Chapter 27.2
Liam slammed his hands on the desk when Bastien confirmed that there was no Justin. They had found no evidence that Justin existed but upon looking through records he did find Anton. Anton who looks a lot like Justin although he hasn't been photographed in years. Liam looked at Justin's photo and the last photo of Anton comparing the two agreeing with Bastien that they were one and the same. He let out an aggravated sigh that Bertrand hadn't done the background check needed for a press secretary. Liam understood why it had happened Bertrand was having serious financial issues. He wished they had come to him and confided in him. Liam looked to Bastine saying, "I want both photos sent to all police locations. I want a reward for information that leads to their capture. I want this group found and brought in before they do something else. They are a danger to the nobility and the people as long as they are in Cordonia."
Ice filled Liam's veins as he stormed through the palace. He finally arrived at the security suite he hadn't been there since the improvements had occurred. He got to the door and waited as Bastien entered the code to unlock the door for the king. Liam marched into the room the size surprised Liam. He was also surprised by all the monitors with footage playing on the screens. Liam froze looking at the monitors he could see almost all of the palace on the screens. The only places missing seemed to be the bedrooms and bathrooms. Liam could see some with headphones on while others were working on computers. He stood there in awe of it all.
Bastine chuckled slightly saying, "Welcome to command central sir." "This is impressive Bastien. I imagine Applewood isn't anything like this?
Bastine shook his head no before adding, "They are still on the old system and Applewood is vulnerable compared to the palace. In fact, we have more then the council approved thanks to your queen. She worked hard with the manufacturer of the equipment to get it as cheaply as possible. He is now advertising his equipment is being used in a royal palace and keeping it secure in return we got things at cost so we could get all we needed." Liam nodded he knew this was way more than the budget that had been approved. It was impressive and no one would see the inner workings but the security team and himself or Riley.
Suddenly lights flashed and a text notice went across a screen at the top an image appeared on the large TV screen. Liam instantly recognized Madeleine's room. Liam asked, "What's going on?" Bastien replied, "Code Red, and blue. Let's hurry to Madeleine's room." Bastien shouted to his men, "Contact the palace doctor and put the kitchen on Lockdown." Liam now alarmed asked, "What's going on" as they swiftly moved to Madeleine's room. Bastien replied, "I'm not sure other than a text coming in from Mara for medical help and to lock down the kitchen." Panic flooded Liam as they rushed to Madeleine's room. As soon as they arrived at Madeleine's room Liam in his panic threw the door open. Everyone in the room turned at the sound of the door slamming into the wall. Liam held himself together as he took in the room. Mara had Kiara pinned against the wall in a secure hold a doctor treating her hand.
What's going on" Bastien asked wanting to assess the situation. "Sir, there was an attempt made on both the queen and Madeleine" Miss Woodrow stated. Liam's head snapped in the direction of the voice-only now noticing her. He frantically searched for Riley or Madeleine demanding in his king voice, "Where are they?" Miss Woodrow pointed in the direction of the bedroom. Bastien entered the room first to ensure it was safe before allowing Liam to enter. Once Liam entered his eyes frantically searched for Riley. He finally found her sitting on the bed next to Madeleine holding Madeleine's hand. Madeleine was pale but her color was improving as he viewed her. He approached Riley looking over her from head to toe. Once Liam was next to her, he pulled her into him breathing a sigh of relief. Liam asked, "Are you alright?" Riley smiled replying, "I'm fine. I caught Kiara adding ground up birth control medicine to my water. She distracted me first by adding food Madeleine was allergic to into her meal. I doubt Kiara expected me to call for a doctor or to tend to Madeleine and to stab the bag she had been using. Unfortunately, I got her too I hadn't planned on injuring her. Mara will take her to a cell after treatment of her cut hand."\
Bastien presses his hand to his earpiece for a moment before saying, "I'm sorry to interrupt sir but there is a broadcast you need to see." Bastien turns on the TV in the room. On the news is a broadcast of the burning of the applewood orchard and the message sent by the guilty party. Liam glares at the TV screen before saying, "Prepare for a trip to applewood as soon as possible. We will address the press and check in with the staff there. Alert security to our change in plans and lock up Kiara until we return. Madeleine your excused from duties until you have fully recovered. The medical staff here will care for you until you're better." Liam turns to Riley grabbing her hand and gently pulling her to him. He escorts her out of the room. He makes his way to their room so they can shower and change for a press conference at the applewood estate. Soon they are at the Liam and headed towards applewood. Liam pulls Riley close to him in the Limo kissing her forehead and cheek. He whispers, "I was so worried about you today."
Riley Kissed his lips gently trying to reassure him that she was fine. Liam's eyes darken with passion as the kiss changes into a heated passionate kiss. Liam pulls away from her lips kissing down her neck gently nipping and sucking on her skin where her neck meets her shoulder. Liam pulls her onto his lap as he groans. Riley pulls away from him with a soft smile saying, "We should wait until after our press conference." Liam nods knowing that if he continues she won't look as good as she does now. He reluctantly nods before adding, "After we're done we will continue what we started in our room." Riley nods smiling at Liam looking forward to when the press has left.