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Liam:

Nico sat back in his seat in shock.

"I felt like something did not make sense about his death."

"Nicolai's primary cause of death was drowning."

"But you said…."

"His secondary cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head."

"I'm still not following."

"Had Nicolai not been pushed into Rys Lake, and  we firmly believe he was pushed, he would have survived the blow to his head. His lungs were full with water. The hit to the head by the object, though strong, was not enough to kill him. Because he was disoriented, he could not swim."

"And my son was a very strong swimmer, he would never drown."

"But I want to talk to you more about the assailant, and the blunt object. Did your son have any enemies at the palace?"

"Nicolai was well loved by everyone."

"And he was following in your footsteps to the guard?"

"Yes, my son was a junior guard, because of his legacy status. One of the top in his class."

"And you trained him along with the others?"

"Yes. My son did not receive special treatment because of my Centurion Guard status. As I said he was one of the top in his class. He did not deserve the top position just because he is my son."

"That's admirable, Mr. Karahalios.  Did he get along with his classmates?"

"He did, I mean sure there was some rivalry between the boys and girls as they all want to be considered for the Kingsguard and those upper level positions, in the future."

"How many left handed junior guards do you have?"

"Four."

"I will need their names."

"Why are you looking for left handed guards in his class?"

"Because the person who hit Nicolai was left handed. Was he in a relationship with anyone?"

Nico thought about Elle. But she had said they weren't together in that way.

"No, not to my knowledge. Why do you ask?"

"The trajectory of the hit Nicolai sustained, has him in a seated position, with his assailant straddling him."

"Like a lover?"

"Precisely. He had no defensive wounds on his hands, so he did not fear his assailant, nor was he expecting the attack."

"And the weapon?"

"Small, bat-like in construction, but jeweled. We found these in his head wound."

A diamond and a ruby were in the small glass specimen jar the officer held up.

Nico jumped up.

"So it's related to the palace? This is a lot to take in."

"I completely understand. If you can get me the names of  your students so we can compile more info and I will contact the King. We need access to the palace to investigate further. The weapon is probably something that was stolen from the Crown's own Jewels collection."

"I will have the names of my students to you  first thing tomorrow."

Nico had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach that the names were not needed.

He sat in his vehicle and pulled out his wallet. He wanted to be wrong. He needed to be wrong.

He pulled out the bills in his wallet.  He had a 50 and on the back of it was the King and Queen of Cordonia. Liam standing regally in the middle, Queen Riley holding the ceremonial Ruby Apple in her hand, and Elle posing with her bejeweled royal scepter….in her LEFT HAND.

Elle was also left handed like her mother and father.

Nico picked up his phone, hesitating a few moments before he sent the text. Sending the text meant he suspected Elle of this crime.

Nico: I know we haven't been on speaking terms in a while, but I really  need a favor.

Alana: Must be huge because you're coming to me, but you know I got you. What do you need, my dear Nico KH?"

Nico: Luminol spray.

Alana: Whaaat? Going all CSI- Cordonia on the palace? Swing by later. I'll hook you up with what you need.

After picking up the spray he went back to the palace to further investigate.

Being a Centurion Guard allowed him access to all the palace keypads.  Nico went to the Crown Jewelry room. It housed all the crown jewels of Cordonia and all the historic ceremonial pieces.

He found Elle's scepter with the ceremonial pieces. He took out his magnifying glass to investigate the jewels on the scepter for missing jewels. It did not take him long to find the empty sockets that at one time held the jewels the investigator had acquired from Nicolai's head wound. He was pretty sure he was holding the item that had been used in conjunction with the fall to end his son's life.

Nico took a deep breath, the last part was only for formality. He dimmed the lights in the room to spray the luminol on the scepter; It immediately lit up blue.  Proof that there was still residual blood on the scepter.

Was anything she said to him even true? Eleanor Rys, his Elle, the woman he loved .....

had murdered his son....

Liam and Tomas 

"King Liam, Just like with your father's rule we have always had friends of the Crown amongst the police. To let the crown know of potential threats….or if a member of the Crown is in a situation in which damage control needs to occur to protect the crown."

"Yes?"

"There is something you really need to see."

Liam looked over the reports the officer had sent over, including the size and shape of the jewels that were pulled from Nicolai's head wounds. He recognized the jewels immediately from Ellie's Royal scepter.  

"This can't be."  

"That's why I brought the information to you, and only to you, Your Majesty.  This has the potential to be quite the scandal for the royal family."

Liam rubbed his forehead and took a deep breath. He had to confirm the jewels were from where he suspected before he would take the next steps.

Elle and Nico

"I have a surprise for you."

Elle's face brightened as she smiled.

"Really?"

"Will you come with me?"

Nico reached out his hand for her to take; Elle immediately took Nico's hand.

"Where are we going?"

"To a place where our lives are going to change forever."  He could tell Elle was excited so he played along.

Nico led her through the passageways.

"The Crown Jewelry  Room?"

"But don't  you understand Elle?"

She shook her head no, and she still had a smile on her face.  

"Let me explain, for you Elle, I became an accessory after the fact to the perfect crime. I corrected your mistakes, so that you would not be pointed to as a person of interest in the death of your professor and because of me, you're not."

Finally, her smile had faded.  

"We were protecting each other, Nico. I protected you, and you protected me."

Nico laughed.

"You were protecting yourself Elle, because that's all that matters to you."

"That's not true. I think of you, I think of others."  

She had been thinking her baby needed its father, they both needed him.  

"Were you thinking of me when you killed my son?"

"What?"

"Don't fucking address me in that shocked voice like you have no clue what I’m talking about.  There are traces of blood on your scepter, and the jewels from it in his head wound."

Elle backed away from Nico.

"Was this just a game to you? To see how much suffering you could inflict on another... on me? Did you do this to hurt me?"

"No……."

“I fell right in your trap, to be seduced and manipulated by you.  I was lonely and hurt, and in pain, and you used that for your benefit. I should have trusted my initial instincts about you. That you were a snake in the grass and could not be trusted.”

“You don’t really mean that Nico.”

“Oh yes I do.”

Nico took steps towards her. Finally Elle's back hit the wall.

"Nico please… there’s something I need to tell you that you really need to know.” 

He closed the distance between them staring deep into her eyes.  

“My God you’re beautiful. Part of me can't even fathom that someone so aesthetically beautiful, can be capable of such heinous crimes.  Even now, there's fire in me that craves to be quenched only by you.

 You’re just like your mother. And I wondered how in the world  King Liam couldn’t see it either.   But I know exactly what you are now. You are a siren, Eleanor Rys.  You know what Sirens do right?  They’re gorgeous, dangerous creatures that  lure men with their enchanting voices and feminine wiles to their demise.  Your father can’t see your mother for  who she really is, because she’s got him enchanted by her song. You lured my son to Rys Lake where you murdered him, and now you’ve captured me in your web to cover up another murder.”

“It wasn’t like that…”  

“IT WAS EXACTLY LIKE THAT.”  Nico screamed.

“Even now you’re protecting your lies, with those crocodile tears falling from your eyes. I’m not falling for it.”

He gently stroked her cheek.

“I am going to give you the opportunity, to come clean, before I expose you for what  you are.  Tell me the truth.  Because I want to hear you say it.  Did you take my son’s life?”

Elle remained silent.  

Nico grabbed her, pushing her to the floor.    

He settled on top of her staring down at her.  

“Tell me the truth Eleanor. Tell me your truth Elle. Don’t you think I deserve that, since I loved you so unconditionally?”  

He stroked her cheek gently again, his hands drifting lower until they rested on her neck, wrapping tightly around it.  

She gasped in shock, her eyes met Nico's, seeing nothing but fury for her in them.

Nico tightened his grip around Ellie's neck.

She clawed at his  hands trying to get him to release her from his grip. She was wounding him and he wasn't even flinching. She could barely breathe or speak.

"Nico, please….. don't kill me. You'll regret it."

"Did you kill Nicolai?"  His eyes filled with tears as he looked down on her. Tears fell down his cheeks as his voice turned into a soft whisper full of disbelief and shock. "Elle tell me….did you kill my son?"

She looked in his eyes, he was begging for the truth and she wanted to be honest with him.

"Yes. I killed him.. I'm sorry… but  I had to find out….."

Finally a sob escaped his lips for a moment when he looked away from her. When he glanced down at her again, rage fueled his glare.

"So what was all of this Elle? You and I? You seduced me to help you when you needed, and I fell right for it. I helped you cover up a murder, and now I'm  finding out, it wasn’t the first one?!?! How could you do this to me, when all I ever wanted to do was love you?"

"No Nico it was more… we were more…. WE ARE MORE.  I love…  "

"LIAR! I don't believe you.  I've seen how well you can lie before." Nico screamed and his grip on her neck became crushing as she continued to try to fight him, her face turning bright red.

"Any last words?"

Ellie nodded.

"Please let me live Nico."

"Why should I, when you didn't give my son that courtesy?"

"Because if you kill me now, you will kill your child."

"What?"

"I'm pregnant Nico, I just found out not long after Christmas. Your mother was the first to suspect, because I got sick while I was there on holiday. I didn't know how to tell you."

He let go of her.

"My mother… You jumped off a damn waterfall pregnant?!?!?"

"I did it for you!! I did it for us! We could still go Nico… We could start over. You love me. You made promises to me."

"You really think…you are sick. I was wrong about you. You are just like your real father. YOU ARE A MONSTER!!!!"

Those words she had thought about herself, hit her differently coming from him. They physically cut through her heart.  Elle burst into tears.

"What the hell is going on in here?!?" King Liam walked into the room staring from Nico to Ellie. But deep down he knew. Nico was confronting Eleanor. Nico released his grip and both stood before the King.

"Tell him the truth or I will."

"This is the only truth you need Nico, is I really love you. We're going to have a baby together. Please let's just leave like we said we would."

"I want a paternity test."

"You were the only one I've ever…."  She stopped talking when she saw the look on her father's face.

“I DON’T BELIEVE YOU!!!!”  Nico screamed at her.

King Liam was staring between the two in shock.

"I trusted you with her!!!!  You've been sleeping with my daughter?!?"

Nico laughed.

"ME FUCKING ELEANOR IS THE LEAST OF YOUR WORRIES, CAN'T YOU TELL, KING LIAM?"

Before Nico could even react, King Liam punched him in the face. 

Liam hit him again and again, and began kicking him when he collapsed. Nico did not strike back, as he knew striking the King meant death. Nico could fight, but he was letting himself get beat to a bloody mess for her.

"Father stop!  Now!!! Stop hurting him Please!!!!  You're going to kill him!!!!"

Elle ran forward grabbing Liam from behind.

"Eleanor what the hell are you doing?"

She jumped onto his back, and wrapped her arm around Liam's neck in a choke hold.

"You will not hurt him anymore!" Elle screamed.

Nico watched from the floor in shock seeing the lack of emotion in Elle's eyes as her grip tightened around Liam's neck, and that she was trying to protect him.

Liam winced in pain, his voice remained calm as he spoke.

"Baby Love, please let go.  You know I could throw you easily, but I don't want to hurt you or your unborn child. And I can tell how important they are to you."

"You have no idea."  Her grip tightened on his throat.

"Yes I do, because I have four children that I witnessed being born into this world."

"You're wrong. You only have three."

"No. YOU’RE WRONG. I have four children. Don't make me do this Baby Love. I don't want to hurt either of you. Because you are my daughter and I love you.  You are MINE!!!!! I have always loved you, regardless of your DNA."

Elle’s grip remained firm around his neck; she was not letting go of him.

Liam began to adjust his stance,  he was preparing to throw her.

When her father spoke again, his voice was full of pain; he sounded on the verge of tears. He was pleading for her to stop.

“Please…..don’t make me do this to you Baby Love.”

Nico, who was barely conscious, sat up trying to talk her down.

"Elle….don't do this. Let go of your father."

"Baby Love please, I don't want to hurt you."

Elle let go of King Liam.

There were tears in his eyes as he rubbed his neck, looking at Eleanor.

“Why?” he asked.

“Why not?”  Eleanor’s voice was cold.  

“I can’t count on anyone. People make promises every day they don’t mean. And leave you alone to pick up the pieces.”

“Don’t make this about you. You know what you did Elle.”  

Nico stood, and his gaze landed on Elle. "Tell him the truth about you, and what you've done."

Elle remained silent.

"TELL HIM!!!!"

"I killed Nicolai Karahalios,  and Professor Anders."

"Why would you do that Ellie?"

"I hear voices telling me to do things. And Professor Anders was going to tell you about Nico and I and I had to protect us."

"You went on that trip with her, did you know what Eleanor did?"

Eleanor answered for Nico.

"No Father, he did not. Nico was not involved in any way. He did nothing wrong or illegal."

Liam stared at his daughter, he could not tell if what she was saying was the truth, or only the truth as she believed it, so he focused his attention on Nico.  Then Liam could clearly see, Nico's eyes were riddled with guilt.

"Be that as it may Nico you’re fired. Effective immediately."

“I still want to press charges against Eleanor for my son’s murder.”  

“She’s not well.”  

“I. DON’T. CARE.”  

“Yes you do Nico you love me."

“I told you Eleanor… I tried to warn you.”  

“Shut up… SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!!!”  Elle screamed.  

She collapsed to the floor in front of them. They could tell that she wasn’t screaming at them.  Eleanor was hallucinating.

"Eleanor…" Liam reached out his hand to her.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" She screamed, recoiling from Liam, knocking his hand away. She curled up in a ball on the floor while she cried.

“Look at her, it's clear some psychotic break has happened. She needs help. She needs to be hospitalized tonight. It’s clear, she’s not in her right mind Nico.  And you know, I believe if someone does something wrong, they should be held accountable for their crimes.  My daughter is mentally ill. Look at her.”  

“She killed my son.”  

“And she needs medical treatment for her mental illness, not a prison. We need to get her to the SUV now.”

“Your Majesty…..”

“Is she right? Do you still love her?”  

“She killed my son…” Nico repeated again.

“That’s not what I asked. If you ever loved my daughter, you will help me now.”  

Nico walked over to Elle and  crouched next to her, wincing in pain. King Liam had definitely broke a rib or two. He gently ran his fingers through Elle's hair. She responded and leaned into his touch.

"Elle, are you ready to go?"

"Nico? You're not mad at me anymore?"

"I'm sorry I yelled at you.  You were right about everything. Are you ready to leave?”  

“Right now? But I haven’t packed anything yet.”  

Nico smiled.  “It’s okay.  We’ll have everything we need when we get there.”  

“And we’ll start over. I knew we could do it.”  

“Yes, we’ll start over Elle.  Let me help you up.”  

He pulled Elle up and she threw her arms around him hugging him.

“I knew it. I knew I could trust you.  I’ll be better. I promise, I’ll try harder for you and the baby.”  

“Don’t worry about that right now.”  

“I’m so tired, Nico.”  Elle leaned into him.  

“I’ll carry you.  You just rest.  I’ll wake you when we get there.”  

Nico picked up Elle and she rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

"Just rest Elle." He whispered softly to her.

Liam had made the arrangements, and they left for the psychiatric hospital. Liam wanted to be the one with Ellie. Ellie was his Baby Love, but she wanted nothing to do with him.

Nico sat in back holding Eleanor in his arms; Liam occasionally glanced in the rear view mirror. Nico looked like a truly tortured soul.

She was sleeping peacefully wrapped in his embrace. Tears filled his eyes as he stared down at her. He still felt love in heart for this woman who had committed an absolutely atrocious crime against his son. To add insult to injury, they were forever bound together by a child they had conceived.  Nico had thrown doubt in her face when given the news of the pregnancy, questioning paternity. But deep down he knew. Elle was with child. His child. He gently brushed her curls from her face, her cheeks still wet with tears. Nico wiped her tears away.

There was no doubt Nico still loved her despite everything. One can't just turn off their feelings.

The vehicle slowed to a stop just inside the gates.

"We're here."

He gently shook Elle and she woke. He went to the other side to open the door. She smiled at him, but the moment she saw the medical staff surrounding the vehicle, she looked confused.

"What is this? Why aren't we at the airport Nico?"

"You need help Elle."

She pulled away from him.

"I told you…. he could never see you the same way he did after he found out what you did."

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  I'm not crazy!! I'm not!!! You lied to me Nico! How could you!!!! I promised I'd do better if we started over. You won't give me the chance? Why?? You know how I feel… You're the only one that truly knows me. How could you betray me this way?"

"Let's talk about betrayal… you….."

"Nico don't say it here please."

Nico stopped speaking, staring around seeing the small group of staff that had gathered around them, that also had a gurney.

He was still protecting her. Both him and her father.

"Nico… let's go please. I forgive you. I understand Father is making you do this, of course he would. You can stand up to him. He can't stand in our way.  We can go. Please let’s go."

"No Elle, he's not making me do anything. You're not well. This is where you need to be."

"NO! YOU'RE LYING!! WHY ARE YOU LYING TO ME????”

“I’m not lying to you Elle.  You’re not well. Here they can help you.”    

"You stood up for me. It's supposed to be us. You PROMISED!!!!"

Elle reached in the folds of her dress pulling out a slim stiletto, a gift from Olivia.

She lunged at Nico, but it wasn’t an attack he could tell.

“YOU PROMISED ME……”

“MY GOD ELEANOR STOP!!!” Liam screamed.

Elle’s eyes widened,  and she dropped  the stiletto; the sound of it clinking as it hit the ground.

Her eyes met with Nico.

“Our House….”  Elle whimpered.

Nico gasped remembering their  conversation that night about the little house that Elle wanted to share with him in Greece.  Tears filled his eyes as he caught her as she collapsed; the sedative that the nurse had given Elle in her arm while her back was turned, was very fast acting.  Nico laid Elle onto the gurney; Immediately the nurses locked Elle’s arms and legs in restraints.

“Is that really necessary?”  Liam asked.

“She’s clearly a danger to herself, and to others; it’s proper protocol.  We will search her for other weapons as soon as we get her inside.  We have some questions  to ask you King Liam before you leave, will you come with us?”  

“Yes. Nico, I need you to come with me, as there might be some questions only you can answer.”

“Are you okay back there?” He turned around, lifted her off the ground in a flash, and settled her over his shoulder.

Ella yelped. “Hey! You blonde giant! Put me down!”

Liam let out a loud laugh. “Calm down,” he gently pushed back her legs so she wouldn’t knee him in the face. “I wanted to make this go quicker; it’ll take you forever if you walk on those little legs of yours.”

“You jerk!”

The pair laughed together until they got to a small inlet between the stone walls. Liam gently lowered Ella to the ground and turned her body to face the little creek. “Ohhhh …”

“This is the Potami Gorge,” Liam walked towards the water and gently took her hand in his. “So, the building we passed on the way here is the Metamorphosis tou Sotiros Byzantine church.”

“It was so beautiful,” she murmured as she gazed at the water in the front of her. “So is this.”

“Let’s get in,” Liam suggested as he began to strip.

“W-wait, what’re you doing?” Ella’s eyes widened as he took his shorts off and deposited them on the ground. His plain black boxer briefs hugged his ass, and she audibly swallowed as her gaze traveled up his back, to his broad shoulders and muscular arms. “Umm …”

“You okay?”

“Uh, yeah,” Ella quickly removed her dress and shivered as a cold breeze blew through the gorge.

“Come on,” he picked up her hand again and guided her into the water.

“Ohmigosh, it’s … warm!” Ella laughed and looked around as her voice echoed down the creek.

“There’s a surprise on the other side that I wanted to show you.”

The two followed the narrow gorge, and it led them to a mini waterfall that was just a little bit taller than Ella.

“A waterfall?!” She squealed.

“Yes, a waterfall,” Liam grinned, and Ella’s knees went weak. Thankfully, Liam quickly reached out and caught her before she looked like a complete idiot. “Whoa, hey, did you trip?”

“… something like that, yeah,” she stared into his clear blue eyes. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” he murmured and gently took her small hand into his. “I wanted to say that it’s been an amazing few days with you,” his thumb stroked her knuckles, and he felt nervous all of a sudden. “And I wanted to tell you something.”

“What?” Ella could feel her heart beating in her chest just a little too fast for her liking. It made her dizzy if she was honest, and she couldn’t stop looking at his lips. Maybe if I just …

“I-” Liam’s sentence cut off as Ella stood on her tiptoes and covered his mouth with hers. They stayed that way for several minutes, Liam’s hands tangled in her hair, cradling her head as Ella’s arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Ella pulled away first, both of them breathless and panting as they stared at each other.

“Sorry,” she giggled nervously. “I just-”

Liam leaned down and captured her lips once more, and Ella sighed. Another few minutes went by before he slowly pulled away. “It’s fine,” he whispered as he stroked her cheek gently.

Ella smiled. “What did you want to tell me?”

“I’m not from here-”

“You’re not?” Ella frowned. “You speak perfect Greek.”

“I speak a lot of languages perfectly,” he chuckled and let go of her waist; he turned around so Ella couldn’t see his face. “I’m from a small country that’s governed by a King and Queen.”

“Wow! Do … all of the people look like you?” Ella clapped her hand over her mouth. “I mean-”

Liam let out a loud laugh as he turned back around to face her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just … you kind of look like a Greek god, okay? Don’t let that get to your head or whatever,” Ella rolled her eyes as Liam leaned over to laugh even harder.

Present-day

“Your boss?” Liam glanced sideways at Ella with a confused look on his face then quickly turned back to Ethan.

“Yes, my boss,” Ella said more confidently as she met Ethan’s gaze. “Did you need something?”

Ethan swallowed quickly to try to make the lump in his throat disappear. “I needed to speak with you,” he glanced back at Liam. “Alone, please.

Ella placed her hand on Liam’s arm and looked up at him as he looked down at her. “It’s fine; I’ll just be a minute.”

Liam turned his head and made eye contact with Ethan before stepping back.

Ella approached Ethan with her brow raised. “Yes?”

“I came to find you,” Ethan licked his dry lips nervously before continuing. “Our … conversation earlier. I wanted to apologize.”

“Apologize?” Ella cocked her head to the side. “Ethan, you drove over here for that? You could have just called.”

He shook his head. “I wanted to do it in person. I wanted to tell you I was wrong. Then I saw you kissing … him,” he frowned and focused his glare behind Ella to stare at Liam.

“I’d be nice if I were you,” Liam warned, his tone frigid as he stepped forward. “I was trying to give Ella her privacy since you’re her boss, but it seems as if you want to have a confrontation.”

“I’d advise you to mind your business,” Ethan spat. “I’m here for Ella, not for you.”

“She doesn’t seem to want to speak to you,” Liam calmly responded. “And you interrupted a moment we were having,” he looked over at Ella and smirked. “Bringing back good memories from Greece.”

Ella’s eyes widened, and she could feel the heat rising from her neck to her cheeks. Ethan noticed how flustered she became, and his eyes narrowed. “Just what the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

Liam shrugged. “We were having a moment to ourselves, and we’d like to continue-”

Savannah’s eyebrows shot up, clearly surprised by the question. Before she can answer Riley quickly continues.

 “I’ve just been kinda curious. I mean he IS quite a bit older than you. Plus, he can be pretty stuffy and really emotionally closed off. I know sometimes he isn’t but MOST of the time, yeah.” Riley rushed the words out in a strange panicky way. Savannah’s surprise turned to amusement as Riley word vomited at her.

 “Well, let me think. Given his upbringing he can be quite polite, charming even. It was difficult not to swoon a little when he spoke, especially when he made speeches. He can be exceptionally smooth with his words. Mix that with his dashing good looks. His posture is so confident. Plus, I mean, sexy eyebrows.” She winks. “And now he is such a wonderful father. It just ties it together.”

 “Actually, what ties it together has to be what you left out.” Riley adds.

 “What do you mean?” She stares confusingly back.

 “Just, you know … “Riley leans over and whispers her next question. “What’s he like in bed?”

 “Oh!” Savannah’s cheeks redden. She takes a moment to compose herself. “I didn’t know you were THAT curious, Riley.” She says playfully.

 “Come on now, it’s just a bit of fun. There HAS to be a good reason someone as wonderful as you are, is with mister grumpy over there. What really piqued my interest was the fact you slept with him once, only once! And fell in love with him. Even after everything stupid he did! You still couldn’t resist. Now spill the beans missy. I won’t tell anyone, I promise.”

 “Okay, okay, I give.” She went quiet for a few moments as she gathered her thoughts on how to say it. With a deep breath she continued. “So … well, Bertrand is rather on the large side.” She said slowly and carefully.

 Riley’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “No! Seriously? Like which way?”

 “Um, I think the length is pretty average like seventeen or so centimeters. But his width! I don’t think I have a measurement for that one but …”

 “But he’s girthy?” Riley finishes for her.

 “Yes! It was rather shocking.”

 “Okay, listen. I have to tell you something.” Riley glanced back over the brothers making sure they were still in their own bubble across the kitchen. Riley leaned closer to Savannah to stay quiet. “Maxwell is the same way.”

 Savannah’s face dropped as Riley’s did moments ago. “No!”

 “Yes! It was a pleasant surprise.” Riley nodded her head and covered her mouth to stifle the laughter threatening to break free.

 “Oh my god! That’s crazy!” Savannah was trying her best to keep her voice down but was having a difficult time.

 “Do you think it is a family trait?” Riley considered out loud. Savannah shrugged. “I mean, I know Barthelemy is an asshole, but it had to come from somewhere.” Riley continued.

 “Now that is something I don’t want to know.” Grossed out by the thought of her horrible, denounced father-in-law.

 “I get that, but I’m still curious.”

 “Even so who would even be able to tell you? Not like their mother is around.”

 “No. But I believe there is one person I can probably get to tell me. She is a major gossip and closer to the older generation.” Riley was determined at this point. She was going to find out and she knew who to call. She grabbed Savannah’s arm. “Come with me.”

 “Okay, hold on.” She stood up and walked over to the eldest Beaumont handing the sleeping form over into his arms. “Take him a moment, please. We will be right back.”

 Without waiting for him to answer she turned on her heel and swiftly made her way to the door leading out of the kitchen. Riley stood as Savannah moved to leave the room setting the little corgi back on the floor, who wiggled his way over to Maxwell. They quickly moved out of the kitchen and down the hall, finding a small quiet sitting area. Closing the door behind them they both drop down onto the plush couch. Riley pulled her phone out and quickly found the number she was after. Hitting the call button, she put it on speaker and waited. It rang five too many times before they heard the woman on the other end.

 “Adelaide speaking.”

 “Adelaide, this is Duchess Riley I’m here with Duchess Savannah. I apologize for bothering you, but I have a morbid curiosity on a subject matter and am hoping you can shed some light on the matter?” Riley was confident that Adelaide knew the answer and decided not to beat around the bush.

 “Well, I am certainly curious. Please go ahead.”

 “I need to confirm a suspicion I have over something deeply personal involving Barthelemy Beaumont. Would you be able to help?”

 “Give me a moment.” It went quiet but they could just make out Adelaide telling someone to leave. Presumably some staff so she can be alone. “Alright girls, make it quick.”

 “I just need you to confirm if below the belt, Barthelemy was an average length but quite girthy?” She spoke cautiously.

 It was silent for a few more moments before they heard a puff of air. “It has been quite some time. But I will admit, it is difficult to forget that. Your description is accurate. Is that all you need from me?” She seemed eager to leave the conversation.

 “Yes, it is. Thank you for your help. Have a wonderful night.”

 “You as well dear.” With that they hung up. Riley hopped up swinging her legs under her body before landing back onto the couch facing Savannah.

 “I knew it! It IS a family trait! Oh my God, Savannah! We know the family secret that THEY don’t even know!” Riley’s hands covered her mouth, stifling her laughter once again.

 “Yes, but I will definitely go to my grave not telling anyone I know anything like that about Barthelemy.” Savannah shivered in mock horror.

 “So true. I’m totally with you there. We’ll tell no one, anything. It will be our secret cause we are Beaumont’s now, so it counts.” Riley giggled. She stood up and stretched. “Hey, you want pizza?” She held out her hands to Savannah.

 “Oh God Yes!” She moaned accepting the helping hands that lifted her to her feet.