Carry You Home

"Everybody needs a little room to make mistakes

You don't have to be so perfect

You can go at your own pace

Let me carry you home

When you're tired and you're weary

And you have no strength to go on

Let me carry you home

When there's no one to turn to

And all you've had faith in is gone" ~ Tiesto ft. Aloe Blacc

"He got… away?!" Myers yelled hoarsely, before breaking out into a coughing fit.

"Hey, easy." I pulled her back to me and wrapped my arms around her, rubbing her back soothingly. When she pulled back, I noticed a small trickle of blood was making its way down the side of her face from the cut on her forehead. "Shit." I whispered under my breath, desperately searching my pockets for a handkerchief or a tissue or something.

"Here." Tanner offered me a handkerchief.

"Thanks," I nodded gratefully, before turning back to Myers. "Myers." I cupped her face and pressed the soft cloth to the cut.

"I'm fine… Read once… it's normal… for head wounds to bleed a lot… too many blood vessels… but you… need… to go… after-" She kept on coughing in between words.

"Don't worry, Your Grace. We'll find him." Mara reassured her, before turning to her team. She began barking out orders. "Tanner! Radio Jerry! Tell him to wake the King for a debriefing. Karina, we need this room clear, everything in here is evidence! This is officially a crime scene from here on out! Marcus, take Lucretia into custody!"

"I imagine you'll want to question me as well." Olivia said, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Mara nodded. "Very well."

"Wait, Olivia-" Myers slapped my hand away and moved towards Olivia, who stopped her with a single wave of her hand.

"It's okay, Camilla. I understand that they have to do this, and I will cooperate." Olivia nodded resolutely.

"Your Grace, we need to get you to a doctor." Mara told her.

"I'm fine." Myers growled. "Just find Justin... o-or Anton or... whatever the hell his name is!"

"Myers…"

"I promise we'll keep you updated, Your Grace, but right now, your health is my priority." Mara explained, turning to Tanner. "Jerry on his way down?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now, please call a doctor for Her Grace."

"Mara, I'm fi-" I steadied her as her chest was wracked with another coughing fit.

"Somebody get Her Grace upstairs! Get her some water and call the damn doctor!"

"Camilla. Please." I pleaded.

She softened when she looked at me. Her coughing subsided, but when she spoke, she was out of breath and hoarse. "Fine… But Olivia should come with us… as well. She was… right there with me… when the ceiling collapsed."

Olivia's jaw dropped, but before she could say anything, I nodded. "Yeah, I know, Myers." I turned to Mara. "We'll be in the foyer upstairs."

"You're not going alone. Tanner." Mara bobbed her head in our direction.

I nodded, and helped Myers up the stairs. As we reached the foyer, Myers collapsed in one of the settees, still coughing up a storm. "Myers!" I sat behind her, rubbing her back. "Breathe… easy there… breathe." I helped her as she sucked in deep breaths, until her coughing subsided.

"Milla!" Hana ran towards us, with Maxwell and Liam behind her. She knelt before Myers' chair and hugged her tightly. "What happened? Are you okay?" Hana let go of Myers and moved to hug me, while the guys knelt next to Myers.

"Oof. Hana… too.. tight."

"Oh! Sorry, Drake." She let me go and stepped towards Olivia.

The Ice Queen glared at her. "Try to hug me and you'll regret it."

"Oh, hush, Olivia." Hana gave her a brief hug nonetheless. Olivia looked shocked, but it was over so quickly she didn't have time to protest.

"Justin…" Myers began weakly. "It's Justin. He's… the traitorous… rat."

"Justin?!" They all echoed.

Maxwell sat down and took Myers' hand. Myers squeezed it as tight as she was able to. They looked at each other sadly for a moment.

"Apparently Camilla's former press secretary's real name is Anton Serverus." Olivia broke the silence. "He's the current leader of the Sons of Earth, and… apparently my husband."

"What?!" The guys asked at the same time.

"How did this happen?" Liam sat next to Olivia and took her hand.

She looked at him with eyes filled with sadness, shame and regret. "Apparently, my parents made a deal with the Sons of the Earth, and Anton specifically. They signed a contract of betrothal, which would turn into a legally binding marriage when I turned 18."

"Olivia, don't worry, I will-" Liam stopped mid-sentence. His eyes widened with realization and his jaw dropped slightly. "I can't grant you an annulment."

Olivia sighed. "No, you can't."

They stared at each other for a long while.

"Why not?" Maxwell broke the silence, and dare I say, their moment.

They both startled and Liam cleared his throat. "When the Five Kingdoms were united under Kenna's rule, one of the settlements they reached with the Nevrakises was that the Crown would have no say in Nevrakis marriage policies. They would be free to choose who they married and the Crown cannot legally unite and/or separate these alliances. Which is why I can't grant Olivia an annulment, even though she entered into this marriage with no knowledge of it prior to this moment, and against her will."

"Believe me, it is." Olivia fumed.

"You were a minor. Your parents had no right to do this to you." Liam added.

"No, they did not. But they did and now I have to find a way out of this mess." Olivia countered.

"Olivia, you know I'll help however I can." Liam told her, taking her hand and squeezing briefly.

"We all will." Myers added, her voice still hoarse, but at least the coughing had subsided.

"And the first step is to find Anton and bring him down." I said, squeezing Myers' shoulder.

Tanner cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Your Majesty, Your Graces. The doctor has arrived for Duchess Camilla and Duchess Olivia."

"Thank god." I mumbled under my breath.

"Bring him in, please, Tanner. Thank you." Liam told him.

After about 10 minutes - in which Tanner was surely screening the doctor - an older gentleman with kind eyes entered the room. He bowed reverently to Liam and Olivia. "Your Majesty, Duchess Olivia."

Olivia inclined her head. "Dr. Preston, thank you for coming on such short notice. Everyone, this is Dr. Jonathan Preston, one of Lythikos' best physicians."

"You honor me, Your Grace. Now, I was told you needed my assistance?"

"Duchess Camilla is in more urgent need of your help, Dr. Preston. I'm merely a formality." Olivia told him, and in that moment I was incredibly grateful for the Ice Queen. Especially since dark bruises were quickly forming on her arms and who knows where else, so I knew she hadn't gotten out of the cave-in completely unscathed.

"Very well, Your Grace."

"Feel free to step into the drawing room. It's the next door on the left." Olivia told us.

The doctor nodded, and turned to Myers. "Your Grace?"

Myers nodded and stood. I helped her up. "I'm coming with you."

The doctor shot a look at Olivia, but she merely nodded.

"Of course, Your ah…"

"Drake is fine. Come on, Myers." I wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her into the next room.

Once inside, I helped Myers sit down and made ample room for the doctor. He began by listening to her lungs and her heart, before checking for bruises and cuts. Then he cleaned the cut on her forehead and sealed it with a butterfly stitch. He was fairly efficient and was done in a matter of minutes.

"Very well, Your Grace. You've got some bruises on your back and shoulders, but thankfully nothing appears to be broken. The cut on your forehead is small, but not too deep, so you won't need sutures. These butterfly stitches will do the trick, and they will peel off on their own. That cut should be healed in 10 days time."

Myers breathed a visible sigh of relief. "Just in time… for the wedding."

That caused the doctor to laugh heartily. "Of course, Your Grace. Now, make sure to ice the bruises if they bother you, and you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you feel any pain. With a bit of rest, you should be just fine."

"Thank you, Doctor." Myers nodded, her voice still a tad hoarse.

"What about her coughing fits?" I asked.

The doctor nodded. "A result of dust inhalation. Your Grace, do you suffer from asthma or-?"

Myers immediately shook her head no.

"Well, that is good. However, I will still be prescribing an inhaler." He looked at me, and I nodded. He took out a pad and began writing a prescription. "Two puffs every six hours or after a coughing fit. We'll keep this up for 5 days and then you will need to be reevaluated. Will you be in Lythikos in 5 days?"

Myers and I looked at each other before we both shook our heads.

"I don't think so, sir." I told him.

The doc nodded. "Very well. I will be writing a report and email it to you, so that you can bring it to your physician and bring them up to speed."

I was going to thank him, but Myers beat me to the punch. "Thank you, doctor."

"Yes, thank you." I breathed a sigh of relief.

He nodded and smiled kindly at me. "I assure you, Her Grace will be fine. She just needs some rest for the next couple of days. No exercise, no physical exertion of any kind," He looked at me pointedly, "and she will recover quickly."

Myers moved to stand and I wrapped my arms around her waist to support her. "Thank you, Doctor. We'll send Olivia in." I told him, nodding my thanks

"Thank you." Myers added.

"It's no trouble, Your Grace." The doctor nodded and we stepped back out into the foyer. Maxwell, Hana, and Liam stood immediately, with the latter helping Olivia stand as well.

"Is everything okay?" Liam asked.

"I'm fine." Myers nodded.

"Myers…"

"I'll be fine… Drake."

"You can barely talk, Myers. Hell, you can barely breathe. You need to rest." I told her. "Have you slept at all tonight?"

"No, but… with this whole Justin thing… I don't think I'll be able to. I can't… t-"

"Turn your mind off, I know." I shook my head, not missing the way Liam's eyes widened just a bit as I finished her sentence. "Olivia, the doctor's waiting for you."

Olivia nodded and let go of Liam's forearm. She stood tall and proud and made her way out of the room, but none of us missed the slight limp in her left leg.

"Milla, you should sit." Maxwell told her.

"Oh, right." She smiled somewhat sheepishly, and I helped her sit on the sofa, before taking the seat next to her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer.

"You really scared me tonight…" I whispered. "When the ceiling collapsed…"

"I had… to get Olivia." She grinned, her breathing still labored. "Now you know… how I felt… during the duel…"

"I know…"

"And when you got… shot."

"Yeah, yeah." I sighed.

"Milla, should I call for some tea?" Hana asked.

"Or food? I could go raid the kitchen for a midnight snack!" Maxwell added.

Myers smiled but shook her head. "Thanks, guys… but I'm fine… please, I don't want you… guys to fuss over me… I'm fine."

"Clearly." I rolled my eyes, but squeezed her tighter. She snuggled closer into me.

At that precise moment, Mara walked in to brief us. "Your Majesty, Your Grace." She nodded to the rest of us.

"What news?" Liam asked.

"I'm sure both Her Graces have filled you in on what happened?" Liam, Hana and Maxwell all nodded. "Very well. Our preliminary report is that Anton Serverus is the son of Damian Serverus, former leader of the Sons of the Earth. Apparently before his death, he made an alliance with Lionel and Camellia Nevrakis and aided in their attempted coup. As you well know, all three of them perished in the coup, but not before leaving the marriage contract that now binds Duchess Olivia and Anton."

"And what a pain that is." Olivia commented, entering the room again.

"What did the doctor say?" Liam asked her, standing to help her.

She waved him away and he sat down again. "Minor scrapes and bruises. Anton will need much more than making my roof collapse to bring me down."

Liam chuckled. "That, I can believe."

Once Olivia sat down, Mara continued her report. "My agents managed to dig a path through the rubble and inside the vault. Apparently there was a secret tunnel that led out of the Keep and allowed Anton to escape."

"No…" Myers whimpered beside me.

"We will find him, Your Grace. That I promise you." Mara told her vehemently.

Liam sighed. "We need to close the borders, and notify the press. I want Justin's photograph on every news outlet now."

"Of course, Your Majesty. As for Lucretia, she is currently in custody, but unconscious. I've asked Dr. Preston to look over her as well, and she will be questioned once she wakes up."

Liam nodded. "Thank you, Mara."

"There is one more thing, Your Majesty." Mara began hesitantly, her eyes darting to Olivia.

Olivia scowled. "I already made it clear that I will cooperate. I've made my support for the Crown quite clear, and if this is what it takes to earn your trust, then so be it."

"It's not that, Your Grace."

"And for what it's worth, Duchess Olivia has my complete trust." Liam told Olivia, who actually seemed touched by his words.

"And mine." Myers added.

"Even so, Your Majesty, the King's Guard must strongly recommend that you and the rest of the court evacuate Lythikos. Not out of question for Duchess Olivia's loyalty, but because we do not know if there are any more charges or traps within the Keep, some that Her Grace herself may not even be aware of."

I scoffed. "I mean, it is a Nevrakis stronghold. I'd be more surprised if there weren't any more traps built in."

Everyone turned to look at me, all of them narrowing their eyes. Myers elbowed me not so discreetly.

"Far be it for me to agree with the neanderthal, but he does have a point. We are a line of warriors, and there are many secrets in the Keep that remain unknown even to me." Olivia shot me a dirty look, but apparently agreed nonetheless. "I agree with Mara, Liam. You should go. As for myself, if and when I'm released from questioning, I'd like to stay here to do some more investigating."

"Of course, Olivia." Liam sighed and stood. "Very well. Begin notifying the rest of the court. We leave in an hour."


And so we did. An hour later, we were packed and in the car on our way back to the capital. Myers was, thankfully catching up on her sleep, her head resting on my shoulder. I wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders as the wintry countryside flew by outside our window.

Hana cleared her throat softly. "Here, Drake." She handed me a soft, woolen blanket.

"Thank you." I nodded, and covered Myers with the blanket. She sighed softly in her sleep, snuggling closer to me.

"How is she?" Hana asked.

I sighed. "I don't know. Truth be told, I'm worried about her. She keeps saying she's fine, but... deep down, I know she's not."

"You have to give her time…" Hana pressed her lips together sympathetically. "I can only imagine what a shock it must have been for her to discover Justin's true identity. She trusted him."

"We all did." Maxwell added. He'd been uncharacteristically quiet, up until now that is.

"I just wished she talked to me…" I grumbled.

"She will. When she's ready. You have to give her a chance to process everything, but once she does…" Hana said encouragingly.

I clicked my tongue, frustrated. Although, truth be told, I didn't know if I was more frustrated with Myers or with myself. "I know, Hana. But the thing is, even when she talks to me, I don't know what to say, I don't know how to help her…"

"Milla's strong, Drake. She doesn't need your help. She needs your support." Hana looked at me pointedly.

Same difference, I thought. "How do I support her though? Myers' been with me through everything…" The shooting, the surgery, the recovery, the nightmares… "Whereas I, on the other hand…" I barely noticed her bouts of insomnia a couple of days ago, I thought, looking down at her sleeping face.

Hana smiled kindly at me. "Let her process everything. Be patient with her. And when she's ready to talk, just listen."

"Milla's the type of person who can solve her own problems, Drake." Maxwell added. "She doesn't need your help - or ours - for that. But what she does need is for us to just be there. For us to hear her when she needs to rant, or hug her when she needs to cry."

"Is that what you did those few weeks she was in social exile?" I asked.

"Yeah." He nodded with a small, sad smile. "I'm no stranger to a 'Milla rant'. Pretty scary stuff, but she's my best friend, so…" He shrugged.

We all chuckled at that.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "I hope you guys are right. And thanks for… y'know."


As it turns out, Hana and Maxwell were right.

A few days after we returned to the palace, I was hanging out with Liam in one of the sitting rooms. Earlier that morning, I'd taken Myers to the doctor for the check up Dr. Preston had recommended, and I was telling Liam how it went.

"... So yeah, her lungs sound much better and the doctor took her off the inhaler. She still has to take it easy for the next couple of days, but… she'll be okay." I couldn't hold back the relief from my voice.

Liam nodded, before smiling politely. "I'm glad. She gave us quite a scare."

"You have no idea. When the charges began to go off, and the vault began to cave in…" I shook away the memory.

Suddenly, the door was jerked open and Mara ran inside. I jumped when I saw her panicked expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Her Grace… I can't find her."

"What?!" Liam stood and yelled next to me.

"What do you mean 'you can't find her'?!" I asked, my heart beating nervously.

"I-I escorted her to the library but she asked me to stay outside because she wanted to 'be alone and think', but when she started taking too long I went in to check on her and she was nowhere to be found! It's like she just vanished!"

I let out a sigh of relief when she said that. I knew where she was.

"Were there any signs of forced entry from the other doors leading to the library? Or the windows?" Liam asked, his face tight with concern.

"No, Your Majesty. We're still investigati-"

"Call off the search." I told her. "I know where she is."

"You do?" Liam asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, I do." I turned back to Mara. "I need you to call off the search."

Mara nodded. "Units 3, 4 and 5, the search for the fledgling is off. Repeat, the search for the fledgeling is off. Clear the library, over."

"Do you need us to come with you?" Liam asked.

I shook my head. "No. Knowing Myers… she just needs sometime to be alone."

I watched as Liam warred with himself, his instinct urging him to come with me, to see for himself that Camilla was safe, while his rationality reminded him it would be best to respect her wishes.

Rationality won. "... Very well."

"Thank you." I nodded gratefully, and began walking briskly towards the library.

Mara followed me, but when we reached the library, she remained by the door. "I'll be right outside if you need anything."

I nodded and once the door was shut, I went to the bookshelf and opened our secret passage. I stepped inside and the sight that welcomed me… was disheartening.

Myers sat on the floor, hugging her knees into her chest, with her forehead resting on top of them. I heard sniffling and I knew she was crying. When she looked up at me…

"Oh, Camilla." I rushed to her side, sitting next to her and pulling her onto my lap. She wrapped her arms around my neck and buried her face into it. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tightly. "I'm here." I whispered, "Ssh. I'm here."

She nodded against my neck and squeezed me tighter. "I'm… so tired, D-Drake!"

"I know… I know…"

"So tired of everything… I'm tired of jumping over my own shadow and being scared to go outside… and I'm so tired of this fucking guilt following me around everywhere… That voice telling me it was all my fault. And it was all my fault… Constantine died and it was my fault…"

"Camilla, no."

"It was! You know it was!" Her voice rose to a desperate squeal. "I was the reason Bertrand hired Justin! I was the one who trusted him! And now Constantine's dead, and the country's in shambles, and Liam's completely stressed out, a-and you got shot, and it's all because of me!" She sobbed into my chest. "I should've just stayed in New York! None of this would've happened if I'd just stayed in New York..."

I ran my hand down her hair, cradling her head softly. I let her cry it out, holding her tightly against me. Once her sobs subsided, I pulled back and cupped her neck, making her meet my eyes.

"Camilla." I bit back a sigh. Where to begin… "Nothing that happened was your fault." Her chin began to tremble and she squeezed her eyes shut as more tears came. I kissed her forehead and wiped her tears with my thumbs. "Anton," I used his real name. It didn't do anyone any good to still refer to him as 'Justin'. 'Justin' didn't exist. "Anton was clearly planning this for years."

"I was the opening he needed to get close to Liam."

"And if you'd stayed in New York, believe me he would've found another one. Everything you said… Constantine's death and me getting shot… It's his fault. Not yours. If you'd stayed in New York… we would never have met, and gotten together, and there would've been no one to unite the country. Liam would be married to Madeleine and who knows how well they would've done."

Camilla scoffed. "Please. It's Liam and Madeleine we're talking about. I bet if they'd gotten married, none of this would've happened."

"You don't know that, Camilla. And we can sit here all day and theorize about what would've happened if you'd stayed in New York, but in the end it doesn't matter. Because you're here now, and you know what? It was the best damn decision you ever made. For you, for me, for Liam, and Maxwell, and Hana. And I know shit's tough right now, but I'm here for you. We're all here for you. But more than that, I believe in you."

Camilla wiped her eyes angrily. "You shouldn't. I'm a mess."

"You're not. You're scared, and that's okay. But I know that despite that fear, you can still get up and keep fighting. It's who you are, and it's what draws people to you and what inspires them. It's what inspires me. You're so brave, Camilla."

She shook her head.

"Look at me, Camilla." She did. "You are the bravest woman I've ever met. You're smart as hell, and damn near annoyingly kind… You always keep me on my toes, and just when I think I've got you figured out, you surprise me."

"That doesn't mean I'm invincible, Drake…" She whispered softly.

I sighed. "No, I guess it doesn't… but it does mean you're a fighter, Myers. You're so strong, Myers…" I gently ran the backs of my fingers against her cheekbones. "You're strong, and you will get through this. We will get through this."

Myers shook her head once more, as if begging me to stop.

"I'll keep going until you believe it, Myers." I smiled tentatively at her.

"That's supposed to be my line." She returned my smile with a tiny one of her own.

"Too bad. It's mine now."

Myers rolled her eyes. "If I say I believe you, will you shut up?"

"Maybe. For now."

She nodded, throwing her arms around me. "Thank you."

I hugged her back tightly. We stayed like that for a few moments before pulling apart.

"How'd you know I be here?" She asked, wiping at her face with the backs of her hands.

"Mara went looking for us, scared shitless because she'd lost a Duchess."

Myers couldn't help the little bit of laughter that trickled out. "I didn't mean to scare her! I just wanted to be alone for a minute."

"I know." I took her hands and intertwined our fingers. "Are you… Do you feel a bit better now?"

She nodded. "Yeah… a bit. I just got… so overwhelmed with everything. I started running everything over in my mind… It all makes so much sense now. Why he agreed to take the job despite the low salary… why he hung out afterwards, to 'mingle with the elite scandals-waiting-to-happen'. Why he deliberately took a shot at the Homecoming Ball so that he wouldn't be a suspect. Why he poisoned Madeleine the second he got back…"

"Myers…"

"And the worst thing is that I really did trust him. I'm so stupid…" She clenched her jaw and shook her head.

"No, you're not."

She scoffed. "I'm not as smart as I think I am. I've always prided myself on my ability to read people… but I couldn't really read Justin."

"Anton." I corrected.

"Right. Anton."

"Myers… you read what he wanted you to read. He's a master manipulator, trained by the Nevrakises no less. You couldn't have foreseen this, no matter how good your ability to read people is."

"You always told me not to trust anyone. I never listened. Look where that got me." Myers looked at me, almost apologetically.

I sighed. "I trust you… And Liam, Hana, Maxwell… When I told you that… I wasn't in a good place, Myers. I was angry and bitter. But then you came along and showed me it's okay to trust people sometimes."

Myers hummed an aww, before the corner of her mouth rose in a sad half smile. "'Sometimes' being the key word there."

"Myers. It wasn't your fault. None of it. Don't blame yourself for trusting him."

"I… I'll try."

I nodded, knowing that was probably the best I was going to get right now. "Okay."

She sighed, laying her head on my shoulder. "Thank you. For everything."

"Always, Myers. Always." I stood, then took her hand and pulled her up.

With the other hand I wiped away the remaining of her tears, before wrapping my arm around her shoulders. We stepped out of our secret passage and back into the library together. Mara visibly breathed a sigh of relief when we stepped out into the hall, but before Myers could see her, I shook my head wildly, and Mara stepped back into the shadows.

Wordlessly, I led Myers back to my room and shut the door. I knew a quiet day was just what she needed, so just like last time, we spent the day in my room, not doing anything but catching out breaths and enjoying each other's company.

Here, she didn't have to be Duchess Camilla. She didn't have to be the woman who toured the country in order to unite it, the woman who held it all together, smiling fearlessly at friend and foe alike.

Here, with me, she could just be Camilla Myers, the woman I loved more than life itself.

In here, she could just… be.


A few days later, we were all summoned for a debriefing by the King's Guard during breakfast. While Mara and Jerry arrived, Liam turned on the morning news, just in time to catch the latest report on Anton.

"And in other news, Anton Serverus, leader of the terrorist faction and anti monarchist group the Sons of Earth, and the man responsible for the palace bombings and the death of King Father Constantine, eluded capture just a few days ago." The anchor superimposed a picture of Anton on the screen. "Anton Serverus, who was previously masquerading as a press secretary for our newest Duchess Camilla of Valtoria, apparently confessed to his crimes in Lythikos, before deftly escaping custody of the King's Guard.

However, the Royal Guard have arrested Lady Lucretia Nevrakis, maternal aunt of the current Duchess of Lythikos, Olivia Nevrakis. Lady Lucretia was apparently Anton Serverus' accomplice and they were working together to overthrow His Majesty, King Liam Rys.

With Lucretia Nevrakis now in custody, the King is confident that Anton Serverus will soon follow. In the meantime, His Majesty has closed the borders, and an intensive investigation is being carried out by the Royal Guard."

Maxwell sighed. "This is all my fault." He shook his head, looking away from the TV down to the floor. "Bertrand and I hired Justin in the first place."

Liam clenched his jaw and turned off the TV quickly.

Myers took Maxwell's hand and squeezed. She looked at me briefly before turning back to Maxwell. "He fooled us all. He's obviously been sitting and training for this since he was a child." She echoed my words from a few days earlier. And yet, she still sounded as if she was trying to convince herself as much as Maxwell. "I was just the opening he needed to get close enough to the Royal family to… well." Her eyes darted to Liam, before drawing them down quickly.

"To do to Liam what he did to my husband." Regina finished for her.

"Our enemy had plenty of reason to target you too, Duchess Camilla." Mara entered the room at that precise moment. "You caught the public's attention when you came to Cordonia, and since you became their newest duchess, their respect for you has only grown. Your tour of the duchies has helped keep this kingdom united in the face of danger."

"It's true." Liam nodded, catching Myers' eye. "Justin and his allies must be afraid of both of us. If he'd successfully gotten rid of me… with no queen and no heir to the Cordonian throne…"

Myers immediately broke eye contact, looking down to the floor while reaching for my hand under the table. I interlaced our fingers and squeezed.

"That must be the reason for the rule that Cordonian monarchs must be married upon ascension." Regina pondered. "One ancient succession law to counter another."

"It's all so clear now." Mara glowered. "The Homecoming Ball, the Costume Gala…"

"Poisoning Madeleine so he could try to get close to me again…" Myers clenched her jaw, glaring at the table.

"Precisely. He was there for all of it." Mara agreed.

"Explains why he was always carrying that earpiece around too." I scoffed.

Myers gasped, nearly jumping up from her chair. "Oh my god! Bertrand! I left the earpiece with him!"

Before we could both get carried away with an awful train of thought - Bertrand, Savannah, Bartie - Mara spoke up. "Not to worry, Your Grace. I confiscated it in the hopes of tracing its signal back to Justin. Or rather… Anton. Unfortunately, he was smart enough to switch its receiver off. In any case, he won't be able to use it to track us. I've officially briefed the press and the Cordonian guard, so he won't be able to show his face in public without being caught."

"Good. After everything that monster's done, he deserves to face justice." Regina scowled.

"And I don't want him getting anywhere near Myers again." I added. She squeezed my hand and I turned to her. "Almost losing you once was bad enough." I pressed a kiss to her temple.

"I knew you'd find me in time." She gave me a small half smile.

"I'd never let him hurt you, Myers. But there is such a thing as getting too close for comfort."

Mara cleared her throat politely. "While Lucretia's in our custody, Olivia is now seeing to her aunt's estate in Lythikos. She said she'd turn over any intel she uncovers there. We've already questioned Lucretia with the assistance of a lie detector. So far, we've learned that had this attack failed, Anton and his conspirators would have moved on to a Plan B. With much of the palace still under repair, they expected that the court would quickly leave and take shelter at Applewood. That's likely where they're staging their next move."

"So we'll go somewhere else…" I watched the wheels turn in Liam's head. He locked eyes with me first, then Myers. "Camilla's duchy."

Mara nodded. "I'll send my team to secure it immediately. On our own terrain, surrounded by our own allies, we should be as safe as… what's that American castle? The Knox Fortress?"

The corner of Myers' lips twitched. "Fort Knox."

"Close enough." I told Mara.

"Besides, now that we've visited practically every duchy in Cordonian, it's time that you officially hosted the court at yours." Liam told her.

"What about our allies? How can we keep them safe?" Myers asked.

"Hmm… Traditionally, at this time of year, the people of your duchy come together for a lantern-lighting festival." Liam explained. "Inviting the court to the festival will give us a chance to protect our allies and show strength. And it'll be a chance to answer whatever questions the press might have in light of Anton's betrayal."

Myers nodded slowly, more convinced by the second. Finally, a grin slowly appeared on her face. "Perfect."

"To Duchy Valtoria, then." I added, unable to contain a grin of my own.


The very next morning, we were in the car with the guys on our way to Valtoria. Since we were heading to Myers' new duchy and didn't need to study a binder or a million flashcards, Maxwell suggested we listened to his wedding playlist. And so the past two hours had been filled with music and singing, all of us excited for the trip. As promised, Maxwell presented us with a slew of different bands and way too many dj's in my opinion.

Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't that I didn't like this type of music… Okay, who am I kidding. I don't like that type of music. EDM, electronic dance music, it's just not my thing. To be honest, I found it boring and repetitive. The same beats over and over again, all electronic, no real melody or artistry behind it, and auto-tuned singing. It just wasn't for me. But Myers seemed to like it, so…

A steady thumping beat made its ways through the car, followed by a winding electronic melody. Myers and Maxwell grinned when the beat picked up, the melody drawing patterns as it rose and fell. Liam humored them, bobbing his head to the beat, his foot tapping rhythmically.

"Ba dum dum dum dum dum, du du dum. Ba dum dum dum dum dum, du du dum." Myers sang along with the monotone tune, raising her arms over her head and shimmying in her seat.

Maxwell followed, lifting Chase's front paws and making the dog 'dance', while Hana and I just looked at each other. Liam chuckled, shaking his head slightly as he met my eyes. I sighed.

And that sigh did it. Myers noticed immediately. She looked at me and stopped dancing in her seat. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing." I told her, shrugging casually.

Maxwell paused the music.

"You didn't like the dj." Myers stated.

I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Hey, it's okay if you didn't like it. It's your wedding too." Myers wrapped her arms around me and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

"Yeah, okay… I don't really like it. The music. The dj."

"And you'd prefer a band…?"

Anything would be better than that mind numbing thumping. "Yeah."

"Okay, great! Progress. Maxwell, please cross off all the dj's in your list, and let's hear the bands!"

"But- aww…" Maxwell slumped.

"But Myers -"

"No buts!" Myers smiled. "I agree that since it's a courtly wedding after all, a band might be a better fit. And thanks for expressing an actual opinion on the wedding." She teased good-naturedly.

"I'm inclined to agree with Camilla on this one." Liam nodded.

Maxwell looked at us, and a slow smile grew on his face. "Okay, then. Bands only."

"Don't worry, Maxwell, I know you can dance to just about everything!" Myers told him with a wink.

"They don't call me Agent Breakdance for nothing!"

"Also, if you picked the bands, I'm sure they're all very good." Hana added.

"You know it!" He shot her his signature finger guns.

With that, the music resumed, but at least it was a little more tolerable. I actually lost count of just how many bands we previewed, until...

"And I need you to know that we're fallin' so fast

We're fallin' like the stars, fallin' in love"

"Ooh, I like him!" Myers jumped in her seat as the singer raised his voice to reach the high notes.

"I agree. His voice is lovely." Hana nodded in agreement.

"He carries the tune well." Liam nodded as well.

Maxwell nodded. "Okay! One point for…" He checked a list on his phone. "Purely Red."

"They named their band 'Purely Red'?" I asked.

"Yup." Maxwell nodded.

"I don't think we need to hear anymore…" Myers looked at me. "What do you think, Drake?"

I nodded. "Sure. Let's go with them."

"Great!" Myers said.

"Finally!" Maxwell spoke at the same time, and a sheepish grin made its way onto his face. "Sorry, but… I mean, come on, you did take your sweet time! Now that you've finally picked the band, I can get started on the set list!"

I stifled a groan as Myers reached out to grasp his hand. "And I trust you completely. And I'm sorry about taking so long to listen to your playlist."

"S'okay. I know neither of you have a lot of free time now." He shrugged. "Speaking of which, do you have any song requests to boogie down the aisle?"

"Uh… I thought that there was going to be a string quartet or an orchestra in the cathedral?" Myers raised her eyebrows whimsically.

"Okay, first dance then?" Maxwell pressed.

"Uh…" Myers and I looked at each other.

Before we could actually answer that, the car began to slow down before stopping completely.

"We're here!" Hana said, looking excitedly out the window.

"Whoa…" Maxwell's eyes widened as he opened the door.

"Holy shit!" Myers blurted out, completely in shock. I would've laughed, if only my jaw wasn't on the floor next to hers.

We all stepped out of the car and our jaws dropped. Nestled between the mountains, right next to a lake and across a bridge sat the perfect storybook castle. A castle that was going to be ours. I looked at it in awe, still in disbelief that we were actually going to be living here after the wedding. This was where we were going to live… to start a family, to work, to run, to be responsible for. Holy. Shit.

"Now that's a fancy building." Maxwell said.

"This. Is. Heaven!" Myers squealed excitedly, taking my hand and grinning madly. "I've stepped into my own romantic painting."

"All you need is the frame." Maxwell agreed.

"It's so picturesque." Hana commented.

"It's a bit… excessive." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"It's okay, Drake." Maxwell clapped my shoulder. "You'll come to love it as I already do."

Liam chuckled. "I'm glad mostly everyone likes it. I was worried it'd be a little overwhelming."

"Are you kidding? It's practically my own castle!" Myers grinned, before wrapping Liam in a hug. "Thanks, Liam."

"Oof." He hesitated for a moment, before gingerly wrapping his arms around her. "It was nothing, Camilla."

She pulled back, nearly tripping on Chase, who was running circles around her ankles. He barked.

"I guess the castle's been approved by the cutest dog in all of Valtoria." Myers grinned, lifting Chase into her arms and nuzzling him.

"Shall we?" Liam gestured to the bridge.

Across it, all the household staff had been assembled to greet us.

"Yes, let's." Myers took my hand and we crossed the stone bridge.

A blonde prim woman stepped up, taking a deep bow before us. "Welcome, Duchess Camilla, Sir Walker."

Oof. "Just Drake." I told her. "Sir Walker sounds weird."

"What about Duke Walker? It sounds like a cool stage name!" Maxwell piped up.

I bristled slightly at that. "We don't need to bring that up. Ever."

Myers rolled her eyes, before turning back to the woman with a warm smile. "Hello, it's nice to meet you. And you are…?"

The woman smiled back. "I am Gladys. It's my honor to serve as your majordomo, Your Grace."

"She served the previous duchess with distinction and wished to stay on for you." Liam nodded to Gladys.

"Aw, thank you!" Myers offered her hand. Gladys' eyes widened and cautiously shook her hand. "So…" Myers looked at Liam impishly, "she'll do anything for me?" She winked at Gladys.

"I will do my best to make sure your every whim is seen to." Gladys nodded, her lips twitching slightly.

"If I ask, will you clear out a party so Drake and I have some alone time?"

She grinned. "I will chase the guests out with a hot iron if necessary."

"What about playing theme music and singing songs of my exploits?"

I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped me.

"I… I'm not known for my musical acumen, but I can try if you so desire."

Myers chuckled. "That's okay, I'll sing my own songs. We're going to get along great."

Gladys smiled, clearly relieved, before once again resuming her professional demeanor. "Now as the first matter of business, I want to know if you'd prefer 'Your Grace' as a term of address."

"I can be called something else?"

"Of course. The previous lady of the house wished to be referred to as Empress Bjornabas Gambolputty von Gesamtkunstwerg, Rex Potatorum." We all didn't miss the strain in her eyes as she finished. "And I complied."

Wow… I felt very bad for Gladys in that moment.

"Oof." Myers shook her head.

"You're a trooper." Maxwell told her.

"Well, don't worry, I won't be asking for anything like that." Myers told her, before looking back at Mara with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She raised her voice just loud enough so Mara would hear. "You know… I wish Mara was more like you, though, Gladys. She won't use my cool code name."

Mara fought with a grin, but it won out anyway. "I'm charged with your protection, not satisfying your every whim, Your Grace."

"Aw… I just want you to satisfy one whim." Myers teased.

Gladys let out a laugh, before she cleared her throat. "How would you like to be addressed?"

"Oh, just Milla is fine."

"'Just Milla'... Very well, Just Milla."

"No! I meant… just- no, not 'just'! I meant by my first name is fine."

"So… Camilla?"

"Sure. I mean, I understand courtly protocol and why I'm referred to as 'Your Grace', but if this is to be our home… I want it to be more comfortable and casual. Right babe?"

"Damn right." I nodded, squeezing her hand.

Gladys looked at us and nodded. "It's my pleasure, Camila. Drake. I want everything to be perfect for you."

"Thank you, Gladys." Myers said.

"We appreciate it." I added.

"Of course. Now, if you'll please follow me, your new home awaits."

Gladys led us a few steps further toward the staff. She began introducing us and we shook hands with everyone: the head chef and the kitchen staff, the landscaping crew, the housekeepers and stable hands. I could tell by all their expressions that they were bewildered by Myers. She charmed them all, shaking hands with them freely, smiling at them and thanking them for all their hard work and for agreeing to stay on for us. After introductions were over, Gladys dismissed them all and the official tour began.

Gladys led us inside to a massive main hall. The walls were cream colored with gold molding and giant white pillars. A long table was placed on one side of the room, already set and decorated with pristine white table cloths and place settings and bouquets of wildflowers. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and dove banners were draped on the walls. Wait, doves?

"Wow…" Hana said, as she looked around the room.

"This puts half the estates of Cordonian to shame." Liam grinned.

"This duchy's sigil is a dove?" I asked. "I thought it was a phoenix."

"Hey, me too!" Myers pouted playfully.

"That's correct. In older times, it was a phoenix. It was changed when one of the owners favored a more peaceful sigil."

"Awww…" Myers quirked her lips to one side.

"Seems like a mistake to me." I said, looking at the dove sigil once more.

"I know." Myers agreed with pursed lips. "The phoenix is such a beautiful mythical creature. But still… the Duchy is beautiful, and I still can't believe this is all mi-" She turned and locked eyes with an opulent throne on the far left wall. "Wait… is that…?"

"Your throne." Gladys nodded with a wink.

"Holy cra- I mean, can I touch it?"

"You can sit in it. The seat is yours after all, Camilla."

We all watched as Myers' eyes widened and she slowly ascended the steps. Her hand gingerly touched one of the arms of the throne, before she turned with a flourish and sat down. Ever so slowly, her lips curled into a wide, toothy grin.

"How does it feel to have your own throne?" Liam asked.

Myers closed her eyes and sighed deeply. "It feels like I was destined for this!"

Liam nodded, humoring her. "It's as if the chair were molded for you."

"It just feels so… right." She looked around, almost in awe.

"I can sense the aura of power forming around you." Maxwell commented.

I rolled my eyes at the both of them. "You're going to make this whole thing go to her head."

"SILENCE!" Myers' sudden shout quieted us all. She glared down at us from her throne, before bursting into giggles. "God, I've always wanted to do that!"

"And there she goes." I shook my head, but couldn't help the smirk on my own face as Myers continued laughing on her oversized chair.

"Okay…" Myers fought to regain control over herself. "Just for that, I decree that Drake be thrown in a dungeon!"

"Is there even a dungeon?" Maxwell asked.

"There's storage space in the basement." Gladys supplied helpfully.

"Which shall become a dungeon for Drake!" Myers, um… ordered? Decreed?

"Tyranny doesn't look good on you, Myers."

"Away with this delirious slanderer!" She waved her hand at me dismissively.

I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I was wrong to question your authority."

"The accused has repented!" Maxwell shouted.

"Very well! In my infinite mercy, I will spare him." Myers winked at me, before playfully 'glowering menacingly'. "But cross me again, and I'll sentence you to… the comfy chair!"

"Oh, no." I answered flatly.

"Not the comfy chair!" Maxwell yelled, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead.

Liam and Hana merely looked at us indulgently. Next to them, Gladys politely cleared her throat.

"Camilla, if you're satisfied with your throne, I would like to continue the tour."

"Of course. There will be time later for more power trips." Myers jumped from her chair, and took my hand.

We followed Gladys through the rest of the castle.

"This study has served as a home to exiled scholars since it was added in the 1500's. There's a small room behind the bookcase in the event that residents needed to hide."

"This parlor served as a place for nobles to socialize. Lord Byron himself is said to have stayed here… and to have thrown up on that piano and passed out on that couch."

"The seventeenth guest bedroom was used to house an extensive plushie collection."

On and on we went, Gladys leading us through every single room of the Keep, from the basement, through what seemed to be the highest room in the tallest tower. Hell, maybe it was. Gladys opened the swinging doors with a flourish, and we stepped inside.

My jaw dropped.

"And finally, the master suite." Gladys stepped aside, making room for Myers and I to go in.

The guys stayed in the doorway, gawking at the gaudiest bedroom I'd ever seen.

What was going to be our bedroom.

There was a large king sized bed on the center of the room, standing at the center of a raised circular platform, with a silk canopy hanging over it. The whole room was covered wall to wall in lush carpet, with gold molding up on the walls and high ceilings. On the far right wall there was a door which opened up to a master bath, where I could clearly see a large hot tub, big enough for two. Hell, it looked to be big enough for four.

Myers let go of my hand and opened an inconspicuous door a few feet next to the bed. Hell, I didn't even realize that was there, since the door was painted to blend with the walls. She stepped inside and squealed.

"Holy shit! I get my own walk in closet?! Are you kidding me?!" She stepped back out to stand on the door frame.

Gladys chuckled and nodded. "Yes, you do. Drake's is on the other side of the bed."

"Wait, there's two of these?!" Myers practically jumped over the bed, and indeed there was another door on the wall, that led to another closet that I was probably never going to be able to fill.

"Babe! Look! We each get one!" Myers squealed, rushing for me jumping excitedly into my arms.

"Yay." I forced a smile.

Myers didn't seem to notice however. She let me go and moved to sit on the edge of the bed, bouncing slightly before looking up. "Wow," Myers grinned. "Nothing says nobility like a bed with a canopy."

I groaned softly, feeling a bit uneasy.

"I hope the softness of the mattress and the pillows meets your satisfaction." Gladys nodded at both of us.

"I volunteer to test the bed. My comfort calibrations are second to none." Maxwell stepped inside, the guys following.

"Excuse you, this is my room." Myers told him.

"... This is true." Maxwell looked shocked for a split second before breaking out his signature grin. "Alright, how do you want to break it in?"

"Are you serious? I want to kick everyone out except Drake." She winked at me.

I choked on my drink.

Maxwell snickered, and Hana moved to pat me on the back until I stopped coughing. "Drake, are you okay?" She asked, looking at me with concern.

"I'm good." I croaked out.

"He's fine. Now, I have priorities. The rest of you can wait downstairs. Help yourself to some snacks, we're going to be awhile." Myers snickered, getting up and taking my hand while gently rubbing my back with the other.

"Well, if you're sure…" Hana began.

"Hana, I'm kidding." Myers smiled at her kindly.

"Oh!" Hana giggled. "Of course."

"Now, there is one more thing I'd like to show just Camilla and her betrothed." Gladys said.

"Looks like we'll be waiting downstairs after all." Maxwell 'whispered' to Liam, who merely smiled tightly.

"You do know Gladys is staying here with us, right?" I told him, rolling my eyes.

Maxwell simply put his hands up in surrender.

"Come on, boys." Hana ushered them out and closed the doors behind her, as Myers nodded her thanks.

"Now then," Myers turned back to Gladys. "What are we looking at, besides Drake?"

"If you'll follow me, please." Gladys led us to a sliding glass door and out to a balcony.

As my eyes adjusted to the sunlight, I could feel the cool breeze on my skin, and I smelled what could only be described as pure mountain air.

I blinked and the image that greeted me was Myers, bathed in sunlight, and with the most beautiful mountain backdrop. A waterfall cascaded down from the far side of a mountain, down to a crystalline river. Next to it was a meadow filled with colorful wildflowers, and more snow topped the mountains beyond. The wind tousled Myers' hair, and she tucked an errant strand behind her ear before shooting me an angelic smile.

And just like that, my chest tightened and I knew…

I was finally home.

"Wow… It's gorgeous." Myers stepped towards the edge of the balcony, placing a hand on the railing.

I walked behind her and wrapped my arms around her, resting my chin on her shoulder. "Looking over the countryside… it feels like we're finally home."

"Yeah… it's everything I hoped it would be and more." She turned her head and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. "Our own picturesque fairy-tale estate."

"I'm glad. Seeing you happy means the world to me."

"What about you? Are you happy? And don't say you're happy if I'm happy."

I sighed, staring out at the horizon. "Well… looking at this view with you in my arms… it doesn't get any better than this."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"Yes, I'm happy, Myers. Happier than I ever thought I could be."

"Good."

A loud screech drew our attention to the horizon, where a hawk was soaring through the air.

"You have one final visitor, Camilla, Drake."

"We do?" Myers asked, her eyes never leaving the bird.

It flapped its wings, catching a gust of wind that lifted it higher in the air. It circled the sky before sweeping down towards us. Myers yelped and we ducked, as the hawk landed on the balcony.

"Say hello to Tiberius." Gladys told us, gently petting the bird's feathers with the backs of her fingers.

Myers looked at her as if she'd grown a second head. "He swooped us!"

"Don't worry. The worst he'll ever do is bring dead animals to the balcony." Myers pulled a face. "He likes to roost up here," Gladys explained.

Myers considered the bird. "Can I pet him?" Without waiting for an answer, she reached two fingers out towards the hawk.

Tiberius considered her, before hopping across the railing and nuzzling her fingers with his head.

"He likes you." Gladys smiled.

"Aww! Drake, come on."

I reached out hesitantly, copying Myers' slow movements, but the damned bird pecked me! "Ow!"

"But not you." Gladys pressed her lips together, stifling a chuckle.

"He's gorgeous! And so fierce!" Myers gushed. "Hey, could I train him as a bodyguard?"

Gladys nodded, and I couldn't tell if she was kidding or not. "I can arrange hawking lessons."

"Great! Go forth, my feathered warrior, and conquer our enemies!" Myers petted him one last time, before Tiberius spread his wings and took off once more. We watched him fly away.

"And I believe that concludes the tour."

We nodded and Gladys led us back down to the main hall. The guys stood when they saw us, and Liam immediately drew attention to the party planning for Myers' first ball as a hostess next week. Thankfully, Gladys already had most of it done.

"We met two hours ago and already I don't know what I'd do without you." Myers told her as she looked through a binder of party plans.

"With the basics out of the way, there's still time for minor renovations to the estate, if you so desire." Gladys grimaced slightly. "Your predecessor had ambitions about rigging trapeze bars among the chandeliers, but sadly they were never finished. I suppose we could open up the alligator pool again…"

"The more I hear about your predecessor, the more I like her." Maxwell said.

"Wow, um…" Myers merely looked shocked. "No, thank you Gladys, but that won't be necessary. Let's keep this an alligator- and trapeze-free zone."

"Aww…" Maxwell pouted.

Gladys looked relieved.

"I was thinking something more… classy," Myers continued.

"I have been working on a sketch of this hall. The ancient phoenix sigil of the house is so inspiring… It would be lovely to see it fly again." Gladys flipped to a color coded section of the binder, and made room for us to get a look.

The drawing looked more like a picture than a mere sketch, complete with red banners and golden phoenix statues poised about to take off.

"Wow." I let slip.

"Double wow." Myers agreed. We looked at each other and nodded. "Gladys, please make those phoenixes happen!"

"I'll gladly see to the renovations, Camilla. I promise they'll be worth the wait!" Gladys nodded.

"Phoenixes, gold trim, candelabras… by the time we're ready for this ball, this duchy's gonna have everything!" Maxwell shimmied a little happy dance in place.

"There's also the matter of your house motto." Gladys added. "Traditionally, this duchy's words were 'Ever Rising'..."

"Like that phoenix sigil?" I asked. "Nice."

"But since you are the reigning duchess, our motto is up to you." Gladys finished, looking at Myers.

"That's one advantage duchies have over the royal estate. The Crown's motto can't change to fit each ruler." Liam told us.

"Ooh, you could do something fun!" Hana suggested.

"Or fierce! Like House Beaumont's motto!" Maxwell added.

Myers looked at him warmly. "Yeah, maybe… I do like House Beaumont's motto…"

"I hate to break it to you, but there's nothing fierce about squid." I told him.

"Drake!" Myers glared at me.

At the same time Maxwell said, "Then why is our motto 'The Depths Remember'?"

"Honey, I love you, but don't be an ass." Myers shook her head at me.

"And you forget there are giant squids in the dark depths of the ocean." Hana added. "And they are vicious predators."

I looked at all of them. "... I take it back."

"Thank you." Myers and Maxwell said at the same time.

With that, Myers nodded and rested her fists on the table. She unconsciously bit her lower lip and stared intently as the Phoenix sigil Gladys had drawn.

"What's on your mind, Myers?"

She hummed pensively. " I like 'Ever Rising'... It bodes well for the duchy, as a sign of eternal prosperity. And it could stand for us as well - you know, the commoners who became Duke and Duchess…"

"Okay…"

"But I was also thinking… 'Forged in Fire'." She met my eyes then, and I noticed they were shining with a hint of vulnerability. "We've both had to endure our fair share of obstacles to get here…" She explained, "And we're still dealing with Anton…"

Liam cleared his throat, and we all turned to him. "You have been literally 'Forged in Fire', Camilla. Everything I've given you, you've earned. You've endured every trial with dignity and grace since you stepped foot in Cordonia, and you've emerged victorious everytime. You as well, Drake."

"You both are like your sigil; proud phoenixes born anew and rising from the ashes." Hana added.

I nodded my thanks.

"Thank you, Liam, Hana." Myers' expression softened when she looked at him, before turning back to me. "What do you think, Drake? This is going to be your duchy, your motto, too."

I smirked. "'Forged in Fire' it is then."

Myers immediately relaxed, reaching out to grasp my hand.

"Short but fierce! I love it!" Maxwell exclaimed.

"Very good, Camilla. Your wish is my command." Gladys nodded. "Now, while I continue with the preparations for tomorrow, I urge you all to explore to your heart's content. See if you can find some of the secret passages I told you about." She winked.

"Last one to find a secret passage is a rotten egg!" Maxwell immediately bolted from the room.

With a laugh, the rest of us followed.


After we all split up, we each spent a couple of hours exploring the mansion on our own. I wandered through the grounds, checking out several rooms, like the kitchens, the library - which I could tell would soon become Myers' favorite room - and the grand study. It was there that I found Liam, staring pensively at the bookcase.

I tapped my knuckles on the door frame. He turned and smiled when he saw me come in. "Drake. Have you found any secret passages?"

I grinned and shook my head. "Not yet."

"Neither have I. I was looking for a switch or a trigger on the bookcase, but no luck so far."

"Hmm." I nodded my head. "Yeah, I had the same idea."

"Great minds..." Liam grinned at me. "So, how do you like your new duchy?"

I shrugged, looking to the floor. I didn't miss how he'd already called it 'my duchy'...

My duchy.

But… "It's not mine, yet."

"Your future duchy, then."

"It's…" A lot. A lot of responsibility. It's… scary. "It's beautiful." I finished lamely.

Liam saw right through it. "Yes, it is. Valtoria has always been one of the most beautiful regions of Cordonian. The mountains, the forests, the river…" For a second there, I thought he was going to let it go, but… "But you know that's not what I meant."

I couldn't help but sigh. "I'm scared." I admitted. "I keep wondering whether or not I can do this. Be a Duke, be in charge, be responsible for the well-being of the people who live here. The most I've ever been in charge of is the palace stables. And even that was only for a summer. And even then, I technically wasn't even in charge, I was just filling in for the stablemaster! What if… what if I mess up?"

Liam considered me for a second. "You won't."

"I might."

"You won't. Do you want to know how I know that?"

I gave him a half hearted nod, figuring he was going to say something along the lines of 'because you'll have Camilla with you'.

Instead, Liam simply said, "Because when I gave Camilla this duchy, I did so with you in mind."

I reeled back. "What?"

"There are several unclaimed duchies in Cordonia, Drake. I chose this one to gift to her, because I knew that one day it would be yours as well. Granted, I didn't realize it would happen so soon…" I didn't miss how his eyes tightened just a bit. "But I truly believe that Valtoria is the perfect fit for you."

"Why?"

Liam rubbed the back of his neck, seemingly getting his thoughts in order. He walked to the bookcase, looking at several titles before pulling out a massive tome. A geography tome. As he set it down on the large oak desk, he motioned me to come closer. I watched as he quickly flipped through the pages, until finding the chapter on Valtoria. "Your average geography book will tell you that Duchy Valtoria is a temperate mountainous region with thriving lumber and outdoor recreation industries, and some of the most beautiful parks in the country." He shot me a pointed look. "But that description misses out on the people and the culture. Valtoria's people are a lot like you. Smart, strong, self-reliant… although maybe a bit friendlier." Liam grinned teasingly.

"Ha ha ha." I rolled my eyes.

"Anyway, I have no doubt they'll openly embrace you as their new Duke."

"That doesn't mean I'll do a good job though."

"You will. Because a bad Duke wouldn't worry about doing right by his people. The fact that you're worried is testament to how much you care."

Huh… I hadn't thought about it that way. "I guess."

"I have the utmost confidence in you, Drake. In both of you."

"Thanks, Liam. I'll try to be worthy of it. I promise."

"I know you will, my friend. I know you will."

"And I'm sorry if I sounded ungrateful there. I'm not. I'm just… still processing, I guess."

"I know, Drake." He clapped my shoulder, and I pulled him in for a quick hug.

"Thanks, Liam. For… everything."

After we pulled apart, Liam grinned and said, "Now, should we get back to those secret passages?"


A couple of hours later, I'd given up entirely on finding secret passages and decided to go check out the stables. Midnight Rose and Lone Star were coming in and I wanted to take care of them personally and help them settle in.

Just as I was walking inside, the stablemaster, Alister, was unloading them. Both girls snickered when they saw me, and Alister smiled at me.

"Evening, Your Grace. These are two beautiful girls you've got here."

"Just Drake, please."

The old man bowed his head slightly. "Very well, Drake. What are their names and who is whose?"

"The black mare is Camilla's horse, and she named her Midnight Rose. The brown mare is mine. Her name's Lone Star."

"Midnight Rose and Lone Star. Beautiful. Don't you worry about a thing, Drake, we'll take good care of them over here."

"Uh, I was actually hoping to get them settled myself." Alister raised both eyebrows, and I quickly added, "If you don't mind, of course." I didn't want him to think I was taking over his workspace or wanted to supervise him or something.

"Sure thing, Drake. Come on, I'll show you where everything is."

We led both horses to their stalls, and I was surprised to find all the other stalls housed many horses. A lot of horses.

"Like what you see?" Alister grinned at me.

I couldn't help but grin back. "Yes. Definitely."

"Well, how about we get these two settled and then I'll introduce you to the others?"

"I'd like that. Thank you."

With that, we got the tools we'd need and got to work. Alister showed me where everything was, and he took over Midnight Rose's care while I tended to Lone Star. We worked in comfortable silence at first, until Alister broke it.

"I have to tell you, Drake, in my near twenty years of working here, this is the first time a Duke's set foot in this place, let alone helped out."

I bristled a little bit, wanting to tell him I wasn't a Duke yet, but I remembered my conversation with Liam. And truth be told, did it matter at this point? The wedding was in a week and a half.

So instead, I opted for simply telling him, "Well, you'll find that me and Myers aren't like most nobles."

"Myers?"

"Oh, sorry. Camilla."

"Ah." He stopped and stood near me, and I knew he was evaluating my work. "You sure know your way around a horse."

"I've worked in stables before. And I love horses. They're better company than most people."

"I won't argue with you there." He turned back to Midnight Rose and resumed brushing her coat.

I, in turn, began cleaning Lone Star's hooves.

"So you said you worked in stables?"

"Yeah, the palace stables. I used to work there every summer. My family on my mother's side also own a ranch in Texas. I grew up around horses."

"Oh. That's nice. So I can expect to see you here often?"

"If you don't mind… I'll try not to get in the way."

"Don't worry about it, Drake. I get the feeling we're gonna get along just fine."

I chuckled, and we kept on working in companionable silence. As soon as both girls were ready, in their stalls and had something to eat, Alister began with the promised introductions. We had so many beautiful stallions and some gorgeous mares. Alister told me a bit about each and every horse in his care, and I knew these horses were in good hands. Finally, when we got to the last, and biggest stall, I was surprised to find a mare and a small gray foal.

My heart melted.

"And this here's Faith. She had the little guy a few weeks back. We haven't named him yet. Figured we'd let the new Duchess do the honors, but since you're here..."

"Oh, Myers is going to love him."

"So, any ideas for a name?"

I shook my head. "Nah. Myers' is the one who's good with names."

"Well, then… make sure to bring Her Grace around so she can meet him soon. So she can meet all her horses."

"I definitely will." I petted the gray colt and offered him an apple. He immediately bit into it, eating half of it in one sitting. "He's strong."

"Oh, yeah. He's gonna be one hell of a stallion."

"Yeah. I'll go find Myers. This little guy deserves a name." I offered my hand and he shook it. "Thanks for showing me around, sir."

"None of that sir, stuff. Call me Alister."

"Alister. Thank you."

With a final nod, I went in search of Myers.

After making my way through the keep, I finally made my way up to the master suite and yelled, "Myers?"

No answer.

I stepped out towards the balcony, and rested my elbows on the ledge. I did have to admit this was some view. A part of me still didn't believe it though.

Which part? That this is all yours or that you're marrying a duchess?

Well… both.

The last month had been a whirlwind. Myers and I got together. She became a duchess. Then we got engaged. Now we have a duchy. This duchy.

How does a person even begin to wrap their heads around something like this?

"... And this is my room!" I heard Myers enter the room, followed by a loud gasp.

"Oh, honey, it's beautiful!"

That was distinctly Wendy's voice.

"I know!" Myers squealed. "What do you think, Daddy?"

"I… still can't believe this. My kid. A duchess…" Her father's bewildered voice carried out to the balcony.

"And I still haven't shown you the best part!" I heard footsteps and knew Myers was making her way out to the balcony. "Look at this view- Drake?"

I turned and realized Myers was pointing her phone directly at me.

"Well, honey… what a view indeed!" Wendy exclaimed. "Hi, Drake!"

I couldn't help but blush and Myers immediately tapped her phone screen, probably switching to the front camera. "Wendy!"

"What? You did say you were gonna show me the view! Now put Drake back on, let us say hi."

Myers walked up to me, wrapping an arm around my waist, with the other arm stretching out in front of us so that we both fit in the frame.

"Hi, Drake!" Wendy yelled.

Myers' dad rolled his eyes lovingly, before smiling at us. "Hello, Drake. Nice to see you again."

"Hello, Wendy. Mr. Myers."

"Drake, you took a bullet for my daughter and then popped the question. I think it's okay if you started calling me Victor."

"Oh, um… I just didn't want to assume- But if you're sure…"

Myers' dad let out a hearty laugh. "Yes, Drake. I'm sure."

"Okay. Thank you, Victor."

"How's your shoulder?" He asked.

"It's almost completely healed."

"Good." He cleared his throat. "Drake, I wanted to thank you for saving Milla's life."

"Dad…" Myers grimaced, but her dad continued.

"Milla's always told us that you had her back since day one, and you've proven that with the stables and then with that… Tariq fellow. But this…"

I shook my head. "It's not necessary, sir. I… I love Camilla. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe."

"You've more than proven that, Drake. I just wanted to say thank you, and that… I'm very happy that my daughter found somebody like you."

I shook my head again. "I'm the lucky one. And I'll spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of her."

We both looked at each other and nodded. Something close to understanding seemed to pass through us. The moment, however, was broken by Wendy's sniffles.

She began to outright cry.

"Aww, Wendy…" Myers pouted.

Wendy shook her head. "No, don't, Milla, I'm fine. I'm just…" She hastily wiped her face. "I'm just so happy for you kids. It's obvious to the moon and back how much you love each other."

We all chuckled, and Myers' dad slipped his arm over Wendy's shoulders, pulling her closer. She rested her head on his shoulder.

"Now, about this view you were going to show us…"

"Oh, right!" Myers switched the cámara once again, and gave them a panoramic view of the mountains.

"Wow…" Her dad murmured.

"Your very own princess balcony." Wendy commented.

"I know…" Myers nodded.

"It's beautiful."

Myers flipped the camera back. "And that's it. That's the estate. I can't wait for you guys to see it when you come out next week."

"But, what about your honeymoon? Won't we be cramping your style?" Wendy asked.

"Well, actually…" Myers and I looked at each other. "We haven't made any honeymoon plans."

"No honeymoon?"

"Well, it hadn't even crossed our minds, actually." Myers said.

"Well… You kids talk about it, and let us know what you decide. Now, we should let you get back to your friends and your castle." Victor said.

"Okay. Thanks, Daddy."

"Love you, Milla. Goodbye, Drake."

"Bye, kids. Love you!"

"Bye!" We waved and Myers hung up.

Myers placed her phone on the railing, and turned to wrap her arms around my neck. "Now I can greet you properly." She pressed a soft kiss to my lips. "Hello, handsome. What were you doing here all by your lonesome? Enjoying the view?"

"And the quiet." I quipped.

"Of course." Myers pressed another kiss to my lips. "Talk to me, Drake."

"What about?"

"What's on your mind? You've got that little wrinkle you get when you concentrate too hard." She teased, tapping the space between my eyebrows with her finger.

I sighed. "Just… trying to wrap my mind around everything. I mean, I knew this place was going to be big, but… this place is big."

"I know. Even after that tour, it feels like we've barely seen any of it."

I nodded, an idea popping into my head. "If we're going to live here after the wedding, we should get to know the place. We've got a stable full of horses down there. How about a ride through our new home?"

"Some time alone with you on a ride through our grounds? Hmm…" Myers pretended to think about it. "Definitely. But before we go… I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Okay…"

"It's about Dad and Wendy… and your mom and Savannah, the baby… and my mother and Armando…"

"Myers, just shoot."

"Okay! I was thinking… do you really think we should have our families at the wedding?"

"I mean, I think they'd all be pretty upset if we uninvited them now."

"It's just that… Anton knows everything about me. I don't want him to go after our families…"

I shook my head. While the thought did scare me, I knew he'd have to be an idiot to do so. "He won't, Myers. He doesn't gain anything from that. Have you talked to your parents about it?"

She shook her head.

"Well, from what I heard just now, I'm sure your parents wouldn't want to miss your wedding, Myers. Hell, I bet your dad's been dreaming his whole life about walking you down the aisle. And we'll have the tightest security there. The cathedral's being secured since before Constantine's… funeral." I deflated for a bit. "Anyway, what I mean is… I think- no, I know everything's going to be okay."

Myers sighed, resting her head on my chest. "I guess you're right. I just needed to hear that."

"I know." I pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"You're right. Thank you." She looked back up at me and rose on the tips of her toes to kiss me softly. "Now, let's go for that ride!"

"Let's go." I took her hand and led Myers back inside. "Can you give me a second?"

"Sure."

I began rifling through the bedside table.

"What are you looking for?" Myers asked, craning her head curiously.

"Just a… ah ha!" I found a sleeping mask in the second drawer.

"A mask? Kinky. Although if you wanted to blindfold me, I'm more partial to ties." Myers winked.

"I'll keep that in mind for later." I chuckled. "For now, just put this on. Trust me."

"Always." She gave me a soft look, and closed her eyes. I slipped the sleeping mask on, careful not to pull her hair.

Then, I took her hand and led her towards the stables. The whole process took a lot longer with Myers blindfolded, and I realized it would've been easier to make our way down and blindfold her before entering the stables, but oh well…

When we finally arrived, Alister shot me an amused look.

Myers crinkled her nose. "Judging by the smell of hay and of horse, I assume we've arrived?"

"That's right. Step. Step."

I stopped right at the final stall. Alister came to stand next to us. "Evenin', Your Grace."

"Alister! Hey, I thought I told you to just call me Milla. Or Camilla, if you feel more comfortable."

Alister laughed. "You two are two of a kind."

"Um… thank you?" Myers smiled whimsically. "Now, could one of you tell me why I'm still blindfolded?"

"Was this your idea?" Alister asked me.

I nodded. "I wanted it to be a surprise."

"What?! What's a surprise?" Myers began shaking with excitement. Hell, she was practically vibrating.

"This." I took her blindfold off and watched as her eyes adjusted… and landed on the foal.

The twenty minutes it took us to get here with her blindfolded were completely worth it.

I watched as her eyes widened before she practically melted. "Aw… Oh my god! He's… a baby! He's so beautiful! Wait, is he a he? Can I pet him?"

Alister laughed. "Yes, he is a colt. And yes, you can do more than pet him, You- Miss Camilla. He's yours."

"He's mine?"

"Myers… the whole estate is ours."

"I know, but… he's…" Her eyes filled with tears. "I think I'm going to cry. This is just…" She reached her hand out to the colt and he nuzzled it.

"Here, Miss Camilla." Alister opened the stall and Myers stepped inside, crouching down to pet the foal.

I followed, stepping towards Faith to soothe mama mare's nerves. "It's okay, Faith. Myers is good people."

Myers looked up at me. "Thanks for putting in a good word for me."

I nodded towards the colt. "He needs a name, you know."

Myers' eyes widened. "He doesn't have one?"

I looked at Alister. He shook his head. "We, uh, wanted to give you the chance to name him. He was born a couple of days after you were appointed to the duchy."

"Aww, thank you, Alister. So he's a little over 3 weeks old? He's so big…"

"Actually, he's just the right size for his age." I told her.

"Oh." Myers stared pensively back at the foal. "How about… Arctic Wind?" She stroked the foal's grey coat.

"Arctic Wind…" I repeated. I liked it.

"Arctic Wind it is, then." Alister nodded in approval. "Now, Miss Camilla, are you ready to meet the rest of your horses?"

Myers' eyes widened more than I ever thought possible, and in that moment, I could see clearly Myers as a prepubescent kid still in her 'horse phase'.


Another half-hour later, we were finally hitting the trails.

"Where're we headed?" I asked Myers as I mounted Lone Star.

"Let's start with that river, then play it by ear." Myers kicked Midnight Rose into a slow trot.

After crossing the bridge, we were soon surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. Birds sang and chirped above our head, and the steady sound of rushing water rounded it all out. We rode in silence, soaking it all up.

"No matter how far we go, there's more to see." I commented a while after following the trail. "You've got a lot of ground here, Myers."

Myers rolled her eyes. "This 'ground' belongs to both of us. As do all the nice things on top of it."

"Hard to believe it's real."

Myers scoffed softly. "At least you grew up around this kind of wealth. I'm just a writer/waitress, remember?"

"Sure, I grew up around it. Never had any of it. Commoners don't usually get this kind of thing handed to them. Still seems like the world's turned upside down."

"If it weirds you out too much, we could always build a cottage back here and live there instead." Myers shrugged.

Huh. "I could cut the timber. Lay the foundation."

"And I could… watch you do those things. From the shade. With an icy glass of tea."

"I know you probably weren't being serious, but it might be nice to have a little getaway out here."

"Why would you think I wasn't being serious? I mean, yeah so maybe we don't move out of the estate, but I don't see why we couldn't build a cottage out here too. It could be our own little escape, like our secret passage back at the palace."

I considered her and realized she was serious. "Y'know, I may just do that, Myers."

"Please do."

We followed a bend in the river, which prompted Myers to break out into song again. I had to admit though, I was pretty used to it by this point.

"Just around the riverbend… I look once more, just around the river bend…"

We were at the edge of the forest now, where a bridge crossed the river and led to a large clearing alongside it.

"The trail's a little muddy here." Myers noticed after we crossed the bridge.

"It's these tall branches overhead. When they grow out like this, they keep the sun from drying the trail."

"When we get back, I'll talk to Gladys about having it taken care of." She said decisively.

I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows at how quickly she was asserting herself. Not that I thought it was a bad thing. I guess she had more time to get used to her station than I had.

"No need." I said, proving my own point. "It's nothing I can't handle with a few afternoons and a good pair of shears."

"Babe, I know you're still getting used to this, but you don't have to do that, you know. We have a staff."

"I want to. I've spent so much time on this or that estate lately, I almost forgot Cordonia had trees." The corner of my lips quirked into a grin. "The fresh air keeps me grounded. Makes it easier to remember who I am."

"I don't think anyone could forget who Drake Walker is. Including you." Myers grinned at me right back.

"The Drake Walker who suddenly knows the difference between an ascot and a handkerchief respectfully disagrees." I countered. We rode through the muddiest part and stopped in the middle of the field. "We could rest for a bit here. Let the horses graze."

"I'd like that."

Just like last time we'd gone riding, I'd packed a blanket and after tying the horses, I lay it down on the ground.

Myers immediately sat down and resumed our conversation. "Anyway, Duchy Valtoria is here to improve your life, not change it. For example, it gives us land to explore, camp and fish in our own backyard. You'll be doing all the fishing, of course." She crinkled her nose in disgust. "This place is huge. We can't even see the estate from here."

"I bet visiting nobles couldn't even find me out here."

"That's what the cabin you'll build us is for." Myers winked. "Anyway, look at this spot!" Myers took it all in. "It looks like it's just waiting for something."

"Sound like you've got a choice to make… Your Grace."

"You'd better watch it with that stuff. Don't forget you're about to be a Your Grace too.'

"In 10 days… Any chance the Duchess of Valtoria could make some sort of decree banishing titles?"

"I'll take it under advisement." Myers grinned before we both turned back to look at the plot of land.

"So what are you thinking here? That's a lot of field to play with."

"I think I'll put in a public sports park. This land is big enough to set up a soccer field with a track around it, and we'd still have enough field for people who simply want to camp, fish or run or hike or do yoga. They could come with their families on picnics, too. And we could have a playground for children too. Slides and swings, see-saws and all that jazz. We could start a group, like the Valtoria Sports League! Maybe even join the team ourselves."

"I could oil up my old catcher's mitt." I looked at the land once more and I could see it. "Huh. A sports park. Good thinking, Myers."

Myers chuckled. "Thanks. Who could've thought a couple of commoners would end up here?"

"Not me, that's for sure."

"I know you could do without the titles…" Myers bit her lip.

"I can play noble all day for you, Myers. I'd be a fool not to be grateful for all this… for you… and for everything that comes next."

She reached out and I took her hand. "Me too. I can't wait to find out what it's like to be married to you. Especially learning all your secret habits."

"You know the important things."

"Exactly. Now I want to know the intimate things. Like, how you brush your teeth and how late you sleep in on weekends."

"You already know how I brush my teeth."

"Ugh, you know what I mean."

I chuckled. "I do. And I can't wait to know more about you too, Myers. After all, I like everything I've learned so far."

"To be honest, I'm kinda curious about learning more about myself, too. I've changed a lot since coming to Cordonia… in small ways and maybe in some not so small. But as far as habits go… if you'd met me in New York, you would've seen a girl who gets home late from work, gets something to eat and a cup of tea and sits down to write. I could spend the whole night writing and the entire day sleeping. But when I came to Cordonia, Maxwell quickly got me on a more apt sleeping schedule. Now, I rise with the sun like the best of them."

"I know. And I still want to know all of you, Myers. And I'm sure we'll both change more than once as we get older, but I'm excited to change and grow with you."

"Then I guess we'll just have to spend a lot of time together."

"I guess we will." I looked at her then. "The future's great and all, but what if I want you… now."

Myers grinned, sliding closer. "You already have me, Drake. You know that."

I ran the backs of my fingers against her cheek. "Having you doesn't make me want you any less." Myers smiled at me, her eyes glued on mine for what seemed to be the longest moment ever. "What are you looking at?"

"The Duke of Valtoria."

"Myers, don't start with that now."

"It suits you. The ruggedly handsome, dark and mysterious Duke of Valtoria."

"Damn that writer's brain of yours."

"You love my writer's brain. Or, well… former writer."

"I love all of you. That writer's brain most of all. And as long as they don't say all that everytime I get introduced at court…"

"Now you're just giving me ideas. In fact, I could ask Gladys-"

"Don't you dare, Myers."

I pulled her closer to me before laying her down gently over the blanket. Then I pinned her wrists over her head and climbed on top. Her eyes widened with excitement. "Try and stop me." She challenged, wrapping her legs around my waist.

I leaned in, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Myers responded immediately, and in that moment I forgot everything but her.

With her here in my arms, the both of us surrounded by the rich natural beauty of the mountains and the field, and the sounds of birds and rushing water, Duchy Valtoria finally and truly felt like home.