The Viper in our Midst
"Let me officially welcome you back to the great duchy of Lythikos." Olivia greeted us.
Liam, Maxwell and I bowed as the girls curtsied, and I took the opportunity to quickly scan the room. While we were in Lythikos officially as another stop in the Unity Tour and for the Winter Festival... unofficially, we were here to investigate. Even though Myers was adamant about her belief that Olivia was not involved in the attacks in any way, Mara still explained that the King's Guard wanted to look into the Nevrakises, given their history and the somewhat convenient timing of Lucretia's return.
"It's an honor to host the King and Cordonia's newest duchess." The Ice Queen's eyes ran over Myers' outfit. "And I will admit that you've selected a fantastic dress as well." She complimented.
Myers smiled. "I like to think it was an inspired decision."
"Red is the best color to wear when hunting down your enemies. I wish you luck."
"Oh… thank you?" Myers smiled whimsically.
"It's our pleasure to visit." Liam said diplomatically, his eyes not betraying a hint of emotion.
Olivia softened, and reached out to squeeze his hand. "Liam, I'm sorry for your loss." He swallowed and nodded. "If there's anything I can do for you, Lythikos is at your disposal."
"Thank you."
"Olivia, I'm so happy you made it out of the attack unharmed." Myers told her sincerely.
"Thankfully. I escaped because of Liam's warning after the bomb went off. At the door, I looked back to see if Liam followed the crowd, and that's when I saw the rubble fall." Olivia turned back to Liam, whispering. "I'm thankful you survived."
Liam met her eyes, and something silent seemed to pass between them. They stared at each other's eyes intently, as if there was no one in the room but them.
Myers shot me a knowing look, before clearing her throat. Liam blinked and Olivia's eyes widened slightly, before her cool facade returned. "I think we all are." Myers said.
"Of course. Now, if you'll follow me." Olivia nodded.
Liam offered his arm to Olivia. She took it and began leading us inside the ballroom. Myers took my arm and we followed. Before we got to the table however, I leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Olivia's right about one thing you know."
"Oh?"
"You look beautiful in that dress." I ran my eyes over her figure, that red dress accentuating every curve beautifully.
Myers blushed, but pressed a kiss to my cheek nonetheless. "Thank you."
As Olivia led us to the main table in the front of the ballroom, I couldn't help but chuckle. "Looks like we've made it to the front this time…"
Olivia shot me a grin from over her shoulder. "I could hardly put royalty and company in the back. You'll enjoy the best seats with your magnificent hostess."
I inwardly rolled my eyes, but sat down nonetheless. A waiter passed out menus, and we all perused the selection. Dinner went by uneventfully and relatively painlessly, even if Olivia goaded me by serving me several shots of whiskey instead of food. After a tense introduction by Lucretia Nevrakis, Liam and Olivia stepped into the dance floor for the opening dance.
It was at that moment Kiara approached our table. "Camilla… excuse me…" Kiara curtsied slightly. "I felt that I should tell you in person… After the festival, I'm withdrawing from court."
I watched as Myers lifted her eyebrows, unable to hide the surprise from her face. "But you just came back!"
"I know… But I've thought about it, and it's the best course of action. I've already given you my public support. You don't really need me traveling with you." Before Myers could respond, Kiara grimaced and curtsied again. "Thank you, Camilla, and goodbye." She hurried back to her table.
"But… aww…" Myers turned back to us with a sigh.
"That was sudden." I commented.
"Yeah…" Myers pressed her lips together thoughtfully. "She's probably afraid… I don't think she's involved in the attacks, given as to how she was attacked in the Homecoming Ball. Now with the bombing…" Myers clicked her tongue. "I can't imagine how it would feel to live through another attack on your first day back at court."
"She said she's not leaving until after the festival." Hana began. "Maybe we could still reach out to her."
Liam returned at that moment, looking pensive and wary.
"Hey, how was the dance? Did you find anything more out?" Myers asked him eagerly.
Liam shook his head, looking strangely troubled. "Nothing more than that she's worried about her aunt trying to push a marriage on her."
Myers blinked once, staring at him for a second, and I watched as the corners of her lips twitched. "Ah." She said simply, still suppressing a smirk.
"That doesn't tell us much." I drew Myers' attention back to the matter at hand.
"Marriage politics are a noble's bread and butter." Maxwell added.
"But one has to wonder who Lucretia wants Olivia to marry." Hana pondered.
That… was a very good point. I scanned the crowd, my eyes landing on Olivia, and then Lucretia, who was watching her niece from a corner. "I suppose we'll just have to keep an ear out… But for now…" I stood just as the musicians began to play a slow waltz, and offered a hand to Myers. "Looks like it's our turn for a dance..." I smirked. "Your Grace."
Myers took my hand and grinned. "Your soon-to-be Grace."
I shook my head slightly, suppressing a smile, before leading her onto the dance floor. I led her through the starting steps - quick, quick, glide, one, two, three - when Myers squeezed my hand. "Is everything alright? You usually have more spring in your step."
"Huh? Yeah, everything's fine."
"Are you getting bored dancing with me already?" Myers teased.
"Never." I reassured her quickly.
"Then what's on your mind?"
Well, let's see… I'm waltzing here in Lythikos a week after the King Father was killed at the last ball... I can't fully relax because I'm scared and paranoid, and the investigation has been agonizingly slow, and a part of me is scared these attackers will hurt you or our friends before we catch them... Our wedding is in two weeks, and as if everything that was going on isn't stressful enough, we're having a big, over-the-top courtly wedding; when all I want to do is take you and our friends back to the Ranch - both for the simpler ceremony, but also to keep you all safe and sound until the investigation is closed and these dangerous criminals are all behind bars.
I sighed, trying to not let my thoughts spiral away. "Everything… the attacks, the investigation, our wedding…"
"Drake… I know what you mean. It's overwhelming." Myers' eyes darted around the ballroom, before she sighed. "There's so much going on. It feels like the last thing we should be doing is dancing."
The corners of my lips twitched. "Well, I didn't say I wasn't enjoying the dance with you." That earned me a smile. "Think we can finish it out if we slow the steps down?"
"I'd like that."
I met her smile with one of my own, my hand on her waist pressing her closer to me. I led her around the dance floor, keeping my steps in time to the slow music. Towards the end of the song, Myers took the opportunity to rest her head against my chest.
"Can I say something totally cheesy?"
I chuckled. "Of course."
"None of it matters when I'm with you." Myers whispered quietly. She raised her head to look me in the eye. "When I'm with you, I just feel like I can forget all the formalities, the threats, and the ceremonies. It doesn't matter, as long as we're together."
For a split second, I was tempted to tease her - maybe say something like 'you're right. That was cheesy.' But as I looked into her eyes… I couldn't. "And we'll always be together. I promise you that."
"Good. Because I want to stay in your arms forever." She rested her head back on my chest.
I pressed a kiss to the top of her head, my heart beating so fast I was sure she could hear it. "So do I." I whispered. "So do I, Camilla."
We held each other, swaying on the dance floor until the song ended. After we stepped off the dance floor, Maxwell whisked Myers away to Olivia's armory, with the promise of a multitude of different weapons to open a champagne bottle. I smiled slightly before making my way to the dessert table. I picked out a small plate, and began filling it with eclairs, and other pastries. I tried an eclair, the sweet, chocolatey dessert practically melting in my mouth. I was about to eat another one when my phone chimed. It was a confirmation email regarding a reservation I'd made for me and Myers, to the famous Lythikos Ice Palace that the people here built every year for the festival. I grinned as I pictured her reaction. Myers' favorite season is winter, so I hoped she'd get a kick out of this.
I tensed as I felt someone step behind me, but relaxed when I realized it was Kiara. "Bonsoir, Drake." She smiled politely, before reaching for a plate. "Any recommendations from the buffet?"
I nodded. "The eclairs are okay. The croquembouches and palmiers look promising, but I haven't tried them yet."
Kiara raised her eyebrows slightly. "I had no idea you had such a refined palate."
I chuckled. "Not exactly, but I figure I've been to enough of these parties that I can at least know which food is which."
Kiara nodded. "Dare I hope to see the influence of your budding sophistication at the wedding?"
Ah-ha! "So you're still coming?" I asked nonchalantly.
"But of course! Leaving court is one thing. Missing the wedding is quite another!" I honestly didn't know what to make of that… "The whole thing is tres exciting, non?"
I could see she clearly wanted to talk about the wedding, not about her particular reasons for leaving court. I bit back a sigh. Maybe if I humored her, I'd be able to keep her talking and maybe get her to slip something. The only problem was… I was horrible at small talk.
What exactly could I say about the wedding? Bertrand and Madeleine are handling all the actual planning, and we'd apparently not been needed to make decisions about the flowers and all that crap.
"Weddings are… complicated." I answered honestly.
"Oh, non." Kiara shook her head, grinning at me like the cat who swallowed the canary. "I can tell by your face. You are definitely excited. No matter how much you may try to hide it." She said teasingly.
I rolled my eyes, as I realized several nobles were looking at us, clearly eavesdropping. "Would you keep it down? I don't want people thinking-"
"That you love Camilla?"
"What? No! Of course I love Camilla! More than anything." I sighed. "I meant the dresses and the flower bunches and the musical cues… Like I said, it's all just… complicated."
Kiara chuckled. "I can tell you've been thinking a lot about this. Don't worry, Drake. Your secret is safe with me."
"It's not a-" I let out an exasperated breath as the ever diplomatic Kiara let out a small laugh. She was teasing me. "Right. Good bye, Kiara."
"Au revoir, Drake. Try not to take my teasing too seriously, si vous plait. I was only having a bit of fun, albeit at your expense."
"Well, I'm glad I was able to enlighten your evening. Now, if you'll excuse me…"
I stalked toward Hana, who was speaking with Liam. I noticed how concerned she looked as she listened to whatever Liam was telling her; his own face stoic, a small tinge of sadness in his eyes. She smiled until she saw my glare, and nodded to Liam in my direction.
"Drake, what is it?" Liam asked. "Did you find out anything more from Kiara?"
I sighed, shaking my head. "No. Nothing more than she's still coming to the wedding."
Hana nodded thoughtfully. "Do you think that means anything?"
Do I think she's behind the attacks and is leaving now to plan her major attack, which will take place on my wedding day? "Honestly? No."
Hana nodded. "Neither do I."
"What about you?" I turned to Liam. "Everything okay?" I asked, concerned.
The corners of his lips twitched knowingly. He knew I could always see through his stoic facade. "Everything is fine. Nothing new from Madeleine."
"Oh, I didn't know we were investigating Madeleine." Hana whispered softly.
"Given as to how we have a mole in the court…" I looked meaningfully at Liam.
He nodded. "Absolutely everyone outside our circle is under investigation."
"Ah. Of course." Hana said, her eyes narrowing just a bit as she took a sip of champagne, looking furtively over the rim of the flute at Madeleine.
"But do you really think she could be behind the attacks?" I asked. Because I may not like Madeleine, but I find it pretty hard to believe she'd ever do anything to hurt Cordonia.
Liam sighed. "I… don't know. A part of me can't really believe she'd ever put her country at risk, given to how devoted she is to it. But another part can't help but wonder…" He pressed his lips together in a thin line.
"I… don't think that Madeleine would do that." Hana spoke up.
"What? Ally with terrorist groups because she didn't get to be Queen?" I asked, only half-joking.
Liam gave us a small smile. "Well, it sounds almost ridiculous when you put it like that. The truth is that I don't believe so either. But in the interest of pursuing all leads…"
"Yes, I understand." Hana nodded. "It is strangely coincidental that the attacks began after you broke off your engagement with her."
"And that Myers' press secretary was conveniently injured in the first attack." I added.
"But how could Madeleine have been sure Bertrand would ask her to be Camilla's new press secretary?" Liam countered, and shook his head. "It doesn't make sense."
"No, it doesn't." Hana agreed with a sigh. Suddenly, she cleared her throat softly, looking meaningfully straight ahead, before plastering on a polite smile. "Hello again, Duchess Olivia. Lady Lucretia."
Both women sauntered up to us, Olivia with a clenched jaw that barely managed to hide her irritation, and Lucretia with a calculating smile.
"Your Majesty, Lady Hana, Sir Drake." Lucretia looked at us all shrewdly. "I hope you're enjoying the festivities, even if my niece has much to learn about playing a good hostess."
Olivia rolled her eyes.
"I can assure you, we're enjoying them very much." Liam smiled politely.
"Olivia is a wonderful host." Hana added, prompting the Ice Queen to shoot her a grateful smile. "I think I speak for all of us when I say we're very excited to be here, and I'm personally very excited to visit the Winter Festival! Tell me, is it true you've built an Ice Castle?"
"The citizens of Lythikos actually built the ice castle." Olivia told us, a glint of pride in her eyes. "As a way of showing all who visit how truly resourceful we are."
"Of course." Hana agreed.
"Yes, yes, it's an impressive feat." Lucretia said dismissively. "Your Majesty, has Olivia given you a tour of our impressive keep? You'll find many renovations have been made since you were last here."
Liam smiled diplomatically. "She did, actually, during the social season."
"Ah, of course, how forgetful of me."
"However, I wouldn't mind if Duchess Olivia would be kind enough to give me a tour of the dance floor once more." Liam gave Olivia a boyish grin, causing the Ice Queen to actually blush.
She cleared her throat quickly, before nodding. "I'd be honored, Your Majesty."
"How wonderful! I'll leave you to it then." Lucretia turned without another word and walked away.
Liam offered his hand to Olivia and led her out to the dance floor. Hana and I watched them go.
"And then there were two." I said, turning to Hana. "Hey, is everything okay with Liam?"
Hana sighed. "Yes. Madeleine was just feeling particularly antagonistic towards him tonight."
"What do you mean?"
Hana shook her head. "She just said some hurtful things to him."
Ah. "Let me guess. Did those hurtful things have anything to do with me and Myers?"
"I think you already know the answer to that." She said knowingly, causing me to sigh. "But, Drake… I hope you remember Liam loves you, and he doesn't hold anything against you."
"I know… Thanks, Hana."
"You're welcome, Drake." She once again nodded towards the door. "Milla and Maxwell are back. You should see if they learned anything."
"Heh. Right." I gave her a quick one-armed hug, before walking towards Myers. Maxwell shot me a grin, before stealthily bowing out. "I hope you weren't up to too much trouble."
Myers grinned. "Me, trouble? Never." She quickly wrapped her hands around my neck and pulled me down for a hug.
"Oof. What's this for?" I wrapped my arms around her waist, hugging her back.
"Can't I hug the man I love, the man who would publicly profess his love for me, just because?"
I groaned. "You heard me talking to Kiara."
"Maybe…"
I shook my head. "Okay, well…" I stepped back, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. "I might have some trouble in store for you."
"Oh, is that so?" Her eyes widened excitedly. "Is there another meteor shower tonight? Are we going to have a throwback to our early days or something?"
I chuckled. God, she was cute. "Not exactly."
"Aww…" She looked disappointed.
"I overheard some of the locals talking about some kind of ice palace they build for the festival."
"An ice palace?" Her jaw dropped.
"I found out they've got a room open we could spend some time… if you're ready to get out of here. Honestly, I wouldn't mind some time alone with you. We can always come back later for the end of the ball." I shrugged. We had the room for the whole night anyway, so…
"Ok, great! Let's go then!"
I grinned and we quickly made our way out of the ballroom. I called a car, and within minutes, we were on our way. Once we got there, both our jaws fell.
The castle was… well, an actual ice castle.
"Oh… my… god. It's like the one Elsa built in Frozen!" Myers squealed.
I turned to her. "I swear, if you break out into song right now…"
Myers sucked in a big breath of air. "The snow flows white on the mountain side. Not a footprint to be seen…"
"Duchess Camilla? Mr. Walker?" A palace servant greeted us, effectively interrupting Myers' song.
"Thank god." I joked.
"Aww." Myers pulled a face.
"That's us." I nodded to the guy.
"Welcome! We hope you enjoy your stay with us tonight. Do you have any bags or…"
I shook my head. "No."
He nodded. "Very well. I'll show you to your room."
He began leading us inside, passing by the ice foyer and up the icy stairs, while telling us how they built this palace from ice blocks harvested right here in Lythikos. Finally, he showed us to our suite, and I smoothly - or so I hoped - tipped him.
"Thank you, sir. Enjoy your stay." He bowed, before closing the door.
"This is beautiful!" Myers squealed excitedly, making a beeline for the bed.
I looked around the room, noting the intricate carvings on the wall, the exquisite ice furnishings, and the plush furs that covered the bed. "I wasn't sure what to expect. This is… something else."
"Any ideas of what we should do now?" Myers grinned impishly.
I smirked. "Just the one I haven't been able to get out of my head all day." I walked towards her purposely, wrapping a possessive arm around her waist.
"Is it finally letting me finish my musical number?" Myers teased, lowering her voice to a musical whisper. "Let it go, let it go…"
"Later, Myers." I cupped her neck and pulled her in for a searing kiss. Myers opened her mouth to me, our tongues tangling over and over again. I broke the kiss, running my lips down the side of her neck. Myers moaned softly, dropping her head back. "I want you, Myers."
I realized then she'd already unbuttoned my tux and my shirt. "Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you."
I growled as I practically teared off my jacket and shirt, feeling the frigid air in the room hitting my warm skin. Myers took the opportunity to run her hands greedily over my chest and my abs, up my back and to my shoulders.
I honestly didn't know if it was the cold or her touch that gave me goosebumps.
Later, we were lying on the furs, Myers' head on my chest and her fingers tracing lazy circles on my chest. I brought up another fur and wrapped it tightly around the both of us. Myers sighed contentedly, before letting out an enormous yawn.
Which reminded me... For days now, I'd noticed Myers wasn't sleeping very well… since Applewood, actually. Most days, she was already awake before me, and I never knew for how long. She could've been up all night, for all I knew. And several nights, when I woke up from nightmares at the likes of 3 a.m., she was already awake. Hell, sometimes it was she who woke me up during a particularly bad dream.
I looked down at her, noticing the dark circles under her eyes, still visible through a layer of make-up. They all but confirmed my suspicion. Now, the problem was that whenever I tried to ask her about it, she'd always brush it off. It'd gotten worse after Constantine's death. Well, no more. If something was going on with her, I needed to know. "Hey, Myers?"
"Hmm?"
I looked down to find her eyes already closed, and in that moment, I felt so bad for waking her when she clearly needed rest. But if something was wrong… I wanted to be there for her. "Myers…" I sighed, nudging her gently.
"I'm awake!" Myers jolted upwards, moving to sit up and rubbing her face, then quickly pulling her hand away and staring at the smudged make up on it. She groaned. "Is it time to go back yet?" She turned to me.
"No, not yet. Hey, I wanted to talk to you about something."
She nodded enthusiastically… way too enthusiastically, in my opinion. "Sure. Shoot. I'm all ears."
I couldn't help but sigh, before moving to sit up as well. "Myers, have you been sleeping well?"
She looked a bit taken aback, before shaking her head. "Well… I wouldn't say 'well', exactly, but-"
"Camilla." I'd like to think I knew her well enough by now to see through the act. "Don't lie to me. Please. Did you sleep at all last night?"
Myers' jaw dropped a bit as she regarded, before sighing. "I… did not. I couldn't turn my mind off."
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"Are you kidding? I was not going to wake you when you're finally beginning to sleep through the night." Myers looked at me tenderly.
"Myers…" I sighed. "You have to take care of yourself, too. And part of that means leaning on me whenever you need help. Myers, we're supposed to take care of each other. This relationship is a two way street, not a highway and a bike path."
"Ooh, good analogy." She chuckled.
"Camilla." I shot her a pointed look. "I'm serious."
"Drake…" She sighed. "I really didn't want to bother you. It was nothing - just a bout of insomnia. I get them sometimes." She shrugged. "It's nothing serious."
"Yes, it is." I sighed, realizing the stress of all this was getting to her. "Because don't think I've noticed you've had a lot of those 'bouts of insomnia' these past few days. Camilla, please let me help you. You don't have to shoulder everything by yourself."
Myers pressed her lips together, before pressing herself against me, burying her face in my chest. I squeezed her tightly, running my hand up and down her back soothingly. She sighed, before looking up at me, propping her head up on her hand.
"So… are you going to tell me what was going through your mind last night?"
"Too many things all at once." She began. "I kept thinking about the Applewood Orchard. About the people of Applewood. The attackers. The Costume Gala. Constantine. If we're truly safe here in Lythikos."
"Camilla… were you scared?"
"I… tried not to be. I know there are guards everywhere, and that Mara and a team secured the grounds before we arrived."
"I know you know that, logically, rationally, I mean. What I'm asking is if you felt scared."
"Yes." Myers looked down, embarrassed. "I felt scared, despite trying to run through everything logically."
"You should've woken me up."
Myers shook her head. "No. You needed at least one night of good sleep. Besides… I'm no stranger to fear." The corners of her lips quirked upwards into a tiny smile, and I was suddenly taken back to that first flight to Cordonia.
"It's normal to feel fear when facing the unknown. But it's not incapacitating. Fear is actually a huge motivator to act. Fear activates your Fight or Flight instincts… and I always fight for what I want."
I shook my head. "This type of fear is different." I told her. "Myers… remember when we stayed in Applewood during the engagement tour?" She nodded, a small smile creeping onto her face. "You felt afraid, and you sought me out. You came to my room and we stayed up all night talking. You weren't afraid to lean on me then. That's all I'm asking. Don't be afraid to lean on me now. Now more than ever."
She sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry. I just… You looked so peaceful. I honestly didn't have the heart to wake you."
Now it was my turn to sigh. "Well, thanks. But next time, wake me." I tilted her chin upwards, so she'd meet my eyes. "Okay?"
"Okay."
"Promise me."
Myers pursed her lips, but conceded. "I promise."
"Thank you." I cupped her cheek, and pulled her in for a soft kiss. "Now… we still have a couple of hours before the ball ends. What do you say we try to get a few hours of sleep?"
Myers chuckled, before yawning once more. "No, that's okay… We should be getting back to the ball anyway."
I rolled my eyes, but still couldn't help a smile. "Fine." Myers began shivering and l I remembered they had a cider bar downstairs. "Hey, I got an idea."
I quickly got up, got dressed and ran downstairs. Thankfully, it was self-serve, so I retrieved two mugs and filled them nearly to the brim with hot apple cider. I walked back up ever so slowly, in order to avoid spilling it. When I got to our door, however… I tried knocking on the door with my foot. It wasn't much of a knock. "Myers?" I called.
A moment later, she opened the door, holding one of the fur blankets around her chest with a fist. My jaw dropped a bit. "Wow. That's… a good look for you." I teased.
Myers rolled her eyes a bit, before narrowing her eyes and tousling her hair some more, striking a pose. "Does it appeal to the caveman in you?" She deepened her voice. "You, Grumpy man. Me, Red Phoenix. Me like you. Beeeed."
"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. Here." I handed her a mug as I stepped inside and closed the door. "Hot cider. Figured you'd want something warm."
She smiled gratefully, before taking a sip. "Mmm. This is too perfect not to have at the wedding. What do you think?"
I shrugged. "If you want."
We sat down on the bed. Myers grinned. "That doesn't sound like a strong opinion."
"Planning weddings isn't exactly my forte."
"Ah, well, in that case, I'll cancel the whisky." Her eyes crinkled as her grin grew.
I shook my head, the corners of my lips quirking just a bit. "See, you think you got me there, but if I'm being honest… the only thing I need at our wedding to be happy is you."
Myers' expression melted from teasing to tender. "Aww." She murmured, cupping my neck and piling me in for a quick kiss. "But in all seriousness, you must have some opinions."
"I expect we'll say 'I do' at some point."
"Uh huh."
"Some people will dance. Maxwell definitely. Even if we didn't have a reception."
"Sounds about right. By the way, we still haven't listened to his playlist, and I'm guessing he needs a decision soon, to hire the dj… or the band."
"What do you want? A band or a dj?"
"Nu-uh. That's one call we're making together. But later. What else are you expecting?"
"Aaaaand… I don't know." I pursed my lips. "I'm just not good at this sort of thing."
Myers reached for my hand and squeezed comfortingly. "I just… I honestly just want you to have a good time."
"Well, you know me, Myers. Better than anyone. I want things simple. I'm not the kind of guy who cares if he's wearing a pocket square or a bowtie or whatever. All that stuff seems so… distracting… from what's really important. Just you and me forever."
"So you don't care whether there's wisterias or peonies in our flower arch?" Myers asked jokingly. I knew she wasn't much into the wedding details herself. Hell, she was probably pretty relieved Bertrand and Madeleine were all over the wedding planning, to allow us to focus on the tour.
"Hah. No. If we weren't in Cordonia, if Cordonia weren't in this mess… I'd say we should just go to my mom's ranch and tie the knot there, like my folks did."
"That sounds really beautiful."
"I had a chance to go to Texas once. Saw the ranch, at least. Can't say for sure how the ceremony was, since I wasn't born yet, but yeah… Open fields. Bluebonnets. Purple and gold sunsets like you've never seen."
"I think you secretly do like talking about this stuff."
"It's not like the wedding's not on my mind. Because it is. But when I think about it, I don't see invitations or hors d'oeuvres. All I see is you."
"I know. No matter what we decide for the wedding, you're the most important thing to me too." Myers squeezed my hand and leaned over to press a soft kiss to my cheek. I turned my head just in time and caught her lips in mine. She squealed against my lips, before breaking the kiss with a sigh. "We should get back to the ball."
"Duty calls." I agreed.
Myers finished her cider and set the cup on the ice nightstand. She stood and pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, before moving to pick up her dress from the floor. We got dressed quickly and got into a car in a matter of minutes. Once we were back in Olivia's keep, we made our way into the ballroom quietly.
"I hope no one noticed we were gone…" Myers looked around with a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Act natural." I told her.
"Right, the fancy party is our natural habitat… and we need drinks to blend in!"
We headed to the bar, ordering a couple of drinks, when Madeleine sauntered up to us. The Wicked Witch of the West was actually smiling, wobbling towards us in her very high heels. "Camilla! There you are. Your past and your present are here to see you."
Justin was a step behind her, shooting us a bemused look. "She means me, I think. The ghost of press secretaries past?"
"OoooooOoooooO!" Madeleine, uh… said? She just wooed.
"Madeleine is downright enjoyable when she drinks." Kiara commented, following Madeleine closely.
Madeleine turned her head to look at Kiara, losing her balance. Myers quickly caught her, placing her arms on the Wicked Witch of the West's shoulders and steadying her.
"Whoa! Maybe go a little easier on the cocktails." Myers advised.
"I'm fine." Madeleine shook her head. "Besides, this pineapple drink is the only thing palatable in all of Lythikos."
"Mon dieu, Madeleine! Be a little more diplomatic!" Kiara chided.
"What? It is." Madeleine merely shrugged.
Kiara rolled her eyes. "I don't even know where you found that. Pineapple certainly isn't traditional Lythikos fare."
"Looks like it's nog for the rest of us." Justin grinned, raising his cup at Myers.
"Hey, I'm not complaining." Myers took a glass of nog from a waiter and inhaled the steam wafting from it. "Mmm! Cheers then, to surviving our first night in Lythikos."
"Cheers!" Madeleine said, raising her pineapple and banging it against Myers' cup. Myers' eyes widened as the crash almost caused her to spill the nog, but she was able to salvage it. Then we watched open mouthed as Madeleine downed the contents of her pineapple.
Across the room, Olivia lightly tapped a spoon against her glass. "If I may have everyone's attention, please. I'd like to close out tonight with a toast."
"Finally." Madeleine giggled.
"I'd like to thank everyone for coming. I hope that you all found Lythikos hospitality exquisite."
A round of light applause went around the room. Olivia opened her mouth to continue, when suddenly, Madeleine stumbled next to us, managing to catch herself on the table.
"Madeleine!" Myers moved to steady her.
"I don't… feel…"
"Madeleine, are you okay?!" Myers cried, buckling under Madeleine's weight. "Drake, help me!"
I quickly moved to help her lay Madeleine gently on the floor. "Jerry! Mara!"
"I… hate… this… place…" Madeleine gurgled, slowly losing consciousness.
"Madeleine!" I heard Adelaide and Godfrey yell.
We were suddenly surrounded by the court and the King's Guard.
"What happened?" Olivia asked.
"Step back! Back! Give her some space!" I heard Tanner yell.
"Paramedics are on the way!" I heard another guard.
"She was enjoying her drink and then she collapsed!" Myers told Olivia.
At that, Jerry immediately moved next to Madeleine and turned her so she was laying on her side. Mara began checking her pulse and her vitals, just as Madeleine began to shiver. "Goddamit." She cursed under her breath. I watched as both she and Jerry nodded, listening intently to someone on their ear pieces. "Everyone make way for the paramedics!" Mara yelled.
We all stepped aside as they came inside with a gurney, quickly and efficiently loading Madeleine onto it. She was rushed out of the room, with Adelaide and Godfrey following. Myers moved to follow but Mara blocked her path. "Stay with me. We've got a code Locusta." She whispered.
Oh, crap.
I looked around, noticing Jerry was also holding Liam back, whispering furtively, and Tanner was doing the same with Hana and Maxwell. Other members of the guard were busy shooing the nobles back to their rooms, clearing the room, and a couple of them took Madeleine's pineapple and placed it carefully inside an evidence bag, before following the paramedics.
"But Madeleine-"
"Camilla." I shook my head.
"What? We need to go with Madeleine."
"She'll be fine, Your Grace. I promise. But I'm afraid I can't let you out of my sight right now." Mara explained, firmly but kindly.
"Why? What's going on? What's a Code Locusta?"
"Poison." Mara whispered.
Color drained from Myers' face. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Hey, Madeleine will be fine. For now, I think the best we can do is go back to our room and let the guard do their job."
Mara nodded. "Drake has the right of it."
"Come on." I led Myers back to her room, shooting a worried glance at each of our friends.
"Drake… shouldn't we talk to Liam?" Myers asked softly once we reached her room.
I looked around quickly, before locking the door. "He's probably in the same boat as we are, Myers. Locked in his room with a couple guards outside his door."
"Okay…"
"But… you could text him, and ask him to keep you posted on how Madeleine is doing."
"Yeah… I will. Thanks." She took her phone from her clutch, and I felt my own vibrate as she sent a text to the group chat.
"Hey guys. Are you all okay?"
"I'm in my room." Hana replied.
"Same ️" Maxwell added.
"I'm in my room as well." Liam wrote. "I've made arrangements to have two guards stationed at each of your doors for tonight."
"Thanks, Liam. Any news on Madeleine?" Myers wrote.
"Not yet, but I sent a team of guards to escort Madeleine and her parents. I'll be notified as soon as there's any new developments."
"Keep me posted? Please?"
"I will. For now, try to get some sleep. All of you."
Myers nodded unconsciously, and set her phone on the nightstand with a sigh. I moved to stand behind her and wrapped my arms around her. She leaned into me.
"Myers… come on. You should get some sleep."
"I don't think I'll be able to."
Honestly, neither did I… "We should try."
She nodded nonetheless. After undressing, we slipped under the covers and Myers snuggled tightly into me. I held her tightly as well, biting back a sigh.
Tonight was going to be a long night.
The rest of the night was spent without much sleep, nor any news of Madeleine. At around 4 a.m., Myers fell asleep out of sheer exhaustion, and I fell not long after.
Which was why I was not happy when I heard a soft, but insistent knocking at our door next morning. Myers was up in an instant, getting dressed quickly and answering the door. I followed with a groan.
"Sorry to disturb you so early, Your Grace." Mara said as soon as we opened the door. "It's about Madeleine."
I stepped up behind Myers, not knowing that Liam was at the door too. I didn't miss the way his eyes widened and his jaw dropped just a bit. Pain immediately flashed in his eyes, but he quickly shook his head and cleared his throat. I awkwardly rubbed my neck.
"Is she going to be okay?" Myers asked, concern clear in her voice.
"Thankfully, the doctors believe she'll make a full recovery." Liam said, his eyes guarded.
Myers let out a sigh of relief, along with a tiny smile.
"I'm more concerned with what this means for the rest of us." Mara began. "This is clearly the work of the same people who were behind the explosion. In a way, we got lucky that Madeleine was the one that drank the poison, instead of one of you."
Myers opened her mouth to protest. She scoffed. "Lucky? Madeleine didn't deserve this."
"Agreed." I added. "I wouldn't wish poison on anyone… not even our enemies." Not that Madeleine was one of our enemies… she was just very unlikable. "We've got to stop them."
Mara nodded. "This gives us one advantage: we know our enemies are here in Lythikos. Instead of waiting for them to strike again, we have a chance to make the next move."
"After last night's welcoming ball, isn't the Winter Festival itself today? Maybe we can use that to lure them out." Myers suggested. "We know they're after Liam...and they've got a grudge against me too."
I'm not sure I'm gonna like what she's getting at…
"Using both of you as bait? It's my job to keep my charges out of harm's way, Your Grace, not toss them into it!" Mara shook her head.
"Agreed. I couldn't ask you to do that, Camilla." Liam added. He met my eyes and nodded.
I took Myers' hand, and she met my eyes. "There has to be a better way to find these people."
Myers grimaced and squeezed my hand. "Our attackers are always one step ahead. This time, we can set a trap for them… and stop them from hurting us or anyone else ever again."
I met her determined gaze with a worried one of my own. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Liam and Mara looking at each other as well.
"I hate to say it, but the idea does have some tactical merit. If we make this an event our enemies can't afford to miss, we'll have the advantage." Mara said tentatively. "I can have undercover guards patrolling the festival, and my security team would personally have eyes on you the whole time. If anyone so much as breathes on you, we'll take them into questioning." She looked to me, as if that was reassuring somehow.
Not that it wasn't… it was just difficult to willingly be okay with Myers putting herself in danger, even if Mara would take all the possible precautions to keep her safe.
"If I'm wrong…" Myers shook her head. "Well, let's hope I'm not wrong."
"Myers…"
"I know it's risky. But it's a risk we have to take."
I bit back a sigh. I knew better than anyone that once Myers made her mind about something, there was nothing anyone could say that would make her change her mind. "... Okay. But I'll be there looking out for you the whole time."
"You'd better be." She shot me a grin.
"As will I." Liam cleared his throat.
Myers nodded. "So, any tips on luring out a group of mysterious assassins?"
"In short, act normal. And trust no one. The court, our hosts, even your friends…"
"My friends are not on our suspect list." Myers said immediately.
"Perhaps not your immediate circle," Mara explained. "But no matter what you think of the other nobles, or how friendly today's guests seem… anyone could be in on the plot." Myers seemed to relax at that, so Mara continued her instructions. "Take part in the festivities, make sure you're seen, and hopefully the people we're after will come to you..."
"In other words, 'act cool in the face of imminent danger'?" Myers asked, somewhat teasingly.
"Precisely." Mara allowed herself a small grin.
"Then I guess I'd better dress the part."
After a brief training session with the guys - I only watched and instructed since I couldn't actually do much with my side still healing - and what seemed to be a winter fashion show in Olivia's boutique, we made our way to the festival. It was absolutely freezing outside, even with the outdoor heaters set up. I looked at Myers, thankful that she'd passed on that frilly dress, despite Justin's recommendations for blending in with the people of Lythikos and 'getting points with the crowd'. Instead, she'd opted for a simple pair of jeans, a cozy gray sweater, and thick, form-fitting fleece-lined suede jacket. And a beanie, of course. Myers loved her beanies.
After Olivia, Liam and Myers greeted the crowd, the festivities officially began. We drank hot cider and nog, watched the fire race - which Myers only won by throwing a handful of snow in Olivia´s fire - made ice sculptures, ice skated on the frozen pond… All in all, it was a very eventful morning... that somehow managed to be uneventful where it mattered. Up 'til then, there had been no signs of the attackers.
At one point, I nearly had a heart attack when I lost sight of Myers. I'd been talking to Tanner, who was undercover, when I looked around and realized Myers was nowhere to be found! My heart sped up almost immediately as I desperately looked around the festival. The crowd seemed to grow, all our friends scattered everywhere, except for Camilla. I remember almost yelling at Tanner to radio Mara, nearly blowing his cover in the process, before pushing through the crowd towards Liam and Maxwell. They jumped when they took in my panicked appearance and I hastily explained I'd lost sight of Camilla. It was at that precise moment that Jerry stepped up discretely, trying to calm me down as he explained Myers had simply gone sledding with Hana, and that Mara and several other agents were shadowing them.
Relief flooded through me, followed quickly by a hint of embarrassment. Not that I was embarrassed for worrying about the woman I loved or anything… just for causing a small scene. I smiled sheepishly at the guys, and apologized for scaring them. They merely grinned back, reassuring me it was okay.
"Hey, I know we're supposed to be in super agent mode," Maxwell began, "But I was thinking, for your bachelor party…"
I groaned immediately.
"No, come on, hear me out!"
"Fine."
"So I was thinking…" He paused for effect, before raising his hands together and bringing them down in a rainbow motion. "Vegas!"
"Vegas? As in… Las Vegas?" I gaped at him.
"Sin City, baby!" He grinned.
I began to shake my head. "I don't know… I was mostly thinking a glass of whiskey and Myers' company. That's enough for me."
"Come on, Drake! Give his plan a chance before you completely say no." Liam told me.
I looked at the both of them. "Fine. You have five minutes. Go."
"Oh, um… so, we fly in and stay in the Cordonia Grand for the night. If I book it now, we could get the penthouse suite! I was thinking a joint bachelor/bachelorette party, 'cause neither you or Milla seem to be the party-hard/see-strippers type, and I was thinking of inviting some of Milla's friends from New York! Oh, and we could go to a couple of clubs, a magic show, a casino… What d'you think?!"
I thought about it for a minute as I tried to absorb all he said in under two minutes. He wanted to go to Vegas, he wanted a joint party and he wanted to invite Myers' friends from New York. I looked at him… and then looked at Liam. "I bet he'd throw you the perfect bachelor party! Barbecue and stiff drinks galore!" Myers' words echoed in my head.
But did I really want that? To be honest, not really… Maxwell's idea was growing on me, mostly 'cause I knew it'd make Myers happy to have all her friends in one place before the wedding. And Vegas… it could be fun. I'd never been to Vegas before.
I couldn't help as a smirk tried to make its way onto my face.
"Is that a yes?!" Maxwell grinned excitedly.
"It's… How are you planning on getting in touch with Myers' friends?"
"I was going to follow them on Insta, get their numbers, create a WhatsApp group… something like that." He shrugged.
"Okay… Let's do it." I nodded.
"Yes!" Maxwell shouted, causing several people to stop and turn to stare at us. He didn't care though, and pulled me in for a hug. "So… I'm gonna need Milla's friend's names."
"Right." I gave him all their names and he got to work on his phone. He followed them all on social media, and sent them all a couple of DM's. "There! Now I just have to wait to hear back…"
"Yeah… Hey, Maxwell… Just, thanks for doing this." I told him.
He shrugged it off, as if it was nothing. "It's nothing, it's just… planning parties is sort of my thing, y'know? And I know you and Milla are busy with the tour, but I didn't want you guys to miss out on engagement milestones."
I grinned. "Thanks, Maxwell."
"Sure. Hey, you guys wanna get a Lythikos ale?"
"Sure. Let's go."
"I should be making the rounds. I'll catch up with you guys later." Liam excused himself with a nod and walked away.
Maxwell and I made our way to the bar, ordering a couple of steins, and after they'd been taste-tested - which is a phrase I'd never thought I say about my drinks - we spotted the girls' carriage. I breathed another sigh of relief and ordered a couple more steins for them. After those were also taste-tested, we walked up to Myers, who was seemingly arguing with Lucretia. The older woman nodded curtly at Olivia, before turning on her heel and leaving.
Maxwell looked at me and cringed. "That looked fun." He commented as we reached the girls. "I know what'll cheer you up! Free drinks!"
"Maxwell, you just said the magic words." Myers grinned at him, as I sidled up to her and wrapped an arm around her waist, handing her a beer. "Thanks." She pressed a kiss to my cheek.
"Ugh." From the corner of my eye, I saw Olivia roll her eyes. She shook her head slightly, before turning to Maxwell. "No self-respecting brewer would give Lythikos ale away for free."
"They're free for you guys since I paid for them."
"Aw, thanks Maxwell." Myers smiled at him.
"And they've all been taste-tested. For, er… quality." He shot her a wink.
Myers took a sip of her ale and hummed appreciatively. "I'm tasting malt… nutty undertones… a hint of spice…"
Olivia huffed. "No, thank you. I'm not drinking anything that Maxwell's put his mouth on." She gave us a curt nod, before walking away, leaving us all to stare after her.
"I can't tell if she hates germs or if we should be suspicious." Maxwell commented.
"Speaking of suspicious…" I nodded towards Kiara, who was standing alone near one of the tents. "Wasn't she suddenly talking about going home?"
"Yeah… after how quick she agreed to join us, that does seem suspicious…" Myers pressed her lips together.
"Secret Agent Breakdance is on the case! Let's dance our way to the bottom of this mystery!"
"I think we need more subtlety and less breakdancing on this one." I told him, unable to help the corner of my mouth twitching a little.
"In that case…" Maxwell grinned impishly. "Maybe Agent Phoenix and Agent Hot Stuff better take a crack at it!" He shot finger guns at us.
"Does that mean I'm…? Actually, nevermind… I don't want to know." I shook my head.
"Clearly, I'm Agent Phoenix." Myers grinned, placing a delicate hand on her chest. "Come on, Hot Stuff, we've got work to do."
I rolled my eyes, but followed her. The last thing I heard was Maxwell whisper, "They're the hot agent duo I always wanted and never knew I needed."
I shook my head, suppressing a grin as we reached Kiara. She smiled amicably at us.
"Hey, Kiara," Myers greeted her. "I'm glad I caught you here. I wasn't sure I'd see you. You'd said you were planning on leaving court?"
Kiara actually looked a little startled. "I was. I mean, I am. I…"
"Are you sure? It seems like something's weighing on you."
"It does?" She swallowed, clearly nervous.
"Yeah. Are you okay?" Myers reached for her hand and squeezed. Kiara stared at Myers' hand unsurely, but after a brief moment she squeezed back quickly before letting go.
"Does this have anything to do with the attacks?" I asked sympathetically, remembering what Myers said last night.
Kiara sighed, looking down at the floor before meeting our eyes. "Is it that obvious? Camilla, Drake… I'm… I don't think I can stand to be here. Not after what happened to me at the first attack." Her hand subconsciously went to her side.
Myers nodded. "You were stabbed."
"Yes. You remembered."
"Of course. You're my friend. How could I forget?"
Kiara looked down at her hands. "Ever since that night… I can't sleep. I lay in the dark for hours, staring at the ceiling." I sighed, knowing very well how she felt. "And when I do sleep… every night I'm in that room again. I see the knife…"
"Kiara…" Myers stepped up to her and wrapped her in a hug. Kiara looked stunned for a moment, before relaxing into it. She sniffled, and stepped back.
"I consider myself a very logical person. Always in control of my surroundings. Always in control of my emotions. I prided myself in it, actually. I looked down on those like Olivia and Penelope who let their feelings run rampant. And now..." She sniffled again, fidgeting with her hands. "After the first attack, I resolved to face my fears. To return to court. To master myself. To prove I could. But now, after the second attack… it's getting worse. I wasn't sure I could stand to tell you the truth… but it's better you know. I didn't want you to think I'd turned on you. You still have my support. If I were stronger…"
"Stop." Myers told her gently, but firmly. "You are strong."
Kiara whimpered and a tear rolled down her cheek, causing her to growl softly and angrily wipe it away. "I have to go. I'm a mess."
"No, you're not. You're suffering from the trauma of the event. You need help." Myers told her earnestly, with not a hint of judgement.
Kiara blinked. "Help?"
"You should talk to someone. Everyone needs help sometimes, especially after something like this." Myers explained.
"What you went through… it was terrible," I began. "It was terrifying and out of your control. You were hurt and you didn't know if you'd be okay."
Kiara nodded, taking a moment to process. "I guess," she said, looking back up at me. "If anyone can understand that, it would be you." I nodded, my hand instinctively going to my shoulder. "How do you go on, Drake?"
In that moment, the way Kiara looked at me damn near broke my heart. She looked up at me, hopeless, and yet hoping I'd have some sort of mystical answers that'd make everything go away or make everything magically better. But the truth was, I didn't. I don't have a magical answer to make her problems go away. It just doesn't work that way.
I sighed. "Just one day at a time." I answered as honestly as I could. "Keep that up for a while, and then suddenly you're not doing so bad."
Kiara pressed her lips together and nodded. "Perhaps."
"Kiara, whatever you choose, I'm here for you." Myers said. Kiara met her eyes and the corner of her mouth twitched into a tiny smile. "Obviously I want you to stay… but I hope you do what's right for you."
"I… Thanks, Camilla. You've given me a lot to think about."
Myers nodded, pulling her in once more for a quick hug. "Let us know what you decide, okay? And let me know if you need anything. You've got my number."
She stepped back, we went our separate ways. Myers and I walked back towards our group, where Maxwell was waiting for us with more drinks.
"All clear?" He asked.
Myers nodded. "All clear, Agent Breakdance. Kiara finally told us why she wants to leave. After all the attacks, she's not sure she can take the stress anymore."
"Geez." Maxwell grit his teeth. "Guess that's one suspect off our list."
"And who knows how many more to go before we can lure the attackers out."
By the edge in her voice, I could tell Myers was beginning to get frustrated. I knew she needed a breather now. "I had an idea there…" I stepped away and crouched, scooping a bit of snow in my palm, shaping it into a ball. Then, I lobbed it at Myers, and it hit her shoulder. Bullseye!
"Hey!" She gave a look that was part stunned and part glare. "What was that for? I could've dropped my ale!"
"What, is Her Grace too good for a snowball fight? Oh, or are you worried you'll ruin your outfit?"
Myers took the bait immediately. "Is that a threat?"
"More like a challenge. You, me, snowball fight. Neutral ground."
"Neutral ground?"
"Someplace away from the festival." I explained as I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around her from behind. I leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Which would have the added, er…, benefit, I guess, of making you a more vulnerable target." I stepped back to find Maxwell discreetly looking anywhere but us. "What d'you say, Myers?"
"You know I never back down from a challenge!"
"That's what I like to hear." I nodded. I offered her my hand and she took it.
We said goodbye to our friends for a bit, and after letting Mara know, we trudged away from the main festival and into a clearing. The field was completely empty, except for a single life sized snowman.
"I hope you know what you're in for." I told Myers. "I was the snowball fight champion four years running at the palace."
Myers rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm so scared. You know, you talk a big game, but can you play it?"
"I guess you'll have to wait and find out."
"In that case, show me what you got, hot stuff." She stepped closer, running her finger down my jaw and neck, before reaching my chest and poking me playfully.
I cleared my throat. "Hot stuff?" I raised an eyebrow.
Myers merely shrugged as she stepped away. "Hey, I can appreciate my opponent's good looks. That won't stop me from putting you in your place." She grinned.
"Oh yeah? How about a little wager? If you get even one hit on me, you win the whole thing. I'll even let you set the stakes."
Myers scoffed. "A bet? Alright. Loser has to streak across the field in their underwear."
"You're on."
I began stepping back, ready to scoop up a handful of snow, when she called out, "Hey, hot stuff! Just remember one thing… We have snow in New York, too."
I looked up to find a snowball coming right at me. I dodged quickly, and it barely grazed my arm. Myers was already laughing gleefully. "Oh, it's on, Myers."
I sprung into action, quickly making a snowball and hurling it at Myers. She ducked behind the life-sized snowman. I looked around trying to find cover of my own, when I heard her yell, "Looks like I'm too fast for you, Walker!" She hurled another ball, and I practically jumped behind a tree.
"Now let's not get cocky because of one success." I began compacting the snow around my feet into another ball and watched her do the same from behind the snowman. "Y'know Myers, the saying isn't 'the best offense is a good defense'!"
"Oh, kiss my ice!' I looked up to find another ball headed straight for my head.
I dodged it, but couldn't help the laugh that escaped me. "Do your terrible puns work on anyone other than Maxwell?"
"You tell me!" She yelled, but her voice didn't seem to be coming from behind the snowman anymore.
I scanned the field slowly, noticing her footsteps disappear into the treeline. Damn. I stepped out from behind my tree and quickly rolled into the one next to it. If this was how she wanted to play it, I was going to meet her head on.
"Miss me yet, Walker?"
I turned to find her hiding behind my first tree, and a snowball in the air. A second later, my face was covered in snow. "Aah!"
"Head shot! Sorry, Walker, looks like it's the end of the line!"
"Okay, okay." I rubbed snow from my eyes and face. "I admit defeat."
"So soon? Come on, Drake, you put up a much bigger fight the last time we did this." She winked.
"The last time…? We've neve-" Another snowball hit my stomach.
"Come find me, Walker!" Myers yelled, ducking back out into the trees.
"You're on, Myers!" I ran after her, following her footsteps.
We ran out of the treeline into the field and back, pelting each other with snowballs the whole time. I finally got a hit on Myers' leg. She got a couple more in on my chest and legs as well. About halfway into the fight, both of us were covered in snow, but neither one of us was willing to give up.
"Come on, Walker! I thought you would've caught me by now!" Myers yelled, looking back at me as she ran. She failed to see that a tree root was sticking out from under the earth and snow.
"Myers, wait!"
"Whoa!" Too late. Myers fell, her boot coming off and remaining stuck in the overgrown root. "Ow! Motherf-" She hissed as she sat up, cradling her shoeless foot.
"Myers! You okay?"
"Fine. I don't think I twisted my ankle, it's only bruised. I think."
"Here." I untangled her boot, then scooped her up in my arms.
"Oh!" Myers wrapped her arms around my neck. "My hero!"
I rolled my eyes. "How come every time I win, you somehow manage to get hurt?" I asked jokingly.
"Um, excuse me, that only happened once: our swimming race. That was both the only time you won one of our little bets and the only time I've gotten hurt after it." She giggled.
"Sure, Myers."
We both laughed as I carried her back out into the field and we sat on a bench. Myers got off of me and I took a look at her foot.
"Does it hurt when I do this?" I cupped her heel and moved it in circular motions.
"Only a little."
"It doesn't look swollen…" I kept moving her foot slowly, adding or decreasing pressure in certain areas, until I was sure she was okay.
"Thanks, Drake." She leaned over after I was done and gave me a quick peck on the lips. "But I'm still collecting my winnings. I unseated the so-called 'snowball fight champion'! Looks like you're stripping down!"
"I'm a man of my word."
Myers smirked as she watched me undress. I began taking off the multiple layers that were keeping me warm. With each one I took off, the frigid Lythikos air seemed to penetrate deeper into my bones. When I was down to my boxers, I fought to keep my teeth from chattering. "Happy now?"
Myers visibly suppressed a smile, shooting me a disinterested stare. "I'll be happy when you're running." Her false disinterest faded as she failed to suppress her grin any longer.
I sighed, and began to jog. Exercise will keep me warm, exercise will keep me warm, exercise will keep me warm. I kept on running, trying to focus on the warmth of my body and not the freezing wind. Exercise… will… keep… me… warm.
I ran by a group of teenagers, probably on their way to the festival, and the little twerps stopped to point, stare and laugh. I grit my teeth and carried on, almost at the end of the field now. Exercise… will… keep… me… WARM!
"Run, Walker, run!" Myers yelled.
I coughed out a chuckle, as I circled back to her. My feet were freezing and they hurt against the snow, so running faster was difficult, even though it'd be better to run faster because it'd mean I'd get to get dressed sooner. When I finally reached Myers, I was out of breath. "Satisfied?" I exhaled.
"Very."
I quickly began putting my clothes back on, each layer enveloping me in a comforting warmth. Once I was done, I sat down on the bench next to Myers and she swung her legs over mine, snuggling closer.
"So, you said you were the palace champion four years running…" Myers began. "Who finally defeated you?"
"Well, no one actually. The game stopped."
"Really? Why?"
"We all used to play… the servants' kids, the little nobles, even both princes. One day, Liam got a snowball in the face. He got one hell of a black eye. It was nothing serious, but Constantine was furious at Liam and his brother for being 'so reckless'. My dad held me responsible. I was the bodyguard's son. I should've known better."
"That's not fair. You were all just kids. That happens sometimes. It's normal and it's okay." Myers frowned.
I shrugged. "Yeah, but… we all got the message. We might all be kids, but Liam and his brother were the Princes of Cordonia… and we better never forget that." I sighed. "I never told Liam the real reason the snowball fights stopped. He would've hated that."
"Drake…" Myers took one of my hands and snuggled closer to me, wrapping her arms around my waist.
"What? It's true. Liam always did his best to have the rest of us treat him normally. At heart, I think he always knew there was a difference, but especially as we got older, he'd always try to keep me out of his shadow. Turns out there was only so much he could do. And he's my best friend, so." I shrugged.
Myers' grazed her nose to mine, making me meet her eyes. "It must've been hard, always feeling like you were in his shadow." She said sympathetically.
"I never really minded until…" I looked at her quickly before looking down. "Well, until you came along." I finished sheepishly. I shook my head. "You know Myers, that's one of the most astonishing things about you. No one ever chose me over Liam before…" I met her eyes once more. "The man's my best friend and I'd walk through fire for him. But I won't lie and say that some part of it doesn't feel good." I admitted, somewhat reluctantly. I knew I could tell Myers everything, I could trust her with anything… but I wasn't exactly proud about feeling that way.
"I understand…" She sighed. "Drake… is Liam okay? With us?"
I pressed my lips together and ran a hand through my hair. "He's hurt, but I don't know anyone who could hide it better than he can. He's been trained his whole life in keeping that sort of thing private."
"Yeah, I haven't been able to read him lately…" Myers admitted.
I hugged her a little tighter. "He doesn't want us to feel guilty. I think he means it when he says he's happy for us… He just needs some time. I wish I knew how much."
"Are you two… you guys seem okay…"
"We're fine. Or, well, as fine as we can be."
"You never told me what happened after that night… what you talked about…"
I sighed again. I'd forgotten I never actually talked to Myers about this before. Everything else seemed to happen so fast; the shooting, the engagement, the tour. And more than that, I guess we were both so caught up in each other, in our relationship, in our newfound freedom…
"That night… Liam was pretty upset. When we started talking… it started off to a pretty rocky start. He was angry, I was scared and guilty. He snapped at me a couple times and then I snapped and I told him everything…" I sighed.
"Everything?"
"I told him… I told him how crappy I felt during the social season, how guilty I felt because I'd fallen head over heels for you, but I couldn't do that to him. I even told him that after the whole scandal happened there was a part of me that felt relieved."
Myers nodded. "I know. I felt that too. Maybe not right after the scandal… but when things simmered down and I actually got a chance to think about it… if the whole thing with Tariq hadn't happened…"
"You'd be engaged to Liam right now."
Myers grimaced. "And you?"
"I'd be here… standing right next to Liam at the altar."
"Hmm. Would you really have been able to do that? Stand next to Liam and watch me marry him?" Myers stared at me with wide, fearful eyes.
I sighed. Truth be told… "I don't know. But I know I would've tried my damnedest to get through it. For Liam… for you… For Cordonia."
Myers shook head quickly. "You know what? Let's not go there. Getting back to our previous conversation… what did Liam say when you told him that?"
"Nothing at first. I kept going and told him that I was sorry, and that I should've been man enough to tell him, but I just didn't know how. He said nothing at first… he didn't say anything for a long time, actually. And then he looked at me and he just said, 'I forgive you'."
"Just like that?"
"No, not just like that. I think… I think he really tried to put himself in my shoes. And he said he understood that I'd never meant to hurt him, and that this - us - just happened. He told me you can't help who you fall in love with and that he'd never punish me for it."
Myers sighed. "He said the same thing to me…"
"Yeah, I bet. That's Liam for you." I chuckled, as I thought of something.
"What?"
"Even now, trying to step out of his shadow… I owe Liam everything. Without him, I'd never have met you."
Myers gave me a soft smile, and pulled me in for a kiss. "I love you." She whispered against my lips. She pressed a final kiss to my forehead before pulling back. "And I don't believe for a second that no one's ever chosen you before me." I was about to open my mouth to contradict her with the very real list of girls who had, but she kept on talking. "You're the astonishing one. You're the best fiance and the best friend that anyone could hope for. We're all unbelievably lucky to have you around. Me, Liam, Savannah and Bartie… everyone. Don't ever doubt it." Myers' eyes were fierce and filled with loving conviction.
"God, what'd I ever do to deserve you?"
"You don't deserve me because I'm not a prize to be won after a certain amount of hardship or good deeds. I choose to be with you every day because I love you. Because you love me and you show me you love me every day in one way or another. Because you challenge me, you understand me, you make me feel safe, you make me feel like I can do anything. That, Drake Walker, is why I chose you and why I vow I'll continue to choose you everyday for the rest of my life."
That… almost had me tearing up. I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly.
"Too much?" Myers grinned.
"No, I just-"
"If you say something along the lines of 'I don't know what you see in me'," She deepened her voice to mock mine. "I swear I'll tackle you into the snow."
I laughed heartily.
"You were going to say something along those lines, weren't you? Weren't you? Okay, that's it, Walker!" Myers jumped at me a little too hard, and we toppled onto the snow.
Myers fell on top of me, ever mindful of my shoulder and my right side. I looked up at her then, her dark hair peppered with snow, and her eyes crinkled from laughing, and I couldn't help but pull her in for a kiss.
"You don't fight fair." I told her once we broke apart.
"You don't seem to mind." She countered.
"Maybe not."
Myers leaned in and nuzzled my jaw, pushing my face to the side. She pressed her lips to my neck, and I drew in a sharp breath. She pressed her hands under my jacket, running them over my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, running my own hands down her back. "Myers…"
"Yes, Drake?"
"You're too much…"
"Oh, should I stop?"
"Never…" Suddenly she pulled away, still sitting on top of me, straddling me. I groaned. "Didn't I just say not to stop?"
"Who said I'm stopping?" Myers shot me a mischievous smile, before she lifted my shirt just a bit, bringing her lips to my abs.
I shuddered as I felt the cold air and her warm lips simultaneously. She kept going downwards, keeping her eyes on me. I had to remind myself to breathe. Myers stilled for a second before moving back up and capturing my lips in a passionate kiss. She cupped my neck and began to pull away, pulling me up with her until we were sitting. I wrapped my arms tightly around her, feeling her body underneath her jacket. Myers' fingers on my scalp sent shivers down my spine, and I ducked underneath her jaw to nibble on the soft skin of her neck. Myers moaned softly, pulling my hair in order to draw my lips back to hers.
When we finally pulled away to catch our breaths, Myers was flushed and her lips were a bit swollen. I sighed. "God, Myers, you know I'd stay out here all day if I could."
"But…"
"But we should probably get back to the festival."
Now it was Myers' turn to sigh. "Yeah, I haven't seen anyone following us and we've been gone awhile…"
She stood and then pulled me up with her. We dusted snow off ourselves, helping each other out with the snow on our backs.
"As always, let me know when you want another escape." I told her.
"Will do, Walker."
With that, we made our way back to the festival hand in hand.
By nightfall, there was still no sign of the attackers. Myers was pretty frustrated, but she hid it well. After she and Olivia finished the final festival remarks and descended the stage to resounding applause, we all headed inside. Myers grew even more frustrated when she tried to convince Mara that Olivia didn't need to be investigated, but Mara didn't seem to buy it.
So, since we'd eaten during the festival, I drew Myers a bath and made her a pot of tea. I washed her hair and hoped I'd help her relax, before we tumbled into bed. I tried my best to stay awake until I was sure she'd fallen asleep, but I couldn't. I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Hours later, I slowly woke up to whispers so soft I thought I was still dreaming.
"... can't unsee this! If I'd known you were sleeping with this-"
"Watch it, Olivia. That's my fiance you're talking about."
"Fine. If you'd just told me, I could've saved my staff from preparing his room."
"I'm assuming this isn't the reason you barged into my room in the middle of the night?"
"No, it is not. Ever since the Homecoming Ball, I figured you and Liam would suspect me. I'm not saying I'm thrilled by that, but after what my parents did… You'd be a fool not to wonder if a Nevrakis is involved."
"The thought might've crossed our minds. But Olivia, I want you to know I do trust you."
"Oh. Well… thank you. But I still want to prove you can trust me the only way I could think of. The vault my aunt mentioned… it's the most secure place in all of Lythikos. All of the skeletons in the Nevrakis family closet are buried there."
"I hope you mean that as a figure of speech."
"Honestly, I can't make any promises. Lucretia's right that I've been ignoring our history. I've barely been down to the vault since I was a child. Too many memories. But whatever secrets there might be… I'm ready to find them."
"Then let's do this."
I heard some shuffling and a faint click. Soon all was quiet once more. I groaned and opened my eyes, reaching out to Myers' side of the bed. I was still half surprised to find it was empty. It hadn't been a dream after all. I got up immediately, pushing off the covers and scrambling to get dressed. Then, I quickly opened the door.
"Drake?"
"Mara. Call some back up now! We've got to tail Myers."
"On it." She paged several guards, who were at our door almost immediately. "Where's Duchess Camilla?"
"With Olivia. She asked Myers to go with her to the family vault." I said, stepping back inside my room.
I tried to remember exactly in what direction I'd heard them go to, and then how to open the secret passage.
"Where are you going?" Mara asked.
"There's a secret passage that connects this room to the vault." I told her. "That's how Olivia was able to get in here undetected."
Immediately, several guards began to scan the walls. All of us made ourselves busy trying to find a trigger or a lock or an outline of a door, or anything. I looked around the fireplace, noticing the smooth marble detailing. The Lythikos seal was… wrong. It was upside down. I reached out to set it right, and the fireplace hissed.
"Maybe it only opens from the-" Mara stopped in her tracks when she saw the gaping hole in the wall - the entrance to the secret passage was behind the fireplace!
"Let's go." I ordered and we began to make our way down.
"Do you know where we're going, Drake?" Mara asked.
"I think so." I told her honestly. "I've done some exploring everytime I come here. I think I can get us to the vault."
I led Mara and the guards through the passage, trying my best to map out a route in my head. I was sure we were getting closer, when-
"... I trusted you!"
"That's Myers' voice!"
We broke into a run, only to emerge in the basement. The vault was open, with Myers and Olivia at the door, facing off against Lucretia and… Justin?! And he had a gun pointed at Camilla!
"Freeze!" Mara immediately aimed her gun, as did the agents behind us.
"Get the hell away from Camilla!"
Mara was faster, and with a swift swipe of her hand, she effectively disarmed Justin and held him at gunpoint.
"Lucretia, you said the vault was secure!" Justin glared at Olivia's aunt.
"It was."
"You're not the only one able to spring a trap." Mara told him.
"Surrender, Justin. You're outnumbered." Myers told him.
"I didn't come this far, get this close, just to give up!" He shouted back at her.
"All this could've been avoided, Libby, if you'd just pay more attention to your history." Lucretia looked at Olivia, before stepping back and leaning against the wall. The floor began to shake and she smiled. "There are so many vital details to be learned."
Hidden charges began going off inside the vault, causing the ceiling to begin collapsing.
"Get out of there!" I yelled at Camilla, reaching out to her.
Chunks of stone began to fall from the ceiling and dust began to rise. In the commotion, Justin was able to get away from Mara, but I was focused on trying to get inside the damn vault to get Myers out.
"Camilla! Camilla!"
"Come on!" I heard her voice, and she stepped out of the vault with Olivia in hand a second before the ceiling caved. Her face was covered in dust and there was a small cut on her forehead, as well as several bruises on her arms.
I wrapped my arms around her immediately. "Camilla! What were you thinking?!" I cupped her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Camilla coughed. "I… had… to get… Olivia." She coughed heavily once more, before she was able to get her breathing under control.
From the corner of my eyes, I watched as several guards picked Lucretia off the floor and cuffed her.
"Where's… Justin?" Myers asked with wide eyes.
"He got away."
