After seeing the suggestive newsflash immediately following his coronation and before publicly choosing his bride, Liam is left with an overwhelming sense of shock and disbelief. Not because he believes there is any truth in the photos or the headlines… but because the implication that Catherine was an unfaithful suitor, now forbids him from choosing her as his queen… This was clearly a set up, but who would do such a thing? And why? Why now? The threatening letter she received… it must have been a warning.

His mind races with questions as his heart breaks for the woman he loves. She must be devastated and his only desire in this moment is to find and protect her… explain to the court this was all a misunderstanding… if only he could find a way to make them see what he already knows… that she is the epitome of integrity, and her honesty and faithfulness is unwavering. He wants… no, he needs to reassure her...

He turns toward the crowd, desperately searching for her and frantically calls out her name. "Catherine?! Where is Catherine?" With the chaos spreading throughout the room, neither can hear the desperate cries for the other. "Liam…!"

Soon several guards appear, as does Bastien... regretfully he approaches her. "I'm so sorry Lady Catherine, but I've been ordered to escort you out… immediately. Along with the representatives from House Beaumont." The guards surround Catherine, Maxwell and Bertrand, forcefully leading them toward the exit as Drake and Hana attempts to reach her, but to no avail.

Liam stands on the dais, obviously upset and confused, still searching for Catherine. Regina turns to the crowd in an effort to quieten the frenzy. "Given the circumstances, I'm sure Lady Catherine has withdrawn from consideration..." Liam, not quite sure what to do at this point, turns to Regina for support. "But... I need to speak with her."

As his stepmother, she has known for some time, that Liam carries strong feelings for this commoner from New York. The way he would light up when Catherine entered a room or came into view… no other woman had ever had this effect on him. Is it love? Well, she didn't know for sure, but she does know that his responsibility to the crown far outweighs any selfish notions he may have about love.

Regina is also aware of the many struggles Liam has faced throughout his young life… the loss of his mother for one… and it is truly unsettling to see that look on his face again, but right now his loyalty must be to Cordonia. She knows all too well that he is at a crossroads, given the circumstances, but a decision is required, and her obligation is to redirect his objective with a kindly suggestion.

He leans down as she whispers in his ear… "Liam, I know this is deeply troubling son, but as the newly crowned king you must focus now on prioritizing your kingdom… it would be wise to consider Madeleine's offer and in return for this sacrifice, I promise to bring Catherine back to court… and to you." He never cared about being crowned the king, but ever since his brother abdicated it was expected… and being bound by his own unwavering obedience, he had no choice but to comply…

Liam looks at Regina in earnest as he considers the limited options before him. Right now his only concern is for Catherine, the woman he loves… the only woman he will ever love. And whomever is behind this scheme, could in fact do more than just destroy her reputation. Thoughts of his own mother's untimely demise at the hands of traitors weighs heavily on his mind… and the possibility that Catherine might be a target for further harm if chosen, weighs heavy on his heart. For her safety, there is only one thing he can do…

As the dust begins to settle, all eyes are on the royal family in anticipation of a reaction to the disruption of the ceremony. Constantine turns to face Liam and with an ominous tone in his voice, he speaks. "And now, Prince Liam must make his choice."

Condemned by the circumstances, Liam quickly resolves his own inner conflicts. He stands up straight, squares his shoulders then turns to the crowd and with clenched fists he firmly replies, "I choose… Lady Madeleine."

For a moment, it feels as though he might choke on his own words, but the flurry of emotions plays against his conscience and he doesn't even notice Madeleine walking toward him… as she stops and curtsies, a smile stretches across her face. "I'm deeply, deeply honored to accept."

When the doors to the ballroom finally close, the last thing Catherine sees is Madeleine reaching up to kiss Liam… he is glaring straight ahead, feeling the betrayal of his own actions.

As the guards hastily lead Maxwell and a protesting Bertrand to the holding room, two more accompany Catherine upstairs to her room. Maxwell calls to her. "Don't worry Catherine, we'll figure something out." All she can do is nod for fear of bursting into tears.

She is embarrassed and devastated. What does it matter now? Liam made his choice… why did he confess his love to her if he was going rip her heart out like that? And in front of the whole court no less…

Once there, Bastien avoids eye contact with her, but he speaks to the guards loud enough, so she will know what to expect. He is certain she is both confused and devastated… but his obligation to carry out the given orders is his job… even if he doesn't agree with the morality behind the request.

"When Lady Catherine is packed and ready, there is a car waiting out front to take her to the airport where a flight has already been arranged for her departure back to New York. Once she is safely aboard, return to the palace for further instructions." They both nod in understanding as Bastien hastily turns and walks away.

Under the watchful eye of the guards, Catherine quickly packs her belongings, taking only the things she came with… To be honest, she doesn't want to be here any longer than she has to... especially since the whole court thinks she could be so shameless. Her thoughts are plagued with questions… 'Who could have done this? And why? What did I do to cause anyone to hate me that much?' But the thing that bothers her the most is… 'Does Liam really think I was carrying on with Tariq behind his back? He must have… why else would he choose Madeleine?'

At the airport she sits quietly waiting for the flight to be called, as the guards stand nearby. A relief slowly washes over her knowing she is going back home and away from all this drama. The adventure itself wasn't terrible… she did make a few friends along the way and for that, she can be thankful. Her mind wanders to Liam… he was going to be her forever… she thought he loved her…

Her thoughts are broken by rapid footsteps approaching. "What are you doing here?!" Maxwell and Bertrand run up to her. "Catherine! Oh thank God!" Maxwell says as he tries to catch his breath. "We got here as soon as we could." She gives him a sorrowful look. "Why… so you could scold me?" Maxwell responds. "Do you really think I would do that?"

"No, but…" She looks toward Bertrand. "Just tell me… is it true? That you've been carrying on a romantic relationship with Tariq?"

"Of course it's not true! That's not who I am at all!"

"Then you were set up, and I have no criticism of how you handled yourself."

"So, why are you here?"

Maxwell answers excitedly. "We came to take you back!"

"Take me back? Maxwell, I can't go back… not now." Why would they even think she'd want to? Bertrand puts on his signature stare. "Catherine, I know you feel betrayed… we all do, but I had hoped you'd want resolve to this vicious attack on your honor."

"Liam chose Madeleine… so what's the point? Who cares about a commoner from New York anyway?" Maxwell sees the hurt on her face. "We do…" She feels the tears stinging her eyes. "I thought-" Bertrand interrupts. "Nothing is set in stone and besides, we still need you… Cordonia needs you."

"What do you mean nothing's set in stone?" Bertrand pointedly responds. "There is a stipulation that the king can change his selection in certain instances for the good of the nation. It hasn't been invoked in a hundred years, but there still hope... If that is something you even desire at this point…"

"I don't know…"

"None of this is your fault, Lady Catherine. If anyone is to blame, it's the court for reacting as they did and even more so the true culprits behind it. No one smears the name of Beaumont and gets away with it so easily… at least not while I'm breathing. We support you completely and will stand by you until this is resolved. But of course, the decision is yours…"

After hearing about the engagement tour and all the other unsavory details of what she'll be facing, Catherine finally decides to stay and fight. She doesn't care what the court thinks of her anymore, her focus is on bringing honor back to House Beaumont.

At the palace-

As the doors finally close to the ballroom, Liam stands as a ghost of himself, completely void of any emotion. He doesn't know how long he stood there just staring out into the distance, but he is brought back to reality when Madeleine clears her throat. "Ahem… Is there something you wanted to say, Your Majesty?" At this point he is simply going through the motions and he pulls a ring from his jacket. A ring he planned to place on Catherine's finger tonight. "Yes, of course…"

Madeleine holds out her hand, prominently displaying the ring finger. "Will you accept this ring, Lady Madeleine?" Not waiting for an answer, he mindlessly slips it on her finger and she feigns a smile. "Yes. Of course… sweetheart." He can hardly bear to look at her… his world has literally just fallen apart and even though she knows he doesn't want this… or her, she shamelessly pretends to be overjoyed. He has to admit, she is good at this deception, but it makes him sick to know he'll have to endure this charade, at least until they can uncover the traitor who plotted against his beloved...

Madeleine takes his hand and then they both turn toward the crowd. Luckily with all the well-wishers and congratulatory handshakes, he doesn't have to interact with her too much, but he still has to try and appear happy… not an easy task for someone who's heart has just been ripped from his chest. As soon as socially acceptable, he excuses himself. Constantine pulls him aside before he makes it out the door and is met with Liam's sorrowful expression. "Leaving so soon?"

"Oh, uh… yes father. Madeleine was called away and… it's getting late." Constantine sighs, knowing exactly what is going on. "Liam, if this has anything to do with meeting Lady Catherine, I must tell you that she is probably en route to New York as we speak."

"She's… gone? But how… why?"

"Under the circumstances, I felt it necessary that she leave immediately. I had Bastien make the arrangements after the announcement."

"You sent her away? How could you do that father?"

"It was in the best interest for everyone... especially you. Once her secret was revealed I thought…"

Regina approaches. "Might I interrupt you gentlemen for just a moment?" Constantine smiles at her. "Of course, my dear." She smiles at them both. "I know the wedding won't take place until after the engagement tour, but I have a few ideas and I simply must get your input Liam." Constantine places a hand on Regina's arm and smiles. "I can see I won't be needed for this discussion, but you two carry on." Regina chuckles. "I figured as much. Thank you dear."

Constantine strolls off as Regina takes Liam's arm and leads him outside the ballroom. When they are at a safe distance from curious nobles, she turns to him and is met with a questioning stare. "How are you holding up Liam?" Liam drops his head in anguish and answers her more honestly than he ever could his own father. She was always more receptive to his sensitive nature. "Not so good Regina. I just found out that father sent Catherine away and… I never got the chance to speak with her. She must think I'm a…" Regina interrupts patting his arm for comfort. "Don't be too hard on yourself Liam. Under the circumstances, you did what had to be done and I'm sure Lady Catherine will understand… eventually." Liam sighs. "I can only hope…" "I meant what I said before about bringing her back to court." He looks at her curiously. "Oh?"

"Yes, and in keeping with that promise, I arranged for the brother's Beaumont to be released from holding the moment I knew of the plans to send Lady Catherine home. It is my understanding that they both left the palace, quite hurriedly, and straight to the airport." Liam's expression is that of hope. "Do you… do you think they reached her in time?"

"I was informed moments ago that she is safely back at the Beaumont mansion…" She hesitates for a moment as Liam lets go of the breath he was holding. "I'm not certain if she'll return to court mind you, but given her strength and resilience, I suspect she will. Honestly, that girl exhibits a loyalty and determination that even impresses me at times, and I expect she will find it necessary to return in order to restore not only her own reputation, but that of the Beaumont's as well."

"So you don't believe the rumors?" She sighs solemnly. "Liam, my beliefs are of no consequence at this point. You know as well as I that what matters now is how Lady Catherine is being perceived by your peers and the people of our small kingdom. You must detach yourself from this scandal at all costs, and that means separating yourself from Lady Catherine… at least publicly."

"But how can I possibly pretend I never had feelings for her?" "Liam, I'm sure it won't be easy, but you need to remember that discretion is of the utmost importance. You are the king and engaged to Madeleine and with that, brings a certain responsibility."

"I only chose Madeleine because of the arrangement and she knows… I'm not in love with her and I'm quite certain she has no feelings for me."

"Be that as it may, you will both have your own crosses to bear when all is said and done… I can see you have no feelings for Madeleine, I just hope no one else can."

"I'm not sure how long I can keep up the pretense…"

"The only advice I can offer in that regard is when you look at Madeleine, try to think of something you do love. If the press has any doubts, the people will soon follow."

Soon, the nobles begin leaving and Regina offers to bid them farewell. "After the day you've had, I'm sure everyone will understand if the king has already taken his leave for the evening. You should try and get some rest Liam, you have a busy day starting early in the morning."

Liam nods and walks away before anyone sees him. He doesn't go to his room though… he heads straight to Catherine's. Maybe there is some clue as to who could be behind this conspiracy. Right before entering, a tearful Hana walks up to him. "Liam? Can… I go in with you?" He turns toward her in surprise. "Oh! Yes, of course, Lady Hana."

Once inside the room, they both look around for any sign that Catherine had been there. Hana sniffs as she walks to the wardrobe. "I can't believe she's gone. I just don't understand…" Liam walks toward the bureau. "I know. I feel the same way…" As Hana opens the doors, she gasps. "Oh no…" Liam is in the bathroom looking around when he hears her and quickly walks out and toward her. "What? Did you find something?" She steps back so he can see.

His expression tainted with guilt… he glides his hand over the clothes that hang inside, as if he were sweeping across the keys of a piano. "She must have-" He stops as a sudden wave of emotion overcomes him. His whole body begins to tremble, and he slowly backs away, hoping Hana doesn't notice. She is bent down and sees the shoes as well. "I don't understand. Why would she leave all this behind? These are all the outfits she wore during the social season…" Liam makes it to the bed and sits with his back to Hana. In his mind, Catherine most likely left anything that would remind her of him. He didn't blame her though… after what he did to her…

"I… I'm sure she… had her reasons Hana, but… we should probably get them packed up and I… I can have them delivered to the Beaumont estate first thing in the morning." Hana walks over to Liam and sits down at the foot of the bed and with a heavy heart she speaks. "Liam? Can I ask you something?" He can hear the sadness in her voice, and he dare not look at her for fear that his own emotions might get the best of him.

"What about?" "Well, I hope I'm not being too forward, and I know you're upset… but do you believe Catherine did what they said?" Liam finally looks at Hana and she immediately knows the answer. "Never. Not for one minute. I trust her completely..."

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No, it's alright Hana. I know you're only looking out for her and… I truly appreciate that. The truth is… it was a set up."

"A set up? But who would do such a thing… and why?"

"Those are the same questions I have asked myself since those photos went public, but I'm afraid I don't have an answer… at least not yet."

"So what happens now? Have you reached out to her?"

Liam hangs his head.

"It's not safe right now… and whoever conspired against her might set her up for something worse… and I'm not so sure she wants to anyway. Especially after what I did…"

"She loves you Liam… of course she would want to."

Suddenly the door opens and Drake steps in. "I thought I might find you two in here. Have you heard anything? Please tell me you have good news…" Liam sadly replies. "She was forced to pack her things and then they took her to the airport." Knowing that Catherine was forcibly removed from the palace and what she must have been going through, Hana becomes angry. "It isn't right."

Liam's own mood shifts to the same. "I know. None of it is. They took her away and there was nothing I could do to stop it." He slams his fist onto the desk in frustration. "Dammit."

Drake has seen Liam angry on very few occasions, but never this intense. "I don't like it either, but we need to stay calm… for Beckham. We can't help her if we're all upset." Hearing these words of wisdom from his best friend, Liam's breathing slowly returns to normal. "You're right Drake, it's just… I can't imagine what she must be going through and what she might be thinking… especially after I-" He trails off as Drake finishes the sentence. "Chose Madeleine?" Liam nods and then bows his head in shame.

"Have you even tried to contact her?" Liam looks up at Drake. "With someone plotting so meticulously against her, I'm not sure it would be safe." "Safe? What's that about?" "They obviously wanted to eliminate everyone but Madeleine… Olivia left under duress tonight as well and I'm afraid if I don't play this carefully, Lady Catherine could come to even more harm if we're seen together. She'll be safe with the Beaumont's and when she returns to court… maybe I can find a way that won't put her in danger."

"She's with the Beaumont's? But I thought-"

"The plan was for her to return to New York, but… well, it was arranged that they reach her before her flight left. It's my understanding she is safely at their estate and will return to court once the engagement tour begins."

Liam takes a deep breath and turns to Hana. "Lady Hana, you told me before the ceremony that you had to return home. Is there no way around it?"

"I don't think so. Since I'm no longer in a position to find a suitable match, my parents are sending for me. I'll be leaving in a few hours."

"Would you consider staying if the opportunity was there?"

"Yes, but my parent's would need to know that I'm advancing my station. That's the only way they would allow it."

"Then it's decided. You'll return as part of Madeleine's court."

"Do you think she will agree to it?"

"I am the king, and as for Madeleine, she has no choice in the matter."

While Liam and Hana work out the details of her return to court, Drake is deep in thought… planning a way to give Liam the chance to talk to Catherine without anyone knowing or putting either at risk. It's the least he can do for his two best friends. He interrupts. "Liam, do you still want to talk to Beckham tonight?"

"Yes, but-"

"Then I've got a plan."