A Bitter Twist

Chapter 5

-Drake

It's not even light out yet and we've been called to Liam and Avery's bedroom. I don't know why. But I’m annoyed to be up this early. Liam clears his throat. "So we've got an issue."

Avery looks at Liam and says. "Someone took pictures of us at Applewood during the social season. If you haven't guessed, we weren't exactly braiding each other's hair." She makes a crude gesture with her hands.

Michael makes a disgusted face. "Ew."

Maxwell laughs. "I knew it. I mean not about the pictures.."

I roll my eyes. "So who cares."

Avery sighs. "Viktor sent them to me. If he could get these, it makes me wonder who else could get them.. And..well the idea of having sex pictures of me out there is bad enough, but Liam too? It could be a problem for his public image. A scandal like this could have a negative impact on how the people view him. How other world leaders view him. It could impact the entire trajectory of his reign. This is a serious problem. " Gisele and Michael stiffen at the mention of Viktor. Who the hell is this Viktor? Why do all three of them seem scared of him?

I straighten. "Okay so how many pictures were there?"

Liam pinches the bridge of his nose. "Hundreds. It looks like they were from every night we were at Applewood."

Avery hands Gisele and Michael a few pictures. "These are some of the cleaner ones." Then passes a few out to the rest of us.

Gisele sighs. "This looks like it might be from outside the manor. The watermark on this paper makes me think whoever took these developed them themselves." She points to something in the picture. Michael nods. I wonder how they can tell that just from looking.

Avery nods. "I saw that too. Also, I'm thinking they sent these to Viktor knowing full well who I am to him."

Hana picks up a photo. "Oh, my. What were you doing in this one?" Against my better judgment I look over her shoulder and see..well it looks like Liam is sitting on Avery’s face. But all you can see is her hair and her legs threaded through the crooks of his elbows and her feet rest on his shoulder. Well, I’ll give her this, she’s adventurous apparently.

Liam snatches it from her and his face is red. Avery looks at the offending picture then shoots Liam an apologetic glance. "Sorry I thought I got all the salacious pictures out. It must have been stuck to the back of another one."

Maxwell snatches the picture. “Hana and I need this.. For educational purposes..” Hana smirks.

Liam glares at them. Gisele sighs and waves her hand at them. "Did Viktor tell you how he got these?"

Avery shakes her head. "No, he just said he investigated things on his end and doesn't think it's an enemy of his. And I'm not interested in asking for his help. I’m not comfortable with the kinds of strings that come with his help."

Gisele nods. "I'm not either, darling, but we may not have a choice."

Michael nods. "Well let's just look for clues and maybe kick over some stones to see what we can uncover before asking him for anything."

I clench my jaw. "I don't like this. How could they get past security every night for three weeks?"

Liam looks furious. "Whoever took these must’ve had inside help. Security, staff, it could be anyone."

Avery nods. "So I'd like you to look for clues and not be obvious about it. Liam and I talked and we decided that we’d like Michael and Drake to be the point people on this."

Liam nods. "Discretion is key. Josie and I should steer clear to avoid bringing the scrutiny of any staff that could be involved."

Avery nods. Michael raises his hand."Why this guy? He doesn't have any investigating experience. And he doesn’t have any criminal insight." He points at me while he asks his question.

Avery licks her lips. "We each picked the person we trust the most to look out for us."

Michael nods. "Is she going to be in the same room as before? We will need access to that room to determine where these photos were taken from."

Liam shakes his head. "No, but you’ll still have access because I put you in that room. Josie is with me in a different room. I only had her put in that room originally because it doesn't have a bathtub."

Gisele smiles. "That was thoughtful. Did anyone have a problem with her being put in that specific room?"

Liam chews his lip. "One of the guards. They said it wasn't an appropriate room for her. Too close to my father's room "

My brows furrow. "It wasn't even in the same wing though." And my room was right next to hers. Avery’s room was on the third floor and discreetly getting pictures of the inside of her room would be really difficult.

Gisele perks. “Which guard was it?”

Liam thinks for a long moment. “I believe his name is Calvin.” He’s not too high up in the guard and he’s one infraction away from being fired.

Michael nods and cracks his knuckles. “I’ll crack him like a pinata. He’ll spill everything to me.”

I nod. “He hates women in power.”

Michael smirks. “I can work with that. Jo’s the biggest pain in the ass I’ve ever met. I’ll complain about her.”

Avery straightens. “Hey!”

Gisele rolls her eyes. “Be nice to your sister. She’s had her privacy violated.” She snatches the photo away from Maxwell and Hana. “We need to dispose of these or put them somewhere safe..”

Liam nods. “I’ll take care of it. You can keep the cleaner ones to use for the investigation.”

Michael nods. “What’s our first move here?”

Avery nods. “We’re going to Applewood today and we’ll be doing the barn raising event tomorrow. Oh and you should know that my door didn’t have a lock on it…”

Michael smirks. “You used your door stop trick?” Avery nods.

I purse my lips. “Anything weird happen?”

Avery opens her mouth. “Huh. Yeah. Someone tried to barge in my room on the last night there. Freaked me out. I hid in the bathroom and called Maxwell.”

Everyone looks at Maxwell. “It was Tariq. He must’ve been tipsy; he thought it was his room. I set him straight. And texted Josie after that it was just a misunderstanding.”

My brows furrow. “What would have happened if you hadn’t blocked the door from opening?”

Avery looks thoughtful. “Well I was changing..”

“So they would’ve gotten pictures of you in your underwear with Tariq in the room?” I say.

Liam stiffens. “That could be easily misconstrued as a scandal. Olivia also left under duress the night of the Coronation.”

Avery purses her lips. “I’ll say. Someone was blackmailing her.”

Hana looks surprised. “Sounds like they were targeting Josie to eliminate her as an option, much like they did with Olivia and when that failed they didn’t have any way to stop you from picking her..”

Michael purses his lips. “Who’d benefit from those two being out.”

Avery makes a fist. “Madeleine. She was one of the other front runners.”

I sigh. “We shouldn’t discount the other ladies as possible suspects just because Madeleine is seemingly the obvious culprit.”

Avery nods. “There’s also the possibility that it could’ve been someone engineering their preferred outcome.”

Liam nods his head. “I don’t believe she would go about it like this. She made me an offer to keep you as a mistress if I’d choose her.”

Avery’s face scrunches up and she punches Liam lightly. “Why didn’t you say anything..oh before I let her be part of my entourage.”

Liam holds his hands up defensively. “Well, I put it out of my mind right away. All things considered I wouldn’t want to pick her.”

Avery pouts. “You’ll pay for that later. You’re just lucky we have a bigger issue to deal with.”

Michael shrugs. “Who cares. We need to stay focused. You two keep your petty foreplay private please.”

I roll my eyes. “We should probably talk to Olivia sometime..”

Avery shrugs. “She’ll be joining the tour after we leave Applewood. She didn’t want to get sweaty and she thinks building a barn is stupid.” Liam looks at her. “I paraphrased. I called her up and invited her to join a few weeks ago. I told her it might give her a chance to figure out who was blackmailing her. And she just let me know yesterday morning her intent to join us.”

“I think we should start with the manor staff.” Michael says and then he points to me. “We should flirt with the maids..”

I cough. “That’s a little..well they’d never believe I was interested..” My gaze darts to Liam. Our relationship was probably one of the worst kept secrets.

“Max?”

Maxwell perks up. “I could do that. I should try not to get caught by Bertrand..he wouldn’t be happy if he thought I was chasing a maid’s skirt.”

I roll my eyes. “Why?” It’s probably because they’re commoners.

Maxwell shrugs. “It’s a long sexual harassment power dynamic lecture sort of thing..” Okay that’s actually a decent reason.

Avery sighs. “And we should keep Bertrand out of the loop, for now. Because of his engagement to Madeleine..”

Liam looks at her and nods. “I agree.”

Gisele nods. “Maxwell and Michael will tackle the maids and Drake and I will deal with the guard.”

I glare at her. “I can handle the guard by myself.”

Gisele laughs. “Adorable. No, sweetie you’ve never ran a con in your life, you’ll need me to talk you through it. You’re as transparent as glass.”

I purse my lips. “Yeah, well don’t get any ideas..”

Avery laughs and covers it up with a cough. Gisele looks at me condescendingly. “Your pockets are a little light for my lifestyle. And you’re much younger than I would like. I prefer them closer to death’s door, sweetie.”

Liam nods. “I think that concludes this meeting.”

Thank god. We file out and head our separate directions. I head to my room and pack my bags and get back into bed and nap until we leave for the Applewood estate. I wake up and meet up with everyone downstairs. We’re all getting into cars and I’m about to get in the car with Liam and Avery when Gisele says. “Mr. Walker will be riding with us. Michael needs someone to talk about sports and other masculine things. I’m afraid I have no interest in such things.”

I sigh and get in the car with them. Once the motorcade starts moving I look at her. “Well?” There’s something about Gisele that makes me very uncomfortable. Michael is a big blonde affable guy. You can clearly tell how much Gisele has influenced Avery and how little she has influenced Michael.

She looks at her nails. “I have to say, it’s quite admirable that you look after my daughter even though she’s the very person supplanting you in King Liam’s affections.”

I press my lips together. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Let’s not play games. You’re not equipped to win.” She says.

I stiffen. “Liam asked me to look after her.”

She nods. “He probably did. But you’ve become attached to her as well. Correct?”

I run my tongue over my teeth. “We’re just friends.”

“I’m aware. If it makes you feel better, she does care deeply for him. She’s far more concerned with his reputation than her own. She’s not usually so selfless. I know that girl forward and backwards. And what’s happening here is quite out of character for my lone wolf, I don’t need anyone, daughter. Josie doesn’t trust people to stick around for the long haul.. And that is my fault. I abandoned her repeatedly. And I regret that. I can only say that I did it to keep her away from my father’s influence.. Viktor Mikhailov was not a man I wanted influencing her when she was a small child. And I certainly didn’t want her to become a target because of my relation to him.” She explains.

I stiffen. “Mikhailov? The Russian Mafia boss?”

Gisele nods. “Josie was emotionally vulnerable when she came here. She lived and breathed dancing. She is a little lost without that outlet. But not just that, Evelyn Church was released from prison..and I’d guess you know what that woman did to my daughter.” I wonder if Liam knows this.. “He knows. It’s surprising how well he understands Josie.”

I purse my lips. “She must get that mind reading thing from you.”

Gisele smirks. “She certainly didn’t learn that from this blockhead over here.”

Michael glares at her. “Hey!”

I smirk. Gisele sighs. “I tried to pass my wisdom down to him, but he only uses what I taught him to catch criminals and get loose women into his bed. It’s such a disgrace.”

I laugh. “I can see that.”

Gisele nods and clasps her hands on her lap. "My point is that if she's made herself vulnerable emotionally to all of you, it would be easy for Viktor to swoop in and manipulate her. He's very attached to her and has been ever since he met her. I'd prefer her to keep her relationship with King Liam intact. It would insulate her from Viktor. But she feels guilty for taking your place in Liam's heart."

I sigh. "I'm moving on."

Gisele nods. "I'm aware. Hana, right?"

I nod. Michael sighs. "I didn't realize you were into her. Sorry, man."

I smile. "It's alright. She's never going to give me the time of day."

Gisele rolls her eyes. "Not the way you act, no. You need to get out of your own way and quit using the fact that you're not a noble as a shield to keep everyone out. You should probably work on building yourself up instead of tearing yourself down. If you’re not going to be nice to yourself no one else will. And maybe drink a little less. Your liver will thank you when you hit fifty."

I glare at her. "Did you force me to ride with you just to make unwanted observations?"

She shakes her head. "No. Think of it more as a tough love pep talk. But we really should work out a plan for how you manipulate the guard." And we spend the rest of the ride with her and Michael coaching me how to get the guard to talk.

After we get to Applewood I find Calvin and talk to him. He talks without any effort. “Yeah, I just overheard one of the other guards on the phone talking to one of the bosses and I thought I’d talk to the Prince and he’d move her to a more appropriate room. If I got her moved then maybe I could get the credit and get out of the doghouse.”

I nod. “Who did you overhear?”

Calvin shrugs. “I don’t know. I was in a different room.”

I nod. “Well at least you tried..”

Calvin nods. “Yeah. I originally thought she’d be a terrible queen. I’m sure a lot of people did. But I’ve changed my mind. She’s scheduled to tour the local public schools after the wedding. I can guarantee the Queen Mother never stepped foot in any public school.” That’s the truth.

“Well I gotta go.” I wave. “See ya around man.”

I leave and relay everything I found out to Avery and Liam.

-Josie

It’s the morning of the barn raising event and the guard lead was basically a bust. I’m not sure if he’s a patsy or just dumb. But either way that angle was a waste of time. Maxwell and Michael are in our room reporting what they found out from the maids. “I didn’t find anything out. I talked to at least ten maids.”

I nod. “That’s okay.”

Michael smiles. “Well, the maid I talked to, Ginger, said a noble woman asked her to tell Tariq that his room had changed..to the room you were in. There was talk about you and Tariq being in love and stuff..”

Liam rubs his chin. “Did she identify who the noble woman was?”

Michael shakes his head. “She said the woman disguised herself. Covered her hair and wore big sunglasses.”

I roll my eyes. “The fuck? That didn’t strike this woman as suspish?”

Michael shrugs. “Apparently not. Nobles are weirdos like that.”

I sigh. “Well good job. Come meet us tomorrow and we’ll figure out the next move then, Mikey. You can pass it on to the others.”

Liam nods. “We shouldn’t be having large meetings that could draw attention. But you seeing your sister? No one would bat an eye at that.”

Maxwell raises his hand. “I had an idea. Since we know it’s a noble woman behind this, we should have Hana invite some of the girls to a spa after the barn event and maybe she could try to get some info out of them.”

Liam rubs his chin. “Good idea. Talk to Hana and make sure she’s onboard. Maybe Gisele can help her. It would be easy to explain why Josie wouldn’t go to something like that. And they’re more likely to talk about Josie if she’s not there.”

I nod. I don’t like the idea of people talking shit about me.. But they’re going to do it regardless. “Alright, you guys should go. Liam and I have to get ready for the barn raising event.” Maxwell and Michael leave so we can get ready.

I change into some expensive designer jeans and a Gucci t-shirt with a flannel over the top. Liam wears jeans and a button up shirt. I’m rolling up his sleeves. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wearing jeans before.”

He smirks. “Well, they’re not exactly princely attire..” He clears his throat. “Are you still mad that I didn’t tell you about the offer Madeleine made?”

I purse my lips. “I’m not really mad at you. Annoyed. I guess I just thought you’d tell me something like that. So I’d know not to have her in my inner circle. It’s freaking awkward and everytime I see her I want to punch her.” I cross my arms across my chest. “It takes a lot of nerve to offer someone up as a mistress and think that they’d be happy about it.”

Liam nods. “I can see your point. You didn’t give consent to anything like that. She made an assumption. Those sorts of arrangements are common among nobility.” He leans down and kisses my nose. “For now, I’d like you to continue as you were. As if nothing has changed. If it turns out she had a hand in our privacy being violated, she’ll answer for it.”

I pout. “Fine. But I’m not going to like it.”

He smiles. “Ready to go?”

I nod. “Let’s go build this dang thing.”

We get in the car and drive to the site. When we get out the press is all over the place. “Let’s take a few questions first then we can get started on building the barn.” Liam says.

We head over to where the press are at. Several reporters are shouting questions. I hold my hand up. “We’ll take a few questions then we really should get started.” I point to a reporter.

“Lady Josephine, as a foreigner what do you think of this particular tradition?”

I smile. “Ask me again when we’re finished..” The reporters all laugh. “All kidding aside. I’m honored to be a part of this tradition. I’d like to think what we’re building today will be a symbol for our relationship with each other and with the people of Cordonia. It’s my hope today that we build something lasting and strong enough to weather any storm.”

Liam points to the CBC reporter. “Your Majesty, have you made any headway on the trade negotiations with our Italian neighbors?”

Liam smiles. “We’re still in talks and I’d prefer not to comment until we have a formal agreement.”

Ana de Luca raises her hand. I nod to her. “Lady Josephine, how are you enjoying your engagement tour so far?”

I smile. “It’s been really wonderful. I’m grateful to everyone who has joined us on our tour and we’re happy for their support.”

Liam smiles. “One more question.” He points to a man with glasses.

“Justin from Cordonia daily. Your Majesty, there has been movement in the Liberation Core and other anti-monarchist groups. They’re claiming you’re both weak and ineffectual leaders. Do you have a comment on this?”

I say. “I should remind you that Liam has only been the king for less than four weeks. And I’ve not yet been crowned queen. That’s not enough time to analyze how he is as a king or myself as queen. Come back in a year when there’s actual policy positions for us to defend. In the meantime, it might behoove you to go back to school and restudy journalism, because that question was a waste of our time. Thank you.” I hear the other journalists snickering as we walk away from the press. “Sorry, I should have let you respond to that. But for real that was so dumb and a little infuriating.”

Liam shakes his head. “No, you answered that really well.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

We go to the foremen and we’re given tasks to do. We work side by side hammering siding onto a frame. “You’re good with a hammer. Have you ever built anything before?”

I smirk. “I helped build sets for performances put on by the community center. It was mandatory. That and promoting shows. The tickets sold for the shows were how the community center stayed afloat.”

Liam asks. “How did you promote shows?”

I smirk. “I danced on the subway platforms while Michael or one of my other foster siblings handed out flyers. I also called in radio stations. And I went on local television channels and did short performances. It was a tease to entice people to come see us. Honestly, it was a decent preparation for when I was a professional dancer. I had to do interviews and promote shows through the press. And that was a good preparation for dealing with the press now.”

We talk and work on our assigned area. We laugh at Michael and Drake showing off their physiques. And all the girls fawning over them. Maxwell is at the saw area sawing planks. I watch nervously. Then I send a worker over to supervise him. Hana works with Madeleine on siding. I see Penelope and Kiara working together carrying cut beams to where they’re needed. Several hours later all the hard work is done and we all stand there looking at the barn. It looks nice and sturdy, but I’m no expert. Once we’re finally finished Liam and I head back to the manor. The girls all go to the spa with Hana and Gisele. They’ll report back if they notice anything suspicious with them. Once we’re back at the manor Liam takes off for a meeting. He’s still working on the deal with Italy. I take a shower and when I get out I see Madeleine sitting in our room waiting for me. And it surprises me and I squeal loudly. “Oh, sorry. I ugh didn’t expect anyone to be in here.” I should play it cool. And I should attempt to build a rapport. If she had anything to do with those photos this is a good time to find out.

She nods. “That’s quite alright. I thought we could get some work done. The disaster in Portavira, the damage is worse than we initially thought. I thought we could organize a charitable event to raise funds.”

I nod. “The floods right?”

She nods. “Yes. I’m aware that you and Liam have already visited the area and the crown has sent what disaster funding they could. If the numbers we’re getting are correct it’s not going to be nearly enough. But adding a charitable event to the tour could boost your PR and help the people of Portavira.”

She hands me a paper and I look over the numbers. “Well, let’s add an event. The schedule is pretty packed while we’re in Italy and we’re only there for a few days. But maybe when we get to Paris we can have a charitable fashion show? I know a designer there. The same designer that’s made your bridesmaid’s dresses. I’ll call him up and set it up with him.”

I make the call and Madeleine and I coordinate with what was already scheduled for our two weeks in Paris. “Are you prepared for the picnic tomorrow?”

I nod. “Yes. Liam wants me to introduce several noblemen to my ladies in waiting, apparently matchmaking is part of my job now?”

She smirks. “It would be unseemly for the ladies of your court to not have a favorable match. It makes them look bad when there should be ample opportunity to make them.” I nod even though I think that’s some really antiquated thinking.

I look at her. “Why didn’t you go to the spa with the other girls?”

“There’s no sense in lazing about by the pool when there is work to be done.” Madeleine says. “Why didn’t you go?”

I shrug. “I don’t do pools. Or bathtubs. Or any water that is deeper than a few inches.”

She raises her brow. “Why?”

I chew my lip. “One of my foster parents drowned me in a bathtub when I was eleven.”

She nods. “Obviously unsuccessfully.”

I smirk. “Oh she was successful. I bit the dust for a few minutes. Michael gave me CPR.”

"Just out of curiosity, what was it like?" She asks.

I think back. "The dying part sucked, but after it was just nothing. Coming back sucked too. Michael said that the first thing I said when I came to was that I saw my parents. But I honestly don't remember."

Madeleine nods and picks lint off her sweater. “I suppose you’d prefer I keep that to myself?”

I shrug. “I don’t really care. It’s not exactly a secret. It’s public knowledge really. I had to testify. The way our justice system works in America, those trials are public. And because of the religious aspect, there was a lot of attention from the media. There were several reporters in attendance.”

She nods. "I'm sorry for the ordeal you went through."

I smile. "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I'd like to think there was a silver lining to it though. Gisele adopted Michael and I. And we became a family. Dysfunctional, but what family isn't."

Madeleine nods. "I know that too well. My mother is a lush that sleeps around with just about every young nobleman there is. My father is the epitome of disapproval. And they can't spend a minute together without fighting."

"Huh, I didn't realize your father was still in the picture. I haven't met him at any events. Are they divorced or something?" I ask.

Madeleine snorts. "They probably should be. But nobles don't divorce. My father resides at his estate in England. He comes once a year to tell us all about how we’ve disappointed him."

Yikes. "I feel that. I’ve had a few guardians with impossibly high standards.”

She nods. “Father is upset that I didn’t snag King Liam, but if I can be honest, I’m a little relieved. I wanted to be Queen, but I honestly didn’t want to be his wife. I suppose that’s why when Queen Regina suggested I let the Prince know that I was open to an arrangement, I didn’t really put up a fight.”

My eyebrows go up. “What do you mean?”

She shrugs. “I merely let him know that I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of him having you on the side so long as I was queen. That’s all I really wanted. I had so many ideas for what I’d do if I was queen. I just wanted to make a difference for the people of Cordonia.”

I nod. “Well, I’m open to listening to your ideas, Madeleine. I don’t see any reason we can’t work together to make Cordonia better.” Well that is interesting. It wasn’t even Madeleine’s idea..

Madeleine nods. “I appreciate that. Even though I’m not queen it still feels good to help. And there's less pressure to be so perfect all the time. To always say the exact right thing.”

I purse my lips and steel myself for the next part. “And I’m sure that lovely ring from your Duke Ramsford sweetens the pot.”

She smiles and looks fondly at the ring on her finger. “It certainly doesn’t hurt. It’s actually going much better than I anticipated. I worried our personalities might clash, much like my parents’ do, but ours mesh fairly well together.”

My stomach twists painfully, but I smile through. “You two do seem well suited for each other.”

She smiles and straightens. “We are, aren’t we? And on the plus side, he’s not been one of mother’s conquests.”

I cough with surprise. “How do you know?”

She shrugs. “Mother isn’t very discreet and she likes to brag about who she’s bagged.” Huh. I bet she knows about Liam and that’s why she didn’t really want him. I can’t say that I blame her.

“I’m guessing she does that to rub it in your father’s face?” I say.

Madeleine nods. “Yes.”

I nod thoughtfully. “I bet that limited your dating pool exponentially.”

She snorts. “Indeed.”

I look at the clock. “Well let’s call it a day. Liam’s meeting should be over soon.”

She nods and leaves. I sit and think. Well that was interesting. I’m not writing her off as a suspect, but I’m beginning to think I will eventually. She was honest and not the least bit guilty about anything. We’ll see what happens, I guess.