Risley rolled over as she heard her phone vibrate against the table. She lifted it up and looked at who was calling. "Evelyn? Hang on " She whispered and slowly got out of the bed trying not to wake up Mark who was sleeping next to her. She walked out of the bedroom and closed the door as went into the living room. "Okay" She grabbed a blanket and pull it up to her.

"Those pictures are so precious." She gushed and the girls started to chat. Risley knew it was early in the morning, but the conversation was something she needed so she could speak about what was happening. They started to talk about everything and everything. Evelyn had to ask because she needed to know "Well did you?"

"No, I am not rushing it. It is nice to just be able to start a solid foundation." She paused "But if it does happen. I am not stopping it" She gushed and blushed at the same time. Evelyn squealed into the phone. The girls wrapped up the conversation and Risley folded up the blanket and put it back. She walked back into the bedroom and slide back into bed where Mark was sleep nice and warm.

"Oh my you are you so cold" He joked with her and cuddled her close to him "Evelyn doing okay?"

"I am sorry" she whispered "This whole time zone thing has everyone confused, but yes she is fine," She said and smiled as Mark kissed her forehead.

"Come sleep a little more," He said and placed his hand under her nightgown and settled on her naked hip. Risley got her head comfortable in a small spot under his chin and began to fall back asleep. Mark started to wake up but knew that the staff would be here soon. He gently rubbing Risley upper thigh as she wiggled closer to him. He could tell her body responded to it but knew she would be embarrassed if staff walked in seeing those two going at it.

"Ris, you're going to want to start waking up" He whispered to her as she made a face and turned into him cuddling more. His hand slides onto her butt as he rubbed it and his mind rushing with thoughts of taking her right now. "Ris," He said softly "The staff will be coming soon"

"Send them away, let's stay in bed a little longer," She said softly to him and kissed his neck.

Mark giggled "Your naughty" He playfully said to her and just on queue the staff came in and started to open the shades.

"Sir and Miss Risley it is time to face the day" Risley peaked over the covered to see both male and female staff coming to the room in some routine. She pulled the blankets overhead and Mark just laughed and sat up.

" Thank you, we will take care of it from here," He said and the quickly placed some coffee and tea on the side of the bed left the room and closed the door. "You will never sleep in here," He said and started to tickle Risley. She laughed under the blankets and smiled as he kept tickling her until she finally popped her head out of the covers. "There you are..." He kissed her softly and brushed her cheek "Come face the world with me?"

Risley smiled and whispered, "I would face anything with you."

The two slowly began to get up and drink coffee. Mark threw on a t-shirt as he walked around the room to her dresser and picked up the newspapers that were placed. He moved the first few and then pulled out one and looked at the picture on the front page. It was the two of them. " Your famous" He laughed at Risley and she turned to him and gave him a strange look. "See he held up the paper and there was a picture of the two of them dancing last night. "Don't read into the article... It is strange that no paparazzi was invited and yet this picture was leaked." He sighed as Risley took the paper and started to read the article.

"The prince, coming off of holiday already seems to have the next fling that we can see trotting around the castle until the untamable prince gets tired" Risley read part of the article to him.

"I warned you not to read the article," Mark said and took another sip of his coffee. Risley was a bit disgusted that he did not care to set the record straight. "There is a lot of time in this line that people will write things untrue and hurtful to just get a reaction. You need to be above them" Risley knew that he was telling the truth and he knew that his mother would have something to say about this at lunch.

"Well, I am really short to be trotting around" She started to laugh at the article and finally put the paper down.

"Sir" Joe stood at the door ready to give the briefing of the day

"Yes, Joe. How are you this morning?" He asked and Risley looked up and smiled

"I am well Sir. Today you have your mother for lunch. There is an event at the museum this afternoon I thought that you two might like to visit. It is children's art. Then my wife would like to know if you two would like to have dinner at my house this evening?"

Risley perked up and looked at Mark who nodded "Yes Joe, that is very nice of you two for the invite. We will definitely be there"

"I promise not to trot" She laughed at him and Joe shook his head

"The press can be a rude, harsh and cold world," He said to her and she knew that he already read the article.

Mark waited in the living room for Risley to finish getting ready. She wore a maroon color dressed that had laces sleeves and lace around the edge of the skirt that went down to mid-calf. She wore nude color heels and a nude clutch purse. Her hair was in loose red curls as she pulled a small amount of it back in a clip to keep it from her face, but it also famed it. She wore very nude natural look in her makeup. Mark smiled and stood to brush off his white dress shirt and beige slacks. "You will never stop amazing me" He outreached his hand and kisses her cheek softly.

"I hope I continue to do that for a long time" She giggled at him and he just shook his head and smiled. He took her hand and the two of them made their way to his mother quarters of the castle. Risley listened to Mark talk about the castle and all the pictures and items. She loved the history and also to just listen to all the knowledge Mark had.

"Don't be nervous," He said as they approached the one door that had two guards on one either side. Mark kissed her hand softly and smiled as he watches Risley take a deep breath and smiled at him. She had no idea on what to expect.

"Your majesty is waiting for you Sir and Ma'am," The one servant said and left the door open as Mark and Risley walked in and he closed it behind them. The two walked up to her and Mark kissed her hand softly and Risley curtsey and her majesty smiled at the two of them.

"Come, sit down and let's talk," She said as she sat at the head of the table and Mark pulled Risley chair as the servant was already pulling out his mother's chair. Risley sat on the right side and Mark sat on the left. "So, let's give the elephant out of the room"

"Oh Mother"

"Your making headlines already" She chuckled a little and look at Risley who just smiled and looked down at the plate in front of her.

"I am a bit amazed there was no press invited to that masquerade" Mark answered.

"Yes, yes, but in this day and age, you need to be more aware that cameras are all over the place" She tried not to scold, but to teach him. "So, Risley, what do you do for a living?"

"I am in fiance," She said very proudly of her self as she smiled over at mother.

"Fiance is a very good job. Did you go to university?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I have an MBA" Mark smiled at her and watch the two of them speaking to each other. His mother asked about her family and continue right to her friends. "I would say that Evelyn is my closest friend. She is the VP at my job, but also a very humble and down to earth person."

"She is the wife of Tom that Mark speaks about"

"Yes" She smiled

"You know my son has a lesson to learn in life even at his age."

"Mother" He interrupted her and shook his head

"Life is full of lessons," Risley said without missing a beat

"Yes, you are so true," She said and raised her hand and the servers came in with lunch as the three of them continued to talk and get to know each other as the meal continued. Risley looked up every so often at Mark wanting his encouragement and stability right now. He knew that she was doing fine and was hoping that his mother would give the green light and allow this to happen. "Risley, I am so glad that you came for lunch with me this afternoon. It was a pure pleasure."

"Thank you, Ma'am, for the invite and opening your beautiful home to me" She smiled as she placed her napkin on the table since she could read that lunch was over. Risley took a small breath and bit her lip a little.

"Anytime darling," She said to her and stood and Risley followed her lead. Risley pushed her chair in and curtsey to her once again and mother opened her arms for a hug and Risley hugged her. "Please give me a moment with my son and then I will let you two to go to the museum event.

"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you again" She said and the male servant opens the door and she left with him and he closed the door. She sat outside in the silence as he looked at her and she looked at him.

"Mark, what are you wanting?" She paused and looked at him

"I want your approval," He said and looked at her "I am being open and honest and I need to know before I get all my hopes up again."

"You are not getting any younger and I suggest to not wait too long" She paused "I enjoy her. I think she would make a great addition to the family and bring out the best of you"

"Thank you mother" He bowed and kissed her hand once more and then headed out the door. As soon as the door open Risley stood up and Mark smiled at her and reached out for her. "She loves you" He whispered as the two walked back to his apartment.

"Sir, I have the car and security ready," Joe said and bow his head to Mark.

"Thank you, Joe," Mark said, "Risley will be ready shortly."

"How did lunch go Sir," He asked softly

"Very

well," He said and smiled and Joe knew what that means.

"I am sorry, you know a girl has to look good" She giggled and Mark turned around and smiled at them.

"So, Ris, Joe is going to go over how events are done when we are out in public," Mark said and took her hand as the three of them started to make their way out to the car. Risley noticed that their car was in the middle of two other cars that seem to be carrying security. Joe opened the door and Mark went in first then Risley and then himself.

The three of them were on their way to the museum "There is security in both behind us and in front of us. We are sure that there is going to be the press there. So, make sure you stop take pictures, but do not do a request that you are no comfortable with. Do not answer press questions. I am sure the citizens will be there too and will ask questions and would like pictures too. Do not stand for selfies, sign autographs, or give out personal information. Security will tell you where you are allowed to walk and when it is time to go."

Risley looked at Mark who seems to be deep in thought. She reached over and held his hand and he looked at her "You will be okay just stay with me" He said to her and smiled.

The cars came to a stop as Risley looked around there were already crowds of people. She took a deep breath and Joe got out of the car first then Mark and then Risley. Mark stood and waited for Risley as she got out of the car as gracefully as possible since there was already photos being taken. She took Mark's hand and there were tons of female screams as he pulled her in and they took a few pictures and then he walked over to the crowd and started to shake hands with the citizens.

"Prince Mark, what is your girlfriend's name?" the one females as she shook his hand.

"Its Risley ma'am," He said "Isn't she a doll?" He asked her

"Yes Sir," She said and smiled "congratulation dear," she said and he kept moving to shake as many hands as possible. He then took Risley's hand and headed into the museum. Once in the museum, there were more people and Risley kept a smile on face as she looked around at the art heading into the main gallery. The security stood far enough back that allowed them to interact with the citizens. The two walked into the main gallery and there were all these children run around and pointing and playing with all the items in the gallery. Risley looked at Mark with a big dreamy smile as this was bringing her so much joy. Mark got stopped by a few people who started to talk to him. Risley stopped and looked at the art as they spoke. A small little girl with pigtails ran up to Risley and pulled at her hand.

"Mine is over here, princess," She said and she turns to Mark to excuse her self and he smiled and nodded.

Risley bends down to her "Show me, dear." The little girl was excited and took her hand and walked her across the gallery to a picture of what Risley thought was a landscape. She stood there and looked at the picture for a while.

"My name is Crystal," She said with a smiled "This is the forest in my backyard" She continued "I like the forest even tho my mommy does not let me play out there without her."

"That sounds like a smart mommy"

"Where are you from?"

"I am from the United States" she paused and was waiting for more questions, but a child does not ask more they just are curious. Crystal ran away and started to play with the other children. Risley continued to look at the other works of art.

Another female walked over to her and started to look at the same picture as her "It speaks volumes"

"Yes, it does," Risley said and looked at her and smile. "I am sorry I did not get your name."

"I didn't say it, but I see who you are to Prince Mark." She paused and Risley looked at her as she clasped her hands in front of her dress "You know you are destroying a lot of woman's hopes" The woman was a bit bitter and spoke rudely.

"Ris," Mark ran his hand against her shoulder and places it on her back as she finished the conversation with the woman.

"Yes, I will try to remember that," She said to the lady and turn towards Mark and he could tell that she was ready to move on. She took a deep breath and swallowed hard as she looked at Mark and wish for them to be in the bubble they share alone.

"You okay?" He asked softly as her lips touched her cheek.

"I am better with you," She said and leaned into him and put on a smile. Mark knew something was said to her. He kissed her cheek and they kept moving to another piece of art. There was a small piece of art that got Risley's attention. She looked down at it and to her, it looked at two hearts that melted together. She pointed it out to Mark and he started to look at it too. "It looks like two hearts melting into one"

"Your right I can see that, but I can also see it being two separate lives that create a new one"

"I really like it," she said snuggling into Mark's arms and he laughed a little at her. The two of them finished the viewing and got back into the car. Risley places her hand into Mark's hand. He raised it to his lip and kissed him softly. "I enjoy your bubble together" she whispered to him

"I agree darling," He said and pulled her head to his shoulder and placed his head on top of hers. Joe got into the car and the car starting to leave the museum.

The three of them made their way over to Joe's house for dinner. "Now, make yourself feel at home," Joe said as he opened the door. "Ashley, we are here" There was then running of feet coming towards them. Mark closed the door behind them.

"Hey Babe" She came over and kiss Joe. "Hello everyone, come on in making your self at home," She said and walked back a little to them come in. She finished wiping her hands and placed the towel over her shoulder.

" Ashley you know Mark already and this is his girlfriend Risley... Risley this is Ashley, my wife" Joe introduced everyone to each other.

"It is very nice to meet you Risley, and always nice to see you Mark" Ashley smiled and walked back into the house "The children should be in the house somewhere. Please do not mind the toys all over the place." She said and picked up a few toys "Blake and Madison come to clean up the toys and say hello" She called to the children and then came running out to them.

"Hi" they both stopped in front of Mark and Risley and then started to clean up the living room. Joe walked out to the kitchen with Ashley and Mark and Risley went into the living room. Risley picked up the one doll and placed it on the table. Madison came into the living room and started to clean up her dolls, but quickly gave up on it as she handed Risley a doll and the two began to play.

Joe walked into the room and handed Mark a beer and took a seat next to him. The two watched the girls play dolls. Blake came in and took the one doll and started to run down the hall to torment Madison. Risley did not miss a beat before the first tear came out she handed her doll to Madison and started to play it with her. Risley looked at Mark and smiled at him as Madison sat on her lap and continued to play. Joe leaned back and spoke softly "That is the type of woman you need." Mark looked over at Joe and nodded and took a sip of his beer.

"Dinner guys" Ashley called from the dining room. They all sat at the table and started to enjoy dinner as they talked and chatted through the meal. Ashley noticed the eyes that Mark and Risley made to each other over dinner. Madison could not get enough of Risley as the adults sat at the table after they finished and she wanted to sit on Risley lap. She curled up into her lap and started to suck her thumb. Risley played with her hair a bit a she was quickly asleep in no time.

"So, what is the next step?" Ashley asked

"Um," Risley said " I am not sure" She looked over at Mark and blushed a bit
"Whatever the universe will bring," Mark said with a smiled.

"That is a lot of faith," Ashley said "I chased after Joe. He stood me up on our first date. Now I can not even imagine my life without him" Joe reached over and took her hand and smiled.

They finish chatting and Joe took Madison to bed while Blake laid on the couch watching TV and falling asleep. Mark and Risley thanked them for dinner and promised to come back more often. Ashley and Joe walked Mark and Risley to the door and watched them get into their car, and pulled away. Ashley leaned against Joe as they watched them. Joe kissed her head softly.

"I think she is the one" Ashley blurted out

"Only time will tell" He paused

"Don't tell me the universe will tell you too" She joked with him "Sometimes people need a push."