Chapter 13

Bastien was up bright and early he had made coffee while waiting for the all clear. Once he received it he put the coffee into travel mugs and went to wake his King and then Madeleine. Soon the three of them were leaving the secure home headed towards the palace. Madeleine was surprisingly quiet but then so was Liam the whole trip. They arrived at the front of the palace Bastien got out first holding the door for Liam. Liam helped Madeleine out of the limo he wasn't surprised when he saw Riley standing there. He was a little taken back by her pale appearance but, the doctor was on his way and they had the press to deal with. It killed Liam to not be able to rush to her and hold her close like he wanted to. As Riley led them to the press she asked, "Did you get my notes?" Liam nodded to overcome with emotion to speak. Liam felt Riley's hand discreetly slip into his squeezing it gently. Liam returned the squeeze.

They arrived at the podium where he would address the press but Madeleine rushed forward. She now stood in front of him saying, "Members of the press we have very little information on the attack or who was behind it. I for one, however, feel that the palace is in fact in need of additional security. I believe we should start with only exterior cameras at the palace. I also think it would be a good idea for all noble houses to be staffed by Citizens only. I think titles and those working close to the rule makers of our beloved country should have to be Cordonian Citizens. We can't risk our leaders to outsiders."

Riley cleared her throat saying, "That's a great idea, Madeleine. I think our King should agree with you. The less risk to our leaders the better it is for all. Living in fear will never lead to good choices for the people who depend on them." Madeleine's head snapped in Riley's direction with a look of utter shock. Liam stepped forward saying, "I agree with you Madeleine I will Make it into law. Now back to Last night I received a report from Riley thankfully we have had no fatalities. There were people injured they were both Justin and Riley with gunshot wounds. Also Drake and Kiara with stab wounds. I am told Kiara has gone home to recover with family and I wish her well. Justin is still in the hospital but they expect to release him soon."

Madeleine again spoke up saying, "Good then you will be firing Riley and moving her out of the palace. With your new law, this isn't the place for her anymore." Riley raised an eyebrow at Madeleine asking, "Do you have proof that I am not a Cordonian Citizen Madeleine?" Madeleine glared at her replying, "Of course your not you came from New York you said so yourself." Riley laughed saying, "I did come from New York and Flew to Cordonia it doesn't mean I grew up there or that I am an American citizen. However, I do believe under the new law that you demanded to benefit Cordonia you need to return your engagement ring." The press started talking among themselves confused by the sudden turn of events.

Madeleine asked confused, "What do you mean I will be queen!" "You can't your not a Cordonia Citizen neither of your parents is a Citizen of Cordonia," replied Riley. "How dare you say such lies about your future queen, " Madeleine yelled. "But, it's not lies you aren't a citizen your mother provided your birth certificate when you were engaged to Leo. She had done so to provide proof that you were of marrying age. However, the document clearly states you are a citizen of England not Cordonia" responded Riley. She then mumbled only loud enough for Madeleine to hear "I did warn you."

Liam stepped forward saying, "Madeleine I can assure you, Riley, is a citizen of Cordonia. It seems the question now is, are you? If your not Riley is correct I will be needing the ring back." Madeleine glared at him huffing before saying, "I will be doing no such thing. I demand an inquiry into Riley's citizenship." Liam sighed saying, "Alright Madeleine as long as you have the same inquiry into yours. Until the investigation is complete which will include a visit to your duchy we continue as is." Madeleine turned on her heel storming off into the palace.

A member of the press shouted out, "Lady Riley how did you become a Cordonian Citizen in New York of all places?" Riley smiled replying, "It seems my king let the cat out of the bag. I got married in New York to a man from Cordonia automatically making me a citizen. I believe Anna got some pictures of it. Feel free to release those if you'd like." Riley held up her hand turning it around so they could see her rings adding, "I love this man and I'm willing to do anything to remain at his side. Even if that means I have to stand in the shadows from time to time." Soon Riley could smell Liam's cologne. Then she heard the media gasp right before his arm carefully slid around her waist. Camera's went off and the crowd started whispering among themselves.

Liam was tired of pretending with Madeleine he had enough. "This woman here is the one that holds my heart. She has done so since the social season. Due to the scandal, I couldn't pick her as my bride. I made an arrangement with Madeleine for the good of the country. Madeleine would be queen and in return, I'd have lady Riley. In New York, I proposed to her as King all I could offer her was my heart. She accepted and shortly after we married. This marriage doesn't make her queen only marries her to Liam. The King can only be married by Leo, Regina, or my Father since I obviously can't marry myself. I am very proud to say that Riley is my wife," Liam said. Riley turned to look into his eyes replying, "Liam your scandalizing yourself don't damage your reputation for me."

Moments later the gathered crowd cheered. Liam picked Riley up saying, "That concludes the press conference. As you can imagine I'd like to have Riley looked at again." He turned and walked with purpose to his bedroom where he was sure his doctor was waiting on then. Shouting a, "You too Drake" over his shoulder as he made his way into the palace. Riley whispered, "You shouldn't have done that Liam when Madeleine finds out she's going to be pissed. Although I am thrilled that everyone now knows. I've always hated secrets."

Liam carried her up the stairs pointing at Riley's room saying, "Drake you wait there. I'll have the doctor check you right after Riley." Liam continued on to his room carrying Riley straight to the closet saying, "Love please put on something you can be examined in." Riley changed into a short-sleeved shirt and a pair of shorts. As soon as she was dressed Liam whisked her to the bed where the doctor was waiting. Liam sat in the chair by the bed while Riley was examined. After a thorough examination, the doctor looked to Liam saying, "She's fine but, she should take it easy for a few weeks. The blood loss may cause dizziness. Now I'd like to look at my other patient before leaving." Liam showed the doctor to where Drake was waiting before climbing into bed with Riley. Liam sat there holding her on his lap he had been ignoring his buzzing cellphone. Liam breathed in the scent of her shampoo keeping her in his embrace. He was trying to convince himself that she was really with him and doing fine.

The doctor returned to Liam's room Drake in tow saying, "He's fine but he should walk with a cane, for now. This will reduce the strain on his leg muscle while it heals. He will also need to do the exercises I left for him but, I see no reason he won't have a full recovery." Liam nodded and thanked the doctor and watched him leave. Liam asked, "How did you know about Madeleine?" "I wondered that myself," added Drake. Riley opened the tablet showing the folder listed as nobles. It was color-coded to three folders red, yellow and green. "I opened each and picked one name. I found Penelope under green her folder contains family info and events their duchy does. I found Hana under yellow. Her filed contained what green had plus her parents business information, charities they donate to, and things they are affiliated with or involved in. There are a lot listed under the red folder it's the same as the yellow but includes any dirt that has been dug up on the family and the duchy. I am not sure why the previous assistant had this information perhaps your father requested it."

Liam looked through the red files Drake's eyes widened as he exclaimed, " Neville is bankrupt." Riley nodded responding, "Has been for a while now it's why he's been wearing the same suit since Leo's social season." Liam was about to say something when there was a knock at the door. "I wonder who that can," be he asked.