The Royal Romance Book 1

Chapter 11: The Apple of His Eye

A couple weeks later, I'm in a limo with Bertrand and Maxwell on our way to the Cordonian countryside...

Waking from a nice nap, I stretch my arms and let out a yawn. "I hate to be cliché, but... are we there yet?"

"Almost, Riley. Believe me, I'm as excited as you to get out of this car... especially since we're going to Applewood!" Maxwell raises his fists in excitement while Bertrand rolls his eyes.

"Is that really the name? Applewood? Everything in Cordonia has been so grand, but that's... quaint!"

"It's decidedly appropriate. Applewood Manor borders the largest apple orchard in the entire kingdom, and that's where they first cultivated the apple varietal Cordonia is most famous for..." Bertrand glances at me waiting for my response.

"Oh, right. This famous apple is called... The Cordonian Ruby"

"Very good, you've been paying attention. The Cordonian Ruby is a red varietal that's pleasantly crisp with an intense flavor that has notes of honeyed caramel."

"You know, that's probably the most poetic thing you've ever said."

"Certain subjects call for a little poetry."

"Like apples, obviously"

"Precisely. Now, let us review your role this weekend in earnest..."

"'In earnest'? You make it sound like I need to step up my game..."

"Oh, you do. Since the King's announced his retirement, everything as changed..."

"I guess the announcement was pretty serious, huh? I saw King Constantine talking to Liam about it at the beach party..."

"Really? What do you know about it?"

"Well, I know that the prince wasn't expecting the announcement."

"Hmmm, interesting... Anything else? Has he talked to you since?"

"No, I haven't seen him around much lately..."

Maxwell puts a hand on my shoulder and smiles, "He's probably busy with preparations for the Coronation..."

"That's precisely the reason we need to make a more concerned effort. We're no longer playing for the title of princess. If Riley marries him, she will be queen. The stakes are higher than ever. We must succeed."

"Bertrand... You know I actually care about the Prince, right? We have a relationship. If he chooses me, it'll be because he cares for me, and I care for him."

"That's good. Use that. Let your sentimental heart fuel your competitive spirit."

"Bertrand..." I raise my voice in anger and scowl at him.

"I'm merely preparing you. The other ladies are only going to get more competitive, and if you do care about him, then you'll get serious."

"Well, that I can agree to."

"We're running out of time after all. There's only about a month and a half before the Coronation Ball at the end of the season."

"So soon?" My heart starts racing and I begin to feel anxious.

"Time flies when you're jet-setting around Cordonia." Maxwell chimes in and moves his hand in an airplane motion.

"So what do I need to do? What are my directives for the day?"

"No time to play coy. Spend as much time with Liam as possible"

"But if you can't do that, try not to get in trouble." Bertrand glances between Maxwell and I and we begin to chuckle. "According to my reports, you, Duchess Olivia, and Countess Madeline are the frontrunners..."