Both men turned to see Richard standing at the doorway, his gaze shifting between them.
"Yes, sir," Drake replied smoothly. "Just a little bro chat."
Liam straightened, his confident smirk returning. "I should probably get back to my fiancée. Guests are waiting."
Richard nodded, watching as Liam walked back inside. The second he was gone, Richard turned his attention to Drake.
"You know," he started, stepping onto the balcony, "years ago, in this very spot, when Queen was just a baby, I asked a friend for a ridiculous favor."
Drake frowned, unsure where this was going.
"I was convinced I was putting my wife in danger," Richard continued, his voice lower now, almost reflective. "So I made a stupid decision. Thought I was doing the right thing."
Drake remained silent, listening.