Chapter 20
Liam had to admit his father looked proud standing there as the people cheered for him. "Well Madeleine would you like to take your chances with the council or would you like to take the second chance I'd like to offer you. Now I know Liam would prefer the first option and being Queen is definitely off the table. I would like to help you if only you'd let me, Madeleine," Said Riley.
Liam pulled Riley closer to him kissing her forehead. He turned to Madeleine saying, "I'd recommend taking her offer. For some reason, she wants to give you a second chance. I'd love for you to choose to go to the council. Then I could ban you from the country and return you to England and your Father. The English Monarchy could then deal with you." While Madeleine was grateful that he wasn't considering killing her or locking her up for life. A life long ban from Cordonia would make her unappealing to a lot of English nobles. "I have a question for you Riley. How did you come up with the PGA for Neville's golf course," Madeleine asked.
Riley replied, "I didn't it was in the proposal. Along with his long-winded speech about how great he is. How he should be rewarded with the title of Count. There are also several threats in there. One of them included an attack on the palace yesterday including framing you for it. He also had an idea about possibly attracting a cruise line since his duchy is near water. I just pointed it out to Constantine luckily he called the man from the PGA. They were about to ban Cordonia due to Neville's demands. This is how I'd like you to start helping Cordonia. Madeleine, you could actually take the good ideas from the garbage proposals and make them happen. There are so many projects that need to get done and a large number of them could be done at no cost. Sadly thanks to the noble pitching it in a way that the board ignores it only hurts the Cordonian people."
Madeleine was at a loss for words and at that moment she didn't know what to do. This was essentially what she had always wanted. It would be a second chance but under their terms. She decided she had to know so she asked, "What would the terms be?" Liam spoke, "You would be monitored at all times. You'd have no privacy and have guards assigned to you. You will start off with these proposals and when you're close to finishing them we will decide what you'll be working on next. Once I am sure you aren't going to try anything like this again I will consider allowing a little freedom."
Madeleine nodded and was sure this was the best offer she was going to get. "I'll take it," Madeleine said with a grin. Riley gets up saying, "Doctor you are free to go. Liam will be sure you are paid." She turns to Liam saying, "We will have to stop by Neville's room to formally charge him before we can leave. Madeleine, you will come with us. I am sure Bastien can find a guard and a room for you." As soon as the doctor was out of hearing range Madeleine whispers, "You do know that doctor will likely go to the press with what she heard." Riley just smiled whispering back, "I hoped she would."
The three of them entered Neville's holding cell Madeleine sat between Liam and Riley. "I have some details that need to be cleared up and then a guard will show you to a cell to await trial," Riley said. Riley then added, "The last statement you gave me said you were here on official council business. Now Council members aren't allowed to be with suspects alone or engage in sex with them. Did you know you were violating the laws?" Neville growled yelling, "I was mistaken." Riley pushed a form for him to fill out over to him. After taking a quick glance at what Neville had put down she pushed it to Liam. "You seem to be having a lot of difficulty remembering Neville. When we started you had told me you hadn't seen Madeleine that you were with Rashad all night. Then when I could prove you had seen her was when you admitted to being here. Now you want me to believe you and she was in a secret courtship. Not even I would believe that I happen to know Madeleine prefers women."
Neville sat there with his mouth hanging open not sure of what to say. Riley sighed dramatically slowly getting up. She looked at him disappointed saying, "If you're just going to keep lying. I can't help you, Neville. I think it's time we leave and you go enjoy your new home for the next few weeks." Neville panicked he couldn't have this go to the council all his testimonies would make anything he said invalid. "What are you offering," Neville asked hesitantly. Liam who had just finished reading the statements Neville had made looked at the man hard. Liam said, "I want you to admit to what you did to Madeleine. You will be punished for that and removed from the council. Of course, that would mean your father would have to declare a new heir."
Neville paled he was going to lose everything he had ever wanted. It was better than being dead and perhaps he could find a way back to being the heir and on the council. He'd figure out a way to beat the system. Liam saw the look in his eyes so he said, "This is permanent and don't agree if you truly are innocent. I don't want you confessing to something you didn't do. This will go on your record for life Neville." Neville swallowed hard saying, "I did it. I'll plead guilty." Neville got handed another document where he confessed to everything and admitted to his guilt. Liam sighed saying, "Sentencing for how long you will serve will be in a few days. I will also be demanding you get counseling Neville. There are way too many willing women in Cordonia to resort to rape."
They left Neville's holding cell letting the guard take him to the prison. Madeleine was taken to her room and locked inside with a couple of guards. During the week another press conference from Cormery Isle had been made. The PGA had agreed to sponsor the course utilizing the zoo as a distinct feature. Several conservation companies that worked with the PGA helped the zoo be restored and improved. Neville was sentenced to five years with mandated counseling.