A Matter of Honor

The silence that surrounded the dining car was stifling, the only sounds being the constant chugging of the train and the occasional utensil on plates. We were on our way back to the capital, all of us worried after being informed that Constantine had collapsed again. I sighed. This really had been a tough week. I looked around the table. Maxwell ate his avocado toast slowly, his usual gusto nowhere to be seen. Hana ate just as perfectly and politely as always, but I didn't miss how her lips were downturned and her eyes never strayed too far from her plate. Myers sat next to me, picking at her pancakes with her fork, occasionally taking a bite. And Liam… Liam was lost in space, staring intently at his cup of coffee, the food on his plate completely untouched.

"Liam…" Myers murmured softly, a sympathetic, concerned look in her face. "You have to eat something…"

Liam shook his head lightly and flashed her a small smile. "I'm fine, Camilla. Truly."

Myers sighed, and I could see her mother-hen instinct warring with her respect for her friend's boundaries. The mother-hen in her won. "Please? I understand that you're worried… but it's not going to do anyone any good if you faint from hunger, or… low blood sugar." She shot him a pointed look.

They looked at each other for a long moment, before Liam nodded. He stabbed a piece of meat with his fork and brought it to his mouth. He shot Myers a small grin that practically screamed 'happy now?'

Myers merely shot him a knowing grin back.


"We're too late!" Maxwell yelled dramatically. "He's gone!" He pointed to Constantine's empty hospital bed.

I rolled my eyes. "Maxwell. Just because he's not here doesn't necessarily mean-"

"Oh, Constantine, I can practically hear your voice." Maxwell cut me off.

"I'm telling you, this delay is unnecessary. I'm fine." Constantine's disembodied voice drifted from somewhere deeper inside the room.

We all took a step further inside.

"The doctor suggested you-" Regina stopped talking as she realized we were there.

Constantine followed her gaze to us. "What are you all doing in my room?"

Myers breathed a sigh of relief, and whispered quietly. "Oh my gosh, he's alive."

Constantine heard her anyway, fixing her with a stern stare. "Of course I'm alive. Why wouldn't I be?"

I frowned at him, stepping behind Myers and placing a hand on her back. He might still be the King Father… but I still hadn't forgiven him for all he put her through. Say one thing remotely out of line, old man, I dare you.

"Your bed was empty and we thought the worst." Myers explained sheepishly.

Liam moved to hug Constantine. "Bastien told me you'd collapsed again."

"Oh… I told him not to embellish." Constantine shook his head. "It was a small spell of lightheadedness, nothing to fuss over."

"It's enough that the doctors recommend you stay and rest." Regina told us.

"And miss the Costume Gala? Nonsense." Constantine looked shocked by the mere thought of it.

"It's on everyone's list of top five favorite events." We all turned to find Justin in the doorway. "Even I don't want to miss it."

"Justin!" Myers squealed. She ran to wrap him in a hug.

"Surprise! Oomph!" He laughed, before hugging her back. "I guess I really am your favorite press secretary."

"You are! You're here and you're alive! I mean awake!" Myers laughed. "I just meant… the last couple of times I went to visit you, you were always asleep."

"I'm awake now. And I feel good now that the reaper isn't hovering by my side."

"I heard you were injured in the attack." Liam greeted him. "You're looking well, though."

"Yeah, I took a nasty shot at the Homecoming Ball, but I'm not ready to kick the bucket yet." He nodded. "If you can breathe, you can stand, and if you can stand, you can fight."

Huh… where have I…? I've heard that before…

"Huh. I like that." Myers lifted her fist, and Justin met her in a fist bump.

"Anyway, I couldn't help but hear the commotion next door, and thought it might've been Constantine and the doctor arguing again." Justin turned directly to the King Father. "Which by the way, any luck convincing her to discharge us?"

"She's as obstinate as ever, but ultimately, I can get us out if I want."

Justin grinned. "It must be good to be king. Well, former king."

I checked my phone and pulled Myers aside while the rest of them continued to talk. "Hey, I have to go. My appointment with Dr. Yonekura is in five minutes."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Myers asked.

"Nah, don't worry about it. I think you should stay with Liam… He might need you."

"Are you sure…?" Myers raised a pointed eyebrow.

Am I sure I won't have another jealous fit? The corner of my lips twitched in a small smile. "I am."

"Okay. Good luck."

"Thanks. Hey, I was thinking afterwards, I could go pick up my sister and we could all have lunch."

Myers grinned at me. "I'll tell the guys."

"Great."

"I'll see you in a bit then. I love you."

"I love you." I cupped her cheek, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Myers hummed in delight, and there was a beaming smile on her face when we pulled apart.

With that, I turned around to head to the Traumatology ward, and Myers headed back inside.


"Mr. Walker!" Dr. Yonekura stood from her desk to greet me, warmly shaking my hand.

"Hey, Doc."

"Please, sit." She gestured kindly to the chairs facing her desk, and we both took a seat. "I see you have come alone today. It's a small miracle Duchess Camilla let you out of her sight." The doc joked good naturedly.

I chuckled, shrugging. "Yeah, well… She has other, more important things to do." Dr. Yonekura raised her eyebrows at that. "And she shouldn't fall back on her other responsibilities just for me, you know?"

"I don't think Her Grace would see it that way, Drake."

"She doesn't. But she can't be everywhere at once without stretching herself thin, so…" I sighed. Myers tried her best to be there for everyone, but that sadly meant her own needs took a backseat to everyone else's. Or rather, she deliberately put her needs behind others'.

Dr. Yonekura hummed in agreement. "Yes, you're right. I noticed that she seems to have a problem with the concept of self-care, that one."

"You have no idea, doc."

"Well… let's begin, shall we? Tell me, how have you felt these past couple of weeks?"

I nodded. "I've felt pretty good. The pain's almost gone; it only rears up when I move too fast or pull on the skin."

"That's good. No signs of infection?"

"None."

"Any discharge?"

"Not much."

"Excellent. And lastly, how have you been feeling?"

"Uh… what?"

"How have you been?" She elaborated. "Have you had any anxiety, or mood changes, a sudden increase or decrease in appetite, recurring nightmares, or insomnia these last couple of weeks?"

I sighed.

"Come on, Drake, you know I have to ask. You went through a very traumatic experience, and a very traumatic injury."

"Fine. Yeah, I've had a couple of recurring nightmares. None of the other stuff, though."

Dr. Yonekura nodded sympathetically. "Thank you for confiding in me. How often do you have these nightmares?"

"Almost every night."

"Ah. And can you tell me what happens in these nightmares?"

I shrugged. "Mostly it's just the Homecoming Ball again."

"You relive that night? Getting shot?"

"... Sometimes."

"And other times?"

I stayed quiet, lowering my eyes as a small lump began forming in my throat.

"Duchess Camilla?" The doc asked.

I gave her a slight nod, trying to get a hold of myself. "Or my sister and my nephew… or Liam, or one of my friends…"

Dr. Yonekura sighed. "Drake… I must recommend that you see a psychologist. It might do you good to speak to a professional about these things."

Now it was my turn to sigh. "If you don't mind, doc… I'd like to try to continue working on it on my own. Besides, the nightmares suck, but they don't really affect any other aspect in my life, besides getting a crappy sleep… I guess what I'm saying is that I think I can get through this."

The good doc pursed her lips, but nodded reluctantly. "Very well. Sadly, when it comes to an area that is not my expertise, I can only recommend. If you choose not to follow said recommendations, there's nothing I can do." She sighed. "Alright, Drake, please take off your shirt and sit on the exam table, please."

I did, and she gave me a basic physical - taking my blood pressure, listening to my heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and all those things. After that, she began undoing my bandages.

"You are a very lucky man, Drake. This is healing up very nicely. The wound has practically closed, and at this rate, you'll have minimal scarring. And, as you confirmed previously, there seem to be no signs of infection. How does it feel in terms of movement? Have you had any trouble moving your left arm, or any trouble recognizing sensations through it?"

"No trouble feeling, but sometimes when I lift my arm, or I move it, it feels… tight."

"Okay… Can you show me what types of movements?"

I lifted my left arm, barely able to lift it shoulder height. I grimaced with effort. Dr. Yonekura placed one hand on the top of my shoulder and the other underneath my elbow. She began lifting my arm up and down or forwards and backwards, in slow controlled motions, her eyes darting from my arm to my face to gauge my reactions. I couldn't help but grit my teeth several times or hiss when a particular movement pulled at the still healing muscles, causing shooting pains.

"Hm… Very well. You can put your shirt on." Dr. Yonekura turned back to her desk.

I put on my clothes and followed her.

"Now, Drake, it seems this type of pain you're experiencing is due to the stretching of the muscles around the stitches. It is completely normal, but just so it doesn't become permanent, I'm going to refer you to a physical therapist. They're going to work with you, teaching you different exercises to work on regaining and even improving the flexibility of these muscles, so that they can better recover post-surgery."

"Okay, great."

Dr. Yonekura nodded and typed something on her computer. "All right, I've scheduled you for an appointment with my best PT tomorrow morning. The sooner you start your treatment with her, the sooner we can begin working on regaining your muscle flexibility."

"Great. Thanks, doc."

The doc nodded, and finished typing something on her computer, before logging off of it with a beep. "Okay, Mr. Walker, you're all set. Your physical therapist, Emilia Jacobs, will be waiting for you in her office tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. Room 543, just down the hall."

"Bright and early, huh?"

"Bright and early." She nodded. "I will also be renewing your prescription for your pain medication, but I will be lowering the dosage." She began typing once again on her computer, and a second later, her printer began printing what I assumed was my prescription. Dr. Yonekura took it, and slid it across the desk to me. "I've also maintained the brand of sleeping pills, but I leave that to your discretion. I've noticed you seem somewhat reluctant to take them."

"Yeah… thanks, Doc." I took the prescription and we both stood.

Dr. Yonekura offered her hand and I shook it, before she walked me to the door. "Now, as always, if you need anything, feel free to call me. We should be seeing each other in three weeks for our final consultation."

"Really?"

"Yes. Since your shoulder is healing so well, I doubt you'll need further intervention from me. Emilia will take over your physical therapy, and while she will be keeping me updated on your condition and improvements, she'll only refer you back to me if something more serious were to happen."

"Okay, then… great. Thanks for everything, Doc." I grinned at her.

"You're welcome, Drake. Give my best to Duchess Camilla. I'm looking forward to the livestream of the wedding."

I chuckled. "Right, because we will apparently be live streaming it." Thanks, Madeleine. "Goodbye, Doc."

"Goodbye, Drake." With that, she shut the door, and I made my way out of Asterwood.

I called my sister and asked her if I could pick her up for a late lunch before the gala. She immediately agreed and I called a rideshare to her place. I texted her when we were outside, but she hadn't seen the text yet. After waiting for a couple of minutes, I asked the driver if he could wait while I went inside to go get her. He nodded, and I walked inside her apartment building, very grateful she'd given me an extra key.

When I opened the door, I found Savannah in a borderline panic, giving a million instructions to a young woman with bright brown eyes and long brown hair, braided neatly. The girl was holding Bartie securely against her hip, smiling kindly at Savannah, and yet emmanating pure confidence.

"... and please, put him down for his nap no later than 2:00. If he doesn't fall asleep by two, then he'll fight sleep at night. His naps usually last for about an hour, or an hour and a half. He has dinner at 6:00, and his last bottle of milk is at 9:00. Bath time is at 8:30, milk at 9:00… Oh, I said that already, didn't I?"

"Knock, knock." I rapped my fingers against the door, and both women turned to me.

"Drake! You're early!" My sister turned to me.

"Um…"

She checked her phone. "Or not. You're… right on time…"

"Yeah… is everything okay?"

"Yes! Come in."

I stepped inside.

"Drake, this is Josephine. She's… Bartie's newest babysitter. Bertrand hired her for the gala tonight."

Josephine stretched her hand out, and I shook it. "Hi! It's nice to meet you."

"Nice meeting you." I told her.

"Josephine here just graduated from CU last summer." Savannah told me. "She majored in early childhood education and care, and already started her masters in Infant Neuroscience in the fall."

"Wow… that's, um, impressive." I nodded at Josephine.

"Thank you." She shot me a grateful nod.

"Yes, well… Bertrand is nothing if not thorough." Savannah muttered under her breath. "And she and Bartie already seem to be getting along…" She chuckled nervously.

"I promise I'll call you if anything comes up." Josephine reached out and took my sister's hand. "Besides my degree, I have plenty of babysitting experience, and I'm also certified in CPR and First Aid Care."

Okay… her resume was very impressive.

"I know…" Savannah squeezed her hand right back. "It's just that… this is the first time I've ever left Bartie. I haven't been away from him for a minute since he was born!"

"I understand completely. Separation anxiety is completely normal, and I appreciate your trust in me." Josephine nodded sympathetically. "But this is why we've had this adaptation week, remember? For Bartie to get to know me and get comfortable with me, but also for you to get more comfortable with the idea of being apart from him for extended periods of time. Now, I promise you, I will take very good care of Bartie, but please, Miss Savannah, promise me you'll at least try to have fun tonight? Please?" She smiled tentatively at Savannah.

My sister took a deep breath, but gave her a small smile. "Okay. Thanks, Josephine. I, um… guess we should be going?"

Josephine handed Bartie back to my sister. Savannah squeezed him and kissed all over his tiny little face, causing him to squeal in delight. "Okay, baby. Mummy's going to go now. Be good for Josephine, okay? I love you, I love you, I love you!"

Bartie giggled and sputtered.

"Okay…" Savannah slowly turned the baby back to Josephine, who offered him her hands, smiling at him kindly.

"Okay, Bartie, do you want to come with me? Do you want to come to Josephine? Come!"

I noticed that while she spoke softly and tenderly, she spoke very clearly to him. No baby talk, no condescending tone… She's good. Bartie stretched his chubby arms out to her, squealing happily when she took him and cradled him against her chest.

"Okay…" Savannah said, staring at them nervously.

"Come on, sis." I stepped towards Bartie and pressed a quick kiss to the top of his head. "Bye, little guy. Bye, Josephine. It was nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too. Have fun tonight!" Josephine took Bartie's hand and helped him wave goodbye. "Bye! Say 'goodbye', Bartie!"

"Bye!" Savannah waved goodbye.

"Bye!" I took my sister's hand and led her to the door.

Bartie made a face as he noticed we were leaving, and groaned. He began reaching his arms out to Savannah, but Josephine cuddled him closer and began shushing him. Bartie, however, began to whimper, and soon, he began to cry outright, just as I was closing the door.

Savannah grimaced, clutching a hand to her chest as if in pain. "Okay, come'ere." I told her, pulling her in for a steadying hug. "He's gonna be fine, sis. It seems Bertrand hired one hell of a sitter."

Savannah sighed shakily against my chest, giving me a quick squeeze before stepping back. "I know. It's just…"

"The first time you've left him, I know."

"It's just nerves, you know? They'll pass, right? And Josephine's really good with him… and she's extremely qualified, overqualified even." She seemed to be trying to convince herself more than me.

"Yeah. They'll be fine, I'm sure of it. And you promised Josephine you'd try to have fun too, right?"

"Right. You're right."

"So, come on. The guys are waiting back at the palace. We'll have lunch, get you to relax a bit before the gala…"

Savannah chuckled. "Thanks, big brother."

"You're welcome." With that, we made our way back to the car.

As the driver began driving us to the palace, Savannah's phone chimed. She opened a text and laughed. Then she turned the phone towards me, and I saw Josephine had sent her a picture of Bartie playing with a wooden shape sorter toy, with the caption "Already stopped crying! Remember to have fun tonight!"

"Okay, she's really good." I muttered.

"I know. Bertrand hired her last week, after two or three interviews." Savannah chuckled.

"Of course." I shot her a pointed look, and she rolled her eyes.

Savannah took one more deep breath and shook her head, as if trying to shake her worries off. "Okay... So, tell me everything! I saw you a couple days ago in the news, playing polo, and then in the Orchard…" Savannah grimaced slightly.

I sighed. "It's… been an adjustment, to say the least."

"I bet. You went from flying under the radar to the front page of every Cordonian news outlet and tabloid."

I shrugged. "I guess it's a necessary evil."

"Marrying the woman of your dreams is a 'necessary evil'?" Savannah snorted.

I rolled my eyes. "Marrying Myers in an ancient grand cathedral after a month of press conferences and a Unity Tour, instead of at the Ranch back home, is a necessary evil."

"Ah. Of course." She shot me a teasing smirk that soon melted into a genuine smile. "How is Milla, anyway?"

"She's good. Handling everything like a champ, but that's nothing new." Savannah hummed appreciatively. "What about you? How've you been?"

Savannah's smile disappeared almost instantly and she looked to the floor for a split second, before clearing her throat and plastering a neutral expression on her face. "I'm okay."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Savannah." I looked at her pointedly.

She sighed. "I never could lie to you, big brother… We've been okay, really. Bertrand's been supporting us more than ever, not just financially, but he's been coming over more often to see Bartie… and that's been…"

"You can tell me."

Savannah looked at me carefully, before scrunching her face and letting out a soft, frustrated growl. "It's just so frustrating, Drake! I can't read him! He sends me so many mixed signals, and I… I don't know what to think." She finished softly.

"What do you mean?"

"It's just that… I love that he's working to be closer with Bartie, and he's been a big help - I mean, I can actually eat and shower in peace now - but when we're alone, he's just…"

I was about to shake my head and tell her I wasn't interested in what happened when they were alone, but… No. It was exactly that kind of attitude that made her run away without telling me. I needed to show her she could trust me. "He just… what?"

"He gets awkward and runs away."

Wow. I've gotta say, it was hard to picture the illustrious Duke of Ramsford running away, flustered and without words. "Okay…"

"I don't know what I'm doing wrong…" Savannah began rambling. "At first, I thought I wasn't being upfront enough about how I feel about him, so I tried to be a little more direct the other night, and he quite literally jumped and ran."

I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to punch down on Bertrand and just tell her to get over him or something. Because this isn't about me. It's about her and what she needs to hear from me right now. I inwardly rolled my eyes at it, before taking a deep breath. "Savannah… you're not doing anything wrong… I think that maybe Bertrand just needs some time." I can't believe I'm saying this. "I mean, the guy grew up with the weight of his parents expectations on his shoulders, and the whole House Beaumont legacy…"

"And I'm not good enough, is that what you're getting at?"

"No! It's actually… huh." I just realized something. "It's actually the opposite. I think Bertrand grew up being told he had to live up to this impossible standard… and I don't think he's ever felt good enough. Not good enough to be the head of his house… and not good enough for you."

Savannah opened and closed her mouth, at a loss for words. "I… But… Do you really think so?"

"I really do."

We looked at each other, when the car stopped at the palace gates. I paid the driver, and helped my sister out. Before one of the guards opened the gate for us, Savannah pulled me in for a giant bear hug. "Thanks, big brother." We pulled apart, and Savannah smiled tenderly at me.

"You're welcome. I hope… I'm really trying to show you you can talk to me. About anything. And I'll always be here to support you."

"I know." Her smile turned teasing. "I have to say, I really like this side of you. Milla's been a great influence on you."

I rolled my eyes.

"I'm serious! I'm pretty sure a year ago, you would've just told me to tell Bertrand to go to hell… but now, you're actually making an effort to listen to me and take into account what I want."

"Yeah, well…" I shrugged, nodding to the guard as we walked by him and into the palace.

"I think she's good for you. She brings out your good side."

The corner of my mouth twitched into a crooked grin. "Yeah… maybe."


After a quick text to Myers', we met up with the guys in one of the smaller, private dining rooms. Myers' eyes lit up as she saw us, and the guys quickly jumped out of their seats to greet my sister.

"Savannah! It's so nice to see you!" Myers beamed at her.

"Hi, Milla!"

Both women hugged each other warmly, prompting a smile out of me, before the rest of the guys moved in.

"Savannah, it's so lovely to see you!"

"And you, Hana!"

"Hey, where's Bartie?" Maxwell asked as he hugged Savannah.

"Oh, he's… with a babysitter." Savannah told him.

"Oh." Maxwell deflated a bit, but perked back up immediately. "But that's good, right? You'll be able to let loose and go crazy tonight!"

"Um…" Savannah cringed a bit, before laughing. "Baby steps, Maxwell. Baby steps."

"Hey, handsome." Myers sidled up to me, wrapping an arm around my waist. "How'd it go with Dr. Yonekura?"

"Hey, yourself." I tipped her chin higher and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "It went okay. Everything's healing nicely, she renewed my prescription and derived me to a physical therapist."

Myers sighed in relief. "That's great. You have no idea how good it is to hear that."

I pressed another kiss to her forehead, not really sure what to say. Sometimes… it still amazed me how much she cared for me. And before I could figure out what to say, my stomach growled loudly.

Myers laughed and patted my stomach. "Okay, let's get you some food."

I merely grinned as her, and we all took our seats. As the servants began bringing out drinks and food, conversation turned to the Costume Gala tonight.

"... just wait until you see what I've got planned. Your mind will be blown!" Maxwell wiggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly.

Hana laughed. "Well, I don't expect anything less than mind-blowing from you, Maxwell."

"Am I the only one who doesn't have anything prepared for tonight?" I asked, fighting very hard not to roll my eyes.

"Nope." Myers answered, grinning at me. "I have no clue what I'm going to wear. I still don't know how the court does costumes, but I'll bet our new duchy that they're probably much more elaborate than how we used to dress up in New York for Halloween."

"I've got you covered, Milla." Maxwell shot her some finger guns, which she returned.

"I figured. But thanks, Maxwell. You're the best."

"And I actually have an outfit in mind for you, Drake." Liam added.

My eyebrows shot up. "Wait, really?"

Liam nodded, grinning. "Yes. I imagine once you see it, you and Camilla will get quite a kick out of it."

"Okay. Thanks." I was a little nervous about whatever he had planned, but I nodded nonetheless.

"Milla, I'm curious, how did you and your friends dress up in New York?" Hana asked with genuine curiosity, and all eyes turned to Myers.

She shrugged. "Oh, you know, the usual… angel, devil, elf, vampire, nurse, police officer, superheroes…"

"As in… Wonder Woman?" Hana raised her eyebrows.

Myers shook her head. "Wonder Woman was more my friend Hailey's jam… I went as Cat Woman." Myers shrugged, nonchalantly bringing her glass of water to her lips, covering a small nostalgic smile.

"Myers, you dressed up as Cat Woman?" My jaw dropped, the image of Myers in a head to toe leather catsuit getting my imagination going.

Myers smirked. "Yeah. Last year, actually."

Why had I never seen this costume before?! Myers' smirk widened as she met my awed, wide eyes. The moment was broken when someone on the table cleared their throat. I nearly jumped, startled, and Myers tore her eyes away from mine with a blush coloring her cheeks.

"And on that note… Liam, Drake, we should go get dressed now!" Maxwell finished his food and practically jumped out of his chair.

"Maxwell, the party doesn't start for hours." I told him.

"But we need to do a final fitting of the costumes! Come on!" He gripped the back of his chair, fidgeting eagerly.

Liam grinned, and began to stand. "He's right. You need to try on the costume, Drake, and see if it needs any adjustments."

I groaned and stood. "Fine."

"And that way, we can all get ready together, just us girls." Hana added.

"Yay…" Myers slowly rolled her eyes just a tad. I snickered.

"Oh, Milla." Hana gave her a loving eyeroll, chuckling slightly. "I know that, very deep down, there's a part of you that loves to get all dolled up."

Myers reciprocated her loving, yet slightly exasperated, eyeroll. "Fine. Very, very deep down."

Savannah smirked at Myers. "I think in every girl, there's always a part of her that loves to dress up like a princess - no matter how small that part might be."

"If you say so..." Myers shot her a teasing grin.

Maxwell also shot me an annoyed look. "Drake…" He whined. "Come on, get up!"

"Coming…" I got up, walking towards Myers and pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'll see you in a bit."

"Try to get a glimpse at my costume, if you can." She whispered impishly.

"I'll try."

"Drake!"

"Coming, Maxwell." I rolled my eyes, and moved to follow the guys out.

Maxwell kept two steps ahead of us, and I walked in step with Liam. "So, you wanna tell me what's the costume you've got in mind for me?" I asked.

He shot me a small smile. "To be honest it's one of my old ones-"

I groaned.

"But… I never actually wore it. My father had it made for me two years ago, but I picked another costume that was more to my liking at the last minute."

"So this thing has been collecting dust for the past two years?"

"Drake…"

I sighed. "Sorry. Didn't mean to sound ungrateful or anything… I really do appreciate that you thought of me."

"Well, I knew you wouldn't have anything prepared for tonight. You have never dressed up for this Gala… or any other gala." Liam teased.

"Hey! I wore a suit to your Coronation… and the Homecoming Ball!" I shot back.

"To be fair, the 'suit' you wore to the Homecoming Ball was more like half a suit. You still wore jeans for bottoms. That would make it a semi formal ensamble."

I rolled my eyes. "Technicality."

"Guys, hurry up!" Maxwell called, already inside the boutique.

Liam and I picked up our pace, and went inside. Liam walked toward a reserved section and pulled out a garment bag. He unzipped it, and…

"You want me to wear that?"


After about an hour of final fittings and waiting for the tailor to finish hemming the bottom of my pants - Liam was a couple inches taller than me - I was finally in the dressing room, trying to figure out which layer went on first. "... stupid… and then this… and-" I muttered, stopping after hearing Liam chuckle outside.

"Drake, it's not that difficult. Undershirt, trousers, undercoat, cravat, and then the overcoat."

I was about to respond when I heard a whooshing sound. "Greetings, Duchess Camilla, Lady Hana, Lady Savannah."

"Oh… my.. God." I heard my sister say.

"Wow, Liam…" Hana's surprised voice drifted from outside my changing stall. "I've never seen anyone wear that before."

"This costume calls back to how King Fabian, one of Cordonia's past kings, dressed as a young king. It's a good look, don't you think?"

"Liam!" I heard Myers squeal. "You look like you stepped out of Fabien's royal portrait! The resemblance is uncanny!"

Liam chuckled. "I guess the Rys genes are strong."

"Hold on, let me grab my canvas and easel. I must capture this moment, Your Majesty!" Myers continued. I couldn't help but smile.

"We don't have quite that long." Liam chuckled.

The door of the stall next to mine squealed loudly on its hinges. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have arrived!" Maxwell announced.

Myers squealed. "You're wearing a squid suit, with a squid bow tie!"

"You know it!" I heard Maxwell click his tongue, and knew he'd shot the girls finger guns.

"I still can't believe you're wearing that thing." Liam told Maxwell.

"Someone has to represent House Beaumont's squid sigil. I tried to convince Bertrand to match with me, but you can imagine how that went."

"Everyone at the Gala will get a kick out of it." Liam commented.

"Or a tentacle." Maxwell answered.

"Where's Drake?" I heard Myers ask. "Draaaake! Oh, Drake! Come out, come out, wherever you are!" She sang.

I rolled my eyes, slipping on the final bloody layer, or overcoat or whatever. I sighed, nerves and a slight embarrassment creeping up on me, before stepping out. "Did I get the neck thing right?" I looked to Liam, before meeting Myers' eyes. Myers' jaw dropped, and she stared at me for a fixed ten seconds.

"Wow, Drake, I think you broke Milla." Savannah teased.

Myers shut her jaw with a clack, and blushed. I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. She still hadn't said anything, and I probably looked as ridiculous as I felt-

"My knight in shining armor has arrived." Myers threw her arms around me. "Drake… you look great as a noble!"

I hugged her back slowly, releasing a breath I didn't know I'd been holding. "Is it too much?" Myers drew back to look me in the eye. "It's too much, isn't it? I look ridiculous…"

Myers pressed a kiss to my lips to shut me up. "You look magnificent."

"Really? Liam let me borrow it, but looking in the mirror… maybe I should change…"

"Nonsense!" Hana spoke up. "You're pulling it off."

"Like a champ!" Maxwell added.

"You wear it better than I ever could." Liam reassured me.

"Oh… thanks." I told them all. "Maybe this 'Drake as a noble' get-up wasn't a bad idea." I nodded my thanks to Liam.

"Let me show you all my costume!" Hana grabbed another garment bag from the reserved section and ducked inside a changing room.

While we were waiting for her to reappear, Myers sidled up to me and pressed a tender kiss on my cheek. The corners of my lips quirked upwards, the spot where she kissed me still warm.

"Ta-daa!" We all turned to look at Hana. "I am a goddess of spring!"

"Aww, Hana! Seriously, this level of gorgeousness shouldn't be possible." Myers shot her a grin. "Science said it couldn't be done, yet you've found a way."

Hana blushed slightly but shook her head. "I spent hours agonizing over the color pattern and how many flowers to add. I'm glad I got it right."

"Getting it wrong isn't in your dictionary." Myers quipped back. "Now, who's next?" She turned towards my sister. "Savannah?"

My sister's eyes widened. "Oh, I didn't- I mean, I don't-"

"Do you really think I'd have Drake and Milla covered but not you?" Maxwell once again walked towards the reserved rack and pulled not one, but two garment bags.

"Technically, I had Drake covered…" Liam grinned at Maxwell.

"Yeah, but… I was the one who picked out that costume out of all your old ones!" Maxwell handed the bags to my sister. "The first is a more… neutral costume, I guess? But the second one is in case you want to match me! You're an honorary Beaumont, too… and well, I'd really like it if- I mean, I'd be honored if you'd represent House Beaumont with me."

"Aww…" All the women in the room cried. Savannah was damn near tears as she hugged Maxwell tightly.

"Go, try them on!" Myers jumped excitedly next to me.

"Thank you, Maxwell." Savannah pressed a kiss to his cheek once more, before taking both garment bags into the changing room. A while later, she yelled from inside. "Okay, um… option number one…" Her voice quivered with what I assumed was nerves.

"Drumroll, please!" Maxwell began beating his hands against a table. Myers joined him.

Savannah slowly stepped out in a light blue Cinderella ball gown, complete with a matching tiara.

"Wow…"

"Savannah, you look beautiful!" Hana clapped her hands.

"You really do." Myers nodded in agreement.

"Really?" My sister bit her lip nervously.

"Really." I told her.

"Thank you, guys. I… always did love Cinderella." She grinned, before going back inside. "Now, for option number two…"

Myers and Maxwell once more began a drumroll, and this time, Savannah stepped out in an elegant form-fitting mermaid gown, complete with a small kraken tentacle belt, and like Maxwell's suit, tentacles on the bottom of her hem. Liam and Maxwell's eyes both widened, and Myers' and Hana's jaws dropped. I cleared my throat, glaring at Maxwell and Liam, both of whom looked down sheepishly.

"Savannah, you look stunning! Stunning!" Myers jumped from her seat, taking my sister's hand and twirling her.

"It's not too daring, is it?"

"Not at all!" Myers told her.

"Okay… Maxwell, are you sure… this would be okay with Bertrand?"

"Of course it would!"

"But if you're unsure or uncomfortable, there's always the other dress, too." Myers told her.

Savannah's eyes darted to Maxwell. He shook his head slightly, and smiled at her. "Savannah, it's okay. Choose the dress you feel most comfortable in."

"I think… I'll go with the Cinderella gown for now. I just don't feel that comfortable in this one, and I think it would be too presumptuous to sport the Beaumont sigil when I'm… not officially a Beaumont." She visibly deflated a bit.

"I understand." Maxwell told her. "And hey, there's always next year!"

"Maybe." With a nod of thanks, Savannah stepped back into the changing room and came out in her Cinderella gown.

"And, last but not least…" Maxwell stood and took the final garment bag from the reserved rack, handing it to Myers. "I picked out something in the spirit of your avian sigil."

"Thanks, Maxwell." Myers took it after giving him a quick hug. "You're the best." She ducked into the changing room and came out a few minutes later. "Okay, this costume is seriously amazing! I feel like I'm about to take flight!" She came out, doing a little twirl.

"I spent nearly half an hour putting on all this stuff, but you make it look easy." I ran my eyes over her figure, loving how the dress was off the shoulder and showed off her killer legs.

Myers grinned at me. "You'll get there, even if I have to take you under my wing." She lifted her arms like a bird puffing out its feathers. A collective groan went around the room. "Get it?"

Liam laughed. "Well, now that everyone is ready, we should get going. I'm sure there are others who have boutique appointments soon."

"Let's go show off to everyone!" Hana beamed.

"Party time!" Maxwell led us out of the boutique.

I took Myers' hand and off we went. We were barely two steps out into the hallway, when we were ambushed by Mara and Olivia in the hall, for a brief - and I do mean brief - training session with Mara.

"We're here to begin your self defense training." Mara had announced, immediately eliciting protests from the girls.

"But we just put our costumes on!" Hana whined.

"Exactly. No offense, Mara - and know that I don't want to be that girl - but I just got this dress and I've spent the past hour in hair and makeup." Myers added. "I'm not about to get all sweaty and stinky…"

"You won't, Your Grace. Besides, you're way more likely to be in a ballgown during an attack than in your yoga pants."

Myers grumbled, taking the 'yoga pants' comment way too personally in my opinion, but conceded nonetheless. Mara split us all into groups, and we ran through some more advanced exercises, now that the guys already had a good grasp on the basics. Maxwell was still a little indecisive when it came to going on the offense or defense, and I apparently had a problem in underestimating my opponent. Mara put me up against Hana, whom I had never sparred with, only mentored, and she… hit me very hard on my shoulder. So hard in fact, I'm pretty sure there'll be a nice, fresh bruise on it tomorrow.

But who really surprised me was Myers. Now, I don't wanna brag about my girl being a fast learner or anything, but after only two weeks of training, Myers had actually learned enough to hold her own against the Ice Queen herself. She didn't manage to get a hit in, but she did manage to block or dodge every single one of her attacks. If that's not an achievement, I don't know what is.

After running a couple more drills with them, Mara finally dismissed us, but I held Myers back. I wanted a little time alone before the gala, yes; but I also figured, if she'd learned enough to defend herself against Olivia, maybe she was ready for me. "Camilla," she blinked when she heard me say her first name. "I was thinking we could stay behind and practice a bit more, if you're up to it. There's still time before the Gala. I barely broke a sweat back there, and Mara made a good point about you needing more practice." I placed a hand on her waist and leaned in, my lips curling into a smirk when I felt her shiver. "Besides, Mara won't teach you to fight dirty… but I will."

Myers, as always, didn't back down, but pressed herself even closer. Her breath tickled my ear as she whispered, "That sounds like my kind of fight."

As it turns out, however… that fight only landed both of us against a glass case, and just like that, sparring was the last thing on my mind.


"There you are!" Maxwell shot us a knowing smirk, side eyeing Hana, who giggled. Next to her, Olivia merely rolled her eyes.

"We were delayed at the stairs." I shrugged nonchalantly.

"There's a lot of them, you know?" Myers grinned next to me.

"I understand. Sometimes you need to take your time." Maxwell winked at her.

We were soon wrapped up in all the so called glamour of the ball, conversation turning to everyone's costumes. Penelope, Kiara and Madeleine approached our group, before we all had to line up for our grand entrance. I took Myers' hand, squeezing a little. I had to admit I was a bit nervous, but… Myers smiled at me and squeezed right back.

"Are you ready?"

"Are you kidding? Drake, I've been dreaming of this moment for a long time… You and me, officially together at court…"

I nodded. I got what she meant. Us finally together, officially, out in the open… No guilt, no hiding. Just us.

"Although I wasn't sure you'd be up for the whole heralding thing."

I shrugged. "On my own, I'd go for a low-key entrance… But for you, Myers, I'll make an exception."

"I'm glad."

"I might not say this enough, but I'm honored to be by your side."

Myers shot me a tender, angelic smile, humming softly. "Aww." She leaned over, pressing a kiss on my cheek, before I turned my head and captured her lips with mine for a soft kiss. Maxwell cleared his throat behind us softly, and we pulled apart.

The door swung open before us, as the herald announced our entrance. "Duchess Camilla Myers of Valtoria and Sir Drake Walker!"

I offered my arm and she slipped her hand in the crook of my elbow. I took a deep breath, and stood a little straighter. "Here we go…"

We walked inside the ballroom as several members of the court clapped and cheered. Myers immediately flashed her duchess smile, while I somehow managed to quirk my lips into what I hoped was a cordial half smile. We finally stopped in the center of the ballroom, as the herald continued to announce our friends.

Myers squeezed my bicep, leaning ever so closely and lowering her voice to a whisper. "Drake, how does it feel to be introduced like a noble?"

I chuckled. "Great. Total dream come true."

"Drake…"

I sighed. "Look, events like this are always gonna feel like wearing a shoe that doesn't fit. The only part of this that makes any sense is the part where I'm standing next to you. But I know it's important to you and Liam… I can survive some time on a dance floor."

Myers flashed me an impish smile. "We can be the odd ones out together. Two commoners who became nobles."

"I'll follow your lead, my lady."

"You practically winced saying that." Myers laughed lightly.

"Just trying it out. Don't expect to hear it too often, Myers."

Soon, the guys converged around us. I thought the entrances were finally done, but of course, Constantine had to make his grand entrance. He took his sweet time, making a show of waving and smiling to the crowd. When he finally took his place next to Regina and the crowd quieted a bit, Liam made his way to the center of the ballroom.

He cleared his throat lightly, and raised his hand. All eyes turned to him and soon, the ballroom was silent enough you could hear a pin drop. "Thank you, everyone, for joining here tonight. I know it's no small task to return to the palace." He frowned. "The last time we were here, attackers threatened our lives, wounded our friends, and tried to break us as a nation." He paused for effect, letting that sink in. "But we've shown resilience in the face of our enemies. We've shown them a strong and united Cordonia. Thank you for standing by us and proving once and for all that Cordonia is a force to be reckoned with." Liam nodded, before meeting Myers' eyes.

Myers raised her flute of champagne. "For Cordonia!"

"For Cordonia!" The crowd raised their glasses with her, and soon, chants of "Cordonia, my home, sweet home!" filled the ballroom.

After one last cheer, Constantine stepped up. "If you'll indulge an old man one last time, I promise I'll be quick." He began, and the crowd hushed around him. "The Costume Gala has always held a special place in my heart, for it was during this event that I first fell in love with Regina." 'Aww's' echoed amongst the crowd. "It was after the passing of my second wife. I thought I would never love again. I was too old. Too set in my ways. But fate would give me one last shot at love. And that night, this lovely woman who I'd only known by acquaintance asked me to dance. The rest is, let's say, documented in the annals of the history of the royal family." His eyes met Regina's. "Regina, we've been through so much together. Thank you for making an old man feel loved again."

The court clapped loudly for him, and Constantine bowed and walked toward Regina. The old man pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, as Regina wiped a tear from the corner of her eyes. And in that moment… I felt for them. I really did.

"If our honored guest would like to start us off." Liam's voice drew me back to the ball.

Myers nodded, giving him a mischievous smile. "Let the party begin!"

Musicians immediately began playing their instruments, and several couples met on the dance floor. I was about to ask Myers, to dance, when we heard Constantine and Hakim headed straight for an argument. Myers met my eyes and shot me an apologetic half-smile, before walking towards them with a sigh. I shook my head, thinking of how there was already a fire to put out five minutes into the ball, when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey, stranger." Savannah grinned at me.

"Hey, where were you? You disappeared after the boutique."

She grinned impishly. "Oh, you know. Clock struck twelve."

"Uh huh." I narrowed my eyes at her, and she laughed.

"Did you really think I'd stay to train with you guys?"

"Yes! It would be good for you, and it'd keep you safe."

Savannah sighed. "I'm not a target, Drake… Besides… I still remember some moves Dad taught me."

I pursed my lips, but nodded nonetheless. We stayed quiet for a couple of moments, when I noticed my sister searching the crowd from the corner of my eyes. She tried to be subtle about it, but I didn't miss how her eyes darted around the room, before resting on the floor with a small sigh.

"I haven't seen Bertrand since we were in Castelsarrailan." I told her. "I don't know if he's even coming tonight."

"I wasn't-" I stopped her protest with a pointed look. "I just… I'm just nervous that's all."

"I'm sorry, sis… You…" God, it almost pained me to say this. "You should ask Maxwell."

Savannah hummed dejectedly. "No… He's busy mingling. And I'd rather not interrupt him, because if Bertrand's not coming, it falls to Maxwell to represent House Beaumont tonight…"

I followed her eyes across the room, to where Maxwell was deep in conversation with Myers, Justin, and the Wicked Witch of the West.

"Milla looks beautiful tonight." Savannah commented. "That's the sigil of your Duchy, right? A phoenix?"

"That's right… the Phoenix of Duchy Valtoria…"

"And how do you feel about that?" Savannah asked, with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Surreal." I answered immediately. "Who would've thought… the son of a guard, commoner to the core…"

"Marrying a duchess?"

I nodded.

My sister wrapped her arms around me, and I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I did. And I think you'll be a great duke."

"Hm… I don't know about that… but thanks."

"You're welcome." Savannah broke the hug just as the band began playing the introductory notes of the Cordonian Waltz. "I think you're needed elsewhere, Your Grace." She grinned teasingly at me.

I rolled my eyes. "Funny." But I nodded and shot her a small grin nonetheless, before making my way to Myers. Her back was still turned to me, so I cleared my throat. She turned and smiled at me. "Ahem. May I, uh… have this dance?"

"You still remember the steps?"

I stepped closer to her, taking her hand while placing the other on her waist, and swept her out onto the dance floor. "There's one way to find out."

Quick, quick, glide. Quick, quick, glide…

Myers smiled tenderly at me. "Official verdict: you've got moves, Drake Walker."

The corners of my lips twitched into a small crooked grin. "I can keep up when I want to, Myers." And with that, I squeezed her hand and took a step forward. Myers immediately took her cue and stepped back, before I lifted my arm and she spun gracefully underneath.

After she spun, we met once more in the starting position. Quick, quick, glide. One, two, three, one two three… "Being back at the palace with you has got me thinking." I whispered. "A lot's changed since the last royal ball."

Myers chuckled. "What makes you say that? The would-be assassins, touring Cordonia, uniting a kingdom…?"

"Heh. All of the above. I never thought I'd be dancing at the next ball we went to, let alone in coattails." Quick, quick, glide. One, two, three, one two three… I let go of Myers' hand, and she stepped out, before twirling into me, her back firmly pressed against my chest, and I took her other hand once more, encircling her in my arms. I had to admit… ever since she'd taught it to me, this had always been my favorite step of the dance. "But even with everything we've been through, the good and the bad…" Myers tensed ever so slightly in my arms as she dropped her head back onto my wounded shoulder. "I'm glad it brought me to you." I pressed a kiss to her temple, before spinning her out back into the starting position. When I met her eyes, I didn't miss the light sheen on her eyes, or how she quickly blinked it away. "Er… Myers? Was that too much?"

Myers shook her head, her eyes still shining brightly. "No, not at all. It was so sweet… I love you. So much."

"I love you too, Camilla."

Myers pressed her lips to mine for a soft kiss, before letting out a small sigh. "I feel like this is the time when a horrible catastrophe usually tears us apart."

We both immediately glanced around the ball. There were guards posted everywhere, and everything seemed pretty much in order. I knew Bastien had done a full screening on the guests, and the palace was tightly secured. Everything's going to be fine. "I don't see anyone about to bust in through a skylight. Maxwell hasn't lit anything on fire…" Yet.

"Well, if we're in the clear…" Our lips met once more in a sweet kiss that lasted entirely too little, before we resumed our gliding through the dancefloor.

We were entirely too focused on each other, so much so that we almost collided with another couple on the dance floor.

"Pardon me."

I groaned inwardly. Of all the dancing courtiers, we just had to run into this one. "Hey, watch where you're dancing." I told Neville.

"Oh. Mr. Walker." He took a step back and sized me up. "I'm sorry, but in that ridiculous ensemble, you blended right in with the decor."

Before I had a chance to respond, Myers stepped next to me, shooting him an ice cold, disdainful smile. She raised her eyebrows just a tad as she eyed him up and down. "Please, Lord Neville. It's clear this little outburst is just caused by your jealousy of how handsome he looks. Really," She nodded with false sympathy. "It's completely understandable, given as to how you didn't even bother to dress up for tonight. And to quote Hana… green is definitely not your color." With that, she stepped closer to me and wrapped an arm around my waist, and I couldn't help shooting her a slightly embarrassed, but flattered grin.

Neville scowled at her. "Why would I ever be jealous of someone like him?" He sneered at me. "You can dress this riffraff up in all the suits you want, but people like him will never be able to appreciate the finer things in life." It was at that precise moment that the musicians began to perform another waltz, and Neville grinned smugly. "Like this English Waltz." He bowed his head before stepping back to the poor girl who he was dancing with.

Wait a second… I listened to the music, noticing it's quick tempo and fast pace. And this idiot was about to jump in… I tried to contain my glee as I held up a hand. Courtly equivalent of a sucker punch coming right up. "Actually… they're playing a Viennese waltz." Few things will ever come close to watching Neville's jaw drop and see him actually squirm. "And you're jumping in on the wrong beat."

"I am so proud of you right now." Myers tried and failed to cover her smirk behind her palm.

To top it off, I didn't even realize we'd drawn a crowd until I heard a few chuckles around us. Neville stepped back from his partner, and she took the chance to step away… to the other side of the ballroom. "No matter how hard you try to mimic your betters, you'll never be one of us. You simply don't have the temperament for it."

I scoffed. "That's rich coming from the guy with an ego the size of this palace." I shrugged disinterestedly. "But I guess when you don't have a damn heart, noble 'breeding' and etiquette are all you've got to cling to."

Now that earned me right out laughter and several cheers from our audience, which was growing by the second. Some even began to clap.

"I… I… I've tolerated your insubordination long enough!" Neville glared at me, reaching under his jacket and pulling out a white glove. Oh, boy… "I, Lord Neville Vancoeur… demand that you meet me in a duel." He tossed the glove at my feet.

"Oh, snap!" I heard Maxwell from somewhere amongst the excited murmurs of the crowd.

"Neville, what are you doing?" Rashad pushed his way from the crowd to stand behind Neville, his eyes wide and panicked.

"There hasn't been an honor duel in Cordonia in a hundred years!" Liam also stepped out from the crowd, moving right next to me.

"You're right… it's about time we had one." Olivia looked at me and raised a single brow. "This place was getting terribly predictable."

"I accept." I stepped up to Neville head on.

"Bravo." The Ice Queen grinned.

"Wait!" Myers' voice pulled me back. I turned and met her eyes, recognizing every single emotion in them. Fear. Faith. Worry. Understanding. Resignation. Resolve. "Drake… I believe in you." She nodded once, before the corners of her lips turned upwards, a small grin making way onto her face ever… so… slowly. "You could take Neville down in your sleep." Her eyes left mine to meet his, a disdainful gaze in her eyes, before coming quickly back to meet mine.

"I was going to keep my eyes open… But maybe it'd be fair to give him a fighting chance."

Laughter, whispers, and murmurs spread like wildfire through the ballroom, until the crowd parted and an imposing woman stepped through. "A duel? My, my… And here I thought this party would be dull…"

"Are we doing this or what?" I glared at Neville.

He glared at me right back. "Meet me on the field."

"Lord Neville." Myers stood next to me, placing her hand on my shoulder. "I wish you luck. You're definitely going to need it… because Drake is going to make you wish you'd never picked up a sword."

The corner of my lips twitched. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Always." Myers smiled softly at me. "But I'm also only stating the facts. He's no match for you, nor will he ever be in any way, shape or form."

Neville gave her a slimy smile. "How charmingly naive of you. But I rather think I'm rather well-prepared for this compared to the competition." He bowed mockingly. "I'll be waiting outside." He promptly turned on his heel and left.

The crowd followed him - half of the court murmuring excitedly, and the other half chiding them for being excited about a duel. Myers took my hand as our friends surrounded us, and we all walked out to the gardens together.

Once outside, Liam clapped my shoulder. "You're the toughest person I know, Drake. You can do this."

"Guess I should thank you for all those mock duels we had as kids."

Hana came up to me next, pulling me down for a hug. "Just be careful. Please."

Aw, Hana… I hugged her back. "I will. I promise. And I'll get in a good hit for you, too."

Hana chuckled slightly. "I'd like that."

Maxwell hugged me next. "And remember…" He clapped my back, before letting me go. "I'll be right at your side the whole time… filming everything!"

I snorted a bit at that. "Just what I need. Thanks, Maxwell. You always know what to say."

"Anytime, buddy!"

The Wicked Witch of the West came out of nowhere. "Remember, a victory will be excellent press for you and Camilla." She actually smiled. "I can see the headlines now… 'Duchess Camilla's Commoner Consort from Humble Means Wins Victory in Duel'..."

I pressed my lips together in a small grimace. She basically highlighted the fact that I'm a commoner at least twice in that sentence. "That's the best headline you could come up with?"

"Well, assuming that you win. A loss would be a disaster." Her eyebrows furrowed into a frown and she looked at me dead in the eye. "Don't let us down."

Great… so not only am I defending my honor, but this has somehow managed to turn into a PR opportunity…

"Drake." Myers stepped in front of me and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me in for a tight hug. "I understand why you have to do this…" She whispered, "But please be safe."

I wrapped my arms around her waist, holding on to her just as tightly. "I will, Camilla."

Myers nodded, stepping back. She gave me a small half smile. "Let me give you something for good luck." She took out a strip of a colorful fabric from her handbag, and tied it around my wrist. Then she plucked two feathers from the skirt of her costume - causing Maxwell and Madeleine to wince as they watched - and tucked both of them underneath the piece of fabric. "There. Now you look like a knight of old."

"It's a nice gesture, Myers…" I couldn't help but chuckle. "But I was expecting a kiss."

That earned me a genuine smile. "Oh, really?" Myers pulled me in for a slow lingering kiss. When we pulled back, I pressed my forehead to hers. "How's that?"

"I feel pretty lucky."

I heard someone petulantly clear their throat, and looked up to find Neville watching us. "Well, well, Mr. Walker. It's time."

Liam handed me a sword, and I stepped up.

"Wait… that sword's not blunted…" I heard Myers whisper behind me.

"It most definitely isn't." Olivia confirmed.

"Oh my god…" Myers exhaled, and I definitely picked up on the anxiousness in her tone.

"Milla. He'll be fine…" Hana tried to reassure her.

"Yeah, come on, Milla, this is Drake we're talking about!" Maxwell chimed in.

"Let the duel begin!" Constantine's voice boomed.

Neville wasted no time lunging at me. I managed to block the blow with my sword, but I still hadn't adjusted to the sword's weight, and my stance was unbalanced, so I stumbled. Neville took the opportunity and swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming straight at my head, but I ducked underneath it just in time. And that's when I realized this guy wasn't fooling around here. He literally wanted to chop my head off.

Neville took a step back, already breathing heavily, and we began circling each other. But of course, arrogant son of a bitch that he is, he began talking instead of regaining his breath like he should've. "Would you like to know what I despise most about you and your kind, Mr. Walker?"

I rolled my eyes, taking advantage of the time he spent rambling by getting used to the weapon in my hand and to realign my center of gravity, balancing my stance. "Got a feeling I'm about to hear it either way."

"Astute. What I despise most is that you have no respect for your betters."

"I have plenty of respect for my betters. I just don't consider you one of them." I stepped forward, putting the full force of my whole body into the swing. Neville managed to block, but the force of the blow managed to push him a few steps back.

"Hah! Brute strength… about what I expected from you."

He feinted left, causing me to twist my hips and lift my sword in order to block left, but that left me with my right side open. Neville swung right, and his sword sliced through the layers of fabric and bit into my skin. I cried out in pain, as deep crimson blood began to pour from the gash. I gripped my sword firmly with one hand, while bringing the other one to the gash, trying to apply pressure to it in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding.

Neville once more used the opportunity to take a swing at me, and I knew I wouldn't be able to block with only one arm, so I tumbled to the ground.

"Come on, Drake!" I heard Myers' voice from somewhere in the crowd.

"Get up, Walker!" Olivia yelled. "As long as your head's still attached, there's no excuse for lying around!"

I grit my teeth. "Not exactly what I'm doing here!" I got up, grunting with effort, but I was able to parry all of Neville's attacks. He continued lunging and swinging, and I was beginning to get tired. I took a high swing at him, but I miscalculated the distance, and he was able to duck underneath my sword arm, grabbing my left arm in the process and wretching it to the side. I hissed as the hold pulled directly on my stitches.

Between the pain in my shoulder and the throbbing pain in my side, the edges of my vision were starting to get a little blurry. I didn't even realize when I fell down on one knee and dropped the sword. My right hand came to rest on my left shoulder, as if that would ease the pain.

"Let this be a lesson to you and the wench you're marrying." Neville drawled cruelly. "You may try to rise above your station, but commoners like you will always end up where they belong… In the dirt."

I clenched my jaw, breathing heavily and nostrils flaring. I could not lose to him.

"Well? Do you have anything to say for yourself?" I felt his sword's cool steel and sharp edge at the back of my neck.

"Drake!" I turned my head to the side and locked my gaze with Myers'. Her eyes were wide and her chest was heaving, but there was pure fire in her eyes. "Get up! He doesn't know a damned thing about you! About us!"

Call it an adrenaline rush, divine intervention or the power of love… But somehow, for those brief yet eternal seconds, I could feel that fire leaving her body and entering mine. She gave me the strength and the willpower to get the fuck up… and to win. Because no one talks about us like that.

"Yeah, I have something to say…" I grit my teeth. "I've still got one good arm."

I disentangled myself from his grasp, and swung my left arm backwards awkwardly, gritting my teeth against the pain as I knocked the flat of his blade away. I stood and pivoted, swinging my hips, waist and arm, putting the entire force of my body behind a punch that connected to Neville's jaw with a solid and oh-so-satisfying crunch. Neville shrieked, his sword flying in the air. I managed to catch it, and without missing a beat, leveled it to his throat, pressing it just so. A single drop of blood made its way down his neck.

"Now, you got any last words?"

"I… I… I yield!"

The first thing I heard was the thunderous roar from the crowd. The second thing I heard was Constantine declaring me the victor. I lowered the sword and suddenly, all of my friends surrounded me, congratulating me.

"You did it!" Myers wrapped her arms around my neck.

I winced, but I wrapped my good arm around her waist and pulled her flush against me for a feverish kiss. I was dimly aware that her cheeks were wet and there was a slight salty taste to her lips. When I pulled back, I wiped a couple of tears that were running down her cheeks. "You think I was gonna let him talk about my fiance that way?" Myers shook her head and pulled me in for another kiss.

"You won!" Savannah ran up to me and hugged me next.

"Oof. Watch the shoulder!"

"Sorry!" She hugged me once more, carefully this time.

Neville pushed his way through the crowd and got in my face. "This… this is an outrage. He cheated! A gentleman never uses his fists in a fight."

"Oh, will you shut up!" Myers yelled at him, the whole crowd quieting. She glared at him furiously. "Get out." She ordered. "Leave with what's left of your dignity, Lord Neville. You talk a lot about decorum for someone who can't even lose gracefully."

"You bi-"

I instinctively began to step forward, but Olivia best me to it. She stepped next to Myers, giving Neville a pitying and slightly disgusted look. "Oh, please! Haven't you made enough of a fool of yourself today? Go lick your wounds somewhere else."

Neville looked at each of us, his eyes landing on mine. "I won't forget this." With a huff, he turned and disappeared.

Liam shook his head, but stepped up and raised his hand. "The night's still young, and after a victory like that, we have a great deal to celebrate. If you'll all follow me back to the ballroom… the Gala awaits!"

The crowd immediately began making their way back inside, with several nobles stopping to shake my hand or offer their congratulations. Rashad stepped up with an apologetic look on his face. "I'm sorry that Neville, ah… you know. I'm glad you stopped him from embarrassing himself further."

I merely nodded, and he bowed his head before going back inside. Constantine and Regina both also approached me, congratulating me on my victory. Regina even called me impressive. I was still a bit shocked, but thanked her nonetheless.

When most of the court was finally inside, Liam and the rest of the guys converged around me.

"Drake, you need to get your side seen to before you bleed out." Myers grimaced, shaking her head a little.

"I already asked Bastien to call his doctor, and she's on her way." Liam nodded at us.

I groaned. "Was that really necessary?"

"Yes." Everyone said at once.

"Drake, she needs to check the stitches on your shoulder." Myers told me.

"And this gash might also need stitches." My sister added.

Myers sighed. "Another scar for the collection…" She gave me a small half smile. "You're lucky I like scars."

Liam, Hana and Savannah turned their heads to look at her quizzically.

"Wait, really?" Savannah asked.

"I'd never heard of scars as an attractive physical quality in a man." Hana added.

Liam rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably.

Olivia scoffed. "Oh, but they are. There is nothing more attractive in a man than an impressive collection of battle scars."

All heads turned to Olivia.

Myers merely grinned. "What she said. And also, Olivia, are you saying you find Drake and his ever growing collection of scars attractive?" She teased good naturedly.

Olivia glared at her. "Absolutely not." She looked like she was about to say something else, when the imposing woman from earlier caught her eye. Olivia's eyes widened, before she scowled. "Excuse me." She began to walk away, but suddenly stopped and turned. "Walker."

"Yeah?"

The Ice Queen nodded once. "Well done." With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

My jaw dropped slightly, but I shook my head and snapped out of it. Myers looked after her with a concerned look on her face. She opened her mouth to speak, when Bastien came towards us.

"Your Majesty, Dr. Yonekura has arrived for Drake."

"Escort her to the west wing, please, Bastien. Drake will be right there." Liam told him. Bastien nodded, and after giving me a stern look, went inside. Liam turned back to us. "We shouldn't keep her waiting. Shall we?"

"Yeah." I told him, and took Myers' hand. She looked at me, and then back at Olivia's retreating silhouette. I sighed. "Myers, it's okay. Go."

"What?"

"Olivia seemed worried. You should go with her. Back her up."

Myers bit her lip, but shook her head. "No. Olivia's strong and she can handle herself."

"So can I. And yeah, no one's denying how strong she is… but she really looked like she needs a friend right now."

Myers sighed, her gaze darting back to where Olivia was in the middle of a heated exchange with the woman.

"Milla, it's okay." Savannah sidled up to me. "Go. I'll stay with him."

I rolled my eyes good naturedly. "I'm not a child, you know."

"We know." They both said, laughing slightly.

"Are you sure?" Myers asked.

"Positive." I told her.

"Okay… Thank you. I'll try to make this quick." She gave me one last kiss, before walking towards Olivia.

Savannah wrapped an arm around my waist, and I leaned into her for support. "Thanks, sis."

Savannah sighed. "You're welcome, big brother."


"I thought I told you I'd see you in two weeks, Mr. Walker." Dr. Yonekura pursed her lips.

"I know…"

She sighed as she began spraying sterile water at the gash in my side. I hissed a little, but the doctor merely shot me this look as she continued cleaning the wound. Boy, did it make me miss Myers' gentle touch. "Miss Walker," she turned to my sister, "if you would be so kind to ice your brother's knuckles before they bruise?"

"Oh! Yes, doctor." Savannah left my room and came back a few minutes later with an ice pack and a towel. She kneeled in front of me and took my hand, carefully pressing the toweled ice pack to my knuckles.

"So… would you like to tell me exactly why I was called in at such a late hour to suture and bandage a large gash on the side of your torso?" Dr. Yoneruka applied a local anesthetic to my side, before reaching for a huge syringe and filling it up with a clear liquid. "This is a subcutaneous anesthetic. This wound is… quite deep."

"Yeah… Ow!" She pinched my side.

"Oh, hush, you big man-child, and think about this the next time you get into whatever mess landed you and I both here tonight." Dr. Yonekura once again raised a single brow.

"Fine, I'll tell you, though you'll probably see it on the news tomorrow." I looked away as she threaded surgical thread through a very big, curvy needle. While she stitched me up, I told her about the duel, and how this whole thing with Neville had been building for a while now. Savannah chimed in every now and then, filling in any gaps I might've left out. The good doc listened attentively, never taking her eyes off the stitching. By the time I'd finished the whole story, Dr. Yonekura was bandaging the wound.

"Well… I know I shouldn't advocate for violence, especially the type that makes me have to stitch a sword cut - which is something I thought I'd never have to do in my entire career - but it seems to me this Lord Neville completely deserved it. He seems to be quite literally all that's wrong with the nobility, solidified into a single awful human being." The good doctor chuckled. "Now, let's check that shoulder."

At that moment, the door opened and Myers stepped inside.

"Duchess Camilla! How lovely to see you." Dr. Yonekura greeted her.

"You too, doc." Myers stretched out her hand, but pulled it back when she saw the blood on Dr. Yonekura's gloved hand. The doc chuckled, removing her gloves and tossing them into a trash can, before reaching out to shake Myers' hand.

"Oh, Milla, thank goodness." Savannah grinned. "Can you take over icing duty over here? My hand's getting numb." She smiled sheepishly.

"Of course." Myers smiled at her, and replaced my sister's hand over mine. Our eyes met and she gave me that angelic smile that she seemed to save just for me.

Savannah stood, allowing Myers to sit down in the small stool she'd been using. "Thanks. Well, I should go. It was nice to see you, doctor."

"It was nice to see you too, Miss Walker."

My sister nodded, and after pressing a kiss to my forehead, left the room.

"So… how is he?" Myers turned to Dr. Yonekura.

"I've got hours to live." I replied dryly, causing Myers to roll her eyes.

"Oh, hush. He's slightly worse for wear, but he'll survive. I just finished with the gash on his torso, and now I'm anxious to check his shoulder." She shot me an annoyed look. "I really do hope that this duel of yours hasn't reopened the wound, and ruined three weeks of healing progress." Dr. Yonekura put on a fresh pair of gloves before removing my bandage. She poked and prodded at it, before bandaging it up once more.

"That was fast." I murmured.

"Yes, well, you were lucky. The wound hasn't reopened, nor did it look much worse for wear. Do you feel any pain?"

"Actually, yeah." I told her honestly. I knew better than to lie to her now. "Neville nearly yanked my arm out of its socket."

"Well, the pain is probably due to the strain he placed on it. It should pass in a couple of days - and I mean that literally. If you're still in pain two days from now, come see me for an X-ray. Also, make sure to inform Emilia of this tomorrow."

"Who's Emilia?" Myers asked.

"My new PT. I have an appointment with her tomorrow morning." I told her.

"Ah."

"Rest assured, Your Grace. I've assigned my best physical therapist to oversee the rest of his recovery. Now, as for your side," She reached into her bag and handed me a topical antibiotic. "Apply this every time you change your bandage, which should be at least every 24 hours, or more if you notice any blood or discharge. Just as with the shoulder wound, try to not get this new wound wet, and use waterproof bandages in the shower. If you notice any reddening, swelling or pus oozing from it, come see me immediately."

"Will do, doc."

"Will he need any pain medication?" Myers asked.

The doc shook her head. "His current dosage should suffice." She began packing up her bag. "Now, with this… new development, we will have to move up your next check-up. I expect to see you in my office in a week, unless of course, you notice any signs of infection."

"Okay. Thanks, doc."

"Of course, Drake." She shook my hand, before moving to shake Myers.

"Thank you, doctor." Myers flashed her a beaming smile.

"You're welcome, Your Grace. Now, I should be going. I've got a very beautiful, very hungry woman waiting at home." The doc nodded at me.

"Yeah, thanks, doc. And I'm sorry for... you know…"

"It's all part of the job, Drake. But please, at least try to stay out of trouble."

"No promises." I smirked.

"Goodbye, Your Grace."

"Bye, doc. And thanks for coming on such short notice. Enjoy the rest of your night."

"You as well." With that, she ducked out, leaving Myers and I alone in my room.

Myers took a seat next to me on the bed. "So… how do you feel?" Her eyes darted to my newest bandage.

I grimaced. "My shoulder hurts… a lot, I'm not gonna lie. But my side's completely numb. The doctor applied some anesthetic before stitching it up, so I'm pretty sure I won't feel anything for the next couple of hours."

"Okay…" She sighed and stood. "We should get back. Everyone's pretty eager to celebrate your resounding victory with you."

"Are you sure…?" I asked.

Myers flashed me a small smile. "Yes, at least for now. I'm pretty sure people are wondering where we are." Her smile grew wider. "But make sure to ask me again in an hour." She winked.

"Will do, Myers." I stood and headed to my closet. I took out the suit that Maxwell got me, since Liam's Prince Charming costume was pretty much ruined.

"Let me help you." Myers immediately stepped up and took the suit from me. She handed me a pair of dark jeans, and then helped me put on the shirt and jacket. Once that was done, she smoothed my lapels, and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. "Come on, hero. Let's go."


As soon as we got back to the ballroom, the guys immediately surrounded us.

"There he is!" Liam exclaimed, pushing a glass of whiskey into my hands.

"My brother, the victorious dueler!" Savannah squealed.

"If you can best a trained opponent in your first real duel, I'd love to see how you do with some proper lessons." Liam clapped my good shoulder.

"Apart from Neville trying to stab me, waving a sword around was… actually kind of fun." I smiled sheepishly.

"You were like a knight in shining armor!" Hana beamed at me.

"I bet Dad would've been proud of you." Savannah leaned in for a quick one armed hug.

"Thanks, sis."

"Um… would you guys excuse me for a sec…?" Myers was looking to the far-off end of the ballroom, and without another word, she took off. I followed her gaze to see Bertrand leaving the gala.

"Is everything okay?" Hana asked, staring after her.

I shook my head, knowing she was probably just going to check in with him. "Yeah. Everything's fine." I looked at my sister, who shot me a small, anxious grimace.

"Yeah! Now, I say it's time to celebrate!" Maxwell raised a glass. "To Drake!"

"Drake!"


After a couple of drinks and a lot of hors d'oeuvres - and even more handshakes and congratulations from courtiers who'd never deigned to talk to me before - I was starting to get claustrophobic. Thankfully, I spotted Myers, who was right in the middle of what Maxwell called a BFF high-five. I chuckled, before strolling towards them. "Maxwell, can I borrow Myers for a sec?"

"Say no more." Maxwell winked at me, before strutting off to the dance floor.

"Hey, how're you holding up?"

"I'm okay. Liam and Savannah ordered enough drinks and hors d'oeuvres for me to last a week."

Myers chuckled lightly. "I guess winning a duel comes with all kinds of perks."

"But as much as I appreciate the congratulations… the one person I really want to celebrate with is you." Her smile softened. "There's a courtyard here that's usually pretty empty at night. If you want to sneak away for a bit, it'd be just the two of us."

"Hmm. It wouldn't be the first time we've snuck out of a party together." She hooked her arm through mine.

"And definitely not the last, Myers."

"Let's get out of here."

I took her hand and let her out of there. "This way. C'mon."

I led her through the maze-like hallways, until we finally reached the courtyard. Myers' eyes widened when she took it all in. The palace staff always groomed this place perfectly, since it was one of Queen Eleanor's favorite places in the palace, and Liam made sure it was always well tended to in her memory. There was a beautifully lit fountain in the middle, and a bunch of different rose bushes and hedges that were carefully trimmed. The moon was full tonight and all the flowers were in bloom, their different scents spicing up the air.

"Wow… it still feels like spring in here." Myers commented. "Has Liam been keeping this place to himself the whole time?"

"It's not exactly a royal secret, but it's hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for. Ever since we made things official… I guess I've been waiting for the right time to share it with you."

"Well, thank you." Myers squeezed my hand, before leading me to the fountain. We both sat on it's edge and Myers dipped her hand into the water.

"What a crazy night." I commented, as I rolled my shoulder a bit.

"I have to say, watching my fiance and Neville try to stab each other was not on my list of expected Gala activities."

"You… you understand why I said yes to the duel, right?" I already knew the answer to that question, but I guess… I wanted to hear it from her.

"I do. I get it. I completely get it." She scowled. "Neville's been a grade-A jerk to you since we got engaged. It's about time someone stood up to him." Myers shook her head and continued wading her hand through the water. A small smile lit up her face. "Maybe he'll back off now that you've beaten him at his own game."

I scoffed. "Here's hoping." I dipped my hand into the water, waving it until it found hers. "You know," I ran my thumb against her knuckles. "You're engaged to the only man to win a Cordonian duel in a hundred years." I smirked, catching her eye.

"My hero." Myers said dryly, rolling her eyes.

"I've gotta admit… the whole sword thing wasn't a bad look."

"Yes, yes, D'Artagnan, you looked very cool." Myers teased. "I'm just glad that shoulder of yours is okay."

"Yeah, yeah, you and me both."

"So… now that you're the big, conquering hero… Will you conquer me next?" Myers ran her fingers up my arm. I followed the movement with my eyes, before meeting her gaze. Ever so slowly, I let my eyes roam the rest of her body, down her neck, to her chest, her waist, and those legs. "Those muscles have to be good for more than just dueling… unless your shoulder needs some rest." She added quickly, lifting my chin back up to meet her eyes. I didn't miss the very clear concern in them.

I shook her hand off and cupped the back of her neck. "Maybe later, Myers. I'm still in one piece… and right now, rest is the last thing on my mind." I moved my hand to cup her cheek, running my thumb over her cheekbone and her lips. Myers' eyes darkened almost immediately. I leaned in, a question in my eyes, and she closed the distance.

The kiss was pure fire, pure electricity, an adrenaline rush similar to the one I felt during the fight. Myers' mouth was demanding and unrelenting, her hands roaming eagerly up my arms, my neck, and down my chest. I gripped her waist, pulling her closer to me, just before we broke apart. "I've been wanting to do that since the fight. And this…" I kissed her again, tightening my hold on her waist and pulling her onto my lap.

Myers moaned. "I love it when you do that." She kissed me again, before abruptly pulling away. "Wait, aren't you worried someone will see us?" She looked around the courtyard with an impish grin on her face.

"The only thing I'm thinking about right now is you, Myers. But if you want to go somewhere more private…" She stood and we stumbled across the courtyard, unable to keep our hands off each other. I led her to this secluded corner in the back of the courtyard that was surrounded by green hedges.

"You really have thought of everything, haven't you?" Myers teased.

I pressed her up against the wall. "Damn right. I've been waiting all night to have you all to myself."

Myers hummed in anticipation. "So now that you have me…"

I didn't even let her finish that question, catching her soft lips with mine. Myers began pushing my jacket off my shoulders, before moving to undo the buttons on my shirt. When she finally pushed that down too, I groaned as her hands made contact with my skin. I kissed her deeper, harder, as I ran the backs of my fingers down her arm, her waist, her thigh…

"Drake, don't you dare stop." She moaned as I kissed her neck.

"I won't."

"Good, because I didn't ask you to tease me. I asked you to f-"

"Oh, I know." I silenced her with a rough kiss before turning her around, delighting in her excited gasp. I quickly unzipped her dress and pushed it off her shoulders. Then I pressed myself against her and whispered in her ear, "That was just the start." Myers shivered as I pushed her hair over her shoulder and bit her earlobe, before peppering her neck with kisses.

"I think I like it when you take the lead…" Myers lifted her hand to cup the back of my neck, turning her head to kiss me.

I couldn't help but groan as she took my other hand and guided it between her thighs. "I want you, Myers."

"I'm yours."


"You know… when you told me you wanted to celebrate in the courtyard, I wasn't sure what you had in mind…" Myers teased, as she leaned down to pick up my shirt and tossed it to me.

I caught it in the air, and quickly put it on, before stepping closer to her. "I'm only human, Myers. You can't blame me for thinking about you… about this… all night."

She laced her arms around my neck, and I brushed a few strands of hair away from her forehead, pressing a soft kiss to it. Myers hummed contentedly. "Good thing you survived that duel…" While her tone was light and teasing, I didn't miss the undercurrent of concern in her voice.

"How could I let Neville kill me when I've got a lifetime of nights like this ahead of me?" The corner of my mouth twitched into a small crooked grin.

Myers shook her head and sighed. "I know you're joking… but I just… I want you to know I was really worried about you tonight."

"Myers…"

"Wait, just let me finish. I know there's this part of you that likes taking those kinds of risks - those selfless risks to protect and defend those you love, even when it puts you in direct danger… Maybe it's the King's Guard in you. It's that part of your father in you." She paused, looking to the floor. "And I'm not saying I want you to change that part of yourself. You wouldn't be the man I love if you did…"

"But I can't stop you from worrying." I finished for her, and she bit her lip and nodded. I sighed.

Myers swallowed, and when she spoke her voice trembled a bit. "The night you got shot… I think it was the first time I've ever felt true fear. Fear of losing you, when I'd just found you."

Aww, Myers… I knew exactly the type of fear she was talking about. It was the same one I felt when I saw the gun aimed at her. The same one I felt during my nightmares every night.

"And tonight... " She ran her fingers through her hair. "Neville wasn't kidding, Drake. He wanted to hurt you… all to prove a fucking point, no less. And when you were down on the ground, I... I just wanted to-" She let out a tiny whimper, and I hugged her tighter. We stayed like that for a while, before Myers took a deep breath and stepped back. "He had you on the ground, pulling at your wounded shoulder and holding a sword to the back of your neck, and your side was bleeding. And I just wanted to run up there and pull him off you and claw his fucking eyes out, or throw a massive bitch fit and yell at Liam or Constantine to put a fucking stop to the duel, because you were going to get hurt." I couldn't help but chuckle at that, which prompted her to give me a small smile. The thought of her giving Constantine a good dressing-down was way overdue, in my opinion. "But I knew I couldn't." She continued. "I knew this was something you needed to do, and I could only support you in this. And the only thing I could do was tell you to get up."

"And I did." I cupped her face and ran my thumbs over her cheekbones. "I got up because of you. Because of the strength you gave me." I sighed. "For what it's worth… I'm sorry. For worrying you."

"That's okay… Like I said, it's a part of you, and you wouldn't be Drake without it. You wouldn't be the bravest, selfless, loyal and overprotective marshmallow that I want to marry."

We both chuckled at that. "Right… well, the marshmallow can't be afraid of the fire if it wants to get toasted just right to make a good s'more, right?"

Myers finally gave me a genuine smile. "Right. Good analogy, by the way."

"Thanks." She wrapped her arms around me and we held each other for a long moment before we both sighed.

"If it were up to us, I'd stay out here all night with you all night… But we should probably get back before Mara starts a search party." I told her, pressing my forehead to hers.

"I know… If she runs into us, I'll tell her I've had a security escort with me this whole time." Myers grinned up at me, and the somber mood lightened once more.

"Are you okay to go back?" I asked.

"I should be asking you that question." She countered. "I'm okay. I just needed to tell you that."

"I know. Thanks for telling me." I told her.

Myers nodded, and we finished getting dressed. Once we were ready, we made our way back to the ballroom hand in hand.

Once inside, we snuck in, and hopefully no one was none the wiser that we'd been missing. We looked around, but no one seemed to notice we'd been gone. People were dancing, or eating, or mingling.

I turned to Myers. "I'm going to find us a little something to recharge. I'll bring you back something good." I winked at her playfully.

"A post-workout snack?" Myers laughed.

"Exactly." With a quick nod, I headed off to the appetizer table. I looked around, trying to pick something that seemed remotely edible, when Maxwell and Hana came up to me.

"Hey, Drake! Leo's here!" Maxwell told me excitedly. "We should go say hi!"

"Sure. Just give me a second. I'm getting something for me and Myers." I mumbled.

"Oh, you should go with the bruschetta! It's Milla's favorite!" Hana suggested.

"Thanks, Hana." I took two small plates of bruschetta. "So, is Leo here with his wife?" I asked out of mere curiosity.

"He was alone when I saw him sneak in… With the attacks, and since she's pregnant…" Maxwell grimaced.

"He probably didn't want to risk her." I nodded in understanding. I know if I were him, I wouldn't want to risk Myers either.

"I haven't met Liam's brother yet." Hana admitted. "I know who he is, of course, but we've never been formally introduced."

"Well, no time like the present." Maxwell told her cheerfully.

We'd literally taken two steps in their direction, when a thundering roar erupted from the other side of the ballroom. I dropped the plates in my hand, instinctively taking Hana and Maxwell's hands and crouching down to the floor, pulling them down with me. The room immediately erupted into chaos, with people desperately trying to get out, while the royal guard desperately tried to get in and get to the royal family.

"Protect the Ki-" I whipped my head around when I heard Bastien's voice, only to see a second explosion go off a few meters from where he was standing. The force of the blast sent him flying and he hit a wall, before sliding down limply to the floor.

"Bastien!" I yelled, watching as two guards carried him away, out of the room. Please be okay...

I turned my gaze back to the ballroom, desperately searching for Camilla. "Camilla!"

"Everybody out!" Liam shouted loud enough that I was able to hear him through the commotion.

And right next to him was Camilla. I ran towards her, knowing Hana and Maxwell were right behind me. That's when another explosion went off near her.

"Liam!" I heard her yell just as the ceiling collapsed, sending up a cloud of dust.

My heart nearly stopped, but I kept running, and as the dust settled, I saw her pressed up against the wall, her eyes wide and disbelieving. As soon as I got to her, I wrapped my arms around her, patting her head softly and running my fingers down her hair. "Camilla! Thank God, Camilla! Are you okay?!"

She let out a choked sob. "L-Liam…" Camilla fisted her hands in my shirt, and began to cry. I hugged her tighter, turning us around so that my back was against the wall… and I braced myself for the worst. To my immense relief, Liam was lying a few feet away, Maxwell and Hana helping him get up.

But that relief quickly faded when I saw that underneath the rubble of the collapsed ceiling… was Constantine.