"'Countess Madeleine invites all of Cordonia to glimpse her bachelorette celebration!'" Justin was reading from an issue of Trend magazine while Bertrand and I listened. "'The events of the evening will kick off with an exclusive photoshoot and interview with the queen-to-be and her party.' What do you think about that, Riley?"

"Uggh," I groaned, throwing my head and arms back dramatically. "Can't she just get drunk and dance on tables like a normal person? You know, stick to bachelorette party tradition?"

Bertrand pushed my shoulders so I was sitting upright again, and when I looked at his face he was clearly aghast. "If that is what you consider traditional, I shudder to think what you would define as contemporary," he told me.

"Madeleine wouldn't take the risk of a party like that," Justin said. "She works the press like a professional. If you want to stand out tonight, you'll have to take a page out of her book."

I gave Justin my best disgusted look, then frowned in resignation. "To defeat the Madeleine, I must become the Madeleine. Think like her...act like her...I hope I'm up to it."

"Don't worry," Justin assured me. "I'll be with you the whole time."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Madeleine invited you to her bachelorette party?"

He laughed. "I wish! No, we'll have a bit of help from this," he held out his hand, showing me a small earpiece. "As long as you wear it, I'll be in your head," he explained.

I took it hesitantly. "And that's a good thing?"

"If you want to impress Ana de Luca, it is."

"And don't forget about the investigation," Bertrand told me. He had looked over the e-mailed bank transfer receipt, and written out the last four digits of the credit card number that was used to pay the photographer. He gave me the paper and let me know that my job tonight, aside from impressing Ana de Luca and everyone at Madeleine's party, was to try and sneak a peek at as many credit cards as possible. One of the noble ladies must have a card whose last four digits matched the bank transfer, and whoever she was was the person who had set me up.

6547...6547...6547. I repeated the numbers to myself as I stared at the paper, trying to memorize them. Just in case, though, I tucked the paper in my purse to bring along.

"Riley!" Bertrand's voice snapped me back to attention. "Are you listening?"

"Sorry," I said, "What was that?"

"Lady Madeleine has asked each lady in her court to plan a portion of the night's activities," Bertrand told me.

I rolled my eyes. "And I'm just finding out about this now? I haven't prepared anything."

"Why would you?" Justin smiled. "You've got people like me to do that for you!"

"Really?" I smiled.

"Bertrand had me conduct some market research, and I've prepared two options for you to pick from. You have VIP reservations at the two hottest clubs in town, an underground lounge, and a rooftop night spot with a pool. Just say the word, and we'll lock in your plans."

"Wow, that's amazing! Thank you!" I thought for a minute, "Let's go with the rooftop pool." I grinned wickedly. "With any luck, Madeleine will just happen to fall in and get soaking wet!"

Our first stop on Madeleine's Grand Bachelorette Party Adventure was an upscale clothing store. Madeleine wanted everyone to be dressed in metallic colors for the photo shoot, so Penelope had booked a private shopping excursion as her activity. She had the staff set aside all the metallic dresses they had in stock, and we all took turns trying on dresses and modeling them for each other. It was just five of us – Madeleine, Penelope, Kiara, Hana, and me. It would have been kind of fun, if Madeleine hadn't insisted on having the final say in what everyone wore.

"Please tell me you're not actually trying to wear that A-line dress, Lady Riley," Madeleine said with an eye roll. She pulled a different dress from the rack and held it up to me. "I think a fitted mini would be much more complimentary of your...ample figure."

I took the dress without a word, shooting daggers at Madeleine with her thin-lipped smile as I stomped back to the dressing room.

"An A-line dress really isn't the best way to show off your lovely curves, Riley," a voice in my head said, with a hint of humor.

I scowled even more as I changed clothes. "That's not the point," I whispered to Justin. I had almost forgotten I was wearing the earpiece he gave me; this was the first time he had spoken up all night. But apparently he had been listening in to everything that had been going on.

"It is the point," he corrected me. "While Madeleine may not like you personally, she does want the photo-shoot later to go well, and that means having everyone dressed to the nines. I suggest you follow along. Besides, we all know that once you're under those lights, it's you who's going to shine."

I smiled. Justin always knew what to say. I guess that was what made him good at his job. And, looking in the mirror, I had to admit that I looked good in the slim-fitting gold mini-dress that Madeleine had picked out.

"Tada!" I said as I burst out of the changing room.

"Oh, Riley, you look absolutely stunning!" Hana gasped.

Madeleine looked a little less pleased with herself than she had a minute ago, but nodded her approval. "I'm pleased to see you're learning to follow instructions." Then, she turned her eye on Penelope, who was the only one of us not dressed in either gold or silver. "Penelope, was there something unclear about my party theme?"

"I..." she hesitated, looking upset. "I waited too long to call about the reservation, and they didn't have anything metallic left in my size."

Madeleine rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "I can hardly find this surprising, but I do find it extremely disappointing."

Ever the diplomat, Kiara chimed in, taking Madeleine's arm gently. "The night is still young," she said, "We'll have lots of fun! Let's head to my event now. We don't want to be late for the photo-shoot with Trend."

"I just have to pay for your dress, Madeleine. It's my gift to you," Penelope said, plucking Madeleine's tags from her dress and bringing them to the counter.

"And there's not even a poodle on it. I guess I should be grateful."

I stifled a sigh, and joined Penelope at the counter. I had to pay for my dress too, of course, but I also thought this was an easy chance to sneak a peek at her credit cards. So, I sidled up a little closer than I needed to as Penelope paid. "It's really nice of you to buy Madeleine's dress for her," I said.

"Oh, um...sure," Penelope replied, distracted as she looked through her purse for her wallet. "Anything to get on her good side."

As she pulled out her wallet, I managed to see the last four digits of her credit card, but they were not a match. I breathed an internal sigh of relief; Penelope was so sweet, I didn't want to believe she was behind the photos, but Bertrand assured me I couldn't count anyone out.

"Penelope, Riley, let's not keep Ana de Luca waiting!" Madeleine huffed from the door. I hurriedly paid for my dress and we left the shop, heading next to a studio that Trend had secured for the press event.

Ana de Luca, a photo-journalist for Trend who had become quite familiar to me during the social season, greeted us all warmly. She was also, apparently, a fashion designer, and she seemed to appreciate our trendy metallic outfits. She directed us to a black backdrop where she said we would "sparkle like the diamonds you are!"

"Don't get in Madeleine's way," Justin warned me through the earpiece. I jumped; I had forgotten about him again. "It will look desperate if you're trying too hard to be in the spotlight."

I nodded, then realized he couldn't see me, and whispered, "Roger that."

As all the girls found their lighting, I posed with an arm thrown casually around Hana, near the back of the group. Hana smiled at me and said in her charmingly naive way, "I think this is what they call 'hashtag squadron goals.'"

"Something like that!" I said, holding up a peace sign as the cameras flashed.

"My audience is going to love all the girl power in the room," Ana said with a smile, looking right at me. "You ladies are just the sort of role models young Cordonians need right now."

I cocked me head a little; I think that was the first time anyone had ever said I was a role model. It was surprising, but...nice.

After more casual photos, and a few guided poses, Ana set her camera down. "Time for a few questions," she said. There were chairs and sofas nearby, so we all sat, and Ana sat in an armchair facing the five of us.

"Countess Madeleine," she said, holding out a recorder to catch every word. "Tell me, why do you allow Lady Riley at court after everything that has happened."

I winced a little, but Madeleine casually waved a hand in the air as she answered. "Honestly? It's water under the bridge."

"Really? The scandal, the pictures, none of that concerns you?"

"To be frank, the way the press has treated Lady Riley and dragged her name through the mud is shameful." The incense in her voice was clear, and I didn't think it was just an act. "And furthermore, where is the ire directed at Tariq? The media has been conspicuously silent on his role in the whole ordeal. Wouldn't Cordonia be better served if the focus were on the bright future King Liam and I are building for our people?"

"You have...given me a lot to think about, Countess Madeleine," Ana said, sinking back in her chair a little. Madeleine gave a curt nod. After a beat, Ana turned to Penelope and Kiara, asking them about life as a lady-in-waiting, and I pulled Madeleine aside.

"That was..." I started, shaking my head. "I didn't expect that."

Madeleine shrugged. "I don't expect you to believe me, but it wasn't just for show. I meant what I said."

I nodded. I did believe her. "Thank you."

"Please, I didn't do it for you. That's just honestly how I feel." She looked back at Ana, then lowered her voice. "A word of advice?"

I nodded.

"Always tell the press your motives are in support of King Liam, or of Cordonia. The moment you seem to do something for yourself, they will dismiss you as selfish or arrogant. After all, 'a woman should know her place.' You can either wield that weapon yourself, or let them use it against you."

I furrowed my brow deeply, feeling like I just now was beginning to understand Madeleine as a human being. Ana was looking over at us now, waving us back, so Madeleine turned to rejoin the group. I stopped her for a second, calling her name. She looked back, and I gave her a wink as I whispered, "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum." She smiled a genuine smile and nodded before resuming her trip back.

"Madeleine's logic is a bit twisted," Justin's voice said in my ear as I followed her, "But there is truth in what she says. It might serve you to play into the media's expectations."

"Your turn, Lady Riley," Ana said as I rejoined the group. "What do you think of our queen-to-be?"

"I...have never been very close with her, but I believe she is good for Cordonia. She is King Liam's choice, and I would never do anything to hurt him."

"Putting your differences aside for King and Country. Very genteel." Ana sat back, letting her recorder and her hands drop into her lap. "Well, ladies," she said broadly, "This will be a great addition to the feature. Thank you all so much."

"Atta girl, Riley," Justin said as Madeleine hurried us back to the limo. "And that concludes the press portion of the evening. I don't think you need my help to have fun, so I am over and out." I chuckled a little as I took out the earpiece and dropped it in my bag. It was helpful having Justin looking out for me, but I was not sad to have him out of my head, at least for the time being.

My event was next, so the limo took us to the rooftop lounge Justin had reserved.

"Alors..." Kiara said in a whisper as we stepped out of the elevator into the open-air bar. "This is a club."

"What do you mean?" I asked, almost laughing. The way she said it was like she was seeing the Sistine Chapel for the first time or something.

"It's so exciting!" Penelope said, shouting to be heard above the music. "Loud music, fun drinks...men everywhere!"

It dawned on me. "Wait, you guys have never been to a club before?"

Penelope, Hana, and Kiara all shook their heads no. Madeleine said, with on hand on her hip, "We don't all have the luxury of engaging in such gauche behavior, Lady Riley."

I could have mentioned to her that I wasn't exactly known for clubbing back in New York, but figured it didn't matter. I just smiled and took a girl on each arm, leading them to the VIP booth Justin had reserved. "Well, this is going to be fun. Prepare yourselves, ladies, we're in for a big night!"

As everyone settled in their seats, I managed to get Kiara's credit card out, asking her to buy the first round of shots. She was irritated, but I got to see the numbers, which was all that mattered. Sadly, or I guess, gladly, since she was also a really nice person, the numbers did not match the bank transfer receipt. Before I could manage any other detective work, though, we were joined by a surprise party crasher.

"Olivia!" Hana shouted, smiling. "What are you doing here?"

"Surprised to see me?" Olivia smirked, staring pointedly at Madeleine. "Perhaps that's because I wasn't invited."

"Nonsense. You're welcome to join us. I simply didn't think you were still up for the rigors of court."

Olivia ignored Madeleine and turned to me. "Lady Riley, why don't you help me at the bar? I'm buying the next round."

As soon as we were out of earshot, I caught Olivia up on the investigation. She decided to help me, and amid the dancing, drinking, and rather unladylike flirtations that happened over the course of the next few hours, we managed to sneak a peek at everyone cards. Unfortunately, none of them matched. I let out a groan of frustration as Olivia and I reconvened at the bar.

"You only investigated the ladies at this party. It could be literally any other random lady at court," Olivia told me.

"Not helpful," I growled.

"What's not helpful is ignoring the facts. This is only a little setback. I'm not going to let your lack of imagination stop this investigation in its tracks. We will find the culprit." She smiled at me and took a sip of champagne. "And in the meantime, we might as well enjoy the party. Maybe we'll get lucky and Madeleine will fall into the pool."

I broke out in a fit of laughter, and Olivia shook her head and walked away from me in disgust. "It wasn't that funny," she muttered.

After a while longer, the party all came together back at our VIP booth. The ladies were all hot and sweaty from dancing, flushed with alcohol, and smiling like I had never seen most of them smile. "Good, right?" I shouted. Everyone grinned and nodded.

"Who's ready for dessert?" Hana asked. It was time for her activity.

"Ooh, does dessert have alcohol too?" Penelope asked as Kiara helped her get to her feet.

"Tada!" Hana said proudly as we stepped into the chocolate shop where we would wind down the evening. There was a table set up in the center of the room with a large chocolate fountain, and bowls of all kinds of fondue stuff to dip.

"How very...sweet," Olivia said sarcastically.

"This is your activity?" Madeleine said, looking around with a discerning eye. "Are you trying to kill me?" She whipped herself around to face Hana, and I could see the anger in her eyes. Hana shrunk back.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Any lady in waiting of mine should know that I'm allergic to chocolate!"

Hana's eyes grew large. "Oh my goodness, Madeleine, I'm so sorry, I had no idea!"

Madeleine brushed past Hana towards the door. "This is simply unacceptable, Hana. I'm forced to strongly reconsider your place in my court. An error like this could leave Cordonia without a queen. Honestly, it's far too much of a risk for me to even be here. I need to leave at once."

Kiara, Penelope, and Madeleine all left in a hurry, but Olivia, Hana, and I stayed put. Hana was on the verge of tears, and I certainly wasn't leaving her. After a moment, the limo door closed and the bachelorette party had moved on without us. I sat next to Hana and put a consoling hand on her shoulder.

"Hana," I said, "Don't be so hard on yourself. You didn't know."

"I should have, though," Hana said, beginning to gather up silverware. "She could have been really hurt."

I rolled my eyes, but it was Olivia who spoke up. "If she was fool enough to eat chocolate knowing she's allergic, she deserves it."

I smiled; that was exactly what I was thinking. But it wasn't what Hana needed to hear. "Hana, you were just trying to do something nice for Madeleine, and you couldn't have guessed that she's allergic."

"I'd never heard it before," Olivia said, "And I have a literal file on her...strengths, weaknesses, childhood fears."

Hana's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Wait a second," I said, turning to Olivia. "Do you have files on us?"

"Of course. It would be an insult to you both if I didn't."

I narrowed my eyes. "Would it?"

Hana sighed, bringing my attention back to her. "I should get cleaned up. You guys don't have to stay."

"Wait," I said, "You're just going to let all this chocolate go to waste? Why don't we have our own fondue party? We can even call up Drake and Maxwell!"

Hana didn't look at me. "It's okay. It was a dumb idea, anyway."

"You really think Maxwell won't drop everything for a chocolate party?" I asked, and saw her smile, just a bit.

"Plus, you know Drake doesn't have anything better to do," Olivia said.

Hana chuckled. "Will you join us, too, Olivia?"

Olivia looked surprised, but finally shrugged. "I suppose I could spare an hour or two...But this doesn't mean I'm going to join your little misfit club."

"I wouldn't dare to presume."

I called the guys, and we dug into the chocolate while we waited for them. "This is so good," I said, devouring another chocolate-covered strawberry.

"Chocolate PAAAAARRTYYYY!" Maxwell's voice came bursting through the shop as he swung the door open. "This might be my favorite kind of party," he said as he immediately dug into the offerings.

"Every party is your favorite kind of party, Maxwell," Drake said, trailing behind with a lot less enthusiasm.

"You're not wrong."

Hana jumped up and gave each man a hug. "Thank you for coming, guys. I hope you weren't already busy."

"Nothing is more important than chocolate entering my bloodstream," Maxwell assured her.

Hana perked up a lot after that, as we all settled in to eating, swapping stories, and making jokes. By the time we were all stuffed to the gills with chocolate, Hana looked happier than she had been in a long time. "Thank you guys so much for coming out to cheer me up tonight," she said.

"That's what friends are for," Drake assured her.

"Well, I was only here to dig up more dirt on you all," Olivia said with a glint in her eye. I pushed her shoulder lightly, and she let loose a small smile.

"It's getting late, though," Hana said, "We should be going."

Since Madeleine had left us without the limo, we decided to walk back; the train station wasn't too far away, and the cool air felt nice. After only a handful of blocks, though, we saw Lady Penelope and Kiara helping Madeleine out of a club into a taxi cab. Hana, Drake, and Maxwell hurried past, not wanting to have any more interaction with Madeleine than was necessary. But Olivia and I lingered. Olivia smirked as we watched the clearly drunk Madeleine fall face-first into the backseat of the cab.

"Where's the limo?" I asked, and Lady Kiara jumped, looking sheepish at being caught in this situation.

"Madeleine sent it away," she said.

"We were supposed to stay all night long," Madeleine shouted from the backseat. "Oh, where'd Hana go? I wanted to see her sweet little face when I told her I'm not really allergic to chocolate."

"What?" I asked, angry. "You were lying? Why would you do that?"

"Pfft," Madeleine sputtered. "She's not so innocent. I'm gonna get her to drop that nicey-nice act one way or another."

"Hush, Madeleine, you're making a scene," Kiara said, closing the door quickly and moving to get in on the other side. I clenched my jaw to keep from speaking up more, knowing that it would only fall on deaf – or, drunk – ears. I turned to Penelope, who was digging through her purse.

"Everything okay?" I asked, seeing Penelope's frown.

"I must have left my credit card at the boutique," she said. "I can't find it...I'll have to use my emergency card...wait...do taxis even take credit cards?"

"Yeah," I said. "Wait, you have another card?" I all but hit my forehead in frustration. Of course these rich ladies had more than one credit card. What was I thinking? I shook my head and grabbed the card from Penelope's hand. "I'll take care of it. You get in the backseat."

She nodded, grateful for the help, and as I handed the card to the driver, I noticed the last four digits of the card...6547. After handing the card back to Penelope and watching the cab drive off, I rifled through my own purse for the piece of paper Bertrand had given me. I needed to see it with my own eyes. "6547..." I read quietly, and Olivia looked at me with confusion. "It was Penelope!" I said, still not quite believing it. "Penelope was the one who framed me."