"I'm so excited!" Hana for probably the tenth time since we had told our friends of our plan for the wedding. "Are you so excited, Riley?"

I nodded eagerly. "I'm nervous about it coming up so fast, but, yeah, I can't help but be excited. After everything Liam and I have gone through, I just can't wait to be his wife."

We were eating breakfast together, but at that moment, Liam entered and interrupted. "Forgive me, Hana, but I must abscond with my fiancee."

I looked at him questioningly, so he explained. "I'm on my way to a briefing with Bastien and my father. I thought you'd want to attend. Bastien may have some new leads on the perpetrators."

I nodded and set my napkin down as I stood. "Count me in. Sorry, Hana, I'll have to catch up with you later."

She waved me off. "No problem. I'll see you at the festival."

As I followed Liam through the palace, we dodged guards and servants, all abuzz with activity.

"This is all for the Five Kingdoms Festival today?" I asked.

"Yes," Liam said, "It's one of the most popular holidays in Cordonia. It commemorates the day that five ancient kingdoms came together under one crown, uniting to become Cordonia as we know it."

I looked up as I tried to remember the five kingdoms, "Fydoria, Bellmere, Ebrimel, Abanthus, and...Stormholt?"

Liam gave me a look of pride. "Very well done!"

I shrugged. "Bertrand drilled it into me, along with a lot of other Cordonia trivia, before yours and Madeleine's engagement tour. So, how do we celebrate?"

"The usual festival fare; games, local food and drink. We open the palace to the public so that the people and the court can enjoy the festivities as one. This holiday celebrates more than just history. It's a symbol of unity. After the attack, I considered canceling it. But, I don't want to give our enemies any sign of weakness right now." His face was stern, but softened as he took my hand. "Besides, we could use something to bring us all together."

"A show of strength," I said with a nod. "Let our enemies see that we're stronger than ever and they won't stop us."

Just then, we arrived at the dining room where the King Father and Bastien were already waiting. Bastien stood, bowing stiffly, and I saw a grimace flash across his face. He must be in pain from his leg wound, I realized.

I wasn't the only one to notice, because Constantine quickly said, "Please, Bastien, there's no need to stand on formation when you're wounded."

"Yes, please sit," Liam agreed. He pulled out a chair for me and soon we were all seated around one end of the long dining table.

"Thank you, your majesty," Bastien said. He looked utterly downtrodden. "First, let me apologize. I failed all of you. I failed Cordonia. The attackers never should have gotten into the palace."

I shook my head. "I'm just glad no one was killed."

Bastien smiled at me. "You're to thank, partially, at least. You saved Drake's life."

I rolled my eyes. "He saved mine first, I think we can call it even."

Bastien's face grew solemn again. "You did admirably, but you never should have been in that situation in the first place. I've made more aggressive arrangements for your security from now on." He looked from me to Liam. "And I won't rest until we uncover our enemies. The people behind this attack were obviously well-trained. They left almost no traces behind."

"Fortunately," Constantine said, "Bastien has been keeping tabs on the Crown's enemies for years."

"Just...how many enemies are we talking about?" I asked.

"We've put some to rest over the years," Constantine said. "Including those responsible for other attempts on my family's lives. However, there are three surviving groups with the motivation and resources to carry out the attack at the Ball."

Bastien identified them for us. "There's an anti-monarchist group known as the Liberation Core which has grown bolder in recent years."

"That's true," Liam said. "They've never tried something like this before, but they've been more and more outspoken in their criticisms of the Crown."

"There's also a newer faction calling themselves the Sons of Earth," Bastien continued.

"They aren't anti-monarchists exactly," Constantine interjected, "But they've objected to some of my particular decisions as King. They've pushed for more trade, international concessions, that sort of thing."

"The third suspect might be a stretch," Bastien said with an almost apologetic look in his eye. "But in the interest of investigating all possible leads..."

He hesitated, and Liam urged him to go on.

"I believe we should also look into the Nevrakis family," he said at last.

"Olivia's family?" I asked, eyes wide. "Why?"

Constantine was the one who finally spoke up. "It was covered up, for the sake of Olivia," he said. "But her parents were not killed in an assassination, as we led the country to believe. They were killed during their own attempt to overthrow the Crown."

"Her parents were...traitors?"

He nodded grimly. "That was...the information I used to coerce Olivia into withdrawing from court during the social season."

I sucked in a breath. That made sense; Olivia never told me what she was being blackmailed with, but the only thing she cared more about than Liam was her family name.

"As the only surviving members of House Nevrakis," Bastien said, "Olivia and her aunt, Lucretia, are potential suspects."

"I don't believe Olivia could do something like this. I know she likes to talk about crushing her enemies, but it's just talk. She's a good person, underneath it all."

"I agree," Liam said. "We've been friends our whole lives. I can't believe she'd have a hand in this. And as for Lucretia, she's taken as much interest in Cordonian politics as she has in Olivia's upbringing, which is to say, none at all."

"I'll take that under consideration," Bastien said, "But we can't dismiss any potential threat."

"Gathering information about our suspects will take time," Constantine said, "And in the meantime, the people are still reeling from the attack on the palace. As are we all." He looked sadly at Liam.

"Riley and I hope to answer the people's questions at this afternoon's press conference," Liam said.

I smiled. "And I have an announcement to make that should boost morale."

Constantine looked surprised. "What kind of announcement?"

Liam took my hand, smiling as he glanced at me. "We're announcing the date for our wedding!" I said excitedly.

"In just a month," Liam added. "It may be much sooner than anticipated, but it's the perfect event to rally the people around."

Constantine stood from the table and began pacing, considering this with a thoughtful smile. "It's a promising idea. A royal wedding would be an excellent symbol of the crown's stability. It would be a daring show of strength. But only if it works." He stopped pacing and leaned in, placing his hands on the table. "Since the attack, many nobles are reluctant to show support for the Crown. Only a few were willing to attend today's festival. They may not attend such a wedding in these troubled times...fearful of another attack or that they might become targets if they are seen at royal events."

The room was silent for a minute while everyone considered Constantine's words. As I mulled over this problem, a smile slowly grew across my face. "If they won't come to us," I said quietly, "Maybe we could go to them."

Liam looked at me with furrowed eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

The more I thought about it, the more sure I was this was a good idea. "We can show them that the crown is just as strong as ever, and they can be too." I was speaking animatedly now, leaning forward in my chair and gesturing grandly. "A personal visit from the King and their future queen has to be worth something. It'll be like an engagement tour, but also a...Unity Tour."

Liam and Constantine were both looking pleased. "You know," Constantine said, "that might be just what Cordonia needs."

"It's settled then," Liam said with a grin. "We'll announce the tour and the wedding this afternoon. I'll have my staff make the necessary preparations."

"Until then," Constantine said, "You both should be seen at the festival. It's important that the people know our court is not afraid to go out in public."

As we left the dining room, Liam kissed my cheek and excused himself to update his statement for the press conference. I started walking towards the palace entrance to join the festival, when all of a sudden, a woman I'd never seen before jumped out of an alcove and swung her fist at my head!

"Ah!" I cried, jumping backwards just in time to miss the blow. She stepped forward and her other hand came up on my left side. I ducked, then stumbled backwards, landing on my butt. I tried scooting away, but she came at me, looking like she was about to kick me. Panicked, I reached an arm out, trying to block her leg. I grabbed her leg, and she made no move to break free.

"Not bad," she said. I loosened my grip, confused, and she stepped back, bowing slightly. I flinched as she reached a hand down, but realized she was offering me help up. "I'm impressed," she said. "There's always room for improvement, but that was a decent start."

"What..." I said as I stood. "Who are you?"

"Isn't it obvious?" she said as she straightened her jacket.

I eyed her carefully. She was dressed like a member of the King's guard, in a dark gray suit, black shirt and tie. "You're my new bodyguard," I realized.

She bowed. "Mara. You're smart. That's good."

"This is what Bastien meant," I said. "More aggressive security measures."

Mara smirked. "I asked him not to be specific so I could surprise you and see for myself what we're working with. Bastien said you needed the best protection, and I'm here to offer the best that I can."

I nodded. "Cool. So...do I just call you Mara? Do you have a...last name? Oh, or a secret code name? Death's Shadow. Or...the Royal Dagger."

"Mara's just fine," she assured me with a grin.

"So, we'll keep brainstorming on the codenames?"

Mara was saved from answering me by Liam, who was walking down the hallway towards us. He smiled as he saw us. "I see you've met Mara," he said, taking my hand.

"She...introduced herself," I said, shooting a smile at Mara.

"I wanted to run an idea by you before we head to the festival," Liam told me. "I was thinking about our engagement photos. They might help us promote the Unity Tour. People will want to see their king and future queen side-by-side."

"That's a great idea! We need to get the word out, make people as excited for this wedding as we are."

"Wonderful. I'll check with Ana. If she hasn't already run the photos in Trend, I'll tell her to do it now."

Arm in arm, Liam led me to the festival, with Mara trailing silently behind us. I kept sneaking glances behind us, and whispered, "This is weird."

He looked back at Mara and smiled at me. "You'll get used to it." Then, as if to change the subject, he added, "You look lovely today, by the way. Where did you get that brooch with the Cordonian crest?"

I shrugged. "You know, my style team is always ready with something awesome. Bertrand brought me this blazer and the pin this morning, saying it would show appropriate national pride and poise for the press conference."

"That was kind of him, but I'm surprised he's still worried about you. They're not exactly sponsoring you anymore. You have your own duchy, and you'll soon be Queen of Cordonia."

I nodded. "I asked him that. He said that..." I straightened up and used my best Bertrand tone, "Due to our long-standing association, the press is likely to continue considering you a part of House Beaumont."

Liam chuckled a little. "I've known Bertrand a long time, and I have a feeling that's his way of saying, he considers you a part of the family."

I smiled. "That's what I thought, too."

As we stepped out onto the bustling palace lawn, we saw nobles and citizens mingling among games, archery lanes, prize booths, and food stands.

"Everything looks clear here," Mara said behind me, and I jumped.

"I forgot you were here!" I said.

Mara smiled. "I do my best to stay out of my charge's way. But, seeing as this is our first public event together, I wanted to confirm that your security is intact." She frowned. "I know it can be hard to let your guard down, after what you've been through. But remember, I've got your back from here on out."

"Thank you, Mara," Liam said, and I echoed his sentiments before we headed into the fray of the festival. As we strolled through the stands, I couldn't help but notice how subdued everything was.

"It's kind of quiet for a festival," I said. "The people seem nervous."

"That's why it's important for us to be seen today," Liam replied. His face was a careful smile, and he looked around as he spoke. "People will look to us for reassurance that it's safe to be out in the wake of the attack."

Just then, Maxwell's voice rang out loudly from across the lawn. "Riley!" He shouted. "Over here!"

Liam and I strolled toward our group of friends, who were by far the most jovial people there. And since one of them was Drake, that was really saying something.

"We were just deciding what to do first," Maxwell said. Hana was poring over one of the festival's timetable pamphlets.

"I think if we plan carefully, we'll have time to do everything before the end of the festival," she said.

I realized Olivia was there too, and pulled her in for a tight hug. She stood stiffly for a moment, then put her arms around me and patted my back awkwardly before I let her go. "That was as unnecessary as it was embarrassing," she growled.

"It's good to see you," I said. "I thought you were heading back to Lythikos after the Homecoming Ball."

"I was, but after...what happened, I thought Liam could use whatever support I can provide."

"I appreciate it," Liam assured her.

"Of course," she said, her face stern. "I don't expect half of the nobles here to stand by you should push come to shove. At least while I'm here I can use what influence I have to shame any cowardly doubters that dare abandon their King. And on that note, I'm off." She swept off into the crowd, leaving us all staring dumbfounded after her.

"Good to know she's still as Olivia as ever," I said.

"If she wasn't, I'd be worried," Maxwell responded.

Liam shook his head with a smile. "Well, I need to see to some of the press arrangements, but before I go..." he looked at each of my friends thoughtfully before finishing, "I decree that Hana gets first pick of festival activities."

"Seriously?" Drake yawped.

"I'm picking archery, Drake," Hana said with an eye roll. "How bad can it be?"

Turns out, it could be very bad indeed. Out of the four of us, Hana was the only one who managed to hit the silly monster targets that were set up. She, unsurprisingly, was amazing. Although, it was fun watching Drake get grumpier and grumpier with each of his wayward shots. After a while, we gave up on trying to slay the dragons and let Drake guide us to the food stalls. There, we sampled different drinks from local brewers.

"Oh, yum," I moaned, sipping a deliciously sharp, slightly sour cider. "This is so good!"

"Pfft," Drake scoffed. "Apple water is not a real drink. If you want good, you should try this Skullcracker Ale."

"That sounds...terrifying," I said, peering cautiously into Drake's stein at an ale that was so dark, it was almost black.

"One of the original five kingdoms made this way back in the day, and now their descendants are keeping up the tradition." He took a big gulp, wincing a little as he swallowed.

I smirked. "Strong enough for you?"

He nodded, his voice strained as he replied, "Yeah."

Our final activity before the press conference was apple bobbing, which was Maxwell's choice. "It wouldn't be a Cordonian holiday without an apple-themed activity," he told me as I stepped up to a barrel filled with floating Cordonian Rubies.

Hana and Drake stepped up to basins next to me, but before we began, I realized Maxwell wasn't joining us. Instead, he was circling the basins, squinting at them from one angle, then another.

"Maxwell?" I asked. "You okay? Gonna join us?"

He shook his head as if snapping back to reality. He looked at me seriously. "Duchess Riley Harkness bobbing for apples is gonna be a prime photo op! I'm just trying to find the best angle we can get for you."

I narrowed my eyes and stepped away from the apples and towards Maxwell. I lowered my voice. "Not everything has to be a PR opportunity, Maxwell."

"Tell that to Bertrand," he said with a frown. "I thought he'd relax now that you and Liam are engaged, but if anything he's been even busier trying to cover for Justin. I told him I'd help with some of the workload, but there's so much to think about." He looked at the barrels a little wistfully. "Old Maxwell would be bobbing for apples already, but the new me's gotta think about whether the crowd will notice if you grab a Cordonian Ruby or one of those green ones, or if the press'll get washed out photos of you with all this glare, or..."

I grabbed Maxwell by the shoulders and told him to breathe. I demonstrated a deep breath in through the nose, and out through the mouth. He imitated me, nodding.

"Why are you worrying so much about this stuff?" I asked.

"I guess I just really want to be there for Bertrand. But, I don't know if I can keep up. Being responsible has always been his job. I pulled it off for a while on the tour, but I can't keep juggling this kind of stuff forever."

I shook my head sadly. "I think I know how you feel. We're both youngest children, we're used to having fun while our older siblings take care of us. But now we're in a position where we have to step up and be responsible, not just for ourselves, but for other people, too. It's scary. But, Maxwell, you've got me to help you out. And I'll have you. Whenever one of us needs a hand, the other will always be there."

He smiled almost microscopically. "I guess we'll see. If my hair starts turning grey from the stress, I'm going to have to change my whole look."

"We can only pray it won't come to that." I looked back towards the apple bobbing booth, where Hana and Drake were standing off to the side, waiting for us to return. "But no matter how much we have to help Bertrand, there'll always be time for the fun stuff, like bobbing for apples."

Finally, Maxwell grinned in that trademark Maxwell way I loved. "You're on," he said.

Together, my three friends and I stuck our heads in the water, searching for an apple. I was the first to grab one, and as I pulled it out of the basin, a cheer went up around me. I wiped the water from my face and looked around to see a small crowd of people, including a few reporters snapping pictures. I grinned for the cameras and took a large bite from my prize Ruby. As my group stepped back, a few members of the crowd stepped up to the booth, so we stayed to cheer them on. Which is where Liam found us when it was time to head to the press conference.

Near the palace entrance, a small podium was set up. Liam led me up, and I stood next to him as he drew the attention of the reporters. "Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining me here today. The Five Kingdoms Festival has long been a symbol of Cordonian resilience and unity. In light of...recent events, I believe it's more important than ever to remember the ties that bring us together. Thus, in that same spirit of unity, I've invited Duchess Riley to share some news with you all."

Liam stepped back, gesturing for me to step up to the podium. I did, and took a slow breath as I looked out at the sea of faces, all staring at me in rapt attention. Liam took my hand, giving it a subtle squeeze to encourage me, and I smiled. "King Liam and I," I told the crowd, "Will be moving forward with our wedding. We'll be visiting each of Cordonia's noble houses on our engagement tour, to personally invite them to the ceremony, which will be held one month from today."

The reporters in the crowd applauded and snapped a few pictures. I picked out Ana de Luca from the crowd, and gestured to her. "Trend magazine will be running an exclusive feature with our engagement photos, so anyone who would like more information about the wedding will be able to read about it there."

Reporters started waving and shouting trying to get my attention for questions, and I looked to Liam for guidance. He quieted the crowd and picked out a reporter for the first question.

"Just how safe is Cordonia in the wake of last week's attack on the palace?"

My smile fell as I considered the question. "I understand how worried everyone is, believe me. But these things take time. King Liam and the Royal Guard are taking every possible precaution against another attack. And together with the local police, they are working tirelessly to identify and capture the people responsible."

"Do you have any idea who was behind the attack in the first place?" Came the next reporter.

"I don't believe there is enough evidence to make a statement on that subject at this time," I said carefully, glancing at Liam, who nodded encouragingly. "I know that's the big question on everyone's mind, but as I said, we are working on it. I know that King Liam won't rest until the responsible parties are in custody."

A murmur of approval swept through the reporters. My favorite fluff reporter, Donnie, raised his hand to ask a question next. "Now, about this tour you mentioned, Duchess Riley, I'm curious what-"

He stopped as his phone buzzed. Other phones in the crowd rang out in a sickening chorus I had come to know meant trouble. My own phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out, holding it out so Liam could watch the video link with me.

The video was poor quality, black and white, crackling with static. In the middle of a starkly lit, empty hallway, a man in tactical gear, complete with a familiar mask, stared down the center of the camera lens. His voice was distorted as he spoke. "People of Cordonia," he said, "Your new king is weak and unfit to rule. This scion of tyranny cannot protect those in his privileged circle. He cannot be trusted with an entire kingdom. For too long, we've lived under the yoke of this corrupt family. They do not deserve to hold power over us. It is we, the citizens, who deserve the right to control our own lives. We demand that King Liam of Cordonia abdicate the throne. Or else the palace halls will flow with the blood of tyrants."

As I looked up from my phone, I saw that the festival had broken out into chaos. The reporters at the press conference were on their phones, talking to their editors. Citizens were huddled in small groups, whispering and looking terrified.

"Everyone, please," Liam said, holding up his hands, "Remain calm."

No one seemed to hear him. I could hear the echoes of the video being replayed over and over again. I wasn't sure what to do, my confidence rattled by Liam's own unsurity. It took nearly five whole minutes before the shouts and chaos settled enough for Liam to speak. Finally, he regained the attention of the crowds, and said in a stern voice, "This video is deeply troubling. I guarantee that we will gather all the evidence we can and find the people behind it."

"And what about their demands?" A reporter shouted.

"Yes," another cried out. "Given everything that's happened over the past few days, are you thinking of stepping down?"

Liam looked shocked at the suggestion. He didn't say anything for a moment, gathering his thoughts for a reply, and glanced at me as he considered the question. In his eyes, I saw a rare glimpse of insecurity, and I stepped back up to the podium, unable to keep silent.

"A wise man once told me," I said, looking sternly at the reporters who had spoken, "That those who seek power are those least suited to hold it. The cowards who made this video are using violence and threats to gain power for themselves. And, they have the audacity to call King Liam weak? Weakness would be leaving Cordonia in the hands of these...terrorists. King Liam would never leave his people under the control of such a dangerous group. And you shouldn't ask him to."

My words seemed to bolster Liam, and he added with a strong voice, "She's right. I have no intention of giving in to their demands."

The reporter who mentioned stepping down kowtowed. "I apologize, your majesty," she said, bowing her head. "Consider the question withdrawn."

After a few more words of encouragement, Liam and I ended the press conference. The crowd applauded and cheered loudly as we stepped off the podium, which I thought meant we did a good job easing their fears, especially in light of the surprise video interruption.

As I stepped into the palace, Bertrand rushed up to me to reaffirm my belief. "That was a PR miracle!" he said, clapping my shoulder proudly.

I shook my head. "It was. But man, I miss Justin."

Bertrand nodded thoughtfully. "We were lucky this time, but this only confirms what I've been thinking since the attack. Until this crisis is over, you need a new press secretary."

"I think you're right. I'm so new at all this, I don't like being thrown in the deep end without help. I need floaty wings."

"Floaty...wings?" Bertrand was confused, and I shook my head as if to say Nevermind. He shrugged and carried on. "I think I know the perfect candidate. But I'm not sure I'll be able to secure their help. I'll report back to you once I've made some preliminary phone calls."

"Thank you, Bertrand," I said before he rushed back off.

Later that evening, I was walking towards my room after dinner when Liam found me, pulling me to a stop. "Good evening," he said with a smile.

"Liam! I didn't think I'd see you again after dinner."

"Well, after the day you had, I wanted to check in on you."

I rubbed his hand with my thumb as I looked up at him. "I'll be honest, I was expecting a lot less stress when I woke up this morning. But it had to be even harder for you, how are you holding up?"

He frowned and ran his fingers through the wavy locks that framed my face. "It was difficult, yes. But that's why I thought we could use a chance to relax tonight."

I raised an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"

"There's a private bath on the third floor with a deluxe soaking tub."

I closed my eyes, imagining it. "A long bath with my fiance sounds perfect right now."

"I was hoping you'd say that," he said, smiling down at me. He pressed a quick kiss to my lips and then led me to the third floor bath.

Inside, it was so elaborate, with gleaming marble countertops and gold trim. A huge clawfoot tub sat on one side of the room, and Liam immediately began filling it with steaming hot water. As the tub was filling, he turned to me, drawing me close for a kiss. "I think you're a little overdressed for the occasion," he told me.

"True. But what about you?"

"What about me?"

I started slowly unbuttoning his shirt. "You'll get out of those clothes faster with help," I said with a wink.

"I won't turn away your help," he said, letting me help him out of his jacket before I finished unbuttoning and discarding his shirt. I trailed my hands across his bare chest before working on his belt. By the time he was fully disrobed, my heart was beating fast.

"I don't know if that was faster," Liam said with a smirk.

"But it was more fun," I replied.

"I can't argue with that. But now it's your turn."

He made quick work of my clothes, and then turned off the water, as it was almost overflowing the tub at that point. We stood quietly for the briefest of moments, enjoying the sight of one another's bare bodies, before we slid into the tub. As I sank into the hot water, a wave of relaxation washed over me. I sighed blissfully as I let the water reach up to my neck.

Liam climbed in to the other side of the tub, mirroring my sigh as he lowered himself into the water. "Ooh, that's nice," he said, eyes closed.

For a few minutes, we both sat like that, silently, just letting the stress of the day melt away into the steaming bath. With my eyes closed, I listened for the sounds of the palace, but it was incredibly quiet. All I heard was the gentle lapping of the water, and Liam's deep breathing. It felt like we were alone in the world.

After a while, I ducked my head under the water, letting it soak my hair. I held my breath as long as I could, enjoying the feeling of being completely submerged. When I finally came up for air, I wiped the water from my eyes and saw Liam smiling at me. I reached for a bottle of shampoo, and Liam reached his hand out at the same time. "Do you want some help with that?" he asked.

I raised my eyebrow. It wasn't something anyone had ever offered to do for me before, unless you counted my hair stylist. But it definitely sounded like a good idea. I handed Liam the shampoo bottle and scooted my way around, so Liam was sitting behind me. My breath hitched a little as I settled between his legs and I felt his body close against mine.

There's an old shampoo commercial that showed beautiful women washing their hair, moaning and crying "Yes!" as if it were an orgasmic experience. That's how I felt as Liam began working his soapy hands through my hair, rubbing my scalp with his fingertips. "Ooohhhhh," I moaned, "That feels fantastic." His touch was firm, but gentle, as he massaged the shampoo into a lather. Finally, he pulled his hands back and helped me rinse my hair out, bringing scoops of water up with his hands until all the bubbles were gone. I sighed and leaned back against his chest.

Liam pressed a gentle kiss against my temple, and said in a low voice, "How are you feeling after the press conference?"

"Honestly? I'm mad as hell at whoever made that video."

"As am I." Even though I couldn't see his face, I could imagine the concentrated scowl as he spoke. "I'm not easily given to vindictiveness, but when I think of what they've put you through...there will be no mercy for them."

I grasped one of Liam's hands in mine. "We have to find them first," I said softly, and he sighed, letting go of his anger.

"I know. But if anyone can get to the bottom of this, it's you. It's us."

I raised my free left hand out of the water, holding it up to stare at the massive pearl that represented our love winning out over any trials. "We do make a good team," I told him.

"But tonight, all you should worry about is whether you're relaxing enough."

I giggled. "That's a definite yes. Although I am feeling pretty short on kisses..."

Liam leaned down, pressing a kiss to my cheek, then the spot behind my ear, then lower on the curve of my neck. "Better?" He murmured into my skin.

"Getting there," I said with a smile. I moved back, turning around so he could pull me into his lap. We kissed hard for a minute, then Liam began trailing quick pecks down my neck, then pressing lingering kisses along my breasts. Meanwhile, his hands caressed the curves of my waist and hips. One hand settled on my rear, while the other braced my hips so I could lower myself against him. I moaned as I started rocking my hips, gently at first, and then more and more frenzied.

Liam whispered in my ear, his words just audible over the sound of the water lapping around us. "I wouldn't want you to leave unsatisfied..."

Needless to say, I did not.

After a relaxing night of deep sleep, I woke early to begin packing for our Unity-Slash-Engagement Tour. I was just finishing when there was a knock on my door. Expecting Maxwell, I was startled to see Bertrand's serious expression on the other side of the door.

"Good Morning, Riley," he said, striding into the room with a watchful eye. "I see you've already packed. Excellent. I asked some favors of King Liam and his schedulers. Our first stop on the Unity Tour is Krona."

I yawned. "Funny joke, Bertrand. If you're testing me, the answer is, yes, I remember that Krona is the duchy that belongs to Madeleine's family. Now where are we really going first?"

"Have you ever known me to joke?" He glared. "We're going to Krona. To Madeleine's estate in the county of Fydelia, to be precise. By doing so, we'll be slicing two apples with one knife."

I stared at him, dumbfounded, for many reasons. "Is...that a phrase?" I asked.

He ignored me and carried on with his own train of thought. "Publicly, this move will show that King Liam and his former fiancee can put aside their past and unite for Cordonia, while privately, we'll be recruiting Madeleine as your press secretary."

My jaw dropped. "Wait..." I stammered. "What?"