The Royal Romance - By My Side

Cuter than a third nipple

Being back at court was amazing, because it was much easier to escape Bertrand's disappointment. And today was a busy day. First there was the Royal Regatta in the morning, then this evening there was the beach party. He was going to make it his mission to find Hana and try and help her out a little bit, hopefully she'd then lend him a little assistance with the second of his masterclass videos, as Bertrand had been a rather reluctant dance partner for the first one. Who on earth would ever want to watch this nonsense, Maxwell? Any noble who doesn't know the Cordonian Waltz should be ashamed. Still, anyone watching this particular instructional video should be frightfully ashamed.

He'd ambled up to the waterfront, just a little bit too late to get a good position, but just in time to hear the sound of a herald trumpeting. Time for the King's opening remarks.

Rick's dad, King Constantine spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen of Cordonia, I welcome you all. Today is a momentous day. As you know, I have a soft spot for the Royal Regatta, and it remains one of my favourite events of the social season. Because this event has always held historical significance and personal importance, I have chosen today to make my announcement. That as of the end of this social season, I'll be stepping down as your reigning monarch.. and in a few weeks' time, Prince Rick will be your new King."

Whoa...

Maxwell craned his neck to see if he could make Rick out anywhere. He was standing with Olivia, who looked incredibly smug. But Rick looked... ashen, almost as if this was a shock?

Several reporters directed questions at the King, but he silenced them by raising his hand. "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. Let the Regatta begin!"

As he stepped down, Maxwell fought his way through the crowd, to try and find his friend. He soon found him, locked in conversation with Olivia. "Hey Rick.. did you know?"

Rick turned to him, and took a few steps away from a glaring Olivia. "No, I didn't, actually."

"You okay?"

"Well, I mean.. I knew I'd be King.. just not so soon. To realise that I'm going to become King in a matter of weeks.. Well. That's a lot."

"Yep. Especially when you've gotta choose a wife at the same time."

He nodded, a puzzled expression on his face. "It means that my future bride will be thrown directly into the role of Queen."

"Seems to me that it's a one-horse race at the moment, though."

Olivia slunk up to them. "Come on, Rick. You're needed." She pulled him away.

Maxwell nodded and watched as they left. Olivia was really doing her best to cut Rick off from his friends. For example, where was Drake today? Normally he'd be about, but no sign of him. Hopefully he'd be at the beach later.

***

Bertrand had issued strict instructions that Maxwell was to attend Olivia Nevrakis's boat party after the race. This instruction didn't pump him full of excitement, however. It was going to be such a snooze-fest. Olivia would no doubt apply her usual hostess style; trotting around self-importantly and belittling all those around her. Of course, he'd be a prime candidate for the belittling this year. Like he was every year, to be honest.

But as he ambled along the waterfront, he bumped into Hana, who was waiting nervously next to a small yacht.

"Hey, Hana! How's you?"

"Oh, hello Lord Maxwell. I'm very well, thank you."

"This your yacht?" He inspected it. "Whoo. Nice."