Hana and Drake were already on the jet when Maxwell and I arrived. Bertrand stayed behind in New York to strategize with Justin on how best to publicize Tariq's statement. Which seemed to put a lot of pressure on us to actually find Tariq and convince him to make a statement.

"You guys," I said with a yawn, "We all need to get some sleep if we're going to be any good in L.A."

Hana and Drake were poring over a large map spread out over a table, and as soon as we got on the plane, Maxwell joined them, showing them his list of addresses.

"It's a five hour flight," Drake said without looking up from the map. "The wedding shower starts at seven. So, accounting for travel time, we have about six hours to find Tariq, convince him to help you, and get a statement to the press. There are ten addresses to search."

"And L.A. is notoriously traffic-riddled," Hana added, looking up at me with a frown. "We want to make sure that we have the route all planned out so that we don't waste any time."

I took the last empty seat at the table. "Alright. That's a good idea. How can I help?"

Maxwell frowned at me as I stifled another yawn. "You should get some rest, Riley. We can handle this."

"No way. I'll sleep when y'all do. Besides, I spent a few months in L.A. right after high school. I know the roads. At least, I know them better than any of you."

For the next hour or so, we all carefully planned the route we would take to hit every address. Once we figured out the order to take them in, Maxwell plotted it on his phone's map app, and we came up with an estimate of four hours to hit every place on his list.

"If nothing goes wrong," Drake added as Maxwell told us the timeline.

"Oh, hush," Hana said, swatting Drake on the shoulder. "Positive thoughts!"

"He's right though," I said. "This is assuming there isn't extra traffic, which, you know...there will be. And that we don't get lost, or have to wait around because someone's not home..."

"Maybe we should split into teams," Maxwell said. "Each take five addresses?"

We reconfigured everything, and then managed to each take a short nap before the plane touched down at LAX. Once there, Maxwell and I took the addresses in North L.A. - you know, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica; the places it seemed more likely Tariq would be drawn to. I gave Hana and Drake a long hug as we got into separate towncars, which Liam had ordered for us while we were in the air. "Remember, text me constantly," I said.

The first address on our list was a condo near the beach in Santa Monica. We checked the mailboxes at the front of the building, but our guy didn't have a name on his box. I crossed my fingers as we took the elevator up to the top floor. After I knocked on the door, we waited a long time for an answer. Maxwell reached out and took my hand, giving it a quick squeeze. "Remember," he whispered, "We've got a lot more addresses to search, if this isn't right, we'll still find him."

I nodded, and knocked one more time, just to be sure. Finally, the door opened a crack. "Riley?" Tariq swung the door wide open when he saw who it was.

"Oh my god. Seriously?" Maxwell said, turning around and throwing his hands up. "After all that planning, we find him at the first door?!"

"Maxwell," I hissed. He turned back to me with a sheepish look. I turned to Tariq. "Hi," I said, stupidly.

"I can't believe...what are you doing here?" Tariq asked.

"We need to talk."

Tariq sighed and beckoned us in, shutting the door behind us. As Maxwell and I entered, we stood awkwardly at the threshold of the apartment. It was a spacious condo, but Tariq didn't seem to have a housekeeper on staff. There was a nest of wool coats on the couch, and a large pile of leather shoes in one corner. The kitchen sink was stacked high with dishes, and the counter was littered with take-out containers.

"Well, um," Tariq said, obviously uncomfortable, but struggling to maintain his pride. "May I offer you anything? My accomodations are a bit paltry, but I can grab us refreshments or..."

"That's okay," I said, cutting him off. "I'm not here to have tea and catch up."

"No, of course not," Tariq said with a frown. "I suppose you're here for an apology. I certainly owe you one, Lady Riley. Many, in fact. Although, I admit that I'm startled you would even deign to look at me after what my actions have put you through."

"I've actually been through a lot of trouble trying to find you," I said, a little harshly. "Why have you been in hiding?"

"My intention was to remain in exile as far from you and Cordonia as geography would allow."

"What I mean is, why haven't you been in Cordonia, helping me to make things right? To clear the air and tell the truth to the press?"

Tariq took a small step forward, but Maxwell straightened up to his full height, playing the part of bad cop - or, protective older brother-cop - and stopped Tariq in his tracks.

"Lady Riley," Tariq said after an awkward pause. "I would never have left, had I known what it would mean for you. I assumed you would be taken care of. That you wouldn't be hurt. It seemed best to just...disappear."

"Why does every man seem to think it's his right to decide what's best for other people?" I grumbled, crossing my arms.

"Hey!" Maxwell yelped, offended.

"Sorry, Maxwell. But you're the exception that proves the rule."

"You're right, Lady Riley. By thinking I could choose the correct course of action on your behalf, I only compounded one trespass with another."

"Tariq, I didn't come here for an apology. I came here to ask you to undo the damage that you had a hand in causing. Make a statement to the press. Tell the truth about what happened that night at Applewood Manor."

Tariq's eyes widened and he wrung his hands as he answered, "Lady Riley, there is nothing I desire more than to atone for what I've done, but, I wonder if this is the best path forward."

"Tariq, I know it'll be hard. But...you need to tell the truth. It's either that, or keep hiding in exile forever."

He looked around the room, considering my words. Finally, he nodded decisively. "You're right. This calamity has gone unaddressed for far too long. I'll make a statement, just as you asked. I'll need some time to prepare my finest clothes, of course, but-"

"What?" Maxwell interjected. "We don't have time for that! We have a wedding to stop!"

"Madeleine and Liam's wedding shower is tonight," I explained. "And I'm worried that if we wait too long, there'll be no calling off the wedding."

"I...I see. Of course. I'll follow your lead, Lady Riley. Just please, let me gather a few essentials, and we can be off."

While Maxwell and I waited for Tariq, I called Hana and told her the good news. Soon, L.A. was fading into the distance as our jet sped back to New York.

"I can't believe it," Hana said happily as we settled into the plane for the ride back. "After all this time, you finally found Tariq and he's coming to help clear your name! This time tomorrow, your reputation will be restored, and you could very well be engaged to King Liam!"

I raised my eyebrows at that. "That's getting ahead of ourselves a little bit, don't you think? We still have to get Tariq's statement out there."

"Still, this is worth celebrating. How do you feel?"

"I feel relieved," I admitted. "Like I can finally breathe again." I looked behind us at Maxwell and Drake, who were fast asleep in the back of the plane. "But most of all, I feel thankful for all of you. For my friends. I could never have done this alone."

"You would have done the same for any of us," Hana said with a smile. She glanced back at the boys, and yawned. "I think they have the right idea. It's been a long couple of days."

I nodded, and we leaned back in our chairs to get cozy for the rest of the flight. The next thing I knew, we were landing in New York.

Justin and Bertrand were waiting for us in my hotel room when we got back. Tariq filed in with my friends behind him. He glanced around nervously at Justin and Bertrand.

"So," Justin said, standing and adjusting his glasses to examine Tariq. "You're the reason I have a job."

"Er...who is this man?" Tariq asked me.

"I'm Lady Riley's damage control," Justin answered. "In other words, her press secretary."

"Oh," Tariq said with a penitent look.

"Now," Justin continued, "I just made a deal with the devil to get us half an hour with a sound stage and some cameras on such short notice. If we hurry, I can get a rebate on my soul, and we can get this statement out before the end of the wedding shower."

"Wait," Bertrand said quickly. "You can't simply release it to the press. The court must hear Tariq's statement, of course, but consider how it will look for the royal family if this goes public in the middle of the wedding shower."

Hana chimed in. "King Liam and Madeleine throw a party to celebrate their wedding with the whole court there, and then..."

As she trailed off, Drake picked up the thread. "When the statement drops, the press and the court will run with it. They'll assume that the wedding's not happening."

"And that's a good thing," Justin insisted. "If we want to restore Riley's reputation, we need to make a bigger splash than those photos did at the Coronation Ball." His face was so intense, it could be mistaken for wrath. "This is our chance to send a message so powerful that no one can question Riley's innocence."

"Hold up," Drake said firmly. "I think this is Harkness's call to make."

Everyone in the room looked at me, and my eyes widened. I took a minute to think it over. On the one hand, I didn't feel like I owed Madeleine, or King Constantine, any favors. The idea of breaking the news in the same way Constantine had done to me was sort of appealing - an eye for an eye, and all that. But, that would make me no better than him. And, as unpleasant as Madeleine was, this would be the second time she was humiliated by a broken engagement - the second time she was losing her lifelong dream of becoming Queen. I couldn't bear to add to her pain any more than was necessary.

"Once you record the statement, send it to me. I want to talk to Liam and Madeleine before it goes public."

Justin looked surprised at my answer. "As your resident PR expert, I have to disagree. The sooner we get the word out, the better. Don't give Madeleine a chance to spin this."

All my friends began speaking in my defense, but Bertrand silenced everyone. "Enough. Justin, I hired you to assist Riley, and she has made her preference clear."

I caught a glint of frustration in Justin's eyes, but he quickly shrugged and flashed a toothy smile, acting casual. "Understood. You're the boss, boss." He turned to Tariq. "Follow me. We've got an appointment to keep."

After a few minutes, my friends left me alone in my room, and I sank into the bed, my mind racing. I kept thinking about what Hana had said on the plane. This time tomorrow, I could be engaged to Liam. It was exciting, but I was also strangely nervous. For so long, I had been focused on this problem in front of me - find Tariq, clear my name. Now that it was over, I was free to really think about what comes next. Me and Liam, together. Which made me so, ridiculously happy, that I had to put a pillow over my face and squeal. But then, me, as Queen of Cordonia. Queen Riley Harkness. That thought still gave me a mild panic attack. Everyone else seemed so sure I was perfect for the job, but I still wondered if Madeleine wasn't the right choice, after all.

I checked the time and realized I still had a couple of hours before I had to get ready for the wedding shower. I looked at my phone for a long time, and finally picked it up and dialed my sister's phone number. Our parents were really intense and hard to talk to, but Laura was more reasonable, and she knew me better than anyone else in the world - plus, I could trust her to be brutally honest.

"Hello?" Her voice was a long-lost friend as she picked up the phone. We had been so close when we were kids, but now, things were complicated, and I hesitated, not sure what to say.

"I met a baby panda name Yang Yang," I blurted out.

"Riley?"

"Yeah."

"A real panda?"

"Yeah."

"That's funny. I remember that stuffed bear. Remember how much I cried when I lost it at the park?"

"Of course. And I gave you my stuffed rabbit to make you feel better." There was a pause while she waited for me to tell her the real reason for my call. I was still hesitating, so first I asked, "Are you busy right now?"

"I have a few minutes before I have to pick Milo up from school. Is everything okay, Riley? I know things haven't been easy for you lately."

"You mean because the whole world thinks I'm a slut?"

"I wasn't going to put it quite like that, but yes."

"Well, that problem's actually about to be solved." I quickly caught her up on the broad details of the investigation and our plan for Tariq's statement.

"That's good. I'm sure mom and dad will be happy to hear the news."

I rolled my eyes. "Since when have mom and dad ever been happy with anything I do?"

"Riley." Her tone was warning, so I moved on.

"Anyway, I'm calling because I was hoping to get your advice, or, your opinion I guess."

"About what?"

"Well, now that my name is going to be cleared, I'm pretty sure Liam's going to break off his engagement and propose to me."

"Isn't that what you want? He's the prince, right? The one you traveled to Cordonia for?"

"He's King now, but, yeah. And, God, I love him so much, Laura. But, if I marry Liam, then I'll be a Queen. And Cordonia's not like England, you know, where the Queen is just a lady whose face they put on the stamps. Cordonia's monarchs actually shape the country. I'd be enacting policies and changing people's lives - for better or for worse. That's a hell of a lot of power for a girl who dropped out of college."

"Yeah, it is. I can't believe monarchies like that still exist. How do the people not demand a say in things?"

I shook my head. This was the argument I had had with my father the last time we spoke. He and my mother were extremely invested in the democratic process. "Fortunately for them," I said, "They've had a lot of really good rulers. Liam's a wonderful King. And, he keeps telling me that I'm the best possible choice to be Queen, but I worry that he sees me through rose-colored glasses, you know?"

"Mhmm."

"So, I thought I'd call you...and...see what you thought about it."

She was silent for a long time.

"Laura?" I said, thinking I had lost the call.

"You want to see what I think about whether you would make a good monarch?" She said it slowly, which made me nervous and a little regretful that I had called.

"Yes?"

"I'm probably not the best person to ask about that. I mean, I don't even believe in the validity of a monarchy. But, let's put it this way. If this were an election, and the two candidates were you and this Madeleine woman, who do you think I should vote for?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?" I asked, closing my eyes and laying back on my bed. This was definitely a stupid idea.

"Yes."

I held the phone at arm's length and let out a frustrated sigh. Then, holding it back to my ear, I said, "Listen, thanks for letting me vent. But I actually have to go get ready for this...thing. Give Milo a big hug for me, okay?"

I hung up before Laura could really reply, and rubbed at my forehead, trying to clear my mind. Just then, I got a text message. I looked at my phone and smiled. It was my old co-worker, Daniel. I have the rest of the day off, and you still owe me a story.

I quickly typed back a response, Meet me at my hotel? We'll order room service and catch up.

Half an hour later, Daniel knocked. He whistled as he entered, looking in awe at the upscale decor. "Okay," he said, "So, you really had me curious, and I may have done some online investigating since I saw you at the restaurant," Daniel said as we sat in the room's plush armchairs.

I winced. "Let me guess, you figured out that I'm the most infamous American in Cordonia?"

He nodded. "It's totally insane, Riley! You're like, a celebrity!"

"Barely. And not in a good way."

"So, tell me everything. From the beginning."

With brief pauses for ordering and then receiving our room service, I did just that. I caught up Daniel on the major events from the night I met Liam to the phone call with my sister. He interjected with a few questions, and a lot of commentary, but he was so supportive, I gave him a huge hug as soon as I was finished.

"Geeze, what was that for?" He asked.

"It's just, nice to feel like someone from my old life is still on my side."

"For sure, Riley. I mean, we didn't know each other that long, but we worked together so often, I saw you more than I saw my own roommate! And, you were always there for me when I needed back-up with Gavin, or help covering a shift, or...whatever!"

"But tell me, truthfully, Daniel. Do you think I have what it takes to be a good queen?"

He thought about it for a long time, which I appreciated. Finally, he looked me in the eye, leaned forward and said, "I don't know."

I rolled my eyes. "Useless."

He laughed. "No, seriously, though. Who can know something like that? It's an insane question. I do think you have a lot of great leadership qualities. And you're kind, fair, and honest. Those are all probably good qualities for a queen. But, I think it's kind of like asking, 'Will I be a good parent?' Until you're in the situation, you have no idea what it's going to be like."

I bit my lip, thinking that over. "Maybe you're right," I conceded at last.

"I think the real question is, is this guy worth the risk?" Before I could answer, Daniel glanced at his phone and stood up. "I think I've overstayed my welcome. You have a fancy party to get ready for, don't you?"

I nodded. I stood and gave him another big hug. "Thanks for everything, Daniel."

"You owe me so big," he said with a laugh.

A little while later, I arrived at the wedding shower, fashionably late. I made a beeline for Madeleine, who was surrounded by Kiara, Penelope, and a few other women I didn't know. "Lady Riley," Madeleine said coolly when she saw me. "Are you here to deliver my ring?"

"I need to speak to you privately," I replied. Something in my voice must have hit home, because she didn't protest; she simply turned to the group of ladies and excused herself, leading me away to a private corner.

"This had better be good," she snapped.

"You need to call off this shower," I said. "Now."

Madeleine rolled her eyes, moving to walk away from me. I blocked her way and put a hand on her arm, which she quickly shook off, although she didn't try leaving again. Instead she said with a scowl, "Really, Lady Riley, I've been more than patient with you. I've overlooked Liam's obvious affection for you, endured your presence on this engagement tour, but I see no reason why I should feel the need to bow to your petty demands."

As Madeleine spoke, I felt the buzz of my phone in my purse. I pulled it out and saw an email from Justin. It was the video of Tariq's statement. I passed my phone to Madeleine. "This is why," I said, hitting play.

As she watched the video, her already pale face turned positively ghostly. "I see," she said, passing my phone back before the end of Tariq's statement. "I'll think of something to tell everyone. An urgent meeting for Liam, perhaps." Her mind was already filling with everything she had to do, but she paused long enough to look at me and say, "Thank you for bringing this to me. If that had played in the middle of the shower, I...thank you."

I nodded. "I know how it would feel, and I don't wish it on my worst enemy...and that includes you."

"You're far more generous than I would have given you credit for." She walked quickly towards a stage at one end of the room, her heels clicking sharply as she went. With one hand, she grabbed a champagne flute from a nearby table, and with the other, she took the stage microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen," she said, "If I may have your attention, please..."

The whole room turned to look at her. Liam was obviously surprised by this unexpected speech, and I wished I was nearer to him so I could tell him what was happening.

"I'm afraid we'll have to-" Before Madeleine could finish her sentence, phones across the room started buzzing. I had a sickening sense of deja vu as people began checking their phones, then gasping and murmuring, whispering amongst themselves.

I spun around, and spotted my friends not too far away. I darted up to them. Drake spoke first. "You told Justin not to release Tariq's statement to the press, right?"

I nodded. Maxwell showed me his phone, with the video splashed on the front page of a major news site. "Well," he said, "I don't know what happened, but..." The headline on the page read Flirtatious Photos or Midnight Mix-Up?

I shook my head, first in disbelief, and then in anger. "No, no, no!" I groaned. "This isn't how I wanted this to happen."

I looked helplessly at Madeleine, still on the stage holding her champagne flute aloft. Her expression remained carefully neutral, but as she set the glass down, I could see her hand trembling. "Well," she said with a tight-lipped smile. "That was...quite illuminating. As I've said before, the press has treated Lady Riley incredibly unfairly since this whole business began. On behalf of myself and King Liam, I would like to congratulate her on clearing her name."

Liam stepped up beside Madeleine, and she moved as if to take his hand, but he moved it away to pick up the champagne glass she had set down. "Countess Madeleine is right," Liam said. "I believe apologies are in order from all those who have been anything less than welcoming to Lady Riley since the Coronation Ball. I propose a toast to Lady Riley Harkness."

Around the room, glasses clinked and people shouted "To Lady Riley!"

"As for the rest of the evening," Liam continued, "I hope you all enjoy the food and drink we have provided."

As Liam and Madeleine stepped off the stage, Liam was immediately surrounded by people. Meanwhile, I caught sight of Justin, hurrying across the room towards me. "Riley!" He said as soon as he got near. "I got here as fast as I could."

"What the hell?" I hissed. "I specifically told you not to release that video!"

"I know. I messed up, and that's on me. Some wannabe reporter spotted Tariq when I was getting him to the soundstage. She followed us inside and got footage of the whole thing." He looked down, like a puppy caught peeing on the carpet. "I'm sorry. I should've been more careful."

I sighed. "There's nothing we can do about it now."

"I'll take extra precautions next time you give me a sensitive job. I swear."

I narrowed my eyes at Justin, but nodded.

"I'd better, um, leave you to your company," he said, hurrying away.

He was replaced by Madeleine, who stepped close to me and said in a furious whisper, "What was the meaning of that? Did you warn me just so you could dash my hopes of preserving some dignity?"

It was my turn to look like a puppy with its tail between its legs. "The video wasn't supposed to go public yet, I promise you. I'm just as upset about this as you are."

She scowled. "You'll have to forgive me if I find that hard to believe." She crossed her arms and let out a short, joyless laugh. "I suppose I should have known you wouldn't give up until you had what you wanted. Enjoy the satisfaction while it lasts, Riley."

Gesturing for two royal guards to accompany her, she strode off through the crowd, leaving me to rejoin my friends.

"Come on, Harkness," Drake said as soon as I approached. "Let's get out of here before the press shows up to ask questions."

I nodded. "Good idea. I've had about enough of this shower."

I looked around for Liam, but couldn't see him anywhere as Drake, Maxwell, Hana, and I made our way to the exit. Back at the hotel, we all filed into my room, breathing a sigh of relief at having escaped without encountering any reporters.

"What a night," Hana said, sitting in one of the armchairs.

"I can't believe it's finally over," I said, standing next to her.

"Nor can I," came a voice from the doorway. I spun around to see Liam, beaming. I skipped over to him, throwing my arms around his neck. "I had a feeling you would all come here," Liam said, pulling me close. "You've done it, Riley. My father put you through so much, and now, after so long, you're finally free of what he did. And what Tariq did." His hands were around my waist, and he guided me back to look me in the eyes. "I can only imagine how you're feeling."

"I feel...a lot of things," I told him. "Relieved. Happy. Excited. And, even a little bit sad, for Madeleine."

"It is a shame she became something of a casualty in this war," Liam agreed. "But, I'm so happy for you."

I smiled. "Me too."

Liam looked at me intently, as if he wanted to say more, but at that moment, Maxwell jumped in. "Just a reminder, guys, that there are other people in the room."

I laughed and moved away from Liam, looking at Maxwell with a sly smile. "Gee, thanks, Maxwell."

"Maybe we should say goodnight," Hana said, standing and moving towards the door. She grabbed Drake and Maxwell by the arms as she led them out.

Once the door closed behind them, Liam turned back to me with a wide smile. "Hana is an excellent friend," he said, holding a hand out towards me. I took it, and he spun me towards him so my back was against his chest. He kissed my cheek, then spun me out. I laughed and stepped closer.

"I can't believe it," I said. "It almost feels like a dream."

He looked at me hungrily. "Maybe I can prove to you that this is real," he said, leaning in close and capturing my lips with his. Liam had kissed me quite a lot at this point, from decorous kisses on the back of my hand to frenzied kisses trailed from my breasts to my belly button. He had kissed me reverently, like I was a precious thing meant to be savored. And he had kissed me like he was conquering my mouth with his tongue. His kisses were a language unto themselves, and this kiss was an epic novel, one that tasted of champagne and victory, and it didn't end until I started moving us towards the bed.

"What?" I panted as Liam broke our kiss.

"I want nothing more than to stay the night with you," he said. "But, there are things I need to do still tonight. And, there's a lot we need to talk about."

I tried to hide my disappointment. "Of course," I said, looking down.

He tilted my chin back up to look at him. "Tomorrow night," he said. "At seven. Will you meet me outside the bar where we met?"

I smiled softly. "Okay."

He kissed my forehead before stepping away. "Sweet dreams, Riley," he said as he closed the door behind him.