You Belong To Me Part One: I Wonder What’s Mine
Book: The Royal Romance
AU: We Belong Together
Series Masterlist
Pairings: Leo x Riley (MC), Olivia x Boone (OC), Drake x Alyssa (OC)
Alyssa Devereaux belongs to @burnsoslow and is borrowed with permission for this AU.
Series Premise: Five years after the epilogue of We Belong Together, everything they thought they knew is challenged.
Series warnings: Very dark series. Character death, violence, ns*w, cursing, stalking, psychological manipulation, discussions of infertility
Chapter warnings: Language, infertility, past character death
Music Inspo: Only You-Selena Gomez
Thank you to everyone who reads, likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
Riley blinked as the bright lights were switched on. She turned slightly, remembering that the beams softened her features if it wasn’t straight on.
“Nervous?” Leo slung his arm around the back of the settee protectively.
“No,” Riley leaned back against the stiff upholstery, taking in her husband’s handsome profile. The last five years had been kind to him; the only wrinkles on his face were laugh lines. Time had moved fast and, at the same time, seemed much longer; Riley could hardly remember a time when she didn’t know Leo.
“Liar,” Leo teased. “It’ll be over fast. We only do one in-depth interview a year-”
“And we trust Donnie,” Riley finished, nervously smoothing down the cerulean silk of her skirt. “This year’s timing isn’t great; we had to keep rescheduling.”
Leo took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips.
It was the anniversary of that fateful night Aiden had kidnapped Riley and Olivia. While Riley felt no more guilt over her actions, the memory refused to leave her.
Even now, she swore there was a hint of copper in the air, burning her nostrils.
“We can have lunch after,” Leo’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Enz has lessons until three.”
“That sounds nice,” a genuine smile lit Riley’s face. “I’m sorry I’m being difficult; today feels worse than usual. I’m nervous about, you know.”
“Don’t you dare apologize,” Leo slipped his fingers under her chin, tilting her face up. He brushed a blonde curl behind her ear. “You’re the strongest, most badass woman I know. You are allowed to feel however you need to about today. I love you.”
“I love you,” Riley pressed her lips to Leo’s, a thrill going through her as his tongue curled with hers.
Donnie cleared his throat as he softly closed the door behind him. Leo smiled against Riley’s lips before reluctantly ending the kiss.
Donnie settled into the chair across from the couple, a few sheets of paper in his hands. “Good morning, your Maj-”
“Donnie,” Riley began.
“Leo and Riley,” Donnie corrected. “Let me make sure I have the off-limits subjects right.”
The couple nodded in unison, giving Donnie a moment. One particular issue had made it to the short list this year.
“The subject of more heirs?” Donnie looked up, his brow furrowed. “I’ve never asked.”
“We know,” Riley said quickly. “Just in case. It’s not something we feel is the public’s business.”
Leo’s hand found hers, and she clutched his fingers.
Riley couldn’t address why there weren’t more heirs when she didn’t know herself. Leo and Riley had gone through all the tests and exams, and they were both healthy. She should have been able to get pregnant several times over.
Riley hadn’t. In the last year, she’d given up hope. They’d seen specialist after specialist, and no one could explain why.
Leo gripped her hand. Riley squeezed back gratefully. Their little family was all she and Leo needed. It would just be the three of them.
“Understood,” Donnie folded the pages and set them in his lap. “Are you sure about the topic? Aiden has been off limits the past four years.”
Riley and Leo nodded, each pushing their shoulders back. It was time.
“3, 2, 1,” a producer whispered beyond the camera. Donnie crossed one leg over the other and smiled warmly at the couple.
“As a country, we have all moved on from the reign of Aiden,” Donnie began, his voice encouraging. “On the fifth anniversary of his death, you both mentioned that you found it important to cover again. May I ask why?”
Leo spoke first, massaging Riley’s knuckles with the pad of his thumb. “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. As much as we would like to, we can’t forget that Aiden rose to power in part because of my father and in part because he bred a fear that most people refused to or were unable to fight against.”
Riley nodded in agreement. “There were many close to him that could have stopped him and simply did not. That’s why we’ve been so transparent with every decision made, why we’ve taken certain powers away from duchies and put it in the hands of the council and the people.”
“Cordonia is thriving,” Donnie checked his notes. “Poverty rates are at an all-time low, due to the assistance programs you’ve instituted. As are violence rates, no doubt because of the focus on rehabilitation and harsh sentencing for repeat offenders you’ve put in place. We are also second to France in wine exports, no doubt from the investment in small wineries all over the country.”
“But,” Leo joked. “I feel it coming, Donnie.”
“But,” Donnie offered a half smile. “I would like to ask how you and Queen Riley have dealt with the events of five years ago. On a personal level.”
Leo glanced at Riley, who nodded subtly. They’d agreed to this, but Leo wanted her to have the option of backing out if she needed to.
“Well,” Riley’s lips shook slightly as she spoke. “Therapy has been useful.”
“There was a rumor you burned sage,” Donnie raised an eyebrow.
“My stance is,” Leo slid closer to Riley. “Whatever someone needs to do to help them cope is valid.”
“Did it help?” Donnie asked.
———
Six months after Aiden’s death
Riley walked through the gardens at the palace. Riley read that sage helped cleanse evil spirits, and she was dutifully waving a bundle of the herb, lit at one end, careful not to set any plants on fire.
She felt stronger every day, and this, as silly as it seemed, helped.
Riley lowered carefully to sit on the bench. She remembered Aiden there, a tear falling down his cheek as he talked about his mother. Had he really been so evil? He could have missed his mother and still been the horrible man she’d killed.
Riley shook her head. It didn’t matter. A breeze floated across her face, and she closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet smell of roses.
As she opened her eyes, another smell hit her nostrils. A familiar smell.
Tobacco, ginger, and vanilla. The expensive cologne Aiden wore. Riley rubbed her nose. No. She shouldn’t be out here.
She stood and made her way to the entrance, the smell seeming to follow her.
Riley was so intent on leaving the hedge maze, that she didn’t see Leo approaching from the side entrance.
Riley walked right into his solid chest, panicking for a minute until she looked up into the handsome face of her boyfriend.
“Hey,” Leo said softly, gently holding her by the shoulders to steady her before enclosing her in a hug. “You look spooked.”
Riley sniffed again, but it was all cedar and lemons. Leo. “I swore I could smell Aiden’s cologne.”
“Are you sure?” Leo glanced around worriedly. “Is someone out there?”
“No, I was remembering being in there with him just before.” Riley felt better already, just from Leo’s presence. “It’s probably my brain.”
“Okay.” Leo inhaled deeply, only smelling the roses. “That’s why I started the other rose garden. Eleanor deserves this one, but you can have your own.”
“I won’t come out here for a while,” Riley promised. “Let’s go inside.”
Riley melted into the tender kiss Leo pressed to her lips and followed him in. She trailed the sage behind her, the smoke hopefully doing its job.
———
“I felt better,” Riley laughed softly.
“What about you, King Leo?” Donnie turned slightly in his chair. “It could be argued that you suffered the most at Aiden’s hands.”
“It’s not a contest,” Leo replied. “Certainly not one I want to win, either way. The answer is Riley. She’s gotten me through every rough patch the past five years. I’ve done my best to be her safe place, her partner.”
“You’ve more than done your best,” Riley grinned for the first time that day. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Lucky for you,” Leo swiveled slightly, brushing his nose against hers. “You’ll never have to find out.”
———
Two Years after Aiden’s death
Riley sat up in bed, feeling eyes on her. She quickly flicked the bedside light on. No one was there.
Leo squinted as he reached for her. “Riley?”
“I must have had a bad dream.” Riley exhaled and lay back down, Leo’s arms around her. “I felt like someone was watching me.”
Leo opened his eyes fully and glanced around the room. “No one is here. We’re the only ones with keys to our quarters. The keypad will be up next week; only we’ll have the code. The panic buttons are going in every room. You’re safe, honey.”
Leo reached over her to switch off the light. Riley snuggled into his arms, feeling a little better.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Leo left tender kisses on her forehead and cheeks. “You’ve been edgy lately.”
“I feel scared here sometimes, around the anniversary of…you know,” Riley pressed her lips to Leo’s. “It's not rational, but it takes a few days to shake.”
“Enzo’s coronation today made you all emo,” Leo said as their lips met again. “Heavy emotional stuff makes you scared sometimes.”
“I was all emo because I watched you and Enzo, and I realized you’d probably thought it would never happen..after all that.” Riley sniffed, tears forming. “You were so happy and proud.”
“Riley, honey.” Leo soothed. “Every day with you and E, it’s more than I ever thought I’d have. I’m so fucking grateful for you, and our son, our life.”
Tears ran down Riley’s cheeks as she hugged Leo fiercely. Leo stroked her hair. “Us together, no matter what. That’s all I ever want.”
“Me too,” Riley said into Leo’s chest. “You’re right, though. We have it so good. Everything keeps getting better. What if I wake up in the dungeon and all this is a dream?”
Leo pinched her arm gently.
“Ow.” Riley lifted her head. “What the fuck, man?”
“You’re still here.” Leo smiled. “There’s no dungeon. You helped take it down.”
Riley pinched his arm. Leo shook his head in amusement.
“You’re still here.” Riley nuzzled Leo’s nose. “I feel better. Thank you.”
“You’ll feel even better after the bonfire tomorrow night.” Leo joked. “Hot dogs and friends.”
“Lyss will hold Enzo a bunch; give my arms a break.” Riley grinned. “Can she be pregnant already?”
“I’m sure Drake is working on that.” Leo kissed her nose. “I love you, Riley.”
“I love you.” Riley rolled on top of Leo. “No more pinching.”
Leo slipped his hands under Riley’s nightgown, his fingers leaving teasing trails as he traveled down her body, settling on her hips. “Your wish is my command.”
“My wish is for those gorgeous hands to move a little lower,” Riley murmured into her husband's ear.
Leo grinned and obeyed.
———
“We had friends and family nearby for the first few years as well,” Riley forced herself to face Donnie. “That meant more than I can ever express.”
“I, for one, was surprised when Mr. Walker and his family moved to the States,” Donnie frowned slightly. “His business was thriving, his wife was beloved.”
“Drake got the chance to add to the New York skyline,” Leo smiled proudly. “Alyssa found a position in the governor's office to make a difference in public schools in the city. I’m honored to know them.”
“We miss them terribly, of course,” Riley added. “Along with Patrick and Audrey. But they’re doing well in New York, and I’m so proud of them.”
Donnie nodded sympathetically. “Are they returning in the near future?”
———
Three years after Aiden’s death
Riley walked down the aisle of the bait shop. She wrinkled her nose at the wormy smell, but she’d jumped at the chance to go fishing. Drake and Alyssa were due to leave in a few days for New York.
They promised to return in a few years. Riley was thrilled for them, but the sting at her found family leaving remained.
A man bumped into Riley. “Sorry, alluring lotus.”
Riley froze, then grabbed the man’s arm. “What did you say?”
“Sorry, I lost my balance.” The man looked at her apologetically. “Queen Riley! I’m so sorry.”
“No title, please,” Riley released his arm. “I’m sorry too, you startled me.”
“Everything okay?” Drake's voice made her jump. When she turned back around, the man was gone.
“Riley? You look like you saw a ghost.” Drake took her hand and covered it with his.
“I thought that man said something weird.” Riley looked up into Drake’s concerned expression. “Do you ever see Aiden? Or think you hear him?”
“I think I see him sometimes,” Drake admitted, patting her hand. “I think it’d be impossible to forget him completely. Especially for you.”
“It’s only around the anniversary.” Riley smiled gratefully at Drake. “I get jumpy.”
“Maybe you need to talk to the therapist again.” Drake soothed. “Do you talk to Leo?”
“Maybe.” Riley nodded. “I do, Leo calms me down. I saw Aiden die. You’d think I wouldn't get so freaked.”
“What did you think he said?”
“Alluring lotus.”
Drake did not suppress the shudder that ran through him at the mention of one of Aiden’s special terms for Riley. “I told you reading that nickname book the cops found was a bad idea.”
“He’d called me almost every name,” Riley admitted. “It was weird seeing them all in one place.”
“Tell me he never called you his own Regina.” Drake had the names almost memorized. “Or fountain pen.”
“The Regina one, no.” Riley stuck her tongue out. “The other one was the last thing he called me.”
“Fuck.” Drake pulled Riley into a hug. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too.” Riley squeezed Drake back. “But hey, it got me to all of you. Right?”
“Right.” Drake agreed, releasing her. “Let’s go catch some fish.”
———
“We hope so,” Leo smiled, exchanging a look with Riley. Drake and Alyssa were moving back in a year’s time, after some opportunity the couple hadn’t given all the details of to Leo or Riley.
“They are missed,” Donnie agreed before changing the subject. “Forgive me, I don’t know how to phrase this delicately.”
“Go ahead,” Riley encouraged.
“You live in the palace where you faced the worst times of your life,” Donnie tried to sound as sympathetic as he could. “You’re raising a family there. I don’t know if I would have the strength to do that.”
“It was hard for a while,” Riley admitted. “You mentioned the sage earlier. I was on edge a lot.”
“What changed?” Donnie frowned.
———
Four years after Aiden’s death
Riley rolled over and stared at the clock. 3 am. She slipped out of bed, Leo’s soft snores filling the room. She’d been staring at the ceiling for the past several hours, unable to sleep.
There were always creaks and moans all over the palace. Riley knew this was normal, especially with old buildings. They cooled at night, making sounds and scaring people. It was always like this; most nights, she was able to let them fade into the background.
Tonight, no such luck. Riley growled in frustration. She knew she’d done the right thing. All year, she was fine. She was so happy; she had so much in her life.
The week Aiden died rolled around, and everything made her jump. She’d made sure he was dead. The day they rented a boat and dumped him at sea, she was there. Aiden wasn’t coming back. Everyone was safe.
Riley felt a little better but was still too alert to sleep.
Riley tiptoed to Enzo’s room, smiling at her son. He was starfished across his bed. The blue light of his twilight turtle lamp cast a soothing blue glow.
Riley padded downstairs to the kitchen.
Riley stared at the roast duck in the refrigerator. Of all the things she expected to see, that wasn’t it.
Riley was looking over the other items when a hand on her shoulder made her whirl around, a bottle of ketchup in hand.
Leo put his hands up. “Whoa.”
Riley exhaled and put the bottle down. “Don’t sneak up on me! I could have killed you!”
“With ketchup?” Leo fought not to grin.
“Yes.” Riley set it down. “Why’s there a fucking duck in the fridge?”
“Say that five times fast.” Leo looked around her. “Shit. I don’t know. Lisette definitely didn’t make it.”
“Unless Enzo wanted it,” Riley tapped her lips with one finger. “We’re weird about duck, maybe he got curious?”
“That would make a lot of sense,” Leo chuckled. “We can ask in the morning.”
Riley slumped against the counter, relieved for the moment.
“Can’t sleep again?” Leo studied his wife. Her eyes were tired.
“No,” Riley yawned, hoping sleep wasn’t as far away as it seemed earlier. “Too many creaks.”
“We can move, baby.” Leo enclosed her palm in his. “We can turn this place into something else. Live in another place. There’s plenty of properties.”
“You grew up here,” Riley argued. “It’s all Enzo has known. I don’t want… dude’s name who rhymes with Crayden to win.”
Leo chuckled. “That isn’t a word. But he’s dead. He can’t win.”
“Do you get scared here ever?” Riley traced Leo’s knuckles with her finger.
“No,” Leo said. “But him dying meant something different to me than you. He’d been a constant evil presence; then he was gone. I felt relief.”
“I don’t know if I did,” Riley frowned. “I felt glad that he couldn’t hurt anyone else; that’s close, right?”
“Right,” Leo smiled softly. “When the day I abdicated rolls around, I get angry. I wish I’d fought harder; maybe I could have stopped more of what he did.”
“You and I both know that’s not true,” Riley pressed her lips to his gently. “You did the best you could. If you’d done too much, Aiden would have done something worse.”
“It’s a process,” Leo grimaced. “But I understand, feeling like he might pop out. But he won’t. He can’t.”
“I know,” Riley sighed. “I was telling myself that, but then I was too awake.”
Leo laughed. “What about moving? We can do whatever seems like a good plan.”
“I don’t know.” Riley bit her lip. “It doesn’t feel right.”
“Living here or leaving?”
“Yes.”
Leo laughed. “Riley.”
“Let’s talk about it more.” Riley decided. “Look at other places. Figure it out.”
“Sounds good.” Leo smiled. “Why are you in here?”
“Lisette made me cupcakes.” Riley beamed. “I wanted them.”
“What flavor?”
“Lemon strawberry.”
“Our wedding cake.” Leo dropped a kiss on her lips. “Grab ‘em. We can eat them in bed.”
———
“I think it’s important to remember that Aiden dying freed me,” Leo interjected. “Riley’s actions were to save her own life and that of Duchess Nevrakis.”
Riley smiled gratefully. “I finally got to a place where I refused to let Aiden take anything else from me. That’s another reason we thought it was vital to speak about him today, to show that you can overcome trauma and be happy.”
“That’s good to hear,” Donnie uncrossed and recrossed his ankles. “I understand that you found another woman, one the public wasn’t aware of, just months ago?”
Riley nodded somberly. “It turns out Aiden had an online dating profile-”
“Cut!” Donnie yelled before she could finish. He doubled over with laughter, his notes falling to the floor. “You’re…kidding.”
Riley couldn’t help but giggle. “That was my first reaction, too. Leo was more disgusted.”
“It came out of left field,” Leo chuckled. “I wonder what got into him. That seemed beneath him or something.”
“I think he was desperate,” Riley offered. “The thing about Aiden is that deep down, he wanted to be loved. For the monster he was.”
The room went silent. Donnie wiped his eyes and nodded. “That makes sense. Can we leave the dating profile out? I don’t want to humanize him.”
“I completely understand,” Leo agreed.
Riley smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”
“No, no,” Donnie waved her off. “One of the things I admire about you is how caring you are. You always try to find common ground with everyone, no matter what. We could all stand to be that way a bit more.”
Leo brushed a lock of hair behind Riley’s ear. “I’ve never known anyone as compassionate as Riley.”
“You’re going to feed my ego way too much,” Riley’s cheeks darkened. “Okay, no dating profile. Focus on Abbi Lawson.”
Donnie gestured to the cameraman. “Count it down, please.”
———
Drake gazed out the window at the sparkling blue sea and the idyllic buildings along the coastline. His attention snapped to the large tower above everything else on the hill.
It had been several years since he had been to his birthplace, but he found himself smiling. Despite the circumstances surrounding the impromptu trip, it was good to be back.
“Have you been to Cordonia before?” the raspy voice of an older woman somewhere behind him interrupted his thoughts.
“Not for many years,” her seatmate all but whispered.
The hairs stood up on Drake’s neck. He subtly tried to turn to see the speaker, but from his vantage point, he could only see the couple just behind him.
Drake leaned back, forcing himself to inhale and exhale deeply. His wife would reassure him if she were with him, reminding him that the man was dead. He’d seen the body. They were safe.
Drake unlocked his phone and tapped on his photo album, smiling at the most recent photo. Audrey had snapped the picture as Drake and Alyssa kissed this past New Year’s Eve.
Alyssa was in Thailand, in a remote village, teaching children to read. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Audrey and Patrick had already joined their mother. Drake was going straight from Cordonia to be with them for the year-long trip.
Cell service wasn’t great, but they spoke twice daily. Drake told his wife it reminded him of their courtship. Alyssa had gotten choked up and told him to hurry up and get there.
———
Drake stepped into the large room, sighing in relief at the air conditioning cooling him. He began to walk toward the exit, stopping in his tracks when a familiar figure stepped into his path.
Olivia lifted her chin, smirking at Drake’s surprise. She looked the same as the last time he’d seen her last year in New York. A pair of red slacks topped by a matching leather jacket hugged her frame, her red hair pulled into a sleek bun atop her head. Even with her low-heeled boots, she was only a few inches shorter than Drake.
“I didn’t tell anyone,” Drake blurted, more shocked than he probably should be at Olivia’s presence. “I was going to fix the step at our place for the renters and hire a new property manager. And shock you all.”
Olivia’s smirk grew. “Did you really think you could get anything past me?”
Drake shook his head and wrapped Olivia in a bear hug. She patted his back, stepping away after precisely five seconds. “That’s enough. Your truck is in the lot.”
“Wow,” Drake's eyes widened. “That’s so thoughtful. What are you up to?”
“Nothing,” Olivia aimed a punch at Drake's shoulder. “I’m a good friend.”
———
Enzo pushed off the wall with his foot, gaining speed as the skateboard raced toward a ramp.
Riley held her breath, twisting her fingers so tightly her nails pressed into her skin. Leo untangled her hands and interlaced his fingers with hers. Riley squeezed his hand, her eyes never leaving Enzo as he flew over the ramp, landing on the concrete as if he had been doing this for years, not just a few weeks.
Riley exhaled as Leo whooped beside her. “That was awesome, Enz!”
Enzo picked up his board and rushed to his parents. “Did you see, Mom?”
“I did,” Riley tousled her son's hair. “I’m so proud of you. I could never do that.”
“I bet you could,” Enzo beamed up at his mother. “It’s fun!”
“It definitely looks it,” Riley leaned down to press a kiss to his forehead.
Leo fistbumped Enzo. “You’re a natural.”
“Thanks!” Enzo set the skateboard down on the concrete. He began leisurely skating toward the side entrance. “I’m going to get a snack.”
“Brin has those pizza croissants you love,” Riley called after him. Enzo waved and disappeared inside.
Riley collapsed onto the bench, her hand on her heart. “How can you go to all his lessons with him? I’d have a heart attack!”
Leo chuckled as he sat beside Riley, smoothing a curly blonde strand behind her ear. “I remember that at his age, I was scaling the palace walls and trying to sneak off to fly helicopters.”
Riley shook her head with a laugh. “Suddenly, skateboarding seems completely safe.”
Leo pulled Riley into his lap, trailing kisses down her jaw. He wrapped her tightly in his arms, weighing the words before he said them aloud. “How are you? You seem better than earlier.”
Riley rested her head against Leo’s neck, nestling into his warmth. “Talking about him helped. I was worried; I thought maybe it would weigh on me after. It felt good.”
Leo exhaled, relieved. He’d had the same worry, but followed Riley’s lead. It didn’t bother him to speak about Aiden; he and Boone went over his brother’s tactics often in order to prepare the guards, but Riley struggled.
“I’m glad,” Leo pressed a kiss to her temple. “You did awesome as usual.”
“So did you,” Riley lifted her head and rose, pulling Leo with her. “Liv and Boone should be here for dinner soon, and you have a call with Hakim.”
“No Wyatt yet?”
“Still in Paris with my mom for another few days,” Riley scrunched her nose. “I know that’s her home and all, but I wish she’d move back.”
Christine had recently returned to Paris, having lived with her daughter and son-in-law for nearly four years. She needed her own space again, and while Riley and Leo understood, the palace wasn’t the same without her.
“I miss her too,” Leo led Riley to the side entrance. “She’s the only one who could beat me at poker.”
“She said she’s going to visit in a few months,” Riley fell into step with Leo as they walked down the hallway, fingers entwined.
Leo spun Riley, backing her into the wall beside his office. “I love you so much.”
Riley sank into Leo as his lips met hers in a heated kiss. “I love you, too.”
Leo unlocked the door and pulled Riley inside, slamming it behind them.
———
Drake pulled the knob, ensuring the door was locked before taking the stairs two at a time. “That definitely wasn’t as bad as the property manager made it sound.”
“I knew he was overreacting,” Olivia studied the exterior of the large home. “You should have fired him sooner. The roof may need some work soon.”
“I noticed,” Drake swung open the door of his old pickup, and Olivia climbed into the passenger seat. “I’ll fix the step in the morning. I came all the way out here, might as well.”
Olivia huffed. “I can’t imagine Alyssa was thrilled about you making such a long trip for a broken step.”
“She didn’t mind,” Drake insisted. “I have to hire a new property manager anyway; best to do everything in person.”
Olivia harrumphed in agreement.
Drake slowed as he approached a curve, the memory of driving to Lythikos with Leo during the season flitting through his head. It was strange what being here brought up. In the years he and Alyssa made a home and started a family here, Drake had the occasional memory, generally a happy one.
“Drake?” Olivia’s sharp voice brought Drake back to the present. “What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, Liv,” Drake exhaled sharply. “I had a weird deja vu memory thing about the season. It threw me off for a second.”
“No use dwelling,” Olivia replied. “We got through it. We eat hot dogs near the ocean every year on the anniversary.”
“I know,” Drake slowed to a stop at the palace gates. “Enough about that. Do Leo and Riley know I’m here?”
“Of course not,” Olivia smirked. “What’s the fun in that?”
———
Boone shoved his hands in his pockets, eyeing the portraits on the massive gallery wall. While Constantine and Aiden’s had been removed, the portraits of Leo and Riley gave him the creeps. They were well done, but Boone couldn’t help but feel their eyes following him.
“You’re here before Olivia?” His older sister’s incredulous voice echoed down the hallway as she approached.
“She’s on her way,” Boone took one last look at the paintings and whirled to face Riley. “She had an errand. Where’s Leo? Enzo?”
“In a meeting and having dinner with Max and company,” Riley rubbed her hands together. “No one to protect you now, Boonie. Time for me to get my revenge for the time you put my Barbie in the garbage disposal.”
Boone rolled his eyes. He and Riley had a good relationship; they fought like all siblings at times. But Riley got in moods where all she did was try to prank him or challenge him to some kind of duel. Leo and Olivia usually stepped in and kept the peace.
“I was 8,” Boone sighed. “Give it a-”
Before he could finish, Riley jumped on his back, twisting when he tried to pull her off. “Nope!”
———
Drake slammed the car door. “Place looks the same.”
Olivia shook her head as she strode toward the entrance. “Of course it does. It hasn’t been that long.”
As they walked into the large foyer, Leo was taking the stairs two at a time. “Hey, Liv, who’s-”
As Leo realized it was Drake, he nearly tripped. He got his bearings and jumped off the last few steps, crushing Drake in a hug. “When did you get here?”
“Few hours ago,” Drake returned the embrace, clapping Leo on the back. “I have a stair to fix and a property owner to hire. I’m back out the day after tomorrow.”
“Where’s Lyssa?” Leo glanced behind Olivia.
“She’s in Thailand getting settled,” Drake smiled a little sadly. “She’d have loved to be here.”
“Thailand?” Leo’s eyebrows shot up.
“No snow there,” Olivia shrugged. “A few remote areas need teachers. Seemed right up Alyssa’s alley.”
“Of course you knew,” Drake held his palms up in surrender. “We didn’t want to say anything until everything was finalized.”
“We’ll have to come out and see you all,” Leo playfully punched Drake’s arm. “Riley will be all over that.”
“I’m starving,” Olivia announced. “Can we do the gooey catchup over food?”
Leo chuckled and draped an arm around Olivia’s shoulders as they walked down the hall. “You can just say you miss Boone. I’m sure Riley is keeping-“
“Dammit!” The loud cry drowned out Leo’s words. “Riley!”
“Is that Boone?” Drake whispered. “What’s going on?”
“Oh,” Olivia sighed. “Riley’s making him pay for something, I assume. Again.”
Drake's eyes widened as Riley came into view. She had her younger brother in a headlock. As she heard footsteps, she quickly released him, smoothing her blouse. “Oh, you two are early.”
Riley let out a screech as she noticed Drake between Leo and Olivia. “Drake!” Riley ran to him, throwing her arms around his torso. “What are you doing here? How long are you staying? Where’s Alyssa?”
Drake began to fill Riley in, and Olivia patted Boone’s head. “How’d she get the drop on you?”
Boone stretched his neck from one side to the other. “Surprise, as usual.”
“That’s my wife,” Leo grinned. “Maybe you should train more, Boone.”
“Maybe Riley should go back to therapy and discover why she’s still torturing her brother, Leo.” Boone dropped a kiss on Olivia’s forehead.
“I already know,” Riley piped up. “Lost time. I never got closure.”
“People ask how we didn’t speak for a few years,” Boone couldn’t hide his smile. “I just don’t know what to tell them.”
Riley scratched her nose, pointing her middle finger in Boone’s direction. Boone smoothed his hair back, aiming the same finger back at Riley.
“Drake,” Lisette called down the hallway as she came into view. “We’re having short ribs for dinner; it’s as if I knew you’d be here.”
“My favorite,” Drake grinned and wrapped Lysette in a quick hug. “I thought you moved to the non-profit full-time?”
“I did,” Lisette smiled and grabbed Riley’s hand. “I pop by whenever, make my replacement nervous.”
“Brin loves you,” Riley squeezed Lisette’s hand, dropping her voice to a whisper. “But you’re still better.”
Leo chuckled and slipped an arm around Riley’s waist. “Full house tonight, I love it.”
———
Riley glanced around the long cedar plank table. They’d burned the mahogany monstrosity that previously occupied the dining room, opting for a smaller setting. It felt like home, finally. Riley felt safe and cozy here, with all her family and friends.
Leo winked at her from across the table, and she returned the gesture.
The only thing that troubled the queen was one day telling Enzo about his father’s half-brother. He was young still, but needed to be told before he found out on his own.
“Riley?” Drake’s voice quieted her thoughts. “You okay?”
“I’m great,” Riley grinned.
———
Leo stoked the fire, settling into an iron chair beside his wife. “I miss this, all of us around the fire.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Nostalgia is a sickness, Leo.”
“So is pretending to be a hard ass,” Leo challenged with a grin.
Riley stared at the hedge maze, lit by the full moon. They'd used to play tag with Enzo when he was smaller, but she couldn’t remember the last time she’d wandered around the paths.
Drake followed Riley’s gaze. She seemed different than the last time he’d seen her almost a year ago. She was her same soft yet confident self, but she seemed stronger.
“Where did Boone disappear to?” Drake glanced around. “I thought he came out when we did.”
“Nope,” Riley shook her head, her face clearing. “He drove Lisette home and is getting Enzo from Maxwell’s. It’s hard to believe he has three children now.”
“It is,” Drake agreed. They’d attended Maxwell and Hana’s wedding, and the two hadn’t wasted any time starting a family. Their oldest son, Sebastian, was a little less than a year younger than Enzo, and the two were good friends.
Riley rose, balling the blanket in her lap and tossing it in her chair. “I’m going to take a walk.”
“Want company?” Leo got to his feet and enclosed her in his arms.
“Maybe in a few minutes,” Riley wrapped her arms around her husband. “I need to walk around a bit by myself. You know.”
“I do,” Leo nodded and brushed his lips against her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you,” Riley smiled into the kiss Leo pressed to her lips.
Riley waved at Drake and Olivia as she made her way to the maze, disappearing behind a tall hedge.
“Is she all right?” Olivia asked quietly, concern lacing her words.
“She’s more than all right,” Leo grinned. “She really turned a corner today.”
“The interview?” Olivia gently touched Leo’s arm before withdrawing her hand. “I saw. Good for her.”
Leo nodded, taking a long sip of his scotch.
———
Riley meandered down the stone path, stepping off into the grass.
Riley breathed in deeply as she walked deeper into the maze, the scent of roses filling her nostrils. Little by little, this had become one of her favorite places at the palace. Leo and Enzo replaced her old memories with happier ones. If she needed to think or be on her own for a minute, she came here.
Riley lowered to the ground, stretching her legs and leaning back on her forearms to stare at the sky. The stars shone brightly, and she couldn’t help but smile.
A twig snapped, and Riley froze. She listened for footsteps or any indication another person was around. The sound had been from far away; she’d barely heard it.
Riley reminded herself she was safe. The palace was well protected. Guards were everywhere. But as she sat in the silence, she couldn’t help but feel as though she was being watched.
Riley got to her feet and began walking in the direction of the entrance. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart.
A familiar scent, not the roses or the salt from the sea, set off more alarm bells in her head. Spicy, with notes of vanilla, tobacco, and ginger.
“No,” Riley whispered. She willed her legs to go faster, for the smell to dissipate, but the cologne lingered.
Another twig snapped, this one much closer. “Come on,” Riley scolded herself, but not slowing her gait. “Stop making something out of nothing. Okay, brain?”
As Riley rounded the corner, the entrance in sight, a shadow fell across her path. She froze, the person’s stance so familiar.
“I’m so sorry; I didn’t mean to frighten you,” the man’s perfect grin shone in the moonlight. “I’m surprised that the secret passage hasn't been patched.”
Riley’s head slowly tilted up, her wide, shocked eyes meeting the man’s. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
He had a short beard; his hair curled around his ears. He was tan, and a little grimy. Riley blinked rapidly, but he didn’t disappear.
“I’m sorry,” the man repeated, shifting the khaki rucksack slung over one shoulder. “Where are my manners? We haven’t met before, have we? I’ve been gone several years, not my choice if I’m being honest, but I’m sure I’d remember you.”
Riley felt strangely calm. She wasn’t sure if it was shock or the rare thought that whispered through her head that he wasn’t really gone had prepared her for precisely this moment. “How … how did you get here?”
“Boat, train, then plane. I’m Aiden,” Aiden said slowly. “Prince Aiden.”
Riley’s knees began to buckle. She felt the edges of the small panic button she always carried in her pocket, grateful Leo had insisted on them when they wired the palace for alarms. She managed to press it; her vision began to darken as she tried to force herself to remain upright. The last thing she saw was Aiden’s confused expression, his piercing blue eyes reflecting the bright moonlight.
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