise that Jilian had given him.

“Uhmmm, thank you Lady Hana; but do you mind watching our little princess for just a few more minutes?  The Queen and I are finishing up an important conversation.”

Hana nodded and turned to walk out, when Jilian asked her to have Mara get the SUV ready.  She wanted her and the crown princess to be on their way to Valtoria within the hour. 

Liam felt his heart stop at that very moment.  He knew Jilian was upset, but he didn’t think she would leave. 

“Ok, I will have her pull around to the front of the Palace.”

“Thank you, Hana.”  Jilian replied as she looked into the eyes of her closest friend; always communicating words that were never spoken, but heard loud and clear.

Hana gave a sympathetic nod and turned to walk out of the Royal quarters still cradling the crown princess.

Once the door closed, Liam took a few steps toward Jilian.

“Love, why are you leaving? Please don’t go. It’s late, and I don’t want you and Lily out this late without me.  I can stay in one of the many rooms here, or I can sleep on the couch.  Just please,” Liam took a breath, “ don’t leave.”

The whole time he was pleading with Jilian to stay, she never turned from the door. With her back to him, she drew in a breath to gain her composure, to solidify her decision.  She needed to focus and make sure she didn’t fall apart when she told him that she and Lily were leaving.

After hearing those words come out of her mouth, Liam felt as if the air had been confiscated from his lungs. He tried to reason with her, again stating that he would leave and that she could stay, but Jilian only moved faster.  She could tell Liam’s heart was breaking, as he sat at the console table near the door and watched her pack a bag for herself and their daughter.

 Jilian had just completed packing the last of the necessary items for Lily, when there was a knock at the door.  Liam stood up and opened it. 

“Hello Your Majesty, Lady Hana sent me to get Queen Jilian and offer to help with her bags. Mara is waiting out front.” said Natasha, one of the Queen’s guards and Mara’s second in command.

“Thank you, Natasha,” Jilian replied as she walked up behind Liam, “and yes, I would like some help please.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”  Natasha began to grab the bags Jilian had packed, she looked at the Queen and King and said “Lady Hana has Princess Liana Eleanor, she said she would meet us out front.”

“Thank you, Natasha,” the royal couple  said in unison.

Liam waited until Natasha had left, before continuing his conversation with Jilian.

“Love, please don’t do this. I know you’re upset right now, but if you would just relax and---”

“Relax?!?” Jilian could feel her emotions rebuilding.  She tried her hardest to contain them, but she couldn't hold back the tidal wave of hurt, pain, and anger she was about to release on Liam. 

“Liam, I fought for you, for us! I left everything I knew; I left my world behind to come and compete for you, for your love!!” Jilian said pointing to her chest.

“I know honey, but I just--”

“You just what? What Liam? What can you do to make this better? Can you wave a magic wand and make me unsee what I saw?”

“No, I can’t.”

“I didn't think so." Jilian dropped her head and let out a deep breath.

"Liam I love you, and I thought you loved me.” Jilian’s voice began to crack as the uncontrolled tears tumbled down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away. 

Liam knew his Queen was heart broken. Never in a million years would he have imagined that he would be the one to cause her this much pain.

Jilian needed a moment before her strength resurfaced.  She held her head up high, drew in a deep breath, and looked Liam in the eyes and said, “Goodbye Liam.”

“Jilian, wait!  No, please don’t go. You can’t just leave, we have a country to run.” 

Liam's words escaped his lips before he could stop them. Knowing that this was not what he meant to say, he quickly tried to retract his words. Wishing he could unsay what he had already said.

Jilian slowly turned to face him with hurt and frustration in her eyes.  “We have a country to run?” “That’s what’s most important to you,....Constantine? Cordonia!"

“Jilian.  No, I didn’t mean it like that. I just wanted to..I...I.” Liam began to stammer his words. “I just need you to listen to me, let me explain.”

“Ok. Fine Liam, I’m listening.”

Liam finally felt as if he could breathe. So, he took a deep breath, to calm his nerves.

“Jilian, I know you saw me in a compromising situation.  I’m not denying that, but you have to understand that I never meant for it to happen.”

Jilian just stood there, with her arms folded across her chest, staring at Liam.  She tapped her foot to try to keep herself calm and composed; but the more Liam talked, the more her foot tapped.  Jilian tried really hard to focus on the words that were coming out of his mouth, but her mind wasn't able to process them.  

“I honestly don’t remember what happened. I mean, it all happened so fast, that I couldn’t….I couldn’t stop it.”

And just like that, Jilian erupted. “You couldn’t stop it!” “Seriously, Liam! You, the King of Cordonia, couldn’t stop someone from kissing you?!?!”

“No, I mean Yes!  I don’t know, Ok, I don’t know. You act as if this all falls on me,” Liam screamed!

“Excuse me?”

Liam knew at that point, this was not going to end well.

“Are you insinuating that I AM to blame for you kissing HER up against a wall?”

Liam just stood there, he didn’t agree or disagree.

Jilian let out a sadistic chuckle. “Okay, that’s fine.”

Those were the last words that were said before Jilian turned to walk out of the door of the royal quarters.  As she crossed the threshold, she removed her wedding rings and placed them on the console table.

*******************

The ride to Valtoria was long and quiet.  The crown princess slept the entire way, while Mara and Natasha tried to ease the tension by reminiscing about the last time they were on an all girls trip. Jilian looked out the window on her side and Hana sat quietly fidgeting with her hands.

“Jilian, you know you can talk to me….when you get ready, of course.”

“Thank you, Lady Hana.”

At that moment, Hana knew that something was really wrong, because Jilian never addressed her by her court name, outside of court.

********Back at the Palace*********

“Knock, Knock.”

“Come in.” Liam said as he sat on the couch, staring out onto the balcony.

“Hey Li, I was wondering if you and…….What the fuck happened to your face?” Drake said as he walked around the couch, seeing Liam hold an ice pack to the left side of his face.

“Who did this to you?”

Before Liam could answer, Drake began to run into the different rooms of the royal quarters looking for Jilian and Lily.

“Where’s Winchester and Lily?” Drake asked as he walked back over to check on Liam.

“They’re gone.”

“What? What do you mean gone? Define gone, Liam?”

Liam stood to his feet and walked over to his bar cart to pour himself a drink.  Drake waited as patiently as he could for his friend to tell him what happened to his friend and god-daughter.

Liam drew in a breath after he gulped the finger of scotch he poured himself. “She left, Drake. Jilian left for Valtoria and took Lily with her.”

“Wait. What? Why?”

Liam turned around and looked at Drake with sadness in his eyes and regret written on his face.

 “Honestly Drake, I’m really tired right now, and I just want to lay down and try to get some rest.  I will fill you in tomorrow, but right now I’m exhausted,” Liam said as he started to walk towards the bedroom.

“Ok. Hey Li.”

“Yes.”

“Whatever it is, it’ll work itself out. You two will be fine.”

Liam stopped and turned to look at his friend, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, and responded  “Thanks.”

“Alright, I’ll let you get some sleep. See you tomorrow.”  As Drake turned to leave the royal quarters, he noticed Jilian’s wedding rings sitting on the console table.

“Dammit.” Drake stopped and took his phone out to text Hana.

Drake: Hey can you talk?

Hana: Hey back. 😉 No, not at this time. I’m on my way to Valtoria with Jilian and Lily.

Drake: Ok. Call me when you get a minute….alone.

Hana: 😊