**Author's Note** So incase you didn't catch on, I'm pretty much just going to tell the story of RR and making up cute moments for Violet and Maxwell on the way. I'm going to try to keep Violet more in character and a little meaner, but I think she really developed towards the end of RoE (especially when you see how horrible her mother is to her) and so I want to give her a chance. Also I love Maxwell. He's adorable.

After packing their bags and leaving their New York apartment behind, the girls found themselves on a plane with Maxwell and Drake.

"Say 'goodbye' to New York and 'hello' to Cordonia!" cheered Maxwell, passing around flutes of champagne.

Riley took hers timidly, still a little unsure of the situation. "I can't believe this is actually happening..." she breathed out.

Eagerly taking the flute offered to her, Violet downed the drink in one gulp. "Yeah, me too. I can't believe we actually got two people to take over our lease so fast."

"Well that's New York for you, everyone is desperate for housing," Riley's hands shook and she handed Violet her flute. "Here, I'm too nervous to drink."

Knocking Riley's drink back, Violet shrugged. "Well, either way, there's no going back now." She looked at the bottle of champagne. "Wow, that's delicious."

Maxwell looked slightly horrified. "How could you tell? You didn't savor it or anything. That bottle is $500 a piece!"

"What?! That was $500?!" exclaimed Violet. "Why are we drinking it then?"

"We ...are ... celebrating?" offered Maxwell, shrugging weakly.

Violet nodded, slightly dazed. "Well, as long as you aren't charging it back to us, let's keep celebrating!" She held out her flute for a refill.

Squaring up to Riley, Drake stated coolly,"We'll be landing soon, ready or not. And if you're not ready, those ladies at court are going to eat you alive."

Maxwell cut in. "Yeesh, don't scare her Drake. You ok Riley?"

Sighing, Riley replied. "Honestly, I'm terrified." She broke out in a grin and squeezed Violet's hand. "But I'm glad I have an awesome support system to get me through it."

Violet glared at Drake. "I don't know why you are being so grim, Drake. It was obvious Riley and Liam's connection last night. That alone gives her an edge."

Drake shook his head and held up his hands as an apology. "Look, no offense, but I've seen girls like you come and go. It never ends well. Not for you, not for Liam, not for the royal family."

"Hey now, Drake. You know Riley's not some crown-chaser!" scolded Maxwell, earning an appreciative smile from the girls.

"Drake, I'm not like the other girls. Liam being a prince doesn't matter at all to me."

He shrugged. "That's exactly the kind of naive thinking that's going to land you in trouble here."

Just then, the pilot announced the plane's descent. Swiftly changing the topic, Maxwell exclaimed, "Hey look! You can see Cordonia out the window! Riley, Violet, you don't want to miss this!"

Disinterested, Violet looked out the plane window and couldn't help but gasp. "Holy shit."

Next to her, Riley was having a similar experience. "Oh wow."

The country of Cordonia, though small, was surrounded on three sides by the ocean and atop of majestic cliffs. The country had rolling plains and was covered in green while off in the distance, Violet could make out an old castle.

"That's Cordonia?!" Riley's voice raised an octave higher than normal. "It's like a fairy tale! The sparkling ocean, the swaying trees -" Violet could see the excitement in her friend.

Putting up a hand to Riley's face, she warned, "I swear to God if you burst into song, I'm jumping out of this plane."

"Seconded," agreed Drake.

Riley pouted. "I'm just saying it's beautiful."

Maxwell beamed. "I knew you'd love it! Are you ready?"

Inhaling deeply, Riley nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be."

One car ride later, the group stepped out onto the grounds of the Royal Palace. Hopping out of the car, Maxwell extended his arms. "Welcome to your home for the next few months, ladies." He reached out to help Violet with her suitcase, but she yanked it out of his grip, causing him to look downcast.

"Oh fuck, we are staying in the palace!?" exclaimed Violet, eager to get settled and away from Maxwell. The bubbly from the plane was getting to her head, alternating her urges from wanting to kiss Maxwell to wanting to hit him.

Riley stood in awe. "I didn't realize I'd be living in the palace..."

Nodding, Maxwell explained. "Actually, most of the nobility live here while the social season is underway, including all the ladies vying for Liam's hand."

"Yeah, living under one roof just makes it easier to attend the rose ceremony later..."snarked Drake.

Maxwell rolled his eyes. "Drake's just kidding...at least about the roses."

"Wait, seriously?" asked Violet. "All of Riley's competition is staying here as well? This just screams disaster. Drama galore." Turning to Riley, she explained. "Dude, we love The Bachelor. You know how psycho those other girls are and it's great TV. But we enjoy it because it's not our lives."

Riley bristled at her remark. "It's not your life either, Violet. It's mine." Softening, she smiled at her. "I can do this. I know it."

Violet could only sigh and nodded at her, wanting to support her friend, even if the action wasn't natural to her. Turning to Maxwell, she asked. "So where are we staying?"

"Follow me!" offered Maxwell as Drake gave the group a wave.

"I'm heading out, but I'll see you all around, assuming you don't get scared off," announced Drake.

Riley gave him a hug goodbye, while Violet gave him the peace sign. "Bye Felicia!" He stuck his tongue out at her in reply before heading in the opposite direction.

Heading into the castle, Maxwell allowed the girls a few moments to take in the surroundings before leading them up the grand staircase. The castle burst with life, with a few servants walking briskly from one end of the entrance to the other, trying to tidy it up. Looking up, the girls noticed that the ceiling had elaborate paintings on them, and that a few of the windows were made of stained glass. A few affluent looking people loitered around, drinks in hand, socializing comfortably, giving the girls a judgmental glance when they passed them.

"So what's the deal with Jake?" asked Riley, oblivious to the cold welcome they were receiving. Maxwell lifted an eyebrow in return in question. "Why is he so jaded?"

Maxwell shrugged sympathetically. "Oh, don't mind him. Drake's never really...fit in."

"Doesn't seem like we will either," muttered Violet under her breath, understanding how Drake must feel, trying to fit in but knowing that you never will.

"Not used to the courtly life?" offered Riley.

"Definitely not. He's a commoner. He's always been an outsider here. Even if he is Liam's best friend..." Trailing off, Maxwell led the girls down a corridor at the top of the stairs, stopping in front of a decorated door."Your room's here in the west wing. I uh," he rubbed the back of his head apologetically. "Told them that Violet was your assistant Riley. Otherwise they wouldn't have let her stay here."

"Great," growled Violet, rolling her eyes at the absurdity of the situation.

"In case you need anything from me or my brother, our rooms are just a couple doors away." Maxwell gestured down the hall.

"I didn't know you had a brother?" asked Violet, the question escaping her lips before she could stop it. "Granted, I guess I don't know anything about you so dumb question." She looked down on the floor, willing her face to not turn as bright as her hair.

"Yeah, an older brother. His official title is Duke Bertrand Beaumont. As the eldest son, he's the heir and I'm the spare." Maxwell tried to make it sound like a joke, but Violet could see in his body language that he believed it. She ignored the pang that shot through her heart. "You'll see him tonight. He'll be excited to meet you both."

Pushing past Maxwell, Violet opened the door to the room her and Riley were sharing. It was a lavish guest room with full-length paintings, gilded ceilings and a bed of fluffy pillows. Stopped in her tracks, she felt Riley look over her shoulder. "Whoa."

"As a royal guest, you're spared no luxury." Maxwell pointed to various key items in the room. "There's a mini bar, nothing alcoholic I'm afraid, but you can request the booze from the kitchen through the phone..."

"No booze?" whined Violet who was inspecting the items in the mini fridge.

"Well since House Beaumont is sponsoring your stay, we'd really rather not pay for you to indulge in your vices," answered Maxwell, blushing slightly.

Riley grinned devilishly. "House Beaumont is stopping us from jumping on the bed?"

Maxwell shrugged. "Well, in that case, no. Only your dignity."

Exchanging a glance with Violet, Riley dragged her to the bed. "Perfect!" Pulling her up, Riley jumped up and down on the bed a few times, while Violet tried to remain standing upright.

"Whoa!" Falling down on the mattress, Violet sighed happily. "Omg, this mattress. Way better than memory foam."

Flopping down beside her, Riley let out a gleeful squeal. "It's softer than a million puppies."

Maxwell smiled softly at the pair. "Well, I'll let you settle in before Riley's big debut tonight..."

Riley shot up. "My what?"

"Whoops, I'm sorry, I keep forgetting that you're not used to all this. The first event of the social season is tonight...The Masquerade. It's the ball where all the suitors will be presented to the Prince, as well as to the King."

Violet frowned at him. "Kind of a big thing to forget, especially since we want Riles to win!"

"My bad? Not everyone dresses in costume, but you can be sure that the ladies competing for Liam's attention will be pulling out all the stops."

Standing up strongly, Riley struck a superhero pose. "Well then, I guess I need to find a costume."

Maxwell glanced down doubtfully at the girls' suitcases. "I'm guessing it's too much to ask if you've got a costume or fancy ballgown in there?"

"A little heads up would've been nice, Max. I think we packed a few dresses, but I doubt they'd fall under your definition of 'fancy ballgown.'" Violet used air quotes, annoyed that no one warned the girls of how the competition would go.

"No worries! I wasn't sure, so I made an appointment for you at the palace boutique. Maybe you'll find something you like better there? Remember, tonight is very important. It's your chance to make a first impression on all the influential people at court and to stand apart from everyone else."

Nodding, Riley looked deep in thought. "I've got this." Clapping her hands, she ordered, "Assistant! We must go to the boutique!"

Glaring at Maxwell, Violet got up from the bed. "You are having too much fun with that." Grabbing Riley's hand, she tugged her out of the room, and headed down the hall to the palace's boutique.

Bursting through the door of the store, they were greeted by another customer. "Oh!" cried out a dark haired woman, in a state of undress.

"Whoops!" Violet shielded her eyes.

"Sorry!" cried out Riley, closing hers.

The woman giggled. "No worries, you are fine. We are all women here." Sticking out her hand, she offered it to Riley and then Violet, both who shook it politely. "I'm Hana. I suppose you're also here to prepare for the Masquerade tonight? Since you're here and not already dressed, I must assume that you're just like me...searching desperately for something to wear." A frown crossed her pretty face.

"Guilty," admitted Riley.

Hana smiled at her. "The seamstress seems to be running late, but I can show you around. This boutique has the most exquisite gowns. Let me get my dress on first." Slipping into the gown she was holding, she struggled with the zipper. "Can't...quite..." Rolling her eyes, Violet reached over and helped zip up the dress. Hana picked up a matching mask and settled it on her face before turning back to the pair. "Ta - da! Thank you. You know, most girls aren't like you."

"Helpful?" replied Violet, sarcastically.

"Nice," replied Hana, smiling at her.

Taken aback, Violet stammered. "Uh-thanks?"

Taking a look at herself in the mirror, Hana beamed. "It's perfect!" She did a spin, her full skirts twirling. "Now, what about you two?" One must have a mask for the Masquerade! Have you seen the angel costume? You'd look amazing in white." She handed it to Riley. "And of course, with your red hair, the devil one!" Hana thrusted the costume into Violet's hands.

Frowning, Violet asked, "Didn't you just call me nice like 10 seconds ago?"

"It's just a costume, silly," teased Hana.

"Dress up with me, Violet!" pleaded Riley. "That would look so good on you."

Violet toyed with the idea before ultimately rejecting it. "Naw, this is your time to shine, Riley. I'm just going to lay low and wear one of my dresses I brought."

Riley narrowed her eyes. "But don't you want to look hot for Maxwell?"

"No!" shouted out Violet, a little too quickly. Clearing her throat, she clarified, "We've decided to be just friends."

"Right. Both of you came to that decision."

"We did!" argued Violet. "We even shook on it."

Shaking her head in disgust, Riley changed into her costume. "Fine. But don't go crying to me about your feelings when someone else shows interest in him or when you are feeling lonely. That poor boy is definitely wanting to be more than friends."

"Fuck off, Riley."

"Blah blah blah. Anyways, how do I look?" Riley spun around happily.

Violet gave a low whistle. "Like a vision."

Winking at her, Riley changed back into her own clothes and waved to Hana. "We've got major prep work to do!"

Later than evening, Violet put on the finishing touches to Riley's outfit. "You know, Vee, you are doing a great job of acting as my assistant," Riley joked.

Resisting the urge to smile, Violet poked Riley with a bobby pin, earning a yelp in reply. "Don't get too power crazed, my dear. No one likes a mad queen." Holding Riley an arm's length away, she admired her work. "Gorgeous."

Riley pulled Violet into a hug. "Thanks so much, Violet. I don't know what I'd be doing without you."

Shrugging Violet suggested, "Probably the same thing you are doing now, but with more room on the bed."

"For reals, Vee. You've been like a sister to me."

Violet froze in shock. "Riles..." Shaking her head, she tried to keep her voice even. "I've always wanted a sister. I was always the odd one out in my family, my mother didn't seem to care, my cousins hated me..."

Putting a finger to her lips, cutting her off, Riley confirmed, "Well, now you got one." Giggling to herself, she added, "Who knew that deep down you were such a sap?"

Punching her arm lightly, Violet adjusted her own dress and took a glance in the mirror. It was her favorite dress, low cut with blue sequins and strategic cutouts that flattered her body. "Well, let's do this!"

Arm in arm, they met Maxwell at the bottom of the main staircase. Looking at Riley's choice in costume, he nodded appreciatively. "Nice outfit, you look great."

"Thanks!" smiled back Riley, nervously twirling her hair.

Turning to Violet, Maxwell ignored her frown and stated breathlessly. "Wow, Violet. You look stunning."

Catching her off guard, Violet responded politely. "Uh...Oh, thank you." She noticed Riley smirk behind Maxwell and she gave her a glare. Dragging Riley towards the grand ballroom, Maxwell cut them off.

"Wait, one other thing I should mention. As soon as you enter, you'll tell the herald your name and title so that you can be announced."

"What's my title?" asked Riley.

"President of the I-Love-Liam fan club?" offered Violet, earning a playful smack from Riley.

"You don't really have one, but since my family is sponsoring you, then you could technically be considered a 'lady.' Or we could go with your hometown. I guess I should've asked before. What's your last name?"

Violet face palmed. "This is a shit show."

Riley glared at Violet. "Be nice, that's a totally normal question. It's Jones. Riley Jones."

"Well, it's not as classic a name as Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, but it will do...So I'll walk you in and we'll be announced together. Easy peasy."

"Uh, what do I do?" asked Violet.

"Um, well you can just meet us in there? There's a side entrance for the servants and the few invited commoners." He smiled apologetically at Violet. "The announcement won't take long and then we can regroup."

Violet nodded quickly and turned away, determined not to let them see the tears that threatened to fall. She was embarrassed that she had to pretend to be someone she wasn't, just to only end up as a sidekick in someone else's story. Her constant uncertainty about choosing to follow Riley was starting to wear down on her. "What am I even doing here?" she asked exasperatedly to herself.

"Blocking the door?"

She wiped quickly at her eyes and turned around to face Drake with a sneer. "Sorry, I was just about to leave."

Attempting to brush past him and head back towards her room, Drake caught her arm. "Hey now. No need to be dramatic. I was just teasing. C'mon. Let's get in there and eat the appetizers. The world seems so much less overwhelming on a full stomach."

Giving him a small smile, she took his extended arm. "There better be some sort of pigs in a blanket."

"Let's find out. Oh, and by the way, at a fancy party like this, they are called, 'saucisson en croute.'" Noticing Violet's blank stare, he clarified, "It's French for 'Sausage in a Pastry.'"

Rolling her eyes, they walked into the grand ballroom just moments before Maxwell and Riley made their entrance. The herald announced Maxwell and then Riley and the pair walked into the ballroom and over to Violet and Drake. "See Violet? Over quickly!" grinned Maxwell. Violet gave him a dark look in return. "I uh got to talk to Bertrand for a sec. You'll be okay on your own, right? Just mingle with the other girls in the competition. Perhaps you could get some of them to like you, and they can say good things about you in court."

"That seems backwards," noted Violet. "Why would your competition want to say good things about you? Or are you referencing that thing girls tend to do, where they give a backhanded compliment?" Violet channeled her inner valley girl, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger and pretending to chew a piece of bubblegum. "Like, you are totally pretty, I like, totally love that you are bold enough to keep your red hair. Most girls totes would be sooo self conscious about that with your skin tone, so like, props for staying true to yourself!"

Drake busted out laughing. "Let me guess, personal experience?"

Violet's eyes narrowed. "Girls are monsters."

"Oh no," Maxwell clarified. "If the other girls like you, they'll speak highly of you to the royal court. It's a bit of an unspoken rule that the competitors cannot promote themselves. So instead, they are supposed to get the competition to like them, and by doing so, their competition will be spreading compliments around for them."

A bark of laughter escaped from Violet. "That's so fucked up." Maxwell just shrugged in reply before heading towards a group of men, one of which was eyeing Riley and Violet and frowning deeply. Turning towards Riley, Violet offered. "When in Rome? Or in this case, Cordonia?"

"Mingle...I can mingle..." Muttering to herself, Riley gave herself a pep talk, ignoring Violet. "Just gotta mingle. Do the jingle and get on and mingle...Mingle bells, mingle bells, mingle all the way." Her pacing in place was driving Violet nuts.

Violet broke away from the appetizer search with Drake, and dragged Riley towards the other suitors. "Drake, I'll meet up with you. I'm going to help Riley get an edge on the other girls. Find those pigs in a blanket."

Drake gave her a salute. "They're my top priority."

"Hey!" whispered Riley. "I was on my way! I just needed to psych myself up."

"It sounded more like you were psyching yourself out!" whispered Violet back.

The pair turned around swiftly at the sound of a familiar voice. "Hello again! I'm glad to see you made it! So, this is the Masquerade! What do you think of it?"

"Thanks Hana," replied Riley. "Honestly it's a bit overwhel-"

"WONDERFUL!" cut in Violet. "Honestly it's a bit overly wonderful. We never have these kinds of parties back in New York." She elbowed Riley and whispered under her breath. "Do not let the competition smell fear."

Riley nodded in understanding, just as Hana finished complimenting them. "I can tell you're going to enjoy yourself here! To be perfectly honest, it's very refreshing to be around someone so excited."

"Oh? Fancy galas are just second nature to you?" asked Riley, intrigued.

Hana shrugged her shoulders. "When you've gone to as many as I have, they can lose their charm...unless, of course, you find the right companions!" She was about to say more when someone caught her eye from across the room. "Please excuse me, there's someone I need to meet. But maybe we can talk later?"

Riley nodded as she walks away and whispered over to Violet. "Hey! She's a nice one. We can be honest with her."

Violet rolled her eyes. "This is a competition, Riles. Be realistic. Everyone out here is against you."

"Not you."

Sighing, Violet gritted her teeth. "Normally, I'd be sabotaging you to get with an attractive rich guy, but I'm trying to be a better person. You are making it super hard though, with you practically throwing the sharks ammunition to use against you later!"

"You are just mad because she's over there hugging Maxwell right now."

"Huh?" Violet whipped her head in the direction Hana left in, and found herself upset that what Riley was saying was true. The person Hana had to meet was Maxwell, and the pair embraced comfortably. Shaking her head to clear it, she snapped back. "I"m just trying to help you!"

Drake walked over to Violet, a plate in his hand. "Violet, I found them and got you a few."

Noticing Riley, he gave an awkward bow. "Good evening, m'lady."

"So you do have manners," joked Riley.

Stuffing a mini hotdog into her mouth, Violet garbled, "Dude, that's Riley. You look like an idiot."

Wide-eyed, he asked, "Riley, is that you?"

"Obviously, who else here would associate with this one?"

Violet jabbed her with her elbow in return, stuffing another roll into her mouth. "I'm freaking starving. They don't serve dinner at these things until so late."

"You clean up well, Riley, but looking the part doesn't mean you're going to be welcome here, you know."

Riley frowned. "Well you are as charming as ever."

Drake scoffed. "Ha, compared to most of the nobles here, I'm your best friend."

Pouting, Riley crossed her arms across her chest. "Everyone here's been perfectly nice."

"Sure, to your face. You don't want to know what they're probably saying about you behind your back."

"Told you!" interjected Violet, chasing down her appetizers with a glass of wine she snagged from a passing waiter.

"How can you say that?" asked Riley in disbelief. "Aren't the nobles your friends too?"

Drake laughed bitterly. "I'm friends with Prince Liam. I'm not here for the rest of them."

"Wait, what about Maxwell? He's the one sponsoring Riley, and you guys seemed to be having fun back in New York," asked Violet, confused.

"Look, I know Maxwell is your little boyfriend or whatever. But you don't know him like I do. You don't know any of them like I do," Drake stated coldly.

"He's not my boyfriend..." muttered Violet before taking a swig of her drink.

"Whatever he is to you. Just watch out, both of you...Wait, where did Riley go?" Drake and Violet looked around frantically before finding Riley talking to a woman with red hair and a purple mask.

"God dammit Riles," groaned Violet in frustration, before stomping over to her and grabbing her arm. "Hi, sorry, need her, bye."

"Hey Vee, what the heck!?" cried out Riley, before yanking her arm out from her grip.

"What were you guys talking about?"

"Nothing! Her name is Olivia. She was just saying how she didn't recognize me and then she introduced herself. She gave me some advice when meeting the king," stated Riley. "It was a pleasant enough exchange."

Violet looked skeptical. "What was her advice?"

"That I should kiss the king's shoe when we meet. Apparently it's a Cordonian custom to show deep respect and reverence for the monarchy. I'm so lucky she gave me a heads up, especially since Maxwell hasn't really been filling us in so well."

"Don't be an idiot, Riles. Do not do that."

"Hey, just because I say something negative about Maxwell doesn't mean you can jump down my throat."

"No Riley, I mean kiss the King's shoe. That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Look, she's a red head, that means she's the bad guy." Violet cut Riley off before she could interject. "I know, because I too have red hair, and I am a bad guy most times. That is why I have no friends or family. When we red heads feel threatened, we manipulate others and we turn into conniving bitches in order to succeed. Believe me. Do not trust her."

"Well maybe we just aren't cultured enough to know?" she asked, doubting the statement as she said it. "Ok, you are right, that does sound dumb. I'll try just a normal curtsey."

Violet let out a breath of relief. "Perfect. Jesus Riley, you have to watch yourself out here -"

Just then, Maxwell rushed back to the pair. "Prince Liam is here Riley! Ready to see him again?"

Riley looked uncomfortable. "Do...do you think he'll be glad to see me?"

"Only one way to find out. Go talk to him!" Maxwell gave her a slight push of encouragement.

She looked to Violet for reassurance. Giving her a smile, she offered, "I think he already saw you. He keeps looking this way. Go!"

Turning around, Riley walked towards the Prince. "I guess this is it...I'm going to talk to him."

The pair watched her take her place in the waiting area. "Well that's a long line for her to wait in, shall we dance in the meantime?" offered Maxwell, extending his hand and bowing slightly.

"No." Violet noticed the dejected look on Maxwell's face as he reluctantly rose from the bow. Peeved at the jealously she felt when she saw Hana hugging Maxwell, she had to remind herself that she was the one that wanted to be just friends. Taking a deep breath, she acknowledged that she was being a pretty shitty friend at the moment. Trying again, she joked, "I mean, I don't know, I feel like your Hip Hop Abs moves that you showed off in New York would be frown upon here."

"You don't think so?" Maxwell took a step back so that he was on the dance floor. "Well then, how about this? The robot? Always a classic." Maxwell bent over at his waist and hung his arm to the side, bending at the elbow.

Violet giggled uncharacteristically. "Dude, everyone is staring."

"Does. Not. Compute. Need. Dance. Partner."

She shook her head, a smile still on her lips. "No way."

"Maybe the cabbage patch is more your style?" He broke into the dance move until Violet shook her head. "No? What about the running man? You want me to change it up again? How about the sprinkler?" Maxwell brought one hand behind his head and held the opposite leg up, and crunched to some unknown beat.

"MAXWELL!" Maxwell cringed and dropped his arm and leg as the same stern looking man who was frowning at them earlier rushed over to him. "What do you think you are doing? You are causing a scene at this prestigious event and shaming our house!"

"I'm sorry Bertrand." Maxwell hung his head low.

Violet stepped up to defend Maxwell. "Hey, back off. He was just trying to make a joke."

"Making a joke out of House Beaumont!" Bertrand looked Violet up and down disapprovingly. "An American. What filth did you bring back from your travels there, brother? I can't trust you to do anything. You are such a waste."

"Watch it Bertrand, you cannot and will not speak to Violet that way. And the other American, Riley, is who we are sponsoring in the competition for Queen."

Bertrand growled in annoyance. "We will speak later about that. Try to lay low for the rest of tonight while I do damage control for your little stunt there."

Maxwell shuddered as Bertrand pushed past him before looking at Violet apologetically. "I'm sorry Violet, he had no right to speak to you that way. Are you ok?"

"Are you ok?" asked Violet in return. "I'm used to that sort of abuse from my mother, but you are not deserving of that."

"I could say the same about you. But he's right. I need to lay low at these sort of things." He sighed and sat down at the nearest table. He pulled out a chair and patted the seat, gesturing for Violet to join him. "Sit, it's almost Riley's turn to talk to Liam." The pair watched Riley go off and approach the Prince. "Looks like our little girl is all grown up!" sniffed Maxwell, throwing an arm casually around Violet's shoulders.

Allowing herself to enjoy the moment, Violet decided against shaking off his arm. Noticing Riley curtsey to the King with no sort of negative repercussions, she said a small prayer. "Thank you God, that she did not kiss his shoe."

Dropping his arm from around Violet, Maxwell asked, confused. "Uh, what?"

"Some red headed bitch tried to tell Riley that in order to impress the King, she should kiss his shoe."

Before Maxwell could reply, Olivia came over to them and placed a kiss on both of Maxwell's cheeks. "Lord Maxwell! So happy to see you, I can't believe it took so long for you to say hi."

Violet seethed. "He was busy."

Olivia looked at Violet condescendingly. "Who are you? Lost?" Violet glared and opened her mouth to reply but Olivia cut her off. "Don't worry, it seems like they let in anybody nowadays. Definitely going to change that when I'm queen." She waved to someone in the distance. "Oh, got to go. Don't be a stranger, Maxie." She left with a wink.

They watched her walk away before Violet broke the silence. "Gag. Fuck that chick." Maxwell laughed at her. "And Lord Maxwell?'" she exaggerated the title.

Maxwell shrugged light heartedly. "That's my title. You could refer to me as 'His Lordship' from now on if you really want."

"You mean you don't like Maxie?"

He deadpanned. "No."

Violet teased him, lightly trailing her finger down his chest. "Good, I like you better as Max, anyways."

Maxwell smiled slowly at her, eyes darting from her own to her lips. As he started to lean in, Violet had to resist the urge to capture his lips with hers. Breathlessly she whispered, "Max, don't."

He froze, hand hovering to cup her face, his expression pained. "Why are you fighting this, Violet?"

Clearing her throat, she pushed away from Maxwell, giving them space. "Because a Lord from House Beaumont should not be kissing some filth from America." Her voice broke slightly and she turned to hide the emotion in her eyes. "I should go see how Riley is doing."

Standing quickly, she left Maxwell at the table and walked determinedly towards Riley, refusing to look back to check on Maxwell.

Ok, I'll be honest, I don't love this chapter. It's like kinda angsty but also there's not a lot of VioletxMax action. I kinda have to set the mood, so I'm going to try to get another chapter out soon, in hopes that even if this chapter disappointed you, the next one will keep you interested in the story.

Read, review, favorite please :]