Chapter 21
Three months had passed and Penelope was anxiously awaiting the arrival of King Liam and Queen Riley. She had watched the small wedding and coronation ceremony that had been held on the place lawn. She and her poodles had gone in person but it had been televised to all of Cordonia. She finally heard the car pull up. She was so excited about the Noble polo match that was to take place. Other nobles had already arrived at their home but, Riley was the one she was looking forward to. Liam had gotten out first holding his hand out to Riley as he helped her out of the car. Riley smiled at Penelope bringing her in for a hug saying, "It's so good to see you again."
Penelope grinned responding, "It's good to see you too. We're glad your here to help with the fundraising." Riley nodded adding, "We're glad to help make Cordonia better. Oh, did the Cruiseline director come by and speak to you?" Penelope nodded excitedly, "He's been talking with my parents they seem really excited about it." "Love," Liam said to gain Riley's attention. Once he had it he added, "I'm going to go encourage Landon and Emmeline to agree with the cruise line." He kissed her cheek and made his way over to the couple.
Penelope smiled saying, "You two are the cutest couple. I wish I had your confidence. The other noble ladies make it hard to have Ezekiel all by myself. How do you handle all the women fawning all over your man?" Riley chuckles replying, "I usually have to figure out how to make what I want to do court appropriately. I am used to America where you can stake a claim on your man any way you want. Regina has been really helpful with giving me ways to combat the ladies wanting to warm his bed. Too bad for them his bed is mine too." Penelope's eyes widened in surprise most couples had their own rooms. Riley giggled before saying, "I am hoping to create a trend among nobles. Sharing a bedroom is nice and at the palace, we have a whole suite set up. It's designed so we can work from it if needed."
Penelope frowned saying, " I am not sure I can flirt I'm too shy. Although I do like your idea of sharing a bedroom once we're married." Riley responded, "I don't like Cordonia noble flirting techniques. So Liam and I talked about it and came up with a way for me to let him know without speaking to each other. So anytime a lady is too friendly I walk over to him take his arm and ask him what they are talking about." Penelope smiles nodding her head She kind of liked Riley's solution. Riley squeezed her hand saying, "The most important thing is to talk to him and tell him how you feel. I am you two can find a way even if it means sending Merlin or Morgana over to him." Penelope's smile grew, even more, she hadn't thought of using her poodles.
Riley nudged Penelope saying, "I'll help you this time" leading her to Ezekiel. Riley smiled as they arrived at the group saying, "It's good to see you again Duke Ezekiel." He smiles at them saying, "It's good to see you too Queen Riley. I am thrilled about this cruise line deal is it coming to Castelsarreillan?" Riley smiled saying, "I have encouraged the cruise line to visit all the coastal duchy's. I have also contacted the nobles in charge of them encouraging them to make a deal with the cruise line. It will bring lots of tourism into Cordonia even if they only agree to a port stop. That is where the passengers return to the boat at the end of the day."
Ezekiel looked confused as he asked, "Is there another option?" Riley nodded saying, "They could be a destination stop where the entire ship stays for three to seven days depending on the cruise. The passengers would then stay at local hotels or inn. At the end of the stay, they'd return to the ship to return home. The cruise director wants to get a few duchies in on a noble cruise where guests will get to experience the life of a noble for the cruise. I know he's talking to Duchess Olivia about a winter getaway for snow lovers. I can't wait to see Cordonia bloom with revenue from the tourists."
Riley turned her attention to the ladies saying, "Lady Clare and Lady Bella so nice to see you both here. Will you ladies be joining the king and me for the fundraiser?" Clare replied, "No we'll be watching from the stands. This way we can both get a good laugh in when you fail." Riley kept her polite smile in place replying, "Well then I am sorry but I will have to disappoint you both. I plan on being victorious on the polo field. Now if you will excuse me." Riley turned and left she felt bad for Penelope but one more moment with those two and she was bound to make the worst kind of headlines. She really didn't like those two but there wasn't really anything she could do about them. She doubted those two wouldn't want an open marriage so marrying them off wouldn't solve anything.
Riley finally joined Liam and Landon asking, "How are things going?" Landon smiled saying, "I am hopeful this will bring in the funding we need. Once we have fixed the damage the cruise line is willing to pay for the cruise ship dock. I love this idea how did you think of it?" Riley replied, "It was actually Neville's idea that and the PGA golf course. I just wish he had asked for help with the proposal." Landon nodded saying, "Sadly asking for help is often seen as a sign of weakness. A weakness that can be exploited by someone else. That often leads to not asking for help when it's needed." Liam nodded in agreement as he wrapped his arm around her waist. Liam said, "That is something we both hope to change. We all need to work together to present a united front for Cordonia. The more united we are as a people the stronger we will be."
Liam and Riley spent the evening socializing before heading to bed. The next day they put on the best show they could. People were cheering in the stands. Thankfully they had earned more than enough money to do the needed repairs to the duchy. Riley had talked Penelope into coming to Kiara's which was their next stop. For the art show displaying the work of the local artists in Cordonia