#sleepwalkingelite

Drake x Emma

Rating: PG-13, physical abuse implied

Words: 876

This chapter is a little shorter, more like an interim chapter, but I feel it's important to the story as it's how Emma gets back to Cordonia.

Emma sprinted up to Liam and Bastien. “I’m so sorry I’m late. It was a last minute decision and it took forever to get a cab.” She said breathlessly. Liam wrapped her in a giant hug while Bastien took her bags. “I am so relieved to see you Emma. I really thought we were too late in coming to get you.” He stepped back and studied her face. “Emma. What happened to your face?” She quickly brought her hand up to cover the bruise. “Oh! I….had a bad dream and fell out of bed. Hit the damn nightstand.” She gave a half laugh, hoping it would sound convincing. Liam shook his head and gave her a look. He clearly didn’t believe her. “In any case I’m extremely happy to see you. Let’s go.” They boarded the flight together.

During the flight they chatted like old times, like no time had passed between them. Liam filled her in on all things Cordonia. Maxwell and Bertrand were doing well financially after hosting several parties. Bertrand really stepped into the role of father but he and Savannah are having a tough go of things personally. Hana had gone home and was working with her father on the nature preserve. She was currently courting Rashad, who is turned out, was a really decent and kind guy. Liam himself was engaged to Olivia and seemed happy about it. “Emma, I also have you to thank for that. I don’t think Olivia and I would have been together had it not been for you breaking her out of her hardened mold. She’s truly an amazing woman. She’s excited to see you.” Emma broke out into a huge smile. “That’s great Liam!! She really loved you, I’m so glad it worked out.” Liam nodded. When Emma met his eyes she saw truth in them but also something else. He looked at her with fondness and respect. It had been a really long time since anyone had looked at her like that. He took her hands in his. “Emma. Again, I’m sorry for letting my pride get in the way. I was a jerk in letting you go and not helping Drake look for you. I do hope you’ll forgive me.” Emma smiled and squeezed his hands. “There’s nothing to forgive, Liam. We’ve all made….bad decisions.” She trailed off, darkness flashing in her eyes. Gently Liam touched her cheek with his hand. “We left you unprotected. All of us. I promise that will never happen again.” He said softly.  She shook her head. “I can protect myself.” Liam rolled his eyes. “Of course you would say that.” He laughed. “You may say you’re no longer the same person…but I still see her. Lady Emma Rose, Duchess of Valtoria.” Emma frowned. “Duchess? Does that mean…I still own it?” Liam smiled. “Of course you do. It was given to you. Maxwell has been looking after it in your stead.” Emma was confused. “You said Drake built a cabin in Valtoria…why would he stay there? That doesn’t make sense.” Liam sighed. “I think it’s because you still own it. It’s like a piece of you is still there, even if it is just your name…but none of us ever see him. He refuses to even acknowledge Maxwell. He thinks Maxwell knows where you are and won’t tell him, like he did with Savannah. They got in a huge fight about it and haven’t spoken since.” Emma nodded slowly, lost in thought. She turned to look out the window. “I don’t know what will happen Liam” she said softly. “But thank you for coming after me.”

Hours later the plane touched down in Cordonia. When they arrived at the palace Olivia was there to greet them. “Well well, look at this. Liam was successful bringing you back I see.” Emma grinned at Olivia. “It’s good to see you too Olivia. Congratulations on your engagement to Liam.” As Emma reached her Olivia frowned looking her over. “What on earth happened to you? You look like someone beat the shit out of you.” Emma averted her eyes. “Just clumsy” she replied dully. “Well that is just bullshit if I ever heard it Emma. But fine, if you don’t want to tell me. Just know if it happens again I’ll be there with my knife stillettos. I’ll stab the asshole in the back with them; he’ll never see it coming.” Emma stared at her, jaw dropped. “You have knife stilettos? Where do you even get those?” Olivia laughed. “Oh my dear, I’m a Nevrakis. Weapons are our life.” She smirked as Emma stood there still gaping. She kissed Liam hello and turned back to Emma. “Drake will be so pissed when he sees those bruises. I bet there’s more than I’m seeing, correct?” Emma didn’t respond. Liam cleared his throat. “I would like to bring Emma to Drake’s cabin tonight while he’s sleeping off the booze.” Olivia gave him a look. “Are you sure that’s wise considering her…condition?” She was looking Emma up and down. “I’m not fucking dead Olivia.” Emma snapped. Olivia grinned. “There she is. I knew you were still there somewhere.” Emma rolled her eyes and looked at Liam. “When do we leave?”