Liam was exhausted and crashed on the bed not bothering to get under the blankets. He woke up the next to the smell of coffee and bacon. He got up and checked the dresser for clothes surprised to find some. He quickly showered and changed before heading to the kitchen. When he finally, made it to the kitchen the food and coffee already sitting on the table. Liam was confused about where the cook went and why. "What do you want King Liam" came a question from the living room.
His head turned quickly finding Riley standing there. He nearly choked on his eggs at the sight of her. As soon as he regained composure he replied, "I came for you, Riley. I love you. I know I have a lot to make up for. I am willing to spend the rest of my life making my mistakes up to you. If you'll let me." Riley raised an eyebrow replying, " I hate to disappoint you Liam but, I don't meet the requirements to be queen and your track record for standing by me isn't encouraging."
Liam sighed before saying, "I have changed Riley. The only thing you'd need to have is your own land. I can give you a Dutchy to cover that issue. You cleared your name and the people would love you, Riley." She replied, " I am sure they will love me, King Liam. However, there are things you don't know about me. Also, to be honest, King Liam I am not sure I trust you to not change your mind."
Liam could understand he had technically proposed to her and then someone else only hours later. Other than when she was at Madeleine's he hadn't talked to her or tried to do so. "Riley," he said frustrated before adding, "Just call me Liam. I can't say enough that I was wrong but, I thought that was the best way to keep you safe. It would have killed me had you died because of me."
Riley glared saying, "Well ignoring me certainly didn't get your enemies to leave me alone. Surprisingly, Tariq helped me for a while but, I sent him home when Drake found us. Thankfully, Drake arrived in time to stop an attack. Drake took me to his Mother's ranch where I stayed awhile. With the help of Olivia, we sold the ranch to a corporation that is owned by Drake, Savanah and their Mother. Olivia and Leo have been keeping me safe ever since."
Liam growled in anger calming before he replied, "You should have told me. I would have helped you, Riley." She shook her head taking in Liam he still looked so sexy it was hard to keep her distance. She crossed her arms asking, "Would you have protected me from everyone and everything abandoning your people when they needed you the most. I know all about the attacks Liam. You didn't have time to protect me too. I know all about Madeleine's death at the hands-on Anton. As well as all the attacks Anton caused to gain his place as king. He only had one issue he could have never claimed the crown."
Liam looked at her confused replying, "My death would have put him and Olivia in place to take the throne. I have no heir and Leo abdicated so his heirs can never claim the title." Riley smiled replying, "Anton can't take the crown if you have an heir, Liam." Liam was confused by her perhaps her beauty and his desire for her was finally getting to him. Liam moved closer and spoke softly, "I have no heirs Riley." Riley replied, "Oh but, you do Liam. I too have something to regret and hope you could forgive me for." Liam finished his breakfast mulling over what she had said trying to figure out what she had meant
Once in the carriage, Liam wraps an arm around Riley's waist pulling her closer to him. He watched as she reached forward grabbing a scrapbook off of the seat across from them. He lets his arm slide down to her hip and glances as she reaches. He groans at the sight as she returns with the book in hand he pulls her onto his lap. He hated having any space between them right now. He enjoyed the blush on her cheeks once they both were settled again on the bench. Riley opened the book, Liam looked at the first page it was a news clipping of her name being cleared. A smile tugged at his lips he always knew she hadn't been unfaithful. He was surprised to find the article on the attack at the palace the day he returned to Cordonia he had planned on announcing the end of his engagement that day. "You were there he asked" a mixture of both shock and confusion.
Riley nodded her head replying, "I got into the palace I had planned to surprise you after the announcement. However, you were rudely interrupted." He shook his head she made him want to chuckle. Then he was upset she was alone during the attack with no one to protect her. He quickly asked, "Were you hurt?" She shook her head no adding, "I barked orders to your security to get you to safety and to protect you. I covered Bastien and made sure he was taken to the hospital. I'm sorry he didn't make it." Liam solemnly nodded his head. He then saw photo's of horses and looked to her confused. Riley said, "That is Drake's Mother's ranch we went there after the shooting. After a few months, I had to leave Drake was in love with me. He even proposed I marry him and leave you with your chosen queen. I declined his offer and left thankfully Olivia had offered to let me stay with her."