The Laurentian palace was not as ornate as Liam's in Cordonia, but the sense of quaintness eased him as he made his way to the ballroom.

The ballroom was filled with candlelight as the string quartet played their harmonies. The relaxing atmosphere put his mind at rest as he ordered a single malt whiskey from the bar. As he took a mouthful; he could feel the burning as it warmed his chest. Since his fathers passing, Liam became easily acquainted with various bottles of whiskey but he could smell the oak char as he took another drink.

He turned to the crowd, his eyes searching for Isabella. She was standing at the other side of the ballroom with a Laurentian Duke that Liam knew from his college days. He watched as her brow furrowed and face became forlorn. At that moment he decided fuck it… I've nothing to lose. He walked towards them as he smiled sweetly at her. The candlelight softening her features even more and shimmering against her black evening gown. The gown itself was modest, the straps came around her shoulders, but it was backless allowing him to see her toned back and shoulders. "It's nice to see you again Isabella, and to you also Your Grace."

She beamed as he spoke to her, grinning from ear to ear. Her eyes danced as she studied him closely, instantly forgetting about the Duke who had spoken to her not moments before. His eyes were like deep pools that she just wanted to immerse herself into. His smile was so endearing and warm - she couldn't help but match it. "You look very dashing your Majesty…" he blushed a little as he held his smile, "And you are as beautiful as always your Highness." His sincerity knew no bounds, he genuinely felt his words. She was beautiful.

Extending his hand, "Would you like to dance?" She took his hand as she teased, "I hope Maxwell hasn't been teaching you?" Smirking, Liam pulls her out onto the dance floor, winking at her, "I don't need Maxwell's help." Her 5'3" petite stature was assisted by her 4" heels as she stood against his 6'1" built frame. She allowed him to twirl her gracefully in front of the crowd as they danced to a waltz.

On the last spin, she lost her footing; Liam pulling her back into him so she didn't fall. Isabella's arms clung to him allowing her to feel his muscular body underneath his tuxedo. The crowd stopping to look as Liam helped her steady herself. "Isabella, are you ok?" His eyes looking into hers with such warmth she couldn't help but blush. Feeling embarrassed she looked up at him and her eyes welled up as she picked up the hem of her dress and ran off.

Liam ran his hand through his hair and shrugged laughing to himself; Not the first time this has happened… and decided to retire early knowing the jet would be unavailable to the morning.

As he sat on his bed in the suite provided to him, he poured a glass of whiskey. He contemplated as he drank if he would ever find his happily ever after. His friends were all now married or in relationships whilst his could never last due to insecurities.

His reflection was soon interrupted by a quiet knocking at his door. Standing up, he slowly answered the door. Isabella standing there; she looked upset with her shoes in her hand. Gesturing for her to come in, her closed the door behind her. She turned to him, a lot smaller than she was whilst they were dancing; her beautiful brown doe eyes staring up at him. "I am so so sorry… I got embarrassed… and I embarrassed you too." He placed his hands gently on her petite shoulders as he shook his head. "Not at all, you did nothing wrong."

She sighed heavily as she looked to the ground. "I kinda wish you didn't have to go tomorrow…" he looked at her questionably, "you're not like the others out there…" dropping his hands from her shoulders and folding his arms slowly as he sits on the corner of his bed - he looks at her smiling, "I try not to be if that helps?"

As she steps closer to him, he sees the longing in her eyes; the want to be held. Reaching out she cups his cheek with her hand. He sighs as he feels her soft skin against his own as she traces circles against his cheek with her thumb.

Leaning in, she brushes her lips against his and kisses him ever so gently. He feels his heart jump. It's been such a long time since he felt this way about anyone. Liam's hands follow her silhouette, feeling the curves of her body, eventually reaching her hair; pulling her closer to him.

As they break apart, they are breathless; their eyes hungry for more than just a kiss. Liam steadies himself, gaining back some self control. "Isabella… we…." she kisses him again, he felt the surge of want pulsing through his body. As he pulls away, "we… we shouldn't… not like this."

She pouts at him. Gently raising his thumb to her lips, he traces them smiling, his eyes alight. "We should take it slow…you're a beautiful,

Intelligent woman and I don't want to take advantage… you deserve more than that, Isabella"

She smiles sweetly, holding him in her embrace and running her delicate fingers through his hair, "I'd like that…"

His heart fluttered as she held him. Isabella's warmth emulated through his skin and her heart beating in time with his own. Was this just a passing fancy or could he genuinely love her?

Only time would tell.