p class="p1"strongCHAPTER 11: THE APPLE OF HER EYE/strong/p
p class="p2" /p
p class="p3"strongspan class="Apple-converted-space" /spanThe Royal Palace, Cordonia. April 30th, 2017./strong/p
p class="p2" /p
p class="p2" /p
p class="p4"Almost the entire month of April went by before Ridley was to travel with Marcella and the brothers' Beaumont to the Cordonian Countryside. Within that time; he had relaxed himself greatly, had been well fed and taken care of, and had passed the time by exploring the castle on his own time. He never saw Lisette much, which he expected to happen./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"That morning, he dressed in a pair of navy jeans, black slip on sneakers, a white button shirt, and a black leather jacket. After a quick, yet fulfilling, breakfast, he joined The Beaumonts in the white stretch limo, which slowly pulled away from the Palace. Unfortunately, he was still exhausted from last night. As such, he drifted off barely a half hour into the trip. About an hour later, he was gently nestled awake by Marcella's soft touch. He yawned, glanced out the window and flexed his class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I hate to be cliche'..." he said, shaking the sleep from him. "But...are we there yet?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Almost, Ridley." Replied Maxwell. "Believe me, I'm almost as excited as you to get out of this car...especially since we're off to Applewood!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley had shaken the sleep from his system. "Applewood Manor? Is that really the name of the royal family's country manor? Don't get me wrong, everything in Cordonia has been so grand, but that's...quaint!"/p
p class="p4""It's decidedly appropriate." Said Bertrand. "Applewood Manor borders on the largest apple orchard in the entire kingdom; it's also where they first cultivated the apple varietal Cordonia is most famous for..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley nodded. "Oh, right." he suddenly cupped this hands like a makeshift megaphone. "This famous apple is called...not the Killer Kenna Crisp, nor the Granny Smith, but the Cordonian Ruby!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Betrayed smiled, though not from the humor for his response. "Very good, you've been paying attention. The Cordonian Ruby is a red varietal that's pleasantly crisp with an intense flavor that has notes of honeyed caramel."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"You know, that's probably the most poetic thing you've ever said." noted Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Certain subjects call for a little poetry."span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Like apples, obviously."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Precisely." he cleared his throat. "Now, let us review your role this weekend in earnest..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""'In earnest'? You make it sound like I need to step up my game..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Oh, indeed, you emdo/em. Since the King announced his retirement. Everything has changed..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley's demeanor went into free fall. "I guess the announcement was pretty serious, huh? I did see King Constantine talking to Latham about it at the beach party..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Bertrand raised a curious eyebrow. "Really? What do you know about it?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley wracked his brain for an answer, only to realize that he didn't truly know. He faced Bertrand, who was intently waiting for his answer. "Nothing, honestly...The King dismissed me before their talk. However...I know that the Princess wasn't expecting the announcement. Apart from that, I left them alone; and Lisette and I haven't touched on the subject ever since." He tapped his fingers on his knees, thinking hard; as he did so, his face became tinged with worry. "Come to think of it, I hadn't seen her around much lately..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell shrugged. "He's probably busy with preparations for the Coronation..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""That's precisely the reason we need to make a more concerted effort. We're no longer playing for the title of prince consort. If Ridley marries her, heem will/em be king consort." His face darkened. "The stakes are higher than ever. We must succeed."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley raised a finger. "You know I actually care about the Princess, right? If she chooses me, It'll be because she cares for me, and I care for her."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Bertrand nodded. "That's good. Use that. Let your sentimental heart fuel your competitive spirit."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley growled under his breath. "Bertrand..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I'm merely preparing you. The other gentlemen are only going to get more competitive, and if you do care about her, as you say you do, then you'll get serious."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Well, that I can agree to."span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""We're running out of time after all. There's only about a month and a half before coronation ball at the end of the social season."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""So soon?" said Ridley in shock. "I thought it ended at the end of the summer?/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Nope." Said Maxwell. "In England, that's the case. But not in Cordonia."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Time flies when you're jet-setting around Cordonia." Said Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley sighed. "So what do I need to do? What are my directives for today?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Firstly, there's no time to play coy anymore." Explained Maxwell. "Find ways to spend as much time as you can with Lisette."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""But if you can't do it, at least try not to get into trouble." Added Marcella. "You'll also be happy to know that we learned recently that the three frontrunners are you, Duke Olivier, and Count Glideroy./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Don't you mean Lord Gilderoy?" said Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"I don't know you told you that." Said Bertrand. "But no; he is emCount/em Gilderoy."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""And how are Gilderoy and Olivier in the lead? Especially since Lisette has a special connection with me?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Her Royal Highness isn't the only one that matters. Olivier and Gilderoy may not be at the forefront in the Princess's heart, especially ever since she focused her attentions on you, but they are very popular with other royals, the nobles, and the public at large; especially because of who their sisters are. As such, there's no doubt they're both going to try and undermine you, especially when your guard's down."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I know that Olivier's trying since the beginning." Said Ridley morosely. "Maxwell, Marcella, and I can attest to that. During the beach party, Penelope told me that he especially tried to do so at the Regatta, and failed miserably. As for Gilderoy, I don't know much about him."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""His mother is Cordonian Nobility, which is where he and Madeline they get their respective titles of Count and Countess. They're also practically royalty on their father's side as well. Their family is powerful, and they've grown up immersed in the intrigues and maneuverings of the courtly life." Bertrand pointed a finger at Ridley. "emDon't/em underestimate Gilderoy. He's used to winning."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley nodded. "...I've heard it said by the other suitors that he tried to win Lisette's hand in marriage during a previous social season a few years ago. They spoke of it during the garden party after the derby."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""That's true." Said Marcella. "The same year that happened was the same year that day Maxwell and I first met. We actually saw it all happen."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley's eyes widened. "Really? What happened?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Bertrand cleared his throat loudly to silence them. Once all was quiet, he continued talking. "Anyway, you won't be able to avoid either gentleman in public, but try your best to keep your cool and be diplomatic, especially when the press is around. So far, you've done remarkably well, but there's still room for failure."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley nodded; as he did so, the limo turned off the main road and onto a private drive. soon afterwards, it began to slow down./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""We're here!" Said Maxwell. Glancing out the window./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The Driver opened the door. Ridley exited first, stepping onto the ground and glanced around at the sprawling estate of Applewood Manor. The estate was large and sprawling; even more so than The Royal Palace. The estate was peppered with manicured gardens, a hedge maze and plenty of cobblestone parkways that led to the rear gardens, and beyond those were open fields of grass and well trimmed trees. Standing elegantly in the middle of it all was a large, grey, stone, four story manor. Ridley had to wonder howl long they would be staying here so that he could have time to explore it all./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""It's beautiful..." he commented. "I can get used to this."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Maxwell gestured to the Manor. "This is Applewood Manor. This will be our residence for the next several weeks."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"He and Ridley grabbed his luggage from the limo's trunk and they walked together down the long packed dirt driveway leading to the class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Bertrand and Marcella trailed after them; Marcella carried her own luggage, whereas Bertrand had the limo driver handle his luggage. "Now we should settle in quickly. The Apple Blossom Festival will last day and tomorrow, and the first kick-off event is starting this afternoon."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""What kind of apple-themed activites are we talking about?" Asked Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Delicious ones." Said Maxwell. "Apple-picking...apple-pie-baking...apple-tree-planting..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""We Cordonians take our traditions very seriously." Said Bertrand. "Be sure to show enthusiasm for all the events. That starts with finding something suitable to wear...Nothing too flashy; just something that says you're retable and quaint."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I can handle that." Said Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"After putting his bags in his suite, he headed for the boutique and began to purouse the racks for an outfit to put together. It contained a white shirt, with matching pants and a red scarf with a matching blazer with an apple lapel pin on the lapel. "If this doesn't say 'a day in the countryside,' I don't know what will." he said to himself as he left./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"He walked out of the manor and was escorted by Marcella and Maxwell towards the apple orchards at the rear of the estate. There were people there eagerly awaiting the beginning of the festival itself. Ridley saw the suitors themselves standing underneath the shade of the orchard's largest apple tree. He joined them, but had to squeeze into the only remaining space between Olivier and Gilderoy; which didn't help bolster his confidence. The two were dressed in apparel similar to his; slacks, button down shirts and blazers. Theirs were different color patterns. Olivier's were red and white, while Gilderoy's were green and black./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Olivier's head whirled around to face him as he took his place beside them. "Shouldn't you be in the back somewhere with Diana and the other commoners?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Gilderoy Shushed him. "It's starting."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Their attention went to the King and Queen standing in the center of the area, proudly smiling as they stood near several wicker baskets full of brilliant Cordonian Red Apples. the press thronged among the suitors and party-goers. All of them quieted down as the King raised his arms for attention. When all was silent, he spoke into a microphone clipped to his lapel./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Welcome to the annual Apple Blossom Festival!" He announced class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The Queen stepped forward. "As is tradition, myself and several ladies and of the court will sample the apples of the first picking of the season! However, for the first time this year, after our tastings, the men shall sample their own./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The Queen gestured with her hands, and the apples were distributed to the ladies, they cupped their own their hands and tasted class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""It looks delicious." Said Hana softly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Of course it is." Said Olivia. "I can't wait for Ridley to try it..." there was a menacing afterthought to her words that unsettled Hana, who gestured to where Ridley was standing./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Madeleine examined her nails on her free hand. "You know, I actually know forward to this every year..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Ladies, if you will...Please try your apples."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"They did so. Hana was the first to speak. "Oh!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Delicious." Said Olivia./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""As refreshing as a summer breeze." Breathed Madeline./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Then fresh apples were distributed to the class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley took his in his cupped hand. "It's so red...it really is like a ruby."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Gentlemen, if you will...please sample your apples."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley was about to sample the juicy red delicacy at his palm, where he noticed, out of the corner of his eye, a reporter edging closer to him with a cameraman beside him. It was Donnie Brine./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Make sure you look over here!" said Donnie. "We'd love some reaction shots..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ana De Luca joined them. "And a shot of that ensemble, Lord Ridley...Red is trending for this summer's menswear lineup. It's perfect!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Thanks!" said Ridley, before focusing on the apple./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The men all tasted their apples. Olivier and Gilderoy tasted their own apples and echoed their sisters' sentiments./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley stared at his own apple before taking a big bite. upon impact of the taste hitting his taste buds. His mouth filled with the sharp, nauseating mix of bitter and sour tastes. Despite everything in Ridley begging to grimace, he instead knuckled it all back, swallowed the apple and smiled broadly as the cameras clicked around him. "That was...emtasty/em." he said audibly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Donnie smiled. "It looks like you enjoyed the Cordonian Ruby; right, Lord Ridley?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"He nodded. "It certainly has character."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"As if in response, Hana said. "I wasn't expecting such a sour taste."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Gilderoy chuckled. "The first crop of the season always has a particular bite to it. I rather like the taste personally."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Youem would/em." sneered Olivier./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Before they could go at each other's throats; The King cleared his throat over his microphone, calling everyone to attention. All eyes turned to him and the Queen once again./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""It looks like our ladies and gentlemen all enjoyed their apples." He then gestured to a cluster of men and women who stood on the side of the plateau that the royals were standing on, who were wearing farmer clothing; the men wearing jeans and button down shirts, while the women wore dresses and straw hats. "I'd like to extend a special thanks to our apple growers and farmers for preserving our noble tradition."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""And with that...Happy Apple Blossom Festival!" Finished the Queen proudly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The crowd cheered as the rulers descended from their perch and disappeared behind their bodyguards. They all then began to start dispersing into the orchard to start picking apples for themselves./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley attempted to follow them, but the press instantly caught on and rushed forward to meet him, trapping him with Olivier and Gilderoy./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Would it be alright with you gentlemen if I asked a few questions?" Asked Donnie, who was among them, along with Ana De Luca./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Glideroy grinned pleasantly. "Of course! Fydelia has always generously supported the the CBC. I look forward to your favorable report."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Olivier's smile was dripping with smugness. "And I haven't forgotten the amazing article about the Nevrakis family history in emTrend/em several years back..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Your family has always been as fashionable as it is noble." Agreed Ana./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The two reporters turned to Ridley for a comment, as did Gilderoy and Olivia, though they weren't smiling, their body language made it clear they were waiting for him to make an ass of himself for their pleasure. "Well, , Ms. De Luca, I don't have a history with the CBC or emTrend/em...but I can promise you two a compelling story. The Princess and I are very close. In all the time we've spend together, I've seen a side of him that he seldom shows in public. Would you want to hear about that?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ana nodded slowly. "emTrend/em would be interested in Lord Ridley's insights as someone on the inside."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Thank you."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Gilderoy smiled as well. "Lord Ridley makes an excellent point, and I'd like to remind everyone that we all have a relationship with the Princess that could provide a unique spin."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Indeed. I've been Lisette's friend since childhood." Added Olivier./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""And I myself am close to the Prince and have the pleasure of calling the Queen my friend." added Gilderoy. "Now, any other questions?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Donnie consulted his notepad. "Just one last one...You've been at court enjoying all the events the social season has to offer, competing for the Princess's attention. At this stage, who do emyou/em think the Princess will choose?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I have confidence that the Princess will choose whomever will make the best King Consort. The Princess is loyal and decimated. He'll do what's best for her people and country."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""But you're still wishing it'll be you?" asked Ana./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""With everything in me. But I know Princess Lisette will do what's right, and I'm trying to be worthy of his choice."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Can I quote you on that?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Of course."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Gilderoy's smile had faded slightly, but he nodded apprecatively. "Very well-put, Lord Ridley."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley blinked in surprise at his cordial behavior. "Really?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yes. I know emI/em find the Princess' devotion to cause and country inspiring."/p
p class="p4""As do we all, Lady Madeline." Said Ana. "That's it for all our questions."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Thank you, gentlemen." Said Donnie. Especially you, Lord Ridley. Your answers were quite interesting."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""You're welcome." said Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The two reporters walked off together. The instant they were out of sight; Olivier glared malevolently at Ridley, while Gilderoy considered him thoughtfully./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""That was...informative." Said the Scottish Count. "Lord Ridley, you answered their questions with such grace and poise."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Oh. Thank you." Smiled Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Gilderoy folded his arms. "It was rather enviable. I only hope you can keep it up without any emmishaps/em. Some gentlemen can't handle the pressure."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley shot him a daring scowl. "emI/em can."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""As can I." Sneered Olivier. "If either of you think you've won, you got another thing coming./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Oh, Olivier…" sighed Gilderoy. "I think we all know where we stand. May the best man win." He strolled away casually./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Olivier shook his head and stalked away in the opposite direction. Ridley was the last to leave; he saw Marcella, Maxwell and Bertrand waiting on the sidelines./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""You did well up there with the press." said Bertrand. "Gilderoy didn't shake you at all."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley sighed, "Yeah, but I'm beginning to see what you warned me about. He spun everything positively for himself…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Still, this gives me hope."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley's face went hot instantly. "Also, thanks for not giving me a heads up about the apple. You said there was a caramel-esque taste to it!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Bertrand returned the expression, refusing to be cowed. "I said it had an 'intense flavor'! Besides, if you can't handle something as simple as a for apple. I shudder to think how you'll crumble when presented with a real challenge!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley shrugged. "Whatever. So what happens now? We join the festival in general?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"He gestured to Him and Marcella. Right now, I suggest you two go down that path and enjoy a stroll through the royal gardens…I have it on good authority that the Princess is there now. I'll catch up with you two later."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Maxwell's going too, right?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Bertrand glanced between them. "Oh, yes; of course. Now then, I'm off."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Marcella rested a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, Ridley. We'll show you where to go."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The couple led Ridley down the path to the gardens; they had barely been down the path where they heard Bertrand's voice; which sounded extremely class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley spun around to see Bertrand standing with a familiar figure. "Hold on, you two. Is that Bertrand talking to that emTrend/em Reporter, Ana De Luca?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Sure enough, across the path, there they were./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Bertrand was scowling reprovingly at her. "Ana, you're being unreasonable!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ana stood her ground; her scowl was partially hidden behind her black tinted shades, but the expression was still clear for all to see. "Not the way I see it."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Bertrand spun around and stormed off./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley bent low and whispered to them. "Looks like something's up. Any clue as to what's going on?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Not really…" Sighed Maxwell. "Bertrand doesn't let me get involved with House Beaumont affairs. He thinks I'd just screw it up."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""And you know where I stand in his book…" Added Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""That's not fair to either of you!" exclaimed Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""But he does have a point…" sighed Maxwell. "I emam/em kind of a screw up…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""…Whereas I'm an actual screw up." Said Marcella miserably./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley's blood boiled at the thought of The Duke's behavior towards his own brother and potential sister in law. "Don't let him get to either of you!" He snapped. "You're as much a member of House Beaumont as he is!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell glanced over at Ana. "It does look like things didn't go over so well with Ana…Maybe I could help…" Suddenly, he shook his head. "But wait, I don't wait to distract you. We're supposed to find the Princess."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I can do it in your absence." Said class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"""Are you sure?" asked Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I'm as part of this family as you and Bertrand are." she replied hotly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""You really think you should do it? Shouldn't we do it together?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Marcella sighed. "If you insist…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""emI/em insist." Said Ridley firmly. "You may be a future family member, Marcella, but Maxwell is Bertrand's brother. He wants to help him if he can."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""We can do it together." Said Maxwell, grabbing his fiance's hand. "Thanks for helping, Ridley. I hate awkward situations."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"As they approached Ana, she looked up, noticed them, and turned to Ridley. "Lord Ridley, what a surprise! Do you wish to add to your earlier comments?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yes, Ms. De Luca…I'm actually here for my friends, Maxwell and Marcella. We wanted to see if you're be willing to share some information with us."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Straight to the point. I like that." she replied. "First off, if we're talking off the record, just call me Ana."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Okay, Ana…I wanted to ask…What were you and Bertrand arguing about?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Bertrand always been very concerned with how the world sees him and his house. Let's just say that my view of what's currently going on didn't exactly match with the image he wants the world to see."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell shuffled his feet sadly. "So…you know that we're broke."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Not to put too fine a point on it, but yes. What happens to the Beaumont House emis/em Cordonian News."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I don't think we're really THAT important." Commented Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Bertrand made House Beaumont important." Replied Ana. "He catapulted you family name into the spotlight." She tapped her pen against her chin and realized it wasn't Maxwell who had spoken to her. "You are Lady Marcella Luccassen?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emLuccassen/em? Thought Ridley. emThat must be her real name/em!/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""…Yes…" Said Marcella absently. Then she blinked in shock. "Wait, do you…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yes." Said Ana. "I know that you and Maxwell haven't truly tied the knot."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley's entire being jerked in surprise at this revelation. He had that sure feeling that Maxwell and Marcella weren't actually married yet. However, he believed he was the only one to know this…aside from Bertrand, perhaps./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I didn't believe the story for a second when it was announced!" Continued Ana. Neither did Trend, hence why we didn't run it." "Good or bad, Cordonia wants to know what's happening with you. I happen to think that they deserve the truth." She scowled again. "But Bertrand doesn't see it that way. He was furious."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""To be fair, Ana, " said Ridley, "I'm not sure Bertrand knows how to smile, even on a good day."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ana chuckled. "You should've seen him back in the day."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""What's that supposed to mean?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Bertrand was usually the life of the party…and it was usually emhis/em party. I don't think there was a day of the week when he didn't have some sort of social engagement worthy of royalty."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell cleared his throat before things could go off topic. "Well…so…are you going to run a story about my brother?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""…Yes." said Ana./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Bertrand would be devastated." He sighed./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Think you could spare him?" asked Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ana shook her head furiously. "Look, I don't appreciate Bertrand's way of going about things. If he thinks he can intimidate me, he's got another thing coming!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""But we're not trying to intimidate you, we're practically begging you." Said Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ana thought for a moment, then sighed. "True."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Please, it would ruin our house's reputation."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Nonsense. People love a good riches-to-rags story even more than a rags-to -riches one. If anything, it would make the people love you."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Actually, people would pity them." Suggested class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Perhaps." agreed Ana. "But is there anything wrong with pity?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""There is to Bertrand. It would kill him." replied Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I suppose it would, wouldn't it…" Sighed Ana. After a few moments of silent deliberation, she spoke again. "Very well, you've made your point. I'll delay my story until the end of the social season./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Thank you; That would mean a lot." said Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"You're welcome. Now, if that is all,span class="Apple-converted-space" /spanreally must be off. It was….interesting talking to you." She sauntered off, leaving the trio class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell faced Ridley. "Thanks for joining us in talking to her. I'm really glad we did."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""It's always strange to hear people talk about the way things used to be." Replied Ridley. Was Bertrand really so different?"span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Oh, you have no idea." said Maxwell. "In fact, let me tell you about the New Years Eve he threw six years ago at House Beaumont…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"strongHouse Beaumont, Ramsford Estate, Cordonia, Six years earlier…/strong/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emOne thing I should point out was that this was before Marcella and I met each other during the social season in which Prince Leo was engaged to Madeline. However, considering how different Bertrand was during that year, I wish our paths had crossed during that time. Now then…/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emspan class="Apple-converted-space" /spanDuring that New years party; it was the best ever! The Crowd of guests included practically nearly every single royal in the country. Everything was great, the atmosphere, the food, the festivities, the music, etc…but the best moment of all was the midnight toast at the grand staircase! Bertrand himself was in his element, the center of attention, and barely was there a minute without him not smiling./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"More champagne!" he called to a server, who gave it to him. "You can't have a toast without champagne!"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Hold on a sec…"span class="Apple-converted-space" /spanI said. "I saw something cool on the internet. Give me that bottle!" I took it from his hands and grabbed a nearby sword that was hanging on the wall./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Maxwell!" He exclaimed. "That sword is over one hundred years old!"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"It is?"span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"And so is that Champagne! Neither's getting any younger, so let's have at it!"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Hey, hear!" agreed Olivia from her place at the front of the crowd of guests./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Let's have it!" cried another woman!/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Yeah, don't make us wait all night!" added Diana./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Be careful!" said Lisette./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emI held the sword carefully in one hand and with the other, lobbed off the top of the bottle! It sparkled and bubbled as the crowd cheered./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Expert swing!" said class="Apple-converted-space" /span/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Here's to the party of the century!" I said triumphantly./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emBertrand's smiled faded. "No…"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emI blinked in surprise. "No?"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emOnly for him to say, "We toast to my brother, who makes any party he's at the party of the century!"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Wood hooo! Come on, everyone!" I cheered./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Yeah, yeah, Woo hoo." said Diana flatly./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Come on, Diana!" said the woman beside her. "I dragged you out for a night of fun. "Show a little enthusiasm!" Yaaaaay!" she cheered./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Come on now, we need to proper New Years Eve toast from the hosts."/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Quite right you are, Olivia." said Bertrand. "Maxwell, would you join me in the honors?"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emWith that, the brothers stepped up on the stairs, arm in arm. "Friends, nobles..." I said, facing class="Apple-converted-space" /span/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Courtly guest, members of the elite..." Added Bertrand./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"And whoever else managed to sneak into here tonight...Let me begin by saying...I honestly don't know most of you." The crowd laughed loudly. "But I'd like to think a few bottles of top-notch champagne can change all of that."/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"And I think we've got more than enough here to make sure we're all fast friends by the time the sun rises."/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Hey hee..." chuckled the woman./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Indeed!" I said. The crowd cheered! As the noise died down, the clock began to strike midnight./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Hurry it up!" said Olivia./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emIt's the new year!" said the woman./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"In conclusion, cheers to the Brothers Beaumont!" I cried./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"emBertrand slung an arm over my shoulders. "Cheers!"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Cheers!" said Olivia./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Cheers!" said Lisette./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Cheers." said Diana./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Cheers!" said the woman./em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"em"Cheers!" I finished. "And...Happy New Year!"/em/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"strongApplewood Manor, Present Day./strong/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley saw the smile fade from Maxwell's face as his story finished./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""...and that's how things were." he sighed./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley shook his head, "Wow, I can't believe Bertrand was actually like that."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yeah..." he shook his head roughly. "But enough about that. We've got to get you to the Princess."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"A short while later, Ridley arrived at the heart of the manor gardens. Everyone from court and their significant others, (Those who had one) were strolling among the beautiful flower beds and examining the beauty of each bed. He glanced around the area, but Lisette wasn't in sight, which worried him. "Where's Lisette? I don't see her...She's been a little off since the Regatta."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Well, Bertrand said she was around here." Said class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I'll go look around." Said Maxwell. "Wait here."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"As he wandered off, Ridley glanced around and noticed a Sign on the gazebo that read 'Exhibit Closed'. He rubbed his chin absently, wondering why it was closed. He glanced around to see if he was being watched. He wasn't. Marcella had been flagged down by some ladies in court and had went to go engage with them. Ridley took advantage of this and snuck into the gazebo, where he saw Lisette sitting on a bench and looking contemplatively at a still pond of golden fish. She never noticed him as he quietly approached her; she looked very downcast, which unsettled him./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Lisette?" he said; his voice soft with an undercurrent of quiet caution./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette jerked visibly in her seat, as if Ridley struck her with a cattle prod. She swerved around to see him standing near the gazebo entrance. "Ridley! I..." she clutched her heart and took a few breaths to steady class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Is something wrong?" he asked, the worry still on his face./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette sighed. "No. It's just..." she waved it again. "Never mind; it's nothing at all./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley never bought it for even a fraction of a second. "Lisette...I can tell something's bothering you. What's going on?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette looked up at him, then took a breath to steady herself. "Ridley...may I ask you something?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"He nodded. "Always."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette's worry seemed to grow stronger in spite of Ridley's encouragement. "Do you...do you think you could handle being co-ruler of Cordonian? Truly?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley thought for a minute to process the question; he hadn't thought about that. The question itself made his nervousness skyrocket; what was she asking him? If he did marry her, he would be King Consort. Royal Consorts weren't really rulers, they were manly for show. He looked back at Lisette, who was staring intently at him, waiting for his answer. "Yes, I believe so. I mean, I haven't spent as much time at court as some of the other Gentlemen, but I'd like to think I could do a good job...all things considered./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette's worry softened a bit, "That's...good."span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley's own worry still remained, "Is that what's been on your mind recently?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""That's part of it. But as for the rest...I..." she trailed off for several seconds. "It's not something I can talk about. With anyone. But trust me, if I could...You'd be the one I'd want to tell."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley's worry intensified anew. "Lisette..." He stepped forward cautiously, reached out to lightly touch her arm, and felt the flowered embroidery of her white long sleeved summer dress. She didn't stiffen, instead leaning into him for a brief moment before embracing him tightly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"She pulled back, "Honestly,I'll be fine. Anyway, it's just boring royal business. Not worth troubling you about in any case."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Well, then; perhaps I can join you in the gardens?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I'd love that." Lisette stood, straightened her white and red dress, and hooked her arm with his as they walked out of the Gazebo and winded their way through the colorful, sprawling flowerbeds. "You know, I've always loved the view here." she commented./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""It's magical." Agreed Ridley. I've never seen to many apple blossoms."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""The festival is a special time of year for the garden. I could stay here all day, but..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Ridley saw her trail off. "But?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I have plans with Diana."span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley unhooked his arm from Lisette's, "Oh. Sorry. I didn't meant to interrupt you."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette looked a little disappointed with Ridley unhooking his arm, but she hid it with a smile. "You're welcome to come with me. She'd probably be happy to see you. She sort of dreads this day every year."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""She hates apples?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Not quite. Today is Diana's birthday."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley blinked in surprise. "Today's Diana's birthday? Figures she'd try and keep it a secret."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yes, she'd actually be furious if she knew that I'd told usually spends the day cooped up in her suite at the palace. However, sometimes, I'm able to weaponize our friendship and sisterhood to convince her to go have a drink with me...but that's about as far as it goes." She heard footsteps from behind her and glanced over her shoulder. "Ah, speak of the devil." Ridley followed her gaze and they both saw Diana strolling through the gardens as well, accompanied by Maxwell, Marcella and Hana. She was wearing a white long sleeved dress with a red necker chief with apples on it; topped off with white stiletto heels. Hana wore a long red sleeveless dress that was decorated with little apples all over it, with a pair of sliver class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Diana!" said Ridley cheerfully./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana frowned skeptically. "Why do you look so happy to see me?" Then, her face darkened in silent horror. "Oh no...god, no...WHY?!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yep! Happy Birthday!" said Ridley Triumphantly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana shot her a frightened look. "Lisette, emyou told him/em?!"span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette wilted before her. "My deepest apologies, Diana. I forgot it was such a closely guarded secret."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana sighed. "It's fine. It doesn't matter, because this is the last we're ever going to speak of it ever again."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Hana looked disappointed. "You don't want to do something fun on your birthday? Even emI/em saw allowed petit fours and an hour to play with my father's cat each year..."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Wow, Diana; even Hana feels sorry for you." said Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana furiously rounded on all of them. "I don't need fun to enjoy myself! Besides, what could you jokers possibly want to do that would be fun for me?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell faced Ridley. "Are all Americans as fussy as Diana is about birthdays, Ridley?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley smiled and let out a bark of laughter. "Diana's an American?!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Half. On my mother's side." Said Diana tensely./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Just like you, Ridley!" exclaimed Hana. "I remember you telling me about your Father being British and your mother being American."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Me too." Said Marcella. " Sounds like you two are kindred spirits."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley wasn't listening though; he was lost in thought. "That gives me an idea...Lisette, do you have any American Western-themed bars here in Cordonia?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette tapped her foot in thought. "I honestly wish I could say yes. Unfortunately, I haven't much freedom to seek out such places."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I'm looking up some now..." Said Maxwell. scrolling through his cell class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""How about it, Diana?" Whiskey, mechanical bull riding, and some good ol' American fun."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana caressed her dress sleeve. "I guess it doesn't sound horrible...but I can't ask you guys to sneak out like that."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette smiled. "Nonsense. I'd love to."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I'd also like to understand more of Ridley's American culture!" said Hana./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I'll take any chance possible to dance the night away." said Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Good for you," Said Maxwell." I just found the perfect place!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana looked over at the place on Maxwell's phone. "I don't know..." she glanced over at Ridley. "Do you really want to do this, Ridley?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I almost think we emhave/em to with that outfit you're wearing." Said Hana, glancing at Ridley's outfit./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I say...we're going out tonight!" he said triumphantly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yes!" Maxwell and Marcella Cheered at the same time./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I must go prepare!" smiled Hana./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yeah..." sighed Diana, her tone was neutral, despite the enthusiasm of those around her. "Something tells me this is going to be a night to remember."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Evening had arrived sooner rather than later. The group had walked into the bar in question that Maxwell had found. The interior was all american./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""The party has arrived!" sang Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Hana's eyes widened and glanced around the bar. "Oh? Where?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana rolled her eyes at Hana's inexperience. "It's us, Hana. He means us."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Exactly, girl!" Said Marcella. "As in, emwe're/em the life of the party."/p
p class="p4""We...are?" Hana asked slowly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Marcella shrugged. Well. Some of us." she glanced over at Diana./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The birthday girl sighed. "I can't believe you actually talked me into this."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley strolled over to the bar counter. "First order of business...we've got to get you a birthday drink!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette cut him off. "I'll buy the first round."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""On her embirthday/em? Any bartender with a heart would give her a free drink to start the night off, don't you think?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Free drinks are something that when you're a emwoman/em, Ridley." Admitted Diana. "At least, that's what I emhad/em been told. However, on my twenty first birthday, I didn't so much as get a free drop from anyone."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""No? Well, let me see what I can. Come on, Diana." He hooked her arm in his and pulled her over to the bar counter. "Hey, Bartender." He spoke aloud. "My friend here is celebrating her birthday! Can we get a drink on the house?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The bartender looked surprised for a minute, mulled it over...and finally she nodded./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana facepalmed. "It's like everything I know is wrong!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley class="Apple-converted-space" /span"Good of you to admit it."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana snapped her fingers. "No, wait! I figured it out. Of course she'd do it for you. No one says no to a hot guy like you."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley blinked rapidly. "Diana…you definitely just called me hot."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana jerked back. "I just meant…from her perspective…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Suuuuuure." said Ridley sarcastically./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana shook her head vigorously. "Anyway, stop holding up the line. You've gotta tell the the woman what drink you're ordering."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Gotta admit, I thought you might make me suffer."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""What can I say, it's your birthday. Everyone deserves to have at least emone/em day out of the year when people are nice to them."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana smiled. "A girl could be used to this." She picked up her drink and returned to the booth with Ridley behind her./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""There you two are!" said Hana./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Princess Lisette just paid the guy operating the mechanical bull. He wants Diana to ride!" Said Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana balked. "Me? No way! Nope!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I figured you wouldn't want to, but Lisette says you're some kind of expert…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley Glanced at the birthday girl. "Is that true?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""There's only one way you'd get to find out," replied Diana, "And I'm not drunk enough to make a fool of myself yet."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Personally, I'd rather see Hana try." Said Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Hana's eyes widened. "Oh! I Couldn't! I wouldn't even know where to start?!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yeah, that's why it'd be fun!" said Marcella. She glanced around the booth. "Aright, we have a tie breaker vote…" her eyes settled on Ridley. "Ridley! Hana or Diana?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley rubbed his chin as he glanced between them. Hana looked nervous, while Diana was sipping her whiskey and looking indifferent. Realizing he needed a decision, he made one. "Hana. You go." he said to her./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Really?" she said nervous. "I don't think I'd be any good at it at all!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Maybe that's exactly why you should try it. It's okay to be terrible at something every now and then."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""In fact, it's kind of liberating." added Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Hana sighed, then nodded. "Well…okay! I'll do it!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"She got up from the table, swung her leg up and over the mechanical, once she was mounted, she adjusted her skirt. "Yee…haw?" As if on cue, the bull began to buck and twist! "WHOA!" she cried. "Good bull! Nice bull!"span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""You got this!" Cheered Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"As if on cue, Hana was flung to the side as the bull bucked mightily. As he helped her to her feet, he saw her laughing so hard she could hardly breathe. "Oh my god!… I don't think I've ever laughed this hard before!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Glad you did it?"span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Oh, Definitely!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"As the band on stage, started up a new song, Maxwell's eyes lit up. "We all should hit the dance floor!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Hana noted the tempo of the song that was playing; it wasn't slow and romantic, which meant that it wasn't waltz material. Far from what she was used to. "I don't think you can waltz to this…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yeah, that's exactly the point." replied Maxwell. "I mean, really dance. Like, the fun kind of dancing."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Hana was, of course, slow to pick up on his point. "The…fun…kind? What would that entail?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell looked surprised. "Are you sure you don't know?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Marcella thumped him in the stomach. "She wasn't in the bachelorette party when we met Ridley, Sweetie." She grabbed Hana's hands. "I could tell you, but it'll be so much fun to show you." She slipped out of her heels and left them on her seat and lead her over to the dance floor, the rest of the group following closely class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley walked over to Diana as the others began to dance. She looked reluctant to dance with them. "I'm not really the kind of girl who dances." She told Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley put his hands on his hips. "Seriously?! Just sway side to side, and you're basically set for the night." He nodded over to Hana, who had received the same instruction from class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana looked unconvinced. "Really? According to Maxwell, there's a lot more to it than that…" She nodded over at the young lord, who was clearing a space on the class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Make room! Make room!" he told the others around him. He dropped to his knees and did a series of breakdancing moves, ending with a gravity-defying pose!/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley was stunned by the young nobleman's talent. "That was…impressive!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Exactly. I'm never going to be like Maxwell."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""What about Marcella?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"As if on cue, Marcella was dancing and twirling across the floor with the skill and grace of a professional ballerina. After seeing her work, Diana gave him a look that said; "Satisfied?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell shimmied over to a group of watching women. "Laaadies…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley shook his head. "I think the world can handle emone/em Maxwell."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Hah." laughed Diana. "The world can't even handle Marcella, let alone him."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Besides, there's a reason why I picked emyou/em to dance with tonight and no one else."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""You didn't want to try to keep up with Marcella's Ballet professionalism?"span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Maybe I like your style better."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana laughed again. "Come on, Knightley; It's more like a lack of style than anything."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley folded his arms. "Is that a new, humble Diana?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Only on the dance floor, my one weakness."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley smiled playfully. "I thoughtem I/em was your one weakness."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana blinked rapidly. "Uh…what?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I mean, I'm the only one who doesn't let you get away with anything…and I got you out here tonight, did I not?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana nodded, "As far as weaknesses go, you're not the worst, Knightley."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The group went on to dance as the night went on. Marcella and Maxwell showed Hana different kinds of class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""And this, Hana, is 'the sprinkler'!" said Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Hana's face lit up. Ooh, do you have sprinkles?/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Maxwell sighed. "It's…water." he shook his head. "Just forget it."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"And they went on dancing…/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Hey, Lisette. Get in front of the circle and show us a move!" said Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette waved a hand. "I couldn't possibly…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Fun sucker!" teased Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Do it!" Added Diana./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Lisette! Lisette! Lisette!" Cheered Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"The Princess sighed. "Very well, if It'll avoid causing a scene…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"She clapped, and after backing up a few steps, ran forward and did a flip that surprised all of them./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Whoa!" cried Ridley. " I didn't know you had moves like that!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette smiled. "As part of my education. my parents had me take a few years of gymnastics. I'm afraid that's more or less all I remember."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""It's enough." Said Marcella./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"As the last song of the night winded down, they returned to their table to settle their check and leave for the night./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""We shut this place emdown/em!" Exclaimed Maxwell./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""What did you think, Hana?" Asked Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""It was scary…" she admitted. "….But a fun kind of scary?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Marcella clapped a hand on her back. "You'll learn to love going out. Just wait until next time."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Hana stared at her in surprise. "Next time?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Lisette smiled. "I hope there's a next time…as long as we can find another way to sneak out."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""We'll make it happen; One way or another." Said Ridley./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""As they all gathered their things and headed for the door, Ridley saw Diana hanging back./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Not ready for your birthday to end?" he asked softly./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"She chuckled. "Maybe. You know, to tell you the truth, I always dreaded my birthday when I was a kid. My parents tried hard, really hard, to give me the best birthday they could. But I kid of always knew that no matter what they did, Princess Lisette's parents were going to top that in every which way. Case in point: For my sixth birthday, my parents got me a toy T rex. For Lisette's sixth birthday, her parents got the entire palace staff to dress up like Dinosaurs! For my tenth birthday, my parents got me a cake shaped like a car. How did The King and Queen top that? They got him a cake the emsize/em of a car!"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley couldn't believe what he was hearing. Diana, that must've been hard. You must've hated her guts, even just a bit."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana scoffed. "I was tempted to hate her, I admit it…but you know how Lisette is. In all honestly, she was the sweetest girl I've ever met. If someone could ever pull off extravagant wealth without being obnoxious, it's her. So these over-the-top birthday parties never got under my skin." She sighed depressively. "But they were hell on my parents. They knew that what they could give me could never even match what Lisette was getting…and that killed them; it wasn't what literally killed them, but it did kill them, both inside and out." She smiled. "So around the time I turned ten; I made a decision to stop trying. No more birthday parties, no more cakes, presents, party favors…you made it, I didn't want it! All I ever wished for was to spend the day with my family and do something fun. My parents loved that. It made them feel like they could give me something special."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley felt a tsunami of sympathy engulf him. "Aww…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Yeah, yeah, I know; I'm a total marshmallow. Just don't tell anyone else."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""No promises….But…."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""But?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley sighed. "Diana, I hope I didn't get in the way of any family traditions tonight."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana waved it away. "Nah. My family's not around anymore, so I wasn't expecting to do anything tonight. That said, tonight has actually been….well, it's really been fun. And if I'm being honest with myself, it's felt a lot more like this special birthdays with my family, than I thought it could…"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""So you're saying I'm family now?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana stared at him for a long minute, then looked away. "…Not exactly." Ridley's face fell, disappointed that his efforts for Diana had been for naught. Diana saw this and smiled to stop him. "But…maybe we emare/em friends. I'm glad you dragged me out." She clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Now then, we should be off. Don't want to keep the others waiting./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley nodded. Then walked up to Diana and hugged her class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana was taken aback by the display of affection. "Knightley?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""I'm here for you, Diana….Anytime."span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana returned it at last, despite herself. "Knightley?"/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4""Yes."span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Diana maneuvered her face against his shoulder. "…Thanks."/p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"She stepped out of the hug and smiled broadly at him as they left the bar and joined the others as they went back to the Manor to sleep./p
p class="p5" /p
p class="p4"Ridley, for his part, slept fitfully all night,span class="Apple-converted-space" /span/p