She also suspected they were keeping it a secret from their families and friends. She didn't blame them for that. It was difficult enough to admit you had feelings for someone you'd known your entire life. She'd gone through that very thing the moment she realized she felt something more for the man she'd been married to for the past twenty-five years.

Drake, though, was not happy at all with what was developing. This was his daughter, after all. Being overly protective was a given. He couldn't help it. Though Juliet possessed Olivia's fiery temper and innate strength, she'd also inherited his heart. He couldn't allow just any man a chance to trample on that.

Once Drake fell in love, there was no turning back. He knew how significant that was and that his daughter would be a one and done like he was. Seeing the one he suspected she'd lost her heart to did not sit well at all, especially since he suspected she was in love with a young man notorious for his tabloid worthy love life. Emerick might be Liam's son, but he'd yet to show that he had his father's faithful nature. He reminded Drake of Leo: too handsome, too charming, and much too carefree.

If only Juliet had fallen for Emerick's younger brother, Ellis. Now there was a young man who'd proven how steadfast his heart was.

Not that he begrudged Emily Beaumont with winning the spare prince. He simply wished Emerick had his same nature.

"What's eating at you?" Olivia interrupted his thoughts.

"I'm wondering how to tell Liam's son to stay away from Jules without losing my best friend in the process." Drake grumbled.

His wife rolled her eyes as she got up to fix them both a needed drink.

"You're overreacting." She handed him a glass of bourbon.

Drake glared at her.

She glared back, completely unfazed by his irritation.

"How can you say that?" He snapped. "Our daughter is doing God knows what with some--"

"The son of one of our closest friends." Olivia reminded him.

"He's not like Liam." Drake pointed out.

"Yes, he is." She argued.

"No, he's not." He drank a healthy gulp. "He's nothing like Liam."

"He's a lot like him as well as Riley." Olivia argued. "He has their loyalty."

"I guess." Drake reluctantly agreed.

After all, Emerick had stood by their son, Jackson, throughout all of life's ups and downs as well as their other friends' children.

"He's never shirked his duty, like Liam." She continued to list all of Emerick's attributes. "He's helped protect all the girls with Jackson, Ellis, and Alec."

"True." Drake squirmed. "But he has so much of Leo in him!"

"You mean the man who walked away when he realized he wasn't what was best for Cordonia?" She cocked an eyebrow at her husband. "The one who made certain we would have the best king possible instead of wasting Liam in some minor position with little say over anything?"

Olivia finished off her drink.

"I think you're not ready for what comes next."

Drake's head shot up. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the fact that our daughter might belong to another man, soon."

Olivia refilled both their glasses.

"She's going to become a wife. She'll leave home to start her own family."

She placed her hand upon his shoulder, squeezing in sympathy.

"We won't see her everyday. Won't hear her arguing with Jax. Won't see her dashing off to be with the girls for a night out of fun."

Her eyes misted with tears. "It'll be a huge change."

Drake frowned over her prediction. It wasn't that he wanted his children to remain stuck at home. He wanted them to have fulfilling lives. It was just that...

"I hate change." He admitted.

Olivia's laughter took him by surprise.

"You and me both."

He eyed her when she sat down on the arm of his chair. He slipped his arm around her waist as he thought back through their years together. A hint of a smile appeared on his face when he recalled their own complicated beginning.

"You didn't mind us changing our relationship." He pointed out.

"Yes, I did." She argued. "I fought against thinking of you in any way other than the bane of my existence."

He snorted in amusement. "You certainly pursued me for someone who hated me."

"You weren't exactly fighting against seducing me every chance you got." She added.

"What can I say?" He tugged her onto his lap. "I have a thing for red heads with sharp tongues."

"You better." She threatened. "Or you'll regret ever tying your life to me. Death will come a lot sooner for you, my husband, if you ever even think of looking at another woman."

Drake grinned. "A bit possessive, aren't we?"

Olivia glared at him, silently daring him to take his own life in his hands by turning this into a joke.

"You know I feel the same way." He grumbled, doing his best to soothe the woman on his lap. "Besides, what are we to do about Juliet?"

"You know what we have to do." Olivia snapped. "We support her. Encourage her. Continue to make her see what she truly wants in a relationship by being an example for her."

Drake rubbed a hand over his jaw as he thought of the example he and Olivia had shown their children. Since both lost their parents at a young age, they'd tried their hardest to involve their own children in every aspect of their lives. They went above and beyond having them present when discussing major and minor issues with their duchy and their country.

They even did their best to explain the reasons behind lost tempers and how, though this had been the hardest for them, to be sorry.

Drake and Olivia weren't as demonstrative as their other friends in public displays of affection, yet they also never held back doing so when the moment called for it. Their children had seen the kisses, arm around the other, and such throughout their lives.

"You know?" Olivia placed her head on Drake's shoulder. "Juliet choosing Emerick is a good thing. They challenge each other and seem to enjoy sparring like we do."

"Then maybe my sympathy is with Emerick." Drake chuckled when his wife poked his ribs. "It takes a very, very strong man to deal with a Nevrakis woman."

"Yes, it does." Her lips curled when he tightened his arms around her. "She'll be good for him. She'll keep him grounded, like you do with me."

Drake pressed a kiss to her forehead. "She'll make him see sense like you do for me."

Olivia lifted her head and met his lips for a long kiss.

"Everything will work out." She said once they eased apart. "Just like it's supposed to."

"That's awfully optimistic of you." Drake cocked an eyebrow in surprise.

Olivia's smile he'd come to love over the years blossomed.

"You forget. I know exactly how to hurt a man, just like I taught Jules." She cuddled closer to him. "Plus our duchy is perfect for hiding and disposing of a body."

"What happened to it being our best friends' kid?"

She rolled her eyes. "Our family comes first. Luckily, Emerick might just be the one young man worthy of our daughter."

Drake felt a little better in hearing her usual threats and observations.

Maybe all would work out like she thought. Maybe he was being too hard on the crown prince. Maybe like Drake, he hadn't realized what had been in front of him the whole time.

He'd still watch them closely these next few weeks and hopefully see what he needed to: his daughter having everything she deserved.

"Have you come to peace with this yet?" Olivia asked.

"I guess." He grumbled.

"Good." She eased out of his arms and held her hand out to him. "Come on. Let's take a walk and get some of that frustration out of you."

He stood, took her hand, and pulled her back into his arms.

He placed a tender kiss upon her lips.

"Thank you." He said softly.

It amazed him that after all these years, Olivia was still the only person who knew exactly what he needed in moments like this.

Her lips curved once more in her proud duchess-like way as she tugged him towards the door. He knew that regardless of what happened with Juliet and their other children's love lives, he would have Olivia by his side to help him deal with all the upcoming changes.

And he couldn't be more grateful for that fact.

She glared at him. "I don't have time for your ridiculous charm." She pointed at the magazines. "Just look at what they're writing about us!"

He did as commanded, scanning each cover that had a picture of them together. Many of the headlines questioned whether or not their relationship was going to lead to marriage.

Then there were those that were comparing what they were like in previous relationships to the one they supposedly were in.

"I knew it was too good to be true." Juliet flopped across his couch. "After all our hard work to keep you free from marriage proposals and me from annoying noblemen, the people finally realize we aren't really together."

Emerick stroked his jaw while flipping through some of the articles. He studied the pictures of the two of them together that were lined up with them and their exes.

He grimaced somewhat at all the images of himself kissing various women. Juliet's past wasn't much better, but at least she maintained a relationship longer than he did.

"Say something!" She demanded when he remained in silent study.

"We have two options." Emerick declared.

She sat up on her elbows and cocked an eyebrow in question.

"One, we simply ignore this and let the people believe the actual truth about us being only friends."

"Or?" She prodded when he hesitated.

"Or we make it believable the next time we are caught by the press."

"And by believable you mean...?"

"We kiss, Jules." He stated in an even, nonchalant tone.

Juliet sputtered. "Excuse me?"

"Come now." He got to his feet. "We're both adults who have had experience. It isn't like we're teenagers who've never had a kiss in their lives."

Juliet simply stared at him with her jaw dropped.

"What?" He asked.

"I can't believe you're serious!" She shouted. "Emerick, you're...well...you're you!"

He rolled his eyes. "And?"

"And you're talking about kissing me. ME!" She shook her head. "This fake dating was supposed to save us headaches not cause more of them."

"What's worse?" He stopped her from turning away from him. "Kissing me, a man you've known since infancy, one you trust, a friend;" he stressed, "or being mauled by one of the many noblemen who want a connection with Lythikos?"

"Geez, must you put it like that?" She folded her arms.

"It's the same for me." He reminded her. "It's either kissing you for one picture or being hounded by women hoping to become a princess."

Juliet mulled it over.

Emerick knew he'd won when her head dropped back.

"Fine! I'll kiss you."

"You don't have to make it sound like a chore." He teased, winking at her. "I know some ladies who can vouch for my kisses being a rather pleasant experience."

Her eyes narrowed.

"I don't care if you have a thousand ladies vouch for your kisses." She huffed in irritation. "It's still weird."

"Why?"

"Because we've known each other forever." She snapped. "You're best friends with my brother!"

"So? You're best friends with mine." He countered. "And that whole knowing each other forever bit doesn't really matter."

"Why doesn't it?"

"Look at Nicky and Jackson." He pointed out with a cheeky grin. "They grew up together and clearly have no problem kissing each other.

Juliet closed her eyes and counted to twenty to try and control her temper.

"My brother and Nicky are in love. We are not."

Emerick shrugged as if that was neither here nor there.

Juliet's fists clenched. She might not feel like kissing him but she certainly felt like punching him in his stupid, ridiculously handsome face.

"Look," he tried to reason, "we've had some fun on our," he made quotation marks with his fingers, "dates, haven't we?"

She reluctantly nodded. As much as she wished she could deny it, Juliet really did enjoy her dates with the prince.

"This one kiss isn't going to change anything between us, Jules." He promised. "We do it, make certain the press takes all the necessary pictures, and we can then resume our normal time together fooling the masses."

Juliet ran a hand through her red hair.

"You're right." She mumbled.

"What was that?" He leaned his ear towards her. "I didn't quite catch that."

"I said you're right!" She snapped.

Emerick placed his hand over his heart.

"My lady, I am overcome." He dropped to one knee before her and pressed her hand to his lips. "To hear such a sweet declaration from you, it is all I have ever hoped for."

Despite wanting to remain irritated with him, Juliet began to laugh at his overly dramatic teasing.

Emerick beamed at her for being such a good sport throughout these months of subterfuge.

"So when are we doing this?" She asked.

"Whenever you wish." He sat back down behind his desk to check his schedule. "We have a ball at Ramsford in two weeks. There's the dinner with the Chamber of Commerce next Friday. Then--"

"I think we should get it over with as soon as possible." She decided.

Emerick looked up at her in surprise. Was the notion of kissing him that disgusting to her?

Juliet's cheeks heated with a touch of color. "If we put it off, I'm going to be more nervous about it."

Emerick didn't think he could be any more shocked than he was hearing her say something like that. Juliet was a young woman who never got nervous. She had enough of the Nevrakis confidence in her mixed with the Walker's not caring what anyone else thought persona that was simply Jules.

She was typically unflappable in any situation. Her quick, dry wit intermingled with her fiery temper to keep others from daring to say anything cutting to her. She was respected and feared amongst many members of the Royal Court.

He'd come to depend on that these last few months. Though she could drive him crazy at times, he appreciated those personality quirks of hers along with her logical, no nonsense way of thinking. She had surprisingly become a person whose advice he readily sought.

He saw the type of noble she was becoming. Her loyalty and steadfast nature came from both her parents and he couldn't be more grateful to have it for himself.

Of all his friends though, he was surprised how much he had come to enjoy every moment with her. Even their arguments left him feeling energized. There was something about her that he...

Emerick stopped that train of thought.

He did wonder why a simple kiss had the power to make her nervous.

Juliet hated admitting to such a weakness in front of him. She knew it sounded ridiculous. Goodness knows, she'd never been one to try and tame her passionate nature. Emerick had even been one of her friends who'd caught her in more than one embrace with different men over the years.

But the thought of kissing him...

She didn't know what to think about the feelings that particular notion stirred within her. No man frustrated her nor made her laugh quite like Emerick did. He never stepped back from going toe to toe with her, nor was he cowed like many of the other nobles when she was angry.

He was infuriating with how charming he could be. His flirtatious nature had been with him since birth. It was effortless on his part and she realized through her time spent one on one with him that it was typically used to put one at ease.

Though many assumed he was carefree, she'd come to see the more serious side to his personality. She knew how much he valued his family and their close knit group of friends, but she was also catching glimpses into the type of king he would one day become.

She admired him and was usually proud of the decisions and arguments he made in terms of their country. She would have no problem respecting him as her king once Uncle Liam stepped down from the throne.

She did worry though over the thought of some woman coming along and trapping Emerick in a marriage. Like his father, the prince possessed a tender heart. He'd never stepped back when someone was in need. Once he cared about someone or an issue, he threw himself into it with everything he had.

He needed to be protected. She now understood why her father had remained by Liam's side until he met Riley. She realized that it was up to her to be that for Emerick. She knew her brother, Jackson, felt the same way about the prince but he was a little caught up with Lady Nicky Beaumont to give all his free time to this endeavor.

Which might explain why she didn't put up much of a fight when Emerick suggested they do this fake dating for the social season.

At least that's what it was in the beginning...

Juliet put a stop to her wayward thoughts. She was not going to join the ranks of hundreds of women enamored with the crown prince.

But this kiss...what if she...if he...

She got to her feet.

"Let's go out tonight or tomorrow."

Emerick slowly nodded. "If that's what you wish."

"It is." She lowered her eyes. "Something casual. I don't think we need to kiss at some court event."

Emerick's brow furrowed as he observed her.

She really is nervous.

"How about tomorrow afternoon?" He offered.

"Sounds good." She stumbled to his door. "I'll see you for lunch then."

Before he could say another word, she hurried out of his room.

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

The spring day had turned chilly and damp. Emerick and Juliet thought that was the perfect setting to make the kiss more believable. It wouldn't look staged now, especially since they weren't supposed to be posing for the press at an event.

The two walked through the capital, hand in hand, as they made their way to an outdoor cafe they were known to frequent. Other than the palace guards following at a respectable distance, the two basically had the sidewalk to themselves.

Emerick decided during a night of tossing and turning in bed, that it would be best to catch Juliet off guard with the kiss. He worried that if he forewarned her about when it would happen, she would be even more nervous and the kiss wouldn't appear authentic.

She was already clutching his hand and arm. He didn't know if the occasional trembles he felt were from the cold breeze or from her nerves.

Once the two were seated at a patio table and had their orders placed, he reached over and took her hand once more.

He could hear the clicks of cameras from some not so well hidden paparazzi.

Juliet smiled at him, squeezing his hand.

He held her gaze as he lifted their clasped hands to his lips.

Emerick could feel her tense at the touch she'd felt many times throughout the years.

"Jules." He said softly.

She lowered her eyes to his mouth.

He leaned forward and slipped his hand into her hair, tugging her forward as he pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

He was doing fine maintaining what was going to be a simple kiss until she reached up and cupped his cheek.

Her lips parted under his allowing him to deepen the kiss. He could taste the beginning of her fiery nature as her tongue caressed his.

Her husky moan took him by surprise as she pulled him closer to her.

They barely pulled apart to catch their breaths, before he dipped back down, sucking her bottom lip.

Her breath hitched, a flash of her green eyes met his blue before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Her mouth slanted over his, drawing him back into another passionate kiss.

Emerick nearly yanked her into his lap. If not for their waiter, clearing his throat, their kiss would most likely still be going. And where it would have led, startled them both.

"Emerick?" She whispered. "Stop staring at me like that."

Juliet knew she was looking at him just like he was her, as if seeing each other for the first time.

He lowered his eyes and quickly picked up his glass of water. He hoped as he gulped it down that it would cool the desire he felt for her in that kiss.

Emerick made the mistake of glancing at her again. He saw the slight redness around her mouth where his stubble had rubbed against her porcelain skin. The sight brought on another flash of heat over his body.

Juliet's eyes drifted back to his mouth as she sipped her own ice water. She was tempted to put the glass to her cheeks as she thought of how it felt being kissed by him. It made her want to do it again.

No wonder he said he had numerous ladies who could vouch for his kisses, she thought to herself.

"Well," Emerick tried to joke to break the tension, "I think we managed to make our relationship believable."

Her lips curved a touch proudly.

"Yeah, I think we did."

Their eyes met while smiles formed on their faces.

"Was it as dreadful as you thought it would be?" He whispered.

Emerick expected her to tease him about being a bad kisser.

Juliet instead lowered her eyes to his mouth once more.

"On the contrary," she lifted her water glass as if she was about to offer a toast, "I didn't find it dreadful at all."

Emerick tapped his glass against hers.

With a wink, he said.

It was a Lythikos color.

Nicky twirled around. She brushed her rich, brown curls back over her shoulder and readjusted her black lace demi mask.

"What do you think?" Nicky asked a touch nervously.

"I think you're wearing the wrong colors!" Emily exclaimed.

She herself was wearing blue with silver sequins dotting here and there. Her own silver mask dangled from her fingers by blue ribbons.

Nicky grimaced. She knew her sister wouldn't understand the meaning nor the reason why she'd chosen to wear another duchy's colors.

But Nicky knew why she'd chosen to do something so...noticable.

She was determined to make a statement, one that would silence the whispers and rumors running amok in the royal court of Cordonia.

She also wanted to make it up to Jackson.

The heir to the duchy of Lythikos had already gone through a very painful year. Nicky publicly dumped him when she realized that the timing was off for them to move forward in their relationship (she wanted to get married while Jackson didn't see the reason to rush).

She'd then left the country with her mom and sister to grieve over the loss of her father, Maxwell. Jax was left behind to weather a broken heart while having to face the press on his own.

While away and trying to move on from Jackson, Nicky began dating one of Hollywood's newest sex symbols. Jax of course also tried to date others in the hopes of forgetting what he'd had in Nicky. Neither was good of letting go of the memories.

And just when she believed he'd never want anything to do with her again after months of silence, he appeared in California and took her to dinner. They were able to talk and be friends. They even planned to attend a wedding for a couple they didn't particularly care for together, as friends.

Then he had to go and be her hero when she was embarrassed over catching the wedding bouquet. He stood in front of everyone, kissed her hand, and said he'd hoped he knew who the lucky man she'd choose to marry, all while giving the illusion to the overly eager court members that he hoped it was himself.

Finally, he caught her alone. When he saw her crying he did what he'd always done before things ended badly between them. He took her in his arms and kissed her.

It'd felt like coming home, like coming to life once more. It was both strange and familiar all at once to be back in his arms.

Then that night Jackson confessed he was still in love with her, that he'd never stopped. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't feel that way towards anyone except her.

He wanted to try again.

Nicky didn't think her heart could take much more in that moment. She felt exactly the same way, she'd always felt like that.

But...

She still did not want to simply spin her wheels with him. She wanted marriage. She wanted a family of their own. She wanted their lives together to truly begin.

"I never said I didn't want that." He'd argued. "I've always known you were my future, Nicky."

Jackson was prepared to get down on one knee if that's what it took to keep her in his life. He was tired of his numb existence without her. Whatever lesson she'd tried to teach him all these months apart, he felt like he'd more than learned it.

Before he could do anything though, Nicky took a deep breath and said they should start over.

His eyes widened. He knew that before they broke up that she felt like they were wasting time. With the death of her father rattling her even more that life was too short and one shouldn't wait on anything, those were the last words he ever thought he'd hear her say.

She stepped out of his arms, determined to do this right. Nicky wasn't going to bully him into wanting to marry her. Perhaps she'd gone about their previous relationship all wrong. She wasn't certain how to change, but she would try and simply be his date, then girlfriend, then love, then...hopefully...

Jackson yanked her back in his arms. His lips captured hers in another deep kiss.

"We're back together?" He asked in a hoarse voice.

"Yes, but we're starting over." Nicky's breath hitched over the feeling of his lips kissing along her shoulder. "We'll have a first date and see how it goes."

"I claim this as our first date." He muttered against her skin.

She laughed in the midst of a moan. "I don't allow those types of kisses on a first date."

"Then this is whatever date you would allow these on." He drew her back into another heated kiss.

"Jax." She gripped him close. "I don't want us to end like we did before."

"We won't." He swore. "I'm never letting you go again, Nicky."

That's why she was now decked out in red and black. She was giving a public statement, one that the Cordonian nobles would not be able to misunderstand. She was showing them all that she was fully committed to Lord Jackson Nevrakis-Walker.

"The court is going to flip when they see you tonight." Emily reminded her. "And what's Mums going to think?!"

Nicky wasn't quite certain what their mother would think in seeing the heir to St Orella dressed like this.

"We have to let her see you before anyone else does!" Emily dashed out of the room before Nicky could stop her.

The future duchess silently prayed that her mother's new love, Thomas Hunt, would be enough of a distraction to keep her from being upset.

Amanda walked in with an anxious Emily hot on her heels. Thomas had been dragged along by Emily, who was also hoping that his presence would diffuse a potential fight.

Amanda's hazel eyes drifted along her daughter's pale features made even more beautiful with the rich red of her gown. Her lips curved in approval.

Nicky blinked in surprise. "Mom?"

"You look absolutely gorgeous!" Amanda took her hand and twirled her. "Jax won't know what hit him when he sees you."

Emily's jaw dropped. "You're not upset?"

"Upset? Why would I be?" Amanda asked, thoroughly puzzled over that notion.

Emily gestured towards her sister. "Because she's wearing Lythikos's colors!"

"So?" Amanda prodded.

"So?!" Emily looked about at each person in the room for help.

Thomas held his hands up. "Don't look at me. I have no idea what's going on."

Nicky's nervousness caused a laugh to slip out.

"I know why she's wearing this." Amanda explained. "I did the same thing with your father."

Both girls stared at her in shock.

"But you had the higher title!" Nicky exclaimed. "Dad should have worn your colors!"

"And he did." Amanda replied. "But when we first started officially being together, I wore Ramsford's colors to a ball." She shrugged with a smile. "Just to let everyone know whom I had chosen."

Nicky blinked back tears. She loved not only hearing her parents' love story but also seeing her own follow a similar path. Like her mother and father; she'd fallen for Jackson when they were children, had a major crush on him as a teenager, and fell madly in love with him as an adult.

To see that once again she was mimicking their sweet steps towards a happily ever after, she was more than thrilled with her choice in dress.

She hoped Jackson would understand the significance.

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

"Have you seen Nicky?" Jackson asked.

Emerick and Alec both shook their heads.

"Why didn't you escort her to the ball?" The crown prince asked.

"Because." Jackson huffed to Emerick as he accepted another drink. "She insisted on meeting me here."

"But you two are back together, right?" Alec prodded.

He couldn't take another moment of seeing two of his best friends being heartbroken.

"Yes. I made certain of it." Jax ran a hand through his hair, accidentally knocking his red and black demi mask askew. "She wanted to start over."

Emerick choked on his champagne. "Start over? All the way?"

"Yes." Jax groaned. "I told her we weren't doing that."

"I don't know." Alec chortled. "It would have been entertaining for the rest of us to see you act like you did as children."

Emerick chuckled over that image "There would be a lot of chasing her around the ballroom to pull her hair."

Jackson couldn't help but grin over those memories. He couldn't recall a time in his life when he didn't love Nicky.

"There's a blue dress." Alec pointed out.

Their eyes narrowed as they tried to figure out who it was.

"It's Emily." Emerick announced when he noticed his younger brother, Ellis, making a beeline towards her.

"Nicky can't be far behind." Alec pointed towards Amanda and Thomas taking to his mother, Hana. "Aunt Amanda is here too."

Jackson didn't know why he felt so antsy waiting on her. He was used to Nicky taking longer than usual to dress for a ball. Perhaps it was because after the wedding in Paris, they'd had to part ways while she finished her work in California and he had his duties here.

Now that the Beaumont ladies were back in Cordonia for good, he'd hoped to see more of her. But, she'd been busy unpacking and catching up on duties in St Orella with her mother and sister. They'd ended up spending these last few weeks simply talking on the phone. As much as he loved being able to do so again, he needed to be with her.

He checked the time then handed his glass to Alec.

"I'm going to go find her." He announced.

"Good luck!" His friends called out as he hurried through the crowd.

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

As Nicky descended the grand staircase of the royal palace, she paused at the sight of Jackson's mother staring at her from the foot of the stairs.

Her grace, Lady Olivia Nevrakis-Walker's sharp green eyes took in the young lady who son was in love with. She'd always approved of Nicky, even supported her side of things when the young couple's relationship ended.

But to see her wearing her duchy's colors...she couldn't be more proud of her son for choosing such a woman to love.

"Nicky, you've never looked lovelier." Olivia told her once she reached the bottom.

"Thank you, Aunt Liv." Nicky gave her a quick hug. "I wore this for Jax."

Olivia beamed at her. "You were meant to wear Lythikos colors."

She clasped her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll see you later."

Olivia hurried off into the ballroom to find Drake. She was determined that they did not miss a moment of the other nobles seeing the heir to St Orella make a public declaration to Lythikos.

Plus, she couldn't wait to see their son's face when he saw Nicky.

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

Jackson did his best not to curse too loudly as he waded through the crowd of masked individuals. Laughter and the hum of conversation drowned out his grumblings. There were few people he would willingly seek out in this crowd and Lady Nicky Beaumont topped that exclusive list.

He stepped on one lady's gown, went to apologize, only to end up stumbling into another lady.

He grasped the soft curves encased in sparkling red to keep them both from tumbling to the ground. His dark brown eyes collided with a pair of hazel orbs that he knew so well.

His arms wrapped around her, drawing her close, as his lips brushed against hers.

The tender exchange made Nicky's toes curl.

Jackson deepened the kiss the moment he felt her hands slide up his chest.

"Should we be kissing like this on a second date?" Nicky teased.

Jackson snorted. "This isn't a second date."

"It kinda is." She smiled at him, taking in how handsome he was in all black, save for the red mixed in his demi mask.

Jackson actually stepped back to truly look at her. His eyes widened the moment he saw what she was wearing.

"Nichole Beaumont." He said softly, twirling her to where her red skirt flared about.

"Yes, m'lord?"

His smile slowly grew the longer he admired her.

"Care to explain your choice of colors?"

Nicky lowered her eyes and pulled her hand from his grasp.

"I thought it was rather obvious why I did this." She took a deep breath before lifting her eyes back to his. "I did it for you, Jax."

Jackson felt his heart ache from the sweetness of this public declaration of hers. She couldn't have told the world they lived in that he alone had her love any better than if she'd gotten on stage and announced it. If it was anything Cordonian nobles paid more attention to, it was fashion statements. He noticed that most of the crowd was whispering and pointing towards them.

This was gossip he could easily live with. He knew he'd caused some at Colette's wedding when he'd made such of show of being Nicky's escort. But Nicky...now she'd made certain to end all speculation about their relationship.

Knowing they had an audience and not caring at all for once, Jackson took her back in his arms for a passionate kiss.

He heard the gasps of the crowd followed by squeals and whoops from their siblings and friends.

When Nicky gently cupped his cheek, he ignored all the commotion going on around them. He finally had the one he loved back where she belonged, where he intended to keep her from now on.

Her laughter was silenced by the heat of his next kiss.

"Jax." She moaned as his mouth moved down her neck. "I have to go."

"No, you don't." He argued.

"Yes, I do." She smiled softly when he lifted his head to frown at her.

"Nicky," he grumbled, "after everything that's happened, I think we're allowed to be caught, as you like to say, en déshabillé by servants and our families."

Honestly, he thought that everyone would be in more shock to find them in their separate rooms than together after how he'd reacted when he saw her at the ball earlier. He hadn't bothered to hide just how much in love he was with her.

"Jax!" She giggled over his deep, gravelly voice using such a term. "You might have no qualms being caught in such a way, but I would like to keep that small shadow of a doubt over just what we get up to when alone."

He groaned while fighting back a smile. He couldn't really be frustrated with her over something like this, not after all she'd done tonight to show just how much he meant to her. His gaze drifted over to the red dress that would end up being his favorite thing she'd ever worn. Jackson had been miserable for so long after their breakup, that this night of them truly being back together was one he didn't want to see come to an end.

Nicky eased out of his arms, pressing another lingering kiss to his lips.

His attention snapped back to her curvy form moving in the dim lights to get dressed. He relaxed back against the pillows to watch her. Everything she did made a warmth spread throughout his body.

There really is no one else who can make me feel like she does, he thought.

He'd certainly tried hard enough to find someone once Nicky left him. He was at first desperate to find a woman who could help him numb the pain in his heart. Then he simply searched for someone he could care for nearly as much as he did Nicky. Once that failed too, he finally settled for anyone who could make him feel anything. Each date was met with bitter disappointment.

Jackson felt at peace again. Everything in his life was right once more. His broken heart was finally back in working order. And the way he felt right now...

Nicky presented her back to him.

"Would you zip me up ple--"

Her breath caught when he slid his hands within the opening of her dress. His lips dotted kisses along the expanse of her back. Each one seemed more tender than the previous kiss.

"I really have to go." She mumbled halfheartedly.

He rested his forehead against her warm skin and tightened his arms around her. He didn't know if he would ever be ready to see her go again after what had happened once they made it through his bedroom door, even if it was to merely return to her own room to await the moment they could be together in a few hours.

Though there had always been a deeper passion when making love before things ended between them, now there was something more to it. Perhaps it was because they both truly understood what they had in the other. After going through months of being apart, all they missed and had once taken for granted was at last appreciated. Tonight, they savored every single moment of the other in their arms.

Jackson forced himself to sit up and zip her dress for her.

She smiled at him for doing so.

"I'll see you in a little while, Lord Jackson."

He got up, pulled his boxers back on, and walked her to the door.

"Good night, or good morning." She teased.

"Get some sleep, Lady Nichole." He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "I intend on monopolizing all your time today."

"You do?" Her smile grew bigger at the thought.

"And I intend to keep you to myself all night again too." He whispered.

"Then I should definitely get a nap." She opened the door and slipped out into the empty hallway.

Jackson still had her hand in his and yanked her back for one last kiss.

Nicky looped her arms around his waist, deepening the kiss.

They were both breathless once they pulled apart.

"I love you, Nicky." He whispered.

"I love you too, Jax." She eased away once more.

He watched her hurry barefooted down the hallway, pause at her door to blow him a kiss, then disappear within her room.

She dropped to her knees behind him, reached for some sunblock, and began to rub it into his back.

Ellis's eyes drooped closed at the feeling of her massaging his sore muscles. After weeks of polo matches followed by numerous council meetings, the young prince needed a day like this.

He couldn't think of a more perfect person to spend time with at the beach than Lady Emily Beaumont.

Which might be why Ellis intentionally forgot to invite their older siblings and friends...

"There we go." Emily crawled around until she was in front of him. "Now get my back for me, please."

Ellis did as asked. His hands lingered along her smooth skin, drawing lazy circles in the process. His lips curved as he drew their initials within a heart in the white cream.

"That tickles!" Emily squirmed under his hands.

He quickly smoothed the sunblock before she could question what he was doing back there.

The two finished up covering their bodies with another layer of protection then flopped back on the blanket.

"Why does it feel so good out here?" She muttered with a yawn.

"Because we've been cooped up inside the palace for so long." He reminded her.

"I guess we have."

She turned on her side to look at him. Emily's eyes traced along his profile. They next moved down to his chest rising and falling slowly with deep breaths.

Without opening his eyes, he grinned to himself.

"I know what you're doing and it isn't going to work." He mumbled.

"Me?" She replied in an overly dramatic, innocent fashion. "Why, whatever could you mean?"

"You're thinking about how to get me into the water." He cracked open his eyes to see her dimples deepening. "I demand, as a prince of Cordonia, to be allowed at least one lazy nap in the sun before jumping in."

Emily sighed and returned back to her former position. She stretched her arms over her head while also lifting each leg in various positions. She held the poses for the count of twenty before doing another. After years of ballet, she couldn't relax properly without going through the simple exercises.

Ellis watched her do each one. His attention drifted along her lithe body being pulled taught then released.

With a final stretch, she closed her eyes with a contented sigh.

She let out a startled yelp that turned into a laugh when Ellis rolled over on top of her.

"Excuse me, your highness," she teased, "but you're blocking the sun."

"Am I?" He rubbed his nose against hers. "Are you certain?"

"I'm pretty sure you are." She wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Then as a gentleman, I should move, shouldn't I?"

"You've always been a gentleman."

"I try." He winked at her.

"No, you don't. You succeed. It's a part of your nature." Her hands rubbed up and down his back. "That's why all the ladies love you. You're so considerate."

"Is that the reason?" He pressed a tender kiss to her cheek.

"Mmhmm." Her eyes closed as he moved to kiss her other cheek. "There are other reasons too."

"I don't really care about what those other ladies love." He murmured against her lips.

"No?"

"No."

"Oh." She pressed his body close to her as their mouths moved over each other's.

She loved how easily they moved into this new relationship. After years of only seeing each other in a "friends only" light, once the blinders were removed over how perfect they would be as a couple, neither hesitated to take that next step.

Emily had been with enough jerks over the years to know how incredibly special it was to be loved by someone like Ellis. He was her hopeless romantic. Everything he did for her was in the hopes that he was making her happy. Since she loved to see him smile, she nearly tripped over herself to do the same for him.

Her sister, Nicky, teased her about them being like Pride and Prejudice's Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennett. She loved to apply the quote about the fictional couple, that Mr. Bennet said, to Emily and Ellis.

"I have not a doubt of your doing very well together. Your tempers are by no means unlike. You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy, that every servant will cheat you; and so generous, that you will always exceed your income."

Emily could see it happening. They both were easy going, always up for whatever anyone else was for, and did all they could for those they loved. For the most part, each possessed the same sunny dispositions along with the tender hearts their fathers were notorious for. It was no wonder they'd always been close since they were so like minded.

This new intimacy though was nothing short of delicious. Her toes curled the moment he deepened the kiss. Each brush of his tongue made the warmth from his touch rival that of the sun.

She loved having him all to herself. She especially loved it now that they were a couple. Everything her prince did brought her nothing short of joy.

Ellis propped himself up on his elbows once the kiss ended and gazed down upon a face he sometimes thought he knew better than his own. He'd always loved her. Being near her lifted his spirits unlike anyone else he knew. She knew him better than his family and their friends. But being in love with her was a whole new experience, one he found had been missing from his life.

She smiled at him, her own eyes tracing the features of his handsome face.

"Weren't you about to take a nap?" She teased.

"And waste time alone with you?" He shook his head before pushing off of her.

She giggled when he lifted her off the blanket and carried her over his shoulder towards the ocean.

"Ellis! Don't--"

He dropped her into the water.

Emily shot up, still laughing as she brushed her hair out of her eyes.

"Now you've done it!" Her attempt to sound sinister was ruined with her delighted smile.

Ellis caught her in his arms when she launched herself at him. He laughed over her failed attempts to knock him under the water.

"Give up, Em." He locked her arms behind her back. "You've never been able to beat me at sparring."

"Maybe because I'm more of a lover than a fighter." She reminded him.

"I always loved that about you." Ellis told her.

"Really?" She relaxed against him as they bobbed along the waves. "You don't wish I was a little tougher?"

"Why would I wish for something like that?" He asked.

"I don't know. I mean you are a prince."

"So?"

"So, princes should have protection just like princesses do. Right?"

"That's what the guards are for, sweetheart."

"I know that." She rolled her eyes at the obvious. "But, I've heard the stories about your parents. Aunt Riley was always ready to fight to protect your father. Shouldn't I be able to do that for you?"

Ellis cuddled her close. "Emily, you already give me what I need. All I want, all I ever wanted, was someone I could love with my entire heart and the ability to rest in knowing that she loved me with hers."

"No worries there." She pressed a tender kiss to his lips. "You've had my heart from the start, Ellis." Her eyes held his. "And you always will."

Ellis clutched her to him as her words sparked desire through him. Just as he began to get lost in her next kiss, a wave knocked them under the water.

They both struggled to stand up, sputtering and laughing at their partially drowned states.

"I think that's a sign from nature that we should go do that nap you were talking about." Emily took his hand and tugged him back to shore.

"I don't suppose you'd be willing to nap within my arms?" He asked.

"Just try and stop me." She snuggled within his embrace once they were back on the blanket. "We Beaumont's are known for latching on with the grip of a squid."

Emily pressed another kiss to his cheek.

"There's no escape once I have my arms around you." She teased.

Ellis returned her kiss, relaxing once more in the sunlight.

Now that the majority of their children were grown, the older adults were able to step back and allow them to handle being in the spotlight.

The crown prince, Emerick, had taken over giving the welcoming speech the last few years. He was typically surrounded by his brother, Ellis, and their closest friends.

On this particular evening though, he only had one person by his side, which unfortunately meant that the rumors were getting out of control.

"We should have made everyone else get up here with us." Juliet whispered.

"After Ellis spilt punch on his shirt and Emily tore her dress, we ran out of time." He whispered back. "I have no idea where Nicky or Jackson are. Have you seen Alec and Izzy?"

"I lost Izzy earlier in the crowd." Juliet murmured. "I saw Alec on the phone a little while ago. He mouthed, business, and disappeared inside."

"I apologize for making you stand up here with me." He mumbled near her ear.

She looked up into his handsome face with her signature smirk.

"You owe me big time for this."

He chuckled, carefully tucking a windblown curl behind her ear. The back of his fingers lingered a moment upon her cheek.

"I intend to pay handsomely for all you have sacrificed this season for me."

"You better." She teased. "Because I'm merely counting the days until I can collect all of that plus interest."

He coughed on his laughter as more cameras were raised in anticipation.

"Smile." Emerick slipped his arm around her waist when reporters began to snap pictures of the two of them. "We're trapped."

After giving a welcome to all who had joined them, along with the significance of the festival, he had a servant bring over two lanterns.

Juliet's eyes widened for a second when she noticed that the two were tied together with a red ribbon.

Her slight stiffening wasn't lost on the prince by her side.

Giving the photographers a picture that many were hoping to capture, Emerick turned toward her with a wicked smile. He leaned down close once more to whisper in her ear, lips barely brushing the delicate skin turning pink.

"Like us, these lanterns will be trapped together for eternity." He whispered.

Juliet snorted, dropping her head so that no one could see how much she wanted to laugh. Having him think of a way to send the joke they tossed back and forth how this farce was going to end up keeping them trapped together was making tears come to her eyes. His squeezing of her waist only made the struggle worse.

"Now, Lady Juliet and I will make our wishes and send these two to join their brethren." Emerick told the crowd.

"Ready?" He asked her.

"Hold on." She closed her eyes tight, lips moving silently as she made her wish.

"Ready." She opened her eyes to see an amused yet very fond expression on Emerick's face.

"One, two, three."

They both let the lanterns go and watched as the two circled around each other until the ribbon curled keeping them entwined together.

The supposed couple then had their well practiced smiles in place as the questions began.

Off to the side, Drake stood observing the spectacle his daughter always caused when near Liam's son.

His frown firming drew his wife's attention.

"What's eating at you, Walker?" Olivia asked.

Drake cast a frustrated glance at her before focusing once more on the pair.

"What do you think about them?" He asked.

"Who?"

"Our daughter and Emerick." He grumbled.

"What are you talking about?"

"Their relationship."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me you believe their little act."

"I know Jules says it's an act." He snapped. "But it seems to me that he is using her."

Olivia snorted. "Using Jules? Do you honestly think anyone can use a Nevrakis?"

She tilted her head as she studied her husband's growing irritation.

"Granted she does have your genes , but I like to think the Nevrakis ones already defeated any weakness the Walker's might have had."

"Liv." Drake groaned.

"You know our girl can take care of herself." Olivia pointed out, slipping an arm around his waist.

"I know Jules can." He wrapped his around her, pulling her closer. "It's Emerick I'm not so sure about."

"You're worried about Liam's son?" Olivia began to laugh.

"If it was Ellis, I wouldn't be as concerned. He's more like Liam. But Emerick..."

His eyes narrowed when he noticed the prince had yet to remove his arm from around Juliet.

"Has a lot of Leo in him."

Olivia followed his glare. What she noticed and thought was more telling than Emerick's actions with their daughter, was that Juliet was not making a move to escape him.

In fact, it was looking more and more that Juliet enjoyed spending events by Emerick's side.

"I think he has more of Liam and Riley than Leo." She argued.

"That smirk is all Leo." He pointed out.

"Perhaps." Olivia conceded, much to her husband's shock.

"And you're fine with him being with our daughter?"

"Once again, I'm not worried, because she is our daughter." Olivia silenced him with her elbow to his ribs when he opened his mouth again to argue. "She has both of us in her. Neither of us is willing nor has the patience to put up with idiots or people who take advantage of others."

Drake ran a hand through his hair, releasing a long deep breath. He couldn't think of a way to argue that fact.

"You know I'm right." Olivia placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'm always right."

She left him to continue his study of the two.

Just as he was about to relax in his wife's reassurance that all was fine, Emerick took Juliet's hand. With a whisper that had her smiling, he whisked her off through the crowd towards some shadowed area of Valtoria.

Drake softly cursed before slouching off in search of Olivia.