👑YOUR MAJESTY👑

1- When did you start playing Choices? What was the first book you played? 

I first started playing in June 2018. The Royal Romance was the first book I played, and I got hooked from the end of the first chapter. At the time, they were midway through releasing TRR book 3, so I binged books 1 & 2 and finally caught up on the day of the wedding, where the chapter ended with the attack at the boutique. Then I didn’t know what to do with myself because it was the first time I had to wait a week to find out what was going to happen.

2- When and why did you join Choices fandom?

Finding Tumblr was a complete accident. I was googling something really dumb about Liam and TRR and happened to stumble across a link for a fic on Tumblr. At the time, I didn’t know what Tumblr was; I’d heard of it but had no idea what it consisted of. The fic I came across was around 40+ chapters, and I was in my glory reading this angsty story about Liam, but it wasn’t finished, so when I reached the last updated chapter, I was like, “I need more.” So I opened Tumblr and searched for more Liam fics and found a trove. I lurked for another month or so before finally making my account in September 2018.

3- How did you pick your blog name? 

I wish I had some good story for it, but it’s the most basic thing, lol. It’s just my initials and a significant date. I think if I came into the fandom with the intention of actually doing something with the blog, I would have tried to come up with something a little more clever and creative, but I had zero intention of doing anything but reading. I thought about changing it a few years ago, but when I learned that I’d have to relink everything in my masterlist, it didn’t seem worth the hassle.

4- Pull up the first post in your archive, and tell us about it!  

It’s from the day TRR 3 ended and it’s about how I was sad that it was over but was glad that I had all these stories to read.

5- How long have you been writing fanfiction?

I’d never written anything until I joined the fandom, so I’ve only been writing for almost five years now. The thought of writing didn’t even cross my mind when I joined the fandom, but within a couple of weeks of making my blog, I had a random idea pop up in my head, and for some reason, I decided to write it down. A few days later, after talking myself out of posting and then talking myself back into it, I bit the bullet. For me to post a story that I wrote was entirely out of my comfort zone. I’m pretty shy and tend to be more of a wallflower, so I don’t usually put myself out there, especially like that, and I’ve never been someone who does something where I intentionally set myself up, knowing there is a very good chance that I will fail. And social media on any platform can be a pretty intimidating and terrifying place when you open yourself up, especially to strangers, even by way of posting a measly little fanfic. So to say I was terrified of posting that first fic is an understatement, but I’m so glad that I did.

6- What is your favorite Choices book, and what is your favorite Choices book to write about?

The Royal Romance will always be my favorite. It was the first book I ever played and was the only one I played for well over a year (I just kept replaying over and over and over until @cocomaxley convinced me to give MotY a try, which I fell in love with). It’s my comfort book. And like every book, it definitely has its flaws, but I love it and the characters so much. And TRR is my favorite book to write about. Liam will always be my number one guy.

7- Share the first fanfic you wrote with us. Do you still like it, or would you change it if you were writing it today?

The first fic that I wrote was I Dare You. It’s not an all-time favorite of mine, but I like it well enough that I wouldn’t change anything about it.

8- What is your favorite fic that you’ve written?

This is tough because I have a few that I love for different reasons, but I think Always You will always be the most special to me because it was the first series I wrote that I can truly say I poured my whole heart into. I love that story, and I love the history between Liam and the OC, their bond, and their relationship. 

9- Do you have a fic that you didn’t expect to be well received, but it was? What about one you expected to be but found could use a little more love?

When I decided to start Hopeless Hearts, I didn’t think it would be received any differently from most things I’d written before. It was an idea I’d kept on the back burner for over 2 years prior to writing it because I didn’t think it was anything spectacular or out of the box. It turned out to be my most well-received series, and it became one of my personal favorites as well.

I don’t think anything I’ve written has left me feeling as though I wished it had gotten more. I’m still surprised to this day that anyone wants to read anything I’ve written at all, so any love that my fics get is beyond appreciated.

10- If you could write only angst, fluff, or smut for the rest of your writing life, which would it be and why? 

Angst (but with a HEA). I love putting my characters through the wringer before giving them that happily ever after they deserve. Whether I’m reading or writing, there’s something about feeling the pain and longing they’re going through that gets me emotionally invested. I think that’s why I love the second chance romance trope so much, too. It’s a really versatile trope, but there’s a lot of room for angst in those kinds of stories because of that established history between the characters and a past that tore them apart the first time around.

11- Do you ever recognize yourself in any of your MCs or in your writing?

I think I sprinkle a little bit of myself into all of my MCs/OCs. It’s usually something small like a favorite food, a hobby, certain mannerisms, etc. I think the one that I’ve added more of myself into than any other and can relate to the most personality wise would definitely be Charlotte.

12- What element of writing do you struggle with most?

I struggle with all of it here and there, and I’m constantly questioning whether something makes sense, if it’s flowing together, if it’s too descriptive or not descriptive enough, etc. I think the one area I most consistently struggle with is deciding where and how to end because I always want to leave my chapters with a cliffhanger or if I’m finishing something for good, I want to give it the ending it deserves. 

13- Do you have any neglected work you really want to finish?

I have quite a few that are unfinished that I know I more than likely won’t ever pick back up, mostly because I just lost my mojo for them, but there are definitely some that I want to finish. I’d really like to get back to Past Meet Present one day. I don’t even remember why I got off track with writing it, and it’s been at least two years or more since I last updated it 🫣 so I’m not sure if anyone would even still be interested at this point, but I’d really like to finish that along with Breaking Point and Us Again.

14- If someone you know in real life (who isn’t involved in fandoms) asked to read your work, would you let them? If yes, what would you recommend they read first? 

No. Maybe. I don’t know, lol. I try to be a “never say never” kind of person, but writing is something that I’ve done for almost five years that literally no one in my real life knows about. Not my friends, not my family, not a single soul. It’s like my dirty little secret. And it’s a little tough because it does get lonely sometimes when you have something that you love doing so much but you just feel like you can’t share or aren’t ready to share that part of yourself with even those closest to you. I’m a pretty self-conscious person, and posting on here where I can hide behind a screen is hard enough; I get nervous and have a good spike of anxiety every time I post something, no matter what it is. I don’t know if I could handle someone who knows me personally even knowing that I write, let alone actually reading something I’ve written. I’ve got the bubble gut just thinking about it 🥴

15 - Are there any writers (published authors and/or fanfic writers) who influenced your writing? 

I’ve been lucky enough to talk to and befriend some amazing and talented people in the time I’ve been here who I’ve certainly looked up to when it comes to their writing talents. And there are also those writers who I got to know after I’d been writing for a while that not only continued to inspire me with their amazing stories and talent but who also became a huge support and really close friends. They were and/or are always willing to brainstorm, look over snippets, help in those moments when I’ve been extra critical of myself and feeling very unsure, and/or have just been the absolute best cheerleaders and constantly supportive and encouraging to not only me but others as well. I don’t want to make a list because I always end up forgetting someone and I don’t want to leave anyone out, but anyone that fits that bill above, you know how much I love and appreciate each one of you.

16- Which one of your stories would you most like to see as a movie/series? 

I’d say either Always You or Hopeless Hearts for a movie. Series I think Full Disclosure with some Charlotte shenanigans would be pretty fun 😂

17- Do you write original fiction? 

I haven’t. I’ve been asked a few times about whether I’ve thought about turning a couple of my series into original stories, but I just don’t think I’ll have the confidence to ever do it 😬

18 -  What other hobbies do you have?

I do photography. I love calligraphy and making hand drawn quote signs on wood or canvas. I love to read — I’m currently in my fantasy girl era and have been obsessing over the ACOTAR series for months, lol. 

19 - What’s your favorite emoji? 

I use so many to express myself in conversations that I think it would be hard to pick just one. My most commonly used ones: 💀 😂 🥲 😬 😍 🥴 🥹

20: BONUS - tell us anything you’d like (if you want to).

I just want to thank CFWC for working so hard to help keep this fandom active and supporting everyone here. 

To anyone who’s taken any time to read my stories and interact with me in any way, I appreciate it more than I can say. 

“What do you want to do for your birthday next week?” Alice asked without lifting her eyes from her book.

Liam glanced over at her before returning the page in his own book, “I’m fine with dinner.”

“Really, that’s all? No special traditions?”

“I do have a tradition, I just don’t think you will approve.”

Alice sat her book in her lap and looked at him. “What could it possibly be? You and Drake go on a bender at a strip club in Vegas?”

Liam belted out a laugh and shook his head. He closed his book and sat it on the coffee table in front of them as he turned his body to face her. He rested his arm along the back of the couch and gently brushed her hair away from her shoulder.

“Typically, on my birthday – and you do not have to agree to this at all – I get what any married man gets.”

Alice studied him, a coy smile easing its way onto her lips. “So sex.”

“Yes,” he stated gingerly, “with all my wives.”

Alice swallowed hard and looked away, her heart began to race. “Oh.”

Liam slid closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he grabbed her chin and turned it so she was looking at him again. “It doesn’t need to happen.”

“I know. Did you do it last year? While I was still figuring out my transition.”

His face fell with sympathy and he moved closer until he was right against her. “No, I was with you the whole time. I would never do something like that without you knowing. And I’d never do it if you weren’t okay with it.”

Alice’s eyes dropped to his lips and she licked hers instinctively before meeting his gaze again. “So… if I wanted to… you’d do it?”

Liam’s eyebrows shot up, “um, yeah, I mean – are you sure you want to?”

She shrugged a shoulder and ran a hand down his chest. “I don’t know yet. But I hate the idea of you giving up a centuries old tradition on my account.”

“You mean more to me than some tradition I started with Olivia.”

“I know Liam. But it’s something you have enjoyed and looked forward to every year.”

“I wouldn’t say I look forward to it, but I also won’t say I don’t enjoy it.”

Alice slid into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, “I think we should discuss it more. The do’s and don’t’s, who would be doing what… Then go from there.”

~~~A few days later~~~

Liam sat at a round table in one of the finest restaurants in Valtoria, Olivia and Hana opposite him. They carried on light conversation until their meals arrived, in case the waiter was to return. Both wives knew the subject of their meeting, Alice had agreed to the birthday foursome but Liam wanted to go over a few things before the big night.

“I’m surprised Alice let go of you long enough for you to meet with us,” Olivia quipped before taking a bite of her veal.

Liam narrowed his eyes at her as he took a sip of his wine. “You won’t make jabs at her while she’s not here.”

“Why didn’t she come?” Hana asked.

“I thought it would be best if I discussed the matter with you two alone.”

“So she wants to be involved, but she doesn’t want to talk about it?” Olivia scoffed.

“No, we’ve talked about it at length.”

“But she couldn’t be bothered to join us here, now?”

Liam leaned forward and put his elbows on the table, steepling his hands as he glared at her. “One more snide remark about her and you will be excluded.”

Olivia’s mouth fell open for a split second before slamming shut. She sank back in her seat with her arms crossed and looked away with a scowl. Liam sat back and turned his attention to Hana.

“Things will be different with four people, attention will be diverged. First of all, noone is to be left out,” he cut his eyes at Olivia for a split second before returning them to Hana. “We will all share each other equally.”

“I like the sound of that,” Hana laughed licking her lips.

“I thought you might. The second thing is, I will start and end with Alice. This will be her first time being with more than one person at a time,” his eyes were drifting between them, “and my main focus is going to be to make sure she is comfortable the whole time. I will kiss her first, fuck her first, and cum in her.”

“That’s understandable,” Hana nodded though her smile had fallen. “She needs to get used to how we work together. Next year might be different, or in ten years.”

“Exactly.”

“Is there anything else?” Olivia grumbled.

“Yes, one more thing.” He glanced around to make sure there no one was walking by, then dropped his voice to a whisper, knowing they could still hear him. “There will be no anal.”

“That’s just stupid,” Olivia snapped. “She wants to be the lead female, fine, whatever. It’s not like we haven’t each had you more times than the number of days she’s been alive. But to cut out the best –”

“Olivia!” Liam growled, setting a firm hand on the table. “It’s my decision and it’s final. If you don’t like it you are free to sit this year out, and the three of us will enjoy our time together.”

“I just don’t understand, why cut it out? Is she afraid her asshole will stretch?” She laughed wryly. “It’ll go back.”

“No, she’s concerned about the mixing of fluids and my ability to fully clean myself before swapping in the heat of the moment.”

“We can’t get infections.”

“I’m aware.”

Hana turned and laid a hand on Olivia’s arm with a soft smile. “She’s still a newborn. The human rules are still deeply ingrained in her mind. If we play by these rules for five or ten years, she’ll forget them. Then we can have all the anal we want. Right Liam?” She turned to smile at Liam who nodded.

“Correct. This needs to go as smoothly as possible for her. Because if she decides she doesn’t want to do it again, it’s over. I won’t partake without her.”

“But you will without me?”

Liam turned to give Olivia his full attention as he said, “I love her.”

~~~The evening of Liam’s birthday~~~

The MDMA infused liquor burned their throats, and with it seemed to burn away any tension lingering between Alice and Olivia. While all four of them were inebriated, Olivia was the only one bold enough for nudity, standing confidently in her bare skin. She proudly threw her head back, her curves glowing in the dimly lit room.

The other two stood abashed in lingerie that accentuated their youthful figures. Liam's eyes lingered on each of his wives appreciatively, his body heat radiating over them as he moved closer. His arousal was clear, his cock screaming against his unbuttoned pants.

His wandering eyes finally came to rest on Alice. He stole a moment to take in the sight of her, her slightly parted lips and the flush upon her cheeks.

But once he locked eyes with Alice, all he wanted in that moment was her. Liam grabbed her and pulled her to him.

Her hands carded through his hair as he devoured her lips with his. He could feel Olivia and Hana watching them, hear their feral thoughts as they watched him shove his tongue into Alice’s inviting mouth.

With a groan of need she returned his kiss with her own desire. He kissed her like they had an audience, but touched her like they were alone. She trembled beneath his fingers, her back arching to press her further into him.

He greedily ran his hands down her back, down her waist before gripping her ass and pulling her hips forward against the erection in his pants. The metal zipper was like a clanging bell as she rubbed against him.

Suddenly, he pulled away from her, nearly stumbling away before spinning around to grab Hana and crash her against him with the same fiery intensity. He held her close, slightly picking her up so he wasn’t bent down the whole time as he ravished her mouth.

As he continued to kiss her, Liam’s eyes found Alice, checking to make sure everything was still okay. The primal drive that flashed across her honey brown eyes was intoxicating.

Hana moaned against his lips, the scent of flowers and spring air mingling together as her arousal began to pool between his legs. He couldn’t help but moan himself as he pushed his tongue into her mouth against hers with more pressure. She clung to him, her nails dug into his shoulders as she pulled him as close as possible.

A vice-like grip on his shoulder yanked him away from Hana, and in an instant Olivia was there, her body slamming into him with a force that propelled their lips together.

His heart pounded against his ribcage as Olivia wound herself around him, her hips grinding into him hungrily while her jagged breath puffed against his mouth. She clung to him, her body writhing and gyrating against his hardened cock.

He glanced over at Alice again, she was still watching with lustful eyes, but her jaws clenched and her lip twitched ever so slightly.

He quickly wrapped his hands around Olivia’s neck and forced her away from him. She stepped back and looked at him bewildered, panting through plump lips.

Not wanting to start a fight, he reached over to grab Hana by the chin, and pulled her close. They stared up at him in adoration, neither arguing or pushing away when he turned them towards one another.

“Kiss her like she’s me,” he demanded.

The warmth of his hands on their bare skin sent sparks of electricity through both women’s bodies, urging them to embrace. Liam's grip was strong as he explored their curves with a masterful touch until he reached their asses, where he grabbed a handful of each before pulling them together into a tight embrace.

Slowly, he moved around to stand behind Hana. He placed a soft kiss on the back of her neck before tightening his fingers around the straps of her lingerie and yanking on it. The fabric cried out as it was torn from her body, but Hana didn’t flinch.

With them both naked now, he ran a hand down Olivia’s arm and pulled her hand to between Hana’s legs. Her hand inched closer to Olivia's intimate warmth and then suddenly Olivia was caressing her, gently yet firmly, inducing a deep moan from Hana's throat as pleasure coursed through her veins.

Satisfaction surged in Liam’s chest as he took a step back and admired the women before him. His eyes lifted to find Alice just as entranced as he was.

His lips lifted in a sultry smirk before he rushed to her and wrapped her in his arms.

Their lips sealed in a fervent kiss. His tongue danced with hers, exploring her mouth like the flames of a wildfire. His kiss left her head spinning, fanning the flames of her desire until it became a blazing furnace deep within her belly and dripping between her legs.

Liam rumbled from the back of his throat, savoring her mouth as he teased and tugged on her lips.

Alice moaned as he nipped at her bottom lip with just enough pressure to draw a bead of sweet blood.

Without breaking the kiss, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her across the room with purpose. He felt her legs twine around his waist and his body was alight at the sensation of hers pressed against him.He ignored the others in the room, and with a single motion he carried her across the room, not stopping until the bed frame met his shins.

Liam's eyes smoldered with desire as he moved away, taking in the sight of her. His fingers left trails of fire along her body, making her skin prickle with anticipation. In a moment of urgency, he feverishly tore away the lingerie that was impeding him from his mission, throwing it aside. His lips claimed one of her breasts hungrily, his tongue lashing over it and igniting an inferno within her.

Alice moaned in pleasure as he caressed her, his tongue teasingly tracing circles around her hardened peak. She clung to him, her body trembling and crying for more.

No longer able to withstand it, Liam forcefully tossed her to the bed, smirking at the sight of her sinking into the satin sheets. Without taking his eyes off her, he quickly rid them of what little clothing remained on their bodies.

Biting her lip, Alice scooted her way up to the head of the bed, her eyes only drifting from Liam once to find Hana and Olivia completely engrossed in one another. The bed dipping from added weight drew her eyes back to Liam.

Liam loomed over her, his eyes dark with desire. “I’ll never get tired of looking down at you, Princess.”

Sucking in a breath, her eyes lowered to the evidence of his attraction. It stared back at her, an eager bead of precum dripping from its tip onto her leg.

“You know I hate that pet name,” she rasped in his ear when he dipped down to run his tongue along the hollow of her throat.

“Yes, and I simply don’t care.” Came his reply before he sank his fangs into her shoulder.

Liam's lips moved slowly, passionately across her body, leaving a trail of burning kisses that sent shivers down her spine. He nipped at her collarbone, eliciting a soft moan from her lips.

His tongue traced circles onto the underside of her breast, causing a pleasurable ache to bloom in her core.

His love bites left trails of sweet blood along her ribs and hip before finally coming to rest on the soft mound above the apex of her sex, where his movements became more urgent.

Alice shuddered in delight as his tongue passionately tantalized her swollen nub. She clung to him, reveling in the fire coursing through her veins. Her eyes fell closed and her fingers tangled in his hair. An overwhelming sense of euphoria captivated her as Liam pushed her higher and higher. She was completely oblivious to everything except the way his tongue moved against her clit, and his hands running long her legs.

Liam kept stoking the desire between them, pushing her closer and closer to an explosive end. She could feel the heat coursing through her veins as her hips grinded against his face. Her back arched off the mattress and she reached out for something to grasp, only to land on Hana's soft and supple flesh.

Panting breathlessly, she opened her heavy-lidded eyes to find Hana watching her intently.

Hana's lips parted as a moan of pleasure escaped them, the sweat on her neck making her skin glisten in the candlelight.

Alice couldn't take her eyes away from Hana's glistening skin and dilated pupils. She felt an electricity between them that left her paralyzed in ecstasy.

Between Hana's thighs, Olivia licked and sucked hungrily at her sweet spot, her fingers teasing and probing to bring her friend closer and closer to orgasm.

Hana trembled with pleasure, before grabbing ahold of Alice and pulling her into a passionate kiss.

Liam stared hungrily as his wives entwined in a passionate embrace. Their soft lips met and he couldn't help but let out an animalistic growl of appreciation for the sight before him. Despite the pleasure he felt from watching them, he hadn’t forgotten about Olivia.

Beside him, Olivia was completely lost in the moment, her head tipping back as she indulged in Hana's sweet nectar. Every drop sent a wave of pleasure surging through her and Liam couldn't help but feel pride swell in his chest.

He reached over to run his fingers through her tresses and when her eyes opened, they locked together in an electrifying gaze. Liam slowly ran his knuckles down her cheek, approvingly.

It was a quiet afternoon in Ramsford. Maxwell was sitting in a bay window, enjoying a fun little scroll through TikTok as he waited for lunch to be served. It was only a short two days before court would arrive for the Beaumont Bash, but – per every year – Liam and Drake were already in town to decompress before the best party the world (or at least Cordonia) had ever seen.

“Hey, Maxwell.”

Maxwell paused the video he was on to look up at the Crown Prince with a raised eyebrow, “yes?”

“Did you put a peacock in the foyer bathroom?”

“Yes, where else would I put him?”

Liam gave a tight lipped smile with furrowed brows, “I don’t know. The garden perhaps?”

Maxwell scoffed and rolled his eyes, “then how would anyone appreciate his majestic beauty?”

Liam opened his mouth to say something, but closed it when Drake rounded the corner.

“Drake! There you are.”

Drake glanced between the pair with heeded suspicion, “here I am… What?”

“What sort of digs is appropriate for our plumed prince?” Maxwell quipped, turning to face him. “The sweltering garden or the posh, mirrored powder room in the foyer?”

“Wha–” Drake scratched the back of his head as his eyes darted between the two, “I have so many questions right now.”

“Nevermind that, which would you prefer to visit Sir Flufferbutterdelight in?”

“Oh, the bird,” Drake nodded as it started to all make sense.

“Yes, the bird that screams at you and attacks you every time you walk in the room,” Liam added with a sigh.

“I’d rather not deal with the overgrown chicken at all, but I actually came here to ask you a question Maxwell.”

Maxwell grabbed his chest, “you dare to ask something of me after calling my best peacock an overgrown chicken?”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t normally ask you, but it’s about my clothes so –”

“Burn them.”

Drake scowled, “not what I was going to ask.”

“Still, burn everything you own. Even that,” he pointed at Drake’s current attire. “Especially that.”

Drake ran a hand down his face, “I should have known better than to ask for your help.”

“What is the request?” Liam asked, fully intrigued.

“Well, I have this date tonight, and I kinda really wanna impress this girl. So,” he shuffled his feet, “I was wondering if you could give me an outfit pointer or two.”

Maxwell’s mouth fell open as he slowly rose to his feet. “Are you asking me to dress you for a date, Drake?”

“Sorta, yeah. Is that a problem?”

“No,” Maxwell scoffed.

“So you’ll do it?”

“Of course I will!” Maxwell roared in excitement. “I’ve only wanted this for the last fifteen years! But first,” he grinned wickedly, “you have to ask me formally.”

Drake crossed his arms, “forget it. I’m not begging.”

“I said ask formally, not beg.”

“Maxwell, will you please help –”

“Not like that,” Maxwell snickered. “Say ‘Please Maxwell, dress me in your finest Armani’.”

“You’ve lost your fucking mind,” Drake scoffed and turned away. “Screw it, I’ll just go like this.”

Liam glanced between his two best friends before bursting out, “please Maxwell, dress him in your finest Armani.”

~~~~

“Dammit Drake, just put the tie on!” Maxwell pleaded as he once again leapt for the taller man only to be sidestepped at the last second.

“No. I draw the line at a tie. I have a reputation to uphold,” Drake growled.

“You’re wearing Armani! Your reputation is going out the second you step out in those leather loafers,” Maxwell hissed back.

“I don’t care about the shoes, but I’m not wearing a fancy noose.”

“It brings the whole outfit together! You don’t wear a Giorgio Armani suit without the matching tie!”

~~~~

An hour – and many squabbles – later, the duo finally emerged from Maxwell’s walk in closet. Liam waited outside so there would be someone for Maxwell to make a big reveal to, and since Bertrand was in Austria they had to settle for the Crown Prince to be their audience.

Maxwell beamed as Drake stepped out of the closet dressed to a T. It had been a challenge to find a suit that could encapsulate Drake’s biceps, but Maxwell always kept a blazer that was a little big in case he fell into a chubby stage again. Liam nodded his approval despite the daggers Drake was glaring into Maxwell’s back. The prince was most impressed by the fact that Maxwell had wrangled Drake into a tie – a feat he had a hard time tackling himself.

“So?” Drake asked, holding his hands out.

“You look –”

“Radiant! Fantastic! Totally doable!”

Drake recoiled with a sneer, “doable?”

“Yeah,” Maxwell shrugged, “that’s why you wanted the suit, right? You’re hoping to get laid.”

“He makes a valid point,” Liam added. “And he is correct, you do look fantastic. You could shave though.”

Drake rubbed his scruff with a scowl, “I draw the line.”

“Yeah, you said that about a tie too, but I got one on you,” Maxwell steepled his fingers together with a shit eating grin. “So…”

~🖤~

(Present)

It's just past 8PM, and I find myself in the tiled coffin of my personal sanctuary: my shower. The balmy steam hides the evidence of my swollen, tear-stained cheeks, my own words replaced by wails of mercy. The sweltering water stings across my porcelain skin, the unbearable discomfort distracting from the emptiness, the nothingness of my shattered, lifeless heart.

Today. Of all days, why today?

If only my body didn't complicate things... 

If only my body did what it was supposed to do…

If only my body did what I was crowned to do…

Liam and I have spent over six years testing every last inch of my body for an answer. The simple answer is polycystic ovarian syndrome… if only life were that simple…

------

(Yesterday)

"PCOS isn't what it used to be, though. There are so many women living with it–myself included!" Savannah takes another bite of cake, and I've never been more grateful in all my life for the reprieve from her voice. This is my fourth time hearing this speech about PCOS, and how the diagnosis is taken 'too seriously'. I mean, afterall, we are at her baby shower for Beaumont baby number two. And three. "They gave me the same talk, blah blah blah, percent this and that, and after taking Clomid for only two months," she smiles joyfully, massaging her rounded belly.

I fake a smile, shoveling some fruit salad in my mouth in hopes of keeping my sharp tongue quiet. I'm happy for her; I really am. .

But she's also never lost a baby. Or three.

Two months? 'Only' two months? God…

Liam and I have been prescribed every drug on the market to conceive; we've even tried more natural, holistic remedies, like crushed up superfoods and tree roots, tiny needles being stuck in my eyelids and in between my toes, religious relics and crystals

God, if you've never experienced humility before, the struggle with infertility will strip you bare of any pride left in your body, and after six different specialists, we finally resorted to my biggest–our biggest fear: in vitro fertilization.

But, IVF might actually be the answer to our infertility story.

As Savannah answers more intrusive pregnancy questions about her own body from our close family and friends, my mind disengages. Shielding the bright sun from my eyes, I look across the palace's heavily-decorated back lawn. Soft petal pink and pearl-colored balloons litter the divine scenery.  Signage that boasts kitschy baby phrases seem to be multiplying before my eyes. 

I feel a sudden shift in the atmosphere, one that is making me feel– I don't know… funny? I don't feel like myself. In fact, I'm starting to feel slightly ill.

An abrupt piercing shrill of pressure shoots through my temples as my breathing quickens. A trickle of sweat courses down my back as everything begins to spin wildly around me. The laughter of the group of women I'm with becomes sinister and terrifying.  

I need to get out of here…

"What an exquisite group of lovely ladies!"  

Leo Rys, my ever-charming, newly-divorced brother-in-law. He is well-trained in managing a crowd, but the heart-throb is a master at wooing a very specific demographic: women. 

Case in point. 

"Sav," he tenderly takes her hand in his, "you look absolutely radiant. Where is that foolish husband of yours, leaving your beautiful self alone–" he slows down his flirting rampage, and I instantly look up, making contact with those familiar Rys crystal-blue eyes. He mouths, 'Are you okay?' before taking out his phone, no doubt to text Liam. "'Scuse me, ladies," Leo nods with a forced, jubilant grin. 

With a skip in his step, my brother-in-law takes a knee while placing a tender touch on my clammy arm. "You're looking a little green there, sis," his lips curl softly as he pushes back my careless wisps.

"Kermit the Frog did warn us that it's not easy being green,'' I chuckle. The vibrations of my voice soothe my slightly queasy stomach. I relax further into my chair, fanning myself as I pull my oversize sunglasses over my eyes. "I'm fine," I grin cheekily, welcoming a sudden cool breeze over my skin.

His phone chimes. "Eh… negatory," he snickers under his breath, holding out his hand for me to take it. "The queen has been summoned to his majesty's presence." 

Damnit, what did he say to him?

"You better not be making my husband worry about me–"

"Someone needs to keep an eye on your bad self," Leo jokingly winks. "C'mon."

And maybe it was a good thing for me to get away from those women, to get away from this party and out of the sun. I do have a lot on my mind as well–too much actually. Enough to make anyone unwell. 

I hate exiting groups earlier than expected.  I just… I just know the inevitable will happen when I leave: they will talk about Liam and me. Worse, they will look at us as if… as if we're wounded.

Gone are the days of hailing us as the 'it' couple… 

Gone are the days of discussing our bright future…

Gosh, I really don't feel all too well as I stand up with Leo's assistance, but we make it inside the palace to a secluded sunroom. Bracing myself, I ease into a lounge chair while Leo helps me prop up my feet.

He really is a kind man, much like Liam. I hope he knows how much his return to Cordonia has meant to us as a family, especially his brother. Sure, we have staff that can help us with the countless doctor's appointments and emergency trips to the hospital, but these are intimate times that should be spent with family. And I'm glad it's with Leo.

"Are you okay, love?"  Liam appears at the opposite end of the quarters. Worry is etched across his face as he slowly saunters to my side. "I got here as soon as I–"

I wave my hands in the air. "I'm fine, babe. I think I just got a little overheated," I playfully roll my eyes. 

He lets out a slow exhale, wiping the perspiration off of my forehead. "You know better–"

"I know, I know," I raise my hands in surrender as he kisses my head. He's always watching me closely, so carefully, especially with so many hormones pumping through my veins.

"I'll leave you two alone," Leo clicks his tongue as he casually shoves his fists into his khaki shorts. "Text me."

Liam stops him, leaning in closely to whisper, "Grab us some seltzers please. And crackers." Leo nods as Liam makes himself comfortable next to me. 

I sit up, adjusting the pillows around my husband before I quickly find the crook of his arm. My crook. By the time I am settled, my gaze is happily met by his.

God, I love him. 

Even after all of this time, he still looks at me like I'm the only woman in the room. He doesn't see my shortcomings as a wife or as a queen. He sees me… and still loves me. 

I study his face, counting the fine lines around his eyes. He's beautiful, but this has taken quite the toll on us, aging us both. I reach up to caress the perfectly smooth skin of his jaw, my thumb tracing over his dry lips.

He pulls my hand from his face, peppering the inside of my wrist with sweet kisses. He finally rests my palm on his chest, weaving his finger through mine. 

I hate that it takes loss to make us appreciate life more, but watching each rise and fall of our hands reminds me that right now, in this moment, we have each other. And each heartbeat, each breath is to be cherished.

Suddenly, we hear a voice clear behind us. "Are you not well, your majesty?"  Gretchen, our part-time nurse, carries a tray of snacks and seltzers into the sunroom.

"Oh, Ms. Gretchen," I quickly wipe away my tears, brightening to her approach. "We're fine." 

She is an older woman who actually helped care for Liam's mother in her pregnancies, and also for his father in the end. Liam trusts her, and he thought hiring her would be immensely helpful to us right now. 

And he was right; she's been a perfect angel. I don't know what I would've done without her help.

"Leo told me what happened." She pulls up an end table, setting the wooden tray down. "It’s too early for your medicine, but I figured some refreshing snacks might be in order."

"Mmmm," I hum with approval as Liam helps me sit up. "This looks absolutely perfect. Thank you."

Gretchen kindly bows before excusing herself.

I grab a piece of toast, spreading some fresh apple-butter on top. "Have you eaten today?" I pass him a ginger ale as I take a sip of my drink. 

I abruptly stop fumbling with the tray when I feel his steely-stare boring holes into me. I glance once, then twice as I watch a large Cheshire grin crawl across his mouth.

"What?" I chuckle as I take a bite of my toast. "You have trouble written all over that face."

He wiggles his eyebrows as he pulls me safely back into his arms, our lips instantly meeting. His tongue swipes eagerly in my mouth. "Baby!" I squeal, pushing back from him as I wipe the corners of my mouth.

He snickers, swiping his thumb across his lips before sucking on it. "Mmmm," he quietly moans, "just what I thought."  I raise my eyebrows in curiosity. "That's the best damn apple-butter I've ever tasted." He tenderly squeezes my bottom as I claim his lips again. And again.

I love this man.

I rest my head back on his chest, listening to the deep thrumming of his heart. My home. We lay in perfect silence, watching the shadows shift throughout the afternoon glow.

But as the sun sinks lower into the earth, I feel my body cling tighter to Liam.

"What are you thinking?" he whispers gravelly.

Damn him. He knows me too well. I reposition myself, sitting up on my side. My eyes begin to sting as tears threaten to fall.  I grip his shirt as his fingertips lightly trace the freckles on the back of my arm.

"About tomorrow," I quietly exhale.

"The doctor's appointment?" He drops his hands to my lower abdomen, giving it a hopeful caress.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I can only nod my head, my breath hitching in my chest as I nuzzle into his shoulder.  

Damnit, why us? 

"Riley," he croons, enveloping his arms around me. His fingertips become lost in my waves as his lips press intimately against the shell of my ear.

"I–I'm so scared, baby," I whisper, my voice rattled with hoarseness as I wrap my arms around him.

"Shhh," he pulls me closer.  He gently rocks my body, a hand tracing soft figure-eights across me back. "Me too."

------

It's early. Liam and I sit in the doctor's office, waiting for her to return with our test results so we can form the next plan of action for our family. 

I've been sick most of the morning, my nerves getting the best of me. But Liam remains steadfast, my rock. He's been reassuring me all morning, wiping my anxious tears away. He refuses to let go of my hand. 

A child needs a father like him; this can't be the end of our journey. It… it just can't be.

We hear a click, and Dr. Nguyen walks into the room with a thick file folder. I can't read her as she takes a seat, but suddenly, I see my husband's knee begin to anxiously bounce.

She finally makes eye contact with us, revealing her swollen, red eyes as if she's been crying for days. She clears her throat, dabbing at her cheeks. "Your majesties, I–" she stops to gain control of herself. “I don’t know what I thought was going to happen, but this was definitely not it.”

Her voice trails off as a subtle ringing forms in my ears, and suddenly, everything seems to be moving in slow motion. Liam let's go of my hand; he rests his elbows on his knees, burying his face in his hands.

I take a deep breath, shaking my head. What just happened? I've missed something. I frantically look between my husband and his oncologist. "I–I'm sorry. What?"

"I'm sorry, your majesty," she swallows back the lump in her throat having to deliver the news again. "The cancer? It–it didn't respond to the treatment. And from his scan last week, there are new spots on his kidneys, liver and lungs."

I blink a couple of times, feeling as though I don't know what all of this means. Because it can't possibly mean what I think she is saying.

He's not dying. He can't be dying…

"So," I swallow thickly, "you have a plan. Right?"

"Well," the physician folds her hands on the desk. "We… can… make him as comfortable as possible–"

"I'm sorry," I interrupt. "Are you–are you saying that my husband...?" I pause as I gasp for a morsel of air. "The love of my life is, that he... he's–?" I clamp my hand over my mouth. No, I can't-- I refuse to say it.

But through the blur of my tears, I see the truth.

She’s nodding.

------

(Present)

"Riley?"

I break from my thoughts as I turn towards the deep voice. There at the entrance to the shower towers the most handsome man I have ever seen… or will ever see. His golden curls have been gone for months; he and his best friends shaved their heads when he first started chemotherapy a year ago. His shoulders are still broad, but with his colon resection and loss of appetite, he's thinned out quite a bit.

He is weaker; his skin has weathered.  But he's still my Liam. Even in all of this, he remains my North Star, my hope and my strength.

Which is why I can't get out of the shower. Not yet.

He flashes me a crooked smile, handing me a towel. "C'mon, love," he turns off the shower.

I carefully stand up, wrapping the towel around my damp body.  Liam extends his large hand towards me, my petite grip finding his palm. He leads me out of the shower and twirls me into an embrace, my back against his chest.

He buries kisses into my hair and across my shoulders. "I need you," he lovingly growls.

Then he tenderly drops his hands to my growing, pregnant belly. "And I need you too, my little peanut."

My poor husband… how do I do this?

Without warning, a rush of agony roars around my 22-week abdomen, the abrupt sharp pain causing me to double-over. I grab onto the sink in front of me as I groan from the intense throbbing.

This can't be happening.

"Riley?" Liam steps out of the bathroom, and hollers down the hallway. "Leo! We need help!" He takes me back into his arms. "What is it? What's wrong?"

The pain subsides, and I begin to sob. I can't look at him. 

Today. Of all days, why today?

"Liam," I choke out , "my water broke."

~🖤~

TAGS (updated 09/2022; please let me know if you wish to be added/removed):

PERMA

@21-wishes @alj4890 @ao719 @charlotteg234 @issabees @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam

ALL TRR

@3pawandme @alyshak92 @iaminlovewithtrr @lovingchoices14 @malblk21 @rubiwalker @sfb123 @twinkleallnight

***

TRIGGER WARNINGS: discussion of infertility; discussion of cancer; insinuation of a major character death; miscarriage

Slipping out of the SUV, Liam strode through the front doors of the palace after returning from a lunch meeting in the capitol. His assistant met him in the foyer and matched his steps up the stairs as he handed him a small stack of papers he needed for his next meeting. 

“Thank you,” Liam said as he quickly looked them over. “You can head to my study. I’m just going to stop and see Amara and Sophia real quick.”

“Of course, sir,” the man nodded.

Once they reached the landing, they turned in opposite directions as Liam headed for the north wing.

It had been a month since they returned from their trip to New York, and things had been going well. 

Amara seemed more relaxed. The guilt she’d been feeling prior to the trip didn’t seem to weigh as heavily on her after their talk at the hotel that night. He was watching her fall back into the old Amara … the one he’d fallen in love with two years ago. 

The one with no guilt. 

The one with no secrets. 

The press had ceased their verbal attacks on Amara’s intentions since learning she was staying in Cordonia. Now, they turned their focus on the status of her and Liam’s relationship, questioning if they would rekindle the romance they once had. 

Liam didn’t give them the satisfaction of a response. Partly because he didn’t feel it was any of their business, at least not yet. And partly because he had nothing to give them at the moment. 

In the month since they returned to Cordonia after deciding to see where things could go between them, they’d certainly gotten closer. They’d spent every evening together, but only behind the confines of the palace walls and as a family. They would meet once Liam finished work for the day in either the north wing or his quarters, they’d have dinner, and they’d play with Sophia before putting her to bed. Then they would have their time, which consisted of talking or watching a movie. And when they weren’t chatting or paying attention to a TV screen, they would get caught up in one another, but they had yet to cross any lines beyond kissing. 

While Liam was the one who said he wanted to “slow down”, he found himself struggling to rein in his desires for Amara as they grew closer; the tension between them continued to thicken and each kiss they shared grew more passionate. He was determined to get things right this time around, however, so he was content with taking things slow. 

Once at the north wing, Liam stepped inside and rounded the corner to see them in the living area; Amara was sitting on the sofa with her laptop in front of her while Sophia played with blocks on the floor. 

“Dada!” Sophia squealed when she spotted him; she pushed herself to stand and toddled toward him. 

Liam grinned as he leaned down and scooped her into his arms. “Hi, princess.” His gaze then met Amara’s as he approached her; he leaned down, kissing her cheek. “Hi.” 

“Hi,” Amara smiled. “How was your meeting?” 

“It was fine. I thought I’d stop by before the next one. What have you two been up to?” 

“Not much,” Amara shrugged. “We just got back from having lunch with Regina. She was wondering if you’d spoken to Leo.”

“Yes,” Liam nodded. “He told me he was coming home next weekend to finally meet his niece,” he smiled as Sophia looked at him. “You’re going to have your Uncle Leo wrapped right around your little finger, I can already tell.” He then looked at Amara. “He’s looking forward to meeting you, too.”

“Me?”

“You are the mother of his niece,” Liam playfully scoffed. “And we’re … well, ya know …” He winked. 

Amara smiled sheepishly with a quiet laugh as she dropped his gaze. “Right.”

An imperceptible smirk tugged at the corner of Liam’s lips at the light pink tint that he saw bloom on her cheeks. While she’d become much more relaxed since their talk, she was still being careful and seemed to get easily flustered at any comment he made in a teasing, flirtatious manner. The old Amara from two years ago was bold in her flirtations, and while he was hoping to see that bold side come back, there was something about her getting flustered that he found endearing. 

It had become a secret little game of his to see it happen. 

Just then, Amara’s phone rang; she glanced at the screen before rising from the sofa. “Can you watch her for a quick sec? I need to take this.”

“Sure,” Liam nodded. 

As she disappeared down the hall, Liam walked to the sofa and sat down with Sophia. “Are you having fun with Mommy?” he asked Sophia before smothering her cheek with playful kisses. She giggled and pulled back, then leaned across him, stretching her arms out. His gaze shifted in the direction she was reaching and fell on Amara’s open laptop. “No, you can’t have that, silly,” he chuckled. He was about to close it, but his brows furrowed and he leaned forward to get a better look. He felt a pang of surprise mixed with trepidation when he saw what was on the screen. 

It was a realtor’s website … with listings of houses for sale. 

When Liam and Amara first talked after the statement was made and she told him she planned to stay in Cordonia, she mentioned eventually finding a place of her own. At the time, he didn’t think much of it, and in the nearly three months since that conversation, any notion of it had slipped his mind entirely. Even though she had only brought it up that one time, it clearly hadn’t slipped her mind. 

A dozen questions and thoughts flooded his mind, but before he could process them, Amara reappeared. “Sorry about that.”

Snapping from his daze, Liam looked at her and cleared his throat. “It’s alright. Everything ok?”

“Yeah,” Amara nodded. As she stared at him, she could see the moment he sensed that she wanted to say more. “I’ll talk to you about it later.” 

Liam nodded even as more questions filled his head. Talk about what? He thought it might have something to do with what he just glimpsed on her laptop, and despite wanting to ask her about it, he thought that perhaps that was better left for later. 

Glancing at his watch, Liam sighed. “I have that meeting soon.” He stood from the sofa, kissed Sophia’s cheek, and set her back down in front of her blocks before turning to Amara. “We’re meeting at my place tonight?” he asked as they walked toward the door.

“Yeah,” Amara confirmed.

“I should be finished at my usual time, but if something comes up …” Liam turned to see her leaning against the wall, looking up at him. “…I’ll let you know.” She nodded as he took a step toward her, and in the next moment, he leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. His hand came up, settling on her neck as his thumb brushed along the curve of her jaw. A moment later, he drew back just enough to break the kiss and whispered against her lips, “I’ll see you later.”

“Bye …”

When Liam slipped out, Amara dropped her head against the door with a soft thud and closed her eyes as she let out a breath. For the past month, she’d been struggling with her longing for him. She swore each day she had to fight twice as hard as the one before to tamp down her growing desire. 

It wasn’t just the longing, though. It was the giddiness over the way he was making her feel … the same way he did two years ago. Hell, he couldn’t even be playful or flirtatious without making her lose her composure. He’d make one small comment and the butterflies would erupt in the masses and she’d start blushing. 

Amara lifted her head and took in a determined breath. She would continue to follow his lead because she didn’t want to do anything to ruin the progress they’d made. 

****

That night, after their usual round of dinner, playing, and putting Sophia to bed, Liam and Amara sat in the living area inside his quarters as a movie played on the TV screen. 

Liam had a few meetings that day, but he’d been distracted during each of them as thoughts of what he glimpsed on Amara’s laptop consumed his mind. He wasn’t sure why her looking for a place of her own bothered him so much … but it did. 

Despite them currently living under the same roof, they were in separate wings, so Amara having her own place wouldn’t really change anything between them. But Liam wouldn’t be able to just walk a few corridors to her door. He wouldn’t be able to drop by unannounced and on the fly anytime he wanted like he could now. And spending every evening with them would probably dwindle to once or twice a week. He’d be missing out on time and moments he didn’t want to miss out on … like the one he found himself in now.

Liam drew back from Amara’s lips, trying to will his desire for her back inside its cage. “So,” he whispered as his thumb brushed against her cheek, “what was that phone call about earlier?” 

“Oh, um …” Amara leaned back. “It was my realtor …”

“A realtor?” Liam asked, feigning ignorance. 

“Yeah,” she nodded. “I’ve been looking since I made the decision to stay and with price drops happening left and right lately, I thought it would be a good time to really look.” 

Liam shifted on the sofa, draping one arm across the back as he rested his hand on her thigh. “Really look as in …?”

“I have appointments to view some listings.” 

“I see,” Liam nodded as he held her gaze. “Is this something you want to do right now? I told you there was no rush for you to find a place.” 

“I don’t want to overstay my welcome,” Amara quipped, and he gave her a look. “It’s a process, not something that happens overnight, so I just think it might be time to start looking.” 

Liam nodded again as he watched his finger trace a shape on her denim-clad thigh. “What kind of place are you looking for?”

“Something secure. Obviously, with Sophia …” 

Liam’s jaw tensed at even the mere thought of anyone having easy access to not just Sophia but Amara as well, but he tried to remain casual. “Right …” 

“Something with a yard for her to play in.”

A nod was all Liam offered, unable to say what he was thinking. She has acres and acres of yard to play in here at the palace. 

“Three bedrooms.”

“Three?” Liam questioned.

“I thought having one for a guest room would be a good idea, just in case.”

“In case what?”

“I don’t know … in case Daniel or Riley or someone else needs to crash one night.”

Again, Liam offered nothing but a nod. There are guest rooms galore here. 

Suddenly, the reason why it bothered him so much hit Liam like a ton of bricks. He didn’t want her to leave. And not just because he wanted her to remain at the palace so she’d be within walking distance but because he wanted her with him … in his wing … with their daughter … as a family. Together. 

Yes, Liam was the one who said he wanted to take things slow, and they were — as slow as two people with a history and connection like them could. But he was struck with the sudden awareness that everything they had done up to that point had been ass-backward. Nothing about them or their situation was conventional and it never had been. So, was the impulse of wanting her to stay with him instead of buying her own house really that far-fetched of an idea? No. 

But if she was so adamant about starting to look for her own place, perhaps she didn’t want the same thing he did or didn’t feel ready, at least, not yet. 

“So when are you planning to start looking?” Liam asked.

“Tomorrow,” Amara answered. His gaze snapped up to hers, not having expected it to be that soon, but he managed to keep his expression neutral. “I’m not expecting to find the one on the first day, but I think it’ll give me an idea of what I want to look for going forward.” 

As Liam nodded again, Amara held his gaze; she swore she could see a flash of something in his eyes, but he was quick to make it vanish. Before she could ask, commotion from the movie they’d been watching pulled their attention to the TV screen. 

A moment later, Liam looked back at her as he stroked his thumb across her knuckles; the movement pulled her gaze back to him, and a heartbeat later, he captured her lips in his. 

With that, the conversation ended. 

*******

The following morning, an SUV carrying Amara and Sophia — because Liam wouldn’t let them go anywhere without at least one guard — followed the realtor through the gates of a residential development situated on the outskirts of the capitol. A few moments later, they pulled into the driveway of a two-story home that had recently been listed. 

When they exited the vehicle, Amara smiled as Riley and Drake approached her. “Hey. Thanks for coming along.”

“I had nothing going on, and when I told this one—” Riley threw her thumb over her shoulder at Drake “— he insisted on coming to check the ‘fundamentals’,” she gestured with air quotes.

“You’ll look at the aesthetic, but there’s more to a house than just looking pretty,” Drake said. “That’s where I come in since Liam is stuck in meetings this morning. Although, I don’t know if he’d know what to look for either,” he snorted. 

Amara chuckled. “Well, I appreciate you coming along. You’re right, I don’t really know what to check for other than the basics. So I’ll take any help I can get.” 

“Are we ready?” the realtor smiled from the walkway to the front porch. 

“Yes,” Amara nodded but only managed to take a few steps before her attention turned to another vehicle pulling into the driveway. She turned, recognizing who it was before he even stepped out. 

When the door opened and Liam appeared, she gave him a curious smile. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought maybe you’d like another set of eyes,” Liam grinned as he approached them. “And I want to see the places this little one is potentially going to be living in,” he said as he took Sophia from her and tickled her belly. “So I rescheduled my meetings and cleared the rest of my day.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” Liam smiled as he slipped his hand into hers and looked at the realtor.

“Your Majesty,” the man bowed nervously. 

“Just pretend I’m not here,” Liam said. 

The man offered a tense smile and nodded before gesturing for them to follow him inside. 

While Amara walked around with the realtor and Riley, Drake went off on his own to check what he deemed to be important while Liam gave himself and Sophia a tour. 

The house was nice. The first floor was an open-concept floor plan with the kitchen, living room, and dining room all flowing into each other. It appeared to have new wood floors throughout, fresh paint, and he was pretty sure he heard the realtor mention a new roof. 

The three bedrooms were located upstairs. Two were sizable with a Jack and Jill bathroom between them, and the master was massive with an impressive en-suite and walk-in closet. 

It was a pretty perfect house … but Liam didn’t want her to live there. 

Liam had cleared his schedule to tag along on her hunt that day. His goal? To point out everything he could find wrong with each viewing in hopes she’d realize that the palace already had everything she would need or want. Walking through this first home, he knew it was going to be a difficult task if the other viewings were anything like it. 

“Maybe Uncle Drake will find cracks in the foundation,” Liam mumbled to Sophia as they stepped out of the master bedroom and headed back downstairs. When he reached the first floor, he spotted Drake in the living room. “Well?” he questioned as he approached him. 

Drake nodded positively and Liam had to swallow down his disapproval. “It’s really nice. There were a couple of minor things that I noticed, but nothing that isn’t a quick and easy fix.” 

“Well, that sucks,” Liam mumbled under his breath.

“What was that?”

“I said that’s great.” 

“What did you think?”

“It’s … ok.” 

Drake gave him a look. “I know it’s not a palace …” 

“It’s not that,” Liam scoffed. “I just have some … concerns.”

“What concerns?” 

Liam whirled around at the sound of Amara’s voice, meeting her gaze with a small smile as she entered the living room with the realtor and Riley. “The house is … nice. Really nice. I’d be worried about the security, however.”

“It’s a gated community,” Drake said.

Shut up, Drake. “Yes, it is,” Liam nodded. “But the gate is accessed by a keycard, correct?” he looked at the realtor, who nodded in answer. “So there’s no one at the gate, which means anyone who wanted to try hard enough could get in undetected if they climbed over. With who Sophia is, and who you are to me … we know how relentless the press can be at times, and they’re just the tip of the iceberg of people we need to worry about. I just think somewhere where there is a security guard stationed at the gate would be better … safer.” 

It was a legitimate concern, even if he pointed it out for the wrong reason. Had he been on board with this whole idea, he’d have pointed it out regardless. 

“He does have a point,” Amara said as she looked at the realtor; Liam’s shoulders imperceptibly slumped in relief. “I’m sure he’s going to have a guard with us at all times, but having someone at the gate would make me more comfortable with Sophia.” 

“Noted,” the realtor nodded with a smile before looking at the tablet he’d been carrying around. “That knocks off three places from our list of viewings today, but there are two we’re scheduled to see that do have guarded gates.” 

Liam fought back a sigh. 

That was two more places he had to hope she found something wrong with or simply didn’t like. 

And it was only day one of looking.

*******

The following Friday, Amara headed toward Liam’s quarters, walking behind Sophia, who was toddling along the corridor but stopping to wave at every staff member who walked by. They were going to meet him for dinner, along with Drake, Riley, and Leo, who’d arrived a couple of hours ago.

Amara was thankful for Leo’s arrival because it gave her a day’s reprieve from house hunting, which she’d spent the entire week doing. She’d viewed 13 listings over the past week but hadn’t found one that was suitable. 

Suitable not to her standards … but to Liam’s. 

No matter what time Amara was scheduled to view a house, Liam made sure he was available to go with her. At first, she was thankful for it; she wanted his opinion and appreciated his willingness to help despite his busy schedule. But his opinions turned into what she could only describe as nitpicking, proving that his standards were much higher than hers. 

The suggestion Liam made at the first house about a guarded gate made perfect sense. Everything that came after that suggestion, however … 

The yards weren’t good enough for Sophia to play in, or there wasn’t enough space between the houses, or they were too close to the street for his liking. 

At one, the floorboards were “too creaky” which obviously meant that there was something structurally wrong.

Amara had a few listings lined up to look at tomorrow, and Liam said he would go with her, but she wasn’t getting her hopes up. She knew he only wanted what was best for Sophia, but at that point, she didn’t think it was going to be possible to find a home that he deemed worthy enough for his precious little princess. 

Once at Liam’s door, Amara opened it, allowing Sophia in before following her; they could hear laughter from the other room and Sophia walked curiously toward the sound. When they rounded the corner, Liam looked over from where he sat on the balcony and grinned as he playfully slapped the shoulder of the man sitting next to him before they both rose from their seats. 

“Dada!” Sophia gave a toothy grin as she reached for him. 

“Hi, princess,” Liam chuckled as he scooped her into his arms before looking at Amara. He leaned down to press a lingering kiss to her lips, and she softly sighed before he slowly drew back. “Hi,” he whispered, brushing his nose against hers. 

“Hi …” Amara let out a breath. “Sorry if we kept you waiting.”

“You didn’t,” Liam shook his head. “Leo was with Regina earlier. He just showed up here maybe 10 minutes ago.” 

“Am I interrupting?” a voice drawled.

Liam turned and stepped out of Amara’s line of vision, bringing Leo into view. When he met her gaze, she smiled politely yet warily; she was unsure of how exactly he viewed her after what she’d kept from his brother. 

“Leo, this is Amara,” Liam said. “Amara, my brother Leo.” 

“It’s nice to meet you.”

When he grinned, Amara’s shoulders loosened. “It’s nice to meet you, too.” 

“And this is Sophia.” Liam tickled her belly, eliciting a giggle from her. “Can you say hi to Uncle Leo?” She looked at Leo, staring for a moment before sinking deeper into Liam’s embrace and laying her head on his shoulder, hiding her eyes with his neck. 

Leo’s lip jutted. “Aw, don’t be scared of me.”

“I’d be terrified,” Drake snorted as he and Riley stepped inside to greet Amara.

Liam turned his head toward Sophia with a smile as he rubbed her back. “It’s ok.” 

Sophia shifted her head just enough for her eyes to peer at Leo, and he grinned as he began playing a game of peekaboo. After a few moments, a giggle erupted from her as she lifted her head, offering him her signature toothy grin. 

“There’s a smile,” Leo chuckled. “You want to come hang with Uncle Leo for a minute?” He raised his hands towards her. 

Sophia studied him carefully, and after another moment of hesitation, she went to him. They locked eyes and she scrunched her nose with another smile. “Hi,” she said shyly. 

Liam watched his brother’s brow furrow, and his eyes widened when he saw his eyes shine with tears. “Leo …”

“Well, shit,” Leo choked out. “I can’t believe you have one of these.” A laugh simultaneously barreled out of Drake and Liam as Leo turned his head and quickly wiped his eyes on his sleeve. 

“Got you wanting one now?” Drake chuckled.

“Way down the road, maybe,” Leo replied. “Now? Absolutely not. Fuck that.” His eyes widened as he looked at Sophia. “I mean … heck that.” 

“Fuck.”

Amara’s and Riley’s mouths dropped open at the word Sophia repeated as Liam leveled his brother with a glare. “I’m sorry!” Leo grimaced guiltily. “I’m not used to filtering!” 

Drake shook his head with a laugh. “Uncle Leo is here.” 

****

That night after dinner, Liam walked Amara and Sophia back to the north wing. Once he put Sophia to sleep, he stepped out of her room and headed for the main area; he spotted Amara in the kitchen, standing with her back to him as she put dishes away in a cabinet. 

A moment later, Amara’s breath quietly hitched when she felt his hands curl around her waist. “D-Did she go down?”

“Yeah,” Liam replied as he rested his chin on her shoulder. “She’s out like a light. Uncle Leo wore her out.” 

Amara smiled. “They seemed to form a quick bond.”

Liam turned his head so his lips brushed her ear. “I don’t think you’re understanding how much trouble that means for us.” 

Amara tried to suppress a shudder from his warm breath against her skin, but she knew she failed when Liam let out a soft chuckle at having caught it. She turned to face him, and he leaned against the counter, placing one hand on either side of her and caging her in. 

Liam slowly leaned in, his eyes dropping from hers and zeroing in on her lips before he captured them in his. His tongue swept against the seam of her lips, and she parted them in response, allowing him in. When he deepened the kiss, her hands curled around his neck as an imperceptible whimper escaped her, so soft he almost didn’t hear it, but when he did, something inside him roared to life. 

Gripping her waist, Liam lifted her onto the counter as he stepped between her legs and pulled her body flush against his. He slid a hand up her back and into her hair and he tugged, causing the kiss to break; his lips moved to her jaw then down the column of her neck as her hips instinctively arched against him with a gasp, the movement pulling a rumbled groan from his throat as he found her lips again. 

The kiss stretched on, pulling them both deeper into the moment until it broke at the sudden ping emitting from Liam’s pocket, alerting him to a message. He reluctantly drew back and his jaw tensed as he dipped his hand into his pocket to pull out his phone. 

“It’s Leo,” Liam sighed. “He wants to have a nightcap.” 

Liam’s eyes flickered back to her face and more desire unfurled and clawed at his insides at the sight of her: kiss-swollen lips, tousled hair from his hand being buried in it, and her blue-eyed gaze brimming with lust. 

“Ok.” Amara’s one-word response came out in a breathless whisper. 

Liam swallowed thickly as he stepped back and she slipped off the counter. He cleared his throat as he ran his fingers through his hair. “So, uh … 10 tomorrow morning, right?”

“Huh?” Amara looked up at him.

“The first house viewing?”

“Oh, uh …” Amara let out a breath. “Yeah. 10.”

Liam nodded before leaning down; he stopped a hairsbreadth from her lips, reminding himself not to get too caught up before he pressed a lingering kiss to her lips. He drew back a moment later and his hand squeezed hers. “Goodnight.”

“G’night.” 

*******

The following morning, Amara was standing in front of a two-story home in a gated — and guarded — community. It sat at the end of a long driveway surrounded by trees and had a large backyard with a wooden playset complete with swings and a slide. After touring the house with Liam, Drake, Riley, and Leo, who opted to tag along, it was determined not to have any creaky floorboards. 

“I just think that the stairs in the foyer … there’s too many.” 

Amara stiffened beside Liam. 

Drake dropped his head with a silent laugh as Riley fought back her own. They’d been with them at every house and they knew Liam had been coming up with excuses for each one, but they’d kept quiet about it. It was none of their business.

Leo snapped his gaze over to his brother. “What the fuck are you talking about?” 

“For Sophia,” Liam clarified as he continued to stare at the house to avoid making eye contact with him. “And they’re narrow … and wooden, so there’s no cushion if she falls.” 

Steven, the realtor, stood by his car and closed his eyes as he took in a calming breath. “On to the next then?” 

****

“The hedges aren’t trimmed or lit up.”

“Are you—” Leo cut himself off as he looked at his brother, wide-eyed. “You can’t be serious …”

“I am,” Liam said matter-of-factly. “The housing development, which she would have to pay a monthly fee to, is in charge of lawn maintenance and it looks like shit.”

Amara turned and walked toward the car without a word as a chuckling Drake and Riley trailed behind her.

“I think you’ve gone a little crazy in the head,” Leo scoffed. 

Steven slid back into his car and shut the door. 

****

“This is niiiice,” Leo said as he glanced around the kitchen of the next home; it was the last one for the day. 

“State-of-the-art appliances,” Drake said, smoothing his hand across the marble countertop. 

“Big rooms,” Riley grinned.

Liam looked around as he held Sophia. He’d walked around the outside and had been through every room and couldn’t find anything wrong with it. Nothing. He glanced down, scuffing his foot against the floor and his eyes landed on the bottle of grapefruit juice he’d carried in with him before they slowly slid to Sophia. He turned his back toward the others as he quietly unscrewed the cap. “Want a sip?” he whispered. 

Sophia eagerly leaned forward, not knowing what it was … or how bitter it was; honestly, Liam questioned why he drank it half the time. He tipped the bottle back, helping her to sip before pulling it away and screwing the lid back on. He turned back around just as her nose scrunched and her lips puckered. 

“Yuck.” 

Liam glanced at Sophia as everyone else turned toward the sound of her voice.

“Well, she hates it,” Liam shrugged before turning and striding out of the house without a glance back. “Way to come through in the clutch, princess,” he whispered through a laugh. 

****

That evening after having dinner, Amara went back to the north wing with Sophia alone, giving Liam time with Leo, who was leaving in the morning. 

Liam carried two glasses of scotch out onto the balcony and set one down in front of Leo before taking a seat next to him. “I’m really glad you got a chance to come visit,” he said before taking a sip of his drink. 

“Me too,” Leo nodded. “I’ll definitely plan to come back soon and more often. Gotta corrupt my niece and all.” He chuckled at the look Liam shot him. “So …” He paused, taking a sip of his drink. “When do you plan on asking Amara to move in with you?”

“What?” Liam asked, furrowing his brow. 

“Don’t play dumb with me, little brother.”

“I’m not playing—”

“You said the house had too many fucking stairs.”

“It did!”

“And what do you call the stairs in this place?” Leo tossed back. “The grand staircase alone has three times as many stairs, but those are ok … because they’re here.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Liam said casually. 

“You complained about hedges not being lit up.”

“Aesthetics matter.”

Leo snorted, shaking his head. “You’re not fooling anyone, except maybe Amara, who probably just thinks you have your child’s best interest in mind. She also probably thinks that you’re nitpicky as fuck with ridiculous standards.” 

Leo arched his brow in a challenge to tell him that he was wrong. He knew he couldn’t. “Fine,” Liam sighed. “I don’t want her to buy a house.”

“Because …?” Leo smirked.

Liam rolled his eyes as he took another sip of his drink. “Because I want them with me, here, in my quarters”

“See?” Leo chuckled. “Now was that so fucking hard?” 

“Yes, because I can’t say that to her. She’s looking for a house. If she wanted to stay, she’d say something.” 

“Would she?” Leo questioned. “After everything you told me about what happened after you learned the truth about Sophia, what Amara wants doesn’t really matter to her. And making assumptions about what you want doesn’t seem like something she’s going to do after what happened. You told me yourself that she’s been following your lead on everything. So if you haven’t come out and specifically told her that you don’t want her to leave, why would she believe otherwise? Not to mention the fact that you’ve made it a point to go look at all of the fucking houses with her, further making her believe that you’re on board with it.” 

Liam dropped his head back as he let out a breath. Yes, he knew that while Amara had been better since their talk in New York, she was still following his lead with everything, but he didn’t think about it possibly having an impact on her decision to want to house hunt. Thinking about it now, he hadn’t told her he didn’t want her to go and he hadn’t shown her either. 

There was still that possibility that Amara didn’t want to stay, however. Perhaps she wanted to find her own place, that she wasn’t ready for the same thing he was.

*******

The following morning after seeing Leo off at the airport, Liam stared out the window of the SUV as it pulled into a long, winding driveway. Amara had messaged him and asked if he could meet her to look at another house. 

When the SUV came to a stop, Liam’s brows furrowed when he saw Amara standing in a dirt-covered clearing. He instructed Bastien to stay in the vehicle before slipping out and making his way towards her.

“Hey,” Amara smiled as he approached.

“Hello.” Liam leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Where’s Soph?”

“Regina is watching her.” 

Liam nodded before glancing around. “I thought you asked me to meet you to look at another house?”

“I did … sort of.”

Glancing back at her, Liam offered an amused smile. “Is the house invisible?”

Amara chuckled. “No … this is just the location of where the house could be,” she gestured to the open clearing. 

Liam’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“I talked with the realtor about the possibility of building. This is an empty plot of land for sale … and I could have a house built to ensure it would have everything I want and everything you would be comfortable with.” 

“Oh …” Fuck. Liam cleared his throat as he looked around again. “I don’t … I don’t know if that’s the best path to take.”

Amara let out an exasperated sigh. “Why not?”

Liam blew out a breath. “I mean, it’s just that … I don’t think—”

“Liam … you’ve found something wrong with every house I’ve looked at. If I build, it can be to your standards … standards that I didn’t realize were so very high and specific until this process.”

“My standards are not high nor specific,” Liam scoffed.

“I beg to differ,” Amara quipped. 

“My standards are not high! I just don’t want you to leave!” The words tumbled from Liam’s mouth before he could stop them.  

Amara’s brows raised in surprise. “What?”

“I don’t want you to leave!” Liam repeated as he threw his arms up. “I don’t want you to buy a house. I want you to stay at the palace with me. If you’re going to move, I want you to move in with me. I want us to be together … as a family.” 

Letting out a breath, Amara stared at him. She didn’t think that was an option — at least, not at the moment — because he’d never brought it up. “Why didn’t you say anything before?”

“Because I didn’t know if you wanted the same. If getting a house is something you want, I didn’t want to stand in your way … which, it probably doesn’t seem like that now considering the ridiculous excuses I came up with …” He scuffed his foot against the dirt. “If it’s what you want, then I’m not going to stop you and I’ll have to deal with it. But if you’re looking because you think I want you to go or because you think you have to … that’s not the case.” He held her gaze, seeing her eyes glisten with tears in the sunlight peeking through the canopy of trees overhead. He took a step toward her and brushed his hand across her cheek. “This is my official offer. Stay with me, Amara. Move in with me.” 

Another breath escaped Amara before she leaned up and closed the small distance between them, pressing her lips to his. Liam’s arms wrapped tightly around her as he deepened the kiss. 

They drew back a moment later and Liam rested his forehead against hers with a hopeful smile. “Is that a yes?”

Amara tearfully chuckled. “Yes.” 

*******

Sitting on the sofa, Liam watched Amara move around the living area, picking up Sophia’s toys and placing them in their respective baskets after she’d gone to bed. 

“You can do that later.”

“I’ll just get it done now.”

Liam chuckled with a shake of his head as he removed his tie. Amara and Sophia had moved in a month ago, and he’d learned very quickly how much of a neat freak she was. He’d always known she’d kept things tidy, but this was on a different level. 

As she walked by him with her hands full of stuffed animals, Liam reached up, and she yelped when he pulled her down; her one knee landed beside his leg on the cushion, and he pulled her other leg over so she was straddling his lap. 

Liam held her gaze as he took the stuffed animals from her arms and tossed them back on the floor. “Later,” he grumbled before pulling her down and capturing her lips in his.

Despite having lived together and sleeping in the same bed for the last month, they had yet to cross any lines. Something would come up or interrupt every time. They played it off as best they could but were both beginning to feel more than a little frustrated. 

But tonight … 

Liam’s hands slid beneath the hem of Amara’s shirt and settled on the bare skin of her waist, and he smiled into the kiss when he felt her shudder under his touch. He urged her forward, causing her body to arch into him, and when he felt her hips press down against his, he groaned and deepened the kiss. 

A soft moan escaped Amara when he pressed her down against him again; she could feel just how much his desire matched her own. “Liam,” she gasped against his lips.

“I love when you say my name like that.” His voice came out like gravel. “Like the slightest touch from me will make you come undone.” 

Amara let out another whimper of longing as her fingers began fumbling against the buttons of his shirt until it draped open, baring his muscled torso. Her hands slid against the taut skin of his chest to his abs—

“Mama.” 

Liam and Amara froze at the sound of Sophia’s voice coming through the monitor speaker. 

“Dada,” she whined again a moment later. 

Amara leaned back, staring at Liam; they were both flushed and breathing heavily. 

“Mama,” she cried. 

Amara offered a rueful grin before she slid off his lap and headed toward Sophia’s room. 

Liam dropped his head back against the sofa and rubbed his hands over his face in exasperation. It’d been so long since they were last together before everything happened. And while he didn’t know how much longer he’d be able to last, it wasn’t something he wanted to have to rush out of worry of interruption either. His hands fell away from his face as an idea struck, and a moment later he had his phone in hand and pressed to his ear. 

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Liam replied. “I need a really big favor …” 

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

Liam stared down at Amara, who was frozen in place as she held the door to the north wing open, looking up at him in stunned silence. Her complexion was slightly pale, her eyes were puffy and rimmed red, and her cheeks were blotchy and still glistened with the remnants of tears she’d attempted to wipe away only moments ago. 

Liam cleared his throat and finally broke the silence. “Hi,” he said quietly. 

“Hi …” Amara’s voice came out slightly cracked and just above a whisper. 

“May I come in?” Liam asked. 

Amara bit her lip to keep it from trembling as she slowly nodded and stepped aside. Once he was over the threshold, she softly shut the door; her palm rested against the wood as she closed her eyes, trying to rein in her emotions, but she was failing. 

Liam paused at the entryway into the living and kitchen area to wait for her; he glanced over to see her back still to him and her head slightly bowed. “Amara?” He watched her stiffen at the sound of her name from his lips before lifting her head; she raised a hand to her face, seemingly wiping more tears from her cheeks as she let out a breath.

Amara turned, not meeting his eyes as she gestured for him to go ahead. 

Liam walked to the sofa and lowered himself down as he studied her. When Amara sat, she left an ample amount of space between them; she tucked herself into the corner, pulling her knees to her chest. He could tell she was nervous. More than nervous. 

“Where is Sophia?” Amara asked quietly.

“She’s with Imogen in my quarters,” Liam answered. “I figured it would be easier for us to talk without her here.” She nodded her agreement, still not looking at him. “I, uh …” He cleared his throat; he was nervous too, although he couldn’t pinpoint exactly why. “I wanted to come talk to you about Bradshaw and what happened …” She offered another silent nod. “I wanted to let you know that the situation with him has been dealt with and handled. He won’t be a problem again. For anyone, least of all us.”

“Thank you,” Amara said through a cracked whisper, and her brows knit as she continued to fight against the wave of emotions threatening to drown her. “For everything you did … to get Sophia out of that.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” Liam replied. “But I think we need to talk about the statement that was made …” He watched her tense at his words. “Amara … why would you do that? Why would you willingly throw yourself under the bus like that?” 

Yes, Daniel had told him why, but Liam needed to hear it from her. 

“Because … because it was the right thing to do.” Amara shook her head; her brows creased as she tried to blink away the rising sting in her eyes. “I know it’s not what you wanted … but I couldn’t let them scrutinize you … and, in turn, Sophia … for what I had done.” 

“We could have figured out something else. You didn’t need to make yourself a damn martyr.” 

“There wasn’t another way …” 

Liam watched her, studied her; she stared straight ahead and he could see her jaw tick. And in the deafening silence that lay between them, he could hear her struggling not to let her breath stutter as she visibly fought back her tears, trying and failing not to let him glimpse that struggle. 

“Are you alright?” Liam asked. He knew it was a silly question, but his goal in coming there was not only to have a conversation with her about everything but to get her to open up. He’d been told by both Riley and Daniel how she’d completely shut down in the last month since everything happened. She still wouldn’t meet his gaze as she nodded in response to his question. “Amara, look at me.” At his words, she started to lose that battle to control her emotions; he watched her chin tremble as her eyes welled to the brim with tears. “Look at me,” he said more sternly. Her brows knit and her breath hitched; she hesitated before slowly turning her head, finally lifting her eyes to his. “Are you alright?” he asked again, his voice softer and laced with a touch of concern. 

That was all it took.

Amara shook her head in answer to his question as that thread of control she was barely clinging to snapped; a sob escaped her as she covered her face with her hands. When Liam instinctively shifted closer to her and she felt his arms wrap around her for comfort, she completely broke down. Everything she’d been trying to hold in over the last month — hell, the last two years — came pouring out all at once, causing what little composure she had left to crumble from beneath her. 

Liam had never seen her this way. Amara was a wall, even two years ago. She was an immovable wall of practiced impassiveness, honed from years of depending on nothing and no one but herself. He’d seen glimpses beyond that wall two years ago, more than she had ever allowed anyone before, and he’d been given those same glimpses again when she returned. At that moment, however, the wall had completely shattered. 

Despite everything that had happened, it broke Liam to witness it. He pulled her closer, curling one hand around the back of her head and his other rubbed her back in an attempt to try and calm her as she cried into his chest. 

Tucking his head, Liam brought his lips to her ear. “Amara, breathe,” he whispered. His words didn’t appear to be of much help; she cried harder, her breath hitching between sobs that she couldn’t seem to control. He drew back slightly, cupping her face in his hands and forcing her gaze to his. “Breathe.” 

Amara grasped his wrists, trying and failing to take a full breath as she squeezed her eyes shut. “I-I … I’m … sorry, Liam,” she choked out through another sob.

“I know you are.”

Liam pulled her back to him as she continued to whisper broken apologies through cries; her one hand was still clutching his wrist and he could feel it trembling. Daniel told him she’d been struggling with guilt, but he never expected this. 

It was consuming her, strangling her from the inside. 

“I know that you’re sorry,” Liam said softly. 

“You must … hate me,” Amara cried.

Liam felt an immediate lump swell in his throat at her words. “I do not hate you, Amara.” 

“I-I didn’t — I should’ve —” Amara’s words were choked off by another sob. “I-I’m so sorry.” 

“Shhh,” Liam pulled her tighter against him, resting his chin atop her head as he closed his eyes. “I know.” 

And he did know. 

There wasn’t a single part of him that doubted her remorse, doubted how horrible she felt, or doubted how badly she wished she could go back and do things differently. 

Liam wasn’t sure how much time passed as he sat and held Amara until she finally started to calm down some; her breath continued to hitch but her cries had quieted. 

Reaching over, Liam grabbed a couple of tissues from a box on the coffee table and he glanced down at her still tucked against his chest, offering them to her. She took them before she slowly sat back, wiping her eyes; she kept her gaze cast downward, fidgeting with the tissues now in her hands. He could both see and feel the guilt still seeping out of her, though. 

“Are you ok?” Liam asked.

Amara nodded, but her brows knit as her breath stuttered. “S-Sorry about …” She trailed off, gesturing to herself. 

“You don’t need to apologize.” 

“I do,” Amara said with a nod as her eyes filled with tears again. He knew she didn’t mean just about her breakdown; she was still referring to everything else. 

“Amara, please stop apologizing,” Liam said. “I know that you’re sorry. You don’t need to keep saying it.” He ran his fingers through his hair as he let out a breath. “Look …” He paused, searching his mind for the right words as she finally lifted her apprehensive gaze to his. “I know this past month has been hard on you … not only because Daniel and Riley both told me that you haven’t at all been yourself but because the times I saw you, I could see it myself. And I’m not going to lie and say that it’s been easy on me. It hasn’t. It’s been … overwhelming and difficult, among other things. But we need to move past all of this … not only for both of our sakes but Sophia’s as well.” When she subtly shook her head and looked down, he reached out, gently grasping her chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting her gaze back to his. “Talk to me.”

Amara’s breath hitched. “I don’t know how you can even look at me,” she choked out. “Let alone sit here … and be civil toward me after what I did.” 

“Because I don’t want to keep dwelling on what happened, Amara,” Liam answered. “As I said, I know that you’re sorry. I believe you. And I forgive you.” 

At those last three words, more tears fell. I forgive you. Hearing him say them flooded her with relief … but also more guilt. “I … I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” Amara cried, shaking her head. 

“You do. And you have it,” Liam replied. “Me forgiving you and you forgiving yourself is the only way we’re going to move forward. It’s in the past and it needs to stay there because nothing good is going to come from either of us living there. There’s nothing either of us can do to change what’s already been done.” 

The past month that Liam had to reflect on everything had shown him just that. Sure, he could remain angry and resentful toward her and the situation, but no good was going to come of it. And Amara could continue wallowing in her guilt, but nothing would come of that either except to destroy her.  

Sophia deserved better than what dwelling on the past would do to her parents. 

“I just want us to figure out a way to move forward together.” When she glanced up at him with surprise in her eyes, Liam realized how what he’d said may have sounded. “For Sophia, I mean …” 

Liam hadn’t thought about them, not in that sense anyway. It was clear from her reaction that Amara hadn’t expected him to either. 

Yes, he missed her and he missed where they were and what they started to rebuild before everything happened. Of course he did. He hadn’t just been dealing with the rollercoaster of emotions from discovering he had a child he knew nothing about over the past month; he’d also been dealing with the heartbreak over what felt like losing Amara for a second time. He couldn’t just shut off his feelings for her. He loved her. But those feelings were something he’d have to deal with at another time.

As far as where they stood and what the future held for them, if anything at all, Liam wasn’t sure. They needed to focus on one thing at a time, and right now, that was rebuilding a foundation from scratch and getting themselves back to a certain place for Sophia’s sake. 

“I know we have things we need to discuss and figure out,” Liam said. “I’m here … and your home is in New York, so—”

“I’ll stay here,” Amara interrupted.

Liam reared back and furrowed his brows. “What?”

“Now that her existence has been made public … I don’t think anyone here would approve of me taking her back to the States, including your council.” Amara took in a shuddered breath. “We both know that if it came down to it and they pushed you hard enough … you’d be able to keep her here …” 

Liam felt a tightening in his chest and his own wave of guilt crashed over him as his mind flashed back to the last conversation they had in his study a month ago and what he’d said to her. 

“By all technicality — because of who I am, who she is, and where you happen to be right now — I have every legal right to keep Sophia with me. I don’t want it to come to that, but if you try to leave with her, I will do what I need to do to not only ensure the safety of my child but that I maintain a relationship with her as well. Do not put me in a position where I have to show you how much power I truly wield, Amara, because you will never look at me the same again.” 

Liam had been so angry and emotional during that conversation that he hadn’t even realized the vehement threat his words truly were. And it was clear she hadn’t forgotten them, either. “You know I would never do that to you, right?” he asked, and she looked at him apprehensively. “I’d never keep her with me out of spite, Amara. What I said when we last spoke … I said out of anger … out of fear and uncertainty. But I need you to believe that I wouldn’t — I couldn’t do that to you or her.” 

“That aside … I don’t … I don’t want to take her away from you, Liam,” Amara shook her head. “I don’t want to take any more time away from you. I don’t want her to go weeks or months without seeing you. I don’t want to put either of you through that.” 

“But what about your life there? Your company?” 

“What’s best for her is to have access to you, so my life there doesn’t matter. As far as the company … I don’t know. I have to look into some things … but that’s not exactly at the top of my list of priorities at the moment.” 

To say Liam was surprised would be an understatement. Not that he was complaining; he wasn’t. Knowing that she was willing to stay there to allow him to see and be with Sophia any time he wanted … he was beyond grateful. But the way in which she was so willing to uproot her entire life without an ounce of hesitation left a heavy weight on his chest. 

Was Amara willing to do it because she wanted to or was this a choice she made out of guilt, a choice she’d come to regret in the future?

“We can talk about it, Amara. We don’t need to jump to any decisions right now.”

“I’m not … I’m not jumping to decisions. I’ve thought about it. This is what needs to be done … for both you and Sophia.” 

“And what about you?” Liam asked, and she looked at him questioningly. “I appreciate you being willing to do that. Truly, I do. And I’d be lying if I said I don’t want that because after this past month, the idea of not seeing her every day … It’s not easy to imagine. But I also don’t want you to give up your life because you feel like you have to.”

“Sophia is my life, Liam.” Amara’s breath stuttered again, and if he didn’t already know, the conviction in her tone would have made him believe it. “I don’t have much I’d be leaving behind in New York—”

“I think Daniel might take offense to that,” Liam cut in with a quip in hopes of lessening the tension in the air. He thought he saw the corner of her mouth begin to curl, but it was gone a heartbeat later. 

“I just mean … Sophia has more here than she does there. She has family here, more of a support system. And most importantly … you. And you being … you and who you are … you don’t have the luxury of making this kind of sacrifice. I do. I won’t be the reason you two miss out on time together … not again. So I will stay.” 

It was clear her mind had been made up and Liam wasn’t about to argue it. Truthfully, it was something that had been on his mind a lot over the past month, wondering what was going to happen and how things would work when she left — not if she left because he had every reason to believe she would. Now, it was like a weight had been lifted. He still wanted her to know that it was her choice, however. 

“If that’s what you want to do … and you’re sure …” 

Amara nodded. “It is. And I am.” She swiped the tissue against her stuffy nose. “I have things I’ll need to figure out … like finding a place … and I’ll have to make a trip or two to New York to tie up some loose ends and get our things, but …”

“Finding a place and getting your things is nothing you need to rush to figure out or do,” Liam said. “You’re more than welcome to stay right here for as long as you want and need. And when you need to go to New York, the jet will be at your disposal.” He heard her let out a subtle scoff, but it wasn’t subtle enough. “What?”

Amara shook her head and glanced away from him, chewing the inside of her lower lip to keep it from trembling as her emotions started to get the better of her again. “I don’t know why or how you’re being so nice to me,” she said through a cracked whisper. 

Liam mindlessly slipped his hand into hers. “Because I care about you,” he said, not an ounce of hesitation in his tone, and she looked at him again. “You’re the mother of my child, Amara … I’m not going to cast you away. As I said … I don’t want to dwell on the past. I want to focus on Sophia … on the here and now.” When she glanced down at their intertwined hands, he cleared his throat and gently pulled his hand away. “I know we have a lot more we need to talk about … but for now …” He was sure she still had questions and worries regarding the statement now being released, what exactly that meant, and the next steps. He had his own. But they could deal with those another time; he didn’t have all of the answers at the moment anyway. She nodded her understanding and agreement. “How about, if you’re feeling up to it … you join Sophia and me for dinner tonight.” 

Amara glanced at him again, seeing in his eyes the invitation for exactly what it was. An olive branch. A first step. “Ok.”

Liam nodded. “I have some things I need to do, so no need to rush. Take your time.” With that, he stood, looking down at her. “I’ll see you in a little while.” 

****

Standing beneath the spray of the shower, Amara let the hot water run over her, hoping to wash away her tension and exhaustion so she could appear somewhat put together at dinner. It had been a couple of hours since Liam had left and she’d still been struggling to get her emotions under control as she replayed their conversation over and over in her head. 

When Amara opened the door and saw Liam standing on the other side, she didn’t know exactly what to make of it after the month of silence between them. She assumed he’d be even more angry with her than he already was given the statement made that morning, half-expecting him to yell that it wasn’t what he had wanted and that she had no right to interfere. 

Instead, Liam had decided that he wanted to let bygones be bygones. In a surprising twist Amara didn’t see coming, he’d forgiven her. She was still trying to wrap her mind around it, to make sense of it. Yes, she understood his reasoning for wanting to leave everything in the past and saying that it was the only way they could move forward, but given what she had done … what she had kept from him … his forgiveness felt undeserving. She would need to try, however, to do what he asked … try to forgive herself, if not for him, for Sophia.

Amara tilted her head back, letting the water hit her face and wash away the tears that continued to fall. She turned so the spray hit her hair as she took in a breath and let it out slowly. 

****

After drying her hair and getting dressed, Amara stepped out of her bedroom inside the north wing and walked down the hall toward the living area; she didn’t know what time Liam wanted her to meet him. 

As she neared the entryway, Amara’s brows furrowed when she heard voices; when she stepped into the archway, she saw Liam sitting on the floor with Sophia as she played. 

Liam’s eyes flickered up to see her, and he smiled sheepishly. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

Sophia looked over her shoulder, and a toothy grin spread across her face as she turned and toddled toward her. “Mama!” she squealed with a clap of her hands.

Amara smiled, the first genuine smile Liam had seen from her in some time, as she bent down and scooped her into her arms. “Hi, baby girl.”

Sophia tucked her body into her mother as she rested her head on her shoulder. Liam smiled at the sight. “I hope you don’t mind the intrusion,” he said. “She was asking for you, so I figured I’d bring her down and just have the kitchen bring dinner here.”

“That’s fine,” Amara nodded. “And I don’t mind.” 

Sophia’s head popped up from her mother’s shoulder and she turned toward the sound of Liam’s voice; another toothy grin emerged as she looked back at Amara, pointing at him. “Dada.” 

“Yes,” Amara smiled, smoothing her hand over her hair as she kissed her cheek. 

Sophia wriggled from Amara’s embrace a moment later; she set her down and she headed to Liam, falling into his lap and pointing. “Mama,” she said as she looked up at him with her big blue eyes. 

“Uh-huh,” Liam chuckled with a nod. 

Sophia looked back at Amara and pressed a tiny, stubby finger to Liam’s chest. “Dada.” 

“Yes, baby,” Amara nodded, meeting his gaze. “That’s your daddy.” 

Sophia continued to glance between the two of them as her broad grin grew. She carried on with alternating her pointing and making introductions that she didn’t understand weren’t needed. 

Liam realized why she was doing it: it was the first time she had been with them in the same room together. It was as if some small part of her somehow knew and understood that this was how it was supposed to be. 

The two of them met gazes again as Sophia pushed herself off Liam’s lap and started back toward Amara, both knowing. 

****

After dinner, Amara sat on the sofa, watching Liam play with Sophia; he crawled around the floor chasing after her as she belly laughed. It was the first time she’d seen him in his role as a father, the first time she’d gotten to watch them interact together. And while it made her heart feel like it was going to burst at seeing how happy his presence made their daughter, it also brought a fresh wave of guilt from seeing what they both had missed out on because of her choices. 

It was hard to imagine being able to move forward from her guilt when new bits of it added themselves to the already heaping pile. She remembered what Liam said, however … how the only way for them to move forward was to leave the past in the past. 

Liam sat, chuckling when Sophia mimicked him and sat down, letting out a breath just as he did. A moment later, she yawned, and he glanced at his watch. “I suppose she should be getting ready for bed soon.” 

“Yeah,” Amara nodded, not having realized what time it was. 

“Can I still take her back to my quarters? Or do you want her to stay here?”

“She can go with you,” Amara replied. “She was supposed to stay with you tonight anyway.” 

Liam nodded and looked back at Sophia. “You ready to get your pajamas on?” Sophia answered with another yawn, and he chuckled. “Come on, little love.”

Amara smiled at the term of endearment, feeling her eyes prick as she watched him stand and scoop Sophia up. She blinked the tears away as she rose from the sofa; she walked over and Liam tilted Sophia down so she could kiss her cheek. “Goodnight, baby girl.” 

Liam headed for the door and Amara followed; when he stepped into the hall he turned to look at her. “You’re more than welcome to come join us for breakfast if you’d like.” 

Amara stared at him for a moment before nodding. “Ok.” 

“I’ll shoot you a text when she wakes up,” Liam smiled.

Amara nodded again, and he offered her one in return before he turned and headed down the corridor.

*******

“So … how have things been going?” Drake quietly asked Liam as they stood near the bar cart inside his quarters. 

Liam glanced over his shoulder to where Amara sat on the sofa between Riley and Daniel while Sophia played in front of them; he’d invited everyone for dinner so both he and Amara could have some adult interaction besides the ones they had with each other. “Good,” he nodded, turning his attention back to pouring his drink. “We’re just … doing as much together with Sophia as we can.” 

It had been a week since the statement and Liam and Amara’s talk. In hopes of letting some of the frenzy surrounding the news die down, he had taken that week to himself; it was more so to avoid having to leave the palace and deal with the press and the slew of questions he was sure they would throw his way. 

Truthfully, Liam wasn’t sure exactly how to handle it. As Amara had suspected, any reports about the situation had focused more on her and what was considered her betrayal to the King than anything else; they painted her as the villain in the story, crucifying her for not only keeping a father from his child but an heir from its kingdom. He wasn’t sure how to go about taking the negative attention off of her that she had so willingly placed on herself. 

Instead of worrying himself with a solution, Liam had spent the week working on rebuilding that foundation with Amara. They’d been together every day since their talk, spending time with Sophia within the confines of the palace. They alternated between his quarters and the north wing and Sophia staying with one or the other at night. 

It was the moments when it was just the two of them that threw Liam for a loop, however. That first day after their talk, they agreed to both be there to do things together with Sophia, like put her to bed. And it was in those quiet moments once she was asleep in one of her rooms in either his quarters or the north wing that he found himself struggling most with his feelings. They always lingered behind for a half hour or so once Sophia was asleep, talking quietly, neither seeming eager to rush out the moment those little eyes were no longer watching. And he found himself hating how they went their separate ways after spending each day together as a family. 

As much as Liam was enjoying that time with them all together, parting at the end of each day made it feel … not right in a sense. It felt like there was still something missing from the picture as a whole. He pushed those thoughts and feelings aside, however, knowing the importance of rebuilding that foundation before even thinking about venturing down that road. 

“Riley’s been worried about her, but she seems better,” Drake noted as he gestured toward Amara. 

“I told her we needed to leave the past in the past,” Liam replied. “She’s coming around.” 

Amara did seem to be better in the time since their talk, but Liam could still sense the guilt weighing on her some. Save for the one or two moments when he’d caught her emotions getting the better of her, she did her best to mask it, however. 

“And … things between you two?” Drake questioned.

“It hasn’t been brought up,” Liam responded. “We have other things to focus on at the moment.” 

Drake nodded, knowing the quick response meant that Liam wanted to drop the subject. The two of them rejoined the others in the living area, sitting in the two armchairs across from the sofa. 

While they talked over drinks and simultaneously played with Sophia, Riley couldn’t help that tendency — one no doubt drilled into her during her time working for Amara back in New York — to wonder what their next steps were as far as dealing with the aftermath of the statement. 

“So,” Riley said, looking from Amara to Liam. “Have you guys figured out how you’re going to handle the press?” 

Amara cast her gaze downward; she had no answer to give. They hadn’t talked about it at all and she wasn’t going to assume what Liam’s intentions were. She hadn’t even turned on the television or opened a newspaper since the statement was made, not wanting to see what was being said, but she had her guesses. Her first clue was the way Liam immediately turned off the television or made the newspapers vanish before she could catch a glimpse of the headlines each morning she’d met him and Sophia for breakfast; it was obvious he was trying to spare her feelings. 

Liam looked at Amara for a moment before glancing at Riley. “I … I don’t know, honestly.” They all knew he’d intended for the statement to go much differently. “I don’t know how to get them to shift their … focus and attention.”

Amara knew by focus and attention that he meant her.

Liam’s eyes shifted to Daniel, half curious, half expectant. Daniel cleared his throat and shifted on the sofa. “Well … that’s going to depend entirely on you and what you want them to see.”

Amara glanced over at him and then at Liam, meeting his gaze for a moment before he looked back at Daniel. “What do you mean?” 

“If you want them to focus on you raising your daughter as co-parents, you need to show them where your priorities are,” Daniel explained. “If you want the people and press to forgive her and move forward, then you need to show them that you’ve done the same.”

“By letting them see the three of us together,” Liam said in understanding.

Daniel nodded. “Wherever you go, the press is sure to follow to try and catch glimpses of you. And if you get tossed any questions, which we know is inevitable at this point once you step beyond the gilded gates of the palace, then you give them a brief account of the truth — that mistakes were made but you’re putting the past behind you because it’s what’s best for everyone involved, most importantly, Sophia. You can even toss in that you two are co-parenting amicably. And you leave it there and just focus on yourselves after that. They’ll have no choice but to follow suit eventually, especially when they’ll have no proof of the contrary. Plus, everyone loves a good comeback story … usually. So, hopefully doing that will draw in the attention that the press is looking for from the people.” 

Liam and Amara met gazes, a silent understanding passing between them as they both nodded.

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

Leaning back against his headboard on a Friday afternoon, Liam typed away on his laptop, finishing up the last couple of paragraphs of a paper he had due for one of his classes. His eyes flickered up from the screen and he smiled when they fell on Croía; she was lying horizontally across his bed with one of his legs draped over the backs of her knees as she, too, worked on a paper for another class. 

It had been a month since Vancross closed its campus to students and they started virtual classes. Hour-long meetings with the professors from each of their classes were held Monday through Thursday, leaving them with three-day weekends to work on assignments and study for exams while the investigation into the attack remained ongoing. From what they were told through weekly updates from the Dean, they still had no evidence as to who was behind it. 

Liam wasn’t sure how to feel about the situation. On one hand, it was nice being home and with his family which he typically wouldn’t see much of during the school year. On the other hand, it was his final year, one they were midway through, and he didn’t know if he’d ever be returning. He was thankful, however, that Croía chose to stay with him in Cordonia. 

When they learned that the campus would be closing, Constantine and Eleanor didn’t hesitate to invite Croía to stay, and she didn’t hesitate when she accepted the offer. A week later, Blaine and Alia arrived in Cordonia after the same offer was extended to them. The four of them were staying in Liam’s wing, working on assignments and studying together along with Rashad and Olivia, who would come from their duchies a couple times a week. 

Liam knew his mother was trying to make their time away from campus feel as close to normal as she could. 

After finishing the last of his paper, Liam closed his laptop and set it on the bed before moving next to Croía. “How is yours coming along?” he asked before dropping a kiss on her shoulder.

“Done,” Croía smiled as she scanned over the document. “Just looking it over.”    

“Do you have anything else to work on?”

“I have to study for my IRT exam.”

“Good ol’ International Relations Theory.”

Croía looked at him. “How did you manage to get out of taking that class anyway?”

“Because I took it last year,” Liam chuckled. “I got put in it by some glitch in the system and they were going to take me out, but I asked my advisor if I could just get it over with, and he said it was fine as long as I thought I could handle it with my other classes.” 

“And … how’d you do?”

“Aced it, of course,” Liam smiled.

Croía playfully rolled her eyes with a good-natured grin. “Overachiever.” 

“Think of it this way … that means that I’m the perfect person to help you study.”

“Oh?” Croía chuckled. 

“Mmhmm,” Liam nodded as he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers. He felt her smile before parting her lips, allowing his tongue to find hers. 

As the kiss deepened, Liam lifted his hand, closing her laptop and pushing it off to the side; he rolled to his back and pulled her over until she was straddling him. He combed her hair back from her face, becoming more consumed in the kiss with each slow curl of her tongue against his. With his legs dangling off the edge of the bed, he sat up; one hand dropped and splayed against her back to press her body flush against his own as he wrapped her long hair around his other. He gave a gentle tug, causing her to break the kiss as her head tilted back before his lips found her neck.

Over the past month, Liam found himself lost in Croía any free moment they had. He couldn’t get enough. Since that first night in the safe house, she couldn’t seem to get enough either. He’d always found her innocence and shy-by-nature personality endearing, but he also loved watching this more sensual side of her unfurl and come alive. Each time was more perfervid than the one before as she became more attuned with not only this never-explored side of herself but him as well. And while she was still the same kind-hearted, sweet, and coy woman he first met, the confidence that this newfound side gave her was, if he was being honest, sexy as hell and a turn-on all by itself. 

Just as Liam’s hands slid up underneath Croía’s shirt, planning to pull it off of her, a knock sounded on his bedroom door. He paused his movements, slowly lifting his head as she looked at him. 

“Li?” Blaine called out on the other side of the door. “Your dad is downstairs.” 

Liam dropped his head back with a sigh. “Tell him I’ll be down in a minute.” He looked back at her, smiling ruefully. “Sorry.” 

“It’s ok,” Croía chuckled as she maneuvered off his lap. 

Liam stared at her longingly as she adjusted her clothes back into place and he let out a grumble as he flopped back and rolled to his stomach, burying his face in his arms. “I need you to describe to me, in detail, Rocky Mountain oysters.” 

A laugh escaped Croía as she walked by the bed. “I’ll give you a second.” She opened the bedroom door and stepped out, closing it behind her as she met Blaine. “He’s coming.” 

Blaine flashed a knowing smirk having heard Liam grumble a moment before. “Not the way he wants to be, I’m guessing?” He let out a rumble of laughter when her cheeks flushed as she walked past him. 

Croía headed downstairs, and when she reached the bottom, Constantine was waiting near the door, smiling. “Hello, Croía,” he nodded.

“Hello, sir,” Croía smiled in return, then waved to Eleanor who stood behind him. 

A few moments later, Liam appeared at the bottom of the stairs. “Hello,” he greeted his father. “Everything ok?”

“Yes,” Constantine nodded. “I was stopping by to see if you were busy.”

“Not at the moment,” Liam replied. “I just finished up a paper. Why, what’s up?”

“I have a meeting I need to attend with Landon regarding trading coming into Portavira’s entrepôt that I thought would be good for you to sit in on.” 

“Oh … yeah, sure,” Liam nodded. 

“It shouldn’t take too long,” Constantine said. 

Eleanor stepped forward. “Croía, I have some preparation planning for the Peace Summit to do and wondered if you might like to join me?” she smiled. “Please don’t feel like you have to say yes, I just thought I’d extend the offer while Constantine stole Liam away.” 

“Sure,” Croía smiled. She’d heard the summit mentioned a few times in the time she’d been there and, truthfully, she found herself a tad curious about it. 

“You’re not busy with any classwork?” Eleanor asked.

“No, ma’am,” Croía shook her head. “I have an exam I was going to study for, but Liam was going to help me, so I’d be waiting until he finished up anyway.” 

Eleanor smiled. “As long as you’re sure … and you want to. Again, please don’t feel like you have to.” 

“I’m sure,” Croía smiled. 

“Alia and I will hold down the fort while you’re gone,” Blaine said from the top of the stairs where he leaned against the railing.

Liam glanced over his shoulder, shaking his head with a knowing smile before looking back at his parents. “We’re ready when you are,” he said as he gestured toward the door. He slipped his hand into Croía’s as they followed him into the hall. 

Constantine and Eleanor fell into step on either side of the pair as they walked down the corridor; while Liam talked quietly with his father about the meeting, Eleanor looked at Croía. “It’s nothing arduous that we’re going to be doing,” she said. “Just going over the current guest list from those that have responded and some plans for the event.” 

“Well … full disclosure,” Croía began, “I haven’t … I mean, I’ve never helped with anything like this before,” she smiled sheepishly. “So, if I get in your way, feel free to tell me.” 

Eleanor smiled and patted her shoulder. “You’ll be fine.” 

When they came to a split in the corridor, Liam slowed his steps as his father turned one way and his mother the other, both pausing to wait. He looked down at Croía and smiled. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“I won’t keep her away from you for too long,” Eleanor said. “Promise.” 

Liam kissed Croía’s cheek before turning and heading down the corridor with his father toward the King’s study while Croía joined Eleanor on the walk to hers. 

****

Sitting inside the Queen’s study, Croía flipped through a list of names. “They’re broken down by country and kingdom,” Eleanor explained. “It’s just easier to keep track that way, and then, when the time comes for the seating arrangements, we can keep them all together.”

“It looks like you’ll have a decent turnout,” Croía noted as she looked at the list. 

“Yes,” Eleanor smiled. “It’s the first time we’ve held a Peace Summit here, so I’m glad we’ve gotten such a good response so far.” 

Members of royalty from various kingdoms such as Monterisso, Pavedena, Naporvie, Ulmeria, Monterre, and Ismar, to name a few, were all planning to attend as well as members of government from Ardona, Rutherland, Esherstein, Ithanstan, and Drivosa. 

The families of all of her and Liam’s friends, Croía noticed, and their friends were all on the list to attend alongside them. 

There was one country and kingdom noticeably not included. 

“Did … did you extend an invite to Drakovia?” Croía asked, immediately wishing she hadn’t as soon as the words left her mouth.

“We did,” Eleanor answered. “We haven’t heard back from them yet. But there’s still time.” 

“No offense, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up.” 

Eleanor looked at her, smiling sadly; she’d heard the same thing from Trystan. “We’ve extended invites to them in the past for various events, but they don’t usually respond. So, while I know they’re likely not to attend, I hope they do.” 

It was the truth. Eleanor did hope the King and Queen of Drakovia would attend, but not for the reasons Croía probably thought. The attendance of the Drakovian monarchs could bring a different kind of peace. And at the thought, a pang of guilt shot through the Cordonian Queen, knowing both her words and motives were deceptive, but just as they were trying to protect Liam, they wanted to protect Croía as well. 

“Have you spoken to your parents?” Eleanor asked as casually as she could.

“Oh, uh … no,” Croía answered. She let out a breath and dropped her gaze back to the list in her hands. “I’ve called a couple of times, but I … I haven’t heard anything back. I’m sure they’re busy.”

Eleanor stared at her; she’d heard Croía make that same excuse before as to why she hadn’t been in contact with her parents. She knew she didn’t believe her own words, able to hear the disappointment and hurt in the lie even though she tried to mask it. She’d heard from Liam how Croía was treated, but heard even more unsettling details about it from Trystan. And her heart broke for the young woman sitting before her, the one who still held onto hope that her family would someday show her love and affection despite being made to believe all her life that she was nothing to them … the same young woman who had become an integral and special part of her son’s life, and because of that, her own. She’d taken a liking to Croía, more so over the last month and seeing firsthand how happy she made Liam. Perhaps it was her natural motherly instinct, but she wanted to protect Croía from all of the same things she wanted to protect her own children from. And she wanted to help her, to see her thrive and succeed; it was part of the reason she’d asked if she wanted to join her that afternoon. 

Eleanor knew Croía didn’t have the experience that others in her position typically would, and not all of those kinds of lessons could be learned from a class or a book. And while guest lists and event planning were the more frivolous sides of her role, Eleanor had a few reasons for spending this time with Croía; she had a purpose for it all. 

“Well, why don’t we see how many from each country and kingdom are coming so far,” Eleanor said, changing the subject. She smiled as she sat next to her on the small sofa. “That way, we can start to figure out how we’re going to do the seating.” 

****

That evening, Constantine and Eleanor sat inside the King’s study, unwinding from their day with drinks. When Constantine’s phone rang, he stood from the sofa and walked to his desk, lifting the receiver to his ear. “Yes?”

“Hello, Constantine,” Trystan greeted him.

“Trystan,” Constantine said as he glanced over his shoulder at his wife; she rose from the sofa and came beside him as he put the call on speaker. “How are you?”

“I’m well. I hope you and Eleanor are the same.”

“We’re good,” Eleanor answered, letting him know she was there. 

“I’m here with Cameron,” Trystan said. “We just wanted to give you a little update.”

Constantine and Eleanor shared a look. “We’re listening.” 

“It’s not much of an update,” Cameron chimed in. “We’re still looking for the proof we need. We just need some more time to find that smoking gun.” 

“What we’ve found so far is better than nothing,” Eleanor replied. “It has to lead somewhere.” 

“Unfortunately, these people are very good at keeping things hidden,” Cameron said.

“I can imagine, considering they’ve flown under the radar for as long as they have,” Constantine scoffed. “But at least we’re getting somewhere.” 

In the time since they started their undercover investigation, the Cordonian monarchs along with Trystan and Cameron had uncovered more than they bargained for with the help of Damien and his Interpol connection. They’d come to learn that things were far more complicated and complex than they initially thought. And despite how much they’d found — and because of it — they needed more. What they had was only enough to drum up more suspicion and speculation. Both the delicacy and complexity of the situation called for more conclusive evidence because they couldn’t take any chances or risk any slip-ups based on technicalities. They needed a surefire smoking gun before they could make any moves, and they had yet to find it. 

“How’s Croía?” Trystan asked.

“She’s doing good,” Eleanor answered. “She was with me earlier, actually, helping me with some things regarding the Peace Summit.” 

“Taking her under your wing, are you?” Trystan quipped. 

Eleanor chuckled. “I simply extended the offer to keep her occupied while Constantine had Liam sit in on a meeting with him.” 

“She likes to learn, but was never given the chance back home,” Trystan said. “So I’m glad she’s got you there.”  

“Speaking of the summit,” Eleanor began. “Are you still  aiming to have enough evidence by then?” 

“Yes,” Cameron answered. “Damien still thinks it would be easier to have Interpol be there than it would be for them to get into Drakovia. I’m hoping we’ll have what we need, and that’s the goal, but I don’t want to make any promises.”

“And I still wouldn’t put too much faith in them attending,” Trystan interjected. “I know Damien thinks that’ll be the easiest way, but it’d be a damn miracle if they accepted. And if they do, be on alert because it wouldn’t be because they’re actually looking for peace. If they accept, they’ll have an ulterior motive for doing so.” 

“We’ll keep that in mind,” Constantine replied. 

“And Liam and Croía … they still don’t know anything about it?” Trystan asked.

“No,” Eleanor and Constantine answered in unison. 

“We’ve only been giving them the updates from the Dean and the University’s investigation, not our own,” Constantine added. He shared a look with his wife. “We’ll tell them when we need to …”

****

After having dinner with Blaine and Alia, Liam and Croía headed up to his room while the other two decided to venture down into the capitol in search of dessert. They’d offered for them to tag along, but Liam knew they hadn’t spent much time alone since their arrival in Cordonia; he’d told Blaine about one of his favorite local spots to take her. 

Croía sat on the bed and let out a breath, glancing at Liam when he sat down beside her. “How did that meeting with your dad go?”

“Fine,” Liam shrugged. “Just some trade stuff he wanted me to overhear.” He glanced over at her with a chuckle. “How was planning with my mom?” 

“It was fine,” Croía smiled. “Everyone is coming to that summit. Alia and her parents and sister. Blaine and his parents. Kennedy and her mom. Dionne and her parents. Peter and his parents and brother … to name a few.”

“Yeah, I knew Blaine and Alia were coming, only because they told me,” Liam said. “I figured the others would more than likely tag along … or be dragged along,” he chuckled. 

“I noticed Drakovia wasn’t on the list,” Croía said. “I asked your mom about it … she said they invited them, but in a surprising turn of events, they haven’t heard back,” she quipped. 

Liam shifted to sit in front of her. “Maybe they’ll come.” He knew they wouldn’t.

“Doubtful,” Croía replied. Liam smiled sadly before lifting a hand to her cheek; he drew her to him and pressed his lips to hers as his other hand settled on her waist. Before they could get too lost in the moment, she gently broke the kiss. “I have to study for my IRT exam.”

“You have all weekend,” Liam whispered. 

Croía chuckled as he kissed her again. “I need to get some studying done tonight. And you said you’d help me.” 

“I will help,” Liam said as he brushed his thumb across her bottom lip before kissing her once more. 

“I think we have two different definitions of help at the moment.”

A rumble of impish laughter escaped Liam as he drew back to meet her gaze. “Ok, I’ll help you study. But how about we make it a little more … interesting?”

Croía couldn’t help but chuckle at the mischievous smile he wore. “How so?” 

“I’ll quiz you …” Liam smirked, leaning forward and pressing another lingering kiss to her lips. “And reward you for every right answer you get.” 

Arching a curious brow, Croía smiled. “Reward me how?”

“Guess you’ll have to agree to play to find out.”

“Ok,” Croía laughed. She reached for her book on the nightstand, but he stopped her. “The questions are in the book.”

Liam tapped a finger to his temple. “It’s all up here.” He grinned when she laughed, then kissed her again as he guided her back on the bed, stopping once he was hovering over her. “First question,” he murmured against her lips. “Which theoretical perspective views globalization as a new form of imperialism?”

Croía smiled. “Neo-Marxism.”

“Good,” Liam said before finding her lips again; he kissed her slow and deep, curling his tongue against hers before shifting a moment later, kissing along her jaw to her ear. “Next question,” he whispered. “Globalization is most associated with which theory of world politics?”

“Liberalism.” 

“Uh-huh,” Liam hummed as his lips lingered on her neck. He slipped his hand beneath the hem of her shirt and pushed it up, revealing her lace-covered chest; he gently dragged his hand from her neck down between the valley of her breasts and his lips followed their path before shifting off course and trailing over the swell, stopping when they met the seam of fabric. “What is the economic theory and ideology that serves as the backdrop to what is commonly referred to as globalization?” 

Croía shuddered as his lips brushed over her covered peak, feeling his warm breath through the thin lace; her thoughts jumbled when the tip of his finger dipped beneath the scalloped seam and began to pull it down. “Neo-stru—” He paused, arching a brow as his gaze flickered to hers, and she shook her head. “Neoliberalism.” 

A wolfish smirk curled on Liam’s lips as he slid the rest of the fabric out of his way and lowered his mouth down to her pebbled nipple; he slowly swirled his tongue before pulling away and blowing a stream of cold air against her, drawing out a soft gasp. “Name two contributing factors to global integration,” he murmured against her as his lips moved to her stomach. 

“Transportation and Communication …”

“Mmhm,” Liam hummed, continuing his slow descent as his hand slid up to caress her. 

“And European Colonization.”

“Very good.” Liam shifted himself lower, placing a kiss just below her navel; his hands slowly pushed up the hem of her pleated knit tennis skirt before he hooked a strong arm around one of her thighs and draped it across her hips. “What is the type of exchange rate that is based on its expected value in the international market and is considered to be self-correcting?”

Croía bit her lip, fixated on him as his lips made a path along her inner thigh, all while holding her gaze. “It’s … it’s fixed—” He paused, and she swallowed thickly. “Floating. Floating exchange rate.”

“Nice save.” Liam ghosted his lips over the thin piece of lace that covered her and he smirked when just that light touch drew a soft yet needy whimper from her. “Name one revolutionary approach to International Relations.”

When he placed another teasing kiss over the lace, Croía’s eyes fell shut as a tingle shot up her spine; she instinctively tried to arch her hips for more but was stopped by his arm holding her in place. “F-Focus on — focus on North — North and South relations,” she stuttered through a breath.

Liam chuckled, dragging a finger along the seam. “I think I might prefer to focus on the south right now,” he said before he pulled the lace aside and dropped his mouth down on her. 

When she felt his velvet tongue swirl against her, Croía’s lips parted with a moan as her hand slid into his hair. 

*******

A couple of days later, Liam, Croía, Blaine, and Alia sat in the living room of the south wing, all working on assignments and studying for upcoming exams. 

“I wonder how much of this shit I’m actually going to use in the real world,” Blaine scoffed. 

Liam chuckled just as the door to his wing flew open; they all glanced over as Leo strode into view. “Hello,” he grinned. He walked further inside and sat beside Croía on the sofa, slinging an arm over her shoulders. “Hi, Cocoa Bean.”

Liam shook his head as the others laughed, including Croía.

One night while they all hung out in the game room, Leo had caught a glimpse of Liam’s phone, seeing Croía listed in his contacts under ‘Cocoa’. He’d laughed himself hoarse, despite there being a story behind the nickname, one Liam tried to explain. Leo ignored him and the story entirely and had been calling her Cocoa Bean for the last few weeks anytime he saw her. She didn’t seem to mind, however, so neither did Liam. 

“What are you up to?” Liam asked. 

“I want to go golfing,” Leo said, “but I have no one to go with. So I thought you all might like to join me.” 

Blaine threw his book down. “I’m in.”

Liam’s brows furrowed. “I thought you hated golf?”

“I don’t hate it, but it’s not my favorite thing either,” Blaine replied. “But I’ll do anything to get away from this shit for a while,” he said, gesturing toward the book and his laptop.  

“I’m game,” Alia said.

Liam and Croía shared a look, both shrugging. “Ok.”

****

A while later, after changing into appropriate attire while Leo filled a cooler with beers and White Claws, the five of them headed out to Cormery Isle’s golf course. 

They laughed and joked as they made their way through the course, all in much need of the little reprieve.

Liam, Croía, and Leo pulled up in a golf cart to where their balls landed on the seventh hole; Blaine and Alia pulled up in a second cart behind them. 

After taking their shots, Leo, Blaine, and Croía sat on one of the carts after grabbing a drink from the cooler, waiting while Liam and Alia made their shots. 

Leo glanced back at Blaine from the driver’s seat, chuckling. “Remember last year when we were shotgunning beers for every shot we took?” 

Blaine snorted, nodding before he tipped his head back to take a sip of his beer. “And we were all shitfaced drunk by the time we got back to the palace and your mom made us all her infamous hangover remedy.” 

“I swear, her spiced apple tea hangover cure is fucking gold,” Leo said. “They’ve made me functional for so many events.” 

“What’s a shotgun?” Croía asked.

Leo’s brows rose in surprise and he glanced over at her in the passenger seat. “Cocoa Bean! You’ve never done a shotgun?”

“No,” Croía chuckled, shaking her head.

“Oh, we’ll need to fix that,” Leo said. “Blaine, grab me a drink.”  

Blaine reached back, grabbed a can of White Claw from the cooler, and handed it to Leo. “So, the first thing you’re gonna do is make a hole down here,” he said as he tapped his finger near the bottom of the can. He grabbed the pen they were keeping score with and carefully poked through the can, maneuvering it around. “Ok,” Leo said as he finished making the hole wide enough; Blaine leaned forward from the backseat of the cart to both inspect and watch. “Take this, put your thumb over the hole, and position your other hand so you can open the tab.” He handed her the can, and she did as instructed. “Good. Ok, now, put your mouth there,” he pointed to the hole, and she leaned forward and replaced her thumb with her mouth. “Now open it and then suck.” 

“Tilt it slightly,” Blaine added.

Croía tilted the can slightly as her nail flipped up the tab, but she was met with a rush of unexpected carbonation, causing her to cough into the can. 

Suddenly, the liquid shot out from the opening, spraying Leo directly in the face.

Croía slowly looked over at Leo with wide eyes as what little she managed to get into her mouth dribbled out; liquid and foam dripped from his face.

In the back seat, Blaine let out a loud bark of laughter as he threw his head back. When he heard her wheeze, he looked at Croía and started to laugh even harder at seeing how hard she was now laughing; her face was bright red and her hand covered her mouth, which was open in shock as her body shook. 

When Croía took a breath, she squealed out a laugh as her foot kicked the panel under the seat and she doubled forward. Both the sight and sound sent Blaine over the edge; he tipped sideways, rolling out of the cart into the grass as he clutched his stomach. 

Alia and Liam approached after taking their shots, and Alia started to laugh just at the sight of Blaine rolling around on the ground. 

“What the hell happened?” Liam asked, seeing a substance dripping from his brother’s face; he wore a grin despite whatever just occurred. 

A loud guffaw erupted from Blaine as he started to try and tell them the story; he rolled to his side with a wheeze as he slapped the ground, unable to continue. 

“I was trying to teach Cocoa Bean how to do a shotgun,” Leo began to explain through a laugh of his own as he wiped his face down with his golf towel. “But I somehow managed to get a face full of White Claw instead.”

Alia couldn’t contain her laughter at the imagery.

“I-I’m sorry … I-I got a …” Croía trailed off, unable to speak as another shriek of laughter bubbled out of her. 

Liam looked at her and he couldn’t help but chuckle as she gripped his arm; tears glistened in the corners of her eyes as the melodious sound of her contagious laughter filled the air. He’d seen her laugh plenty of times, but never that hard … and he never wanted to go another day without seeing or hearing it again, without seeing her so utterly happy and carefree.

“Holy fuck,” Blaine chortled. He slowly rolled onto all fours, trying to catch his breath. “My abs hurt. That …” He trailed off, snorting. “That was the funniest fucking thing. His face …” He howled, dropping his head onto the ground between his arms as he continued to laugh. “Shit, Croía.” 

Leo gripped Croía’s shoulder. “We’ll need to work on your execution, Cocoa Bean,” he chuckled. 

*******

The following Friday, Liam, Croía, Blaine, and Alia sat in the living room of the south wing, watching a movie; they’d spent all week working on assignments, had gone out to the beer garden with Leo, Rashad, and Olivia the night before, and were taking that night to relax. 

Midway through the film, a knock sounded on the door; Liam paused the movie and shouted for them to come in. A moment later, Constantine and Eleanor appeared. “Sorry to interrupt,” Constantine smiled apologetically at the group as they all sat up.

“No worries,” Liam said. “What’s up?”

Constantine and Eleanor walked into the living area and took the two empty seats on either end of the sectional. “We just received a call from the Dean. Vancross is opening campus back up.” 

They all smiled. “When?” Blaine questioned. 

“One week,” Eleanor answered. “They’re giving you next week free of classes to allow you to get yourselves situated before returning.”

“So they finished the investigation?” Croía asked.

“They closed it,” Constantine said. “They couldn’t find any evidence pointing to who was behind the attack. Being that it’s been over a month, they didn’t have much of a choice. I’m sure they’ll still be looking into it, but they think it’s time for the students to return.” 

“Your parents are aware,” Eleanor said to Blaine and Alia. “They’re leaving it up to you whether or not you want to go right from here or go home for the week before returning.” 

The pair shared a look. “We should probably go see them before going back,” Alia said. “We won’t see them again until graduation.”

“Yeah,” Blaine nodded. 

As they began to discuss leaving the following morning, Croía took in Alia’s words. We won’t see them again until graduation. She hadn’t seen her mother since her impromptu visit, and she hadn’t seen her father since she left to attend Vancross. She hadn’t been home at all. They hadn’t tried to reach out to her and hadn’t returned any of her calls. And while a part of her knew it was foolish to even want to see them or to think they cared about seeing her, another part of her couldn’t let go of the notion that she had a home and family of her own. 

Alia and Blaine excused themselves to go call their parents and make their arrangements to leave, leaving Liam and Croía alone with Constantine and Eleanor. 

“I … I should go home, too,” Croía said. 

Liam furrowed his brows as he snapped his gaze in her direction. “What?” 

“Alia’s right,” Croía said quietly as she looked at him. “We won’t have another chance to go home again before graduation, and that’s a few months away. And I haven’t … I haven’t been home at all since school started.” She could see the wariness in his eyes. “I know I haven’t talked to them … but maybe I should try to see them.” 

Liam knew why she wanted to go — or rather, felt like she had to. She didn’t want to give up on believing that maybe one day they’d see her for more than the mistake they told her she was. She wanted their love and acceptance so badly that she was willing to risk her emotional well-being on the off chance she might get it. Every instinct inside him wanted to tell her not to go, to beg her not to go and to stay with him. He’d seen firsthand what being around just her mother did to her, and he didn’t want to see her fall back into that headspace she was so easily put in before. He didn’t want to see her hurt and defeated if this trip home didn’t go the way she hoped it would … and he was almost certain that’s what would happen. 

Liam let out a breath. “But Croía—”

“It’s just a week,” Croía interrupted, seeing more trepidation fill his expression as he stared at her. “And then we’ll be back at campus.” 

Constantine looked at his wife the same moment Eleanor looked at him; he recognized the question in her eyes. He knew she didn’t want Croía to go either and that look told him exactly what she was thinking: She doesn’t know what we know. But he subtly shook his head at her silent request. They couldn’t risk telling anyone, including Liam and Croía. Not yet.

“Are you sure, Croía?” Eleanor asked, hoping she might reconsider. 

“I’m sure,” Croía nodded with a halfhearted smile. “And while I’m there … maybe I can bring up the Peace Summit and gauge their interest in possibly attending.” 

“Well, how about I go with you,” Liam said. 

Constantine and Eleanor both stiffened at his words. 

“I appreciate the offer, but I think it might be best if I go by myself,” Croía said, much to his parents’ relief. “I’ll be fine,” she assured him. 

Liam continued to stare at her. “When … when are you going to leave?” 

“Blaine and Alia seem to be leaving in the morning,” Croía noted. “So maybe sometime tomorrow afternoon. I’ll have to have Jonas call to have the jet prepared and sent.” 

“No need to call for the jet. You’re more than welcome to use ours,” Constantine offered, although his motives weren’t entirely selfless; he didn’t trust a Drakovian jet landing on Cordonian soil. 

Liam heaved a sigh as he finally dropped Croía’s gaze. He didn’t like the idea of her leaving. He didn’t like it at all. 

**** 

The movie night had been cut short so Blaine, Alia, and — much to Liam’s dismay — Croía could pack their bags. 

Liam sat on the edge of his bed, watching Croía stuff the final pieces of her clothing into her suitcase before zipping it shut. She set her bag over by the door and turned to face him; the look he gave her had her seriously contemplating her decision. 

When Croía approached him, she rested her hands on his shoulders, and Liam pulled her down so she was straddling his lap. He searched her icy blue eyes as he tucked her hair behind her ear. “I don’t want you to go,” he said just above a whisper.

“I’ll be ok,” Croía said, not sure whether she was trying to convince him or herself. 

“Does Trystan know you’re going?”

“No,” Croía chuckled, knowing he was hoping her brother would change her mind. “I haven’t called to tell him, but I will.” He shook his head, dropping her gaze. “If I come back disappointed … it’s no one’s fault but my own.”

Liam looked at her again. “If that’s even a possibility, why go?” he asked. “Why risk making yourself feel like that?” 

“Because I … I just feel like I need to do this,” Croía replied. “For myself.” Liam sighed, dropping his head on her shoulder. “Listen …” She forced his gaze back to hers. “If this trip goes badly … I promise, it’ll be the last time I try.” 

“You won’t go back again?”

“No,” Croía shook her head. “I think this trip will tell me everything I need to know.” 

Liam chewed the inside of his cheek as his hold around her tightened. “I still don’t like the idea of you going … especially by yourself.” 

“I’ll be ok.” 

Knowing he wasn’t going to change her mind, Liam heaved a defeated sigh as he dropped his head on her shoulder. “I’ve gotten used to you being here with me,” he murmured. “I don’t want to wake up without you.” 

Croía chuckled. “It’s only a week.” 

“Too long.” Liam lifted his gaze back to hers, holding it for a moment before he closed the small space between them and pressed his lips to hers. 

When they parted, Croía rested her forehead against his. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” 

Liam kissed her again, this time more ardently; he turned, laying her back on the bed, planning to make the most of that night. And she eagerly returned the kiss with the very same intention. 

*******

The following morning, Liam and Croía said their goodbyes to Blaine and Alia before they left, and that afternoon, they rode in silence and hand-in-hand in the back of an SUV to the airport for Croía’s flight. 

Anthony drove the pair with Jonas riding beside him in the passenger seat; knowing they were in cahoots, she had instructed her guard not to call Trystan, telling him she would do so herself. In the third row behind them sat Leo, who offered to tag along, knowing his brother might need a distraction on the way back. 

Liam tossed and turned all night, trying to come up with some way of changing Croía’s mind, but he fell short. Despite her assuring him she would be fine and that it would only be a week before she saw him again, he still couldn’t bring himself to get on board with the idea. He didn’t push, however, because he didn’t want her to think he was being overbearing. 

When the SUV pulled up to the tarmac alongside the waiting jet, the two guards exited the vehicle first; Anthony went to do a cursory check of the aircraft while Jonas grabbed Croía’s suitcase. 

When Liam’s guard reappeared a few moments later, giving the all-clear, Liam sighed as he opened the door and stepped out, turning to offer a hand to Croía; she said goodbye to Leo, who gave her a quick hug, before taking Liam’s hand and allowing him to help her out. 

The pair walked slowly toward the stairs; Jonas shook Anthony’s hand before stepping onto the jet while the latter headed back to the SUV, giving Liam and Croía some privacy. 

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?” Liam asked, forcing a small smile. 

“I’ll be fine,” Croía reiterated with a sad smile as she looked up at him. “Remember, it’s only a week.” 

Liam wrapped his arms around her as hers looped around his neck. “I know …” He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. 

“We’ll talk every day.” 

“Promise?”

“Promise,” Croía assured him, and he kissed her again. 

Croía cupped his face in her hands. “I love you,” she whispered against his lips as he rested his forehead against hers.

“I love you, too.” 

After drawing back from another kiss, Croía stepped back, knowing she wouldn’t get on that jet if she lingered there any longer. “I’ll call you as soon as I land.” 

“I’ll be waiting.”

Liam watched her turn and head up the stairs; she gave him a wave and one last smile over her shoulder before disappearing into the cabin. He walked backward, watching Jonas secure the door, and when he reached the SUV, he leaned against it, waiting to see her take off. 

A moment later, Leo appeared beside him. “Relax. She’ll only be gone a week.”

Liam didn’t take his eyes off the jet as it turned toward the open airstrip. Yes, he knew it was only a week, but he had an odd feeling that he couldn’t seem to shake, one that grew in intensity as he watched the aircraft pick up speed down the runway before lifting into the air.

******* 

The following Thursday, Liam sat out on the balcony of his bedroom, eating breakfast as he scanned a newspaper. His eyes kept flickering to his phone, waiting for Croía’s morning call. 

As promised, Croía had called him twice a day every day since she left. They messaged each other throughout each day as well. 

That first night, when Liam asked how her return was received, all Croía said was, “as expected.” Each night since, she told him how her parents had been in closed-door meetings all day and she had yet to see either of them. That was until yesterday afternoon when she sent a message to tell him she was having dinner with them that evening; she said she would call him later to tell him how it went. 

Croía never called. 

Liam had sent a couple of messages to see if everything was ok and to ask how the dinner went, but he never got a response. 

As he looked at his phone again, Liam told himself not to panic, that she had probably just fallen asleep and wasn’t awake yet. He still couldn’t shake that odd feeling he had, though, and it was doing him no favors in staying optimistic. 

When his phone chimed with an incoming call, Liam threw the paper down and snatched his phone up; he let out a breath when he saw the name flash across the screen. “Hi,” he answered.

“Well, don’t you sound chipper this morning,” Blaine chuckled.

“Sorry,” Liam sighed. “What’s up?”

“Nothing. I just wanted to let you know I’ll be heading out tomorrow morning.” 

Blaine was flying back to Cordonia tomorrow so he and Liam could head back to Vancross together Saturday morning; they wanted to give themselves time to get resituated in their suite and relax before classes started up again on Monday. Rashad and Olivia were taking the Domavlliers jet but weren’t planning to return to campus until Sunday. 

“Is Alia coming too?” Liam asked.

“No,” Blaine answered. “She has an event she’s attending with her family tomorrow evening, so she’s just going to meet us back at Vancross Saturday morning.” 

“Ok …” 

“Are you alright?” Blaine asked.

“I’m just waiting for Croía to call.” 

“What’s wrong?”

Liam sighed. “She was supposed to call me last night but never did. And she hasn’t called or answered my messages this morning.”

“Calm down,” Blaine chuckled. “She’s probably still sleeping. Don’t get yourself all worked up over nothing.” 

“Right …” Liam drummed his fingers against the table. 

Something told him it wasn’t “nothing.” 

*******

The next afternoon, Liam sat inside the living area of his wing after he’d returned to the palace from picking Blaine up at the airport. Liam held his phone to his ear, listening to it ring and ring and ring before Croía’s voicemail picked up. He sighed, ending the call and tossing his phone on the table in front of him before running his hand down his face.

“Still nothing?” Blaine asked, and Liam shook his head. “Let me try.” He scrolled through his contacts before tapping his finger against Croía’s name. It rang … and rang and rang and rang … until her voicemail picked up. “Nothing …” 

“Has Alia heard from her?” Liam asked.

“She said the last time she talked to her was Wednesday.” 

“Same as me …” Liam let out a breath, running his hand through his hair. 

“We’ll keep trying,” Blaine said. 

****

That night, Liam tapped his foot anxiously against the carpeted floor of his bedroom as he tried calling Croía again. He still hadn’t heard back from her. When he reached her voicemail for the umpteenth time that day, he let out a frustrated breath as he rubbed his eyes, waiting for the cue to leave a message. When he heard the beep, he lifted his head.

“Croía … it’s me again. I’m really worried. I just want to know you’re ok. Please … please call me back.” 

Liam sighed as he dropped the phone away from his ear and ended the call. He thought about calling Trystan, but another part of him thought maybe he should wait. Like him, Blaine, and Alia, Croía was supposed to be returning to campus tomorrow and he didn’t want to worry her brother for no reason if there truly was an explanation as to why she hadn’t returned any of their calls or messages. He couldn’t figure out what the hell that explanation could be, but he was holding onto that small sliver of hope like a lifeline. 

*******

The following morning, Liam drummed his fingers across his thigh from his seat on the jet; through the clouds, he could see Vancross University’s campus as they flew overhead, headed for the airport. 

“Alia just landed and is headed back to campus now,” Blaine said, reading a message from her. Liam looked at him. “I told her we’re about five minutes behind her. She said she’ll let us know if Croía is there.” 

They had yet to hear anything from Croía; their calls were now going straight to voicemail, and messages were still left unanswered.

It had been three days since Liam last spoke to Croía and that odd feeling he had when she first left had now grown into full-on panic. When he said his goodbyes to his family that morning, his mother asked if he was ok, able to tell something was bothering him; he didn’t tell her what was going on because he didn’t have any answers to explain it. 

Liam’s only focus that morning was getting back to campus and seeing if Croía had arrived yet. 

****

When Liam and Blaine arrived back at their suite, they dropped their bags in their rooms and met back in the living area, both with their phones in hand. Liam tapped his finger against the screen on Croía’s name and put the phone to his ear; it went straight to voicemail again. 

Blaine could see the concern etched in his friend’s expression. “Maybe her phone broke or something.” 

Liam merely nodded at Blaine’s attempt to settle his nerves, but he didn’t believe it. Something was wrong. He could feel it. 

Suddenly, the door to their suite flung open and a frantic Alia rushed inside; she was out of breath, clearly having run from her building to theirs. 

Blaine turned toward her. “Baby, what’s wrong?” 

“Croía’s stuff … it’s not there,” Alia breathed as she pressed a palm to her chest. 

Liam’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?” 

“Her room is empty. All of her stuff … it’s gone.” 

The color drained from Liam’s face as his heart plummeted into his stomach. “No.” In the next moment, he was rushing out the door, and Blaine and Alia followed behind him. 

Liam ran along the campus path from his building towards the other. When he entered through the front doors, he bound up the steps two at a time until he came to the correct floor; he flew down the hall and pushed the door to the suite open, making a beeline for Croía’s room. 

When Liam stepped inside, he froze. Just as Alia had said, the room was empty save for the bare bed and the desk and chair. 

There was nothing but empty hangers in the closet. 

The drawers of the dresser were pulled open and bare. 

The books that once lined the built-in bookshelf were gone. 

The only thing that remained to show Croía had ever been there at all was the pictures still pinned to the corkboard above the desk she once occupied. A photo of their whole group together from a night they had a bonfire on the beach, several photos of her and Alia, her and Liam, and a few of the four of them together on the many nights they hung out. 

Liam looked around the empty room, blinking as if her stuff would suddenly reappear … along with her. His eyes fell on a crumpled article of clothing he spotted on the floor of the closet. He walked over and picked it up; when he held it in front of him, he saw the ‘Rys’ stitched across the top of the back. It was the mock jersey she had worn to his final polo match. He sat in the chair and leaned forward, burying his face in the shirt; the scent of vanilla and sandalwood still lingered in the fabric.

Fisting the shirt in his hands, a wave of worry, guilt, and anger washed over Liam. He didn’t trust the idea of her going home, but he didn’t try hard enough to convince her not to. He knew in his gut something was wrong when he didn’t hear from her, but he didn’t try to figure out what it was. 

Blaine took a tentative step toward his friend, seeing his hands start to shake. Suddenly, Liam stood, grabbing the chair by its back and hurling it across the room with a growl; the sound of it slamming against the wall caused Alia to yelp. 

Liam ran his fingers through his hair, lacing his trembling hands behind his head. The stress of the past few days had finally gotten the better of him. His chest was rising and falling heavily, his breaths shuddered and quick as he tried to wrap his mind around what the hell was happening. But he couldn’t. He didn’t know what was going on. He didn’t know anything. 

Blaine approached him, resting a hand on his shoulder. After a few quiet moments, Alia broke the deafening silence. “What … what do you think happened?” Blaine glanced over his shoulder at hearing the worry laced in her words. 

Liam dropped his arms to his sides, looking around the room again as his jaw tensed. “I … I don’t know,” he said. He stormed out of the room, unable to stand inside the emptiness any longer, stopping once he was in the living area. He pulled his phone from his pocket and went to his contacts, tapping a name on the screen before lifting it to his ear.

“Liam?”

“Have you heard from Croía?” The question tumbled out of Liam, who didn’t care about a polite greeting at the moment.

“No …” Trystan paused for a moment. “She’s supposed to be returning to campus today.”

“Yeah, but she’s not here. I haven’t talked to her since Wednesday morning; she hasn’t answered any of my calls or messages. Any calls to her started going straight to voicemail this morning. We just got back to campus, and Alia found all of her stuff from their suite gone. Her room is completely empty, Trystan.” 

Trystan could hear the worry in his voice; his own anxiety spiked at what he’d just been told, but he hid it, trying to remain calm. “Let me try to call her phone for me. I’ll call you right back.” He didn’t wait for a response before hanging up. 

Liam dropped his arm, gripping his phone tightly in his hand. The few seconds that went by felt like hours until his phone rang; he answered before it made half a ring. “Anything?”

“No … right to voicemail.” Trystan heard Liam let out an exasperated breath. “Listen, let me make some calls … see what I can find out. I’ll let you know as soon as I know something.”

*******

In the living area of his suite the following afternoon, Liam sat slumped on the sofa; his fist was pressed against his mouth as he stared off in a daze with his phone clutched tightly in his other hand. Blaine and Alia sat in silence across from him on the other end of the sectional. 

It had been over 24 hours since Liam had spoken to Trystan, and every minute that passed that he didn’t hear from him only caused both his concern and irritation to heighten. He’d tried calling and messaging Croía several more times after his conversation with Trystan but to no avail. He’d gotten a mere couple of hours of sleep last night, and that was only because he dozed off at the kitchen counter while waiting to hear from Trystan or Croía herself. Blaine found him at 2 a.m. when he exited his room to get a bottle of water; he was slumped on the stool with his head on his arms and his hand curled around his phone. He woke him up, telling him to go get some sleep, but when he entered his room, sleep was the last thing on his mind. 

When Liam’s phone chimed with an alert, his head snapped to the screen; he sank back with a heavy sigh at seeing the message from his mother, telling him she hoped they all got settled in ok and to enjoy his last day before starting classes back up tomorrow. He sent back a quick response before tossing his phone onto the table and laying back, covering his face with his hands. 

Blaine looked at him. “Who was—”

“My mom,” Liam interrupted. 

Alia and Blaine shared a look; Liam’s stress over the situation was palpable. Alia glanced back in Liam’s direction. “Why don’t we go get something to eat while we wait.” 

Liam dropped his hands away from his face and met their gazes; his expression was a silent declination. “Come on, Li,” Blaine sighed. “I’ve been with you since yesterday afternoon and you haven’t eaten anything. You’re not doing anyone any favors by starving your damn self.” 

“We don’t have to go far,” Alia said. “We can go to that Greek place right across the street from campus.”   

As Liam sat there and contemplated their suggestion, a knock came on the door of the suite; he sprung up and rushed over, flinging it open. 

Liam swallowed thickly when he saw none other than Trystan standing on the other side, and the look on his face immediately filled him with dread. 

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

After a long overnight flight, Trystan landed at the airport. Guards of Vancross were waiting on the tarmac for the arrival of family members of the students, so he’d managed to snag a ride. 

After a 45-minute drive from the airport, the SUV carrying Trystan stopped outside of the closed gates of Camp Eirene. Looking out the window, he could see multiple armed guards clad in all black along the snow-covered edge of the property as two approached his vehicle, one on each side with weapons at the ready. 

The guard in the driver’s seat rolled down his window, looking at the one. “Name?”

“Prince Trystan Thorne.” 

The man peered cautiously into the backseat at him. “Who is he here for?”

“His sister, Princess Croía Thorne.” 

The man spoke into an earpiece, giving whoever was on the other side the names; Trystan had already given that information at the airport, but he supposed they were being extra vigilant after yesterday’s events, which he couldn’t fault them for. After a few moments, the man nodded as he stepped back before signaling to another set of guards at the gate. Once it opened, the SUV pulled through, and Trystan glanced over his shoulder, watching the gates shut again before disappearing from view.

Scanning the scenery as they headed up the mountain, Trystan could see more armed guards, who appeared to be scoping out the grounds. His leg bounced nervously, willing the driver to go faster; the sight spiked his anxiety, making him want to see Croía more than he already did. 

When the lodge came into view, Trystan could see staff members waiting outside the entrance as the vehicle pulled around the front and came to a stop. The guard slipped from the driver’s seat and opened Trystan’s door; when he stepped out, he was immediately approached by a staff member. The guard gave the man his information and who he was there for before slipping back into the SUV, more than likely heading back to the airport to retrieve others.

The man bowed to Trystan before meeting his gaze again. “If you’ll follow me, sir.” 

Trystan nodded, following him inside the lodge. When he stepped through the entrance, he took in the grand yet rustic detail of the foyer. “Swanky,” he said, more to himself. He then looked around at the small crowd of people already gathered inside, all of whom appeared to be waiting; some were speaking with staff, some were pacing anxiously, and some were sitting in silence. 

“What’s the name of your sister’s guard?”

“Jonas,” Trystan answered.

The man nodded. “All of the guards are out doing their last sweep of the grounds before they can retrieve the students from their safe houses. Until they return and can speak with you, you may wait down here in the lounge,” he said, gesturing across the room to a massive sitting area, “or in her room if you’d like.”

Trystan nodded. “I’ll wait in her room please.” He’d end up being one of the ones pacing anxiously if he waited down there; he’d rather do that alone. 

The staff member nodded and gestured for him to follow as he turned toward the stairs; Trystan trailed behind the man up to the third floor, turning toward a hallway. “The one at the very end of the hall is the room she was staying in,” he said as he pointed. “It’s currently unlocked from the inside sweep earlier, so you can go right on in. I’ll let her guard know you’re here as soon as they return.” 

“Thank you,” Trystan nodded before making his way down the hall. 

When he approached the door, it was slightly cracked, and Trystan pushed it open. He glanced around the spacious, well-equipped room as he stepped inside. “Damn,” he mumbled to himself as he slipped off his coat, tossing it over the back of a nearby chair. “Wish they had this when I went to uni.” 

Trystan walked toward the balcony doors and looked out at the view outside as he slipped his hands into his pockets. As he stared at the forest surrounding the lodge, all he could think about was Croía. Although he was told she was fine, he needed to see for himself that she was safe and well. And even if she was ok physically, he knew what a situation like this could do to someone emotionally. 

Too lost in his thoughts, he didn’t hear the footsteps as another entered the room. 

“Well, I’ll be damned,” a voice spoke from behind him. 

Trystan turned upon hearing it, and a grin broke out on his face. “No shit.” 

“It’s been what … 10 years? Fucking hell, you’ve aged,” they snorted. 

“Don’t I know it,” Trystan rubbed his chin with a smirk. “Like a fine goddamn wine, too. And after 10 years, I see you’re still a whole asshole.” 

A laugh escaped Leo as the two old friends approached each other and shook hands before pulling one another into an embrace. “It’s good to see you, man,” Leo said as he clapped him on the back before stepping away. “How the hell have you been?”

“Good,” Trystan replied with a smile. “How about you? I read about the abdication …”

“I’m good,” Leo nodded. “And the abdication …” He trailed off, shaking his head. “It was a little rough, but … all in all, I’m glad I did it.” He grinned at Trystan again. “It really is good to see you.”

“Same, although I wish it was under better circumstances,” Trystan smiled ruefully. “I take it you’re here for Liam?”

“Yeah,” Leo nodded. “My parents were on a diplomatic trip and called home to let us know what happened. I told them I was coming, they told me I didn’t need to, but I don’t listen for shit, so here I am,” he chuckled. “And I’m guessing you’re here for Croía …”

“Yeah, because my parents are fucking assholes,” Trystan scoffed.

“I see some things haven’t changed in the last decade.”

“They never will,” Trystan shook his head. “When will your parents arrive?”

Leo glanced at his watch. “They should be here within the hour,” he said as he sat on the edge of the bed and leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows. “They left Madrid at five this morning.” 

Trystan looked at him. “Where’s Liam’s room?”

“You’re standing in it.”

“No,” Trystan said. “This is Croía’s room.”

Leo arched his brow. “This is Liam’s room.” 

Trystan shook his head. “The guy told me her room was the one at the very end of the hall.”

“The guy told me his room was the one at the very end of the hall,” Leo retorted. 

The two stared at one another for a moment as the realization settled in that their siblings had shared a room. Leo flew up from the bed, looking back at it as he feigned brushing off his pants in disgust; when he glanced at Trystan again, he laughed as he dodged out of the way of his fist that swung for his arm. 

“So …” Leo smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. “Your sister and my brother. What do you think about that?”

“I’ll be honest, he was kind of on my shit list at first,” Trystan chuckled. 

“Yeah, I heard about that. He said he was pretty sure you wanted to kick his ass after parents’ weekend,” Leo chuckled. 

“I did,” Trystan nodded affirmatively. “But then my mom showed up on campus, and I heard from Croía that Liam let her have it … so I took him off the list.” 

“Yeah,” Leo laughed. “I heard about that, too. He gave our mom the whole spiel … he was all kinds of worked up about it.” 

Trystan shook his head. “My dear old mom has that effect on people.” He stared at Leo for a moment. “How serious do you think it is between them?”

Leo snorted. “Oh, Liam’s got it bad. They’ll be married and making babies before you know it.” When Trystan narrowed his eyes, Leo laughed. “Kidding … at least about marriage and babies. He really does have it bad for Croía, though.” He could see the protective brother gleam in Trystan’s eyes, and he chuckled. “Liam is a good guy. And I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.”

“Maybe that’s what worries me. He’s your brother,” Trystan quipped.

Leo pressed his hand to his chest, feigning offense. “I’m wounded.” 

Trystan rolled his eyes with a good-natured grin. “Anyway,” he said, looking around the room … that his baby sister shared with Liam. 

“Nice, yeah?”

“It is,” Trystan nodded in agreement. “When did they build this place anyway?”

“They started the year after you left. They didn’t finish it until after I was gone, though,” Leo shook his head. “Total bullshit.”

“Prince Leo,” a voice spoke from the doorway.

Trystan and Leo both whirled toward the sound. “Anthony,” Leo grinned as he approached; the guard bowed before shaking his hand.  

A moment later, Jonas appeared; he stepped inside and approached Trystan. “Hello, sir,” he bowed. 

Trystan nodded, shaking his hand. “How’d the sweep go?”

“It’s all clear,” Jonas replied. 

“Did you find anything?” Leo asked, looking between both guards. 

“We found nothing but shell casings from the weapon they used,” Anthony answered. “The investigation is still ongoing, however.” 

“What exactly happened?” Trystan questioned.

Anthony explained a quick yet more detailed version of the events that neither Trystan nor Leo had heard yet, telling them that the chopper had been hovering just across from where they found their siblings after the attack ended. That sinking feeling in the pit of Trystan’s stomach became deeper, adding more to what he already thought. 

“Luckily, they were able to hide within the tree line, but Prince Liam still took a hit to his arm,” Anthony said, and Trystan’s eyes widened, not having known that detail. “It was just a graze wound, so, thankfully, nothing too serious.”

“So you can go get them now?” Leo asked.   

“Yes,” Anthony nodded. “Jonas and I have the UTV waiting out front. And I just spoke to Jackson before coming up here. Your parents landed about 10 minutes ago, so they should be here soon.” 

“I’d like to come with you,” Trystan said to Jonas.

“Yeah,” Leo agreed, looking at Anthony. “I want to come with you to get Liam.”

Anthony nodded. “We’ll get another UTV ready.”

“Are their cabins near each other?” Trystan asked as the four men exited the room.

“They stayed in the same one,” Anthony answered as he walked down the hall, unable to see Trystan’s brow arch behind him.

**** 

Morning sunlight peeking through rustling branches of trees outside flickered through the window of the safe house, casting dancing rays across Croía’s face, stirring her awake. With a deep inhale, her eyes slowly fluttered open, shifting her gaze to take in the rustic room; it took her a moment to remember where she was. 

Then Croía remembered the events from the day before and why she was in the unfamiliar space: the subtle panic in Liam’s voice as he told her they needed to get to the lodge, the helicopter, visuals of their classmates veering off the slopes into hiding, Liam diving in front of her as shots rang out. 

For a brief moment, Croía began to shrink into herself at the memory, but then she felt a tightening around her waist. She glanced down to see a strong arm wrapped securely around her from behind, molding her body against their own beneath the sheet that covered them. Liam. They were safe. He was safe. She closed her eyes, feeling the slow rise and fall of his chest against her back as she relaxed into his embrace. 

Then, flashes from last night started playing in Croía’s head: her and Liam’s confessions, his lips and hands on her, that line they crossed — that she finally crossed, the way he made her feel, and the way he took care of her. Despite their naked bodies pressed together beneath the sheet, a part of her wondered if it was all a dream, but when she started to turn in his embrace, the slight discomfort she felt from her hips to down in between her thighs told her it had been very real. 

Once facing him, Croía nestled closer to him as his arms tightened around her, and she inhaled the lingering aroma of his cologne. Her eyes shifted to the bandage on his arm, wondering how it would feel when he woke. After several quiet moments of listening to the sound of their steady, mingling breaths, she felt him begin to stir. 

Liam arched his back, stretching the sleep from his body as he inhaled a deep breath. When he nestled back into the mattress, he opened one eye, and a sleepy smile curled on his lips when he saw her looking at him. “Morning, beautiful.” 

Croía bit her lip through a coy grin, feeling her entire body flutter. “Morning.”

Liam’s hand slipped beneath the sheet and settled on her bare waist before closing the small space between them, kissing her softly. “Sleep ok?” he murmured against her lips, and she nodded. He drew back to look at her. “How … how are you feeling?” 

The concern that flashed in his eyes was impossible for Croía to ignore. “I’m ok. How’s your arm?”

Liam lifted and slowly rotated it a bit. “A little tender and stiff, but it’s ok. Speaking of …” A flicker of worry flashed across Liam’s expression as he turned toward the nightstand and grabbed the phone Anthony had left with them. 

Croía turned onto her stomach, curling her arms beneath the pillow as she lifted her head to try and peek. “Anything?” 

Liam set it back down before turning to face her again, shaking his head as she rested hers back on the pillow. “Not yet.” He lifted his hand, tucking wisps of her hair behind her ear before he slid it down her bare back in a gentle caress. 

“What time is it?”

“Little after eight,” Liam replied. “I’m sure he’ll be calling soon. They’re probably doing another sweep of the lodge and grounds or finishing up if they weren’t able to get to all of it last night.” He smiled at her again as he carefully notched his thigh between her legs to tangle their limbs. “You sure you’re ok?” he asked as his hand slid down. When he gently began kneading her inner thigh, her eyes closed and her brows knitted as a tense moan escaped her, and he chuckled sheepishly. “Sore?”

Croía opened her eyes to look at him again, smiling coyly. “I’m sure I’ll be ok once I’m up and moving.” 

“Speaking of which …” Liam reluctantly slid his hands off of her and rolled away; he sat up on the edge of the bed and reached for his discarded clothes, slipping on his boxers and sweatpants before standing. He locked eyes with her as he made his way around to her side of the bed, stopping to grab her clothes from the floor. “You should eat some breakfast.”

Croía sat up, wrapping the sheet around herself as she slid to the edge of the bed. When he set her clothes on the bed, he looked down at her, and she smiled as he leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. He inhaled a breath, crouching down in front of her and sliding his hand up to tangle in her tousled hair as the kiss deepened. 

Suddenly, Liam drew back at the sound of the door of the safe house being unlocked. Both of their heads snapped to the open bedroom door just as Anthony stepped inside the cabin, followed by Jonas, Leo, and Trystan; they all locked gazes with Liam and Croía down the narrow hallway.

Trystan immediately took notice of the sheet wrapped around his baby sister, and her and Liam’s wide eyes as they stared at the group. “What the—”

“Our bad!” Leo called out, trying to shove Trystan back outside.

“Get off me!” Trystan grumbled, shoving him back just as his phone started to ring; he silenced it.

“Oh fuck,” Liam breathed as he stood and pushed the bedroom door shut before locking it. He whirled around and met Croía’s stunned gaze. “What is your brother doing here?” he whisper-yelled.

“I don’t know!” Croía replied as she quickly pulled on her clothes. “What is your brother doing here?”

“I don’t know!” Liam said as he tugged his shirt over his head. “But my brother is far less of a concern to me right now than your brother!” 

When her brother called her name, Croía’s eyes widened again. “Just a minute!”

Leo watched Trystan grit his teeth as his phone rang for a second time; he looked at the screen and once again silenced it. “You should go get some fresh air.”

“Don’t tell me to go get fresh air!” Trystan snapped. “I know you saw what I saw!”

“Yeah,” Leo nodded. “And what about it?” When Trystan cast a steely glare in his direction, Leo held up his hands defensively. “I get it. She’s your baby sister. But there’s no need to freak out. And remember, they went through an ordeal yesterday—”

“Oh, yeah! They looked traumatized!” Trystan interrupted.

A bark of laughter escaped Leo before he slapped his hand over his mouth; he closed his eyes, shaking his head. “I’m sorry.” 

Trystan’s phone rang again, and he grumbled, shoving his hand into his pocket and pulling it out as he stepped outside with Leo trailing behind him. He swiped his thumb across the screen to answer before bringing it to his ear. “Now is not a good time, Mags!”

“What’s wrong? Is Croía alright?”

“She’s perfectly fine,” Trystan growled.

“What’s your problem then?”

“My problem is that Leo and I just rolled up to the safe house to collect our younger siblings, who we thought were in peril, only to find them HALF NAKED!” On the other end of the phone, a gasp followed by a giggle escaped Marguerite while Leo laughed beside him. He cut his eyes to his old friend. “It’s NOT funny!” 

“I don’t think it’s funny,” Marguerite chuckled. “I say good for her … if that’s what happened. Which, either way, it’s none of your damn business. She’s 21, Trystan. She’s not a child. Leave her be.” 

“It is my business as her older brother! He DEFLOWERED her, Mags!” At Trystan’s words, Leo doubled forward with a wheeze.

Marguerite let out a shriek of laughter. “Did you … did you really just say deflowered?”

“He said WHAT?” Cameron’s voice sounded in the background of the call. 

“Yes!” Trystan hissed, hearing both his sister and his girlfriend laughing. 

Marguerite let out another guffaw before composing herself. “And how would you know something as personal as that about her?”

Trystan was seething on the other end. “Because I know my baby sister! That’s how!”

“So … in your mind, her petals have been separated and she’s now blossomed,” Marguerite giggled again, and Cameron’s loud laugh followed.

Trystan visibly cringed at her words, letting out an angry growl as he ended the call and aggressively threw his phone into the UTV through the open door.

Inside the cabin, Liam and Croía exited the bedroom, met by Anthony and Jonas at the end of the hall. Liam looked at his guard, his jaw clenching. “Thanks for the phone call and heads up,” he grumbled under his breath.

“I’m sorry, sir,” Anthony smiled ruefully. “We arrived back from the last sweep of the grounds and they were both waiting and wanted to come with us to get you two. I got sidetracked.” 

Leo walked back inside; his eyes traveled over Liam as if assessing him for any injuries he wasn’t told about as he approached him. He briefly met Liam’s gaze before pulling him into a hug. “You’re alright?” he asked as he stepped back. 

Liam nodded, seeing a hint of worry mixed with relief in his brother’s eyes. “I’m good.”

Trystan appeared in the doorway a moment later and made a beeline for Croía as soon as he saw her. He wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes. “You’re ok.” It wasn’t a question but a statement, as if he didn’t really believe it until that moment. 

When he drew back, he cupped her face in his hands as he looked her over. “What are you doing here?” Croía asked, feeling a sudden wave of emotions. 

“I wanted to be here for you,” Trystan replied, and her returned smile was nothing less than grateful. 

“How’s the arm?” Anthony asked Liam.

“It’s fine,” Liam nodded. 

“They have a physician waiting at the lodge to check on anyone injured,” Jonas said. 

“Was anyone …” Liam trailed off, unable to say the words aloud.

“No, sir,” Anthony smiled. “Only a few minor injuries were reported. Nothing serious. Let’s head back to the lodge. Your parents will be arriving soon, and you need to get that arm checked out.” 

Liam and Croía both nodded; they grabbed their boots and slipped them on followed by their jackets. When they met each other’s gazes, they subtly smiled and he laced their fingers together; they walked out of the cabin hand-in-hand to the waiting UTVs. 

“Croía, you can ride with me and Jonas,” Trystan said, cutting his eyes to Liam for only a second before looking at her again; it wasn’t quick enough for her to miss it. 

Liam didn’t return the look, keeping his eyes on her. “Go,” he whispered before kissing her forehead. “I’ll be right behind you.” 

When they stepped apart, Trystan helped Croía inside the UTV before sliding in next to her; he glanced over to see her looking at him. “What?”

“I’m glad you’re here, but can you stop with the glaring and glowering?”

“We’ll talk about it later,” Trystan grumbled.

“No, we won’t,” Croía retorted. “There’s nothing to talk about.” 

Trystan shot her a look as Jonas drove the UTV away from the cabin with Leo, Liam, and Anthony following behind them. 

****

Once they arrived back at the lodge, Liam exited his UTV, and despite Trystan hovering around Croía, he walked over to her as she got out of the vehicle. She came next to him, slipping her hand in his before the pair started toward the groups of other students near the front of the lodge while Leo and Trystan hung back, speaking more with Anthony and Jonas.

Liam’s eyes scanned the crowd, looking for their friends; his gaze fell on their group, and he let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding as he started for them.

“So, I hear this noise, right?” Blaine said. “It was like … humurrmfffhmmrrff … but way louder. I look out the window, and there’s a fucking moose!” 

Liam snorted at hearing the tale end of his story. 

Alia laughed. “Wait, make that sound again.” Blaine gave her a look, but before he could respond her eyes went wide. “Croía!” she gasped before rushing forward; she threw her arms around her in a hug as everyone turned. “You’re safe,” she breathed.

“You too,” Croía replied, her voice cracking slightly. They drew apart and she greeted the others. 

Liam and Blaine met gazes; they both saw the relief in the other’s eyes, silently acknowledging it as they stepped toward each other. Blaine shook his head at the same moment he shook Liam’s hand; they pulled each other in, clapping the other’s back as they both blew out long breaths. 

“You guys are ok?” Liam asked as they stepped back.

Blaine smiled with a nod. “Yeah. You guys?” he asked, clapping his arm; Liam grunted, wincing with a grimace from the impact against his bandaged wound. Blaine’s eyes widened as Alia and Croía glanced over. “Oh shit. Did you—”

“It’s fine,” Liam said. “It’s just a graze wound … little tender.” He looked around at the group. “Were any of you—” He stopped when they all shook their heads before they all finished greeting him. 

Olivia pulled him into a tight embrace. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

Liam chuckled as he stepped back. “What did I do?”

“Nothing … technically. But my guard told me about your injury and he didn’t know how bad it was and I …” Olivia trailed off, shaking her head.

Liam let out a breath and pulled her into another hug. “I’m fine. I promise.” 

Suddenly, a group of SUVs appeared, pulling around the front of the lodge, and everyone turned. The doors flung open and parents of the students filed out. 

Croía stepped back, keeping a respectable distance away as she watched her friends be greeted by their concerned families. She watched Liam’s parents rush toward him; Eleanor wrapped her arms around him, and Liam hugged her back before turning to his father. Then their head guard approached Liam, and not like someone he was in charge of protecting but like he was family. Then, they all turned to Olivia. She knew how close they were and had heard about everything his parents had done for Olivia after the death of her own, even taking her in to stay with them; they’d practically helped raise her until she was old enough to go back to Lythikos and assume her title and role as Duchess. 

After a moment, Croía glanced down, scuffing her foot against the snow to distract herself. She was thankful Trystan had come, thankful that she had someone, but seeing her friend’s parents or parent figures arrive, the worry and relief etched in each of their expressions … it reminded her that hers weren’t there, that they couldn’t be bothered enough to show up after such an ordeal. Maybe they at least called, she thought to herself; her phone was still in her and Liam’s room. 

“Croía.” 

Hearing her name in almost a relieved tone, Croía glanced up to see Liam’s mother walking towards her. Her eyes went wide with surprise when Eleanor wrapped her in an embrace.

“I’m so glad you’re safe.” 

Croía let out a quiet breath, tentatively lifting her arms to return the hug as her eyes began to sting. “Me too,” she whispered. 

Eleanor stepped back, resting a hand on her cheek as she looked her over. “You’re not hurt anywhere?” 

“No, ma’am,” Croía shook her head. 

“Good,” Eleanor smiled just as Liam and Constantine approached them.

“Good to see you safe, my dear,” Constantine said before he embraced Croía, throwing her more off guard. 

When his father stepped back, Liam slipped an arm around her waist. Just then, Trystan and Leo approached them. “Trystan,” Eleanor smiled. 

“Queen Eleanor,” Trystan bowed before kissing her cheek. “King Constantine.” He greeted him with a shake of his hand. 

“It’s good to see you,” Constantine nodded. “And I thought we told you to stay home,” he said with a pointed look in Leo’s direction.

“Eh,” Leo shrugged. “You know how good I am at following instructions. Don’t worry, though. I left Lena with Bastien.”

“I don’t know if that’s comforting,” Liam whispered out of the corner of his mouth, earning a snort from his brother. 

“Your Majesties.” Everyone turned to see Anthony and Jonas; both men bowed. “We can talk inside while we wait for the physician to look at Prince Liam’s arm.” The King and Queen of Cordonia nodded, gesturing for the others to come along before following the two guards. 

Once inside, they found a quiet corner in the lounge, and everyone lowered themselves into the cushioned chairs. “So,” Constantine said, looking at Anthony. “What do we know?” 

“Unfortunately, not much,” Anthony replied. “There was no evidence left behind except empty shell casings. The whole ordeal didn’t last all but five minutes. They were in and out.”

“So, they’re not sure who the target was or if there was one at all?” Trystan asked.

“Not yet,” Anthony replied. “Interpol arrived late last night and is taking over the investigation. They can be pretty tight-lipped when it comes to this kind of stuff until they have anything definitive.” 

Eleanor shared a knowing look with Constantine before they both nodded. “We’d like to be kept apprised of anything they find. Anything at all,” Constantine said. 

“I’ll let the investigative lead know,” Jackson nodded. 

“Excuse me,” a staff member bowed as he approached. “The physician can see Prince Liam now.”

“Croía, Leo,” Eleanor said, “why don’t you two go with him? We’ll wait here.” 

The two nodded and stood with Liam; they followed the staff member to the infirmary. “Anthony, Jonas, you two should go with Jackson to speak with Interpol,” Constantine suggested.  

The three guards nodded and walked off together, leaving Trystan alone with Constantine and Eleanor; he looked at the King and Queen of Cordonia as they met his gaze, knowing there was a reason behind them quickly dismissing everyone else. 

“Trystan … might we have a word?” Eleanor asked.

****

A short while later, Liam, Croía, and Leo made their way upstairs to their room; when they got out of the infirmary, Constantine, Eleanor, and Trystan had disappeared from their spot in the lounge, so they went to wait for them. 

When Liam and Leo stopped in the hall to speak with Rashad, Croía continued to their room. She stepped inside and went right for the nightstand to check her phone. The only missed calls or messages she had were from Trystan and Marguerite. There was nothing from her parents at all. She couldn’t explain the disappointment she felt since she knew she shouldn’t be surprised, but it was there. 

“This is a nice room.”

Croía turned at the sound of the voice, seeing Eleanor as she stepped inside. “It is,” she nodded.

Eleanor saw Croía’s phone in her hand and smiled. “Have you heard from your parents?” 

“Oh, uh …” Croía glanced down at her phone, looking at the screen. “No,” she shook her head, unable to meet her gaze out of shame or embarrassment … perhaps both. “Not yet.” She wasn’t sure why she added that; she knew she wouldn’t hear from them. “I’m sure they’re busy.” She finally met her gaze again with a halfhearted smile.

Eleanor’s heart broke for her in that moment, able to hear the hurt in her voice and see it through the forced smile she’d just offered her. No parent should be too busy to check on the well-being of their child. She smiled in return, however, not wanting to make her more uncomfortable than she clearly already was. 

“Everything ok?” Liam asked as he, Leo, and Trystan stepped inside the suite.

“Yes,” Eleanor replied as she looked at him. “We just spoke with Dean Lundqvist. They don’t have many answers at the moment and they want to focus on the investigation and try and clear it up as soon as possible. That, paired with the nature of the attack … they’ve decided to cancel your exams. Your break is starting early.” Croía immediately looked at Trystan, and he could see both the question and plea in her eyes. Please don’t make me go home. Before she could mention it, Eleanor spoke again. “Croía, you’re more than welcome to stay with us during break if you’d like,” she smiled. 

Liam looked at her and grinned, and Trystan watched relief fill her that she didn’t have to return to Drakovia. Croía subtly smiled in return. “I’d love to, ma’am. Thank you.” 

“Why don’t you two get your things packed up,” Eleanor suggested. “Also … we won’t be returning to Cordonia for a few days, just so you’re aware.”

Liam furrowed his brows. “Where are we going first?”

Eleanor and Trystan shared a look just as Constantine stepped forward from where he’d been lingering in the doorway, answering for them. “We have some business in New York …” 

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

Inside the lecture hall, Liam sat slumped in his chair as he stared at the projector screen at the front of the room; it was his last class of the day and he was ready for it to be over.

As the professor continued to drone on about the current image on the screen, Liam’s eyes shifted to the right, landing on the back of Croía’s head. She was leaning against the table with her head propped up against her hand. After their group Friday night out and taking Saturday to recuperate, she had come to his suite Sunday so they could work on their project. They had spent most of the afternoon working on the assignment, and afterward, when Blaine and Alia showed up, the girls ended up staying to watch a movie. Before Croía left that night, she and Liam had made plans to meet up again today after classes to work on the assignment some more.

Liam continued to feel curious and intrigued by Croía. She was still fairly reserved, but she seemed to be easing into her new norm at Vancross and with that, slowly starting to reveal more of the person behind her quiet and shy exterior. One thing, in particular, he picked up on just from working on their paired assignment together was her lack of confidence in herself.

During the first few times they met to work on the project, Liam couldn’t help but notice the way Croía seemed so unsure of herself when discussing their options regarding the assignment. Any time he would ask for her opinion on something, her response came out as more of a question rather than an answer. And he was still struggling to wrap his mind around her telling him that her parents never discussed matters like this with her.

These were things that had been drilled into Liam by his parents and tutors since he was old enough to understand and retain the importance. And while he understood her position as one of many spares, knowing she would more than likely never take the seat on her family’s throne, in his opinion, these were still things she should know. He had been taught that part of being a spare was to not only be an advocate but also a sounding board and advisor in these types of matters for the one who did have the crown. It was the entire reason they were given this assignment. Not everyone in their classes was an heir to a throne, but somewhere in their political futures, they could be dealing with a similar type of scenario in some capacity.

The professor flipping on the lights pulled Liam’s attention back to the front of the room; during the final moments of class, he reminded them of their paper due next week before finally dismissing them. As he packed up his things, Liam’s eyes flickered between his bag and Croía as she stood from her seat. They had made plans to meet but hadn’t spoken since, and Liam wasn’t sure if she remembered.

Liam stood from his seat and slung his bag over his shoulder. When he glanced up to find Croía, she was already at the bottom of the stairs near the door. He maneuvered his way past his lingering classmates down the stairs and headed out the door Croía had disappeared through before going out another door that led to the quad; after a moment, he spotted her walking along the pathway.

“Croía,” Liam called out as he walked after her.

Stopping when she heard her name, Croía turned to see him approaching her. “Hi,” she smiled.

“Hey,” Liam grinned as they started walking together. “I was wondering if you were still planning on coming by today?”

“Yeah,” Croía nodded. “I was just going to stop by my suite real quick before coming over.” She glanced up at him. “Unless you had something come up.”

“No, nothing came up. I was just checking.” Just then, a small group of third-year Cordonian nobles called out to him from across the quad; Liam waved before he glanced at her. “I’ll see you soon?”

“Yeah,” Croía answered. Liam smiled with a nod before veering off in the direction of the group as she continued along the pathway toward her building.

****

A long while later, Liam and Croía sat in his room inside his suite; books they had taken from the library were laid open and strewn across the floor in front of them. They had compiled lists of the pros and cons of each fake scenario and had written down paragraphed examples to back their claims taken from the history books in front of them. Now all they needed to do was make their decision so they could begin to work on the final and most important part of the project.

Liam glanced up at Croía as she finished writing down the last bit of a paragraph she was working on. He knew which direction he would choose to take in this fake scenario given to them; he’d known from the very beginning. But he wanted to see what she was going to choose. “So … what are you thinking as far as the choice?”

Croía looked at him hesitantly. “Well, um …” She glanced back down at their lists, buying herself time.

Liam watched her for a moment; she was wringing her hands together and he could see the uncertainty in her eyes as she scanned the lists like she was going to find the answer there. “Let me ask you something,” he said, and Croía met his gaze again. “Are you struggling with this because you’re focusing too much on what your kingdom would actually do?”

Croía smiled sheepishly. “Maybe … I guess.” She sighed, leaning back against the foot of Liam’s bed. “Aren’t you doing the same?”

“No,” Liam shook his head. “I mean, do I think that my opinion aligns with the stance my parents and royal advisors would take on the same matter? Yes. But that’s not why I’m choosing the answer I am. I’m choosing it because it’s what I think would be best.”

“And what if they didn’t agree with you?”

“I would take their opinions into consideration, just as they would take my opinion into theirs. But at the end of the day, the decision would rest with me, so I need to be sure of my answer, which in this case, I am.”

Croía stared at him for a moment; he was so confident, but not in a smug or egotistical way. She couldn’t help but think at that moment how good of a King he would make when his time came. Cordonia was lucky to have him. And he was lucky to have parents who had taught him well, who had taught him to trust his instincts and to think for himself. She couldn’t say the same. “And what if your opinion doesn’t matter?” she asked.

Liam furrowed his brows. “It always matters,” he replied.

Croía let out a wry laugh. “Not where I come from.”

Liam now knew why she was so unsure of herself; she wasn’t used to freely giving her thoughts. He knew she had her own mind made up, he just needed to get her to say it out loud. “Ok … answer me this. Take this as if it was a real situation at this very moment.” Croia knitted her brows curiously. “What would you do? Not your family … not Drakovia … but you.”

“I …” Croía trailed off.

Liam watched her think for a moment, able to see her hesitation, almost as if she were searching for the right answer or at least the one she thought he wanted to hear, but that’s not what he wanted at all. There was no right or wrong answer, only her opinion, and she needed to know that it mattered. “Be confident in your answer, Croía. Don’t say what you think anyone else would want you to. Trust what your gut is telling you.”

Croía looked at him, this time meeting his gaze with newfound aplomb. “I’d go with the technology.”

Liam subtly smiled. “Why?”

“Well … for starters, I would take our military into consideration. How well trained they are, how big they are. If we’re a small kingdom, I would assume that our military is average at best, but we also have the wealth for training and weaponry. And by combining our military with country A’s, it could very well be just as large as country B. So that would put us around the same size, possibly bigger, with the added advantage of the technology. With country B … we should have cause for concern for any ulterior motives because they don’t seem to have anything else to offer but their military. And they’re said to be a kingdom known for their ‘military tactics.’ Tactics is a keyword there … they could be used to intimidating others and backing them into a corner to get what they want with underlying threats of military action. And they could potentially be looking to overthrow the smaller kingdom using those said tactics.”

Liam grinned wide. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.” At his words, he watched Croía smile; it was a brilliant smile, the first that he’d seen since meeting her that reached her icy blue eyes and made them sparkle … and made his heart skip a beat. He cleared his throat and looked back down at the papers in front of them. “So … I think we’ve made our decision then, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Croía replied.

Liam leaned back on his arms, resting his palms on the floor as he looked at her again. “You know, I’m still surprised that none of this was ever discussed with you back home. Not that I mean anything bad by saying that … it’s just …”

“Not how you grew up?” Croía quipped.

“No,” Liam shook his head.

“It sounds like we grew up in two different worlds.”

Liam smiled at her. “So, tell me about your world, Croía.”

“Comparing notes, are we?” Croía asked with a hint of amusement in her tone.

“No,” Liam chuckled. “Not comparing. Maybe I just want to get to know you a little better,” he said as he looked at her.

“Ok,” Croía smiled, pulling her knees to her chest and resting her chin atop them.

“Let’s start with siblings. There’s eight, right?”

“Yes. And you have … two?”

“Leo and Lena,” Liam nodded. “So, you have me beat there.”

“Well, does it count if I only talk to two out of the eight?” Croia quipped.

“I’ll still give it to you,” Liam chuckled. “How about the names department?”

“Like the given royal names?” Croía chuckled.

Liam nodded. “What are yours?”

“Croía Alexandria Ophelia,” she replied.

“I got you by one,” he chuckled. “Liam Dominic Alexander Nikolaos.”

“Well, that’s just a mouthful,” Croía giggled.

“Ok … parents?” Liam smiled.

Croía’s smile slightly fell. “You first.”

“Amazing,” Liam answered without hesitation. “I’m close with both. My mom always made sure we were having fun, no matter what it was we were doing, sometimes against my father’s wishes,” he chuckled. “They still act like kids themselves behind closed doors, but in public, they’re the epitome of grace and duty. And they’re loved and respected by our people.”

Croía found herself hanging on every word, wondering what that would have been like growing up. Her parents were the exact opposite. Amazing? That was a far stretch. Fun? Her parents never heard of the word. Loved and respected by their people? More like feared. “My parents aren’t like that at all,” she said quietly.

Liam looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. “What are they like?”

“Strict.”

“In like an overprotective manner?”

“If that’s what you want to call it.”

What began as a lighthearted conversation had taken a quick turn, and despite how curious he was to hear more, Liam wasn’t going to push on a seemingly touchy subject. “Well … everyone’s different. Maybe my parents are the ones who are doing it all wrong,” he joked.

Croía offered a halfhearted smile, knowing he was only saying that in an attempt to lighten the suddenly drab mood. She took in a breath and sat straight. “Well … I should probably head back to my suite. I’ve got a few other assignments I need to work on tonight.”

“Yeah, me too,” Liam nodded. Croía began to clean up the mess of books on the floor before gathering her things and heading out of his room. “I, uh … I think we’re all planning on going to the beach Friday,” he said, making small talk as he walked her to the door.

“Yeah, Alia mentioned it to me last night,” Croía replied.

Liam smiled as he opened the door for her. “Well, I guess I’ll see you Friday.”

“See ya,” Croía smiled before stepping into the hall.

“Bye.” Liam shut the door as he rubbed the back of his neck. He dropped his hand from the knob and knitted his brows in thought before he turned, heading back toward his room with a curious smile.

****

Croía stepped off the elevator and exited Liam’s building, starting back toward her own; she walked slowly, losing herself to her thoughts with an inexplicable smile. “Maybe I just want to get to know you a little better.”

That wasn’t something she was used to hearing.

Growing up the youngest of nine, Croía became accustomed to being ignored. She was always overlooked and often reminded that she was “a mistake” as she heard her mother refer to her on more occasions than she cared to remember. If it hadn’t been for Trystan and Marguerite, she would have felt all but nonexistent, but when they both left Drakovia when she was 13, that feeling had become her norm. She wasn’t close with her other siblings; the only one she spoke to was Lydea, and that only happened when her eldest sister was barking orders. And her parents … they were strict with high expectations that she could never seem to meet; nothing she did was good enough and they had no qualms about telling her so. For everything she did, they only pointed out what she hadn’t done right.

Due to her parent’s overbearingness, Croía had no friends. She was only allowed to associate with a select few Drakovian nobles her mother approved of and they were nothing more than acquaintanceships, if even that.

Because of that, Croía thought she would have a hard time making friends when she came to Vancross because she wasn’t used to interacting with others this way. She was a wallflower; quiet, shy, and unsure of herself. Alia, ever the social butterfly, seemed to pick up on that immediately, and in their downtime since the first day she arrived, she had given Croía the 4 1 1 about her group of friends so she could know more about them, and hopefully find common ground and befriend them herself. In those conversations, Liam was brought up; she had mentioned him being one of the kindest and most down-to-earth in their group. And from what she could tell in her time there thus far, Alia wasn’t wrong.

Liam seemed to be the quintessential golden boy of Vancross. He appeared to be friends with almost everyone, even those outside his main circle. In passing on campus or in the few classes they shared, Croía always saw him talking and laughing with others. So it caught her a little off guard when the boy wonder said he wanted to get to know her better.

It made her feel … noticed.

*******

That Friday evening, Blaine and Liam sat on the roof of their building, passing a blunt between them as they killed time before heading down to the beach to meet their friends. Liam handed Blaine the blunt before leaning back in his chair and looking up at the auburn-colored sky as he exhaled the smoke he was holding in.

“Alia said she’s going to meet us down there,” Blaine said before taking a hit. He looked at Liam when he heard him sigh, knitting his brows. When he exhaled, he leaned forward, passing the blunt. “Why are you sighing like that?”

“I don’t know,” Liam shrugged. “I feel like you and Alia have been doing things like this since we got back … arriving separately to the party at Henri and Alexei’s, then the club last weekend, and now this. And I really hope it’s not for my sake.”

“It’s not,” Blaine waved him off.

Liam inhaled and held his breath, staring at Blaine for a moment before passing the blunt back to him and exhaling. “Well, I just don’t want you or Alia to feel like you have to accommodate me for whatever reason. I’m a big boy and can go places by myself if you two want to do something beforehand by yourselves or show up somewhere together.”

“This is why we need to get you a lady friend because you’re starting to become paranoid,” Blaine chuckled.

“I’m not paranoid. And I do not need a ‘lady friend,’” Liam scoffed.

“I think ya do,” Blaine smirked. “Any prospects?”

“No,” Liam answered.

“What about one of the Doublemint twins?” Liam shot him a look. “You weren’t making that face last weekend,” he snorted.

“Shut up.”

Blaine chuckled as he handed the blunt back to him. “Ok … oh!” he snapped his fingers. “What about that Countess from Ismari that’s in our social media class?”

“No.”

“The Auvernal ambassador’s daughter?”

“No.”

“Lady Sophie, the Princess of Monaco’s cousin?”

“No.”

“Evelyn is fun,” Blaine chuckled.

“No,” Liam shook his head.

“You and Olivia are already besties.”

“Not happening.”

“Croía is single,” Blaine shrugged, and Liam looked at him, caught off guard by his mention of her. Then, he registered his hesitation, but it was too late. “Dude!” Blaine sat forward with wide eyes.

“No …”

“You hesitated!”

Liam gave him a look. “I did not!”

Blaine ignored him. “And you two have been spending a lot of time together lately …”

“Because we’ve been working on our project!” Liam chided before taking his hit.

“Uh-huh,” Blaine smirked as he settled back in his seat, watching Liam finish off what was left of the blunt. “Croía seems fun. And it’s a bonus that she and Alia are suitemates and seem to be pretty close already.”

“Will you stop?”

“I’m just saying!”

“We should head out,” Liam said as he stood from his chair and discarded the roach.

“Why are you changing the subject?” Blaine laughed as he stood.

“I’m not. We need to go.”

A broad grin spread across Blaine’s face as he followed Liam to the ladder. “If you say so.”

****

Alia and Croía sat in the back of the SUV with both of their guards in the front as they made their way to the beach of the lake that bordered the University grounds. Alia had explained it was nothing more than a mellow outing with their group of friends; there would be coolers of drinks, a bonfire, and conversation.

The SUV pulled into the private lot reserved for the Vancross students; it was a way to try and keep the press at bay. Croía looked out the window as they parked, seeing a group of other vehicles already there and guards gathered outside around them.

“Ready?” Alia asked.

Croía nodded with a smile. She didn’t know exactly why but she was looking forward to tonight. When they stepped out of their vehicle, they began making their way towards the pathway that led to the beach, Croía’s phone rang; she dipped her hand inside her bag, pulling it out. She felt her heart momentarily still when she saw the name flashing across the screen, instantly feeling on edge.

“I, uh, I have to take this. I’ll be down in a few.”

“Are you sure?” Alia asked. “I can wait for you.”

“No, it’s ok. Go ahead.”

Alia nodded, and as she disappeared into the pathway, Croia moved to a quiet corner along the edge of the trees and closed her eyes, letting out a breath before answering. “Hello, mother.”

“Croía,” her mother replied curtly. “It took you long enough to answer.”

“I-I’m sorry. I was—”

“I’m calling to … check-in.”

The interruption caught Croía off guard. Her mother never did any kind of “checking in” with her, albeit she never had much of a reason before; back home, she was under the watchful eye of her parents or guards at all times. The gesture seemed forced, however; she choked out the words as if it were the last thing she wanted to be doing, leaving Croía wondering why she even bothered to call in the first place. “Oh, um … well, I’m—”

“What are your classes like?” her mother interrupted.

“Uh, they’re … they’re fine. I’ve got a few papers that I—”

“And your classmates?”

Croía felt like her mother was ticking off a list of predetermined questions, asking without actually listening to her answers nor caring about them. She wondered if it was some PR stunt; the Drakovian press had been asking questions about the Princess — the only other child of the royal family save for their eldest son — being sent away to school prior to her leaving, and they were never answered. “They’re ok. I’ve had some of the stares and whispers, but—”

“Well, you can blame that on your disgraceful excuse of a brother,” her mother spat.

Croía’s jaw tensed at the way she spoke about Trystan, but she said nothing; she couldn’t. “Most everyone has been fine.”

“Are you … making friends?”

Croía’s brows furrowed; her mother had never been concerned about whether she had friends or not. In fact, she’s the one who kept her from having any to begin with, so this question caught her entirely by surprise. “Um … y-yes, I mean … I guess—”

“For god’s sake, stop stammering,” she admonished.

Croía closed her eyes. “Sorry.”

“And what do you mean you guess?” she spat. “It’s a simple question, Croía.”

“I mean, yes … I’m just … I’m still getting to know them. But my suitemate, Alia, is a bit of a social butterfly, so everyone I’ve been getting to know has been through her.”

“Alia … from Monterisso.”

“Yes.”

“And who is she introducing you to?”

“Uh, well, there’s a few … Dionne from Pavadena and her suitemate, Kennedy. The Julivert twins. Alia’s boyfriend, Blaine, and his suitemate, Liam. Simon, he’s from—”

“Liam,” her mother interrupted. “The Rys boy …”

“Yes,” Croía replied. “He and I actually got paired together on a project for one of our classes.”

A long moment of silence passed before her mother broke it. “Hm.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Ok.” Croia let out a quiet breath. “So … how are you and—”

“I have to go. I’ll be in touch.”

“Oh, um, ok. I miss—” The call was abruptly cut off by a click before going silent. “… you …”

Croía could feel herself deflate as she lowered the phone from her ear and slipped it back into her purse. She was now convinced the call from her mother had to be PR related. Not once during the short-lived conversation did her mother ask about her and how she was doing. There was no I miss you, no terms of endearment, not even a goodbye. She knew she shouldn’t be surprised; she should have known better than to think she would actually want to speak to her. But a part of her thought with her being away from home for the first time ever that perhaps her mother would show the slightest bit of interest in her, a little curiosity as to how her child was faring outside of the only place she’d ever known.

All Croía knew for certain at that moment was that distance did not always make the heart grow fonder.

Taking a breath to try and compose herself, Croía started down the pathway, trying to blink away the sting in her eyes as she slowly exhaled. It wasn’t working. She could feel that tightening in her chest and that lump growing in her throat, causing her to pause just in front of the clearing to the beach. She didn’t know why it even affected her this way; it wasn’t as if this were anything new. It’s why she hadn’t bothered to call home since arriving; she didn’t see the point, knowing she would only end up disappointed. But when her mother was the one to reach out, she was given a sliver of hope that for once things would be different. Instead, she got a few generic questions, reprimanded, and hung up on.

****

Near the bonfire, Liam glanced away from Rashad and Simon to see Blaine walking toward them with Alia at his side. “Hey,” he greeted her.

“Hi,” Alia grinned, looping one arm around Blaine’s waist.

Liam looked around their small group. “Croía didn’t come with you?” Blaine tucked his lips between his teeth to hide his smile at Liam’s question.

“Yeah, she’s here. She got a phone call as we were walking down that she said she needed to take.” Alia happened to glance over; on the other side of the bonfire, she spotted Croía dipping her hand into one of the coolers and grabbing a beer. “There she is,” she smiled.

Before they could call out to her, Croía turned and walked down toward the edge of the water.

“Is she ok?” Blaine asked.

“She was perfectly fine when we got here,” Alia replied, looking at her curiously. “I should—”

“I’ll go talk to her,” Liam interrupted. “You two go have a couple of drinks,” he smiled before turning and making his way down the sand.

Blaine and Alia looked at one another, having a silent conversation before they broke out into grins. He slung his arm over her shoulder and turned his mouth to her ear with a chuckle. “I have to tell you about the chat we had before we left the suite …”

As he approached Croía where she sat in the sand near the water’s edge, Liam watched her tip her head back, taking a pull from the bottle of beer she had. “Hey,” he said softly.

Croía looked over her shoulder before looking back at the water. “Uh, hey …”

Liam heard her clear her throat and watched her take in a breath. “Want some company?”

“Sure.”

Lowering himself into the sand next to her, Liam glanced over; he could see the corner of her eye glistening in the moonlight. “Are you alright?”

Croía quietly scoffed to herself as she kept her gaze down at the bottle in her hand. “Yeah, sorry. I just … needed a minute.”

Liam continued to stare at her. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Just my mom …” Croía shrugged.

“Is that who called you?” Croía finally looked at him, meeting his gaze. “Alia said you got a call.”

Croía nodded. “Yeah …” She stayed silent for a moment, taking another sip of her beer. Liam didn’t try to pry by asking questions, staying silent, and waiting for her to continue on her own. “Just being her usual charming self. Leave it to her to be able to ruin an otherwise good day in one fell swoop.” She glanced over at him, wearing a sheepish expression. “I’m sorry … you don’t need to be hearing this.”

“Don’t apologize,” Liam shook his head. “And I want to hear it.” Croía gave him a questioning look. “I mean, if you need someone to vent to, I happen to be an excellent listener,” he smiled.

Croía lightly chuckled as she glanced back at the water. “She just … she’s really good at making you feel unimportant and … less than.”

“You’re not close?”

“We never have been,” Croía shook her head. “But I thought … I thought that me being away from home and by myself for the first time that maybe she would be a little different. Tonight was the first time I’ve talked to her since coming here and … let’s just say that me being away hasn’t seemed to change a thing.”

“I’m sorry,” Liam said quietly. It was all he could say.

They both grew up with the privilege of being royalty, but it was clear to Liam that he and Croía’s upbringings were significantly different. He couldn’t say that he understood because he didn’t; he had a close relationship with both his parents. From what she had told him in the short time he knew her, Croía didn’t seem to be close to any of her family other than the two people who were across an ocean, one whom she hadn’t seen in years.

“Thanks,” Croía sighed before she took another long sip of her beer.

“But I don’t think you should let it ruin your night.” Liam smiled when she looked at him. “What’s the point of that? You not having a good time isn’t going to change anything, is it?”

“No,” Croía subtly smiled.

“See? So you might as well enjoy yourself.”

Croía smiled. Truthfully, just that little bit of venting did have her feeling better. And Liam was right: it wasn’t going to change anything. “When you’re right, you’re right.” She tipped her head back, taking another sip. “Thanks … for listening.”

“I told you I was good at it,” Liam chuckled.

“This is nice here,” Croía said, looking out over the moonlit lake.

Liam nodded in agreement. “There’s a lot to do here, like boating, water blobbing, and cliff jumping—”

“Water blobbing and cliff jumping?”

Liam chuckled at the sound of surprise in her voice. “Yeah. Just off the top of that peak over there,” he said as he pointed across the lake to the silhouetted mountaintop. “Never been?”

Croía shook her head. “No.”

“Oh, you gotta try it,” Liam grinned. “I’m sure we’ll make our way over there sometime soon. We come down here a lot. It’s a nice escape that’s not too far from campus.” He glanced over at her. “Speaking of campus … we’ll have to make plans to meet up again so we can work on the end of that project since we only have two weeks.”

Croía nodded. “Yeah.”

“You know, it would be a whole lot easier to make these arrangements to meet up if I had your number rather than chasing you down after class or running into you when you happen to be with Alia,” Liam chuckled.

Croía looked at him with a laugh. “I guess you have a point.”

They both pulled out their phones at the same time; Liam gave Croía his number first, watching as she added it to her list of contacts. Then, she gave him hers. She kept glancing at him, watching him type; he was taking longer than she thought it would for him to input her number.

“My number isn’t that hard,” Croía jested.

Liam shook his head with a grin, fighting back a laugh. “It’s not that. My phone keeps autocorrecting your name to Cocoa,” he chuckled. He glanced over when he heard her laugh, smiling at her. “I’m gonna leave it.”

“What?” Croía giggled.

“Yeah,” Liam grinned. “It’ll be my little nickname for you.” He then noticed the empty beer bottle in her hand; he stood from the sand, brushing himself off before he held out his hand. “Come on, Cocoa, let’s go get another drink,” he chuckled.

Croía laughed as she took his hand and he helped her to stand; she brushed herself off before they began walking back toward the bonfire. She subtly glanced up at him only to find him looking at her before they both looked away. She bit her lip, trying to conceal her smile as Liam chewed the inside of his cheek to hide his own.

*******

A couple of days later, Blaine walked from his room toward Liam’s. He poked his head inside, seeing him sitting on the edge of his bed. “Hey,” he said, and Liam glanced up. “Alia and I are heading out to get some lunch and then to walk around town. You wanna come?”

“Croía is coming over soon to work on our project.”

“Oh,” Blaine’s brows furrowed. “Alia didn’t mention it.”

“I just sent Croía a message last night about it.”

A grin spread across Blaine’s lips. “You got her number?”

“Yeah.” Liam gave Blaine a look when he noticed his expression. “As I told her, it would be easier to have each other’s numbers to make plans to meet up to work on the project.”

“Man,” Blaine laughed. “That was smoother than the cream cheese I put on my bagel this morning.”

Liam dropped his head, shaking it, but he couldn’t help but laugh at his comment. Truth be told, however, he was looking forward to hanging out with Croía that day, even if it was just to work on their assignment. On their night out at the beach, Liam watched her come out of her shell even more. She seemed to have taken his advice not to let her conversation with her mother ruin her night; she laughed and talked with the others, but spent a good portion of the night sitting and talking with him.

“Alright. Well, you two kids have fun,” he grinned mischievously. Before Liam could retort, Blaine turned and walked out of his room. He went to his room and finished getting ready before stepping out and heading for the door. When he opened it, Croía was standing on the other side, about to knock. “Hey,” Blaine chuckled.

“Hi,” Croía smiled sheepishly, dropping her arm. “I was, uh, supposed to meet up with Liam.”

Blaine stepped aside to let her in. “He’s in his room,” he smiled. “I’ll see you guys later.” And with that, Blaine stepped out, shutting the door behind him.

Croía started toward Liam’s room, hearing the faint sound of music. When she neared his door, she cautiously peered inside; Liam was sitting on his bed with a guitar across his lap, strumming a soft tune. She went to announce herself, but stopped, watching him effortlessly move his fingers over the strings; she didn’t know what song he was playing, but it managed to capture her full attention.

Sensing her presence, Liam glanced up, palming the strings to quiet them with a coy smile. “Hey. You can come in.”

Croía stepped inside. “I saw the guitars the first time I came here with Alia, but I thought they were just for aesthetic purposes,” she smiled.

“No, I actually play,” Liam chuckled. “My mom taught me.”

Croía grinned. “The Queen of Cordonia plays the guitar?”

“She does. And rather well,” Liam smiled. He saw her looking at the instrument curiously. “What?”

“I don’t know,” Croía shrugged. “Guitar isn’t a typical instrument you see royals learning to play,” she chuckled.

Liam grinned and playfully patted the spot next to him. “Here, I’ll show you a couple of chords.”

Croía smiled and walked over and sat beside him, and Liam slipped the guitar from his lap to hers before handing her the pick he was holding. Then, he slightly shifted so his body was at an angle just behind her shoulder; his one arm encircled her, helping her to position the instrument properly, and she felt the heat rise to her cheeks. His right hand positioned hers on the strings over the sound hole with the pick between her thumb and forefinger, then his left hand gently covered hers, guiding her fingers at the neck.

Liam slightly leaned forward to see what he was doing. “Take your pointer finger, and place it on the second fret of the A string … right here.”

Croía nodded, trying to ignore his warm breath on her shoulder and his hand on hers. “O-Ok.”

“Then take your middle finger and place it on the string below on the same fret.” Liam watched her do as he instructed before helping to adjust her fingers. “You want to use the tips of your fingers, not the pads. And make sure your hand isn’t touching the other strings or it won’t sound right.” Croía nodded. “Ok, now keeping your arm nice and fluid, just brush the pick against the strings, almost as if you’re painting and making a brush stroke.” Croía strummed the guitar, eliciting the perfect chord. “Good,” Liam grinned. “That was E minor; it’s the easiest. You can also remove these fingers,” he said as he gently moved her fingers from the strings on the neck. “That will play an open string. Now, pick each note individually, then all of them together again at the end.”

Croía looked down to watch what she was doing. She picked each string before strumming them all at once. “Like that?”

“Perfect,” Liam smiled.

Croía glanced over at him at the same moment Liam looked at her. Her heart was racing as they stared at one another for a long moment before she dropped his gaze, feeling her cheeks blush as she fought back a smile. Liam subtly grinned, looking back down at the guitar to show her a little more.

****

The sound of heels clicking against the marble floor softly echoed in the corridor. Once at her destination, she knocked on the closed door, waiting for the ok to enter. When she heard his voice, she opened the door and stepped inside, offering a smile. “Hello, darling.”

Constantine looked up from his desk and smiled warmly at his wife. “Hello.”

Eleanor walked over to him, leaning down to kiss his cheek before setting a small stack of papers on his desk in front of him. “The updated budget for Valtoria you asked for.”

“Thank you, dear.” Constantine gestured to the seat across from him. “I was just thinking, why don’t I call and have them bring lunch to the terrace for us.”

“That sounds perfect. I’m starving.” Running her hands down the back of her dress to tuck it, Eleanor lowered herself into the chair. Constantine nodded before placing a call to have lunch prepared. When he hung up the phone, Eleanor looked at him warily. “Have you heard anything …”

Constantine met his wife’s gaze, knowing what she was referring to. “No,” he shook his head. “No one has heard so much as a peep about Drakovia. But we know that’s not unusual.”

“What do you make of it?” Eleanor asked.

“I’m not sure.” Constantine halfheartedly smiled, noticing the worry in his wife’s features. “Let’s not get ourselves all worked up. It could be absolutely nothing for all we know.”

“I just worry …” Eleanor sighed. “Especially with Liam spending time with the one. He doesn’t know what we know.”

“We’re not even certain of what we know; we’ve only had mere suspicions over the years,” Constantine replied. “And as far as Liam spending time with her, they’re simply working on an assignment together, dear. He has no choice,” he said confidently. “I assure you, it’s nothing more than that.”