**Author's Note** So I wasn't planning on uploading this today, but I just loved the cronut scene and the rest of the chapter pretty much wrote itself. Enjoy!

"Vee!"

Violet turned her head towards her name. "Riles!"

Running over the group of girls, Violet gave Riley a hug. "You did great!"

"Never leave me again," begged Riley.

"They loved you out there!" agreed Hana. "I don't know why you are so worried."

"Ah, whatever, it's over and done. I hear we are on our way to the best party ever?" asked Violet.

"Well," answered Hana. "If your idea of the best party every is a tea party with lemonade, finger sandwiches, and butter cookies, then yes!"

"Hard lemonade?" offered Violet, whose face fell as Hana shook her head. "At least butter cookies are delicious."

"Honestly, I love tea parties!" announced Riley. "I know some people think they're childish, but I can't help myself. I just feel so fancy."

"What's not to love? There's nothing cozier than eating scones off a pretty set of china on a sunny afternoon!" agreed Hana. "When I was little, I didn't have that many toys to play with because my parents thought they were frivolous but I was allowed a tea set so I that I could learn to be a proper hostess."

"Naturally," stated Violet, having a similar experience growing up.

"I spent lots of happy afternoons sipping tea with all my favorite guests. Mr. Sock, Miss Lemon Curd, and Princess Snickerdoodle." She noticed the shock face of Riley. "Like I said, I wasn't allowed to have toys...so I had to get a little creative."

Riley grinned at her. "I just hope the company today can keep up."

Linking her arms in Riley's and Violet's she stated, "Oh I much prefer your company. You guys actually talk to me!"

"Princess Snickerdoodle was never one for conversation?" teased Violet.

"Not so much...and don't forget, we'll be meeting the Queen today! That's sure to be ...eventful," offered Hana.

"Ah yes, the Queen. Have you met her before?" asked Riley.

"Once, a long time ago, but I doubt she remember me. Today will be our first official meeting. I must confess, I'm a bit nervous..." Hana releases the girls' arms as they arrive at an area where a line of cars awaits. A black towncar rolled to a stop near Hana, and a driver got out to open the door for her. "Well, this is me! I'll see you both at the lawn party."

"Looking forward to it!" called out Riley as the girls waved her off. A familiar limo pulled up in front of the pair, and the driver came around to open the door.

"Hop in!" cried out Maxwell. "I'm starving!"

"What? Didn't have enough bready pork yum yums?" asked Riley.

Violet burst out laughing as Maxwell frowned. "I told you that in confidence." He moved so that the girls could slide into the limo. "I hope you had a good time, Riley."

"It was -"

"Enough pleasantries! We only have enough time for business," interrupted Bertrand. "First of all, was that Lady Hana Lee I saw with you before we pulled up? You two looked friendly. "

"Hana and us are quite close," informed Riley.

Bertrand frowned slightly. "Hmmm...Interesting. An alliance with her family isn't the worst thing as long as you don't let it distract you from the Prince. In any case, your focus today should be on impressing the Queen. She holds more sway than anyone else at court."

"Even more than the King!?" exclaimed Riley.

"Socially, yes. Don't underestimate her," warned Bertrand. "Thankfully, you heeded my recommendation to wear something modern. That'll curry her favor."

"Yeah, that'll help, but more than that, you'll need to get her to like you," suggested Maxwell.

"If I'm going to get her to like me, tell me what she hates."

"She's quite...wary of ladies who were not born in Cordonia, so you should watch your step there," stated Maxwell.

"The Queen hates it when royal protocol isn't followed. You should call her 'Your Majesty' when you first meet her, and 'ma'am' thereafter," added Bertrand. "Etiquette-wise, don't forget that you must always stay a step or two behind her when keeping company with her."

"I know you also have a great sense of humor, Riley," started Maxwell.

"Thank you!"

"...but she does not. So if you only have something snarky to say..."

"Don't," finished Bertrand. "Ultimately, she's concerned about how the Prince's bride will be partly responsible for Cordonia's future. Keep that in mind when talking to her."

"Got it."

"Make sure that you do. You might have performed well with the press, but remember, Riley, it only takes one slip up to tear apart the reputation you've built."

"Dark," stated Violet as she finished her champagne.

Bertrand glared at her. "How much of our money have you wasted on booze?"

"What!?" argued Violet. "I was told there was no booze at this next event!"

At that moment, the limo arrived at the picnic. The driver opened the limo door, and Maxwell took Violet's arm when she stood up. "Wow, this looks like something straight out of Downtown Abbey."

Bertrand frowned. "You've been to an abbey? I find that hard to believe."

"It's a TV show, brother. Pretty good, if I do say so myself. Very upstairs, downstairs, that sort of thing."

"Good god, television? Don't bring that up with the Queen," scolded Bertrand. "Now Riley, go stand over there with the rest of the ladies in the receiving line."

Violet waved to her friend as she watched her reluctantly go stand by the other noble ladies. Just then, a herald announced the coming of the Queen of Cordonia. A gray haired lady with perfect posture and an elegant air about her approached the guests. "Welcome all. I'm so delighted you could join us this afternoon." An attractive woman was escorting the Queen.

Leaning into Maxwell, Violet asked, "Who is that?"

"That's Countess Madeleine of Fydelia to you, and if you haven't heard of her, then you really are behind the times," informed Bertrand.

"Her name was all over the tabloids at one point. She was betrothed to Prince Leo before he abdicated for your cousin," added Maxwell.

"It was particularly embarrassing for her to be thrown over like that. She was the one who was chosen during that social season after all. To go through all that and not be royal..." included Bertrand.

"I wonder if she is getting added to the competition?" asked Violet.

"I sure hope not!" exclaimed Bertrand. "She already has the favor of most of the court as well as the Queen. She also comes from an excellent background."

"Well it looks like Riley is saying the right things, because the Queen has been smiling the whole time while talking with her. And judging by the frown that Madeleine is wearing, I think I'm right," noticed Violet.

"Everyone! It is time to begin the ceremonial croquet match. Please follow me," announced the Queen.

She made a few other announcements, but without the aid of a microphone, Violet struggled to hear her. "I can't hear shit."

Maxwell nodded, "Me neither, but I'm sure it's just boring things. As long as we follow her I think we are good."

"Shush, both of you!"

Across the lawn, a number of croquet hoops had been set up. Prince Liam waited near the game equipment as the procession approached, greeting each lady as they passed. Violet gave Maxwell's hand a squeeze. "Look at how he lights up when he gets to Riley!"

"SHHHHHH!" Bertrand warned.

"Custom has it that the Queen and the Prince play a round of croquet with two of the season's suitors. I have chosen Madeleine as my partner." A collective murmured gasp went through the crowd at the Queen's surprised announcement. Even Bertrand was grumbling. Madeleine smiled confidently as she remained by the Queen's side.

"As for myself, I choose Lady Riley."

"Yesss!" cheered Violet while Bertrand smiled and Maxwell gave a whoop.

The four of them separated into their two teams and grabbed their mallets, setting up at the beginning of the circuit. Watching the Prince hit his ball through an arch, Violet grinned as Riley mirrored his move. "I have no idea how this game works but I'm assuming they are winning?" she asked Maxwell.

He shrugged in response, "I have no clue but I would assume yes!"

The game continued to proceed through the circuit until Riley hits the center peg. "I believe that means victory is ours," stated Liam.

Violet stifled a yawn. "Thank god. I cannot believe they don't serve booze for this. Even golf has booze!"

After speaking privately with Riley, the Queen took her leave. "Thank you all for coming, and I look forward to seeing you at the next event."

As Prince Liam and Riley took their seats at the table, Maxwell, Violet, Hana and Drake joined them. Servants brought around piping hot tea, cream, and tiny tea sandwiches.

"Finally we get to eat!" cheered Maxwell.

Picking up a small sandwich, Violet eyed it skeptically. "Did you tell me not to fill up on appetizers because the best food came after the races?"

Drake frowned. "Yeah, I wouldn't call this eating."

"Only you would find a way to complain about free food," teased Liam.

"Hey now, I'm simple..."

"No one would argue against that!" chimed in Riley.

"What is this? The gang-up-on-Drake show? I just mean I'd rather have a 99 cent burger vs escargot aioli or something."

"How would you even...?" asked Hana, clearly confused.

"It was a joke, Hana."

"Oh..."

Stuffing his face with mini sandwiches, Maxwell asked, "Whatever, they are delicious and BOTTOMLESS. Anyways, onto the big question! Riley, do you think you impressed the Queen? We couldn't hear anything in the stands."

Riley shook her head. "I have no clue if I impressed her or not."

"Ah, I'm sure you did! But...just in case you didn't, maybe let's not tell Bertrand?"

"What about your opinion, Liam?" asked Violet. "Do you think Riley impressed the Queen?"

He beamed at Riley. "Yes, I think she performed quite gracefully in front of her."

"Enough about Riley. All the little sandwiches are gone and I"m still starving," whined Drake.

Violet nodded in agreement. "Me too, Max, I thought you said these were bottomless?"

Maxwell looked sheepishly. "I guess my memory is a little faulty. I thought there was more food last time."

"Not to worry, there's more food waiting for us back at the palace," suggested Liam.

"Hey Vee, you know what I could really go for?" Violet raised her eyebrow in response. "A cronut."

Violet's eyes widden. "YASSSSSSS!"

"A what?" asked Liam.

"Do you mean, donut?" offered Hana innocently.

"She most definitely did not!" exclaimed Violet.

"Have you never heard of a cronut before!?" Riley asked in shock.

"No but I'm sure it is delicious!" admitted Maxwell.

"It is only the best thing ever!" stated Violet.

"Okay guys, we have a critical problem to fix. None of you have had cronuts." Violet and Riley exchanged a look.

"...Please tell me it doesn't have anything to do with crows," pleaded Maxwell.

"It's the sumptuous inside of a croissant mixed with the glazed outside of a donut. It's one of the best pastries ever invented," explained Riley.

Maxwell opened his mouth but Violet answered his question before he asked. "Yes, even more delicious than your bready pork yum yum."

"I want," was all Maxwell said.

"Sounds...American," suggested Hana.

"From New York with love! We have to get some!" Riley stood up from the table.

Liam put a hand on her arm. "While that sounds like quite an adventure...I don't think the schedule will allow for it."

"But..But..." Maxwell looked at Liam with puppy dog eyes. "But ...yum yum."

Riley offered a compromise. "Then how about a little jail break tonight? Think we can sneak out of the palace and go on a cronut run? I'm pretty sure I saw them in a window at a nearby bakery while we were driving here."

"That does sound like fun..." admitted Hana.

"I'm always down for carbs," offered Drake.

"YUM YUM!" cheered Maxwell.

"Very tempting. Are you sure you want to do this, Riley?" Liam look torn between his responsibilities and his desire to live a little.

"110%!" Violet nudged Riley. "Right Riles?"

She grinned in return. "Right! We'll meet outside once it gets dark, and then we'll have an adventure!"

"Finally! We'll have some fun away from the palace...but that doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to the palace kitchens. Still hungry," admitted Drake.

Violet's stomach grumbled in agreement. "To the kitchen!"

That night, Riley, Violet, Hana, Drake and Maxwell waited outside the palace for Liam. "Prince Liam is really taking a while," stated Maxwell sadly. His tummy gurgled and he gave it a little pat. "Don't worry buddy, we'll get you a cronut soon."

"I don't know," disagreed Drake. "He's the prince. We'll be lucky if he can sneak out at all."

"There he is!" spotted Hana.

"Took you long enough," teased Riley.

"Sorry, sorry," he apologized. "It's been a while since I've had to sneak out of my own bedroom window. I nearly fell into the rose bushes, but I stand before you, unscathed."

"Onward to adventure!" cried out Violet.

"To cronuts!" cheered Drake.

"YUM YUMS!"

Walking down the beach, the group came upon a small pastry shop. Grabbing Violet from behind and spinning her with a squeal of enjoyment on her part, Maxwell put her down softly and kissed her cheek. "Is it just me, or is it more fun to be out at night when you're also breaking the rules?"

Hana seemed a bit taken back by the affectionate display, but recovered swiftly, smiling at the couple. "It's more fun when you know you're headed towards something delicious!"

Grabbing Riley's hand, Liam nodded. "After a day spent answering to the press and the Queen, this is the sweetest freedom."

"And it will only get sweeter." Riley bopped him on the nose playfully.

Opening the door to the bakery, Maxwell exclaimed, "Baker! We need all of your finest cronuts, please!"

"Uh, Maxwell, I think you're supposed to go to the counter, not just shout from the doorway," stated Hana.

"Like normal people," agreed Drake.

"Which you know he is not." Violet kissed Maxwell when he pouted at her reply.

"You guys get the seats, I'll handle the cronuts," offered Riley.

Finding a table to hold the whole party, the group eagerly awaited the cronuts. Once they were ready, Riley took the tray and joined the others at the table. Placing the cronuts on the table, Riley took the chair next to Liam. As she sat, his hand fell lightly against hers. He gave hers a squeeze. "Well these look delicious."

"I'm going to eat myself sick!" announced Maxwell.

"What's more important is how they taste. Let me at 'em!" Drake grabbed his.

"Wait! All together!" Everyone grabbed a cronut. "One..."

"Two...'

"Th-'

"Delicious!" exclaimed Maxwell.

"Maxwell!" Drake glared at him.

"I regret nothing. Mmmmm...Flaky, crusty, glazed cloud of flavor..."

"Look at him, you feed him one cronut and suddenly he's a poet," joked Violet.

He winked at her, "They are just that good."

"They really are," concurred Hana. "I really must take some of these back home. I've never tasted anything so light and fluffy and sweet!"

"This rivals the finest pastries from the palace chefs. Even Drake is smiling."

"What? I like a good dessert. Now less talking, more cronuts."

The group ordered a few more. "The last time I had something this good, Bertrand hired a pastry chef from a Michelin-starred restaurant to make his birthday cake."

"Wait, you mean to tell me Bertrand used to be fun!?" Riley looked at Maxwell, disbelievingly.

"Ha, yeah, he wasn't always like he is now."

Liam nodded sadly. "There was a time when Bertrand would've been here with us tonight."

"Really?"

"Yes, we were all close, once. But he's grown distant in the past few years..."

"Aw, Bertrand's gonna be just fine. He's just sorting some things out. You know what? I'll even bring him back a cronut."

"That's sweet," offered Hana.

"It's a noble thought, but we'll see if that cronut actually makes it back to the palace," stated Drake, skeptically.

"Right, maybe we should get a few more cronuts to hedge our bets. Don't want to set you up to lose," Violet poked him playfully.

Maxwell looked mock offended. "I hope you're not implying I'd eat my brother's cronut!"

"Wouldn't you?" Drake looked at him knowingly.

"Well it's the thought that counts anyway, right?" shrugged Maxwell as he popped another cronut in his mouth.

"I can't believe mine's gone already. It was delicious," said Hana sadly.

"What did I tell you? Have faith in me!" Riley smiled, glad all of her friends enjoyed the treat.

"This was a great idea, thanks guys!" Maxwell kissed Violet. "Mmmm. You taste like cronut." He peppered her with kisses, causing her to push him away, laughing.

"We should sneak out more often, bonus points if it's food related," mentioned Drake.

"I wish I could," replied Liam sadly. "Yikes, it's gotten really late, we should be getting back."

"Good, because I think this one is crashing." Violet gestured to Maxwell, who had his head on her shoulder, eyes closed.

"I'm fine...just...food coma..."

Riley sighed, "Don't want the kingdom to panic over a missing prince?"

"Precisely. I've already been gone for quite sometime."

Rising to throw out the trash, Drake announced dramatically. "Historians will tell of the day when Cordonia nearly collapsed because the Prince went out for cronuts."

Liam stuck his tongue out at him. "Ok, maybe it's not that bad, but we should still head back to the palace."

As the group headed back, a figure lurking in the shadows stepped out. "Bastien? What are you doing here?" asked Liam.

"I couldn't let you go out without security, Prince Liam."

"But how did you even know?"

He laughed. "Please, Your Highness. I was assigned to your brother before this. I've seen every trick in the book."

"I'm sorry to have troubled you."

"Like I said, I was assigned to your brother. Compared to him, you're hardly any trouble at all. But..."

Liam looked down at the ground. "But we should be getting back."

"Can we take the long way around please?" asked Maxwell. "We got you a cronut?" He offered one up as a peace offering.

Reluctantly, Bastien took one. "Mmmm." Nodding, he relented. "You guys go on ahead. I'll trail behind and keep an eye on things."

"Thank you Bastien," stated Liam. Maxwell cleared his throat loudly. "And thank you Maxwell for sacrificing one of your cronuts."

"My pleasure," said Bastien.

"My pleasure," repeated Maxwell.

The group headed back towards the palace, going down the board walk while Bastien faded back to the shadows. Continuously running up to the water and then back out again to Violet, Maxwell cried out, "I love cronuts!"

"I thought you were crashing from the sugar?" asked Violet.

He yelled back over his shoulder, "Second wind!"

She laughed. "You are a child."

He grinned at her. "Oh no..." Breaking out into a sprint and running from him, Violet laughed as Maxwell sweeped her up into his arms, bridal style.

"You're gonna regret that..."

Her eyes widened as he approached the water. "No Max, don't!"

Wading up to knee height water, he ordered, "Apologize."

"Ok, I'm sorry!"

"For?"

"Calling you a child."

"And?"

"Doubting your willpower around cronuts."

"And now pay me a compliment."

Violet threw her head back and laughed, then pulled Maxwell in for a deep kiss.

"Close enough, you are forgiven."

"Whew!"

As Maxwell turned to take them out of the water, he jumped up. "Ah! Something slimey touched my foot!"

The momentum from the jump caused Maxwell to drop Violet into the water, before he fell in afterwards himself. The couple heard the laughter from the beach.

Sitting in the water, Violet glared at Maxwell. "Apologize."

"I'm sorry I dropped you in the water."

"Now pay me a compliment."

"You are the -" Before he could finish, Violet dunked him under the water. He came up gasping. "Hey!"

The couple was joined by the rest of the group, who smartly stripped down to their underwear before entering the water.

"Wow, it's freaking cold! Why didn't you warn us?"

Hana walked in shivering. "I am beginning to regret coming in after you guys."

Riley playfully splashed the group. "Once you get all wet, then it gets warmer!"

The group played in the water for a bit, before Bastien called them out. "It's getting rather late, don't you think?"

Tired and cold, the group dried off as best as they could before walking back.

Maxwell put his arm around Violet. "You know, the best way to warm up is body heat..." He winked at her suggestively.

"Shove off," Violet pushed him away jokingly. "You're the reason I'm in this mess. But...You do make a good point."

"I do, don't I?"

"Yep!" Violet jumped onto Maxwell's back.

"Oof!" Adjusting to carry her weight, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Body heat." She kissed his cheek. "Onwards, to the palace!"

Maxwell trudged on, good naturely. "You know, this is not the sharing body heat idea I had in mind." He could feel her grin. "But you knew that, didn't you?"

Making it back to the palace, the group started to break off.

"Well I'm this way," motioned Drake, heading off opposite of Riley and Violet's room.

"Oh, I'm that way too, I'll walk with you," Hana jogged to catch up with Drake, who waited for her. "Good night!"

"I think I have too much sugar running through my system still, I don't think I'll be able to sleep just yet," mentioned Riley.

"I'm feeling the same way, care to go for a walk through the gardens, Lady Riley?" Liam bowed and offered his hand. "I never got to show you the maze I loved as a child."

The pair looked at Bastien, whose face looked like he was fighting an internal struggle. "I guess...if you remain on the property, that should be fine."

Waving goodbye to them, Maxwell went to put Violet down. "Uh nuh uh," scolded Violet. "The ride does not end until you get to my room."

Luckily, the grand lobby was empty at this time of night, so Violet and Maxwell were able to make it to her room, undetected. Sliding down from Maxwell's back and shutting the door behind him, she stripped out of her wet clothes and headed to the bathroom. Turning on the tap to fill up the tub, she shouted back out to him, "Well, you coming? Don't want to get sick staying in those wet clothes."

Sprinting to the bathroom and undressing in record speed, he walked in to find Violet already submerged under the bubbles from the jacuzzi. She looked at him and smiled, "You are already erect."

Entering the tub as ungracefully, he captured her lips in his in a hungry kiss. "I'm always ready to go for you, babe."

She shook her head at his line, but returned to kissing him, positioning him against the one of the sides of the tub. Turning her back to him, while still continuing to kiss, this new position allowed her to work his member with her hands while he had access to her breasts and clit. Letting his hands explore, one concentrated on her tits while the other went lower, working her into a frenzy.

Breaking the kiss, Maxwell positioned Violet over him, easing her down. Playing with her boobs and kissing her neck as she rode him reverse cowgirl, the couple quickly reached climax as the water around them cooled.

Turning to face him, she kissed him slowly, shivering as she ground against him. Her phone beeped as she received a text message.

Reading it quickly, she swore. "Shit, it's Riley. She'll be back in ten."

Maxwell grinned at her, "I only need five."

The next morning, Riley and Violet awoke early to an insistent knock at their door. Groggily opening the door, Riley found Maxwell and Bertrand outside.

"Go away!" yelled Violet, shielding her eyes from the light of the sun.

"Rise and shine, beautiful!" Maxwell went to Violet's side of the bed, intending to plant a kiss on her head, but was instead smacked with a pillow.

"Pound sand!"

"Wah?" replied Riley, still half asleep.

"I'll assume that was the appropriate morning greeting followed by the proper use of my title," stated Bertrand.

"Why are you both here so early? And how are you both so cheerful?" asked Riley, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"We just heard where the next social event will be, and if we're going to arrive there with everyone else, we should get packed. It's going to be fun!" answered Maxwell, finally rousing Violet to a sitting position.

"Where are we going?" asked Riley, slightly more efficientc at waking up than Violet.

"To the northern region of Cordonia, to the snow!" cheered Maxwell.

"Urgh, we get enough snow in New York, pass," grumbled Violet, nuzzling herself into Maxwell's shoulder.

"Shut up, Vee. I love snow!" exclaimed Riley.

"I wouldn't celebrate so soon. The family that's hosting us up there, the place we're staying at, belongs to the Lythikos ducy..." informed Bertrand.

Violet shot up, instantly awake. "Oh no."

"What does that mean?" asked Riley.

"That you're about to go straight into Olivia's home territory. If you want to get time with Prince Liam, you're going to have to beat her at her own game," he finished.

"...Crap."

God I'm so bad at writing lemons. I can't just leave it at a cliffhanger, but then my stupid lemons just end up being like a paragraph long. Oh well, hope you enjoyed!

Let me know if you want more mean Violet or if you like her kinda being sweet with Maxwell. I'm torn between keeping her in character and letting her be happy.

Read, review, follow!