The Royal Romance Book 1

Chapter 16: The Beaumont Bash

It's the evening of the Beaumont Bash. I've just finished dressing up in the outfit I chose with Maxwell that morning when there's a knock on my 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 actually 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 me 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.

Well, that was a little weird. Just then, a dressing room opens, and Prince Liam steps out!

"Liam!" I rush over and he grabs my hands.

"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 time alone 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 also be a rather bold move..."

"I'm a fan of 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 with a 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 for 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."