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Chapter Text

She's so hot. She's like the hottest person I've ever seen. And I'm a Prince, a Crown Prince now. So I get to see some hot people.

I'm only watching her because I can't help but watch her. She's over at the bar, ordering us some drinks. Honestly, I don't think she needs to carry on serving us now that we're here at Kismet, she doesn't work here, but Rick and Tariq seem content to let her host us this evening, and I can't articulate any words about her that aren't hot hot superhot so I best stay quiet for now.

"So, Maxwell," Tariq says, dragging me back into the conversation I left some time ago. "How are you feeling about your last night of freedom?"

"I'm feeling... contemplative." The words leave my mouth and surprise Tariq; I think that guy believes me incapable of four syllable words. Rick smiles, he gets it. Drake just looks exhausted already from it all. "I know what I've gotta do tomorrow, and that I've just gotta get on with it. And I guess tonight's alight with possibilities..."

And again, I'm watching the only possibility I'm interested in. She's talking to the bartender. She's looking over here, maybe telling him about us? She's just so stunning. Those green eyes, gazing in this direction... gazing into...

Rick's eyes. And now I'm looking at Rick, and he's gazing right back at her.

Aw, who am I kidding? She's not a possibility for me tonight. And although I totally could, I'm not about to stand up and give it all the big I am, because that's not me, and that wouldn't really help with concealing my true identity either. I guess I'm just going to have to admire her from afar for the rest of the evening.

"Let's just hope none of those possibilities get you maimed, framed, or in the tabloids," Drake sighs.

"Drake, my man, this is why I have you around to watch my back!" I punch Drake's arm with a fond chuckle. "Listen, guys, I just wanna say, thanks for bringing me here. You've all risked a lot what with making sure my brother doesn't figure out where I really am right now.... Just remind me, where am I supposed to be again?"

"On a diplomatic visit to the New York embassy," Rick explains.

"Yep. Got it. I can work with that."

"You're welcome," Drake says. "Least we could do before you have to do all that waltzing and schmoozing and stuff with the stuck-up ladies of the court."

"I mean, I'm looking forward to the waltzing. I'm sure I can make the best of having to choose a wife out of a bunch of eligible ladies..." It's just a shame none of them are that hot.

"Penelope Ebrim wants a piece of you," Drake points out the freaking obvious.

"I know. Everyone knows. But can you imagine? I'd end up third fiddle to her precious poodles. And they wouldn't be able to live with us at the palace anyway. Nah, I'm just gonna end up marrying Olivia. I'm sorry, Rick. You know I don't want to steal your girl, but.." It seems like he's moving on alright.

Rick shoots me a frown. "She hasn't been my girl since the night she threw her hat in to the competition for your brother."

"True," I say, leaning back on my chair. "She failed at bullying Bertrand into making her a future queen. No doubt she's up for another go. And I've gotta choose someone, so Olivia's the obvious choice. If only things could be different..."

Jen's ordering the drinks. Getting a tray ready for them. Shooting a smile at the bartender that could slay ten thousand men. And she's looking over here now and that coy little wave in our direction just got my heart beating like a drum.

Drake's chuckling now. "I assume she's going to end up in one of your beds at the end of the night, am I right?"

"Huh?" I pull myself together. "No, she's well out of my league."

"She's something special, that one," Rick agrees.

Yeah, she is special. Hypothetically, if she was up against Olivia, and Kiara, and Penelopoodle, and whoever the other houses decide to offer up for my consideration, she's special enough to hold her own. She'd outshine them all, no doubt about that, in that hypothetical situation.........

Oh my god. Maxwell Beaumont, you're a freaking genius. This situation does not need to be hypothetical.

"Wait, Rick, am I right in thinking you still haven't come up with a suitor for House Rys?"

Rick's clearly not following my train of thought here, his confusion is evident. "You know we haven't."

"You have now!" I look pointedly at Jen, as she leans over the bar, her leg beautifully poised behind her, then look back at him. "Jen could be your suitor!"

Rick's facial expressions transform at an entertaining rate, settling on one of authority. "No. That wouldn't be appropriate."

"Appropriate? Where's the fun in appropriate? Think about it! You sweet talk her a little, offer her the opportunity for travel and romance and adventure, shower her with gifts and beautiful clothes... now I don't know what makes her tick, but I reckon you can get to the bottom of it, yeah?"

Rick's shaking his head. "Maxwell, I don't think..."

"You keep your dad happy cause you found a suitor, I'm happy because I have a hot suitor, you get to spend time with her getting her to events and helping her find her way in the process..." Ah. Now he's thinking this through. If he's into her half as much as I am, he's seeing the benefits! "You can make out it was all your idea if you want!"

"It's.. a wild idea, Maxwell..."

"I mean, I'm not saying me and Jen will definitely hit it off, but I'd rather marry someone hot like that than Kiara, or Penelope.. and also this way I wouldn't have to take Olivia from you." Now I can't claim that I wasn't totally turned on by the fact that Olivia finished with Rick to compete for my hand, but I've seen how sad Rick's been about the whole thing. So bringing Jen into the fray is doing the right thing by him, surely?

"That doesn't need to come into it," Rick says, looking at the table. "Olivia and I are history."

"Yeah, but I'd still feel bad. This way, there'd be someone just for me...."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Again, Drake points out the freaking obvious.

"It seems to me that Lord Rick and this waitress have quite the connection already," Tariq added.

"I have to ask, Maxwell," Rick and I are eye to eye now. "What if I do all that, and she falls for me?"

Then she was never gonna be the one for me. But, only one way to find out, right?

I extend my hand for Rick to shake it. "Then may the best man win."

Rick's smuggest smile arrives on his lips, and his hand arrives in mine. We shake. There's no going back now. Drake's got his head in his hands, and Tariq just looks on, bewildered.

"Okay. And one other thing. Don't ever tell her we agreed to this. Otherwise I come across as a complete bellend." I know they're all thinking that, but I don't want Jen thinking I'm effectively trying to pimp her out to House Rys for our mutual entertainment. Because it could totally be read that way, right?

"Your request will be redundant if I can't convince her to participate." Rick's looking beyond me now, I get the feeling she's imminent. Yep, now I can smell her sweet, sweet perfume in the air.

"Aw, Rick, of course you can convince her! And I promise to act all surprised at the masquerade! Go, go, go!"

"Hey, sorry that took so long." Jen places the tray of drinks on the table, and sits herself down next to Rick, shooting him a flirtatious look. "Did you miss me?"

"Yes!" Aw, crap, I really shouldn't have said that. "I mean, yes, Rick missed you, right Rick?"

Drake stands up, downs his whisky in two impressive mouthfuls, then grabs hold of my arm. "Dancefloor."

"Aw yeah! Dancefloor time! Coming, Tariq? Rick? Jen....?"

Tariq sips his wine, assessing both the situation and the quality of the wine, but eventually deciding he doesn't want to get similarly manhandled by Drake, stands up too. "Very well."

"We'll watch you for now," Rick says, as I make quick work of my cocktail. Wait, who is he to talk for Jen? Still, she's nodding in agreement.

So now the three of us are on the dancefloor, and it's time to party! And also time to show off my moves, just in case Jen is watching, right? Because who doesn't want to see my running man?

"No-one wants to see your running man, Maxwell..."

Drake doesn't want to see my running man. And it doesn't look like Tariq does either, he's wandered off in search of more upmarket beverages.

Maybe these girls over there want to see it? Here it comes! "Laaaaaadiiiiesss!" Oh, maybe not. They cleared off pretty quick, heading towards the bar. Well maybe later? The night's still young, and while I'm still refreshingly incognito, what's to stop me pulling out the Crown Prince card later on?

"Maxwell." Drake is in my face. "What the fuck?"

"Aw, c'mon, Drake, this is my last night of freedom!"

"I'm talking about the waitress, Maxwell. That deal you made with Rick. What the hell are you thinking?"

I'm not thinking, I guess? But I better not admit that to Drake. "I'm thinking we've gotta ask her the question, right? See if she wants to fill House Rys's vacancy? She's.. well, just look at her. She's beautiful." And totally engrossed by whatever Rick's telling her. Maybe he's already asked her?

"This is just going to pull you and Rick apart," Drake moans, scratching the back of his head. "I've seen it so many times. It started with Olivia.."

"Hey, that was back when we were at school!"

"Yeah, but it's been a recurring pattern since then. You take a liking to a girl, she ends up taking a liking to Rick."

"Yeah, but this is different. I'm the Crown Prince now, remember? Girls and guys fall at my feet! And, if Rick pulls this off he's really helping me out."

"Is he though? How are you gonna feel if she turns you down because she wants to be with him? Or worse still, she goes along with being your future queen but the two of them want to see each other in secret? Could you live like that?"

I mean, I could live like that. Would I want to? No. But I could, if it meant that I could have such a pretty, smart queen on my arm one day. It wouldn't matter if she loved someone else.

I place my hands on Drake's shoulders, and grin at him. "Drake, my good man. Consider the alternative. Queen Olivia."

Drake shudders. "Okay, okay, I see your point. But I still don't like it."

"Right. This is what we're gonna do now." I point to the bar. "More cocktails, then more music, then more mingling with New York's finest.. we are so getting drunk, dancing like bosses and getting laid tonight, my friend!"

***

Welp, none of us got laid. Not Drake, not Tariq. Not me, although I'm blaming the fact that I got covered top to toe in a pina colada that I bought for a pretty lady on the dancefloor. Nobody wants a quickie with someone sticky! And seemingly not Rick either, unless he and Jen had a very quick quickie – he rolled back to the suite not long after we did, not in the mood for my questions.

So now I'm lying awake thinking about that gorgeous girl we just met and fantasising about how the night might have gone differently. Like maybe I should have just got her alone and told her that actually I was the Crown Prince of Cordonia and I had so, so much more to offer her than Rick. But, that's not my style. Especially because me and Rick have been BFFs forever. Bros before heavenly, smart girls who I just want to get to know better.

Doesn't stop me imagining the two of us in a fantasy dance-floor encounter in Kismet though. My hands are on her waist and hers are on my shoulders and she's looking into my eyes and she's leaning towards me and pow, as we kiss the club lights crackle with electricity and the bass vibrates my body and I'm lost, lost in this gorgeous girl, and I'm never going home again.

But I've got to go home. My plane leaves in a few hours. And when it lands back in Cordo, I've got to get back on that awful merry-go-round that I'll probably never be able to get off again. It's almost as if that horrible carousel incident from my childhood was really clever foreshadowing. Ironically, it was Bertrand who abandoned me that time, too.

Oh, Bertrand. The last time we spoke, you'd been going through the entries and you'd said to me that House Rys were yet to submit a lady for my consideration, as presumably they were still searching for a suitable candidate.

But they could submit a guy, right? I'd pointed out. I mean, Rick could probably step forward if he wanted to, huh? He could totally be my suitor! He's a handsome man...

No, Maxwell! Bertrand's eyes had almost popped out of his sockets, and his eyebrows had leapt up to the ceiling, and we were in quite a high-ceilinged room. He most certainly could not!

Eh. Figured not. Well, I might not get to make the rules now. I mean, as much as I love Rick, he's not my type, and even if he was it would be super weird. But when I'm king, and my offspring go through all this, I'm making sure there's full representation. Gender means nothing to me. I could be missing out on some amazing guys who would jump at the opportunity to be the king to my, uh, king. Yeah, that wouldn't work. I'd have to come up with some sort of Duke of something or other title. Duke of Sexy? Duke of Hot?

Still, that may not be an issue if Rick managed to work his magic on Jen last night.

***

I'm on the plane now. It's super early, but I still found time for a green and mean breakfast smoothie (kale is so good for you!) before dashing to the airport. Tariq looked a bit green and mean sitting next to me, to be honest. He's now a couple of rows back and I'm now looking at my phone now that we're cruising at fifty thousand feet, back towards everything I wanted to run away from, until a certain stunning waitress and a deal with Rick gave me hope that what I was running from didn't have to be so bad after all.

Time to text Rick now. He'll be up, because he and Drake have got to get their flight pretty soon.

DID YOU ASK HER?

He's typing!

NO.

Aw, crap. DID YOU GET HER NUMBER?

NO.

Right. Time to exercise some Crown Princely authority over this situation. RICK, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? GET HER NUMBER! GO BACK TO THE BAR AND DON'T COME BACK TILL YOU'VE GOT IT. AND THEN ASK HER. REMEMBER WHAT I SAID LAST NIGHT! I'M JUST THINKING OF WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU, BUDDY. YOU SHOULD DO THE SAME. *emojis*

He's not typing anymore. He must have read this by now! Aghhhhh!

HOW ABOUT THIS. IF YOU CONVINCE HER, I PROMISE YOU THAT I'LL DEFINITELY CHOOSE HER AS MY QUEEN, IF THAT'S WHAT YOU BOTH WANT OUT OF THIS.

Still nothing! Come on, Rick!

PLEASE RICK, I GUARANTEE YOU. I'LL DEFINITELY CHOOSE HER, WHATEVER. THINK HOW GOOD THAT'LL WORK OUT FOR YOU.

I put my phone back in my pocket, find a comforting supernatural horror movie on the in flight system, and start popping M&Ms as the opening credits roll. And I tell myself to get a grip. If Rick doesn't want to ask her, that's up to him. If she doesn't want to come over, that's up to her. I can't control this situation. There's just that little glimmer of hope... a really futile and pathetic and impossible little glimmer of hope, that she could be the one. I know it's creepy and weird. I don't even know her. She barely said a word to me. But...

PING! My whole body jolts and I grab my phone to read Rick's reply.

VERY WELL. I'LL HEAD OVER TO THE BAR ON MY WAY TO THE AIRPORT.

Yeeeeeahhhh! I punch the air, and jump to my feet for a celebratory dance! Now I've just gotta cross all my fingers and all my toes that she says yes!

And then I've gotta keep all my fingers and all my toes crossed that she doesn't fall in love with Rick. 

Chapter Text

Lythikos is the coldest place in the world, fact. And I’m convinced that’s somehow connected to the fact that its mistress, Olivia has such a cold, cold heart. I spend some time thinking about this on my way up here. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg thing, right? Is Lythikos cold because of Olivia’s cold cold heart? Or is Olivia’s heart cold cold because she comes from Lythikos? Both theories carry weight!

The royal plane touches down onto the Lythikos runway pretty early in the morning. I’m excited for this little trip for two reasons in particular. Firstly, no Bertrand breathing down my neck! He’s decided to let me go alone, to see how I “comport” myself. About time, right? And while I know he’ll have his little spies reporting back to him, such as Drake’s number two Harry who’s sitting next to me right now, at least I can trust Drake not to tell him everything. I might actually get the chance for a bit of fun on this excursion!

And speaking of fun… oh man. The fun I could have..

I close my eyes and I’m picturing myself in a bubbling hot tub, upbeat music pumping, looking out across the alpine terrain, and my body’s edging nice and close to another hot body.. okay, maybe not just any other hot body. Maybe the body of a certain beautiful lady who I played croquet with the other day, and snuck out for cronuts with later that evening. The beautiful lady who makes me laugh, makes me feel free. She makes me feel like I’m actually enjoying this whole social season shizzle.

“Your Highness, welcome to Lythikos.” My fantasy is shattered by the dronelike voice of Barry, one of the guys who organises me when Bertrand’s not around, and another one of Bertrand’s spies in the camp, I’m guessing. “If we could disembark in a timely manner, I believe the Duchess is expecting you for an ice-skating activity this morning. She hopes to entertain you privately before the majority of the guests arrive at midday.”

Oh, I bet she does. Well, bring it on.

***

It’s a good job I like ice-skating, because I’ve been doing it for hours this morning. You could say, practicing my skills for the real event when my favourite suitor finally turns up to skate with me. But shh. For now I’m pretending that Olivia is my favourite suitor, because she’s the only suitor here so far, and I want to keep on her good side so she doesn’t push me into the frozen lake.

She skates up to me, clad in her trademark red, not seeming to feel the cold out here where it is very, very cold. I’m just glad I’ve got all my princely layers on, for sure. More people are starting to arrive now. Drake’s due to meet me here shortly, he travelled up here with Rick. That means he probably travelled with Jen too.

“Still going, Maxie?” Olivia asks. I’ve no idea where this Maxie thing came from, but I’m not a fan. I’m not quite brave enough to point this out to Olivia though.

“I am a slave to the ice,” I tell her, as we start to dance together again.

“Don’t tire yourself out too much,” she points out. “I have plenty more physical activities planned for you later.” She edges that little bit too close for comfort as we move in formation.

I gulp. “Such as?”

“Skiiing,” she tells me, and I let out a subtle sigh of relief. “Then I thought you might appreciate a tour of the keep this evening? It’s been such a long time since you visited, and I think you’ll like what I’ve done with my personal quarters.”

Uh-oh. Still, it would be rude not to, right? And the threat of being pushed head first through that menacing gap in the frozen lake is still real. “Sure!”

“But before all of that, perhaps a lap around the lake would be fitting,” she says. “That way, everyone will see how elegantly the two of us skate together.”

“Yep. We can definitely do that.” I see Drake pacing up towards the edge of the lake. He shoots me a look which I know means you good? or do I need to smack anyone into next week? I grin at him, releasing my hand from Olivia’s arm for long enough to give him the thumbs up.

Olivia turns to see who I’m gesturing to. “Walker still your security detail then?”

“Course,” I say. “I trust him with my life.”

She frowns. She’s never been a fan of Drake. Still, given her on-off romantic history with Rick, that’s to be expected, as Drake’s never been a fan of hers either. “Is Rick here too?”

I shrug. “If he is, he’s probably with Jen, getting her all ready for the day.” Because that’s totally what I’d be doing, if I were Rick. Making sure she’s wearing something warm, because it’s cold out here. And making sure she knows how special she is. He’s so lucky that he gets to do that.

Olivia frowns. “I don’t get it, Maxie.”

“What’s not to get?”

“The waitress.” She spits it out with so much contempt, and I have to fight the irrational urge to come to Jen’s defence. “Rick’s brought her over here as a suitor, right?”

“Right,” I say, careful not to give too much away. “She was perfect for the Rys suitor vacancy he had going on. He couldn’t not snap her up on sight! And you know what his dad’s like, if he hadn’t found someone…”

Olivia’s lips purse into a pout. “So why is he the one who can’t keep his eyes off her?”

Oh, hell. She’s noticed. And there was me hoping I was being paranoid.

“Uh, well, I don’t know if you noticed, but Jen’s quite a stunner,” I say, as Olivia looks into the distance, and I naturally look that way too. “It’s pretty hard not to, uh, what’d you say? Keep your eyes off her..”

Wham. My eyes are on her now, and they’re staying on her. Also, my heart’s pumping. Was not prepared for that. Be cool. Be cool. She’s looking super sweet in a cosy looking coat and a cute colourful scarf.

Olivia’s watching Jen and Rick as they put their skates on. They’re both smiling, happy, in their own little bubble. He helps her get her balance, and she holds onto his arm gratefully. Yeah. You’d think they were the cutest couple ever, if you weren’t me and Olivia right now.

They’re making their way over, and Olivia turns to me. “Surely, Maxie, you’re not going to give him the satisfaction of having his little girlfriend made crown princess? Please tell me that’s not on the cards. Because if it is, you’re even more stupid than everyone thinks you are.”

“Hey!” I’m not having that.

“Did I say everyone? I meant everyone except me. I know you’re not stupid.” She skates a circle around me, examining me carefully. “Because you know the smart choice here. You know that’s me.” Now she draws her body right into mine; oh hell, she knows exactly how to make a guy weak at the knees. “And when you make it, the whole country is going to know that you’re smart.”

I mean, Olivia was always my plan A. But I can’t tell her that I’ve got a plan B now, can I? Because she’ll sabotage it. I just smile, and laugh self-consciously, letting her think that she’s right.

I hear a cough from behind me, and I see Olivia’s grimace return, as she edges slightly away from me, which is a welcome relief. “Ahem. Duchess Olivia.”

I turn to look at Rick; Olivia’s already glaring daggers at him. “Ah. Lord Rick. I wondered when you’d show your face.”

“Please, excuse me for the interruption, but I just thought we should clear the air,” Rick says. “Things have seemed a little.. well.. frosty between us since the Masquerade Ball.”

Olivia lets go of me completely now, and storms towards Rick, riled up. “You knew I was going to be a suitor. It’s not like you can stop me.”

Jen’s got to be around here somewhere. With Olivia nicely distracted, I glance around, searching for her with my eyes.

“I never would have pretended that I could have, Olivia,” Rick goes on. “I just feel we should be more open with each other. We go back a long way after all..”

Bingo. There she is.

She’s listening from a slight distance away, close to a nearby tree. She’s seen me now. She’s smiling. She’s adorable. Right, here I come!

“Jen, you gotta see me do a spin! Don’t move!” I shout a warning before I launch into a twirl just in front of where she’s standing. “Ta-dah!” Ugh, that seemed cooler in my head, why am I so uncool?

“That’s good, but I can do better,” she informs me. “This way.”

I’ll follow her anywhere. Whoa, who knew she could skate? Correction, I’ll follow her anywhere if I can keep up with her…. She’s heading for a slightly quieter spot near the middle of the lake, and now she’s doing her own twirl. Wow. This girl’s got it. I can’t hold back the applause.

“Awesome, Jen!” She slows to a stop with a sweet little curtsey. “Know what would be super awesome?”

She raises her eyebrows in that super cute way she does. “No, but I suspect you’re going to tell me what would..”

“If we did one together!” I reach out and grab her around the waist. “Ready?”

“I’m not sure about…”

But now she’s squealing and we’re spinning in circles together and it’s awesome! I’m laughing, ahhh now she’s laughing too, and I just want to keep spinning like this forever. Okay, yes I’m dizzy, but I’m dizzy anyway when I’m around Jen.

“Woohoo! That was fun!” I declare as we finally slow and let the rest of the world catch up with us. My hands are still on her waist, they don’t really want to let go. But they know they have to.

She looks thoughtful as I glide back a smidge. “Didn’t look as if you were having much fun before.”

She’s a perceptive one. “Oh, I don’t know whose idea that was to crash our party, but they’re definitely going on my first honours list to be knighted..”

“It was kind of a joint decision,” she says, as the two of us start to skate a lap around the lake together.

“I think Sir Rick Rys has a ring to it,” I chuckle. “Anyway, you look nice and toasty.”

“Yeah, definitely glad I put on this coat,” she says, looking down at it. I’m glad too, I don’t want to think of her all cold. “So do you and the court come out here regularly?”

“Not often,” I explain. “When we do, Olivia always puts us up, which is good. When I was little, we’d come here more. Rick and Drake were usually here too. Bertrand and Leo sometimes. We’d all play in the snow. They were fun times.”

She glances across the lake over at where we left Rick and Olivia arguing. “You and Olivia were childhood chums, huh?”

Eh, kinda. “She was alright back then. She used to live with Rick and Leo, so we all got close. We’d all build little snow forts on the bank and catapult snowballs at each other. The lake was too dangerous to play on when we were young, but sometimes, we’d sneak onto the ice, see if we could see fish beneath the surface. I always hoped I’d find a squid.”

“Ha!” Jen giggles. “And did you?”

“Nope. Not even a fish. But we had many exciting false finds.”

“You must have all been close,” she says, wistfully. “Is that how you ended up having a crush on Olivia?”

Whoa whoa whoa what? I can’t look at her, because I’ll give myself away. “Ohhh, what has she said to you?”

“Pretty much that you’ve been mooning over her for years..”

“Ha. That’s a slight exaggeration.”

“Okay, so tell me your side of the story.”

Gladly. I pull up beside a nearby tree, and watch as she slows and stops too, gracefully coming to rest just next to me.

“Okay, so if you talk to Rick, he’ll tell you, Olivia had a bad childhood,” I explain. “Her mom and dad got killed when she was about five. She lived here pretty much on her own for ages, her aunt didn’t take very good care of her. In the end, Rick’s family took her in. Obviously, my dad and Rick’s dad are best friends, so I saw a lot of her too.”

“So when did you..”

Crap, she’s not letting this go. Is that a good sign? Or a bad sign? I don’t know. Oh well. Honesty is the best policy. “I reckon we were about thirteen. It was that awkward, first funny feelings for the opposite sex time, you know?”

“Oh, I know.” There’s a slight blush on her tan cheeks, and it’s hella sexy.

“Anyway, I wrote her a poem.”

She gasps. Yeah, I know, it’s that embarrassing. “You did?”

“Yeah. I can’t remember it now.. I think my memory has blotted it out through sheer humiliation… but I know it was something to do with her effulgent smile.”

“Does she have an effulgent smile?” She peers across at Olivia, who’s now looking back in our direction. “Actually, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her smile..”

“I don’t think I’ve seen her smile since,” I sigh. “She pretty much threw it back in my face. Made fun of it, showed it to all our friends. Told me that a little fat kid like me shouldn’t even look at the pretty girls, and the only chance I’d ever have with her was if Bertrand dropped down dead.”

“Ouch.” That’s all she has to say, it seems. She looks surprised. She probably didn’t appreciate I used to be a chonky child, back before I really got into dancing.

“Yeah. Ouch.” I sigh, as Olivia is on her way over. “And I know Bertrand hasn’t dropped down dead. But, seemingly, here’s my big chance!” I laugh, but I feel like crying now our little moment is over.

Olivia looks pissed. “Maxie. There you are.”

I steal one last glance at my breath of fresh air, before I face the fire breathing dragon. “Yup. Here I am!”

She’s glaring at Jen now. “So, Jen. I bet you’ve never seen a countryside this spectacular. Aren’t you impressed?”

Now I’m sure Jen can handle Olivia, but I’m still extremely nervous for her at this point.

“Impressed? Actually, it’s gorgeous,” Jen says, graciously. “Your home is truly lovely. The snow, the lake, the trees.. it’s absolutely breathtaking.”

Amazing. Olivia was not expecting that, and now she’s totally thrown. “Oh. Well, yes, it is. I’m glad even someone like you can appreciate the elegance and splendour of nature.” She turns back to me. “Now, Maxie, I believe you owe me a round across the lake.” She grabs my arm. Ouch. I better go gently, or this could get violent.

“She’s right Jen, I do owe her,” I say, wondering if Jen can see the genuine disappointment in my eyes. “Seeya later?”

Her green eyes look at me sympathetically and searchingly for a second, and then they sparkle mischievously. “Seeya later, Maxie.”

Hey! Can she tell how much that name grates on me? She’s laughing now, and it takes a huge effort for me to turn away and head back across the lake with Olivia.

“Pathetic,” Olivia says. “She’s fluttering her eyelashes at you, then she’ll go straight back to flutter them at Rick. She needn’t think she’s fooling me. And she better not be fooling you. Because you’re not stupid, are you Maxie?”

No, I’m not. And you needn’t think you’re fooling me either, Olivia.

***

Now skating I love. Dancing on ice, right? But I’ve never been a fan of skiing. Well, the ski lifts can be fun, sure! But then when you get to the top and you’re stuck going down in a straight line, it gets a bit tedious, especially after a few times, and especially when you realise the person you actually want to have a skioff against is always gonna pass you halfway up and down so you never actually meet at the top. Pretty sure Olivia planned it that way. She’s the only suitor I get to spend any time with all afternoon, in the end.

Which is why I’m super pumped when Drake and I get back to the keep for hot drinks that evening and I spot a spare chair that is a, next to Jen and b, close to the fire; I mean, where else would I want to be? I hope it’s not super obvious when I slide into it. She’s busy chatting with Hana and Rick, to be fair, she doesn’t seem too affected by my presence. I listen carefully to the conversation, which is mainly Hana and Rick talking about something that happened on the ski slope but in the end, I barge into it as soon as there’s a pause and because I have no idea what to say I just say…

“Did you have fun today, Jen?”

She doesn’t even look at me, she’s looking out of the window. “If I’m honest, today was not that great,” she says.

I’m not sure how I feel about that. We had fun together earlier, right? Maybe she hates skiing even more than I do?

Oh no. She hasn’t found out about the deal Rick and I made has she?

“Aww..” Hana shoots a sympathetic look at me, then puts a hand on Jen’s arm. “On the bright side, at least we have hot chocolate now! And look, little marshmallows shaped like hearts!”

Drake rolls his eyes. “Just.. adorable.”

I’m wondering what to say next, but then I realise what I need to say next as I spot our host making a beeline for me. “Watch yourself.. we’ve got incoming..” Should’ve known she wouldn’t let me get any quality time with any other suitors, right?

“Well hello my dear guests, Your Highness,” Olivia sneers. “I hope you’re enjoying my spectacular hosting.”

I grin, trying to think of how best to please everyone in this scenario. “I always enjoy Lythikos hospitality, Olivia..”

“It’s something,” moans Drake.

And I watch in alarm as Olivia turns her attention to Drake. She can be particularly mean to him when she wants to be. Seems she wants to be.

“Did you see that we have eclairs, Drake? They always remind me of dear darling little Savannah.”

Oh no. No no no. Let’s not talk about Savannah.. as if this situation wasn’t awkward enough….

Olivia glares venomously at Drake, before he can react. “She’d gobble them down like a sow at the trough.”

Drake shoots her a snarl that Olivia would be proud of herself. “Don’t talk about my sister.”

But Olivia’s not giving up. “Whyever not? She was such a fixture at court, and then she just up and disappeared, after that unfortunate incident with Maxie’s brother. You never told us what happened to her after that..”

Erm, maybe because he doesn’t know? Erk, gotta keep my p-p-p-poker face on..

“She left because of people like you,” Drake says, his posture super tense.

Olivia isn’t rattled at all. “She always was the sensitive sort. Ladies like that don’t last long here.”

Oh no, please don’t punch her, Drake… that’s what she wants! She wants you to do something wrong so you lose your job, because she’s spiteful and cruel… I know in that moment I could never choose her as my queen. I know I don’t need to anymore, but no. Even if things go belly up with the agreement I made with Rick, it’ll never happen now. I’d even choose Madeleine ahead of her.

I’m relieved when Drake looks at his watch and seems to relax a little. “You know what, I just remembered. I’ve got somewhere I need to be.”

Yeah, I think he’s due on his break now, actually. Lucky Drake. He can get the hell out of here for a bit. Maybe I could go with him?

But he’s already stood up. “If you’ll excuse me.” He bows, shoots me a look as if to say don’t even think about it, then he’s outta here.

“Wait, Drake, dear!” Olivia calls after him. “Come back! I wasn’t finished with you…”

“Tell me about Drake’s sister.”

Oh hell. Who wants to know?

Wait, that’s Jen’s voice! And she’s looking at Olivia. And given that there’s no love lost between Drake and Jen, she seems pretty riled up.

Olivia rolls her eyes, and sits down on the seat opposite us that Drake just vacated. “There’s not much to tell. She thought she could fit in with the nobility, and she was wrong. I guess she figured that out faster than some, and took her leave. Though by all accounts, it was rather sudden. Overnight, she packed up her things and disappeared without a word.”

She’s not looking at Jen anymore, she’s glaring at me. Crap. Does she know something?

“Now, as charming as this has been, I’ve actually come here to collect Maxie,” Olivia continues, standing up again. “I promised him a private tour of the Lythikos castle. Didn’t I, Maxie?”

I’m going to have to try and find out if she does know anything about Savannah, aren’t I? I can’t have her holding that against me, in an effort to blackmail me into choosing her as my queen, which I am certainly not gonna do… but then… the thought of Bertrand and Drake knowing that I’ve not told them about… don’t even think about him…

I can’t help but sigh a bit as I stand up. I’d much, much rather stay here with Rick, Hana, and, well, Jen. “You did, Olivia. I’ll catch you guys later, yeah?”

I’m looking at Jen. She’s looking at me. “Yeah,” she says. She seems agitated. I’m gonna have to make things up to her tomorrow. I’ve been a rubbish friend to her today.

“Bye bye darlings,” Olivia goads as she follows me out of the room.

“I better just check in with Harry seeing as Drake’s on his break,” I tell Olivia, grabbing my phone.

She grabs it. “Oh no. You’re perfectly safe here with me, Maxie. I won’t let any harm come to a hair on your head.”

“Right.” I put my phone away. “So, where to first?”

“The armoury,” she says.

Suddenly, I have no objections to this private tour at all.

***

Fifty minutes later, I reckon I must have seen pretty much everything there is to see in this keep. Spooky attic, wine cellar, cold stone dungeons, even the family vault.

“So what’s next on the Lythikos mystery tour?” I ask her, smug in the knowledge that I now know the armoury door doesn’t have a lock on it.

“Oh, there’s one final jewel in the crown,” she says, as we head upstairs. “What time does your grumpy guardian get back from his break?”

“Ten minutes,” I say guiltily, because I’ve just realised in all my excitement at seeing shiny pointy things earlier I forgot to tackle Olivia about the Savannah thing. “Listen, what you were saying about Savannah, earlier, just… lay off him a bit, yeah? He took it all pretty hard, her leaving like she did.”

I look carefully across at her as we walk along the corridor. If she knows, she’s got to say something now, right?

She shrugs her shoulders. “Who knew Drake Walker had feelings?”

I think I’m safe. Phew. “Yeah, you know, he’s a softie at heart. Not like me. I’m a man of stone.” I punch my chest. Ouch.

“Well, that’s convenient, because I like my men hard,” Olivia says, stopping, and placing her hand on my chest. Ohhhh. No, don’t let her do this to you, Maxwell! She then opens a nearby door. “Here we are. Our final destination for the evening. My bedroom.”

“But…”

“No buts, Maxie. It contains a spectacle unlike any other.” She backs into the room, and drags me in after her.

Yikes, I hope Drake finds me quick when he gets back…

The door slams shut and Olivia backs me up against it. “Finally. So. Tell me. How long have you been dreaming about this moment? Me, you. Alone in a room.” She moistens her lips.

Uhhh.. “Well…”

She pulls her hair out of its fastenings and her red hair bobs around her shoulders like ocean waves. She’s smiling effulgently. Wow.

No, Maxwell, don’t let her do this to you… she never looked twice at you until you were Crown Prince… she’s playing a game with you, and you’re smart. You’re not gonna let her win.

Oh my god oh my god oh my god she’s stripping off… “Uh, Olivia.. what’s all this?”

“I told you,” she says, as she removes her blouse and throws it to the floor. “A spectacle unlike any other. For you.”

“Olivia, I’m flattered, but I really don’t think this is a good idea….”

She glares at me. “Come on, Maxie. A man of your reputation. I’ve known you a long time. Long enough to have seen all the little tarts and the pretty boys that used to throw themselves at you come and go. You always seemed happy to oblige them. Don’t you want to upgrade to something really special?”

Well, yeah, I do actually. But you’re not it, Olivia. So you better keep those trousers on rather than seductively slip out of them… uhoh..

“Things were different then,” I explain. “I’m Crown Prince now. I have to…” What was that word? “Comport myself appropriately…”

She laughs, pulling me back from the door. “Whatever, Maxie. People don’t change that quickly.” She pushes me down onto the bed, and now she’s straddling me and my brain’s saying help but my cock’s saying score! “You are a royal rake. Always have been, always will be. And if you choose me as your princess, you’ll have options.”

“Options?” I gasp, desperately trying to think of unsexy things to think about but right now even the thought of her in crocs and a shell suit is still alluring.

“When you’re king, because you will be one day soon, you need me as your queen,” she hisses, her lips frustratingly close to my ear which is giving me the serious tingles. “I would worship my king whenever required…” She squeezes her athletic thighs around my legs, and I’m beginning to wonder if I actually still want to get out of this situation. “But I would also turn a blind eye if you needed to get your end away with someone else. Such as, I dunno. Your best friend’s girl?”

Wait, does she mean Jen? Thinking of Jen finally pulls me out of this sex trance Olivia’s got me under.

“I saw how you were looking at her earlier. I’d let you have the best of both worlds.”

Oh no. You don’t get to bring poor Jen into your nasty little plan, Olivia. I shiver at the audacity of this woman.

Before I’ve figured out how to react, there’s a loud bang on the door. “Maxwell? You good?”

“Drake! Come on in!”

He knows that’s code for get me out of here already and within the blink of an eye he’s in here. He doesn’t seem particularly rattled by the sight of Olivia in just a bra and panties pinning me down to the bed. He’s seen more shocking sights, I guess…

“Alright that’s enough,” he says. “Get off him, Olivia.”

Olivia tenses up, and climbs off me, grabbing a robe and slipping into it. “Think about what I said, Maxie. We can talk again tomorrow.”

I shoot her some very awkward finger guns as I scuttle out of her room. The door slams behind us.

“Hell,” Drake says. “Why didn’t you call me?”

“Figured you’d roll up just in time,” I say. Drake has a GPS tracker so he always knows where I am. It’s proven to have more disadvantages than advantages so far, but I’ve never been more grateful for it.

“That woman,” Drake says, shaking his head. “You know she’s pretending to want you because she wants to be queen one day, right? Tell me you know that.”

“Ye of little faith, Drake. Don’t worry.” I pat him on the back. “But thanks for the save. Hey, how are you doing after earlier?”

He looks really distant.

“You know, Olivia laying into you and you storming off?”

Drake shrugs. “There was a meteor shower earlier. Went to watch it in the woods. Pretty soothing, really.”

“Aw? I’d have loved to have seen that! Did you film it? You should put it on Pictagram!”

“I don’t have a Pictagram,” Drake points out.

“Well we could’ve put it on my Pictagram..” I’m not supposed to have social media, but I totally know the password to the CordonianCrown account. When I’m King, that account’s gonna go viral. “Seems a shame to keep it all to yourself.”

“Who says I kept it to myself?” He shoots me a look that I don’t really know how to interpret.

And then it hits me. How protective Jen got when Olivia was challenging Drake. How different she seemed with me this evening when we got back to the keep. How cosy she and Drake seemed when they were skiing this afternoon. I thought he didn’t like her. Was that a front?

Would he really do that to Rick, though?

Whatever, seems I’m third at best in the queue for her romantic affections from now on. Drake’s a total catch. I totally would, if he wasn’t a, my security detail, and b, straighty mcstraight. There’s no point putting myself out there against such a hottie, is there. It kills me to even think it, but it’s another reminder that I just have to keep things platonic where Jen’s concerned. It’s the only way.

Still, I’d rather have a platonic friend as a queen than an enemy with a cold cold heart.      

Chapter Text

There’s a firm tap at my door super early the next morning. I’m already awake, showered and shaved and ready to investigate the breakfast buffet. I’m guessing this is gonna be Drake or one of the ‘Arrys. So I’m pleasantly surprised to see my good buddy Rick Rys standing in front of me.

“Good morning!” I chirp. “How are you this cold, cold, morning?”

“I am well,” Rick says, earnestly. I see Drake’s hovering in the background, hopefully keeping Olivia at bay. “I have a suggestion for you.”

I’m kind of hoping right now that his suggestion involves his sponsored suitor in some way. I had a wildly inappropriate dream about her last night involving a hell of a lot of whipped cream. Whoo. “Go on..”

He holds up two fingers. Yesss, charades! I freaking love this game!

“Two words.. First word…” He’s indicating a round shape. “Apple?” He’s nodding. And now he’s mimicking firing a gun… ahhhhhhhh… “Oh no it isn’t…..!”

“Oh yes it is,” Rick says, a huge giddy grin on his face.

“It’s an apple shooooooot!” I jump about two feet into the air. This is the best way to start the day ever!

“I know how disappointed you were not to have had the opportunity to celebrate your upcoming engagement in the traditional way. Drake and I knew Bertrand wasn’t in agreement, so we thought this morning presented the perfect opportunity.”

“You. Are. The. Best!” I smack a smooch on both of his cheeks in turn. Drake looks nervous behind me. “Aw, Drake, you needn’t think you’re missing out!” I now move in on him as he starts to protest about it not being his idea. “Mwah, mwah! I love you guys! So, what’s the plan?”

Rick exchanges a glance with Drake. “I assumed you’d want to take breakfast first, and then…”

A man after my own heart. “Yes! Breakfast, and then, my friends…” I pull them both into a huddle. “Then we raid the armoury.”

“Maxwell…” they both protest.

“Shh. I was there last night, remember? There’s no lock on the door! And I saw something down there that would be perfect!” These two don’t look convinced. In fact, they look a little fearful for their lives. Heh. And so they should!

***

“It’s finally time!” I holler, as I line up the massive catapult that Rick, Drake and I somehow managed between us to remove from the Nevrakis armory this morning and wheel it into the heart of this thick, dark Lythikos forest.

“Well, Drake, it’s been nice knowing you,” Rick chuckles.

“How did I end up being in the firing line for this one?” Drake moans, standing the appropriate distance away, a Cordonian Ruby perching proudly on the top of his head.

“Because you were reluctant to be in the firing line for the crossbow, the axe, and the flaming arrows…” Rick points out.

Honestly, Drake would’ve been fine! Those flaming arrows had missed the apple on Rick’s head by some distance and ended up finding their way into a tree, setting fire to some leaves which then dropped onto Rick’s foot, good job he’s wearing sensible shoes today! Throwing the axe had been a little more perilous… but that had hurtled in the completely wrong direction and is now comfortably impaled in a tree some distance behind me! As for the crossbow.. well, we’re still not sure what happened to the bolt that bolted out of that, it went way, way, up in the air before disappearing from sight..

“I hate you,” Drake growls at Rick, who knows he’s had an easy ride.

“Relax, Drake, it wouldn’t be in my interest to kill my sworn protector,” I tell him. “Especially not while Olivia could jump out of the shadows and jump me at any time.”

“What?” Rick grows pale. “What happened?”

I giggle, trying to make light of it. “Let’s just say she’s applying some aggressive and very suggestive forms of persuasion. But my mind’s made up. You and I have an agreement, after all.”

Rick’s expression is a little bit far away, and I’m sensing a teensy bit of tension here. Which is great! Because if he’s jealous of me for having to fend off Olivia with a stick, when he’s got Jen with him pretty much all the time… that says something, right? Maybe he’s not quite as romantically invested in her as I assumed he was..

“C’mon, Maxwell, let’s just get this over with,” Drake shouts.

“Of course.” I smile at Rick. “Over to you, good sir!”

“Ready?” Rick calls to Drake, and Drake nods. “Very well. Ready, Your Highness?”

The rock I’m going to launch is already in the catapult’s bucket, and it’s a case of pushing this wooden beam down, holding it for a few seconds and then booooom! I’m jiggling with excitement as I use both hands and all my might to do so. “Ready!”

“Three. Two. One. SHOOT!”

And I let go and yikes! Perfectly on target, which is good news for me, not such good news for Drake, and really bad news for that apple on his head… as Rick and I watch in slight horror, Drake pelts to his left, causing the apple to fall off his head and roll to the floor in the other direction… where the rock soon crushes it into mush!

“Aw YESSSSS!” I jump into the air. “Success!”

“I’d say,” Drake groans, as he comes to meet us. “We’re all somehow still alive.”

“A point worth celebrating indeed,” says Rick as he comes in for a congratulatory hug. “Tell me, have you enjoyed this morning’s jaunt, Maxwell?”

“Totally! It’s been awesome. Thank you, both of you, for this. After the whole New York thing, you really didn’t need to..” I love these guys. They wouldn’t want me to say it out loud, but I totally do. I know I can trust them, no matter what. And it’s important for a Crown Prince to have people around him that he trusts.

“We wanted to,” Rick said, honestly. “What are friends for?”

I can’t help but glow inside when he says this. I really thought we were drifting apart; with me being Crown Prince and all, things really seemed different between us. And what he’s doing for me.. yeah, I know he’s kind of doing it for himself too, but it means a lot to have the opportunity of a smart, cool, charismatic and beautiful wife who actually seems to like me.

“And this seemed like the perfect opportunity with Bertrand being elsewhere. Although, Barry will soon get onto Bertrand if we don’t get you back to the Keep in time for the ball,” Drake groans.

“And we don’t want Olivia’s staff realising her armoury has been plundered, either,” Rick added.

“Sure, yeah, I get it.” Back to reality. Still, there’s something (well, someone) worth going back to the keep for. I can’t wait until tonight’s ball, I’ll definitely get to see her then. I might even get to dance with her again…

“I better go see if I can find that bolt,” Drake announces, and stomps off into the distance, leaving me and Rick alone.

“While he does that, we should probably try and get that axe out of that tree,” Rick points out.

“Ooh. That sounds like a challenge!”

We head over there, but my thoughts are still consumed with dancing and waltzing and the certain gorgeous lady who I dreamed about last night. Perhaps I’m subconsciously practicing my moves as we move towards the tree?

Because Rick then says, “Will you and Olivia be leading the Cordonian Waltz tonight?”

“Pretty sure I’m lumbered with that, yep.” I’m not relishing seeing Olivia again after our little unresolved rendezvous last night. Still, in a room with a hundred or so people in it, what can she possibly do?

“In that case I’ll ask Jen to dance,” Rick says. “I’ll ensure we’re positioned so as to switch partners with the two of you. So you will have the opportunity to dance with Jen for a short while.”

Yesss. I don’t think I can completely hide the joy that his words just brought me, but I’m determined to play it cool. “You realise that means you’ll have to dance with Olivia for a short while, right?”

“I realise.” He smiles stoically. “Don’t worry. I can handle her.”

I wish I could. “Great. So…” Time to test the water. “Are you still cool with the plan?”

“Of course.” Rick tenses up, a little guarded all of a sudden. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Just, uh, well. I dunno. You two getting on well?” I grab the axe and attempt to pull it out of the tree. Yikes, it’s in deep! I did a right number on this!

“I like to think we’re getting on as well as a suitor and her sponsor possibly can.” There’s a faint smile there and I don’t like it. “She’ll make you a fine queen one day, Maxwell. I have every confidence in that. And the two of you seem to get along well too?”

“Yeah…” I still have a bad feeling about how she was with me yesterday. So much more aloof than she has been. “Listen, you haven’t told her about our agreement, have you?”

He looks hurt. “Maxwell, I swore I wouldn’t. I don’t think it would be to my advantage either for her to know about that.”

“True,” I say, he’s got a point. So that’s not why she’s gone cool on me. In that case, maybe…

“So I was wondering. Did Jen go after Drake yesterday evening when he went off? You know, after Olivia laid into him?”

“I… don’t believe so…” He looks thrown. Guess he can’t rule it out. “Why do you ask?”

“It’s just… something Drake said last night. Never mind.”

“What did I say?” And Drake’s standing behind me, holding the catapult bolt. Oops. I hadn’t noticed what with multitasking my continuing attempts to liberate this poor axe and this intense conversation.

Rick’s not tippy toeing around this. “Did Jen follow you out into the storm last night?”

“Yeah.” He’s very matter of fact. “Good to know someone cared enough to, even if it was her.”

What does he mean by that? Rick doesn’t seem too thrilled by this response either.

“Honestly, the two of you are as bad as each other,” Drake said. “If you want to know what’s going through her head, just talk to her. She’ll probably tell you.”

“What did she tell you?” Rick’s very prickly.

“That’s between me and her,” Drake says. “But what I will tell you is, between the two of you, she’s hella confused. And I’m not surprised. I knew this amazing plan of yours was destined for disaster.”

Okay maybe I was paranoid over the Jen and Drake being sweet on each other thing. Maybe she was just letting off some steam to him. But I don’t like the thought of her needing to do that. Are things that bad for her? I muse on this as I have one last heave on the axe.

“This plan is going to work, Drake,” Rick says. “Maxwell is going to select Jen as his bride.”

“Yep,” I confirm, but I’m concerned now. What could I have done to confuse her? All I’ve done is befriend her, have a laugh with her, enjoy every second of the time I’ve spent with her… I haven’t made a move on her or said anything that makes my big feelings clear… because she’s Rick’s girl first and foremost, right?

Drake just laughs and goes back to packing everything up.

“Allow me.” Rick pulls the axe out of the tree on his first attempt. Yeah. Obviously he did that.

***

The afternoon was long and boring, with no opportunity to spend time with the suitors. On the plus side, that did mean no opportunity to spend time with Olivia, so every cloud.

But clouds are forming now. I’m sitting inbetween Rick and Olivia at the top table. We’ve had an amazing meal, and lots of champagne, but right now my attention is right at the back of the room where Jen and Drake look to be having a great time. Hana’s with them, and a few other nobles they don’t know who aren’t really making the effort to integrate with them. Hell, I want to be on that table right now to hear what’s being said.

No prizes for guessing who put tonight’s seating plan together, and it’s no coincidence she’s sitting right next to me. “Maxie,” she says, pushing her chair so that she’s closer to me. “Why are you being weird with me?”

I laugh. “You don’t think you were being weird with me last night?”

“No,” she says. “I was honest with you last night. Now, the first dance is coming up. The Cordonian Waltz, no less. I assume you don’t intend to breach courtly etiquette, because that would not sit well with your brother at all..”

I sigh, knowing what she’s intimating. I have to be on my best behaviour tonight, or I’ll never get Bertrand off my back. “Olivia, would you do me the honour of being my dance partner for the waltz?”

“It would be my honour, Your Highness,” she says with a small smile. She stands up.

“Uh, Olivia, I don’t think everyone’s finished eating yet..” I’ve not even seen any food make it to Jen’s table. Although it looks like they’ve finished off all the table wine…

“That’s irrelevant,” she says. “We’re ready to dance, so it’s time to dance.” And off she goes, to stand in front of the table, and claps to get everyone’s attention.

“Hello, dear guests, and welcome to the Nevrakis family’s chateau,” she announces. “It means so much to me that you would join me in this place that’s so dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy the festivities tonight as much as I will! Now, everyone, please join me and Prince Maxwell up front to begin the Cordonian Waltz!”

There’s a rumble from the tables, it seems like most of them have finished eating.. wait, is it only Jen’s table that hasn’t been served? Oh, you really are something, Olivia.. Now I see Jen and Hana getting up and walking towards the dancefloor. Drake stays where he is. I make brief eye contact with him. He shoots me a look that I know says what’s your problem? I know he’s on hand to protect me if needed. I just don’t know what he’s up to back there.

“Maxie, come on,” Olivia hisses. Rick has already made his way over to the dancefloor, presumably to intercept Jen. I stand up, a little spring in my step as I remember what Rick said earlier. I feel like I really need a moment with Jen, however brief. I may not figure out where I stand with her, but it might give me a little boost.

So now we’re at the head of the dancefloor, and making the first moves of the waltz. Not my favourite dance, obviously, but as waltzes go, it’s quite a fun one. Unless you’re dancing with an ice queen who’s trying to seduce you to forward her own salacious plans to become more powerful, of course.

Olivia knows this waltz as well as I do, and she won’t be seen to be messing anything up. She knows all eyes are on us right now. She’s not said anything to me, which is fine by me; her gaze is fixed on mine, which is not so fine. I look away and I see Rick with Jen; they just look so good together. I decide to look back at Olivia.

She takes my hands at the correct moment and we glide into a flawless spin; I’d like to think the Strictly judges would be throwing up a row of 10s.

“Smooth move,” I say to her, because it just feels rude and wrong not to say anything to your dance partner, right?

“You need a partner who knows exactly what she’s doing,” she says in response as I twirl her, and she draws into me obediently, maybe getting a smidge too close for comfort. But, it probably looks pretty good to the people watching.

“Well that’s you all over,” I say, hoping she’ll get the irony of my comment, as we move to face each other again.

She looks at me, considering that, but says nothing further.

“Well, laters.” My heart starting to beat more rapidly, I let go of her hands and push her gently in Rick’s direction, and I reach out hopefully. Here she comes.

She’s wearing a beautiful blue ballgown, simple and classy and understated. She’s far and away the most stunning person in this room; probably in the whole of Cordonia. And she’s here to dance with me.

And now I remember why I love dancing so much.

I place my hands on her waist, gently, and just get hit by a buzz of adrenaline as our eyes meet.

“Nice, if it isn’t my favourite suitor!” I chirp. I want her to know she’s special.

She’s smiling, and I’m in my happy place too. “Fancy running into you.”

“You mean, on the dance floor at a private ball during a choreographed waltz?” I waggle my eyebrows. She knew this was gonna happen, I’m sure of it. She’s teasing me.

“Well, when you put it that way, it seems inevitable I’d run into you..” It’s clear she’s new to this dance, she pauses seemingly to make sure she’s getting the steps right, and it’s cute, but I’m hoping I can help her out with some cues. “But to be fair, I haven’t seen a lot of you lately.”

Oh. She seems sad about this, and I guess I knew this was coming after the way she was yesterday by the fire. “Oh, I’m sorry. Trust me, I’d have seen more of you if I could. But there’s been a lot going on.” Yeah, I’m gonna tell her. “Last night, Olivia pretty much held me hostage in her room..” She doesn’t really react to that, but at least it’s out there. “Then today, Rick and Drake took me off for the most amazing fun time ever. Hey, how’s about I tell you all about it later tonight?” Because I really really want to spend more time with her. A minute or two just isn’t enough anymore.

She nods, still concentrating on her steps. “Sounds good.”

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise, okay?” Now for the fun bit. “Right, are you ready for this?” I’m not sure I am, but here goes nothing!

I hold her hands firmly in mine, and start to spin her around. She seems to relax into it, her smile growing, eventually developing into soft laughter, and suddenly life doesn’t seem quite as complicated anymore. We’re doing this. We’re really doing this.

“Now here we go, last move…” I twirl her and, knowing she’s not such a pro at this at Olivia, I guide her into my chest. I close my eyes, savouring the moment, breathing in her sweet perfume. Despite Olivia’s comments earlier, this is exactly what I need. I feel an intense dopamine rush from getting to be so close to her, and once I’ve recovered from this, I reluctantly release her, and she turns back to face me, ready for the last few beats before I have to send her back to Rick.

She’s looking at me differently. “You okay?” I ask her.

“Hell yeah,” she gasps, and I chuckle in response.

“I always say this dance is a little scandalous for the ballroom. Although, you and Rick seemed to be having fun a moment ago with it..”

She shakes her head, and moves to whisper something into my ear.

“Maxwell.. there’s no-one else I’d rather be dancing with right now.”

Whoa. Her eyes are sparkling, her smile is true. This isn’t like what Olivia’s doing to me. This feels real.

I mean, the feeling’s mutual, of course. But I panic. I step back a little. I didn’t expect this right now. “Jen…”

And in an instant, I realise how vulnerable she is, how vulnerable we both are. Everyone’s watching us right now. If it becomes obvious that I’m totally and shamefully besotted with her, which I am, the other Houses are going to start playing dirty, and I’m terrified of what that might mean for her. It’s best that I keep playing it cool. I know how devastated Bertrand was at losing Savannah. I don’t want to put either of us in that situation.

“What?” She looks at me with those big gorgeous eyes, all sad now. And I get it. She must feel pretty rejected right now. Crap, I don’t know what to say now.

“You know what,” I say, but even I don’t know what right now. I just savour these last few moments of closeness, and I hope she doesn’t hate me too much to hear me out later when we’re alone.

“Ahem, Lady Jen. I believe he’s my partner again now?”

Time’s up. Jen shoots me a solemn look as, against every instinct, I dutifully nudge her away and back in Rick’s direction. Olivia assumes her place, triumphantly.

You know, there’s one way I could make it less obvious that Jen’s the one I want to, need to choose at the end of all of this.

I grin as Olivia and I fall back into a well-rehearsed and steady rhythm. “What you said just now. You’re right. I do need a wife who knows what she’s doing. A wife who knows what she’s getting into. I wasn’t sure before, but…” I let my fingers brush around her waist gently, and moisten my lips as I stare at her intently; this combination usually has the desired effect on dance partners who I want to become bed partners later on. “I am now.”

We spin dramatically, and there’s a jubilant look of victory on her face. I’m confident now that any curious onlookers will draw the conclusion that I’m happy to be back here with the Scarlet Duchess, after an awkward interaction with the Everywoman. And if they could report that back to Dad, Bertrand, and anyone else who might cause problems for Jen, that would be just great.

But what isn’t just great is when we get to the twirl and instead of backing into me, she comes at me face forward, wraps her arms around me and kisses me forcefully. Like, tongues and everything. She means it, alright. And I’m now in the awkward position of not wanting to totally humiliate her by fighting her off, but not wanting to be doing this at all. I guess my plan just backfired in a huge way.

I manage to edge back just enough to lose her lips.

“I think we need to talk in private, Olivia,” I say to her, and I place an arm on her shoulder to lead her away from the dancefloor. I gaze at my feet as we go, I’m just hopeful that nobody saw that, but then that’s the huge optimist in me.

Once we’re in the hallway, she nods towards an unoccupied room, and we duck into it. I’m pretty sure Drake will have followed us, hopefully he’ll see where we’ve gone.

She raises her eyebrows. “Disappointing. I figured you’d be a better kisser than that, but there’s always room for improvement with plenty of practice..”

I hold my hand up. “What was that, Olivia? I’ll tell you what it was, it was borderline sexual assault!”

She puts her hands on her hips now, and her expression is terrifying. “You can’t have it both ways, Maxie. Do you want me as your future queen or not?”

“Uh, well…” I wish I was man enough to say no. “Look. Last night was awkward enough, just the two of us in a room. But this…”

“Last night was fun,” she says, her expression softening for a moment, then her eyes ignite with rage again. “Until Drake showed up.”

“Listen, I know what you’re up to here, Olivia,” I say, because it’s cards on the table time. “You can’t think that I buy the idea of you having suddenly fallen for me after all this time.”

She laughs, a cruel laugh that just confirms to me that she’s not worthy of my time or affection. “Who said anything about me having fallen for you? I just know what I want, Maxie. And I know what you want, too.” She draws close again, I turn my face away, but she speaks softly into my ear like she did last night. “What you’ve always wanted.”

And yeah. There was a time that I wanted her. She’s always been the hottest woman in court, I’ve always wondered what she’s capable of in the bedroom. Rick never had any complaints, and last night was… yeah. Until she mentioned Jen, I might’ve been all in. But not now.

She steps towards the door. “I’ll find you later, and it will be yours for the taking. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure no-one interrupts us this time.” She arches an eyebrow, then blows me a kiss as she leaves the room.

I sit down on a chair and throw my head into my hands. This is all such a mess. If Jen saw that… after what I said to her… I have to try and talk to her later. But I have to get my shit together first.

***

You know I hate missing a party, even a party as painful as this one. I hope nobody missed me too much at the ball tonight. I bet the other suitors are pissed off. Probably not as pissed off as Jen, though.

I just needed a bit of space to think things through. There’s no wonder Jen’s so confused. I’m so confused. I’m probably throwing out so many confusing signals. Especially just now on the dance floor.

She’s just amazing. I’m not afraid to admit to myself that I could easily fall in love with her. But with this whole agreement – what happens if she doesn’t return my feelings? Highly likely given her interactions with Drake, and her history with Rick. Things could be so awkward. And then there’s the whole thing where if I make it too obvious she’s the one, I put this whole thing at risk.

On the other hand, the temptation to play along with Olivia’s game is real. It would help to protect Jen, and it would totally satisfy my curiosity (and my basic needs, hubba hubba). But it just seems wrong. In a weird way, even though I know there would be nothing wrong with trying before I buy as it were, I’ve already promised to buy someone else. No, not buy! That sounds all kinds of wrong!

This is what it is. And I don’t know for sure if it’s meeting Jen that’s triggered this, or not. But I want to move on from “royal rake” Maxwell and be a faithful, responsible partner to my chosen princess. Who is definitely not going to be Olivia. Because I’ve already made my choice, and although I made it straight away, so far I have no doubt that it’s the right one. And after what happened tonight… I have some serious explaining to do. I just hope she agrees to hear me out. I could totally understand it if she didn’t want to see me.

But I’ve got to play this cool. At least, if she comes, I can try and explain some of this to her. But I have to separate my silly crush from the fact that she’s going to make the best crown princess slash future queen ever. We’ll have a lot of fun. We click together. She seems to enjoy my company as much as I enjoy hers. Let’s not complicate things by bringing feelings into it.

I’m sitting on my bed, looking at my phone and the texts we exchanged the night of the masquerade ball. That was just the best night. I just felt on top of the world after that. I wish more nights could’ve been like that one since Jen has been here.

Time to make another one happen.

I’ve composed and recomposed this message lots, but currently it’s going to be GOT SOMETHING REALLY COOL TO SHOW YOU. WHERE ARE YOU? *emojis* Got to add a little mystery to reel her in, right? She’s less likely to ignore that than CAN WE TALK? I reckon.

Three, two, one… it’s sent.

Eeek! Now I’m nervous. Is she gonna ghost me? Is she having too much of a good time down there with Rick? I know she’s not with Drake because he’s outside at the moment, ready to fend Olivia off if she rocks up. Or has she already gone to bed for some beauty sleep? I could be in for a long, nervous wait for a reply…

Ping!

WAS JUST ABOUT TO HEAD UP TO BED ACTUALLY..

Phew. Just in time! WELL, DON’T. I send this first, then send another. COME FIND ME INSTEAD! TOP CORRIDOR, AT END. DRAKE’S OUTSIDE THE DOOR. SO BE STEALTHY. *emojis*

Oh, crap. Did that come across way too commanding and presumptive? She’s probably gonna say no, right? No more messages come through. I jump up and pace around the room nervously. I check my reflection (looking surprisingly slick given current stress levels), reapply my cologne, final check of the outdoor area (the pretty lights are on, I can sort the tunage out when she arrives… if she arrives…), back to the mirror to check my reflection again…

Then I hear voices outside the door. That’s Drake’s voice.

And, Jen’s voice. Yessssss, thank you ancestors. I owe you one.

There’s a gentle, almost hesitant tap on the door, and I don’t hesitate to answer it. “Jen! Come in, quick.” I usher her in before I really take her in; once I’ve closed the door behind her, I allow myself a second to do that. Her black curls just flow gently down past one of her eyes and I just want to reach out and touch them. I just want to reach out and touch her anywhere, really. It’s like she’s magnetising me and I’m a scrap of metal that’s just about to give up resisting and hurtle towards her.

I pull myself together. “I take it nobody saw you?”

She looks at me sheepishly. “Are we counting Drake?”

“Yeah. He saw you, huh?” You know, that really doesn’t bother me in the slightest.

She’s nodding. “I’m not quite sure I could have achieved that level of stealthiness.”

This girl has a lot to learn. “I reckon I could see you climbing out a window and climbing up the side of the building. That, my friend, is stealthy.”

“You think I’d risk my neck for you like that?” She’s smiling. Fair point. I’d totally do it for her though. But that’s another story.

There’s a pause, and I decide it’s time to show her what she came for. “Anyway. I want to show you something.” While our eyes are locked on each others, my hand finally gives in to temptation and reaches towards hers. And she takes it without argument. And it’s so nice.

Feeling a slight adrenaline rush, I guide her through my room and towards the patio doors. As we head outside and down the steps, I excitedly search her face for a reaction. I’m not disappointed.

“Wow. This view..” She stops to take in the snowy mountains and frozen lakes that are laid out in front of us, ominous in the darkness of night, but strangely calming too.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” I agree. “Now you see why I wanted to share it with someone. It’s wasted on me. All I want to do is put some music on and dive into that hot tub.”

I don’t think she’d even noticed the hot tub yet, and now her eyes flicker towards it and widen. It’s hard to read her face right now, but I think she’s in approval.

Welp, time to get this party started. I pull my phone out of my pocket, and activate my hot-tub party playlist I spent most of the last hour putting together. I had to hazard a guess that she might appreciate some 90s R&B, and who doesn’t love Return of the Mack? Yeah, she’s grinning. “There. Step one complete. Sweet tunage. Fancy joining me for step two?”

She seems a little thrown. “Uh.. well I didn’t think I’d need to bring a swimsuit…”

“No matter! You can just lose the dress, can’t you?” Oh crap. That was waaaaay too forward. I didn’t even think about it until I said it. She doesn’t look very impressed, and I don’t blame her.

Then I realise. Maybe I should level the playing field in this scenario. And also, it’s high time she met Mr Hippo. “Hey. That reminds me. I’ve got something else to show you. Turn around.”

Now I don’t have any qualms in stripping off in front of her, but I need her to know this is a friendly situation, not a sexy situation, even if to me this is sexy as fuck. So only once she’s got her back to me do I start to get my kit off. And there’s plenty of it, so this isn’t going to be subtle, or particularly quick.

“Now you just stay facing that way, until I say you can look..” She’s giggling, she knows what I’m up to. I reckon she’ll be laughing soon enough, but for now I savour the anticipation as I finally free myself from my regal garb. Phew. Feels so liberating to be almost naked. Wait, now she’s got to turn around and actually see me like this… let’s hope she doesn’t run a mile. “Okay!”

Well, she definitely clocked the tattoo straight away. “Aww, that’s the cutest!”

“Oh, thank god you like it, I thought you’d laugh…”

She’s walking towards me now, her gaze is definitely on my chest, and maybe this is wishful thinking but it might not be completely limited to my body art? “You have to tell me now though,” she says, before looking back up into my eyes. “Why a hippo?”

She’s direct, I’ll give her that. She doesn’t mess around with her questions. And I love that about her. “Oh, it’s a bit of a sad story, really. I don’t want to kill the fun.”

“It’s okay,” she says, and I believe her, as she lingers pretty close, looking up at me and down at my body a few times. “Just tell me the short version, and then we can go back to the fun to cheer ourselves up afterwards.”

I’m nervous, but what have I got to lose telling her the truth? “Good plan,” I say, as I start to jump up and down. “It’s gonna have to be the short version because I’m going to freeze to death halfway through otherwise. So, I told you about what happened to my mom.”

“Yeah.” She bites her lip, and her eyes are all big.

“When I was a kid, Rick’s mom was still alive. She’d been my mom’s best friend. She told me once, that when my mom was pregnant with me, she used to joke that she felt like she was carrying a little hippo around, rather than a little human.”

“Oh, that’s so cute..”

“So when I went to college, there was me and some friends all getting tattoos. And I didn’t know what to get. A pal of mine had just lost his mom, and he got a tattoo done to remember her. And the only thing I could really think of from what I knew about my mom was what Eleanor had said to me. So.. the little hippo was finally born!” Hell, I really miss Eleanor. And I can never really make a big deal out of it, because she wasn’t my mom. But she was the closest thing I ever had to one. And this tattoo is as much a tribute to her as it is to my mom.

I look back at Jen. She’s gazing into my eyes now and I gaze back. I just want to keep gazing back forever. I’m getting goosebumps, and I don’t think it’s from the cold. Although it is really, really cold.

Time to get warmed up.

“Right, I’m going in! Geranimo!” And I hear her giggles just before I crash into the shallow water, oooooh it’s so warm! But it could be warmer.

I sit back, sighing dramatically. “Oh… Jen… you have no idea how niiiiice it is in here!” She’s stopped with the giggles now, and is just smiling at me, a little uncertain, as if she’s waiting for an official invitation. “You are gonna join me, yeah?”

“Close your eyes, then,” she teases, and I don’t think I’ve ever closed my eyes so quickly.

I even put my hands over them. “I’m not peeking!” Although I really, really want to peek, I want her to feel comfortable. And it’s only fair, right? What must only be a few seconds feels like minutes, but finally I feel the water ripple more strongly and sense movement and warmth beside me.

“Okay. You can look again now.”

Be cool. Don’t look straight at her straightaway. Wait until she’s distracted. “How nice is it in here?”

“I’m sure there can’t be many things better than sitting in a hot tub, looking out at the snow,” she says.

Well… “There are a few things.” I get my counting finger out. “Tour of a chocolate factory. Apple shoot. Seeing Celine Dion in Las Vegas. Trip to the best zoo ever with all your favourite animals. Road trip to a theme park. Birthday sex. New peacock. Winning a dance-off. Finding new squid memorabilia. Having a whole family of corgis as pets. But, otherwise… yeah.” Sitting in a hot tub, looking out at the snow, with you, is pretty sweet. I let myself have a proper, but very brief look at what was hiding underneath that ballgown. Badda bing. That’s enough!

She looks a little confused. “There’s a lot to unpack there..”

“And that was what I was going to tell you about! The Apple Shoot.” I shoot her a wink. “It’s basically a Cordonian royal tradition, which is performed as part of the pre-nuptial celebrations of the royal family and senior nobles. We went into the woods, and someone holds an apple, and the groom… moi… gets to pick their weapon and shoot the apple!”

“And nobody died?”

Hey! “I figured you’d have a bit more faith in me than that..” This girl’s getting to know me well. I don’t know whether that’s terrifying or the best news ever.

“What weapon did you use?”

“We raided Olivia’s armory,” I admit. “She doesn’t know, so don’t tell her! I had this amazing catapult type weapon. It did the job. Of course, I had to have a go with all the weapons we took with us… with varied results..”

She’s still looking dubious. “I’m assuming the fact that Rick and Drake escaped unscathed means that they were good at getting out of the way of flying missiles?”

“Good assumption. There are now a few trees with chunks taken out of them in that forest.”

More giggles. Officially my new favourite sound. “Sounds like you had fun.”

“I did. Rick’s a good friend.” Because he is. Little things like this morning remind me of that, there’s no need for any awkwardness here, is there? “He knew Bertrand wouldn’t approve, so he thought he’d arrange it for when he wasn’t about.” Keep smiling. Don’t let her see how conflicted you are.

She seems to relax a little, leaning back, and closing her eyes for a moment. I take the opportunity to really take her in now she’s not looking. Holy moly. She’s perfect. I don’t have any sort of predefined perfect specification when it comes to a partner, all shapes and sizes catch my interest. But, just, wow. I think like her shape, her size, best of all.

“Know what, Jen? I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment the entire trip,” I say, because I totally have. I’m still slightly in shock that I made it happen so easily.

She opens her eyes. “What’s that, us seeing each other half naked?”

Oh crap. She’s onto you. Be chill. Think. “I’d say more than half.” I do some quick maths. Eighty-five percent at least. For you, anyway.”

“Good point,” she giggles, and I think I’m off the hook.

I look down at myself. “Maybe ninety…two for me? Wait. Don’t undersell yourself, Maxwell. Eighty-five works.” Uh, maybe that came across too cocky… hey is she blushing? What… is she thinking about my… oh man, she totally is!

“Good to know,” she says between giggles, and I’m suddenly feeling all kinds of excited. I think we just went from ninety-two to eighty-five.

I nudge away from her slightly, and decide it’s probably best to change the subject. “But yeah. This is the life. This makes all the skating and bowing and waltzing worth it. Just me, a good friend, some tunes, and blissful relaxation.” Because this is bliss. This is the most blissful I’ve felt ever since I first saw Jen in New York. And I just want to feel bliss like this as much as possible.

She sighs, and I get the feeling she doesn’t feel quite as blissful as me.

“Listen, about what happened earlier…”

Oh no. I feel all the bliss drain out of me.

“About what I said to you when we were dancing…”

And while I know the reason she’s here is because I wanted to explain myself, I still have no idea how. But at least I can apologise. So I do. “Oh, Jen. I’m sorry. I completely messed up there. I feel awful.”

She looks really sad now. “You said, I know what. But I didn’t know what. What should I know?”

That is an excellent question.

You should know that I think you’re the smartest, sweetest, coolest person I’ve ever spent time with. You should know that you make my heart race every time I see you. You should know that I’m just so intrigued by you. You should know that this is a done deal and you haven’t got to worry about a thing. You should know I’ve got you.

But you shouldn’t know how crazy about you I am, because I don’t want to scare you off. I need to keep you at a distance for your own safety. I guess you should know that?

“This is what I need you to know,” I eventually say, being very careful what I say. “I’ve got to be very careful where you’re concerned.”

“Why?”

“Because I really like you, Jen. I don’t want to mess you around, or take advantage of you.” I hadn’t planned on being quite this honest, but there we are. I want to be honest with her.

“Hey, I know what I’m getting myself into here,” she protests. But she doesn’t. Even I’m not sure what she’s getting into, if I’m honest. Things could change so quickly. I don’t think my feelings for her will, but there’s a lot of factors I can’t control here.

“I just don’t want to make any false promises to you, Jen. You know I can’t promise you marriage.” Because even though I’ve made my mind up, so much could go wrong. “I can’t promise you love….”

And I look deeply into those green eyes to see what she makes of this. I want to find disappointment in them. And maybe it’s there. But maybe that’s disappointment at my first statement.

“I can promise you my friendship, though,” I say. Because she’ll always have that, whatever happens. I just wish I could promise her all three of those things.

A small smile returns to her captivating lips. “I understand.”

I smile back. I guess she has an answer now. Ask no questions, and I’ll tell no lies.

Regulate fades in, and her smile grows. Man, she’s got good taste in music. “Aw, this is a tune..”

“It’s good chillout music, this,” I agree, closing my eyes and relaxing now the subject has been tackled. We can go back to just chilling now. I listen to her humming along. I’m kind of hoping she’ll break into song for the chorus, but she doesn’t. Maybe one day.

She seems happy now. I open my eyes, and yeah, she looks happy enough. I hope she is. I hope she’s doing this because she wants to, not because Rick wants her to. I might just check.

“If, say, hypothetically, I chose you as my queen, what would you want your life to be like?”

Her answer comes quickly. “I’d just want to be happy. To spend my life with someone who makes me smile, and laugh every day.”

“Really? You wouldn’t want the riches and the power and the jewellery and the shoes and the pile of corgis?”

She laughs. “But you don’t have any corgis!”

“Only because Dad’s allergic. But one day I will. Maybe we will.”

I let that settle. She doesn’t look alarmed. This is progress.

“What about you?” she asks me. “What would you want your life to be like with your hypothetical Queen?”

“The pile of corgis definitely gets my vote. And, yeah. Same. Just someone I can have fun with.”

“What if you had hypothetical feelings for them?”

Oh, baby. My feelings for you are not hypothetical. But I don’t want you knowing that. “Nah. That’s not gonna happen. That’s not how all this works.”

“What if you used to have feelings for them?”

Oh no. There’s me thinking she’s trying to dig out if I want her, and she’s actually trying to dig out if I want Olivia. I sigh. “We’re not talking about Olivia again, are we?”

There’s a strange look in her eyes, and it’s totally hot. “She seems to think she can use the fact that you crushed on her as a teenager to her advantage.”

“Let’s be clear, she was downright cruel to me when I plucked up the courage to tell her how I felt. It put me off that sort of thing for life.” Maybe it’s part of the reason I don’t want to tell Jen now. It’s not the main reason, but it’s definitely part of it. “Now? She just scares me a little bit, to be honest. And that trick she pulled tonight..” Ugh. Worst kiss ever. And I’ve had some terrible ones. The chin one is now promoted to second place in that dubious chart.

Jen sits up, her tone more urgent. “I’ve got to tell you something, Maxwell. She told me she doesn’t want you, she just wants to be queen, but she’s going to make you think she does want you. Did you fall for it tonight?” She raises her eyebrows. She’s concerned, obviously she is. She sees Olivia as a threat when it comes to my choice, not my emotions.

“Nope. I’m totally aware of this, Jen. Don’t worry. And I didn’t fall for it last night either, when I realised the final destination on my little tour of the keep was her boudoir!”

Jen puts her hands to her mouth in shock.

“Don’t worry, I got Drake to send her packing, when he eventually turned up back from his winter expedition or whatever he was up to..”

She’s giggling now. I’m not going to ask her about that, but I can tell it all makes sense to her.

“No. I know Olivia is playing a game. I know that’s what you’re all doing.”

She looks at me, with what I hope is honesty on her face. “I’m not.”

“Well, I won’t be choosing Olivia, whatever happens. Promise. Don’t worry.” She needs to know that.

“So who’s my main competition if it isn’t her?”

I shrug. “I dunno. It’s not like I really know any of the others all that well.. Other than Madeleine of course..” I insert my fingers into my mouth, just to give her the exact impression of what I think of the idea of marrying my ex-sister-in-law, and I think she gets it.

She’s laughing for a while, and I laugh with her once my fingers are out. It’s lovely. Eventually, she manages to form a sentence again. “Are you inviting them all over to your hot tub one by one to get to know them as well?”

“Not tonight,” I joke. “Seriously? No. Although, do you think I should? Am I being fair on the competition, spending all this time with you?” Let’s see what she thinks of that.

She just shakes her head and looks away. “I don’t know.”

“It’s just, you’re the one I want to spend my time with. Like…” No. Careful. Don’t say too much. Don’t tell her you want to spend as much time with her as you possibly can. “I think we have fun together, don’t you?”

She stands up, and I can’t help but let my gaze fall to her waist and below as I get a first proper look at her flawless figure. But then I look up at her and she looks sad. Noo.

“I should go,” she sighs, putting her arms around herself to conceal her body a little. “I don’t want you to feel torn because of me.”

“No, don’t go yet!” I jump to my feet too. “Let’s just have fun for a bit longer.” And I know how to bring the fun. I reach over to where I left my phone with my clothes, and I stick on something more lively. “Anyone for a hot-tub disco?”

She remains standing in place while I back into the middle of the hot tub, and bust a few moves. I think that frown’s turning upside down. And that’s the way I like it.

Eventually I reel her in, and in she comes, and shorty’s getting low, no apple bottom jeans required, just a bra and pants. Ah, she’s loving it! My girl’s got moves!

I think this actually might be the highlight of my life so far. Dancing in a hot tub in my underwear with the hottest person I’ve ever met. I’m feeling so free and happy right now, and it looks like she is too. If I needed confirmation that she’d make the perfect queen, I’ve got it now. I need this woman in my life, whatever happens.

BAM BAM BAM.

We both hear the loud knock at my bedroom door, even above the music and the laughter.

Olivia.

“Oh, crap.” I exchange a nervous look with Jen, as we both freeze in the middle of the dance tub.

“Who do you think it is?” she asks me.

“Drake will have gone for his break by now,” I explain. “I reckon that knock is Olivia.” I reckon she waited until Drake had left his post especially.

She’s not smiling, but her eyes sparkle. She raises her eyebrows. “Then, let’s just hope you’re right.”

I watch her in awe as she climbs out of the hot-tub. She clocks one of the towels I left for her earlier, and all too soon it’s wrapped snugly around her. I expect her to wait for me at this point, but no, she’s off up those stairs and heading for that door… ohhh damn! She’s gonna confront her!

“Wait! Jen…” I jump out too, not so elegantly but no-one’s looking, and grab my robe on my way past as I hear more knocking. Whew, there’s something very hot about this situation.

By the time I catch up, the door’s open and Jen’s smiling smugly out at Olivia. “Were you looking for Maxie?”

Haha, one nil to House Rys!

I roll in behind her. “Olivia, hey, fancy seeing you…. here…” Uhmn. She’s not wearing very much. Arguably less than she was last night… And heels. “..In that…” Now Jen looks pointedly at me, unimpressed, which is both scary and exciting. “Ahem. Jen and I have just been… enjoying the lovely hot tub you have provided! Would you.. uh.. care to join us?”

Olivia looks at me like I’m a bug she wants to squash. “No thank you.” Then she turns tail and stomps off. Wow. That was easy!

“Bye,” Jen shouts, and then she slams the door, and looks at me. I can see she’s trying really hard not to laugh. So am I.

Now we’re laughing. Like, really really laughing. Because telling Olivia where to stick it was just the best feeling for both of us, and slightly ridiculous for the fact that she was wearing nothing but what I’m guessing was her most risque lingerie at the time.

And we’re still laughing. Poor Jen is laughing so much she’s almost falling over and has to lean onto the wall for support. I’m laughing so much I’m almost falling into her and have to lean onto her for support.

Almost falling into her. Okay. Falling into her. Maybe a little bit.

I’m still chuckling to myself as she sighs, and giggles a bit more. I sigh too. More with contentment than trying to stop laughing.

“Her face though,” I say. “That was brilliant.”

Jen’s just glowing. “I don’t think she’ll be troubling you anymore.”

“Ah, thank you Jen. You keep saving me from these incredibly awkward situations. I definitely need to spend as much time as possible with you.” True story.

She’s still smiling, but now she isn’t meeting my eyes. “Aren’t you worried though? What if she tells someone? I mean, this could be seen as quite a scandal, don’t you think?”

“She won’t,” I reassure her. “If Olivia told the world that we were here together, it would effectively be an admission of her defeat. She’s not going to go down without more of a fight. You know it. I know it.”

“Yeah. I guess you’re right.” She looks back up at me now, and there’s a shyness in her expression again, like there was when she first arrived. “I suppose I should go. Let you get your Princely rest.”

“Of course.” And I realise she’s still just wrapped in a towel. “Hey, just pop in the bathroom if you like, I’ll chuck your dress in to you.” I show her where it is.

“Thanks, Maxwell.”

She heads in, and I wander through the suite, still sniggering to myself. I pick up her dress, and her shoes, and the little bag that she left through there which I’m guessing has her phone in it, and wander back through. I figure I probably ought to throw some clothes of my own on before we say goodnight, so I put her stuff down on the bed, and do that quickly. Then I pick up her things again, and knock gently on the bathroom door to let her know I’m there. Wonder she can’t hear my heartbeat.

The door opens slightly and she peeks her head around it. “Why thank you, kind sir.”

“Don’t mention it,” I say, passing her things to her gently. She looks as if she’s in a bit of a daze, I guess she must be tired. It’s been a long day. Then she nods, and closes the door gently.

I wait there for a few moments, I’m not going anywhere. It isn’t long until the door opens again, and she carefully steps out of the bathroom. We stand in front of each other.

So, at this point, past Maxwell would have made his move. I might be reading too much into this, but I’m pretty sure she’s thrown off some positive signals tonight. But, you’re looking at a new man. And my mind’s made up. Keep things friendly. Safer that way. Once she’s got an engagement ring on her finger, then we can see how things go. Of course, the flirting might just be her way of making sure she gets that ring. But you know me. Ever the optimist.

“Jen. It’s been fun,” I tell her.

“Yeah. It has.”

Do I risk a hug? Eh, it’s worth the risk. I hold out my arms.

And now she’s in them. And I hold onto her, feeling dizzy with emotion at first, but just relaxing into it, like it’s the only thing I know how to do. And I just want to hold her forever. And she doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere.

But she has to. Because if she doesn’t go soon I’m gonna kiss her and that’s not a good idea.

I release my arms and step back. “I guess I’ll see you at the next event, which is the Regatta. Hey, you’ll get to meet my Dad properly. It’s his favourite event.”

“Well, I better be on my best behaviour then, I guess.” She raises her eyebrows playfully, as she heads to the door and takes hold of the handle.

“I’m sure you will. And then, in the evening, it’s my favourite event.” And it’s going to be even better this year because my favourite person’s gonna be attending!

“The beach party?”

She knows! I point at her, excited. “Beach party!!! You really do listen, don’t you?”

She’s all smiles again. “I have ears.”

I have to let her go now. “Night, Jen.”

“Night, Maxwell.”

She steps out of the door, and it closes softly. I lock it behind her, just in case Olivia’s still lurking.

And she’s gone.

And my hands are on my head in frustration as I lean against the door. What did I say to myself just before she turned up? No complicating things with feelings? Always the screwup.

Things just got a hell of a lot more complicated. Because I think…

No. If I don’t think it, it’s not true. I’m not in love with Jen Jones. She’s just everything I want out of life. Everything I need as a future queen.

But I’m fucking terrified that she’s gonna break my heart. Either by not returning my feelings, or if something goes wrong that neither of us can control…

No, I still need to play it safe. Focus on the end result, and until then, no letting her know how you feel. It’s safer for everyone that way.

It’s definitely safer for me.

Chapter Text

So, you know what they say about absence and making the heart grow fonder? Yeah, they’ve got a point. It’s been five days now since I last saw Jen and it’s killing me. Everything I said to myself about not falling for her, huh, I might as well have been talking to the wall. It’s done. I’m done for. My heart is officially slain.

I’ve been thinking about her, like, constantly. But then I’ve been in a constant battle with myself (which has got physical at times!) not to reach out to her, because I’ve told myself we’re keeping this friendly, and I don’t want to make things worse for myself. So many times I’ve gone to message her, and I’ve typed out something really corny like CAN’T WAIT TO C U *emojis* or R U AN ATHLETE BECAUSE U’VE BEEN RUNNING THROUGH MY MIND ALL DAY? and then punched myself in the arm before making myself delete it. You have no idea how much willpower and brute force it’s taken.

But with every passing day I’ve felt more guilty too. I really want to tell her about my agreement with Rick, so she knows she hasn’t got to worry about anything. But I promised Rick I wouldn’t tell her, didn’t I? And telling her would not help matters. Firstly, I don’t want to put her under any pressure. She needs to know she can get out of all this any time she needs to. I don’t want her to think she’s got to go the distance just to keep things sweet between me and Rick.

And then there’s the other reason. I did go as far as messaging Rick to see how things were going. He was pretty tight lipped, but did say that he was enjoying Jen’s company. Yeah, I bet. Who wouldn’t? So think of it this way. She seemed so sweet on me when we hung out in the hot-tub, that incredible night in Lythikos. And it did feel… genuine. More genuine than anyone has ever been with me.

But what if it wasn’t? What if it was an act? What if she’s just doing it for Rick? If I turn around and tell her she doesn’t need to impress me, that she’s a done deal… then she might not want to spend any more time with me. So, yeah. I’m a big selfish prick. I don’t want to risk that scenario.

Anyway, now I’m at the regatta, with Dad and Bertrand, and we’re supposed to be mingling with guests as they arrive before watching the ceremonial boat race. This year, all my suitors are going to head up the ships, in an actual race for my heart! I mean, there’s only ever gonna be one winner, but they don’t know that. Nobody can know that.

Then afterwards, I’ve got to attend a banquet on the royal yacht while we watch the other races. Boooring. Don’t worry, I have a strategy to lighten that up a little. Arrr! And finally, in the late afternoon slash evening, we get to the good bit. The beach party! Time to relax, and talk to whoever I want to for however long I want to. And oh, I know who that is. For now, I’m on duty, I guess. But I could still sneak in a quick hello before Bertrand hauls me away, I reckon.

So my gaze is searching the guests as they enter, until eventually wham. My heart registers her presence before I do, beating like a snare drum as my eyes meet hers. I wave through the crowd of people and I’m super stoked when she waves back, shooting me that smile that I get such a buzz from knowing that it’s just for me. I excuse myself, and head in her direction.

She’s wearing an adorable little nautical outfit, a knitted top and shorts, all in white with blue trim, and aww I could just eat her up. She’s with Rick, and in an endeavour to act casual, I make myself look at him too as we approach. He seems to edge a little closer to her as they pause in place seeing I’m heading in their direction, or am I imagining it? Maybe.

“Jen! Rick! Good to see you both!” I throw my arms around them both in a group hug. “Are you ready for the beach party?”

“I think so,” Jen says as I release them. “But apparently, I have a boat race to win first!”

“Yes, and with that in mind, I should go and attend to the paperwork,” Rick says, placing his hand on my shoulder. “See you both shortly.”

Result! My heart does a little skip as he wanders away, leaving me and this absolute beaut together. “Feeling lucky?” Whoo, I am.

“I’m lucky to be here full stop, so hopefully my lucky streak will continue,” she says, and how’s that for an answer? She’s great.

“Good way to look at it! So, has Rick explained the history of the regatta to you?”

“A little. Feel free to refresh my memory though,” she says, eyes wide and interested.

“Heh, you’re talking to the wrong person,” I admit. “Something about boats… and helping out neighbouring countries… and being generous?”

She’s laughing. “Someone wasn’t paying attention to Royal Regatta 101.”

“Thing is,” I’m gonna whisper this so she thinks it’s a secret, but really I just want to get close enough to her to whisper something. “Boats aren’t really my thing. Don’t tell my dad, though. I like to make him think they are, so that his disappointment levels are slightly less than 100%.”

“Oh no..” She looks real sad. I don’t like her looking sad. Hopefully she’s just acting sad.

“He loves this event,” I explain, glancing around to where I can just about see Dad and some of his cronies hobnobbing. “Our family has a great seafaring history, from before we were royalty. That’s why our sigil is a squid. And, I embrace it all, I really do.” I proudly show her my favourite cufflinks. “See? Squid cufflinks! And I’ve got our House crest on this jacket I’m wearing today.” I point to it, and watch her gaze shift. “See? The Depths Remember. Our motto.”

“Sounds like you’re well invested,” she says, a hint of challenge in her voice, a cheeky eyebrow raise framing her face.

“Yeah, but I just don’t enjoy any of the actual boat stuff.” Just the squid stuff. Squids are awesome!

She nods, understanding. “Do you have to sail today?”

“No. I’m supposed to just watch you guys sail. On that platform over there with my Dad and Bertrand.” I gesture in that direction now. “I’ll give you a wave, I promise!”

“Aw, it would’ve been fun to have you on my crew,” she says, and oh my god she has no idea how fun it would’ve been. “Oh well. I guess I’ve got Rick.”

Ouch. Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch. “Yes.” I don’t really know what else to say to that. Ooh, I know. “And you have Drake too!”

She looks surprised now. “Really? Rick didn’t say..”

“Yeah. But, personally…” Heh. Time to have a little fun at Rick’s expense. “I wouldn’t trust them as a crew. They’ve got some stories to tell from when they went sailing when we were kids. It’s a wonder they’re still alive, to be honest.”

“Oh no, really?”

“I’m sure Rick will tell you the whole sorry tale if you ask him. But.. I wouldn’t leave it until after the race, if I were you…” I do my best to suppress a giggle. “To be honest, Jen, it was really nice knowing you.”

She’s laughing now, and it’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.

“MAXWELL!”

Uh. Not such a beautiful sound. Jen spins around to see what I also see, my charming brother inevitably stomping towards us. “Your presence is required. Father is about to make his opening remarks.”

Time’s up. “Okay, got it.” I reach out to touch her arm in a friendly way, definitely not an I just want to touch you way. “I’ll see you soon.”

That gorgeous smile returns. “I’ll look out for my wave.”

I better make it a good wave, I think, before Bertrand yanks my arm and pulls me away.

“You will have ample time to network with your suitors at tonight’s informal function,” he grumbles. “Today you need to be on your best behaviour, as all eyes are on you.”

“Um, what did I do? I was just making polite conversation…”

“We simply can’t allow any other suitors the opportunity to get close to you, in case they abuse it in the same way as Duchess Olivia did last weekend,” he sighs.

Oh hell, if he only knew the rest of it. “I handled that. And I could handle myself if Jen jumped me, y’know.” Oooh, but could she handle me? Stop, Maxwell, no!

“I am sure you could, but imagine what the media would make of it.” Bertrand shoots me a look of disdain. “Two suitors making inappropriate advances on you within a week? They would jump to the conclusion that you must have led them on, and given your reputation…”

“Yeah, yeah, got it,” I sigh.

We take our places on the platform, where Dad’s already waiting. He smiles at Bertrand, and rolls his eyes at me, as we come to stand either side of him. Then he nods to the herald to the side of the platform.

The sound of the trumpets silences all the people around us, and they all look this way, stepping forwards to listen to what Dad’s about to say. The reporters get into position too. I mean, come on, this is hardly going to be news, he’s just gonna drone on about how this is his favourite event and stuff..

“Ladies and gentlemen of Cordonia, I welcome you all,” he says, pausing to make sure everyone is silent and engaged in his address. “Today is a momentous day. As you know, I have a soft spot for the Regatta, and it remains one of my favourite events of the social season. Because this event has always held historical and personal importance…”

Yadda, yadda, yadda. I zone out, finding Jen in the crowd. She’s with Hana. She’s looking at Dad attentively when I find her, although Hana is looking in my direction. I shoot Hana a wink, waiting for Jen to look at me next.

But then they both gasp. And so does everyone else. Huh? Wait… what did Dad just say?

I can just about make out one of the reporters talking into a camera. “That’s right, everyone, King Barthelemy just announced he intends to abdicate at the end of the social season.”

Dad waits for the crowd to settle, then continues. “And, in a few weeks’ time, Prince Maxwell will be your new King.”

What the flying fuck? Didn’t he think he might, y’know, run this one past me first? Seeing as it involves me suddenly becoming the ringleader of this circus? Huh, everyone’s looking at me now. And they’ve all got to be able to see that I’m freaking out. Because I am.

The reporters pipe up. “King Barthelemy, why are you stepping down so suddenly?”

“Is this related to the rumours about your health?”

I glare at my daddy dearest. I’d love to know the answers to those questions. But he raises his hand to silence them. “I expect you all have questions. I promise you in due time that I’ll release an official statement. For today, allow an old man time to enjoy the festivities.”

And watch as a young man poops his pants during them, yeah? That’s a fun sport too, right Dad? Then I look beyond Dad at Bertrand, and see the guilt in his eyes. He knew. He fucking knew!

“Let the Regatta begin!” Dad announces.

I’ve had enough. I just can’t.

I step back, as the crowd applauds, and look for an escape route. I duck towards Harry, and then swerve around him, and straight into the crowd. He gets it, I think. He knows I’m pretty safe here. I just need a minute to process this betrayal, without all those eyes on me.

But more importantly, I need to see Jen. She’s gonna be pissed if she thinks I kept this from her. I should explain. Okay, I have nothing to explain. Maybe I just want to see her.

As I get closer to where she and Hana are conversing, I see they both look uneasy, and I can just about hear what they’re saying now.

“Where did Maxwell go?” Hana asks, as I creep up behind them.

“I’m here.”

They both turn to face me, but I’m looking past them, dazed. I’m not sure if any of this is real right now.

I feel a hand take my arm, and I guess Harry’s tracked me down. But no, his grip’s not that soft, not that comforting. It’s Jen who’s leading me away from the crowd. “Are you okay?”

“No,” I gulp. Shit, this was a bad idea. I just wanted to get away, but I’ve brought everything I was running from with me. The press are surrounding us now. Jen doesn’t need this.

“Hey, I’m guessing this was as much of a shock for you as it was for the rest of us,” she says, her voice so soothing. “But, just, let me help you handle this.”

Oh, I’ve never needed to hear anyone say anything so much. This girl gets it. “Thanks Jen. I’m now putting my game face on.”

And I do, adjusting my expression carefully as the reporters reach us. “Your Highness, a few questions please?”

“Of course.”

“The King’s announcement was quite a surprise,” the lead reporter says. “What do you think about it? When did you find out?”

I’m so tempted to tell them the brutal truth, but I know I can’t. “Hey, you heard the man. He’s promised you a full statement later. It’s a no comment from me, I’m afraid. He’s still the boss, after all.”

I know that’s not going to get rid of them, and I’m not proved wrong. “If you can’t talk about the announcement, then we’ll have to talk about something else. You’re looking awfully friendly with Cordonia’s everywoman…”

Oh. Cool. I shoot her a flirtatious smile and a wink. “There’s nothing awful about my friendliness, is there, Jen?”

She’s giggling. “Well…”

“People feel they have a real connection with Lady Jen,” the reporter carries on. “But what I want to know is, what’s her connection to you? After all, the social season’s more than half over, and with the King’s announcement, you’re basically choosing your future queen in a manner of weeks...”

You don’t say, guys. Man, am I glad I’m with Jen right now and not one of her rival suitors. This will be a real boost for her. “Yep, I guess I am! But, ask any of the ladies in the queue. They all know the grand prize at stake here isn’t really me. It’s their chance to be the Queen of Cordonia. Just because it’s gonna come sooner rather than later doesn’t really change much.”

“So, what’s the story between the two of you?” Damn, they are not leaving this alone. I… don’t know what to say.

That’s when Jen steps forward. “We’re still getting to know each other right now. But, it’s been fun so far.”

My heroine. I shoot her a thankful smile. “Yeah. What she said.”

They’re still not giving up. “Do you feel the same way about Lady Jen, Your Highness?”

“Yup,” I gush, feeling kinda braver now. “I never thought this process was going to be so much fun. I’ve got Jen to thank for that.”

“Now that’s something that the people will love to know,” the reporter says, making his notes.

“Lady Jen, surely you’re aware of the historical significance of the Royal Regatta,” calls out another reporter. “Do you have anything to say on this momentous day about it?”

“The regatta is synonymous with the Cordonian people’s generous spirit,” Jen says, and whoa. She knows her stuff, and that is super sexy. “The people’s effort to give humanitarian aid and relief if truly inspiring, and I believe it represents Cordonia’s interconnectedness with its neighbours.”

“Impressive.” I didn’t mean to say that out loud. Oh well, at least I didn’t say hot as hell!

“I agree,” the reporter says in response to my accidental assessment.

Time to wrap this up. “Well, it’s been delightful talking to you all, but we’ve really gotta dash… Jen’s got a boat to sail and whatnot..”

“One last thing, can we get a photo of the two of you together?” the first reporter asks.

“Ooh. Great idea.” Because it is! I edge closer to Jen, and… well… when she gets on her tippy toes and kisses me on the cheek, I feel like the luckiest man alive. Her lips feel so soft on my cheek, making it tingle. So many funny feelings run through my body as they linger there for the lenses.

“Perfect,” the reporter says, as Jen draws away. “Thank you, Your Highness, Lady Jen. It’s been a pleasure.”

“It definitely has.” Crap. Must activate filter!

I tilt my head in the direction of the docks, because Jen does actually have a boat to sail. She nods in understanding, and we wander in that direction together.

“I think that went well,” I muse. It definitely went well for me.

“Oh?” She seems surprised at my comment.

“They like you,” I tell her. “They really like you!” I watch as her stunning smile reappears. “And that’s half the battle won. If the press like you, the people will like you, and if the people like you…” I rub my hands together in glee. I know I’m choosing her whatever, but it’ll be so much easier if she wins Cordonia’s heart as well as mine.

She looks around, as if seeing who’s within earshot, and it’s pretty much nobody. “Hey. Earlier. Before the press came and you put that brave face on. Are you okay? What’s going on?”

Her words feel like a comforting hug. “You know as much as I do,” I explain. “My dad’s stepping down. In a few weeks. So, like.. I’m gonna be King. Really soon.”

“It’s a lot for you to take in,” she says, and yeah, it is. “I’m sorry he didn’t run it past you. I’m guessing your brother knows what’s going on?”

And all that anger, all that frustration with the way things have been ever since I got plonked into my brother’s place fires up and ignites my face. “Why do you think I got out of there as soon as I could? I’m fuming. But… I can’t do anything. It’s just the way it is. So I just have to smile, and be the happy smiley face of Cordonia.”

She gives my arm a comforting squeeze, and I already feel much better. “Not many guys have to ascend to the throne and choose a wife all at once.”

“Exactly,” I concur. “Whoever I choose, bam! Instant queen.”

“Well, at least they’ll have had the chance to get their head around that possibility,” she muses as we get close to where I’m gonna have to leave her with Rick and Drake.

I shoot her another small, thankful smile. “I should let you go. I’m supposed to go back and watch the race with Dad and Bertrand.”

“Shame,” she sighs, and her disappointment seems genuine. “We could’ve done with a descendant of Poseidon, or whatever you are, on the crew.”

“I would if I could, Jen.” Could I, though? Could I?

She smiles again. “Well. Don’t forget to wave.”

I nod, taking her beautiful face in, then turn to go. Sigh. If only I could seize that ship, like a mighty pirate warrior, and claim the heart of my fair maiden…

And that’s when I have the most swashbuckling idea.

***

“AHOY THERE!” I make it back just as they’re casting off, my quick change complete. “Need an extra crew member, me hearties?”

Rick’s the first to see me, and shouts across the small gap between their boat and the pier. “What are you doing here?”

“Arr! What does it look like? Making sure ye don’t kill my first-choice future queen, of course, ye scurvy dogs!”

I see that very queen behind Rick, mouth agape in shock. Cool. Now I’ve got her attention, I wield my sword and triumphantly leap across the gap onto the boat. Optimum pirate points! I wink at her once I’m sure footed.

Drake sighs, and casts off the boat. Aw, he’s happy I’m here really!

Jen steps towards me, and gestures to my trusty companion. “What is that?”

“Arrr! You like my mascot, so you do?”

“Well, it’s not quite a parrot,” she giggles.

“This be my squid companion,” I explain. “And here..” I hold it aloft. “I have my trusty cutlass, to make sure these jokers get this ship shipshape fast!”

“All you need is a hat and an eyepatch, and you’d have it all,” she says. “Where did you get the sword and the mascot from, anyway?”

They were packed in my man-bag all ready to break the yacht party boredom later. But she doesn’t need to know that. “A pirate always travels prepared for the high seas!”

“But not prepared enough to pack an eye-patch?” She folds her arms, and drops her lip. “I’m disappointed.”

Gaahhh, an eyepatch would have been so easy to slip in my pocket too! Next time!

“What are you really doing here, Maxwell?” When I hear Rick’s voice, I realise I’d forgotten for a moment there that there was anyone else on this boat but Jen.

I sigh, and step back to address all three of them. “Okay. Truth time. A, I figured it’s about time I showed my dad what I’m made of, sailing wise. B, it means I don’t have to stand politely with him and Bertrand when I actually want to make both of them walk of that there plank right now!” I nod my head in the direction of the edge of the boat. It doesn’t actually have a plank. Pity.

Rick frowns, stepping back. “I really don’t think that would be a sensible course of action.”

Drake’s watching the shore nervously. “How long until Bertrand or Bastien come looking for you?”

“Long enough for us to get this magnificent vessel well out to sea, I reckon!” I throw off my jacket and pull off my cufflinks so I can dramatically roll my sleeves up. Now what do I do with these little pretties? Oooh. I have an idea! Pass them to another little pretty.

“Jen, look after me gold for me, would yer?” I place them in her hand gently, resisting the temptation to touch her as I do.

She gazes at them. “These are awesome, Maxwell.”

“24 carat,” I explain. “Worth ten thousand Euros.”

Now she looks up at me nervously.

“Each.”

And now she looks even more nervous. But she doesn’t need to. I trust her with them. “Right. They’re going safely in my bag.”

She takes them over, and I shuffle over to Drake. “Right. What are we all doing?”

“Great question,” Drake sighs wearily.

“Tell me what I need to do!” I look thoughtfully across at Jen, who’s now calling across to the ladies on the boats either side of us. Olivia’s glaring at her, but she’s not letting her get the better of her, that’s my girl! “Actually, tell me what Jen needs to do.”

“I was going to get her to watch the wind indicator,” Drake said. “I doubt she can screw that up. You on the other hand…”

“I can adjust the sails!” I decide. “That’s a responsible job, right?”

“Maxwell, how do we win this thing?” Jen calls across. Whew. Good job I asked!

“Okay, Jen, my swashbuckling sister,” I swagger over to her, waving my cutless around. “You’ll be watching the wind indicator. Whenever it shifts, tell us, so we can adjust the sails.”

“We’ll tell you what else needs to be done as it comes,” Drake adds.

“Sounds do-able.” Jen’s smirking over at Olivia now, and ahhh, Olivia’s just clocked I’m on Jen’s crew. Time for some more maritime banter!

“You’ve.. you can’t.. how can that be allowed?” Olivia’s fuming.

“Arrr! This is my ship now, Duchess Olivia,” I exclaim, placing my hand on Jen’s shoulder. And my pirate wench here, Lady Jen, is going to help me raise my Jolly Roger later!” Ummm…. Slight overshare there, me mateys!

“MAXWELL!” Jen’s gone bright red. Yeah, I knew I shouldn’t have said that. There’s nautical puns, and there’s…. naughty nautical puns. But ohhhh, look at Olivia! She’s even redder than Jen… she’s jealous! Oooh, this is hot! And… also a little scary….

Best wrap this up. “But not until after we’ve crushed you in defeat! Arrrr!”

Rick’s not digging any of this. “The race is about to start,” he reminds me.

And he’s not wrong. I look across to the platform where I’m supposed to be right now, and I see my Dad getting ready to fire the starting pistol. And, bang!

Rick and Drake get to work on unfurling the sails, and we start to glide. But Olivia’s taken the lead already. I glance across at Jen. She’s not happy. There’s fury on her face. And it’s hot! But I need her to win this thing. C’mon, ancestors!

And with that the wind propels us forward. Aw, nice one Percival! Although, we’re all struggling to stay on our feet as a result!

“Hold it steady,” Drake shouts over.

So we do, and then a few moments later, Jen gasps. “The wind changed!”

“Adjusting sails!” I yell. Drake dashes over and messes about with one of the sails. I grab another sail and pretend to know what I’m doing. Rick gets Jen to help him with whatever he’s doing. Why didn’t I think of that? Maybe because I don’t actually know what I’m doing?

Then he calls across to Drake. “There’s the halfway point! We just have to turn around the buoy and head back to the finish line!”

“We’re coming in too fast,” Drake yells, grabbing the wheel. “Brace yourselves!”

I’m braced. I’m braced! I’m… yikes! I cling onto the rigging for dear life. Ugh, I remember why I hate boats now! You can’t even dance on them. And now I’m wet! But, we’re now facing the other way, and looks like we’re in clear second, behind the diabolical Duchess!

“Keep going!” Drake shouts. “We’re almost there!”

I stumble towards Jen, she’s still watching the indicator, but she looks up at me as I approach her. I shoot her a wink, but then I realise the indicator’s changed. “Wind’s picking up in our favour!”

“Back to stations!” Drake yells. “Jones, secure the jib.”

“And that means to?” I mean, I’d be equally clueless here.

“Catch the wind coming in behind us!”

Jen rushes to the front of the boat to redirect the front sail, and I do the same with the one at the back. Yeahhhh, we’re a synchronised sail tag team! The boat accelerates and passes Olivia’s boat easily. I can just about hear her squawks of protest as she chastises her crew, but I’m tuning in to Jen’s laughter instead.

And we pass the finish line. Yessss! Victory!

Jen runs up to me and our hands bam in a jubilant high five, yeah! “We did it!”

“Woohooo!” I jump up and down for joy, and then remember I’m supposed to be in character. “I mean, arrrr! Shiver me timbers!”

Drake’s first to join us, also giving us both a high-five. “You really pulled through for us, Jones!”

“I couldn’t have done it without your help, guys,” she says, always so modest. She’s smiling at Rick softly as he steps towards her and now they’re hugging and why didn’t I get a hug? Aw, never mind. Maybe I’ll get one later at the beach party!

“Glad you could join us,” Rick says to me next, slapping my back in a manly fashion.

“Arrr, well, the call of the ocean was long and loud today,” I explain, picking up my squid mascot which had long slid off my shoulder and repositioning it. “Now that we’ve worked like captains, it’s time to play like pirates!”

I feel a gentle hand on my arm, which is awesome until I see the worried look on Jen’s face. “You’ve got a welcoming party.”

Of course I have. “After that little boost, I can handle my brother. Don’t worry.” I follow her gaze, and yep, there he is, hands behind his back, a sour expression on his face.

“AHOY!” I call to him as the boat reaches the dock. “Avast ye landlubbers!”

Bertrand just shakes his head. “You are not a pirate, Maxwell. You are a future King, and I would remind you that future is not far off.”

Nice one. “Oh. Oh thanks, Bertrand. I needed that reminder.” I jump to the edge of the boat, and glare down at him. “You know, that would have been really helpful before Dad announced it to the whole country. You didn’t think to let me in on the news? Seeing as it affects me more than anyone?”

For a minute I wonder if he’s going to apologise. But, he doesn’t. “Maxwell, in any event, you were supposed to report to the starting position for the race, not participate in it. Your absence has raised further questions.”

“Oh, this is brilliant.” Jen arrives at my side, wearing that fiery expression that’s doing things to me. Her voice is forceful. “Why do you think he didn’t want to do that?”

Bertrand’s having none of this, though. “Lady Jen. This is not your concern.”

“I say it is her concern, Bertrand,” I say, standing up for my favourite suitor. “Seeing as she could be affected as well. Potentially.”

Bertrand lets out a cruel laugh. “I think you overestimate your new friend’s potential.”

Before Jen can respond, Rick steps forward to join us. “This is all getting tiresome, Bertrand. You’ve had your opportunity. You blew it. You need to let Maxwell do this his way. Believe it or not, he’s got a decent support network here in myself and Drake.”

I glance at Drake, who’s doing a good job of keeping his cool, considering how much he hates my brother.

“A King needs more than a couple of well-meaning acquaintances,” Bertrand drones on. “Maxwell is ill-equipped for this role, and he is well aware of that.”

Geez, bro, tell it like it is, why don’t you?

“And whose fault is that?” Jen snaps. This woman is so brave. I wish I was as brave as she is.

“Stay out of what you don’t understand, Lady Jen…”

Whoa, she’s thrown herself across the gap between the boat and the pier and now she’s in Bertrand’s face. “Oh, I understand all right, Your Grace. I know he never got any of the training and preparation that you got. Why was that?”

“Lady Jen, just think about it,” Bertrand barks. “He’s a lost cause. He’s not a suitable king.”

I know that. He knows that. Why does he have to tell everyone else that? Why can’t he have a bit more belief in me?

“Which is why he needs an appropriate queen to take the lead,” Bertrand goes on. “And that, my dear Lady Jen, is why you should stay out of this and bow out gracefully now. As that Queen is definitely not you.”

I can’t listen to any more of this. I cover my ears, jump up and down, and yell. “LALALALALALALALALA!” This usually does the trick. They’re all staring at me now. “Oh, great, I got your attention. Bertrand, will you just leave it out? This is Dad’s day. And…” I turn to look at the path behind us. “He’s coming over.”

“I believe I am finished,” Bertrand says with a glare in Rick’s direction. “I think my message has reached its intended recipients.”

And he’s off, head thrown back in the air haughtily, his trademark grimace on his face, striding so quickly that Dad seems taken aback by his demeanour.

I feel for him, I really do. Today should have been his big moment. And here I am, like a spoilt kid, protesting about mine. I just don’t get why they couldn’t tell me. I could’ve handled it so much better.

“Everything alright?” Dad asks me as he takes Bertrand’s place, along with a couple of his security staff.

I smile, leaping across the gap to join Jen and Dad, who seems a little unnerved at his presence. “Bertrand is a little pissed off that I didn’t join you at the finishing line.”

“But you did something far better than that, my son,” Dad says, and his smile is wide and genuine. “You commanded the winning boat!”

Rick and Drake, still standing on the boat, share a look between each other, and then smile ahead. They know I didn’t do much, but they’re not about to tell Dad that, because they’ve got my back. And they don’t see this too often. My dad actually being impressed with me. I’m buzzing right now.

“Well,” I say, after enjoying the moment for a second or two. “It was Lady Jen that commanded it really.” I shoot her a meaningful look. “She’s the one who deserves the credit.”

Dad turns his attention to Jen, and shoots her a kind smile. “Then my congratulations, Lady Jen. That was some impressive sailing out there.”

“Despite what Maxwell said, I can’t take all the credit,” she says. “Just most of it.”

Dad’s laughing now. “This girl has a sense of humour, Maxwell.”

“I know Dad,” I sigh. She’s my perfect woman, actually. I look her right in the eyes, and she returns my gaze confidently.

“Lady Jen, I command you and your crew,” Dad says. “Please, enjoy the rest of the festivities. Ah, Lord Rick…”

Rick and Drake have joined us on the pier now, and as Dad goes to talk to them, I look at Jen again. Hard to look anywhere else right now. She’s so beautiful.

“I really should go now,” I sigh, removing my plushie from my shoulder and fidgeting with it. “But I just wanted to thank you guys. It’s been awesome.”

“You were awesome,” she tells me, and for a second I actually believe her. “Don’t let anyone tell you any different, okay? You are going to be one awesome king.”

But that second soon fades. “Well, I’m definitely going to be a king, I guess.”

With a heavy heart, and one last look, I turn to go. But she stops me, reaching for my hand. Oh.

“Can we talk later?”

Her lips are moist, her expression hopeful. There’s nothing more than I want to do but spend time with her.

“Sure. I’ll find you at the beach party.” I’m even more excited for it now than I was before. “Hope you’ve got your beach wear at the ready.”

She nods. “Can’t wait.”

“Me either, Jen.”

She lets go of my hand, and off I go. Drake follows me, he’s got my jacket, and my cutlass.

“Thanks for not saying anything back there,” I tell him. “As ever, I owe you.”

“Maxwell, I don’t need anyone to think more highly of me,” Drake points out. “You do.”

“Maxwell.” My dad catches us up. “I need you on Cthulhu now for the formal dinner.”

“Yep, got it,” I say, throwing my squiddie up and down in the air. Cthulhu is the Royal yacht. Great name, uninspiring boat.

Dad’s smiling. “I was amused by your antics earlier, son. But the time for fun and games will soon be over.”

“So it would seem,” I sigh. “I figured I had a few more years to… I dunno, get my head around things?”

Dad sighs, and here’s standard Dad returning. “I have no choice but to abdicate. My health is deteriorating faster than I could ever have predicted.”

I mean, I knew he wasn’t well. But he doesn’t talk about this with me. Be nice if he could.

“Still, a heads up would’ve been good before announcing it to the world,” I sulk.

This wasn’t the right thing to say. He’s not happy. “Maxwell, you know your place in line. As heir to the throne, you must always be ready to take over the throne. If I were to suddenly drop dead, I wouldn’t have been able to give you the ‘heads-up’.”

He’s got a point, I guess. Maybe this was a test? Maybe he doesn’t actually hate me. There’s a long pause, and I think I know how to break it. “So, uh, what did you think of Jen?”

I watch his expression carefully, he’s not giving anything away. “I think any of the ladies in contention for your hand would make for a suitable queen.”

I really want to tell him that there’s only one of them who’s suitable in my opinion. But I know I can’t. I have to protect Jen.

So I have to keep my cards close to my hippo-branded chest. For now.