Maxwell turned quickly, seeing their place in line. "Here's your big moment! Don't blow it."
"Oh I won't." She gave Liam a wide smile as she approached him.
He responded with a polite smile. While it still reached his eyes, she could tell his face was tired of the show. "Hello. You'll have to forgive me, but I don't think we've met."
"Well if that's the case, how would a prince greet a beautiful mystery woman?"
Liam thought briefly. "With a kiss on the hand, if you'll allow me?" He took Jane's hand in his and brought it to his lips gently. "But I must say that I believe I know every lady here, so your presence...is baffling and intriguing. My mind is wondering 'is she a high ranking aristocrat from a distant country? Or a wealthy woman of the world'? So, I must know. What brings you here tonight?"
Jane laughed lightly. "You brought me here. In fact, I think all of the women here tonight were brought by you."
"Perhaps, yet none of them has surprised me like you have."
"And I haven't even revealed the actual surprise yet."
"What might that be?"
Jane glanced back towards Maxwell. "You're not even going to guess first?"
Liam stared hard at Jane, his mind obviously trying to place the voice, anything that might make her recognizable. His eyes widened after a moment and his face broke out into a large and very genuine smile. "Jane? I...thought I'd never see you again."
"I hope you've liked your surprise."
He lowered his head slightly. "This is the best kind of surprise. But how did you get here?"
"The Beaumonts are sponsoring me. It was Maxwell's idea. He seems to really like me, but I'm not entirely sure about Bertrand."
Liam nodded. "I knew they would likely sponsor someone, but I don't think I've heard of a commoner being sponsored before. In any case, I'm glad they did. And I'm glad you're here."
"Liam…" She shook her head, knowing the other ladies in line were staring at her. "We barely had much time in New York. And until I got mad at you for flirting on your bachelor party, but then after you explained...I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wanted more time. With you. And to see what this could be."
"I feel the same way." He reached out and brushed his hand against hers, but pulled back quickly when the guard behind him coughed quietly. "But this isn't New York. Things are...different here. The rules are different. I'm not the only one here to make a decision. This is all to give my parents and the people of Cordonia time to get to know their future queen."
Jane nodded. "I know, and I know how important this is to you."
"Everyone will be watching you."
Jane nodded, her eyes shifting down. "I know. It's...a little overwhelming."
Liam let out a sigh. "I'm sorry I can't make this easier for you. I wish...I wish I could. But for what it's worth, you definitely look the part. You look amazing. You charmed me in a single evening. I'm sure you'll charm everyone here just as quickly."
She looked back up at him again. "Thanks."
He looked at the next lady in line. "This isn't the best place to talk. We only have a few more minutes. I need to give everyone the same time."
Jane glanced over her shoulder, seeing the line getting longer. "How are you doing, with all of this? I know I'm feeling overwhelmed, but I also don't have nearly thirty women standing in line to talk to me." When he didn't respond right away, she looked back up at him. "Liam?"
Liam shook his head in disbelief. "You...this is your first time at court, with every eye on you as a newcomer, and you're concerned about me? That...means a lot. I don't have many people ask me that."
"Well?"
"It's...all of this, it's definitely a lot of pressure. But I knew what I was getting into. I was raised for this, mostly. The princes of Cordonia only have so much say over who they marry, and I completely understand why. It doesn't always make it easier, but I know my duty. I think our time is up, I'm sorry to say."
Jane went to reach for his hand, but stopped herself. "We really aren't in New York anymore, are we?"
"No. Save a dance for me later."
She curtsied and went to rejoin Maxwell. "That went really well. But...Maxwell, this isn't going to be enough, getting to know him. I have to impress the court, the people of Cordonia, everyone."
Maxwell placed a hand on her arm. "There's plenty of time to do that, don't worry. Besides, Bertrand and I will be there with you every step of the way. Now, it'd probably be good to get to know the other courtly ladies. They might be your competition now, but you'll definitely need some allies, especially if you're chosen."
Jane nodded with determination. "I can do this."
"Yeah you can!"
She started towards where she saw Hana head off to, but stopped briefly. "Thank you, Maxwell, for being so encouraging. I know you have your reputation at stake. I'm grateful for everything." She continued to the group of women and noticed Olivia there along with other unfamiliar women. And unfortunately, Olivia's mask did nothing to hide her irritation.
"Jane, you were awfully cozy with the prince. You didn't mention you know him."
'And it begins' Jane shrugged lightly. "You didn't ask. You only made an attempt to give me some very interesting advice. You'll forgive me that I greeted the king in my own way, but he seemed to appreciate it. But yes, I've met Prince Liam once before."
Olivia scoffed. "And when would a girl like you get the chance to meet him?"
"Let's just say it was once upon a time, in a land far away."
She rolled her eyes. "You're hiding something. I don't like secrets, and I definitely don't like you. Whatever connection you think you have with him, it's not going to be enough, not when you're going up against all the other, more suitable ladies of the court. We were raised to find a husband and we all come from the finest houses of Europe."
Olivia gestured towards a tall, dark woman beside her. "Lady Kiara's father is a foreign diplomat and she's fluent in ten languages."
Kiara gave a small nod. "Le prince va tomber amouroux de moi."
Olivia continued, "And Lady Penelope can trace her lineage back six hundred years in royal lines. Even Hana here has been raised with the sole goal of finding a husband."
Penelope smiled, and Jane thought that at least she might also be friendly...if she wasn't already friends with Olivia. "If anyone here has an advantage with Prince Liam, it's you, Olivia."
The woman gave Jane a smug look. "That's true. I know him the best out of everyone. We were basically raised together here in the palace. It was assumed that we would be married one day, but it became complicated when his older brother abdicated. Now he has to go through all of this just to honour our marriage agreement. He's been mine since we were children, and I'm not about to lose him now to one of you ladies."
Jane shook her head in disbelief. "Honestly I can't even believe Liam would be friends with you, let alone agree to marry you."
"That just shows how little you know about him, and about me."
Penelope folded her arms over her chest. "Olivia can be quite charming. Someone like you would never be able to see that."
Jane squared her shoulders, steeling herself. 'I won't let them get the best of me. Regardless of his history with Olivia, he's at least interested in me.'
Olivia clicked her tongue. "Now, ladies, we should behave. Jane here will learn her place soon enough. Somewhere below Kiara and Penelope...but honestly, still somewhat above Hana believe it or not. It must be difficult for her to come back after that embarrassment of an engagement. But I can't believe her parents would even consider her to be an acceptable match for Prince Liam, what with her being damaged goods and all."
"Olivia!" Hana cried, her face reddening. "I...I need to go…please excuse me."
Jane caught her arm as she pushed past. "I'll come with you. I don't want to stay here either."
"No, I'm okay. You're sweet to offer, though," Hana responded, her eyes glistening.
Jane turned back to Olivia, her eyes blazing. "None of that was called for. I wouldn't trust you with childproof scissors, let alone a kingdom. You honestly think people would want you as their queen when you so clearly disregard the well-being of other people? I may not know what Liam sees in you, but I know that he loves his country and his people, and he wouldn't let a woman like you drag it down."
Her eyes widened in shock, as though it was the first time anyone had spoken to her like that. "I...you can't just…"
"I. Just. Did. Now, if the rest of you ladies will excuse me, I'm going to go inside to enjoy my drink. Alone." Jane turned on her heel and headed back into the palace, her heart racing.
She had never been one to enjoy confrontation, and she knew that she had to make allies if she wanted any chance of being chosen. 'But I refuse to give up my morals and principles to be friends with people like her. Maybe Drake was right…' She made her way back into the ballroom and took a quick glance around, hoping that Hana may have gone in there. Instead, Maxwell popped into her line of sight.
"Hey, there you are!" He said happily, and joined her. "You look upset. Is everything okay?"
"It will be."
He nodded. "Good, because the last dance of the evening is about to start, and I think that this is yours with Liam."
"Right, I'm on it." Jane looked around the ballroom and found Liam nearby, speaking with Penelope. 'How did she get inside and to him so quickly?' She pushed down her doubts, and the small voice in her head and made her way towards him.
"...and that's how my family acquired its fifth golden poodle statue," Penelope was saying as Jane approached.
"Excuse me," she said politely with a small nod towards Penelope. "I believe this is my dance."
Liam's face lit up. "Jane, yes of course. Thank you for reminding me. I'm sorry, Lady Penelope. I had promised this time to Lady Jane." After Penelope made her goodbyes, he turned back to Jane. "Thank you for saving me from that conversation. She's a lovely woman, but...well the conversation was proving slightly difficult to escape."
"Well, I can't say I was completely selfless in my actions. It was also partly to see you again. Shall we dance?" Jane allowed Liam to lead her onto the dancefloor as the orchestra began a smooth waltz. "I...should tell you that I've never waltzed before," she whispered, knowing all eyes were on them at the moment.
He leaned close to her and whispered, "just follow my lead. You'll be wonderful."
With his arms securely around her, Jane was able to easily match and follow Liam's movements across the floor. She forced herself to keep her eyes off her feet, and eventually she caught Liam gazing down at her. "What is it?"
"I'm so glad I got a moment alone with you, Jane."
"Relatively alone," she replied, nodding slightly towards the onlookers. "There's only, oh, about a hundred people watching us."
Liam glanced around quickly and gave her a devilish grin. "I may have a trick up my sleeve that will help with that." He led Jane in the dance, across the ballroom and out through a set of French doors to an empty balcony. "This is much better."
"Nice moves, Prince Liam."
"Now," he started, slowing the dancing slightly as though it were only an afterthought. "I want to know how you are. Are you being well taken care of?"
"Maxwell has been very sweet, and your attendants have all been gracious. I still haven't met Bertrand yet."
Liam nodded. "He's...different from Maxwell. Much more serious. He's the main reason their house has such a high reputation. And what do you think of my home so far? Cordonia?"
"I absolutely love it. The architecture, the elegant events, the music. It's all like something from a fairy tale."
"I'm so glad you love it as much as I do. It would be rather unfortunate for a queen to dislike her kingdom, especially given recent history," Liam said, his face forming a frown by the end.
Jane looked up at him, the pain easily read on his face. "What happened?"
"The last few decades...haven't been easy. The first queen abandoned my father and half-brother. She couldn't handle the pressures of court. She hadn't been at court long before the marriage."
'And this woman was actually part of a noble house. What hope do I have of handling all of this?'
"And my own mother passed away when I was a child," Liam continued.
"Oh, Liam. I'm so sorry."
He shook his head and he slowed to a stop in their dance. "It was a long time ago. The current queen...she may not be my mother, but she is wonderful, and she's done her best to lead Cordonia with my father. The king and queen must be united in their marriage. Any form of instability directly affects the day-to-day lives of Cordonians."
Jane nodded in understanding. "Which is why you care so much about finding the right queen."
"As much as I want to, I can't simply follow my heart. There are too many people I need to take into consideration." He gave a small laugh. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to burden you with this."
"You can talk to me about anything, Liam. I'm here for you. You have a lot resting on your shoulders, but my shoulders are pretty sturdy, too."
A glimmer came into his eyes. "Well then perhaps I can burden you with some tales of my misspent youth."
"Give me your worst."
Liam led her to the edge of the balcony and rested his arms on the ledge. "When I was eight, my father decided to give me a taste of governing. He made me sit through hours of meetings for three weeks straight. Finally...I decided to liberate myself."
Jane wanted to feign shock, but even with how little she knew of Liam, she knew at least this was abnormal. "You played hooky?"
He laughed at the memory. "Drake and I stole a massive supply of chocolate from the kitchens, and we hid in the gardens. We spent the evening making up different games, childish ones really. But our best one was maze-tag." He pointed out over the ledge towards some hedges. "You can see the entrance of the maze just there, with the benches beside it. It wasn't our most cleverly named game, but it was quite fun. You lost if you were 'it' by the time the other person got to the centre. Well that day, we were exhausted by the end of it so we climbed up the tree in the middle and vowed to live out there. Unfortunately I woke up when I fell out of the tree, and boy did I swear up a storm."
Liam looked down at Jane with a questioning look. "Does this destroy my image as a proper prince?"
"I'm surprised you even know any swear words. I can't picture you ever using them."
"Not in front of you, at least," he said with a chuckle.
Jane turned and leaned her back against the ledge and looked up at him. "You know, I wouldn't mind meeting the Liam who plays hooky and sleeps in trees."
"I'm afraid those days are behind me," he said, his voice full of yearning. He took Jane back into his arms and led her in their dance into the ballroom once more. "We'll have to say good night soon."
"This is really how it's going to be for the next few months, isn't it? Stolen moments?"
"Believe me when I say that I wish this night didn't have to end."
Jane thought for a moment, and a gleam entered her eyes. She leaned closer to Liam as the music slowed. "Who says it has to?"
Liam matched her grin. "What are you up to, Jane Warren?"
"How about a late-night game of maze-tag?"
"I probably shouldn't…"
"Then why are you smiling?"
"Because we both know how much I want to."
Jane stepped back from Liam and gave him a curtsy. "I'll be out there in twenty minutes, and I hope I won't be alone." She began to walk away when Liam took her arm and spun her around, close to his body.
He bent his head down close to hers and whispered in a husky voice, "I'll see you in twenty."
