Riley made her way to her hotel room Maxwell leaving her at her door to go one more down. He entered Liam's room to put away the purple suit as Riley put away her dress. Soon Maxwell was knocking on her door to take her to the bridal shower. She arrived and strolled directly over to Madeleine handing her the box with the wedding band in it. "Ah good to see that you can follow instructions," Madeleine said. Riley just smiled and walked back to her friends. Riley ignored Madeleine through her speech about how happy the couple was. However, she was surprised when Madeleine called her to the front. When she got to the podium she asked, "What is it, Madeleine?"
Madeleine smiled saying, "I have decided to help you out Lady Riley. Due to my generous heart, I have found a great paying job that comes with an apartment here in New York. You can finally return home without fear. There is no need for you to continue on with this tour." Riley almost rolled her eyes instead she smiled replying, "Well Madeleine there seems to be a problem with that. As much as I am touched by your generosity. I have to decline. I just like you had to sign a contract to be in the Prince's social season. It clearly states that unless I personally withdraw in front of Liam, King Constantine, and Queen Regina that I must attend the engagement tour. I also, must not leave until after the Wedding reception as I am to be a part of the wedding party. Did you not read the contract you have had since Leo's social season Madeleine?"
Madeleine was livid she thought for sure she had found a way to get rid of Riley. She knew she signed a contract with Liam but she hadn't broken it by making the offer she simply gave Riley another option to choose from. A big old grin made its way to Riley's face. "Thank you for the thoughtful gesture though. Since I am up here anyway I'd like the podium for a sec." Madeleine couldn't refuse so she nodded and moved aside. Riley turned a genuine smile to the room saying, "I recently proposed a new law for Cordonia. I am very pleased to say that Madeleine was the first to sign this law into effect. It will allow those in need to have service animals and no place, not even the palace will be excluded. Now I have several people who are waiting for the approval but, there is one currently in the audience."
She watched as everyone looking around as she added, "Not all disabilities are obvious or visible. I'd like to welcome two very special guest who flew in from Cordonia for this Merlin and Morgana." Riley watched as the two made their way to her. She pinned each outfit covered poodle with an official badge. Then said, "Please go to your owner." The pair trotted over to Penelope and sat in front of her. Riley continued saying, "Now lady Penelope can have her animals anywhere she goes. I know they provide her with so much strength." Penelope had tears in her eyes saying, "Thank you so much, Riley, I can't believe you did this for me." Riley turned to a fuming Madeleine saying, "I couldn't have done it without Madeleine's signature. Now, Lady Penelope will be able to have her poodles for the rest of the engagement tour and for as long as she's at the palace. Let's give Madeleine a hand." Riley moved from the podium whispering out, "You have no idea who you're messing with. Back off or deal with the fallout."
Riley quickly went to Penelope "I hope you don't mind that I did this without asking first," Riley said. Penelope replied, "I'm glad you didn't. I would have likely told you I was fine but, I'm so much better now. Thank you seriously." Riley smiled saying, "Well I didn't just do it for you! I did it for all those who need help. Cordonia will now have service animals for all those with a genuine need." Riley squeezed Penelope's hand before returning to her group Maxwell patted her shoulder saying, "You did well Riley." She sighed replying, "I just wish I didn't have to give her any credit." Maxwell nodded in understanding he didn't like it either. The rest of the shower was uneventful but Riley could tell Madeleine was upset the rest of the evening. Riley had gotten a few dances in with Drake, Maxwell, and Liam before she returned to the hotel.
Soon they had returned to Cordonia having to switch from plane to train mid travel due to security concerns. On the train, to the palace, Madeleine tries to fawn all over Liam but after a few minutes, Riley has had enough. She gets up from her seat and promptly sits in Liam's lap. Riley smiles at Madeleine saying, "He's mine until we reach the palace there is no press for you to play to here. Everyone here knows about the agreement so quit the theatrics." She kisses Liam before adding, "You will be scheduling all your appointments for an hour later every morning. That will be our time to spend together. Perhaps I can even put a smile on your face."
Liam chuckles lightly replying, "I will make the adjustments to my schedule right away." Riley enjoys the really annoyed look on Madeleine's face as she storms off she yells back, "Just don't forget he's mine once we get there." Riley retorts back, "You may borrow him but, he is always mine Madeleine." she gives Liam a passionate kiss enjoying the genuine smile on his face. Liam buried his nose in her hair mumbling a thank you to her Madeleine had been getting on his nerves. Riley snuggled into him enjoying the few moments she'd get to spend with him before leaving the train. Riley really hated giving Liam up when they arrived. Riley watched as Liam left with Madeleine. She waited a few moments before leaving herself. Riley had not expected the applause or for Constantine to be there.
Constantine raises his hand to quiet the crowd. He smiles at his son saying, "Welcome home everyone. Before I let my son speak to the press I have an announcement to make. Would Lady Riley please join me." Riley eyed him suspiciously but joined him with a fake smile on her face. "First and foremost I'd like to finally address the scandal following Lady Riley and the question of should she be at court at all. I too at first thought to remove her from our country and be rid of her. It was Regina who reminded me that the new isn't always the truth and I should at least hear her out before casting judgment. I like to consider myself a fair man so I invited her back. Regina, Liam, myself and Lady Riley all met together to go over what happened. She gave me details and witnesses but despite having Maxwell reach out to Tariq she hadn't been able to get a hold of him to confirm her account."
Constantine took a moment drinking some water before continuing, "I told her that based on the photo I found her story hard to believe. All she asked from me was two things. The first to be able to find Tariq and whoever was behind the photo. The second was to fold the picture itself so that all I saw was her from the neck up. Once folded I was to ask myself if she looked like she was in love. I must admit that while I agreed to let her investigate I had not until recently folded the photo. Upon looking at just at Lady Riley's face I could clearly tell she was shocked and surprised. I didn't see a woman in love at all. Sadly I am unsure Lady Riley will clear her name or not but I for one don't believe she betrayed my son."
Riley sighed replying, "Thank you, King Father Constantine. I appreciate your help but, I think it's best I continue trying to clear my name. I will also continue to show the people who I am. No offense intended but, this isn't the way."Constantine smiled saying, "I will let my people make their own decisions. I just wanted to pass along your advice. I think it's beyond time that the press treats everyone fairly so I have also had a law pass recently. No longer will anything be able to be published without getting the full story first. No more Scandals our country and its leaders have more important things to accomplish than to have to focus on clearing their name."
