Chapter 19
Liam made his way to the holding cells after being stopped by anyone he came across. He had finally made it only to find his Father and Riley talking. He quickened his pace not sure what his father was up to. Liam still didn't trust the man around Riley. His father had scandalized her once there was nothing preventing him from doing it again. Liam glared at his father as he approached them. Riley made her way to Liam saying, "Guess what in light of the recent events. Your father is going to come clean about the scandal. My name is going to finally be cleared."
Liam looked shocked as his father continued on to go speak with the press. He looked at Riley with concern in his eyes. As she led him back towards the holding cells. "Um Riley do you really think this is a good idea," He questioned. "Of course it is," Riley replied before adding, "We have a doctor to see." NOw Liam was really concerned asking, "Are you, alright love? She smiled at him replying, "I'm fine the doctor is here for Madeleine. She claims Neville raped her. I believe her I honestly don't think it's some plot to get off easy."
Liam ran his hand through his hair as his shoulders slumped slightly for a moment before he corrected his posture. He nodded somberly as Riley led him to where the doctor and Madeleine were. Riley was about to knock on the door when Dr. Harington opened it. The doctor ushered both of them inside the room. They all sat down as the doctor said, "In my expert opinion the Countess was raped. However, this is fairly hard to prove since the Earl can claim it was consensual and that Countess likes it rough." The doctor pauses a moment before adding, "The Countess should be reexamined in a couple of weeks to ensure no permanent damage has been done. I also have given her a cream to help sooth the area."
Liam looked at Madeleine asking, "Why? I was giving you what you wanted. Riley was happy to just be at my side. What was all this for?" Madeleine simply replied, "With her gone my position as queen was secure. As long as she was around I'd always be at risk." Liam contained a laugh composing himself as he replied, "You really didn't read what you signed. Let me make it clear Madeleine. If it came down to choosing between Cordonia and Riley. I would have chosen Riley abdicating the throne. Olivia is next in line and I can assure you she wouldn't be choosing you. Riley didn't want me to choose between love and country. It's why she was happy to stand on the sidelines."
Madeleine's face took on a look of horror as the realization sank in. Liam smirked before adding, "The only reason you had an engagement tour at all was because of Riley. I can't begin to tell you how many times she had to talk me out of abdicating. How often she had to convince me that I would be a great king for Cordonia. Without her, I didn't want to be king we even thought of a few career options I have the skills to do. Riley even suggested living upstate New York in the Catskills. They have resorts where we could be professional ballroom dancers. The property isn't as expensive as the city so we could have had enough land for a house and stables for our horses."
Madeleine just sat there with her mouth open in total shock. She had no idea that Liam had felt that strongly. Madeleine didn't know what to say she had almost destroyed everything. Liam spoke again, "I know Riley wants to find a way to give you another chance to help Cordonia. She's a very forgiving woman and for some reason, she actually wants to help you. I can see it in her face and I am not sure what My father was plotting with her. He was way too happy for my tastes." Madeleine looked to Riley hard asking, "What did you agree too. That man will twist anything you said to his advantage."
Riley got an alert on her phone. She calmly got up and turned the TV on. "I guess we will find out now won't we," She replied. Soon Constantine was on the screen. He stood there proudly as he said, "Welcome I have an announcement to make. First, we have discovered that Justin was behind the attack on the palace. We are currently trying to locate him. If you see him report his location to the police don't try to capture the man yourself." He paused briefly adding, " Next we also know that Madeleine was plotting with Justin. However, her plans were only to injure herself. I am unsure of her reasons behind wanting to be hurt I am hopeful we can provide her with the counseling she needs."
Madeleine was confused she was cleared of treason by Constantine and Riley didn't look surprised. Why was Riley doing this for her? She couldn't understand it not when Riley could so easily destroy her. Madeleine turned back to the TV as he started speaking again. "As you know we all make mistakes as a ruler I have worked hard to limit mine. However, when it came to Lady Riley I never really gave her a fair chance. I didn't know her well or her reasons for coming to Cordonia. As King it was my job to protect my son and the people of Cordonia should Lady Riley be after money or power. In an effort to protect all involved from Lady Riley I set her up for the Tariq Scandal. I have since come to regret my actions and Lady Riley has forgiven me. I got to know her better during the engagement tour and was very impressed with her. She went above and beyond my expectations."
He paused a moment to catch his breath adding, "When she accepted a place in the background that was when I knew I was wrong about her. By then the damage had been done and I feared coming forward would cause more harm than good. She accepted my apology with grace and dignity. She also accepted that I couldn't come forward she didn't want to hurt Cordonia either. I am hopeful that with this announcement that my son and I can come to terms. Liam is Cordonia's future and I have no doubt that he will lead you forward towards a great one."
He took a drink of water before saying, "Now onto some good news. I have been in contact with the Earl of Cormery Isle. Regina and I will be going there for a while. It seems the Earls son Neville has been neglecting a few things. Now Cormery Isle has been pitching for a golf course for years. It's always been turned down due to lack of information. However, the Earl has informed me he knows someone involved with the PGA. Together we plan to invite them to Cormery Isle to see if we can finally get a golf course. There is a possibility that they will sponsor the construction. That is all I have to share for now we will let you know if we have more."