Epilog:
The first change that had been made upon Liam's return to Cordonia. Riley had pitched the idea of making Applewood a permanent home for the royal family. The palace was the workplace this kept threats at home minimized. They converted some rooms into two large offices and a meeting room in between the two. The rooms were sound proof and had video surveillance. Both Applewood and the Palace had a complete security upgrade. No longer would they just rely on guards now they had a security system and video surveillance? The only rooms without camera's were bedrooms and bathrooms but cameras were posted outside every entrance and exit to those rooms. Regina argued against the changes claiming that having the camera's and a security system would make the crown look weak. To help with her concerns all cameras were hidden so no one would know they were there.
The changes in the kitchen and with the staff caused complete rejection from Regina it wasn't until she was poisoned that Liam finally agreed with Riley. Soon the cooks had menu's premade and cards on the table with a picture showing what was to be served for the meal. If something didn't exactly match the picture it wasn't eaten. To make it look more decorative it listed what it was and the history of the dishes pictured. It made for great conversation and was good for educating the children. Any food that made it to the table that wasn't listed caused the server to be detained and the food to be tested. Unfortunately, the server usually could no longer work in the kitchen and was reassigned if it was believed they had nothing to do with the food being served.
It was the first social season for Charlotte and Constantine. Unless they were in love they were only to narrow the selection down. Anyone they were interested in would be invited to events until the next social season. Charlotte was interested in both Bartie and Jackson Walker. Constantine had several ladies trying to gain his interest which only made Riley shake her head.
Liam was busy helping his son navigating all the eligible ladies. Soon music was playing and Riley made her way around the room socializing. She continued her rounds until she was tapped on the shoulder "May I have this dance my queen" Riley smiled at Bartie noticing the younger ladies were all partnered off. She finally replied, "I'd be honored, Bartie." They waltzed around the room Riley watched as his eyes would lock on Alexa everytime they turned. She chuckled asking, "Will you be brave enough to take on her Mother when finally asking for her hand."
Bartie's head snapped to the queen. It took him a moment to reply, "I know I will. I have already told Charlotte that I am interested in Alexa and would like to stay friends." Riley smiled saying, "That's good. Honesty is always best. One piece of advice don't let her get away fight for her if you have to." she chuckled before adding, "With Olivia, you likely will need to literally fight for her." Bartie nodded he had been doing a lot of combat training since he knew he was going to pursue Alexa.
Soon she had a new dance partner Riley never lacked for dance partners. Although she loved dancing with Liam the best. She felt sorry for the guy that asked for Charlotte's hand Liam loved his daughter fiercely. Riley took time to rescue Constantine with a dance. He let out a frustrated sigh before saying, "They spend more time telling me how horrible the other ladies are. Also, they tell me how good they are and why I should choose them."
Riley shook with the effort not to laugh then said, "That's about right." Constantine looked at her replying, "That's not helpful Mom." Riley frowned before taking the lead and out a door. Once out of the public eye she whispered to him, "Dress like a servant and make your way around the ballroom. If one will talk to you dressed that way she's worth your time."
Constantine nodded before leaving to find a woman worthy of him. Riley suddenly heard, "The Prince and the Queen are conspiring should I be worried?" Riley turned to face Liam smiling softly replying, "Of course not! I am just helping him find his own Riley." Liam chuckled before wrapping an arm around her. Riley whispered, "Be prepared for Jackson Walker to talk to you at some point about Charlotte." Liam wasn't surprised but still tensed before responding, "Hopefully, he won't work up the courage anytime soon." Riley shook her head at Liam before saying "Do I get a dance with the King tonight?" Liam nodded before taking her to the dance floor. Once the King and Queen started dancing most left the dance floor to watch the two.