After Grayson left the employee apartments, he headed over to Dima's condominium on a hunch, wondering if the murders were related. Here there hadn't been a murder on the castle grounds since the Dark Ages, but now there was one. He just hoped that the two murders weren't linked.Grayson hadn't been in Dima's apartment since before she died. He didn't want to go in now, to be reminded of her, but he had no choice. Standing outside her flat, memories of Dima flooded into his mind. She hadn't always been the conniving shrew that she ended up being after their breakup. In fact, when they first met, Grayson had thought she was charming as well as beautiful.He had met her at a royal function. Carlton had introduced them. Now, he wondered if it had been a set up for some reason. But the past was the past. Since Carlton's party, Grayson hadn't contacted him, and Carlton hadn't contacted him either. Grayson guessed that he knew that Grayson was changing, and Carlton wasn't. Secretly, Grayson
With everything going on, Ari hated to spend time thinking of Christmas, but the holiday was less than a week away and everyone needed the reprieve from the drama. Grayson, especially. And since she couldn't do much to help in the investigations, Ari made it her mission to create a wonderful Christmas for everyone. In a way, she felt that it was crazy to think about celebrating a holiday now, but she refused to give in to fear. It would also be hers and Grayson's first Christmas together, and she wanted to make it a good one. And if she hadn't learned anything else from her sister's illness, it was that you had to live in the moment, because no one knows what the future holds, or how much time you may have with your loved ones.Ari wished she had her laptop with her so she could order what they needed, or at least get some ideas, but she also knew that Grayson had to have one there somewhere. She looked in his closet and found a box. She didn't want to snoop but couldn't resist looking
Ari spent the day shopping for Christmas gifts and decorations in the town square. There was an adorable Christmas tree lot in the center of town, and she found the perfect tree practically right away. It was tall and full without any bare places. She also bought a wreath and bows and garland for the tree.She got Xavier some gardening tools and their father a special ornament, symbolizing Estrea from the year 1028 A.D. to the present. Ari assumed it must have been the founding year. The ornament had an antique finish, even though it was new, and it was one of the most beautiful ornaments she had ever seen.But Ari wanted to get something special for Grayson. She bought him some art supplies, having noticed the drawings and paintings he had done that adorned his room. It was strange that she thought she knew her husband, but then she would learn something that made her feel as if she didn't know him at all. Then her eye caught a beautiful photo album, done with lace and tied with a ri
Grayson and Ari took a shower together before getting ready for dinner. He took great care, soaping her body under the water, enjoying the feel of her under his hands. But she had been quiet, cold since they had made love. And Grayson knew why."Ari, I'm sorry about having been so rough with you... just now," Grayson whispered into her hair as the water rushed over them both, filling his ears.She shook her head. He wouldn't have blamed her if she had been trying to dispel the memories. "No need to apologize." She turned her face toward the water, and he wasn't sure if it was to hide her tears.He kissed her forehead and then her face, but she turned her head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—""But we did," she finished, looking into his eyes. "But tell me something. We were you making love to me, or to Dima?""What?" he asked, taking a step back, not sure if he had heard her correctly.She let out a deep breath. "I know you were physically making love to me. I'm not crazy. But were you a
When they walked into the family dining room, the king was waiting. Grayson led Ari to their seats and held the chair for his wife.The king stood, waiting for her to sit. Then he looked over at Xavier. "Oh! Did you bring a friend?" He offered Quinn his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you.""The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty." Quinn shook his hand, but held back, bracing himself for reality to set in.Xavier took a deep breath and released it. "Father, this is Quinn Rogers. Quinn, this is my father, His Majesty King Maxwell Pierce of Estrea." Xavier bit his lower lip and then released it. "Father, Quinn is my boyfriend. We're together."The king's eyes opened wide, looking between them as reality sank in. Then the king forced a smile "It's a pleasure to meet you, Quinn." Of course, knowing he was gay and then the reality of it sinking in was quite different."The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty," Quinn replied."So, how long have you two been together?" the king asked. "Five years," Xa
For Ari, the next few days went by quickly. The invitations were sent out immediately, and there were countless things to do to prepare. Since she was considered to be the lady of the house now, it was her job to oversee the event. Luckily, Mrs. Jackson, Gerard, and the staff were all very helpful, along with Grayson and Xavier. Since it was so close to Christmas, as well as for their own protection, She and Grayson stayed at the castle, as did Xavier. Quinn had photoshoots and couldn't stay at the castle but came nearly every night for dinner. It was great being with Grayson's family. They were all being a true family. Despite the continual threat of a murderer on the loose, they were all enjoying the holiday season as well as each other's company.Soon, Christmas Eve was upon them. Ari had purchased a ball gown from a local designer—pale silver with a shimmering overlay. It was fitted in the bodice with a full skirt that swished when she walked. She had pulled her hair up with loose
Ari took a sip of her punch, enjoying watching everyone at the ball. The only thing missing was children. At that moment, she thought it would be nice to have children, but not right away. She and Grayson had to get a lot of things straightened out first before they considered it."What were you thinking about just then?" Grayson asked into her hair, coming up from behind.Ari shrugged as a smile lit her lips. "Oh! Come on. It can't be that bad," Grayson teased, wrapped his arms around her.She playfully pushed his arms aside. "Not here! People are watching.""Come on, then...." He took her hand and led her out onto the balcony. The stars were out, twinkling in a sea of dark blue sky. "Now. Tell me."Ari laughed. "You won't let this go. Will you?"Grayson shook his head. "Nope!" His lips popped the p as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, obviously enjoying the view with her.Ari sighed, looking out over the Estrean countryside, the houses visible only in the moonlight and the
Once things had settled down on Christmas Day, Ari went into the other room with her cell phone and dialed her sister's number.She answered right away. "Hello?""Henley!" Ari said, happy to hear her voice. "How are you?""Ari!" Henley replied. "Where are you? Are you here?"Ari shook her head, even though her sister couldn't see. "No. I'm still in Estrea.""Oh, I thought... well... never mind.""What?" Ari asked, wondering if something had happened to Henley.There was a pause at the other end. "Henley, they want to use stronger chemotherapy but I'll need to get a Stem Cell Transplant so the stronger chemo can be used.""And I'm a perfect match," Ari said flatly. When she had visited Henley and her mother in New York the last time, Ari had been tested. She hated to have to leave Estrea, especially now, but Ari would do anything to save her sister. "When do you need me?"Henley sighed. "Ari, I can't ask you to do that." "You're not asking. I'm volunteering," Ari replied. "When do you
Grayson was proud of his father's efforts to unite Estrea once again. It was clear that the old ways were no longer working. It was time for a fresh start. And King Maxwell of Estrea was determined to do just that.The election was held the next month, as King Maxwell promised, and the Royal Council was selected. But through it all, the feeling in Estrea had been one of new hope. In the news, King Maxwell was praised for his bold initiative to bring the realm into the Twenty-First Century.A few weeks later, the first meeting of the Royal Council was held on April 1. The board voted to continue holding the meetings twice a month, on the first and third Mondays, to keep the council abreast of the happenings of Estrea. The king then promised to make the proceedings and decisions made by the council known to the public in the interest of full disclosure. There was also a procedure set in place for grievances, ensuring that everyone's concerns would be heard. "So, what about the name Maso
The next day, Grayson was working in his office at the castle when Xavier walked in. Without a word, he crossed the room to the television and flipped it on. Then he stood back and folded his arms across his chest."And in the news today," Ella J. Scott said to the camera. "The body of Prince Marcus Pierce was found in an old abandoned warehouse, along with the bodies of other men. One of the men has been identified as Piers Wingfield, former head of security for the Crown. King Maxwell Pierce and members of the Royal Family have made no comment as to the cause of death. In other news—"Xavier sighed, folding his arms across his chest. "I don't think you have to worry about paying Piers now.""Let's speak with Father," Grayson said, already headed toward the door.Xavier followed. "What should we tell him?"Grayson sighed, turning around to face him with his hand on their father's door. "The truth."Xavier looked at him for a moment, and then nodded his agreement.Grayson knocked on th
A week later when Ari was feeling better, she finally had that meeting with the hospital administrator about Henley's House. This time, Henley, her mother, and Vickie attended. Grayson had wanted to go, too, but Ari had to persuade him to let her go without him. After all, she couldn't live in fear for the rest of her life."This is a wonderful idea. I appreciate you bringing it to us," said the hospital administrator, Dr. Sienna Gallagher. "We look forward to hearing more about it. And please be sure to tell His Majesty King Maxwell Pierce and His Highness Grayson Pierce how much we appreciate it. Cancer patients, and their families, will be very appreciative."After speaking with Dr. Gallagher, and at Henley's insistence, Ari had decided to expand Henley's House to include all cancer patients treated at Estrea Medical Hospital, not just leukemia patients.Ari held out her hand. "The pleasure is ours. Thank you for offering us the land on which to build. I'll speak with my husband and
Ari had fallen asleep on the way home, despite her best efforts to stay awake. But the lack of sleep and the continuous motion of Grayson stroking her hair, made sleep inevitable. But now that she was with Grayson again, the world could fall apart, and she wouldn't care. Her stomach hurt a bit, waking her."Are you alright?" Grayson asked, his voice filled with concern.Ari nodded. "My stomach's hurting just a bit, but I'm fine. I just need to rest.""And eat," Xavier added, looking at her in the rearview mirror. Ari laughed. "Well, that's a given." She thought for a moment, wanting to word it correctly. "Xavier, Grayson, thank you both for coming to my rescue.""It's my pleasure, my lady," Xavier teased."You know I would move heaven and earth to get to you," Grayson replied, his voice low and husky.Xavier nodded. "And he is not exaggerating."Ari laughed. "Well, I truly appreciate it." Then she thought of something. "I had to do something that I'm not proud of." She bit her lower
Ari ran through the forest as quickly as she could, headed toward who knew where. She remembered that there was a road that lead back to the village, and she had to find it. She couldn't follow the beach; she'd ever get home.Home.A small word that held so much power. As she ran, all she could think of was Grayson and going home, their home together, at the castle. Then she fell, stumbling over a root protruding from the ground, but caught herself with her hands. But she got up and started running again. After a bit, she looked behind her to see if anyone was following... and ran straight into something. When she looked up... it was Piers."No!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, her knees buckling under her. But to her surprise, he caught her in his strong arms."Quiet!" Piers said, holding a finger to his lips."Hold it right there." When she looked up and saw Grayson holding a gun, her heart leapt with relief and joy."Grayson!"Piers quickly pulled her in front of him. "I want
Grayson rode with Xavier into the night toward the shore. Although the chances of finding her in the dead of night was slim and none, he knew he had to try. And from the moment Xavier had heard, he was along for the ride. Without question. "Thank you for this," Grayson said, looking over at him.One corner of his lips curled into a smile. "You don't have to thank me. You would do the same for me, if the tables were turned.""Without question."Xavier shrugged. "But then again, I'd do it for Ari, anyway."Grayson chuckled. "Of course, you would," he teased. "I'm glad that you two get along so well.""What can I say? She's a nice girl...." Then he grinned. "and I'm a nice guy."Grayson laughed. "Yes, you are... but I didn't say that.""Of course not." Xavier looked over at him and smiled. "So, have you seen anything suspicious?"Grayson shook his head. "No. Nothing that could be used as a fortress or a hideout.""The shore is farther away than I thought." Xavier sighed."Which is why I
Ari looked around the warehouse, taking everything in. Maybe she would find a clue as to where she was. She kept hearing the crashing of waves, as if she were near the ocean, which meant that she was a few hours away from the castle. Either way, it would be a long walk back.One thing was certain: she couldn't just run back down the road to the castle, even if she did manage to escape. But then again, if she could just get out, then she could easily find her way back to the castle. Surely, someone would know the way and could give her a ride. Although she had no idea what time it was or how much time had lapsed, she knew she had much less than twenty-four hours now and, although there were no windows, she knew it had to be dark—or close to it—making it the perfect time to escape. But she was also getting hungry and she knew she had to eat soon. Also, when she came out of the restroom earlier, Piers had put another zip tie around her wrists again. So, she had to escape when the Zip tie
Grayson called Xavier, knowing he couldn't just sit there and wait. At that moment, he would give anything to have Ari back."Yeah," Xavier answered on the first ring. "Find anything?" Grayson asked, pacing the floor in his office. "Yeah, I think you'd better get down here." From the sound of it, Xavier was pacing, too.Grayson sighed, fearing the worst. "I'll be right there." He clicked off and was ready to walk out when the door slowly opened. "Where's Ari?" Celeste asked, slowly walking in, obviously having overheard something. "Do you know where she is?"Grayson sighed, biting his lower lip. "Please, sit down." He knew he had to go, but her mother deserved to know the truth before he left.Celeste said nothing but slowly walked into the room and folded her arms across her chest. "Where is she?"Grayson looked directly into her eyes, pain ripping through his whole body, as if someone had physically shoved their hand into his chest and ripped his heart out."Ari's been kidnapped."
Ari looked around the warehouse and all eyes were on her. Marcus gritted his teeth as he walked purposefully toward her and slapped her across the face. "How dare you say that about me?" He raised his hand again, but Piers caught it.Piers shook his head. "You gave your word that she will not be harmed for twenty-four hours."Marcus glared at him for a moment, and then ripped his hand out of his grasp. Then he turned his attention to Ari. "Kill me, will you?"Ari raised her head and glared at him, staring daggers into his eyes looking through her hair covering one eye. "Mark my words. You will never get away with this. You should have taken the deal that King Maxwell offered you. It's as good as you're going to get." She shrugged. "It's more than I would have given you.""Why you—" Marcus made a move toward her again, but Piers stood in his way and shook his head in warning."Not while I'm here," Piers replied. Quicker than Ari would have thought possible, Marcus whipped out a gun an