The Royal Romance - By My Side

Mature and interesting

It was the first night of the engagement tour and Maxwell was trying to think of a good couple hashtag for Rick and Madeleine. So far he was thinking #Rideleine was the front runner but #Rickeleine might work better. Then of course there was #Madelick, although maybe that sounded a little bit suggestive in all the wrong ways. He was going to consult Jen of course to see what her thoughts were in her next daily digest.

It was something to do anyway as he and Bertrand sat alone, bored out of their skulls, on a table in the corner of the room. As if he hadn't spent enough time with Bertrand over the last few weeks. Hana was gone now, obviously, he was going to miss Hana round here, and there was no sign of Drake. He wondered if Rick and Drake were getting on better now that Olivia was out of the picture. He hoped so.

Unfortunately, Adelaide was here, obviously as this was her home, and her husband did not appear to be anywhere to be seen. She'd already been up to him once tonight, and now she kept throwing glances in his direction. Oh no no no. There was safety in numbers over here with Bertrand. The music was all waltzy-schmaltzy stuff anyway, so he didn't really feel the call to get up and on his feet.

Bertrand had just got up to talk to someone, leaving Maxwell alone at their table. He was just scrolling through his phone at conversations he'd had with Jen recently when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Oh oh.

He turned and was relieved at who he saw. "Rick, hey!"

"Maxwell. Good to see you." His hand was still on his shoulder. "How have you been?"

"Oh, y'know, just chilling at home, very much looking forward to this exciting engagement tour.."

Rick sat down next to him. "Have you heard anything from our mutual friend recently?"

Hah. On a daily basis, actually. "Yeah, she's been in touch once or twice."

"Have you told her the tour itinerary? What did she say?" There was a strange hope on his face.

"She.. was delighted," Maxwell admitted. "She's obviously looking forward to seeing you again. Although.. how's it gonna work now?" He was worried about Rick's intentions towards Jen. It was clear that Jen was still fond of Rick and he didn't want to see her getting hurt.

"A very good question, and one I'm afraid I have no simple answer to," sighed Rick, fidgeting with his cufflinks absentmindedly. "I will admit, I can't stop thinking about her. I deliberately arranged for the tour to head to New York, in case there was any hope that she'd agree to see me again."

Whoa, this was big. "O...kay. Well, I'm pretty sure she will, but..."

He looked up at Maxwell, his eyes large and sad. "Things were going so well with Olivia, and I still don't know why she left when she did."

"I'm sorry, Rick. If I see her at any of these events, I'll see what I can find out. Although, generally she'd rather talk to her cutlery than me, but..."

There was a half smile on Rick's lips. "She's softer than she appears. I'd appreciate it if you would, Maxwell."

"Huh, I'll try. But..."

"Madeleine and I share no romantic connection. She has told me she is quite happy for me to seek out a mistress as long as I am discreet. I know Olivia would never accept such a proposition."

Maxwell's guard was up. "What makes you think Jen would?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. But, I need to speak to her and see how things go."

Bertrand returned to the table. "Ah. Your Majesty." He bowed politely before sitting. "Congratulations on your engagement."

"Many thanks, Bertrand," Rick said, standing up. "I should go, but I would appreciate your support in those two matters, Maxwell."