"Say goodbye to New York, and hello to Cordonia!" Maxwell exclaimed as they reached the airport tarmac, his fists in the air in triumph and excitement.
Jane slowly got out of the limo and stared at the private plane. 'What am I doing? I just quit my job, and now I'm going on a jet with strange men to a strange country? What are you doing Jane?'
Maxwell must have sensed her hesitation, because he stopped and turned back to her. "Everything okay?"
But she put on a more excited polite smile and nodded. "Let's go!" 'What are you doing?'
They made their way onto the plane and saw Drake and Tariq already waiting. "Hey guys." The others returned her greeting and she chose a seat. "I wasn't even supposed to take your table last night. I can't believe this is really happening."
"Well, you better believe it," Drake responded, looking boredly out the window as the pilot began the take-off procedures. "Ready or not, this is happening. And if you're not ready, those noble women are going to eat you alive. Fair warning."
"Drake!" Maxwell absconded and turned to Jane, already knowing her hesitation. "He's just trying to scare you. You're okay, right?"
Jane bit the inside of her cheek and glanced out the window. "Honestly, I'm a little terrified. If I hadn't Googled you guys last night, this is kind of the start to a human trafficking story. Let alone having to compete for the affection of a guy I just met last night, and I have to prove I'm good enough to be the queen of a country I've never even been to. But, yeah...I guess I'm doing okay."
"At least she's honest," Drake commented and turned his attention to Maxwell. "But she's not going to last a week there. It's going to be a waste of your time to sponsor her and bring her." Then he turned to Jane, and his eyes softened slightly when he saw her dejected frown. "Look, no offense Jane. You seem nice, and yeah Liam hit it off with you. But I've seen too many women get chewed up and spit out by the court, and those were women who had grown up around all of it. It's never ended well, not for anyone."
'I'm not weak. I can do this.' Jane took in a determined breath and looked him square in the eye. "I'm not like those girls. Their priority was climbing a ladder, but Liam being a prince doesn't really matter to me. My motivation is to get to know him better, let him get to know me. And at the same time, learn more about his country. If he chooses me, I'll try to be worthy of that choice. This isn't a reality show to me. He's a real person. And I'm not backing down."
But Drake shook his head and looked back out the window as the plane began to leave the ground. "That's exactly what's going to get you in trouble," he mumbled.
'He seemed nicer with a glass of whiskey in him.'
Maxwell leaned over to Jane with an encouraging smile. "Don't mind Drake," he said in a low voice. "He's a bit grumpy in the mornings. I wouldn't have sponsored you if I didn't think you have a chance. My house's reputation is on this."
"So, no pressure?"
"Oh, no I didn't mean to pressure you! I'm just saying...I think you're going to do great. Besides, you'll have me the whole time!"
A few hours, and a few movies later, Maxwell began to vibrate in his seat. "Look, Jane! There's Cordonia!"
She looked out the window, and it was… "Beautiful." She grinned and looked at him. "It's like something from a fairy tale." The coastal water was crystal blue, the buildings were gorgeous white wash with coloured roofs. Everything looked perfect.
"If either of you burst into song, I'm going to jump out of this plane," Drake muttered, shifting in his seat with his eyes closed.
Maxwell waved him off. "Well, are you ready, Jane?"
'No. Not in the slightest.' But she put on a grin. "Ready as I'll ever be!"
"Great! A car should be meeting us on the tarmac to bring us to the palace. Your room will probably be ready, since we're a little behind schedule."
Jane grabbed her bag but stopped. "Wait, the palace?"
"Oh, this'll be good," Drake said, watching them with amusement.
"Yeah!" Maxwell took Jane's bag for her and started off the plane. "All of the women will be staying in the palace for the next few months. Actually, most of the nobility stays there during the social season."
Drake stepped in ahead of Jane. "Makes it easier for everyone to attend the rose ceremony."
'Seriously? Why are you such a jerk?' "Ha. Ha."
Jane tried to play it as cool as possible, but for the entire drive to the palace, her eyes were glued to the window. Growing up in North America never gave her the scenery or history that could easily be seen in the landscape and buildings of Cordonia. Drake and Maxwell mostly spoke to each other during the drive, sometimes addressing her but stopped when they realized she was hardly paying attention.
And despite her best efforts, her eyes widened even more when she stepped out from the limo in front of the palace.
Drake stepped beside her and clapped her on the shoulder. "Deer in headlights. Not even a week."
"Jane!" Maxwell jumped in. "I'll show you to your room."
Jane glanced at Drake quickly as he held up a hand and headed off while Maxwell led her into the palace. She had to force her jaw to stay closed when they entered. "Maxwell, this is beautiful. I still can't believe I'm here. Do you know the history of the palace?"
"Oh...no, not really," Maxwell said, his face dropping with disappointment. "Liam would, though! Oh!" His face perked up again, making Jane smile in response. "I can tell you what's happened though when I've been here! Like, the main stairs back there? Great for sliding down. The floor at the bottom? Not so great to land on."
She couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sure that's true of most floors."
"Maybe. I haven't fallen onto all of them."
Jane laughed again, but looked over her shoulder briefly. "So, what's the deal with Drake? I know people let loose a bit on vacation, but he definitely didn't seem so...jaded."
"Drake hasn't always had an easy time fitting in."
"Aren't all nobles buddy buddy?"
Now it was Maxwell's turn to laugh. "Drake's actually a commoner. Don't ever tell him you thought he was a noble. He'd drop his whiskey. Then he'd be mad he dropped his whiskey. But, yeah, he's always been a bit of an outsider. He's Liam's best friend, but that hasn't meant he's been part of the court. I don't know if he would even want that."
He stopped at the end of the corridor beside an elaborate door. All of the doors were elaborate, really. "Here's your stop! If you need anything, my brother and I have rooms just a few doors down."
Jane raised an eyebrow. "Wait, brother?"
"Oh, yes! An older brother: Duke Bertrand Ramsford of House Beaumont. He's technically the heir, and I'm the spare." He was grinning as he said it, but Jane saw a flicker of something in his eyes.
"If he's the heir, are you allowed to sponsor someone, or does it have to be Bertrand?"
"I've already talked to him about all of this. You'll get to meet him tonight. He's excited to meet you. Me too!" Maxwell grinned sheepishly. "I mean, I've already met you, but tonight is the start of the season, so you'll kind of be a new person. It'll be your debut, after all!"
Jane laughed lightly. "What is this, like a cotillion? Will I be presented?"
Maxwell nodded seriously. "Actually, yes! You'll be presented as an official suitor for the prince. It's a masquerade, so most of the ladies will be in costume. You don't have to, if you don't want, but everyone is going to be pulling out all the stops to get Liam's attention." He gestured towards her bag. "I...don't suppose you have a fancy ball gown vacuumed into that bag?"
"Well, I have a nice dress…"
"That's okay. There's a palace boutique we can use. I made an appointment for you, just in case you want to check it out. I'm sure whatever you brought is fine. Anyway, I'll come get you when it's time. Until then, relax and get some rest!"
Jane smiled and gave him a small wave before she entered her room. Her jaw did drop this time. Floor to ceiling paintings and tapestries covered the walls, a three-sided mirror stood in the corner with… 'a full dressing area?' And the bed. She dropped her bag and ran towards the bed, falling backwards onto it. "So worth it. If this is all I get...oh man." She sat up and let out a contented sigh. She unpacked a few of her things before heading down to the boutique.
Well, actually, she wandered a few corridors before asking an attendant to direct her to the boutique, but she made it for her appointment in any case. She opened the door to find an Asian woman standing in front of one of the mirrors, in undergarments.
Her eyes widened before she turned to the side awkwardly. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize anyone else would be in here."
The woman smiled. "No problem. I didn't have an appointment, actually. I just thought I would sneak in between people. I'm Hana. I suppose we're both here to get ready for the masquerade tonight and searching desperately for something to wear?"
"You know, I left my masquerade gown in my other suitcase," Jane said with a smile.
But Hana's eyes widened. "Oh no, that's horrible! I hate not being able to anticipate what I might need. Well, the seamstress is running a little late it seems. I've been here a little while, so I could show you around. The gowns here are gorgeous." She looked down at herself. "I should get dressed first, hold on." She slipped the dress on, and put her arm behind her back. She frowned after a moment, her arm still trying the zipper.
Jane stepped forward and helped finish the zipper. "Women's clothing is beautiful, but they still haven't found a way for us to put the clothes on our own bodies."
Hana laughed and put on a matching mask. "We are helpless creatures. Thank you. Not many of the women at court are like you."
"What, helpful?"
"Nice."
Drake's words came back to Jane, but she shoved them away. 'I will not let him be right about me. Hana seems nice enough, at least.' But before she could respond, Hana picked out a dress with a large grin. "This one is gorgeous! You'd look like a beautiful angel. Ooo! There's this red one, too!"
Jane took both with a cheeky smile and went into the changing room. After a quick look over of both, she changed and came out in the white dress. "Well? Does it meet your approval?"
"You look heavenly!"
Jane did a quick twirl and both women giggled. "Well I can't say that's a bad thing. Thanks so much, Hana. I'm Jane, by the way."
"It's so nice to meet you!" Hana responded. "I should get going, but I'll see you tonight!"
Jane waved and changed back into her regular clothes. The seamstress showed up just as she was about to leave and she quickly showed her the selection, and promised to return it in pristine condition. Thankfully she didn't need any alterations, and had a bit of time before she had to be ready. When she got back to her suite she saw a glance of herself in the mirror and she sighed. "Guess I should do something about my hair."
Later that evening, and after beautifying herself as best as possible, she met Maxwell at the bottom of the main staircase. His eyes widened when he saw her and he clapped. "Well done, Jane. You look great."
"Why thank you," she said with a quick curtsy.
"Shall we?" He offered his arm and he led her to the doors of the ballroom. "When you enter, you'll tell the herald your name and title so you can be announced. It's very official and all."
Jane looked up at him quickly, fear finally setting in. "I don't have a title, Maxwell."
"Well, my family is sponsoring you, so you could technically be considered a Lady. Or you could just use your hometown. Or your last time. I didn't even ask your last name."
"Jane Warren."
"It's not exactly royal, but it'll do," he teased. The doors opened quickly and Maxwell brought Jane forward. The herald announced him in a loud and thunderous voice before he turned to Jane with a questioning look.
She looked at Maxwell who gave her an approving nod. "Lady Jane Warren." She kept her face as stoic as possible as the herald announced her and Maxwell led her fully into the room. "Okay, that was pretty cool."
"Like you're the most important person, right?" he agreed. "I have to go talk to Bertrand for a minute. Mingle until I get back. You've got this." He gave her two thumbs up before heading off.
"Right...mingle." Jane took in a breath and searched around the room, the mask on her face at least hiding a bit of the fear. She hoped it didn't show in her eyes. She was used to being put in uncomfortable situations, and speaking with all sorts of people. But this was different. 'Don't let them know you're not one of them. You are one of them. At least for now.' She noticed Drake standing alone at the far end of the ballroom, and the woman from earlier with a group of women. She started towards Hana's group, but then paused.
Instead, she made her way over towards Drake and she gave him a small smile. She watched as he smiled ever so politely, and bowed stiffly. And rather begrudgingly, but she wondered if anyone else would have noticed.
"Good evening, my lady."
Jane grinned. "You might be a commoner like me, but you can certainly act like a gentleman when it suits you."
His eyes widened when he heard her voice. "Jane?"
"What, you didn't recognize me with my face half covered?" she joked.
"No, I...I was just caught off-guard. You clean up well. For a commoner like me."
Her grin widened. "Drake, was that a…compliment? For a weak little waitress?"
"Even a waitress can look good in a fancy gown. That doesn't mean you're going to be welcome here."
'Well that lasted long.'
He sighed when she didn't respond. "Don't take it personally. I know I sound like a jerk, and maybe I am, but compared to the rest of the people around here, I'm basically your best friend."
"So far everyone's been pretty nice to me," Jane started slowly. "But I'm sure there's at least a bit of truth to what you're saying. You've lived here long enough that I know you've probably been treated like you didn't belong, or seen it happen. And I'm sure in your own way you're trying to help me. If not for my sake, then at least for Liam's."
Drake looked at her quickly, his eyes boring into hers. He downed the rest of his drink and set it on a nearby table. "I'm just saying what I wish someone had told me when I first came here. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find an actual drink." He started for the bar but paused long enough to say, "good luck, Jane."
'Okay, well let's assume that went well. Off to slay the dragon.' Jane smiled as she approached Hana and the other women. "Hello!"
Hana broke out into a smile. "Hello! It's so nice to see you again. Well," she gestured around. "What do you think of the masquerade?"
"Honestly, it's pretty wonderful. The decorations are absolutely perfect."
"It's refreshing to be around someone so excited. Events like these tend to wear on some people. And when you've gone to as many of them as I have, they start to lose their charm and appeal. Although, having the right companions can make all the difference!"
Jane opened her mouth to speak when a tall, red-headed woman stepped in between them.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, but I absolutely must steal her away."
Jane was pulled by her elbow away from the group, firmly yet...politely. How noble women could do that was beyond Jane. "Excuse me, do you mind?"
"No, I don't." The woman stopped and turned on her. "I've never seen you here before, and I always notice when the heralds announce a new name. I make it a point to know each and every one of the ladies at court. I'm Lady Olivia Vanderwall Nevrakis, Duchess of Lythikos." She eyed Jane. "Lady Jane Warren. I'm not familiar with your house. It must be...nouveau."
"You could say that."
Olivia gave a tight smile. "Well, let me give you some advice, Lady Jane, seeing as you're new to court. When you're presented to the King, you should kiss his shoe when you curtsy to him. It's a Cordonian custom showing deep respect and reverence for the monarchy. It's taken very seriously."
"I'm so glad you were here to guide me. Thank you, Lady Olivia," Jane said politely as Maxwell ran up to them.
"Prince Liam is here finally!" He paused when he noticed the guest. "Oh, hi Lady Olivia."
"Goodbye, Maxwell," she replied boredly and left.
He turned his attention back to Jane. "Are you ready to see him again?"
Jane looked across the ballroom and soon found Liam, greeting some guests. She held back a smile as she noticed his formal tuxedo and regalia. 'He's actually a prince. I mean, I know that, but...look at him. Wait. Look at him.' She looked down at herself, and despite the beautiful dress, all she could see was a plain waitress. "Do you think he'll be glad to see me?"
"Guess there's only one way to find out." He grinned and gave her a small push in Liam's direction.
Jane took a few steps before taking a breath, and continuing on with Maxwell close behind. She jumped slightly when Maxwell spoke again.
"I'm going to present you to King Constantine first. You're going to want to try to impress him. Basically, try to impress everyone here. They all need to consider you a worthy match. Even if Liam thinks you are, you'll need the support of the rest of the people here at court." He steered Jane towards the king who was seated on a raised dais.
"You Royal Highness," Maxwell started, "may I present, Lady Jane Warren?"
The older gentleman, also dressed in full regalia, nodded. "Of course." He turned his attention towards Jane.
She dropped into a low, and practiced curtsy. Although she hadn't practiced in these shoes or this gown. She hoped it was presentable enough. "Your Highness."
"It's a pleasure to meet the suitor Lord Maxwell's house has chosen. I hope you enjoy your time in Cordonia. Have you ever been?"
"I haven't. Your kingdom is absolutely beautiful, Your Highness. Thank you." Jane gave him one last smile before letting Maxwell lead her to a line of ladies waiting to speak with Liam. As they waited she eyed Maxwell, who seemed just as anxious as she was feeling. "Lord Maxwell," she said in a deep voice.
Maxwell stifled a laugh. "I mean, that's technically my title. In fact, you could refer to me as 'Your Lordship' from now on if you really want."
Jane made a dramatic face as though she was thinking very deeply. "I think I like you better just as a Maxwell. What about Max?"
"No. Never Max," he responded seriously. He turned quickly, seeing their place in line. "Here's your big moment! Don't blow it."
"Oh I won't."
