The Royal Romance

Chapter 18

It's the night of the Coronation Ball... 

As the ball begins, Riley waits in line behind the other suitors as Prince Liam receives his gifts. 

"Thank you, Lady Penelope, for this, uh, gem-encrusted poodle figurine." 

"I have the matching lady poodle. So now you can always think of me when you look at it." 

"I'm sure I can think of no one else." 

Farther back in line, Riley and Hana wait for their turn... 

"Penelope and her poodles." Riley shakes her head and laughs. 

"Well, it's hard to know what one should get for a Crown Prince. I had to talk my parents out of sending a full-grown bull elephant as our family's Coronation gift. I thought that would be way too awkward to bring into the palace." 

"Heh, a little bit." 

"How are you doing? Do you feel ready?" 

"I'm ready to get engaged with him. To Prince Liam." 

"If anyone has the greatest claim on Prince Liam's heart, it's you, Riley." 

As Penelope moves forward, Madeleine greets the Prince and gives him a pair of diamond cuff links. 

"Diamond cuff links. An elegant and sophisticated gift befitting your house." 

"I hope you wear them in good health." 

As Liam and Madeleine conversate for a little while, Olivia walks up to Riley and whispers, "I know it was you." 

"What?" 

"That stupid note. I'm sure you were behind it. But don't think I can be intimidated so easily." 

"Olivia, if I wanted to intimidate you, I'd do it in person." 

"Hah. You're about as intimidating as a dormouse, and about as well-mannered too."

"If you have time to pick fights, you should focus on your relationship with the Prince instead." 

"You're right... for once." Olivia steps in front of Riley just as Madeleine curtsies and moves forward. With one last look on her shoulder, Olivia approaches the Prince, "Prince Liam! How lovely to see you here!" Olivia holds out her hand, and he kisses the back of it. 

"Lady Olivia, always a pleasure." 

Olivia hands Liam an ornate golden box. He opens the lid. 

"A cactus? Olivia..." 

"You probably don't remember, but a long time ago when we were children, someone teased me and said I was prickly as a cactus. And you said that you loved cacti because they were tough and no one messed with them." 

"I remember. Of course, I remember. Thank you, Lady Olivia. I'll always treasure this cactus." 

"You honor me, Your Highness." Olivia leans forward and kisses Liam on the cheek before moving off. 

As Olivia leaves, Riley steps forward. 

"Lady Riley." He smiles and she curtsies as he bows in return. 

"Greetings, Your Highness. I also have a gift for you." 

"Lady Riley, your presence is more than gift enough. But I can't wait to see what you'll give me." Riley presents the keychain of the statue of liberty to him and his face lights up, "How did you get ahold of this?" 

"Liam, I'd do anything for you. You know that, right?" 

"I'm starting to get the idea." He reaches for her hand but reluctantly pulls away to not cause a scene.