Title: The Royal Romance: Becoming a Princess
Author: Amanda Rau (manda091987)
Game: The Royal Romance in the Choices app by Pixelberry Studio
Characters/Pairing: (Characters) All from The Royal Romance (Pairing) Liam/M.C.
Disclaimer: All characters and story are the sole property of Pixelberry Studio. Mackenzie Grey is mine. Please ask for permission for the use of any added material, situations, or characters.
Mackenzie heard a faint knock on her door. The woman was still in a state of existence between sleep and awake and couldn't discern real from imaginary. When nothing but silence followed, she figured it was all in her mind. Another knuckle tap sounded as she drifted back to the world behind heavy eyelids. This time the action preceded Maxwell entering the bedroom.
"Is it time to get up already?"
"No." He knelt down. "I didn't get to tell you last night that today is a free day. You are left to your own vices. You are welcome to sleep in."
She gently pulls at his collar. "Yet you're dressed to impress."
"Can't dress any other way here."
"True."
Maxwell stood up, tucking her in tighter. "Get some more rest, Kenzie."
Mackenzie barely remembered anything after the door closed. Her phone ringing a little after seven woke her up. A name she never hoped to see flashed across the screen, causing her to redirect the call to voicemail. Kenzie peeled away from the warmth of the bed's coverings, padding to the bathroom, and going through her morning routine.
Mackenzie made her bed, then reached into a drawer, fetching her only set of exercise clothing. A pair of Gymshark Flex leggings in light grey with a pink waistband and matching shirt. Nimble fingers bunched curly strands into a high, voluminous ponytail. She slipped her phone into an armband and popped in her AirPods, hearing Cardi B's 'I Like It Like That'. When a familiar palace employee greeted Mackenzie's retreat from the building, she paused her music.
"Fred."
"My lady." He bowed. "Have you gotten lost again?"
She chuckled. "No. This time I was wondering if you could help me out with distances from one area of the grounds to the next? I like to jog in the mornings."
"How much ground would you like to cover?" he wondered.
"Five miles is my usual, but I have a feeling, to go that distance, I would have to leave the grounds."
He nodded. "Indeed. However, from here, if you jog down to the entrance gate, and follow the wall all the way around to the pool area, you'll have gone just over two and a half miles."
"Okay, I figured the property was big, just not that big."
He snickered. "Big enough for you."
"Thank you, Fred."
"Always."
He walked away. Before Mackenzie took two steps, she noticed Hana approaching.
"Oh! Mackenzie." She observed the woman. "Not many utilize the gym in the palace."
"There's a gym?"
Hana's brows furrowed. "If you didn't know that, where are you going?"
"For a jog."
"Oh!" Her face distorted slightly. "If I liked to jog, then I would offer to go with you."
"You could just meet me in the pool area in the back. Supposedly that is almost two and a half miles from here all the way around."
"Okay," hana agreed. "I will beat you there."
Hana abruptly entered the palace, quickly disappearing behind the doors. Mackenzie sprinted toward the gate after restarting her music. Minutes after finding the edge of the property, she entered an open area on the grounds. There was a sauna there in addition to landscaping, but little else. A grinning expression to her left caught her attention.
"I'm convinced you're following me, my lady."
Mackenzie hiccuped a laugh. "What can I say, Fred. I like a man who likes to get dirty."
They both busted. "Does the layout work in your favor?" He paused. "Even though I stopped you."
"No, you didn't. I always pause after half a mile and do some exercises. Did my arms, then my abs, then I did some back and chest. Now legs."
"Need help? My son is a rugby player. Used to help him all the time."
Mackenzie placed her right hand over her heart. "You are pulling at my heartstrings, Fred."
"I'm a tease."
She laughed so hard she snorted. Her hand went to her face. "Mind if I borrow a few bushes to mark some spots for suicide sprints?"
"You got it!"
Fred set everything up for Mackenzie, then returned to his duties. Mackenzie repeated a few suicide sprints, followed by burpees with push-ups, and surfer squats, finishing with more suicides. Before running off, she kissed Fred on the cheek. As Mackenzie arrived at the pool area, she noticed Hana sitting at a table with fruit and other breakfast treats in front of her.
Liam, Maxwell, Drake, and Tariq were sitting in the sauna. They had limited time together now that this whole thing had started, but they stole time last night before bed and this morning. They went swimming, made use of the gym, and sat comfortably in nothing but towels as the hot steam relaxed their muscles and sweated out impurities.
Liam had asked Drake to keep an eye on Mackenzie while she was here, electing that if anyone could get her through this transition, it would be him. Usually, Drake would have passed on the responsibility, but he didn't make that move when Liam asked him. He was rarely able to say no to a man that was practically his brother in all but name and blood. They had been with each other through thick and thin, and Liam seemed to genuinely care about Mackenzie. He wanted nothing more than the best for his friend and for him to be happy, but she was an enigma. In asking him to watch Mackenzie, he took a video of the exchange last night with the other ladies, and he had to admit that she handled herself with poise and dignity. Many women who encountered Olivia would either go over the top to retaliate or tuck their tails between their legs and leave, not being able to handle the pressure. That wasn't Mackenzie, she stood up to Olivia, not intimidated in the slightest, and her response was in perfect taste.
Drake had shown the gentlemen the video, all of them commending Mackenzie on her handling of the situation. Despite Liam caring for her and knowing how tough she was, he knew how immature Olivia could be. Her tactics could make grown men cry. Liam bet that Mackenzie would put Olivia in her place, and eventually, Olivia would get bored. Drake reluctantly agreed. He wanted to be right, mainly because good and decent women would leave here in response to Olivia chasing them off; women good for Liam and Cordonia. Drake considered that was maybe how Olivia would fall. She successfully chased the others away because they weren't the right fit for Cordonia.
A natural silence fell after their conversation. This quiet moment allowed the four guys to catch Mackenzie jog up, exchange a few words with Fred, then go through some exercises before sprinting away toward the pool area. Maxwell commented, causing Drake to tease that she was supposed to be a 'sister' to him, to which Maxwell scolded himself, then resorted to defense. His two-sided talk with himself caused all the guys to laugh as they accumulated their things, exiting the sauna.
Mackenzie plopped down on the chair to Hana's right, taking a deep breath before drinking down a few gulps of water.
"How was our jog?" Hana asked.
"Good. I needed it. It clears my head and helps me sort my thoughts. I will definitely make use of that gym."
"If you do some yoga, I will do that with you."
"We'll need exercise clothes. This is the only pair I bought." She faced Hana. "I assume you didn't bring any?"
"No." She shook her head.
"We'll just have to go into town today."
Hana's eyes bulged. "We aren't allowed to."
"Allowed to do what?" Olivia sauntered over.
Mackenzie studied Olivia's awkward stance. "Are you okay?"
She rolled her eyes. "My nails are still wet, but while we're on the subject, no, I'm not okay. The two of you are still here. I don't understand why. I thought after the embarrassment last night, you would have left, Hana?"
"Shh…" Mackenzie put her index finger over her mouth, inching closer to Olivia. "You hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"It's a very high-pitched scream."
Olivia listened for a moment. "I don't hear anything. You need your ears checked."
Mackenzie seized Olivia's wrists. "Here, let me help you."
"What are you—" Mackenzie put Olivia's hands in her freshly done hair making Olivia scream.
She went back inside, squealing. However, Hana was giggling. Mackenzie turned to see all four boys in their towels, each with amused expressions.
"That was actually pretty satisfying," Maxwell said.
Hana stood, abruptly facing them, immediately regretting her decision. Her cheeks went redder than an apple as she turned to Mackenzie.
"Naked."
Mackenzie stopped her as she went to her side. "You stay here, just like that, while I talk to Liam." She faced the boys, Liam in particular. "You know, Your Highness, these grumpy misfits—" she eyes Drake "— say a lot more about you, than you might want them too. None of it good. I've had my share of stuck up, rich people who think the world owes them something simply because they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. As attractive as I might find you, I'm here for myself too. This is a growing period for me and I will take every ounce of experience I can get my hands on while I'm here."
"Not necessarily a bad thing," Maxwell deduced.
For a moment, she hesitated. "Until I figure out my place here and the value of it, I refuse to give away too much. For now, what I will confess is that I was brought up in a wealthy home. I'm a trust fund kid. But I make my own way in life, which is why you caught me waitressing and bartending at a pub in Manhattan. My job, with the help of some loans, is barely paying for my Masters in three different law specializations and Political Science. Despite most of the people here, I don't live up to the spoiled rich kid stereotype. I've gotten by in this life with sheer will and kit gloves. I learned to admire men and their ability to settle anything. Best friends do something to upset each other, throw fists at the other's face, laugh, down a beer, and go about their business like nothing ever came between them. Women? Women like to be conniving and manipulative. Not me. If I want something, I tell you and I don't beat around the bush with my emotions or feelings. Look, I knew coming in, this was a competition. I will take anything Olivia throws at me. Just keep in mind, it isn't her that captures my attention in those moments. It's you and the friendships you keep."
Liam stepped forward. "I can talk to her—"
Mackenzie laughed. "Not every problem can be fixed so easily, Prince Charming. You talking to her would only make things worse for me. I can handle her. I'm simply giving you something to think about. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go into town."
"Uh, that isn't a good idea." Maxwell stopped her.
Mackenzie turned back toward him. "I thought I was supposed to be trying to earn the position of Queen. How can one lead her people if she doesn't know them?" All of them were left speechless as they processed. "My point exactly. Come on, Hana." She gently gripped the woman's arm.
"You don't have a security detail!" Maxwell protested.
Mackenzie spoke over her shoulder. "Then come with Hana and I. A native would be beneficial."
"Bertrand is going to kill me."
"Send him to Drake. His face could scare Hulk." Mackenzie snickered.
The three boys looked at their friend's face, then laughed.
"Alright, I will get dressed." Maxwell breathed.
"I'll meet you downstairs after my shower." Mackenzie waved, walking away.
Before Maxwell could get too far, Liam stopped him, pulling his wallet out of his pants in his hands. He handed him a card.
"Take care of them, please."
Maxwell nodded, then he and Tariq went inside. Liam turned to Drake. "Thoughts?"
"She isn't wrong, Li. You talk to Olivia she's going to make life a living hell for Mackenzie. Even if you mention me videoing it, or even going as far as to say you overheard it. She's out to destroy Mackenzie."
"But not the others?"
Drake furrowed his brows. "No. Mackenzie threatens her. The others don't. Just let Mackenzie handle it."
Liam sexhaled. "All right."
"Liam, sweetheart." The queen approached.
"Mother." They kissed each other's cheeks.
She went to greet Drake, but his expression caught her attention. "Drake, you seem troubled."
"Just some stuff going on with the competitors. Nothing we can't handle."
"I'm sure of it." She faced her son. "Your father needs you at your earliest convenience."
"I will get ready for my day."
Liam left the area. Drake was also retreating, until Regina's words halted him. "We have known each other for many years and you are my step-son's brother in all but name and blood. I'd like to think we are close." Drake remained quiet, causing her face to resume its happy expression. "Always polite and willing to listen, only if it's quick to flee."
"On the contrary, your presence has always calmed me."
"When I first arrived here and saw you, you were covered in mud from playing with your sister."
Drake bobbed his head. "I remember."
"I wanted to take you into my arms and hold you. When Constantine told me about your parents, I wanted to do it more than ever and never let go. Both you and your sister. I've always thought of you as my own children. It's why I've made sure you have lived comfortably."
"You'll never know what it means to me."
"I've got an idea."
He smiled. "You were always perceptive."
"Thank you for all you are to your brother."
"I'll never leave his side. Even when he asks me to, I'll never be far," Drake promised.
"That is why, in my eyes, you'll always be deserving of the other's friendship." Regina kissed his forehead. "Now, if I understand correctly, there is a rather beautiful, though rebellious lady disappearing off the grounds and you have been requested to keep an eye on her, have you not? You might want to shower and get dressed before she gets too far out of your sight."
"You never cease to amaze me."
"I've only heard the stories from my son. I haven't even met her yet and I'm already routing for her."
Drake's eyes widened. "You are scandalous, Queen Mother."
Regina smirked. "Why do you think she's caught my attention?"
Hana was in the changing room, trying on a few articles of clothing she had chosen. Mackenzie was still wandering around, browsing the various racks for anything that piqued her fancy. Maxwell was sitting across from Hana's door, watching both of them between glances at his phone. The three went to the local mall for clothing, then to a Nike, Gymshark, and Under Armor outlet and were now in an Adidas store. Inside, the three of them, a rather giggly and adorable clerk, and two other patrons who weren't together. Mackenzie listened and observed the woman and distraught child's exchange as she shuffled between racks. She inched closer, focusing on both the woman and the child, crouching to the child's level.
"Aw, sweetheart. Why are you so sad?"
"Because my daddy had to work."
"It was supposed to be a father/daughter day. He got called at the last minute," the mother responded.
"Oh no." Mackenzie caressed the little girl's head. "I am so sorry, sweetie."
The woman huffed. "I've seen you in the papers and last night on the news. You're one of Prince Liam's ladies aren't you?"
Mackenzie held her hand out. "Lady Mackenzie Grey of House Beaumont. And what are your names?"
"I'm Charlotte and this is Elizabeth."
"You are beautiful." She caressed the little girl's ear. "I'm sorry you couldn't have the day with your father, but I bet you've had fun with your mommy, right? Mom's can be the best."
"She's the greatest mom ever!"
"I think she's pretty amazing myself." She observed Elizabeth's feet. "Are you getting some shoes?"
"Yeah. I can't decide which ones I want."
"Because you can't! It's ingrained in girls to have as many shoes as they possibly can!"
"That explains why mommy has so many." She said in awe.
"See!" Mackenzie chuckled when the little girl got excited. "Now, what can we do about this?"
"Well, we can only get two pairs."
"Is it between these three?" The little girl nodded in response. "Hm…" Mackenzie thought. "Well, you have to go with these pink and gray ones. Pink is your color and gray looks amazing with pink, don't you think?"
"Yeah." She smiled.
Mackenzie nodded. "Alright, now we're left with these red ones and these white ones. Do you have any outfits that are red?"
Elizabeth beamed. "I do, my lady."
"Is it your favorite?" Mackenzie wondered, the child confirmed. "Then I think it's decided. Every young lady should have shoes that match her clothes. Makes her look sophisticated and very intelligent."
"Really?" She gasped.
"Oh yeah!"
Hana exited the changing room, sharing Mackenzie's exchange with Charlotte, as the two were checked out by the clerk. Mackenzie took Maxwell's arm, motioning to the woman and child as they left. Maxwell noticed the van they were climbing into, glancing back at Mackenzie with an acknowledging nod.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing, Max?"
"Yes."
"Roger?" Mackenzie turned to their driver.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Follow them please?" Mackenzie asked.
"As you wish," Roger confirmed.
Hana, Mackenzie, and Maxwell settled into the car, their driver following the van. It took them to a hospital about five miles away from the downtown shopping center. Roger parked, the trio getting out. As they approached the front, they observed the poor state of the hospital. There were settling cracks covering the outer walls, some large enough that Mackenzie could comfortably fit her hand inside. The sign with the hospital's name was lopsided, some letters missing. The landscaping didn't warmly welcome visitors in its state of disarray. Bushes were bare as it was still winter, trees were attempting to bloom but hadn't been pruned, so various branches were utterly dead, and flower bushes and barrels were filled with dying blooms.
Mackenzie stopped a man walking by. "Excuse me, sir."
"Yes, ma'am."
"According to a law passed in 2007, the Cordonian Clean Sanatorium Health and Safety Act, all hospitals in Cordonia were given a separate fund by Parliament. It doesn't look like this place is getting the attention it needs."
"No, ma'am." His features conveyed anger. "The Chief of the hospital pockets all the funding. He drives a nice car, wears expensive suits, and comes to work drunk most days. If he's not intoxicated, he's seducing staff and patients. I've written to Parliament and our king and queen, but no one answers. Our grounds keepers, doctors, and nurses are overworked and underpaid. He's making profits and pocketing them. I shouldn't even be talking to you about it, I don't want to get fired."
The man quickly shuffled away, disappearing around an edge of the building.
"I hesitate to believe him, but then again…" Mackenzie exhaled.
Both Hana and Maxwell nod in response to her statement, then follow her inside. They soon find Charlotte and Elizabeth.
"Lady Mackenzie! What are you doing here?" Charlotte asked.
"I saw the van you got into. Who's sick?" Mackenzie questioned.
"Elizabeth." Charlotte exhaled. "She has a rare type of cancer. Esthesioneuroblastoma. It's–"
"A disease in which malignant tumors form in the tissues of the upper nasal cavity and base of the skull." Mackenzie mirrored Charlotte's nod of confirmation. Mackenzie felt an aching in her stomach. "Can I talk to you about something? Privately."
Charlotte eyed her curiously, but agreed. "Sure."
Charlotte motioned to Hana, Mackenzie, and Maxwell to follow her and Elizabeth. The small group rode the elevator to the fourth floor. Weaving in and out of hallways and waiting rooms led them to Elizabeth's room in the children's wing. Charlotte and Elizabeth's nurse got the little girl comfortable. Maxwell and Hana kept her occupied with coloring and drawing while Mackenzie and Charlotte stepped just outside the room.
"What did you want to ask?" the woman inquired.
Mackenzie crossed her arms, a sigh escaping her lips. "I understand that you and I don't know each other well. There hasn't been enough exposure or much of an exchange that would allow trust. I understand if you don't want to answer, but I'm going to ask in hopes that you confide in me."
"Okay," Charlotte spoke slowly.
"Is Elizabeth receiving the proper care here?" Mackenzie asked. "Rumors are that the chief of the hospital is a glutinous man with Cordonia's funding."
Charlotte's eyes closed as she rubbed the back of her neck. "We heard the same rumors. Which is all we thought they were, until Lizzy would go days without treatment. I confronted her doctor who confessed that the rumors were true, but his hands were still tied. They have to stretch supplies because Chief Wright is buying less medical supplies and medicine. I've heard when he does manage to buy products, it's percocets or sugar pills, none of which help the situation. I talked to a few other patients and families, and they report the same."
"Has no one filed complaints or sued?"
"Not that I've heard." Charlotte shrugged. "We have proof, but the problem is that we can't afford a legal team to sue. All our time and energy is spent on getting Elizabeth better. Her cancer has a high probability of going into remission, but not without the proper care and medicine. I feel like it's a double-edged sword."
Mackenzie put a consoling hand on the woman's forearm. "The sanitary conditions of the hospital don't seem good either. Have you heard of anyone getting worse or even developing any viral illnesses?"
"Yes," she confessed. "Elizabeth got extremely sick two months ago. We almost lost her. It's a miracle we didn't. I would take her somewhere else, but both my husband and I work close and our house is only a few blocks away."
"I don't fault you. I know you are doing everything you can to help your daughter. She won't remember any of the details." Mackenzie softly smiled at the woman.
"Look, Mommy! I drew you and I at the store."
Charlotte stepped back into the room. "This is beautiful!"
"Come color with us, Lady Mackenzie." Elizabeth put a blank paper on the edge of her tray table.
Hana, Mackenzie, and Maxwell spent another hour with Charlotte and Elizabeth, talking about various topics while they drew pictures. The trio left when it was time for Elizabeth to take her afternoon nap. As they were going through the hospital, Mackenzie paid close attention to the rooms and the conditions. As they passed a cart containing food trays, Kenzie lifted some of the tops, observing the contents. Prisoners were eating better than the patients at this hospital. As they were about to exit, a well-dressed man approached.
"Some of my staff told me we were being visited by royalty."
"The chief of the hospital?" Mackenzie shook his hand.
"Yes, my lady." He smiled. "We are privileged to have you here."
"Your hospital looks like it's seen better days." She looked around.
"We take care of mostly children. They can be so difficult. I've tried to get more funding, but nothing has budged. What can you do?" He chuckled.
Mackenzie tried to hide her anger behind a smile. "I'm sure there is something."
"Maybe one day."
Mackenzie couldn't even begin her response before a man entered the hospital lobby yelling for Chief Wright. He pulled out a handgun when no one answered, shooting off a few rounds into a nearby stuffed bear decorating the waiting area.
"Where is Chief Wright?"
Wright ducked, crawling away. Mackenzie rolled her eyes, shaking her head at his cowardly behavior. The woman glanced over, checking to ensure Hana and Maxwell were safe and tucked away. She turned, noticing that she was one of the few left standing. Mackenzie eyed the man, giving him her undivided attention. Security in the hospital was encroaching on their position, all four reaching for weapons, but Mackenzie stopped their advance.
Kenzie glanced around the room, ensuring everyone was as safe as possible in this given situation. She also scanned to guarantee no more guards were patiently waiting to seize the perfect moment. Her eyes traced the waiting area, catching Drake an arm's length to her right. He was donning a baseball cap and utility jacket, tense hands holding a newspaper, most likely using it to conceal his presence. The man's eyes bounced between her and the gunman, but she gestured for him to remain sitting. Kenzie peered back over to the man who entered, his gun aiming for her chest.
"Sir? Sir, hi." Mackenzie put her hands out. "Why are you looking for Chief Wright?"
"Do you work here?" he asked angrily.
"No. My name is Mackenzie, and—"
"Mackenzie? Lady Mackenzie? You're one of Prince Liam's potentials." The man's eyes widened in horror, almost as if he was instantly regretting his current decisions.
Mackenzie kept her tone calm and collected. "You know what? That isn't important right now. What is important is your obvious pain. Only a man hurting comes into a building with others like him, holding a loaded weapon."
"My pain? My pain is something you wouldn't understand."
"I might." Mackenzie breathed a shaky breath. "Why don't you try me?"
"My daughter was brought here six months ago for a bone marrow transplant. While we were here, she contracted pneumonia. She could have easily walked out of this hospital healthy and alive on her own two feet. Unfortunately, that bastard is skimping out on medicine to make a profit! My daughter died! Then I lost my wife. We couldn't make it work after experiencing a loss like that. A parent should never outlive their child! It broke us apart. She moved back to America to be with her family after giving me divorce papers."
"My father died six years ago. He had lung cancer. Never smoked a day in his life." Kenzie stared at the ground, recalling her father's final moments. "The last two years of his life were just horrible. I watched him deteriorate to nothing. I was with him until his lungs couldn't catch breath anymore. In his final moments, I held him as tight as his faril body would allow. I held him in hopes that it was enough to keep him with me always. I hoped that my empathy would allow me to take his pain and sickness so he could live. His death was the hardest moment of my life, watching him slowly suffocate… Even now, it's hard to make peace with. I am the epitome of a daddy's girl. He was my first love, my protector, my knight in shining armor, and I admired everything he embodied."
"My daughter was a daddy's girl too." He sobbed. "I don't know how to do this without her."
"I know." Mackenzie looked at him sincerely. "The pain, it's real and agonizing. But you haven't done anything too damaging here yet, sir."
"Jones. Mark Jones."
"You have not done anything that you cannot come back from Mr. Jones." She inched closer. "So why don't you give me the gun?"
"I can't."
"You can." She got his attention. "Tell me, what was her name?"
"Caitlin."
"Meaning pure." Mackenzie smiled. "I bet she was. I bet she was perfect in every way imaginable."
"She was beautiful." Mark sniffled.
"What was she like?"
He managed a laugh through his tears. "She was vivacious, full of life. She loved to be adventurous. She wanted to be a princess so she could have tea parties and boss people around."
Mackenzie managed a chuckle. "Us nobility can be good for that, can't we?" Mackenzie took one step closer, the gun nearly making contact with her body. "Picture her face for me. Picture her giggling as she has her tea party in her favorite dress. Picture that moment, and tell me, would that beautiful, pure, precious little girl want you to avenge her like this?"
"That isn't fair." The man cried.
"Losing the people we love, never is, Mark. I still have brief moments of anger at my father being taken from me. He died two weeks before I graduated from high school. He missed it, and he missed college graduation, he missed me going through Doctors without Borders and the Peace Corp., he'll miss me getting married, giving me away, our dance, his grandchildren." She shook her head. "But that isn't what he'd want for me; to be hung up on those details. Part of the reason I breathe is for him. It's to honor his love for me, for giving me life. I honor him by being better than those who do horrible things to me. So do that, Mark. Be better than Wright, by honoring Caitlin."
Mark fell to his knees, sobbing. His grip on the gun loosened, allowing it to effortlessly fall into Mackenzie's palm. She unloaded and dismantled the handgun, placing a hand on Mark's back as she did her best to absorb some of his pain. When policemen entered, Mackenzie handed the gun to the nearby officer; the policewoman shook her hand. Another escorted Mark out of the hospital in handcuffs. A patrolman quickly took Hana, Mackenzie, Drake, and Maxwell's statements so they could beat as much of the coverage as possible. Hana, Mackenzie, Drake and Maxwell pressed through some media who managed to get there.
"I am going to get kicked out of this competition." Mackenzie peered out of the window of the car.
"On the contrary, you'll be commended." Maxwell corrected her. "You saved a lot of lives. Who's to say Mark wouldn't have stopped with Wright?"
"No one finds out," Mackenzie said with a deep tone. "A message we'll have to relay to Drake." Her eyes glanced over her shoulder and out of the back window where he was following.
"Keeping Liam in the dark isn't going to work," Maxwell stated. "Lying to him would be the worst possible thing to do while trying to win his heart, Kenzie."
"It was so courageous!" Hana swooned. "I could never have done that. You are so brave!"
"I lived in New York most of my life. It's rarer than most think, but I managed to have a gun in my face twice. There is still fear, but if it's your time, it's your time. Nothing you can do to stop it."
"You're downplaying what you did." Hana shook her head. "You really shouldn't."
They make it to the Palace where Roger opens the door for them.
"Roger?" Mackenzie got his attention.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Thank you for taking us."
He bowed his head with a smile. "Whenever you need me."
Drake approached after getting off his bike. "Have you lost your mind, Grey? That man could have killed you!"
"But he didn't."
"Don't be smart."
Her brows furrowed. "I wasn't trying to be."
"These types of situations are exactly why the ladies are not allowed off the grounds."
"Which only makes the situation worse," Kenzie argued. "You can't lead a people you are not willing to understand."
"That has nothing to do with this."
"Look, Drake. I'm exhausted. Keep yelling if you wish, but I'm going to my room."
"I'll leave the rest of it to Liam."
Mackenzie shook her head. "You aren't going to tell him. He has enough on his plate and we both know that this will only distract him. The worst possible outcome."
Hana and Mackenzie seized their shopping bags from the trunk, padding to their rooms. Mackenzie organized the new additions, a palace maid taking the empty bags. Mackenzie spent the rest of the afternoon reading and relaxing in the quiet of her private space. An accompanying fruit tray and bottomless mimosa helped the pages of fantasy alleviate any accumulating stress.
Drake was positioned in the back of Constantine's office, listening to Liam and his father discuss matters of state. They were in the middle of a heated debate when he entered, so he was forced to bide his time. The whole time, anger swept over him, causing the inability to be static. Regina was concentrating on Liam, Constantine, and a few other members of Parliament who were joining them in the meeting. Queen Regina was gracefully sipping tea, Drake his traditional neat whisky over rocks. A guardsman's phone rang, and he answered, quietly speaking to the person on the other side. It was an abrupt exchange before the man hung up and whispered in Constantine's ear. The king nodded, motioning for him to turn on the television.
One of the primary news sources in Cordonia was reporting on a shooting at the hospital and had footage from various cell phones. Apparently, one of the ladies of court stopped a gunman from killing people and shooting apart the hospital. Then, Mackenzie's image appeared. Almost everyone ducked the minute the shots went off, but not Mackenzie. She was a beacon in a storm. Every word could be heard, exchanges made as she empathized with him, then talked him out of his decision. When the newswoman came back on, she commended Mackenzie and said that if more of them were willing to come out from behind the gates and socialize, the people might feel more secure with the Prince's decision.
The volume went down and the King looked at his son. Liam stopped him before he could say anything. "I will deal with it."
"I'm against the contestants leaving the grounds for their safety, but it appears Lady Mackenzie is as good at slipping her detail as you and your brother."
"No detail, sir," Liam replied.
"Excuse me?" He perked up.
"She refused any of our men." Drake swirled his whisky, finally interjecting.
"Why?"
"My opinion?" He stepped forward. "She doesn't know the royal guard and that makes her cautious. Liam already has me keeping an eye on her. But after today, well, it seems I'm in need of assistance."
Regina stirred her tea, chuckling. "She's intelligent. Thrust into a world that doesn't understand her, doesn't want to. She's smart not to trust. No one here is going to help her and she's learning independence."
"Which could get her into irreversible trouble, my Queen."
She smiled at her husband. "I'm reminded of a quote by Nikita Gill that says: 'She wears strength and darkness equally well, the girl has always been half goddess, half hell'. Mackenzie's too brave to worry about trouble, my King."
"She has no choice now." Liam's fingers were hurting as his fists tightened.
"Might I suggest another option?" Drake voiced. "Maybe a security detail from somewhere she's more familiar with? The states have some reputable business'. Getting her to compromise on this will be easy. Liam will sway her."
Constantine nodded. "You have a window before dinner. Take it."
Liam bowed, exiting with Drake on his heels.
Regina stood. "I'm liking the fight in this one."
After she exited, Constantine turned to Bastian, his lead guard. "I want all the information you can find on her."
"Yes, Sir."
Mackenzie's FaceTime sounded, her mother's name blinking across the screen. Kenzie shimmied off the mattress after closing her book. She padded to the vanity, which held her ringing laptop, answering the alert with a beaming smile.
"Well, if it isn't the creature I spawned from."
Isabella pointed with her free hand, the other assisting her in taking a sip of wine. "Watch it, baby girl."
"Isn't it too early for wine?" Mackenzie's eyebrow rose at the sight of the half-full glass.
"I was at the office all night. Some discrepancies. I just got home a few hours ago."
"In that case" she raised her mimosa, "cheers!"
"Tell me about your day, baby."
Flashes of the day filtered through her thoughts. Elizabeth, Charlotte, the condition of the hospital, Chief Wright, blatant criminality, and Mark. But Mackenzie knew if she was going to keep her mother from worrying, she couldn't mention the day's events.
"Well, I only brought one set of workout clothes, so I went into town to get some more."
"Wow, you get to leave the property all willie nillie?" her mother wondered.
"Uh, not really. But I didn't exactly give anyone a choice. Maxwell, the one sponsoring me, he went with, along with Hana. One of my competitors."
"Wow, making friends?"
Mackenzie's shoulders bounced. "Well, I don't see why not. Honestly, Mom, I don't see myself winning. I am way out of my league here. Running a country much less marrying a prince? I don't see any of this playing out in my favor. I might as well make friends."
For a moment her mother was silent, before continuing, "I understand the logic, but what makes you think that you won't win? He clearly likes you. He's head over heels. Look."
Isabella sent Mackenzie a photograph from a local news article. The image was a picture of Kenzie taken while conversing with Prince Liam. Liam had Kenzie's hand in his, about to kiss it before she retreated from his presence.
"Where did you get this?"
"I was given a news source website to follow while you're there. Well, Rachel got it and shared it."
Oh crap! How much longer will she string me along before she puts two and two together? I mean, there was no way to know I was there, but still. I said I went to town and she probably saw the shooting—
"Nicki? Earth to Nicki!" Isabella interrupted her daughter's thoughts.
"What?"
"You have that look." Isabella squinted.
"What look?"
"The look that you get when you do something that you don't want me to know…" she trailed off. "Did you kiss Liam already?"
"What? No!"
"You did. That's your lying face." Her mother's index finger traced the outline of her face.
"You and Liam kissed?" Maxwell asked happily.
She turned and saw him, Liam, and Drake at the opening of her room.
"No! Well, we have, but not…" she shakes her head. "This expression is for another reason."
"Would it be because you almost got shot today?" Liam stepped closer to her.
"I didn't 'almost get shot'." She rolled her eyes.
"You almost got shot?!" Her mother said with sheer horror.
"I didn't." She faced Liam. "You're scaring my mother."
"Are you talking about the hospital shooting? I am looking at the article right now. There's a video."
Isabella played it, the sounds of the event coming over the speakers. When it was over, Mackenzie face-palmed.
"Were you going to tell me about this?" Liam asked.
"Yes."
"Again with the lying. Don't buy what she's selling, Liam," Isabella voiced.
"Mom!"
"Honestly," he said.
She paused, then her shoulders sagged. "No." Before Liam could say anything, she stopped him. "Not only because you would flip your lid, like you're clearly doing now…"
"How can you tell?" Maxwell's eyes traced Liam's features. "He's stoic."
"His jaw is clenched, his gaze is intense, his skin is flushed a tone redder than normal, his posture is that of someone ready to fight– he'd never physically put his hands on me, but it's biological, he can't help it."
"Dang, she's got you down, dude. That princely composed act doesn't fool her." Maxwell's lips straightened.
Mackenzie continued when her gaze turned back to Liam, "I also didn't want the 'you're so brave' speech, which I got from Hana. Or the 'you could have almost been killed' speech, which I got from Drake. I come from New York where this type of criminal behavior is rampant."
"She's had two pointed in her face." Hana stepped in and sat on the bench.
Isabella exhaled. "Well, one of them was in Iraq. Both instances shook me to my core."
Mackenzie rubbed her temples. "Neither of you are helping right now."
"You are not allowed off these grounds without a security detail." Liam commanded.
"Excuse me?" She narrowed her eyesight at him.
"It's fair, Kenz. You could have gotten shot," Maxwell said.
"Or worse," Liam said softly. "You could have been killed."
She growled, "Look, Mark wasn't going to kill me, he wanted one person and only one person. A person who's worthless life I saved, and I don't want attention for it. I want a promise that justice will be served."
"To render that, we'd have to see conditions of the hospital, question the staff–"
"Really? You'd put distractions aside to deal with this?" Her left eyebrow twitched.
Liam studied Mackenzie's expression. Through his investigation, he noted that she wasn't trying to be passive aggressive or snarky, but she barely knew him and how he and his family handled their country and its people. All she heard was his proclamation of spiraling crime rates, before staring it in the face. To her knowledge, nothing had been done to stop it. He understood how Mackenzie might think he was distracted. If she was going to be queen, these are the types of things they would be discussing, and her right to anger over how the people of Cordonia were living and how they were being treated would be justified as their leader. Accusations, though false, would also be fair if no evidence suggested these matters were being resolved.
"It still requires followed procedures, Mackenzie."
"My cool, calm, collected behavior is about to move from pros to cons on my list, because this is absolutely appalling and it calls for a reaction in kind. These are Cordonian people, Liam, your people! That hospital is falling apart. The foundation is uneven, walls are cracking, evidence of settling inside, I would bet money that the specs of the building aren't up to code and have not been inspected in years. The hospital's turnover rate is laughable. They're overworked and underpaid, and their resources are worse than field hospitals, who might I add, have regulations in health and safety they have to conform to. Medicine, PPE, and emergency rations are stretched so thin that patients aren't properly treated and some are even dying due to this negligence. This left a door wide open for an armed gunman to trudge into the hospital and open fire in light of losing his child to a curable illness. King Constantine himself could be sued over this if someone felt brave enough. Now, I would like to think he has no knowledge of the bending and breaking of the rules, but one could argue under the Cordonian Clean Sanatorium Health and Safety Act of 2007 Subchapter C Enforcement, no initiative to enforce these safety measures has been proven which could constitute as evidence of negligence on his behalf at the very least. Chief Wright is pocketing profits not only from the hospital and it's staff, but from the funding provided by King Constantine enacted for a dividend of Cordonian's taxes to be given to hospitals for medicine, upkeep, and salaries for employees, even in the event that Parliament closes. Subchapters A, B, E, F, G, H, and all subsections added thereafter are in jeopardy."
Mackenzie had begun to pace during her response, the act of someone trying to keep themselves from boiling over.
Liam gently gripped her upper arms. "I think you're heated enough for both of us."
"Pros to cons, like I said. Look, I don't need to be protected. I'm not as important as Queen Regina or the other ladies here as they hold respected positions of power. I'm just some American girl from New York City."
"That is a matter of opinion. Yours, in fact," Liam said calmly. "I will bring this man to justice, if—"
"Compromise? Liam, you can't be serious."
"It's fair, Mackenzie," Hana cooed. "You may not hold a position of power, but you are a part of his entourage. To have a fighting chance for his hand, you have to be alive."
Liam smiled. "Thank you, Hana."
"I have amendments." Kenzie crossed her arms.
Liam glanced at Drake, who shrugged in an 'I told you so' manner. Liam redirected his attention to Mackenzie. "I'm listening."
"I will hire security, if you consider a fundraiser for the hospital, as funding for the year has already been received. I would also appreciate you and your father conducting a tour to make sure this isn't happening to the other hospitals and clinics, and Chief Wright sees justice. I understand I have no leg to stand on here, asking this of you. It's bold and brash. You don't owe me anything. But this isn't about me trying to get ahead, nor is it about rumors that might surface that I hold sway over you. This is about your people, Liam. My respect doesn't matter. Theirs does."
"Done."
"I'm not finished." She tried to hide a smile as her outraged demeanor began to simmer. "I want to choose security for both Hana and I. She arrived with no one, and we spend a lot of waking time together. It would be beneficial for both of us to have a detail."
"Me?"
"Yes." Mackenzie peered from Hana to Liam. "No offense, but these people–" she motioned to his guardsmen "-take orders from you and your father. I'm not used to, nor interested in being stuck in the palace. Again, I realize who I'm saying that too and I've already considered that it will go in my cons list. But as I said, I'm not shy about what I think or how I feel. I only ever want to be honest. You have to decide how that pertains to you and your future, if it even does."
"Just so we're on the same page, you would appreciate it if my father and I take tours in the other hospitals to make sure funding is being put to proper use. For Silver Birch Hospital, a fundraiser as funding has already been finalized for the year. In addition, Chief Wright is detained on criminal charges and sees judgment. Your compromise is security detail for you and Hana, but not Palace Guard. Have I understood you correctly?"
"Yes."
Liam held his hand out, Mackenzie seemingly hesitating before placing her hand in his, the two shaking. To his surprise, it was firm. She was versed. "You have a deal, Lady Mackenzie."
"I know exactly who to call," Isabella added.
"You have that kind of pull?" Maxwell wondered.
"My mother's company uses men from a reliable agency," Mackenzie replied to Maxwell, though her eyes never left Liam.
"I will see if Robert and his husband are available." She dialed.
As she was talking on the phone, Liam seized Mackenzie's attention. "I was unaware that you were studying our laws in depth."
"I know about quite a few." She held up her iPad, bringing up the website where all the different laws and acts were available to read. "I've been doing some light reading. I started with legislative, before moving to executive."
Liam scrolled through. "Half this stuff bores me, if I can admit."
"I told you that I'm committed. I doubt Queen Regina helps with a third of this, but part of being the queen is supporting the king's decisions and knowing what those decisions are."
Liam couldn't suppress his grin. "Well, you're miles ahead of the other ladies. I bet even Hana doesn't know half of what you've read."
"I only know about the C.C.S.H.S.A. I read it when we got back to the palace."
"Case and point," Liam noted.
"Nicki." Her mother got their attention as she moved the phone away from her mouth. "Robert and his husband are both available."
Liam leaned forward, pressing number keys. "Give them this number. I will make the arrangements to get them here and make sure they are adequately paid."
The number went through and Isabella did as she was asked, hanging up. "They will call you soon. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to shower and get back to the office. Please be careful, my angel."
"I will, mother."
"I love you."
"To the moon and back."
They hung up and Hana swooned. "How cute!"
Mackenzie hid her amusement, looking back to Liam. "You might be paying them, but I want it to be clear that they are my detail. They answer to Maxwell and I."
"They'll answer to Drake."
She turned to his smirking expression, then back to Liam. "You can't be serious? Sir Broodsalot?"
"I do not brood," Drake argued.
"Persistently, you brood." Her eyes gazed at Liam. "I don't want to have him dealing out your dirty deeds."
"You have no idea the extent of my dirty deeds." Liam gave her a devilish grin.
Mackenzie went to respond, but froze. "I don't even know how to react to that."
"Good." A ringing came from his pocket. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to conduct before dinner."
Liam left and Mackenzie studied Drake before huffing. "Don't you have somewhere to be, some child's dreams to ruin, puppies to chase off into the wild, kittens to sneer at."
He chuckled. "You don't think much of me do you?"
"On the contrary. I regard you highly."
"Because I'm Liam's closest friend."
Mackenzie disagreed, "No. Because you haven't allowed this place to taint you. You see clearly, and that's allowed Liam to wade through this corruption without being consumed."
Drake seemed slightly put off by her response, but quickly recovered. He simply bowed his head, then left the room, Maxwell in tow. Mackenzie plopped down on her bed, her head close to Hana's. For some time, the two of them sat in silence, content.
"So, you kissed Liam?"
Mackenzie softly exhaled. "This isn't a game for me, I care deeply for Liam. But, what are the chances I'm actually going to get picked, Hana?"
"Liam adores you. I wish I had a guy who looked at me the way he looks at you."
"Maybe. Maybe he does adore me, maybe he'll even fall in love with me."
"And?" Hana pressed for her to keep going.
"How does that guarantee anything? He can't follow his heart if it and duty lead in separate directions. If that happens, I don't want to realize that I wasted valuable time here. I'm still relatively young, but the clock is ticking, Hana."
She was quiet for a moment. "Oh! You mean to have children."
Mackenzie couldn't help but to smile. "Yes, Hana. To have children. I've read up on the king and queen. The two rarely spend time together, and when they do, they can't show each other affection in public. If I'm with someone, I want to shout it to the world."
"That is actually a preference. There are no rules about public displays of affection or how much the two need to spend together versus apart. If you became queen, you could hold Liam's hand, hug him, even kiss him."
"That's considering Liam would even want to. He's been subjected to one state of existence. He might be past the point of no return."
"I love your analogies." Hana giggled. "Have you thought to tell Liam about all this?"
"No. We don't get enough time together."
Before Hana could respond, there was a knock at her door, Maxwell's entrance following.
"Ready for dinner? I have an appointment set in the boutique in five minutes."
Mackenzie and Hana stood, making their way down the stairs, with Maxwell closely following. The ladies enter, seemingly the only ones inside the boutique. Hana perused the dresses, finding one she liked, then returned to the dressing room. For a moment, Mackenzie perused the expensive gowns, wondering which was the right choice.
"What's wrong, Kenzie?"
"How do I know which one to pick?"
"Whatever you like best." Maxwell shrugged.
"No, tonight is our first dinner with the king and queen. It's about impressions. I need to dress appropriately. But I don't know much about the queen. She's who I really want to impress tonight."
Maxwell was proud. Mackenzie was navigating her way around better than she realized. He said, "Well, Queen Regina was a runner. Something you both share. She did many marathons in her younger years. Because of that love, she took pride in her legs and their condition. Now, you have a dress code, though it isn't nearly as strict as England. Some leg would be good to show. Lord knows you have fine ones, Kenzie."
She chuckled. "Alright, so something that shows off my calves. What color does she like?"
"Purple."
Mackenzie skimmed the purple dresses, discovering the perfect ensemble. A long-sleeve pencil dress with a soft purple fabric. Under the bust line was lace covering the chest, extending down the arms.
"Okay. Anything else?" Maxwell questioned.
"Well, there is lace on the dress already. I'm a firm believer that less is more. So maybe a nice bracelet and some earrings?"
Maxwell grinned, curling his index finger, indicating for Kenzie to follow. He put a simple silver band around her wrist, then handed her diamond earrings that dangled teardrop amethysts. Mackenzie sat down in the parlor chair a door over, next to Hana.
"You look so pretty," Hana cooed.
"Thank you. As do you, Lady Hana."
Melissa studied Mackenzie. "I think we should straighten the hair and train it to the right since you are left-handed. Then, some smokey shadow with light purple and a hint of glitter gold, but just a hint."
Melissa and Meghan moved fast. Mackenzie and Hana were primped and exited the parlor fifteen minutes later. Everyone else was in the dining hall already. Before Kenzie and Maxwell were about to enter, he carefully nudged Mackenzie through a door.
"What—?"
Inside, Liam's presence caught her attention. The woman crossed her arms, seemingly trying to suppress a grin. Liam's eyes traced from her purple heels to the top of her head. She looked beautiful.
"Lady Mackenzie."
"We really need to stop meeting this way, Your Majesty."
"Not spontaneous enough for you?"
She chuckled. He loved the sound of it. "It's plenty spontaneous. I'm just never prepared. You've been taught to be well versed at a moment's notice. However, I bumble."
"I rather like bumbling."
"What is the subject of this discussion?" Mackenzie inquired.
"I wanted to give you a bit of time to adjust."
"To?"
"During tonight's dinner, you will be sitting to Queen Regina's right."
Mackenzie's chest rose and fell. "That's pressure I wasn't expecting."
"I expect the two of you will have more to discuss than you think."
Mackenzie bobbed her head. "We're about to find out." She inched closer, her eyes tracing the room before returning to him. "Liam, I want to apologize for earlier."
"You have every right to be angry."
"It was about more than Silver Birch's condition or Chief Wright." She paused for a moment, searching for the right words. She continued when she was ready, "The only exposure to your father has been this. I saw him in his strict environment the other night, then I saw a piece of him through this lens. Not very flattering angles. I visualized someone heartless. As the events replayed themselves over and over again, it led to thoughts of you. This man raised you. You spent your entire life in his shadow, following his lead. These thoughts not only painted him in a different light, but they started to paint you in one too. You entered before I could talk myself down off this ledge. I'm sorry, Liam. It's unfair to see you that way when I don't have all the facts. The same goes for your father. I just…" she trailed off. "Today I reacted instead of acted. It's not one of my finer moments, but for me, this type of behavior is inexcusable and unfathomable. This just led me to a very dark place. It's times like these where I admire the Vulcan training you received."
"I understood that reference." He brought her chin up, his eyes peering deeply into hers. "Your emotions and outburst were sorely needed. Should you be queen, I look forward to more heated discussions. Seeing your anger on behalf of my people showed me that you would care for them, that you would protect them, even when it's hard. Today, you did what a queen would do. I admire it."
Maxwell stepped in. "It's time, Kenzie."
Liam nodded, flashing a smile. "We'll continue this later."
Maxwell escorted Mackenzie out of the private room and into the dining hall. Not moments after they entered, Olivia stopped their advance. Charles, a Duke sponsoring the woman, stood a few inches behind her imposing attitude.
"Well, you are awfully plain tonight, Mackenzie." She looked down. "And showing your legs? Don't you know there are regulations against such things?"
"Nothing higher than an inch over the knee. This is in the middle of my knee caps."
"Good to see you know how to read," Olivia snorted.
Maxwell was about to say something, but Mackenzie tightened her grip on his arm.
"Thank you. You are beautifully dressed." Mackenzie smiled at Olivia.
"This ole thing? It's just something I brought from home. Liam likes me in it," she purred.
Olivia was wearing a red gown with rhinestones all over it. The straps were diamond in nature, and maybe they were diamonds. Anything was possible in this world. Mackenzie laughed when Olivia made a comment about Mackenzie's legs considering that she was the one showing cleavage and even a slight curvature of her breast. It was completely unflattering to her figure.
"As he should." Mackenzie dipped her head.
Maxwell drew the chair out for Mackenzie as he escorted her to their designated seats. Mackenzie sat, her ankles elegantly crossed. Maxwell sat to her right, combing over their settings while he had a moment. While waiting for the king and queen to arrive, Mackenzie and Hana quietly converse across the table.
