Veronica awoke to the early morning pink sky. She opened her eyes bleary—she had never slept so deep.

It was like a dream—an amazing and hot dream—when Adrian had pushed himself inside her, and they came together, tangled in the sheets. She moaned with a stretch—extending her arms.

She blinked and realized that she was alone on the bed—she sat up, still naked and looked around—Adrian wasn't here. Veronica looked down to her own body—she couldn't help but admire it—knowing that her own curves had seduced the prince last night. She felt proud—she felt strong. She checked the time on the clock—almost 7 AM.

Veronica gasped, "I'm late!"

Breakfast should already be out—she hoped Dexter had taken care of it.

She threw herself off the bed and gathered her clothes. She would need to run back to her room anyways—for a new skirt and blouse. She picked up her blouse-admiring how Adrian had ripped it apart, desperate to feel her. Her cheeks burned—her body still sung from last night. She recalled the popping sound from with her, and how much the desire on Adrian's face ignited her.

It was totally worth it.

She looked into the master bathroom—thinking he might be in there. But, he was nowhere around. She put her clothes on as best as she could—clutching at the ripped seams, keeping them together. She opened the door to the room, a bit embarrassed if she had to face the bodyguard.

But, as she poked her head out—Max wasn't there.

That mean Adrian must be somewhere else.

She felt an uncomfortable ache in her stomach—Adrian had left her alone, without a note or text—did he simply leave?

Maybe he didn't want to wake me?

But, the uncomfortable feeling in her stomach grew a little bigger. She rushed out of the room—she didn't have time to dwell on it. She peeked around corners, rushing through the familiar halls—she heard the bustle of crew around her—they were all getting ready for the next stop today.

A new thought hit Veronica—when is the prince going to announce his engagement?

The thought hadn't occurred to her earlier—she had been so lost in her own humming body. What would that mean? He would have to choose a woman that is within his class—does that mean, that it's over?

She shook her head, but the connection—it was so real. Sure, she didn't have that much experience in the love-making department, but wasn't that what it was? Didn't they connect on a deeper level than just sex?

Veronica's vision turned hazy as she stepped into the hallway that lead to her room—these thoughts forcing their way into their head. There would be no a way a crown Prince would give up his throne—but, she had to mean more to him than just sex, right?

Honestly, she didn't know what to think.

She was about to reach her room when a hand landed on her shoulder.

Veronica shrieked in surprise. She turned to find herself staring at Cressida. She wore a suspicious frown, and then looked at Veronica up and down.

"What's wrong with you?" she eyed Veronica's torn clothing—her eyes opening in surprise.

Veronica tugged on her clothes, "Oh—nothing, ran into—a fan..."

The story sounded ridiculous. Cressida raised an eyebrow, "A fan?"

Veronica shrugged, "A small one—clearly it won."

She tried to laugh as if it was a clever joke. She was sure she looked ridiculous. Cressida narrowed her eyes.

"Anyway—" she flipped a hand out, "I need to make some arrangements for Adrian and me...uh, what was your name again?"

Veronica gulped, "Veronica—but, doesn't he have a rescheduled date with Gisela?"

Cressida eyed Veronica, "Gisela isn't here anymore—didn't you know?"

Veronica's stomach dropped— "What—how did that—when did that happen?"

"Some time last night—" Cressida looked annoyed.

Veronica stood there baffled, how did she not know that?

Her stomach turned, she was busy getting fucked by Adrian—did it happen then?

"What happened?" Veronica could feel that something was coming—something that smelled like trouble. As if on queue, Cressida narrowed her eyes into a smile.

"Let's just say—she found some good reasons to leave—reasons that shouldn't be leaked into the public."

Veronica gulped, that sounded ominous.

Cressida looked at her phone, flashing some highly manicured nails, "So that doesn't explain the fucking mystery woman from last night."

Veronica's eyes widened, "A mystery woman—on board?"

Veronica could feel her chest tighten, wondering how much Cressida knew.

"No—idiot," she snapped at Veronica, swiping at her phone annoyed, "There was another woman in Adrian's room last night—but, Gisela was gone by then—and the stupid bodyguard wouldn't let me in."

Veronica's heart dropped, "The guard was there—outside the door?" Max had been outside the door while Veronica cried out Adrian's name. Did that mean that Megan knew too? Veronica had broken her promise to Megan—she had slept with the prince after Megan had warned her.

Cressida growled, "So that means one of the woman on board was getting fucked by my future husband—" her nails scratched along the phone's screen, "So Veronica, I will need to ask you something."

Veronica's stomach dropped. She was positive that Cressida had the capacity to claw out Veronica's eyes—but what worried her more was her threat about Gisela. Cressida had gotten rid of Gisela in the blink of an eye, without Veronica even knowing about it— and it was Veronica's job to know.

What kind of threat could run a royal woman off a boat in the middle of the night?

Veronica had a feeling that Cressida was smarter than she looked.

"Sure," Veronica stuttered.

Cressida flashed her a wicked smile, "I need you to keep surveillance for me—let me know if any woman is visiting the prince—and help me make his decision airtight—I can't risk anymore pussy around him."

Veronica's jaw dropped—she could only assume that Cressida didn't see Veronica as a suspect.

Cressida turned her nose up, "And, I'll make sure you get a nice tip once we're engaged."

Veronica nodded—she needed to get out of here, before Cressida put any other clues together, before she smelled the lingering sex off Veronica's body.

"Of course ma'am—I'll be happy to do that—now, if you'll pardon me," Veronica gestured toward her door.

Cressida seemed satisfied, and turned with a swish of her hair, "I'll be in touch soon."

Veronica watched in amazement as Cressida left the hall—feeling both threatened and exposed.

How was she supposed to help Cressida with her plan?

How did Cressida manage to get a woman off the boat without me knowing?

Veronica felt strangely powerless, like she was a playing a game that she didn't know how to play.

Once back inside her own safe room, she washed up and replaced her outfit. Her other outfit was torn like crazy, she debated throwing it away—but the thought of Adrian's touch made Veronica cling to them, like a sweet memory.

"It was almost scary," Dexter's eyes were open.

They were wrapping up lunch and it was only her and Dexter in the dining room—the rest of the crew was tidying up the ship, it was almost time for their final destination. They would dock at the city and then stay overnight—so that the Prince could spend the night on the boat before flying out of the country the next day. Veronica knew that he had to announce his engagement.

Her world felt twisted.

It dawned on her while she made her way back from Cressida's conversation—that Cressida was the only one left. Somehow, she had won—and Veronica didn't really seeing it coming. To be honest, she had been paying so much attention to Adrian, that she didn't realize the eligible bachelorettes dwindled away. In cruel irony, Veronica had done her job well.

To Veronica's disappointment and heartache, she had to serve Adrian in the dining room.

At first, her heart fluttered when she walked into the room for lunch. The staff told Veronica that Adrian had slept in late, and so he was going to have lunch after he attended to some royal matters. Veronica could guess that he and Megan were holed up in one of the many office rooms.

Veronica blushed when she heard that, the prince slept in late, huh?

I guess I tired him out, she smiled to herself.

But, when she entered the room, she deflated.

Adrian's eyes fluttered to her for a moment—she thought she could see a blush on his face, highlighting the green in his eyes. But, he looked away, focusing back on Cressida. Megan was behind him, her stare on Veronica—her mouth pulled into a tight line.

Adrian didn't say a word to her throughout the whole meal. Veronica held a jar of water in hand, refreshing their cups and adding plates to the small table. He kept his focus on Cressida only, asking her questions and replying back with short and curt answers. Cressida oohed and aahed at every word he said, she batted her eyes at him.

Then, Veronica saw Cressida's foot rubbing up and down Adrian's from under the table. Veronica burned within. She wanted nothing more than to throw the water at Cressida's face.

"So—I know you haven't officially asked," Cressida's looked at Adrian with long lashes, "But, we can drop the antics can't we?"

Adrian stopped with the fork in midair, "What antics?"

He set his fork down, taking a deep breath— "I can assure you Cressida, that I don't put up with antics."

Veronica smiled, Adrian was setting his foot down early—showing Cressida who was boss.

She waved the comment away, "I mean—Adrian, I can call you Adrian now—that I'm the last one left."

She held his gaze, he stared at her without a word.

Cressida pursed her lips, she wasn't happy with his response.

That must be why she wants to finalize the engagement—because he doesn't seem too fond of her.

Veronica's heart fluttered—maybe Adrian really didn't Veronica as just a plaything.

Then, why had he left this morning?

Cressida continued, "Adrian—I just want to hear you say it, say that I'm the one—you picked me." She leaned forward, exposing her fake breasts through her low cut dress.

Adrian opened his mouth—he didn't look like he was going to agree.

"Yes you are," Megan's voice said from behind Adrian.

Adrian snapped to look at her, a look of surprise on his face.

Megan stepped forward—she pulled out her tablet, as if she had all the information she needed.

"You and Adrian will be married—you have made it through all the rounds and are, so to speak, the last one standing," Megan looked to Veronica briefly—making a point, "The prince will announce your engagement tomorrow when we arrive home."

Cressida squealed with delight, clapping her manicured hands, "Oh my gosh—I can't believe this is happening—this is so exciting—I have to prepare for the announcement, I need more clothes." Cressida pushed herself away from the table, clearly ignited with the news.

Cressida looked between Megan and Adrian, "I am just so surprised—I knew the prince and I had a special connection."

In an instant, Cressida leaned down and grabbed Adrian's face—pushing it to her lips. Adrian tensed in surprise, as Cressida looped her tongue into his mouth.

Veronica's jaw dropped. The pitcher fell from her hands, breaking on the floor.

The three of them looked at Veronica, when the glass shattered. She felt the heat in her face—but, it wasn't from embarrassment. Adrian reached out to her instinctively, "Are you OK?"

Veronica nodded, speechless as she bent towards the broken glass.

Cressida smiled sweetly but her eyes narrowed at Veronica, Cressida's eyes fell back onto Adrian's.

"I have to get going fiance—once we dock, I need a few more outfits." She sauntered away from the table, humming happily. But, before she went out the door—she turned back, her eyes focused on Veronica.