The Royal Romance 2

Chapter 4

It's the morning after the barn-raising, and Maxwell has enlisted Hana's help in the boutique... 

Shifting through the different racks started frustrating for Riley, so she was more than grateful for the help. She would admit, the anxiety behind this whole situation is crippling... but they were almost there. So close to the answer, she could feel it in her bones. 

"Time for another exciting day of pre-nuptial festivities!" Maxwell begins pulling clothes off the racks by the dozens. Riley ran her fingers through the elaborate dresses, imagining herself twirling around in them, 

"So what's the purpose of today's picnic?" she asked. 

"To serve as a send-off!" Maxwell declared, tossing a dress adorned with pink flowers plastered at Riley. She barely managed to catch it without stumbling. 

"A send-off?" Riley asked, her curiosity piqued. 

Hana took the dress from Riley's hands and held it up to her. "It's our last day in Cordonia! Then our travels begin," she said, placing the dress in one of the rooms before motioning for Riley to come over. 

Riley's mind began to race as her feet moved slowly. "Wait... our last day in Cordonia?" she asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice. 

"You know... we leave for Liam and Madeleine's World Tour tomorrow! First stop, Italy," Hana said, shutting the curtain to the changing room and leaving Riley alone with her thoughts.

This was still happening. He was still engaged to that... woman. "I guess I didn't realize we would be leaving so soon," Riley murmured. She was here to fight, and a new sense of determination washed over her as she thought about the day they spent at the spa—feeling his skin against hers, igniting a longing within her. With renewed resolve, she slipped off her clothes and slid the dress over her body. 

"No rest for the wicked!" Maxwell exclaimed, glancing around nervously. Then, raising his voice, he added, "Or the extremely benevolent and judicious leaders of our most wonderful country!" 

"It IS a beautiful country, today especially," Hana replied, raising her voice as well, causing Riley to chuckle. The two continued their nervous glances as if they believed the government was watching them. If that was the case, Riley hoped it wasn't from the changing room. 

Maxwell picked out a silver necklace with a single diamond pendant and matching earrings, then slid his hands through the curtain, careful not to look. "Lucky for us," he said, "because Bertrand said Riley needs to be seen today." 

"Don't I always?" Riley replied, struggling with the zipper for a moment as she tried to reach it to the top on her own. She wished more than anything that she could have Liam behind her, running the zipper up for her. 

Riley could imagine his breath against her ear as his hands ran down the small of her back. He leaned his head down, planting sweet kisses on her shoulders, causing her whole body to sing. His fingers brushed against her bare back, slowly helping the zipper to rise, and her breathing quickened. "Riley," he whispered, but she couldn't take it anymore. She quickly whipped around, pinning him to the wall. She ran her hand down to his... 

"We haven't had any major problems with your reintroduction so far. This is a chance to establish yourself," Maxwell's voice pulled Riley back to reality, dousing her moment of desire with a wave of clarity. She felt all kinds of hot and bothered, reminding her of the stakes at hand.

Riley cleared her throat and finished with the zipper. "Is that why we're in a boutique?" she asked, smoothing out the ruffles on the dress and taking a deep breath. Looking in the mirror, she felt more confident than ever. The dress was a stunning Tiffany blue, short in the front and long in the back, adorned with pink flowers and blue accents. The sweetheart neckline hugged her waist perfectly, accentuating her curves and pushing her breasts to the perfect stance.