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)

38. Chapter 38

A/N: Hey guys! Judging by the title of this chapter, I know you know what chapter this is! It's by far my most favorite chapter of the series, and my favorite chapter I've written! However, as much as I love Drake and Milla in PB's canon, I have to say that Maxwell is the freaking star here. You'll see why in a sec, but I just wanted to take a moment to awcknowledge what a good friend he is here to Milla and Drake both, and if I had it my way, Drake would've asked him to be his best man.

Anyway, before I start rambling, I want to thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

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My Wife, My Family, My World

We woke up the next morning to a pointed knock.

"Camilla? I know you're in there. You have an appointment in the boutique in an hour." Madeleine yelled through the door.

Myers groaned. "Wake me up in half an hour!"

"Camilla, do not make me come in there!" Madeleine threatened.

"Fine, fine. I'm coming." Myers yawned as she got up and got dressed. She pressed a kiss to my forehead, before nudging me. "Come on, babe, get up."

I yawned, shaking my head. "No way. She only called you, Myers."

"Nope, you're suffering through this with me. Come on." Myers kept nudging me. "Please?" She shot me her puppy eyes.

I groaned. "Fine."

"Thank you." Myers brushed a bit of hair from my face and leaned in.

Our lips were a breath away before-

Knock. Knock. Knock.

We both groaned.

"Coming, Madeleine!" Myers rolled her eyes and walked towards the door.

I quickly threw on my shirt and a pair of jeans that were lying on the floor.

"Finally." Madeleine stepped inside, clipboard in hand, looking at both of us. "I suggest you go shower quickly. We have a very busy morning. Camilla, you and I, as well as the rest of your bridal party, have the final fitting in an hour. Drake, you're to arrive in three hours with Liam and Maxwell, for the photoshoot with Ana. After that, the group will go to a formal luncheon at Sunfierro's, before arriving at Bossina Cathedral at 3."

"Wow, okay." Myers nodded, slowly processing all that. "Okay, great! Let me shower and maybe get some breakfast-"

"I'd suggest not to eat before the fitting, Camilla."

Myers rolled her eyes. "Unless you expect me not to eat at my own wedding, I'm eating before the fitting. The dress has to have enough breathing and eating room."

Madeleine sighed, shaking her head. "I'm not going to waste valuable time arguing with you. There's really no point to it, anyway."

"Thank you. I'll meet you in the foyer in an hour?"

"At 8 o'clock sharp." Madeleine narrowed her eyes.

Myers brought a hand to her forehead and saluted. "Sir, yes, sir!"

Madeleine merely rolled her eyes. "I've left a dress in your room that made it through five rounds of focus group testing. It's scientifically proven to be perfect for the occasion."

"Great."

"Was that really necessary?" I asked.

Madeleine nodded. "The press will have something to say about every aspect of the wedding planning. I can't account for your and Camilla's choices, but I can ensure she looks appropriate. Speaking of which, I would also appreciate it if you wore one of your suits."

"Wasn't I supposed to pick out the suit today? Do I really have to wear a suit to pick out a suit?" I asked.

"First of all, you're choosing your tuxedo today, not just 'a suit'."

"Wait, Drake still hasn't been fitted for his tuxedo?" Myers' eyes widened, and her tone held a hint of panic.

Madeleine merely waved her off. "I asked Maxwell to send Ana Drake's size. She has shown me the tuxedo design and the tailor should have any adjustments ready by tomorrow, should he need it." She turned her cold gaze back on me. "And like I said, the press will voice an opinion on absolutely everything. You'd be wise to dress a tad more… formally. No denim."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine."

"And on that note… Camilla. Shower. Now." Madeleine ordered.

"Going, going!" Myers fought a grin, but it won out anyway. "I'll see you in a couple of hours." She pressed a quick kiss to my cheek, before following Madeleine out of my room.

I flopped back on my bed lazily, knowing I still had a couple of hours before I had to leave with the guys. And I really wanted to get some peace and quiet, since I knew today was gonna be busy, what with Madeleine having a hell of a lot planned for today.

And to be completely honest... I was nervous.

My wedding was tomorrow.

I was marrying Myers tomorrow.

I was marrying Myers tomorrow in a big, fancy ceremony.

I knew this day was coming, but I still had no idea how fast time had flown by.

I tried to shake out of it, but these damn jitters seemed to follow me. I shook my head before jumping in the shower. The warm water and steam did absolutely nothing to relax me. I got out of the shower, got dressed, and slumped on the bed with a sigh. All this waiting wasn't really helping with the nerves either.

I remembered then that my dad always used to say that the best thing you could do when you're nervous was take action. "Think about why you're nervous and then do something to fix it." He'd say.

I… missed him.

Hell, I missed him most days, but now it hurt like hell.

I missed my dad. I wish he could've met Myers. I wish he could've been there tomorrow. I wish I could talk to him about all this. Get his advice, or ask if he was nervous when he married Mom…

I shook my head, trying to shake those thoughts away… that sadness away. I'd learned to live with it, and today was no exception. And even if he wasn't here right now, I could still take his advice.

So… why was I nervous?

Because I'm getting married. Tomorrow. To Camilla Myers.

And why is that so nerve wracking?

Besides the big courtly wedding which I kind of wish wouldn't be a big courtly wedding? And also the very probable attempt on it? … Because she's an amazing woman and I'm still not sure this is actually happening.

Okay, so what can you do about it?

I… don't know. I can't do much about it now…

You could tell her how you feel…

I can't call her now. She's busy.

An idea popped into my head. I can't tell her how I feel right now… but I could write her a letter. Myers would like it, I think.

Are you kidding? She's a writer who grew up with Austen novels, she'd freaking love it. My conscience whispered.

Okay… I'll do it.

I got up and went to my desk. I found a piece of paper and a pen and sat down… And stared at the blank page.

For a long time.

Damn, how did Myers do this?

I blanked.

Just… tell her how you feel.

I sighed. Rolled my neck back and to the sides. Okay, I can do this.

"Hey, Myers.

When I met you, I'd lost faith in people."

I put the pen down as I realized what I'd written. The truth of those words shook me. How… miserable I was before I met her. And I didn't mean that in an overly-dramatic, romantic sense.

I was miserable. I was alone in a place I hated, with people I didn't care for.

And then Myers came along, and she was honest and kind, and that was such a rare thing in here. She showed me there were still good, honest people in the world. Even before… even before I fell for her, she'd already begun restoring my faith in people.

That's really good! Quick, write it down before you forget! My conscience urged.

I shook my head and got back to it.

"I'd started to expect the worst from everyone. I lost sight of what could be good in the world. I lost hope. I gave up on thinking that I could find anyone who would see me for who I am.

As we stand here on the edge of our future, about to cross that threshold, I want you to know that you are perfect to me. And the world feels exciting and full of good again because of you.

Love,

Drake."

Just as I put the pen down, there was a knock on my door.

"Knock, knock, can I come in?" Maxwell yelled, already opening the door. I rushed to put the pen and paper away, but he saw it. "What're you doin'?"

"Uh…"

"Are you working on your vows? Ooh, can I read them?! I promise I won't tell Milla what you wrote." Maxwell ran inside and tried to peek at the piece of paper in my hand.

"Maxwell!" I pushed him back a bit and stood, walking over to my bedside table and shoving the letter into a drawer.

"Aww…" Maxwell pouted.

I sighed. "I wasn't writing my vows." I admitted. "And that," I pointed to my bedside table, "is private."

"Oh. You know, you could've just said so." Maxwell shrugged.

"Yeah…" I rolled my eyes.

"So if you're writing love letters that I can't read, does that mean you're done with your vows? Can I read those?"

I stared at him blankly for a minute. "I thought… We were doing traditional vows. Y'know, repeat whatever the officiant says."

"Oh…" Maxwell looked shocked and disappointed at the same time.

"Wait, is Myers writing her vows?" I asked in a panic.

If she'd already written her vows for tomorrow, and I didn-

"Um… Milla hasn't mentioned anything to me." He pulled out his phone. "You want me to ask Hana?"

I breathed a sigh of relief. "No… I just meant… We hadn't talked about writing our own vows, so-"

"What if you surprised her at the wedding? I bet she'd love that!" Maxwell grinned.

He… had a valid point. And we'd get to deviate from the stuffy ceremony. Make it truly ours.

"You think so?" I asked.

"Duh!"

"But won't it be weird if I write my own vows and she doesn't?" I asked.

Maxwell shrugged. "I could hint that she should write her own vows too, you know. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge." He winked twice and then nudged me twice.

"But then it won't be a surprise." I rolled my eyes.

"Okay, then don't do it to surprise her." He told me simply. "Do it because you want to, and to make the wedding really yours. Anyone can say 'cherish 'til sickness and death', but you guys are not 'anyone'."

"Yeah… okay." I nodded. "I'm gonna do it. And you'll uh… take care of Myers?"

"Wink, wink, nudge, nudge." He winked again. And then nudged me again.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay. Thanks, Maxwell."

"You're welcome!"

I moved to the desk again and took out another piece of paper. Maxwell sat next to me, staring at the blank page curiously.

After a few moments where nothing happened, Maxwell looked at me. "Well?"

I sighed. "Well what?"

"What are you waiting for? Inspiration to strike?"

"No- Actually, yeah."

"Well… the vows are kinda like a performance for one, so I think my dance performance philosophy applies here."

I looked at him skeptically at first, but decided to give his idea a shot. "Okay…?"

"First you need the slow build up, the crescendo and the grand finale!"

I looked at him blankly.

He sighed. "Okay, nevermind. Just… start with addressing Milla and just Milla."

I nodded and put pen to paper. "Myers…" I nodded. "Done."

"Now, start building up to what you want to tell her."

Once again, I blanked. "Maxwell…"

He shook his head. "You're overthinking this, Drake. The vows are supposed to be like a promise, right?"

"Right…"

"But you can't just blurt out 'I promise to love and adore you', right? You have to build up to it."

"Right." I nodded. "But… how do I do that?"

"Some people start with why or how they fell in love with that person. Others start with a funny story or anecdote." He shrugged. "It's up to you."

How I fell in love with Myers…

That sparked an idea.

I never expected to fall for her. Hell, I never expected to like her. It happened slowly, as we got to know each other.

"You took me by surprise."

And yet when I realized that I'd fallen for her, I felt like the whole world came crashing down on me. Because it was impossible. It was supposed to be impossible.

So I pulled away. No, I pushed her away.

But every time I pushed, she pulled me closer, like… gravity.

"I fought how I felt about you for so long. I was determined not to fall for you. But fighting how I feel about you was like fighting gravity. Impossible. Inevitable."

Next to me, Maxwell sniffled. "That's really beautiful, Drake."

I blushed, but nodded nonetheless. "Yeah, yeah."

"Now, for the promise." He said.

I tried to put pen to paper again, but felt kind of self conscious with Maxwell staring.

He seemed to read my mind. "Drake, you're gonna be reading this in front of 200 people, so…"

I grit my teeth. "Yeah, I know. Sorry…"

"S'okay!"

I sighed, and got back to it.

A promise… A promise. What do you promise the woman you love?

That you'll never stop.

"I love you, Camilla. I don't know if I'll ever be worthy of a woman like you… but I swear I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying."

"Milla's gonna love it. She might hate you for making her ugly cry at her wedding, but…" Maxwell teased.

I laughed. "Yeah, well… Thanks." I clapped his shoulder.

"You're welcome! Oh, but that's not why I'm here! I need your gift for Milla, to have the staff wrap it up, and Jason really needs your song."

"Um, sure." I moved to my bedside table and took out my dad's pocket watch. "Hey, listen… this was my dad's…"

"I'll be careful." He said softly, understanding in his eyes.

I nodded, and placed it in his outstretched palm. "Okay. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He said.

"And, uh… what else did you need?"

"Jason needs your song."

"Who's Jason? And what song? What're you talking about?" I asked.

"Oh, Jason's the lead singer of Purely Red! We're putting together the setlist for your wedding, and we only need your song!"

"What song?"

Maxwell's jaw dropped. "You know, your song! To dance your first dance to?"

Shit. "Uh…"

"Drake Walker, please tell me you guys have a song!" His eyes widened.

I shook my head. "We don't."

"And Madeleine didn't tell you to find one for your first dance?!"

"Maxwell, Madeleine barely speaks to me directly." I rolled my eyes. "And Myers would've told me if she mentioned something."

"This is bad, Drake."

"Well… I mean, we don't really have to ha-"

He held up a finger. "I hope you're not suggesting depriving Milla of one of the most quintessential experienciences of being a bride, are you?"

I sighed. "No… I guess not."

"Okay." Maxwell took a deep breath. "Okay. We have to be at the boutique at 10, and it's…" He looked at his phone. "7:39. We have two hours and 21 minutes to find yours and Milla's song." He began scrolling frantically through his phone. "Oh, you're so lucky I know both of your tastes in music…" He mumbled absently as he kept scrolling.

"What're you doing?"

"Making a playlist, obviously. We're going to go through it, and you'll pick something out."

"You're making an entire playlist?" I asked.

He hummed. "Yeah. Don't worry, it's not gonna take me longer than 10 minutes."

He tapped his phone, muttering to himself for a solid 8 minutes before finally looking up.

"Okay! I put together 53 possible songs that are romantic enough to be danced to at a wedding, that suit both your tastes, and that could kinda sorta be about your forbidden, I-want-you-but-can't-have-you romance, with a touch of I'm-bitter-but-you-make-me-better thing you guys got going on."

I blinked a couple of times. "What?"

Maxwell rolled his eyes. "Nevermind. I just meant these songs are all perfect for you guys as a couple. So, you ready?!'

"Sure." I shrugged.

"Oh, and just so you don't freak out, some of these songs are on the pop/EDM side, but Jason can slow them down and make them into a nice acoustic cover for you guys to dance to." He warned.

"O...kay."

"Let's do this!" He pressed play, and the first song that came up was…

"I found a love for me

Oh darling, just dive right in and follow my lead…"

Maxwell looked at me intently, gauging my reaction.

I groaned. "I don't know… this song's kinda overplayed…"

"But it's the wedding song of 2017!" Maxwell told me. "The lyrics are so…" His eyes glistened as he wiped an imaginary tear.

I shook my head. "I don't know. It feels like a really personal song for a specific kind of couple."

"'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was…"

"See?" I gestured to his phone. "Myers and I were adults when we met."

"Well, I don't have a song for 'I met you when I was 25 and kind of an asshole', Drake." Maxwell shrugged. "I mean, I get you want context, but you're never gonna find something that specific."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. But let's keep going."

"Will do! Next!" Maxwell pressed a button.

The next hour and a half was spent exactly trying - and failing - to find the 'perfect' wedding song.

"Tale as old as time

True as it can be"

"Seriously? Beauty and the Beast?" I rolled my eyes.

Maxwell responded by singing along with the song.

"BARELY EVEN FRIENDS!

THEN SOMEBODY BENDS!

UNEXPECTEDLY!"

"No."

"Oh come on, this song's so 'you guys'!"

"No!"

"BOTH A LITTLE SCARED!

NEITHER ONE PREPARED!

BEAUTY AND THE BEA-"

"Maxwell!

"But-but aww…!"

I rolled my eyes. "Myers' doesn't even like Beauty and the Beast."

"You want me to add 'Make a Man Out of You' to the playlist?"

"No! Just… play the next song."

"... Fine."

"The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful

Stop me and steal my breath

And emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky..."

"Maxwell, Myers' eyes aren't green." I told him.

"Technicality, Drake!"

"Yeah, but…"

"Fine, next! Ooh, this one should be right up your alley!"

"Highway run

Into the midnight sun

Wheels go round and round

You're on my mind…"

"Maxwell! That song's about long distance relationships!"

"Hey! Faithfully was the wedding song of the eighties!"

"Maxwell!"

"Fine!"

"I swear to God, when I come home

I'm gonna hold you so close…"

"Hey, I've heard this song…"

"Yeah it's the one Jason auditioned with."

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

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

And I'm not scared to say those words with you, I'm safe…"

"I thought 'the stars' part could be like a throwback to you guys' time in Lythikos." Maxwell grinned.

I reeled back. "How do you know about Lythikos?!"

"Uh… you told me, remember? At Applewood?"

"Maxwell, I never told you that!"

"O… kay then, that's a no for the song then!"

"Maxwell-"

"NEXT!"

On and on we went, going through all the songs on the playlist. When we were nearing the end of the playlist, Maxwell was stress dancing and I was dangerously close to banging my head against the wall.

"It's okay, it's gonna be okay, don't panic!" Maxwell shimmied across the floor.

"Maxwell…" I groaned. "Maybe we're just better off going with the first one."

"I said not to panic!" He yelled. "We've still got 7 songs to go!" He yelled.

"Maxwell…" I stopped when I heard the next song.

The soft melody, the simple guitar chords… the lyrics.

The lyrics were… perfect. It was as if this guy had written the song about me and Myers.

Maxwell looked at me. Looked at his phone on the table. Back at me.

I met his eyes and nodded."That one. That's the one."

Maxwell whooped and raised his fists. "Yes! Now, we can choreograph your fir-"

"Choreograph? Maxwell, we have to leave for the boutique in…" I checked my phone. 9:17. "20 minutes." My stomach growled. "And I still wanna eat something."

"Fine! But don't think you're gonna get out of this." He pointed a finger at me in warning.

I rolled my eyes, and followed him out of my room.

After a quick bite, Liam, Maxwell and I were in a car on the way to Ana De Luca's boutique, with a team of guards in the car behind us. I noticed the black, bulletproof limo that had carried Myers and her bridal party was parked outside, and that the curtains on the boutique were drawn.

"It's probably so that the paparazzi don't get pictures of the dress beforehand." Bastien explained, having caught my eye on the rearview mirror.

I nodded, containing a sigh. This wouldn't happen if we were in Texas...

I also couldn't help but notice the police barrier and the small crowd outside of it, including a couple paparazzos.

We stepped out of the car, and immediately the small crowd began to cheer.

"King Liam!"

"Duke Drake!"

"Lord Maxwell!"

Liam smiled politely and raised a hand in greeting. Maxwell waved frantically, flashing the crowd a huge smile. I tried to follow their examples, before Liam nodded to me and we were ushered inside.

"Ugh, I'm never going to get used to that." I mumbled.

"Yes, you will eventually." Liam chuckled.

"Hey, it's not so bad to have people cheering for you, is it?" Maxwell elbowed me.

"Hey, guys!" Myers greeted us, wrapping an arm around my waist and pressing a quick kiss to my lips. I noticed she was wearing a pretty purple dress with a flowered skirt. She looked beautiful.

"Hey, Myers." I kissed her temple. "You look gorgeous." I whispered.

"Aww, thank you."

She took my hand and led us further inside, where we were greeted by Hana, Hailey, my sister, Bertrand, the baby… and some of the other ladies of the court.

"Hi, Drake!" Penelope greeted me with a large smile. "Your Majesty, Maxwell." She curtsied at Liam.

"Ah, the man of the hour has arrived." Bertrand greeted me with a nod.

"Salut!" Kiara said.

Olivia merely nodded in our direction.

"Drake! Your Majesty, Lord Maxwell! Welcome, welcome!" Ana de Luca stepped up and offered me her hand. I shook it.

"Uh, hi." I nodded at everyone.

"Please, do come in, make yourselves comfortable." Ana gestured to a parlor, where she'd set up a couple of sofas and a large couch.

After everyone took their seats, Ana clasped her hands on her lap and began, "Well, first off, thank you all for being here. Duchess Camilla, Drake, thank you for agreeing to give Cordonians everywhere a peek into the process of planning a celebrity wedding."

Before Myers and I could even respond, she held up her camera and snapped a picture of all of us.

Myers smiled her duchess smile. "Of course…" Her eyes darted to everyone gathered around us. "And with quite an audience too."

Madeleine gave Ana a saccharine smile. "Isn't it so wonderful how many people wanted to come support Camilla and Drake today?"

Penelope nodded immediately. "I feel so honored to be included in all of this." Her poodles barked in what seemed to be agreement.

"Yes, it's quite an honor to watch Camilla pick out china patterns. I've never felt so important in my life." Olivia rolled her eyes.

"Well… shall we get to planning?" Gladys walked inside, holding an enormous pink binder, which she handed to Madeleine and sat down.

"Let's begin with the bridal party." Madeleine announced. "Who will have the distinction of standing next to you as Maid of Honor?" She turned to Myers.

Myers looked at Hana, who smiled, before turning to Madeleine and Ana de Luca. "Lady Hana Lee has graciously accepted to be my Maid of Honor. She's one of my best friends and has always supported me. She's who I'd want to stand next to me tomorrow."

"I'm honored, Camilla. Nothing could keep me from your side tomorrow." Hana smiled sweetly.

"Your Grace, I'd love to get a picture of the two of you for the feature." Ana said.

"Of course!" Myers said.

She and Hana stood and Myers wrapped an arm around Hana's waist. Hana did as well and they both smiled for the camera.

"Perfection!" Ana de Luca grinned behind the lens. She took a couple of more pictures, before nodding. Hana and Myers returned to their seats and Madeleine turned to me.

I watched as she noticed my suit and gave me a tiny nod in approval. "And Drake, what about you? Who would you like to have as your attendant?"

My eyes flashed to Liam. "Uh… King Liam agreed to be my Best Man." I cleared my throat.

"Indeed. Drake is like a brother to me and it will be a privilege to stand beside him tomorrow." Liam smiled at Ana and nodded.

"May I get a picture for the feature?" Ana asked

"Absolutely." I nodded and stood.

Liam stood as well and placed an arm over my shoulders. We smiled and Ana took the picture.

Afterwards, we sat down.

Madeleine nodded. "If that's settled, let's move on. Now, what about your ring bearer? Traditionally, ring bearers are children. You must know some children, don't you, Camilla?"

Myers grinned. "I know one!" She looked directly at Bartie, and offered her hands towards him, palms up.

Bartie's eyes widened and he squealed, reaching out to her as well. Savannah nodded and Myers stood, picking Bartie up and cooing over him. "Would you like to be my ring bearer, little man? Would you, please?"

"Bartie?" Maxwell asked.

"Is he old enough to walk on his own?" Gladys asked.

The light went out of Myers' eyes for a split second, and Savannah also looked disappointed, until Madeleine turned to Bertrand.

"Since his mother is in the bridal party, I see no reason why the Duke of Ramsford couldn't walk him down the aisle."

Bertrand beamed with pride. "Bartie would be happy to carry the rings, and I would be happy to carry him, if you so choose."

"Yes!" Myers whispered to Bartie, pressing her forehead against his. Bartie giggled, flapping his arms and legs.

"Aw, that would be so cute!" Hana gushed.

Liam cleared his throat. "There is another choice for you to consider. Historically, many nobles and royals have opted to include Cordonian children as ring bearers and flowergirls."

Bertrand nodded. "Indeed. It's a sign of commitment to the common people."

"Well… Drake and I are both former commoners. I think our commitment to the common people of Cordonia is pretty obvious…" Myers said, holding Bartie closer.

"Okay, those options are both pretty cute, but I think you're missing the cutest option of all!" Maxwell said, gesturing to the corgi on his lap. "Chase!"

"In what world is Myers' dog cuter than our nephew?" I asked.

Maxwell rolled his eyes. "I didn't mean it like that, obviously Bartie wins the 'cutie race' by a mile. But can you imagine Chase waddling down the aisle in a little tux?" He winked at Penelope, who winked back.

Myers looked at the two of them, and secured Bartie on her hip, before leaning down to pet her dog. "Awww, Chase, you know I love you, yes I do, yes I do!"

"I don't think there's a choice that wouldn't be completely adorable." Hana chuckled.

Myers kept cooing over Chase, with Bartie on her hip. "But I'm gonna have to give it to my nephew-to-be. Sorry, boy, so sorry." She turned to look at me and I nodded.

"I think that decides it then. Bartie will be our ring bearer." I announced.

"Oh, Drake, thank you!" Savannah stood and hugged me.

"We'd be honored." Bertrand nodded. "He's already been fitted for his suit, so his appearance won't disappoint."

I rolled my eyes.

Myers shook her head. "Of course it won't! Your appearance could never disappoint, because you are the cutest baby in Cordonia!" Bartie giggled.

"He's also a baby, so even if he spits up on his bespoke suit, everyone'll think it's adorable." Maxwell added.

Bertrand raised his eyebrows. "I hadn't considered that. Maybe I should get him a bow tie bib."

"I'm sure Bartie will be great, no matter what." Myers grinned.

"You really can't go wrong with a baby. Especially one as cute as my awesome little nephew." Maxwell said.

Ana gestured to her camera.

"Picture time, little man!" Myers tickled Bartie's tummy.

Savannah, Betrand and I gathered around her and smiled for the picture.

"Can you smile for Ana? Say cheese!" Myers smiled and pointed to the camera, so Bartie would look.

Ana tried to stifle a smile, but Myers' enthusiasm was infectious and Ana's grin won out anyway, visible from behind her camera. "Wonderful, Your Grace."

Bartie stretched his hands out to my sister, and Myers gently handed him back to Savannah. We all took our seats, and Madeleine cleared her throat.

"That just leaves one more role to fill, Camilla. The officiant." Madeleine said.

"Doesn't the cathedral have someone to perform wedding ceremonies?" I asked.

"The ceremony will take place at the Bossina Cathedral, per Cordonians tradition, but the customary officiant would have been…" Madeleine's eyes strayed towards Liam, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"My father." Liam said with a small grimace he tried to hide.

"Oh, Liam…" Hana gripped one of his hands and squeezed.

"In his absence, any member of the royal family would be a suitable alternative. Other than myself, as I'm already Best Man." He said quickly.

"Meaning Queen Mother Regina or your brother?" Kiara asked.

"Precisely." Liam nodded.

Myers looked at me. "What do you think, Drake?"

I shrugged. "I'm fine with whoever you choose, Myers."

Myers narrowed her eyes at me.

I sighed. "I think Leo would crack more jokes, whereas Regina would be a little more solemn. So it depends what kind of wedding you want."

"But who would you feel more comfortable with?" She asked.

I shrugged. "To be honest, I'm pretty comfortable with both, as long as we're married by the end of the ceremony." I took her hand and laced our fingers. "That's all that matters to me, Myers."

Myers grinned. "Okay… I say we ask Queen Mother Regina to officiate. If the King Father was supposed to do it, it's only right that the Queen Mother stand in his place."

Liam grinned. "I'm sure she will agree."

Myers nodded, before clapping her hands. "So that's all the roles! What do you think, Drake?"

"I think if it's what you want, then it's what I want too." I told her honestly.

Myers rolled her eyes again, before pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"Is there anything you'd like to add to the arrangements, Drake?"

I began shaking my head. "I just want Camilla to be happy…"

I trailed off as I remembered how my mom told me she'd ridden Iona, her favorite horse back at the ranch, down the aisle, instead of simply walking down the aisle. I think she even had this special saddle for it. It was a family tradition… Myers could ride Midnight Rose down the aisle!

"Actually… there is one thing… I thought it might be cool if we arrived on horseback and then rode down the aisle."

Myers' eyes widened and she smiled, opening her mouth to speak.

Before she could say anything, Madeleine shook her head. "Even if horses were allowed in the Bossina Cathedral, which they certainly are not, it would be impossible. I've already contracted a carriage to transport you to and from the venue. Although it is drawn by horses, so perhaps that satisfies your peculiar fantasy."

Myers frowned, and spoke up. "Madeleine, maybe-"

I squeezed her hand and shook my head. "No, it's alright… whatever you've already arranged is fine."

Myers let out a breath in a huff, annoyance clear on her face. "Fine." She turned to Madeleine. "Anything else on the docket today?"

"For you? Not for the moment. I will be confirming delivery times with all our vendors and communicating with the Cordonians television networks to make sure everything is flawless for tomorrow." Madeleine said, rising from her seat. "But you? Go have an iced tea before the luncheon, I suppose." She added with a disinterred shrug.

Myers rolled her eyes. "Fine. Just know that I will ignore that catty jab, and thank you for your hard work instead. It's extremely appreciated."

Madeleine's eyes widened for a moment, before nodding. "You're welcome. Now, if the ladies will please take my suggestion of going to have some refreshments, the men will be fitted for their tuxedos."

"Alright!" Maxwell whooped, jumping from the couch.

"Did you design the tuxedos too, Ana?" Myers asked.

Ana nodded. "I did, Your Grace."

"Then I know the boys are in good hands." Myers winked at her, prompting Ana to laugh. Myers smiled and offered her hand, which Ana accepted. "Thank you for everything, Ana."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

Myers nodded, and stepped back to me to press a quick kiss to my cheek. "I'll see you in a bit. Have fun!"

I took her hands. "Myers, wait. I was hoping to steal a minute of your time." I pulled her away from the rest of our group.

Myers chuckled. "You can't steal what I give you freely." She pressed her body against mine and wrapped her arms around my neck.

I wrapped my arms around her waist and leaned in to press a tender kiss to her lips. "Hey. We're getting married tomorrow."

"Yeah, we are." Myers blushed. "I can't believe this is really happening!" She squealed softly. "It's finally here! Everything we've wanted and fought for. It feels like a fairytale coming true right before our eyes."

"It does seem kind of unreal." I nodded. "But it isn't. Tomorrow we'll be husband and wife."

"I can't wait for you to be officially mine, and me yours."

"It can't be here soon enough." I looked into her eyes, moving to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ears. "I was thinking, now that you've chosen the officiant, how do you want to be pronounced?"

Myers furrowed her eyebrows quizzically. "Pronounced? I was picturing 'Camilla'."

I chuckled. "I mean for the part of the ceremony where they say, 'I now pronounce you…' something, and then we kiss."

"Oh. I'm fine with the traditional 'husband and wife'." Myers shrugged.

"It's perfect." I pressed my forehead against hers. "I'll make sure Regina gets the message."

"You're the best!" Myers grinned.

I pressed a kiss to her lips, and was about to deepen it, when Madeleine called out. "Camilla, seriously? It's time for Drake's fitting, he doesn't need you here to distract him."

Myers rolled her eyes. "Why am I always the 'temptress' or the 'distraction'?" She shook her head.

"Because you are." I told her. We broke apart and I turned to Madeleine. "Hey, Madeleine, when do we get to eat cake? After the luncheon?" I asked. I actually hadn't heard her mention it, and I knew the cake was kinda important for the reception.

Madeleine rolled her eyes. "Cake tasting? Figures that'd be the one part of the wedding planning to interest you." She shook her head. "I knew we'd be tight on time, so I've told the royal baker to prepare the traditional wedding cake. No need for us to bother over that detail."

Myers pulled a face, but shook it off quickly. "Oh, okay…" She forced a smile. "Well, I guess I should go now. Leave you to get your tux fitted."

I gripped her hand tighter. "Wait, Myers…" I looked through the crowd until I found Gladys. I waved her over.

She nodded and walked over to us. "Can I be of service?"

"I know it's kinda last minute, but is there any way Camilla and I could pick out our wedding cake?" I asked. "It seems like a pretty important part of the whole experience, and… well, I don't want Camilla to miss out on anything."

Myers immediately shook her head. "Aww, Drake, it's okay, really, I get it-"

"Of course!" Gladys beamed at us. "One call to the royal baker, and I can have everything arranged."

"But Drake, your fitting…" Myers reminded me.

I turned to Gladys. "How long do you need to make the arrangements?"

Gladys grinned. "Long enough for you to try on your tuxedo and have it fitted."

"Great!"

"But the luncheon…" Myers added.

"The luncheon's not for another hour, Myers."

"Two hours, actually. Countess Madeleine set aside a half hour for the groom and each of his groomsmen's fittings, so after Drake is finished, you will still have a whole hour and a half to do a cake tasting." Gladys told us with a wink.

I turned to Myers. "What do you say, Myers? Should we sneak off and have some fancy cake?"

I watched as Myers' uninterested facade faded, replaced by genuine excitement. "Cake and some time alone with you? How could I refuse?"

"I was hoping you'd say that." I kissed her temple.

"I shall make the call immediately." Gladys smiled at us. "There's a lovely penthouse over this boutique that you two are welcome to use for the tasting."

"Sounds perfect." I nodded. "Thank you, Gladys."

She nodded. "Duchess Camilla, I'll escort you upstairs, where you can wait for Drake."

"Thank you so much, Gladys!" Myers smiled excitedly. She turned to me. "Go, try on your tuxedo! I'll see you upstairs in a bit!" She hugged me tightly, before turning to walk upstairs with Gladys.

"Wait, Gladys!" I called.

She turned back. "Yes, Drake?"

"Is there any chance you could ask the royal baker to put together a platter of cake filling samples? To try with the cakes?" I whispered.

She nodded. "Of course, Drake. I'll escort Duchess Camilla upstairs and make the call immediately."

"Thanks, Gladys. Really. I know she doesn't act like it, but this really means a lot to Camilla."

Gladys nodded. "I understand."

"Drake, go! The sooner you get your tuxedo fitted, the sooner we can have cake!" Myers called from the doorway.

Gladys chuckled and walked away, leading Myers upstairs. I watched her go, talking excitedly with Gladys, before hearing someone clear their throat behind me.

I turned to find Madeleine right behind me. "While that was very touching and all, you need to go try on your tuxedo. Now."

I raised my hands. "Going, going."

Ana handed me a garment bag and gestured to a fitting room. "Here you go, Drake. Your custom De Luca tuxedo."

"Uh… thank you." I took it and stepped inside the fitting room, closing the door. I hung the bag on a hook on the wall and opened it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the three piece, navy blue tux. It was pretty simple, but still classy. I began undressing, and put on the suit, starting with the simple white shirt, then the tie… After I was done, I looked at myself in the mirror, surprised to find everything fit surprisingly well. The pants would need to be hemmed, but other than that, it fit to a tee.

"Drake, how's it going in there?" Maxwell yelled.

"Oh! Everything's fine."

"Could you come out then?"

"Coming."

I stepped outside and Ana gestured to a circular platform that faced a large mirror. "Step over here, Drake, please."

"Wow, you look great, Drake!" Maxwell grinned.

"Thanks." I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly.

"I'm glad you liked it." Ana smiled.

"Yeah, it's really… comfortable." I adjusted the tie, loosening it just a bit.

"That's Drake for 'wonderful'." Liam chuckled.

Ana nodded to an older gentleman, and as soon as I stepped up, he began looking at me critically. Then he bent over and began sticking pins on the hem of my pants. As soon as he finished, he stood and nodded to Ana.

"Thank you, Cecil." Ana nodded back to him, before turning to me. "Now, Drake, we'll make the necessary alterations and your tuxedo will be ready for tomorrow morning. I will personally deliver it to the cathedral."

I cleared my throat. "Thank you, Ana."

She nodded and I stepped back inside the dressing room. I had to use all my self control in order to not tear the suit off me, and to not remove the pins on the hem of my pants. I placed the shirt, vest, tie and jacket inside the garment bag, and after getting dressed again, I handed both the garment bag and the pants to Cecil.

"Your Majesty, here is your tuxedo." Ana handed Liam a bag next.

"Thank you, Ana." He took the bag and stepped inside.

"I'm, uh… going to go upstairs for a bit. Myers and I have a cake tasting." I told Maxwell and Ana.

Ana's eyes widened. "You're not going to stay for His Majesty's, Lord Maxwell's and Mr. Bastien's fittings?"

"It's okay, Ana. He trusts you." Maxwell covered for me and I nodded gratefully.

"... Very well." Ana said with a sigh.

"Thank you, Ana. I'll see you tomorrow." I didn't even stop to hear her response, but practically ran out into the hall and up the stairs, nearly colliding with Gladys.

"Drake!"

"Oh, sorry!"

"It's okay. The baker just arrived with the samples and I just finished setting everything up. Duchess Camilla is inside waiting for you, and your… surprise is on a silver platter on a table next to the sofa." Gladys told me.

"Wow, thank you."

"You're welcome, Drake. I'll give you both some privacy." With that, she began walking downstairs.

I opened the door to find Myers lounging in the sunlit suite, pensively staring out the window. It had a view of the whole city, as well as the palace on the top of the hill. I tapped my knuckles against the door frame, and Myers' turned to look at me.

"Hello, handsome. How did your fitting go?" She asked, patting the seat next to her.

"Pretty great, actually."

"Did you like the suit?"

"Yeah, I liked it. Thank you." I sat next to her and pressed my lips to hers.

"Thank Ana. She designed it." Myers grinned. "Hey, did you see this view? This place has a better view of the palace than the palace itself!"

I nodded, looking out the window again. "No matter how much time you spend here, the capital is always full of surprises." I looked back to the glass table in front of us, and realized there were already some cake samples ready. I sighed happily. "Finally, a few minutes to ourselves."

Myers smiled, before reaching for a sample. I took her hand, pressing a kiss to each of her fingertips, before shifting to pin her under me.

"Drake… I suppose the cake can wait." Myers' eyes strayed down to my lips. "In exchange for a kiss."

"You read my mind." I agreed.

I ducked down to kiss her and she moaned and ran her fingers through my hair. Myers deepened the kiss, and I tightened my grip on her waist. When we finally came up for air, Myers sighed happily and gently pushed me away. "Come on, stud. We have cakes to taste."

"Fine." I pressed one last peck to her lips, before sitting back up, pulling her with me.

"Now we feast!" Myers grinned.

I nodded, reaching for fluffy pink cake. The place card next to it said it was 'champagne raspberry' cake. I cut a piece of it and plopped it in my mouth. Not bad. The tanginess of the raspberry was curbed by the sweetness of the champagne, and the cake itself was fluffy and delicious.

Myers hummed. "It's amazing."

I nodded. "Yeah. Watch out, Myers, I might be getting used to the finer things in life." I teased.

"With cake like this, I bet you are." Myers grinned, before reaching out to grab the chocolate cake. "If I'm being 100% honest, this is the one I've been waiting this whole time to try. Kudos to me for having enough self-control to wait for you." She grinned and cut a piece of chocolate cake, stabbing her fork through it with more force than necessary.

I opened my mouth, but she fed herself instead. "Hey!"

Myers closed her eyes and moaned in delight. "Oh, wow. Ohmygod. That's rich." She quickly cut another piece of cake and fed it to me this time.

The intense chocolate flavor invaded my mouth, my mouth watering immediately. I was instantly taken back to when Savannah and I were kids, eating Mom's chocolate cake on our birthdays. I chewed slowly, trying to hold on to that taste as long as possible. "Mm. You weren't kidding." I nodded.

"This cake is orgasmic." Myers helped herself to another bite, and then fed me another one. "Don't tell Wendy… but it's better than hers. Can I order this for my birthday from now on?"

"For yours, mine, New Year's, Christmas…"

"For a regular Saturday…" She grinned.

I returned her grin with one of my own. "Actually… this cake reminds me of the cake my mom used to make when Savannah and I were kids. Every time one of us had a birthday, she'd bake this amazing chocolate cake from scratch."

Myers nodded, taking another bite for herself. "Mm… yeah, I heard. She and Wendy… have that in common… They're planning a bake-off."

I nodded. "I never had a classic chocolate cake in Cordonia before. I can't believe Gladys found something like this."

Myers smiled. "You're going to be the Duke of Valtoria. It's her job to get to know you too."

"She's off to a damn good start."

Myers nodded, reaching out for a final bite of the chocolate one. I shot her a look and she blushed, but split the piece in two. "Last piece, I promise. Then we'll get on to the next cake." She grinned and plopped the small cube in her mouth, and then the other in mine.

Myers slumped back on the couch with a contented sigh, and I could tell the chocolate cake had won, even without tasting the last type of cake.

Still, I wasn't going to let it go to waste. I nudged Myers, before reaching for the plate. The place card read 'Tahitian Vanilla' Cake.

"How about you feed this one to me?" Myers asked.

I looked at her. "Only for your Myers." I stabbed a piece of cake and fed it to her.

Myers hummed. "Mmm. Once we're married, will you pamper me like this the whole time?"

"If I do it all the time, is it still pampering?" I countered.

"You're avoiding the question." Myers chuckled.

"Heh. If you want someone to wait on you hand and foot, ask Gladys." I told her. She pouted. "But I'll always be there to look after you, Myers. Always."

Myers pressed a kiss to my cheek, and finally fed me a bite of the fancy vanilla cake. "Verdict?"

It was really sweet. Really sweet. But other than that, it was still just vanilla.

I shrugged. "They're all pretty good."

"Don't sugarcoat it, Drake. I want your honest opinion." Myers narrowed her eyes.

"I'm serious!" I shrugged. "I wasn't expecting to like them all… but these are some damn good cakes."

Myers shook her head slightly, but smiled nonetheless. "I'm glad they get the rare Drake Walker seal of approval." Myers took another bite of the raspberry cake - the chocolate was completely gone at this point - and hummed pensively. "You know, you've normally got such strong opinions about food, but the only thing I've ever seen you cook was fish. Can you make anything that doesn't involve a grill?" She shot me a teasing smirk.

I clutched my chest. "Ouch, Myers. What kind of helpless noble do you take me for? If I have a choice, I always cook for myself."

Myers' eyes widened in fake realization. "Oooh, so that's your real job. You're the palace chef! Gruff commoner with a heart of gold by day, sous chef by night!"

I rolled my eyes. "Ha ha. The palace should be so lucky."

Myers' eyebrows shot up. "Oh, really? You think you have what it takes to serve the whole court?"

"Nobody would go hungry at a so-called 'feast' with me in charge. Just sayin'. But, hey. You never told me your favorite cake. Which one do you want to have at the wedding?"

"Mm. Definitely the chocolate cake." Myers nodded eagerly.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "I knew you had good taste, Myers."

She shrugged casually. "I don't know. I am marrying you…"

"That just proves my point." I smirked at her.

Approval flashed in Myers' eyes and she leaned to press a kiss to my cheek. "That's what I like to hear! A little confidence!"

I could feel a blush creeping up my neck. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, Gladys left some pictures here. Looks like we get to pick the cake's style too."

"Ooh, let me see them!" Myers sat up straighter, apparently revived from her cake coma.

I handed her the small stack of photos and rested my chin on her shoulder. Myers' eyebrows shot up as she looked at the first picture. She turned it around and read it's name on the back. "Royal Themed Cake…" Her eyes met mine and she gave me a dubious stare. "Umm…?"

"It's, uh… very grand. But, hey, if we're doing this whole elaborate wedding, might as well go big or go home, right?"

"Sure…" She didn't seem too convinced. "Looks like there's one more style we can pick…" She laid the picture of the elaborate royal cake on the table, and showed me the next one. "This one is…" She flipped the photo briefly to read the name written on the back, "... with 'Fairytale Decorations'. Wow, it almost reminds me of our estate in Valtoria with all those towers."

"Yeah, I can see it. You gotta respect the craftsmanship that goes into a structure like that. Even when it's made of cake."

Myers chuckled. "Of course."

"So? Which one do you think's the winner?"

"Mmm… I like the fairytale decorations better. Is that okay?"

"Fine by me, Myers."

Myers' hand shot up in the air, nearly smacking me on the nose. "Dibs on the tallest tower! Mmm… all that fondant."

I laughed. "You can have all the towers you want. I'm going right for the cake tiers."

"Deal." Myers pulled me into a kiss and laughed against my lips.

"There was one more thing… I asked the baker to put a little platter together for us." I reached over to a little side table and pulled out the frosting samples. As I set it down on the table and uncovered them, Myers squealed.

"Cake frosting!"

"No point in picking out the cake if we can't pick the filling too, right?"

"Hard to argue with that." Myers agreed.

"Of course we could always make the experience a little more interesting…" I raised an eyebrow.

Myers smirked. "Oh?" Without another word she dipped her finger into the vanilla frosting and dabbed it on the side of her neck. Once she was done, she brought her finger to her mouth and sucked, never breaking eye contact.

My jaw dropped. "Uh… Myers?"

She raised an eyebrow in question. "You said we could make this interesting. Don't you want to… try it?"

"That wasn't exactly what I, uh…" She brought her finger to her mouth again, licking it.

"It's a yes or no question, Drake."

I snapped my eyes back up to hers, and held her gaze for one delicious moment, before wrapping an arm around her waist and dipping down to lick the filling off her neck. Myers sighed and ran her fingers through my hair, while her other hand traveled down my back. Once I'd eaten all the filling, I kissed her again, before pulling back.

"How was that?" She asked with a grin.

"Not bad… but we've got a few more to get through."

Myers dipped her finger into the next sample, a chocolate ganache, and dabbed it on her cheek, then her collarbone. I licked the remaining ganache off her finger, before pulling her roughly onto my lap.

"Oh-"

I crashed my mouth to hers, kissing her deeply, before trailing my lips to her cheek to lick off the chocolate, then down to her jaw, and finally her collarbone.

"Drake…" she whispered quietly.

This time I dipped my finger in the strawberry filling, tasting it quickly before cupping the back of her neck and pulling her in for a kiss. She hummed appreciatively, before deepening the kiss, her hands already moving under my shirt, roving over my abs.

When we pulled apart, we were both breathless.

"I like your idea of a tasting session… and I bet we still have a few minutes before the guys are done and our friends are knocking…" I said, trailing a hand down her spine. "And the filling was good too."

Myers simply smiled that damn near sinful smile of hers, and began pushing my shirt roughly off my shoulders, before moving to pull my white undershirt over my head.

"Easy, Myers. I like this shirt." I teased.

"More than you like kissing me?" She murmured, trailing kisses up my jaw.

"Hmm… it's a close call."

Myers pulled back to look at me. "You look pretty good from this angle."

"So do you." I told her. Honestly, there was no better view than Myers on top of me… or under me. Or on all fours. Or against the wall…

That train of thought was interrupted by her grinding her hips against mine, eliciting a groan from me. I ran my hands up her thighs to the hem of her dress and was about to pull it off her when-

Bzz-bzz-bzz

We both groaned.

With an apologetic and frustrated look, Myers lifted herself slightly off me, and I took my phone from my pocket.

"I'm glad you're enjoying your cake but have you forgotten your best friends

Whove been languishing down here

alone and without cake" Maxwell had written.

"What Maxwell's TRYING to say is that it's almost time for the luncheon, and then the rehearsal, and then we wanted to go into town for some shopping

And we can't do it without you! 😊" Hana added.

Myers sighed and pulled her phone out of her clutch.

"Ok ok we're coming!" She wrote.

Myers sighed and looked at me. "We've been summoned."

"Honestly, it's a miracle Maxwell didn't text us earlier." I pulled Myers into a final kiss. "But maybe we can pick this up again later."

Myers ran her hands down my chest greedily. "I'll hold you to that."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Myers shot up off me and I scrambled to get my shirt on.

Myers readjusted her dress and yelled, "Maxwell, I just said we were-"

"It's only me." Gladys yelled.

Myers looked at me, and I nodded, buttoning up my denim shirt.

"Oh, um, come in, Gladys!" Myers tried to smooth her hair down.

Gladys stepped inside. "Did you two find a cake that you liked?"

"I'd say we did." Myers nodded, an impish smirk playing on her face.

I cleared my throat. "Yeah, we did. We liked the chocolate cake…"

"With the fairy tale decorations." Myers added.

"Oh, wait, the filling! Which one did you like best, Myers?"

"I liked all of them. Would it be too much to have chocolate cake with chocolate ganache?" She wondered.

"Nah. It's our cake." I shrugged.

"Yeah but maybe the sweetness of the ganache won't let the richness of the cake shine through… Maybe we should go with the vanilla buttercream filling… the vanilla won't upstage the taste of the cake."

I shrugged. "Sure, Myers."

Gladys nodded. "Excellent. I'll make sure it's all ready for you at the reception."

I shot a grateful nod at Gladys, before taking Myers' hand. "Sounds perfect. We're just about done here."

I squeezed Myers' hand, before walking to clean up everything we'd use. I piled up all the plates and the forks and the platters, and left them in a neat pile on the table. When I turned, Myers and Gladys were whispering furtively.

"Looks like we're ready to go. Is everything okay here?" I asked.

Myers nodded. "Everything's just fine."

"Okay, then. Let's go." I took Myers' hand and led her downstairs.

All of our friends were already by the door, waiting for us. Once Bastien saw us, he nodded to Tanner, who was waiting by the door, and he opened it. Before anyone had even stepped out, we could hear the cheers of the crowd. Madeleine stepped out first, followed by Penelope, Kiara, and Olivia. Then Bertrand secured Bartie on his hip, took my sister's hand and stepped out after them. Myers shot me a pleased smile at that.

"Um… is it always like this?" Hailey asked us.

"Unfortunately…" I answered.

Myers shook her head. "No, not always. I think it's only because they're excited about the wedding."

Hailey sighed. "Just so you know, the introvert in me hates this."

Myers pulled her into a hug. "Aww… it's okay. It'll be fine."

Hailey rolled her eyes, before putting on a pair of sunglasses. "The things I do for you, Milla." Then she turned to Maxwell. "Walk with me? I'm terrified of walking out there alone."

"Duh! Don't worry, Agent Breakdance's got your back." Maxwell grinned, and led her out next.

"I guess it's our turn." Liam offered Hana his arm. "Shall we?"

Hana nodded. "Of course."

Bastien stepped out right behind them. The cheering outside seemed to intensify. "King Liam! King Liam!"

"You ready?" Myers asked, squeezing my hand.

"To walk 5 steps to a car in front of an audience? I think I can handle it."

Myers laughed, before we finally stepped outside, tailed closely by Gladys, Mara, Jerry, and the rest of the guard.

The sun blinded me for a minute, before my eyes were able to adjust. Behind the barriers, it seemed like the crowd had grown since this morning… so many people yelling for us or pointing their phones at us. Up in the buildings across the street, there were people yelling from the balconies or looking down from the windows with their phones in hand.

"Duchess Camilla! Will you preview your dress?!"

"Duchess Camilla, what's your dress like?!"

"Duchess Camilla, is it fair that you get two wedding dresses when the people of Applewood were left out of work after the orchard fire?!"

"Duchess Camilla! What style of dress did you pick?!"

"Duchess Camilla! Show us the dress!"

"Duchess Camilla! Are you scared Anton will attack your wedding?!"

"Duchess Camilla!"

"Duchess Camilla!"

Those five steps from the door to the car felt eternal. When we finally shut the door, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Bastien opened the door to the driver's seat and got in, slowly driving away.

"I don't know how you guys do it." Hailey shook her head.

Liam chuckled. "It's simpler when you've grown up in the public eye."

Hailey looked at all of us. "So you've all grown up with paparazzi tailing you? Even you, Drake?"

I nodded. "Not as much as Liam, Maxwell or Hana, but I still saw it, as the bodyguard's son."

"Wow…" Hailey ran a hand through her curly hair, mussing it up a bit.

"You okay?" Myers asked.

"Fine." Hailey nodded.

"Okay…" Myers nodded.

Soon we arrived at the restaurant and Myers grinned at Hailey. "Come on, let's go eat a fancy lunch with no paparazzi in sight."

Hailey laughed. "As long as they're not serving paprika and caviar appetizers…"

---

After meeting my mom, Myers' parents and the rest of her friends at the restaurant, we sat down to eat. Thankfully, this luncheon was much less awkward than last night's dinner, given how everyone already felt more comfortable around each other. I think it was also because Myers and her mom and Armando had made peace. It was a tentative, fragile peace, one that both parts would have to keep working on… but it was peace nonetheless.

After a nice, actually fulfilling lunch, we made our way to the Bossina cathedral. Once more, we were met with cheering and yelling. Myers pulled me with her to greet the crowd, and after a couple of moments shaking hands with people and taking selfies with them, Mara and Tanner escorted us inside.

We must have rehearsed at least seven times - so much so, I practically knew Regina's speech by heart. The wedding entourage paired off - first my sister and Bastien, then Hailey and Maxwell, and finally Liam and Hana - and they proceeded to walk down the aisle. Madeleine gave me 'explicit instructions' to walk towards the platform from a side entrance after Liam and Hana had taken their places. And after I had taken mine, Myers' dad walked her down the aisle. Myers couldn't help but blush and grin as she locked eyes with me. On the pews, my mom, Wendy, and Julia were tearing up, as all our friends looked on excitedly.

Of course, that was only on the first run-through.

By the fifth run-through, the tears and excitement were gone, and everyone was slumping in their seats looking bored. Hell, even Myers seemed ready to tear her eyes out. At one point, Bartie got particularly fussy and threw a massive tantrum, the cathedral walls seeming to amplify his cries. My sister managed to calm him down and get him to sleep, but since we had to keep going with rehearsals, Mom offered to take him home. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Madeleine declared us ready for tomorrow.

She nodded, looking at us with a critical stare as Myers and I walked down the aisle together. "Good… Your Majesty, Hana…" They stepped off the platform and walked a few steps after us. "Maxwell and Hailey… and finally, Savannah and Bastien. Good. Alright, that's enough for today."

Myers sighed in relief and leaned into me heavily. "Oh thank god." She whispered.

I merely nodded, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"So… is it time for shopping yet?!" Maxwell asked.

Madeleine rolled her eyes, but nodded nonetheless.

"Yes!" Maxwell cheered.

"Now, come line up. First the bride and groom to be, and then everyone else follows." Madeleine began to usher us out. "Drake, Camilla, make sure to stand on the center steps, smile and wave." Madeleine ushered us out.

"Sir, yes, sir." Myers saluted sarcastically, before taking my hand and squeezing.

With her hand in mine, we made our way out into the sunlight and the thunderous roars of the crowd.

---

"Honey, do you need our help with anything?" Julia asked, as we reached the capital's biggest shopping district.

Myers shook her head. "No, we got everything under control. You should go, enjoy the city! This is your first time in Cordonia, go make the most of it."

"Are you sure?" Victor asked.

"Yes, Dad. I'm sure. Go sightsee. I know you've been looking forward to it." Myers smiled.

"Tanner, Anne, Caleb. Go with Her Grace's parents, please. Report to me when they return to the palace." Bastien ordered.

The guards nodded, and moved to stand behind Myers' parents.

"Well, hello… Tanner, was it?" Wendy smiled flirtatiously at him.

I tried my best to hold in my laughter.

Tanner looked taken aback for a moment, blushing slightly, before clearing his throat. "Ma'am."

Victor rolled his eyes. "Still right here…"

Wendy waved him away. "I know. You know I love you."

"Seriously, Wendy?" Myers covered her face, shaking her head slightly.

"What? I was merely saying hello!" She shrugged.

"Okay, well now I'm saying goodbye." Myers told her, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "We have to go. Be safe, and please try not to make our guards uncomfortable."

"Love you, Milla." Victor kissed her forehead quickly.

"We'll see you in a bit, dear." Julia kissed both Myers' cheeks.

"Bye, Mom. Have fun."

"We will, Camilita, we will." Armando hugged her briefly.

Soon, they walked away, with the three guards following them from a respectable distance. We began walking in the opposite direction.

"Camilla, I'm surprised you have time for shopping with the wedding tomorrow!" Kiara exclaimed.

Myers shrugged, smiling widely. "Well, Madeleine and Gladys seem to have it pretty well under control, actually."

"I don't think Madeleine is capable of letting things get out of control." Penelope said.

Myers laughed at that. "True." She turned back to me. "Are you ready?"

Hana, Maxwell, Liam and I looked at each other.

Hana cleared her throat. "Actually Milla, the four of us have to sneak off."

Myers gasped dramatically. "What?! You're all hanging out without me?!"

Hana grinned impishly. "We have a little surprise to prepare for you."

"What is it?" Myers' eyebrows shot up.

"I think you're having some trouble with the whole 'surprise' concept..." I teased.

"Besides, you'll find out soon enough!" Maxwell grinned.

Myers pursed her lips playfully. "Fine. Go on without me."

"Drama queen." I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too." She said.

"Bye!" Maxwell shouted, leading us away.

"See you in a bit." Liam waved goodbye.

"Bye everyone!"

We waved goodbye and walked off, being tailed by half of the security detail.

"So…" I began. "Where are we going?"

"First, we'll be stopping at a jeweler's to pick up my gift, and the wedding bands." Liam said.

"And then we'll go get mine!" Hana said excitedly.

"Okay…" I shrugged.

Liam and Maxwell walked ahead, and Hana hung back with me. "Drake," she whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Have you gotten the boys their traditional groomsmen gifts?"

"What?!"

"Sssh!" Hana shushed. Thankfully, the guys hadn't noticed.

"I didn't know I had to get them gifts!" I groaned.

"Okay, okay, don't panic. I could help you find something for them."

I remembered the compass I'd bought for Liam in New York. Since his wedding didn't go through, I never gave it to him.

"Oh, I have something for Liam, actually."

Hana beamed at me. "Great! So you only need to find something for Maxwell and Bastien."

"But what though?"

"Don't panic. We can keep an eye out for any gifts while we walk." Hana reassured me with a kind smile and a shoulder squeeze.

"So, Drake, how are you doing? Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Liam asked.

I shrugged again. "Not really…"

They all turned to stare at me incredulously.

I sighed. "Okay, I'm a little nervous about the wedding, but not about getting married… if that makes sense."

"It makes perfect sense." Liam reassured me.

"I know a wedding can be very overwhelming." Hana squeezed my shoulder comfortingly. "Especially when the whole world is watching."

"Um…" Not helping, Hana.

"But I know you and Milla will be amazing, Drake! And everything will be perfect!" Hana finished.

I sighed. "Thanks, Hana."

"Did I say something wrong?" She asked immediately.

"No!" I shook my head. "No, it's just…"

"All the protocol." Maxwell told her.

"Ah." Hana nodded sympathetically. "I'm sorry Madeleine shot down your horse idea."

I shook my head. "It's fine."

"No, it's not." Liam said quietly. "I… I know this isn't the type of wedding you, and Camilla for that matter, envisioned. I know you would have wanted a more intimate affair held in your family's ranch."

"Liam, really, it's fine."

He nodded. "Still… I wanted to thank you, and tell you how much I appreciate what you and Camilla are doing for Cordonia. And for me."

I nodded.

"Maybe you guys can still do the ranch thing when you renew your vows." Maxwell suggested with an excited grin.

Hana's eyes widened. "Maxwell, that sounds lovely! It would be so special for their 25th wedding anniversary."

"We'll probably all be married by then, too, so we'll get to bring our families." Maxwell added.

"And Drake and Milla will probably have their own family, too! Their kids will be all grown up by then." Hana squealed.

"Ooh, and Drake will probably ask his son to be his best man, so Liam will officiate. He'll have grown this really dignified beard, and have that wizened old king look…" Maxwell pondered with a far off look in his eyes.

"Old?" Liam chuckled.

"Let's get through one ceremony before we start thinking of the next one." I said.

"Aww…" Maxwell hummed.

"You're right, of course." Hana squeezed my shoulder. "It's just fun to think about the future."

"I know, sorry… I guess I'm just…"

"Nervous." The three of them said at once.

"Yeah. I mean, it's… we just rehearsed the ceremony for two hours and I'm still scared that I'm gonna mess up somehow." I admitted.

"Mess up how?" Hana asked.

"I don't know… like say the wrong thing or step up on the wrong beat or something." I rubbed the back of my neck, staring at the floor.

"You won't, Drake." Liam told me. "And not just because we've spent the past two hours rehearsing."

"You don't know that." I said.

"Yes, I do. Because I know you. I don't think it's actually possible for you to 'mess up' anything where Camilla's involved." He chuckled. "Drake you spent an entire day mingling and hosting the nobility for Camilla. And for someone who claims to dislike it so much, you did an admirable job. I have no doubt you will do great tomorrow."

My heart warmed a bit at that. I couldn't help but smile. "Well… thanks."

"You're welcome." Liam nodded, before stopping outside a jewelry store. "Now, if you'll excuse me…" He stepped inside, With Bastien, Tanner and Jerry on his tail.

Several other agents stayed outside with us, a few steps back.

"What do you think he got her?" Maxwell looked through the window excitedly.

"Isn't it obvious?" I asked. "We're at a jewelry store."

"Maybe it's a pearl necklace to go with the bracelet he got her?" Hana suggested.

"Maybe." I shrugged.

"It's in a big box… definitely not a necklace." Maxwell said, still peeking inside.

"How big?" I asked.

"Not big big. Like, palm of your hand big." He gestured with his hands, shaping them into a box.

Huh…

Before we could even dwell on it, Liam stepped back outside. "I'm ready. Drake, would you like to see the wedding bands? Or would you prefer to see them tomorrow and be surprised?"

I shook my head. "Never been too big on surprises, so…" I stepped in after him.

The man behind the counter beamed at me. "Mr. Walker! Welcome!"

"Uh… Thank you."

"I was just showing His Majesty your customized wedding band." He gestured to a navy blue box with golden detailing. "I was instructed that both yourself and Duchess Camilla preferred something classic and simple. Therefore, we chose a traditional band made of 18-carat white gold."

I opened the box to find two silver rings - or, er, white golden? Mine was thicker than Myers' and hers was lined with small diamonds on the front. I took mine, looking at it closely, and I noticed the inscription on the inside.

"What does that…?"

To our Moments in Between. 15.12.2018

The jeweler cleared his throat. "Do you like them, sir?"

"I… do." I laughed. "I'm surprised you managed to fit all those words there."

He also chuckled. "Well, when you get the honor of making a duchess' wedding band, you inscribe what she asks you to. Especially when it is clearly such a romantic and intimate inscription."

I nodded. "Thank you. Really. Camilla will love them."

"You honor me, Mr. Walker. It was my absolute pleasure." He nodded, and after I had placed the band back in the box, he wrapped them up for me ever so carefully.

I was about to walk away, when something underneath the glass case caught my eye.

"Anything else, Mr. Walker?" The jeweler looked from me to what I was eyeing.

I nodded.

"Drake?" Liam looked at me questioningly.

"Uh… go ahead. I'll be right there." He nodded and began his way out. "Wait, could you do me a favor?"

"Of course."

"Could you ask Hana to come in?"

Liam flashed me a grin. "Sure. One moment." He stepped outside, and a second later, Hana walked in with a knowing smile.

"I take it you found something?"

"Uh, yeah…" I waved her closer, then pointed to a silver kraken pin.

The jeweler wordlessly took it out from underneath the glass case, and from its box, so that we could take a closer look at it. It was incredibly detailed, the tentacles and all the other details carved beautifully. And to top it off, it had gleaming red rubies for eyes.

"Do you think Maxwell will like it?" I asked.

Hana's eyes widened. "Yes. That is perfect for Maxwell! He could even wear it tomorrow! It even matches his suit perfectly!"

"Yeah?"

"You didn't see his suit?"

I shook my head.

"Oh, well then, yes it does."

"Great." I turned to the jeweler. "We'll take it."

"Excellent choice, Mr. Walker. I'll wrap it up for you immediately." He took it from us and placed it back in the box.

"Now you just have to find something for Bastien!" Hana grinned. "Is there anything here you think he'd like?"

I looked around the store, and shook my head. "Nah. He prefers… more practical gifts."

"Oh, okay…" Hana nodded.

At that moment, the jeweler came back with Maxwell's present all wrapped up. We said our goodbyes to the jeweler, thanking him for his time, and stepped back outside.

"Ready." I told Liam and Maxwell.

"Great! Let's go!" Maxwell took off running, or actually, it was more like skipping.

We kept walking through the district, being tailed closely by security.

"I was thinking…" Hana began, "that we could have a nice brunch and a spa day for Milla tomorrow, before the wedding."

"That's an excellent idea, Hana." Liam agreed.

"You think so?"

"Yeah! It'll help Milla relax before the whole shindig!" Maxwell added.

"My thoughts exactly! We could all go to the spa, get mani-pedis…"

I groaned softly.

"What?" Hana pulled a face.

"Don't tell me Drake Walker is too much of a manly man to get mani-pedis," Maxwell teased.

I rolled my eyes. "I never said that."

Liam chuckled. "Don't knock it until you try it, Drake. You might find it quite soothing."

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I'm in. For Myers."

"Yay!" Hana clapped.

"Ten euros that Drake's gonna love getting his nails done!" Maxwell yelled.

"Done." Liam laughed and shook his head.

I shook my head, but couldn't stop the small grin that spread on my face.

A few minutes later, we arrived at a high end shoe store.

"No peeking!" Hana pointed a stern finger at us, before walking inside.

"Wouldn't dream of it Hana." I chuckled.

Maxwell was already stepping closer to the window, framing his eyes as he plastered his face against the window. I tangled my hand in his shirt collar and gently pulled him back.

"But- aww!"

"Come on…" I said. "You'll see what it is tomorrow anyways."

"Aw, okay."

I checked the time on my phone, noticing we still had a few minutes before we had to meet Myers and her friends again. Soon, Hana came out, happily holding a fancy looking shoe box.

"All done!" She grinned at us.

"Great."

"Should we head back?" Liam asked.

"Asking Myers for her location now." I said, shooting her a text.

A second later, my phone vibrated with her text. Apparently she was in some shop called The Golden Apple.

"Um… they're in a shop called the Golden Apple."

Liam, Hana and Maxwell furrowed their brows.

"I don't think I know it." Liam said.

"Me neither." Hana added

"Yep, never heard of it." Maxwell shrugged.

I sighed, turning on the gps on my phone and letting Google maps do all the work. As we walked, I saw a hunting and camping goods store, and I got an idea.

"Wait!" I yelled, accidentally startling everyone.

"Drake?" Liam asked.

"What's wrong?" Bastien immediately covered Liam, looking around attentively.

"Oh, uh… nothing, sorry, I just wanted to go check out that store." I admitted sheepishly.

Everyone let out a relieved sigh, and Bastien shot me an annoyed look.

"Are you thinking of taking up hunting, Drake?" Liam shot me a teasing grin.

I rolled my eyes. "Very funny. I just want to see if they have… something."

"Do you want some company?" Hana asked.

"Sure."

She nodded, and together we crossed the street and stepped inside the store. Immediately off to one side, there were several tents and sleeping bags on display. Off to the other side, there were fishing rods and other accessories for fishing. And waaaaay in the back, there was a pretty impressive display of guns, rifles and even bows, crossbows, bolts and arrows.

"But where are the…?" I looked around, finally finding the knives display off to the right.

"Drake, what're we looking for?" Hana asked, looking around wearily.

I led her to the knives display. "A present for Bastien."

Her eyes widened as she took in the vast array of knives underneath the glass - everything from hunting knives, skinning knives, butterfly knives, karambits, switchblades, combat knives and even a couple machetes.

"You're thinking of getting him… a knife?" Hana scrunched her face doubtfully.

I shrugged. "I know it's something he'd appreciate. I'm not saying it's something he's ever going to use… at least, not on duty. He already has plenty of combat knives and he carries a gun. But I think he'd like it. He likes knives and he appreciates the craftsmanship it takes to make them."

"O… kay. If you say so."

I nodded. "I was thinking of a nice Bowie knife. Maybe I could even get the hilt engraved…"

Someone cleared their throat in front of us. "Can I help you, sir? Ma'am?" An older gentleman stood behind the counter.

I nodded. "Yes, thank you. I was wondering if I could get a closer look at…" I looked at all the knives, two in particular catching my eye. Both of them Bowie's, one with a pretty standard, yet classic 8 inch steel blade with an elegant wooden handle; the other with a gorgeous 9 inch blade, also with a more elaborate wooden handle. "... Those two, please."

"Very good sir." The older man nodded, taking both knives and their respective leather sheaths, and placing them on the counter. "The first one is a Bear&Son Cocobolo Gold Rush Bowie Knife. Made in the US, the carbon steel blade is 8 and three quarters inches long, and the handle is made from cocobolo wood, with a brass handguard."

I nodded. Not bad. "And this one?" I lifted the second knife.

"A Muela BW-24O.L. Bowie knife, made in Spain. 9 and ⅝ inches, molybdenum vanadium steel blade. Olive wood handle with a brass guard and pommel… She's a thing of beauty."

"That she is." I agreed.

"What d'you wanna use it for? Camping? Hunting?"

I shook my head. "It's actually a gift."

"Then I'd suggest you go with the Muela. It's one of the more overlooked brands, but they're actually one of the highest quality knives in the world. This one in particular…" He lifted the knife almost reverently. "Its finish is amazing, the detailing on the handle and on the pommel…"

"Yeah, the stag carving's really something." I agreed. "What do you think, Hana?"

Hana's eyes widened, but she considered both knives. "I think this one," She took the Muela Bowie in her hands, holding it up with both hands. "... is definitely the most ...elaborate. It's much more elegant, and it's actually very pretty. And the leather sheath feels much more supple and durable, and the engraved stag is a lovely detail."

I nodded, admittedly a little impressed. "Okay, then. We'll take it."

The older gentleman nodded.

"Excuse me, is there anyway to personalize the gift?" Hana asked. "It's for one of his groomsmen."

The salesman considered us, and sighed. "Well, once, for a wedding party, we did make a set of personalized knives for the groom and his attendants…" He looked down at the Bowie. "But it would be a shame to engrave this knife."

"Yeah, no, I agree…" I told him.

"What about the sheath?" Hana asked. "It's leather, isn't it?"

The salesman's eyes widened. "Yes… I could engrave the sheath for you. Depending on the engravement, I could have it ready for you in a few minutes, or for tomorrow if it's something too elaborate."

"I was just thinking of a name," I told him. "Bastien."

"With maybe the Cordonian crest next to it?" Hana suggested. "Bastien has dedicated his life to serving Cordonia."

He nodded. "Very well. I could have it done in a few minutes."

"Perfect." I nodded.

The salesman took the knife and disappeared into a back room.

I turned to Hana. "Thanks for coming with me, Hana. The crest idea was really good."

She smiled. "You're welcome, Drake. I… admit I don't know Bastien that well, but I think he'll really like it."

"Me too. And thanks for… y'know, everything."

"Aw… you're welcome, Drake." She shot me a look, and I opened my arms. Hana laughed, before moving in to hug me.

A few minutes passed, where Hana and I browsed around the store to entertain ourselves. Soon, the salesman came out, smiling and holding the knife with it's engraved leather sheath out to us. He has written Bastien's name in bold capital letters, and had placed the Cordonian crest on the right side where the sheath was widest.

"Wow…" Hana said, "It's beautiful. Your craftsmanship is impeccable!"

The man visibly blushed. "Thank you, my lady."

"It is. Thank you." I agreed.

He nodded, before gesturing to another display. "We also have these antique wooden gift boxes. They're made of oak, and are also carved with lovely details."

I nodded.

He brought a long, rectangular box where the knife would fit, with intricate carvings on the corners. He slid off the top, and inside the box, there was plush velvet cushioning. After gently placing the knife inside, he gently closed the box.

I nodded, and he rang me up after placing the gift in a paper bag. After paying, Hana and I stepped outside and crossed the street, back to where the guys were waiting.

"What'd ya get?" Maxwell asked.

I shrugged. "I needed a new camping knife." I told him. "Myers asked me to take her camping when we got back to Valtoria."

"Yay, another camping trip!" Maxwell cheered.

Liam politely cleared his throat. "I think what Drake meant was a couple's camping trip. Just the two of them, this time."

"But… aww…" Maxwell deflated a bit.

"Don't worry, Maxwell! We can arrange another group camping trip after theirs, right Drake?" Hana asked.

I nodded. "Sure. The mountains aren't going anywhere."

"Now, shall we go? Camilla and the others must be waiting for us right now." Liam asked.

We all nodded and began making our way to the Golden Apple. After walking for a few minutes, we got to the shop just as Myers and the rest of the group were walking out.

"There's my fiancee." I stepped towards her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Myers grinned and pressed a quick kiss on my cheek. "Somehow, I never get tired of hearing you say that."

"Don't worry. I never get tired of saying it." I grinned back.

"Aww, you two are so cute. Nauseatingly cute." Mari Jo teased.

"Ignore her." Jacob rolled his eyes. "You're both adorable."

"Hey, isn't that King Liam?!" We all turned to find a woman pointing at us.

Almost immediately, our security tightened around us, as a crowd began to form around us.

"And Duchess Camilla and her fiance!"

"Duchess Camilla!"

"King Liam!"

"Your Majesty!"

"Duke Drake!"

"For the safety of Duchess Camilla and His Majesty, the King, stay back!" Mara yelled, trying to establish a perimeter.

"Duchess Camilla, I'm so excited for tomorrow!" The woman who had yelled had somehow made her way to the front of the crowd, yelling and stretching out her hand at us, despite Jerry holding her back.

"Oh, um, thank you!" Myers shook her hand quickly, and the woman squealed.

I instinctively pulled her closer and stepped in front of her. This crowd was getting out of control.

"It's sure to be a momentous day!" Another man in glasses yelled.

"Hey, step back!" Jaime yelled, stepping in front of his wife and Hana.

"Um… Milla?!" Hailey's voice had a hint of panic.

"I've already called the cars." Liam tried to reassure her.

"They'll be here in a few seconds, Your Majesty!" Jerry confirmed, standing in front of him protectively.

"When will the link to the livestream be up?!"

"Lady Camilla, over here! Can I get a picture with you?!"

"Hey, give her some breathing room!" Olivia pushed back a burly construction worker.

"Drake." Myers pulled the back of my shirt. "That's the man from the palace from yesterday! The one Gladys said was a worker who'd be there all day until the wedding!"

I followed her finger to a blond man in glasses… the one who'd almost dropped the table! He looked surprised for a split second, before reaching back.

Myers saw the gun before I did. "Mara! Guards!"

"Gun! Get down!" I yelled.

I immediately pulled Myers downwards, crouching low onto the ground. Security tightened around us, and Liam specifically. The crowd dispersed quickly, all of the civilians yelling and running away. Mara and several other guards gave chase, as the bastard tried to run away.

"Arrest that man!" Olivia shouted. In a matter of seconds, she pulled a dagger from who knows where, and flicked her wrist, sending the dagger flying through the air.

It hit the man on the shoulder, causing him to stumble, and giving Mara the opportunity to tackle him to the ground.

"She got him!" Maxwell grinned.

"Damn good throw, Duchess Liv." Jaime added.

At that moment, several black bulletproof SUVs pulled up, and all of us were ushered into the cars.

"Go! Go! Go!"

"Protect His Majesty!"

"Inside, Your Grace, quickly!" Bastien ushered us in, and after Maxwell and Hana got in, he slammed the door closed and soon, we were driving away.

The five of us stared out of the back window as Mara and several other guards restrained the man.

"But… who was he?" Hana asked.

I sighed, pulling Myers closer. "I think we're about to find out."

---

When we got to the palace, we were immediately escorted to Liam's private dining room. After a few moments, Bastien and Mara stepped inside.

"Are my parents back at the palace?" Myers asked immediately.

"They're on their way, Your Grace." Bastien confirmed quickly.

Myers let out a sigh of relief.

Mara placed a small handgun on the table. "We found this in the man's pocket, Your Majesty. There's more." She handed a small, crumpled piece of paper to Liam, who after reading quickly, handed it to Myers.

She placed it in between us so I could get a look. "These are.. The roles for the wedding, the place we ordered the favors from…" Myers paled. "He's been spying on us all day! Gathering information on the wedding!"

"If he was taking notes on our plans, that must mean… they're planning to attack the wedding." I gripped Myers' hand tightly.

"It makes sense." Maxwell said. "It's a high profile event, with all of Anton's enemies on the guest list."

"We always knew this could happen…" Myers sighed. "This just confirms it."

"Exactly. Now we know when they're going to strike." Liam placed a hand on her shoulder comfortingly.

"We searched the man in custody and found a detailed map of the wedding procession route, plus blueprints of the buildings along the way." Mara placed said maps on the table as well. "So now we know not only that Anton's planning to attack the wedding, but that he plans to attack en route to the cathedral…"

"We have to call it off… right?" Hana looked around at us.

Myers shook her head. "We know more about what Anton's planning than we ever have before. Even better, he doesn't know that we have that information."

"Hmm… that's a good point." I agreed.

"Staging a trap for them worked for us once before. If we can do it again, we might be able to finally end this." Mara said.

"Exactly." Myers agreed. "Besides, if we called it off, he'd just attack us somewhere else. Until he's stopped for good, there will always be another target. And I will not live my life on the run from him. Not anymore. We have too big of an advantage to run away. I say we stand tall, secure the cathedral and end this once and for all."

"Camilla's right. And if she's not backing down, I'm not backing down either." I squeezed Myers' hand and she laced our fingers together.

"So what do we do?" Maxwell asked.

"Bastien, cast a wide net around the cathedral. If anyone approaches, we'll see them before they get anywhere close." Liam told him, nodding to Bastien.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Bastien nodded dutifully.

"My people will focus on ceremony VIP's." Mara added. "Right now, that means Liam, Camilla and Drake."

"Aw, how come I don't get to be a VIP?" Maxwell pouted, visibly deflating.

I rolled my eyes. "Pretty sure VIP means 'assassination target'."

"Oh. Right." Maxwell smiled sheepishly.

"That's long-range and mid-range covered." Olivia noted, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "I suppose it's up to me to handle the up-close and personal." She smiled at Camilla and I got literal chills. "Don't worry. I've prepared several stiletto knives for the occasion. Light, thin, easily-hidden… even an amateur could mount an adequate defense with one."

"But we just learned of Anton's plot! How did you know to prepare them?" Hana asked, looking genuinely shocked.

I mean, this was Olivia we're talking about… Maybe she hadn't seen that it was Olivia's well-thrown knife that had allowed Mara to catch the guy in glasses, in all the chaos.

"You never know when this sort of thing will come in handy. You have your hobbies, I have mine." Olivia shot her a cat-like smirk.

"That's all our bases covered." I turned their attention back to the matter at hand.

"I'll relay the orders immediately." Mara nodded.

"Justin, a.k.a. Anton, won't know what hit him!" Maxwell cheered.

We all stood to go, except Myers. She remained seated. "Just one more thing…"

"Your Grace?"

Myers stared intently at Mara, with a world of meaning in her gaze. "Mara… I have faith in you. We have a good plan, and good people to follow through on that plan. I know you'll keep me, Drake, and our guests as safe as possible."

Mara swallowed, moved, and her eyes glistened. She stood a little straighter, a little taller, and nodded sharply. "I appreciate your faith in us, Your Grace. It will not be unfounded."

"Thank you, Mara." Myers finally stood.

"Now, I suggest all of us go get a good night's rest. Tomorrow's a big day." Liam smiled at us. He clapped my shoulder, pulling me in for a hug. Then he moved to hug Myers.

"Good night, Liam." She whispered softly.

"Good night, Camilla." He stepped back, before walking out with Mara and Bastien.

Hana moved to hug me next. "Good night, Drake! Sleep well." As she moved to hug Myers, Maxwell moved to hug me.

"Y'know, we never did choreograph your first dance."

I chuckled. "Let's see if we get through the ceremony tomorrow first. Should worst come to worst, we'll wing it."

"You sure? I could still teach you now." He stepped back.

"Good night everyone!" Hana waved and stepped out of the room.

"Good night Hana!" I yelled.

"Night, night!" Maxwell waved after her.

Myers wrapped an arm around my waist. "What're you guys talking about?"

Maxwell's eyes widened. "Oh, nothing, just your unchoreographed first dance."

"Oh, crap, I totally forgot about that! You asked us for a song, like, two weeks ago when we got to Valtoria!" Myers ran a hand through her hair.

"Already picked one, Myers." I told her.

"What? Without me?" She pouted.

"Yep." Maxwell nodded. "But it's a really good song. Very 'you'."

"What song is it?" Myers asked.

"It's one of your favorites actually!"

"You knew that was one of her favorite songs? Why didn't you say anything?" I asked. "You could've saved us two hours of listening to that playlist!"

"Maxwell made a playlist?" Myers asked, looking extremely amused.

"Duh, and it was the best wedding playlist ever!" Maxwell glared at me.

"He made us sit and listen to it for two freaking hours before finally finding the perfect song." I groaned, facepalming myself.

"Which you still haven't actually told me, by the way…"

"It's-"

"A surprise." I cut Maxwell off. "Is that okay?"

"...Okay. That's actually kind of sweet." Myers smiled.

"Drake's such a marshmallow on the inside." Maxwell said.

"Watch it, Beaumont." I narrowed my eyes at him, kind of annoyed after the whole song revelation. Seriously, two freaking hours...

He recovered quickly, clutching his chest. "'Beaumont'? Ouch. I know you're grumpy because it's been a really long day with all the shopping and the evil Justin debacle, and yeah, maaaybe because I forgot to mention that your wedding song was already one of Milla's favorites, and because Madeleine shot down your horseback wedding dream, but don't blame me!"

Myers sighed, hugging me tighter. "Aww, the horseback wedding tradition. I wish we could've found a way to make that work." She turned to me. "That's the only thing I've heard you really wanted for this whole wedding."

I shook my head, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Aw, I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

Maxwell gasped. "Guys! If it's that important… why don't we do it?"

Myers frowned. "But they said…"

"No horses in the cathedral." He raised both index fingers, as if about to deliver his pitch. "But what about a pre-wedding? Like a pre-party. We give you your dream country wedding before the big royal shindig?"

My eyes widened. "Eloping before the wedding? Could we do that?"

Myers looked equally stunned. "I guess there's no reason why we couldn't have a secret wedding before the big courtly affair…" She looked at me, her gaze intense with a hint of vulnerability. "We could do it now. Tonight. We could be married. Tonight."

I nearly melted with the way she was looking at me. We could be husband and wife. Tonight. But… "What about an officiant?"

Maxwell cleared his throat loudly, adjusting the collar of his shirt and puffing his chest out proudly. "You're both looking at an ordained minister. I had to perform a peacock wedding once on the Beaumont estate and I wanted things to be official."

Thank god for Maxwell Beaumont.

Before I could stop myself, I pulled him into a hug, sandwiched between me and Myers.

"Thank you, Maxwell!" Myers cried.

We stepped back, and Myers turned to me, taking my hands. "So, are we doing this? With Maxwell here, we might just be able to pull this off."

"You know I'd marry you anytime, anywhere, Myers. Just say the word."

Myers squealed and jumped on me, hugging me fiercely. "Then marry me. Right now, with no one else, with no grand cathedrals and stuffy ceremonies and threats of assassination. I don't want to wait one more second to be married to you."

I held her tight, wrapping my arms around her waist and lifting her up off the floor. "Couldn't agree more, Myers. I'm tired of waiting."

Maxwell cleared his throat. "So you're doing this? We're doing this?!"

"We're doing this!" Myers laughed.

"Cool! Cool, cool, cool! So… ooh, okay. You guys go get your horses from the stables, and meet me by the cliff at the edge of the palace grounds. You know the one, Drake."

I nodded. "Will do. And Maxwell… thanks."

He merely nodded softly.

"What, no bromance jokes?"

He shook his head. "This moment is about you two. I'm here for whatever you need to make it happen, and nothing else."

"Thanks, Maxwell." Myers grinned at him, and pulled him into a hug once more.

When they parted, Maxwell waved, before walking quickly out the room.

"Oh my god, we're getting married!" Myers squealed, laughing, before looking down at her dress. "Should I go change? Or do my hair? Maybe I cou-"

I pressed a kiss onto her lips. "Stop. You look beautiful. You look perfect, and I want to marry you right now."

"Aww… I love you."

"I love you too, Myers. Come on." I took her hand and led her towards the stables.

As quickly as I could I got Lone Star and Midnight Rose ready. Myers tried to help as much as she could, trying to speed things up. Finally, both horses were ready and saddled, and we were riding towards the cliff underneath the night sky.

The stars shone brightly and whether by chance or fate, there was a gorgeous full moon in the sky. Lone Star snickered, a little uneasy in the dark.

"Good girl, Lone Star. Nice and easy, now…"

"Hey, I never asked you before, but Lone Star… does that mean..."

"Yep. She's from my mom's ranch back in Texas. Getting a bit older now, but that hasn't slowed you down, has it, girl?" I patted her neck and she huffed proudly.

Myers chuckled. "No, of course not."

We rode in comfortable silence for a few seconds.

"I can't believe we're really doing this." Myers said suddenly.

"I can. You have a way of making good things happen." I told her.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile so much." Myers laughed.

I couldn't help my own laugh. "If I'm being honest, some part of me was hoping that somehow, some way… things might turn out like this. And now that you're making it happen… hell, Myers, I may never stop smiling after today."

Myers reached out and squeezed my hand. "Technically, it's Maxwell who's making this happen."

"Remind me to thank him. And to get him a peacock for his next birthday."

"Of course, future husband." Myers giggled.

"Wait, Myers…" I thought of something suddenly. "What about you? Is there anything special you wanted to do today that we can't do at the big wedding tomorrow?"

Myers shook her head. "No, truth be told… Maxwell kind of nailed it. I mean, midnight elopement under the stars, just the two of us? My inner romantic Braveheart fangirl is screaming." She laughed.

"I can try to talk in a Scottish accent if you want." I grinned teasingly at her.

"Your Cordonian accent is enough."

We both laughed, before turning quiet once more.

"Myers… I'm really happy you're happy."

She gave me that angelic, luminous smile. "Likewise."

We reached the end of the trail, where the trees cleared. Maxwell was already there waiting for us. The sound of the waves crashing against the cliff and the smell of saltwater filled the air, all of it illuminated by the moon and the stars above.

Myers took it all in. "Oh my god… Drake… it's more beautiful than I could've imagined."

"Hi, guys!" Maxwell waved at us, before walking towards the edge of the cliff for the ceremony.

I dismounted Lone Star and tied her to a nearby tree, before doing the same for Midnight Rose. Then, I offered Myers my hand. "Shall we?"

"We shall." Myers placed her hand on my shoulders and I gripped her waist to help her dismount.

"Thank you."

I nodded and took her hand. "There's not much of an aisle to follow."

Myers squeezed my hand in return. "We'll find our way together."

With that, we took our first step to the rest of our lives.

When we reached Maxwell, he was smiling warmly. He cleared his throat softly, before beginning the ceremony. "I'm not going to say much, because not much needs to be said. You love each other, and a marriage is a promise between people who love each other. Drake, what do you promise Camilla?"

I turned to Camilla and drank in the sight of her, right here, right now, bathed in moonlight. Her hair was loose and fell down her back, tousled gently by the wind. Even in the dark, I could see her blushing softly, but her eyes were big and bright enough to outshine the stars.

She took my breath away.

"Even now, it's hard to believe that I'm really here… that someone like you could choose someone like me. That makes me luckier than I deserve. There's something about you, Myers, that draws me in and doesn't let go. I promise with everything I am to be your lover, your friend, and your protector… until the day I die."

Myers smiled brightly at me, the dimples on her cheeks fluttering.

"Camilla, what do you promise Drake?" Maxwell asked her.

Myers sighed. "Drake, from the moment we've met, you've had my back. You protected me when I wasn't looking, you looked out for me when you didn't need to, and you supported me through everything. You are my rock, Drake. You're the air I breathe, the dreams I dream, and all I truly need to be happy. I promise to spend the whole of my eternity loving you. You will be my first thought each morning as I wake, and my last each night before I sleep. We've shared many adventures together, and we have so many more to share. Through each one… each challenge, each victory, each defeat… I will love you, Drake Walker."

My chest tightened, and my eyes began to glisten.

"That's my promise to you." Myers continued. "I promise to never, ever, ever stop loving you."

"Then I hereby declare you… husband and wife." Maxwell announced.

Myers let out a teary smile, and I squeezed her hands. We both looked to Maxwell.

He laughed. "Well, what are you two waiting for? Make with the kissing already!"

We both let out a laugh that sounded of pure joy, before I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around her waist. Myers wrapped hers around my neck. I pressed my forehead against hers and closed my eyes, savoring this moment, this feeling, before finally leaning in.

Our kiss was sweet and tender, and yet passionate, slowly building up towards something deeper.

"... Aaaand that's my cue to head on out of here…" I distantly heard Maxwell say.

The sound of the waves seemed to intensify, the wind, the moonlight, everything intensified in this one perfect moment where Myers and I were finally husband and wife.

Camilla Myers was my wife.

I was Camilla Myers' husband.

I was the luckiest bastard alive.

When we finally pulled apart, we were both breathless.

"We're married, Myers."

"I know!" She laughed. "How does it feel? Different?"

"You're my wife now. My family. My world. Honestly, a part of me almost thought you wouldn't go through with it. That you'd realize at the last minute what a crazy, stupid mistake you'd be making."

"Hey, come on, I thought we agreed you wouldn't talk like that anymore." She pushed my shoulder lightly.

I shook my head. "Never again. Camilla Myers, I will love you 'til the day I die, and god willing, far beyond that." She smiled softly at me as I kissed her fingertips. "What about you?"

"It feels like destiny. Like every decision I've ever made, all the way back to the night we met, and before that still, was leading to this. And now we're here. And we're supposed to be."

I leaned in once more, this kiss more passionate and hungry. Myers jumped and wrapped her legs around my waist, running her fingers through my hair. I sank to my knees, and the both of us tumbled onto the soft grass underneath. I rolled over so that my wife was on top. I didn't want her on the cold hard ground.

Myers chuckled and pulled away for a moment. "Think you'll ever get bored of this now that we're husband and wife?"

"No chance in hell." I cupped her neck and pulled her down to me.

Myers took my hands and interlocked her finger with mine, raising my hands above my head. She then ducked to kiss down my jaw and my neck. I groaned before pulling her lips back to mine, sitting up with her on my lap.

Myers made quick work of the buttons of my shirt, and pushed it off my shoulders. My undershirt was next, tossed carelessly onto the ground. The cool wind hit my skin, but Myers' warm hands chased the cold away. They seemed to warm me up from the inside.

I kissed down the side of her neck and her shoulders, pulling down the straps of her dress. She raised her arms and I pulled the dress over her head slowly.

And in that moment, she took my breath away.

I thought she was the most beautiful person I'd ever seen the first time we were together. But now...

Right now, in this moment, seeing my wife bathed in the moonlight, her skin glowing and her hair wind tousled, her angelic smile and the sheer unadulterated love in her eyes…

Wow… I really am the luckiest bastard alive.

"I love you, Myers."

"I love you too, Drake."

---

Songs mentioned:

Perfect - Ed Sheeran

Tale as Old as Time - Beauty and the Beast OST

I'll Be - Edwin McCain

Faithfully - Journey

Falling Like the Stars - James Arthur