To Die a Happy Man

A/N: First off, I just want to say Happy New Year! Wherever you are in the world, I wish you all the very best for this new decade! And in the holiday spirit, I come bearing gifts! Not only do I bring thee the last chapther of Book 2, but I have written a separate story that one of our readers, Moonfish, had requested: the proposal chapter from Milla and Liam's POV. So if you're interested, go to my profile or the Choices category where you'll find that story!

And in other news, you all know what's coming in this chapter, so... I'll just say that this fic is now officially rated M… or, well, this chapter at least. But you were warned! Anyway, as you can probably tell by the title, this is the last chapter of Book Two! A huge thanks to everyone who's stuck with me until now, to everyone who's taken the time to read and review my crazy musings into Drake's mind! With that said, on to the chapter!

"Drake!"

I groaned. Someone was shoving my shoulder.

"Drake, wake up!" Ugh… Maxwell. "We have to go pick up Savannah!"

I shot up off the bed, falling off of it in the process, wrapped in my sheets.

"Drake! Are you okay?" Maxwell moved to help me up, but I waved him off.

"Fine. What time is it?"

He looked at his phone screen. "Almost 10."

"Damn it!" I reached for my phone, but I didn't have any missed calls. Savannah must not be here yet. "Wait, we?"

"Yeah, she called me last night and asked me to come with you."

"Oh, okay. Cool. Let me get dressed and we'll go."

"Okay, great. I'll wait for you in the car."

I nodded as I made my way to the bathroom. There was a slight pounding in my head, but other than that… I'm fine. Still… as soon as I got to the bathroom, I took two Advil before getting into the shower. Making it as quick as I could, I stepped out, got dressed, got the dragon plushie from my nightstand and met Maxwell outside.

"Hey, that's the toy Milla got Bartie in Coney Island!" He squealed when he saw it in my hands.

"Yeah, it is."

I tossed him the stuffed animal, which he eagerly caught, and he got into my car. He immediately reached for the sound system, but I shot him a look and shook my head. He slowly retreated his hand.

"Thank you." I told him.

He nodded. "You okay? You drank a lot last night."

"I'm fine."

"Okay, if you say so…"

"I am."

We kept on driving, Maxwell chattering on about how excited he was, and how he couldn't wait to be close to Bartie. I honestly shared his feelings, and we were able to bond a little bit over our nephew. After about a half hour of driving, we finally arrived at the train station. After parking the car, we went on to meet Savannah. Her train wasn't here yet, so I decided to call her. She picked up after the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Hey, sis."

"Drake! Hey! Hang on a second, Bartie." I heard her shuffle around a bit, and heard my nephew laugh. "So… according to the conductor, we should be there in about 15 minutes!"

"Okay, great. Maxwell and I are already here."

"Great! I can't wait to see you both!"

"Us too, sis. See you in a bit."

"See you in a bit!"

I hung up, Maxwell looking at me eagerly. "So…?"

"Fifteen minutes." I told him.

He nodded. "Hey, you haven't had breakfast yet. Want to go get some coffee?"

"Yes, please."

We went to a small cafe inside the station, and I got us two coffees, as well as a couple of sandwiches, and we sat down to eat. We finished just as we heard a whistle. Maxwell and I looked at each other, before getting up and practically running towards the platform. After a whole flood of people came out, and the crowd began to thin, we finally saw Savannah, holding Bartie in one hand and pulling a massive suitcase in the other.

She spotted us and her eyes widened. "Drake!"

Maxwell and I ran to her, and I wrapped her in a hug.

"Careful, we're squashing Bartie!"

I took him from her, and held him close to me. "Sorry, little man!" He giggled and cooed in my arms, as Maxwell moved to hug Savannah. "Look, I have something for you!" I showed him the dragon, watching as his eyes widened and he giggled, stretching his arms out to it. I handed it to him, and Bartie immediately grabbed it with a tight grip, and brought it to his mouth. I laughed. In a spur of the moment decision, I took out my phone, snapped a selfie of the two of us and sent it to Myers.

"Aww, Bartie! Uncle Drake got you a toy dragon!" Savannah said.

I handed the baby back to her, took her humongous bag, and began leading her towards the car. "Actually, that's a gift from Myers, all the way from Coney Island."

"Aww… it was so nice of her to think of Bartie." Savannah gave me this pointed look, but I ignored it.

"So Savannah, what's your new apartment like?" Maxwell asked.

Savannah began telling Maxwell about the new apartment and about how she'd made the deal with the realtor. She moved her hands enthusiastically while she talked, and Maxwell hung on to every word.

When we finally reached the car, I pushed their bag into the trunk, barely able to close it. But I managed it. As Maxwell helped my sister with Bartie's car chair in the back seat, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Myers.

"Oh my god, you gave him the dragon!" This was followed by a wave of heart emojis, and a a wave of the 'smiley face with hearts of eyes' emoji. I laughed, before getting in the driver's seat.

Bartie played with his dragon while I drove us back to the city, and we all talked quietly, catching up on the last few days. Following the directions the GPS threw at me, we soon arrived at a small apartment complex. Savannah's new apartment would be on the third floor, and as we crossed the foyer, a petite blond walked towards us, hand outstretched.

"Miss Savannah Walker?"

"Yes, that's me! And you are... Diana Celly?"

"Yes, it's nice to finally meet you, in the flesh." The woman smiled, and then moved to shake mine and Maxwell's hand. "Your new apartment is this way."

Diana began leading us to the elevator, while listing all the 'great qualities' of this apartment - fully furnished, the size of the master bedroom, close to the palace, close to the hospital and support services, good school district - until finally, we stepped off the elevator and she led us to the apartment. She opened the door and allowed us to step inside.

Savannah looked around with a smile on her face. Her bedroom and bath were quite large and already furnished, decorated just to her tastes. The kitchen was fully equipped, and the living room was pretty spacious - there was lots of room for Bartie to move around and play. The real estate agent finished talking with Savannah, while I took her bag to her room. When I came back, Savannah and Maxwell were reading through the contract, Bartie sitting on my sister's lap. I took him from her, so she could focus on what she was reading.

Diana walked up to me, a cat-like smile on her face. "Is the apartment to you liking, Mister…"

"Walker."

I didn't miss the tinge of disappointment that flashed through her eyes. "Oh. You're Mrs. Walker's husband then?"

"He's my brother." Savannah said distractedly, eyes glued to the papers in front of her.

The realtor's eyes lit up, as she moved to stroke Bartie's little hands. "Oh! So you're this precious creature's uncle!"

"That's right." I mean, the family resemblance is pretty uncanny… and noticeable.

"Okay, I think we're ready here." Maxwell called her back, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

After a nod from Maxwell, Savannah took the pen Diana offered and signed the contract. The blond woman smiled and handed her the keys. They all stood from the table and shook hands. "It was a pleasure doing business with you. Call me if you need anything, Ms. Walker." Diana told her, but before leaving, she walked up to me and handed me her card. "Here's my number. Call me."

"Uh…"

"Goodbye, Mr. Walker." With a pleased grin, she turned on her heel and walked out, closing the door gently behind her.

I shot a bewildered look at Savannah and Maxwell, both of whom were barely able to contain their laughter. I rolled my eyes, blushing a little bit. "Okay… enough."

"You should've seen your face!" Savannah managed to say between giggles.

"It's not that funny."

"It was! You looked like you'd never been hit on by a woman before!" Maxwell snickered.

I rolled my eyes again. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Maxwell." I shook my head slightly, as Bartie wiggled in my arms and stretched his arms out towards Savannah. She walked over and took him from me. "Come on, let's get you settled in."

Savannah laughed and shook her head. "I only have to unpack our clothes. The container with our boxes will be here soon, so we'll get to that when it gets here."

"Oh… okay." I was about to ask what we should do then, when Bartie began getting fussy.

"Aww, yes baby, I know you're tired." Savannah's phone beeped, and she looked at the screen before turning to us, "I just got a text from the moving company. The moving truck should be here in about two or three hours, so let me go put Bartie down for his nap, and then we can get lunch before unpacking."

"That sounds great." Maxwell said, moving to sprawl down on the couch.

I moved to give Savannah a hug and Bartie a kiss. "It's great to have you back, sis."

"It's great to be back." She grinned at me. Bartie began crying. "Ok, I really should go put him down for his nap." With a last smile at me and Maxwell, Savannah disappeared into the bedroom, closing the door gently.

I sat down next to Maxwell, as he browsed restaurants on his food delivery app. "What are you in the mood for? We've got pizza, burgers, Chinese, Thai, Greek…"

I shrugged. "I don't care. You pick."

He shook his head. "I'll just wait for Savannah then."

We kept on talking quietly, until Savannah finally came out of the bedroom. She chose pizza, because it was something we could eat with our hands and out of the box, since her kitchen china and utensils hadn't arrived yet. Maxwell placed the order, and after a half hour, the pizza arrived. We dug in, and after a simple comment on how Myers would've loved this pizza, both Savannah and Maxwell began teasing me mercilessly.

I was saved from all the teasing when the doorbell rang, the moving guys having finally arrived with Savannah's stuff. It was a small truck and there weren't many boxes, the most important ones containing Bartie's crib, his high chair, his stroller and all his toys and clothes. Wow, how much stuff did babies actually need? Almost all of the boxes were filled with his stuff! The rest of the afternoon was spent helping the guys from the moving crew carry the boxes into the apartment, and then helping my sister unpack. I put together the crib for her, while Maxwell and Savannah unpacked the kitchen things and other stuff.

Finally, a couple of hours before the Homecoming Ball, we were done unpacking most of the boxes. Maxwell and I stayed with Bartie while my sister got showered and began getting ready for the ball. Once she was dressed, and her hair and makeup was done, she came out of the bedroom, wearing that same deep purple dress she'd worn in our reunion picture. Maxwell's jaw dropped as he saw her, shutting it quickly when he caught me glaring at him.

"Wow… Savannah! You look amazing!" He complimented. "Bartie, look how pretty your mommy looks!"

The baby giggled and laughed, as Savannah smiled nervously, smoothing her skirts. "Thanks, Maxwell. It's… it's not too simple, is it?"

My lips twitched sadly, and I fought off a sigh. "Not all all, sis. You look great." I smiled at her.

"Okay…" Savannah remained unconvinced, but she smiled at me. "Thanks, Drake. Maxwell, could you take Bartie for one second? I have to talk to Drake about something."

"Yeah, sure."

Savannah ushered me into her new room, and pulled something out from her nightstand drawer. "So… Mom gave this to me before she left, as a family heirloom, but now… I think you should have it. I don't know… you might find it useful in the coming months." She grinned impishly as she presented me with a small, green velvet box.

I opened it, my eyes widening as I took in it's contents. I opened my mouth, as I stared back up at Savannah in shock. "Nana's ring? W-why… What would I…?" The words died on my tongue, the implications of this small ring hitting me. "What am I supposed to do with this?" I asked defensively. Because Myers and I have literally been dating for, like, a day… I'm not- we're not- Nope, definitely not ready for that kind of commitment.

Savannah laughed gleefully. "Oh, Drake… It's an engagement ring. Mom wanted me to have it because she thought it should stay in the family, but now… I think you could give it a much better use - it's intended use."

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Savannah… I don't-"

"Drake…" She cut me off patiently, softly shaking her head. "I'm not saying you should use it now. I'm simply saying you should keep it, and use it when you're ready."

I blew out a sigh of relief. "Are you sure? Mom gave it to you…"

"Yes, I'm sure."

I sighed, closing the tiny box. "Okay. Thanks sis." I tucked it into the pocket of my jeans, and Savannah moved to hug me.

"Don't lose it. Mom will kill you."

"I won't. Now, I don't promise using it soon…"

"I know… use it whenever you're ready."

She let me go, and we went back out into the living room.

"Everything okay?" Maxwell asked, holding Bartie in his arms.

"Everything's fine." Savannah assured him, taking Bartie from him.

After Savannah fed Bartie and changed his clothes, dressing him in a tiny tux, we drove back to the palace. I made my way back to my room quickly, and showered and changed into my suit in record time. I retrieved Nana's ring from my dirty pair of jeans, sat on my bed and opened the box. The colorless diamond glowed back at me, shining brightly under the light.

Could I really see myself marrying Myers?

The answer to that came with surprising ease, as I really could see it. I could see her face when I proposed - those brown eyes shining brightly and her cheeks flushed. I could see her riding Midnight Rose down the aisle on my family's ranch, dressed in white… I could see us living together in Valtoria, could see myself supporting her while she ruled… I could see a baby with her eyes and my hair. A little girl, maybe, with almond brown eyes, chubby cheeks and curly brown hair.

My door opened suddenly, and I fumbled to close the box, almost dropping it. Maxwell stuck his head inside my room, his eyes widening as he saw the box. "Drake, are you- whoa…"

I tucked it quickly in one of the inside pockets of my suit.

"W-what's… that?"

I got up brusquely. "Nothing. Are you ready to go?"

"Uh… yeah…"

"Good, let's go." I brushed past him, keeping my face neutrally blank.

He mercifully let it go. The ring in my pocket was already forgotten by the time we met Savannah out in the halls.

We were talking quietly, with Maxwell trying and failing to teach Bartie to fist bump, when who should come around the corner? "Savannah, you're back!" We all raised our heads in the direction of Myers' voice. She came towards us, a vision in a gold dress, and a huge smile on her face.

"Milla, it's so good to see you!" My sister handed me the baby, and moved to meet Myers in a hug.

I couldn't help the grin that slowly grew on my face, as I watched the two most important women in my life greet each other as old friends. "You have good timing, Myers."

She laughed. "I guess so. Looks like the gang's all here!"

"We are. For the first time in a long time. I'm… I'm really glad you're back, Savannah."

"Aww…" Savannah pulled me into a hug, both of us careful not to squash Bartie.

"Aww… you all look cozy. I don't know the last time I saw Drake willingly participate in a hug." Myers teased.

"Yeah, I think I even saw him smile." Maxwell added.

I rolled my eyes at both of them. "It isn't every day your sister and nephew come back to court."

"I feel honored." Savannah winked at Myers.

"Ma ma!" Bartie stretched his hands out to Savannah, and she took him.

"Oh my god! He said Mama!" Myers squealed. "Was that his first word?"

"It was!" Savannah said excitedly, gently squeezing little Bartie.

"Aww Bartie!" Myers added.

"Gimme a fist bump!" Maxwell tried again, showing Bartie his closed fist. Bartie merely looked at him.

"Savannah, can I hold him?" Myers asked.

"Of course." Savannah turned Bartie in her arms so he was facing Myers, who had her arms outstretched towards him invitingly.

"Hey, little man? Want to come with me for a bit?" Bartie giggled and stretched his arms out towards her. Myers gently took him, rubbing his back gently. "Aww! He likes me!"

Savannah laughed.

"Hey, now that you're back, that babysitting offer still stands, you know." Myers told her.

"Oh, well then… I will definitely take you up on that at some point."

They kept on talking about the baby, with Maxwell jumping into the conversation. And yet, my eyes were glued on Myers holding Bartie. The sight warmed my heart, and I could easily picture… Hmm, best not go there yet. I shook my head.

"So, Milla… congratulations on becoming a Duchess. The court could use more people like you." I heard Savannah tell her, getting my head back into the conversation.

"Thanks, Savannah." Myers beamed at her

"You know, Milla, between Maxwell and Drake, you're practically all I hear about. I feel like we're friends already." My sister glanced at me, shooting a wicked look between narrowed eyes, and leaned into Myers. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you and my brother are an item."

I couldn't help the blood rushing up my neck, to my cheek and up to my ears. Savannah winked at Myers, who was also blushing, and she opened her mouth to respond when my sister's eyes widened, and she visibly paled a bit. We all followed her gaze to see Bertrand at the end of the hallway. He was frozen, both of them frozen, staring at each other, both with mouths open and wide eyes.

"Savannah…" I heard him whisper.

I watched as my sister shook her head just a bit, before straightening herself and give him a timid smile. "Hello, Bertrand."

"Goo?" Bartie squealed and squirmed in Myers' arms as he saw his father.

Bertrand took a few tentative steps forward, his eyes conflicted as they went from my sister to my nephew to Myers. "I just… came to speak with Camilla. I had no idea you would be here."

I groaned inwardly as my sister visibly deflated. I couldn't help the anger that surged through me when I saw her like that. Why did she even bother with him? He's done nothing but make her miserable. This has to stop… now.

"Oh… I thought maybe-"

I cut Savannah off. "Bertrand, just say whatever you came to say to Camilla and get out of here."

Myers winced, shooting me a sad look, before handing Bartie back to Savannah. "Yes, let's talk… in private."

Bertrand nodded slightly, never taking his eyes off Savannah, before turning back. Myers and Maxwell dutifully following.

"Drake…" Savannah called me, her tone stern yet gentle. She sighed. "That wasn't necessary. I can handle seeing him, you know."

I sighed. "I know… it's just that everytime I see him, I get so angry."

"I know… and I appreciate you trying to protect me, but… he's your nephew's father. We should at least be civil."

I clenched my jaw. "Fine."

"Come on." She walked purposely to where Bertrand, Myers and Maxwell were standing, bouncing Bartie gently on her hip. "Bertrand… it's nice to see you again."

"Yes…" He looked at her wistfully, his eyes filled with sadness, regret and longing. He trailed off, until he promptly turned on his heel and walked away, leaving my sister staring after him.

"Oh…" Savannah whispered. Myers put a comforting hand on her shoulder, and Savannah placed her hand on top of hers. After a second, Myers brought down her hand.

I shook my head, holding back a sigh. "Come on, Savannah. I'll give you a hand with Bartie."

I placed my hand on her back, and led her past Myers and Maxwell. Myers met my eyes, and pouted. I merely shook my head.

When we were a couple of steps away, Savannah let out a shaky breath.

"Savannah… are you okay?"

She shook her head. "I'm fine. I just thought… I don't know what I thought."

I nearly growled. "Savannah… I…" I don't know why you even bother with him!

"Drake, can you just… not? Please?" She cut me off. "I know you don't like him - you've never liked him - and you blame him for my running away…"

"He was the reason you ran away."

"But! Can you please just… not say anything? I… I think this is one of those things I need to face on my own."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, willing every ounce of patience I had left in my body to show. "Okay, sis. I'm sorry."

"That's okay."

At that moment, Bastien came around the corner, stopping dead in his tracks when he saw Savannah. He gaped at her for a couple of seconds, before practically running up to us. "Savannah?"

"Bastien!"

Savannah handed me the baby, and she ran up to hug Bastien. They both laughed happily as they held each other, before Bastien held her out at arms' length. "Oh, my dear girl. I'm so happy to see you. I heard from Drake that he'd found you, but I didn't know you'd come back to court."

"Well, I'm back. I'm really happy to see you too." She reached up to hug him again. "Come, you have to meet Bartie."

I watched as Bastien's eyes widened as he saw Bartie, shimmering with emotion as he turned to look at my sister. "Savannah, he's beautiful. Congratulations."

"Thanks."

"I wish Jackson was here to meet him."

"Me too…"

"Can I…? Can I hold him?"

"Oh! Of course." Savannah took the baby gently from me, and handed him to Bastien. He rocked Bartie gently, surprising us both… Who would've thought Bastien, of all people, would be good with babies?

He looked at both of our faces and chuckled. "Don't look so shocked, you two. I did babysit you."

We laughed at that, before Bastien handed Bartie back to my sister. "Well, as lovely as it was to see you both again, I must be on my way. I'm actually looking for Lady Camilla." He turned to me, a sly smile on his face. "Drake, have you seen her?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Uh… yeah. She was just with Maxwell down the hall. Why… are you looking for her?"

"King Liam asked me to escort her to the ball. You both should make your way downstairs, it will be starting soon." He told us.

"Okay, well, it was great to see you again!" Savannah pulled him in for a one armed hug.

"Yes, you too, Savannah. Drake." He nodded at us, before making his way past us in search of Myers.

I watched him walk away, before turning to Savannah. "So… wanna go?"

"Yes, let's."

We made our way down to the gardens, where they would be holding the first part of the festivities in a large tent. The rest of the nobles began filing in, each being announced by the herald. I caught a glimpse of Myers being led in by Bastien, before making her way towards the Beaumonts. I turned back to my sister, when Kiara stepped up on stage and began the toasts.

I groaned. This was the worst part about any and all balls. The bloody toasts. Every noble got a shot at the mic, which wasn't necessarily a good thing. And they all said pretty much the same thing anyway! Greetings, thanks to King Liam, Cordonia home sweet home, and blablabla…

Just as I thought these things couldn't get any worse… Maxwell stepped up. "Er… hello and welcome to the Homecoming Ball. I'm Maxwell Beaumont. I, personally, want to thank King Liam for hosting House Beaumont and the rest of the court throughout the engagement tour. Because of him, I had the idea to make what I'm calling a hip hopera, and I met the cutest panda cubs in the entire world."

He earned a couple of snickers from the crowd, and Liam nodded in acknowledgement. "You are too kind, Lord Maxwell."

Maxwell nodded in kind. "Now my brother Bertrand, a.k.a. Duke Ramsford, will say a few words."

Bertrand cleared his throat, his eyes roaming the crowd. "Thank you, Maxwell. I'd like to say a few words about our beloved Cordonia. Many of us have been away for some time, and…" His eyes met Savannah's, and they locked their gazes onto each other. And that's where things got weird… "Ahem… apologies. I was just saying that many of us have been away, and well… I can't speak for everyone here, but I know that I, for one, have desperately missed Cordonia." I watched as Savannah breath hitched, her eyes visibly softening. "Which is not to say that the tour was a disappointment." Bertrand quickly got back on track… and veered off again. "What I mean is that I regret ever leaving our beautiful country… and I want nothing more than to care for her and… her people… for the rest of my life. I promise that as long as Cordonia wants me… I will be with her."

Several nobles followed his gaze to my sister, who visibly squirmed under the attention, and began chattering and whispering excitedly. Maxwell reached out and took the microphone from Bertrand. "Yep! We're all very happy to be home. Now I think Duchess Camilla had something to say."

Myers gracefully accepted the mic from Maxwell, her eyes sweeping through the crowd, smiling sweetly. "Yes, I would like to propose a toast. Everyone, please raise your glasses to King and country!"

Liam once again nodded in her direction as she raised her glass to him. The rest of the court joined in the toast, cheering and raising their glasses. I raised my glass, and our eyes met across the room. She winked at me, and I stared at her, the ghost of a smile on my face.

"Drake…" Savannah called me. "I'm going to talk to Bertrand. That speech… was for me, wasn't it?"

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to contain my sigh. "You know it was…"

"I'm going to talk to him."

"Okay…" There's nothing I can say or do to stop you anyway…

I watched as she squared her shoulders, secured Bartie on her hip, and made her way over to him. Maxwell and Myers slowly backed away, until Bertrand and my sister were alone. Oh, sis… I hope you know what you're doing… I shook my head slightly, before making my way over to the bar. I need a drink.

I ordered a glass of whiskey, and sat on the bar. A few moments later, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and turned to find Myers behind me, a coy smile on her face. "How are you holding up with all this courtly finery?"

My eyes widened as I took in her dress in this lighting. She was practically glowing… literally. "You look like a million bucks. Literally."

Her grin grew. "I take it you like the dress?"

"Yeah, you could say that."

"Thank you. I had a feeling I'd find you at the bar."

"If you're calling me predictable, Myers, I think I might not order you a drink."

"I sincerely doubt that." She told me, raising an elegant brow in challenge.

Our eyes stayed glued to each others', neither one of us blinking, until… I folded. "... Fine, you got me, Myers. How can I turn you down?"

She laughed, her head falling flirtatiously to one side, her eyes on me. I was about to order her a drink when Kiara and Poodlelope came towards the bar.

"I'd like a-" Poodlelope began.

"She wants something pink with an umbrella in it." I told the bartender.

Penelope turned to me, flashing me a brilliant smile. "How did you know?"

"It's hard to miss when someone orders one of those travesties." I told her. "A real drink doesn't need accessories."

Myers rolled her eyes affectionately. "By 'a real drink', he means 'whiskey'."

Kiara's eyes flitted from Myers to me, watching us curiously before speaking. "I have to agree. I've always been more partial to wine than cocktails."

"Look, you can drink all the top-shelf Barbaresco you want, but it's still going to be old grape juice."

Kiara's jaw dropped slightly. "I… I will take a Barbaresco, oui."

The bartender looked at me and nodded. Respect. He began to work on the girls' drinks.

"Wow, Drake, you really know your stuff." Myers told me.

The bartender placed Kiara's and Poodlelope's drinks on the bar, and they accepted gratefully. Before leaving though, they shared a look and turned to Myers.

"I... " Kiara began, "I'm sorry for our behavior at the beer garden last night, Lady Camilla. When I implied that you'd come to gloat, what I meant was…"

"We were drunk!" Poodlelope shouted, earning some backwards glance from nearby courtiers.

"Penelope!" Kiara chided, embarrassed.

"And scared about Madeleine leaving." Poodlelope continued. "But the more I think about it, I think it's a good thing. You deserve to be in Cordonia, Camilla. I'm happy you're staying."

"Aww, Penelope… I'm happy to be staying too!"

"Maybe you can come visit my estate sometime!" Penelope offered excitedly.

"Are you going back home?" Myers asked.

"Hopefully, soon. It's been a long time since I visited my parents…"

"I'm sure they can't wait to see you." Kiara told her, before turning back to Myers. "And for what it's worth, Camilla, you're always welcome at my family's estate too."

"Thank you, Kiara. Of course, you're both welcome at mine." Myers nodded. Very diplomatic on her part.

Both ladies curtsied and said their goodbyes, and Myers let out a sigh of relief.

"How about I get you something, and then we take a breather?" I asked her, squeezing her hand.

"That sounds nice."

"I have an idea for where we can get some privacy." I met her eyes, and it was like a current of electricity surged between us.

"Privacy is a hot commodity around here." Myers drew little circles on my hand and wrist, her eyes never leaving mine.

"I'd rather spend the whole night alone with you, but… I'll take what I can get."

"I'd like that. So… what are you ordering for me? And don't say whiskey."

"A challenge, huh? I'll take it." I looked at her, not taking my eyes off her face. I

f Myers was a drink, what would she be…? Something frilly with an umbrella? Definitely not. Myers was strong and smart. And she also didn't need accessories to command a room's attention. A top shelf wine? Ugh, no. Myers was the farthest thing from a snooty wine. She was down to earth and kind, confident but never cocky. Assertive. She knew how to have fun, but she wasn't wild and reckless like tequila. Not as headstrong as vodka, either… Myers… was an enigma of a woman. She was someone who it was impossible to catalog under one or two categories. Ah ha! Got it! I motioned the bartender to come closer and whispered. "She'll have a mojito."

He nodded and began working on the drink. Once he was done, he set the glass in front of me, and I pushed it out to her. She eyed it suspiciously, but there was a glint in her eyes that told me she was secretly pleased. "Drake, why a mojito?"

"It just… felt right. Drinks kind of have their own personalities. Like people. A mojito seems like a basic cocktail. People order them like they're nothing, but there's complexity in there." I motioned to her glass. "It takes time to muddle the mint just right, find a balance of sour and sweet. People look at you and see simple things. You're an American. A Duchess. But anyone who's paying attention knows there's a lot more to you than that."

She nodded, the corners of her lips twitching into a slight smile. "So you're saying… I've got hidden depths?"

"Anyone who thinks otherwise would be underestimating you." And that, Myers, will be your biggest advantage in this place.

"Why, thank you. So… how did a guy who only drinks water and whiskey become such a cocktail whisperer?"

"You forget that I've watched every person in this room order drinks for years. And not one of them has decent taste." I raised my finger at the bartender for a refill, and picked up my glass, nodding my thanks. "Now, let's get out of here."

Myers grinned wickedly at me, and led me out of the tent. We walked briskly through the gardens, until we entered the palace. Then it was my turn to lead. I took her hand, our fingers lacing, and we walked to the hallway outside her room. It was dark, quiet, and absolutely deserted. I leaned against a wall, finally able to relax. Myers leaned next to me, resting her head on my shoulder. We sipped our drinks quietly for a while, before I finally broke the ice.

"So… you're going to be a Duchess soon. Do I have to start calling you 'Your Grace'?"

Myers snorted. "If you call me anything other than Myers, it's going to feel weird."

"Heh, alright. I can stick to that."

"Is this the part where you make fun of me for becoming a real noble?"

I shook my head. I would never tease her for that. Everything Liam's given her, she's earned. And for that, she deserves a toast. I lifted my glass to her. "I know you better than that, Myers. You're you, and there's nothing… not even a title… that can take that away from you."

"Thanks, Drake."

I nodded. I knew her better than to throw her title in her face… now. "Though, if you ever start getting too high-and-mighty, you can count on me to remind you of the old days."

"I had a feeling you'd say that." Myers laughed, shaking her head slightly.

We lapsed back into a comfortable silence as we both finished our drinks. I set my glass on the windowsill, and turned to look at her. The way her hair shone in the moonlight that streamed in through the window, that dress that perfectly showed off her long neck and elegant shoulders. Her hair was on one side of her neck, falling down her chest in waves, with a braid at the front. And then, she lifted her face and those eyes met mine. God, those eyes… I could get lost in them easily.

"After tonight, we might not get a lot of time to ourselves."

"We'll both have plenty of obligations…"

I nodded, stepping closer to her, my hands moving to rest on the windowsill on either side of her, my arms caging her in. I saw as her pupils widened, and heard her sharp breath, betraying her excitement. Her lips parted slightly as she raised her chin defiantly, almost daring… I let my eyes stray to her lips for a moment, and her tongue stuck out to wet them. That movement sent a flood of heat rushing through me, and I never wanted to forget the way she looked tonight.

And then… Myers stepped closer, and I couldn't take it anymore. I pressed her against the wall as our mouths met in a passionate kiss. My tongue brushed hers as I ran my fingers through her hair, causing her to moan softly. She ran her hands up and down my waist, before pressing herself flush against me and fisting her hand in the hair at the nape of my neck. She yanked softly, and began running her lips down my jaw to the side of my neck, inciting a groan out of me.

"Myers…" I pulled away. "I can think of a better place to be doing this." I shot a significant look to her door.

Myers fiddled with the button on my collar as a slow grin made its way onto her face. "Oh?"

"Wait here."

Myers reeled back, her jaw dropping. "Wait here? Are you kidding?"

I would've laughed at the look on her face if only I didn't want her as much as she wanted me. I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I just… if we're going to do this, I want it to be…" At the risk of sounding like a teenager, "special."

Her eyes softened, and she pressed a soft kiss to my lips. "Okay…" She looked back up at me with a teasing smirk on her face. "You've already kept me waiting this long…"

I chuckled, moving to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Believe me, Myers, I won't take any longer than I have to." I pressed a small kiss on her lips, before walking into her room.

I turned on the lights, and looked around. Her room was tidy, and not much different from any other room in here. There wasn't much of her stuff lying around, save for the laptop on the nightstand. The corners of my lips twitched into a crooked smile, but I shook my head. Back to the task at hand.

The first thing I did was use the dimmer switch to get the lighting just so… I wanted it on its lowest setting possible, so it wouldn't upstage the candlelight. And speaking of candlelight… I looked around, relieved to find many decorative candles on Myers' room. I searched for a lighter, which I promptly found in one of the drawers of the vanity. I began lighting every single candle in the room, trying to do it as quickly as I could so as to not anger the woman outside. When it was finally done, I took it all in… and my heart began thumping in my chest. A surge of nervous energy flowed through me, and I took a deep, yet shaky, breath.

This is it.

I stepped back out into the hall, and met Myers' eyes. For a second there, it felt like time slowed and yet quickened. I nodded, and she began walking towards me, her eyes shining and that dimpled grin adorning her face. "Am I allowed to look now?"

"Come on in."

I watched as she stepped past me, her eyes widening and her jaw falling ever so slightly as she took in the room. I couldn't help but gasp as I took her in, the candlelight making her skin glow as different shadows played upon her face.

"Well?"

"Drake…" She whispered tenderly, "this is perfect."

I let out the breath I'd been holding. "I can pull off romantic when I need to, Myers."

"Oh, really?" Myers raised an elegant brow. "When did Drake Walker become such a romantic? Or have you always been like this?"

I looked to the floor, the corners of my lips quirking upwards. "No." I stepped closer. Brushed her hair back from her beautiful face, cupping her neck. "Look what you've done to me, Myers. You'll be the death of me."

Myers' eyes strayed to the floor, as a pretty blush adorned her cheeks. I traced my thumb over her cheekbones. In this light… in this moment… she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. A part of me still refused to believe she was here.

"So is this really going to happen?" I whispered, my voice sounding hoarse.

Myers' eyes flitted to mine, our gazes meeting in a charged moment.

"What do you mean?"

"I've spent so long thinking about this…" My thumb trailed to her lips. "So long wanting you. It almost feels like a dream." I broke eye contact, looking down to the floor. Maybe it is a dream… maybe I'll wake up and realize the last three days were a dream, and this… never happened. Because, to be honest, it doesn't make any sense.

"What is it?" She asked.

"I've got nothing to offer you." I told her honestly, meeting her gaze once more. "I'm no one special. And yet… Somehow, here you are."

Her eyebrows furrowed. "'Somehow'? Drake… you're exactly what I want. Sharp. Funny. Challenging. Fiercely protective… and a marshmallow at heart, no matter how much you try to hide it."

I tsked my tongue. "How do you do that, Myers? How do you see right through me, no matter how hard I try?"

"You're careful, Drake, but you've met your match."

"I've spent too long being careful. I want this. I want you. Now."

"And I want you. Drake…" She whispered. "I'm yours."

That was it. I was a goner.

"Myers…" I cupped her neck and pulled her in for a desperate kiss. She met me just as desperately, her hands roaming my chest and my arms, before moving to push my jacket off my shoulders. I moved my hands to her back, finding the zipper in the back of her dress and slowly pulled it down as she fiddled with the buttons of my shirt.

When I'd gotten the zipper almost all the way down, Myers broke the kiss and shook her head, a sinful grin on her face. "Nu-uh. You first." She undid the last button of my shirt and pushed it off. Her hands roamed eagerly over the planes of my chest and my abs, then upwards again to my shoulders and my back. Every touch and every stroke sent heat shooting up to my head and down to my thighs, as she showered my neck and chest with light kisses.

"In a hurry?" I teased.

"You're the one who said he was tired of being careful…"

I could feel her smile against my skin, as her hands made their way down my back and to my front, tugging off my belt, my jeans soon following. "God, you're hot." She murmured against me.

"Look who's talking." I caught her mouth once again, the kiss electric as I finally pushed her gown off her shoulders.

It fell in a pool around her feet. My turn, I thought, as I showered her with kisses.

"Now... who's... in a hurry?" Myers mumbled against my mouth between kisses.

"Can you blame me?" I asked, catching her bottom lip between my teeth, inciting a moan from her.

My hands seemed to have a mind of their own, as they explored the contours of her body. I deftly unclasped her bra, the small undergarment quickly tossed to the floor. Her honeyed skin was impossibly soft, a strong contradiction to the hard lines of her frame and the firm muscle underneath. I wanted to explore all of it, savor all of it, until there was nothing more to explore. The floral scent of her hair wafted up to me, seeming to spice the very air around us, as her hands also explored my body at their leisure.

Her every touch was like fire on my skin - a slow fire that warmed before completely consuming me. Her nimble fingers toyed with the waistband of my boxers, teasing, tempting, as they ran from my lower abs to my thighs, inching ever so close, but never quite reaching. I growled as I took her hands, and she tugged me gently in the direction of the bed. I was at her side in an instant, sweeping her feet under her, and I carried her to the bed, setting her down gently, almost reverently.

I looked down at her as she brought her arms above her head, the candlelight shadowing parts of her body: the hollow of her neck, the dip in her throat, the planes of her stomach. Her eyes were shades darker, half lidded and filled with lust as she looked up at me invitingly. In a second, my mouth was on her body, showering kisses up her stomach as I moved to cup her breasts, my thumb slowly circling her nipple. Myers bit her lip to contain a moan, and she whispered my name.

"Drake…"

I drew my name from her lips over and over again, sometimes as a hoarse, throaty whisper, other times as a wanton cry of pleasure. I knew then I'd go to the ends of the earth and back to hear her say my name like that again.

I replaced my thumb with my lips, taking her breast in my mouth, earning a gasp from her as my hands trailed downwards, dipping underneath her underwear and between her thighs. I moved my fingers in slow, tantalizing circles against her, as she began to writhe underneath me. She was impossibly wet and warm as I pressed my thumb against the sensitive nub and my finger dipped into her folds. I kept stroking her, slowly teasing her as her moans and cries began to get louder and louder.

I kept my eyes on her face, wanting to see her when she reached her peak. She moaned and whispered my name over and over again, lifting her hips to meet the movements of my hand, until I felt her muscles tighten. I crashed my lips to her, swallowing her cries of pleasure as I rode out the orgasm with her.

"Drake…" Myers pulled away, breathing heavily but with a satisfied smile adorning her face. "Get... Over... Here." She commanded breathlessly. I smirked, but decided to obey nonetheless. I kissed my way up her chest and her neck, until her eyes met mine. "That was… a hell of a start."

I took her in, and it once again hit me this could all be a dream. Having her here, stretched out in front of me, an invitation in her eyes, seemed surreal. My eyes swept over her body, completely naked save for lacy white underwear that I promptly removed. My breath hitched.

Perfection.

I'd spent most of my life surrounded by invaluable works of art. The castle halls were filled with priceless paintings and ancient sculptures. All of them invaluable. All of them supposedly represented true beauty in every shape and form.

All of them paled in comparison to her.

"You're too good to be true, Myers."

Her eyes softened. She brought her hand to cup my neck. "I'm here, Drake. Really. Let me prove it to you." Myers smiled against my mouth as she pulled me in for a passionate kiss, before pressing her hands against my chest, pushing me back softly down on the bed. I couldn't help but groan when she straddled me and began peppering me with kisses down my neck and my chest. I was dimly aware of her hair falling down my chest, long strands caressing my skin, heightening the sensation of her lips. "God, Myers, that's…"

Myers moved ever… so… slowly, her mouth licking and sucking on my skin as she traveled downwards at an agonizingly slow pace. I hissed when she reached my belly button, continuing to travel downwards.

"Drake, look at me." She called, and I opened my eyes, not fully aware of when exactly I had closed them.

I watched as the world seemed to slow. Myers hooked her fingers in the waistband of my boxers. Pulled them down, inch by inch. Her brown eyes twinkled with a mixture of mischief and desire, as the corners of her mouth twitched into a small smile. Her hand wrapped around me and she stroked once.

I groaned, closing my eyes again, seeing stars.

She stopped. Let me go. "Drake. Look. At. Me."

I opened my eyes again, and watched her as she gripped me once more, and then slowly inched closer. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, her eyes were trained on mine, and without breaking our gaze, she took me in her mouth.

"Myers…" I moaned.

"Hmm?" She hummed in question, her mouth still filled with me. Her tongue was flat against me, as she drew her mouth upwards again, leaving me entirely before enveloping again. I hissed and groaned as she teased me, maintaining a slow, steady rhythm that was practically designed to torture. I grabbed a fistfull of her hair and yanked softly.

"Myers…" My chest heaved as I fought to catch my breath. "I… I'm not going to last long if you keep doing that."

Myers crawled back up my body, a cat-like grin on her face. "Oh, no… can't have that now, can we?"

I wasn't able to even formulate a response when she lowered herself onto me, a wanton moan escaping her lips. I moved to grip her hips as I filled all of her, the heat of her nearly consuming me. I opened my eyes again, but everything went off focus as she began to move. Myers rocked against me, slowly at first, then slowly picking up speed as her own control shattered. I ran my hands over her breasts, her stomach, her chest, her thighs, as her cries of pleasure echoed in the once silent room.

Heat began pooling in my stomach, as I watched her over me. Her skin was slick with sweat and glowing in the candlelight, her hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes were closed as she was fully absorbed in her own pleasure. I began thrusting to meet her movements, gripping her hips as she braced herself with her hands on my chest.

"Drake, I… I'm close."

I felt my own release not far off, the pressure in my stomach growing as her movements sent pangs of heat shooting all over my body, down to my toes. "Come with me, Myers."

Her eyes shot open at my words, clouded and unfocused with lust as they met mine. "D-Drake…"

I cupped her neck, pulling her down to meet my lips halfway. I crashed my lips against hers as she moaned against my mouth. I felt her stiffen against me, muffling her cries against my mouth.

"Drake!" She sobbed my name, as her muscles clenched around me. The sensation of her around me and my name on her lips sent me over the edge with her, eliciting a grunt from me as I filled her completely.

Myers stayed upright for a few seconds, before collapsing on top of me, both our chests heaving as we floated down from our high.

I never wanted to move. Ever. I just wanted to stay here, with her, exactly like this, forever. I lazily trailed my hand up and down her back, as she sighed contentedly, nuzzling my neck.

"That was…" I shook my head. There are no words.

Myers chuckled, propping her chin on my chest to look me in the eye. "Have I rendered you speechless?"

I grinned. "How about this? Now I can die a happy man."

"I like you better alive if it's all the same."

"I'll try not to disappoint."

"If tonight was any indication, I don't think you could."

I chuckled as she rested her head on my chest again. We were content to simply lay with each other, both of us lost in our thoughts. I looked down to find Myers with her eyes closed and a small smile on her face.

"Myers."

"Hmm?" She was completely lax above me, and her tone was sleepy and satisfied.

"We should probably head back before people start to wonder where we are."

She groaned disapprovingly, pressing herself closer to me, and shook her head against my chest.

"Myers…"

"Drake…" She lifted her head to meet my eyes once more, drawing circles on my chest with her fingers. "You sure I can't keep you here?" Her other hand began to caress the side of my body, ghosting over my ribs and my hip bones. "Maybe go for round two?"

I groaned. "Don't torture me, Myers. If it was up to me, we wouldn't leave this room for a week…"

She chuckled. "I like the way you think."

"Heh." I shook my head. "Leave it to courtly functions to drag you away from me."

Myers rolled off from me, stretching lazily, purring like a cat, before draping her arm over my chest, snuggling closer. "Well… what if the new Duchess and the handsome commoner were to disappear for the night? Would anyone really notice our absence?"

I chuckled, reaching for her hand and lacing our fingers. God, if she kept touching me like that, I really will just send it all to hell and keep her here. "Given as to how the King is officially introducing the new Duchess to the court, I would say yes, your absence would be very noticeable."

Myers exhaled, annoyed. "Fine." She leveled me with a pointed look. "But after all the speeches and the handshakes are over, I'm dragging you back here and you're not allowed to leave until, at least, tomorrow morning."

I laughed, a deep, throaty laugh. "Deal." I sat up, lifting my knees and resting my elbows on them. I felt Myers press herself against my back, wrapping her arms around my torso with a sigh. She pressed a kiss to my left shoulder, before moving to get up with a sigh.

I watched as she lifted her arms, stretching, before gathering all her hair up and letting it fall down her back. The sight was nearly enough to make me drag her back down to bed, but I restrained myself. I'm a grown man, not a horny teenager. I can control myself. Thankfully, I didn't have to restrain myself much further, as Myers walked away to the bathroom and disappeared for a few moments.

I got up and began gathering my clothes. I found my boxers on the other side of the room and put them on, my pants soon following. Myers came out of the bathroom, the ghost of a smile on her face.

"Hey. Everything okay?"

"Fine." She continued to stare at me, her dimples gradually growing deeper.

"What?" I squirmed a bit under her gaze.

Myers shook her head slightly. "Nothing. Just thinking about what a shame it is to see you clothed again." She walked towards me purposely, and gave me a chaste kiss, before moving to pick up her bra and retrieve a fresh pair of underwear from a nearby dresser.

As she dressed, I couldn't help but echoe her sentiment. A sight like that should never be covered.

I sighed, watching her step into her dress and pull it up, the gold fabric gradually covering her golden skin. Myers caught me staring and grinned, before walking towards me, gathering all her hair on one side of her neck. When she stepped in front of me, she turned. "Can you zip me up?"

"Of course." I gently slid her zipper upwards, watching how the smooth expanse of her back was slowly concealed.

She turned around with a smile, and moved to retrieve my shirt from the floor. After smoothing down a few wrinkles, she helped me put it on, tenderly buttoning it down with nimble fingers. As I tucked it inside my pants, she picked up my jacket. I turned and she held it for me as I slipped my arms into it. When I turned, she smoothed down the lapels, looking at me approvingly.

"So handsome." She muttered. "What did I do to get the attention of the most handsome man I've ever seen?"

I rolled my eyes, trying my best to avoid blushing. "I seriously doubt I'm the most handsome man you've ever seen."

She shook her head slightly, pressing a kiss to my lips. "You are."

I smirked, shaking my head, and took her hand. "Come on, Myers. Let's go. Ready to brave the crowd again?"

Myers nodded. "I think I can handle it." She grinned and after blowing out the candles that hadn't already burned out, I led her out back to the party.

We walked back hand in hand, both of us content to stroll through the palace halls as slowly as possible, before the craziness of the ball surrounded us once again. And so it was. As soon as we stepped foot inside the tent, Bertrand spotted Myers and immediately whisked her away for some politicking. She gave me a crooked smile, an apology in her eyes, before going with him.

I searched the crowd for my sister, as I made my way to the bar to blend in.

"Hi, Drake!" Hana's voice startled me, making me jump. I turned with a smile, and saw her coming towards me with Savannah.

"Hey, Hana. Sis."

"Hey, where'd you run off to? One second I see you at the bar and the next, you're nowhere to be found!" Savannah said, eyes narrowing teasingly.

"Uh… I was… um… just getting some air."

"But… we're outside." Hana pointed out.

"Um… yeah… but I meant some air from… the ball! You know I'm not much for all the glitz and glam of these things."

"Right…" Savannah nodded, unconvinced. "Hey, have you seen Milla? Bertrand was looking for her earlier too, and couldn't find her."

I fought with everything in me to not turn scarlet in front of them. "Yeah, uh… I just saw her, already with Bertrand, making the rounds." Hana and my sister looked at each other, and I had the idea to draw the attention from me and onto them. "So how'd you guys meet?" I asked a little too enthusiastically.

Hana's eyes widened as she grinned. "Oh, Maxwell introduced us earlier! I was dying to meet your sister, Drake!"

"Aww, thank you, Lady Hana." Savannah smiled at her, blushing a bit.

"Just Hana, to my friends."

Aww… Hana really was the sweetest person ever.

"Anyway, the fireworks are about to begin! We should make our way outside!" Hana suggested.

"Right! Um… Why don't you get Liam, Myers and Maxwell and Savannah and I will go save us a spot on the lawn?"

"Sure!" She turned and began walking away, getting lost in the crowd.

"So…" I turned to Savannah, "Shall we?"

"We shall."

As we began making our way towards the front lawn, Bertrand caught up with us - or, well, Savannah. I clenched my jaw as he offered to escort her, but she accepted, so… I guess I had to respect her decision. As we secured a spot on the lawn, I tried to keep two steps or so away from them, so as to give them at least a semblance of privacy. Thankfully, it wasn't long before Hana arrived with Myers and Maxwell.

Myers' gaze locked on mine as she walked, shooting me a smile that she saved just for me. My own lips formed a ghost of a smile, before I shook my head. "I held our spot… with a few additions."

Bartie squealed in my sister's arms, wiggling. "I hope you don't mind us joining." Savannah smiled at Myers.

"Oh, not at all." Myers waved her concerns away with a gentle flick of her wrist. "Everyone should be here."

"The whole family, uncles included." Maxwell added.

I had to stifle a groan. I'm related to the Beaumonts… "Yeah, yeah. Touching family things. Let's not make a big deal out of it."

Bertrand cut in, asking to speak with Myers, and I saw how he led her and Maxwell a couple of steps back. After a few minutes, I turned my head to find Myers pulling them both into a group hug, with Maxwell joining in excitedly, and Bertrand all but enduring it in silence. Huh… never thought I'd have something in common with Bertrand. I chuckled.

As the herald began counting down the seconds as if it was New Year's Eve, I sat down with Savannah, Hana and Liam. We were all poised to watch the show, when I felt a small hand on my shoulder. A second later, Myers sat down next to me. "Welcome to the show, Myers."

"I hope you don't mind the company."

I snorted. "At this point I'm bound to be surrounded by somebody. I'm glad it's you."

"How far you've come from Liam as your only friend." Myers teased, bumping her shoulder with mine.

I took the opportunity to wrap my arm around her, pulling her closer. "It's disgusting and I blame you from everything." I whispered into her ear.

She laughed. "You blame me? In that case… I owe you some alone time, to make up for it, of course."

"As long as it's alone time with you…"

"That's exactly what I had in mind." She pressed her forehead against mine, our lips meeting in a brief kiss.

I sighed as we pulled apart. "This is… nice. Being home. Being here… with you."

Myers took my hand, lacing our fingers. I squeezed gently. "It took us long enough to get here."

"Heh. You can say that again. Thanks for not giving up on me, Myers."

"Likewise." Our eyes held onto each other for a second, before she looked down, clearing her throat, a pretty blush on her face. "Now that this is really happening, I wanted to ask… what comes next for us?"

I scratched my chin, trying to find the right words. "I'll be honest, I've never been much for big future plans. Most of the time I just try to roll with whatever life throws at me."

Myers snorted. "I bet you never thought life would throw a crazy American at you."

I couldn't hold back a bark of laughter. "Hah! Right… but I'm glad it did."

"Aww…" Myers mumbled, before shaking her head. "Anyway, you've never thought about where you want to be in a couple of years? Buying yourself a cabin in the wilderness, or, I don't know… getting married?"

I shook my head, my eyes widening as I realized I was still carrying the ring in my jacket. I'd completely forgotten about it until now.

"Drake?" Myers called to me.

"Oh, right. I can't say I've thought about it much since that conversation in New York…" The corners of my lips twitched as I remembered that conversation. "Are you proposing to me, Myers?" "Trust me, if I were, you'd know."

The thing was… I realized that even though maybe I still wasn't ready to talk about marriage… I did love her… I mean, I do love her. And I want to be with her.

So tell her… My conscience told me, and I almost laughed, never in my life imagining it would tell me that. But I would listen to it this time. "All I know is that whatever happens, I want to be here with you. After everything you've been through… I want to do this right, Myers."

"Does that mean… you want to take things slow?" Her eyes widened. "If I've been going too fast for you…"

"No, no, that's not it. I just meant… hell, Myers, I never thought I'd get a chance to be with you. And now that I am… I don't want to mess it up. You're more than I ever could've hoped for. I just want you to know that I won't take a moment of this… of us… for granted."

The smile she gave me was so warm, so tender, just so… heart-melting. The corners of her eyes crinkled, and they shone with emotion. "Neither will I." She said those words so fervently, almost like vow.

"Ten… nine… eight…!" Maxwell's shouting broke our moment.

Our eyes met once more and we burst into laughter, before she scooted closer and rested her head on my shoulder, just as the fireworks began going off. In that moment, while everyone's attention was on the myriad of lights in the sky, Myers pulled my shirt down, and I met her lips in a passionate kiss.

I was dimly aware of the explosions from the fireworks in the background, of the excited 'oohs' and 'ahs' of our friends and the other members of court... In that moment, all that mattered was Myers' lips on mine, just the two of us underneath the stars and a kaleidoscope of lights.I completely lost myself within her, and in that moment, I felt my chest tighten as warmth surged through me. This must be what heaven feels like, I thought. As we both parted, breathless, I rested my forehead on hers. "Myers…" I whispered her name. I love you.

"Drake…"

Tell her, you bloody idiot! Before the moment's over!

"I…" I cupped the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine, and pulled her in for another kiss. Coward! My conscience screamed, and I knew that, at least on some level, it was right… but I tried to communicate everything I felt in that kiss. All of my longing… all of my love. And I knew, on some level, she already knew… because I felt those same things in her kiss. Neither of us had been brave enough to say the words yet… but the feeling was alive between us.

As the bursting of the fireworks began growing louder and closer to each other, Myers and I pulled apart to watch the grand finale. But… at the last second, I turned my head to watch Myers. Her eyes were filled with wonder and excitement, and her skin glowed in the moonlight, as the fireworks lit it up in a rainbow of colors. She took my breath away.

I could barely take my eyes off her, until the show ended, and we all got up. As Maxwell and Savannah began discussing Bartie's "Beaumont endurance", Liam ushered us in. ""We should prepare for the final speech to honor Camilla tonight."

"I almost forgot how this Ball goes on forever." I muttered. I mean seriously, did it really have to last this long, and be held every time the Royal Family leaves the country and comes back? They even had one when they went on vacation to my family's ranch!

Savannah laughed next to me. "Same old Drake. Come on, let's find some fancy food to disparage."

We made our way back inside, to the Grand Ballroom. Once inside, Liam split from us to get onto the dais, where he would be giving his speech. We wove our way across the crowd of nobles, all of whom were trying to get closer to get a good vantage point of their king and newest duchess.

"Looks like we arrived just in time…" Myers said, looking back as more nobles entered the room.

"Worried they start without you?" I teased.

"We could never start without the lady of the hour!" Hana exclaimed. I opened my mouth to tell her I was being sarcastic… but then thought better of it. Another night, maybe.

"Liam will signal you to come up when it's time." Maxwell told Myers, who nodded, her eyes growing purposeful and resolute.

"Easy." She smiled at him.

"I'd say make us proud, but we couldn't be more proud of you."

"Aww… and to think, Drake was so worried about me when I arrived in Cordonia."

My eyes widened, and I felt as the blood creeped its way up my cheeks. "I-I wasn't worried!"

Myers laughed and rolled her eyes. "Oh, please! The first few weeks all you ever said to me were sarcastic or witty retorts and dire warnings of doom."

"I remember." Hana corroborated, a small smile on her face as her eyes flitted between the two of us.

"Yup… well said Milla! Drake was all about that sarcasm and doom those first few weeks." Maxwell teased.

"Well, to be fair, it wasn't just with you, Milla." Savannah added. "Drake's thing has always been sarcasm and doom."

I rolled my eyes as they all laughed. "Alright, alright. I guess… if anyone was going to prove me wrong about this place not being a fairy tale full of happily ever afters… I'm glad it was you." I told Myers.

"Aww…"

A waiter passed next to us, a tray of champagne flutes in hand. "Forgetting something, Myers? You can't toast without a drink."

"Oh, right."

"Here." I handed her one of the flutes.

"Thank you."

The chime of silver on glass drew our attention. It was time. We all turned to Liam, who was already up the dais."Before the evening draws to a close, I want to take the opportunity to thank you all for coming together to celebrate our return…" He pauses for a brief applause, before continuing, "And to celebrate our new Duchess Camilla of House Myers." Liam nodded in Myers' direction, and she nodded back, a gracious smile on her face.

Huh… I realized in that moment… that smile… it was her waitress smile, but a tad more evolved! I grinned, thinking I should start calling it her 'court smile'... her 'duchess smile'? Her 'diplomatic smile'! Eh, the name's not important.

"She has shown true strength in the face of adversity, a trait we born Cordonians know well. Revitalizing the old Houses of Cordonia is just one of the ways I plan to reinvest in our beautiful country. Please join me in raising a glass once more to her…" He raised his glass in her direction. "To Duchess Camilla… the newest member of the Cordonian nobility!"

The crowd began clapping and cheering as the toasted her. Myers smiled - her face pleasant yet carefully neutral, not a hint of emotion in her eyes - as she nodded and raised her glass. Up on the dais, Liam extended a hand to her and she began to step forward.

And then… the lights went out. The cheering halted abruptly, as the crowd began murmuring and whispering. It was eerily silent for a millisecond, when the first pop burst through the air. Then another. Another.

I distantly heard Poodlelope asking if the sound was more fireworks, when Camilla's press secretary screamed that it was gunshots. Gunshots. Screams immediately arose from the crowd, panic ensuing as people pushed and ran towards the different exits.

A sense of dread immediately filled me, as I reached blindly out towards where Camilla was a few seconds ago, but my fingers grasped nothing but air. "Camilla!" I yelled. "Get down! Now!"

"Now!" A deep voice bellowed. "Take them out!"

The light flickered back on, my eyes darting around the room. The room was chaos all around. My sister was nowhere to be seen. Neither were Maxwell and Hana. Camilla was a few steps away from me, smack in the middle between me and Liam.

"King Liam, get down!" Bastien's shout drew my eyes away from Camilla just in time to see Liam ducking underneath an assassin's knife before throwing him over his shoulder.

"Camilla!" Liam's scream was enough to make me snap my eyes back to Camilla.

Time seemed to slow before coming to a stop completely, as a very real chill crawled its way down my back, almost rooting me to the spot. And for one second, all I felt was bone-deep, soul-crushing, paralyzing fear.

An assassin had his gun trained on her.

He pulled the trigger, the explosion ringing in my ears, as I watched the bullet slowly making its way straight for Camilla's chest, leaving ripples in the air behind it.

"No!" I began running - time seemed to snap back to its normal speed - and was able to reach her, tackling her to the ground. I was dimly aware of a biting sensation in my shoulder, before that sensation grew to a burn radiating from my shoulder, to my chest, my back and my neck.

"Drake… Drake!"

Camilla's desperate shriek would be forever ingrained in my memory.