Chapter 23
Riley woke up just as they were about to arrive at Kiara's home. However, the atmosphere in the car was tense. Blinking a few times to make sure her eyes weren't still hazy with sleep before looking around the car again. "Um...What's going on," She asked. Bastien answered, "The king was given cookies for a snack on the journey. They have tested positive for an overdose of birth control" "Have you called Madeleine," Riley asked. When they all looked at her like she was crazy she pulled out her phone. She dialed Madeleine and placed the call on speaker. "What do you want," came Madeleine's answer. Riley replied, "We have cookies laced with an overdose of birth control medication. The husband harpies were in attendance and the king was the recipient."
Madeleine replied, "Liam can you tell me who gave you the cookies." Liam looked sheepishly saying, "I don't know. There was a knock at my door. I said give me a moment. When I opened the door nothing was there but a bag that said snacks for the trip. I checked the hallway but saw no one in either direction. No one seemed to know about the delivery so I hide them so they could be disposed of later." Madeleine was quiet for a moment before saying, "Constantine really was lax in your royal education. No matter no one ate them I will assume. I doubt it was the husband harpies they prefer sex and blackmail over trying to get pregnant. Although since we are talking about the king one might make an exception to that rule."
Riley asked, "Could Justin be behind this or do you think there is a social-climbing lady I need to watch out for." Madeleine sighed before replying, "Justin is a possibility. However, you are queen and there is bound to be at least one lady wanting to replace you. The power gained by being queen is very tempting and not all will have good intentions. The other possibility is that they wish to be the mother of the future ruler. They could also be trying to prevent Liam from having any heir leaving the crown open to the next in line." Riley thought for a moment before asking, "What if we announced Leo's twins as next in line until we have a child."
Madeleine replied, "I am sure Leo would agree as long as it's only temporary. The royal council may not since he did abdicate his heirs wouldn't be in line for the crown. The next in line is Olivia I am sure she'd support you two appointing Leo's kids. You could even name her as their guardian to act on their behalf until they are old enough to rule. It is an idea to consider however, I believe it would be better to flush this person out and use them as an example of what happens when you commit treason." Liam nodded his head before saying, "As much as I like your idea love. I'd rather have this person captured and punished. What do you recommend we do Madeleine." Madeleine replied, "Get some cookies and give them the illusion of a win. They will either gloat to the queen or come on to you Liam."
A smile grew on Liam's face now he could have her checked by a doctor again. He responded, "I think an illusion of a win is a good way to go. You could eat a cookie that isn't tainted. Then get sick we can call a doctor to check on you. I can act upset by what the doctor said. The rumors would start flying and whoever is behind this would be to see you or me within a few days." Riley rolled her eyes saying, "You just want an excuse to make me see the doctor yet again. I am perfectly fine Liam. I don't need to see a doctor every week just because I fall asleep during a car ride. Liam, I get it that your worried but all necessary precautions have been taken. Let's just hope you don't drive me insane during my pregnancy or I may be guilty of treason!" Riley hoped that no one caught onto her slip up. She wasn't planning on telling Liam until they arrived at her ultrasound appointment. The king was an impossible man to surprise and she was glad that she had managed to keep this a surprise so far. Hopefully, this doctor would be like the last and not check for pregnancy.
Bastien spoke up saying, "I agree with Madeleine and think playing into their hand is the best way to go. With no information on the suspect, the only way we will uncover anything is if they believe they were successful. Then when a pregnancy is announced all can be revealed at that time. I think any pregnancy should be kept quiet until the queen starts to show. At that point, the public would be suspecting it anyway" Riley wanted to roll her eyes she doubted Justin would fall for such a ruse and she didn't believe it was the harpies of the court. They liked their bodies too much to risk pregnancy. Riley sighed saying, "As long as it doesn't interfere with the event. I will go along with whatever you decide Liam. We can't lose out on opening Cordonia's artist to the international market." Liam nodded in agreement they couldn't risk closing that door after working so hard to get noticed.
Madeleine says, "The simplest option is to ensure the media catches Riley eating a cookie. Then later she will fake getting sick not too sick mind you. This way you can still attend the even but leave right after to return home. Hopefully however is plotting will make it obvious before your trip home. If it happens after you return to the palace that would indicate that Justin is behind it." Riley agreed and steeled herself to put on a good performance. She looked to Liam saying, "Someone will need to discretely stop at a bakery to get some cookies." Madeleine's voice entered the vehicle adding," I will keep my ears open on the current gossip. If I hear something I will call otherwise I have more important things to do. Toodles!" "Um.. is Madeleine alright," Liam asked concern lacing his words. Riley laughed at his reply saying, "She's been making great progress in therapy. Plus, she gets credit for her work and chooses most of her assignments. She's actually happy and helping Cordonia. Plus, I gave her the title assistant queen." Liam only nodded he was sure Madeleine did deserve some kind of recognition after all his father had put her through.
One of the security team stopped at a bakery to pick up the cookies. Then a pitstop to get the cookies into the vehicle with the king and queen. Finally, they arrived at Kiara's home. A cookie in her hand as they exited the vehicle already partially eaten by Liam. Riley took a bite for the camera's as they made their way to the estate. Riley had managed to sneak the rest of the cookie to Mara just in time to greet Hakim and Joelle at the front entrance