The Royal Romance Book 1

Chapter 3: Reunited

It's the night of the Masquerade ball...

I've just spotted Prince Liam across the ballroom, standing alongside the King of Cordonia. 

"I guess this is it... I'm going to talk to him..." I wipe out the creases in my dress and fix my hair. I glance towards Maxwell who gives me a warming smile.

"Great. Looks like they're ready for you. Now, I'm going to present you to King Constantine first. You'll want to make a good first impression on him, so he'll consider you a worthy match for his son. Then you'll get your big chance to talk to Liam. " 

Thanks, Maxwell, I wasn't already nervous and tripping over my feet. I remember what Olivia told me about kissing the King's shoe... was it true? I'll just be myself and see how far that gets me. 

"Okay, I've got it."

Maxwell steers me over to the king, who's seated on a raised dais.

"Your Royal Highness," Maxwell starts as he puts a hand on my back, "may I present Lady Riley Summers?"

The King looks at us with a welcoming smile, "Of course...". He looks at me expectantly. 

I decide to ignore Olivia's advice and curtsy. I drop with a smile and bow my head. "Your Highness."

As I lift, he still has his smile across his face, "It's a pleasure to meet the suitor Lord Maxwell's house has chosen. I hope you enjoy your time in Cordonia."

"Thank you." 

Maxwell escorts me away, and I fall in line behind some ladies waiting to see the Prince. I think I made a respectful entrance and hope the King thinks so as well. 

"Lord Maxwell, huh?"

"That's my title. You could refer to me as 'His Lordship' from now on if you really want."

"Eh, I like you better as a Maxwell,"  I chuckle as the line moves forward. My heart is in my throat ready to come out on a moment's notice. I can't wait to talk to him. 

"Now, look sharp. Here's your big moment! Don't blow it." I playfully punch Maxwell in the arm as we get closer to Liam. 

Suddenly, Maxwell steps aside. I take a deep breath and step forward, alone...

"Hello. You'll have to forgive me, but I don't think we've met..." His voice sends chills through my skin. I forgot I was wearing a mask, so he probably can't tell who I am. I decide to play along with the facade.

"We've actually met once before."

"Surely I would've remembered" He starts to look a little startled.

"I suppose the mask is doing its job."

"Will you give me a hint?"

"You were surrounded by your men..."

"That's not much of a clue." 

"And you owed me a drink."

He looks up at me with excitement and a sparkle in his blue eyes. 

"Riley... I thought I'd never see you again." He moves almost taking my hand, but then steps back realizing his place. I remain poised and a little saddened that we can't touch. It's all I want to do right now. 

"So... this is a good surprise, I hope?"

"The best. But how did you get here?"

"Maxwell and his brother are sponsoring me. He brought me here to join the other suitors."