Lythikos

The morning before we left for Lythikos, I decided to wake up early and go pick up some cronuts for breakfast at that bakery Myers took us to the other night. I walked to the family parlor, where I found Liam on the couch, watching the news.

"Hey, man." I tossed the bag of warm pastries into his lap. "I brought us breakfast."

"You went back for more cronuts?"

"Yeah! Breakfast fit for a king!" I laughed and sat next to him. "What were you watching?"

He hummed as he bit into his cronut. "Just the news… I wanted to see the press coverage from the Derby"

"And?" I asked between bites.

He pointed to the TV. "See for yourself."

"And last week, the Annual Royal Derby took place, followed by the customary Garden Party. This Derby was Cordonia's first opportunity to see the Royal Family after the abdication of former Crown Prince Leonardo "Leo" Rhys. It was also our first chance to meet the new Crown Prince's suitors; who include Lady Olivia Nevrakis, the Scarlet Duchess of Lythikos, Lady Penelope of Portavira, and last year's winner, Countess Madeleine of Fydelia."

"There's also an interesting newcomer on the scene: Lady Camilla Rose Myers of New York, representing House Beaumont."

The anchors debated amongst themselves as they superimposed a picture of Myers on the screen.

"Now, Bob, what is the story with Lady Camilla? Why is she so interesting to the press, and of course, the people of Cordonia?"

"Well, Joan, you may dub this Cordonia's own Cinderella story. According to inside sources, Prince Liam and Lady Camilla met during his stay in New York City, at a pub where she was his waitress. It's said the Prince was immediately taken with her, and she with him."

"I assume that's the reason House Beaumont decided to sponsor her."

"Exactly. Now, what's so interesting about this is, in the past years, we've seen a sort of revolution, if you will, within royalty around the world. Many royal houses have begun discarding ancient traditions - such as arranged marriages for political alliances - choosing instead to marry for love."

"Like Prince Charles with Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William with Kate Middleton, Prince Harry with Meghan Markle, King Felipe of Spain with Letizia Ortiz…"

"Even Queen Elizabeth with Prince Phillip. Even though he was of noble birth, he wasn't exactly a favorable match for her at the time. Anyhow, it would appear that royals around the world have become more flexible with such things… And yet, that hadn't been seen with Cordonia's royalty until now."

"That is what's so groundbreaking about Lady Camilla being accepted as a competitor, and quite possibly, future Queen."

"Yes! Now, when asked to comment on herself, Lady Camilla replied:"

They played an interview Myers had given yesterday.

"Lady Camilla, can you tell us about yourself?"

"I'm just a regular woman, like many out there. A girl from New York, whose heart has led her to get swept up in the affairs of the nobility."

"And how's that going for you?"

"It feels like I'm living a fantasy." She gave the reporter a warm smile.

"Now, early rumors already establish you as Prince Liam's favorite. What do you think makes you stand out?"

"Prince Liam first noticed me because I was his waitress."

"A real Cinderella story. Last but not least, who are you wearing?"

I rolled my eyes at the question. They always asked women what or "who" they were wearing. Why couldn't they just say "we like your white top and hey, that's a lot of roses on your skirt!" and be done with it?

"Oh! Well… the dress is Channel, the shoes are Christian Louboutin, and of course, Philip Treacy." She pointed to her hat.

"Lovely. Can I get a picture of you?"

They showed Myers posing for the camera before turning back to the anchors. I looked away… reluctantly admitting that dress hugged her figure in all the right places.

"Well, Bob, she certainly has style, and seems very agreeable and down to earth."

"That, she does, Joan. We certainly wish her luck. Be sure to stay tuned to see how Cordonia's very own Cinderella story plays out. And in other news…"

Liam turned off the TV and slumped back on the couch.

I nodded. "Not bad…"

"No, not bad at all. She was honest, charming… and she looked gorgeous." He shot me an embarrassed smile.

I clapped his shoulder. "She did. Now, at what time are we leaving for the Ice Queen's palace?"

He chuckled. "Soon. Are you all packed yet?"

"Sure…"

Liam gave me a pointed look. "We'll leave when you're ready."

"Well, in that case…" I sunk deeper into the couch, and Liam threw a cronut at me. "Okay! Okay! I'll go now!"

We laughed and I stood. Oh, God... I was already dreading this trip.

We arrived in Lythikos and the servants showed us to our rooms. Liam had to go greet our hostess, so I went outside and found Myers with Maxwell and Hannah.

"This is Lythikos? It's so beautiful!"

I looked at Myers as she took in the view. Her eyes shone as she took in the lake, the snow and the mountains.

"And cold." Hanna shivered, rubbing her arms.

"I know!" Myers said excitedly. She pulled tighter on the neck of her coat, wearing a dreamy expression on her face. She sighed. "I love winter… it's my favorite season. The snow, the crisp, cool air, the rain… and the clothes! I love that time of year when I break out my coats, and hats and scarves!"

"The winter look suits you." Hannah complimented. "You just look so enamored with winter."

She really did. Her smile was wider, her eyes were brighter, and I had to admit she looked pretty cute with that wool beanie.

We kept on talking for a bit, before Maxwell led Myers to her room. They came out a few minutes later, and I watched as Maxwell distracted Olivia, and Myers skated gracefully towards Liam. They talked for a while, until Maxwell failed to keep Olivia occupied and she went back to claim Liam. Poor guy…

After one final lap around the lake, Olivia finally let go of Liam and announced it was time to hit the slopes. Finally, something fun.

As soon as we got up there, I saw Myers get off her slope and skid to join her. "So, Myers, you finally made it to the slopes."

"What's wrong, Drake? Were you starting to miss me?" she asked cheekily.

I rolled my eyes. "Hardly, I was just getting bored."

"You didn't go skating?"

"Figure skating isn't really my thing."

"Really? I think you'd look good in a tutu."

"Some mental images aren't worth the effort."

She closed her eyes. "Yeah, yeah they are! Oh Drake, you'd look so cute with an ice blue tutu, with lots and lots of tul." She opened her eyes. "But I guess skiing is manly enough for you."

I looked around. All the nobles were fumbling with their skis, or their poles… all seemed hesitant. I huffed a breath. "I'd hardly call what going on around here skiing. But I'm looking to change that. How about a race?"

She raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I can ski?"

"Maybe I'm starting to have faith in you, Myers." I looked down, but didn't miss the way her eyes softened.

"Drake… I might have a little faith in you too."

"It's the apocalypse, after all!" I feigned shock. "But anyway… I'm going to start skiing down this slope, and if I get to the bottom before you… well, let's just say I'm calling that a win, and I might never let you hear the end of it." I got into position and… "Ready… set… don't wipe out!"

I took off down the hill, hearing her yell, "Hey!"

I whooshed right by Liam and Olivia, with Myers on my tail. I saw a branch on the path and quickly swerved past it. "Watch yourself, Myers!" I turned my head for a moment just in time to watch her jump over it. "Wow."

With uninterrupted momentum, she sped past me and began jumping up and down. "I won! I won!" She stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry at me.

I rolled my eyes, but smiled nonetheless. "With a jump like that, I guess you deserve to win… Nice moves, Myers."

"Thank you." She lifted her chin, clearly proud.

I looked around, at the mountains, the trees and the snow. "You know, this trip hasn't been half bad. Shame that tomorrow it's back to waltzing and bowing and all that."

"At least I can ski better than I can waltz… which is barely at all."

I looked at her in shock. I was sure Maxwell had prepared her for tomorrow. "Wait, you can't waltz?! I was sure you danced with Liam!"

"Uh… yeah, but he did most of the work…" her eyes slowly got bigger. "Why? Is it important?"

"Oh, Myers…" Damn it, Maxwell. "What would you do without me?" I shook my head. "There's a ball tomorrow. All of the ladies are expected to dance the Cordonian Waltz in front of everyone."

"Well… shit."

I snorted.

"It's fine. I'll figure it out."

"It's very complicated." I warned.

She shrugged. "No biggie. I've survived this far."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Whatever you say, Myers."

She gave me this sly, impish look. "But let's say I'm curious…" she brought her hand to her chin, thoughtfully narrowing her eyes. "How does one dance the Cordonian Waltz?"

I shook my head. "Sadly, I can't help you there. I don't know the steps." Her face fell, and an idea popped into my head. "You should ask Hannah! If anyone knows everything backwards and forwards, it's that one!"

"Yeah… maybe." She still looked a bit unsure, but I wasn't sure what else I could do to help…

"May I please get everyone's attention?" Olivia called. "It's time to head over to my spectacular lodge to warm up!"

"Hey…" I waited for her to look at me. "Thanks for the race. I actually had fun."

"Me too… Maybe you're not as bad as you seem."

"You're going soft on me, Myers."

"Dream on, Drake."

We began walking back to Olivia's chateau. Once inside, the servants poured us steaming cups of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows, and I sat with Myers, Hannah and Maxwell. We were having fun, laughing and joking, until Olivia came to welcome us.

"Watch yourselves. We've got incoming." Maxwell whispered as the Ice Queen made her way towards us.

"We'll, hello, my dear guests. I hope you're enjoying my spectacular hosting."

Murmurs rose around the table in agreement.

"It's… something." I said.

Olivia's smile grew thin and she narrowed her eyes at me. Here we go… I tried my best to keep from rolling my eyes.

"Did you see that we have eclairs, Drake? They always remind me of dear, darling, little Savannah. She'd gobble them down like a sow at the trough."

I immediately tensed up, gritting my teeth. "Don't talk about my sister."

"Why ever not? She was such a fixture at court, then she just up and disappeared. You never told us what happened, and usually gossip is quick to spread."

"She left because of people like you."

"She always was the sensitive sort." She replied with mock affection. She tsked her tongue. "Oh, well. Ladies like that don't last here at court." She eyed Myers, who was just as tense and frowning.

I looked at my cell phone and shook my head. It was almost time for the showers, and I was ready to get out there. "You know what? I've just remembered I've got somewhere I need to be. If you'll excuse me…" I stood and walked right past Olivia.

She gaped and called out to me. "Wait, Drake, dear! Come back! I wasn't finished with you!"

I rolled my eyes. Bitch.

I was at the door when I heard Myers stand. "Leave Drake alone before I slap that smile off your face!"

I have never heard a room go so quiet so fast. I hesitated at the door for a second, wanting to tell her not to bother. Olivia would never change… but instead of causing more trouble, I decided to just get out of there.

I trudged along in the snow, going closer and closer to the woods. I couldn't believe Myers had stood up for me… not even Liam had ever stood up for me - to Olivia, that is. "Just let it go." He would say, "You know why she's like that."

Just… What was she thinking? If Olivia had it out for her before… Why would Myers do that? She obviously has no clue what women like Olivia are capable of in order get what they want…

Not to mention the scandal this could cause at court. Threatening the hostess in her own home? Oh, Myers… the other nobles wouldn't see this as her sticking up for a friend, they would see it as offensive and rude; a sign that the girl from New York is a brute with no manners. A troublemaker.

Slowly, the sky began to darken. I knew there was storm coming soon, but I still wanted get a glimpse of the stars. I was still thinking about Myers, and about Savannah… I missed her so much… and she didn't even tell me why she left… or where she was now…

"Hey, Drake…"

"Camilla?" I was so shocked I let myself use her name. "What are you doing here?"

"I saw you going off on your own, close to dark, with a storm coming, and… I wanted to make sure you were okay. After what Olivia said to you… I could see it struck something inside you." Her eyes were wide with sincere concern and I had to look away from her.

Oh, Myers, you've already gotten yourself in enough trouble for me… and the worst thing is that you're completely oblivious to it.

"No offense, but you're the last person I need looking out for me." I said, but it came out harsher than I intended.

Her face fell, and she looked away. "Okay… I'll leave you be. I'm sorry I bothered you."

Aw, shit, Myers… I brought my fingers

to the bridge of my nose and took a deep breath. I'm such an ass.

"Wait, Myers! That's not what I… Oh, hell…"

She stopped and turned to look at me.

"I'm not trying to be a jerk, Myers. I only meant you shouldn't have to worry about me. You should only be looking out for yourself."

"I… can't do that." She shrugged.

We stared at each other for what seemed to be the longest moment ever. She stepped closer and placed a hand on my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze, before dropping it.

"What exactly did you come out here to do?"

I gave her a small, half smile. "If you really want to know… you'll have to trust me."

"I do."

"Ok…Here goes." I shoved her back, but at the last moment she grabbed my shirt and took me down with her!

"Drake!"

I fell on top of her, but somehow I managed to catch myself, landing on my forearms before crushing her completely. And then, I realized my face was inches away from hers. I heard her sharp exhale and met her eyes. Saw how they strayed from my eyes to my mouth then back to my eyes again. She licked her lips as a blush colored her cheeks. I could feel my heart start pounding on my chest, I could hear thumping in my ears.

Say something! A voice screamed inside my head, and I realized I was still on top of her. "Sorry!" I rolled to the side. "That did not go like I intended! You okay?"

"I-I-I'm fine!" Was she… stuttering? "Oh!"

I turned my head, thinking she was hurt, but she was staring at the sky, completely marveled by the stars.

"Oh, Drake…"

She looked… beautiful. I mean… Of course, I found her attractive, even though she wasn't the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. There were plenty of attractive women at court - all the suitors were gorgeous! But… in this light… this moment… she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

"Yes, my lady?"

"This is… absolutely gorgeous!"

I kept my eyes on her face. "Yes, it is."

She turned her head to look at me. "Thank you… for sharing this with me." She reached for my hand and gave it a quick squeeze before letting it go.

I felt my face grow hot and looked away. "You're welcome." I cleared my throat. "Nothing beats a clear view of the sky during a meteor shower."

"I'm glad I didn't miss this."

"Really? Would've figured you'd rather eat bon-bons and dress up tiny dogs, or whatever Olivia had planned for tonight."

"Not exactly my scene."

We turned our eyes back to the sky, in comfortable silence. Soon, storm clouds crept closer and closer. Myers sighed.

"Looks like we're just in time to see this before the storm comes."

"Yeah, I didn't want to miss it. I used to do this with my younger sister, Savannah, every year." I didn't know why I was telling her this… but I found myself wanting to. "We grew up around the royals. My dad used to do security for Liam and his brother, and my sister and I were allowed to play with them. Liam and I ended up getting close, even though I didn't have the lineage to merit it. Savannah, on the other hand, got along with everyone, and they were all friendly to her. She loved living at the palace when we were kids, being around all the pretty dresses and jewelry. But it got harder when she was older…"

"What happened?"

"She…" I felt myself tense. I gritted my teeth and tries to get a hold of my emotions. Breathe. "It was hard on her. She couldn't take it, I guess. Not after what happened with…" I don't even know who… I knew something happened with someone, but I didn't know who. "I failed her. I-I couldn't protect her. I couldn't protect her from this place… from these people."

I felt my eyes watering. I blinked quickly and covered my face with my forearm. But then, I felt her take my hand and squeeze.

"Drake…"

"Sorry. I'm sorry." I shook off her hand. "I guess I'm still not ready to talk about it. This is more than I've talked about it with anyone for the last year, actually."

"Really? Does… does this mean you trust me?" She asked hesitantly, and when I turned to look at her, she looked so… hopeful.

"I don't trust anyone, Myers… but if I did, I'd start with you.

She gave me a beaming smile, and I grinned back. "Drake, that's probably the nicest thing you've ever said to anyone."

"Heh. Maybe."

I laughed and turned to look back at the sky. Those storm clouds were rolling in fast, and the snow began to fall faster and faster. I sighed. Back to the Ice Queen's castle. "We better get back. It'd be quite a scandal if I let one of the Prince's suitors freeze to death out here on my watch."

"I'd hate for my untimely demise to cause you any difficulty."

"Not to mention that Maxwell would never let me hear the end of it."

"I'm sure even Bertrand would be upset, in his own way."

"Bertrand? He'd only be upset if he couldn't turn it into some press event. Now, let's go."

I stood and dusted myself off, before offering a hand to her. She took it and I helped her up.

"Thank you."

I nodded, and we began making our way back. Suddenly, she grabbed my hand. I looked at her, and some of the shock must've shown on my face, because she blushed and quickly said, "For… y'know, safety."

I laughed and secured her grip, our fingers intertwining. "It is really slippery out here."

"Yeah!"

"We should both be careful."

"Exactly." She nodded enthusiastically, and I laughed.

What are you doing? I shook my head and shut out the voice in my head. Because, for some odd reason, this - her hand in mine - felt right. And when I sneaked a peek in her direction, I knew she felt the same way… her expression was of calm contentment.

And before long… we were back at the castle. And yet… she didn't let go of my hand, and I didn't let go of hers…

We began climbing up the stairs, when…

"There you are!"

I let go of her hand.

I saw a flicker of disappointment flash through her eyes, before she quickly schooled her features into a smile. Her waitress smile, I realized.

"Hi, Hannah! You're up late."

"I couldn't sleep! With you and Drake out there in the storm…"

"Oh, Hannah! I'm sorry we kept you up!"

"Oh, I'm just glad you came back before it really started coming down out there! Drake, you must be freezing!"

Oh, right. I looked down at my clothes. Well, now I am. "Uh, yeah… I'm going to go get changed. Good night, ladies."

"Good night..." Myers looked at me, something in her eyes I couldn't quite read… so I simply nodded and went upstairs to my room.

Once inside, I slammed the door and tumbled on the bed. I shut my eyes, trying to stop myself from overthinking what just happened.

She's here for Liam. Not you.

Well, thank you for that, self-deprecating voice which seems to live inside my head. I rolled my eyes. I know she's here for Liam. And I'm his best friend. I'm just keeping an eye on her, just like he told me to. And that's that.

Then, why the hand holding?

For safety… just like she said. The path was slippery. I didn't want her to fall.

And before…? Why tell her, of all people, about Savannah?

Because… she was right there! A-and I was upset after Olivia, and I was shocked she stood up for me, and…

I'm overthinking this. I growled and threw a pillow at the wall.

Myers is here for Liam. Liam is my best friend. I want him to be happy. For that to happen, she has to win. She'll win, they'll get married, they'll live happily ever after, and that will be that.

I'm just here to help her - help them. Nothing more, nothing less.

With that final thought, I closed my eyes and tried to get some sleep.

I woke up the next morning still tired and frustrated. I tossed and turned all night - it was like I couldn't turn my mind off.

I kept thinking about Myers, about her hand in mine, her eyes as she looked at the sky, her smile, my body on top of hers…

Don't go there…

I groaned and shook my head. So instead of staring at the ceiling and letting my thoughts run away to places they shouldn't… I decided to watch something on Netflix. After perusing the titles for a while, I picked a documentary on World War II and eventually fell asleep with my earbuds still in place. Of course, I woke up again to the sound of shooting and gunfire loud in my ears, and I fell off the bed.

All in all, a great night.

The day passed quickly and uneventfully - I figured everyone was getting ready for the Ball. So after stopping by to check on Liam, I went back to my room, showered and got dressed.

I got to the ballroom, unsurprised to find out Olivia had placed me in the farthest table - the loser table. I went to take my seat, when I spotted Myers and Hannah heading my way.

"Welcome to the table is exiles."

"Drake? I'm so glad to see you! Here I thought we would be stuck sitting with a bunch of stuffy nobles."

"It's probably meant to be an ever bigger slight we're sitting with a commoner." Hannah looked at me apologetically.

Myers looked at me and grinned. "Well, Olivia really missed the mark this time."

"Thanks, Myers. That actually means something, coming from you."

She took my hand and squeezed quickly before letting go. We talked and, after a dramatic performance by Myers, we ate.

Soon, it was time for the Waltz and I watched as Myers danced with Maxwell as if she'd been dancing her whole life.

I was at the bar, trying - and failing - to get a decent drink, when I heard a collective gasp around the room. I turned, silently wishing the commotion was caused by a servant accidentally spilling something on Olivia, only to find her passionately kissing Liam.

My eyes immediately searched for Myers on the dance floor. I felt myself getting angry at Liam, who after a long while, finally stopped the kiss and led Olivia outside. I found Myers, her face calm and aloof, talking to Kiara, Penelope and Madeleine. Had she seen it? She looked so calm… maybe she hadn't seen it.

Then, our eyes met across the room and she nodded, giving me a knowing look. And yet, she shrugged and winked at me, before turning back to her conversation with Kiara.

I shook my head. Women… I didn't understand… wasn't she upset about Liam and Olivia? Maybe she knew it was just Olivia trying to show up the other ladies, get ahead in the competition.

Or maybe… she doesn't care, because she's not interested in Liam…

I put a stop to that train of thought right away. She was here for Liam. The whole reason she was here was for Liam.

I took out my phone and looked at the time. It wasn't late, but I left anyway. No one would notice the Prince's commoner friend was gone. I made my way down to the wine cellar, and after a quick lap, picked a spot and opened the bottle of whiskey I bought earlier. I picked up a glass from a wooden case and poured myself some whiskey.

I drank alone and was ready to call it a night when I heard the creaking sound of the door opening upstairs. I looked up to find Myers descending the spiral staircase, her delicate heels clacking loudly in the silent room.

I chuckled. "There you are, Myers. I was beginning to think you didn't have the guts to show. Y'know, breaking the rules, out after curfew and all that."

She shrugged. "I wanted to see you." She said simply, taking a seat next to me on the floor.

"Aww, come on, Myers. You'll make me blush." I nudged her shoulder with mine, and she smiled and looked down at the floor.

"Now that I'd like to see."

We sat in companionable silence, and I looked at her, sitting next to me, on the floor, wearing this beautiful ball gown. "Myers, should you be sitting on the ground in a gown like that?"

She gasped and stood upright. "Oh, no!" She twirled around frantically, dusting off her skirts and turning her head to look at her… backside. "Did I get anything on it? Is it dirty? Ugh… why did I have to pick a white gown… Should've gone with the blue one with the puffy skirt…" She kept on mumbling.

I looked quickly at her… "No, it's fine…" I could feel the blood rush to my face. "I have to say, I never thought you'd be one of those girls."

She stopped flailing and raised an eyebrow. "What girls?"

"Well, you know…" I raised my hand to my forehead and mimicked a high pitched voice "'Is that dust on my gown?! Oh, no, I can't wear this now! My life is over!" I raised my hands and waved them dramatically.

"Hah!" She snorted.

"Very ladylike."

She hit my arm playfully, and sighed. "I'm not usually like this…"

I looked at her.

Myers ran her hand through her long hair, looking everywhere but me. She almost seemed… embarrassed. "How do you think a waitress can afford a couture gown?"

Oh…

"The truth is… she can't." I watched as her lips curved downwards. "I'm going to return this dress after tonight." She lifted her arm, and pulled out the tag from underneath the side of her gown. "But to be able to do that, it has to look like I've never worn it…"

"Oh… Myers. I'm sorry. Maxwell-"

"It's not his fault…"

"Yes, it is!" I stood, exasperated, and ran my fingers through my hair. I knew this would happen! "I told Maxwell he shouldn't sponsor you! That he literally couldn't sponsor you!"

"Maxwell's only mistake is that he should have told me sooner, so I could've come better prepared."

"He should be able to provide for you."

"Hey!" She touched my arm gently. "I've been taking care of myself for the past 25 years, thank you very much. I don't come from money, but we've always gotten along just fine. I worked my way through college, and kept working after graduation. I'm responsible with my money, and I have some saved. I'll be fine."

I shook my head, lookingstraight ahead. She shouldn't have to go through this…

"Drake." I looked at her. "It's really not that big a deal. It's not so terrible… having to return clothes I'll never wear again." She grasped her skirts, lifting them and letting them fall. "I mean, when, other than tonight, will I ever wear this again? On the subway back home?"She smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

I took a deep breath. Let it out. I looked around the room, and saw that way in the back, there were a bunch of chairs piled up. I went and brought two of them to where we were. I wiped her chair down, wiping all the dust and dirt off of it, and gestured for her to sit.

"Thank you."

"It's the least I can do…"

"Drake…"

"Trust me. So…" I looked at her and gave her a small smile. "What are you drinking?"

"What've you got?"

"Nothing yet. It seems Olivia's got herself a very extensive collection of fine Cordonian wines. I'm no expert, but from the names I recognize, nothing in here's under a thousand dollars."

"You want to drink Olivia's wine? Pass me a bottle! She's got so many here, she'll probably never even notice."

I laughed. "Before you pop something open, I also brought a bottle of whiskey down for myself… but I'd share it with you. So pick your poison."

"Well, in that case… Whiskey, please."

I couldn't help but grin, as I poured her a glass, and then poured one for me.

"Cheers." She said, and I clinked my glass with hers and drank.

"So. You come to the wine cellar to drink whiskey. Doesn't that seem a little silly?"

"I came down here to get a little commoner time to myself where I don't have to bow and kiss hands for a few minutes."

She nodded and poured herself another glass. Then she moved to refill mine. She raised her glass. "To commoner time." She toasted.

"To commoner time."

We both drank; Myers hissing after swallowing. "Drake… if you hate the nobility so much, why do you stick around?"

"It must seem ridiculous to you."

"To be honest, I don't understand why you put yourself through it."

I sighed. Sometimes, neither do I… "It's Liam. It's always been for him. I would've left a long time ago, but Liam needs me. I know he's got nobles and courtiers all around him, but most of them would stab him in the back of they thought they could profit from it. I've seen so many underhanded moves, that I don't trust any of them anymore. And these are from our friends! And this latest one…"

Her eyebrows shot straight up. "What happened?"

"I…" Crap… "I don't know if I should tell you. It's still being resolved."

"You're always saying I need to watch out… It'd be nice to know what for."

I sighed. "You remember Liam's bachelor party?"

She smirked. "Of course."

Of course. I stopped myself from rolling my eyes at her dreamy smile. 'It was when I met my Prince Charming!' Okay, okay, don't be a dick. "We found out that someone close to us was trying to sell pictures to the tabloids."

"But who? Who would do that?"

"We haven't tracked down the source yet, but Bastien told us that we were able to buy the photos back before they were printed."

"Call me crazy, but I don't remember anything that scandalous happening…"

No, you wouldn't, because nothing did. But that's not how they see it. "You know how the tabloids are… A picture with a drink in his hands and, suddenly the Crown Prince of Cordonia is on a drunken rager. And then, there's the pictures of the two of you together."

"What?! But we weren't - we… nothing happened that night..."

"Myers, relax! I know… but you two were talking and dancing, and he was clearly interested in you. That's enough for them to speculate on. What was the headline the tabloid was going to run? 'The Prince's Drunken Fling before the Ring'."

She shook her head. "That's bullshit. And you have no idea who would do this?"

"Not really. There are a lot of people who could be desperate for those photos… I just… really hope it wasn't one of the guys. The pictures they had… Those would've been hard to take unless that person was someone close to us…"

"Drake… I'll watch out."

"Good." I reached for her hand. "Money and power make people do crazy things, Myers. I just don't want to see you get hurt because of it."

"Drake…" she said sweetly. I could practically hear her inner voice going 'aww!'. I let go of her hand.

"I mean, sometimes I look at you and I see this wide eyed baby deer who just stumbled into the hunter's campsite."

"A baby deer? So you think I'm cute?"

"Uh… that's not what I, er…"

"My, my, it seems for once you're speechless." She grinned teasingly. "You totally think I'm cute."

"Heh. Your unique talent, Myers, seems to be putting me in my place."

She shrugged. "Well, someone's gotta do it."

I shook my head. "What is it about you? You're so frustrating, but…" I trust you… for some odd reason.

"You know, nothing someone says before the word 'but' really counts." She gave me a pointed look. "George R. Martin? Game of Thrones?"

"Yeah, I know."

"So… but…?"

I shook my head. "Forget it. How about another toast instead?"

She took in a deep breath, clearly annoyed, and let it out. "Fine… what are we toasting to this time?"

"To the moments in between."

"Huh?"

"All the nobles think about are the big events. The grand balls, the press appearances, the banquets… They don't even realize that the moments that matter the most are the ones they're missing. Moments like right now, just the two of us and some cheap whiskey. The ones that really mean something. At least, it means something to me, anyway."

"Drake…" Again with that 'aww' voice! "It means something to me, too."

I raised my glass and Myers joined me. "To the moments in between."

"To the moments in between."

She clinked my glass and we downed the rest of our drinks. Soon after she yawned and settled deeper into her chair. I checked my phone: 2 AM.

"Myers."

"Hmm?"

"Let me walk you to your room. It's getting late, and I don't want to get you into trouble." I stood, grabbed the bottle and offered her my hand.

She took it and stood. "That's so thoughtful of you."

"Well, I'm a gentleman, even if not one by birth."

She clicked her tongue. "People put way too much importance on blood and birth."

"Huh… you might be right."

We walked through the foyer and up the stairs, down the corridor and soon, we were at her door.

"So…" Myers turned and leaned against her door.

"Here we are. Safe and sound."

"Safe and sound. I... had a good time tonight."

"Me too."

We stood there, awkwardly staring at each other.

"I have an early morning tomorrow - I mean, Maxwell's probably going to wake me first thing in the morning - so I should…" She trailed off.

"Yeah, yeah, no, go ahead… Have a good night."

"You too…"

"Sleep well."

"Yeah, you too."

She looked down, before meeting my eyes. "Good night, Drake."

"Good night, Myers."

With a final withering look, she went inside. I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding and headed to my room.

I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.