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It had been a silent trip from Lythikos back to the palace. Maxwell didn’t attempt to speak to me at all, somehow sensing my need for space. As soon as the limo is parked I scramble to escape.
“Callum, hold up!” Maxwell calls as I snatch up my luggage, not waiting for a servant to take it to my room.
“What?” I shift from foot to foot, eager to go to my room.
I’ve got shit to do.
“Don’t forget that tomorrow we have to attend the Regatta. Bertrand wanted to be sure that you put together an appropriate outfit for it, so I scheduled you an appointment at the boutique.”
“Ok. I’ll be there,” I respond.
Like the gigantic fibber that I am.
Maxwell smiles in relief. “Good. Go get some rest. I know it’s been a long few days.”
I nod and stride quickly into the palace, hurrying away before any of my other friends can stop me.
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Drake worriedly watches Callum bolt into the palace. Something’s wrong, he can feel it in his gut. He waves down Liam, Hana, and Maxwell, gathering them into a tight circle away from the servants and other suitors.
“Have any of you talked to Callum today?” he asks softly.
Hana shakes her head. “I haven’t seen him since -” She breaks off and looks at Liam, anxiously biting her lip. “Not since the dancing last night.”
“What about you, Beaumont? You guys rode back to the palace together.”
Maxwell’s eyes dart to Liam, then down to his shoes. “He wouldn’t talk to me.”
“What?” Liam asks in shock.
“You were in a car together for hours and you didn’t talk once?” Drake asks.
“Nope.” Maxwell purses his lips. “He still seemed uh, upset about last night. I figured I should give him some space.”
Drake catches Liam scowling and frowns. “Wait, what happened last night? What did I miss?”
Hana’s mouth forms a perfectly round “O”. “You didn’t stay for the dancing?”
“No, I went out to get a real drink and get away from everyone. Now will somebody tell me what happened?”
Hana and Maxwell remain silent, looking anywhere but at Drake. He turns to his best friend. “Liam, what’s going on?”
Liam fidgets under Drake’s penetrating stare. “There was an incident with Lady Olivia.”
Drake scowls. “What did she say to Callum this time?”
“Olivia didn’t say anything,” Hana murmurs.
Liam stays quiet.
“Olivia kissed Liam in front of everyone!” Maxwell finally bursts out. “Sorry, Liam.” He gives the prince an apologetic look.
“But you stopped her immediately right?” Drake asks.
Liam doesn’t say anything.
“Right, Liam?” Drake prompts impatiently.
Liam hesitates. “I didn’t want to cause a scene.”
Drake blinks. “You didn’t want to cause a scene,” he says slowly.
Liam nods.
“What the actual fuck, Liam?” Drake explodes. “After everything you’ve told me about Callum, after you say you’re falling for him, you just let him watch you kiss someone else?”
Hana and Maxwell begin to slowly back away.
Liam glares at his best friend. “You know things are different for me. I can’t cater the whole social season around Callum. I have to give everyone an equal chance, and in the end I have to choose who will be the best fit for Cordonia.”
Drake closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. “I really hope you didn’t tell him that.”
The prince says nothing.
“Holy shit, you did! Jesus Christ, Liam! What is wrong with you?”
Liam sets his jaw stubbornly. “I told him the truth.”
Drake shakes his head in disgust. “When are you going to stop letting your father dictate your life?”
“I am not -”
“You’re going to lose the best thing that will ever happen to you just because he doesn’t fit into the life you father wants you to live! Do you have any idea how many people who kill to be loved by someone like Callum?”
Before Liam can respond Drake storms away, moving towards the palace.
“Where are you going?” Hana worriedly calls after him.
“To make sure Callum is ok.” He turns back to scowl at Liam. “Since someone else doesn’t care enough to do it.”
Ten minutes later Drake pounds on the door to Callum’s room. Callum opens the door a crack, furtively looking out.
“Hey, Drake. What’s going on?” he asks, glancing left and right down the hallway.
“Just wanted to check on you. You were pretty quiet today. And Maxwell told me what happened last night.”
A muscle in Callum’s jaw twitches, but other than that his faces remains perfectly still. “Well, as you can see I’m fine so…”
Drake’s hand shoots out and stops the door as Callum attempts to shut it in his face. “Are you sure you’re ok?”
“I will be.” Callum leans against the door and sighs before flashing a Drake a tremulous smile. “Thanks for checking on me.”
“I know what it feels like to be the odd one out here,” Drake rubs the back of his neck bashfully. “I just want to save you from that feeling as much as I can.”
Callum suddenly darts forwards and wraps him into a tight hug. “You’re good people, Brat. A grouchy little fucker, but good people.”
Drake holds Callum close, uncertainty thrumming in his chest. “Why does this feel like a goodbye?”
“Nah.” Callum eventually pulls away and ruffles his hair with a smile. “Just appreciating you.”
“Oh. Well then.”
Callum looks back into his room. “I don’t want to rush you off, but I’ve got a lot of stuff to get ready before I leave again.”
“Oh yeah, sure. See you tomorrow?”
Callum doesn’t reply, just waves and gives Drake a small, sad smile before shutting the door.
Frowning, Drake goes off in search of Liam, eventually finding him strolling in the gardens with Madeline.
“Liam, we need to talk.” Drake doesn’t bother with formality, ignoring Madeline completely.
“Can it wait?” Liam’s eyes bore into his best friend, urging him to go elsewhere but Drake stubbornly stays put.
“No, no it can’t.”
“Is it urgent? Is someone hurt?” Liam looks alarmed.
Drake scrubs his hands through his hair and huffs. “Maybe? I don’t know… I think so? I just know something’s wrong.”
Madeline glides forward and rest her hand on Liam’s arm, smiling thinly. “It sounds like it can’t be all that serious then. Shall we continue our walk, Your Highness?”
Liam sends Drake an apologetic look and starts to turn away.
“Something’s wrong with Callum!” Drake blurts out. “I think he’s thinking about-”
Liam freezes in place as Madeline scowls. “Surely you’re not suggesting that Prince Liam ignore one of his suitors just because Callum is having a little temper tantrum?” she interrupts.
“It’s not a tantrum.” Drake returns her glare. “Something up. He needs you, Liam.”
Liam wavers, his body swaying towards Drake.
Madeline holds firmly onto his arm. “Prince Liam, do I really need to remind you how it would look for you to favor one suitor over the others? There are already so many rumor flying around about you and Callum…” she murmurs.
Drake realizes the minute Liam makes up his mind. His spine straightens and his face goes cold. “Liam, don’t,” Drake pleads.
“If Callum wants to speak to me then he can see me this evening at dinner with the other suitors, or he can wait and find me at any time today that I’m available. He can’t keep receiving special treatment just because he isn’t from Cordonia. That ends today.” Liam turns away and guides Madeline deeper into the gardens.
Madeline spares one last look at the fuming Drake, a smug smirk on her lips.
“Goddamn you, Liam,” Drake mutters.
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Bastien warily watches the heated exchange between Drake and Liam, occasionally catching a stray word. Callum’s name is mentioned repeatedly. The bodyguard has been worried for the American suitor since last night, when he had discovered him alone on the balcony, despondent and uncharacteristically serious.
He hurries to his quarters, eager to shower and rest for a few hours before resuming his duties. He unlocks his door and stops short when he sees a figure seated on his bed, leafing through a manila folder. His eyes fly to his desk where he had hidden the Callum’s background report in a drawer with a false bottom. The drawer has been yanked open and is hanging askew, papers and pens scattered below it.
“How long have you been hiding the MacKenzie boy’s background report from me?” Constantine asks conversationally.
Bastien grits his teeth, refusing to answer.
“I’m not sure what exactly has you so fascinated with this boy, but he has some kind of hold on both you and my son.” Constantine closes the folder, tapping it on his thigh before standing up. “You’re too valuable, and you know too much for me to release you from my service just yet, Bastien. But this will be the last time you defy me. Do I make myself clear?”
The bodyguard merely stares ahead in stoic silence.
“You’ll learn,” the king says cheerily. “Your kind always does.” He moves to the door, exiting into the hallway, but stops at the last minute and turns to face Bastien again. “This information will be leaked in the next 24 hours, and when it does Callum MacKenzie will never lay eyes on my son again. I’ll make sure Callum knows who provided the information that contributed to his exile from Cordonia.” With a final serpentine smirk Constantine closes the door behind him.\
Bastien collapses onto the floor, holding his head in his hands. “Oh God, Callum…”
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I spend the afternoon ensconced in my room, scribbling notes and organizing my belongings. I take a single break, stealing out of the castle for an unobtrusive visit to the stables in search of the calico cat I had befriended the night of the Masquerade Ball.
Eventually the sun sets, and servants come to our rooms to round up the suitors for dinner. I beg off, claiming I’ve come down with the flu. I wait until I’m sure all the others have left and peek my head out of my room to check for any stray members of the Royal Guard who may be milling about. Convinced the coast is clear, I heft my duffle bag over my shoulder and cradle a smaller bag to my chest. I sneak to the lower floor, dodging servants and guards until I’m safely in the gardens. I break into a jog, moving towards the end of the drive that leads up to the palace grounds, and hopping the locked gate that lead to the main road.
I break into a smile when I find a dark car and a familiar man waiting for me.
“Hey kid.” He grins and holds his arms open. I dive into the hug, clinging to him and inhaling the familiar scent of cigarette smoke and sandalwood cologne. For the first time since I’ve left New York I feel completely at ease.
He claps my shoulder and looks up to study my expression. “You ready to go home?”
I nod wordlessly and slip into the passenger seat of the car after tossing my duffel bag into the backseat, keeping the smaller bundle in my lap.
“Let’s get to the airport then. Your granddad let me take the plane.”
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Drake ducks out of the evening meal after the second course, anxiety over Callum and displeasure with Liam ruining his appetite. He debates leaving the palace grounds in search of a drink and some fun, but ultimately returns to his room alone. Drake frowns when he opens the door and notices a folded piece of palace stationary has been slipped under his door.
Hey Brat –
Surprise! I couldn’t hack it in Cordonia. Looks like I should’ve listened to you that first day on the plane, huh? No worries, it was good while it lasted. I meant what I said Drake. You’re a good person. Don’t let these assholes get to you. If you ever find yourself back in New York look me up and we’ll get a drink.
Callum
“Shit!” Drake crumples the note in his fist and sprints out of his room.
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Following Drake’s cue Maxwell ducks out of dinner early too. When Callum doesn’t answer his knocks he returns to his room to update Bertrand on the past few days. A creamy white piece of paper stands out against the plush deep burgundy carpet.
Hi Beaumont –
By the time you’ve started reading this I’ll already be on my way to the airport. I’m sorry to do this to you and Bertrand, but I can’t stay here. Thanks for giving me a chance and helping me get to know Liam. It means more than I can say. If Bertrand freaks out on you, I’ve got a pull out couch with your name on it.
Callum
“No, no, no, no, no!” Maxwell shouts, his face pale as he runs out of his room.
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Hana dashes up to Maxwell and Drake who are standing outside of Callum’s locked bedroom door.
“Did you get one too?” Drake holds up his note.
Hana nods wordlessly, passing a piece of paper over to him.
To my gorgeous Cinnamon Bun –
I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you this in person… it’s time for me to go home. I’ve wondered about it for a while, but last night confirmed it. This isn’t where I belong, as much as I might want it to be. You’re one of my favorite things about Cordonia, and I’d do this all again if it meant I got to you call to my friend. Thanks for being so kind to the clueless American kid; I couldn’t have done it without you. You’re an amazing woman, Hana Lee. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different. I hope you find your princess someday, and that she’s just as amazing as you are.
Love,
Callum
“What are we gonna do?” Maxwell frets after reading the note.
“We have to tell Liam. Surely Callum hasn’t been gone long enough for his plane to actually take off, right?” Hana asked worriedly.
Drake nods. “You’re probably right. Liam can ground the planes if he has to. Let’s go.”
The three hurry towards the sitting room, only to find the doors shut and Bastien standing guard next to them.
“We need to talk to Liam!” Maxwell gasps out.
Bastien meets Drake’s eyes before quickly looking away. “Prince Liam is currently having after dinner drinks with the queen and Lady Madeline. Queen Regina has requested that they not be disturbed.”
“This is important!” Hana insists. “We can’t find Callum and he left us these notes!” She shoves them into Bastien’s hands, not knowing that he’d found his own note just a half hour earlier.
Bastien –
I wish I could’ve told you this in person… I’m going back to New York. I’m not sure if we’ll ever cross paths after this so… here’s to what might have been. Thanks for everything.
Callum
Bastien swallows hard and fights to keep his expression neutral. “If Mr. MacKenzie has chosen to withdraw from the social season there is nothing I can do about it.”
“Bastien,” Drake growls, fists clenching at his sides. “Open the damn door.”
“Walk away.”
Drake takes a step forward, pressing into the older man’s personal space.
“Drake, I can’t do anything for Callum now. Walk. Away.” Bastien glances up, his tortured expression momentarily betraying his feelings.
Hana latches on to Drake’s arm and tugs him back. “Come on. Maybe we can figure something out. Let’s try to call Callum and the airport to see exactly where he’s at.”
Maxwell and Drake obediently follow Hana away from the sitting room, each pausing once to cast a baleful glare back at Bastien before he’s out of sight.
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Darlin’ –
This isn’t how I wanted to tell you, but maybe it’s for the best. I’m officially withdrawing from the social season and going back to New York. I respect that you have responsibilities, and you need to honor them. But I can’t keep doing this. I tried my best, but I’m a one person guy at heart and well… I’m pretty sure you’re my person. Competing for you is tearing me up, so I need to leave before I get any deeper and we both wind up getting hurt. I hope your life is everything you want it to be.
I love you, Liam Rhys. I love YOU… the man, not the prince.
Troublemaker
Constantine snorts and crushes the note in his fist. It’s just the sort of sentimental drivel that he expects from the American. He’s just grateful he reached his son’s room before it could be discovered.
“Father?” Liam’s voice catches his attention and he turn to see his son staring at him in confusion. “What’s going on? Why are you in my room?”
The king schools his features into an appropriately mournful expression. “I wanted to be the one to tell you this, Liam. I didn’t want you to find out another way.”
“Find out what, Father? What’s going on?” Liam demands, his voice rising.
“Callum MacKenzie has left Cordonia.”
Liam shakes his head. “No. I don’t believe you. He wouldn’t.”
“He officially withdrew from the social season and has no further interest in pursuing your hand in marriage.” Constantine struggles to keep the glee from his voice.
“No,” Liam whispers, collapsing on the loveseat in shock. “Callum wouldn’t just leave me without saying anything.”
“Maybe he didn’t care for you the way we thought,” his father says gently. “Maybe he has interests elsewhere…”
Liam shoots a questioning look at his father who merely takes a seat next to him and passes Liam his phone. A security feed from earlier in the evening has been cued up, ready for him to watch. He silently watches the video showing Callum sneaking from the palace, bag over his shoulder, and making his way down the drive before climbing over the security gate and dropping onto the road on the other side. Liam tightly clenches his fists, his breathing growing more labored every second he watches Callum run further away from him. His breathing stills as he watches Callum leap into the arms of a waiting blonde haired man, clinging to him in a tight hug.
“Who is that?” Liam finally whispers.
Constantine shakes his head in faux sympathy. “I don’t know. Clearly someone he had a close relationship with before coming here.”
“Oh.” Liam deflates, hurt and shock flitting across his features. “I thought… I thought he…”
“It’s for the best, son. The MacKenzie boy would never have been the right fit for Cordonia.” Constantine squeezes Liam’s shoulder once, before standing and leaving his heartbroken son all alone.
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15 hours after leaving the palace I’m on private plane crossing the Atlantic.
“You doin’ ok, kid?” asks Donny, my father’s longtime boyfriend and second in command.
I shrug and turn my gaze back to the clouds. “You know me… I always bounce back.”
Donny sighs and squeezes my hand in sympathy.
“Thanks for coming to get me. I don’t think I could’ve faced Pops right now,” I whisper.
He sighs again. “You know he wouldn’t have lectured you about this. He just worries about you.”
“I know. It just feels like Brody all over again, and you know how well he handled that.” I manage a small grin.
Pops had been nearly apoplectic when I called to tell him Brody moved out.
“He was ready to take a baseball bat to that boy.” Donny smirks as he remembers. “You should’ve let him… that ungrateful little shit didn’t deserve anything you did for him.”
“Apparently I have a very specific taste in men.” I grimace.
“Oh, kid.” Donny wraps his arm around my shoulders and gives me a quick hug. “You love hard, there’s nothing wrong with that. There’s someone out there for you, I just know it.”
My lips quirk up in a sad smile and I turn away before he can see me cry. Sushi jumps into my lap, butting her head against my chin and purring.
Donny huffs out a low laugh. “I still can’t believe you brought that thing with us.”
I allow myself a small smile as I pet the calico cat I’d liberated from the Cordonia Royal stables.
I deserve something nice after my time in that country.
“Shit! Motherfucking goddamn cock sucking bastards!”
Donny’s usual eloquence catches me by surprise and I turn to face him. “What’s going on?”
Silently fuming he passes me his iPhone, on which he had been watching the news. My heart falls into my stomach as I read the scrolling text below the televised press conference.
Cordonia Royal Press Secretary. Shit.
Donny and I watch quietly as he begins to speak.
“Earlier this evening the Royal Guard discovered some very unsettling information concerning one of Prince Liam’s potential suitors. Callum MacKenzie, the only American participating in the social season, is a convicted criminal, having served over two years in prison on charges of manslaughter. It was also discovered that Mr. MacKenzie is the grandson of infamous New York criminal boss Ioan MacKenzie.”
Grandda’s gonna be thrilled he’s makin’ the news again.
“As soon as this information was uncovered, steps were taken to have Mr. MacKenzie safely removed from the palace. He is no longer participating in the social season, and Prince Liam has cut all ties with him. The royal family asks that you please respect their privacy in this trying time as they attempt to recover from this grievous abuse of their trust.”
Wow. Just wow.
I don’t know why I’m surprised that they’re spinning the situation like this... I guess I foolishly thought that I meant more to Liam than I actually did.
“They’re makin’ you out to sound like some kind of criminal!” Donny explodes.
I bark out a mirthless laugh and squeeze Sushi a little tighter. “I am a criminal, Donny.”
“Christ, your Pops is gonna have a stroke,” Donny mutters, tossing his phone into an empty seat.
I don’t respond, I merely lean my head against the window and listlessly stare out at the clouds, wishing I’d never met Liam Rhys.