The Royal Romance

Chapter 16

It's the evening of the Beaumont Bash. Riley has just finished dressing up in the outfit she chose with Maxwell that morning when there's a knock on the door... 

"Riley, guess what time it is?" 

"Time to impress?" 

"Oh, look at you! You look fantastic! Way to represent House Beaumont." 

"Well, it's a big night. I don't want to miss a thing." 

"If he were here, Bertrand might shed a tear..." 

"Right before ordering me to do something else." 

"Actually, he beat you to it. He already ordered me to escort you." 

"Escort me? Where?" 

"It's a surprise." 

Maxwell leads Riley through the manor... and into a boutique. 

"The boutique? But what--" 

"I need to oversee a few adjustments to the ballroom decorations. Be your charming self in here." Maxwell quickly exits the room. 

Just then, a dressing room door opens, and Prince Liam steps out. 

"Liam!" Riley rushes over to him and he grabs her hand." 

"Lady Riley, what a coincidence running into you." 

"It's interesting. I was told to wait here... even though I'm already dressed." 

"I think perhaps someone is trying to give us some alone time together." 

"Well, I'm not complaining. I like the results." 

"I do too. You look like a princess." 

"Oh, you know what they say, 'dress for the job you want.'" 

"I couldn't think of a better look for one." 

"And is this what you're wearing tonight?"

"I was just deciding that now..." 

"Since we're hosting, you could dress to match me." 

"That could cause quite a stir." 

"It'd be a public way to show how close we are." 

"It would... but it'd be also a bold move." 

"I'm a fan of all bold moves, so I insist. People can blame me for the fallout."

"Alright, I'm game." 

The Prince talks to the boutique's seamstress. A short time later, he comes out of the dressing room in a white tux and blue bowtie. 

"You look great." 

"I can't deny that this is one of the finest suits I've ever worn... and the fact that you like it makes it even better." 

"We look so cute together!" 

"I'll see you tonight at the party, Lady Riley. Until then." 

Liam bows before walking out the door. Maxwell emerges from the other room. 

"Whew, those were SOME adjustments that needed overseeing..." 

"Uh-huh. Maxwell... was that just an elaborate ploy you and Bertrand put together to get me alone with Liam?" 

"Whaaat? Us? It's not like we're sponsoring you to win the Prince's hand or anything. That'd be silly. By the way, I couldn't help but notice that Prince Charming matches our Cinderella... you two look good together..."