The (Royal?) Richardson Diaries
Summary: Brianna is reunited with Prince Liam for a brief moment before learning just how unprepared she is for the social season.
Chapter Three: A Royal Reunion, Snarky Socialites, and a Lonely Lady
Brianna's heels clicked across the floor, the sound echoing in her mind, as she made her way to Prince Liam standing next to who could only be his father, the king. She concentrated on getting across the obscenely polished floor, breathing slowly.
"I guess this is it… I'm going to talk to him again…" Brianna spoke softly to Maxwell, her normally loud voice lowered as she kept a fake smile on her face. He guided her gently tapping his fingers against the small of her back where his hand rested. It was oddly reassuring. "Take my champagne," she said urgently, realizing the empty glass was still in her hands. Maxwell plucked it out of her fingers and placed it on a passing waiter's tray smoothly. She wanted to smack her forehead in embarrassment, but this event was adding so much pressure that she wasn't thinking clearly.
"Great. Looks like they're ready for you," Maxwell said. He slowed down until they stopped walking. "Now, I'm going to present you to King Constantine first. You'll want to make a good first impression on him so he'll consider you a worthy match for his son. Then you'll get your big chance to talk to Liam."
Brianna nodded slightly, feeling the hairs of her updo tickling her bare back and sending a little shiver down her spine. "Okay, I've got it." He didn't seem to notice that she had even responded, but in fairness to Maxwell he seemed fairly nervous himself. They moved toward the kind, who was seated in a raised dais, in a red velvet chair adorned with gold.
"Your Royal Highness, may I present Lady Brianna Richardson?"
"Of course," the king said. He was still and observant in his plush throne. There was an expectant look in his eyes, and she felt like she was being watched and judged for ever slight movement she made.
Brianna stepped forward gently into a low curtsy, the fake advice from Olivia flashing in her mind, and she hid a grin at the thought of kissing this man's shoe. Not that she was usually a vengeful type, but getting revenge on the redheaded woman seemed enticing.
"Your Highness," she murmured, returning to her full height (not that five foot four was particularly impressive, but in her heels she felt powerful) and keeping a polite smile on her lips. It wasn't that different from serving, she noted, being polite and keeping her lips turned up.
"It's a pleasure to meet the suitor Lord Maxwell's house has chosen. I hope you enjoy your time in Cordonia," the king said. He was smiling, and it seemed genuine to her. It made her swell with pride at the thought that she might have impressed him slightly, or at least avoided making a fool of herself. The pressure released from her shoulders and she let out a little breath she didn't even realize she had been holding.
"Thank you." she responded. Before there was an awkward silence, Maxwell escorted her to join the line of ladies waiting to see the prince. It was almost comical, this line to see Liam, but she had other things on her mind.
"Lord Maxwell, huh?" she said. Brianna's tone was light and teasing, but she was feeling a little intimidated.
"That's my title. You could refer to me as 'His Lordship' from now on if you really want." Maxwell nudged her gently, his grin lighting up his entire face and making his hazel eyes shine.
Brianna chuckled. "Eh, I like you better as a Maxwell."
"Now, look sharp," he said, his tone growing serious. She swallowed nervously, peeking around the woman in front of her to catch a glimpse of Liam.
"Here's your big moment! Don't blow it," Maxwell said.
Brianna turned her face to his, winking at him. "I won't."
Maxwell stepped smoothly aside, and she took a deep breath in and stepped toward the prince.
Liam's face was tactically smooth, and his tone was formal and polite as he greeted her. "Hello. You'll have to forgive me, but I don't think we've met…" he trailed off expectantly.
"Oh? And how does a prince greet a beautiful mystery woman?"
His face brightened. "With a kiss on the hand, I hope?" She obliged and held her hand out, her freshly painted nude nails shining in the warm lighting. He took her hand, his skin soft and warm, and brought it to his lips. It was such a sweet gesture, and although her rational mind reminded her that this wasn't an intimate moment, it felt so deliciously rich.
"Now, I believe I know every other lady here, so your presence is baffling me. I can't stop my mind from racing. Is she a high-ranking aristocrat from a distant country? Or a wealthy woman of the world?" He broke off into a small chuckle and soon Brianna's tinkling laughter joined his.
"So who are you? What brings you here?" the prince pressed her again.
Brianna eyed him carefully, her smile guarded. "You brought me. I think all the women here tonight are here for you." Her head moved slightly to indicate the crowded ballroom, and Liam nodded in agreement, though she could see his theories turning over in his mind.
"In a manner of speaking, but no one's surprised me yet like this."
"You'll be even more surprised when you figure out the truth," she teased.
"And what is that?" Liam's politeness made her wonder if she could ruffle his feathers. She wasn't quite ready to give in to his inquiring mind yet.
"No guesses yet?" she purred, running her fingers down her neck as if to scratch an itch. Liam's eyes followed her fingers, and he licked his lower lip ever so slightly, moving his eyes to study her face. After a moment, his eyes widened and he chuckled to himself, shaking his head.
"Brianna. I thought I'd never see you again."
"So… this is a good surprise, I hope?" she said softly, trying to keep the insecurities out of her voice. It was impossible to do that though as she couldn't imagine her place being with a prince. After all, she was a waitress from New York and even Hunter couldn't polish her to a gem that he could be proud of. Oof. Those self-doubt thoughts popped out of nowhere.
"The best." Liam's grin was genuine, and she wanted to close the distance and kiss his full lips in giddy happiness. "But how did you get here?" he asked, his face falling. She realized he didn't understand she was here for him.
Brianna motioned her head toward Maxwell slightly and Liam followed her motion, nodding to himself as she exclaimed. "Maxwell and his brother are sponsoring me. He brought me here to join the other suitors."
The look of pleasant shock that crossed the prince's face was unexpected but welcome. "Really?" he exclaimed. "That's amazing! I can't believe you came all this way for me."
"Liam, do you have any advice for me?"
"Don't let the other ladies intimidate you," he replied easily. "Most of them are actually very nice, but they can be…" Liam trailed off, searching for the diplomatic word.
"Competitive?" she supplied with a curious tilt of her head and a smirk.
"Exactly. But you can't really blame them. That's the whole reason for this, after all. The entire series of events is set up not just to give me time with my potential matches, but also to give my parents, the council, and the people of Cordonia time to get to know the future queen. From now on, everyone will be watching you."
Fear overcame her and froze her limbs as adrenaline slammed her heart, making it stumble and then beat frantically. Always being watched? This was going to be her chance to face her past head on, but would it even be worth it? There was something fun between her and Liam, but Brianna was unsure that it was anything more than a flirtation. Didn't she owe Maxwell, for sticking his neck out for her, to at least give this relationship a chance?
"That sounds scary," she said finally.
"I'm sorry I can't make it easier for you, but for what it's worth you definitely look the part."
Brianna returned his smile. "Thanks."
"I'm sure you'll charm them as you've charmed me. Unfortunately, the receiving line isn't the best place to talk. We only have a few more minutes before the next lady arrives…"
Here's your hat, what's your hurry? Brianna pushed those sour words from her mind. She knew that this would be a competition from the beginning, and it wasn't fair to punish Liam for it.
"In that case, I want to know what you think of all this," she said, motioning to the ballroom.
Liam nodded, seeming to understand her motives behind the question. "I know it seems a little silly… but it is tradition. And I know how important it is to Cordonia that we find the right queen."
The next noble lady stepped behind them, and Brianna looked to the prince for guidance.
"Sorry, our time's up," he said, and she could see his slight frown. It pleased her slightly to know he was regretful that their time was nearly over… or, at least, he pretended to be.
"I understand," she replied quickly. "We really aren't in New York anymore, are we?"
"No." Liam chuckled good-naturedly. "I hope I'll see you again later tonight, if you'll save a dance for me."
Brianna nodded before Maxwell joined her, leading her away from the prince. He was practically bouncing as they walked away, and as soon as they were out of earshot, he leaned in.
"Liam looked really happy to see you," he squealed, squeezing her arm happily.
His good attitude was nearly infectious, but she kept her expectations realistic, and this wasn't the time to get all giddy for what could have simply been Liam's good manners. "Yeah, but is that going to be enough? I also have to impress the royal court and the people of Cordonia…" she trailed off, but Maxwell was quick to respond.
"Don't worry," he said with a little wave of his free hand. "You'll have plenty of time for that. And my brother, Bertrand, and I will be there to help you every step of the way. Remember, we want to see you win this thing."
"Right." Win this thing. Like it was some sick TV show for people's entertainment. This whole situation was just weird, and though she expected it, it was unnerving her more than she had thought it would.
"For now, it'd be a good start to get to know the other courtly ladies," he advised, pointing to a group of ladies. Brianna put her hand on his arm, lowering the obvious gesture with a snort of laughter. "Bertrand and I are helpful, but the more people you can get on your side, the better."
"I'm on it," she said. Brianna moved toward the group as Maxwell let their looped arms fall. He looked so much like a proud father sending his child off for the first day of school. Over these upcoming weeks, she wanted to get more of his story, and she wondered if his personality was genuine as effervescent as it seemed, or if it was a wall he put up. She offered a little wave in parting and followed the group of ladies as they moved outside. The air was crisp but not too cold, and she felt a little refreshed getting out of the heat from the grand ballroom.
Olivia, the vicious redhead, was standing next to Hana and a few others at a table display with curving designs made of champagne flutes. The drinks were flanked by fruity cocktails and expensive looking glassware held hard liquors on a bottom layer to the table. The entire thing was too extravagant for her tastes, but she couldn't resist plucking a glass of champagne from the top.
"Brianna, you were awfully familiar with the prince," Olivia exclaimed, not even bothering to hide her disgust. "You didn't say that you knew him."
Brianna took a sip of her champagne. This woman's sharp tone didn't set well with her.
"Olivia, can we go back to how you lied to me about kissing the king's shoe?" Her tone was light, and she kept a hint of a joke in there, but her expression was serious as she watched Olivia's deep green eyes flash in laughter.
"That was hilarious, wasn't it?" Despite Olivia's laughter, her words were hollow. "Come now, you can't begrudge me for a little prank. You are the new girl, after all."
"Well, hazing's over," Brianna said sharply.
"It's over when I say it's over."
The tension crackled in the air while Brianna sipped from her glass again.
"Listen," Olivia began, her voice hard. "You should know that whatever happened between you and Liam, you don't really have a chance with him." Her expression softened as she admired her long, polished red nails. "You might've been able to capture his attention when it was just the two of you, but you can't keep up with the ladies here."
Brianna watched this woman intently, a sour taste in her mouth that the champagne couldn't chase. Olivia was just like those New York bitches that Hunter always pushed her toward, hoping they would mold her with their sharp nails and biting tongues. She had succumbed to his wishes then, allowing herself to change into a bitter, vengeful socialite, but she wouldn't let that happen again.
Olivia was oblivious, or uncaring, toward Brianna's frown.
"We're from the finest families in Europe, and we've been training and preparing our whole lives to marry a prince. You can't just waltz in here at the last minute and steal him from us. Kiara here is the daughter of a diplomat and is fluent in ten languages…"
Kiara, an impossibly tall and slender woman in an intricate lace dress, announced that the prince would fall in love with her—in French. Olivia smiled at her, as if she were a dog performing a trick, and motioned to another woman.
"Penelope can track her lineage back through six hundred years of royalty."
Penelope was a kind looking woman with creamy skin and stunningly good looks. She smiled sweetly at Brianna despite Olivia's intimidation techniques.
"It's an honour to represent my people here," Penelope said.
With a shrug, Olivia rolled her eyes toward Hana. "Even Hana's been training to learn the courtly grades of conversation and seduction."
Hana flushed, obvious even behind her mask, and looked staggered. "Uh, thanks?"
With a little giggle, Penelope bounced to the balls of her feet, admirable considering her deadly heels. "But if anyone's got the inside track with Prince Liam, it's you, Olivia. You've known him his entire life."
Olivia grinned blissfully. "It's true," she said. Her voice was dreamy, and she made sure to stare directly at Brianna. "We grew up at the palace together as childhood friends. Before his older brother abdicated, it was just assumed Liam and I would be married one day. I've got no intention of losing him to one of you harpies."
Brianna chuckled, breaking Olivia's intense gaze to catch Hana's eye. They exchanged a knowing look.
"No offence," Olivia laughed sharply after a pause that was too long. It looked like she was about to turn and leave, no doubt used to getting the last word, but Brianna cleared her throat.
"Wait a second, I can't believe the rest of you let Olivia talk like this," Brianna said, her eyes running over the group. It didn't make sense to her. When she let herself be pushed around before, she was young, insecure, and desperate to please an emotionally abusive boyfriend. These women didn't seem like they had to contend with any of those issues.
Penelope looked around the group and shrugged. "She's only stating the facts. There's no point in being emotional about it."
"We all knew what we were getting ourselves into when we came here, Brianna. Didn't you?" Kiara asked, not unkindly, but with an arched brow and crossed arms.
"Don't worry ladies. I'm sure little Brianna will learn her place here, eventually. Or else I'll make her life a living hell." Olivia's eyes stayed fixed on Brianna. It was an intimidation tactic, no doubt, and it was working. Brianna's hands twitched, wanting to smooth down her dress again, but she distracted herself by fiddling with the champagne glass. She took a deep breath and pushed it through her nose, her face scrunching in unavoidable anger.
"And what, exactly, do you think my place is here?" she asked, raising her free hand to quote around 'place'.
"Oh, somewhere below Penelope and Kiara, but you know what?" Olivia cocked her head playfully. "Probably above Hana. Though I'm surprised Hana's here at all after what I heard about her last attempt at an engagement."
"Olivia!" Hana's surprise was thick in her voice, and she had even raised a hand to her chest.
Olivia clicked her tongue dismissively, her grin seeming to grow wider at Hana's emotional discomfort. "Well, we all know that you family will throw you at any available bachelor as long as it means you can climb another rung on the social ladder. But, honestly, it's a bit a much to expect that Prince Liam is going to accept… damaged goods."
Brianna saw Hana's face grow pink with embarrassment, then red with anger. Though she wanted to step in to defend Hana, she wasn't sure if that was something that would be appreciated or frowned on. She relaxed her hands after realizing that her nails were digging into her palm.
"I… I need to…" Hana exhaled shakily, stepping through the group. "Excuse me."
As Hana stepped away, Brianna followed her for a few steps and put her hand on Hana's shoulder. "Hana, wait… you don't have to listen to them."
"Thanks," she smiled weakly, "but… what she's saying… it's… I'm sorry, Brianna." Hana shook her head and walked through the doors of the palace. Brianna sighed, turning to Olivia and the group. Of course, they were all listening, and Olivia was shaking her head sadly.
"Girls like her shouldn't bother being here if they can't handle the truth."
Brianna finished her champagne and set it down, steeling herself in front of Olivia. With a frown, she shook her head and sighed.
"Olivia, you're acting like a child, not a queen. If this is how you behave, I wouldn't trust you with childproof scissors, let alone a kingdom."
Olivia's jaw dropped. "I… you can't…"
"I just did," Brianna cut her off. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going after Hana."
Without staying to see how the girls reacted, not that she much cared, she did a little jog in her heels and found Hana walking swiftly down a hall off the main entrance. Outside the room, Brianna gave a little knock and stepped in to see Hana crumpled on the foot of the bed, tears running down her face.
"Brianna, what are you doing here?" she asked in disbelief, sniffling sadly.
"I wanted to make sure you're okay," Brianna said, moving to sit beside Hana on the bed.
"That's… That's so kind of you." Hana's smile was sweet and genuine. "Thank you."
Brianna reached out and patted Hana's back hesitantly. "It was the least I could do."
Hana nodded. "I know I shouldn't let Olivia bother me," she said, untying her mask and dabbing at her eyes. She looked up sadly and frowned. "You probably think I'm making a fool of myself."
"I think you're being human. I… I've been in that spot before, I know it's not fun. It's hard to not listen to people like that, even though your head tells you not to." Brianna stopped rubbing Hana's back and grabbed the pink mask on her lap, rubbing her thumb over the jewels thoughtfully. "I mean, you'd have to be a robot to not let Olivia get under your skin when she talks to you like that."
"Heh. I guess you're right," Hana gave a soft little laugh. "The real problem is…" she took a deep breath, her face clouding, "Olivia is right. Last year, my parents arranged a very advantageous match for me, but only a few weeks before the wedding, the groom pulled out of the arrangement. It was handled quietly, but it was still regarded as rather scandalous. Since then, my parents have been desperate for me to find another match."
That was rough. Brianna couldn't imagine how it would feel to be in Hana's spot, under the intense scrutiny of other nobles. This competition… it was likely a desperate attempt on Hana's family's part. Brianna bit her lower lip thoughtfully. It must have taken a lot for Hana to open up like this, and Brianna wished she could tell Hana how much she struggled with those similar emotions, but now wasn't the time.
Hana wiped another tear from her cheek as she took a shaky breath. "They've all but thrown me into this competition. I thought Cordonia was far away enough that I could escape my past… but it looks like the rumours have followed me here."
The defeated posture, those hopeless words, the sad tone… it was too much for Brianna, too close to home. She stood up and reached out, pulling Hana up with her.
"Hana…" she began, her arms on Hana's shoulders as she squeezed. "A broken engagement is nothing to be ashamed of."
"It's not?"
"In the real world, stuff like that happens all the time. Sometimes… sometimes things just don't work out. It doesn't mean anything's wrong with you," Brianna promised, her voice rough. "At the heart of it, I think we both know why Olivia singled you out."
"Why?"
"Olivia bullies you because she senses weakness. The only thing we can do about that is to toughen you up," she said, squeezing Hana's shoulders again before letting her hands drop.
"Toughen me up?" Hana's voice sounded so incredulous it made Brianna smile.
"Yeah! The next time Olivia picks on you, say something snappy right back at her!"
There was a beat of silence, and Hana looked down. "I don't think I could that," she mumbled.
"Not even if you're standing up for yourself?"
"It's just not my way of doing things."
Brianna nodded slowly, her fingers tapping her lips in thought. "Well," she began measuredly, "at the very least, maybe you can try not to let her see that she's getting to you."
"Like having a poker face?" Hana asked, and when Brianna nodded, a weight seemed to slide off her shoulders. "I can try that."
"Well, Brianna, I see that I've found myself in your debt already."
"It's not a big deal." This social scene must be rough to think that being kind to another woman was something out of the ordinary.
"On the contrary, your words have spoken volumes about your character. I won't forget this…" Hana wiped the lingering tears from her face, and gave Brianna a wobbly smile. "I must look a mess."
"Nothing a quick touch-up won't fix!" Brianna said confidently, spinning Hana to the mirror. She watched as Hana dabbed at her eyes some more and powdered her face, swiping some mascara on and scrutinizing her finalized look.
"There, much better," Hana said with a smile, spritzing a dash of perfume on her neck.
Brianna grinned. "Ready to go back?"
"Yes."
Brianna made her way back to the ballroom with guidance from Hana, and as soon as they reached the room, the opening strains of a waltz began. The ladies parted and she noticed Maxwell running—well, very speedily walking—up to her.
"Brianna! There you are! The last dance is starting up, and I think you and Liam deserve this one."
She turned to where Maxwell's gaze fell. Liam was talking with Penelope, and Brianna could just barely hear their conversation. Penelope was gushing over Liam, "…and of course, you're looking dashing tonight…" and Brianna rolled her eyes at Maxwell.
Maxwell returned her sass with a smile and a little nudge. "It might be a little rude to cut in, but—"
"Say no more. I know what to do," Brianna's eyes flashed under her mask and Maxwell laughed.
Though the whole competition aspect of this journey was off-putting at best, Brianna had never been one to back down. Hadn't she told Liam that her goal was to live every day like it was an adventure? She rolled her shoulder back and adjusted her devil horns.
Hit it.