Chapter 17
Riley had just settled into their room when Liam kissed her saying, "I'll be right back love. I want to talk to Madeleine so I can make a just decision in regards to her punishment." Riley asked, "Do you have work release so she can work off her debt?" Liam looked at Riley in surprise saying, "Do you really think that's a good idea? She'd likely try to escape and then hide. I don't want to risk you." "Liam there are ways to do it without risk," Riley said.
"I want to talk to her," Riley announced. Liam growled out, "I don't want you near her. Madeleine is unstable." Riley glared at him saying, "Either I am your Queen or I'm not Liam. You can't have it both ways. If I am your queen then I have the right to talk to her. You can't hide me, Liam I need to be seen as your equal." Liam was reluctant to let her go with him. He knew she was right but, he wanted to keep her safe. As much as he wanted to protect her from everything he knew he couldn't. He'd have to pick his battles and as much as he hated to admit it he already lost this battle.
Liam finally responded, "I agree but first you will rest and eat. After regaining some strength I will go with you to question Madeleine. You will not be alone with her" Riley nodded knowing full well that there was no point to arguing with Liam on this. Liam picks up the phone and calls the cook ordering food. He turns to Bastien saying, "This is only a formality but we will have to do a paternity test. You know it's required to record all ancestors of the royal family."
Bastien smiled saying, "No problem sir. I will be more than happy to. I'm sure Riley will too." Liam chuckled before saying, "You do realize once it comes back showing you as Riley's father you will be granddad to the royal heirs. So no more Sir once your grandpa ok Bastien." Bastien chuckled slightly saying, "I will try sir." Soon there was a knock at the door. Liam answered it taking the food from the servant. He smiled saying, "Thank you we really appreciate this." With a bow, the servant turned and left. Liam brought the food tray over to Riley opening the lid finding a variety of items to choose from.
Riley ate a few things and offered some to everyone else. As soon as everyone had something to eat they headed towards the holding cells. On the way, a guard stopped them. "King Liam we just received this recorded message. We don't know who made it but you do need to hear it," Jameson said. Liam paused to press the play button. He could hear Justin planning and plotting the attack on the palace. Madeleine was the ring leader insisting on minimal injuries. She also insisted on getting a minor injury so no one would believe she was behind the attack. Madeleine's goal had been to make it look like she was going to be killed. Madeleine herself had stated on the recording that Riley wouldn't attempt to save her and she'd be able to spin that in the media.
It was obvious that Justin had changed plans on Madeleine but he was still pissed that she had put Riley's life in danger like that. Liam clenches and unclenches his fists as he realizes it was more than just Riley's life that had been in danger. "I want Justin found and in a cell," Liam states before adding, "I have to talk with the council right away." Riley says, "I'm going to talk with Madeleine. I'll go with security if I must but I need to ask a few questions. She may say more to me than you anyway." Liam didn't like it but reluctantly agreed with a nod adding, "I will join you as soon as I can. This should only take me a moment."
Liam found the council in the smoking room. He stepped inside the room announcing, "I just wanted you to know that Justin was involved in the attack on the palace. I have guards out looking for him. You shouldn't share any information with him. Also, Madeleine was involved as well apparently it was a plot to make Riley look bad gone wrong. I will be charging both with the destruction of property and the injuries to those in attendance. Since I only have one conversation between the two. I can't prove treason for either."
Neville stepped out of the corner saying, "Liam, I talked with Madeleine shortly after she arrived. I believe she's mentally unstable. I would like to recommend she be sent to the mental hospital for proper care and treatment. She was insistent that people were chasing her in her duchy. The news aired footage but I couldn't see anyone chasing her. I asked them to get a copy to your security team. She does admit to the limo though so at least that is a plus." Neville had really only wanted a cover should Madeleine cry rape. He was glad the news crews had footage and was sending it to them.
Rashad steps forward saying, "We are looking forward to having Riley as queen. Her mother had been quite the Duchess. I only wish we knew exactly what happened to them. My theory is that since your Mother was in the hospital around the same time. Someone mistook her for the queen and kidnapped both Mother and child. Once they were sure they'd get nothing for the women they got rid of both."
Liam nodded he too had wondered what had happened too them. However, that was all in the past he was beyond thrilled that Riley was his and where she belonged. He turned to leave the men to enjoy there evening he had to have a few words with Madeleine. He also needed to have a doctor come to talk with her. He needed to know if Madeleine needed to be in a special cell for mental patients or in a regular one. Depending on what the doctor said would depend on if she stood trial at all. He hoped Madeleine wasn't a good actress and would get away with what she had done. He had a sinking feeling she was a great actress from how she pretended to love him.