It's the last day at Applewood and after lunch, Liam invites Catherine on a private tour of the orchard. They walk hand-in-hand, chatting and laughing and occasionally stopping for a kiss or two. Liam seems more relaxed than he has in while and Catherine is thankful that he and his father were able to finally have the 'talk'.

Looking around at the landscape, Catherine is in awe of how it seems to mimic the peaceful aura that surrounds them. "Liam, I know why you love it here so much. It's so serene… and just look at the progress so far. It's beautiful." Liam looks around with a smile. "Yes. I'm anxious to see the orchard restored to what is was before the fire. All the farmers' hard work seems to be paying off."

"I guess it's back to the palace in a few hours, but this has been a wonderful end to our weekend." Liam's expression sobers somewhat. "Yes, and unfortunately we'll not have much time to settle back in once we get there. An urgent matter with the trade policy has been brought to my attention and it can't be handled over the phone…"

The next morning at the palace –

Catherine reluctantly helps Liam finish packing for the week-long trip to Italy. It was unplanned but Cordonia can't afford to lose this momentum. "Liam, I wish I could go with you…" After zipping up the last piece of his luggage, he calmly turns and wraps his arms around her waist. "So do I, but with your prior obligation it couldn't be avoided. However, it's going to be a long week without you." He leans down, kissing her tenderly then sighs. "A very long week indeed…"

She had already committed to another project. Namely Maxwell's new dance studio. He was having some trouble getting things moving and since Bertrand was busy helping his new family get settled in at the Beaumont estate, she had offered her support. That was before either of them knew about the problem in Italy. The timing couldn't have been more disappointing, but this was important to Maxwell and with only a small window of opportunity left to launch the opening, she knew staying behind was the only option.

"The longest… but I did promise and he's counting on me. It's just… I'm going to miss you so much…" With his hand on her chin, he tilts her head up and she eagerly touches her lips to his. When they part, Liam sighs in resolve. "I certainly understand and it's only for a week… if all goes well, I'll be back before you know it." "I hope so…" He smiles lovingly at her. "I can only stay away from you for so long my love." He kisses her soundly before he lets go to reach for his luggage.

She follows him anxiously to the door. "Wait!" He turns sharply, only to be met with her poignant expression. "You'll call. Right?" He drops the suitcases, keeping eye contact with her and moves to pull her close. "Of course I will…" He cups her face in his hands, looks deep into her eyes and drops a slow but passionate kiss on her lips… she is left breathless. A smile stretches across her face. "You're not making this any easier you know." Liam smiles mischievously back at her. "Just consider that a sample of what you'll get when I return…"

After Liam departs, Catherine heads to her office and soon there is a knock on the door. Before she can respond, it opens. Maxwell pops his head in and his eyes dart around the room to make sure she's alone. "Hey little blossom!" She smiles as he enters and plops down on the chair in front of the desk. "Hey Maxwell. I was just about to call you." "Oh yeah? What about? Ahem… ahem."

"Uh, weren't you needing my help with the dance studio?"

"Oh yeah, that…ahem… so, what have you done so far?"

"What have I done?"

"Yeah, I thought you were working on it… ahem…"

"Maxwell why do keep clearing your throat?"

"I dunno, it feels kinda scratchy… kuh, kuh…"

"You should gargle or something…"

"It's probably nothing."

"Well, anyway… How can I work on it when I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing? You never told me anything specific."

"Oh, right! I guess I did leave out a few details."

Maxwell takes something out of his pocket and hands it to her.

"Here, I made a list."

As she scans over it, he gives the narrative.

"Ahem…Well… there's this thing with the plumbing… and then, there's this other thing…. It's probably more than just a thing actually… but hey, you know how to work around this legal stuff. Ahem…"

"What legal stuff?"

"You know, permits and stuff… I kinda need one when the plumbing and electrical get fixed… or maybe several. And then, there's the thing about proof of ownership. Oh, and I need registration affidavits… I think they used the term 'contract'. And then, I have to present a detailed price list by the type of lessons, etcetera. Ahh…AHH…"

Catherine quickly hands him a box of tissue as he grabs one just in time. "…CHOO." He takes another and blows his nose and then tosses them both in the trash as if he were shooting the winning three pointer.

"Bless you… you don't sound so good."

"I don't feel so good… Would you mind if I stayed here tonight? I don't think I have the energy to drive back…"

"Of course Maxwell, but you should really see a doctor."

"Nah. I just need a little rest and I'll be good as new… ahem… Do you think you can use the list?"

"I can try… it's a start I guess…"

After Maxwell leaves, she shakes her head in frustration as she sighs. 'I missed being with my husband for this?' She sits for a while deep in thought, trying to piece together Maxwell's list into a workable solution. Once she figured out what the objectives are, she immediately starts making the necessary phone calls to her colleagues and before long, the day has turned to night. Even though Maxwell could have been more helpful, she is almost thankful for the distraction with Liam being away. As she heads to her room, her thoughts wander to Liam… had he arrived safely? Is he missing her too? After a long bath, she collapses into bed and then the phone rings.

C: Liam!

L: Hello love.

C: Oh Liam… I miss you so much.

L: Not nearly as much as I miss you.

C: I'm glad to hear your voice though… How was the flight?

L: The usual, although… in my haste, I did forget one very important thing.

C: Oh no! Not your binder? I could send–"

L: No, no it's nothing like that… I forgot to tell you how much I love you."

C: Aww, I love you too Liam…

After nearly half an hour of catching up on each other's day, Catherine stifles a yawn, but it does not escape Liam's notice.

L: It appears you've had a trying day love and I should probably let you get some sleep.

C: I don't know how I'll be able to do that without you here.

L: I know the feeling… For now though, I still have to organize a few things before tomorrow.

C: Well, don't stay up too late, you need some rest too.

L: I won't. Sleep well my queen.

C: Good night my king.

She sets the phone aside and turns off the light, sighing as a loneliness begins to wash over her. After several minutes of tossing and turning, she finally reaches for Liam's pillow and buries her face into it taking a deep breath… with the lingering scent of his cologne she slowly drifts off to sleep.

The next day, she starts off with a morning jog and then a light breakfast. Hana joins her soon after arriving to the dining room. "Hey Hana." Hana walks to the chair across from Catherine and almost falls into it, clearing her throat before speaking in a less than enthusiastic tone. "Ahem… Good morning Catherine." "Hana? Is everything alright?"

Hana scoots herself up to the table. "I think so… ahem… why do you ask?" She pours herself a cup of coffee as Catherine looks on curiously. "Well, you don't seem like yourself. Are you okay?" She holds her neck as she swallows. "Ahem… I didn't sleep well, and my throat is a little sore… ahem… but it's probably nothing to worry about."

"I'm not so sure about that… Maxwell said his throat felt scratchy and he ended up staying at the palace last night… Hana, do you have a fever? You look a bit flushed." Hana touches her cheeks and then leans across the table. "Maybe. What do you think?" Catherine reaches her hand to Hana's forehead. "You definitely have a fever."

Hana frowns, "Great… just great!"

"What's wrong?"

"I've got an appointment today… ahem… and now I'll have to postpone it."

"Oh Hana, I'm so sorry. Is there something I can do?"

"No, I'll be alright. I just need to re-schedule." Hana suddenly shivers.

"Let me take care of it. And while I'm doing that, why don't you go back to bed? Maybe a little rest will do you some good…"

"Catherine… I can't ask you to do that."

"Well, you didn't ask me to. I insist."

Hana looks at Catherine, both sad and thankful. "Well, I'm not really hungry anyway… and I can't exactly say no to the queen, can I?"

"You can… but I wouldn't recommend it."

Hana heads toward her room and meets Drake on her way out. "Hey Hana. Ahem… is breakfast over already?" Hana stops in front of him. "Uh, oh." Drake looks at her puzzled. "Ahem… what?" Hana reaches up to his forehead and he moves to avoid her hand. "What are you doing?" "I'm checking your temperature. You look sick." He reluctantly leans forward. "I do?"

"Drake, you have a fever too. I guess we're both sick."

"Ahem… you too? Kuh, Kuh." She nods as he feels his own forehead. "I guess I didn't notice that, but… ahem… I'll be fine."

Catherine walks over to both of them. "Here, let me see." She reaches to touch Drake's forehead. "Drake is your throat sore?" He clutches his neck.

"Well… yeah. A little, but–"

"No buts… I'm calling the doctor before this goes too far."

Before Drake can respond, Catherine is already on her way to the study, still giving orders as she goes. "You two get back in bed and I'll send him up when he gets here."

"But… wait… What about–?"

"I don't have time to answer your questions Drake. Now go, both of you."

Drake turns to Hana. "Is it just me… ahem… or has she gotten even bossier since becoming the queen?" Hana half smiles. "I hadn't noticed. She's just worried about us Drake… ahem…"

He sighs, not quite convinced. "Well, maybe…" Drake and Hana head to their respective rooms and wait for the doctor as Catherine instructed. After making the call, she checks on Maxwell.

Standing outside his door, she knocks, but there is no response. She knocks again, a little harder this time. Still nothing. Finally, she eases the door open and immediately hears him snoring. "Maxwell?" He doesn't budge. She moves closer only to see used tissues strewn on the bed table and the floor. She manages to avoid them and nudges him slightly. "Maxwell…" After a few more pushes, he finally opens his eyes. "Catherine? What are you doing here?"

"To check on you of course." She peers down to the floor at the scattered debris. "I was going to ask how you are but judging from all these tissues I'd say not so good." He places his hand on his head and grimaces. "Yeah… It feels like my head is going to explode. Like literally."

"Well, I called Dr. Stevens and he'll be here within the hour. It seems whatever is ailing you, also got Hana and Drake too." "Aww man…" "Can I get you anything?" "Hot tea sure sounds good right now… if it's no trouble?"

"Not at all, but what about an ice pack for your head?" "Yeah… that'd be great." "Okay. I'll be right back."

After delivering the ice pack and tea to Maxwell, Catherine walks to Hana's room. After knocking on her door, there is a faint reply. "Come in." She walks in to see Hana propped up on pillows with a tissue at her nose and she is wrapped in the blankets up to her neck. "Dr. Stevens will be here shortly. How are you feeling?" She frowns. "Terrible." She daintily blows her nose and then places the used tissue in the trash bin beside her bed and reaches for the hand sanitizer. She then takes the offered ice pack, placing it on top of her head. "Aww Hana. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. I'm just disappointed about that endorsement."

"Oh right! Your clothing designs. I need to get that rescheduled. Here, write down the number."

"Catherine, you don't have to do that for me…"

"But I want to Hana. Now, what's the number?"

Hana hesitantly scribbles it on the note pad Catherine gave her and then hands it back to her.

"Thank you, Catherine. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Hey, you can't help that you're sick… and besides, that's what friends are for."

Soon, she leaves Hana resting comfortably, heading back to the study to make the call. When that task is complete, she retrieves another ice pack from the kitchen, then goes to check on Drake.

"Drake?" Catherine knocks on the half open door. "Yeah… it's open." She walks in and finds Drake sitting upright on a bunch of pillows. Not surprisingly, he is wrapped in blankets up to his neck with an old-fashioned thermometer in his mouth. "Here." He takes the ice pack gratefully and places it on top of his head. "Thanks… how'd you know I needed this?" "I guess you could call it intuition." She takes the thermometer from his mouth. "I can't believe they still make these…" Squinting to see the numbers she reads it aloud. "101.9. Drake, you definitely have a fever. Dr. Stevens will be here soon, and we'll find out what's going on with you guys."

"It's probably just a cold…"

"It's obviously more than that… Can I bring you anything before the doctor gets here?"

"Well… I could use some water."

"Water? And you call yourself a whiskey connoisseur…?"

"Ha. Ha."

"Want it on the rocks?"

"Actually… yeah. Thanks."

Once that task is complete, she takes a quick shower and then rushes downstairs. Mara announces that the doctor has arrived.

Catherine graciously greets him in the grand foyer with a smile and an outstretched hand. "Thank you for coming on such short notice Dr. Stevens. I hope it's not too much of an inconvenience." "Not at all, Your Majesty. I'm happy to be of service… Now, where are my patient's?"

"Oh yes. Mara, would you mind showing Dr. Stevens where everyone is? I have a few things that need my attention." Mara bows. "Certainly, Your Majesty."

After approximately an hour, there is a knock on the office door. "Come in." Mara opens it slightly. "Your Majesty, Dr. Stevens would like to see you." "Of course. Send him in."

She stands as Dr. Stevens walks in and then she motions to the chair in front of the desk. "Please, have a seat." They both take a seat. "So, what's the verdict?" He smiles. "Well, you were right to call me when you did. All three have the Cordonian flu." "Oh my gosh! Really?" "Yes, I have prescribed an antiviral and took the liberty of requesting it be delivered within the hour. The instructions are self-explanatory and the sooner it reaches their system, the better."

"I'll make sure they get it as soon as it arrives… I can't thank you enough Dr. Stevens, and is there anything I should do? I mean, while they recuperate?"

"Not necessarily. I have explained the importance of rest and staying hydrated and I was assured that they will heed my words. I'll return in a couple of days to check on their progress. I might suggest that they be moved somewhere away from the hub of the palace… maybe a bit quieter." "That is a great idea and I have just the place."

After the doctor leaves, she enlists Mara's help in setting up a room on the north wing of the palace. By the afternoon, Maxwell, Hana and Drake have all settled into their new accommodations, away from the hustle and bustle of the palace, but close enough that she can check on them easily.

"So… what do you guys think?" Maxwell is the first to speak. "A big screen, and game system? Cool! This is going to be like a slumber party… but maybe not so much slumber." Drake rolls his eyes and grumbles. "I should've stayed where I was." Hana looks around with a pleasant expression. "Catherine, thank you for putting this together for us. I feel better already."

"I'm glad you like it. This part of the palace doesn't get used much so it should be a lot quieter here." Drake glares at Maxwell who is sitting in the floor excitedly sifting through the games. "Cool! Megaman!"

"I'd agree with you Beckham, but then we'd both be wrong." "Surely you can manage for three days Drake." He opens his mouth to say something but sees the scowl on her face and decides against it.

After Catherine leaves the room, Hana scolds him. "Drake none of us planned to be sick and in this predicament, but since we are, I think we should make an effort to get along."

"Well no offense Hana, but I'm glad I'll be asleep for most of it."

Even sick, Maxwell seems to be more energetic than usual and it's just enough to keep Drake annoyed.

"Hey Drake, wanna play a game?" Drake lays in bed with his eyes closed. "No."

"But it's a two-player game… Hana? What about you?"

"No thank you Maxwell… I wouldn't even know what to do anyway."

"I could teach you…"

"Maybe later. Okay?"

Maxwell lowers his head in disappointment. "Oh, okay…" Noticing a pack of cards on the table, he eagerly grabs them and begins shuffling. "Would anyone care to join me?" Drake sighs and without opening his eyes, he retorts. "Why? Are you coming apart?"

"Oh! I know, we could talk and find out what's been going on with each other." Drake quips, "How about we don't, and say we did?"

"Man, you're pretty funny Drake. Too bad looks aren't everything…" Drake cocks an eye at Maxwell. "Was that supposed to be funny?" Maxwell swallows hard. "No… I'm not afraid. Wait, are you smiling?" Drake's lips curl into a menacing grin. "Yes Maxwell. That alone should scare you."

Hana shakes her head in empathetic disbelief. "You guys…" Soon Catherine returns with a food tray and Hana's eyes light up. "What's this?"

"I thought you guys might be hungry, so I had the kitchen staff prepare you something special." She lifts the lid from the tureen as Hana tries to inhale the scent. "I can't smell it, but it looks delicious. What is it?"

"It's a good old American comfort food. Homemade chicken noodle soup." Maxwell stares at it hungrily and rubs his hands together enthusiastically. "Wow! I can't wait to dig in."

Drake moseys over to the table and grins. "Mom used to make tons of this stuff when we were kids. We liked it so much that sometimes me and Savannah would fake being sick, just so she'd make a pot. Thanks Beckham." "It must have been pretty good if you faked an illness to get it." "Trust me, it was."

Obviously, they were all hungry because in no time at all the tureen is completely empty. Not long after, someone knocks on the door and when Catherine opens it, Olivia is on the other side.

"Hey Olivia! What are you doing here?" She saunters in and looks around. "Well, I'd heard you were playing nursemaid… and I know you have plenty of staff for assistance, but I wanted to offer mine if you'll have it."

"That's very kind of you Olivia. Thank you."

"Well, I know how demanding these boys can be and–" Drake interrupts. "Boys?" She whips around and glares at him but ignores his rhetorical question and then turns back to Catherine. "As I was saying, you are already stretched thin with your duties, so I came to offer an extra hand." Hana sniffs. "Olivia, that is so sweet of you." "Well, it's only temporary… just until I know Catherine no longer needs my help."

Maxwell leans over to Drake and whispers, "Now I really am scared…" Drake's eyes settle on Olivia as she talks to Catherine and Hana. When there is a break in conversation, he speaks. "Hey Olivia, since you're here, can you grab me an extra pillow?" She smirks as she strolls over to the linen chest. "Just one? Even the princess felt a pea on several layers of mattresses." He scowls at her. How dare she question his manhood in his hour of need. "Princess? Well, this ain't about some child's book… it's about comfort…" She walks over with the pillow ignoring his hostility and he reluctantly leans forward as she places it carefully behind him, fluffing the others as he lays back. She smiles. "How's that? Comfortable?" A small smile reaches his eyes. "Kinda, yeah."

For a moment, Drake and Olivia lock eyes and it seems as if time stands still. Maxwell clears his throat, causing both Olivia and Drake to snap out of their trance. Drake mumbles something when he realizes everyone is staring at them. "Uh, thanks." Olivia tries not to smile. "That's what I'm here for I suppose…" Catherine, Hana and Maxwell give each other a 'what the hell just happened' look, but neither of them are brave enough to question it aloud.

"Hey Olivia? I'm going to take this stuff back to the kitchen, would you mind helping me?" "Sure, you can catch me up on what happened around here to make everyone sick."