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phoenixrising0308 · 1 year

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The Time Apart: Faded Memories

Books: The Royal Romance

Rating: G

Triggers: None Identified by this author

Pairing: (no pairing) The Beaumont Family & Jessica Garica (Friendship)

A/U: Agent Phoenix: Forged in Fire - The time apart: This timeline occurs during Jessica's absence in Cordonia or when not formally paired in Cordonia with Liam as the TRR cast and original characters deal with her absence as well as Jessica and Liam attempt to go through life without each other. Stories may or may not have an in the present timeline component and are not always in order. It depends on the prompt, random inner thoughts, and the muse whenever they stop by. There are no chapter numbers as they are written as just a series of events in story form. Multi-part stories, as always, are labeled.

Detailed disclaimer

Catch me here

A/N #1: Bartie remembers Jessica after their time apart

Choices Flash Fic Week # 6: Prompt 3: “I’m just ... I’m a little bit confused.”

Song Inspiration:

Word count: 2,000 *As always, forgive my typos and grammatical errors.

* Reading time: 6 minutes

Years ago...

Liam & Jessica's Apartment in the Captial

Liam and Jessica sat on the floor, letting Bartie show them his toys. The toddler was walking and starting to talk as he used short names for all his prized toys and stuffed animals.

Bartie excitedly handed a toy to Jessica.

"Oh, what's this?" She said as she held the toy squid.

"Squid!" Bartie informed while Jessica acted surprised.

"Wow!"

"Yeah! It's…" Bartie thought for a moment and continued. "Our…Our-" He trailed off, not knowing the word.

Liam smiled fondly at the toddler and said, "That's right, the Squid is your family's emblem."

Bartie looked confused, and Jessica added, "You know, like a mascot! Or a favorite animal."

Bartie nodded to himself.

"Did Uncle Max give it to you?" Liam asked.

Bartie shook his head and eagerly showed them a stuffed hippo. "Uh uh. This." He showed Liam and Jessica.

Jessica chuckled to herself, remembering the tattoo Maxwell was embarrassed to show them at first…Or more like Bertrand was embarrassed Maxwell had it.

"What's his name?" Liam asked.

"Max!"

Liam gave him a puzzled look. "So he's named after Uncle Maxwell?"

"No." Bartie simply gave as Liam smirked to himself.

Jessica chuckled and nodded at Liam to just agree with the toddler logic. "Makes perfect sense to me. It's a good name, Bartie. I'm sure Maxwell agrees. "

Bartie mumbled words here and there as he shuffled through his other toys.

Liam held up Sir Winston and said, "What's his name, Bartie?"

Bartie excitedly smiled and replied with a slight lisp, "Winston!"

Liam smiled as Jessica sat beside him on the ground. "That's right. He goes by Sir Winston. Aunty Jess gave this to me." Liam said.

Jessica smiled down at the toddler and patted the bear on the head. "The moment I saw him, I knew Uncle Lamb Lamb should have him."

Bartie sat the stuffed bear down and extended his arms out to Jessica.

Jessica smiled and didn't hesitate to pick him up as she stood up with him in her arms. She gave a playful groan as she lifted him. Spinning around with him in her arms as he released a contagious giggle. "You're getting to be such a big boy! I swear you were lighter the last time I watched you. Have you grown?"

Bartie nodded. "Big!" He wrapped his little arms around her neck as she grinned at him.

Liam said, "Don't get too big! How will Cordonia handle a giant?"

Jessica snuggled up to Bartie and said, "Don't worry, we'd build you the biggest house Cordonia has ever seen if you become a giant."

Liam chuckled and got close to Bartie and Jessica as he placed a hand on Jessica's back while looking at the toddler in her arms and said over her shoulder, "I heard you have Mac n Cheese waiting for you in the kitchen for lunch."

His eyes lit up. "Dino nugs?"

Jessica replied, " I don't care what your Daddy says; Uncle Max is right. They taste better and are shaped like Dinosaurs. "

She heard Liam chuckle at that as she sat Bartie down, only for his tiny fist to refuse to let go of her shirt. He protested, his lower lip jutting out with a whine.

Liam sadly smiled and shook his head. "I wish I could eat some dino nuggets and stay longer, Love, but I've got to go back to the Palace soon."

Jessica frowned just as Savannah came in to get him. She took him off Jessica's hands and cooed to him before she gave a grateful smile to Jessica and Liam.

Savannah said, "Thank you so much for watching him. Bertrand has been so busy lately, and I have my own duties now that I'm being reintroduced back to the Court, so to speak. I just don't want Bartie to grow up with maids and Governesses his whole life. Drake and I didn't, and I want Bartie to have as much of a normal childhood as possible." She offered with a sigh.

Jessica smiled and replied, "I understand completely, Savannah. It's really no big deal. I love playing with Bartie."

Liam nodded and added, "We really appreciate you letting us watch him for a while, Savannah. It's great practice for us one day, hopefully soon."

Jessica smiled at Liam as he wrapped an arm around her and smiled tenderly back down at her.

Savannah said, "I truly hope you both get the joy of children one day as King and Queen when this is over. You both would be wonderful parents…Please excuse me; I see lunch is ready for him so I will feed him so he can nap on the car ride home."

They both watched Savannah leave as Liam kept an arm around Jessica's shoulder as they walked. He whispered to her, “You will be an amazing mother, Jessica. I don't know how you can be even more beautiful than you are, but every time you hold Bartie or any other child, it's the first thing I see. I can't wait till it's our own child."

She leaned into him as they walked. "I can't wait, Liam. It sounds like a dream come true to have our own…I hope it's soon, and we can start our life together."

Jessica walked Liam to the door, and he stopped at the entrance cupping her face in both hands to gaze down at her. "You are my life, Jess. You know that." He kissed her forehead before continuing. "We will be rid of Madeleine and any pestering from Constantine, and you will be my wife for everyone to see. And the Mother of our children. We'll have a quant home somewhere with a simple garden and pattering feet running around, and you will have the life we both deserve together."

Jessica smiled softly up at him. "Promise?"

"Promise."

Many Years Later…

Cordonia Capital Square park

Bartie played in the park as his Mother and Father watched him from a bench. His Father tended to get nervous over him climbing things or falling as well as being too dirty, but his Mother always seemed to smooth it over that he was supposed to get dirty or a bruise once in a while

Bartie was sitting in the grass when he saw a woman he couldn't help staring at. She wore her long dark hair in a ponytail and was slightly taller. He couldn't help staring at her as she busied herself talking to a man.

He couldn't put his finger on it, and then it came to him and said, "Aunty Jessie." He pointed at the woman and ran towards her Savannah ran after him. Bartie tapped the woman, getting her attention, and said, "Aunty Jess?."

Bartie's eyes began to water as he said, "But." the woman gave him a puzzled look and coldly said, "Are you lost?" Savannah caught up to them and sighed, "Im so sorry."

Savannah looked at her son and could feel her heartbreak for him and herself and said, "It's not her."

"Momma, she looks like..."

Bertrand rolled his lips and said, "Bartie, she looks like…Like Lady Jessica. The resemblance is there." He mumbled as the woman started walking away.

Bartie remembered her. It was vague with how young he was, but he remembered her. She was always kind to him, playing with him when she and Uncle Lamb Lamb came to visit. He missed her and never knew what had happened to her.

Bartie tugged at Savannah's jacket, a bit of urgency in his little voice. "Wait!" The boy was trying to get one last look at the stranger he believed was Jessica.

Bertrand sighed heavily and grabbed his son's hand. "It's not, Bartie. It is not like you to run up to a stranger like that. Frankly, "I'm just a little bit confused as to why you would do that."

Bartie felt tears welling up in his eyes. He felt as if it was her and his parents weren't trying. He whimpered in protest, "It has to be her! It has to be!"

Bartie began crying as Savannah picked him up, tears in her eyes as Bertrand frowned sadly at his family. Bertrand cleared his throat and kissed her forehead while rubbing his son's back.

"I think it's time to go home, Bartie… We'll talk on the way." Bertrand gave.

Meanwhile...

Central Park, New York

Jessica sat on a bench in central park on her day off. It was something she tended to do to pass the time. It reminded her of happier times when she and Liam would walk hand in hand in the palace's gardens.

She reclined on the bench watching all the people pass by.

Then she heard a little boy laughing a high-pitched contagious shriek as his Dad chased him in the grass.

Jessica smiled as the boy's Dad caught him and held him in his arms. However, her smile faltered and slowly faded as a memory came to her mind.

She sat on a blanket in the grass next to Savannah as Bertrand and Maxwell went inside the Beaumont Estate for something for the picnic. Jessica smiled to herself as Liam chased a shrieking Bartie in the grass. Bartie ran towards Jessica for safety.

Jessica held up a hand and said, "Back, Beast! You have no power here!"

Liam chuckled to himself as he crouched down, crawled towards them, and said, "That's where you're wrong, Princess. For I have THIS!" He held up a simple flower.

Jessica played along, shielding herself. "Oh no! Bartie, the Brave, save yourself! He has…The scepter! He's too powerful!"

Bartie screamed with laughter as Liam pounced on them both, growling and kissing Jessica's cheek and tickling Bartie. Jessica couldn't contain the excited giggle contagious from Bartie's giggles.

Savannah laughed to herself as Liam sat back with a chuckle to himself.

Bartie hugged Jessica as she smiled down at him, and he smiled up at her. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. She loved Bartie, but the idea of one day having her own child with Liam filtered through her mind.

Jessica kissed Bartie's little head, cradling him to her, and she sat up as Liam kissed her head too. Both watched Bartie wobble over to his Mother.

Jessica sat on the bench and watched that little boy around the age Bartie should be now run to his Mom to hold her hand. The Dad wrapped an arm around the Mom as they walked away.

Jessica couldn't help staring. Remembering Bartie and how soft his little cheeks were, how his eyes twinkled when he smiled at her, how excited he was to see her. The idea that she hurt him by leaving, that she would never get to hug him again…It was heartbreaking. She just prayed he understood and maybe barely remembered her being as young as he was. At least that way, it wouldn't hurt as much on his part.

The little boy must have noticed her staring. He smiled and waved at her. As she watched them leave the park, Jessica waved back with a sad smile.

Her hand shakily went to her mouth as she felt her eyes water. She had no choice but to leave Cordonia, no matter how much it pained her.

Jessica sniffled to herself as she stood up. Thoughts of what she left behind and what she almost had were painful reminders to her now. She hoped that one day she could have the courage to return to see her Cordonian family again, even if it meant having to face the fact that in her mind Liam was happily married with children because maybe in knowing that she could find her own sense of closure and start anew.

@choicesficwriterscreations

@choicesflashfics

#writers on tumblr #writeblr #trr fanfic #the royal romance #the royal heir #liam x jessica #mc x liam #liam rys #liam x mc #king liam

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queenmiarys · 1 year

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BOOK: TRH

Summary:Maxwell spends quality time with his boys and friends.

Warning : None

Rated: Teen

The best Ramsford has to offer.

One shot

It had only been a day since Juliana had left her husband with their two children under 3

Julian was getting used to sleeping on his own,so his parents thought Maxwell turned over feeling something wet. "What the." Stopping himself from saying the rest when he saw Julian.

Maxwell woke his son and he immediately started crying. "It's okay buddy daddy got you, come on, he ran his bath water and picked out a new set of pajamas he, once he was done his son had no problem with falling asleep, he placed him in his bed then went down to the Landry room.

Juliana had taught him how to do laundry and some simple homework, besides it was after 1am and everyone was sleeping, he started a load of laundry and watched a movie. He was not sleepy at all, he heard the baby monitor come to life it was near 3 am at this time

"Hey little guy, are you looking for this?" Yes you are." He said as he waved the bottle in front of his son. He sat in the rocker feeding Cam and thanking God for his family.

After his feeding, he changed his diaper and burped him before placing him back in his crib.

Cam was a quiet baby. He only cried when hungry or he needed to be changed, completely opposite of his brother Julian, who wanted to be held a lot and cried just because.

Maxwell made it back to his room and went to the hall closet and replaced the Mattress pad and the sheets and duvet cover. He fell asleep as soon as he hit the pillow.

___________

"Maxwell get up it's after 7, this little guy is hungry and Julian is up also; Bartie at a sleepover. So I'm afraid you're on your own with the boys today." Bertrand said

" It's okay, I can handle them. " Did Juliana ask you to help me?"

"Maxwell we are family, it's been plenty of times that you and Juliana has helped with Bartie."

"Thank you brother, go enjoy your day."

__________

"So little ones, what are we to do today?

He took the boys to kitchen placing both in their high chair. Both boys laughed as he danced around the kitchen while cooking Julian scrambled eggs, you could definitely tell that his son got his eating habits from his mother, Max, couldn't stand eggs not eating them.

After they all ate he let Julian play with his cars , he heard a vehicle pulling up. Max wanted to surprise his son so he didn't tell him that Drake was coming.

Julian got up and ran over and peeped out the window "Uncle Drake Yay Uncle Drake! Max watched his son jump up and down in total excitement.

He opened the door. "Drake my friend you do love me." he said as a joķe.

"Pipe down Beaumont, I'm here to see my Godson and see his cute brother too, besides Hana went on the trip too."

Patience, his 1 year old, was hiding behind his leg, Julian went around Drake leg "Pactance he giggled. " I got you," do you want to play with me?" She shook her head "yes,daddy can we play?"

They all went towards the playroom.

" Man I can't believe you have two children, me and Hana can't wait to meet our son soon."

A few hours had passed when Liam and his four year old twin boys Wyatt and Leo

Rashad with his two year old son pulled in around the same time

"Hope you don’t mind, Liam said."

"Not at all buddy, I consider all of us as brothers, that includes you Rashad."

"Daddy, I think Cam needs changing." They all laughed

After changing him, they went to fix the children's launch. Everyone was surprised at the meal Maxwell made for children.

After the kids ate, they all took a nap, except Zane, who no doubt was a lot like his mother Olivia.

After the kids woke up, Liam scheduled for a nearby Theme park to be closed down for them.

The kids loved Fun World Theme park, they rode several kiddie rides, visited the haunted house, they were now playing in the bouncy house, when all the kids started saying they were hungry, even little Patience.

Maxwell took everyone to Dilights in downtown Ramsford, it was one of Juliana's favorite restaurants, they ordered spaghetti and meatballs for the kids. Maxwell asked for 4 extra plats. For Patience and Julian, Zane, he put a spoonful of spaghetti, a small piece of garlic bread and a small amount of salad,

They all were amazed that all the smaller children ate all their food, especially Drake because Patience was very picky and oftentimes didn't eat.

Zane and Julian had very similar eating patterns. Maxwell phone rings

"Hello beautiful, I hope your trip is going well, oh glad to hear it, the guys and I took the kids out; can't wait until you get home love you."

Cameron started to cry, Maxwell went to the bathroom to check Cam's dipper and ask one of the staff members if they could his bottle.

"Thank you so much for this fun day with the kids, you have changed a lot since you meeting Juliana and had children." Liam said.

"Thank you buddy, Jewel changed my whole life when she blessed me with Julian, then Cameron I knew I had to change my ways to be a better man."

"Beaumont don't make me regret this, but you are a wonderful father and I'm learning a lot from you." Maxwell rushed over to Drake, thawing his arm around his shoulder.

"I love you guys; best friends in the world, we should get them home, they're all worn out.

"Hey if you all want you all can stay over, it's after nearly 9, I'm sure the kids are pretty tired "

Once they got back to Max house, all the kids were sleeping, they put them to bed, then the guys met in the media room, they had a few drinks, watched a movie and talked.

________________

The next morning, it was time to go to the airport to meet their wives, he was grateful for the friends he had but even more for his beautiful queen and his boys, he was pretty sure the guys felt the same.

He watched as Olivia came into sight first picking up Zane and hugging him, then she remembered her husband and pulled him in for a hug Rashad smiled because he knew how tough she acted, but she was so gentle with their son.

As soon as Hana emerged Drake wrapped his arm around her, and Patience hugged her leg until she picked her up .

Mia was attacked as soon as Liam and her boys saw her, they gave her a group hug.

Finally my beautiful wife stepped out, of course Julian was the first to hug her and then she grabbed Cam, and hugged me,right now everything feels right again.

_____________

@honey358luv @angelasscribbles @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @dcbbw @bebepac @bertrandbeaumontfan @tessa-liam @kingliam2019 @mom2000aggie @yolandawalker @yaniradolton @queenjilian @queenrileyrose @queenmiaandkingliam @ao719 @alj4890 @luvquit @twinkleallnight @

#SoundCloud #MBAW #Maxwell n friends #Maxwell x Juliana #Drake x Hana #Olivia x Rashad #Liam x Amelia #TRH #TRR

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havenroyals · 11 months

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Mark your calenders for a royal wedding!

My, my. How they've grown. This morning it was announced that Prince Drake - the eldest son of King Liam and Queen Freya - is engaged to Lady Rayna. In case you've been living under a rock for the last decade, the Prince and heiress to the Duchy of Grail have been friends since childhood and a on again-off again couple since their teen years.

The prince is already miles ahead of his siblings in terms of adulthood. Early this year, His Serene Highness became a father to twins. Now, he is set to walk down the aisle long before his siblings. This will be the first royal wedding in Haven since his parents over thirty years ago. Though it will take place next year to give Lady Zenobia the limelight for her upcoming wedding. Not to mention it'll give the Marquis and Marquise of Hexton* time to adjust to parenthood before the wedding.

The happy couple sat down for an interview with Haven Times. It's a drastic change from the televised interviews past royal couples have given. The magazine is tight-lipped about the article, but it's set to hit stands and the internet later this summer. We can only guess what will be revealed. We are excited. Who doesn't love a wedding?!

Congratulations, Serene Highnesses.

*Lord Bartie Beaumont is considered to be a cousin and like a second brother to Prince Drake.

Royal Beginning | GQ Issue I | Previous | Next

#ts4 legacy #ts4 simblr #ts4 storytelling #ts4 story #sims 4 story #sims 4 storytelling #simblr #sims4 #ts4 #fiction writing #writing #writeblr #writers of tumblr #writerscorner #writing community #creative writing #the sims 4 #gossip queen tabloid #royal media

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cabin7-hufflepuff · 9 months

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characters that are variations of my ocs

finley: nebula (mcu), kaz brekker (grishaverse), crosshair (sw)

luana: linh cinder (tlc), clarisse la rue (riordanverse), ginny weasley (hp)

carter: wylan van eck (grishaverse), grover underwood (riordanverse), pandora rosier (marauders)

zach: june claremont-diaz (rwrb), matthias helvar (grishaverse), annabeth chase (riordanverse)

narine: wanda maximoff (mcu), anakin skywalker (sw), barty crouch jr (marauders)

mateo: alex claremont-diaz (rwrb), carswell thorne (tlc), nikolai lantsov (grishaverse)

nadia: yelena belova (mcu), nina zenik (grishaverse), reyna avila ramírez-arellano (riordanverse)

amarlee: inej ghafa (grishaverse), obi-wan kenobi (sw), lily evans (marauders)

josiah: fish beaumont (savvy), leo valdez (riordanverse), wrecker (sw)

theo: henry fox-mountchristian-windsor (rwrb), david kostyk (grishaverse), luna lovegood (hp)

callum: percy jackson (riordanverse), leia organa (sw), fred weasley (hp)

maiya: mibs beaumont (savvy), peter parker (mcu), magnus chase (riordanverse)

amber: jacin clay (tlc), nico di angelo (riordanverse), regulus black (marauders)

ian: wilhelm (yr), frank zhang (riordanverse), neville longbottom (hp)

devon: sadie kane (riordanverse), oliver wood (hp), james potter (marauders)

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andthatisnotfake · 2 years

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That's Maxwell's nephew all right

#The Royal Finale #playchoices #Bartie Beaumont

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playchoicesconfessions · 4 years

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Sent by anonymous

‘I don't think Bartie is Bertrand's child. I think Savannah had stalked Bertrand for years and once she realized she was getting nowhere because he wasn't attracted to her, got pregnant and waited until Bertrand was under the influence at a party so she could take advantage of him. It's why at first she was ready to accept money from Maxwell indefinitely without getting herself a job or trying to go back home to a family that pampers her even after the kid was born.’

POST/CONFESSIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE MOD’S PERSONAL OPINIONS!

#choices the royal heir #the royal heir #choices trh #trh #choices trr #trr #choices the royal romance #the royal romance #bertrand beaumont #bartie beaumont #savannah beaumont #playchoices #confessions #mod bruffle

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txemrn · 1 year

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Déjà Vu

Chapter 2

New? Check out the first chapter HERE! (Go ahead; you're not late. Sure, we can wait.)

Series Summary: After an unforgettable night with a stranger, Princess Eleanor finds herself caught in a secret love triangle between a noble and a commoner.

Chapter Summary: Drake attends dinner at the palace, and even though some things will never change, he discovers quickly everyone has moved on without him.

Pairing(s): Liam x Riley; Bertrand x Savannah; Maxwell x m!OC; Olivia x Amalas

Word Count: ~4885

Warning: 🔞 Mature Audiences Only 🔞 language (like, a lot); references to infidelity, pregnancy; teasing/bullying

A/N: Welcome to my Crack Fic! If you are new, hi! Thank you for joining us! This story takes place approximately 2 decades after TRR/TRH. I have made some canonical changes (they will be mentioned). Characters and some plots belong to our friends at Pixelberry! This was not Beta'd; please excuse my errors.

~🖤~

Drake

The gentle purr of the engine beneath my grip of the steering wheel shoots pleasurable waves of pure octane ecstasy. My nerves ignite with palpable electricity, coursing through my every cell. The cream leather interior is like butter against my skin, and the scent of luxury leaves me completely intoxicated.

Lucky little shit.

I still can't believe my nephew–my fucking nephew–owns this beauty. How many twenty-four-year-olds own an Aston Martin Vantage convertible? I wish I could give him more shit about it, coming from such privilege as being the oldest son of a duke, but Bartie has more than earned it.

He may not have exactly been planned, but he was the answer, and essentially the savior, of Ramsford. Back when I lived in this God-forsaken country, some twenty-odd years ago, Ramsford was in financial ruin. My brother-in-law, Bertrand, Bartie's father, scraped, scrapped and pinched every monetary morsel to keep them afloat for years.

Then along came Bartie: finished the top of his class at some preppy private institute at Stormholt with a degree in finance, and in just three fucking years of working with his dad… well, that little shit has an Aston.

I'm actually very proud of him. Surely he knows that. We weren't much for talking over the years, but I'd send cards telling him I loved him, and I'd ask about him during video calls with my sister.

Judging that I am sitting in his custom-painted cherry-red luxury car right now? Yeah, Bartie knows I care the world about him. The fact that he's going to allow me to drive it? Fuck, I don't think I even trust myself, especially on these European roadways. Sure, I learned how to drive in Cordonia, but that was over two decades ago. And it wasn't a stickshift.

Can't be that hard, right?

I study the mechanism of the gear shift, comparing it to a quick Google search on my phone as I wait for my nephew to return to the car with a necktie–my suggestion. Afterall, we're heading to dinner with the royal family… A.K.A. my childhood best friend, his daughter. And his wife.

The love of my life.

Eh, don't feel sorry for me. I'm over it. Seriously. And besides, technically, Liam had first dibs on her; but then again, he had first dibs on several other women at the exact same time, social season and all for his highness, the fucking crown prince of Cordonia. Whoop-de-do.

He's the one that asked me to look after his hot American suitor during his own personal season of The Bachelor. Are you really surprised I fell for the chick? The guy was never around. And Riley and me? She... she was fun, smart. She was fucking hilarious, gave those noble bitches a real run for their money. And yet, she was still kind and caring. She was easy to talk to; I found myself opening up to her in ways that… well, no one else could.

Riley Brooks. I guess you could say she's the reason I never settled down with anyone. No one–and I mean no one–ever measured up.

Oh well. That was a long time ago. And she made her decision. Him. And even though he was like the brother I never had, I… I couldn't. I just couldn't sit back and watch them play house and build a life together. Well, for Liam, it was real.

I had fallen for her. But so had Liam. I knew that if I stayed–if I had stayed, the secret of Riley and me wouldn't end. Shit, if it didn’t end after they said, "I do," when would it?

Time heals all wounds, right?

Bartie opens the door, and slides into the passenger seat with two neckties in hand, both black as he holds them up to his crisp white oxford. "What do you think?"

"Think about what? The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? You look like a fucking mormon," I jest as I point to the one with a subtle matte paisley design. "Why are you fussing about this anyway?"

"Just cause," he passively offers as he stares in the visor mirror, knotting his tie. "I'm speaking with King Liam privately after dinner, and… well, I just want to look alright."

Sensing his raw nerves, I pause for a moment, watching him fidget anxiously with the garment. Jesus, when did my baby nephew become a fucking man? I smile, placing my calloused fingers on his shoulder. "You do, kid." I fasten my seat belt as I turn my attention to the dash. "So, how do I put this thing into drive?"

------

It’s surreal walking into the palace after so many years away. White marble floors. Crimson curtains with gold accents. Childhood memories flood my mind of our sword battles on the grand staircase, pretending to be blood-thirsty pirates. Or when we would gallop through the secret labyrinth of corridors deep within the estate, charging on our make-believe stallions like mighty Spanish conquistadors.

We would always sneak to the kitchen between meals to taste the desserts being made for dinner–unless Ms. Marta was working. That fucking old hag. Most of my ass whoopings were from her tattling on us.

Liam was a fucking weirdo on our kitchen raids. We would slip through the window of the bakehouse, and when we would confirm that the coast was clear, he would always head straight for the pantry to a bag of pistachios. We're talking about a place that had every sweet, every chocolate, every cookie imaginable, readily available in sealed containers. And he chose nuts.

I always had my eyes on a nightly staple in the palace: warm apple pie. They were made daily, and I could always find at least one cooling on the window sill.

Fuck, now I'm salivating over a fucking pie.

To this day, I humbly have to admit that Cordonia apple pies are the best–don't let the taste of a raw ruby fool you. Something about the bitter compounds reaching a certain temperature causes… something-something to do something… ah, hell. Tell you what. If you're that curious, ask Liam. I mean, I'm assuming he's still a nerd–

"Drake!"

I startle at the greeting, instantly recognizing the tall, broad-shouldered blond striding closer to me, wearing… an apron? The fuck? The apron has the phrase, 'I love you a bushel and a peck'.

Oh, yeah. He's still a fucking dweeb.

His outstretched hand takes mine as he shakes it before pulling me into an embrace. "It's so good to see you, old friend," he pats my back before standing back to take me in.

He looks so different, but undoubtedly, he still looks like Liam Rys. Stray pieces of silver litter his perfectly styled, perfectly placed waves. His strong jawline and high cheekbones were cut more razor-sharp by his more mature, thinned face. His strong chest and the swell of his biceps made him look like a fucking Greek god. Lucky bastard. It's like turning forty didn't wreak havoc on his appearance or metabolism, save for a few fine lines around his eyes and smile.

"Bartie," Liam smiles endearingly, "always a pleasure." He extends his arm to my nephew before the scared kid had a chance to bow. I could see the flood of panic in Bartie’s eyes, but I gave him a reassuring nod as he hesitantly took his majesty's hand.

Don't worry, kid. I won't tell your daddy about your ‘poor manners’.

"Please," Liam rests his hand on my shoulder while turning to guide us to the queen's hall, the largest dining area in the palace for private parties. The room boasted an impressive, custom eight-meter-long table that could easily fit twenty-five guests comfortably. "Come, come. Everyone is just being seated." We follow him down the east corridor when suddenly, the savory aroma of roast and… something garlicky teases my senses. Liam obviously caught the delicious waft too, turning back with a devious grin. "I hope you brought some hearty appetites. Riley and I have something special for you tonight."

Riley. Why does the mere mention of her name make me–shit. Get it together, Walker. You're over it.

As expected, my closest friends during my time in Cordonia are all present along with their families. Well, 'friends' might be too strong of a word to use on this crowd. They were nobles and friends of Liam. I was friends with Liam. Ergo, we were friends. Sorta.

My sister Savannah and her husband Bertrand were sitting at the end towards my right, speaking in hushed tones to one another. They came separately from Bartie and myself from their estate since, well, there wasn't enough room for them and the triplets. Yes. You read right. Triplets. As in three babies at once. They had tried for years to have more children with sadly no avail, and it took a terrible toll on their marriage. I still remember Sav's tearful call five years ago, revealing to me that they were separating. I was preparing to hop on a plane to execute my brother-in-law's accidental demise for breaking my little sister's heart when I got a second call a few weeks later. They were pregnant. I got a call a week after that. I had three nieces on the way. Sydnie, Stella and Simone: the cutest little shits you've ever seen… and not just because they have their uncle's dashing good looks.

I'm talking about me, their uncle. Not their other uncle.

Maxwell Beaumont–said other uncle– was sitting next to his brother Bertrand. He officially married Baron Friedrich von Lehndorff twelve years ago when Cordonia overturned their marriage clause of traditional unions. One hundred forty-eight same-gender couples came forward that day to be legally married; Max and Rich led the way to the Capitol. They became a beacon of light and love, not just for Cordonia, but to the world. I remember reading about their march for equality and their victory in my local paper. Maxwell and I weren't necessarily best friends, but a sense of pride bloomed in my chest, seeing him do something so incredible and bold with his life.

He and Rich have a 9-year-old daughter Gia and 4-year-old son Ollie, both adopted from South Korea. Don't tell them I told you, but I follow their TikTok. Those two are fucking adorable.

Across from the Beaumont-von Lehndorffs is the Scarlet Duchess herself. Olivia Nevrakis. And… I almost can't believe the sight myself–

"Hey, Walker!" She waves, a smile growing on her face.

What. The. Fuck. Was she… happy to see me?

She stands up and makes her way around the table of guests to greet me.

With a hug.

Shock number two: she’s touching me in a friendly manner. But that's when I was hit with shock number three.

Is she? No, no… she can't be. Is that a–?

She must've seen the curiosity etching across my face as I stared down at a rounded abdomen that just pressed up against me during our embrace. She instinctively cradles her belly and giggles.

Giggles.

Was I in the Twilight Zone?

She married Amalas a few years after I moved away. I wasn't surprised; the few times Livvy and I hooked up felt odd, like something was missing. I mean, not that I didn't satisfy her. That was never a problem for me with women. Turns out, ol' red was looking for a queen.

Together they serve as queen and queen consort of Monterisso, and apparently are known for creating quite a riot at international events. I'm not surprised. They have four children: Macaela–Amalas’s daughter with her late husband–Josefine, Joaquin, and Joseph. And then baby Timothy will be joining them soon. Because that name makes sense.

I'm starting to feel a little self-conscious. It's been over twenty years, and everyone seems to have grown up. Had families. Changed the world. And what did I have to show? Nothing. I mean, I did have quite a successful construction company that I developed with almost seventy employees under my leadership, but… well, that went under thanks to my business partner fucking me over. Fucking twat-waffle.

But is this really what my life comes down to? Is this how you would sum up my life? Compared to childhood friends, I was still nothing. And here I was again on the coattails of Liam.

An abrupt delicate tink to a wine glass echoes over the various conversations and children squealing, silencing everyone as we turn our attention to the head of the table.

And there she was. Just as breathtaking as the last day that I saw her.

"Drake," she gasps as I pull her into the dark shadows behind the barn. "We can't. Not anymore."

I shake my head, her eyes refusing to meet mine. I took a step towards her, but she instinctively shifts, her back pressing against the wall.

"Brooks–"

"Rys," she interjects, the correction like a serrated blade piercing my skin. A sob escapes her as rivers course down the planes of her velvet skin.

Placing my arm against the splintered wood next to her head, I lean closer to her, capturing her intoxicating scent. My hand slips up her neck, my fingers tenderly lifting her chin to look at me, to captivate me with those ocean eyes.

My thumb caresses her rosy lips, feeling her breath hitch. I flutter my mouth across her wet cheeks, my feather touch kissing away her tears.

But we suddenly freeze.

"Riley?"

Liam's smooth voice carries over the moonlit pasture, drowning out our abilities to hear the bustle of the reception.

"Riley…Don't–"

But it's too late. Before I could stop her, she was gone.

I blink. Casually shifting in my seat, I glance nonchalantly around me. Whew, everyone is still staring at the head of the table. No one seems to notice that I got lost in my thoughts for a moment. I nervously scratch through my stubble before grabbing the water glass in front of me. I take a longass sip of water, but when I pull the glass from my mouth, two crystal-blue orbs with long, flirty lashes are locked on me.

Fuck, I choke on the water on my attempt to swallow it down. I start coughing violently as Maxwell starts patting my back.

"You okay there, Drakey?"

I finally take a gulp of air, and glare at him. "Yes… and it's Drake, Maxi pad." Okay. I admit it. It was childish to retaliate by calling him the name me and some of the other guys called Maxwell growing up. But to my surprise, he laughs before finger-gunning me.

"Good one, Drake. I haven't heard that in years."

I turn back to our royal hosts just in time for Liam to give me a friendly nod, as if to ensure that I'm okay without creating more of a scene. But when I glance over at Riley, she quickly averts her eyes, slipping her hand into Liam's.

Jesus Christ. If that was a sign of how things were going to be, her cowering and treating me like I'm some kind of criminal for something she did willingly… something she pursued… fuck that. Send me back to Texas.

"We brought wine!" Rich singsongs, pulling out two large bottles from a nearby refrigerated wine rack. "Who'd like–?"

I refused to let the poor bastard finish.

"Me."

------

I can't remember a single time in my life where I have been so positively and exuberantly grateful for Maxwell fucking Beaumont. He fended off the anticipated awkwardness and helped the dinner conversation progress, making the casual assist to include me in this special meal that was supposedly in my honor.

I'm not saying the others were rude to me, Liam especially. He was treating me like a long lost brother, like the prodigal son that has finally returned home. And I'm not going to lie: it felt good to be reunited with him.

But Riley couldn't even look me in the eye, and judging by the flashes of guilt and her over-eagerness to leave the room every chance she got, I know she never told her husband the truth about our relationship. He had his suspicions. And I owned up to falling for her, thus the ending of our friendship and me moving to Texas. I mean, I thought it was the end…

But, I didn't just fall for her; it wasn't pining for her from afar, hoping she would give me the time of day.

We were in love.

"This was absolutely divine," Savannah sings praises, taking a sip of her tea. Everyone begins chiming in with their sentiments, thanking the royal couple for the delicious meal. Yes, they prepared it. I know; I was impressed myself.

Individual conversations continue through dessert and coffee when suddenly, the ring of a phone interrupts us into silence.

"Excuse me," Amalas whispers with the phone against her ear, "I need to take this. It's Josie."

Liam and Riley flash looks of concern at one another. "I hope everything is okay," Riley says softly as she twirls her necklace between her fingers, turning to her husband with a more hushed tone. "Did Ellie text you?"

Liam is already looking at his phone, but he's casually shaking his head, appearing more relaxed than his wife. His gaze catches my curious look as I try to put the pieces together of what's going on this evening.

"Josie–err, Josefine–is out with our Eleanor and Madeleine's daughter Bethany this evening."

Ah, that's right… Josefine must go by Josie, Amalas’s second daughter, her first daughter with Olivia. Shit, I can’t keep these spawn straight….

"Crisis averted!" Amalas sweeps back into the room, placing her cell into her pocket. "The girls said the restaurant was too crowded, so they're going over to the Vancoeur's for a–" she imitates an American valley girl, "girls' night."

"Vancoeur?" I mutter, turning to Maxwell. "Did he… reproduce, too?" The idea sounded ridiculous. What woman lowered her standards that low to sleep with that bastard?

"Yep," Maxwell responds, "he has a beautiful daughter." He takes an obnoxious sip of his espresso. "You know, Bethany, the girl that's out with Eleanor and Josie."

No. Fucking. Way.

"I thought Beth was Madeleine's kid?"

"It is." Maxwell chuckles as mischief glows in his eyes. "Oh Drakey, you missed it. Maddie and Neville were actually married for about ten years." Pulling a napkin up to his mouth, he lowers his voice. "Rumor has it she was about to lose what was left of her inheritance, slept with that weasel, then faked a pregnancy to get him to propose." He snickers. "I wish I could've been a fly on the wall when her fake pregnancy turned out to be a real pregnancy."

"What the–?"

"Mhrmm," Maxwell bounces his eyebrows, "she claims she had no idea." He stares at me intently before rolling his eyes and gesturing with his hand a dramatically large curve over his stomach. “Agnes, my seamstress–can you believe she’s still working for us? Well, anyway, that woman can work absolute miracles…” He takes another sip of his drink. He quiets his voice while he averts his eyes, slowly crossing his legs. “There was no hiding that bump.”

I shake my head in disbelief, chuckling under my breath when suddenly, I feel a large hand on my shoulder. I whip around quickly, pulling my body away, when I see–

"Shit, Li–"

"I didn't mean to interrupt," he offers a friendly smile.

I blow away the air I had quickly sucked in, willing my heartbeat to slow down. I guess I'm still a little on edge being here, but fuck, that scared me.

"I thought before you left tonight, we could discuss, um… arrangements. For you."

"Yeah… yeah, of course." Following his lead, we start to make our way to the exit for privacy.

When Liam invited me to Cordonia, he was very specific that he wanted to help me get back on my feet. And I believe him. I know his generosity is genuine; he doesn't have any ulterior motives or some secret vendetta against me from the past. At least I hope he doesn't. But this isn't a vacation for me; part of the deal was I needed to work. I'm not sure if that meant finding temp jobs or something more long-term.

“Do I smell imported cheap whiskey?”

I stop short of the door.

Fuck me. Leo Rys. Liam’s older brother and notorious international womanizer. The man just turned fifty last year, and it’s like he unlocked a new group of admirers, especially now that he’s sportin’ a little silver around the edges these days.

He and Liam are complete polar opposites. Apples and oranges. Night and day. If Liam was thoughtful and selfless�� well, you get the gist. And clearly by his entrance, I’m discovering that some things never change.

As if his deep bellow wasn’t warning enough, his black leather boots announce his presence as he struts across the polished tile, his arm hooked around his helmet. He slaps his free hand on my shoulder, squeezing it firmly as he obnoxiously sniffs me.

"Cheap whiskey… and… is that a hint of beef jerky and cow patties I'm detecting?"

"Good to see you, too." Jackass. I slap his chest before pushing him off of me. I may have used a little more force than I should've. My bad.

"Am I late for dinner?" He slaps Liam on the back before walking towards the kitchen.

Liam sighs. "Just… a little–"

"Ahh, don't worry," he stops to kiss Riley on the cheek. "I'll serve myself."

As Leo disappears, Liam and I give each other a knowing look before leaving the room as well.

------

"Trust me, you're going to love what Riley has done with the guest quarters."

Liam and I had a good talk. A really good talk. We didn't have to say it, but it was clear: we missed each other. We missed our camaraderie, the confidence we had in one another. He was the first person I called when Dad died; I was the first person he called when Leo abdicated. We grew up and became men together.

But then Riley Brooks happened… but, I'm guessing you know that by now.

Liam has already a number of jobs for me to sift through, several carefully picked out that would play to my strengths with architecture and construction. But since these jobs were either on the grounds or here locally in the Capitol, he insisted I move into one of the private guest quarters with its own private entrance and balcony.

'You don't need to be making that drive from Ramsford everyday.' He's right. It's quite the journey, not to mention I don't exactly have a vehicle of my own here. So, I'm back in the palace. Ain't life a bitch?

"Now I hope you don't mind all-electric. The gas lines and how they were designed don’t–"

"Beggars can't be choosers, love."

Her words are like ice, the sharp chill making even her husband shudder.

"Riley–"

"What?" She giggles under her breath. "I was joking." She turns a venomous stare towards me. "Drake knows I'm kidding. Don't you, Drake?"

I clear my throat. "Yeah," I play along, "good one."

"Love?" She slips her hand around Liam's arm, lowering her voice into a whisper. "Bartie Beaumont has requested to speak with you privately."

"Oh!" Liam brightens. "Sure. Of course." He gives me a pleasant nod. "Excuse me, Drake. And, please. Feel free to look around." He begins to make his way towards the dining area, Riley following in step behind with no acknowledgement to me.

I breathe a sigh of relief. I needed a moment to myself anyway.

"Actually," Liam turns on his heel, waving a finger in the air. "On second thought, Love?" He smiles lovingly towards Riley, placing his hands affectionately on her shoulders. "How about you go show Drake the renovations you made?"

Shit.

------

Riley barely spoke two words to me besides pointing to the obvious fixtures and control buttons in the guest suite.

Light... Refrigerator… Bathroom…

"This, uh, looks really nice," I try to converse, combing my fingers through my hair. "I never thought I'd see the day this room would have a–"

"We don't have to do this." She walks out of the room and into another part of the suite.

Why was she being such a frigid bitch?

Fuck, I need a smoke.

I take a deep breath, shoving my hands in my pockets as I stroll back out into the hallway of the apartment.

"Is there anything else you needed to see?" She swallows thickly. She tries to remain stoic with a stiff bottom lip. Her jaw ticks… but her glare betrays her as something else brews that I … can’t quite discern.

But then, without warning, Riley's eyes roam down my body, catching on the crotch of my khakis before returning to my face.

Eyes up here, your majesty.

She clears her throat, pretending I didn't just catch her checking me out. "Um, anything else you wanted to see… of the suite, that is? Because, uh, we should probably –" she shuffles backwards, pointing aimlessly behind her, towards the door.

"You go on ahead," I tell her. "I'm gonna check out the balcony if you don't mind."

A heated swirl of rouge ignites on Riley’s cheeks. She nods, turning on her heel quickly without saying a word, and exits the apartment in record time.

Thank God. I don't know what just happened, but… this is a very interesting turn of events. Does she still have feelings for me?

No. Stop.

Shit. Maybe moving in is a mistake.

I make my way outside, and damn. The view from this balcony is stunning. It actually overlooks the Cordonia countryside, which means less lights from the city and plenty of stars to be seen at night. It's... actually a nice reminder of home.

Taking a seat on the balustrade, I pull out a cigarette and nestle it between my teeth as I search for my lighter. I pat my pockets, both in the back and front of my pants before checking my shirt.

Shit. Can the universe just pass me a fucking bone?

I slump over, resting my elbows on my knees. Holding my hands in front of me, I begin to pick at my calluses as the events of the evening replay like a movie reel in my head.

But suddenly, there's a snick, then a spark; then a single flame is held in front of me. Fishing my cigarette out from behind my ear, I fix it between my lips and lean into the fire. I pull heavily, deeply until the familiar burn touches my anxious nerves, and I blow away my initial puff.

"You know smoking can kill you."

I raise an eyebrow at the deep voice, taking another inhale before blowing it in Leo's face.

"Malaka."

I chuckle at his insult, watching that smug grin pull out his own cigarette to light. He leans against the side of the balcony before hoisting himself up onto the balustrade.

"So," he licks his lips, looking at me inquisitively. "How does it feel to be back in lovely Cordonia?"

I look at him, scrunching my face. Really? That's the best you can do? I look back down, flicking some ash on the ground.

"How does it feel–" he blows smoke over his shoulder, "--being back close to Riley?"

My head shot up.

"Ohhh," he snickers, "that got Walker's attention really fast."

How the fuck does Leo know? How the fuck does Leo know anything? I can feel my heart begin to pound, my eyebrows furrowing in anger.

"Now hold up, Walker," he holds up his hands in defense. "I come in peace. I don't care that you fucked my sister-in-law once upon a time… okay, fine. Maybe just a little–"

"What do you want, Leo?" I interrupt, irritation baited in my voice.

He looks down fidgeting with his fingers. When he turns back to me, he has an indiscernible expression on his face, as if a wave of vulnerability is crashing over him.

"I know it can be… challenging, you know? Moving back to Cordonia after a hiatus, and I figured tonight was probably a lot for you."

And now Leo is trying to have a heart-to-heart with me… What the fuck happened to these people while I was gone?

"I thought maybe… you could use a friend."

"Well," I stand up, taking a step away. "Thanks. I appreciate it–"

"I mean it," he holds a hand to his chest. "Say–" he jumps to his feet, sandwiching himself between me and the door. "What are you doing tonight?"

Besides leading the exciting life of letting my nephew drive me back to his parent's house, eating a bag of Doritos in my boxers and getting shit-faced?

"There's a new club opening in town tonight. Tons of people. Who's who. VIP–"

"Thanks, but–" I try to shove past him, but he stops me, putting his hands against my chest.

"Six full bars, and–" he wiggles his eyebrows. "Lots… and lots… of fresh Cordonian-grade pussy. How do you like them apples?"

Like I said, some things never change.

"C’mon, Walker… you in?"

~🖤~

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