A/N: Hey guys! My hands are literally shaking as I write this, since I've been super nervous about posting this chapter... but I hope you like it nonetheless. I tried my very best to be true to all the characters involved in this monumental chapter, especially Drake of course, and Liam. Once again, thanks to everyone who's read, followed, favorited and/or reviewed, and thanks to all of you for sticking with me so far! And so, without further ado, let's get to the chapter, "before I turn into a giant ball of mush" like Drake says.

One

"Tell me that you turned down the man

Who asks for your hand

'cause you're waiting for me" ~ Ed Sheeran

Last day in New York

9:58 a.m.

I woke up the next morning with my phone vibrating incessantly. As I moved to pick it up from my night stand, with my eyes still closed, it stopped suddenly. I groaned, and opened my eyes, my vision slowly adjusting to daylight. I rubbed my face before reaching again for my phone. Huh… I had three missed calls from Myers. I quickly dialed her back, but it didn't even ring.

"The number you have dialed is not available. Please leave a message."

I hung up, and decided to send her a text. "Hey, Myers. Everything okay?" I waited for her reply, then I realized… there was only one little, gray check under my message. That meant the message was sent, but she hadn't received it…

I got up and pulled my clothes on, stepping out of my room. I pressed the button for the elevator a couple of times, groaning as the elevator took its sweet time in getting to my floor. Finally, the gleaming doors opened, I stepped inside and pressed the button for Myers' floor.

What I didn't know was that, five seconds later, Myers stepped out of the adjacent elevator, on her way to my room.

10:07

I stepped out on Myers' floor and made my way to her room. I knocked on her door, but there was no answer. I knocked again, starting to get worried. Still nothing. I took out my phone and dialed her again. "The number you have dialed is n-" I hung up, a sense of dread crawling through me. There was something going on here… something big, I felt it… I just didn't know what. I turned back to the elevator.

As I began walking away, Maxwell had found Myers in the halls, and had whisked her away to an expensive boutique in New York.

10:12

I stepped out of the elevator and into the hall, making my way to Hana's room. I knocked desperately until she opened the door. Her eyebrows shot up to her forehead when she saw me. "Drake! Good morning. What are you doing here?"

"Morning, Hana. I'm looking for Myers. Have you seen her?"

Hana grimaced, and Olivia stepped behind her, a catty smirk on her face. "Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in…"

I rolled my eyes. "Olivia." I said curtly.

"I'm surprised you're looking for Camilla here. By all accounts, she should be with the Beaumonts, getting ready for tonight."

"Getting ready for what?" From what I knew, there was nothing on her schedule for tonight.

"Drake, maybe we should loo-"

"Why, didn't Hana here tell you?" Olivia rudely cut her off. "Liam broke off his engagement with Madeleine last night."

"What?" He didn't say a word to me about it…

"And what do you know… First thing this morning he went to Camilla's room to invite her out later today. Convenient, don't you think?" The Ice Queen stared me down with that awful smirk, though I could see in her eyes, deep down, that she was also hurting.

I could hear my heart thudding in my ears, as a deep sense of dread settled down at the pit of my stomach. I realized… Liam is going to propose tonight. That's why Myers was calling me so early… but why wasn't she picking up? Was she avoiding me? Would she say yes?

"Come on, Drake. I'll help you look in the boutique downstairs." Hana glared at Olivia, before walking me out.

10:22 a.m.

Hana and I walked downstairs, with her shooting worried glances at me every few minutes. "I'm fine, Hana." I told her.

"Are you sure?"

I shrugged, trying to act like I wasn't worried, even though I was somewhat nauseous - my stomach doing nervous flips. "We always knew this would happen."

"Yes, but Milla-"

"Myers…" I cut her off gently, "has a choice to make. Many, in fact. And only she can make them."

"What I was going to say…" Hana frowned at me, a little annoyed, "is that I know Milla really cares about you. I… honestly don't think you have cause to worry."

"Well, you wouldn't, would you?" I mumbled under my breath. Hana wouldn't know how I'm feeling… because even though she's Myers' friend and she knows about us, she still nobility. She doesn't get it! She doesn't know what it's like to always come second, or to be invisible… she doesn't know what it's like competing for someone, when the other person has the power to snap his fingers and, quite literally, give her everything!

"Excuse me?" Her eyes darkened, as she furrowed her brows.

"I said you wouldn't think I have anything to worry about, because you obviously have no idea what it's like to have nothing. You grew up with everything you could ever want! And you have no idea what it's like having nothing to offer, and have to compete with someone who has everything to offer!" I snapped at her.

Hana's eyes were livid, with fire in them, and she glared daggers at me. "Drake Walker!" She stopped me dead in my tracks. "First of all, I do know how you feel! In case you don't remember, I spent last season competing for the hand of a prince against ladies who were much better suited than I to be queen, including Milla. And as if that wasn't enough, I have spent my entire life trying to please other people with infinitely high standards." She pointed a finger to my chest. "I, of all people, know what it's like to feel like you're not, and never will be, good enough!" Her chest heaved with effort and indignation, and her eyes were glistening with… emotion? Or maybe tears of impotence...

I sighed, my anger quickly ebbing away. "You're right… Hana… I'm really sorry." Her face softened. "I'm just…"

"On edge." She finished for me.

"Yeah."

"I know… but I'm your friend, Drake… You can't take your frustrations out on me, especially when I'm trying to help you…"

"I know, Hana. I'm sorry. I fucked up."

Hana moved to wrap her arms around me in a hug. "I know. And I forgive you."

"Thank you." I hugged her back, before we parted.

"Now…" Hana stepped back, before taking out her phone. "Before we continue wandering around aimlessly, I'm going to call Maxwell to see if he's seen Milla."

I nodded, and she began dialing, putting her phone on speaker. After the fourth ring, Maxwell picked up, his voice was frantic. "Hello?!"

"Hello, Maxwell?!"

"Hana! Hey, I can't talk right now." There was a lot of noise around him, lots of murmuring and chatting.

"Okay, I'll make this quick! Have you seen Milla?"

"Yeah! We're here at Diane Von Furstenberg looking for a dr-"

"Maxwell! What is taking so long?!" We heard Bertrand's booming voice. "We still need a dress and then get Camilla to a decent hair salon!"

"Hana, I gotta go! 'kay, bye!" Maxwell quickly hung up, Hana looking at me worriedly.

I very visibly deflated. She was already with Bertrand and Maxwell getting ready for her date tonight, and she wasn't picking up her phone…

"Drake…"

"Don't worry about it, Hana."

"Hey… come on. Don't shut me out, Drake." I sighed, and she took my arm. "Have you eaten anything?"

I shook my head.

"Come on then."

Hana began leading me through the lobby and out of the hotel, which was a little surprising. I thought we would eat in one of the restaurants. And then, she led me through the streets until we stopped and went inside a McDonald's… Now that was very surprising. My jaw dropped as Hana got in line, waving for me to follow.

"Uh… Hana?"

"Yes?"

"When…? How…? McDonald's?"

"Oh, Milla brought me here the other day!" She said cheerfully, before cringing and carefully checking her expression back onto something more neutral. "I thought… you could use some comfort food."

I couldn't help my lips twitching in a smile. I honestly didn't know what I did to deserve a friend like Hana. "Yeah… thanks, Hana."

We stepped up to the counter and ordered from the breakfast menu. After getting our drinks and finding a booth, we dug in. My stomach rumbled loudly, and my egg McMuffin was really good. I guess this really was comfort food at its best.

"How're your hotcakes?"

Hana hummed appreciatively, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Very good. The salty sweet combination with the sausage adds just the right touch." She told me.

Eww… I thought. Sausages were good. Pancakes were good… but them both together… not really my thing. I shook my head. "To each their own, I guess."

Hana giggled.

"Hey, Hana… thanks for bringing me here…"

"You're welcome. Are you… do you want to talk now?"

"Hmm… not really, but… I don't know. Maybe it'll be good for me."

"I think so too."

I sighed.

"Drake, for what it's worth, I know Milla really cares about you."

"Yeah, so you've said."

"Well, I mean it. Now, I can't tell you anything, because I can't violate my best friend's trust, but… what I can say… is that I know everything will be alright."

"How can you be so sure, Hana? I mean, realistically, if Liam were to propose tonight, how could Myers say no? She could be Queen… she could have everything she's ever wanted with just the snap of her fingers… I can't give her that… I can't give her anything…"

I looked down.

"Honestly Drake, I'm surprised at you!" I looked back up to find Hana scowling again. "It's as if you do not know Milla at all!"

"What?"

"Milla would never agree to marry anyone, much less someone she actually considers a friend, for money or a title! Milla would never do that!"

I cringed, a little ashamed of myself. I knew Myers wasn't like that. From day one. She never was a crown chaser. But still… a part of me couldn't help it. It was almost second nature… to feel this insecure, to feel like I wasn't good enough. I sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry."

Hana's eyes softened. "Drake… I know you're nervous and maybe even a little scared. But I think you need to trust everything you and Milla have been through these last months, and how far your relationship has come."

"Yeah… you're right."

"Now…" Hana got up resolutely. "There isn't anything either of us can do now but wait. So I say we make the most of our last day in New York."

I smiled tenderly, touched at how hard she was trying to cheer me up. But…"Hana… I really appreciate what you're trying to do, but I think I'm just going to go back to my room."

"Drake…" She pouted.

"I just… don't really feel like doing much, you know?"

"Okay…"

12:36

It was noon when we got back to the hotel. Hana and I said goodbye at the lobby, and I headed straight to my room, tumbling on the bed.

At least today I would be alone… I can actually get some peace and quiet without Maxwell here.

Maxwell… who at this very moment was helping Myers pick out the perfect dress. The dress you get proposed in…

My best friend was going to propose to the girl I'd… fallen in love with. I realized.

No. I'm not just realizing it. I'm just finally admitting it. Why did it have to come to this for me to admit it to myself? Why did I have to spend so much time trying to deny it? I should have told her. That night, in our tent, I should've woken her up and I should've told her.

And I should've told Liam. I winced, trying to imagine his face. His sad, dejected face… but I still should've been honest with him. And it's not like I haven't gotten the chance… I've had multiple chances to tell him. After the Coronation, at Applewood, in Italy, in Paris… I should have told him.

Myers wanted to tell him… she wanted to tell him since before the Coronation. She'd been honest with herself, with her feelings, and she wanted to tell him. If I'd listened… if I hadn't been so stubborn… none of this would have happened! She would have dropped out of the running for Queen, her name never would've been smeared in the first place… and we would be together… who knows where we would be… Cordonia or New York… but we'd be together.

I rolled over on the bed, burying my face on my pillows. I was such an idiot. That MasterChef meme popped into my head, for some reason. What am I? And idiot sandwich. I could almost laugh at how ridiculous it was.

My phone rang. It was a video call from Savannah.

"Hey sis."

"Hey, big brother!" Savannah smiled at me until she saw my face. "What's wrong?"

"What? Nothing's wrong!" I tried to smile what turned out to be the most awkward cringe in history.

"Drake? What's wrong?" She pressed.

"N-nothing!"

"Drake!"

I looked down, taking a deep breath. With a tight stomach, I told her everything. Absolutely everything. Everything from Lythikos to New York. Everything from lying in the snow watching the stars, pancakes in the kitchen and talking in the ruins to toasting marshmallows in Fydelia, touring through Rome, camping in a forest outside Paris and meeting her friends in New York. I told her how difficult it was for me, how I tried to push Myers away at first, and how resolved I was to not betray Liam. I told her how, little by little, Myers tore through every single wall I'd built, how she'd seen past my snark and my sarcasm, and how she never gave up on me, until she got me.

Because she got me.

Savannah listened attentively, simply nodding and asking an occasional question. And she never once said "I knew it" or "I told you".

"And now… Liam is going to propose to her tonight."

"How can you be sure?"

"He broke off the engagement with Madeleine. And he cleared his afternoon to take her out."

"Yeah, but-"

"Savannah. He already proposed to her the night of the Coronation, in the hedge maze, before everything with the pictures went down."

Savannah grimaced. "And what did she say?"

"She told him… she wasn't ready yet. That she needed to think about it."

"So she was honest then… she'll be honest with him now."

I shrugged. "Or… she could marry him."

"And be Queen." Savannah nodded once.

Unlike Hana, I knew she wouldn't try to convince me otherwise. Like me, she knew there was a possibility Myers would say yes. Because, just like me, she knew what it was like to be an outsider at court. A commoner in a world of nobles. She knew what it was like to live with the insecurity that you were not, and never would be, good enough. That knowledge that you never truly fit in, and that everyone around you was deemed "better" than you… Savannah knew that feeling well.

And yet… she sighed. "Look, Drake… I won't start with meaningless platitudes about how she seems to care about you and how you have nothing to worry about, because the truth is… I've only met Milla once. I don't know her that well. And I can't assure you she's going to deny his proposal. The only thing I can say is… talk to her. Wait until she's back and go talk to her. And please, don't assume anything until you talk to her. Don't… don't make the same mistake I did."

I nodded, pressing my lips together. "You're right. I… I'll try to talk to her when she gets back."

"Don't try. Do it."

I sighed. "Okay. I will."

"Good."

I shook my head, trying to clear it. I didn't know if I felt lighter from talking about this with her, or not. "So, how are you?"

"I'm good."

We talked for a little while more, about Bartie, and Bertrand. She told me they were barely talking now, after his last… incident. They mostly texted. She kept him updated on Bartie's well being, and sent him the occasional picture, and he supported her financially, but besides that… they never talked about them.

We said our goodbyes, and I got up. I got a notepad from the nightstand and wrote:

Myers…

Meet me at the hotel balcony tonight. We need to talk.

Drake.

2 p.m.

I slipped the note under Myers' door. Whatever happened now… is up to her.

2:08 p.m.

Time seemed to pass ever so slowly. I looked at the time on my phone. 8 minutes? Seriously?

I tumbled onto my bed again, forcibly stopping myself from banging my head against the wall.

It's going to be a long day…

I looked around my room, some of my clothes scattered on the floor. Since today was our last day in New York, and since I desperately needed something to do, I began packing my stuff for the flight home tomorrow.

Some music, I thought as I opened spotify on my phone, and a mind-numbing task. That's what I need to take my mind off everything.

I got pumped up as AC/DC's 'Back in Black' came on, bobbing my head to the awesome guitar solos, and began packing. I was thinking of how simple this was, when-

Oh, I can't fight this feeling any longer

And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow

What started out this friendship has grown stronger

I only wish I had the strength to let it show

The song immediately made me think of Myers, and I shook my head, quickly reaching for my phone. Nope! Nope! Nope! NEXT!

I see forever when I look in your eyes

You're all I ever wanted

I always want you to be min-

NEXT!

Love hurts

Love scars

Love wounds and marks

SERIOUSLY?! I pushed the next button.

Jessie is a friend, yeah

I know he's been a good friend of mine

But lately something's changed that ain't hard to define

Jessie's got himself a girl and I want to make her mine

"Oh, come on!" I pushed the next button with more force than necessary, and blew out a sigh of relief when the slow, powerful chords of Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' came on. I resumed my packing, mindful to skip any and all power ballads on my playlist, before laying down on my bed with a tired groan. Back to the ceiling it is.

3:48 p.m.

One hour of staring at the ceiling. I wondered what Myers was doing now… Would she still be dress shopping? Had the Beaumonts remembered to buy her lunch, or were they so wrapped up in the whole proposal that they'd forgotten to feed her? Had she met Liam yet?

I knew there was nothing to do now but wait… but at some point, I seriously thought this wait was going to kill me.

5:30 p.m.

I groggily opened my eyes with a yawn. Okay… maybe this wait wasn't going to kill me. It'd just make me sleep.

There was a knock on my door and I sat up on the bed so quickly I got a head rush. I groaned, waiting for the dizzy spell to pass, before getting up and opening the door. I was surprised to find Bastien at the door.

"Drake." He nodded.

"Hey, Bastien." I yawned. "What's up?"

He visibly fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable. "I… I should not be here."

"Okay… do you want to come in?"

"I think that would be best."

I stepped aside to let him through, and closed the door. "Wanna tell me what's going on?"

Bastien sighed. "Drake… I don't know if I should tell you this, but… I care for you, and don't want to see you get hurt."

Ah… I knew where this was going. He came to warn me.

"I'm afraid I just received a… rather odd request from his Majesty, King Liam."

"Okay…"

"He asked me to break into Lady Camilla's room and… take her pet corgi."

I snorted. I mean, I knew what it was probably for, but… I still found it funny to imagine Bastien dog-napping Chase.

"Drake," he said sternly, growing at me, "this is serious. I think he means to use the dog to… propose matrimony to Lady Camilla."

I shook my head, the last of my grin fading. "I know."

"You do?"

"Yeah, I do."

Bastien stared at me with wide eyes, like I'd just grown a second head. "And… you're… okay with that? I thought… I thought you cared for Lady Camilla."

I sighed, sitting down on my bed. How do I say this? "I do… and that's why I have to let her choose."

Bastien nodded. "Ah. Well, that's… that's very noble of you." I nodded, my lips a thin line, as he met my eyes. "I suppose I didn't need to warn you, then. I should get back to my duties."

I stood, clapping my hands on my knees. "Yeah, I guess. But… thanks for coming anyway."

Bastien's lips curved upwards into a hint of a smile. "Of course, Drake." He moved and wrapped his arms around me, clapping my back.

I returned the hug, before stepping back. "Take care of Myers' dog. She'll never forgive you if something happens to it."

Bastien chuckled. "Of course." He nodded once, and left.

I sighed, tumbling back onto the bed, a queasy feeling in my stomach.

5:51 p.m.

The door to my room opened, the hinges squeaking slightly. I turned my head to find Maxwell stepping across the threshold, looking tired and conflicted. His eyes widened when he saw me. "Drake! Um… hi."

"Did you find the perfect dress for her?" I couldn't hide the bitterness from my tone, feeling slightly betrayed.

Maxwell flinched. "I'm sorry. Bertrand and I found her this morning, roaming the hallways. She told us and Bertrand just got so excited… he whisked her away to a boutique without even giving her a chance to explain, or get her phone…"

I perked up at that. "What?"

"Milla left her phone in her room, charging. Bertrand didn't want to waste a minute and didn't let her go get it."

My eyes widened, my mouth forming a silent O. That's why she wasn't picking up her phone…

Maxwell sighed. "I'm… really sorry, Drake." He hesitated. "For what it's worth… the night of the U.N. party I told her… I told her she shouldn't sacrifice her happiness for House Beaumont."

My jaw dropped. "What did she say?"

"Nothing. She just gave me this big… bone crushing hug."

I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped me. Maxwell gave me a half smile. That feeling of betrayal faded quickly, because I knew Maxwell was just following Bertrand's orders. I knew… he was a good friend, and he wanted the best for Myers. "You hungry?"

"Hmm?'

"Are you hungry?"

"Uh… yeah. Starving actually. We skipped lunch today."

I rolled my eyes. I knew it. I sighed. Not much to do about it now. "Okay. Let's get some dinner."

"I'll text Hana."

6:03 p.m.

We met with Hana in the lobby, and decided to go out of the hotel for dinner. After trying McDonald's, Hana wanted to try more American 'cuisine', so we walked around the city, through Central Park, and about an hour later, we arrived at Gray's Papaya.

"Oh, hells yeah!" Maxwell exclaimed. "We have to try this! I've seen it in like, every movie in New York ever!"

"Do they sell… papayas?" Hana asked.

"Nope. Hot dogs." I told her.

"Oh!" Hana's face lit up. "I'd love to try a classic American hot dog!"

"Then what are we waiting for?" Maxwell ushered us inside.

We ordered 6 franks with everything on them to go, and walked two blocks back to Central Park. We found a bench, sat down and dug in. Maxwell gulped down his hotdogs, while Hana tried to eat delicately, only for some of the chilli to fall into her dress.

"Oh!" She fished a napkin from the takeout bag, trying to clean her dress. "Well… that's ruined." She sighed.

"You have to try to take big bites," Maxwell told her, "so all of it fits in your mouth. Or! You take small bites, attacking it from different sides."

After Maxwell's instructions, Hana was able to finish her hotdogs without any more accidents. We laughed and talked as we ate, the sun slowly setting. After we finished eating, we walked through Central Park, touring as much of it before it got completely dark. The Carrousel was closed, much to Maxwell's relief and Hana's chagrin. So was the Central Park Zoo, but we were able to visit the Umpire Rock and the Heckscher Playground. We got to a pond and crossed the famous Gapstow Bridge, featured in many movies as Maxwell once again pointed out. He made sure to take a whole lot of pictures of us, too.

Between all the walking, the posing and the landmarks, I was actually able to distract myself, and stop thinking about Myers and Liam. I couldn't help but smirk as I looked at my friends… I knew they were probably trying as hard as they could to take my mind off of tonight, and they'd succeed… I honestly couldn't imagine better friends.

When we got back to the hotel, it was actually past 10. We walked Hana back to her room, where she gave us both hugs, before going in. Maxwell and I walked back to our room, but before we could get there… my phone chimed.

It was a text from Myers. "I'm at the balcony."

10:26 p.m.

I pushed the elevator button for the roof, my heart pounding in my chest. I could hear it thudding in my ears, could feel it banging against my ribs. I looked in the elevator mirror as it began it's slow ascent. I looked normal… but I was more nervous than I'd ever been in my entire life. I was suddenly nauseous, and dizzy.

Get it together!

I tried taking deep breaths. In. Out. In. Out. In. Out.

The elevator doors opened. This is it.

I stepped out onto the balcony, Myers already there, leaning on the ledge. Her back was turned to me as she looked out to the glimmering lights of New York City. She was wearing a long grey dress with shimmering detailing, and her hair was loose, and I realized she'd straightened it, as it was falling down her back in a straight sheet, instead of her usual waterfall waves. She hadn't turned, but I knew her makeup would be perfectly done, natural and highlighting her almond shaped eyes. I knew she would look beautiful. Quite possibly the most beautiful she could be.

And then she turned… and I knew I was right. Myers looked stunning… so much so she literally took my breath away. I forgot how to speak for a second, until I remembered to breathe and formulate words. "Hey, Myers." I stepped closer. "We need to talk… about us."

Her eyes were impenetrable, and I couldn't read her. "Yeah, we do." I stepped even closer, placing a hand on the ledge. Myers sighed. "Drake… Liam proposed to me tonight."

If she opened with that… I looked at her hands, and found she was covering her left ring finger with her other hand. She said yes… I realized, failing to hide my heartbreak completely. "Oh… " I looked down at the ground. "I'm hap-"

Myers placed her palm on my hand. No ring. She lifted my face, making me meet her eyes. "Don't you dare." Myers said sternly, before her eyes softened. She smiled. "I said no."

"... What?" I must have heard wrong… or I must be dreaming. Quick, pinch yourself!

"I said no." She repeated. "Drake… you're the only one I've ever cared about."

"Myers… do you really mean that?" I couldn't believe it. I still couldn't believe it. Myers rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Liam is a king. I can't offer you half of what he can."

"I didn't come here looking for a kingdom, Drake. I want to be with you. And I think you invited me out here tonight because you want that too."

Myers looked at me then… and I found myself lost in those dazzling eyes. Those eyes that revealed everything she was feeling: vulnerability, hope, love.

And just like that…my disbelief faded, my insecurities faded, that voice inside my head that told me I wasn't good enough faded… because she picked me. Against all odds… Myers picked me.

"I do." I told her. "I have for a long time, Myers. I guess I've been afraid of what that would mean. For you, for Liam… and for me. But if you…"

"Drake." She cut me off softly, giving me a beaming smile. "I'm sure about this."

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped me, out of pure and unadulterated joy. I ran a hand through my hair, hoping she didn't see it shake. I stepped closer to her, and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Is this the part where you tell me to stop talking and kiss you?" I cupped her cheek with my other hand, trailing her lips with my thumb. "Because I really want to kiss you."

"So do I, but aren't you worried someone will see us?"

I followed her gaze to a roof close by, where there seemed to be a party going on. There were about two dozen people on that roof. And yet…

I don't give a shit who sees.

"Let 'em look. I'm tired of being careful."

Without another word, I pulled her flush against me, crushing my mouth to hers in a searing kiss. I ran my fingers through her hair as she opened her mouth and her tongue met mine. Myers ran her arms over mine, up to my shoulders before linking them behind my neck. The kiss was pure fire, lighting all of my senses, and burning everything away that wasn't Myers. Her taste, her touch, her smell consumed me. The sounds of the city and the raucous shouting of the party on the next roof faded away, until all I heard was my heart thumping in my chest, and I could swear I could hear hers. When we finally pulled apart, we both both breathless and grinning.

"I don't know what the hell I did to deserve you, Myers. But I'll never stop trying to be worthy of it."

Myers rolled her eyes, shaking her head slightly before giving me a tender grin. "You didn't have to do anything. You were always enough."

"Myers…"

Before I could say more, she kissed me again. This kiss was different, it was softer, it was careful, like she was afraid I would break at her touch. When she pulled back, there was a world of meaning in her gaze… but she didn't say it. Not yet. And neither did I.

"Please remember that." She whispered.

"I… I'll try."

Myers shook her head, annoyed. "I'll repeat it as long as it takes, until you get it through your thick skull. You are enough."

"Maybe one day, I'll believe it, Myers."

"I'm looking forward to that day, then."

I tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear, cupping her cheek before I leaned in for another kiss. Our lips met once more, when we heard lewd shouting, whooping and wolf whistles. We pulled apart to find a couple of people from the party cheering us on with calls of "get 'im, girl!" and "kiss her again!" I shook my head, but Myers merely smiled and waved good naturedly.

Then, her eyes met mine, and Myers wordlessly took my hand and laced her fingers with mine. She led me to the elevator, then to her floor, then to her room. She was barely able to open the door, fumbling with her key, when my mouth was on hers in a searing kiss. I pressed her up against the door, which was already open, causing us both to slip backwards, almost falling.

Myers and I erupted into laughter, until our eyes met, and it felt like this sheer electric current passed between us. We both pulled each other closer, our mouths clashing against each other, our hands running over the other's body. I fisted a bunch of fabric from her skirts as I gripped her hips and pulled her flush against me. Myers began to push my shirt off my shoulders as I began to kiss down her jaw.

"Drake… wait… We… should... talk…" Myers uttered between gasps and moans.

Get ahold of yourself, I told myself. "Yeah… yeah, you're right."

We broke apart, both of us breathless. Myers chuckled as she led me to the couch, before moving to the bar to pour drinks for the both of us. The scene was incredibly familiar, immediately bringing back memories of the last time she'd done that.

The night of the Beaumont Bash.

That night, she'd told me of how she wanted to drop out of the competition. Of how she wanted to tell Liam about us. How she wanted there to be an 'us'.

And now… here we are.

She'd told Liam. And we were, finally and officially, an 'us'. The only thing that was left… was that one final conversation pending. The conversation between me and my best friend.

Myers walked back to the couch with two tumblers of whisky in her hands. She handed one to me and sat down, a big smile on her face. "To us." She toasted.

"To us." I clinked my glass with hers and we both drank.

"So… I should probably tell you what happened tonight." Myers said, cuddling up next to me.

"Yeah… I think I should know… for when I talk to Liam."

"Of course. Do you want the gory details or the highlights?"

I honestly didn't know. Actually, yeah I did. "The highlights." The gory details would make want to jump off the roof with guilt.

"Okay…" Myers said, getting my full attention once again. "After Liam… proposed, and I rejected his proposal, he asked about my future. I told him I'd love for it to be in Cordonia, and… he gave me a Duchy. So… I hope you won't resent me for being a Duchess."

"I could never re-" Wait, what?! "Wait, a what?!" I nearly spilled my whisky.

Myers laughed, a deep, rich laugh. "A Duchess."

"A Duchess?"

She nodded, shrugging. "Yeah." Myers looked as equally bewildered as I felt.

"He gave you a Duchy? Just like that?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

Wow, talk about highlights. I guess my morbid curiosity wanted some details. "And… how did he- how did you-" I sighed, unable to get the words out.

"You want a little more detail?"

I nodded.

"Okay… after a walk down memory lane, we ended up at the Statue of Liberty, and… he proposed. I…" She looked down, and I couldn't tell if she was embarrassed or trying to gather her thoughts. "I told him I couldn't marry him."

"Did he ask why?"

Myers looked at me then, her eyes glistening with emotion. She nodded once. "He did."

"What did you say?"

"I told him… I couldn't marry him, because I had, um… very strong feelings for you."

I sighed. "And what did he say?"

Myers grimaced. "I could see he was hurt but…. He… said you were his best friend, and that he was very happy for you… for us."

I sighed, picturing his face. Liam hid his feelings well enough at court, but he could never hide them from me. I knew exactly how his blue eyes would darken, his eyebrows would furrow and his lips would quirk downwards. He would clench his jaw to stop his chin from trembling, making his face seem slimmer and sharper.

In that moment, my eyes began stinging with tears. I felt like crying, because I'd betrayed my best friend, but… I knew he would never hold it against me. I knew that he must be really hurting right now. He loved Myers - or at least he thought he did… and yet, he was willing to let her go. He was willing to try to be happy for me… and if I was being truly and completely honest… I wasn't surprised at all. Deep down, I always knew Liam would understand. Liam always put others before himself. Why would this be any different?

"Drake…" Myers called my name. "I know you're feeling guilty right now… I do too-"

"You shouldn't, Myers. You wanted to tell him since this began, and I was the one who stopped you." I sighed. "I just… I'm sorry it had to come to this… and I'm sorry you had to tell him by yourself, because you literally had no other choice. I'm sorry I made you wait until my best friend was literally down on one knee, because I was too chicken-shit to admit what I felt... I should have been man enough to face him… to stand beside you, and tell him together."

"Hey…" Myers took my chin, making me meet her eyes. "It's not your fault. All those times I tried to pressure you into telling him… I hadn't even considered how difficult it must be for you. And when I saw Liam's face tonight… it hit me. You guys are life-long best friends… and I came between you… "

"Myers…"

"I did. And that's when I finally understood what you might be feeling… all your hesitation, all your fears were completely valid. Even I don't know what I would've done in your shoes."

I sighed. "Well… in any case, it's done now. I… I still have to talk to Liam, though. He has to hear my side of the story. I owe it to him."

"I know…"

We looked at each other for a long time, until a smirk began making its way through Myers' face. "I'm guessing you want to keep this" she gestured to us with her index finger, "to just making out until you talk to Liam yourself?"

I couldn't help but laugh at that. "Uh… actually, yeah. I would appreciate it if we could… wait."

Myers nodded. "I understand. Do what you have to."

"Thank you." I moved to press a soft kiss to her lips. "I… should go now."

"Go." She whispered. "I'll see you tomorrow for the flight home."

Home… I thought, Cordonia was her home now… "See you tomorrow, Myers."

"Good luck."

I nodded, and stood, making my way out of her room, feeling her eyes on me as I walked away.

11:59 p.m.

I stood outside of Liam's suite, my hand poised to knock. But… it was like I was frozen on the spot.

Come on, man up.

I tapped my fingers on the door.

A moment later, Liam opened the door, his red rimmed eyes filled with hurt and disappointment when he saw me. He turned and stepped back, leaving the door open for me to follow. I did, closing the door gently behind me. I waited by the door, as Liam stood by the bed, his fists clenched, trying to get ahold of himself.

"You should have told me." He whispered quietly, almost to himself. He was visibly shaking.

For one second I thought he would punch me… He should punch me, I thought, I deserve it...

"I know."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't really believe it. I refused to believe she would ever choose me over you."

"She loves you." Liam turned, and the way he said it was almost like an accusation. Almost.

I only nodded.

"Do you… do you love her?"

That caught me off guard. I came here expecting to apologize and beg his forgiveness, not… this. "I-I-"

"Drake…" his gaze softened, and he finally looked at me, heartbreak clear in his face. "I j-just… want to know that if I let her go, it's so that you could make her happy. So, tell me the truth… do you love her?"

I sighed, hanging my head. "I… do. I love her. I don't know how it happened, or when… and I definitely never planned for it to happen… but it did."

Liam sighed. He took a couple of deep breaths, exhaling slowly, before finally looking at me. "Why didn't you tell me?" He pleaded. "Did you really think I wouldn't understand? That I wouldn't have stepped aside?"

"I'm sorry… I didn't know what to do. I knew how you felt about her, and I didn't want to hurt you… I tried pushing her away, but…"

Liam chuckled, but there was no joy in it. "I… finally understand now. Why she pulled away all of a sudden, why she shut me out, why she refused to talk about our future…" He clicked his tongue. "It all makes so much sense now. And you knew why. And you never said anything..." He accused, rightly so.

"Liam… I really am sorry…" I sighed. "I tried not to get too close to her… hell, I even tried to hate her, but… I couldn't. And when I realized I was in over my head… I didn't know how to tell you…"

Anger flared in his eyes, the clear blue visibly darkening several shades. He tried to reign it in, but some of it still showed when he spoke. "You 'didn't know how to tell me'? That is your excuse?"

"It's not an excuse!" I shouted defensively. Liam looked taken aback by my outburst, and I rubbed my face as a weight came over me. I sat on his bed, running a hand through my hair, before resting my elbows on my knees. "How do you tell your life-long best friend you're falling for the woman he loves?" I whispered. "How do you tell him… how do you tell him how much it hurts to watch her compete for him? Hell, how much it hurts to help her compete for him? And how angry it makes you, because she's so amazing, s-so special she shouldn't even have to compete? How…" I swallowed.

"How could I tell you... how much it hurt to have to tell myself a million times a day that she's here for you? How could I tell you that, after almost 20 years, I was starting to resent you - not because you were a prince or a king - but because you had the chance to marry the smartest, strongest, most beautiful woman I've ever met? How could I tell you…" My voice shook and wavered, "How do you tell your best friend in the world - your best friend that you've known your whole life! - t-that your chest literally hurts when he looks at you, eyes filled with hope, and talks about how happy he is that he's chosen his bride, and you know he's going to choose her?" I sniffled, my eyes burning with tears I refused to let fall.

I looked up at Liam, and saw him staring back at me with a clenched jaw and a heaving chest, his eyes shining with tears. "That's why you wanted to leave court…" He mumbled under his breath.

I nodded, but kept going. "And even after it was all over…" I continued, looking at him in the eye this time, "when her name was smeared and he wasn't able to choose her… how do you tell your best friend that a part of you is relieved? That a small, but insistent, part of you dares to feel hope? That that same part of you even feels happy? And that, at the same time… you feel like you're drowning in a wave of chest-crushing guilt, because you realize what a horrible friend you are?"

Liam swallowed, his Adam's apple visibly bobbing, and he shook his head slightly.

I sighed. "You're right. I should have told you. I should have tried to tell you every day after I realized how I felt. I should have tried to tell you every time a conversation like that came up… but I just didn't know how. And I'm sorry." My voice broke again, and I whispered, "I'm so sorry, Liam."

There was a moment of silence that seemed to stretch on forever. I actually lost track of time, wondering how many minutes had passed. I hung my head, unable to look my best friend in the eye. I knew I'd fucked up, and I knew he had every right to hate me right now. I knew he had absolutely no obligation to forgive me.

And why would he? Why should he? I'd gone behind his back, stolen the woman he loved, and on top of that, I'd kept it all a secret… And I really had no excuse… I had so many chances to tell him… even going back to the social season. I could have told him after the beach party. I could have told him after the incident with Tariq happened. I could have told him the night of the Coronation. And what's even worse… by all rights, I should have told him in Italy - when he told me he felt her pulling away, and that he felt he was losing her… I should have told him why. Instead, I fed him some bullshit excuse about how Myers' parents' divorced practically traumatized her and she was intent on being eternally faithful or something.

Myers wanted to tell him...

I should have listened.

The silence stretched on until it became almost suffocating.

Finally, Liam sighed… a long, deep, shuddering breath. "Drake… I forgive you."

"What?" My jaw dropped as I raised my head to look at him.

"I forgive you." He repeated. "I realize now… no, I've always known that you never meant to hurt me. Either of you."

I wiped a single tear that managed to escape my eyes. "Thank you." I felt this huge, monumental weight lift from my shoulders; months worth of guilt finally dissipating. Without even thinking about it, I walked over to Liam and pulled him in for a hug. He held me tight, clapping my back, before stepping back, wiping his eyes.

We both exhaled, trying to regain our composure. Liam walked to the bar and poured us both a couple of whiskies. "T-thanks." I told him, as he handed me a glass. I took a sip, not trusting myself to speak yet. The whiskey was smooth and left a pleasant burn in its wake as it traveled down my throat. I sighed, shooting furtive looks at Liam. "Are you… will you be okay?"

Liam looked into his glass, gently tapping his finger against it. "I… I will be."

"I'm so-"

"Drake, don't apologize."

"But-"

"But nothing. Just… treat her well. I will be fine. You… you can't help who you fall in love with, and… you're the best man I know. You deserve her." He admitted through gritted teeth.

I merely nodded my thanks.

"And Drake… I want you to know… I really am happy for you. Camilla Myers is the most remarkable woman I've ever met, and-" he gulped, trying to get the words out. "And I know you will be happy together."

"Thank you… really, thank you. I… honestly didn't think you'd forgive me so fast, if at all…" I mumbled sheepishly.

"Drake…" Liam sighed deeply. "You're like a brother to me, and I could never hate you for this. I love you, Drake, and… I want you to be happy. If that happiness lies with Camilla… I would never punish you for it, just like I'd never punish her..." I was about to start thanking him again when he laughed suddenly. "If I'm being completely honest… I kind of suspected something was going on between the two of you."

My jaw dropped to the floor. "You did?"

He nodded, his expression carefully neutral. "I actually first noticed it at your birthday party. We were leaving the bar… and the both of you were a couple of steps back, just talking, but the way she looked at you… I remember feeling very jealous at that moment."

"My birthday? Nothing happened that day."

Liam simply shrugged. "I felt jealous. She never looked at me like that." He took a sip of his whiskey. "My next clue was after the Coronation. You were willing to jump onto a plane to New York for her."

"I-"

"And my next one was in Rome. You hate sightseeing, and yet, you were willing to go to all these tourist spots with her."

I shrugged, blushing a little. "I just… wanted her to see the city."

"You wanted to make her happy. Which is why… I know I couldn't have given her up to anyone more worthy."

I nodded. "Thanks, Liam. You… you really are the greatest friend anyone could ask for."

He chuckled. "So are you…" I was about to protest, but he shook his head. "I… I cannot begin to imagine how hard the social season was for you… everything you just told me… and yet, when I asked you to stay, you stayed…"

I shrugged. "Well… yeah. You needed me. I wasn't going to leave you alone."

"If the whole scandal with Tariq had never happened… you would have stood in that cathedral next to me and watched me marry her?"

I swallowed, the image unbearable. It would have killed me, but I knew I would've done it anyway. "Yeah."

He nodded. "You've given up so much for me… and you were willing to give her up just so I'd be happy… I don't know what I did to deserve a friend like you, and so… what kind of awful friend would I be if I punished you for this? If I asked you to give her up? I would never be that cruel…"

I rubbed my hands together, thinking about what he said. I knew he was right, but still… "Liam… you have every right to hate me right now, to yell, to be angry. I should have told you. I shouldn't have gone behind your back, I-"

Liam shook his head. "Yes, you should have told me. It would've been easier for all of us if you had… but I really do understand why you didn't. I honestly don't know what I would have done if the roles were reversed."

"Probably the same thing… try to push her away so that she'd marry your best friend and be happy."

Liam chuckled. "I'd be a bloody idiot then, wouldn't I? To forget I'm dealing with a woman who's notorious for going after what she wants and never taking no for an answer?" He gave me a pointed look.

"Heh. Touche." I conceded.

"Anyway, I think we both agree you could have handled it better… but I'd never break up our friendship over it. And I do mean it when I say I forgive you."

"Thank you… really, just… thank you."

"Of course." He clapped my shoulder… pulled me in for a hug. When we finally stepped apart, he set his glass back on the tray and checked his watch. "Now, if you don't mind… it's late, and we have an early flight tomorrow."

"Yeah, of course. I'll, uh… let you rest. Good night."

"Good night, Drake."

I walked out and he shut the door. When I got to my room, it was dark and Maxwell was, thankfully, snoring. I tumbled on my bed, still unable to believe everything that's happened in one single day.

Songs mentioned:

Back in Black - AC/DC

Can't fight this feeling - REO Speedwagon

When I Look Into Your Eyes - Firehouse

Love hurts - Nazareth

Jesse's girl - Rick Springfield