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[krsnlove]

GIRLLLLLLLL. Seriously there are no words. You reached deep into the depths of the emotion bag and dipped the other hand in insomnia 😭😭

I felt so much of Drake’s emotions. You made me feel like I had crappy parents—it was that potent! Even Olivia and her complicated feeling with her parents. You feel for these two. And the fact that she stayed back to give him time to process his own feelings—Well done A!

Alone

(Drake x Olivia) in a Choices The Royal Romance/Heir fan fic.

A/N No reason other than I needed a little Dralivia. And I think it isn't a secret from previous fics how I feel about Drake's mom (in case you don't know, I can't stand her, LOL). Thus, for some reason, listening to the song while working on a fic for another Choices OTP couple of mine, this angsty idea somehow came about.

Rating: G

Song Inspiration: Hold My Hand by Lady Gaga

Masterlist

@krsnlove @sirbeepsalot @lodberg ​ @mynameiskaylabella @museofbooks @elbenmond @gibbles82 @twinkleallnight @thehonorarybeaumont @tessa-liam @moodmusicmonday @choicesficwriterscreations

**************

The sun shouldn't be shining so brightly. Birds shouldn't be chirping their sweet songs. The cool breeze shouldn't be gentle and soothing. This wasn't at all how the world should look today.

Rain should be falling steadily. Perhaps a faint roll of thunder should rumble off in the distance. The wind should be icy, chilling one to the bone. The sky should be a slate gray color giving no hope for sunlight filtering through.

Funerals were meant for that type of atmosphere.

Drake swallowed against the lump of emotion in his throat. He tugged at the knot in his carefully contructed tie, causing it to become lopsided. He ran a hand through his hair. He next slipped on a pair of sunglasses when he noticed some people watching him.

He didn't need this audience. Over half of these people wouldn't have come to his mother's funeral if Liam hadn't made him a Guardian of the Realm. Nobody would have cared that the Walker siblings had lost their only remaining parent if he had not helped save Liam and Riley as often as he had.

Well, perhaps a few would have come. He could always depend on Liam to be there for him. Somehow he had become close to Maxwell, Riley, and Hana along the way. They were just as loyal as one could wish. Even if Bertrand was not married to Savannah, Drake suspected he would still have come to pay his respects.

But none of the others would have cared enough about him to come. No one would have flown all the way out here in to an insignificant Texas town for him.

Well, maybe one other might have.

As the pastor continued his sermon, Drake took advantage of his sunglasses to secretly search for Olivia in the crowd. It didn't take long to find her. Her rich red hair with sunlight shining upon it shone easily against the black clothed individuals.

He was surprised to see her head bowed. Her lips were not hardened in their typical manner. Her hands were loosely clasped in front of her black clad body. A few stray strands of her hair gently got caught in the occasional breeze.

He tried to swallow once more when his sister's muffled sob broke through his study of the duchess. He glanced to his right to see Bertrand wrap his arms around her, whispering against her hair.

Drake only caught a part of what he said.

"I'm right here."

That softly said phrase cut Drake to the quick.

He'd never felt so alone before. He'd experienced lonliness throughout his life, but he never realized how alone he was without a significant other. Liam often told him how much he needed and depended on Riley. Drake had witnessed first hand the changes in Bertrand and Savannah once they married.

But Drake didn't have that.

And now, he must say goodbye to the one parent who had caused nothing but conflicted feelings deep within his heart.

Drake didn't know what to do. Should he be angry and harden his heart against this woman who had abandoned him and his little sister all those years ago? Or should he only focus on the last couple of years and her attempts to makeup for her mistakes?

How uncertain could a man be?

Memories flickered through his mind of his mom when he was little. The gruff manner she would pull him in for a quick hug. The feel of her ruffling his hair. The way she would tuck him into bed at night.

Then thoughts of near silence. Wasn't that what she gave him for years until Liam got married? Actually, would she have shown her face at all if Liam hadn't made certain to invite her to his wedding? Would she have shown up if she hadn't known Savannah had given birth to her first grandchild?

Did she even want to see me? Or was her return to Cordonia for other reasons?

He blinked when people began to step forward to lay a final flower upon the mahogany casket.

Rubbing a hand down his face, he picked up his lone flower. He grimaced somewhat at the number of lilies and roses. His own wildflower he had picked seemed so out of place amongst them. It looked like he didn't care.

And he knew he was the only one left alive to remember the reason for picking the Firewheel for this final time.

The vibrant yellow and red petals were a stark contrast to the delicate, expensive, white flowers.

Tears burned his eyes yet refused to fall.

Stepping back, he went through the motions of thanking those who had come along with his sister and brother-in-law. His aunt was gruff were her murmurs of gratitude.

During one of the so sorry for your loss from a well meaning noble, Drake noticed Olivia slip away without a word. His brow furrowed over the fact she wasn't going to even bother to say anything to him. He'd thought that they were finally beyond being hateful to one another.

I guess I was wrong.

****************

The next couple of days were spent as cohost to those who remained in Texas. Neighbors came by the old farmhouse with enough food to help feed the company of Cordonia's most respected.

Drake was thoroughly tired of it by the third day.

He sneaked out one evening at dusk. Sighing in relief once he was a hundred yards from the crowded house, he continued on toward one of the outer fields.

He leaned against one of the fence posts, watching the last rays of light disappear.

"It's beautiful out here."

He swung around in surprise.

Olivia stepped up beside him, eyes focused on the western horizon.

His eyes narrowed somewhat. He had seen her speaking to others, yet she had kept her distance from him ever since the funeral. It irritated him. She hadn't even bothered to say she was sorry for his loss, yet had somehow followed him out here when he wanted to be alone.

No, that wasn't right. He didn't want to be alone. Not really. But that was how he'd been during this whole process.

Olivia cut her eyes to study his profile. She'd never felt so out of her depths before. What she was about to do was something she'd never felt compelled to do for anyone else in her life. It was something she couldn't stop thinking about. It irritated her that she'd felt driven to do this for Drake, of all people. She couldn't rest and remain inactive any longer.

She could see how much he was hurting yet was hiding it better than most could. She knew that kind of pain. Understood it. Lived with it all these many years.

And she'd known she couldn't approach him until the time was right and there was a lack of an audience.

"Why are you here?" He asked in a bitter tone.

Olivia didn't flinch. Didn't even bat an eyelash over the harsh accusation one could so easily hear. She knew what was causing it.

"I didn't want you to be alone anymore." She stated simply.

He snorted. "Did it ever occur to you that I have been surrounded by people for days?" He glared at her. "Was it not obvious since I asked no one to come out here with me that I needed to be alone?"

She turned to face him. Her normally hard gaze was soft, emerald eyes steadily meeting his angry brown. They didn't bother to probe to see where his questions were coming from.

And that unnerved him.

Instead of snapping back with an angry retort to set him in his place, she tentatively placed her hand over his.

His fist clinched upon the worn wooden plank. It was as if he fought against accepting her silent comfort.

Her fingers brushed along his knuckles until they settled along his fingers, curving over them as if in protection.

Drake could feel that familar burn of tears. His throat convulsed around that ever growing lump that threatened to choke him.

"I know, Drake." Olivia said softly.

And he knew she did. She understood without him having to say that he didn't know if he was mourning his parent or for the memories he once cherished or for what might have been if she had not left him.

He looked out at the meadow, seeing that same wildflower he'd given his mother dotting the slightly rolling land. During family trips here when he was a little boy, he had picked as many Firewheels as his arms could hold as a surprise for his mom. Even now, he could see her delighted smile. He could almost feel the kiss upon his forehead for bringing her such a thoughtful gift.

Stray tears slipped down his cheeks as he gazed upon Olivia's hand holding his.

When had his fingers eased? When had his hand turned to grip hers as if he was about to fall down a canyon of despair?

Her grip on his tightened as she waited patiently for him to say or indicate what he needed next.

His voice cracked.

"Liv. I--"

He wasn't certain who moved first. He only knew he had her crushed to his chest. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his waist as he shook. He buried his face against her neck, taking shuddering breaths.

Olivia closed her eyes tight. She could feel her own tears threatening to spill out. She knew deep down why she was here, allowing herself to experience the pain of losing a parent again. She knew why she was willing to allow her own memories to torture her once more.

She couldn't stand to see Drake have to face it alone. She knew he had Liam, the others, his sister, even an aunt.

But no one knew how to grieve for a parent who betrays you like she did.

As sweet as Liam, Riley, Hana, and Maxwell were, they couldn't begin to fathom the love/hate feelings that threaten to consume one when forced into this situation. To be denied the chance to say what it is you need, what you want, what you deserve from the parent; that is the true sorrow.

Time can't be reversed. Feelings cannot be healed by the person responsible for doing this to you. It is a frustratingly unfair situation.

Olivia was old friends with all of that. She knew soon Drake would be too. Yet, knowing him and seeing the type of man he had grown into, she knew he would only come out stronger and better in the end from all this.

Once he became a father, he would make certain his child never suffered a similar fate.

Just as she swore to her yet to be formed children.

Drake continued to hold on to Olivia, greedily taking every scrap of comfort she gave him. Of all the people in the world, he'd never have dreamed she'd be the one person to give him exactly what he needed in this moment.

And yet here she was, selflessly giving herself to him to use as his crutch, holding him up during this time of heartache.

Her soft whispered words reminding him she was there for him, that she understood touched his aching heart. It reminded him of Bertrand's actions with Savannah.

For the first time in his life, he felt understood. He felt cared for. He felt the stirrings of stronger emotions for the woman in his arms.

Drake knew from this moment on that he would no longer be alone.

[krsnlove]

😭😭😭

Gah, every single time you post about the crew I end up missing them so much! I know it’s an easy remedy for me to just work on the chapter but yknow 👀🫣

LOOOOOVE getting to see OTP Dralivia in this! Gah their relationship ages SO SO SO well. Without spoiling more of the crew, imma shut up cause you know I can say more 👀😂😮‍💨

I need something romantic in between Juliet and Emmerick. Like where he finally admits that he is deeply in love with her, and how he single-handedly told her that she is the one he wants to grow old with . And who he wants as the mother of his little princes and princesses.

😂 I can't spoil the series! @krsnlove would never forgive me if I did 🤣 There are some big things in store for the TRR grown children. But let's see if I can't do something to further along Prince Emerick and Lady Juliet's slowly changing relationship.

@lodberg ​​ @hopefulmoonobject ​ ​​  @krsnlove ​ @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam

Masterlist

A Needed Reprieve

"How much longer?" Juliet asked.

"Who knows anymore?" Emerick responded, smiling in the midst of cameras clicking and flashing away.

Nothing made the reporters more excited than catching sight of the Crown Prince of Cordonia with the young lady from Lythikos.

His arm was wrapped around Juliet's waist. She in turn had hers around him along with her other hand upon his chest.

"Smile, love." He teased.

He caught the glint of fire in her emerald eyes before her lips slowly curved into a seductive, yet tender smile. He'd seen it before, but it had been on another lady of Lythikos...Lady Juliet's own mother.

Olivia Nevarkis usually had that particualr smile whenever she was ready to torture her husband, Drake Walker.

Emerick swallowed a tad uneasily. He wasn't afraid of what would happen once the press dispersed. He was worried about how his body responded to that particular smirk.

The thought of taking her back into the palace to find a dark, secluded room formed along with what they should do once there.

Those line of thoughts should never be anywhere in his mind.

"Is there anything you can tell us?" One of the seasoned reporters yelled out.

Emerick chuckled. "Ladies and gentlemen, there is nothing to tell, save for the fact that Lady Juliet and I are nothing but friends."

He softly squeezed her to get her to speak up.

"It's true." She coyly lowered her lashes. "His Royal Highness and I have only been spending so much time together because of all our other friends being too busy to go out."

"No need to tell them everything." Emerick whispered.

"In fact," Juliet's voice raised to make certain everyone in the crowd could hear her. "Prince Emerick was just telling me earlier that he needs my help in finding a bride--"

He swiftly covered her mouth. His blue eyes flashed with a fire of their own.

"Is that true, sir?" An eager young reporter edged her way toward the front. "Are you ready to choose your princess?"

Emerick could feel both Juliet's triumphant smirk under his hand and the dreaded noose of princely expectations around his throat. He groaned just loud enough for the lady in his arms to hear.

None of this would be happening to him, if he had not practically coerced Juliet into continuing their little fictitious coupling after the wedding in Paris. He'd enjoyed the lack of ladies following him about so much, that he had not been ready to lose his protection.

Of course, his protection, aka the fiery Lady Juliet Nevarkis-Walker, was infinitely happier having the prince dissuade some of her more persistent suitors by simply being her escort to the various court functions they had been attending.

Their friends and siblings either rolled their eyes or predicted how this fabrication was going to backfire upon them.

Why did they have to have such an intelligent group for family and friends?

All of Cordonia now believed that at any moment, news from the palace would be released about a royal engagement.

Memories were brought up how Duchess Olivia's time as a suitor for King Liam and how it was wonderful to see their children make such a match.

Especially since the young couple seemed so fond of one another.

"If you will excuse us," Emerick made certain all his charm was front and center, "we must join my parents and the others for a picnic."

They hurried off.

Once out of sight of reporters, the two let go of one another.

"It's getting worse." Juliet muttered.

"You truly are the most intelligent lady of the court." Emerick grumbled. "We have no need of anyone else to state the obvious."

"Excuse me, Your Highness." Juliet snapped. "But your brilliant idea to save us has only made everyone think we are secretly planning a wedding!" She huffed in irritation. "I don't know which is worse: being chased by weak, unappealing noblemen or being linked to you." She shook her head. "Who wants to be stuck with some playboy for a husband?"

Emerick momentarily stopped in his tracks.

Juliet paused when he did.

His narrowed eyes flickered over her face.

She felt a prick to her conscious when she saw a brief flash of hurt flood his features.

"Emerick," she began, "I--"

He walked off.

Her jaw dropped. She'd never seen him unable to throw off one of her insults. He'd always had a quip or two ready to use in all their verbal sparring matches.

I went too far, she thought with a grimace.

She practically jogged to try and catch up with his angry, long-legged stride.

He only increased his speed when she softly called out his name.

Her temper ignited. How dare he ignore her?! How dare he presume to be angry when she was in just as deep as he was?

"Emerick Rhys!" She growled, grabbing a hold of the back of his jacket. "You better answer me when I talk to you!"

His jaw clinched. With a quick jerk of his broad shoulders, he managed to free himself of her hold.

Juliet nearly fell down. Once she righted herself, she stood still, watching him warmly greet their mothers. Without even glancing back to see where she was, he disappeared into the crowd, smiling at the nobles who called out greetings.

"There you are." Olivia greeted.

She lifted an eyebrow when she noticed her daughter's expression.

Stepping away from Riley, she lowered her voice.

"What's wrong?"

Juliet swallowed uncomfortably. "Mom, did you ever say something that you knew was a joke? And the person you said it to usually brushed it off as one, but for some reason, they take it as an insult?"

Her curiosity piqued when her usually unflappable mother squirmed.

"I might have experienced that a time or two." She muttered.

Her gaze landed on the one man she'd done that very thing.

"Your father and I," she tried to explain, "we weren't always on our best behavior around one another." Olivia shifted somewhat as she studied the man whom she once thought she hated. "And as you know, I've never hesitated in speaking my mind."

As if feeling her eyes upon him, Drake turned his head in search of her.

"It was hard to apologize once I realized he meant something to me." Olivia continued.

His brow furrowed when Olivia bit down on her bottom lip. He cut off a noble mid-sentence to rush over to his wife's side.

Juliet quietly observed her parents' silent communication. Her heart swelled with emotion seeing them still care so deeply about the other.

"Liv?" Drake eyed her and their daughter. "What is it?"

"Nothing." She waved her hand in dismissal. "I was thinking about how we used to..." Shaking her head, she didn't finish the sentence.

He grasped her hand, his lips firming into a frown. "We used to what?"

He became more concerned when she bit her lip again.

"Jules?" He softly said. "Give us a minute."

"Sure thing, Dad." She swiftly squeezed her mom in a hug, whispered she was sorry in bringing up a bad memory, then hurried off.

She glanced back over her shoulder to see her parents speaking in low tones. Then her father cupped her mother's cheek. When her mother tried to speak, he leaned down to silence her with a kiss.

That's how it is supposed to be, Juliet thought to herself. You're supposed to forgive the one you love and let it go.

She frowned over that thought and how it really didn't apply to her current situation. Did it?

But Emerick doesn't love me. Not like that. And I don't love him, right? So why am I worried about it?

She tried to use the excuse that he was a close friend of hers. He was one of her brother's best friends. Emerick's brother Ellis was one of her own best friends. She adored Uncle Liam and Aunt Riley.

She had to apologize. If for no other reason than to keep the peace between their families.

Ignoring those bowing their heads and calling out greetings, she searched for the crown prince.

She found him, surprisingly, off by himself. He was sitting on a blanket, reclining back on his elbows.

His back was to her, yet she could tell by the angle of his head that he was staring off into the distance.

She hoped he wasn't thinking about what she'd said.

Juliet straightened her shoulders and decided to make him forgive her.

After all, they still needed each other to get through the rest of the season.

She walked over until she was able to sit behind him.

He glanced back at her.

"Lady Juliet." He coolly greeted.

"Prince Emerick." She mimicked his clipped tone.

She bit her bottom lip when he remained both turned away from her and silent.

"Emerick." Her temper was starting to snap. "Why are you acting like this? You know I know you're not as bad as the press have made you out to be."

She shoved his shoulder. "Stop acting like I insulted you."

He stiffened in response. Turning his head slightly so he could level one bright blue eye upon her, he finally spoke.

"I'd hoped that those who truly know me wouldn't use the one moniker that I despise in any form of entertainment or in the midst of an argument."

Juliet winced. She hated when he spoke in that proper form like Uncle Liam. It made her actions seem so much worse.

He turned away from her again.

"Ugh." She grumbled. "Fine. I'm sorry."

When he didn't respond, she leaned over his shoulder.

"Did you hear me?"

He didn't move a muscle.

"I know you heard me." She responded. Her green eyes turned mischievous. "Perhaps, you need some help in knowing how to properly respond."

She slipped her arms over his shoulders, grasped his chin in one hand while the other pressed against his heart to keep him from escaping.

"Why Lady Juliet," she deepened her voice to playfully mock him, "I fully accept your apology and thank you for your loyal service and continued friendship to me, my family and to the great country of Cordonia."

A snort of amusement escaped Emerick as he allowed her to move his jaw with her words.

"And because you are such a valued member of the Court, I shall endeavor to have a parade in your honor for the great sacrifice you have made in remaining by my side throughout press events."

She didn't release him when she responded.

"My prince, I'm truly honored. But I don't need such accolades." She leaned over his shoulder so he could see her smirk. "Your ability to run my annoying suitors away is reward enough for hanging out with you."

He couldn't help but smile at her antics. His eyes drifted over her vivid features. Without much thought, he toyed with a lock of her long, silky hair.

Sighing in resignation, he focused once more on the rolling countryside.

"I am grateful for your help in this." He said softly.

Her fingers drifted drifted down his jaw. If he didn't know better, Emerick would have sworn it was a caress.

But this was Juliet Nevarkis-Walker. She didn't caress men, at least none he had ever witnessed, and she certainly wouldn't do so to him. She could be colder than her home when faced with anything romantic.

But she was also as fiery as her hair in both temper and loyalty.

"I apologize for taking such offense earlier." He added. "I suppose that my reputation gets to me at times."

Emerick grasped her hand over his heart.

"I know I need somone like you to remind me to laugh about it from time to time."

If Juliet didn't know better, she would have sworn that he was holding her hand close to his heart on purpose. But this was Emerick Rhys. He never acted romantic with her or any of their closest female friends. He was a flirt to be sure, but harmless nonetheless.

She propped her chin on his shoulder, tilting her head until her cheek touched his.

He gripped her hand tighter in response to what felt like a hug from behind.

"I'll always be around to help you not let the press get to you." She promised.

Emerick relaxed back against her.

"Thank you, Jules."

Hearing him call her by her nickname brought a smile to her face. She knew then that not only had he forgiven her, he was reverting back to himself.

"Shall we stay here or actually find some food?" He asked after a few moments of simply enjoying her company.

"Who says we can't do both?"

"Meaning?"

"Meaning," she got to her feet and held her hand out to him, "we find food and bring back here to enjoy without everyone watching us."

His dimpled grin that made ladies around the world sigh popped up. Grasping her hand, he got to his feet and eagerly fell in with her plan.

[krsnlove]

K, I know it’s been awhile since I’ve reblogged anything of yours 🤦🏾‍♀️ but while I’m catching up, I of course have to have a LiamxRiley fic of yours to be first! 🫠

I honestly didn’t know what route you were going to take with this fic! I wasn’t even thinking of Liam abdicating tbh 👀 been gone too long but everything just fit so beautifully. Of course it would be Olivia to become next. And what more could Liam want for his beloved stupid Cordonia to go to someone who is devoted to the country as much as him?! 😭

I never played those chapters where Madeleine and Liam were engaged cause I couldn’t take it. But I forgot Madeleine made her pick up the rings for the wedding 👀😮‍💨 NGL I thought that was such a cool move 😂🫣

AAAAAND I love love LOVED how we get to see this side of Tariq. OF COURSE he would have a more difficult time to this than her. There were two people wronged here and we often look at him as the enemy but he was as much a victim as Riley was. I’m glad she saw that but even more so loved that she didn’t blame him for not going back.

Tbh. Kick rocks, Cordonia. Thanks for nothing 👀😂

…and then the ending. When they’re reunited and they reenact the moment they first met. And how the friends helped. And maxwell ruining the moment they get to kiss. Just perfect. Perfect perfect perfect 😭

Hey my dear! How about a request? What will happen between Liam and Riley if they don't find Tariq or find him to late? Will Riley return to New York, and will Liam eventually have to marry the snake of Madeleine? Do you plan to write about it?

😬 well........hmm. This is a tough one. Normally, I'd be like, Liam will just tell everyone what happened with his father and how Riley is innocent. They'll ride off into the sunset toward their happily ever after, blah, blah, blah 😂. Then I remember how he reacted in TRR Book 2 when Constantine said he couldn't go to the press and clear this up. It would ruin the people's trust in Liam due to having a manipulative father, etc. And Liam AGREED. Here, given just what we know of Liam from the first two books of The Royal Romance, is what I think would have happened if Tariq was not found in time. Sorry for it being so long! It kept growing and growing 🙈 angst and fluff from here on out.

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg  @amandablink @neotericthemis  @mm2305 @sfb123

Masterlist

The Decision

New York, the day of the wedding shower...

He couldn't hide his desperation. It was getting more and more difficult to remain hopeful.

Liam splashed some cold water over his face. While drying it, he studied his reflection in the mirror.

They should have landed by now, he thought. Surely it won't take them long to find Tariq. Between Riley and Hana, he won't be able to say no to their gentle pleading to finally come forward and end this scandal.

Liam gripped the vanity. His head dropped forward to silently pray that all would end tonight.

"It has to work." He whispered to himself. "Riley and I are meant to be together."

He glanced once more at his reflection. He could see how visibly tired he was of this pretense that he and Madeleine were happily on their way to the altar.

If the wedding shower happens, then I am honor bound to marry Madeleine.

Could he go through with it? Riley told him the night before that she didn't think she could remain with him if he did marry the countess. He hadn't allowed himself to think of that situation occurring. He understood Riley's feelings, but he'd selfishly hoped she would still be with him if they were left with no other option.

He rubbed his hands over his face. He was so sick of keeping their love hidden from the world. He wanted to finally be free of everything keeping them apart.

Bastien knocked upon the bathroom door.

"Your majesty? The car is waiting downstairs."

"I'll be out in a minute." Liam automatically responded.

He slipped his black jacket on. Combing his hair once more, he straigtened his shoulders and adopted his pleasant court mask, one perfect for noble gatherings.

His stomach twisted in knots as he made his way down. He had two meetings with delegates to deal with before the dreaded shower. He wished he could have gone with Riley and their friends. There was simply no way to do so because of duty.

Duty. He snorted softly as he watched the buildings go by. Duty was once more keeping him from the one he loved the most.

"It must work." His hands balled into fists. "Tariq will be found."

*********************

Los Angeles...

"This is it." Riley took a deep breath.

"You got this, Brooks." Drake positioned himself behind her.

Hana took her hand and gave a gentle squeeze of encouragement.

"We're with you til the end of the line, Blossom." Maxwell pulled her close for a quick side hug.

While flashing a grateful smile to her staunchest supporters, she knocked on what had to be Tariq's apartment door.

This has to be the right one, she thought to herself. It's our last one...our last hope.

No one came to the door.

"Try again." Hana said softly. "Perhaps, he didn't hear the knock.

Riley knocked a little louder.

Silence followed.

"Here, let me." Drake nudged them to the side so that he could pound on the door.

"Hey!" A neighbor across the way stuck his head out. "Keep it down! Some of us have to work tonight."

"Excuse me," Hana smiled warmly at the man. "Do you happen to know the gentleman who lives here?"

"Who? You mean the shoe freak?" The neighbor grumbled. "Saw him earlier today. Left with a bunch of suitcases."

"He's gone!" Riley exclaimed. "Did he say where he was going?"

"No. Shoe Freak kept to himself." He noticed how upset the group was becoming. "Sorry. He must be a friend of yours."

"Did he say anything to you?" Drake asked. "Did you notice anything that might help us find him?"

"He didn't say anything." The man yawned while apologizing and shutting his door.

"Let's go check with the super." Riley hurried toward an elevator. "Maybe he knows where Tariq is."

The others followed on her heels.

Maxwell checked his watch. Time was running out.

*******************

New York: the wedding shower...

Madeleine's laughter echoed about as she talked to Kiara. The moment she caught sight of Riley, she excused herself and made her way over.

She immediately noticed the red rimmed eyes and unusually pale skin upon the other woman's face.

"There you are." Madeleine coldly greeted. "Did you bring my ring like I requested?"

Riley dug around in her clutch. She finally located the little black box.

"Here." She swallowed back her tears.

"Thank you." Madeleine replied with a sly smirk forming. "I told Liam you could be useful."

"Useful?" Riley bit out.

"Of course." Madeleine admired her wedding band. "I knew you could be more than simply Liam's paramour."

Riley stepped back with a sharp ibtake of breath over that observation.

"Do enjoy yourself. I better go find my fiancé." Madeleine giggled, thoroughly enjoying a chance to rub it in. "We have so many to personally thank for joining us today."

Riley merely glared at her.

"You okay?" Maxwell asked, once Madeleine left.

"No, I'm not." Riley whispered. "How could I possibly be okay with any of this?"

"Oh Riley." Hana wrapped her arm around her. "I'm so sorry."

"I told Bastien." Drake muttered as he joined them. "Maybe he can find out where Tariq went."

"He could be anywhere." Riley felt the overwhelming hopelessness she first experienced the night of the coronation ball.

While her friends debated on the location of the elusive noble, Riley's thoughts focused in on the fact that it was now twice she'd had to watch the man she loved end up with another.

It wasn't fair. She'd played the court games, uncovered the mystery of the scandal, and had helped her friends with their own problems along the way. Didn't she deserve to have something good for a change happen to her?

Or...

Was this fate telling her once again that she was not meant for Liam?

She sucked in a stilted breath. It has to be that. It was a foolish dream to think for even a moment that she could possibly end up with Prince Charming. She was nothing in their world. She wasn't Cinderella like she once joked about in her coronation ballgown. She wasn't even a background character.

Riley was simply a waitress from New York who naively believed that dreams do come true.

But even dreams can be nightmares.

This was her nightmare. Seeing Madeleine hug Liam's arm after his toast to their future as king and queen was too much. It was too hard to watch her lips kiss his cheek.

This life Riley had been living all these months was a dream.

And a horrible one at that.

"Time to wake up." She whispered to herself.

She downed the champagne someone handed her then searched for an exit.

Like all dreams, this one was finally over.

******************

A few hours later...

"When did she leave?" Liam asked once he was in the elevator with Drake.

"A couple of hours ago. Maxwell and Hana went with her." Drake explained. "It's been a rough eighteen hours on Brooks."

"I can't believe Tariq disappeared again." Liam ran his hands over his face. "I just knew everything would be," he trailed off, "what am I going to do?"

Drake folded his arms. "Simple. You love Riley and she loves you. Go be together."

"It's not that simple." Liam pointed out. "As much as I wish it was, I can't just make it so."

"Liam, you're king." Drake argued. "If you don't have the power to make it right, then who does? Your father had the power to ruin your chance with her. Can't you fix it?"

"You don't understand." Liam stepped out on the fifteenth floor. "The only way to fix this is by exposing my father for the manipulator he is. The people of Cordonia will doubt everything he did as king and then doubt me."

"They won't doubt you." Drake grumbled.

"They will. They will either wonder if I will act just like my father or they will think I am a weak ruler to allow something like this to happen to me in the first place."

They approached Riley's door. Even from out here they could hear the muffled, pleading tones coming from Maxwell and Hana.

Upon their knock, Riley opened the door.

Her eyes were red from the tears she'd finally allowed to fall. Hours of arguing had nearly exhausted her.

"Hey." She managed a half hearted smile. "Come in."

Liam eyebrows drew together at the sight of her suitcases out and open on the bed. Drawers were nearly empty as she resumed her packing.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Home." She replied in what she hoped was a determined tone.

"But..." Liam turned toward their friends. "Would you give us a moment, please?"

"Sure thing." Drake opened the door for Hana.

She gave Riley a tearful hug, then hurried out. Maxwell stopped right at the door.

"Promise me you won't decide on leaving until I get back."

Unable to deny her sweet friend who'd been the one to offer her this chance at romance from the start, she nodded.

Shoulders slumping at seeing her so unhappy, Maxwell quietly closed the door behind him.

Liam tried to take Riley into his arms.

"We will find a way to be together."

She pushed him away. "You mean me as the other woman? The king's mistress?" She shook her head. "No thanks."

"It isn't looked down upon in Cordonia." Liam argued. "Everyone already knows I'm in love with you. The nobles treat you well. We--"

"Treat me well?!" Riley glared at him. "So well that Penelope and Kiara can't talk to me for more than a minute so as not to anger Madeleine. And your fiancee never hesitates to let me know that I'm nothing more than your personal sex toy."

Riley couldn't stop her words. The mere thought of continuing in this lifestyle for the rest of her life angered her.

"Did you know she had me go pick up her wedding band when we got here? Me! The one she knows is in love with you and hoped to end up as your wife. How do you think that made me feel? Do you honestly expect me to just swallow my pride and be your wife's punching bag while hoping for an hour or two of your attention?"

Liam blanched. "I had no idea Madeleine was treating you this way. I--"

"You had no idea?" Riley's bitter laugh made him cringe. "Some king you are. You don't even know what's going on with the two women in your life."

Liam swallowed. He'd never seen Riley this angry before. It was as if a dam had burst and all her emotions were able to flow out.

"Look Liam." Riley stopped packing so she could face him. "We knew it was a long shot that we could have the future we wanted." She gestured toward him. "You'll be a lot happier once we have some distance between us."

"Happier?" His voice cracked.

"Yes." She somehow managed to look into his eyes. "You'll no longer have to decide between doing right by your country or by your heart."

Liam shook his head, refusing to accept her words.

"We had a," Riley swallowed. "We had a nice love affair that was only meant for a season."

She tried to smile. It came out strained at best.

"You'll see this is what was supposed to happen from the beginning." Tears filled her eyes. "I was never meant for you." Her breath hitched. "No matter what either of us originally thought."

She zipped up her bags. "At least we had some good times."

"They were perfect." Liam choked out. "The best of my life."

Riley briefly closed her eyes. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she tried to walk past him.

"Riley." He gently grasped her arm. "Please, don't leave me."

She bit her lip. Letting go of her bags, she hugged him tight.

"I can't be with you while you're married to another." She burried her face in his chest. "I can't."

He clutched her close. His whispered words of love did little to dent her resolve.

Riley abruptly left his arms.

"Tell the others I couldn't stand saying goodbye to them." She couldn't bear another moment of his heartache. "Take care of yourself, Liam."

Quickly gathering her bags, she left him standing alone in her hotel room.

Liam sat down at the foot of her bed as the reality of losing her completely hit him.

He didn't know what step he should take next in his bleak future.

***********************

A few days later, on a train in Cordonia...

"...and I spoke to Bastien about..."

Madeleine narrowed her eyes when she noticed Liam was not paying her any attention.

"Liam!" She snapped.

He jumped. "Yes?"

"Did you hear anything I said?"

"No." He focused once more on Cordonia's countryside.

She huffed in irritation. "And I thought you were bad when Riley was around to distract you."

He swiftly turned back towards her. "Do not," he snapped, "EVER speak her name again!"

Madeleine's jaw dropped. He'd never spoken to her abruptly much less in anger.

"I..." She swallowed nervously, "I won't."

He turned once more to look out the train window.

"But we do need to discuss the homecoming ball."

"It's canceled." He replied.

"Canceled? Why? When did this--"

"I'm king." He interrupted. "I don't want a ball so therefore I won't have one."

"But, the people expect to see us celebrating--"

"There's nothing to celebrate." Liam cut her off again.

"Our wedding is coming up!" She whined.

"So?" He narrowed his eyes upon her again. "It is nothing more than a political alliance."

"Yes, but the people expect to see us in love."

"Then it's better now to stop that train of thought." He grumbled.

Her brow furrowed. She'd assumed Liam was the one prince she could mold and make do whatever she wanted. He was usually so polite. So eager to please and do what was expected.

This new version of him worried her.

"If you will excuse me, I need to go speak to my ladies in waiting." She murmured.

He didn't bother to look at her, merely waved her away.

Liam saw no need to keep up any pretense. What did it matter? It wasn't like he needed the people to approve of him. They were stuck with him as ruler.

For better or for worse. Nothing could be any worse than this.

*******************

New York, a month later...

"Hey!" Daniel greeted warmly. "Long time no see."

Riley slid onto a stool with a grin. "Yeah, well it is kinda hard to get your old job back after you write screw you on the receipt."

Daniel snorted as he mixed her a drink. "How's the new job going?"

"Pretty good." She took a sip. "No one's made me take the trash out late at night, so that's a plus."

"Living the dream." He chuckled, making a needed drink for himself.

They drank in companionable silence.

"Kinda dead tonight." Riley twirled about.

"It's the rain." Daniel poured her a refill. "Only the truest patrons venture out on a night like this."

She laughed. "I guess so."

She looked up when he placed his hand over hers.

"You know you can talk to me about Liam?"

"I know I can." She downed the rest of her drink. "But why make you listen to the same frustrations every single time I see you?" She gently squeezed his hand. "I can't afford to lose you. You're all I have in New York."

"Not necessarily." Daniel looked over her shoulder at the group who walked in.

"Riley!" Maxwell rushed over, lifted her off the barstool, and spun her around.

Her startled yelp turned into a rush of greeting him, Drake, and Hana.

The four talked over one another, laughing, hugging, then sat down at one of the nearby tables.

"What on earth are you doing here?" She asked.

"Checking on you." Hana replied.

"But the wedding is coming up." Riley wondered how she managed to say it without crying.

"Liam postponed it." Maxwell explained.

"He did?" Riley blinked in surprise.

"Yeah, he went ahead and told the people about Constantine's cancer." Drake added. "He's not in any hurry to make Madeleine, queen."

"He's holding out hope that we can somehow find Tariq." Hana said softly.

"Oh." Riley's shoulders slumped. "He shouldn't bother."

"Of course he should!" Maxwell draped his arm around Riley's shoulders "You two are made for each other."

Riley shook her head. "I meant, there's no point to finding Tariq."

"What makes you say that?" Drake asked.

"Because I not only found him, I also talked to him." She replied.

Taking a deep breath, Riley shared what happened after they left New York.

*****************

New York, nearly three weeks earlier...

"Taxi!" Riley whistled, trying to get someone to stop.

The storm clouds were only growing darker as thunder rumbled overhead.

"Come on." She waved at a few. "Don't make me have to take the subway soaking wet."

One stopped not too far from her. She hurried over when she saw both the passenger and driver exit the cab.

Once she was close enough, she nearly tumbled in shock at the sight of the one noble she'd searched so hard for.

"Tariq!" She shouted.

He looked around to see who had said his name.

She ran over to him, ignoring her screaming muscles and sore feet in high heels, and grabbed hold of his arm.

"Lady Riley!"

His astonishment would have made her laugh if she wasn't in such a desperate, wretched situation.

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" She nearly shook him.

He swallowed nervously. "Oh?"

"We need to talk." She jerked him toward the hotel they were standing near.

"I suppose we do." He followed her inside.

She took him to one of the hotel bars after dropping off his luggage with concierge.

"Now," she began, "where have you been?"

"Traveling." He muttered. "I thought it best after," he grimaced, "after our scandal was discovered to gain some distance from you and the court."

"Must have been nice to travel while I was left to deal with the mess." She muttered.

His eyes narrowed. "I had to leave my home. I left everyone I knew." He couldn't hide his bitterness. "All because I was told you had feelings for me and was given the wrong room."

"I lost Liam!" She snapped. "Don't think that you are the only one to suffer!"

"Then you should know how awful it's been!" He arugued. "I lost the respect and friendship of many in Cordonia because I supposedly went after the prince's suitor." He glared at her. "Unlike you, I can't go home again to live my life."

Riley closed her mouth. She hadn't thought of all that happening to Tariq. Her only concern was how the situation affected her.

"You...you aren't going back to Cordonia?" She asked.

"No." He replied. His tone was harsh as he glared at her. "I'm no longer welcome for trying to steal the monarch's suitor." He took a swallow from his drink. "I've been traveling and searching for a new home in a different country."

"I'm sorry." Riley whispered.

Unshed tears blurred her sight as she thought how destructive Constantine's actions had been.

Tariq tried to shrug it off. "No matter." He downed the last of his drink. "Tomorrow, I leave for my new home in Barcelona."

"Oh." Riley sniffed. "Would you mind..."

"Mind what?"

"Mind giving a statement to clear my name?" She asked.

His eyes narrowed upon her. "Clear your name? Will it clear mine?"

"I...don't think it will." She mumbled.

"Then, no." He got to his feet. "My giving a statement would make me the only guilty party. Right?"

Riley knew she couldn't share with him Constantine's part. With how bitter and resentful Tariq was, he'd immediately go to the presses with the news. It would ruin everything.

It would ruin Liam.

"Have you been hurt from the scandal here?" Tariq asked, picking up his attaché.

"No." Riley honestly admitted. "I haven't seen or heard anything about it since I came home."

"Then enjoy that bit of peace." He nodded to her on his way out. "And move on from Cordonia."

******************

Present day, New York...

"He won't come forward?" Drake asked.

"Nope." Riley slumped back against the cushions.

"I can't believe he won't try and help." Hana reached over and squeezed Riley's hand. "I'm so sorry."

Maxwell had been unusually quiet throughout the story. With a grimace, he offered his opinion.

"Honestly, after how they ostracized him back home, I don't blame him for wanting to keep out of it."

Drake rounded on him. "Are you saying, you'd do the same thing?!"

"I hope I wouldn't." Maxwell argued. "But I can't imagine losing all of you, Bertrand, Ramsford...it'd be the worst thing to ever happen to me."

"That's why I didn't keep pushing him to make a statement." Riley added. "He's been through worse than I--"

"No, he hasn't!" Drake snapped. "He's had a cushy life since he was born. He--"

"And that's why his situation is so much worse!" Riley cut in. "I wasn't born to the noble lifestyle. My home is far enough away where the scandal can't touch me." She took in all three of them. "And I have friends who stuck by me through it all."

Hana threw her arms around her. Maxwell joined in, hugging them both. They looked over at Drake.

He bit out a curse, then joined in.

"You guys really are the best, you know that?" Riley said softly.

They simply hugged her tighter in response.

*****************

A week later, Cordonia...

"You sent for me?" Olivia asked.

"Yes, please have a seat." Liam waved toward a comfortable couch.

She eyed the door closing behind them, leaving them completely alone.

"What's wrong?"

Liam sat down across from her. "Tariq was found."

Olivia sat up straighter. Her lips parted to congratulate her friend finding a way to his happily ever after. She paused when she noticed the sadness lingering in his eyes.

"He won't come forward, will he?"

Liam shook his head. Running an agitated hand through his hair, he got to his feet, pacing the length of the room.

Olivia, feeling a tad uneasy, observed him. She'd never seen him in such a state before.

"Are you all right?"

"I can't keep doing this." He told her. "Not without Riley."

"Have you called her?"

"No." His head dropped forward. "She refuses to have anything to do with me now that I'm stuck with Madeleine."

"Oh." Olivia's brow furrowed as she tried to find a way around this for him.

He dropped down to his knees in front of her.

Olivia visibly jumped in alarm over such an erratic move.

"Do you know who is next in line to the throne if something were to happen to me?" He asked, eyes wide for the first time with a hint of hope.

"...no..." She replied.

"It's you." He got to his feet and rushed to his desk, yanking open desk drawers until he found the paper he was searching for.

"See!" He handed it to her.

Olivia eyed the convoluted line of succession.

She found her name, eyes widening in alarm.

"Liam? Why did you summon me?"

She didn't bother to hide her shock at this unexpected news.

"Because you," he said with his first smile since coming home, "are about to become queen."

****************

Two weeks later, New York, Coney Island...

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Maxwell squeezed Riley in a hug, lifting off her feet.

"You're welcome!" She gasped in a breathless laugh.

"I've always wanted to come here." He rubbed his hands together. "What should we do first?"

"That's the beauty of this place." Drake nodded down the midway. "Whatever you want, when you want, no schedule required."

Hana sniffed the air. "Something smells wonderful!" She eagerly turned toward her friends. "May we try one of the carnival foods? There a a few I read about last night that I am most curious about."

Riley linked her arm through Hana's, trying not to laugh over her dearest friend's research. "Lead the way Hana."

*****************

A few hours later...

"Any word?" Maxwell whispered.

"His plane landed." Drake checked to make certain Riley was distracted with Hana. "He wants to meet up with her."

"Where?"

"Her old bar."

*****************

A couple more hours later...

The group entered through the doors, laughing and talking about their long day at Coney Island.

Daniel beamed at them from behind the bar.

"Sounds like somebody had fun."

"You should have been there with us." Riley told him. "I hate that jerk wouldn't let you off for the night."

Daniel shrugged. "It wasn't too bad of a night working."

Riley snorted softly. "It's empty."

A smile played about her friend's lips. "Somebody rented it for the night."

"Oh." She looked about. "You need some help setting up?"

Daniel glanced at the back room. "Yeah, that'd be great."

Riley hopped up. "Bachelor or Bachelorette party?"

"Both." Daniel muttered. "I think."

"I'll go get the table decorations for you." She hurried off toward the back store room.

Maxwell , Hana, and Drake watched her until she disappeared.

"Is Liam here?" Hana whispered.

"No. He was." Daniel checked over his shoulder. "Then he went out to run a quick errand."

"So what's the plan?" Maxwell asked.

"We find a way to keep her busy." Daniel explained.

*****************

An hour later...

Hana, Maxwell, and Drake offered to go get some takeout while the pair worked.

"What do you think?" Riley stepped back to admire the room.

"Looks great." Daniel's phone vibrated. "Oh geez. Listen, would you mind staying here alone for about twenty minutes."

He held his phone up.

"I need to get home. Drax is fighting the pet sitter again."

Riley doubled over in laughter to hear that his new pomsky puppy was refusing to leave his bed to go for a walk.

"I'll hurry." He promised on his way out.

Once alone, Riley wandered around the empty bar. Her eyes lighted on the table that a certain group of guys had once sat at.

She walked over, thinking about that night and how it led them all down a road none of them could have possibly imagined.

Her mind then replayed how it all began. Maxwell declaring stakes for the table. Drake wanting shots. Then Liam appearing behind her and saying--

"Pardon me miss..."

Riley spun around.

"Liam!"

His smile was tender as he finally had a chance to see her in something other than a photograph.

"Hello, Riley."

She weakly sat down in the booth.

"What are you doing here?"

He sat down across from her, taking her hand in his.

"I came to see you."

"Liam." She sighed. "That's sweet, but you know we can't be together."

"We can, my love."

She shook her head. "We can't. I can't be the other woman in your life."

He lifted her hand to his lips. "Would you be willing to be the only woman?"

Her brow furrowed when he slipped out of his seat and dropped to a knee.

"What are you--"

"I love you, Riley, with my entire heart." His grip tightened around her fingers. "I regret every moment I missed in declaring that to the world."

Her eyes were wide, waiting anxiously to hear what next he would say.

"Everything that happened," he looked up at her, "has only shown me that you are the very definition of my happiness."

He pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles.

"I lost that the moment we parted in New York." His smile dimmed. "I was nothing but a hollow shell of a man. Without you, nothing in my life mattered. I was of no use to anyone."

She shook her head, a stray tear following. She couldn't help but think of how she had been in a similar state once she knew their relationship was doomed.

"My reign without you by my side would be nothing but a blot upon Cordonian's history."

Her lips parted in a gasp.

"Liam, what--"

"Since I can't have you as queen of Cordonia," he pressed her hand to his heart, "I can no longer be its king."

"You abdicated?" She whispered in disbelief.

He nodded. "And the moment I was finally free to do so, I rushed here to ask you the very question I wanted to so many months ago."

He produced a diamond solitaire.

"My love, will you marry me?"

She couldn't see him through her tears. She recalled all the times he'd mentioned abdicating during that awful engagement tour. She'd thought he wouldn't be able to be happy in a life not doing his duty.

Yet, here he was, smiling at her as if she was truly all he needed in the world.

"Are you sure?" She choked out. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

He pulled her into his arms. "I've never been more certain, more at peace, more excited for any decision than I have been for this one.

She kissed him through her tears, breaking off with a laugh to say yes, before surging forward to kiss him with all the love in her heart.

"Can we celebrate now?"

The couple broke apart at that question.

Maxwell grinned at them. Drake and Hana softly groaned at him interrupting such a romantic moment.

"We can." Riley replied, snuggling once more in Liam's arms.

Liam nodded. "We couldn't have made it without any of you."

The group hugged each other, knowing this was just the beginning of a an all new happily ever after.

[krsnlove]

Thomas kills me LoL. I just love how he goes against everything he hates just for Amanda..TRUE LOVE! Lol

Leo in this cracked me up! Him making Thomas jealous was so perfect. And I loved how he was also looking out for Amanda and her own feelings to protect her. I love whenever he makes an appearance in your fics 💕

And the mentions of the babies, Liam and Riley and everyone else 😭 I caaaant!

Angst/Love Prompt

"We're either going to break up or get married." as requested by @krsnlove for (Thomas Hunt x OC*Amanda)

A/N After @krsnlove posted a request of mine from long ago, I went through my folder and found this one she had sent me that I hadn't answered along with a few others 🤦🏻 Sorry M! I'll try to finish those up, LOL! But I finally had inspiration for this one you sent ages ago. I'm also borrowing a certain former crown prince for this, LOL!

@krsnlove @my-heart-beats-for-ya ​ @aworldoffandoms ​​ @flyawayboo ​​ @trappedinfandoms ​​  @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight @hopelessromantic1352

Masterlist

The Assumption

(Thomas Hunt x OC*Amanda) in A Choices: The Royal Romance/Royal Heir/Red Carpet Diaries Fan Fic.

Hollywood...

"Cut!" Thomas yelled out.

He gathered up his notes while his cast waited on his direction.

"We'll stop for today. Everyone meet back tomorrow. 8 a.m. sharp."

"Before you leave," Holly paused beside him, "I have your messages."

He rolled his eyes over those from the studio. Then he paused at the last one.

"Amanda called?" He slipped his phone out of his pocket. "Why didn't she call me? Why call the studio?"

Holly averted her eyes. "Maybe she wasn't thinking."

"What did she say?" He flipped the note over to see nothing but blank paper. "Is she still coming this weekend?"

"I, um," Holly searched for an escape, "I don't think so."

Thomas blinked. "You don't think so? What did she say?"

"Well," Holly hedged. "She um said she was um--"

"Stop umming!" Thomas snapped. "What did she say?"

"That she's in New York and that if you want to see her then you have to fly out there." Holly swallowed. "Otherwise, she wouldn't be seeing you anytime soon."

His eyes widened.

Thomas knew he had been spoiled with how Amanda did her best to work around his schedule these past eight months. She was the one who usually did most of the traveling to be wherever he was. He'd been her date at a few court events in Cordonia and had escorted her to the last few weddings.

Yet, this past month he had very little contact with her. Their conversations were short on the phone. She seemed distant, distracted.

He should have pressed for an explanation.

Having overheard the whole exchange and unable to keep her opinion to herself, Addsion sidled up next to him.

"Maybe she's tired of waiting."

"Waiting?" Thomas narrowed his eyes. "Waiting on what?

"Thomas, she's a noble. She is supposed to marry and have a couple of heirs." Addison pointed out. "You've seen how fast courtships turn into weddings over there. I think that last wedding you attended was decided on after three weeks of dating."

"How long have you two been together?" Holly asked.

"Nearly a year." He replied. His brow furrowed in thought. "Amanda's never..."

"She never what?" Addison asked.

He shook his head. Thomas didn't want to explain to them that Amanda had never once spoken of marriage or the need to get married before. "I'll see you in the morning." He swiped up his bag on the way out the door.

Once alone in his car, he called Amanda.

******************

New York City, a week earlier...

"I hate to say this, and I do beg your pardon," Amanda clutched handfuls of her hair while facing her laptop. "But King Fredrick of Oskal is a stubborn ass."

Regina's calm demeanor broke out into a huge smile. "My dear, you should have met his father. Now there was an Oskalan goat if ever I saw one."

Her laughter brought out Amanda's.

The young duchess shook her head. "I had no idea that you and Liam dealt with people like this so often."

The queen mother shrugged delicately. "I would like to say it gets easier over time but I can't." Her smile turned warm. "I know these last couple of months have been difficult handling these on your own, so I've found someone to help you deal with the goat king and other diplomats."

A knock on Amanda's door had her jerking around in surprise.

Regina watched from her screen to see Leo walk through the suite's door.

"I heard there was a lady in distress." He flashed his charming smile. "I'm here for whatever you need."

Amanda threw her arms around his neck and hugged the former crown prince.

With frustrated tears in her eyes, she smiled up at him.

"My hero."

*******************

Present night, New York...

Leo slipped his hands in his pockets while watching Amanda finish getting ready for the evening.

"Pearls or diamonds?" She held up two necklaces.

"Diamonds." He walked over to help her fasten the clasp. "So..."

"So?"

"Fredrick issued you another marriage offer."

Amanda huffed. "I don't know why. I've never encouraged him nor shown any interest."

"It's your refusal to back down during negotiations." Leo explained. "He finds that very attractive."

Amanda rolled her eyes. "The last thing I want is to be married to a man like that."

Leo grinned at her. "You'd be queen. And you'd be in the right position to give Cordonia all it needs."

"First off, I've never had any desire to be a ruler of any nation. Second, I hate negotiating. The only reason I'm doing this is because there is no one else to help Regina. Third, I--well, I have Thomas."

Leo merely lifted an eyebrow.

"What?" She asked.

"Look," Leo ran a hand through his hair. "I know it's not my place to say this, nor can I really judge after my own track record."

Amanda folded her arms.

"You know I've known Thomas for years." His bright blue eyes met her hazel. "And he isn't exactly a man looking to settle down."

"Oh." She lowered her eyes.

"I'm not saying he won't ever marry." Leo quickly spoke up. "Just that, he really enjoys being a bachelor." He leaned down to try and see how she was taking this. "Amanda?"

Her shoulders straightened. "We should go. King Fredrick will take it as an insult if we're late."

Leo took her hand and placed it in the bend of his arm. "I know I'm not your usual partner in these meetings," he gently squeezed her hand, "but I think we make a pretty good team."

Amanda laughed. "I suppose we do. It is nice to have you here watching my back." Her smile dimmed. "I'm so happy that everyone is newly married, starting a family, or about to get married. But..."

"But you wish they could be here." He finished for her.

"I do." They stepped into the elevator. "I didn't realize how selfish I am until now."

Leo rubbed the back of his neck. "Liam has always been better than me at these events. I think I quit worrying about my lack of finesse once I saw how good he was at negotiating."

Amanda nodded. "I did the same thing."

Leo patted her hand in commiseration as they watched the elevator numbers drop.

"You think we'll hear soon that he and Riley are finally pregnant?"

"The way my brother adores his wife and wishes to do his duty, I expect to hear news any minute."

"Me too." Amanda murmured.

Between Liam and Riley needing to be under as little stress as possible, Drake and Olivia's honeymoon, Hana's upcoming wedding, and Maxwell's whirlwind engagement; she was the only one free to come to New York and deal with multiple rulers and diplomats. Even Penelope had a wedding to plan.

Amanda grimaced. She was the only one she knew from home who was simply spinning her wheels, personally speaking. She wasn't moving forward. She wanted to. She wanted to be married and planning a future with children.

But she wanted it with a man who had not once hinted on where their relationship was going.

Perhaps it is partly my own fault. I've never told him what I want or expect.

"Ready duchess?" Leo whispered once they were outside one of the hotel's ballrooms.

"No." She smiled up at him. "But when have I ever been good with timing?"

******************

Hollywood...

Thomas paced while waiting on a response. The calls he made went unanswered. The voicemails went by without a word. Even the texts that he loathed to send were left unread.

He didn't think Amanda was the kind to simply cut him out of her life with no explanation. But these actions...

It was time to think seriously about what he wanted.

"We're either going to break up or get married." He said to his empty home.

The thought of breaking up with her was unacceptable, so much so that the thought of marriage wasn't as cringe worthy as it once was.

"So it's marriage then." He told himself.

The more he thought about it, the more he liked the notion. He did want her a part of everything he did. He loved having her by his side for award ceremonies and premiers. He did not like it when she had to find someone else to escort her to her court functions that he couldn't attend.

If we were married, then there would be no worries over those anymore.

He was in love with her. He knew that he was shortly after they began dating. He cared for her more than he had any previous woman he had been with.

There really is no reason to continue to simply date.

If only she would return his calls. He checked the time once more.

Midnight. Which means it is 3 a.m. in New York. She should be back in her room by now!

He swiped up his phone and called her again.

***************

4:30 a.m. New York City...

"Night." Amanda slurred as she kicked off her shoes.

She waved goodbye to a tipsy Leo then locked her door.

The Oskal king insisted on ending his ball with multiple toasts in the old style. Kegs of his country's whiskey were brought around for the hours of speeches. He eyed Leo and Amanda, making certain they downed their drinks each time a toast was finished.

After the third one, Amanda nearly gagged. She'd never been a heavy drinker and this insistence that she honor a man who she couldn't stand's country by downing shots seemed ridiculous. It was also not worth it.

By the end of the night, the king was proposing they make an alliance with Cordonia through their marriage.

"You," he tried to lean casually toward her yet in his inebriated state, he ended up pinning her to the wall with his body, "are what *hic* what my grandmother wanted me *hic* to marry."

Amanda tried to push him off. Her hair was in her eyes as she slid sideways. "You *hic* are what my *hic* my *hic* my uncle *hic*," she fell into a chair, "told me to say nnnnooooo."

Leo stumbled over. "Fredrick, this is the bestest," he threw an arm around the king's shoulders, "party I've been to."

He tried to focus on Amanda's attempt to sit up straight. "The little duchess can't do what we can." He loudly whispered.

"True." Fredrick held his hand out to her. "G'night, your grace."

He bowed low, intending to kiss her hand but fell forward.

Amanda struggled out from under him. "Good *hic* night."

"Grand party." Leo told the guards that came to help their king. "See you later Freddy!"

The pair managed to return to their rooms with little trouble.

"'Member," Leo wagged a finger at her, "aspirin and fluids."

"Aspids and fluprin." Amanda mumbled.

"Good girl." Leo saluted her from his door. "Night Mandy."

Her nose wrinkled over that hated nickname as she returned his good night.

Once her shoes were kicked across the room and she somehow shimmied out of her dress, she noticed her cell phone on an end table.

*****************

She tried to focus on the number of messages she had received. The letters were swirling around and around, making her dizzy. Tossing the phone aside, she swayed her way to her bedroom and decided to deal with that in the morning.

A few hours later, Hollywood...

"Tell everyone to enjoy a long weekend." Thomas glanced over his shoulder at his pilot waving him on. "Go ahead and push the schedule back another week too."

"Where are you going?" Holly asked.

"New York." He hung up before she could question him further.

A night of no contact from Amanda had shaken him enough to prod him into action. He was determined to settle what they were once and for all.

****************

New York, early evening...

A hellacious hangover struck hard when Amanda first opened her eyes. Her queasy stomach refused to allow her to rest anymore once 8 a.m. rolled around. Each time she heaved over the toilet, she cursed King Fredrick and his potent whiskey.

Leo suffered just as much and hurried over once he knew he wouldn't throw up all over her. Together, they spent the morning and afternoon trying to clean what had to be poison out of their bodies and nap as much as possible.

"I'd say we should hit a sauna but the way you keep getting sick," Leo shook his head, "it might make you worse."

"I think I'm feeling better." She said from under her ice pack.

"Good enough for tonight's cocktail party that Oskal's ambassador is hosting for his king?" He asked.

Amanda would have shuddered if she had not been worried about what the movement would do to her tender stomach.

"Do we have to go to that?" She asked.

"Yes." Leo groaned. "Regina insisted we leave a good impression on them since they are leaving tomorrow."

She pulled the ice pack down over her eyes.

"You know, if you would abdicate your duchy," he teased, "we could make a mad dash for somewhere without diplomats and nobles."

"We could?"

"With my years of experience escaping Bastien, they'll never find us." He boasted. "How do you feel about one of the islands off of Australia? I've been wanting to visit Fitzroy Island." His lips curved as he settled back in his chair. "Sea turtles, snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef, beautiful beach to lay on. What do you think?"

"Sounds very tempting." She pushed the ice pack up to grin at him. "I'll think about it."

****************

Bar Sixty-Five, after dinner...

"Bet that island offer is sounding better now." Leo whispered.

"It did until I realized I'd be stuck with you." Amanda teased. "Besides, one more night won't kill us."

"If you say so." He slipped his hands in his pockets. "So what now, duchess?"

"We better mingle and be seen." She muttered.

"I'll take the bar." He winked at her. "You can hide outside from Freddy."

She laughed and gently squeezed his arm. "Thanks."

He summoned his most charming smile and called out a greeting to the Oskal ambassador's wife. Amanda took his advice and slipped outside to the balcony.

***************

An hour later...

Thomas never really appreciated what his famous name was capable of until tonight. He had spent a couple of hours charming the information out of the St Regis Hotel manager for not only Amanda's room number but also her schedule for the evening.

Hinting that the reason for his surprise visit was of a romantic nature had the manager eager to assist him in any capacity he needed. Not only did the manager summon a private car for him, he somehow managed to add Thomas to the ambassador's guest list.

Now he only needed to find Amanda in this crowd.

"Thomas?"

"Leo?" He held his hand out to shake the former prince's hand. "I didn't know you were in the country."

"I'm here on official Cordonian business." Leo explained. "Regina sent me to help Amanda deal with some pushy monarchs. We need the King of Oskal to honor the trade agreements his father made with mine."

"Oh?" Thomas scanned the room. "I didn't know she was having to work on things like that."

"Normally Liam and Riley would be the ones here." Leo took a sip of his cocktail. "But with them minding the doctor about eliminating stress while trying to create an heir and everyone else in wedded bliss or near to it, Amanda was the only one free."

"I see." Thomas muttered. "Is she here?"

"Outside." Leo gestured toward a balcony door. "Probably deciding whether or not jumping to her death is preferable to listening to another marriage proposal."

"What?" Thomas jerked around towards him. "A marriage proposal? From whom?"

"The king of Oskal himself." Leo grinned over the jealousy flooding the director's features. "He's been proposing all week."

"Doesn't he know she is in a relationship? With me?"

"King Fredrick doesn't really see you as a hinderance." Leo needled. "He told me that if it was really serious between you and Amanda, then you'd leave your mark."

"My mark?" Thomas shook his head. "Never mind. I don't want to know."

Without another word, he went outside.

Leo moved over to a window so he could see what would happen next.

**************

"You look beautiful tonight, my lady." Fredrick tucked a lock of Amanda's hair behind her ear.

She took a step away from him. "Thank you."

"The Oskal's opals will look beautiful with your skin." He moved closer to her. "Your crown will have--"

"King Fredrick," Amanda interrupted, "I am grateful that you signed the trade agreement. It will mean so much to King Liam that he can continue to depend upon your friendship."

"He can express his gratitude at our wedding." Fredrick waved his hand dismissively. "We will hold the ceremony in--"

"I'm not going to marry you." Amanda whispered harshly.

He smiled. "You have no other offers for your hand, do you?"

She bristled over that slight insult. It was true, but who wanted something like that pointed out?

"Since you have no one else wanting to marry you, then you will marry me." He added. "This is how most marriages in Oskal come about. Men tell the women to come to the church and they do."

"That is not how marriages happen in Cordonia!" Amanda snapped. "We are asked if we want to." Her eyes narrowed. "And even if you asked me, I would have to say no."

"I hope that would be your answer."

Amanda and Fredrick turned to see Thomas standing there beside them.

Without giving her a chance to snap out of her shock over seeing him, Thomas stepped forward and swept Amanda into a deep kiss.

Fredrick began to bluster about this man interrupting his own proposal. He searched about for his guards.

Leo swooped in before he could issue an order, handed the king a drink, and then guided him away from the couple still kissing.

"Freddy, did I ever tell you about the time I used a skateboard to escape a volcano?" The former crown prince's voice trailed off as he and Fredrick returned inside.

Amanda broke away from Thomas. "I can't believe you're really here!" She hugged him tight. "When I left my message with Holly, I knew we most likely weren't going to be able to see each other. All these meetings of mine." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I thought you were filming this month."

"I am." He kept her in his arms. "But I needed to see you."

"You have no idea how much I've needed you this past month." She pulled out of his arms when she noticed all the murmurs and stares they were receiving. "Let's go someplace we can talk."

She slipped her hand in the bend of his arm and guided him back toward the elevator.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

"Let's go back to my hotel." She leaned against his side when his arm wrapped around her waist. "I've never been more tired of socializing than I am right now."

****************

Back at the St. Regis Hotel...

"At last." She slipped her shoes off before collapsing on the sofa.

Amanda noticed Thomas's slight frown as he stood before her.

"Won't you sit down?" She patted the spot next to her.

He hesitated. "We need to talk."

She stilled. Her sweet smile disappeared in a flash over that statement being said in such a serious tone of voice.

"We do?" She lowered her eyes to her clasped hands in her lap. "What do you wish to discuss?"

"Us." He slipped his hands in his pant's pockets.

Grasping the velvet box he set it down in her lap.

Amanda's head shot up. "What is this?"

"Open it." He urged.

Biting down on her lower lip, she slowly cracked open the box.

"Thomas!" She looked up at him. "Is this what I think it is?"

"If you are thinking engagement ring, then you are correct." He replied.

She picked the ring up and admired it. "It's beautiful."

His lips curved some. "I think it would look even better on your finger."

She slipped it on, watching the play of light upon the diamonds.

"I see I was right." He sat down next to her.

"I don't mean to criticize," she teased, "but usually there is a declaration or some sort of question asked along with these types of rings."

"From what Leo told me and the little bit I witnessed of you and that king," he grumbled, "you've had several proposals already." He took her hand and pressed a kiss to it. "So, allow me a moment to tell you what I hope."

Amanda turned more towards him. She squeezed his hand in encouragement.

"I love you." Thomas captured her lips in a heated kiss. "When I was unable to get in touch with you recently, I realized that I never want to lose you. I want you by my side in all I do and hopefully you will allow me by yours in every endeavor you attempt."

He pressed her hand to his cheek as he met her steady gaze. "I want to marry you."

"I want to marry you too." She grasped his tie and tugged him close for a kiss.

"I'm glad that's settled." He kept her within his arms. "I don't want to ever walk up and here another man proposing to you." His frown reappeared. "After not hearing from you and then seeing that, I assumed you had tired of waiting on me to do something about our future."

"Not at all." She snuggled closer into his embrace. "Don't get me wrong. I'm thrilled you realize you want to marry me, but that wasn't the reason for my lack of communication." She gestured over to a desk where stacks of paper were set. "I've been too tired between those and all the parties and meetings I've had to take part in."

"How much longer do you have to remain here?" He asked, gently rubbing her back.

"Another week." Her nose wrinkled over the thought. "Then I have to present all of it to the Council back home."

"I see." His arms tightened around her. "How long will that take?"

"A week. Two at the most." She looked up at him. "Then after checking on my duchy, which might be another week in itself, I can come see you."

Another month apart.

He didn't particularly like that thought but knew there was little they could do about it. He had to finish filming and she had to complete this mission for the Crown.

"Thomas?" Her brow furrowed over his continued silence. "Is something wrong?"

He shook his head. "Do you want to plan a big wedding?"

If she did then he knew it would be months before they could finally be permanently together.

"Not really." She rested her head upon his shoulder. "Something small and intimate would suit me."

"I can't wait." She pressed a tender kiss to his lips.

His frown eased hearing that. Something small could be planned and prepared quickly.

"When you come to California, we'll plan for a small ceremony."

[krsnlove]

Okay seriously this has to be one of my all top favorite fics of them that you’ve written so far!

Brilliant use of the prompt btw, A!

As always, Rachel and Stephen were a delight. I love the small snips of happiness you throw in there of them. Shows just how much they adore each other.

And then Thomas and his parents. His Mom would be meddling in his personal life LoL and to have a father be the total opposite. This is the kind of balance we need 😂

And then Amanda. Sigh. She was so brave to do this something that isn’t like her—which I LOVE! I hate when she doubts herself. It’s like no girl. Get your mans!

Ugh this whole fic was beautiful. I loved it all. Even if it was fake at the beginning. It was real in the end 😭💕

Love Prompts

"We'd make such a cute couple" in honor of 500 followers request for Thomas and Amanda and a prompt for love notes between the two, both of which were requested by @krsnlove for this pair.

A/N I'm sorry this took so long M. I made so many different situations for these two with these prompts that just didn't turn out right. But thankfully (no pun intended) I realized it fit an idea I had for Thomas and Amanda celebrating Thanksgiving. So just in time for the holiday, here we go. By the way, I let his parents be alive along with bringing his sister, Rachel and my OC husband for her, Stephen, into this as well, LOL. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

@hopelessromantic1352 @krsnlove @trappedinfanfiction @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight @aworldoffandoms @flyawayboo

Masterlist

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries/Hollywood U fanfic.

A Date for Thanksgiving

Thomas braced himself. He never knew what to expect when a member of his family called him.

"Hello?"

"I can't believe you actually picked up." His sister Rachel teased. "I bet Stephen that you would let it go to voicemail."

"It's nice to hear from you too." He grumbled.

"Don't worry. I won't keep you long. I wanted to give you a heads up about Thanksgiving." Her voice became serious. "Mom expects us to fly in and spend the week with her and Dad."

"I see." He rocked back in his desk chair. "That shouldn't be a problem."

"You know how Mom hates things to be uneven?" Rachel hated to do this to her brother. "She plans on setting you up with the daughter of one of her friends."

"What?!" He shot up out of his chair. "She can't--"

"Thomas, you know there's no stopping her. Dad is staying out of her way." Rachel told him. "I thought I should forewarn you."

"Thanks." He checked the calendar. Less than three weeks until Thanksgiving. Not enough time to find a way out of going. "I appreciate it."

"I'll see you soon." She promised before hanging up.

Thomas leaned back in his chair once more to figure a way out of this problem.

***************

"But Mom, I--" Thomas paced around his living room. His conversation with his parent was not going well at all.

"I've seen the news." His mother's clipped tone cut off any argument he could possibly make. "And I know that you have been single for far too long." She made a humph sound. "You're not getting any younger, dear."

He bristled at that reminder.

"Francine's daughter, Marie, is perfect for you."

"She's not." He bit out.

"And how would you know? I don't recall you meeting your perfect someone."

Something about her condescending tone struck a need to rebel within him.

"You're wrong." Without thinking of the consequences, he continued. "I have met someone."

"You have?" He could hear the deep suspicion in her voice. "And who is this person? Why haven't you been seen with them in the news?"

Thomas scrambled for a reason. His eyes fell upon his list of messages Holly had written down for him. One name stuck out amongst them all.

"Because she doesn't live here." He explained.

"Who is she? Do I know her?"

"It's Amanda." He closed his eyes briefly for this deception. But desperate times called for such. "You've heard me speak of my friend from Cordonia."

"Amanda?" His mother sounded thrilled. "I knew there was something more between the two of you! You must bring her Thanksgiving."

"She probably won't be able to make it. In fact, I think she's on a diplomatic mission in--" a knock sounded at his door.

He opened it to see the very one he had just named.

"Surprise!" Amanda's smile glowed. "I was able to leave earlier than expected."

"Who's that?" His mother asked.

"It's Amanda." He replied in utter disbelief.

******************

One long explanation later...

"Thomas!" Amanda couldn't contain her laughter over the predicament he found himself in. "You didn't."

"You don't know what my mother is like when she gets an idea in her head." He grumbled. "She's tenacious until the bitter end."

"Then I suppose it is a good thing I'm free the rest of the month." She replied.

Thomas stopped his pacing. "You are?"

"As my boyfriend," her lips trembled with mirth, "I thought you should be made aware of my schedule."

"I can't ask you to help me prove this fabrication I've trapped myself in." He ran his hands down his face. "That's asking too much from our friendship." His frown intensified. "It's asking too much from any friendship."

"I believe if it was reversed that you would help me by playing the part." Amanda reached out for his hand. "I know I'm not a talented actress, but I believe I can be quite convincing in being fond of you."

"It isn't that I doubt your skills." Thomas sat down beside her. "My mother sees straight through people. She notices little things and accurately deduces what is going on." His frown firmed. "It's almost frightening this second sense she possesses."

"When is she expecting us?"

"The twenty-first." His eyes widened when Amanda scooted closer to him.

"That gives us less than three weeks to practice being a couple." She took his arm and pulled it around her shoulders before settling against his side. "Let's start with acting natural when sitting close beside each other."

Thomas cleared his throat as he tried to get comfortable. His breath caught when Amanda rested her hand on his knee. She slowly rubbed his lower thigh to try to get him to relax.

"I know it's hard to picture being like this with me." She tilted her head up toward his. "Just pretend I'm someone you find attractive."

His arm curved around her, pulling her even more snug to his side.

She smiled over his willingness to at least give it a try then rested her head upon his shoulder.

"Out of curiosity," she nearly jumped when she felt the light brush of his lips against her forehead when he turned toward her, "who are you imagining?"

"No one." He admitted softly.

****************

The next week or so were spent in how they would act in normal indoor activities. The little touches that couples did while passing by or how best to sit while conversing or watching a movie were experimented.

"I think it's time to try and see how we do on a date." Thomas rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean, if you're comfortable with seeing how best to do so."

"Sounds good." Amanda replied. "When do you wish to go out?"

"Tonight." He cleared his throat. "Dinner should be a good place to start."

"I'll see you then." Amanda got up and kissed his cheek on her way upstairs.

His eyes closed over the longing he was beginning to feel whenever she touched him affectionately.

He hoped this wasn't going to end up with him falling for his own act.

A few hours later the two were in his entryway. Amanda paused in front of the mirror to check her reflection one last time. Her attention settled on Thomas standing beside her, watching every little move she made.

She placed her hand in the bend of his arm to tug him closer to her side. She then gestured toward their reflection.

"You know? We make a cute couple." She decided.

He slowly nodded. "We do look like we belong together."

"Practice makes perfect." She teased.

"I suppose so." He grimaced slightly as he turned to face her. "Are you certain you're still comfortable with this?"

"Thomas stop worrying. I promise I am fine and I will help you get through this holiday visit." She cupped his cheek. "It's going to work."

Without much thought, his arms slipped around her waist. His head lowered slowly to give her a chance to refuse this next stage of intimacy. He expected her to at least say something about them kissing for the very first time.

Instead, he felt her fingers glide across his jawline to settle behind his neck.

Her eyelashes fluttered closed. Her lips parted slightly in anticipation.

The sensations of her lips moving against his made him forget that this was all an act. It wasn't even an act he reminded himself. It was a rehearsal.

One that he hoped would not end.

He ended the kiss with that startling thought and looked into her eyes.

A smile he hadn't seen before formed upon her lips.

"I don't think I've ever had a guy give me a goodnight kiss before we've gone out." She told him.

His own lips quirked into a smile.

"Clearly, you've been dating the wrong men."

****************

The night before the trip to his parents' home was spent in what most would describe as a heavy make out session.

"I think we'll need to get caught at least once in this position by my mother." He explained beforehand. "Or else she will suspect we aren't truly together."

"Really?" Amanda replied with a mischievous grin. "Have you been caught many times in the past in such a position, Mr. Hunt?"

He rolled his eyes. Color crept up his cheeks as he considered his past. "Often enough."

"All right." Amanda stretched out on the couch next to him. "Let's give it a go."

"Are you positive that you are comfortable with something like this?" He asked.

"Comfortable with kissing a handsome man?" Amanda teased. "It is such a hardship but I think I can stomach it."

"I'm serious." Thomas insisted. "I don't want to keep forcing you to," he gestured between them, "to do something like this with me when we've never considered being a couple."

He expected her to respond with another quip or possibly admit to what she felt for him. Was it still friendship or was she now in some gray area like he was and wondering if there might be something more between them that could develop?

Instead she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Thomas decided to forget trying to figure out what this deception of his was causing and to simply enjoy the moment.

Amanda shifted closer to him without breaking the kiss.

And he wasn't able to think at all.

***************

Stowe, Vermont...

"This is beautiful." Amanda gazed around at the rolling hills and mountains.

Snowflakes fell upon them as they got out of the car. The gray bricked two-story home nestled within a copse of maple trees was brightly lit with a large fall wreath gracing the front door.

"Is this where you grew up?" Amanda asked.

"No." He hefted her bags out of the trunk. "My mother grew up nearby. My father promised when he retired that they would one day move back here." He glanced up at the home. "We lived for the most part in Oregon but spent most of our holidays in Stowe."

The front door opened. His brother-in-law, Stephen came out to help with the luggage.

"About time you got here." He teased in lieu of greeting. "Rachel and Susan have been climbing the walls to see you two."

Thomas felt his trepidation build. There would be so many questions. He and Amanda had brainstormed every possible one and came up with answers that were not only easy to remember but also matched the timeline they had known each other.

But what if they missed one?

As Stephen hurried in with the bags he took from Amanda, she turned toward Thomas. Gripping his coat lapels, she pressed a tender kiss upon his lips.

He looked down at her questionably.

"We got this." She whispered. "Plus I saw someone peeking out the window."

He felt some of his nervousness dissipate. Knowing he had someone he trusted willing to help him get through this necessary family time made it seem not so difficult. It also didn't hurt that he was beginning to enjoy her spontaneous affection.

Shutting the trunk, he slipped his arm around her then picked up the few bags they still had left.

"Brace yourself." He murmured near her ear. "We're about to enter the lion's den."

**************

After introductions were made between Amanda and his parents, Susan and Richard Hunt, the two were shown their bedroom.

Thomas nearly cursed at being placed in the same room. He should have insisted they stay in a hotel so that Amanda could have a break from him.

"Come down when you're refreshed." His mother ordered. Her smile appeared when she looked once more upon Amanda. "We have plans to make for your time here."

"Thank you." Amanda said once more. "I'm looking forward to our week here."

She beamed at her once more as she left them alone.

Thomas shut the door. "I'm sorry. I completely forgot about the sleeping arrangements."

Amanda shook her head. "I assumed we would be sharing a bed."

"You did?"

"Of course. Didn't you?"

"I..." He shrugged unable to think properly. "I can sneak downstairs and sleep on the couch once everyone is asleep."

He couldn't believe that the third guestroom had been turned into a hobby room of sorts for his mother while his father had turned the fourth into some type of home gym.

"Don't be silly." Amanda began to unpack. "It won't bother me at all to share a bed with you." She winked at him on her way to the closet. "I don't snore."

He wondered how she could be so nonchalant about this. He wasn't worried about snoring. He was worried about his body betraying his feelings that were popping up the longer they played this farce.

"If you're certain it won't bother--"

"I promise I'll tell you if something makes me uncomfortable." She told him.

"Very well." He grumbled, dumping some of his clothes into various drawers.

Amanda chuckled as she came up behind him and took the things he should have hung up. Shaking them out, she placed them in the closet next to hers.

He didn't know why seeing their things together like that would bring a smile to his face.

****************

That first night...

"More wine?" Rachel offered.

"No, thank you." Amanda replied.

She slipped her hand into Thomas's as his mother began another story of when her children were little.

His father got up to start collecting the empty plates.

"Dad, sit down." Rachel ordered. "Thomas and I have this."

She looked pointedly at her brother.

He squeezed Amanda's hand as he reached for her empty plate.

"I'll help." She offered, rising from her chair with a smile.

"Nonsense." Susan waved her back down. "It isn't everyday my children offer to do the dishes." She grinned at them. "We will take advantage of this for as long as we can."

Stephen choked on his laughter, ducking his head out of reach when Rachel passed by.

Once Rachel got Thomas into the kitchen, she launched into an interrogation worthy of a seasoned detective.

"Why didn't you tell me about you and Amanda?!" She threw a dishtowel at him. "I mean I always suspected, but you could have told me!"

He blinked in surprise. His sister was nearly as astute as their mother. If she readily believed they were a couple, then perhaps his mother would too.

"When did it happen? Where did it happen? How long have you been together?" Her smile couldn't be contained. "Where do you see this going?"

He rolled his eyes while rinsing dishes. "It happened about four months ago." His lips curved as he continued their make-believe beginning. "You'll appreciate that it happened at a ball in Cordonia."

Rachel placed her hand over her heart. "Oh my gosh! It's just like out of a movie."

He nodded. "While we danced, we simply knew." He cast a side glance toward his sister. "The moment was finally right to try and be together."

She sighed while helping him load the dishwasher. "And? You've known her for a long time. You think she's the one?"

He looked down at the pan he was scrubbing. Oddly enough he had asked himself that very question earlier. Amanda seemed to be the one missing piece he needed in his personal life. This first night back with his family lacked the awkwardness he sometimes experienced on previous visits. It was why he usually tried to limit his time with them to a couple of days or so.

But he was actually looking forward to a week with them and Amanda.

"I think she might be the one." He handed the pan over. "I think I've known it for a while."

Rachel nudged him affectionately with her elbow. "I think so too."

******************

The next day the couples went outside to play in the snow that had fallen steadily throughout the night.

Thomas glared at his sister continuously throwing snowballs at him. Her aim was horrible but she was nothing short of annoying, just like she had been when they were children.

The moment he decided to taunt her and hit her with his own snowball, he was attacked from behind.

He turned slowly in disbelief to see Amanda tossing another snowball from one hand to another. Her smug smile flashed before she launched it straight into his face.

Once he could see, he took off after her.

Her laughter made her a slower than usual target as she stumbled through a snow drift.

He caught her and pinned her to the ground.

"Now Thomas," she said between giggles, "remember how much I lo--" she squealed when he put snow down the back of her shirt.

They wrestled a bit to try and gain the advantage over the other before they collapsed beside each other in laughter.

Thomas didn't even bother to check to see if they were in view of any of his family before he leaned over and kissed her.

Some moments, he reminded himself, were too perfect to let pass.

*****************

The more Thomas thought about it the more he wanted this lie to become the truth. The days leading up to Thanksgiving were filled with unexpected sweet moments. His parents encouraged the two younger couples to feel free to go out as often as they wished, offering many romantic destinations as possibilities.

Amanda eagerly dragged Thomas through the small town. Each kitschy shop they discovered was explored with him teasing her throughout the excursion. She would laugh and quip back with something that would make him chuckle.

It seemed natural now to keep his arm around her as they walked or simply hold her hand.

And she continued the affectionate kisses and hugs even when they were alone.

"You never know who knows your parents and if they are watching on their behalf." She told him one time when she pulled him into a romantic kiss under a covered bridge.

He pressed her against the wall to deepen it. He inwardly smiled over the slight jolt of surprise she gave before wrapping her arms around his neck.

He decided on the third night sleeping next to her that the clearest path forward for making this a reality was to show her how good things could be between them.

So he began to flirt more with her to charm her into his arms. He hoped that when it was all said and done, that it would be enough.

*****************

"It's nice to finally see you happy." His mother told him the night before Thanksgiving. "I've been worried for years that you might let the opportunity pass you by."

Thomas paused in his pursuit of a DVD to take upstairs to bed. "What opportunity?"

Susan's chuckle was a bit sad. "Before I met your father, I focused every aspect of my life into becoming a landscape photographer." Her eyes darted toward a wall that held some of her stunning shots of their old home in Oregon along with trips they had taken as a family of four. "I had plans to take my art around the world."

Thomas eased down in a chair across from her. "I didn't know that."

She shrugged while looking back down at her wedding rings. "I met your father when he wandered into a shot I was taking." Her lips curved in fond memory. "He was lost hiking through the Adirondacks and had his nose buried in a map. Richard apologized once he realized what he had done. Then he sat down beside me as I waited on sunset, telling me everything about himself." She looked up at her son. "I thought he was some nut I had unfortunately stumbled upon."

Thomas chuckled at the thought. It sounded like something his father would do.

"He was so," his mother's smile glowed, "warm." She shook her head in disbelief. "There I was being standoffish with my one word responses, and he was simply happy being with me. I had never met anyone like him before."

Thomas felt stunned. He realized that he was more like his mother than he thought as she continued her story about thinking her photography would be her true passion in life.

"The men I had dated before were all well and good, but not enough to make me want to remain here or anywhere for long." She continued. "But Richard Hunt changed all that." She rolled her eyes over her past actions. "I fought it in the beginning, keeping him as a friend. But then, one night I finally saw that he was everything to me. He took over my need to devote every moment to photography. He showed me I could have so much more."

She met her son's steady gaze. "I hope I'm not out of line, but I think Amanda has become that for you too."

Thomas stood up and pressed a kiss goodnight to his mother's forehead.

"I think you might be right." He told her on his way upstairs.

*******************

Thanksgiving morning...

"Dad!" Rachel crumbled up a piece of paper and threw it at him. "You know it is tradition that we do this!"

Richard readjusted his glasses with a foolish grin. "I'm well aware of that, angel. But you know I'll end up writing you each the same thing I do every year. Why waste more paper with my lack of creativity?"

Stephen scratched his chin before leaning over to peek at what Rachel had written.

"Stephen!" She squealed, snatching her paper away. "You keep this up and you won't get a letter from me."

Amanda couldn't help but smile at the couple's playful argument as Stephen tried to see what his wife was most thankful for. She then focused on Thomas steadily writing his own notes to each of them.

Her heart stuttered over what she herself had written to him.

She just didn't know if she could give it to him.

*******************

That evening, Thomas paused when Amanda came out. His eyes drifted down the hunter green dress she had decided to wear. Not thinking about how she would take this, he slipped his hands around her waist, feeling the soft cashmere mixed with her warm body while she put a necklace on.

She looked back over her shoulder at him. Her smile was a bit strained as he kissed her cheek.

"Ready?" She asked, gripping her skirt.

He wondered at her odd mood as he followed her downstairs. If he didn't know better, he would swear she was nervous. That couldn't be possible. She had been nothing short of the perfect guest for his family. Her calm, easy going demeanor meshed well with each of them.

He knew his sister and brother-in-law adored her. His parents had both gone out of their way to get to know more about her, each spending one on one time with her. He could tell that they were thrilled with the thought that they could possibly end up with Amanda as a daughter-in-law.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, she abruptly turned around to face him.

His brow furrowed over how pale she had become. It was as if she was terrified of something.

"Amanda, what--" he gripped her close when she slammed her lips into his.

This kiss was so different from the previous ones they had shared. There was no tenderness. No simple joy. It was one of desperation, of a need that nearly made his knees buckle.

She released him with a shaky breath. Her lips were parted as if she wished to say something. Shaking her head to clear it, she took his arm and calmly walked into the dining room.

As was tradition, they dined by candlelight. The conversations delved from the serious events happening in the world to the sharing of humorous stories. Thomas's attention drifted every few moments to the woman sitting across from him.

He would catch her staring at him, then blushing over having been caught. Though something was different, she continued to sparkle as she took part in discussions. He didn't know what to make of it all.

He wondered if he should keep her from reading the note he'd written to her or not.

"Would anyone like thirds?" Richard teased. He eyed his son-in-law. "Or fourths?"

"Give me a few minutes." Stephen patted his stomach. "And fourths and fifths will be eaten."

"Can we do the thankful notes now, please?" Rachel asked.

Susan handed her the basket that held them.

Thomas and Amanda both stiffened in alarm as Rachel passed them out.

She smiled over the familiar handwriting as she handed Amanda the one from Thomas.

Some from the rest of them were handed to her before going to Thomas.

Amanda nearly rose from her chair when her note was given to him. She bit down on her bottom lip then lowered her eyes to the letters in her hand.

"Shall we take these to the den?" Richard asked.

He took Susan's hand, pulling her close as they led the way out.

Rachel and Stephen followed them out, already tearing into their letters.

Thomas and Amanda remained seated at the table. They avoided looking directly at one another.

"We should," he cleared his throat," we should probably join them."

"Yes, of course." Amanda mumbled. "Please, go on. I'll be in there shortly."

Thomas hesitated, then did as she wished.

Once out in the hallway, he tore into the one from her. He stilled as he took in her confession and apology. In a state of disbelief, he reread it all to make certain he truly understood it. The last paragraph had him rushing back into the dining room.

Thomas, I know it was wrong of me to take advantage of your situation. But, us as a couple is something I've wanted for so long. I couldn't resist being with you as your "love", even if it was for a brief time. I never pretended my feelings or actions with you. Every word, every kiss, every touch I've done has come from my heart. I swear I will never bring my feelings up again and will settle for simply being your friend once we leave here. The reason I'm telling you this is because I couldn't keep up my lie of doing this as "your friend." So for the first and the last time, I love you and hope you can forgive me. I am so grateful to have had this time with you.

"Amanda!" He stopped and stared at her.

She was gripping the back of her chair with one hand while his letter trembled in her other hand. Amanda raised her tear filled eyes up to him.

"You?" She whispered in disbelief. "You fell in love with me?"

"I think I always have been." He held her letter up. "I can't believe you never hinted nor said anything."

A laugh escaped her lips. "I assure you that it hasn't been easy."

They took a hesitant step forward then rushed into each other's arms. Thomas tenderly cupped her face as his lips sought hers. Amanda held handfuls of his blazer to keep him near as she returned his kiss with all her heart held for him.

Their smiles were nearly identical in both relief and wonder that their feelings were returned when they parted.

"I suppose this makes me your real Thanksgiving date this year." She teased.

He shook his head. "You already were my real date for this year's gathering." He pressed another kiss to her lips. "This makes you the only one I will ever want for every holiday we have for the rest of my life."

[krsnlove]

I didn’t want this to end! From these two lovebirds anxious to get married to past memories of their time together [the iconic blue dress, the pool scene] to seeing all of them together and then the bachelor-bachelorette parties 😂

Seriously that scene with Ryan downing everyone else’s drinks after the exes show up KILT me. It was such a short sentence but portrayed him perfectly

Man. We can’t let Kiara in peace huh? 👀😂 I see the subtle way Mattie deflected her 🙊😂

And then Thomas. Sweet sweet Thomas checking to make sure his girl is okay by looking at her wrists 🥺 but Amanda handled her own 😭

Agh. Suck it exes! And anyone else who doubted this. I’m so torn with it being almost over!

And Then I Left You

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) in a “what if” version to the RCD/TRR fan fic And Then I Met You Series

A/N I know this took forever. I've rewritten this chapter four different times and still I don't like it. Smh. Here it is before I ruin it anymore, LOL. The next chapter will be the end of this what if series for Thomas and Amanda. I'll still use this AU for drabbles and requests, as long as it doesn't involve a bachelor/bachelorette party 🤣

@krsnlove @my-heart-beats-for-ya ​ @aworldoffandoms ​​ @flyawayboo ​​ @trappedinfandoms ​​  @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight

Masterlist

Chapter 14 P-A-R-T-Y!

Sunlight began to creep through the blinds as morning came about. One particular beam drifted until it was directly over Thomas's eyes. His lips twisted into a slight frown as he fought off waking at such an unholy hour.

Keeping his eyes shut, he rolled onto his stomach and turned his head away from the offensive reminder that the day was beginning. His mind drifted along with the thoughts do the lady beside him. He reached out blindly to draw her close.

His eyes opened to see the empty space beside him. Brow furrowing, he propped himself up on his elbows and looked about.

He couldn't recall a time since he had first met Amanda when she had awakened before an alarm clock or rather him relaying said alarm clock's message.

The door to their bedroom opened, causing him to jerk the covers up.

"Oh!" Amanda smiled brightly at him. "Good, you're awake."

"Yes, but why are you?" He eyed the tray in her hands that held various covered dishes and a carafe of coffee.

"I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep." She set the tray down over his lap.

His eyebrows lifted when she removed the lids covering the dishes.

"You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble."

Amanda poured him a cup of coffee while an excited grin flittered about her lips.

"I can only claim credit for the eggs and bacon. Hana is the one who made the pastries and fresh fruit."

He relaxed once she was sitting beside him on the bed. Motioning towards the mounds of pastries, he insisted she help him eat these.

"If I want to fit in that wedding dress, I know I shouldn't." She reached over and took an orange and cranberry scone. "Hana's baking is too hard to resist."

"I doubt a pastry or two will ruin your gown." He grumbled. "Your figure is perfect. It always will be."

His frown eased when she kissed his cheek for that compliment.

Her eyes rested on him. Nibbling her scone, her smile turned tender with how he looked when first awake. His dark hair was sticking up in the back. Stubble covered the lower half of his face. His charcoal t-shirt was snug along his biceps and chest.

"Why are you staring at me?"

Amanda shook her head. "Just thinking how adorable you are."

Lifting the tray off his lap, his lips quirked up. "I don't believe I have ever had that description applied to me at any point in my life."

"Well, I think you are along with--"

He kissed her. Her laughter over him ordering her to drop the scone and pay attention to him was muffled with another heated kiss.

He lifted his head and smiled down at her. He couldn't wait until these types of mornings were the norm in his life.

"I have something to confess." Amanda told him.

"What is it?"

"The breakfast was meant to butter you up."

"You," Thomas kissed down her neck, "have never needed anything to make me fall in with your plans."

"Well, it wasn't just for that." She tilted her head to the side to help his progress. "I also wanted you well fed for the idea I had."

He propped himself up on his elbow. "Which is?"

"As you know, I have been trying to get a tan before the wedding," she gestured toward her body, "which isn't the easiest thing to do."

He nodded.

"And since we are about to be separated for these parties Maxwell and Ryan have planned for us, I thought you and I, with Hana's assistance, could leave before anyone wakes up and spend the day together."

His frown eased.

"There is a beach not too far from here that rarely has people we could go to." She added. "Then we could go wherever we wanted until it is time to get ready."

"I say yes, but I should also point out," Thomas responded, "that I haven't finished writing my vows yet."

"Thomas, I don't care about that." She rolled her eyes. "We can do the traditional vows if you prefer."

"But you already wrote yours." He pointed out. "I know what I want to say, it is merely that the words aren't coming out right."

"Then wing it if you wish." Amanda sat up for another scone.

"Wing it?" His eyebrows drew together. "I'm not going to ruin the moment by muddling through my vows to you."

"Just write down the points you wish to make and allow the moment to help you find the words." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "All I care about is that you love me and want the rest of our lives to be spent together."

"That's why I'm marrying you." He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to his side. "Perhaps that should be the way to go with this. I don't think I'll come up with any vow I'm truly happy with."

"Good." Amanda poured him another cup of coffee. "I'll go finish loading up the car."

Thomas watched her walk out of their room with a slight bounce to her step. He knew that she must truly want alone time with him to purposely wake up this early. He couldn't recall her ever willingly, much less in an enthusiastic mood, greet the early morning hour.

And he realized how much that meant to him.

Reaching for his notebook, he began to write his vows.

****************

They drove about an hour away to a small stretch of sandy beach.

"How did you find this place?" Thomas helped carry most of the items Amanda had insisted they needed.

"I didn't. Drake found it one visit." Amanda nearly toppled over from the weight of the picnic basket Hana surprised her with. "Now we use it whenever we need a break from our public lives."

It was indeed secluded. Palm trees and overgrown bushes nearly obscured the narrow sand path. No one would know they were there unless they noticed the black jeep parked under some shade trees.

They soon had a large umbrella set with all their things not too far from the waves lapping at the shore.

Thomas took a deep breath of the salty sea air in the hopes that it would help relieve some of the stress he had been under. He was ready for their wedding to be over. He knew once that was done, they could relax in their new life together and he could officially begin filming.

Amanda patted the blanket she sat upon. "Come here."

She motioned for him to stretch out on his stomach.

"Shouldn't we be doing this in the sun?" He asked.

"We will, but first..." She squeezed some sunscreen in her hand then began to apply it to his back.

Feeling the multiple knots of stress, she switched to massaging them away.

"You have no idea how good that feels." Thomas mumbled.

Her lips curved somewhat at that. With nothing but the sound of the ocean in the background, her hands continued to work through the many knots that had taken over his shoulders.

Thomas had not realized how stressed he had become until she started her ministrations. Her touch alone usually had the ability to relax him. He had no idea she had this kind of power over his body.

When her hands began to ease off on the pressure, he startled a laugh out of her by pulling her down beside him.

He felt a wealth of contentment in seeing her smile.

"What is it?" She asked when he simply stared at her.

"I was thinking that if we weren't getting married in two days that I would be proposing we do so as soon as possible."

"Knowing me," she teased, "I might agree to that."

*****************

A few hours later in the town of Portavira...

"I still can't believe how much trouble we are having with this." Ryan grumbled. "Why is this so hard?"

"I don't know." Maxwell slumped in his chair. "Between the two of us, we should have the party of the century planned. Instead, we have nothing but Liam's part in it, drinks, and--" his cell phone vibrated. "It's Nadia." He excused himself and walked a little way away from the outdoor café.

Ryan turned his attention back to his phone, scrolling through possible ideas. Everything he thought of he knew Thomas would hate. Liam called to remind him of a few more nobles from nearby nations that should at least have an invitation to the party so as not to feel slighted.

"I'm glad you told me." He wrote the names down on a napkin then slipped it into his pocket. "I'll tell them that we weren't certain we could have a party or not until now. Hopefully they won't take offense."

"I think that will work." Liam responded. "If there are any problems, I'll talk to them personally about it."

Ryan thanked him as he ended the call. The rest of his time spent in trying to figure out what to do for this party.

"Sorry about that." Maxwell returned to his seat. "Nadia finally broke Hana into revealing where the happy couple disappeared to. If we want to make certain they don't escape, then we better go collect them ourselves."

Ryan finished his coffee then followed Maxwell back to the car.

"So, did you decide who goes where?" Maxwell asked.

"Go ahead and take the yacht." Ryan pulled out the various lists of restaurants and clubs from his pocket. "I'll choose one of these while you drive."

*******************

"So much for our grand escape." Amanda mumbled, dropping her beach bag in the entry hall.

"Once we clean up, we can--" Thomas narrowed his eyes when Ryan nudged him further inside.

"We have too much to do. You don't have time to come up with some scheme of getting out of this." He grinned unrepentantly. "I've found the perfect place for your dull, low-key bachelor party."

"And I," Maxwell slung his arm around Amanda's shoulders, "have found the most epic place to host yours." He leaned over toward her to whisper loudly. "Which strippers did you prefer to do body shots off of again? The firemen or the cowboys?"

Thomas didn't bother to mask his groan while Amanda laughed.

"Neither thank you." She shook her head over his continued teasing and torment of her fiancé.

"I've already got your dress picked out for you upstairs." Maxwell told her. "Sorry Thomas, but Ryan wouldn't let me pick out your clothes."

"Thank God." Thomas muttered as he followed Amanda upstairs.

He stopped in his tracks at the sight of the blue dress on their bed. It was nearly an exact replica of the one she had worn the night Addison and Holly took her out to some of L.A.'s nightclubs. The only difference was that this one had sequins sewn here and there to draw the eye.

Amanda noticed the look upon his face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He stepped over to the bed. His fingers brushed the soft material that would cling perfectly to her figure. "Did Maxwell hire exotic dancers?"

"Of course not!" She laughed, looping her arms around his neck. "He knows I would be highly embarrassed if he did."

Thomas merely grunted. He doubted that this kind of dress was meant for a night out with just ladies.

"You know," Amanda kissed up to his ear, "I could be persuaded to leave my party early to meet up with a certain someone."

"Really?" His frown eased. "Then make certain your phone is on you at all times."

"I will."

*****************

Sunset...

"All right party peoples!" Maxwell walked into the living room carrying a tray of drinks. "Time to kick off tonight's festivities."

"What is this?" Holly eyed her bright colored drink.

"Something for just the bachelorette party." He told her as he passed out the others. "It's my own personal concoction that I have perfected over the years."

"You're going to love it." Nadia told her. "He made it for me on our third date and I think that might have been when I fell in love with him."

He swooped in to kiss her on his way to hand Olivia her drink.

"What about the rest of us?" Chris asked once Shannon took a sip.

"I've got ours." Ryan announced. He walked in with a tray filled with tumblers of old fashions. "Where are the bride and groom?"

"Still getting ready." Addison replied. A sly smile appeared on her lips. "I think Thomas is most likely having a heart attack over my bringing that blue dress back to life."

"What blue dress?" Riley asked.

"Just something I whipped up." Addison explained. "I made it look like one she wore in California one night." Her eyes sparkled with mirth. "Let's just say that he was absolutely miserable that we didn't invite him to come along with us once he saw her in that dress."

"You made that dress?" Holly burst out laughing. "Poor Thomas."

"What is our schedule for tonight?" Drake asked.

"We of the bridal party are going directly to the yacht." Maxwell told him. "I couldn't find the right nightclub here for us, so I instead invited the club to our yacht."

"We of the groom's band of brothers are going to the country club." Ryan explained. "They have a private dining room set aside for us. Then we'll meet the ladies and their party at the yacht."

"I think we should tell them that the parties will be combined." Hana spoke up. "It seems cruel to keep them in the dark."

"I think we should too." Matt added. "No need to make them miserable."

"It's only a few hours." Maxwell argued. "Then the surprise will be all the sweeter."

*****************

The bachelor party

"Uh oh." Drake nudged Liam. "Did you know they were coming?"

"Who?" Liam scanned the room. His eyes found the two noblemen. "I can't believe they came!"

"So you did know they were coming?" Drake eyed them warily as they mingled closer and closer to where Thomas was.

"I knew they were invited to the wedding. It was my idea to do so as not to insult them." Liam downed the rest of his old fashion. "But I assumed they would claim they had other plans this weekend after...well."

They knew they would have to intervene.

Amanda's two exes were introducing themselves to Thomas.

***************

"Welcome gentlemen." Ryan held his hand out toward the two strangers. "You must be from court."

"Yes," the taller of the two said. "I'm Sir Yorrik Hagen of her majesty's court in Vallenheim." He gestured toward the man next to him. This is "Lord Henri Anouilh, the Marquis of Caltabellota."

"Caltabellota?" Matt said after the introductions were made. "Where is that?"

"Oskal." Henri replied briskly. "Yorrik insisted we come and give our," his upper lips curled in disdain, "congratulations."

Thomas's eyes narrowed slightly. "Thank you."

"Soooooo?" Chris drawled. "I assume you two are familiar with the bride-to-be."

A pained look came over Yorrik while Henrie merely glared.

"Yes, we are familiar with Lady Amanda." Yorrik replied.

Liam and Drake arrived.

"My lords," Liam greeted. "I'm glad you were able to join us this evening."

"We won't be staying long." Henrie announced. "We have to see Amanda next."

Yorrik cleared his throat, slowly shaking his head over what was about to be said next.

"Amanda?" Thomas folded his arms. "You're going to her party?"

"Lord Maxwell said we could drop by since his is a come one come all type party." Yorrik explained.

"It is?" Thomas whirled around toward Ryan. "So, we could have had our parties combined?"

"Now Thomas," Ryan tried to placate his friend. "I actually have planned for our party to join hers in another hour or two."

"Good." Henrie nodded. "That is enough time."

"Enough time for what?" Drake asked.

"For us to do what we came to do." Henrie replied.

"Which is?" Thomas bit out.

"I do not have to explain myself to commoners." The marquis sniffed in disdain once more. "Yorrik can, if he wishes to demean himself."

Thomas turned his attention toward the other man.

"It is only honorable that we tell you." Yorrik straightened his posture. "We intend on convincing Amanda that she has made a grave mistake."

"She should marry one of us!" Henrie exclaimed. "Not some," he eyed Thomas up and down, "nobody."

"Excuse me?" Ryan's easygoing charm disappeared. "You're going to try and break them up because he isn't famous enough for you?"

"Fame has nothing to do with it." Yorrik shrugged. "He isn't a noble. She holds a title that is a mere step down from those of the royal family. Lady Amanda is respected in our countries. Either of us married to her would be a benefit to Cordonia as well as our own countries." His bright green eyes hardened at the man who had somehow gotten her to say yes. "You on the other hand have nothing to offer."

Thomas was halted by Liam.

"I understand your anger." He whispered. "But any altercation would cause problems between Cordonia and their countries since you will be officially a duke the day after tomorrow."

Thomas tried to control his temper.

"You won't take her from me." He managed to keep his voice down so as not to draw unwanted attention. "You don't know her like I do."

"We know her better." Yorrik replied. "The marquis courted her two years ago. I courted her all of last year."

"And she turned down both of your offers of marriage." Liam reminded them. "Lady Amanda is not known for changing her mind easily."

Henrie sniffed. "We will see about that." He bowed to Liam. "Good evening."

Yorrik bowed too on his way out.

Thomas jerked his arms out of his friends' grips to follow after the two men who just upended the peace he had from his day spent with his love.

Could they convince Amanda that she could do so much better?

The thought of her with one of those stuck up, dispassionate noblemen made his stomach turn. The woman he fell in love with was warm, full of laughter, and never looked down upon anyone.

He couldn't lose her to them.

But...

She had dated both of them.

"I have to go to that party." He turned around toward Liam. "Where is Maxwell hosting it?"

"Thomas, dinner is about to be served." Ryan argued. "Amanda's not going to listen to them. She--"

Thomas held his hand up to make him stop talking. "Where is it?"

"Maxwell is hosting it on The Prestige, a yacht docked not too far from here." Liam led him over to a wall of windows looking out over Portavira's bay. "There," he pointed to the west, "that ship with all the lights flashing is the one she's on."

"I'll go with him." Drake announced when Thomas left without another word.

"Me too." Matt passed his drink to Chris. "I think he'll need all the cool heads we can get to intervene once he sees those guys asking her to marry one of them instead.

Ryan softly groaned. "Chris you better go too. Liam and I will wrap this party up and be there as soon as we can."

Once the three chased after Thomas, Liam turned his friendly nature to the rest of the bachelor party. "Gentlemen, the groom had an emergency but will be joining us on our next venture." He smiled at his audience. "We'll be ending the night with the ladies at the party Lord Beaumont is hosting."

Murmurs of approval echoed around the room as the large group sat down at various tables to eat and socialize.

"Do you think he'll be able to remain calm?" Liam whispered.

"Honestly, I don't know." Ryan whispered back. "The way he is with Amanda is unlike anything I've ever seen before, and I've known him since before we became famous." He downed his drink and then the ones left over from his friends. "I think we better hurry this party along as fast as we can."

*************

The bachelorette party...

"It's down to the bride and the ice duchess!" Maxwell told the crowd. "On your mark..."

Amanda tried not to laugh at the sight of Olivia swaying slightly in her seat. She didn't realize that she herself was just as unsteady in her own."

"How," Olivia hiccupped, "how many of these have we had?"

"Dunno." Amanda picked up a shot glass filled with Maxwell's signature party drink.

This time, he had it frozen in honor of her love for slushies.

The drinking contest he came up with involved downing shots filled with the frozen drink. Last one to succumb to a brain freeze was declared the winner. Olivia and Amanda had beat all the other people who had decided to play the game. Holly was still clutching her head from two rounds earlier.

"Get set..." He grinned at the two ladies. "Go!"

They downed the first shot, each wincing and continued down the line.

Olivia began to slow down as she neared the end. Chill bumps were covering her skin. She could feel the pain pulsating around her brain, bringing tears to her eyes.

Amanda's insides felt numb. Each swallow only deadened her body even more.

"You okay?" She asked when Olivia set her next to the last glass down with a thud. "You didn't drink it."

"I'm," Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose, "I'm not thirsty anymore."

Amanda knocked back her last shot, then slid off her stool, barely catching herself.

Maxwell held her arm up as the party goers cheered.

"I didn't, I didn't," Amanda tried to clear her head, "I didn't want to get, to get drunk."

"You're not drunk." Maxwell placed a crown with a veil on her head. "You're finally enjoying yourself."

"I am s'posed to...s'posed to meet up with..." Her eyes widened. "Who invited them?!"

"Who?"

Maxwell turned to see just who she was talking about.

"Yorrik and Henrie!" She whispered. "Hide me!"

Maxwell quickly pushed her towards the back of the boat.

"What are they doing here--NACHOS!" She exclaimed when they passed by a buffet table. "You got my favorite food!"

"I'll get you some later." He pulled her up a set of dark stairs. "Just keep your voice down."

"But, nachos." She pouted, trying to pull out of his grasp. "Can't I just have one to--"

"You either hide or get nachos with your two most persistent exes." Maxwell explained once they made it to the top deck. "Which would you prefer?"

Amanda's brow furrowed.

"Are you seriously debating this right now?" Maxwell asked.

She nodded.

He threw his hands up in frustration.

"Wait here." He forced her down on a deck chair. "Don't move and don't make a sound. Got it?"

"But I want to--"

"SHHH!" he covered her mouth. "I'll take care of everything."

"Even nachos?"

"Yes, even nachos." He muttered. "Just stay in that chair. Got it?"

"Got it." She clumsily saluted him.

He grumbled as he left about needing way more time to plan for party mishaps on the way downstairs.

As soon as he disappeared, Amanda ignored his warnings, got to her feet after a few tries, and walked over to the railing. She leaned over it to observe her party below. Giggles escaped her lips when she saw her friends dancing, knowing they didn't know where she was or that she could see them.

She then saw Thomas arrive.

"Thomas!" She shouted in vain. The music was much too loud.

She waved her arms in the air to get his attention. Her movements caused her to fall sideways upon the floor.

"Ouch." She somehow became upright. Kicking off her shoes (one of which fell over the railing), she tried once again to get his attention.

Even though she was mostly in the shadows, she was seen by the three men hoping to have a word with her. Henrie scooped up her shoe and led Yorrik to the stairs.

******************

Thomas knew when he boarded the ship and saw the crowd that Amanda would be off either on the sidelines or somewhere she could observe the party. After scanning the tables, he lifted his eyes toward the other two levels of the ship and saw her waving at him.

"There she is." He pointed for Drake, Chris, and Matt's sake.

"And there they are." Drake replied.

Yorrik and Henrie were approaching her from behind.

Thomas cursed and pushed his way through the crowd.

"Shouldn't you stop and think a minute about what you're going to say or do?" Chris asked as he dodged some dancers.

"I don't think he has time." Matt carefully set a drunk and flirty Kiara away from himself.

Thomas ignored them as he fought his way over. He couldn't think of anything other than these men taking advantage of his fiancée's most likely inebriated state.

And having witnessed her drunk once before, he worried even more so.

******************

"I believe you lost this, my lady."

Amanda spun around nearly falling over once more."Henrie!"

His smirk eased into a more sincere smile. "It is good to see you again, your grace."

She merely stared at him with her mouth open.

"Allow me." He knelt before her and paused. "Where is your other shoe?"

"My other what?" She looked down at her bare feet. "Huh. I dunno."

Yorrik cleared his throat as he stepped into the light. "Hello, Amanda."

Her head jerked up. "Yorry?"

His smile appeared over her using his nickname. "I think you know why we're here."

“I don't." Her head turned from one to the other. "Why are you here?"

"Because you are marrying the wrong man." Henrie explained.

Thomas made it up to the top level. He felt his heart stop at the sight of the two talking to her about him. He couldn't think of a what to do or say to make this stop. He remained frozen in the shadows, listening to their reasons why they should be her husband.

Henrie got to his feet and dusted his pants. "You should be with a man who loves you and is your equal."

Her brow furrowed. "Thomas loves me."

"Perhaps." Yorrik conceded. "But he is a nobody."

"A commoner." Henrie calrified.

"We assumed you refused our proposals because you wanted Liam." Yorrik added. "Since you were caught in that scandal, you lost your chance to be with him."

"Not Liam." Amanda shook her head, wishing she hadn't drunk so much so she could explain it better. "That's not right."

"We are willing to overlook your," Henrie's lip curled in disgust, "giving in to some baser inclinations."

Yorrik stepped forward and took her hand in his. He raised it to his lips then knelt down before her.

"Amanda, I still feel the same way I did when I asked you to marry me." He told her. "We can have a life working together for the good of both our countries. Our heirs will inherit from a duchy and an earldom once my father dies." He smiled softly up at her. "Don't you remember all the plans I made for us taking our rightful places in society?"

Her frown did not help his proposal. Nor did her yanking her hand away.

"I still feel the same way too." She slurred somewhat. "I feel nothing for you, Yorrik."

"Amanda, please, reconsider--"

She shook her head no.

"I love Thomas." Amanda declared in her duchess tone. She ruined it by sliding along the railing and nearly falling over yet again.

Henrie gently clasped Yorrik's shoulder in commiseration, then took his place before her.

"Amanda, you know out of everyone, I'm the one you should be marrying."

"No, Henrie." She tried to push him away when he moved closer, pinning her against the railing. "I don't wanna marry you either." She tried to yank her wrists out of his grasp. "Let me go!"

"You've had your fling." He snapped at her, holding even tighter than before. "Now it's time to grow up and be a proper lady."

Drake, Matt, and Chris managed to reach the upper deck at the moment Henrie went down with a cry of pain.

Thomas had only taken two steps forward to rip him away when it happened.

The four of them tried to comprehend what was happening before their eyes.

Amanda stood over the whimpering nobleman. Her fists were clinched at her sides. The look on her face was nothing short of furious.

"You brought that on yourself." She slurred. "I told you to let me go."

"Did she just knee him in the balls?!" Chris accidentally burst out.

Amanda looked up in shock over having her actions witnessed by others. Her surprise turned to absolute delight when she saw Thomas.

"You're here!" She stepped on Henrie and shoved Yorrik out of her way to greet the one she wanted to marry.

Thomas grabbed her when she stumbled the last few steps. He steadied her, then gently checked her wrists.

"Did he hurt you?" He asked, somehow managing to remain calm.

"Not as much as I hurt him." She replied proudly.

He pressed a kiss to the inside of one of her wrists where it was red, then stepped forward to send the two who had bothered her away.

"Better let us handle this." Drake stopped him once more. "Your almost grace."

Thomas's jaw spasmed one more with his temper being refused to be unleashed. He gave a brisk nod.

Amanda swayed next to him, watching with great interest as Drake lift Henrie to his feet while Matt yanked Yorrik toward the stairs. Chris followed after them making comments, adding insult to injury with them being refused yet again.

Once alone, she moved once more into Thomas's arms. His frown eased when he noticed that same happy expression, she had that night back in California.

"I missed you." She looped her arms around his neck. Her lips brushed his. "I drank too much again."

He shook his head with a laugh. "I missed you too." He caressed her cheek. "Would you like me to take you home?"

She nodded, her smile growing brighter. "We could go swimming!"

Her slurred words had him wondering if she remembered what happened the last time she had drunk too much and gone swimming.

A flirty smile appeared on her lips. "Maybe this time I won't steal your shirt."

[krsnlove]

And he's living happier ever after with his family 😭 Liam deserves all the love in this world. Period.

[krsnlove]

The Scarlet Duchess in Red ❤️

Day 5 of @theroyalfinaleappreciationweek : Olivia Vanderwall Nevrakis

I miss her 😭 we didn't get enough Livy content in trf

[krsnlove]

Okay seriously 👀😂 I love when reality happens for this couple. Maybe it’s my own fault for putting them on this peddlestool where everything is perfect and they never fight 😅 but this fight was just so perfect. Something I know that would definitely be a topic of disagreement between the two—among others 🙊👀

…but giirrrrrl when Riley threw that in Liam’s face about being too scared to take a stand..

…and then for Riley to continue arguing not caring her funky in-laws are there..

She should’ve karate chopped Constantine’s knees just for looking at her like that. Who cares if everyone can hear their argument—it was bound to happen smh.

Nicely done BFF! I might need some more of them arguing—and making up obvs! Lol

You are awesome!! Could you ever write about Liam and Riley having a fight and reconciling later? I love how you write Liam, and I'm curious to see how he would react during a fight with Riley! Thank you in advance ❤️

I just realized that I've never really written anything that has them simply having a normal argument. I've had Riley leave Liam during that ridiculous engagement tour and such, but never just a couple's disagreement. Let's see what I can do. I think I'll go back to Book 3 of The Royal Romance for this one. It always bugged me that Liam never came over to help Riley or even talk to her after they walked inside Madeleine's home.*Sorry this took so long Nonny. My last road trip seemed to make my brain freeze up for a while 😂 The writer's block has been slowing me down a lot on my fics recently.

Rating: PG-13 for some language. I'm guilty of cursing whenever I lose my temper.

@gkittylove99@krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @amandablink @neotericthemis @mm2305 @sfb123 @iufilms

Masterlist

A Trip to Fydelia

"Wait a minute."

Riley stopped searching for a dress.

"You mean to tell me the first place I have to go to is Madeleine's?"

"Yeah." Maxwell took a cautious step back.

Riley still scared the mess out of him whenever she was angry.

Bertrand, having never seen her truly lose her temper, continued on as if this was all normal.

"We must go there first to show that there is no animosity between you, the king, and his former fiancée." He explained.

"Oh, there's some animosity." Riley grumbled under her breath. "I'm going to go talk to Liam about this."

She stormed out of the dressing room.

Riley ignored the servants jumping out of her determined path as she searched for the man she was going to marry. Knowing how understanding Liam was, she knew he would back her up in this.

There was no way she was going to Madeleine's.

She turned the corner and collided with the one she was searching for.

Liam caught her in his arms. His lips curved as he held her close. "This is a pleasant surprise."

Instead of her usual greeting with a kiss, she pushed out of his embrace.

"We need to talk." She noticed the curious servants slowing down to overhear. "Privately."

His smile disappeared as he followed her into a sitting room.

"Is something wrong?" He asked after shutting the door.

"You could say that." She placed her hands on her hips. "I was just told where we will be traveling today."

Liam was perplexed by the hard tone she was using. "And?"

"And, what the hell?" She cried out in frustration. "Who goes to party with their former fiancée?!"

His eyes widened.

"My love, you know there was nothing between Madeleine and--"

Riley motioned for him to stop talking. "Look. I know you both wanted nothing to do with the other personally, no attraction, blah, blah, blah; but to go to her home for a party and spend the night...come on!"

His eyes narrowed at her dismissing his assurance. "Since Madeleine is a countess and heiress to a duchy, the Crown must remain on good terms with her."

"Why?" Riley asked. "What exactly does she contribute other than tax money and being cruel to me, Hana, and numerous other nobles at court? Shall I keep going or do you not see that you don't have to be buddy/buddy with that witch?"

Liam ran a hand down his face. "Look, I am sorry for the way she treated you. It was uncalled for and if I had known sooner I would have made certain it stopped." He had to temper his tone when Riley rolled her eyes over his apology. "But our kingdom is small and I can't slight a noble who is also related to Regina!"

Riley was getting angrier by the moment. "So what you're saying is that I have to go and basically kneel before the witch?"

"I'm not saying anything like that!" He yelled at her. "I'm asking you as my chosen queen to go and represent the Crown in the best possible light. Show the world that we can--"

"Screw the Crown!" Riley yelled at him. "If it can't allow us this one time to avoid being with someone we don't like, then it sucks."

"Riley!" Liam stared at her in shock. "You know this position we hold is a thankless one. You saw how little say I have had throughout the tour and social season."

"I wonder if you really did not have any say or if you were too scared to take a stand."

Her icy tone and words cut to the quick. Liam stumbled back at his fear being pointed out. He knew he had made many decisions out of fearfulness, but to hear the woman he loved actually accuse him of such hurt more than anything.

"I'm not going." She told him. "If you want to go kiss the hem of dear Madeleine's skirt, then that's your decision." Her chin lifted while tears sparkled in her eyes. "Though I would think the man I said yes to, would follow through with his promise to put me first."

His temper snapped at that being thrown up into his face. "I am putting you first. It was your idea we use our wedding to unite the kingdom. It was your idea we go visit everyone to personally invite them. That meant we have to go to Madeleine's!"

"This is such bull--" Riley clamped her mouth shut when the door opened.

Constantine and Regina stepped inside.

"We heard shouting." Regina said in a hesitant tone. "Is everything--"

"You are causing a scene!" Constantine snapped at the young couple. "Everyone can hear you out in the hallway."

"Let them!" Riley roared. "I hope they do hear me! It isn't a secret how I feel."

"Riley!" Liam tried to shush her. "Let's go somewhere else to discuss this."

"Discuss what?" She jerked her hand out of his. "I already told you that I'm not going."

"You will go." Constantine ordered. "You are now a Cordonian citizen. You are a duchess of the realm." He sent a disapproving glance towards Liam for making her one in the first place. "We must show a united front everywhere we go."

Regina could see how angry her husband's words were making the young couple. "I know it isn't easy being around those you don't care for, but our public life is to reflect our ability to find common ground with everyone we deal with. If nothing else, Madeleine loves Cordonia and wants to do what is best for it. That is something I hope the two of you can concentrate on as we spend this evening with her."

She took Constantine's hand and pulled him out the door to give Liam and Riley some privacy.

"Riley," Liam's voice was strained from trying to rid himself of this anger. "It's one night--"

"As I was trying to say earlier," she hissed on her way out the door, "this is such bullshit!"

Liam stared at her departing form with his mouth hanging open.

*****************

A few hours later...

"Why don't the two of you ride alone?" Hana said in the hopes of easing the tension. "I'm sure you need it before entering Fydelia."

Riley snorted in response. Her arms were folded across her chest while she pointedly ignored the man by her side.

"That's an excellent idea." Liam summoned his charm to the forefront. "Thank you."

"See you there." Drake called out as he followed Hana and Maxwell into the waiting car.

"Bring my car around." He informed one of the guards.

He and Riley remained silent as they waited outside. Once his Porsche 911 arrived, he noticed Riley's anger disappear for a brief moment to admire the car. She noticed him noticing her and immediately frowned.

He opened the car door for her. She glared at him while sliding in. She then jerked the door shut before he could, nearly taking his fingers in the process.

His eyebrows lifted in shock at this display of her temper. He didn't understand why going to Madeleine's upset her to this degree. She knew he didn't care a thing about the countess. He'd proved it to her the entire engagement tour.

"Riley?" He cleared his throat. "Let's put this behind us and--"

"Don't talk to me." Riley turned towards her window. Her arms were still crossed as she tried to put as much distance between them as she could.

"But--"

"I mean it, Liam." She snapped. "I don't want to talk to you anymore today."

His own patience had reached its limit. Gripping the steering wheel, he allowed his own frustration out.

"Fine by me." He took some vindictive pleasure from Riley whipping around in shock at his not cajoling her. "In fact, once we reach Madeleine's, you stay on one side of the room while I maintain court on the other side."

"So that's it?" She yelled. "We just pretend we aren't together in Madeleine's home?!"

When he remained silent, she ordered him to answer her.

His bright blue eyes darted to her face before focusing on the road.

"I believe you told me you didn't wish to speak to me anymore today." He bit out. "I refuse to remain a mute by your side tonight. Thus," he waved his hand, "that is my alternative to tonight's party."

"What about when I have to talk to Madeleine?" She grumbled. "You're going to make me beg her to be our new press secretary without you? And face both her parents?!"

"Yes, I am." He told her, jaw firming in anger. "You clearly do not want to discuss anything rationally with me and I will not force my unwanted presence upon you any further." He slammed on the brakes once he pulled in front of Madeleine's. "Have a pleasant evening."

He got out of the car and opened her door for her. With a mock bow, he waited on her to get out. Riley swung her legs out, tugged her black and green dress in place, and stuck her nose up in the air as she walked forward.

******************

Liam kept true to his word. He remained away from Riley and even his friends the entire party. He needed all his concentration for swaying the few minor nobles who had come to Madeleine's to remain loyal to the crown.

Every once in a while his attention would be drawn to the sight of Riley laughing with the others, dancing with Drake, gathering drinks to take outside; he even witnessed her speaking to both the Duke and Duchess.

As angry as he still was over their fight, he couldn't help but be proud of how she kept their personal troubles private.

While listening to Neville explain his own plans for finding a noble woman worthy of his own hand, he saw Riley intervene with the fight brewing within House Amaranth. His pride grew over her ability to stop their family fight and agree to attend the upcoming wedding.

As Riley left their circle, her eyes met Liam's across the room. Her elation over her triumph dimmed with the recollection of their own personal fight still unresolved.

"You did it!" Maxwell crowed, grabbing her hand. "How about a victory dance?"

"I'd like that." She tore her eyes away from Liam's and focused on the dance steps.

*****************

Around 2 a.m...

Neither could sleep. Their minds replayed the harsh words each had spoken. Their thoughts revolved around what should have been said and how they should have been a team working to gain this family's support.

"This is ridiculous." Riley muttered in the darkness.

She got out of bed, determined to end this fight. She still felt that she was right, but she knew she could have handled it differently. Something about Madeleine though had irked her from the moment they initially met. Now having her as part of this unity tour would force Riley to either remain bitter or finally let go of this longheld resentment.

She refused to allow Madeleine's presence ruin another chance at happiness with Liam.

She opened the door, nearly screaming at the sight of Liam's shadowed form about to knock.

"Shh!" He glanced about the hallway in the hopes no one heard her muffled squeak.

"What are you doing here?" Riley whispered at the same time he asked where she was going.

"I wanted to talk to you." He admitted.

"That's what I was intending to do." She stepped back out of the doorway. "Come in."

Once the door was shut and a couple of lamps turned on, the pair stood awkwardly before one another.

"I'm sorry--" they both began simultaneously.

Liam silently gestured for her to speak first.

Riley took a deep breath. "I'm not sorry for my stance about having to come here," her eyes lowered, "but I shouldn't have behaved the way I did."

Liam rubbed the back of his neck. "I want to understand why you reacted the way you did."

"I don't like her." Riley replied. "From the moment she suggested I become your mistress while she became queen, I knew then that we would never get along."

Liam ran a hand down his face. "She has a more, pragmatic point of view about marriage." He winced over the glare Riley leveled upon him. "I'm not saying she's right, but many noble marriages are unfortunately not based on love. The couples, like her own parents, live separate lives for the most part."

"I know." Riley folded her arms across her chest. "Coming back here again after that horrible engagement tour of yours brings back all my old fears."

"What old fears?"

"Oh, just the ones where you'll snap out of this attraction you have for me." She tried to joke. "Then you'll see that I'm not really that special and that you should be with one of your noble ladies." Her nose wrinkled. "Though for everyone's sake, please pick someone who's not Madeleine."

Liam couldn't believe that she had found another way to stun him speechless again.

He walked over to her and took her hands. She kept her eyes downcast, an embarrassed blush staining her cheeks.

"Not special?" She lifted her eyes to his when she heard the disbelief in his voice. "How could that thought ever cross your mind?" He pressed her hands to his heart. "There is and never be anyone like you, my love. I know because I have been searching for you my entire life. "

"Liam." Riley shook her head. "You don't have to--"

"I'm not done." He cut her off. "If I had known that coming here would cause you even a moment with those types of of thoughts, I would have told Father and Regina to make excuses for our absence."

"Really?" She lifted an eyebrow. "Even though we should be monarchs willing to meet with everyone?"

"No one in this country, this continent, this very planet will ever be anywhere near as important as you are to me." Now it was his turn to appear ashamed. "Can you ever forgive me for insisting we come here?"

Riley nodded. "Yes. It isn't really fair of me to remain angry when you didn't know why I was so against coming back here."

Liam pulled her into his arms, hugging her tight to him. He buried his face against her neck when she apologized for being so cold to him earlier. All he could think about how fearful he had been not so long ago that they would not find a way to truly be together.

They continued to give each other the comfort they had denied throughout that wretched ball. Words of love were whispered while plans were formed how they would find a way to communicate better about their duties and such.

"You should get some sleep." Liam insisted. "We have an early morning of traveling planned."

"Stay with me." Riley looked up at him. "I need you to hold me while I sleep."

Liam knew it would be considered rude to stay with her under Madeleine's roof, but he realized he didn't care. The only thing he needed was to make certain Riley no longer doubted anything when it came to his feelings for her.

He climbed into bed with her. His lips pressed a kiss to the top of her head as she settled her head on his shoulder. Her left arm draped over his middle, squeezing him in a brief hug.

"Liam?" She said once he turned the light off. "I don't want to do another party or ball without us actually being together."

"Neither do I." He slowly ran his fingers through her hair. "All I dreamed of when I couldn't be with you out in the open was the day when I could be by your side. Tonight felt wrong and not simply because of our fight. Seeing you across the room while talking to everyone was more of a chore than usual."

He pressed another kiss to her forehead. His lips lingered against her skin as he spoke. "I don't ever want to be apart from you again, whether it is physically or through an argument."

"Then let's decide to end a fight before we get to an event." Riley tilted her face up toward his.

He kissed her deeply. "Agreed."

[krsnlove]

😭😭

Princess Odette is one of my faves! So so so sweet I caaaant! The fact that Addison is the one to send this super thoughtful gift and the way you added that it was from the Rodriguez Family

…and Amanda and Thomas trying to take care of each other while they too are sleep deprived is just so beautiful! 😭

Halloween Prompt

(Thomas Hunt x OC*Amanda) in a Halloween drabble taken from my storyline And Then I Met You.

A/N Happy Halloween everyone! (I know I'm cutting it close. It's only 10:30 p.m. in my neck of the woods. Still have an hour and a half before the night is through, LOL!) Here's a quick holiday drabble with one of my favorite OTP's from the first storyline I ever wrote for them. This one is shortly after their daughter Kathleen's birth.

@krsnlove @my-heart-beats-for-ya ​ @aworldoffandoms ​​ @flyawayboo ​​ @trappedinfandoms ​​  @sophxwithers @twinkleallnight

Rated F for extra Fluff.

Masterlist

The Perfect Costume

Life changed five weeks earlier for all who resided in St Orella. After years of waiting and wondering if their duke and duchess would ever create an heir, Kathleen was born.

The people would stop the various servants whenever they caught them out in the peaceful little town to ask about the new lady of the manor. Each query was answered with a smile followed by stories of late night feedings, naps, and simply adoring the newest member of the Hunt family.

Within the walls of the grand mansion, the parents of the heir were exhausted.

It seems the little lady of the manor was deciding that sleep should not happen at night.

"You should go lay down." Thomas insisted, returning to the nursery with a fresh cup of coffee. "I'll walk with her."

Amanda sighed as she repeated her walk around the room, gently bouncing the fussy little one. She patted her daughter's back in an effort to relieve the gas pains that seemed to only attack at night.

Kathleen whimpered while drawing her legs up.

Thomas stopped her mid circle.

He took the bundle, smiling softly at the little sounds she was making over being moved.

Amanda pressed a kiss to the tiny furrowed brow then one to his cheek. "Come wake me when it's time for another bottle."

He nodded, watching to make certain she was going to leave and rest. Once the door shut, he cuddled his daughter against his shoulder and began to walk the path around her room once again.

*****************

The sun was high in the sky by the time Thomas roused. He blinked at the brightness while reaching for his watch. He shot up when he realized that Amanda never came back for him after the four a.m. feeding.

Pulling his robe on, he hurried over to the nursery. He then rushed downstairs after not seeing either of his ladies.

"Hudson!" He called out from the stairs when he saw the butler. "Where is Amanda?"

"In the study sir." He replied, balancing a tray holding empty bottles and a teapot and cup. "Lady Kathleen remained extra fussy this morning and her grace didn't want to disturb you."

Thomas shook his head over that while stalking to the study. If anyone needed sleep, he knew it was his wife. She had been staying up more and more with Kathleen insisting that he needed more rest.

He opened the study door to see Amanda nodding off at her desk. Once Kathleen dozed off, she had begun to try and catch up on her duchy's various needs and businesses.

Thomas crept over to the bassinet. He chuckled softly over the way Kathleen slept with her arms up over her head. It had taken them a while to realize that she wanted her arms free but liked her legs slightly swaddled. Her pacifier moved every few seconds as she slept.

"Hello." Amanda whispered when he walked over to her. She smiled sleepily into his kiss. "Were you able to get any sleep?"

"I think I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow." He took some documents out of her hands. "Now I want you to go upstairs and rest."

She yawned. "I will. I just need to--"

"Sleep. You can't keep this schedule up much longer." He insisted.

"You're right." Her brow furrowed in thought. "I know there is something I'm forgetting."

"Forgetting?"

"I think something important happens this week." She rubbed her hand over her eyes. "I just can't remember what it is."

"There's nothing but your doctor appointment next week to worry with." He insisted as he pulled her into his arms. "That and if our daughter is secretly trying to torture us."

Amanda laughed softly. "She's too sweet to do that."

He smiled, hugging her close. "True."

"Wake me when--"

"I'll wake you if I need to. You're a going to sleep longer than an hour or two." He placed his finger over her lips. "No arguing."

"You're awfully bossy." Amanda teased with a kiss.

"You better believe it." He caressed her cheek. "I'll see you this evening."

With a nod, she eased over to the bassinet. She carefully put one of Kathleen's kicked off socks back on her tiny foot then slipped out the door.

Thomas settled in Amanda's vacant chair to relax until the next round of feeding and diapers.

***************

A few hours later, Hudson returned to the study with a package.

"This just arrived, your grace."

Thomas finished burping Kathleen before reaching for it. "Who's it from?"

"From the Rodriguez family." Hudson's stern demanor softened. "It is addressed to Lady Kathleen."

"Open it for me, please." Thomas gently cleaned the spit up from his daughter's lips.

Hudson dug through the tissue paper and pulled out a tiny pink ballgown and headband.

Thomas paused at the sight. "What is that for?"

Hudson produced a card covered in sparkly pumpkins. "Ms. Addison says it is for Lady Kathleen's first Halloween. She said she created it since," Hudson coughed to cover his chuckle, "since Lady Kathleen is fighting sleep."

Thomas took the card and read over Addison's note.

A slight smile curved his lips when he came to the last part.

I know you and Amanda will go as zombies this Halloween, as sleep deprived as you both must be, but I decided to create a costume for Kathleen that is exactly what you wish would happen at night. I hope I soon see a picture of the little beauty. Hopefully sleeping, LOL!

"This must be what Amanda was trying to remember earlier. We forgot about Halloween coming up." Thomas settled his daughter once more against his shoulder. "It looks like Kathleen will be Sleeping Beauty for her first one."

[krsnlove]

This brings me back to when I went crazy and lost my mind and requested this angst 😭😭…and then immediately asking for a follow-up to fix it 😂

Thank you for this BFF! I can’t live in a world where these two aren’t happy with each other. They’re both just so miserable without one another and for Hana to be the one to be bold in her declaring her love first—says so much about how much she really loves him!

Angst/Love Prompt

(Hana x Rashad) with a part two to the angst drabble Never Enough and @krsnlove 's request to see these two reunited after a long separation.

A/N I hated leaving that drabble on such a sad ending, even though that was part of the initial request. I always meant to come back to it. This other request will hopefully help me get these two back together again. The song I found, in my opinion, goes along with the heartache and hope these two have when they meet again.

Masterlist

Song Inspiration: Happiness Does Not Wait by Ólafur Arnalds (instrumental piece in honor of Hana's love of classical music)

(Hana x Rashad) in a Choices The Royal Romance/ The Royal Heir drabble.

Happiness Does Not Wait

Hollywood, California...

"I can't believe we get to meet the actors playing us!" Riley exclaimed.

"Who did they cast as us?" Drake asked.

"It's a surprise!" Maxwell rubbed his hands togerher. "I think though that the studio made the right decision on all of us, especially on Hana."

The lady he spoke of pulled her attention away from the city streets of Los Angeles passing outside her window.

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" She asked.

"You okay?" Riley handed Eleanor to Liam then reached for her friend's hand. "You don't seem like yourself."

"Probably jet lag." Maxwell added. "I can already feel it trying to suck up all my energy."

Hana latched on to that excuse. "That must be it." She managed to smile at the worried faces. "I have been having trouble sleeping lately."

"We have been traveling more so than usual." Liam said. "I think we could all use a few days to simply rest."

"I'll take that over whatever craziness Maxwell has planned for us." Drake muttered.

"No craziness this time." Maxwell promised. "We're just visiting the studio and meeting the actors portraying our lives. Maybe we'll have lunch with them."

Conversations between the rest of the group took over with this addition to their itinerary. Hana used it to once again stare out the window, completely lost in thought.

Being reminded of Liam and Riley's love story made her think about her failed one.

Rashad, believing he wasn't what Hana wanted, ended their engagement six months ago.

Hana found out in that moment just how much he meant to her. The past six months held nothing for her but heartache. She managed to put on a cheerful face in front of her friends so none would suspect how much she hurt. She explained that the engagement failed simply because of their busy schedules.

She couldn't admit to them that she was the one to make him miserable.

How could I ignore the one I love? How could I make him feel like he was the least important person in my life? Why didn't I fly out to San Francisco that night to tell him in person that he was the only one I wanted to be with? Why didn't I tell him that I never realized that he was my touchstone, the very one to keep me confident enough to face my problems head on.

Perhaps that was why she hadn't had the courage to rush to him. She lost that piece of confidence that was so intertwined with their relationship. Rashad made her feel like she could accomplish anything. All the lingering doubts and fears her parents caused disappeared the moment he told her he was in love with her.

Hana was pulled momentarily from her thoughts when they arrived at the studio. Her happiness over seeing her favorite actress, Cassandra Leigh, cast as herself lasted only a moment. As the actors rehearsed an upcoming scene, Hana felt her heart clench over how unhappy she was being portrayed during the social season.

Coming to Cordonia was one of the best things to ever happen to her. It gave her all the things she had been missing in life. She was given a chance to blossom into her own person. To find a purpose. To find friends.

To find love...and then lose it.

Her attention snapped back to the rehearsal. It was the Cornoration Ball scene.

Just when all hope seemed loss, Riley came back and fought to have her happily ever after with Liam.

Hana abruptly got to her feet. Her friends turned toward her in concern. Before they could even ask what was wrong, she announced that she needed to take care of some things over the next few days.

"I'll try and be back before you leave for home." She told them as she gathered her things. "I'll call when I have a free chance."

"Where are you--" Riley's eyes widened at the sight of Hana running out of the door.

******************

Sloan Industries, San Francisco

"There's our world traveler." William greeted. "How did it go in Tokyo?"

"It took some time, but we are now partners with Yamamoto Incorporated." Rashad dropped his bags near his desk.

"I knew if anyone could convince them that it would be beneficial for both of our companies, it would be you." William eyed him closely. "Why don't you go on home? You look exhausted."

"I will once I finish up some paperwork." Rashad raked his fingers through his hair.

"There's always paperwork." William reminded him. "And you always have some to finish."

"Is it wrong to enjoy my work?" Rashad snapped.

He was tired of his friend pointing out that he didn't have a life anymore.

"It wouldn't be if you actually enjoyed it." William countered. "It's like you're obsessed with it."

He had to be. Rashad needed the work to push his thoughts of his second failed engagement out of his mind. It wasn't so much that he had once again lost out on getting married, but the fact that he had truly lost someone he had fallen deeply in love with.

Hana had been a dream that he should have never attempted to turn into a reality. Knowing he wasn't enough to bring her the happiness she brought him made him end it. He knew he would have been miserable once they married in trying to be what she might want. He couldn't stand the thought of a life of seeing her disappointed.

He remained in California for the most part. After he ended things between them, he decided to conduct business for his duchy over the phone. There was no reason to remain there if Hana wasn't going to be his duchess. He hated all the memories that were in his home of the two of them.

His apartment in San Francisco was fine for the basic functions of living. Comfortable furniture. A small kitchen to hold his take out. Large shower. An office. And a bedroom he could work in until exhaustion struck. At least then there were no dreams of what might have been.

He shouldn't still be thinking of Hana. It was over. There was nothing left to say. Nothing left to do. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

"You know, I think I will go home." He shoved the papers in his briefcase.

"Leave that here." William snatched the briefcase out of his hand. "If these papers are so urgent, I'll work on them. You need to get some sleep."

Rashad felt the last burst of his energy snuff out. He didn't have the strength to argue nor did he really want to. He quietly gathered his luggage and left the office.

When the elevator doors opened out into the lobby, he collided with the very person he most wanted to see and simultaneously prayed he never would.

"I'm sor--Rashad!" Hana grasped his arms.

"Hana." He managed to say. His eyes raked over her lovely face. "Excuse me."

He edged around her and continued toward the exit.

"Wait! Please!" She pleaded running after him.

He stopped, head dropping forward. "Yes?"

"I...I was hoping we could talk." She bit down on her lower lip. She noticed his bags. "You're not leaving, are you?"

"I just returned." He mumbled. "I'm going back to my apartment."

"Oh." She felt her tears forming. "May--may I come with you?"

He wanted to shout the word no. His apartment was the one place she had never visited. There were no memories there of her. Nothing about it could possibly dredge up what they once had. It was a stark, cold, masculine environment done in browns, grays, and creams. He needed it to remain that way.

"Please." Hana's tears slipped unheeded down her cheeks over his silence. "I wont stay long. I just need..." Her breath hitched. "I just need to talk to you."

He'd never been able to stand seeing her cry. After all this time apart, it still cut to the quick to see her so sad.

"Okay." His shoulders slumped. He jerked his head towards the exit. "Let's go."

****************

Russian Hill Neighborhood...

Though Rashad was no longer living in his mansion in Cordonia, he still preferred to have some luxuries while living abroad. Since his apartment was in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, it offered gorgeous views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. He could even see Alcatraz from his kitchen window.

Hana remained quiet as they made their way up to his apartment on the top floor.

He opened the door for her, waving her on to precede him.

"Oh." She stopped short. "That view!"

He looked over at his large floor to ceiling windows showing dusk beginning to turn the bay into deep blues and purples.

He muttered that he would be right back as he took his luggage to his bedroom. He dropped the bags and sat down upon his bed. His head fell in his hands.

He was so tired. Not just from all the weeks of work and traveling, but he was tired of being alone with nothing but his thoughts as his only company.

Rashad walked over to his bedroom window. He leaned his arm against it, wishing he could escape. Truly escape. Get away from himself, Hana, and what they once had.

He picked up a small wooden box he kept on the window sill, not even paying attention to what he was fiddling with.

Why is she here? What is there left to say? Hana's too kind to purposefully hurt me.

With a sigh that felt as if it came from deep within his soul, he trudged out to see why she had come here.

Hana was still standing where he had left her. Her manners that were such a part of her very makeup demanded she not sit until invited to do so.

"Won't you sit down?" He asked.

"Thank you." She smoothed her skirt a few times before raising her eyes to his.

"What are you doing here?" He blurted out.

"I..." Her eyes filled with tears once more. "I um, wanted to tell you that I..."

His brow furrowed with the way she kept hesitating. Then a thought struck him with the force of a battering ram.

No. She must have met someone else and is here to tell me they will be getting married.

He got up so suddenly that she jumped in surprise.

Rashad didn't know what to do. He expected her to find someone else. She was impossible not to love. But to have to sit here and listen to her tell him this was more than he could bear.

Hana stood up. She began to reach out to him, then let her hand drop.

"I love you." She whispered.

He blinked. Was his mind playing tricks on him? His flight home was nearly ten hours. Perhaps the jet lag was worse than he originally thought to make him think he heard her say that.

"I never stopped." She admitted.

A tear fell slowly down her cheek.

"I didn't realize just how much I loved you until that night you ended us." Another tear fell.

And another.

And another.

And another.

Hana's voice shook with emotion as she forced herself to look up at him.

"Can you ever forgive me for not putting you first?" A sob broke through causing her body to tremble. "Do you think you could find it in your heart to give me a second chance, even though I don't deserve it?"

Rashad had remained silent throughout her confession. His body seemed nearly frozen. The only sign he heard a word she said was the spark of light that appeared in his eyes.

He swallowed at the lump of emotion that made speaking impossible, took a hesitant step forward, and held his hand out to her.

Hana covered her mouth.

There in his palm was the engagement ring she had sent back to him all those months ago.

"Rashad?" She cried.

He nodded, feeling the pieces of his heart begin to knit back into place. He took her hand and slipped it back over her finger.

"I never stopped either." He whispered. "You were and will always be all I want in life."

She moved into his arms and kissed him tenderly. Her breath caught at how tightly he clutched her to him. His trembles touched her heart and made her all the more grateful she had not destroyed this one precious gift that life had handed her.

Cradling his face, she softly spoke of how much she loved him. How he made her life all the better. How he was her touchstone.

Every word that he once hoped to hear from her lips fell like a balm upon his healing heart.

And he knew that this time, they would have their happily ever after.

[krsnlove]

WHY. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO ME?! 😭😭

Please tell me the next chapter is going to be posted ASAP 👀🙊 AHHHHHHH!!

So like this whole story of Beatrice and Liam…is fake?! He couldn’t think of a different name for Beatrice’s boo? 🤦🏾‍♀️ come on Liam LoL

…to say im excitedly waiting for the next chapter is an understatement haha. But I am LOVING their courtship and all the small details we get to learn about this world you’ve made BFF! 💕😭

All Through the Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @amandablink @neotericthemis @mm2305 @sfb123 @iufilms @tessa-liam @busywoman @nestledonthaveone @angelasscribbles

A/N You've all been so patient. This chapter is strictly Liam and Riley and a story he tells her at the Forgotten Falls.

Masterlist

Chapter 6

Beach House...

"Good morning sleepy head." Hana called out. "Or good afternoon might be more appropriate."

"Hey." Riley stumbled over to the coffeepot.

"I was wondering if you were ever going to wake up." Hana teased. "That must have been some date you were on. I think the sun was just rising when you came home."

"Not quite." Riley yawned. "Liam's schedule is hectic. He only has nights free."

"What does he do?" Hana asked, settling back in her chair to review her footage from the previous day's tour.

"He's a..." Riley blinked. "Huh. I don't think he's told me what he does."

Hana giggled. "So just what did you talk about all night?" She noticed her friend's blush. "Or was there not any talking at all?"

Riley sipped her coffee while trying to figure out what exactly happened the night before. It wasn't like her to not ask questions. She had always been interested in people and their stories. It was a big part of why she loved to travel. There were many places that she and Hana had gone to where she sat for hours listening to the people share their personal stories and those of their city's past.

Yet with Liam, she had been the one to talk about herself and then practically attack him with a kiss.

"Hana?" Riley sat down on the floor in front of her friend's seat. "Last night was..." Her brow furrowed. "It was unlike any date I've ever been on."

"In what way?"

"Well for one thing, I'm the one who kissed him." Riley confessed. "I didn't even wait until the end. It's like I have no self control around him."

Hana nodded in understanding. "Must be something in the air." She tucked her legs under her and stared off towards the ocean. "There is something about Rashad that makes me more, I guess, daring than I normally would be."

"Oh really?" Riley pulled her knees to her chest, rested her chin on them, and smiled. "How was your tour?"

Hana had a soft smile form. "Wonderful."

"Is that because of how beautiful Cordonia is or how handsome your tour guide is?"

"Riley!" Hana shook her head. "You're terrible."

The two giggled.

"Rashad is handsome." Hana confessed once they had calmed down. "He's so sweet and attentive." She sighed. "I've never met a man like him before."

"So's Liam." Riley flopped back on the carpet. "He asked me out again for tonight."

"Rashad invited me out to dinner." Hana added. "I wasn't sure if I should accept since we need to get some night footage for you to start working on."

"Right." Riley ran her hands down her face. "We can wait until and do that another night."

"You sure?" Hana asked.

"Yeah." Riley rolled to her feet. "We deserve to have some romantic nights out for a change."

*******************

The Dark Kingdom Castle...

"What are you working on?"

Liam looked up from his journal to see Drake standing in his doorway.

"I was writing about my meeting Riley." He replied. "Each member of the Rhys family lucky enough to find the one has recorded finding their first encounter with their true mate." He grinned up at Drake. "I have always hoped I would get to write in this for future generations."

"You and that history book." Drake smirked. "I remember each time we played hide and seek as kids, you would end up behind a bookcase with your family's journal."

Liam set his pen down. His fingers gently sifted through the pages that he practically knew by heart. The book had been rewritten often through the generations whenever the ink faded. He was considering typing it all up one day to save on a thumb drive.

A smile curved his lips at the thought of doing so once he and Riley were married.

"So what's your plan once the sun goes down?" Drake asked.

"I'm taking Riley to the Forgotten Falls."

"The Forgotten Falls? Isn't that where your great-great-great grandmother saved her mate with the Vampire's Kiss?"

"It is." Liam tucked the journal in his desk drawer. "Riley is interested in stories. I thought I could share that with her along with enjoying the waterfall's romantic atmosphere with her."

"And are you going to reveal what you are?" Drake asked.

Liam hesitated. "I don't know."

"Li, you owe it to yourself to be open with her." Drake placed a hand on his shoulder. "

"I plan on being open with Riley." He mumbled. "I don't want to scare her off." He ran his hands over his face then looked up at the ceiling. "What if she can't handle what I am and leaves Cordonia? How can I possibly live without her?"

"Geez." Drake slapped the back of Liam's head. "You monsters don't get it at all."

"Don't get what?"

"That your mates can't stay away. Look at Regina. Look at Beaumont. Neither one wanted anything to do with your kingdom or any of us. Yet, both are devoted and head over heels in love with your father and Sherry. This Riley, even if she is terrified at first, won't be happy unless she is with you."

"I never thought of it that way." Liam's brow furrowed. "Is it wrong? This mystical connection that can't be severed through distance or magic? Our mates aren't given a choice, are they?"

"Either live in misery or live with the one who loves them more than anything?" Drake snorted. "Who would choose misery?"

He rolled his eyes over Liam's continued worry.

"Look, she'll be happy. You'll be happy. You will produce little happy princes and princesses. Everything will work out like you hope." He clapped Liam fondly on the shoulder. "How could it not when you're such a nice guy?"

"Thanks Drake." Liam relaxed somewhat. "I better get ready for my date." He paused on his way out. "There's something though that happened the other night that I'm not sure I should mention but I think you should know."

"What is it?" Drake asked.

"At Olivia's ball, I saw Savannah."

Drake's hand immediately went to his heart. The pain pulsing in a steady beat increased. He shouldn't care about her. She certainly didn't care enough to keep from hurting him. And yet he found himself asking...

"How is she? Did she seem happy? Are the Beaumont's treating her well?"

A sad smile formed on Liam's lips. He had his hand on his own chest, rubbing at the pain of losing her. "She said she is very happy." He looked up to see how Drake would take this next bombshell. "She's pregnant."

"Pregnant!" Drake closed his eyes.

The elation he felt hearing he would be an uncle was eclipsed with the fact that he and his sister were estranged. They hadn't spoken to or seen one ever since she disappeared in the night with the Beaumont brothers. He didn't know what to do. A part of him wanted to try and find a way to be with her and meet the new member of their family when they entered the world. The other part wanted to go back to pretending she had died and all this was nothing but a nightmare.

"She asked about you." Liam said softly. "She misses you. Sherry said that Maxwell told her that she suffers everyday over not having you in her life."

Drake had to work more so than usual to harden his heart.

"She was the one to decide our fate." He grumbled.

"I know." Liam said on his way out. "Perhaps you can one day visit her and see if your relationship can be healed."

"It won't be the same." Drake informed him.

"It won't." Liam agreed. "Hopefully though, it can be something good."

*****************

The Forgotten Falls...

The moon was just bright enough to make the waterfall almost magical in appearance. The crystal clear water revealed a sandy bottom dotted here and there with white stones. The waterfall itself glistened with frothy foam ribbons intertwined.

"Wow!" Riley breathed. "This place is beautiful. I bet in the daylight it is even more breathtaking."

"I bet it is too." Liam set down a heavily loaded picnic basket that the castle's servants prepared then spread a large blanket down for them to sit upon.

"Is the water cold?" She asked.

"Only one way to find out." He stood up and began to get undressed.

Riley was struck speechless at the sight of Liam in the moonlight. Her eyes followed the rippling muscles with each movement he made.

He cleared his throat when he noticed her eyes drifting down.

She tried to shake herself from the odd spell.

Liam smiled then gestured to her body. "Did you wear your swimsuit?"

"Huh? Yes. I did." She tried to reach the zipper to her sundress.

Her breath caught when Liam moved behind to help. She wanted nothing more than to lean back within his arms and simply curl up for the rest of the night.

Liam made quick work of getting the dress off. He wrapped his arms around her, settling his chin along the crook of her neck and shoulder. He pressed a kiss against her throbbing pulse point.

It surprised him. He had no desire to sink his teeth into that tender vein and drink. His father told him recently that the only person a vampire is not tempted to feed from is his or her mate. Finding the one affected every aspect of the vampire's life. Every single inclination was done in the hopes of protecting them and loving them.

"You um..." Riley could feel the heat flooding her face at how a simple kiss on her neck made her weak in the knees, "You said there was a story here."

"So I did." He turned her around to hold her and gaze into her eyes.

Her smile grew when he simply stared at her face as if seeing it for the first time.

"Liam?" She caressed his cheek with the back of her fingers. "You okay?"

"Forgive me." A bashful grin peeped out. "You are simply stunning in moonlight."

"Just wait until you see me in the sunlight." She teased. "Or maybe I should stay in the moonlight so you don't see the dark smudges under my eyes after a late night spent editing."

His eyes traced over her delicate features.

"I doubt a mere smudge could detract from your beauty."

Where does he come up with these lines? Why do they work so well on me? I used to have a thicker skin that no handsome um...hmmm.

She fought the urge to kiss him. "Liam, you never told me what you do for a living."

"Did I not?" He asked.

"No, sir." She mimicked his proper tone. "You did not inform me of your chosen profession in life."

He chuckled while tugging her down on the blanket. "I work as a leader in the government of the Blackspire Mountains. I suppose it is similar to your vice president."

"Really?" Her eyes lit up with curiosity. "You live in the very place I want to visit! You know I'm going to request you be my tour guide, right?"

"I would love to show you where I live." He admitted softly.

And I would love to see it". Her head tilted in thought. "No offense, but I'm surprised someone so young could hold such a high position."

Liam laughed. "Yes, I suppose it does seem odd. The people up there base many of their decisions on ancestry." He slipped his hand over hers. "A family with a good reputation is most likely to produce a good leader type mentality."

"I see." She squeezed his hand. "No wonder you are so busy during the day."

"Yes. Daytime is impossible for me to find a free moment." He muttered.

"Good thing I'm a night owl." She scooted closer to him. "Now about that story?"

"Once upon a time," Liam began, tugging her over to sit in between his legs. "There was a beautiful princess from the Dark Kingdom."

"Was she a vampire or a dragon?" Riley asked.

"Vampire." He cleared his throat. "One night she disobeyed her mother, slipped out of the castle, and disappeared into the woods."

"No one followed her?" Riley asked. "I would have thought being a princess would mean having handmaidens, ladies in waiting, some knights, etc., to follow her around."

"Princess Beatrice had never left the castle unchaperoned before so there was no need that the queen could see to have her daughter closely watched. She was a quiet, gentle young lady who never caused a problem." He explained.

"Ah." Riley snuggled back within his embrace. "Continue please."

Liam smiled down at her queenly command. "Something was pulling her on into the forest. She wasn't quite sure what it was, she only knew she had to find it."

He cuddled Riley closer against his chest. "The closer she came to the boundary between the two kingdoms, the more clearly she could hear music."

"What kind of music?" Riley said softly. She imagined a beautiful, pale young woman in a long flowing gown searching for the creator of a romantic melody.

"Someone was playing a pianoforte." Liam rested his cheek against Riley's hair. "A young man had left the balcony doors open to his home. He was composing an opera."

"What was his name?" Riley tilted her head up to look at Liam.

His lips brushed a kiss to her lips. "As it happens, his name was Liam."

"What a coincidence." Riley teased. "What did Beatrice do when she found her Liam?"

Liam gently squeezed her. "Unable to stop herself, Beatrice leapt up to his balcony. She stood off in the shadows, heart pounding madly, while her eyes rested on the man she knew would one day be her husband."

"That must have been some song he was playing." Riley left Liam's arms to stretch out on her side facing him. "Did she approach him?"

"No." Liam mimicked her position opposite her so he could look directly in her face. "Beatrice did not wish to scare him away by revealing what she was."

"Love at first sight and she was still too nervous to make the first move?" Riley shook her head. "Poor thing."

"Don't you think he would have been repulsed in finding out she was a creature of the Dark Kingdom?" Liam asked.

"No." Riley said decisively. "I mean, I wouldn't let that be the first thing to pop out of my mouth if faced with the one I'm meant to be with." She added. "Though I do think the longer she waits the more difficult it will be to keep something like that hidden, much less confess to it."

"True. I hadn't thought of that." Liam gazed off at the waterfall for a moment. "Beatrice didn't want to leave the young man without some type of token of hers." He refocused on his date. "She removed one of the silk ribbons from her hair, tied it to the doorknob of his balcony door, then returned to the Dark Kingdom."

"What did Liam do when he saw it?"

"He was bemused to say the least." Liam explained. "And he was with what happened the next seven nights."

"She came back every night?"

"Yes, and never empty handed. One night she left a note expressing what his music made her feel in her soul. Another night, he was gifted with a basket filled with blank sheet music, pencils, and an apple cake. She thought he needed reminding to eat instead of composing all day and night." Liam smiled. "Each gift made him long to discover who was coming to listen to him."

Liam reached over to the picnic basket for a bottle of water. "On the eighth night, Beatrice left another note, asking him to take the next night off from his work and meet her here."

"Did he?"

"Wouldn't you?" Liam asked.

"I--yes, I think I would." Riley threaded her fingers with Liam's. "What happened when they came here?"

"Liam heard her singing one of the arias he had written, before he saw her." The prince pointed over to a set of palm trees. "He hid over there until she was finished."

"Beatrice knew he was near with how her heart raced. Every bit of her concentration focused on him."

"She turned toward the trees, held her hand out to him, and softly asked that he join her."

"Then what happened?" Riley prodded.

"Liam knew from the legends what she must be." He told her. "Yet, in that moment he didn't see some monster to fear. He saw a woman who was not only beautiful but also kind enough to encourage him to continue with his dream."

"So he knew she was a vampire and didn't care?" Riley asked. "I knew it! When it involves the heart, it is amazing what the human mind can ignore or readily accept."

"You think so?" Liam cleared his throat again. "Beatrice confessed her feelings towards him. He in turn told her how her little notes were the only bright spots in his rather lonely existence."

"How sweet." Riley mumbled.

"Yes, it was. Beatrice and Liam began to come here each evening he needed a break. The princess would listen to his frustrations, encourage him to persevere, and plan for a life together."

"How romantic." Riley breathed. "I bet they lived happily ever after with a life filled with music."

"When Liam's opera was finished, he was encouraged by his former master to send it to the palace."

"The Dark Kingdom's or Cordonia's?"

"Cordonia's." Liam's smile dimmed. "The people loved his work. He was soon being invited everywhere and hailed as a genius."

"What about Beatrice?" Riley asked.

"He wanted her to come with him, but she couldn't. Not with the feud between her family and the Nevarkis rulers. So she stood out upon his balcony each night to wait on his return."

"Ugh. She really is too sweet for this world." Riley sighed. "I hope her Liam appreciated her."

"He did. He continued to tell her that none of this would have come about without her. She was still the brightest spot in his life. Nothing could compare to her."

"Good man." Riley highly approved of the hero of this story. "Fame can change people for the worst. I've seen it happen. I'm glad to hear that it didn't change Liam."

"So am I." The Dark Prince continued with the part of the story that always hurt to think about. "His fame did draw the envious. Jealousy spread amongst those that his former music master taught. One particular man's jealousy turned to hatred. Unable to hear how talented his fellow classmate was, he began to follow him out here at night to see who he was meeting."

"Oh no. He didn't hurt Beatrice, did he?"

"After seeing his friend not only successful in his art but in also finding someone to love, the man tricked Liam one night. He told him he had seen his Beatrice and that she needed to meet with him before a party they were to attend. Once he got him out here, he stabbed him in the back."

"No! After all that, Beatrice and Liam didn't have their happily ever after?"

Liam slipped his arms around her. "The story isn't over, love."

Riley's breath caught at the feel of his skin. Her heart thudded faster and faster over that simple endearment. She knew she needed to calm down, yet her Liam made it nearly impossible to do so.

"Beatrice, sensing something wrong, rushed here. She found her love up there." He pointed at the rocky cliff at the top of the waterfall. "Her tears fell as she cuddled him in her arms. Some claim it was her tears that made the waterfall."

"Was Liam still alive? Did he talk to her?" Riley asked.

"He was, just barely. He told her he loved her more than anything in this world. He told her he would give up everything in his life to meet and be with her all over again."

"Oh gah, why do they have to be so sweet?" Riley could feel the tears building up. She loved all types of stories, but tragic love stories always made her cry.

"Beatrice told him how much she loved and needed him." Liam continued. "She asked him if she could change him into a vampire."

Riley perked up. "What did he say?"

"He told her, yes. Anything for another chance to be with her. So she gave him the Vampire's Kiss."

"What's that?" Riley wiggled back some. "Is it like they show in the movies? A bite and then the vampire gives his own blood to turn the human?"

"Not exactly. Usually the one being turned is not drained of blood or nearly dead when turned. The vampire bites right here." Liam traced her jugular. "Yet doesn't take any blood. There is some type of, I guess you could call it a venom though those Twilight movies got it completely wrong, that mixes with the human's blood. Once that is spread throughout the body, then the newly turned vampire is give a goblet of blood to drink, completing the process."

"Wait so, is it the vampire's blood or some human blood?" Riley grinned over him talking about that particular vampire story. "What did they get wrong in Twilight?"

"It isn't the vampire's blood. Just some donated human blood." Liam's nose wrinkled. "Twilight claimed the change hurt. Nothing could be further from the truth. When done by the vampire who sees you as his or her mate, the experience is more..." He trailed off.

"More what?"

"Rejuvenated, I suppose would be one way to describe it. It doesn't hurt at all. It makes you feel better than you have ever felt. It is as if your body is truly coming alive for the first tine. Every sensation is better than before."

"What happens if it isn't by your true love?"

"I'm not sure." Liam admitted. "Some say it is simply a dull, uneventful transformation. Others claim they can't remember it at all."

Riley burst out laughing. "You make it sound like you've sat down and talked to people who have become vampires." She looped her arms around his neck and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "If your political career bombs, you definitely could be a successful writer."

Liam dropped his forehead against hers, silently cursing himself for not thinking about how he was phrasing things. She was so easy to talk to, that he forgot this was all supposed to be a made up story."

"Did it work? Did Beatrice save her Liam?"

"It did. She took him to her Dark Kingdom to have him drink from the goblet. They were married and he continued to create symphonies and operas that their kingdom enjoyed for years to come. Everyone down here though, believed the young composer died at the waterfall. Beatrice and Liam left his bloody clothes here, ripped them even more so to make it look like wild animals had gotten to his body, so that no one would try and search for him." He sat up. "Thus all the legends were born for this waterfall. Some myths claim that couples come here to jump from the waterfall to insure they will be together forever."

"What do you think about that?" Riley asked.

"I think Beatrice and Liam would approve of such thinking. As in love as they were, I'm sure they would have been overjoyed that there love story inspires that kind of myth."

"I do too." Riley stretched and got to her feet. "Now are we getting in this water or not?"

"We are." Liam's lips curved. "Should we jump from the top?"

Riley was thankful for the darkness to hide her blush over the thought he might want to be with her forever. "We could."

The pair climbed to the top and looked down.

"We are higher than I thought we would be." Riley stepped back from the edge. She felt a trickle of dread go down her spine.

"We don't have to jump if you don't want to." Liam reached out and took her hand. His thumb rubbed soothingly across her knuckles.

"Really?" She looked up at him. "You won't be disappointed if I chicken out?"

"Not at all." He tugged her into his arms. "Tonight was meant to make you happy. If jumping from here does not bring a smile to your face, then I want no part of it."

"Liam." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.

It was even more intense than the previous night's kiss. The pleasure from such a simple tough flooded through her body, making her light headed. She clutched his shoulders to hold herself upright while urging the kiss on and on.

When they broke apart, she stepped back out of his arms to try and catch her breath. She slipped and tumbled backwards over the edge of the waterfall.

Liam saw her eyes widen in panic. A scream was about to escape her lips. Without any hesitation, he used his vampiric speed to catch her in midair and put them both back safely on the sandy beach at the bottom.

Riley stared at him in the moonlight. Her eyes darted back to the top of the waterfall then to where he stood with her. "Oh my god! How did you--how did I--"

"You weren't supposed to find out now." His voice cracked with his worry. "But I couldn't let you fall since you were so frightened to jump."

Riley tightened her arms around his neck. She knew it was crazy to think it, but after what just happened and with how he told the legend of the waterfall, it was the only explanation that made sense.

"Liam? What are you?"

His eyes locked on hers. He knew he couldn't keep it hidden any longer.

"I'm Liam Rhys, the Dark Prince of the kingdom in the Blackspire Mountains." He swallowed nervously. "I'm a vampire and you are my mate."

***Liam and Riley moodboard***

[krsnlove]

This was so so sweet! And cute! And AGH SO SWEET 😭💕 nice job with this! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and the way you described the absence these two had from each other. So beautiful!

The Birth Day

This is my one shot for the Drake's birthday bash. (I know I am late. Sorry!!) So without much ado.. here it is

It was a pleasant October morning. The leaves were changing colours and so was her life.

She stood on a window, breathing in the fresh air coming from the vast farms. Her husband slowly crept behind her. His hands went around her blooming belly as they both looked out into the autumn sky. A smile spread on her face when his figure flushed with her back giving her the much-needed warmth. She closed her eyes to let the feeling sink in. He followed her and they gently swayed to the music of the wind.

His hands rubbed gently over the bulge on her tummy. The little miracle in her tummy kicked in response. She giggled at the silent conversation the father and her baby were having.

He did not want to let this moment pass but he had to. He softly called her name.

She opened her eyes and looked far into the distance. Her smile faded as she replied, “I know. It’s time, isn’t it?”

“I won’t take long, I promise.” He kissed her temple, and held her hands in reassurance.

“What if our baby….”

He turned around, facing her, his finger on her lips, interrupting her. “Shh… Have faith. We will be together for that.” He looked into her worried eyes. “Trust me. I want to be with you. But I need to attend this meeting. I will be back before you finish knitting that yarn.” His eyes drifted to the light blue balls of wool set on a side table next to the sofa.

She sadly looked at her incomplete work. He cupped her face in his calloused palms to gain back her attention. “Just remember, that I love you both and I will always be there for you.”

She dropped her eyelids to hide the tears forming in them and gave a slight nod. Her hands rested on her tummy. “We will wait for you.”

He pressed a kiss on her forehead before moving away. She watched him go, with a heavy heart. Standing on the window she saw him waving at her. She forced a smile to bid farewell. As his truck rode off, she closed her eyes to keep the memories of his dark brown eyes safe in her heart, till they meet again.

**†********†**

Life seemed moving at snail’s pace in his absence. Her days began with prayers that asked for his safe and early return. And then, the languid sun walked with her, through the day, filling the voids with his warm memories. Her phone buzzed in the evening with his voice reaching across the Atlantic for her.

He shared details of his monotonous days and asked her about hers. His husky tone flushed her cheeks and the emotions traversed through her umbilical cord making their baby spring into action. She elaborated each of those cavorting movements to him.

 He laughed and called the baby, soccer champ. He told her how he planned to teach his little athlete the tricks of the trade and how he imagined them camping and fishing together. They talked about the traditions they would set with their baby and discussed how the tiny tot would add joyous moments to their lives. They spent time planning the nitty-gritties for the new nursery.

He devotedly spoke to her until her body turned lethargic and called for a slumber. He concluded the conversations with kisses and wishes.  

One such day he called up to tell her that he would be with her soon. Her happiness knew no bounds at the thought of being in his arms again. The bye-byes that night were pleasant as compared to the past, for it was the last time over phone. She knew he would be with her tomorrow by this time.

**†*******†**

The next morning she danced her way through the routine chores. There was a skip in her steps as she cleaned their little abode to welcome him.

Just as she was preparing for lunch, she felt a stream of fluid gushing down her thighs. She panicked but her reflexes kicked in soon. She picked up the phone and called for help. She then dialled his number, only to reach the voicemail. She realised, he was on plane and won’t be besides her until later in the evening. She left a message for him and then patiently waited for the help to arrive.

Her hands cradled her belly. She spoke in soft mews to her baby and asked the little one to hold on for few more hours. She tried to calm down and relax, reverberating to herself that she is doing great, only to find her eyes pool up and beads of saline water trickled down her cheeks. “Not alone. Not like this!” This is what she was dreading all the time.

As the weaker moment passed away, she gathered her thoughts and focussed on her baby while she was wheeled to the nearest hospital. Soon there would be no time to think as she would go into labour. Her eyes flickered between the wall clock and the sun travelling west, out through the window. Overwhelmed by the thoughts, she closed her eyes as few more tears spilled through her eyes.

She heard her name being called. In his voice! Her lips curled before she opened her eyes to take in his dishevelled figure in front of her, holding his travel bag. Her arms stretched out, calling him in. He let his bag slip to the floor with a thud as he scurried across the room to take her in his bear hug. He peppered her face with kisses and apologies, for not being able to make it earlier.

“Its okay. You are here now.” She said holding his hand and kissing the toughened skin of his palm. Her muscles tightened to bear the wave of contraction. When it passed away, she smiled at him again, “Just in time”, she said.

They held hands for the next few hours as she went through the ordeal. He rubbed her back, wiped her sweat and gave her ice chips. She knew he will be a doting father and she couldn’t thank her stars enough. They were going to be such a wonderful little family.

Finally, the moment arrived that filled the room with baby cries, followed by the coos. Wrapped in blue fleece a little Baby boy was handed over to her. She touched his little hand with utmost care and the little angel curled his tiny fingers around hers. She held him close to her bosom and planted a kiss on his soft scalp that had thin chestnut hair. ‘Just like your father’, she thought. She looked up to meet the gaze of her husband who stood close to her, fondly watching his world in these two. Their eyes met and they both wept tears of happiness.

He had his arms around her and his son when the doctor asked, “So, what are you going to name him Mr and Mrs Walker?”

************

They smiled at each other and then looked back at the doctor, speaking in unison. “Drake. Drake Walker.”

( And that is how the story of Drake Walker began .)

Party planners: @karahalloway @katedrakeohd @speedyoperarascalparty @annekebbphotography

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[krsnlove]

Birthday Phases

A/N: This is my submission for @twinkleallnight​‘s event for Drake’s Birthday bash. I honestly don’t know where this went. Oops. Some parts are canon, others are taken from the WWY storyline I have with @alj4890​ which I still need to get that chapter written, smh. 

But I thought it’d be fun to see how Drake’s birthday celebrations slowly change as he goes through phases of life with a certain red-head by his side ;)

Pairing: Drake x Olivia, Liam x Riley

Word count: 1,810

SINGLE

“You missed it Olivia!”

The Duchess of Lythikos casually raised her brows while watching Hana and Riley quickly make their way to her.

“And what,” she stifled a yawn, “did I miss?”

“Drake’s birthday celebration!,” Hana announced.

“Oh…,” she blinked her eyes, “I was wondering why it was such a gloomy day.”

“Very funny,” Riley shook her head with quiet mirth, “it was yesterday.”

Olivia folded her arms and sat back into her chair. She would never admit it out loud but Drake Walker’s birthday was a date she never forgot.

Hana doesn’t need much encouragement from either woman as she regaled the bored Duchess with an account of the previous night’s festivities.

“A mechanical bull,” Olivia repeated.

“Yes! Riley was able to stay on it the longest. It was amazing to watch!”

“Hana, I told you,” Riley chuckled, “it isn’t that great. It’s all about balance when riding those things. I can teach you when we visit the bar again.”

“Again?,” Hana’s lips spread into a wide smile. She quickly turned to Olivia.

“You have to come with us when we do!”

“No, I do not.”

“Oh come on Olivia,” Riley insisted, “it’ll be fun and it probably won’t happen for a while anyway. With the social season still going on, this might just become a birthday tradition for that fluffy marshmallow.”

Becoming a part of Drake Walker’s birthdays again was never going to happen, she knew that much. It was hurtful enough when invites to his birthday parties as a child abruptly stopped, she was not going to put herself through that debacle again.

“I don’t do traditions,” the Duchess simply said while standing from her chair. “But I look forward to hearing about someone hopefully falling off that mechanical bull next year.”

DATING

Idiot. Idiot. Idiot.

Olivia repeated the words a dozen times over in her head.

“I don’t understand why you can’t make it tonight.”

“I’m busy,” she reasoned.

“Doing what?”

Olivia scoffed at the question. “I’m the Duchess of Lythikos, Drake. What aren’t I doing?”

Drake stood over her with folded arms across his chest. She met his stare with unflinching determination. This man was not going to humiliate her twice in a lifetime.

“So, that’s it? You’re not coming.”

“Why does it matter?,” Olivia could feel her patience wearing thin. “Whether I go or not, it’ll still be your birthday. I don’t need to be there for you to turn another year older.”

“Unbelievable,” he snickered. “Whatever. I’ll see you later.”

Turning his back to her, Drake begins to make his way out of the room when suddenly a hardcover book flies past his head, hitting the wall nearby, hard.

He turned to look back at the only culprit who could have thrown the item.

“What the hell?!”

Olivia was now standing, arms folded across her chest.

“This conversation isn’t over Walker. Don’t you dare walk out on me when I’m speaking to you.”

Drake shook his head and casually leaned against the wall, waiting for her to continue.

“I’m listening.”

Olivia seethed with quiet rage at seeing him so calm especially when she could feel herself beginning to tear up.

“Your birthday parties,” she said through gritted teeth, “when we were younger…”.

Drake raised a brow at the tangent but continued to listen, curious to see where the woman he is secretly dating for almost a year now was going with this talk.

“I loved them,” she finally admitted. “They were one of the few events I looked forward to as a child.”

Olivia refused to look anywhere but at him. She was a Nevrakis after all. Whether it was through battle or something as foolish as this immature confession, she was going to look at her audience in the face.

“When the children of the Royal Court had their birthdays, mine included, it was always so...conventional and almost impersonal. But yours..,” Olivia heaved a heavy sigh, “felt genuine. I truly felt like a child in those moments. Not the Duchess of Lythikos. Not an orphan. Not the heir of the Nevrakis Family. Your parties...they allowed me the rare opportunity to relish in the simple joys of childhood.”

Drake began to slowly walk towards her, aware of the tears slipping down her cheeks.

“Then come with me tonight ‘Liv,” he asked softly, “Please?”

Olivia scoffed at his suggestion while dabbing at her eyes.

“Why? To become a part of your parties just to be uninvited again in the future?”

Drake looked at her with scrunched brows.

“What are you talking about?”

Olivia heaved a heavy sigh. “You stopped inviting me to your parties, Walker.”

“Yeah, I know. I also uninvited everyone else too. I stopped wanting them as a kid when I saw my parents struggling to keep up with Liam’s parents when it came to parties. I haven’t had a birthday party since I was like 10, ‘Liv.”

ENGAGED

“He did this on purpose. I know it.”

Despite Olivia’s bitter tone, the smirk playing on her lips said otherwise. She stares at the recently placed engagement ring on her left hand.

“You almost have to come with us tonight now, don’t you?,” Riley teased. Olivia arched a brow at the comment and shrugged her shoulders.

“I don’t have to go anywhere. That man proposed so close to his birthday it's almost too much of a coincidence.”

“But,” Hana began to protest, “it's your fiancé’s birthday party.”

Olivia allowed the sentence to wash over her, noticing the strange yet serene feeling that came when hearing about her engagement from another’s mouth.

“He is set on seeing me inside that ridiculous bar.”

“If it helps, I think this is the year someone will finally fall off the mechanical bull.”

“Stop,” Olivia chided the recently crowned Queen of Cordonia. “You’ve said that before and I’ve yet to wake up to news of anyone in the hospital.”

“Don’t sound so disappointed. We might think you actually like us,” Riley continued to tease.

The newly engaged Duchess of Lythikos sighed and stood from her seat. Olivia hadn’t thought about the changes that would come from the recent change in marital status. She hadn’t even thought about who would become permanent fixtures in her life as Riley and Hana’s muffled conversation drifted in one ear and out the other.

“I want to share the rest of my birthdays with you by my side.”

His words when he proposed to her continue to echo into her thoughts. All she was able to focus on lately was what to come in the future with Drake Walker as her husband.

MARRIAGE

...“SURPRISE!”

Drake stood with his hand still on the light switch, stone-faced, as he stared at his family and friends crowded into one room.

“Happy birthday Dad!,” Juliet, his oldest daughter, pulled him into a hug. “Can you at least try to smile,” she whispered into his ear, “Mom put a lot of thought into this party.”

Drake quickly turned to her, still caught off guard at how much she resembled Olivia. “Your mother. Where is she?”

“I imagine somewhere around here making a nobleman cry,” Jackson, his oldest child, said while giving Drake a hug. “Happy birthday old man.”

“Seriously, your mother. Where is she?”

Drake looked past his two oldest children in an attempt to find his wife. And youngest daughter.

“And Jade? Where is she?!”

“I told you Jules. You’re not the favorite anymore,” Jackson nudged his sister’s shoulder.

Juliet rolled her eyes and quickly threw a punch at her brother’s arm.

“She’s with Eleanor. They’re having a sleepover at the Palace.”

Still rubbing his arm, Jackson turned to his Dad. “We’ll leave you to, you know, socialize. Or whatever it is you do at these functions.”

Drake smirked at the comment as his children finally leave his side. He takes a deep breath and begins to make his way around the room speaking to each guest. Years of marriage and being a Duke had made this become second nature.

Mundane as it was, he knew what it meant when he decided to propose to Olivia all those years ago. Drake made a silent vow then that he would do whatever he could to not hurt her or her family name.

“Happy birthday!,” Riley’s voice was a welcoming sound to distract him from one of the more talkative nobles. Their small group of friends surrounded him as they each took turns to wish him another year of health and happiness.

“So, what time are we meeting at the bar?,” Maxwell asked. “The tradition continues!”

“Is this the year Olivia will be joining us?,” Hana asked hopefully.

Drake rubbed the back of his neck, sighing at the already long night. “If I can find her.”

“You haven’t seen her?,” Riley asked. “She’s right there Drake.”

Drake followed her gaze to a figure standing nearby with a familiar smirk. His lips immediately spread into a wide grin as he made his way to her.

“Duchess.”

Olivia bowed her head slightly. “Birthday boy. Are you enjoying yourself this evening?”

“Boy?,” he chuckled. “I’m enjoying myself now that you’re here.”

“Pity. I put a lot of thought into this party for you.”

Drake’s brows rose at the statement.

“You threw this formal party...for me?”

Olivia fought the laugh at hearing his nervous voice with a hint of denial. She nodded her head and grabbed his hand.

“I have one more surprise for you.”

Drake fought the smile coming to him but failed when he thought about being with his wife in private. It was his birthday after all he thought with giddiness.

Olivia led him down the long hallway of their home before standing directly in front of his office doors.

“Is this what we’re doing now Duchess?,” Drake’s husky voice asked with a low groan. He pulls her to him and presses his lips against hers.

“Open…the…mmmm…door. Open...,” she is somehow able to finally speak when his tongue finds her neck.

Drake grunted in agreement, noticing the effect he has on his wife hasn’t dwindled through the years. “I love that you’re so smart even at a time like this,” he quickly snuck in another kiss before turning to open the doors.

The mood Drake was in immediately died as soon as his eyes adjusted to the item placed dead center of the room.

A mechanical bull.

And their close group of friends surrounding it with big smiles.

“This is the year,” Olivia came up behind him and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek, “I will be able to witness firsthand someone falling off this thing,” she announces to their friends in the room.

Drake, still stunned at the sudden turn of events, stares blankly into Olivia’s eyes causing her to laugh at his confusion before whispering into his ear.

“Happy birthday Walker.”

TAGGING THOSE FOR DRAKE’S BIRTHDAY BASH

Party planners: @karahalloway @katedrakeohd @speedyoperarascalparty @annekebbphotography  @jovialyouthmusic @krsnlove @alj4890 @sillydg @sirbeepsalot @walkerdrakewalker @bebepac @thegreentwin @ask-kennaandval

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Regular tags for Dralivs: @sirbeepsalot​ @vickypoochoices​ @lodberg​ @rafasgirl23415​ @ofpixelsandscribbles​

[krsnlove]

Ugh. I’m right there with you. These two and having their family is just too cute for words sometimes and yet…you did it so beautifully 😭 I can totally see Jackson and Juliet being total chaos just in general 😂 and Drake trying to get some alone time with his wife for his birthday 👀🙊😂 I smell Nevrakis-Walker kid #3

Drake's Birthday Bash

(Drake Walker x Olivia Nevarkis) in a Choices The Royal Romance fanfic.

Rating: G for nothing but Fluff

Word Count: 1,439

A/N Taking this from the storyline bff @krsnlove and I made, While We're Young, so that I could include Olivia and Drake's children, Jackson and Juliet in this. I love the thought of those two with children so much.

Party planners: @karahalloway @katedrakeohd@speedyoperarascalparty @annekebbphotography@jovialyouthmusic @sirbeepsalot @krsnlove @sillydg @walkerdrakewalker @bebepac @thegreentwin

@twinkleallnight

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Masterlist

The Birthday Cake

"All right. Now we'll let that cool."

Olivia wiped her hands and looked around the once pristine kitchen. It still amazed her that her son and daughter could cause so much chaos in such a short amount of time.

Her gaze settled on the two while a smile formed. Her seven year old son's dark brown hair was gray with the amount of flour his four year old sister had dumped on him when he teased her about being too short. Her daughter's face held a fine dusting of cocoa powder from her brother's retaliation.

There was nothing like watching the Nevarkis genes being passed down to these two. The kitchen showed the results of their few battles, yet her children always found a way to quickly move on and work together.

Olivia couldn't be more proud.

"Your grace?" Her butler called out from the safety of the doorway. "There is an issue that requires your attention."

"I'll be right there, Harrison."

She eyed the two that were inching closer to the cake fresh from the oven. "I'm trusting you both to wait here until I get back."

Jackson and Juliet grinned at her.

"We'll be good." Jackson promised.

"Mommy!" Juliet hopped off her step stool and hurried over to the table. "You promised to help wrap this!"

"And mine too!" Jackson called out while peeping into a bowl full of chocolate icing.

Olivia felt her heart soften at the homemade gifts they had made for their father. Jackson had begun learning how to whittle and had tried to make a little decorative, wooden paperweight. Juliet had taken another block of wood and painted it with different colors of glitter paint. They had both written their names sloppily on them. Olivia, not wanting to take away from their creations, added the year to the bottom of their presents.

Drake had insisted that he didn't need anything expensive when he and Olivia first married. He told her how much it meant to him whenever someone made him something instead.

"To actually take the time, knowing I'm on the person's mind, means more to me than a pair of diamond cufflinks or whatever people give dukes." He explained.

So Olivia, with some help from Hana those first couple of years, began the tradition of making his birthday cake from scratch and finding a way to make something special for a gift.

Having listened to his stories about the chocolate cake he and his mom and sister used to make for his own father, she decided to continue that tradition just for him. Once Jackson was born, she included him in helping with the cake. She even set Juliet's bouncer on the counter when she was born to be a part of this yearly tradition.

She wouldn't admit it to anyone, but making a cake for a man she actually loved with the two most important people in their lives was one of her favorite days of the year. She had missed out on those sweet bonding moments with her own parents. Now she felt like she was given a second chance to experience all the sweet times with a family all her own.

"We'll wrap them when I get back." She gently brushed Jackson's hair out of his eyes while patting Juliet's cheek. "Promise." She said when she noticed they were about to demand such from her.

*************

"I can't wait to decorate it." Juliet propped her elbows on the counter next to the cake. "Can you, Jax?"

Her brother swiped some chocolate icing out of the bowl with his index finger. "I can't wait to eat it."

The two tried to remain patient.

"Ugh!" Juliet dropped her head on the counter. "Mommy's taking forever!"

"Yeah." Jax nudged his sister. "Jules, why don't we go ahead and decorate the cake?

"But we always do it with Mommy." She pointed out.

"Yeah, but she's busy." He argued. "We could help her."

Juliet perked up at that. There was nothing she loved more than helping her mother.

"Okay!" She hopped down and pushed her step stool to a set of cabinets. "You put the icing on and I'll pick out the stuff to make it pretty."

Jackson highly approved of this idea. He'd be able to taste test the frosting as much as he liked while putting it on the cake.

"You need a knife." Juliet told him while searching for bags of candy. She waved her little hand in a motion of smoothing something down. "Mommy uses one, remember?"

"Mommy always uses a knife." Jackson replied. "So does Daddy with Mommy's cake."

Juliet returned to his side and dumped her found treasures on the counter.

His eyes widened. "What's all that candy for?"

"The cake!" She struggled with opening the bags. "Jax." She grunted. "Open."

He rolled his eyes. "I have to do everything."

"Nuh uh."

"Uh huh.

Juliet glared at him. She blew her bright red curls out of her eyes and pushed the bags towards him. "I'll finish the frosting while you open these."

"Don't use it all!" He cried out when she dumped the rest on top of the cake. "Now we can't lick the bowl."

Juliet rolled her eyes. "The cake needs the frosting."

"Aww." Jax pouted as she swirled it around with a butter knife.

"Now." She pushed her hair out of her face, leaving chocolate icing smears in its wake. "Time for the best part!"

Her excitement was contagious. Jax began to smile again as he helped her unwrap all the candy.

"Daddy's cake is going to be the best one yet!" Juliet exclaimed.

****************

"Harrison said there was an issue in here that demanded my attention." Olivia told Drake as he cornered her against the closed study door. "Was he wrong?"

"There's definitely something in here that demands your attention." Drake leaned down to kiss her.

Olivia hummed her half hearted disapproval. "I usually deal with that something at night. Once our children are asleep."

"It's my birthday." He whispered, kissing her ear.

She melted against him when his lips met hers again.

"Is it?" She teased. "I had no idea."

He deepened the kiss then tugged on her apron. "Oh really? Is that why you are wearing this?"

"This old thing?" Her smirk turned tender. "Perhaps it is for you." She nipped at his bottom lip. "Perhaps not."

The two met again in a more passionate exchange.

Drake caressed her cheek, his lips curing at the evidence that she had been baking. He loved knowing that the once believed cold hearted duchess had taken to family life with a fierce tenderness. Each time he witnessed it, it made him fall even more in love with her.

"I can't wait to see my cake." His thumb brushed some flour from her cheek.

Olivia stilled in his arms. "Oh god. The cake!"

She pushed him away to jerk the door open.

"Liv?" Drake was hot on heels. "What's wrong?"

"I left Jax and Jules in the kitchen." She told him.

"Oh god." Drake muttered, picking up the pace.

The couple burst into the kitchen, anxiously looking about.

"Surprise!" Juliet squealed.

"Happy Birthday Daddy!" Jax yelled out.

The two stood behind a cake covered in different candies. Suckers were intermingled with candles, setting off the very kaleidoscope of chaos that they could only conjure.

"Isn't it pretty?" Juliet asked. "I put all our favorite colors." She beamed up at Olivia. "I put a lot of red for me and you, Mommy."

Drake couldn't help but smile. The cake was nothing short of a diabetic coma waiting to happen. And yet, he thought it was the most beautiful cake he had ever seen.

And all because the three people he loved more than life itself had a hand in creating it for him.

"It's gorgeous." He held his arms out, lifting both his children into a tight bear hug when they ran into his embrace. "The best cake I've ever seen."

"I put the frosting on." Jax boasted. "Jules picked the candy."

"I helped with the frosting too." Juliet added. "And Jax helped me open the bags."

Olivia stood quietly, observing the two sharing all that they did both cake wise and for his presents. She had to fight the sentimental tears when they then bragged on all she had done to help them with their projects.

"What do you think?" Jax asked him.

Drake squeezed his children again while settling his attention on his wife. Holding Olivia's tearful gaze, he smiled. His voice was full of emotion.

"I think I'm the luckiest man in the world."

[krsnlove]

Cookie Master

A prompt request, that I lost, from the BFF @alj4890 that was in my drafts folder smh.

Pairing: Elliott x Amanda

“Tell me again,” Amanda asked while dipping her finger into the raw cookie dough, “what all these cookies are for?”

The usually tidy kitchen was now in a disarray. Mixing bowls, a bag of flour and brown sugar spilled onto the counter with cracked eggshells filling the marble countertops. She stared at her husband, with her purple apron tied around his waist, covered in flour dust.

“Trying to find the perfect cookie recipe,” Elliott mumbled as he slowly sifted the flour into the bowl.

“Oh?”

Shaking his head, Elliott heaved a heavy sigh before pouring the large bowl of flour straight into the trash bin and sternly looked over at his wife.

“You’re bringing negative vibes into the kitchen.”

She gawked at the accusation.

“Excuse me? How?! All I said was ‘Oh’!”

His usual laid-back demeanor was nowhere to be seen as he narrowed his eyes at her, raising his chin.

“I can feel the negativity behind that word.”

Amanda shook her head with quiet mirth.

His recent obsession with cookie recipes was becoming more serious since Brigitte, their 2-year old daughter, exclaimed how “nummy” her mother’s cookies were compared to her father’s.

“I’m sure Brigitte was just hungry,” she walked around the kitchen island between her and her husband, “besides, I’ve been baking much longer than you have. There is a lot of trial and error that goes into this.”

Elliott begrudgingly nodded his head as his wife pulled him into a comforting hug.

“At least I still have time to practice before the next one comes,” he looked down at Amanda’s already noticeable bump then back up at her with his usual arrogant smirk.

“Mark my words, Mrs. McKingley. I will be the Cookie Master in this house.”

[krsnlove]

Love love LOVE seeing all of them finding their mates 🥰 but seriously…Maxwell and Sherry 👀 gonna need to bring it down a notch with their cuteness! I love how Max is in this storyline! So…smooth! Lol

But ugh. My heart is breaking for Bertrand. And Savannah. And Maxwell. I never cared for them tbh 👀🙊😂 but this whole dilemma theyre dealing with it’s like how do you decide what’s best? 😭

All Through the Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU

A/N This one is a bit long and a little bit of a hodgepodge of everyone. We start off at the end of Olivia's ball and end with Liam and Riley's first date. Don't worry, there will be more of those two along with all the other couples 😉 I wanted, since Drake's backstory, to share Savannah's reasons and viewpoints, so this chapter has that mixed in with what is going on with Bertrand.

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @amandablink @neotericthemis @mm2305 @sfb123 @iufilms @tessa-liam @busywoman @nestledonthaveone @angelasscribbles

Masterlist

Part 5

If anyone had told Maxwell Beaumont that he would not only be unofficially engaged to a dragon but also have spent some time talking amicably to the Dark Prince and another dragon, he would have either laughed out loud or simply stared at the person for talking absolute nonsense.

And yet that was exactly what had occurred tonight.

He began to loosen his bowtie while kicking off his shoes. The guest room he had been placed in had a very inviting bed that he wanted to sink into. He wanted to just forget about everything crazy in his life for a moment.

His brother's confusion over memories was now an added concern. With Savannah's anxious prodding, he sent a message to Madeleine for her and Regina to come exam Bertrand as soon as possible. Maxwell couldn't stand the thought of his brother being thrust back into the fear Constantine had imprisoned him in.

He rubbed his hands over his face as he thought of all the other surprises of the evening.

*****************

Earlier...

"I want you to meet my cousin." Sherry stood on her tiptoes and searched the ballroom.

Maxwell watched her with a slight smile teasing about his lips. Being around her made him feel...light. He was so used to being burdened with protecting Cordonia and now keeping his hunter status from Bertrand that feeling anything happy was an unexpected delight.

Sherry noticed and smiled at him. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing." He slid his arm back around her waist. "Simply enjoying being here with you."

"You better." She tugged on his collar to meet his lips in a steamy kiss.

"Sherry." He whispered. "You can't do that to me before introducing me to your relatives."

She giggled through a quick apology.

"Don't apologize." His smile grew. "Especially when you have no intention of stopping."

Sherry laughed even more. "I'll behave."

He snorted softly. "Doubt it."

"Lord Beaumont, I'll have you know I can be very--" her nose twitched as she looked around. "There he is!" She took hold of Maxwell's arm and pulled him through the crowd.

He wondered if her cousin was anything like--

"Hana?" Maxwell stopped abruptly. "Your cousin knows Hana?"

Sherry shrugged. "It's possible. Sloan Industries is an international business."

"Right." Maxwell followed her over.

"Rashad," Sherry beamed at him. "I want you to meet Lord Maxwell Beaumont."

"So, you're the one Sherry talks about nonstop." Rashad held his hand out. "It's about time we met."

Maxwell shook his warm hand. He was surprised it was not burning up with anger. He also noticed no animosity nor any type of reservation in Rashad's greeting. He knew if the situation was reversed and he was a monster meeting a hunter, he would be planning a way either to get rid of the enemy or keep his family member away.

"I've heard a lot about you too." Maxwell's dimpled grin appeared.

Sherry wrapped her arm around his waist. She was thrilled with how this first meeting was going.

"I see you found Hana." She teased her cousin.

Rashad colored somewhat as he placed his hand over Hana's resting in the bend of his arm. "She helped me find my missing cufflink."

"His grace offered to show me some of his favorite places in Cordonia." Hana explained. Her delighted smile turned tender as she looked up at him. "I can't wait to see it all."

Maxwell and Sherry looked at one another before turning back to the pair before them.

"This is a rare treat." Sherry explained. "My cousin usually only has time to work."

"Oh!" Hana turned toward him. "Please don't disrupt your schedule on my account."

"I'm not." He quickly replied. Casting a frustrated glare at his cousin, he whispered to Hana, "I always use the excuse I have to work whenever Sherry asks me to do something."

Hana covered her mouth as a giggle slipped out.

"I heard that " Sherry replied.

"You were meant to." Rashad muttered.

His eyes began to glow softly the longer he listened to Hana's observations of her first royal ball.

Maxwell and Sherry noticed the telling sign immediately.

Sherry stepped a touch closer to her cousin so she could elbow him.

He blinked and lifted an eyebrow at her in question.

Sherry blinked a few times then barely motioned toward Maxwell. She then stared pointedly at Hana before looking at him.

Rashad's eyes widened in understanding. He couldn't ignore her questioning and nodded in confirmation.

Yes, he thought, Hana is my mate.

"She is?!" Sherry covered her mouth over her outburst.

"She is what?" Hana asked.

"She's um..."Sherry tried to find something to cover up the real reason for shouting. "Oh! She's dancing!"

"Who?" Hana turned toward the dance floor.

"Riley!" Sherry explained. "I was worried she hadn't...met...excuse me."

Maxwell had seen who Riley was dancing with and immediately went to put a stop to it.

Sherry chased after him.

"Max!" She grit her teeth over his long legged stride. "I have to talk to you. In private!"

"Not now." He snapped.

"Yes, now!" She reached out to grab his arm.

His hunter reflexes kicked in to easily dodge her.

"Stop!" She pleaded when they reached the edge of the dancefloor. "Please, it isn't what you think!"

"Really?" His blue eyes that had been so warm and inviting the entire night had hardened to ice chips. "Then tell me what it is."

Sherry took his hand to lead him outside. "I will, just not here."

His grip on her fingers was unforgiving. Once they were well away from the guests, he let her go. "I'm listening."

"Well..." Sherry faltered. "That night you first took Hana and Riley out, um..."

Maxwell folded his arms.

She grimaced at the sight. It had taken her over a year to get him to relax around her and simply enjoy life. Now that he had seen Liam, he was back to how he was when they first met. Cold. Hard. Immovable.

She had loved seeing him tonight, smiling and just...happy. Never before did she ever feel as proud over an accomplishment than she did this evening. He had danced, laughed, sneaked her out multiple times for a kiss, and she had been swept off her feet with how perfect this night was.

She supposed she should take it as a small victory that he hadn't fought her off and attacked Liam but instead came out here to listen to her.

"Liam saw Riley from a distance and..." She gestured between herself and Maxwell.

His face gave away nothing of what he was thinking.

"She's his mate." Sherry went on. "He's going to try and go out on dates with her before he explains what he is." Her hands twisted her skirt. "He's hoping she will fall in love with him so that the news won't be so difficult to take."

Maxwell stood there perfectly still without a response.

Unnerved by his stance, she shifted under his steady blue gaze.

"And um, it looks like you'll be seeing more of Rashad because um, Hana is his mate."

She jumped when Maxwell's arms fell to his sides. He swallowed and took a few steps past her to look out over Cordonia's capital.

His perusal lifted to take in those damn mountains that were forever going to be a part of his life. He had accepted that Sherry and he were meant to be together. He'd even begun to accept the fact that he would eventually have to meet her relatives and friends who were definitely not human.

"What am I supposed to tell Lorelei?"

Sherry cringed from his harsh tone. "That she should look on the bright side," she cautiously came along side Maxwell. "It's not Liam who will be with her daughter."

He closed his eyes briefly before looking once more at this world around him. He had once heard a group of tourists say how fairytale like this kingdom was. They had no idea how true those words were.

"Max?" Sherry reached for his hand. "I know you promised to keep Hana away, but is it right to keep her from finding someone who will practically worship and adore her for the rest of her life?"

He lowered his eyes to her warm hand clutching his. "Is that what it's like for you? Worship and adoration?"

Sherry felt the heat move through her body when she noticed his lips turning up once more. His dimples deepened, drawing her within his embrace.

"I probably shouldn't have told you that." She teased.

"And why not?" He began to kiss down her neck.

"Because…" her voice cracked.

She could feel him smile against her sensitive skin.

"It's nice to know my feelings are reciprocated." He murmured.

"Reciprocated?" She leaned back to see into his eyes.

He shrugged. "I think it's pretty obvious I adore you." His smile turned a bit into a smirk. "I left my guard duty over the two people I'm meant to protect who are actually with the very individuals I was supposed to keep them from." Maxwell softly kissed her lips. "Because you asked me too."

"See, now you have to propose to me." She gripped the lapels of his jacket and gave him a playful shake. "You can't go saying things like that and make me remain a single woman."

He chuckled and placed her hand back in the bend of his arm. "You're awfully bossy sometimes."

She squeezed his arm while resting her head against his shoulder as they returned to the ballroom. "You'll get used to it."

*****************

"Oh!" Riley took Liam's hand and began to lead him over where she last caught a glimpse of Hana. "I want you to meet my best friend and business partner."

Liam followed her, pausing only when he noticed Sherry and Maxwell standing with her friend and Rashad. He took a deep breath and hoped nothing was going to be revealed.

Sherry caught his eye. Her smile was brighter than usual, giving him hope that Lord Beaumont would keep things peaceful.

"Liam this is Hana." Riley beamed up at him. "And this is Maxwell Beaumont and Sherry--"

"I'm actually a relative of Lady Sherry's and Lord Rashad's." Liam explained.

"You are?" She turned toward the others for confirmation.

"He is." Sherry replied. "I don't know what I would have done without them growing up."

"Been in a lot more trouble." Liam teased.

"My life might have been more peaceful." Rashad added with a grin.

"You two aren't giving me any hope for the future." Maxwell said.

All three Dark Kingdom members stared at him first in shock then with relieved smiles.

Unable to resist his attempt in keeping it lighthearted, Sherry tugged him into a tender kiss.

"I love you so much." She softly whispered.

"I love you too." He grinned at her before turning back to the others.

It seemed that everything was going well. Olivia even walked over for a few moments, mostly out of curiosity, then moved on to talk to her other guests. Maxwell felt himself relax little by little at seeing Liam's personality. Perhaps, he could be friends with--

"Liam?"

The Dark prince froze momentarily. He audibly swallowed while his hand rose to his heart.

"Lady Savannah." He bowed to her.

Tears filled her eyes while her own hand pressed against her heart. "How--how have you--is Drake--" she closed her eyes tightly. "Is he here too?"

"No." Liam said softly. "How are you?"

Her bottom lip trembled. "Happy." She placed her hands on her stomach. "And I found out I'm going to have a baby."

Liam managed to smile through the heartache her loss still had upon him. "That is wonderful news, Savannah. I am happy to see you get all that you wished for."

"Thank you." She greeted Rashad and then turned toward Maxwell. "Bertrand and I are going to retire for the night. His headaches have returned."

Maxwell's brow furrowed. "Where is he?"

"Waiting for me by the stairs."

He grasped her arm. "I'll walk you over and check on him."

Once they were clear of the group, she whispered that she thought they should call Regina.

"I'll take care of it." Maxwell promised. "Try and rest." He squeezed her hand. "Both of you."

He wished them both a goodnight once they were back with Bertrand and watched them ascend the stairs together. His brother would lift his hand to his head every so often to rub at his eyes as if he couldn't see well.

Maxwell was grateful that Bertrand hadn't met Liam tonight.

He would have to do all he could to keep them from ever being near one another.

**************

An hour or two before dawn, Domvallier Duchy...

"So?" Drake prodded once they were safe from harm. "How did it go?"

"It was perfect!" Sherry popped open a bottle of champagne. "I've never had a more magical night."

She began to do a waltz as she poured them each a glass.

Liam chuckled at her antics. "It truly was something." His smile turned tender. "Riley was more than I could hope for. I can't wait to see her tomorrow night."

"I met my mate." Rashad blurted out.

Liam and Drake stared at him while Sherry continued her dance around the room.

"Who--" Liam's smile formed. "Hana?"

"Yes." Rashad's sheepish grin flashed. "I had all but given up hope I would find my mate. Then I felt that strange sensation that grew once I found her alone on the stairs."

"All three of you falling for humans." Drake shook his head with a chuckle. "You certainly don't make things easy."

Sherry plopped down next to him on the sofa.

"How about you?" She poked his ribs. "Meet anyone tonight?"

"Actually, I did."

The three sat up on curiosity.

"I ran into Leo."

"Leo?" Liam sat forward. "Where? What did he say? Does he--"

Drake held his hand up. "He said he's been busy. He was at a bar I went to on some date with a girl I haven't seen before. Little blonde woman."

Liam slumped back in his seat. "He's too busy to see me?"

"Yeah." Drake hated to break it to Liam, but he always suspected Leo was the more selfish of the two. "I'm sure he'll come around soon enough."

Liam knew he was only trying to cheer him up. "Time will tell, I suppose."

When silence settled once more between the four, Rashad spoke up again.

"I have a date with Hana tomorrow too." He swallowed nervously. "Any chance you can give me some scenic out do the way places to take her?"

Sherry searched for a notepad and pen to prepare a list of all the places he could take Hana as he tried to win her heart.

*****************

Fydelia, the next morning...

"Madeleine?" Regina knocked on her bedroom door. "Are you awake, dear?"

The young woman rolled over in bed with a groan. Leo had kept her out late. She thought with Regina spending time with Constantine that she would have at least today to be alone and sleep. She had been burning the candle at both ends recently trying to keep up with her training, duties, and sneaking out with Leo on top of deciphering the ancient book she believed could help him win his throne.

"Madeleine?" Regina knocked again before opening the door. "Are you unwell?"

"No mam." Madeleine forced herself upright. "I didn't sleep well last night."

"Oh?" Regina walked over and gently cupped her cousin's face. "I'll prepare you something to help reenergize you." She smoothed the golden locks off her forehead. "Then you will have a sleeping potion this evening."

Madeleine smiled up at her. Even though she didn't approve of her relationship with Constantine, she adored Regina. She wanted to be like her not just in magical power, but in every single way. No one had a heart like The Guardian.

"Thank you." Madeleine rose from her bed to begin the day. "I didn't expect you back so soon."

"Neither did I." Regina explained about the call she received from Maxwell.

Madeleine paused in choosing a dress. "But the potion and spell worked so well in the beginning. What could possibly cause it to start failing now?"

"I'm not sure." Regina's eyes narrowed as she stared off in the distance. "But I think it might possibly have something to do with Savannah."

"You don't think she's tampering with the potions, do you?"

"No." Regina gave a definite shake to her head. "More that I think since she is the one Bertrand saved, he can never be truly healed."

"Oh." Madeleine shoulders drooped. "What should we do?"

"I don't know." Regina sighed. "But I hope I will once I examine him."

*******************

Ramsford, late afternoon...

Bertrand had the most unusual sensation of walking through his own mind. He was in a long hallway. Doors were shut every few feet. Some were constructed of old wood, brittle and flaking. Many bore evidence of claw marks as if a monster of some sort had tried to come through. There were others that glowed with an eerie blue light.

He paused toward a section that appeared to be under construction. Fresh paint had yet to dry. Doorknobs that were shiny and untouched beckoned one to approach.

He reached out and turned the handle. He stopped from opening the door. Something felt off. This didn't belong here. He knew it didn't. Yet who built it? How had he missed seeing it before?

He returned to one of the battered doors. It felt like coming home when he touched the splintered wood. He eased it open and saw a room of memories. Each one had him and Maxwell together, going on grand adventures through the misty forest of the Blackspire Mountains.

He saw the monsters they had defeated. He could feel the pride and immense satisfaction of doing some good in their world. The deeper he went into the room, the more those memories changed in tone. There was an anxious longing added to these flickers from the past.

He soon saw the reason why: Savannah.

Bertrand reached out toward the image of her crying in the woods. He could feel the warmth from her hand and the softness of her lips against his cheek.

His memory began to glow red as the Dark Kingdom's castle came into view.

Bertrand could feel his heart thump in his chest when the image of Constantine snarling at them appeared.

"NO!" He shouted when Savannah was about to be hurt.

Like his memory he dove in front of her to protect her.

He could feel the pain of his mind being twisted and turned into something horrific. His memories seemed to be snuffed out one by one to be replaced with these graphic images of terror.

Then everything stilled. With a whoosh, he was pulled from this room and thrown down the hallway to those doors that were new.

Blinking at the bright blue light emanating from them, he tried to crawl back to the old memories.

An invisible wall formed.

"No!" He banged on it with his fists. "Savannah! Maxwell!" He tried to break through using his shoulder. "Don't leave me!"

Doors flew open as new memories of his time with them floated out. He pushed them away as he tried to break down the wall.

Bertrand knew he had to find a way back to those old memories, no matter how much they might hurt.

******************

Bertrand's restless movements caused the occupants of his room to lower their voices.

"We'll try this stronger dosage of potion." Regina wrote out the directions. "You'll have to give it more often."

Savannah sat down on the bed and gently ran her fingers through her husband's hair, soothing him in a more peaceful sleep.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" She whispered.

"We are going to do everything within our power to make it so." Madeleine promised.

Regina nodded in agreement. "Do not worry." She motioned toward Savannah's stomach. "It isn't good for the baby."

"I'll try." Savannah looked once more at the man who had risked everything to save her. "As long as Bertrand is well, I will be too."

"He should sleep for a few more hours." Regina explained. "That will help it take effect."

Madeleine noticed how tired Savannah appeared. "Why don't you rest too?"

Maxwell had remained silent in the corner throughout the examination and administration of the new potion. He didn't know what to think about this not working anymore.

"I'll show them out." He told Savannah. "Try and take a nap." He attempted a smile for her sake. "You're not just resting for one anymore."

Her lips trembled into an answering smile. "Thank you. I think I will."

"We will come by in a few days to see how it's going." Regina promised.

Once the door was shut, Savannah curled up next to Bertrand. Her eyes traced his profile. Her lips curved at the handsome yet stern features he possessed. She knew underneath that proud demeanor beat a heart more loving and tender than any she had ever encountered.

Stray tears slipped down her cheeks as she thought of this man becoming not only her hero but the very love of her life.

Savannah had not expected to lose her heart to anyone. After witnessing her own parents' volatile marriage, she didn't think she wanted to find true love. Living in the Dark Kingdom, she knew firsthand though that sometimes love could be simply unavoidable.

She had tried to find happiness within that strange kingdom. She knew the power of finding one's mate from the many vampire weddings she attended. Werewolves tended to be a bit more subdued with their discovering of the one they were meant for. Their courtships lasted years before they were certain they had found their significant other.

The elves rarely intermingled or dated anyone outside of their race. The few that did tend to fall for the werewolves since their love was similar in development.

The trolls were savages that kept to the higher altitudes. She had once found a book about their mating practices in Constantine's library. Reading of their brutality in making a mate submit made her thankful she was not a troll.

When she was old enough to date, her friends and brother encouraged her to take a chance. Since she was a member within the inner circle of the royal family, she was viewed as a highly eligible match. Men, both human and monster, began to pursue her in hopes of winning her hand.

At first, she was flattered and excited over the attention she had gained. Between herself and Sherry, they were the only available females close to the Dark Prince.

And those who lusted for power, relentlessly tried to make her theirs.

One night at a formal dinner at the palace, a vampire visiting from Greece attempted to talk her into an elopement.

"But we've just met." She had laughed thinking he was merely flirting.

"We could be married and live here." He took her hand to press a kiss to it. "I know the king will find me worthy of becoming an advisor of sorts."

He continued to extoll all that he would do once he had the ear of the Dark King and Prince.

It was the slap in the face she needed to figure out what she truly wanted.

Savannah knew she couldn't ever have a normal life as long as she had the curse of the Blood Oath. She loved Liam. She knew she would love him even without the magic that demanded her loyalty to him. He was the kindest man she had ever known. He was her best friend. He was her protector as well as the one her oath demanded she protect.

But she wanted a chance to find someone who didn't see her as a closer step to the throne.

Knowing that help to break this wouldn't be found anywhere in the kingdom, she decided to call on the ones brave enough to enter the boundaries of the Blackspire Mountains.

******************

Savannah had nearly made herself ill the night she met the Beaumont Brothers. Knowing their hatred of Constantine, Liam, and anything associated with them, she knew she was taking a huge chance that they might kill her just out of spite.

Granted they weren't known for such reckless, cruel actions. But what if they hated her simply because she was a Walker?

When she heard their footsteps, she ducked into a nearby bush. Fear coursed through her, causing tears to fall. Desperation set in. Unable to stop herself, she called out for them to help.

Their lack of initial response broke her heart even more.

"Will no one help me?" She cried out into the darkness.

And then, the branches parted to reveal a man who normally struck fear in the inhabitants of the Dark Kingdom.

All she saw was a knight in shining armor.

His need to comfort her touched her heart. His willingness to help her despite her relationship with Liam took her by surprise. His whispered vow that he would find a way to break the magic that bound her to this life made her begin to hope.

Her hope changed from wanting to leave this life behind to wanting to leave this life to start a new one with Bertrand Beaumont.

She knew it shouldn't have happened so fast. After all she was a human, not a monster. Seeing the one she was meant for should not have registered. Love at first sight was a fairytale, meant for magical creatures. Not someone insignificant like her.

As the weeks passed, her secret conversations with him made her fall even more in love. The biggest surprise of all was the night he admitted he was in love with her.

****************

"Savannah, I don't want to pressure you." Bertrand cleared his throat. "Nor want you to feel obligated."

"Okay." She wondered at where this was going.

"I can't stop thinking about you." He admitted. "It isn't over our plans to rescue you." He seemed to struggle to find the words. "It is because you are the one I long for."

Savannah sat down, stunned at that revelation. "You long for me?"

"Yes." His voice deepened with emotion. "I've never met anyone and felt like this. I am in love with you, and I hope someday you might feel the same for me."

"Oh Bertrand." She couldn't stop smiling. "I feel the same way."

"You do?" His voice was filled with hope.

"I do." She replied. "I've known it since we met. Each little thing you share about yourself makes my love grow even stronger."

"Savannah." He said in wonder. "Does that mean you might want to spend your life with me?"

"It does." She laughed through the happy tears threatening to spill over. "I've been hopelessly dreaming you might come to care for me."

"With all my heart, I do." He cleared his throat once more. "Lady Savannah?"

Her face nearly hurt from smiling so much.

"Once we leave the Dark Kingdom for good, would you marry me?"

"Yes." She choked out. "All I want is a life with you."

Bertrand let out a relieved breath. "I wish I was there to take you in my arms."

"You will be soon." She reassured him. "But I should forewarn you that once you do, I'm never letting you go."

*****************

The night she was saved ended up being the night she lost everything.

Savannah did not realize the depth of pain she would cause when she destroyed the magic that held her blood oath in tact. She still could barely take a breath without the raw ache that was once a place of warmth in her chest flaring up. It was a constant reminder of Drake and Liam.

What would Dad think? Am I worse than Mom was in wanting to leave? I knew I would lose Drake, but I thought that I would still find a way to have him in my life. Why did I hold out hope?

She believed she deserved every scrap of pain and agony she went through for hurting her brother and Liam. That was why she did not try to escape Constantine when he decided to attack her mind.

If only she had realized that her hero would not allow her to be harmed.

It was if her world had slowed down the moment Bertrand darted in front of her. His shielding from Constantine's attack made her heart stop. His cries ripped what was left of her free from magic heart from her chest. She wanted in that moment to destroy her king for taking the man she loved then destroy herself for causing harm to everyone she held dear.

Bertrand's care took over her mind. She refused to leave his side as he waded through the hellish reality Constantine had given him. That was why she didn't go ahead and kill herself. She couldn't abandon Bertrand when he so desperately needed her love and attention.

As the weeks dragged by with no improvement, Savannah began to lose hope. She believed she deserved to be punished for this. Breaking that blood oath had taken a bigger sacrifice than she could have possibly imagined. To have found true love and the hope of a future then to only have it snatched away was what she deserved.

She wished that Bertrand wasn't made to suffer with her.

When Regina offered the final solution to give Bertrand a mind filled with different memories, Savannah readily agreed. Anything that could be done for him should be attempted.

Once Maxwell left the meeting, Savannah asked Regina for a private conference.

Madeleine left to begin gathering the necessary ingredients for the potion, shutting the door behind her.

Regina cocked her head to the side, waiting upon Savannah to begin.

"I don't think you should form any new memories of me." She blurted out.

Regina blinked in surprise. "Why?"

"Because I'm the reason he's...hurt" Savannah doubled over from the pain of losing the man she loved. "I don't deserve him. He should be with someone who has and never will cause him anything other than happiness."

Regina's frown softened. "My dear, you gave Bertrand that. He spoke to me often about his love for you and his hope he could set you free from this blood oath."

Savannah sobbed at hearing once more how Bertrand felt about her. Dropping to her knees, she pleaded with Regina to erase her existence completely from his mind.

"Do you not love him anymore?" Regina countered. "Do you not want him to have the one thing that brought him true joy?" She helped the young woman to her feet. "I've known Bertrand his entire life and I've never seen him as happy as when he spoke of the life he had planned for the two of you."

"You know he would be better off if I didn't exist." Savannah whispered. She lifted heartbroken eyes to Regina's. "Is this the true curse of my blood oath? To hurt everyone who cares about me. Shouldn't I die and save them all the heartache my existence brings?"

"No." Regina's eyes flashed with fury at hearing such blasphemous thoughts. "Their heartache comes from feeling like you did die. To truly do so might destroy them completely. Would you do that to them?"

Savannah's shoulders slumped in defeat. She couldn't seem to do anything to make things right.

"Bertrand needs you." Regina told her. "He needs the love you have for him just as much as he needs to give you his love in return." She clasped the young woman's hands. "You owe it to him to give him the marriage and family he hoped to have with you. The feelings he has will not be altered, merely the memories of how he met and courted you."

Savannah nodded. She did owe it to him to give him everything he ever wanted.

"Having you by his side will help heal this new mind he will have." Regina added.

"Then that is where I will be." Savannah vowed. "I'll work to give him nothing but happiness."

Regina squeezed her hands. "Good. I knew you wouldn't abandon him."

Once the witch was gone, Savannah sank once more to the floor to finish crying. She decided that this was the last day she would feel sorry for herself. The moment Bertrand's new mind formed; she would become his perfect mate.

******************

Savannah gently pressed a kiss to Bertrand's forehead when he became restless again. She wished the new potion would give him rest.

His eyes opened. "Savannah?"

"I'm here." She caressed his cheek. "How are you feeling?"

His eyes crinkled as he searched for a way to describe it. "I feel like I can't..."

"Can't what, dear?"

"Can't find the right memory." He looked up at her. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but these memories aren't right."

Savannah tried to control her facial expression. Bertrand had never spoken of his memories until last night. Now to hear him say that he knew the ones Regina had formed were not right made her panic escalate.

Bertrand saw her reaction. "They aren't real, are they?"

"Of course they are." She insisted. "You've just had a bad dream."

"No." He closed his eyes to try and grasp on to one old memory. "It isn't that. I--"

Unable to find the words, he scrambled out of bed.

"Bertrand!" Savannah chased after him. "You need to rest!"

He didn't know why he had to or where his body was taking him. He only knew he had to follow the feeling in his gut.

Maxwell heard the commotion and rushed up the stairs. "What's wrong?"

Savannah quickly whispered what Bertrand said.

The two tried to stop him at the wall where all the weapons were displayed.

"Please." Maxwell pleaded. "You need to rest. You've been under a lot of stress recently and--"

Bertrand's attention was drawn to a crossbow with a golden ram's head at the tip. A flash of memories struck him, causing him to stumble back. He knew that weapon. He knew it better than his own body.

"Bertrand!" Savannah wrapped her arms around him when all color left his face. "What is it?"

His eyes darted back and forth between his wife and brother.

They know. They must. Why do they not want me to remember?

He would have to find a way to figure out what was truly going on. The only way he could see at the moment to do so was to play along with them for the time being until he unraveled the mystery.

"I don't know what's wrong." He winced. "Perhaps I should go back to bed."

He feigned sleep, all while keeping his ears open to the conversation going on outside his bedroom.

"We'll give him another dose when he wakes up." Maxwell told Savannah. "We can't let him remember Constantine."

He could his wife's tearful voice reply.

"I can't stand the thought of him hurting again." She sniffed. "What will we do if this doesn't work?"

"I don't know." Maxwell's voice sounded so down, so defeated. "I just don't know."

***************

In the capital, later that night...

"Where are we going?" Riley asked.

"You'll see." Liam laced his fingers with hers.

She squeezed his hand and moved closer to his side when they went down a dark alley way.

When they got to the other side, she twirled around in the courtyard to take in all the old buildings.

"This is beautiful!" She pointed up at the clock tower. "Look at the carvings!"

Liam smiled indulgently as she went from it to a nearby fountain.

"This is the oldest section of the capital." He explained.

"How old are we talking?" She asked. "Like a few centuries ago or in the times of King Luthor and Queen Kenna's fight over the kingdom?"

Liam shook his head. "The clock tower was once a lookout tower during their war. It was turned into a clock in the late 1600's." He pointed towards a large stone building. "The library was one that Queen Zenobia Nevarkis had constructed in honor of her father's death."

"So how do you think he died?" Riley asked. "I read that it was listed as a sword fight with Kenna but if we go with the rumor, she was a vampire then she ripped his throat out."

Liam merely shrugged. He was not quite ready to reveal the true history of his kingdom. "Either way, I'm certain it wasn't a pleasant death."

"True." Riley returned to his side. "So? What's next on our Liam's Grand Tour of the capital?"

He wrapped his arm around her waist. "I have another hidden gem. Something that is almost as beautiful as you are."

A short walk uphill revealed an outdoor bar overlooking the entire capital.

"What do you think?" He asked.

"This view is amazing!" She hugged him close. "Remind me to ask for other places you love."

They ordered two glasses of wine on their way to secure a table.

"You know, it looks like something out of a fairytale." Riley told him as she gazed down at the glittering capital.

"I've always thought so." Liam turned to look out toward the palace all aglow. "No matter where I journey, Cordonia calls me back home."

"Have you thought about moving somewhere else?" She asked.

"I have." He admitted. "There were a few times when I thought it might be better to move away and start over."

"Star over?" She thanked their waiter. "From what if you don't mind my asking?"

"Memories." His gaze became unfocused as he thought of his past. "My family's time in Cordonia is tumultuous at best." He refocused on Riley. "My mother died when I was six years old."

"Liam, I'm so sorry." Riley took his hand once more. "I didn't mean to pry."

"It's fine." He turned toward her. "I don't mind sharing my past with you."

"Oh, you don't, huh? I'll have to pry a little more then." She teased, winking at him. "I must have really impressed you over dinner."

"You've impressed since I first laid eyes upon you." He reached up with his free hand to cup her cheek. "I hope I've done the same."

Riley could feel that inexplicable magnetic pull once more between them. Knowing it was fruitless to fight it, she leaned forward to meet his lips with hers. Once the kiss began, she wondered how she had gone so many hours without his kiss.

The rush of pleasure surged through her veins, stronger than before. She wished she understood what was going on between them. The entire night had been nothing short of magical from the moment Liam appeared at the beach house. Over dinner he charmed her with tales of his life. He then encouraged her to tell him everything about herself.

No detail was too small or uninteresting to him. His bright blue eyes remained fixated on her face as she shared her goals and dreams.

It was both thrilling and a little nerve wracking to have such absolute attention. Liam somehow had the ability to leave her with butterflies in her stomach yet be completely at ease around him.

It was a heady sensation to say the least.

Liam slowly ended the kiss. His smile formed when he heard her slight hum of disappointment.

"Would it be too soon to ask you out on another date?" He asked.

She shook her head.

"Would tomorrow night work?"

She nodded, smiling even more than before.

"What did you have in mind?" Riley asked.

"I think I might show you one of my favorite places to swim." He brushed another kiss to her lips. "It has a romantic history that I think you will appreciate."

"Romantic huh?" She looped her arms around his neck when his kisses dotted down her neck. "Sounds perfect."

Bertrand x Savannah moodboard