The helicopter landing in Andorra sealed my discomfort. Mary and her mother hadn’t spoken in the thirty days, the longest they’d ever gone, so nothing was patched up. We were walking into a tense situation.

Honestly though, how did you patch up that kind of shit? That would be like me and Sheila trying to make a go of it.

Not a chance. Hell no.

Dee, Mark, Bea, Johan, Linna, and Jess climbed out ahead of Mary and me. Mary turned and gave me a concerned look. “Ready?”

“No. Dude. How can either of us be ready for this? We’re doomed to spend a week with your miserable mother trying to sabotage us both for catching her.” That had been my experience with Sheila.

“God, I don't know why we agreed to this.”

“Oswald,” I reminded her.

“And Aiden.” She grinned at me.

“And Aiden,” I agreed, also smiling like an idiot. I couldn't wait to smell him and kiss him. But that would have to wait. We’d have to play at being friends for everyone at the mansion.

Mary gripped my hand and climbed out, gently pulling me with her. When we got to the limo, Aiden stepped out. He smiled wide, offering everyone else a hug. He didn't give me one but his eyes never left mine.

I sighed, like a moron, and got in the limo. When the doors were closed, he turned to me and smiled, sounding like he was sighing too. “Hi.”

“Hi.” I smiled back, losing the nerves and trepidation. He leaned in and pressed his lips softly against mine, making everyone else grin.

“Hi,” he said again, this time in a whisper.

I leaned in a little more, needing one second longer before I pulled back.

“Now, down to the bad part of this.” Aiden became serious as he turned and faced everyone. “Who came home for me and who came home for the dog?” He smiled wide but we were all frozen, tense, and scared of what was about to happen. “What?” he asked, clearly oblivious to what was wrong with us.

I laughed nervously, joined by everyone else. Johan laughed like he was in pain, his eyes darting between Jess’ and Mary’s.

Aiden’s eyes narrowed. He thumped on the window behind us, making the limo stop. “What is going on here? What are you hiding?”

“Nothing!” Mary said way too forcefully.

Amateurs.

I turned to Aiden and smiled. “Everyone’s just nervous about how to play it all out. I mean, me and you are not supposed to be dating. You and Alex are everyone’s best guess at what is going to happen next. Your mom and Johan had a small spat in St Andrews, hence him not coming home with her when she did. We’re all kinda tired from the trip. It’s just a lot, ya know?”

“You’re lying.” He gasped and turned to Johan. “Tell me now or I will have you disinherited.”

“What?” Johan squeaked. I gave him the look of “don't you dare,” but he cracked like a little egg. “Mum’s akin to the evil queen and she’s done terrible things to Fin, and she hit Mary in front of us all. And none of us wants to be here. We just want to take Oswald and go back to Scotland.” He unleashed everything in one long stream of words.

“Seriously?” Linna and Bea said at the exact same moment, both sounding British.

“Sorry.” He slunk back down in the seat.

“Everyone out,” Aiden shouted, making us all freeze. “Now!”

Jumping, I opened the door to climb out but he grabbed my hand. “You stay.” He was not messing around. This was not a drill. I was going to be flown back to the whore pond and drowned.

They scrambled, fleeing the limo and slamming the doors like rats from a sinking ship.

Aiden moved across from me, his lip twitching with rage. “I want the entire story in detail, skip nothing. I will know if you’re lying.”

It was the scariest moment of my life. Everything cramped and tensed, bracing for him to shout again.

“Fin,” he warned, not shouting which was worse.

“Okay, God,” I groaned. “So your mom did the whole ‘Alex and you kissing’ setup. Then she—uh—drugged me and Mary, that was why we were so awful at your coronation. It was timed perfectly to strike at the same moment Sheila’s little game was played, making it impossible for you and me to be together. When Mary and I got back to St Andrews, we did a drug test.”

“And?”

“They found ketamine in our system, both of us. Dad checked Sheila’s accounts and found millions of dollars that weren’t there the week before. Someone paid her on Boxing Day to unleash hell on me on purpose.”

“Oh my God.” He appeared like he might be sick as it all played back in his head. All the mean things he’d said and done, more so to Mary than me.

“When your mom came for Mary’s birthday, Mary outed her in front of us all—”

“But you all knew before that? Even Johan?” He was back to growling. “Everyone knew about a crime committed in my country to my fiancée and my sister, by my own mother, and no one thought to tell me?” He was back to screaming.

“You have a lot on your mind and your dad’s so sick—”

“No! This is completely unacceptable. My mother drugs you—she could have killed one of you—and no one tells me?” He thumped the window again, making the car start moving, leaving everyone else in the middle of the massive driveway. “When did she hit Mary?”

I paused for a full minute, not sure I should say anything. The fury in his stare convinced me otherwise. “At the dorms. Mary called her out on the antics and shouted at her, and she slapped her—hard too.”

“This is complete bullshit!” he shouted at me and then sat silent until the car stopped once more, this time right in front of the mansion. He stormed from the vehicle.

“Aiden, wait!” I shouted and hurried after him. I grabbed his arm, spinning him. “Wait. You can’t tell your dad. This could kill him. He’s fragile.”

“Jesus!” He pulled away from me. “Address me as Your Highness in public, Fin. Remember your place.” He turned and stalked off, vibrating with hatred. It was the least rational thing he’d ever said to me, even the servants gave me a confused glance.

I waited for everyone else to catch up, terrified to go inside.

“He’s going to kill her,” Mary said as she hurried past me, huffing from having to race up the hill to the house. She rushed inside.

“I’m so sorry, Fin. I can’t lie to him. I can’t even lie,” Johan shouted as he ran to the door behind his sister.

The rest of us waited in the driveway.

“Who wants to come to my parents’ chalet?” Dee asked softly.

“Yup.” Jess nodded. “I am not going in there.” She pointed at the door.

I motioned to Tracy and Isaac who were both standing at the limo.

Tracy hurried over. “You ladies want to go somewhere else?” He sounded eager. No doubt they would be questioned as well.

“We do.”

We scrambled into the limo, slamming the doors and not breathing until it was driving in the opposite direction of the mansion. We were only halfway down the driveway when the car stopped and the window lowered. “Miss Fin, you have to go back. The king has requested an audience.”

“Do I have to?” I wasn’t sure if he could make me do things or not.

“Yes.” Isaac smiled. “Do you want me to go with you?”

“No. I don't want him to know you two knew anything.” I gave Bea and Dee a look. “How bad is this going to be, like scale of one to ten?”

“Eleven,” they said at the same time as the car reversed up the driveway and stopped again in front of the mansion. A valet hurried to me and got the door.

“Stop being a little bitch and go.” Linna scowled. “The rest of us wanna leave. Take one for the team.”

“I always take one for the team,” I growled and climbed out, slamming the door before the valet could close it nicely.

I walked as slow as possible. Would they make me be a witness against his mom? Would they make me talk about all of it in front of everyone? My insides were rotting from worry as I made my way up to the front doors. Guards nodded as the doorman opened them.

Johan came rushing across the grand hall to me. “We have to hurry.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me through the house to a boardroom I’d never seen before. The doors were open and Aiden was screaming at his mother and possibly Mary.

“What do you mean it wasn't you?” He bore down on his mom.

“I don't know.” Her voice trembled. “I would never poison or drug my children, or anyone else’s.” Her eyes drifted to me. “It’s no secret I don't want my son to date you. But I would never have done any of those things to you.”

“Then it’s Alex,” Mary said flatly, folding her arms. “There’s no one else who would.”

“Bring her here!” Aiden growled and three servants fled the large room. His eyes flickered between Mary, Johan, and me. “I am extremely disappointed in all of you. How dare you not tell me? This is akin to lying. You lied to me.”

And I snapped. “We did it for you, you ass. We were trying to protect you.” I stepped closer. “We aren’t liars, we care about you.”

Everyone else took a step back, even the remaining maid who was fixing tea.

“You care about me but won’t share the most painful parts of your year with me? You break things off with me, using this as the reason but don't tell me about it? I’m supposed to believe you broke up with me to protect me and not that you used the events to your own benefit?”

“What?” I tilted my head. Something resembling my own rage started to build. “You think this shit happened and I saw my way out and that’s why I didn't tell you? Are you high right now?”

“It’s rather convenient, and let’s not forget the moment you were free of me, you went back to that guy and spent your birthday with him.”

“It was my birthday! Sorry I didn't want to spend it alone after I’d seen those headlines calling me terrible things and humiliating me. Sorry someone offered me a shoulder to cry on and I selfishly took it. You’re right, I’m the whore in the story. You’re an asshole”—I pointed my finger at him—“and this conversation is over.” Except it wasn't. “For the first time in my life, I took the fucking high road. Do you have any idea how hard that was? To let your mean-ass mom treat me like shit constantly and not say anything? Do you even know me?”

I spun to leave but turned back, still frothing. “And just so you know, I am not responsible for whatever your weird-ass friends and family did this past year to break us up. I didn't do anything wrong and every move I made was to protect you and your dad. Did I back away a little out of self-preservation?—yes. You have no idea how hard it is being the most hated girl in the free world. So don't you come at me!”

I turned and stormed toward the door but the guards stepped in front of it.

“Sit down, Fin,” Aiden warned.

I whirled around to give him another earful, but Mary grabbed my hand and pulled me to sit next to her. My hands were sweaty and my heart raced. Sitting was nearly impossible but then Alex walked through the door. I froze and waited.

Her eyes were drawn into a confused stare. “Afternoon?” she said softly.

“Sit down!” Aiden barked.

Alex jumped and sat, squeaking a little bit. I knew her pain. I didn't think any of us saw this coming from Aiden. But he’d filled out his king boots rather quickly.

“Alex, did you drug my sister and Fin with ketamine?”

“What?” She gasped.

“We know the truth, we are asking out of politeness as you are my sister-in-law and my brother’s widow.”

“Aiden, I wouldn't dare to harm—”

“Alex!” He leaned in. “Tell me the truth. Did you drug my sister and my fiancée?”

It was my turn to flinch. I hated that word and it made the queen’s head spin in what looked like a full circle to glare at me.

I shook my head, hoping she was getting what I was throwing out.

“I didn't, Your Highness. I never drugged anyone. I would never.”

“Did you pay Sheila millions of dollars to out Fin to the press?”

“No!” She sounded genuinely lost. She turned to face me. “I didn't do this.” Her eyes got lost for a moment and it was clear she knew who did. The answer dinged on in her head. She swallowed hard, meeting my gaze and begging silently to say nothing.

“So I am to believe the two women who wanted Fin and myself to break up are completely innocent of these charges and that the entirety of the occurrences are coincidental?” Aiden was visibly furious. “Do either of you know who would have done this?” His eyes focused on Alex. “Who?” He was so good at reading faces, it was a real crime.

“My-my mother might have.” Alex started to sob.

Oh shit.

Of course. Her mother. Mary had mentioned that while Alex was always in love with Aiden, her mother and theirs had devised a deal between the two families to make her Queen of Andorra. Alex hadn’t wanted to marry Geoff, but she did it to become queen.

Damn. She had her own Sheila.

I stood up.

“Sit, Fin!”

“No. Jesus. She’s clearly not part of this, she’s upset. She’s English, she needs tea.” I grabbed one of the teacups on a saucer and poured. The maid still cowered slightly, her hands trembling. I passed out tea to everyone and put the sugar, cream, honey and lemon on the table. I turned to the maid and nodded at the door. “We need cookies.”

She hurried from the room and I closed the door.

“Your mother?” Aiden asked.

Alex couldn't speak but she managed a nod.

“It makes sense,” the queen agreed, mixing her tea awkwardly. “When we arranged for them to be married, she and Geoff”—she paused on the name—“it was for the role of queen. Her family offered much needed support to ours at a crucial time, and as repayment, I vowed that Alex would be the next Queen of Andorra. I have tried to make good on my promise. When you and Fin became serious, I worried you would make an imprudent choice, which apparently you have, since you are engaged—”

“Not engaged,” I interrupted and got up, taking the plate of cookies and closing the maid out of the room once more. “Thanks.” I put the cookies on the table in front of Alex.

“And her mother vowed she would still see Alex on the throne. I assume the morning kiss was your mother’s idea?” the queen asked.

Alex nodded.

“And from there, I am certain her mother is to blame for everything else. Alas, she isn’t here.”

“And never will be again. She is no longer welcome in Andorra,” Aiden said harshly.

“I expect all the appropriate people will be made aware of the situation here. She will be banished from every social circle back home in England and unwelcomed at the home of any family we are friends of.” Mary lifted a challenging eyebrow at her mother and Alex. Alex was like the ultimate mean girl, but she had nothing on Mary.

“It will be done.” The queen sounded savage.

I made a note never to cross any of them. They were terrifying.

“Alex, you are welcome to stay and keep your position within the government if you so wish. No more games. I suggest you distance yourself from your family and their plotting.” Aiden sipped his tea. “Everyone out, but Fin.”

Johan literally ran from the room. Mary threw a saucy amount of shade at Alex as she left. The queen helped the still sobbing Alex up from her chair and from the room. I felt terrible for her, even if she was a scammy ho.

Aiden followed them and closed the door, sealing us in alone. Being alone with him had been an exciting prospect an hour before. That was lost.

“You will never keep another secret from me. Ever.” He half sat on the table, towering over me. “And you will learn how to speak to me in front of others. Mary is going to provide tutelage to you, in manners and etiquette.”

“Again, are you high?” I sat back, folding my arms. “Because you just attacked me in front of your family and accused me of things with Lucas. Is this legit the apology I get?”

“You lied to me.” He was not getting past that one little thing.

“Aiden, you’re a ball of stress. I’ve never seen you this spicy before. Of course, I tried to lessen your load and deal with it on my own. You’re a hot mess.” I softened, trying desperately to take the high road and remember he was just catching up. “I love you and I tried to think of what was best for you and your people and your dad. No one wanted to take the high road and let me be the fall guy. It just seemed like the right choice. Clearly we were wrong.” It was as close to an apology as I was giving.

He reached down lightning fast and grabbed my hand, pulling me from the chair and into his arms, squishing me into him. “Say it with me, Fin, you will never lie to me again. Even by omission.” He tilted my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his.

“Fine, I will never lie to you again, even by omission unless someone asks me to keep a secret I don't think is any of your damned business anyway.”

He glared. “I’m fairly certain I didn't add that last part.”

“I’m not telling you things people ask me to keep safe.” I pulled back but met resistance.

“As if anyone would ask you to keep a secret.” He laughed and for the first time in a while he sounded a little lighter.

“I forgive you for being a dick to me.” I grinned.

“Oh you do? So does that mean you’ll give me a kiss?” He sounded angry, but at least it wasn't with me.

“I’ll give you more than a kiss if you promise to be nice to me the entire time I’m here and not give me any more shit in front of people,” I teased.

“Absolutely impossible to promise. Your behavior dictates my responses.” He cracked that cocky grin.

“Fine! I don’t miss your Shakespeare and no kiss.” I shoved him back and turned, opening the door and running from the boardroom.

He chased me but did it like in a horror movie, taking his long steps, not running, certain he would catch me.

I hurried, heading for my bedroom. He owed me a lot more than just kisses, and I intended to collect, after I made him suffer a little first.