Moments in Between

by DalishEssence

You know, I never once resented my best friend and that's saying a lot, considering he's the Crown Prince of Cordonia. That changed the night Camilla Myers walked into our lives and changed them forever. She was supposed to be one of his suitors. She turned out to be everything I'd never known I wanted. And for the first time... I resented my best friend. (Royal Romance Drake POV)

36. Chapter 36

Stag and Doe Style

The next morning, Maxwell woke us up pretty early, even though the plane didn't leave 'til 1.

"VE-GAS! VE-GAS! VE-GAS!"

Still, we got up, trained a little bit, got breakfast with the guys, and after packing quickly, we went to the airport and boarded the plane.

I was a little surprised to see that it wasn't just the five of us, but that Olivia, Madeleine, Penelope and her poodles, Kiara, Exequiel, Bertrand and my sister were coming too.

"But… Bartie?" I asked.

"Oh," Savannah chuckled nervously, "he's going to be with Josephine for the weekend."

"Well… that's great! I'm really happy you could come, sis." I gave her a brief, one-armed hug.

We settled in and after the plane took off, the stewardess began serving a late lunch.

"This is going to be the…" Maxwell said between bites of salmon. "Best. Party. Ever!"

"I can't believe you planned a whole trip to Las Vegas without me knowing!" Myers told him.

"Nor can I." Bertrand added.

"Right, because it's so hard to pull wool over your eyes…" Madeleine said, distractedly looking at her phone.

"What's on the itinerary?" Hana smoothly changed the subject before Bertrand or Myers could ask Madeleine what she meant by that.

Maxwell immediately shook his head. "Oh, no! The plan is a closely guarded secret, and I will die before I tell you anything!"

The Ice Queen scoffed. "I could have you spilling your darkest secrets in under thirty seconds if I wanted to."

"I'd strongly prefer you didn't." Maxwell told her with wide eyes. He shot me a look, and grinned. "All I'll reveal for now is that we're doing this stag and doe-style, at Drake's request. Meaning everyone at one big party!"

Myers nodded happily.

"I told Maxwell the bachelor party I wanted was a glass of whiskey and the company of my fiancee…" Myers' gaze softened. "This was the compromise."

"My cousin and his fiance did it that way," Kiara said, primly wiping her mouth with a napkin before continuing. "And it was vraiment one of the best parties I've ever been to!"

"Merlin, Morgana, and I are going to have such a great time! Aren't we?" Penelope said, reaching to scratch the poodles' ears.

"Bastien only approved the schedule with the caveat that I not participate in certain events, so I'm sure there are some surprises in store." Liam commented, shooting a pointed look at Maxwell.

"If it's such a secret, I hope that doesn't mean you ordered strippers." Myers scoffed, and Madeleine nearly choked on her coffee. "My mom and older cousins all did that for their bachelor parties and I just found it so… cringy and uncomfortable."

"Milla, you went to your mother's bachelorette party?" Hana's eyebrows furrowed.

Myers shook her head. "Eww, no. I was 14 when Mommy dear got married again, so obviously I couldn't go. Not that I even wanted to. I'm not a fan of greasy, half-naked strangers rubbing themselves against me." She pulled a face.

I chuckled. "That's good to know, Myers."

She stuck her tongue out at me and resumed eating.

"Anyway… there won't be strippers, but it'll still be wild…" Maxwell said, nodding his head cooly. He winked conspicuously at Myers. "And that's all I'll say."

Madeleine rolled her eyes. "Just don't get into too much trouble while you're engaging in whatever debauchery is planned."

"So you're not coming?" Olivia grinned.

"I only wanted to be nearby in case Maxwell's so-called 'planning' creates a PR disaster for Cordonia." Madeleine narrowed her eyes at Maxwell, before flipping her hair. "I'll be staying in the hotel, thank you very much."

"Oh no, you have to come with us!" Myers told her.

Madeleine's jaw dropped. "I made other arrangements to keep myself busy…"

"Those arrangements can wait!" Myers told her with a big smile on her face.

Madeleine sighed. "Fine. If it means that much to you, I'll… see if I can spare the time to drop in."

"I hope you can." Myers nodded, tucking back into her salmon happily.

Conversation drifted as everyone began talking amongst themselves.

"Drake, I forgot to tell you," Savannah said between bites. "I talked to Mom yesterday."

"Hmm! Hmm. Hmm." I nodded, swallowing the food in my mouth quickly. "Did she get the tickets I sent her?"

"Yes, but Aunt Lee isn't going to be able to make it." My sister shot me an apologetic look.

"What, why?"

"She's apparently too busy and can't leave the ranch right now. She says she's really sorry."

I shook my head. "Aw. It's okay, I get it."

Myers caught the tail end of our conversation. "Wait, who's not gonna make it? Isn't your mom coming?"

"No! Yeah, my mom is coming. It's my aunt that isn't going to be able to make it."

"Oh, great! Not for your aunt, I mean." Myers smiled sheepishly. "I just meant that I can't wait to meet your mom."

"You mean, your future mother in law?" Savannah grinned impishly.

Myers blushed. "Yeah… I can't wait to meet the tough-as-nails who raised kids like you guys. She must be a force to be reckoned with!"

"She's definitely strong-willed, even stubborn…" I nodded.

"Oh my god, do you think she'll like me?" Myers' eyes widened.

Savannah chuckled. "I'm sure she will, Milla. Any mother would be happy with you as her daughter in law."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! Once she sees how much you love Drake… In the end, that's all a parent wants. For their kids to be with someone who truly loves and appreciates them." Savannah nodded.

"I'm sure you two will get along." I added.

"Thank you, both of you." Myers wiped her palms on her hands. "Not gonna lie, I'm kind of nervous…"

"Myers, it's not like she's coming to-"

"Hey!" Maxwell yelled from his seat. "Who's making the bride-to-be nervous?"

I raised my hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, sorry."

"There will be no negative thoughts on this vacation!" Maxwell yelled. "I got your back Milla!"

We all laughed, and got back to our food. The rest of the 16-hour flight was spent with all of us talking, or some of us catching up on some sleep. "You're gonna need it! I want all your energy levels on 1000 tonight!" Maxwell had said. Myers and I settled in with a movie, on which Myers fell asleep halfway through. She woke up just in time for dinner, and we ate once more, slept another bit more…

When we had about an hour of flight to go before touching down, we looked through the window and realized it was already dark out. Maxwell took that as his cue to turn on the music and the drinks began to flow.

"Pre-party!" Maxwell yelled from the bar, making his signature Pineapple Paradise Punch. He carried a tray out, and everyone took one. Myers dragged me out onto the makeshift dance floor, and we danced and drank until the pilot turned on the seatbelt sign and announced our descent.

"Oh, I hate this part." Myers took my hand, gripping it tightly as the plane landed.

We made our way off, and as we waited for our luggage, Maxwell shot me a pointed look, then looked at his phone. I took my own phone from my pocket, quickly turning off the airplane mode, and checking it quickly while Myers was distracted.

"Just heard from Hailey

They've already checked into the hotel

They're gonna to be waiting for us in your room to surprise Milla"

"How're they gonna get in?"

"I already called ahead

Told the concierge to give them the key to the penthouse

While the rest of the guys also check in, you, me and Hana are going to take Milla to a boutique

Get her a nice dress for tonight

And then you go check in your room and SURPRISE!"

"Okay, got it."

I looked up from my phone and nodded, quickly shoving it back to my pocket. Maxwell shot me some very inconspicuous thumbs-up. He then cleared his throat and waited until everyone was looking at him. "I guess this means I can reveal the first stop of the night…" Maxwell began. "The most exclusive boutique on the Strip!"

"Yay!" Myers raised her hands sarcastically and did some spirit fingers.

After coordinating with the guys, Liam and the rest of the group made their way to the Cordonia Grand with all our luggage, and Maxwell, Hana, Myers and I got into a different car that took us to that boutique.

We walked inside and Myers looked around. "Wow, Maxwell, you've really outdone yourself!"

Hana broke off from us to go speak to the cashier, who nodded and went to the back.

"I'm glad you liked it!" Maxwell told Myers. When Hana was close by, he turned to her. "Hey, Hana, do they have the dress you wanted?"

"Yep!" Hana looked at Myers impishly.

Hana took a simple black dress from one of the hangers and stepped into the dressing room.

"Hana and I went through the boutique's entire catalogue together, then asked them to reserve something special for you!" Maxwell told Myers, as he spotted the saleswoman walking towards us with a garment bag. "I'll go grab it!" He dashed away.

"Thanks!" Myers shouted after him.

Hana stepped out from the dressing room. "Tada!"

"Hana, you look great! As always!" Myers told her.

"When Maxwell asked me for input on the party, I had the idea for everyone to wear dark colors so you'd stand out even more."

Myers nodded. "Ah, so that's why Drake's in a suit…" She giggled.

I rolled my eyes. "I would've worn one no matter what, because I know this night's important to you. Although, there's no way I could steal your spotlight, no matter what I'm wearing."

"Of course, the rule means new dresses for both of us. And it looks like Maxwell has the one we picked out!" Hana gestured in Maxwell's direction.

"You definitely won't fade into the background in this." He handed Myers the garment bag.

"Aww, thank you guys!" Myers took the bag and gave them both a hug, before stepping into the dressing room. She stepped out a moment later in a skin-tight golden dress. "How do I look?"

My eyes widened, my pulse sped up and my jaw hit the floor. For a minute there, I thought my eyes were gonna pop out of my head shaped like hearts, like those old Sunday morning cartoons Savannah and I used to watch when we were kids.

"That good?" Myers pressed.

I shook my head, trying to snap out of my trance. "Somehow, even more radiant than usual." I wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Getting married to the man of your dreams will do that to you." She pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. Maxwell cleared his throat, and Myers turned back to him. "So, Maxwell, where to next?"

"Well, I hope you're ready to bridal partaaaay!"

"Woo-hoo!" Myers lifted her arms in the air.

"Buuuut… before that, we have to check you guys into the hotel room." Maxwell said.

"I thought Liam and the guys were doing that." Myers raised her eyebrows.

"Uh, we have to check into our room." I told her quickly. "Maxwell got us one of the penthouses."

"You're kidding." Myers' jaw dropped. She looked at Maxwell, who shook his head. "You're not kidding. Holy crap, you're serious? Thank you!" Myers pulled Maxwell in for a hug.

With the girls dressed and ready, we got into the limo and made our way back to the hotel. Hana suggested the girls go check out a fountain or something, and Maxwell and I approached the desk. I talked to the concierge, who handed me our room key, while Maxwell shot Hailey a quick text to let her know we were coming up.

"Myers!" I called, raising the key.

She nodded and she and Hana walked towards us. The four of us climbed into the elevator, and Maxwell began to vibrate with excitement.

"Um… Maxwell? Are you okay?" Myers asked as the elevator made its way to the top floor.

"Yeah! Fine! Just excited for you guys to see your room!"

"O...kay." Myers shrugged, shooting me a whimsical look.

Finally, the bloody thing dinged and opened onto the top floor. We walked to our room, and I opened the door.

"Why's it so dark?" Myers asked.

A second later, I flipped the light switch on, and all of our friends and her friends yelled, "Surprise!"

"Oh my god!" Myers took them all in, as her friends stepped forward to wrap her in a hug.

"Milla!"

"There she is!"

"The bride to be!"

"Hailey? Jacob? Jo! Daniel! Jaime! Jaime, you told me you wouldn't be able to come to the wedding this week!"

"You really thought I'd miss your wedding, kid? I asked for a week leave." He answered.

"And Daniel! I can't believe He-who-shall-not-be-named agreed to give you some time off!" Myers hugged Daniel, her waiter friend from the bar.

"I had a couple of vacation days." He muttered, hugging Myers tightly.

Myers stepped back from the group, and her eyes immediately began to water as she looked at her friends from New York. "You're here! You're all here! Even Karen!"

I noticed then a small, tan skinned girl with jet-black straight hair and big, brown eyes standing next to Jaime. She laughed awkwardly. "Yeah, surprise!"

"Are you happy?" Hailey asked, wrapping Myers in a hug again.

"Happy?! I'm… I'm…" Her chin began to quiver and a couple tears fell.

"Aww, come here you big softie!" Jaime enveloped her in a giant bear hug.

After they broke apart, Myers turned to us. "Maxwell, did you plan this?"

"With Drake's help… Yeah." He shrugged.

"Oh, you guys are the best." She wrapped Maxwell in a hug, before stepping towards me and kissing me.

I lost myself in the kiss, before I heard, "Alright, alright, lovebirds! Save it for when you're alone." I broke the kiss and looked up to find it was Jaime who spoke.

"Ugh, leave them alone, Jaime!" Mari Jo elbowed him.

"Sorry." Myers smiled. "God, I'm so happy to see you guys. So, have you guys gotten acquainted already or do introductions need to be made?"

Liam laughed at that. "Don't worry, Camilla. Introductions have already been made."

"Oui. Your friends are all very nice, Camilla." Kiara nodded.

"Right back at ya." Hailey told her.

"Oh, but what about…" Myers pointed to Maxwell, Hana and I.

"You really just want to introduce someone, don't you?" Jacob shook his head at her. "Fine, Milla, knock yourself out."

"How well you know me." Myers laughed. "Oh, by the way, have you met Zeke yet? He wants to be a vet too!" Myers pointed to Exequiel.

Both men nodded.

"Yes, we had a chance to speak, Camilla." Ezequiel said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Or mostly, I asked questions about veterinary school and Jacob was kind enough to answer."

"Don't worry about it, man, my pleasure." Jacob clapped his back.

"Okay then, Hana, Maxwell these are my friends Hailey, her boyfriend Bryan, Jaime and his wife Karen, Daniel, Jacob and Mari Jo."

Maxwell and Hailey shook hands. "Hiya! Nice to finally meet you in the flesh!" Hailey told him.

"Yeah, you too!"

"And Drake, you didn't meet Karen and Bryan last time!" Myers told me, pushing me forward.

I offered my hand awkwardly. "Uh, yeah, hi."

Karen shook it first. "Hi. Nice to meet you, Drake. I've heard a lot about you from Jaime." She gave a tiny chuckle. "I think you're the first one of Milla's boyfriends he's actually liked."

"Uh… thanks." I turned to Bryan and shook his hand. "Hey."

"Hey, it's nice to meet you." He nodded.

"Okay, now that we all know each other, let's get this party started!" Maxwell whooped.

He led us all back down and into the limo. The limo whisked us away from the hotel to another penthouse lounge.

"This is one of the most exclusive nightclubs in Vegas…" Jacob commented at one point. His eyes widened as we were led to one of the VIP booths. "Dude, teach me your ways." He told Maxwell.

"Ah, young padawan, I'll take you under my wing and teach you everything I know!" Maxwell told him.

"Milla, you look amazing!" I heard Penelope tell Myers.

"Thank you! You look marvelous too, Penelope!"

"Thank you! I wanted to wear my very best dress for the occasion." She answered.

"In that case, I feel honored that you chose it." Myers grinned at her.

Ezequiel cleared his throat. "You always look lovely, Penelope."

"Aww, thank you, Zeke."

We got to the booth, only to find Madeleine already sitting down in a gold dress and a glass of champagne in hand. She looked at our group disinterestedly. "Camilla."

"Wow." I heard Mari Jo mumble behind me.

"You made it!" Myers said.

"It seems I did. For now, anyway." Madeleine said.

"Yay, more introductions!" Myers squealed.

"Yes, please." Mari Jo stepped forward.

Myers merely laughed. "Madeleine, these are my friends from New York." She named each of them in turn. "Guys, this is Madeleine, my press secretary."

We all sat down, and I heard Hana ask Madeleine. "Aww, did you not get my message about the theme?"

"I got it." Madeleine shrugged. "I wasn't planning on coming to this event, and did the best I could. It's lucky I had anything suitable at all."

"Maxwell, you didn't tell me we would be engaging in nightlife." Bertrand looked around uncomfortably.

"Yeah, that's because I wanted you to come!" Maxwell answered.

"Try to relax! Have fun, Bertrand!" My sister told him.

"Hey, you're wearing the outfit I picked out for you!" Myers yelled excitedly.

"Yes, well… it seemed appropriate to both theme and occasion." Bertrand answered.

"You look great!" Myers complimented, downing her glass of champagne. The guys cheered her on. "Well! Does anyone want to get out on the dance floor?"

"All in due time," Maxwell answered, surprising the hell out of me. I would've thought he'd be the first one on the floor. "But for now, we should all sit back… and enjoy the show!"

He pointed to a stage with flashing lights. The bass thumping music suddenly switched to something more… mystical, just as the magician was descending seemingly from thin air. "Welcome, one and all!" He began. "I invite you to journey with me tonight… into the unknown. Together, we will explore a world of occult and mystery… and you will bear witness to the most spellbinding feats of illusion and enchantment known to man!" The lights above him flashed dramatically.

"Ooh, a magic show!" Penelope giggled.

"Oh, wow, I live for this stuff!" Daniel agreed.

"I am the Great and Captivating Edward the Enchanter, and this is… Magico Magnifico!" The magician continued.

"And now, I'd like to introduce my fearsome assistant…" From above the stage, a spotlight illuminated a white tiger. It slinked down the stairs and onto the stage. "Zahira!"

"Is that…" Bertrand looked on in shock.

"A live tiger!" Olivia finished for him.

"She's gorgeous!" Hailey squealed.

"Oh my god, she's so cute!" Myers agreed, jumping in her seat next to me.

"Are we looking about the same animal? She's terrifying!" Daniel shook his head with wide eyes.

"Aww… but look how giant her paws are!" Maxwell added.

"And her ears are so fuzzy!" Hana grinned excitedly at the tiger.

"Je said pas…" Kiara was the only one who had the sense to disagree. "My brother always told me..."

"You can never truly tame a wild creature." Ezequiel finished for her.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Oh, suck it up, buttercup."

At the same time, Jacob spoke, "I don't know, Zeke. There are plenty of studies…"

"Guys, you can nerd out later! Let's watch the show with the pretty tiger!" Mari Jo shushed them with a teasing grin.

"For my first act, I will need a volunteer from the audience…" He made a show of scanning the audience… before his eyes and his cane-wand-stick-thing landed on Myers.

Myers' eyes widened. "Me?" She stood with her hand on her chest.

"Why, yes!" The magician laughed. "I couldn't help but be mesmerized by your dazzling dress!"

Sure you were.

"Do come on stage!"

I shook my head. "This is gonna be good. Just… watch that tiger." I told her.

"You've been chosen!" Maxwell yelled next to me.

She nodded. "Okay… Okay…" She shook herself, as if pumping herself up. Hailey handed her a shot and Myers downed it in one go. "Okay, I'm going up there."

"Go, Milla!" Hailey and Mari Jo yelled.

"Get'em, kid!" Jaime added, until soon, all of us and the rest of the club were cheering her on.

"Be careful!" Maxwell yelled. "Don't give off any alpha-tigress vibes!"

Myers grinned, and the crowd cheered even louder as she took the magician's hand and stepped into the stage.

"Hey, that's the waitress turned princess from the tabloids!" I heard a woman from the next table shout. "She's the one who went to Cordonia!"

Hailey and Mari Jo immediately turned and glared at the woman.

"Hey, easy!" Daniel told them. "Maxwell warned us there was a chance she'd get recognized. As long as the woman doesn't try to come over or something, it's fine!"

"Precisely," Liam agreed. "She must be quite famous here in the States. She's very popular in Cordonia."

"Yep, she's gotten pretty well known…" Jaime nodded.

"Aha, a brave volunteer indeed!" The magician clapped for her, and we all turned back to the show. "Watch carefully as I restrain her!"

Wait, what?

"What?" Myers' eyebrows shot up to her forehead.

The guy pushed her back against a board with leather straps on the corners, and tying them over her ankles and wrists.

"Hey… it's just a show, remember?" I turned my head to find Jaime's hand on my shoulder, stopping me from standing. I didn't even realize I was starting to stand. "Milla's gonna be fine."

"Zahira, please assist me in demonstrating the security of the restraints." The magician directed the tiger.

The tiger approached Myers and sniffed her ankles, and Myers jerked her legs instinctively.

"Now that we have confirmed that our lovely volunteer is, indeed, at my mercy…" The magician took a bow and arrow from somewhere on the stage and lit the arrow on fire. "Shall we see if she can cheat death?"

Oh no, that's enough!

"Camilla!" I stood immediately, fully intent on going up there, but was held back by four very strong arms.

"Drake! Calm down, my friend!" That was Liam's voice.

"It's part of the show, remember?" That was Jaime.

"Oh, will you stop fussing, Walker?" I heard Olivia yell.

"Drake, stop!" My sister also yelled from somewhere.

"Sir, you need to sit down." A stagehand came towards us.

"Camilla!"

"Sir, please take your seat now or you'll be escorted off the premises." The stagehand warned me again.

"That's my fiancee up there!" I yelled at him, struggling against Liam and Jaime.

"Sir, I can assure you your fiance will be fine. It's only an act!" The stagehand insisted.

"See, big guy? It's all part of the show!" Jaime struggled to pull me back to my seat.

"Come on, Drake. Camilla will be just fine." Liam added.

I shook them both off, glaring at the stagehand. "Fine. But if anything happens…"

"I assure you, sir, it won't. We take all the necessary safety precautions for the sh-"

"Yeah, you better." I turned with a huff and walked back to our booth.

Liam and Jaime followed and we watched as the magician pulled the bowstring back and aimed. I watched as Myers struggled against her bindings, before taking a deep breath. She opened her eyes and flashed an award-winning smile. The audience cheered all around us.

"Is she afraid of anything?" Kiara asked.

"If she is, I've seen no evidence." Bertrand told her.

"Nah, her poker face's just gotten better." Jaime commented.

Hailey nodded in agreement. "I guess hardcore courtly training will do that to you. Old Milla would've panicked."

Many of our Cordonian group looked at them with a mixture of shock and curiosity but before anyone could say something, the magician let the arrow loose, aimed straight for Myers' heart. She flinched and closed her eyes, bracing for impact, when the arrow seemed to erupt in flames and fizzle out.

"Quoi?" Kiara's jaw dropped.

"It went right through her!" Maxwell yelled.

"That was amazing!" Daniel clapped.

The crowd cheered thunderously, and the magician bowed deeply before he finally released Myers, taking her hand and gesturing to her. "Thank you! Thank you!"

I walked towards the stage and offered a hand to help her down, before pulling her into a hug. "Jesus, Myers, you scared the hell outta me!"

She laughed. "Edward scared the hell out of me too!"

"Please don't ever do that again."

Myers pressed a quick kiss to my lips. "I promise. No more flaming arrows."

I nodded. "No more flaming arrows." I led her back to our booth.

"Bravo, Camilla." Madeleine nodded.

"Whew! I can breath again!" Maxwell pulled her in for a hug.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Flaming arrows? Child's play."

"So you weren't impressed by the illusion?" Liam asked her.

"No, I mean children in Lythikos literally play with flaming arrows." She answered.

"You're kidding." Mari Jo told her.

Olivia shrugged. "It's a practical cold weather toy."

"I can't tell if she's kidding or not." Mari Jo looked at the rest of us, bewildered.

"She's not." Myers told her, slumping onto her seat. "I could use a drink after that!" Hailey offered her a shot of whiskey, which Myers took with a shaky hand.

"I hope you're all prepared for my next astonishing feat of daring-do!" The magician, Edward, continued up on stage. "Zahira and I will need two more courageous souls."

The audience roared and cheered once more. Many people raised one or both hands, and there were plenty of people shouting, "Me! Me! Me!"

Edward however, pointed at Myers once more. I groaned. "In honor of your boldness in the face of certain death, you shall have the privilege of selecting my next two assistants."

Myers grinned and nodded eagerly, before narrowing her eyes and looking over everyone at our table.

"First, select someone to aid me in demonstrating my masterful hypnotic control over this formidable beast!"

Myers looked at all of us, her eyes darting back and forth between me and Olivia. "Olivia!"

The Ice Queen grinned slowly. "I would love to get closer to this so-called magician and expose his farce to the world!" She got up and walked towards the stage.

"Wow, she's uh… she's pretty intense, huh?" Jacob commented.

Myers laughed. "She's a big softie deep down." All of us from Cordonia turned to stare at her. Myers chuckled once more, "Deep, deep down."

"You do know she'd stab you if she heard you, right?" I asked.

"No, she wouldn't. We're frieeeeends." Myers laughed, elbowing me.

Up on stage, Zahira growled softly at Olivia.

She merely scoffed. "Is that supposed to intimidate me? We have bobcats twice this size in Lythikos." Olivia raised her hand, palm down, and flicked her wrist downwards. "Down, girl."

The tiger suspiciously sniffed her hand, tilting her head sideways, before laying down on the ground. The audience gasped and even the magician looked stunned.

"Holy shit! She tamed the tiger!" Jacob shouted.

Olivia then offered the tiger her hand, and the tiger stood and licked it.

The crowd cheered, and the magician yelled, "Zahira! What's gotten into you?"

Olivia grinned, scratching behind the tiger's ears. "She recognizes her alpha." With a shrug, the Ice Queen descended the stage to resounding applause.

The magician looked astounded, before shaking it off and turning back to Myers. "Very well… And who shall participate in my grand finale? The choice is yours…"

"Ooh, ooh, Milla, pick me! Pick me!" Maxwell raised his hands in the air.

"You sure?" Myers asked.

"Yes, please!"

"But… does anybody else want to-"

Choruses of "Nope.", "No, thanks!", "Non, merci.", and "Yeah, no!" resounded from all of us.

"Okay, then! Maxwell, go on and do your thing!" Myers pointed at him.

"Ohmygod, really?!" He shouted. "Milla, you're the best and I owe you forever!" Maxwell jumped from his chair, and kept onto the stage.

Edward directed him to sit on a throne in the center of the stage. "Now, Zahira, please take our volunteer's place in the audience."

The tiger trotted over to our table and sat primly on Maxwell's seat. On one side of her, Jacob offered her his hand to sniff, while Kiara slowly edged away. "H-hey, kitty…"

"Relax, Kiara." Ezequiel told her. "Offer her your hand to sniff, like Jacob is doing."

"Non, merci. I'm fond of my fingers."

Jacob was already petting the tiger's head, and the big cat purred happily. "Yeah, you're nothing but an oversized puffball, aren't you, girl?" He looked over the tiger at Kiara. "May I?"

Kiara considered him for a second, before sighing and offering her hand to him. Jacob took it slowly, and brought it to the tiger's head.

"Oh! I'm… I'm doing it!" Kiara grinned slowly.

"You sure are!" Jacob smiled at her.

Next to me, Myers was watching their interaction gleefully, almost giggling, until the magician called our attention back to the stage.

"Watch closely now… don't even blink!" The magician called our attention back to the show.

He began waving his hand around and after a second, Maxwell's throne began to rise up in the air.

"So cool, so cool, so cool!" Maxwell squealed.

Maxwell and his throne hovered in the air for a moment, and throughout it all, Maxwell had a giant grin on his face.

"Remember what I said…" The magician turned to look at the audience. "Don't. Blink."

A cloud of smoke suddenly engulfed the throne, and when it dissipated, Zahira was on the throne, and Maxwell was back in his seat.

"Whoa, did I just body-swap with a tiger? Guys, am I a tiger now?" Maxwell looked at his hands, turning them up and over. "Nope, still me! Which means I just teleported! Best day ever!"

We all stood, clapping as the crowd cheered wildly. Maxwell hugged Myers, and when they pulled apart, several of the guys clapped his back. Up on stage, the magician bowed several times, taking off his top house with every bow. "Thank you! Thank you all so much! And with that, our time together has regrettably come to an end." The tiger whined. "I know, Zahira. But fear not! I shall return tomorrow evening for another night of magic and mysticism… Tell your friends." He played a trick with his hat, before he and his tiger retreated up the stairs and the stage lights dimmed.

"Las Vegas! Give it up for Edward the Enchanter!" The dj announced. "Now, are you ready to party?!" A second later, music pumped through the speakers, a soft cool melody that seemed intensified by the lights and the bass.

We all stood, and Hanna pulled Myers, Maxwell and Olivia into a hug. "That was amazing! You were amazing!"

I couldn't help but be surprised when Olivia actually endured the hug silently, patting Hana's back awkwardly.

"I was pretty amazing, huh?" Maxwell teased as they pulled apart.

"Yeah, you were!" Several of the guys told him. "Really cool!"

"Amazing!"

"Indeed, it's amazing that you managed not to laugh that imposter off the stage." Olivia rolled her eyes.

"So, Maxwell, what's next on the agenda?" Liam asked.

Maxwell shot some finger guns at Myers. "Now it's time for dancing!"

"Wooo!" Hailey clapped.

"Let's go!" Myers cheered.

She immediately took my hand as our large group made its way to the dancefloor. From the corner of my eye, I saw Madeleine and Bertrand hesitate at the table, but Savannah wasn't having it. She took Bertrand's hands and practically dragged him out to the dancefloor.

We danced as a group for a while before we gradually started to pair off… Me and Myers, Jaime and his wife, Penelope and Zeke, Bertrand and my sister, Hailey and her boyfriend… At the edge of our group, Olivia hesitated.

"What's the matter, Olivia?! Having trouble letting loose?!" Kiara asked teasingly, dancing really closely with Jacob.

Olivia shrugged. "I… I just don't see the point of this undisciplined flailing!"

"Perhaps this will help!" Liam flashed her his signature boyish grin, and took her hand. He pulled her closer, before twirling her. Olivia actually laughed as Liam shook her shoulders out, before they settled into a rhythm.

Madeleine also stepped right up to Hana, who was dancing in a group with Maxwell, Daniel, and Mari Jo. Myers and I were close enough to be able to overhear them. "Listen, Hana, I'm… I'm sorry if I ever wronged you in the past and, well… Would you… would you like to dance?! With me, that is!"

Myers' eyebrows shot up, and she shot me a surprised look. I merely shrugged.

Hana looked equally shocked. "Is this some kind of trick?! Are you going to throw me off the rhythm or step on my feet or something?!"

"What?! No! I just-" Madeleine shook her head. "You know what, never mind!" Madeleine turned and got lost in the sea of clubgoers.

"Hana, are you okay?!" Daniel asked.

Hana nodded, still a little shell shocked. "I just… I've never seen Madeleine act like that!"

Daniel nodded and pulled Hana back into their group… which I noticed broke off when Maxwell took Mari Jo's hand and spun her around flirtatiously.

Myers caught me staring in their direction and followed my gaze, raising both eyebrows. She nodded, amused, before pressing herself closer to me. Then, she turned, so that her back was right against my chest. I wrapped my arms around her waist, holding her close, and we swayed to the beat. Myers raised her arms and brought them to my neck, before turning so that she was facing me again. The look in her eyes was downright sinful, and she pressed herself closer than what was considered appropriate in a public setting, and kissed me deeply. I couldn't help moan against her mouth as she continued to sway her hips against me while running her fingers through my hair.

When we finally came up for air, Myers was grinning wickedly. I shook my head, grinning as well, before twirling her and pulling her back into me. "I wished we could stay like this all night!" I 'whispered' in her ear… as much as you could whisper in a club, anyway.

"Me, too!" Myers answered.

We spent several more songs on the dancefloor, Myers singing along with many of them. Eventually, we all converged to one giant group on the dancefloor, dancing for a couple minutes more, before deciding to go back to our booth for more drinks.

"Shots! Shots!" Jaime ordered, still chanting as the waitress brought over a tray of rainbow shots.

"Shots! Shots!" Maxwell began chanting with him.

The waitress set down the tray on our table, before gracefully bowing out. Liam raised his hands before we even had a chance to grab a glass. "Before we all drink, I'd like to propose a toast! To Drake and Camilla!"

Everyone immediately raised their glasses, shouting, "Drake and Camilla!" or "To Drake and Milla!"

"Alright, since we're doing this…" Jaime took another shot and lifted it up, "Milla's been my best friend since we were 15 years old…" I couldn't help but notice his wife's smile became a little more forced. "I honestly never thought she'd ever find a guy that was good enough for her, 'til I met Drake! The guy literally took a bullet for her and has had her back through it all! The guy's a damn superhero and I'm proud to call him a brother! So, here's to you kid, and the kickass guy who wants to marry you!" Jaime raised his shot in her direction, before downing it.

Chorus of "Milla and Drake!" echoed through our table once more.

Maxwell stepped up next, "Okay! I know we all want to say our piece when it comes to Drake and Milla, but… if we could leave the speeches for later, that'd be great! And there will be time for speeches later! But for now… It's time for me to reveal the next part of my master plan!"

"Wait, we're leaving?!" Jacob asked.

"That's right! Let's go!" Maxwell began shooing all of us out of the club. He led us all the way down to the Sunset Strip. Once there, we all looked at him expectantly. "It's a scavenger hunt!" He announced.

"Ooh! I love scavenger hunts!" Penelope said. "I've always been a very good finder."

Madeleine rolled her eyes. "I'm positively devastated to say you'll have to count me out. I have a hot stone massage waiting for me at the hotel." With a nod, she walked away, presumably back to the hotel.

Daniel pointed at each of us, counting under his breath. "Wait, if she leaves, the teams won't be even."

Maxwell shrugged. "We can still play, it doesn't really matter."

Mari Jo put an arm around Myers' shoulders. "Your press secretary's, uh… a real piece of work, huh?"

Myers laughed. "She's not so bad… deep, deep down."

"If you say so, Milla." Mari Jo answered.

Maxwell cleared his throat, until he had our full attention. "I've hidden three objects around Las Vegas. We'll split into two teams and whichever team finds more objects wins!"

"Alright!" Several of the guys clapped and cheered.

"What're the teams?" Myera asked.

"I'm glad you asked, Team Captain Miilla!" Maxwell grinned at her. "Liam, Drake, Hana, Hailey, Jaime, Karen, and Bryan will be on Team Camilla! Bertrand, Savannah, Penelope, Ezequiel, Kiara, Jacob, Daniel, and Mari Jo are on Team Olivia."

"Team Olivia?" Penelope chuckled nervously.

"Rightly so." Olivia nodded.

We immediately switched sides, all of us separating into our teams. Myers spread her arms wide, gesturing at us. "Team Camilla's gonna crush it!"

"Please. We both know you don't stand a chance against the might and wit of a Nevrakis." Olivia grinned.

"Absolument!" Kiara added.

"What she said!" Jacob seconded, earning himself a smile from Kiara.

"Besides, I happen to be exceptionally detail-oriented, so I'm certain I'll be an asset." Bertrand added, puffing his chest a little.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "I wouldn't be so sure of yourselves. Camilla does have a bit of a winning streak going."

Myers shot me a tender smile.

"That's right! Team Milla for the win!" Hailey added.

"I fully intend to break that annoying winning streak tonight." Olivia smiled, baring her teeth.

"May the best team win!" Hana said, very diplomatically.

"I'm loving all the team spirit!" Maxwell clapped his hands together.

"So, what are we looking for?" Liam asked.

"The first object, a gold scepter, is within eyeshot of this location. You'll get a single clue." Maxwell paused for dramatic effect. "'To find the first object, you'll need a hand'."

"That's it?" Bryan asked.

"That's hardly a clue! I use my hands for everything!" Penelope said.

"That's the clue!" Maxwell shrugged. "And go!"

We quickly ran a few steps away, converging in a huddle.

"Okay, he said it was within eyeshot of this location." Hailey began.

"What do you need a hand for on the Strip…?" Myers muttered quietly.

"Tactfully turning down those strip club business cards?" I teased. Myers merely rolled her eyes.

"I don't see anything that looks like a scepter…" Karen stood on her tippy toes to look around.

"What're you thinking, Myers?" I asked, noticing she was looking intently at her hands.

"Tell us where to look, Milla!" Hana added.

"Use that big brain of yours, kid!" Jaime nodded in her direction.

Suddenly, Myers' eyes widened. "'To find the first object, you'll need a hand'! It's a metaphor!" She announced, showing us her hands. "Hand… palms… let's look in the palm trees! Hand equals palm, palm equals palm tree!"

I pressed a kiss to her temple. "I love that writer's brain of yours."

"It loves you right back." She giggled.

Hana looked at the tall trees. "Plus, you'll need a hand to reach it, if it's up there."

We immediately began walking down the sidewalk, looking for the scepter amongst the trees.

"There!" Hailey jumped, pointing to a tree a few meters away.

Her boyfriend patted her hair. "Hey, how'd you even see it, tiny?"

She laughed and shoved him. "Oh, shut up! Jaime!"

"Coming!" The marine ran up towards us.

"Yes!" Myers grinned.

"Do you need a lift?" Liam asked Jaime.

Jaime looked at Myers self-consciously for a second, and she gave him a tiny nod. "Sure." He said after a moment.

Liam stepped up and laced his fingers together. Jaime stepped on Liam's hands, and Liam gave him a boost. It was just what the marine needed, as he climbed the rest of the way up. He dislodged the scepter from the branches, and jumped back down.

"Be caref-" Karen sighed. "Why do I even bother?" She muttered under her breath.

"Team Camilla for the win!" Myers high-fived Jaime after he handed her the scepter.

We ran back to Maxwell, who blew a whistle. Slowly, Team Olivia reconvened at our spot.

Olivia eyed the scepter in Myers' hand as she handed it to Maxwell. "I thought it only polite to let you get the first one at your own bachelorette party."

"Riiiight…" Myers nodded.

"Team Camilla takes the lead! Now follow me!" Maxwell waved us over as he walked away.

A couple minutes later, after a brief talk with the bouncer, we were stepping into another club.

"So, what's the next clue, Maxwell?" Kiara asked.

"'You can't see, you can't taste, you can't touch, you can't smell'."

"And… what are we looking for, exactly?" Penelope asked, already looking around.

"The Monarch's Orb." Maxwell said simply.

"Uh… can someone explain what that is for the non-royals here?" Daniel asked.

"Here." Savannah passed him her phone, where she had found an image of the orb. All of Myers' friends crowded around her phone.

"Wait, you mean that golden apple thing from the palace museum?" I asked.

"That 'golden apple thing' happens to be an ancient symbol of the monarchy, along with the scepter." Liam told me.

"I'm sensing a bit of a royalty theme here." Myers grinned.

"Maxwell, I just want to be absolutely certain that you did not take the real Monarch's Orb and Scepter?" Bertrand asked.

"Of course not! They're both very high-quality replicas!" Maxwell answered.

"So it doesn't matter if it breaks on accident or something?" Mari Jo asked.

"No, I'll just be devastated." Maxwell grinned at her. "But you won't be breaking ancient antiques that belong to the monarchy or anything like that."

Jacob nodded, his eyes wide. "Good to know."

Bertrand cleared his throat. "And the third item?"

"Oh, the crown in the casino is all real, baby!" Maxwell's oblivious grin grew.

I watched as the color drained from both Liam and Bertrand's faces.

"What?" Liam asked, stunned.

"Maxwell!" Bertrand yelled.

Maxwell raised his hands in a defensive gesture. "There were like twenty of them! I figured you wouldn't miss one for a weekend!"

"Those crowns are all priceless Cordonian artefacts!" Bertrand pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I guess we better hurry up and find the last two objects, then!" Myers tried to calm them all down.

"Or we could split up and still keep the game going." Jaime suggested. "Half of each team can stay here and the other half can go to the casino now, for a little search and rescue."

"Yes, let's do that, please." Liam nodded. "Before someone finds it, realizes it's value and steals it."

"Yeah, otherwise we'll be spending the rest of the party searching every pawn shop in Vegas." I added.

Liam shot me a panicked look that implied my statement didn't help. "I'll, uh… I will represent Team Camilla and go to the casino. Jaime, can you come with me please?"

"You got it." The marine nodded. "Karen, you comin' or staying?"

"I'll go with you." She said instantly.

"I'll go as well." Hana nodded, stepping next to Liam.

"I will also represent… Team Olivia." Bertrand also stepped aside. "And try to make up for Maxwell's foolishness."

"Sheesh, you don't have to say it like that." Maxwell mumbled.

"I'm sure we'll find it quickly, Bertrand." Savannah said, stepping next to him.

"Kiara, you and Camilla's friend should go as well." Olivia told her.

Kiara immediately stepped next to Bertrand, but Mari Jo, Daniel, and Jacob looked at each other.

"Which one of us is going and which one of us is staying, exactly?" Jacob asked.

Olivia clicked her tongue. "Whichever one of you is smarter and can help find the Crown faster."

"That's me, then." Mari Jo smirked at Jacob and Daniel, before stepping next to Kiara.

"And… go!" Maxwell yelled.

"Wait, Maxwell, you haven't given us the third clue!" Savannah told him, stopping the rest of the guys who were already running for the door.

"Oh! Uh… 'Yo! Roll the hard six and watch out for the snake eyes'!"

They all nodded and dashed out of the club.

"Team Olivia, convene!" Olivia shouted.

Our team also stepped a few paces away.

"What was the clue again?" I asked.

"You can't see, you can't taste, you can't touch, you can't smell'."

"Those are all senses." Hailey muttered.

"Right. Sight, taste, touch, smell." Her boyfriend muttered. "Why was hearing left out?"

"Because it's in the dj booth!" Hailey and Myers said at the same time.

"You can't see, taste, touch or smell him…" Myers began.

"But you sure can hear him!" Bryan finished for her.

"Let's go!" I said.

We scrambled to get to the dj's booth. He recognized Myers immediately. "Heeeey! Are you Camilla Myers?"

"That's me!" Myers flashed him a smile. "Hey, can I check your booth for a sec?"

"Uh… sure?"

Myers looked inside, and sure enough, there was the orb. "Thanks!" She yelled over her shoulder, turning to us. "Got it!"

"Nice one, Myers." I told her.

She was about to step away, when the dj called her back. "Hey, wait! You wanna pick a song?" He asked.

"Wait really?" Myers' eyes widened before a grin grew across her face. "Um, yeah!"

"Alright, alright! What's up Omnia!" The dj yelled into the mic. The crowd cheered right back. "Heyo, we've got the Camilla Myers AKA Duchess Camilla in the house!" The screams seemed to intensify. Myers whispered something in his ear before stepping back down. "This song's coming right from the Duchess herself, give it up Omnia!"

A deceptively soft beat thumped through the speakers, the singer's voice uncharacteristically soft. Myers ran back down grinning, as Maxwell and team Olivia converged around us.

"Another point for Team Camilla!" Maxwell yelled over the beat.

Olivia scoffed. "She obviously has a better advantage, being in a nightclub."

"We would've found it if we were in a charity gala!" Penelope added.

"Sure, you think that if it makes you feel better!" Myers laughed, before taking my hand. "Now, since we won't know who won until the guys come back, I'm gonna go dance with my fiance! Feel free to follow us!"

"Oh, yes! I'm so down for that." Maxwell grinned as he followed.

Myers pulled me to the dancefloor, wrapping her arms around my neck as the song picked up. Myers pressed her every curve against me, dancing sensually to the beat.

The song gradually switched to another more upbeat, and we continued to dance. I once again lost track of time in Myers' arms, until Maxwell tapped my shoulder. "Liam and the rest of the guys are back!"

Myers and I immediately broke apart and followed him to a quieter table near the entrance. Sure enough, everyone was there.

"Look what we found!" Jaime grinned, pointing at Liam.

I was relieved to see that color had returned to his face, and he grinned and held up the crown. "A point for Team Camilla." Liam announced.

"That's three points for Team Camilla!" Maxwell declared.

"Congratulations, you definitely earned it!" Kiara said.

"Yeah, you did, Milla!" Jacob yelled from behind Kiara… with his hand on her hip.

Myers raised her eyebrows, amused, but didn't comment. "So, what do I win?"

"Ooh, does someone win a trophy? I'd love to win a trophy someday!" Penelope squealed.

"I'm sure you will, Penelope." Ezequiel told her.

"The prize is the friendship we found along the way!" Maxwell announced.

We all stared at him for a second.

"Is this like those participation awards we'd get in elementary school?" Daniel asked.

"Maxwell, you didn't get a prize?" I asked.

"Sorry! It was going to be the crown, but I guess I have to give that back."

"You certainly do." Liam confirmed.

"It's okay, Maxwell." Myers squeezed his hand.

"You know what, that's cool." Jaime said, looking at all of us. "You all are pretty cool people and I've enjoyed getting to know you all."

"Seconded." Hailey and her boyfriend said at the same time.

"Hard same!" Jacob added.

"What they said." Mari Jo grinned at all of us.

"Yeah, me too." Daniel agreed. "Even if I was a bit intimidated by you all at first."

"Likewise! Not the 'intimidated' part, the friendship part." Maxwell said, fist-bumping Jaime. "See? Friendship!"

We all laughed.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say we've all enjoyed getting to know you all as well." Liam nodded.

"You've all been so lovely and kind to us tonight!" Hana added.

Bertrand agreed. "It is definitely interesting to meet the people who knew Camilla before she came to Cordonia."

"Definitely!" Penelope agreed.

"Oui. It's very interesting indeed." Kiara nodded, although she wasn't looking at us, but at Jacob.

We all turned to Olivia, who'd been quiet up until now. She grimaced. "Yes… your friends are all very interesting, Camilla."

"We're your friends now too, Duchess Liv!" Jaime grinned, laughing as Olivia glared at him.

"Call me Liv once more and I'll-"

"O...kay!" Myers cut in. "It's so nice to see you all getting along!"

"Yes, quite." Bertrand added.

"Just know that I can take you, marine." Olivia growled at Jaime.

He merely laughed. "Yeah, I bet you could."

"Well, this was the last of the scheduled activities." Maxwell cut in. "I propose we return to the hotel bar for the after party!"

"You planned an after party?" Myers turned back to him.

"Of course! What's a party without an after-party? Preferably in the hotel lobby!" He answered as if it was a no-brainer.

"This guy's the bomb!" Jacob yelled.

"Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week." Maxwell shot him some finger guns. "No, that's actually not true, I'll be here for the next twelve hours!"

"So… are we going or not?" Mari Jo asked.

"Yes, let's get going!" Hana agreed.

They all began making their way back to the limo outside. But before we left, I held Myers back. "Myers… about your prize… how about a kiss?"

"Oh, I can definitely accept that." Myers grinned.

I cupped her neck before leaning in to press a soft kiss to her lips, a kiss that was all too brief. "Good game."

"And a great prize." Myers nodded, bumping her nose with mine. "Come on, let's go."

We were the last to get in the car, and we were off to the hotel.

Once we arrived, everyone immediately made a beeline for the bar. I lingered behind, mostly because I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic and could really use a break from all the partying - preferably with Myers.

She of course noticed, and lingered behind as well. "No more drinks for you?"

I shook my head. "I'm good for tonight, actually. All I want now is some time alone with you."

"Yeah, today's been pretty jam-packed full of socializing, huh?"

"Exactly. Which is why I was thinking maybe we could take a walk, just the two of us. This town's got plenty of interesting places to stumble upon, and they're all open late."

"Interesting places like what?" Myers asked, lacing our fingers.

"I bet you'd like the little Statue of Liberty, seeing as you're a New Yorker. There's also a mini Eiffel Tower."

"Oooh, like a romantic world tour!"

"A walk around the city with you'll be romantic whether we see monuments or not." I told her, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. "But if you'd like, it can be kinda like our own little engagement tour."

"I'm more than up for it. Let's go, Walker! Now that no one's looking!"

I chuckled and we made our way out of the hotel. We walked hand in hand along the Strip, until we reached the base of New York - New York's Statue of Liberty.

"Bet you feel right at home here." I told her.

Myers sighed. "You know… New York hasn't been my home for a long time. In some ways, not since the night we met."

I nodded. "Yeah, that feels like a lifetime ago. Nothing's really been the same since then. Hey, d'you remember the first thing I ever said to you?"

Myers scoffed. "Are you kidding?"

"You don't, do you?"

She rolled her eyes, but when she looked at me, I didn't miss how they softened. "You said, 'Forget the table. Just bring us whiskey and lots of it'."

"That's… right!" I stared at her, shocked.

"Don't look so surprised. Meeting you was memorable. You were so different from everyone else at that party… you stood out."

"I wasn't trying to... but I'm glad you noticed me all the same." I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.

"'Noticed you'? Of course I noticed you! God, I remember turning to Daniel and just… shooting him that look friends have when they see a cute guy!" Myers smiled, her eyes filled with affection and a tinge of nostalgia.

"You thought I was cute?"

"I thought you were gorgeous. Tall, with those piercing brown eyes and broad shoulders… that mop of dark chocolate hair that was just messy enough not to get into your eyes, and that smirk. You have one hell of a smirk, Walker. I remember thinking, 'God, if you do exist, I thank you for creating such a beautiful human being'."

I rolled my eyes, trying to fight off the very real blush that was crawling up from my neck to my cheeks. "You did not, Myers."

"I did too… and I still think that. You, my future husband, are a freaking work of art." She wrapped her arms around my waist.

I did the same, shaking my head. "If you say so, Myers. Anyway, you remember anything else from that night?"

"I remember being intrigued by the bachelor's ruggedly handsome friend."

"You're still going with that, huh?"

"Yep. What can I say? I like making you blush." She laughed.

"You know, I just… There's no way you noticed me before Liam." I grit my teeth, pushing back those early memories of them dancing all starry-eyed. "Not with the way you two were looking at each other that night."

"You stepped in my bar before he did, did you not?" She countered. "I did notice you first, but I'll admit Liam caught my attention the rest of the night. But…!" She raised a finger before I could say anything. "That's only because you didn't seem to want me there at all. As soon as we got to the club, you basically ditched us to hang out with that blonde chick! Liam, however, made his interest known."

"Why do you still keep bringing up that blond woman?" Hell, I don't even remember her name.

"Because I'm bitter that you took an interest in her and not me!" Myers stuck her tongue out. "Allow me to be petty with an anonymous blonde woman I've never even met, but am still jealous of because she got your attention that night."

I couldn't help but laugh at that. "Fine, Myers. Just this once. Anyway, truth be told, I didn't want you there that night. And not just because you were a stranger who hijacked Liam's bachelor party…" I sighed. "Honestly, I thought Liam had no business spending time with you… leading you on."

Myers' eyes widened then. She stared at me for a beat longer before speaking. "You… you really have been looking out for me since we met… haven't you?"

I shrugged. "Indirectly… I guess so. I mean… We all knew he'd have to marry someone in the social season. And my sister had just run away from court because of these nobles. I didn't want to watch Cordonian politics ruin another hopeful girl's life." I shook my head and shrugged. "I saw you in your green dress, all bright-eyed and saw the baby deer. I thought Liam was gonna break your heart and that the court was gonna eat you alive." I chuckled, those thoughts seeming so… wrong now. Almost silly. "Turns out, we were the ones who weren't ready for you."

Myers laughed at that. "Too true."

"What about you? What was your first impression of me?"

She laughed. "I already told you my first impression of you, but if I must say it in a different way… I thought you were… a really sexy, roguishly charming… asshole."

I fought a smirk. "I deserve that, don't I?"

"Yep."

"It's a miracle I ever managed to make you fall for me."

"Well, you got lucky in Lythikos. You baring your soul underneath that meteor shower…" Myers brought the tips of her fingers to her mouth and kissed them in an exaggerated chef's kiss, "...was the pinnacle of romance."

"Secret marshmallow, remember?" Myers nodded, and the breeze blew a strand of her hair into her face. I gently tucked it behind her ear. "C'mon, let's keep going. I have an idea."

I wanted to relive our time in Rome, where we'd really gotten closer, and the Venetian was a couple blocks away. I knew she'd love it. We stepped inside the hotel, and I led her down the stairs.

"Underground Italy?" Myers looked around, smiling widely.

"It's the Venetian. If you didn't already notice, Las Vegans have a fondness for miniature landmarks."

Myers looked around and scoffed softly. "This is more than a landmark… it's a city! The sky's even painted like a sunset."

"Sure is. And there are real gondolas." I gestured to the boat floating along the man-made, underground river. "Let's take a ride."

"Oooh! Yes, please!"

I went ahead to tip the gondolier, before helping Myers into the tiny boat. She sat down upfront and we snuggled into each other.

Myers sighed contentedly as we took off. "Being here… it reminds me of all the work you did for me in Italy. The investigation, that tour… Did I ever properly thank you for the way you helped with finding that photographer who helped lead us to Tariq?"

I shrugged. "You don't need to thank me. I'm just glad I could help. Though I could've done without working with Olivia."

"Yeah, if there were an Olympic category for bickering, you two would've taken the gold."

"It wouldn't have been a contest." I agreed.

Myers hummed pensively. "Maybe tonight is an opportunity to do Italy right. The way it should've been when we were really there. I mean, the best part of Italy was the tour, but even then we couldn't really enjoy it together in front of the guys. But now..."

I nodded. "I like that idea."

"Just us, enjoying the night side-by-side on a romantic gondola ride."

"I'm assuming we've snuck away from some boring engagement tour party?" I asked.

"Knowing us, that's a reasonable assumption." Myers laughed and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Thinking back on that time in Italy, god, I was head over heels for you, even then. All I wanted was you. To be with you in the open. So maybe this is doing Italy right."

"I like the sound of that. This place might not be 'real', but you and me? We are."

Myers nodded, resting her head on my shoulder. "And that's all that's important, no matter where we are."

I pressed a kiss to the top of her head, just as the gondolier pulled over just where we'd started. "Guess that means the ride's over."

"Aww…"

"S'ok. Doesn't mean we have to head back just yet." I stood, nodding my thanks at the gondolier, and helped Myers off the boat.

We walked out of the hotel and a short distance away was the mini Eiffel Tower.

Myers stared at it. "Is this…"

"Heh. The half-escale Eiffel Tower." I answered. "Come on." I took her hand, and after paying the entrance fee, we took the elevator to the top.

Once there, Myers walked towards the railing, taking in the view. "This is turning out to be quite the walk down memory lane."

"You're telling me." I stepped next to her. "Man, in Paris, we…" So much happened in Paris. We found Savannah. We met my nephew. Myers told me she loved me… asleep. I wondered if she knew that, though.

"Found your sister." Myers finished my sentence, though obviously not in the exact way I was thinking.

"Yeah. Damn. I'm not sure if it feels like ages ago or just yesterday… Bet she made quite the first impression on you."

"Oh, I liked her immediately!" Myers smiled kindly. "I remember thinking she was so strong to raise Bartie on her own… She was definitely your sister. You're both tough like that. Plus…" She grinned impishly. "I like anyone who can put that sheepish look on your face."

"What sheepish look?" I asked, a little offended.

"That one! The one you get when someone's holding their own against your super snark powers!"

"I don't have a look." I said, trying to keep my face as serious as possible.

"You totally have a look."

I rolled my eyes. "I wasn't going to mention this, because I don't want you two teaming up on me, but…" I hesitated.

Myers pressed. "But…? Now you have to say it."

"Savannah thinks you're good for me. That you bring out my 'good' side, whatever that means."

Myers sidled up to me. "I like all your sides."

"Maybe you've only ever seen the so-called good side you apparently bring out."

"Then I'll just have to keep it up."

"You and Savannah will be family soon, with the wedding just around the corner." In five days… Damn. "It still shocks me sometimes, thinking about how close you are to being my wife."

"Yeah…" Myers smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"What?"

She sighed. "It's nothing… just sometimes I wish it could be just you and me. Which is ironic, because I was the one who talked you into this," She began to ramble. "Even though I knew this big, courtly thing wasn't your first choice. And the other night, when you told me about your family's ranch… I saw it. The wedding. At sunset, with the sky a canvas of oranges, purples and blues, a simpler wedding dress - not that I didn't like the ones Ana designed, but still… And us just surrounded by family and friends…"

"Myers, stop." I cupped her cheeks, made her look at me. "We're doing the right thing. If it'll help Cordonia… if it'll help Liam… it's worth it. He's my best friend, and right now, he needs all the allies he can get."

"Yeah, I know…"

"Besides, it's not the wedding I'm in it for, it's the marriage… And more importantly, the bride."

"Awww… there's that gooey, marshmallowy center I'm so fond of."

"What marshmallowy center?" I played dumb. "I don't know what you're talking about." I tried not to smirk, but it won out anyway.

Myers laughed. "Don't worry, I like your exterior plenty too." Her eyes turned sultry, and I let my eyes longer on her lips, and she darted out to wet her tongue. "I think we should kiss now." She whispered.

"So you think just because we're getting married, you can kiss me anytime you want?" I whispered back. "... Because you're right."

I crushed my lips to hers in a searing kiss. I grabbed Myers' hips and pulled her towards me roughly, and was rewarded with a delighted squeal. She tangled her fingers in my hair, pulling it gently. Her lips left mine to flutter down my jaw to my neck. As they made their way back up my skin, leaving a fiery trail in their wake, she whispered in my ear, "You, Drake Walker, are the best thing that ever happened to me. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found you."

I sighed, pressing a kiss to her forehead, lingering for a moment, before touching my forehead to hers. "I'm the lucky one."

"See? You even make disagreeing with me sound sweet."

I chuckled. "Alright, you're definitely the lucky one."

With that, I turned us around and gently pushed her against a back wall. My turn, I thought as I took both her wrists and brought them over her head. Her eyes widened with excitement, before I nuzzled her jaw upwards and to the side, pressing soft kisses in the crook where her jaw met her neck. Myers sighed contentedly, throwing her head back. I drew my other hand up her thigh, up to her waist and to her back, earning a wanton moan from her lips. I swallowed it with a kiss, as my hand continued exploring her body.

"Drake…" She mumbled against my mouth.

I broke the kiss, taking a moment to catch my breath. It hitched when she hooked her leg on my hip, pressing against me just so… "Myers…"

I ducked down to kiss her again, my hand tangled in her hair, and felt her struggle to get her hands free. I chuckled and she let out a tiny, frustrated growl.

And then… I felt something vibrating against my leg.

"Ignore it." Myers slipped one hand from my grasp and used it to pull me even closer.

"You're… amazing… you know that?" I muttered between kisses.

"Feel free to keep telling me…" She said distractedly, her hand exploring my abs and going downwards.

I distantly felt my phone vibrate again. "Myers…"

"Ssh." Myers drew me back to her with her hand on my neck.

My phone began vibrating faster and incessantly.

"Argh!" Myers groaned.

We broke apart, both of us frustrated, before checking our phones.

"Camilla, where are you?" Hana had typed.

"Is everything okay?" Liam had tried next.

"If you don't come back right now, I'm burning our friendship bracelets 🔥" Maxwell had threatened next. "Wait, I didn't mean that! I'm sorry 🙏 Just come back!"

Myers sighed, and we looked at each other reluctantly. "Sorry! On our way!"

"We're being summoned." Myers threw her phone in her clutch with a little more forced than necessary.

"Heh, they figured us out?"

"Yeah, and they're not happy that we ran off. Serious threats are being made." Myers' lips quirked into a half smile.

"We should head back to the hotel anyway." I nodded.

"Yeah, it's 3 in the morning already, and I'm beat." Her smile grew. "But I can't imagine a better way to end the night. Thank you for this."

I shook my head. "Thank you for sparing me drunken Maxwell conversation."

She laughed. "I love drunken Maxwell conversation. Damn, can't believe you made me miss it, Walker."

"I'm sure he'll still be there when we get back." I took her hand and laced our fingers. "Come on, let's go."

Hand in hand, we made our way back to the hotel.

---

When we reached the front desk, the concierge directed us to the hotel bar and we weren't surprised to find our friends all drinking and having fun. Maxwell had popped one of his playlists onto the speakers, so loud EDM was thumping everywhere.

I looked around and noticed that the only people here were our friends and a few staff members. And so, I was about 99% sure Maxwell had rented out the bar for the night too, making this a private party.

"There you two are!" Hailey was the first one that noticed us.

"We were about to start a search party, but then Maxwell and Hana told us this is a thing you guys do," Jacob teased, "Sneaking out of fancy parties for some… alone time."

Myers rolled her eyes. "Wait, Maxwell told you that?" They both nodded. Myers turned back to me. "I guess we aren't as smooth as we thought we were."

"I guess so…" I shrugged.

"Now, come on, we need to get you guys some drinks!" Hailey's boyfriend, Bryan, began ushering us to the bar.

"Hey! The bride and groom are in the house!" Maxwell cheered. "Bartender, two shots of your finest whiskey, please!"

Everyone converged around us, showering us with drinks and food. Eventually, Myers and I broke off to mingle with everybody. Hana asked me to dance and pulled me to the makeshift dance floor, next to Kiara and Jacob and my sister and Bertrand. We were joined a while later by Jaime and his wife and Penelope and Zeke.

At one point, I went back to the hors d'oeuvres table, only to look up to find Myers and Liam talking quietly on the far side of the bar. Liam's smile didn't quite reach his eyes, but he kept them on her face as she spoke. Myers' eyes were apologetic and she tilted her head down, her eyes on her glass as she spoke. She bit her lip at one point, and Liam shook his head, gently placing a hand over hers. He spoke softly, and his expression was comforting. Myers nodded and gave him a half-smile that was tinged with sadness. Liam nodded, before Myers pulled him into a hug. Liam looked taken aback for a moment, before hesitantly wrapping his arms against her. After a long moment, they pulled apart. Myers squeezed his shoulder, and left.

"Anything good here?" I was jumped from my thoughts by my sister's voice behind me.

"Oh, um…" I turned back to face her, and noticed she was with Jaime's wife, Karen. "I haven't tried anything yet."

"Oh…" Savannah looked at her options. She picked up something on a fancy spoon, and closed her eyes as she tasted it. "Wow, this ceviche is pretty good."

"Savannah," Bertrand walked up to us. "I'm going to call Josephine to check on Bartie. Would you, ah…"

"Ooh, yes definitely!" Savannah left us with a nod.

Karen laughed softly. "I think I'm going to take her suggestion on the ceviche."

"Heh, right… So… Jaime told me you guys have been together for a long time right?" I asked, trying to make some polite conversation.

Truth be told, Karen had been pretty quiet tonight, mostly staying close to Jaime's side, not really interacting with us. Maybe she was just shy, or she was intimidated by all the nobles.

"Uh… yeah. Since high school." She nodded, and we slipped into awkward silence. I followed her gaze to see Jaime pulling Myers into the dance floor, both of them doing a goofy dance. Karen chuckled. "Y'know, I used to be so jealous of her when we were kids… She met Jaime months before I did, and they just… hit it off instantly. And when we started dating, it bothered me to see how close they were. I always thought that one day, they'd realize they had crazy chemistry and Jaime would dump me for her. And he was always so protective of her. I swear he never liked a single one of her boyfriends." She looked at me sheepishly. "Sorry, I shouldn't be telling you this. Milla's your fiance and all…"

I shook my head. "No, don't worry about it. But, um… nothing ever did happen between them, right?"

"No! Nothing! I mean, Jaime and I got together in tenth grade, and we've been together since. The only times we've been apart have been for his training and his tours."

"Oh… that's great." I bobbed my head awkwardly.

"Yeah… Anyway, I'm sorry for laying that on you. I don't know what came over me."

I shook my head. "Really, it's okay."

Karen nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Drake." With that, she turned, heading to the dance floor. I watched as she politely asked to cut in, and Myers stepped back, only to get pulled away by Maxwell.

"Drake, my man!" Jacob stumbled over me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and thrusting a glass of whiskey in my hand. "Why are you not drinking?! It's your bachelor party, man! Oh, that's a Maker's Mark, neat."

"Thanks." I took a sip, the whiskey smooth and with a tinge of sweetness made its way down my throat. I nodded.

"Come on, man, let's get you out into the floor!" Jacob pushed me along with him, and we joined our friends there.

Everyone cheered when we joined, and for the rest of the night, they kept thrusting a steady supply of drinks into my hands. I tried to pace myself, but I did have to admit I was a little drunk by the time things started to die down.

… Okay, that was a lie.

I was pretty drunk by the time things started to die down.

I honestly lost count of how many glasses had been pushed into my hands or how many times my back was slapped.

Pretty sure somewhere along the night, Maxwell had declared that now was the time for speeches, all of which were followed by hugs and declarations of friendship. Hell, I think I even hugged Olivia at one point. A couple people had shed tears… I might've been one of them. Maxwell was definitely one of them. But in my defense - and Maxwell's, I guess - that had been after Myers had stood on a table and delivered a really touching speech on how much she loved and adored me…

If only I could remember it.

And speaking of Myers… she had actually gotten drunk. As in… completely wasted. At one point, she'd gotten it in her head that the last thing she wanted to do before she became a 'respectable married woman' was dance on the bar. Everyone obviously cheered her on in all their drunken stupor, and Myers annoyed the bartender until he let her climb up there in very high heels. Myers did what she thought was a sexy dance - it wasn't - all while singing to what had to be the cringiest song in the history of music.

"Underneath your clothes

There's an endless story

There's the man I chose

There's my territory

And all the things I deseeeeeerve

For being such a goooood girl honeeeeeey"

She pointed at me while she sang, and I'm pretty sure I turned beet red. I didn't even know what song it was, until Mari Jo informed me it was a Shakira song.

Suddenly, the undulating vocalizations and the attempted belly dancing made a lot more sense.

Anyway, said attempted belly dancing led her to slip and almost fall off the bar. I somehow had retained enough of my senses to somehow be able to catch her before she fell, and she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"My hero!" She yelled, prompting everyone to cheer.

"Yup. Hey what d'you say we call it a night, get you to bed?" I asked, as she shot me an adoringly drunk grin.

"Ooh!" Myers proceeded to cup my neck and 'whisper' something so dirty, I don't even dare to repeat it.

But of course, with her 'whisper' being more of a yell, we stepped out of the bar to resounding hollers and wolf-whistles. Calls of "Get it, Drake!", "Yaaaasss Milla!", and "Get a room!" could be heard from outside.

I managed to get Myers into the elevator, and into our room, where she proceeded to effectively… pass out. So I guess we aren't gonna do the thing? I actually remember thinking.

Then I remember trying to sit on the foot of the bed, but missing it completely and landing on the floor. From the bed, Myers snored. She was still in her dress… and shoes. And I just started laughing so hard… it's just the image of her completely passed out in the bed and my ass on the floor was so funny.

I guess you just had to be there to get it.

Anyway, when I finally stopped laughing, I was able to get up and get her clothes off, before taking off my own and ducking into bed with her.

After that, the world turned to black.

---

I woke the next morning with a horrible pounding in my head, and the sounds of Myers' nauseating symphony in the bathroom. I sat up, waiting for the pounding to lessen, before standing and walking towards the bathroom.

"Myers?" I knocked. "You okay?"

"Don't come in here!"

Her yell sent a fresh wave of pain through my temples, and I made my way back to our bed, stumbling in the dark. Thank god for black-out curtains. I slumped on the bed, and laid back down.

Eventually, I heard the toilet flush, and a few moments later, Myers came out of the bathroom. She felt her way around the room until she too slumped down on the bed, cuddling next to me with a soft groan.

"Hi, baby." She whispered.

"Hey, Myers."

"Are you equally fucked up as I am? Or were you actually sensible enough to not drink as much last night?"

"Not the same amount of fucked up, but still fucked up all the same."

We stayed like that for a while, cuddling on the bed, before Myers sat up. "Honey, no offense, but you stink of alcohol." She whispered, covering her nose and mouth.

I chuckled. "If I stink of alcohol, you smell like the whole brewery, Myers."

"I know… I'm sure if you lit a match in here, I'd catch on fire." She ran her hands through her hair. "I think… I'm gonna take a bath in that hot tub. Wanna join me?"

"Sure."

Myers got up, and I heard her shuffle around in the kitchen, before heading for the bathroom. A second later, the sound of running water reached me, though it felt more like the thunderous sound of a waterfall than a faucet.

After it stopped, I got up with a sigh to follow her, and was immensely thankful Myers had set the lights to their lowest setting possible. The tub was already filled, and had a little bit of bubbles, but thankfully, she'd apparently opted for unscented soap rather than the scented varieties.

"Water?" Myers offered me a bottle, before rooting around the medicine cabinet and finding a small bottle of Advil. Myers immediately opened it, taking two capsules for herself and two for me.

I groaned, trying to get my eyes used to the light. "Thank you." I took the bottle she offered, taking a cautious sip of cold, crisp water, before popping the blue gel capsules in my mouth and washing them down with another sip quickly.

"I don't know how you can do that." Myers whispered, taking a sip of water, and popping a capsule in her mouth, before throwing her head back. "I can only swallow one at a time." She said, before repeating the process with the second capsule.

"Habit, I guess." I shrugged.

Myers stepped into the tub with a sigh, and I quickly followed her. The tub was big enough for us both to sit down comfortably next to one another, and so I placed an arm around Myers' shoulders and she rested her head on my chest.

Myers hummed happily. "This is nice. Remind me to thank Maxwell for getting us a penthouse… Maybe I could get him a couple of peacocks…"

I chuckled. "He'd definitely like that… So, besides the hangover, did you have fun last night?"

Myers chuckled. "It's all very blurry and foggy, but yeah, I did. I woke up happy." She smiled, "Up until I had to jump out of the bed to throw up."

"Yeah… I'm glad. I hope last night was your dream bachelorette party."

"Are you kidding? It was amazing. You and Maxwell knocked it out of the park."

"It was mostly Maxwell. The only thing I did was give them your friends' names so he could contact them."

"But that made it all the more amazing! When I saw Hailey, and Daniel, and Jacob, and Mari Jo, and Jaime! Hell, even Bryan and Karen came. Jaime got me good. Did I tell you he texted me a few days ago, apologizing because he wasn't going to be able to come?"

"Yeah, I heard you last night."

"He really had me going there."

"Yeah…" I nodded, remembering through the haze about a conversation that I had with Karen, and it made me a bit curious about… well, about a lot of things. Myers' ex-boyfriends, for one, none of which were approved by Jaime. "Hey, listen… speaking of Karen…"

"Yeah?"

"We sort of talked last night, and she kept mentioning something… about how I was the only one of your boyfriends that Jaime's liked."

Myers nodded immediately. "Oh, yeah, that's definitely true. He loves you."

"Thanks, but… I was just wondering… well, um…" Myers raised her eyebrows, waiting patiently while I fumbled for words. "Not that it really matters, but um… I guess I'm just curious… how many guys came before me?" I asked bluntly.

Myers eyebrows shot up, the corners of her mouth twitching. "You want to have the 'past relationships' talk now? Right now?"

Ok… she said 'relationships'. Plural. I nodded, my hangover momentarily forgotten, until the movement caused the pounding in my temples to intensify. "Yeah, I guess so."

Myers shrugged, leaning a little closer to me. "Okay. Sure." She crossed her legs and turned towards me. The water sloshed noisily at her movements, until it settled again eventually. "But you have to promise me: 100% honesty and 0% judgement. And that goes both ways, of course."

"Deal." I grinned.

"Deal." Myers grinned right back. "Okay, since you asked… do you want a number, or…"

"I'm fine with whatever you choose to tell me." I squeezed her hand.

"Okay, um… My first time was when I was 18, with my boyfriend at the time. Matt."

"Wait a second, was this the same guy who was your first kiss? Or are you talking about a different Matt?"

Myers gave me a small crooked smile. "I can't believe you remembered that story." She whispered softly, her thumb rubbing the back of my hand softly. "The same Matt."

"Lucky bastard." I grumbled under my breath, prompting Myers to let out a hearty laugh. "How long did you two date, anyway? Since junior high?"

"No." She shook her head quickly. "I mean, our little fling in middle school lasted that summer. But in high school we didn't actually really talk to each other until senior year, where we began dating seriously. We broke up during my freshman year of college, though. Anyway, after him, there was a friend of his, Eric, who we'll call 'rebound number 1'... Nick, a childhood crush turned boyfriend… Max, rebound number 2… Joe, we um.. went to NYU together… Felipe, also from NYU… and you, Drake Walker. My lucky number seven."

I nodded, taking it all in. "Number seven…"

"What? I'm sensing a bit of judgement…"

"No, not at all. I guess… I can't help but be a little jealous of the six who came before me." I shrugged. "But that's normal, I guess."

"Yeah, I'd say it's normal. But just so you know, you have nothing to be jealous of. None of them got close to making me feel how you do." Myers grinned devilishly at me. "And you're definitely the best in bed." I chuckled, unable to help the manly surge of pride that coursed through me. "Now, come on. Your turn."

"Okay… um… well, I was 17. Her name was Amy."

Myers bobbed her head slowly, expectantly. "Okay…"

"And… to be honest… I never really kept count after her."

"Why not?" Myers' eyes widened a bit.

I raised an eyebrow. "No judgement, right?"

"Right, no judgement." Myers nodded dutifully.

I sighed. "Well… high school was kinda rough for me. Unlike Liam or Maxwell, I went to public school. We still lived at the palace, so most kids thought I was stuck up or that I put on airs. Needless to say, I didn't have many friends."

"No, really?" Myers asked with mock surprise on her face.

The corner of my lips twitched into a crooked grin. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. Anyway, Amy and I dated a couple of weeks… until I found out she was dating me to get close to Leo and Liam."

"Oh, no… I'm so sorry."

I shrugged. "That's okay. In retrospect, I should've seen it coming."

"No, you shouldn't have. There's nothing wrong with wanting to believe that people like you for you." Myers' eyes seemed to grow darker with conviction.

I sighed. "I guess… Anyway, that's when I learned that no woman would really ever be interested in me when one of them was around…"

"Drake…" Myers murmured softly.

"So after that, I just decided to not take things too seriously, you know?"

"Was she your first love?"

I thought about it for a minute. "No."

Myers pressed her lips together, breathing in deeply. "But it still must've hurt…"

"I guess…"

Myers squeezed my hands. "And after her?"

"There were a couple of girls in high school… a couple more in college…"

"I'm guessing there were more than just 'a couple more'."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "You could say that. I was living in the dorms, and nobody knew who I was… I was making friends and partying… I guess you could say I got a little crazy."

"I'll bet." Myers grinned, shaking her head slightly. "Let me ask you something. You totally slept with that blond back in New York the night we met."

"That's not a question."

"Just answer 'yes' or 'no', Walker."

I rolled my eyes. "Yes."

Myers jumped, causing the bath water to rise and fall with a splash. "I knew it!"

"Yeah, yeah. So, is your curiosity satisfied?"

Myers chuckled. "I should be asking you that. You're the one who brought this up in the first place. So, is your curiosity satisfied, now that you know the ins and outs of my sexual history?"

"When it comes to you, Myers, my curiosity is never fully satisfied."

"Good answer." She leaned in and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

We stayed in the tub, talking quietly until the water cooled a couple hours later. When we finally got out, my headache had gotten a lot better. We toweled ourselves off, and Myers went back to the fridge for a couple more waters, before we tumbled back on the bed. The day was spent in a lazy, darkened recovery, just the two of us.

At 1 o'clock sharp, we heard a tell-tale knock on our door.

"You go…" Myers mumbled sleepily against me.

I sighed, but since she was a bit worse for wear than I was, I humored her. I got up, got dressed, and answered.

Oof, even Maxwell looked rough. "Hey, are you guys ready? We have to get back to Cordonia." He whispered, dark circles under his red-rimmed eyes.

"No…" Myers groaned from the bed.

I turned back to Maxwell. "I'll get her up, and we'll meet you downstairs in a few."

"Okay. Our flight leaves at two." Maxwell nodded, before walking away.

I walked back to the bed and tried to coax Myers out of it. "Myers…" I pressed a kiss to her bare shoulder. "We have to go."

Myers hummed lazily. "You heard him, the flight doesn't leave 'til two."

"Come on, we have to get to the airport… you and I have a wedding to plan."

"Bertrand and Madeleine are taking care of the plans." She countered.

"Come on, you know what I mean. We have to give the okay on some final decisions."

"Ugh… fine." She got up, and got dressed in a simple black top and jeans.

In the meantime, I raided the fridge for a couple more bottles of water, and got our overnight bag that we thankfully hadn't bothered to unpack last night.

Myers checked her appearance in the mirror, and after donning a hat and a pair of sunglasses, we met everyone in the lobby.

"Mind if we hitch a ride back to Cordonia with you guys?!" Jaime's voice boomed, as he gestured to all of Myers' friends.

"Sssssh!" Myers glared at him. "Not if you're that loud."

"Fine! Sorry!" He whispered loudly.

We shuffled into the car, and both the car ride and the plane ride were similarly subdued. Once we were up in the air, Myers and I settled in for the 16-hour flight. Myers fell asleep almost immediately, but as I looked down upon her, I couldn't help but be excited for what was to come.

Tomorrow we'd touch down on Cordonian soil once more, and after that… the rest of our lives would officially begin.