Chapter 15

"How dare you make such accusations," Constantine's voice booms in the room. " I have proof that I am an heir to one of your duchy's in Cordonia. I actually had no clue until I got here and started reading the books in your library. That was where I came across the duchy symbols and found one that was very familiar to me." Riley turns to Dake asking, "Would you please unwrap my box. I have grown tired."

Drake started opening the box he instantly recognized the phoenix symbol that was painted on it. If the symbol itself wasn't enough the motto ever rising was. The wooden box covered in a cherry wood finish, with gold paint for the motto and Phoenix. Liam was up from his chair in an instant. He looked to his wife who only pointed behind him. Liam turned around to see Bastien looking very pale. He instantly brought him to his chair making him sit down. "Sir, honestly I'm fine I don't need your seat."

Liam glared at him replying, "You will stay put. I will not have you collapsing to the floor when I can prevent it." Before Liam knew it both Riley and Drake were next to him. Liam wrapping an arm around Riley's waist concerned that she might faint as well. Riley took Bastien's hand before asking, "Could I be your's, Bastien?" Gray eyes looked into blue before he softly replied, "If you really are her child. Then you would be mine. I had thought I had lost both of you the day she disappeared from the hospital."

Riley held Bastien as he pulled her into him and cried into her shoulder. "There is a letter for you under the box Bastien, Drake would you get it," Riley asked. Drake quickly gets it and hands one to Bastien the other to Liam. Liam looks at it confused for a moment. Liam reads the envelope which has written to Riley's spouse. It doesn't take long for Bastine to regain his composure. Liam joined Bastine in holding Riley before both men released her. Liam smiled softly before saying, "It looks like Cordonia has a new Dutches your duchy is Valtoria. I can't wait to show it to you."

Constantine slammed his hands on the table yelling, "That's enough of this farce. Just provide the documents you have and we will vote." Liam pushed an envelope over to Constantine. Constantine quickly pulled the papers out and spread them out on the table so everyone could review them. A few moments later Liam adds a document listing Riley as heir to Valtoria. After a brief recess, the council returns to their seats. Constantine looks at the council saying, "All those who feel Riley has proven that she's both a Cordonia and heir to Duchy Valtoria. Please raise your hand everyone but Nevile raises their hand. Constantine looks to his son saying, "Riley has passed her inquiry. We will now move on to Madeleine first thing in the morning due to the late hour."

Liam turns to Bastine patting him on his shoulder saying, "Welcome to the family Bastine. Now it's late and we have a lot of work we need to do tomorrow when we see Madeleine." Bastine nodded heading to bed it had been a long day. Liam picked up Riley's box handing it to her before lifting her up and taking her to bed. Liam shouted, "Night Drake see you in the morning brother." Drake shook his head only Riley could turn Cordonia upsidedown. Drake headed to his room to crash hoping that Constantine wasn't plotting anything new.

Constantine took Regina's arm and led her to their room. He had to admit his new daughter-in-law was way more capable than he had given her credit for. He chuckled saying, "I'm not afraid I was horribly wrong about her. She will only make the Rhys line stronger. I can't wait to see her reign as queen." Regina shook her head at her husband replying, "I told you not to worry or interfere you stubborn man. Let's get you to bed."

The next morning they all take a trip to Fidelia it didn't take long to arrive at Madeleine's estate. It was surprisingly empty with the doors open. A woman who was standing at the doors said, "Madeleine is at her parent's estate. I am unsure what happened last night but, Madeleine seemed to think everyone in the duchy was after her. All the citizens did was try to help her. I am afraid the duchy isn't in the best state as she destroyed a lot of property in her attempts to escape. Although I saw no one chasing her." Bastine nodded and security took the council members around the estate before heading to Madeleine's parents home.

Arrival at Madeleine's parent's estate was better than to her own. They all entered the home to find a buffet waiting for them. Madeleine rushed over to Riley with a crazed look in her eyes saying, "You're behind all of this. You're trying to make me look bad. I will be the greatest Queen Cordonia has ever seen." Riley looked at Madeleine confused replying, "I've done nothing Madeleine. The only thing I did was tell you not to mess with me in New York. The rest you did to yourself. "

Madeleine staggered backward at Riley's words suddenly realizing she was right. Riley sighed saying, "All I wanted was for you to stop you had what you wanted but, that wasn't good enough was it. You had to have it all, didn't you? I'm not sure why you admitted it yourself you don't want or love Liam all you care for is the crown. So, I did the only thing I could do and vaguely threaten you. I figured you pull something that would make you break the contract you signed getting you out of my hair."

Madeleine's face paled as she stumbled further back. Liam glared at her asking, "Would you care to explain what happened to your duchy?" Godfrey stormed over grabbing Madeleine by the arm asking through clenched teeth, "What have you done?" "Me" She screeches before adding, "I haven't done anything but, keep myself from being killed twice tonight." Godfrey hissed out, "NO! You embarrassed your mother and me with your display today. I told you to leave well enough alone now that you had an agreement. Heaven forbid you should listen to your father. Instead, you allow our secrete to be exposed to everyone."

The council who had been questioning Adelaide let her go and moved on to Godfrey. Madeleine made her way to the bar to get a drink. Riley felt bad for Madeleine and hoped the Cordonian justice system would get her the help she needed. Adelaide made her way to Liam saying, "I'd like to apologize for Madeleine's behavior tonight. I head she hadn't even thanked Lady Riley." "Actually it's Dutchess Riley of Valtoria we have finally found the true heir," Liam replied. Adelaide's eyes widened before saying, " Well congratulations Riley. I look forward to seeing you more often."

Riley nervously awaited the council's decision. Depending on what they decided that would dictate Liam's actions. She noticed the council now talking with Madeleine herself as Godfrey returned to Liam. Godfrey approached quickly saying, "I apologize for my outburst earlier. I am just so disappointed in my daughter right now. We raised her better than this. It seems you are due congratulations on finding out you are the heir to Valtoria. You too King Liam you did well with your choice for a wife. I wish I could say the same." "Thank you, Count Godfrey," Liam replied.

Soon the council called everyone's attention although there weren't many in attendance. "We have come to a decision about Madeleine. First, we feel that she's neglected her duties to her duchy. So we have decided that Madeleine will be stripped of her title. Due to this decision, we have also agreed that Madeleine is currently unfit to rule as queen. We want Madeleine taken in for further questioning in regard to what happened to her duchy. Any punishment will be decided by King Liam after a full investigation."

Liam held Riley close as the news was announced. The people of Cordonia would now have Riley as their Queen. He couldn't wait for everyone to see what he saw in Riley. He most definitely didn't look forward to sentencing Madeleine." He would have to address the press again to announce everything but for now, he was both happy and relieved at the same time. Liam pulled Riley outside the gathered mob where the press was already waiting with bated breath for the results.

Liam stood at the podium with a huge smile saying, "Lady Riley has been found to be the long lost heir to Valtoria." He waited for the cheers to die down before he added, "The council has decided that at this time Madeleine is unfit to hold a title." Liam shook his head as a second outburst occurred. wrapping an arm around Riley he announced, "I'd like you to meet the future Queen of Cordonia. The one I have always wanted. Lady Riley!" The immediate cries of long live the queen nearly brought Liam to tears. Liam was so moved he pulled her into a sweet kiss on the lips. Thankfully he'd been able to maintain his self-control.