#accepted: bastien

[asajjventress]

I really feel like so many people who hate Vivienne for being power hungry do not fully grasp and appreciate the desperation that Vivienne feels because she conceals it so well… as little content as she got, she honestly is expertly written and presented and it’s why it disappoints me so much when people hate her for surface level reasons… her writer deserves so much more appreciation.

I think it is subtle because she hides it and you really have to care about the character to seek out these threads and understand her motivations… she is in danger of total irrelevance, being cast aside by society (and history), and she is forced to ride the coattails of some upstart organization because all of the institutions she is invested in have either totally failed her or cast her aside.

She is clearly a prideful person who does not readily admit this… but her true talent is how clearly she can evaluate this and understand her own position. She suffers no delusions. She knows the Circle’s standing in society is diminished to nothing if it doesn’t house and account for the majority of mages, and she is left with just meek Chantry loyalists and sycophants who are lost without her guiding hand, as even otherwise pro-Circle mages with any sense have abandoned ship and left both rebels and loyalists at this point to see where the chips fall (Ellandra) - and the Chantry itself has been all but decimated in terms of military and political power. The one lifeline she has is the Imperial Court, and the fickle nobility have moved on from her - the mages are now a threat that she cannot control or offer any meaningful opposition to, and Celene’s favor has turned to Morrigan, and Vivienne does not know if she will ever have it again. She knows Bastien is dying, and that all that she has left at court will be those who hold kind feelings towards her such as his family, and that is a position she can never accept - being at the mercy of others.

We meet Vivienne, this impressive, powerful mage, who has made a life for herself by maneuvering brilliantly, all to improve her own standing, at a point where she is in danger of losing everything she has. And she doesn’t let on, at least not explicitly, but she joins the Inquisition out of desperation - it’s obvious she sees it as an opportunity, but the gravity of the situation for her isn’t clear from the start. She refuses to lay down and fade away. Vivienne would never had joined this fledgling upstart organization if she was in a better position at Court or there wasn’t a vacuum of power. She is very close to having nothing left, and starting over - and so she does. Before the rug can be pulled from under her, she gets out and sets off for herself again.

Vivienne, often accused of pride, privilege, and self importance, comes to the Inquisitor out of pure humility. She knows she is reduced. And her gamble ultimately pays off, and the Inquisition becomes the political juggernaut that it does, and she becomes more powerful and important than ever just by association. And I like to think, especially with an Inquisitor who respects and befriends her, that she plays no small part in shaping the organization.

I think this is also why, potentially, she plays it so cool at the Winter Palace. She doesn’t get involved… she doesn’t need to. Simply being present is a statement to the court, and she truly doesn’t care about who wins; it’s not just the Game, it’s personal, despite what she claims. That they cast her aside, and now they are interested again… not necessarily in her, but still, she sees the paradigm shifting again. She is now a part of the organization who gets to change Orlais, and favor with the Inquisition is quickly becoming just as important as favor with Celene.

The whole arc is a subtle one as she really doesn’t get much attention, but if you pay close attention, it shows how expertly Vivienne plays politics. We already know she came from nothing and maneuvered into a powerful position. But I think not everyone realizes she is nearly back to nothing when we first meet her… and through the course of the game’s events, by allying with the right people, she plays the game well enough to become an advisor to the most influential person in southern Thedas… and potentially even Divine. But her initial plea to the Inquisitor, for all the great lengths she goes to keep up the appearance of strength and invulnerability, comes from a place of utter desperation.

[invinciblerodent]

Okay I feel like my experience of DAI might be a bit.... I guess I could say unique? because my main Inquisitor is a human who is a devout Andrastian, AND pro-mage/pro-elf (it's a long story, he goes through some Character Development), but since last night's post, i've been mentally pacing up and down, thinking about how the "truth vs. lies" narrative throughline applies to Vivienne and her personal quest.

Because... well, hers is the only one (iirc) where you can choose to lie to her. Not tell her to keep up a lie (Blackwall), or lie because she's asking you to lie (Sera), or to conceal what she's discovered (Cassandra), but just straight up lie to her face when she's expecting the truth, and whether she's lying to you or not in general is not even the focal point at that juncture: she just comes to you requesting help, and you can either give it, or deny her.

And regardless of what you do, the facts, the events, don't change, which is what gets me. Nothing tangible happens if you decide to screw her over: whether you give her the heart of a snowy wyvern or just a regular gurgut, her formula will always fail, and Bastien dies. The only difference your lie makes is in her feelings about you, and in her knowing that you're not above stabbing her in the back.

Because if you do choose to accept her request (even though you can just turn it down, and nothing happens besides some approval loss), agree to help her, and then betray her, Vivienne knows. I don't think the game says when she finds out (be it while preparing the potion and she just forges on, hoping that it'll work anyway, or upon looking into it after it fails to see why it failed), but she tells you that much: that she is well aware of your deception, and she doesn't mince her words in voicing her contempt for you.

And man, Vivienne in general is just so fascinating to me.

I mean, she's simultaneously one of the most honest and caring companions, and also one of the ones with the clearest ulterior motives. She, like Bull, basically comes right out the gate and tells you the moment you meet her that she is in this for the power and the opportunity that you present, essentially admitting to you that you are little more than a stepping stone, and early on, her approval can swing wildly: maybe more than for any other companion. And what I keep noticing about that is that these swings are most affected by conversations, where you can lie, far more than your actions, which kind of leads me to believe that she either values your agreeing with her, or in other kinds of setups, you having the good sense to tell her what she wants to hear even if it's not true.

And like, I don't have the brain power at the moment to dissect her deep-seated fears and caution, how her general disapproval tends to boil down to risks and danger, and her whole Deal with why she, as a mage, is so opposed to mage freedom, I'd have to replay the game again to be able to articulate all my thoughts and feelings on that, but it just..... It generally fascinates me how her approval can be maxed out through pretty much conversation alone, while making all the "good" but risky choices that she disapproves of (mage alliance with full freedom, allied wardens, etc.), and before you'd even talk about Bastien's family with her.

And, if she sees an ally in you, man, she's so kind. If she likes you, she's one of the only people to ask you if you're alright after Haven, she offers advice and tries to help the best way she can, and she approves of helping the people of Haven, and of you "yes, and"-ing her, and not wallowing in empty platitudes but letting her have her space to mourn how she wants to, and I just......

Gaaah, I love Vivienne and I keep thinking about her. She makes a terrible fucking Divine, but I just... I'm just looking at her with stars in my eyes, ready to agree with whatever she says and then fuck off to do the exact opposite, knowing that I got a good grade in agreeing with her anyway.

[dragonagecompanions]

How do you think the Dragon Age Inquisition advisors and companions would react to Child Inquisitor being the child of the Champion of Kirkwall? Also could you make Fenris the child Inquisitor's father?

Cassandra: This is...problematic.

Varric had told her enough of the Champion's husband to know that Fenris will already be desperately hunting for his child, and the Champion...so much of their family is lost, it is unthinkable that Hawke will not be in the same state. Trying to convince them both that the inquisition has not kidnapped their offspring for political reasons will require all the tact she does not have.

And will rely on the very little goodwill she can wring from Varric, who she technically did kidnap for political reasons. She will need to keep Josephine close by at all times.

Solas: For so young a child, the dalen is already a political firestorm waiting to happen. The guilt he carries from having his magic stitched into their very flesh (and the pain this child is feeling from it) was already enough to convince him to stay, but being so close to the power center of both Inquisition and the Champion of Kirkwall is an unexpected boon. He will keep his finger on the pulse of all things anchor related, and keep himself close to the actions that are working to restore Thedas to order.

And by helping this child now, keep himself on the right side of a very angry elf who might be a problem before the Dread Wolf has his power returned.

Varric: Okay so, here’s the most important thing: he should have known.

Logically there is no way that Varric Tethras-Kirkwall’s author in residence and nominally a captive of the Right Hand of the Divine- could have known that the child of his best friend in the entire world had somehow snuck away from home AND traveled halfway across the blessed world AND infiltrated a highly secure theo-political conclave designed to reign in a burgeoning civil war to enact some sort of temporary peace. He has contacts and resources and keeps an ear to the ground, but that doesn’t mean the Merchant’s Guild can tell him everything the minute it happens.

And yet the fact that a child exists in the world who is half Fenris (impulsive and quick to defend what is his) Hawke (and carries the legacy of that family) really does mean that there wasn’t anywhere else they’d end up. It’s not a comfort to Varric when the Seeker and his best friend’s kid crest the hill toward them, but it certainly changes his standing with the Inquisition. So long as the kid is there Varric’s not leaving-- he owes Hawke at least that much and more. One way or another things are going to have to be put to rights.

Blackwall: Once, as another man in another life, his actions had led to the death of four children. Even then, in the height of his arrogance and conceit, Thom Rainier had stood over those small shrouded forms and would have given his own life a hundred times over to spare them. Nothing could have brought them back, of course, and no matter how many times he had knelt before Andraste's statues and begged for Her forgiveness it was not a burden he could lay down himself.

This child, Andraste's herald or not, is not a replacement for Collier's children. Defending their life will not wipe out the debt he owes to that slaughtered family. But as he shoulders his shield and sword in their defense, it just might be a start to that forgiveness.

That will be enough.

Vivienne: Children are not in a Circle mage's destiny, no matter how high her star may climb. The dreams of children with her perfect bone structure and Bastien's eyes will forever be only that. Madame de Fer has come to accept this, has spent her entire life accepting this. If she is softer with the new apprentices newly torn from their families, more patient with the young mages still struggling with a life behind walls, that is no one business but her own.

The Herald of Andraste is a child. No matter their illustrious parentage or the fame carried by those parents, they are too young to be bandied about as some sort of divine tool to rescue the world. The Game has no minimum age, of course, and Vivienne is not naive enough to think that Hawke's offspring will not have to play it in time, but she will be taking special care to to keep both eyes on the child to whom they will ask so much of.

And a sharper eye on those who would use them. Fenris is not the only one who can glow, when needed.

Sera: Little people need looking out for, and not much littler than a sprog. From the first jump their tiny Herald has an ever devoted guardian, one who ensures there is as much fun as serious herald business, and cookies for all.

When the parents do eventually arrive, her general distrust of all things magic and ardent desire to preserve their childhood will endear her to Fenris like none other in the Inquisition. Someone must look out for the little people, and while their methods are not the same each can respect the other.

Dorian: Vishente Kaffas, this is a child. In the light of that discovery a great many of his opinions on Alexius's plans (mostly on how his mentor is simply desperate to save Felix and not thinking clearly) and brutally altered. This man who wants to murder someone hardly old enough to see over the table is not the man he once knew, and there are no excuses he can make that will make it less barbaric.

By the time they are escaped from that terrible Not-Future Dorian has formed a trauma bond with this young person as profound as any he has known, and their safety is now absolutely his priority. Despite his disinclination for their creation Dorian is not opposed to children, and along with others is very content to take over their education in all things both mundane and magical.

Fenris's arrival is still loud and bright and involves quite a few angry comments between former slave and not yet magister, but in the end Dorian's unshirking resolve toward the young Herald will carry the day. When Fenris eventually finds out that his child is set to inherit Dorian's seat in the Magisterium as the heir to the current Pavus heir, that argument will be even louder.

Iron Bull: The Qun is very clear on the care and feeding of children in their charge, and it has never been in his destiny to be a Tamassran. Nor is the Iron Bull ignorant of the identity of the Inquisitors parents. But seeing how small the Herald is, something deep and protective in the mercenary captain surprises even himself.

(His Tama is both surprised and not to get a letter from her former charge, and if her memories of the little boy hold true he will read her meaning in the otherwise clinical advise on the care and keeping of young children.)

Watching the Chargers adopt the little Herald as one of their own has another lasting effect. There is no decision on the Storm Coast, not with this true understanding o family, and in truth Bull was lost to the Qun long before Gatt came south with an unbeatable test.

Cole: "So young, so bright, wanted to come south to find Uncle Varric, never meant to hurt anyone. You just wanted to help, to heal the hurt and make it whole. I want that too!"

The innocent and ardent desire of children to do good, and the boundless compassion that comes with youth, makes the Herald and Cole perfect companions. This friendship is strained by the arrival of Fenris's Anders driven loathing of abominations, but a more patient Hawke might ease the way there.

Josephine: She has younger siblings, and is currently responsible for the fate of House Montiliyet. The care and feeding of one small child is...well, child's play. If only Cassandra would not keep pulling her aside like some talisman against the Champion of Kirkwall.

If it were less entertaining, their ambassador might have informed the Seeker that her letters to Aveline Vallen have already abated much suspicion...

Leliana: There are one or two amongst her agents who have some experience with children, and she assigns them watch over their Herald. Beyond that, the spymaster keeps a distance. A child need not know all the brutal things done to keep the world turning. That is sacrifice enough.

If, every once in a while, the young herald is soothed after a nightmare with Ferelden lullabyes in an Orlesian accent, few are brave enough to share it.

Cullen: Maker's breathe, he'd thought he left Kirkwall behind him. Like Leliana he assigns soldiers who either are parents or who are good with children to keep a weather eye on the child, and adopts Cassandra's strategy of using Josephine as a shield against Champion and/or Lyrium Ghost rage.

Once was enough.

Mod Fereldone

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page  

Now and Then

 - Chapter 9-

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU 

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son. 

Turning the Page Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series. 

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match. 

Rating: M🔞Warnings - Series will contain crude language, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors. 

Words: 2498

Now and Then – 9 

Chapter Summary: Riley and William arrive in Cordonia 

Title & Music Inspiration: 

Now and Then, The Beatles                                       

When You Love Someone, Gretchen Peters, Bryan Adams 

Wherever You Will Go, The Calling 

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.  

A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week#67, prompt #1 - “Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.” 

A/N3: My submission for @choicesjanuary2024, prompt Day 25 - ‘Remembrance’ #choices monthly challenge @lilyoffandoms #choicesjanuary2024 

A/N4: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. 

In Flight, Cordonian Royal Jet, above the Mediterranean Sea 

Looking out over the vast expanse of water below her, and under the clear blue skies above the Mediterranean Sea, no clouds were in sight ... not a white cloud, nor a black cloud. 

Riley gazed out the large passenger window of the private jet, in solace, with her memories. Everything felt calm; almost too calm. The flight from New York to Cordonia was eight hours in duration, and even though they left early in the morning, they would not arrive at the palace until late in the evening with the change in time zones. 

Trying to and not getting any rest, her thoughts returned to the events over the holidays.

...Remembering when Liam arrived at her door, in New York on Christmas Eve, a short week ago. The expression of elation on his face as she opened the door for him... 

[‘Hello, my love,’ he tenderly smiled; He was standing there with an exquisite bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, as uniformed delivery drivers from the toy store waited patiently at a distance behind him, as the Royal guard performed a security check. 

Liam stepped over the threshold, leaning down to draw her in for a kiss on the cheek, as she accepted his gift. ‘Oh Li, these are gorgeous; thank you so much.’ 

At Bastien’s prompt, the delivery people entered the brownstone with prewrapped gifts and placed them under the Christmas tree, also filling the extra space in the living room very quickly. 

Chuckling, Riley watched as Liam thanked them with a generous tip, as he closed the door after them. 

“Our son will be so thrilled at what Santa brought him; wait till he wakes up tomorrow.”  

Liam laughed, moving quickly to put his arm around her, pulling her to his side. “Who says all these gifts are just for him? Hmmm?” Riley turned her head towards him, as Liam bent to capture her lips in a passion-fueled kiss. 

“Ah yes, your gift is right here.” Liam slipped his hand inside his coat to reveal a small box, wrapped in gold with a red ribbon. “This is for you.”} 

Riley breathed out, shaking her head. 

...Remembering wanting him so badly that evening ...as he kissed her forehead to say ‘good night’ before turning to the guest room; Leaving her feeling so confused, once again. 

...Remembering how excited LiLi was when he saw his father again Christmas morning ... and the look of pure joy in Liam’s expression as he watched his son blissfully playing with his new toys. 

...Remembering the look of adoration between Liam and his son; a private and sacred bond established between the two ... a bond only meant for them. 

Riley looked down at her phone and smiled fondly at the picture of William. He was proudly standing beside his gingerbread house gift for Liam, alongside Daniel and Matteo, to smile at the camera. Riley marveled at how unequivocally her son loved his father, so quickly. As if two loose puzzle pieces finally clicked into place. There was never a doubt in her mind that William needed to be wherever his father was. The connection between father and son was undeniable. 

...and with those thoughts, she agreed to return to Cordonia.  

And now, she found herself on the Royal jet headed back, leaving behind her New York world for the place that shattered her ‘happily ever after,’ again. 

Liam, being the new, ever-doting father was pointing out to his son the shores of Cordonia through the window. She saw the look of marvel in Liam’s eyes, as he watched his son’s reaction to seeing Cordonia for the very first time. They were sitting in seats across the aisle from her as she glanced over. 

Catching Riley’s eye, Liam responded with a wink and a smile. 

"Welcome home, love." 

Riley smiled in return, as her heart skipped a beat. 

Home... 

It had been a while since she had felt this way about Cordonia. Another lifetime; so much has changed, and yet remained the same. 

***

Damien Nazario, the Interpol agent who was now permanently assigned to be William Rys's personal bodyguard, was reviewing the Crown prince's dossier, and his duties to the Cordonian crown, his new employer. Bastien took a seat beside the young agent to answer any questions he may have, as head of the Royal guard, at the rear of the plane's cabin. 

"So, Damien, any questions for me?" 

"No, sir. I believe I have a handle on the situation.” 

"Good, because you are now the official head of the security detail for Prince William, the future king of Cordonia." 

"Understood, sir.” Damien was well aware of the complexity of a constitutional monarchy. 

"Now, there's one more thing I need to discuss with you,” Bastien eyed the young agent. 

"Yes, sir?" 

"Madeleine Amaranth, the former queen of Cordonia. I have forwarded her updated dossier to you." 

"Yes, I've read it through.” Damien paused, waiting for more information. 

"Good, because she has expressed malicious intent towards Prince William and Lady Riley, should they return to Cordonia." 

"Understood. I'll ensure her movements are tracked and reported inside and out of the country, sir." 

"Thank you, Damien.” 

"My pleasure, sir.” 

Bastien, looking pleased, leaned back in his chair, checking the time on his watch, as he felt the plane begin its descent. 

Cordonia, Capital 

The jet touched down smoothly on the tarmac, as the engines powered down. The cabin door opened, and the stairs were lowered. 

Riley could feel the warm breeze blow past her as she stepped off the plane. 

Taking a deep breath, Riley looked around. The air was different here. It was fresh and clean. She closed her eyes and let the wind brush her cheeks. 

Liam followed, with William sleeping in his arms.  

"Is everything alright, love?" Liam’s brows were raised in concern, noticing her hesitation. 

"Yes, I'm just taking it all in." Riley, looked down, unable to keep eye contact. 

"Are you sure, Riley? You've been very quiet throughout the entire flight home." 

"I'm fine, Liam. It is just a lot to process. I'm just a little overwhelmed." 

"All right, I understand. Let us get to the palace, so you and William can get settled and rest ... okay?" 

"Yes, thank you, Liam." 

Liam glanced over at Riley with concern as he personally buckled his son into the car seat. It was quite easy for him to see and feel the apprehension in her mood. She could not hide her emotions from him as well as she always thought she could.

Riley had remained noticeably quiet during the ride to the palace as well, looking out at the passing countryside. Liam could not help but wonder if she was having second thoughts about returning to Cordonia, and/or to him. 

As they pulled up to the palace gates, Liam looked over at Riley, noticing a small smile on her face. 

"What is it, love?" Liam spoke softly, reaching for her hand. 

Riley returned his touch with a squeeze. "This place...it's beautiful." 

"Thank you, that, it is. Welcome home." 

“William will be so excited when he wakes up.” Riley glanced at a still sleeping William as the SUV slowed to a stop. 

"I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me.... to have you both here." Liam confessed. 

"You're welcome, Liam. It's the least I can do."  

Liam's heart sank at her words. He hated the distance between them. He wanted to take her in his arms and make everything right, but, for right now, he knew that was not the best strategy. 

He had to accept that things had changed, and their relationship was different now. He had to be patient and give Riley the space she needed. 

But he also had to make her see how important she was to him. He had to show her how much he had missed her ... that he wanted a future with her and William in Cordonia. 

As the SUV door opened for her, Riley felt a sense of Deja vu. This was where she had started her journey with Liam in Cordonia all those years ago. And now, here she was, back again. 

"Do you want me to take you and William to the guest wing, or do you want to stay in my chambers?" 

"I would like to stay with you, if that's okay." 

"Of course, Riley. I would love that." 

It was surreal for Riley as she walked the pristine palace halls towards the Royal Chambers. Liam carried William, who was fast asleep in his arms beside her. 

 The memories of the past times she was here flooded her mind and her heart ached as she pushed the painful memories aside. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. 

As they reached the large double doors of the entrance to the Royal east wing, the guards opened the doors for Liam and Riley to enter. 

Riley stepped inside; the same chambers where she had spent so much time before. The familiar scent of Liam's cologne filled the air, sending a wave of longing for a past time through her mind. 

Walking into her room ... it was exactly as she remembered it. Everything was in its place, from the elegant chandelier hanging above the bed, to the intricate paintings adorning the walls. 

Riley took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed. She looked around the room, taking in every detail. 

 She felt a pang of sadness as she remembered those past times. 

After tucking William into his bed in the adjacent room, Liam came in and sat down next to her. He gently placed his hand on hers, and she looked up at him, their eyes meeting. 

"What are you thinking about Riley?"  

"I'm okay, Liam. I was just thinking about how much things have changed since I was here last." 

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her close. "I know it's a lot, but I'm here for you, and I'll help you in any way I can," Liam whispered. 

"Thank you, Liam." 

He pulled away and cupped her face in his hands, staring into her eyes intently. "You're welcome, Riley. Always. Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.” 

He moved in to press his lips to hers, and she melted into his kiss. 

It was soft and gentle, and full of longing. 

He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily. "God, Riley, I've missed you." 

"I've missed you, Li." 

He leaned down and kissed her again, deeper this time. 

His tongue swept across her bottom lip, and she opened her mouth to him. 

Their tongues tangled together in a dance that was familiar and yet new. 

They were no longer the same people they were when they had last been together. They were both older and wiser, and the passion between them burned even brighter. 

Riley pulled away and put her hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating beneath her palm. 

"Liam, I..." 

"Shhh." 

He placed a finger over her lips. "Don't say anything, Riley. Just feel." 

His lips found hers again, and the world disappeared. There was nothing but the two of them, lost in each other. 

She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. 

She moaned into his mouth as he slid his hands down her back and pulled her closer. 

He broke the kiss and buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent. 

"Riley," he breathed. "God, I want you so much."

“Liam, I ...” 

Liam pulled back and looked into her eyes, “stay with me tonight.” 

📌All fics & edits: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @charlotteg234

📌Liam x Riley, OC: @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader @belencha77 @walkerdrakewalker @iluaaa @mysticalfangirl @queenwalton @bascmve01 @umccall71 @choicesfrog @amandablink @ownworldresident

📌Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesjanuary2024

[angelasscribbles]

The Defiant King: To Catch a Killer

Series: The Defiant King

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: None in this chapter

Word Count: 1,620

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Mature Themes

My other stuff: Master List.

Liam sat in his office contemplating the fact that his mother’s killer was currently in the wind. His fury was tempered by the knowledge that there was nowhere on the face of the earth that Godfrey was safe from his reach. He couldn’t evade capture forever. He’d find him eventually.

Godfrey would pay for his crimes.

Bastien’s incompetence during the palace lockdown fiasco could not be overlooked, and Liam was done being nice. It had gotten him absolutely nowhere. Not in his personal life, not in his professional life. He had fired Bastien and promoted Mara.

There was a knock at his door and the new head of palace security ushered the countess inside.

“If you wanted to speak to me,” Madeleine sniffed, “You could have just called.”

“Sorry for any inconvenience, my lady. Please, have a seat.” He gestured to the chair across from his desk.

Madeleine sat primly on the edge of the seat, crossing her legs and wrapping her hands around her knees as she tilted her head to the side. “It’s about time you contacted me.”

“Is that so?” Liam raised an eyebrow, curious as to why she thought he had summoned her.

“Yes.” She nodded emphatically. “With the birth of your heir and the line of succession secured, you’re ready to focus on ruling. You’ve realized that Riley is never going to be your queen and you’re ready to move on. Am I close?”

He smirked as he took his seat behind the expansive mahogany desk. “You’re right on all counts.”

Smugness settled on her features as she nodded. “I’m prepared to forgive you for past rashness and reinstate our engagement contingent on a few concessions, of course.”

He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers under his chair. “I must confess, I’m curious about what concessions you require.”

“A public apology, for starters. The way you unceremoniously dumped me was quite pedestrian and undignified. It requires an apology. The new marriage contract must be signed in front of multiple witnesses. We’ll sign it together, so I know you’re serious this time. I’ll need a new ring. You can’t expect me to accept the same one I returned.”

“Of course not. What else?”

“I’ll choose my own ladies in waiting this time, just as I’ll choose my own staff. I get full discretion with redecorating the palace. And Riley will give up her rooms at the palace. She has an estate; she can go back there.”

The amusement on the king’s face was replaced by annoyance. “Is that all?”

“Yes.” Madeleine was less sure of herself as she noted his pique.

Liam sat up straight and fixed her with a steely gaze. “Riley will stay here under my roof for as long as she damn well pleases.”

“If you expect me to agree to another engagement—”

Liam snorted. “Don’t worry. I’m not getting engaged to you, or anyone else, for that matter.”

“I don’t understand.”

“While you were correct that the line of succession is secured, Riley will never be queen and I am ready to move on and focus on ruling…none of that is why I called you here.”

Madeleine’s brows creased in confusion. “You didn’t call me here to renew our engagement?”

“No.”

“Then why did you ask me what my terms were?”

“Because it was amusing.”

Embarrassment flared through her. She covered it with ire. “Wow. You’re a real asshole, do you know that?”

“So, I’ve been told.”

Madeleine’s usually pale cheeks were stained with pink as she snapped, “Why did you call me here then?”

“Where’s your father?”

She blinked several times as she processed the question. “What?”

“You heard me, Countess. Where is he?”

“I don’t know. Why?”

Liam watched her face closely. She seemed genuinely perplexed. A bit of the tension eased out of his shoulders. At least he hadn’t been engaged to a woman that knew her father was a murderer. “He’s wanted for the murder of Queen Eleanor, my mother. Regicide is not just murder, but high treason, punishable by death.”

What small bit of color she possessed drained from her cheeks. “What? No…. there must be some mistake. My father is a son of a bitch, but he’s no murderer!”

Liam softened a little. “I’m sorry, Madeleine, but there’s proof.”

The countess slumped in her seat. Deep down in the bottom of her heart, she believed him, for her father was ruthless. He cared for nothing quite so much as self-advancement, she knew that only too well. “My mother—”

“Will be stripped of all her lands and titles. She’ll be allowed to stay in her home for now, assuming she’s cleared of any involvement.”

“There’s no way my mother knew. Come on Liam, you’ve met her. She’s not smart enough to pull something like that off, not ambitious enough to want to and she’s far too gossipy not to tell someone something if she knew anything about it.”

“Then she has nothing to worry about.”

“Except for losing her ancestral lands and titles.”

Liam shrugged. “She brought a traitor to court. If not for her, Godfrey wouldn’t have Cordonian citizenship, and he certainly would never have been in my parent’s inner circle.”

“Liam, please…”

His gaze hardened again. “Please what?”

“Be reasonable!”

He barked out an ironic laugh. “A moment ago, you were dictating a list of unreasonable demands to me.”

“Those weren’t unreasonable, and you tricked me into thinking you wanted to renew our engagement!”

“Why would I get engaged to someone who is no longer a member of the nobility?”

Her eyelids fluttered closed as she silently cursed her father. When she opened them again, her entire demeanor had shifted. “Please, Your Majesty, I beg you for mercy. I had nothing to do with my father’s crimes!”

Liam leaned back, tapping a finger to his lips. “Perhaps your mother’s lands and titles could be bestowed upon you… assuming you’re willing to earn them.”

“Yes! Yes, I’ll do whatever you ask of me!”

“I knew you would see reason. You’ll start by telling us everything you know about your father, his business, his associates, and so on. No detail is too small. I want to know what he eats for breakfast.”

“If you think it will help…”

“It will. You never know what might be important. Some detail you deem irrelevant could be important in the right hands. I’ve assembled a special intelligence force to track him down. You’ll be giving information to them over the course of several days or weeks. However long it takes.”

“I’ll be interrogated?”

Liam lifted a shoulder indifferently. “Semantics. You’re cooperating. Look at it as an interview.”

“Fine,” she huffed. “Give them my number and—”

“That won’t be necessary. You’ll be staying here.”

“But I want to go home…”

“That won’t be possible. Not until your father is apprehended.”

For the first time, a tendril of actual fear threaded its way through her. “You’re keeping me prisoner?”

“Please. You’ll be in one of our finest suites, in the royal wing. My honored guest. Does that sound like a prison?”

“Am I allowed to leave?”

“You just told me you were willing to do whatever it takes to help me bring your father to justice and restore your family’s honor…as well as its money, titles, lands, servants—”

“Yes, alright. I get it.”

“Mara will be assigning a personal guard to you….for your protection, of course.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Of course.”

“You will stay on palace grounds for the duration of the investigation. You will surrender your phone for my IT team to search. It will be returned with the proper programs for monitoring communications. Your mother can visit you here if she likes, but those visits will also be monitored.”

Madeleine’s face flamed red. Her fists clenched at her side. “You’re treating me like a criminal!”

Liam stood, effectively ending the conversation, and strode to the door. “No. If I considered you a criminal, you’d be in a cell in the dungeon. I’m treating you as an asset. One that I expect cooperation from.”

Madeleine slowly rose from her seat and followed him. “I already said I’d cooperate. This is excessive. You don’t need to keep me prisoner!”

Liam paused at the door and leaned into her personal space. “Let me be very clear, Madeleine. If you ever want to see the outside of this palace again, you will cooperate fully with the parameters I’ve put in place. The crown is seizing your parent’s assets, bank accounts, and properties as we speak. When this ordeal is over, you can walk out of here a free woman, a duchess with complete control over your family’s wealth and your public image intact. Or you and your mother can be stripped of citizenship and exiled from the country, penniless. The choice is yours.”

He stepped away from her and pulled the door open to summon Mara. “Take the countess to her suite and make sure she stays there.”

Madeleine, with her gaze fixed on the toe of her two million dollar Tanzanite heels, whispered, “Can I at least send for my clothing?”

Liam’s face broke out in a satisfied grin. “Glad to see you’ve decided to cooperate.” Turning to Mara, he ordered, “Make sure Lady Madeleine gets whatever personal possessions from Fydelia she desires. And don’t forget to relieve her of her phone.”

He stepped back so Madeline could move into the hallway and into Mara’s possession.

Her usual haughty demeanor subdued, she cast a glance back at her former fiancé, hopelessness painted on her face.

Her desperation stirred no sympathy in his heart. His face betrayed no emotion as he shut the door in her face.

[dcbbw]

Commoner, Part 2--Secret

Part 2 of Commoner! Part 1 can be found here.  We’re picking up where we left off (Leo left, Sav is pregnant, and no one knows)

This story was born of a long-standing head canon (Sav would crush on the older brother, not her brother’s best friend), and the song inspiration (original version, but used the sad and acoustic version for this fic); lyrics are also taken from the song inspo.

IF you read this, THANK YOU! Your likes, comments, and/or reblogs are appreciated more than you realize. Please excuse any and all typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors. MS Editor rates this story as 99% error-free.

To all those who read over this story in its various variations and renditions, THANK YOU! Your feedback, ideas, and encouragement was invaluable (as always).

Thanks to @choicesflashfics for their Week 62 prompt #2, which will appear in bold.

Song Inspo: Strangers (sad and acoustic version), Kenya Grace

Pairing(s): Savannah Walker x Leo Rys; Savannah Walker x Bertrand Beaumont

Word Count: 2,201

Rating: M for Mature themes

I sit in the back of the sleek, black Mercedes that is Duchy Ramsford’s official vehicle with the Brothers Beaumont, en route to the Palace. King Constantine has requested a meeting of the Great Houses.

And me.

I vacillate between relief that he will put those awful rumors to rest, and fear that Leo will be there with that woman.

“You appear to be deep in thought,” Bertrand observes. “Are you feeling well?”

I plaster a quick smile onto my lips. “Merely curious why the King would want me to be present at this meeting.”

The Duke gives me a solicitous nod, and I again wonder why he’s been so nice to me since our breakfast encounter.  It’s not that Bertrand is a bad guy; he has taught me a lot during my month at House Beaumont. I know more than I ever wanted to about utensils, glassware, table etiquette, and bloodlines and lineage. I now know that the reason I don’t have the title of Lady, the most ubiquitous yet ambiguous title a woman can hold, is because I don’t belong to a House.

I’m commoner.

But he isn’t a nice guy either, so the attention is a bit … odd.

“I wonder if it has anything to do with Leo, and all the news stories?” Max pipes up. “Although I suppose if Bastien is at the Palace and Leo isn’t, that may be all the confirmation we need.”

Bertrand looks out the window. “We’re here,” he announces.

I swear I feel my baby flip inside my stomach, which is stupid. I’m only eight weeks along.

As we walk up the front staircase, I don’t feel a sense of homecoming. I only feel dread. My throat closes when Bastien opens the door and leads us to the formal living room where the other guests are gathered. Groups are huddled close together; there are murmurs of conversations I cannot hear. I hug my brother and struggle through a curtsy meant to encompass the entire room. No one acknowledges me other than Kiara, who gives me a huge grin and enthusiastic hug.

And I wonder why I feel the need to be a part of this world, to be accepted by the very people who never will.

That it'll never change And it will just stay like this

I catch a glimpse of Madeleine, who is stone-faced; only the paleness of her skin and the clenching of her jaw signals anger, embarrassment, and hurt. I look down at her hands; her fingers are bare of jewelry.

Leo has left both of us.

The King clears his throat, and we all turn towards the front of the room. He is flanked by Queen Regina and Liam; all of them are wearing stoic expressions and I know … in my brain, my heart, my very soul … Leo has run off and fulfilled promises he could never make to me to another woman. I’m a single, teenaged mother with absolutely nothing to my name; I can’t even leverage the child growing inside of me.

There is a buzzing in my ears that drowns out the words my monarch is uttering until he states that Liam will ascend to the throne. There is to be a social season, and I will be the House Beaumont sponsee. The Crown will fund my sponsorship as I was still their ward and had no properties of my own. Drake’s face darkens, Bertrand beams proudly, and Max jumps up and down in excitement.

There’s something about Bertrand’s smile … he isn’t surprised to hear this news. Did he already know what to expect?  Was Leo the phone call that morning?

I throw up on the priceless carpet and my hand-me-down shoes.

Three weeks pass, weeks where I scour newspapers, magazines, and the internet for news of my baby’s father. There is a plethora of media, mostly photos of him in motocross tournaments: smiling happily in the Mojave Desert, frowning in concentration as he inspects his vehicle in UAE, sunning on a beach in Greece. The woman is not in the pictures, and rarely mentioned in the articles.

Now she can be his dirty little secret.

And when we spoke for months Well, did you ever mean it? How can we say that this is love When it goes like this?

Meanwhile, in Cordonia, my hips are spreading; my breasts are getting fuller, and my belly is only slightly rounded. Bertrand has ramped up my training but takes care to give me breaks throughout the day and we are now spending our meals together without Maxwell. He shares stories of his education, his time as a fashion designer, and memories of his childhood.

He walks me to my room every evening; occasionally he holds my hand.

I am not in love with Bertrand, but I find myself enjoying his company more and more.

But every time I meet somebody new It's like déjà vu I swear they sound the same It's like they know my skin

We’re sitting in Bertrand’s study one night; he is poring over documents related to Liam’s cabinet. Bertrand and Rashad Domvallier are to be financial and legal advisors to the new future King. I watch him nervously. I’ve decided that tonight is the time to tell him I cannot be the House’s sponsee. It isn’t fair to not tell him; he’ll need time to find someone new and school them in the ways of nobility.

My fingernails pluck nervously at my robe. I could very well be homeless in the next 15 minutes. Bertrand takes his duties as Duke seriously and is extremely rigid when it came to appearances and reputation; an unwed, pregnant commoner could not reside under the roof of House Beaumont. However, returning to the Palace would be a disaster between King Constantine and Big Brother Drake.

But it has to be done. This baby is going to make itself known sooner than later.

He drains his third glass of cognac before sighing heavily and pushing himself away from his desk. With an unsteady gait, he crosses the room to join me on the sofa. He looks almost regal in his gold silk robe with black piping, and black pajama bottoms. He sits so closely, I smell his cologne; it’s Hermès.

Leo always wore Armani.

“Savannah, I’d like to have a … conversation of a different sort with you.” His breath smells of liquor and his words are slightly slurred.

“Isn’t that funny?” I reply in a squeaky voice. “I wanted to have one with you also.”

He pulls one of my hands into his as he begins to speak. “You need to know that while you may be participating in the social season, you won’t win the hand of the Crown Prince. The position requires someone of lineage, with a knowledge of world politics and has a pulse on the fluctuating nature of both Court and Crown. However, the Engagement Tour should afford you an opportunity to marry into a minor house.”

I stare at him dumbfounded. Drunk Bertrand pisses me off.

“However, I do find myself being very attracted to you. I propose an offer that should be beneficial to both of us. I’d like you to be my mistress until we both find persons worthy of our status and station. You would become an honorary member of House Beaumont to assure you have a title, and I can be a very generous lover in more ways than one.”

He drops my hand and rises from the couch on his second attempt. He goes to a coat closet, opens the door, and retrieves a package. The box is emblazoned with Hermès’ name and logo. He brings it back to me, carefully placing it in my lap.

“Open it,” he urges.

I do so to find a limited-edition white matte satchel, made of leather and silk. The tag is still attached: $200,000 USD. I look up at him, knowing that he wants me to know how much it costs.

“Your … mistress?” I ask as my body feels as if it’s going numb.

And it will just stay like this Never really dating, breaking up

“This world is cruel. I’m just playing by its rules. It would behoove you to do so as well. You can’t be anything else to me or anyone of stature. You’re a commoner with the most basic of public education. You are ignorant in the ways of Court, the circles you would need to travel in. I am happy to give you the benefit of my knowledge, but at the end of the day, I am a Duke. Dukes don’t marry commoners.”

He says it all as if he is telling me the sun will rise in the east. Bertrand means no harm; nobles never do. Or so they claim.

Every word they say sounds just like him

My eyes fall back to the price tag, realizing I have my way out. I can keep my secret, and everyone’s precious reputation is intact.

“It’s late, Your Grace and you have given me a lot to process. I’ll have an answer for you in due time.”

He gives me a small smile. “May I … may I kiss you?”

A small shake of my head. “No,” I reply in an almost-rueful tone.

I know my place.

His smile falters, and he nods slowly. “My apologies. That was presumptuous of me.”

I mentally shake my head. THAT is what he considered to be the most horrible thing about his proposition?  I box the purse again, and stand.

“I’ll see you at breakfast.”

Three months later, I am standing on the balcony of my small pied-a-terre located in a quaint, quiet Parisian neighborhood, watching the day come to an end. The sun is still bright in the sky, but evening is fast approaching. My fingers comb through my dark, thick tresses before pulling a toffee-colored cardigan tighter across my expanding body.

It’s springtime and I think again how leaving Cordonia to settle here was the best move. Paris had always been my dream destination: red lipsticks, rich wines, decadent perfumes, trendy runway fashions.

The baby and I have even learned to enjoy the food.

My eyes take in the Palais Garnier, also known as the Paris Opera House, not that far in the distance before falling to the cobblestoned streets below: restaurant and café doors open, unleashing aromas of grilled meat and sauteed onions as bakeries pull window shades down. Women with chic hats and impossibly high heels exit dress stores, shopping bags bunched in fisted hands. Street vendors begin putting away their wares.

My stomach rumbles, and I head inside. There had been a late breakfast/early lunch a few hours ago, but the fruit, yogurt, and cheese and spinach omelet have all but disappeared now. My child has a healthy appetite. I walk around a black wrought iron table with matching chairs, pausing to fluff oversized chair cushions decorated with huge sunflowers.

I push the terrace door shut behind me before going into the kitchen. I had taken a chicken out earlier, but I no longer have an appetite for it. Instead, I want pistou pasta with grilled duck and extra mushrooms from my favorite bistro.

But money is tight. Despite having a job and being frugal with the savings leftover from the sale of the purse Bertrand gifted me, I need to be mindful of rent, food, doctor’s appointments once the child gets here and I will be on unpaid leave.

I’m having a boy that I will name Barthelemy, Bartie for short. It’s my way of paying homage to Maxwell for being such an incredible and caring friend during all of this. He doesn’t know who the father is and has never pressured me to tell him. He sends money and has offered to make an honest woman of me.

All of this even though I left House Beaumont without a sponsee, and they now either have to find one that they will have to fully sponsor or withdraw.

A knock at the door captures my attention; I stare at it with a frown. I don’t have many friends in Paris; Maxwell is due for his monthly visit next week. He’s bringing Drake and Kiara with him. They were the only two I instructed Maxwell to tell of my whereabouts. Drake and I aren’t close, but we are all we have left as far as family. He deserved to know. Kiara’s my best girlfriend, and she speaks French. Win-win.

I would like to see Liam, but he has much to learn and do before the social season begins in less than 12 weeks.

 I slowly and laboriously cross the small distance between the kitchen and the front door; my eye widens as I peer through the peephole.

Leo.

He looks even more handsome if that’s possible. He carries a bouquet of flowers in one hand as he looks around the hallway. I quietly and cautiously back away from the door as tears prick the corners of my eyes.

And then one random night When everything changes You won't reply And we'll go back to strangers

Tagging: @jared2612 ​@ao719 @marietrinmimi @indiacater​​​ @kingliam2019​ @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie​​​ @liamrhysstalker2020​​​ @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet@busywoman​​​ @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam​​​ @beezm @gardeningourmet​​​ @lovingchoices14 @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles​​​ @lady-calypso @emkay512 @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @alj4890​ @motorcitymademadame​​​ @queenmiarys @choicesficwriterscreations

[pardi-real]

Honeymoon Knight / Chapter 19 - An Exciting Meal

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[Kalliste, Inn room]

~ That evening ~

I was relaxing in my room... When there was a knock on the door.

Knock, knock...

Muu: "Huh...? Someone's visiting?"

Lono: "My lord, it's me! I've brought dinner!"

> “Thank you” > "Please, come in"

Click

Lono: "Good evening, my lord! Ishishi…! It's a lavish dinner tonight!"

Bastien: "Yeah, indeed. Today's dinner was wedding-inspired."

The table was adorned with luxurious dishes.

> "So many..."

Lono: "We got carried away with the conversation during the day... So we thought, why not prepare a course meal fit for a wedding reception! Please, enjoy!"

> "I can't possibly eat all of this..."

Lono: “T-true... Maybe we overdid it..."

> "Won't you eat with me?"

Lono: "Huh? With you, my lord?"

> "Pretend we are at a wedding feast…!"

Lono: "Well... If it pleases you, my lord, then we shall..."

Bastien: "Right... There's no reason to refuse."

Berrien: "Apologies for the inconvenience, but shall we accept your offer, then?"

> "Yes"

And so, we all decided to happily share a meal together.

~ A little while later ~

Bastien: "Hmm. Now all the dishes are served."

Muu: "There's meat, fruit salad, soup... And even fluffy pancakes... They all look delicious!"

> "It's very lavish"

Lono: "Yes! After all, these are 'wedding-inspired' dishes! Instead of a wedding cake, we prepared pancakes decorated with cream for dessert!"

Bastien: "The salad is accompanied by intricately cut fruits... We tried to make it elegant."

Berrien: "This soup is based on a celebratory dish from a certain region. Please, enjoy it while it's warm."

> "Thank you"

I first tasted the soup and the meat. Both had a refreshing aroma of herbs... Very palatable.

> "Delicious...!"

Lono: "Ishishi… that's great!"

Berrien: "Fufu... I'm glad you enjoyed the soup I made."

Lono: "My lord, the meat I grilled is delicious too... Please try the salad as well. It pains me to admit it, but... Bastien's salad is quite delicious!"

> "Is that so!"

Lono: "Sheesh~... Bastien, that guy, he used to only be able to use strong seasoning… and now he's able to make such delicate dressings… It must’ve been my way of teaching, for sure…!"

Bastien: “Don't be mistaken, Lono. This is the recipe I've found myself. I found it in a book to please the lord.”

Lono: “Ooh~ I see. To think that Bastien is this interested in cooking for the sake of the lord… Ishishi…”

Bastien: “What are you grinning at, Lono? That's pretty uncanny.”

Lono: "S-shut up! I'm not grinning! A-And besides! Who's the uncanny one here? Since I'm complimenting you so much, how about you smile more and show some happiness? You're always frowning."

Bastien: “Huh? I don't make such a face.”

Lono: “Look at the mirror for once! You always have that scowl in your eyes!”

Bastien: “What the? Lono..."

Berrien: "Oh my... Please, don't argue in front of our lord. When you were in the kitchen, you cooperated well with each other, though."

Lono: "Well... Since the cooperation leads to making delicious dishes for our lord."

Bastien: "Hmph... Reluctantly, I agree. Cooperating with Lono and Mr. Berrien results in... our lord enjoying delicious food."

Berrien: "Fufu… in other words, everyone wants to make our lord smile with their cooking... So let's stop fighting to ensure our lord can enjoy the meal happily."

Lono: "Ughhh... Fine."

Bastien: "Hmm… My apologies for the commotion, my lord."

> "It's okay, but more importantly..."

Lono: “More importantly?"

> "Thank you for the delicious food"

Lono: "M-my lord... Ishishi... Thank you so much! Cooking for you, my lord... always brings a smile to my face!"

Bastien: "My lord. There's still more food. If there's anything you'd like to eat, please let me know and I'll serve it for you."

Berrien: "Fufu... If you need a refill of your drink, please don't hesitate to ask me. We'll also prepare herbal tea for you after the meal to help with fatigue recovery."

Lono: "And don't forget about the dessert pancakes! Both the taste and the wedding-themed decorations turned out well… It's my masterpiece, after all!"

> "Thank you, everyone"

Muu: "My lord! I also want to help you!"

Berrien: "Then, Muu, would you assist me in brewing tea after the meal?"

Muu: "Yes! Leave it to me!"

And so, Muu and I, along with the first-floor butlers, enjoyed the meal together. The various dishes inspired by weddings were... luxurious yet warm and gentle in taste.

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[rayenigma]

More oc posting… continuing with the crew!

Bastien is one of the members of the Aestus Crew and is in charge of the weaponry on the ship. As a teenager, they travelled across The Great Fontaine Lake with a group of smugglers, so living aboard The Dissident was nothing new for them. As one of the original members of the crew, they often put themselves in charge of maintaining a pleasant atmosphere on the ship.

Bastien is an outgiong individual bursting with energy. They may appear somewhat chaotic and disorganized at first, they're a very friendly person who always tries their best to make everyone feel welcome in the group. Their upbeat attitude and positive way of thinking play a key part in the lives of their crewmates. Unfortunately, Bastien may come across as a pushover and people pleaser. They try to avoid conflict at all cost and can't tacke problems efficiently, despite trying their best. They have trouble accepting the truth and would rather not make anyone upset with what they do or say.

I rlly dont have much art of them but i still like this one a lot

[mysticstarlightduck]

Character Voice Tag!

Thanks for the tag @willtheweaver (here)!!! I'll go with the main cast from Of Starlight and Beasts for this one (:

MY LINE WAS: Yeah, I deserved that.

YOUR LINE IS: I don't know what I was expecting but I'm disappointed in your decision either way - because what the heck was that?

Corah - "Well, one thing's for sure: that wasn't undeserved - I really should've seen it coming, that's on me."

Arammys - "Oh Gods, that went so wrong - I deserve what happened, that was a terrible idea, and I take full responsibility for it but still... that was such a bad plan, oh Gods."

Eidan - "I should've known that this would be the outcome but I was too hasty to notice. I deserve to face the consequences for my actions."

Nimwen - "Sorry, sorry, sorry! Oh, goodness, oh Gods that went so wrong so fast. If someone is to blame for what happened that person is me, but I still should've been more careful. I'm so sorry!"

Tomasa - "Yep, no use running from the inevitable. Time to face the outcome of my poorly planned decisions. Lay it all out for me, and don't be shy. I'm a tough cookie."

Masen - "Fuck. Yeah, I'm not sticking around to find out what that's gonna cause, sorry not sorry. So, no hard feelings whatsoever guys, but I've gotta bounce. See y'all around? (winks)"

Kyran - "Oh. That... isn't ideal. Okay. Okay, okay, I can handle this, I should've seen this coming after all. I hope I can handle this. So...here's what we're going to do: we're getting the fuck out of here, right now. Because I don't deserve whatever they've got in store for me. Does anyone have explosive powder? I think can improvise a plan."

Maryon - "That was well deserved, I will admit. I made a mistake and it caught to up to me. I guess it is only fair I face whatever comes next - running will only drag things out. It's best to just get it over with., like ripping out an old bandage"

Florynce - "(In a drawn out, wispy voice) Somethings gone wrong. (squeaks) Somethings not as it should be and it's not right and it's my fault. Should I stay and face my fate? Is it what would be proper? (gives a little vampiric squeak, clearly starting to panic) I don't know what to do anymore"

Rin - "Hells no I'm not facing the consequences of that. (pats the person next to him in the back) Sorry pal, this was nice while it lasted, but you know what they say - survival of the fittest, and all that. Oh and be a darling: do tell the guards I said hi, I'm sure you'll have lots to talk about if you still have your head after this. Don't be a stranger! (flies away)"

Elias - "Oh, sink me! (groans, exasperated) I told you this was a bad idea, but who the fuck listens to me in this fucking shithole, eh?! Where the hells is my cutlass?! I'm going to fix this mess - one you should've fixed yourselves but never fucking mind that - properly this time. That's what I get for listening to you bufoons. I deserve this one. Lesson damn well learned."

Leora - "This was the worst idea I've ever had and the execution of this plan made it even more atrocious. I admit my wrongdoing and sincerely apologize. These circumstances are to be expected after what I did - and what terrible leader would I be if I didn't admit my own mistakes. Tell me what I can do to fix this, and consider it done."

Bastien - "My actions were suboptimal and their consequences deplorable. I accept full reponsibility for whatever trouble my actions may have cause and am willing to atone for it fully, whatever your verdict should be it will have been deserved."

Scarlet - "Shit. Okay, yeah. That one is on me - I screwed up big time, I really did. That seriously didn't go the way I thought it would, I don't know why I'm still surprised."

Tagging (gently, no pressure):@littleladymab @cabbojage @lassiesandiego @little-peril-stories @oh-no-another-idea @thepeculiarbird @rickie-the-storyteller @crowandmoonwriting @steh-lar-uh-nuhs @gummybugg @forthesanityofstorytellers @doublegoblin @aalinaaaaaa @starlit-hopes-and-dreams @elshells @illarian-rambling @clairelsonao3 @conkers-thecosy @anyablackwood,and OPEN TAG

[anotherelezen]

New benchmark Lucien looks good! I'm most looking forward to HQ ears, lol.

Some of my other OCs behind the cut!

(Zeixault - Alleaux - West - Bastien) I was a bit disappointed with Zei and Alleaux in the last benchmark, but I think they mostly fixed the issues. Zei looks less shiny and his eyes look a little less soft. Alleaux's features look more distinct - he was pretty flat and pasty in the first benchmark. Also, I used one of the basic hairs for Alleaux here, just picking one similar to his pvp hair, and I'm kinda laughing at how edgy/emo the shadows make him look, lol. West's chin seems a little off from how I'd want it, so I might use the free fanta to tweak him a little. His coloring is perfect tho. Bastien still has his unamused, resting bitch face, so the important part is there. XD Overall, they look really good!

Also, not elf, but my viera, Maple! She looks almost the same as she does in game now, so I'm pleased. The new lighting makes her look a tiny bit less doe-eyed, but I'll accept it. I love how nice and soft the hair looks now.

[lovelykiitsune]

❞ 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐟!𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬

❞warning: dead wife + illness/sickness + Grammar mistakes + Akuneko kids are fictional and not canon, they're my ocs + no editing bcs this is reuploaded from my deleted blogs/acc

word count: 6k

a/n: the Villa Butlers and Nobles are coming soon, but I don't know when ^^;

1st Floor Butlers profile:

Dilf!Berrien Cliane - the ex-barista, he recently divorced his wife, but has won custody of his twins. Daisy and Benjamin Cliane, they almost look exactly like him. He adore them, and always love them. Raising two children could be hard and difficult, especially as a single father that recently divorced his ex-wife. His ex-wife wanted to refuse to pay child support, but couldn't due to Berrien that had won the court. He haven't told his kids about the impact with the devils. He was worried that might affect his relationship with his children.

Dilf!Berrien always apologize for his children mess. He wouldn't scold them, since he is a gentle father. He would tell them, not to bother you because you are the master of Grosvenor manison and families. Jokes on you Berrien. You loved the his kids. You always adore them. You three will always enjoy him brewing the tea and severing it. He always thanking you for looking after his kids. Very apologetic single father. Daisy and Benjamin loved their father more than their mother.

Dilf!Berrien always check on kids, grades, schooling, behavior, and their mental health too. He loved it when you spend time with his twins, it's help him to relax while he was on duty. You found him, playing the piano while the kids were dancing and singing together, holding hands as they twirls around the dance room. Yes, he could attract other towns women. His ex-barista move while serving you tea, makes you get distracted. Aruji-sama! Don't get distracted by his move! You're spilling the tea!

Dilf!Berrien kids, Daisy would always come to his office, she wants her father to rest. You can't say no to her puppy face. Benjamin is a shy kid, his twin sister is energetic and very talkative. Benjamin wants his father to stop working, he would come and place his tiny hand on his father lap. He have a quiet voice. Also can't say no to his puppy face. They would help him with his work, but Berrien is too focus, wanting them to finish their school works and activities. Since Berrien is always busy with his duty and won't able to pick his kids, at least you volunteer.

Dilf!Berrien didn't plan to find another lover. He wants to focus on his time with his twins and you. He would find you and the kids in your bedroom. There papers filled with crayons with different colors mostly scribbled. Your room is a mess Aruji-sama...! He would tuck you in your sleep until he took the kids to sleep. He will NOT step on the drawings that you and the kids made. He would look at it and collect. A smile appears on his face as he neatly tucked them away. He will probably keep it somewhere safe.

"This is a lovely masterpiece Aruji-sama, Daisy and Benjamin. I'll keep it somewhere safe. Thank you for being in my life. I really appreciate it. You worked hard today, you deserve some rest."

Dilf!Lono Fontaine - The chef of the Michelin stars restaurants. Now he is working as a butler, but a chef...? He could sprinkle like salt bae. He was divorced by his ex-wife, but his wife doesn't want her son, so he accepts the offer. He already knew taking care a kid is like taking care of another human responsibility. I mostly see him as a good father and amazing father type rewards. He absolutely loved his son, Alex. They do have a good relationship, but sometimes Alex would also get along with Bastien too. Who has no interest with Alex.

Dilf!Lono always Lono. He would argue with Bastien, but not in fornt of Alex. He hates seeing his son witness the fight. It's really hard to make up with them. He would like it if you spend time with Alex because he seems to be really attached with you. Alex is a very positive kid, he has a wild imagination.

Remember that Dilf!Lono could bake cakes and sweets. Baking with son and father bounding moment. Imagine the mess in the kitchen. Anyway! Dilf!Lono would definitely give the kids sweet, but in secret! (Yeah they found yet and scold him abt it but SHHH)

Dilf!Lono is actually very smart at math. He would help his son or the other butlers daughters/sons with their math homework. He is actually good at fraction and measurement math homework, but he doesn't give out answered. The butlers will be watching *cough* *cough* anyways! He would reward them with sweets pastries, if they gotten the right answer. If they got it wrong, he is very patient for them to figure it out.

Since Dilf!Lono has duty. He liked seeing you and his son spending time together, either baking or decorating pastries. Yes, he is the type of dad would cry if you the Aruji-sama of the Grosvenor manison and his son, gifted him the Happy Father's Day.

"Haha, Thank you Alex and Aruji-sama. You two are the precious people, that I've ever met. Huh? I'm crying? AH! N-No! I'm not crying! I just got back from duty... i... Thank you... Alex and Aruji-sama..."

Dilf!Bastien Kelly - returning military and now working as the butlers of Grosvenor manison. He has one daughter, Meredith Kelly. His wife eventually died due to giving birth to his daughter. He hasn't gotten used to his wife passing, but he doesn't blame his daughter for the death. He loved his daughter to death. He is extremely protective of her. He doesn't like it when Alex gotten near her. He will give death glares to Lono, if he is giving her sweets. He will keep an eye on Alex aka Lono's son. If he has interest in his daughter. Ehe overprotective father mode is on!

Dilf!Bastien isn't good at communicating with his daughter. He is worried of being a terrible father or her role model since he was mostly focused on training everyday. He doesn't have time spending time with his daughter. His daughter knew that he was busy, since she always spending time with you or the other butler kids. She doesn't hate or dislike her father. She is a fast learner, she did knew her birth-mother passing.

Dilf!Bastien is the type of father would watch over her in silence like a overprotective father would be, hiding behind the building or tree. He will see you and his daughter together, either reading under the tree or petting muu. His love language for his daughter was either silent or just awkward hugs. Dilf!Bastien doesn't like sweets, but his daughter was the opposite. He is good at making braids for his daughter. He will add any flowers to show that he loved her. You remember complimenting on Meredith. You could see Dilf!Bastien choke on his tea. He is blushing while he excused himself to do "training."

Dilf!Bastien doesn't mind if you spend time with his daughter as long she doesn't get hurt. He is a social awkward father, but doesn't know how to communicate. You did saw Bastien and his daughter petting Muu together. You almost squeal as you saw him smile, you almost got caught. You could hear him communicating with his daughter the first time. Dilf!Bastien and his daughter spending time together! The first time! You wanted to record, but you respect his privacy, as you lean on the wall and listen.

"I guess spending time with you isn't bad... I apologize for avoiding you since you were the kid... It's not your fault that your mother died. I always still love you and your mom too... Um... Can we spend time together one last time... please?"

Second Floor Butler Profile:

Dilf!Harues Clifford - Ex-Police officers, currently going through his wife death. He and his two son had moved towns to towns. He quit being the police officer, now currently working for you, Aruji-sama. His two sons were well-behaved and very bright. Owen (youngest) and August (oldest) Clifford. They're like father to son personality. They both wanted to help their father with duty but they were told not to bother. They will be in the library or just be with you.

Dilf!Haures would never force his two sons to do training unless they asked or wanted to. He would take it easy on them, since they're both are kids. This may be funny of weird but... they are exactly like Haures. They eat just like him. Their personality is like Haures. How they wear and how they speak. Of course, they will scold other butlers just like him. You remember listening to Owen and August scolding at Ammon and Boschi for not doing their duty. You couldn't hold your laughs, but you left anyways. No, they aren't shy around women.

You adore Dilf!Haures two sons. You always spend time with them. Reading and doing puzzle together. Dilf!Haures like Bastien doesn't have freetime to spend time with his sons. He always training or working. He doesn't ask his sons for help since he doesn't want them to be involved. He will scold them for being involved. Since he is extremely tired and would yell at them on accident. Which leaves Owen the youngest in tears. Which leaves a awkward silent treatment for both of them.

Dilf!Haures always tired for scolding other butlers and being on duty 24/7. He doesn't mean to yelled at his two sons. He will give Owen favorite for a gift for an apologize. He may be not good with kids, but at least you are there. He doesn't want to be a bad father, he just want them to know that he love them and show that he made a mistake a promise not to do it again. You often see tired Dilf!Haures and his two son sleeping on the library with a book on his hands. You couldn't help but took a picture. Whoops! Seems that you forgot to turn off the flash. Congrats you woke him up.

"A-Aruji-sama! W-What are you doing here? Huh? I fell asleep in the library...? My apologize, I'm gonna leave now. Huh? Owen and August laying next to me? You... want me to stay with them...? *sighs* Alright if you inist... Do you mind if you stay here too...?"

Dilf!Fennesz Oswald - Librarian as a part-time and worked as a bulter full time. A lots of middle age women will always come to Dilf!Fennesz part time, so they could talk to him. Same as Haures, he is currently going through his dead wife pregnant has passed away in the carriage crash. He was happy that his only son that survived, he was sad that his unborn child that passed away too. Quite a harsh reality to face, but he is still happy that his son has survived. His son's name is Liam Oswald, the surviving member during the carriage crash.

Dilf!Fennesz had to face reality. He is really trying to be in the best mood for his son. He doesn't blame his son for the accident. He loved and adore his son very much, that it hurt him. He still visit his dead wife grave, giving her favorite flowers. He's the type of dad would hold his emotions then break down when he is alone. He will act like nothing happen when he came to his part time or back to the Grosvenor manison. Deep inside you already knew his past due to Liam explanation. Liam is very honest kid, he loved his hard-working father. He was raised by the right father, but sometimes Dilf!Fennesz doubt that thinking that he was a terrible father for raising his son alone.

Dilf!Fennesz is the opposite of the rest of Dilf!Butlers. He just let his son do whatever. If he wants play soccer, no worries! He would sign his son up! Oh? He wants to join the chess clubs? Absolutely! Oh...? Student council? Definitely! Why not? Dilf!Fennesz would not let his son do his library or butler work.

Since Dilf!Fennesz worked in the library in his part time. He always brought books for his son read together. You could see or hear that he is reading to his son aloud. Your heart melt when hearing that Dilf!Fennesz is spending time with his son during bedtime stories. Liam would always go to your room, since his father either duty work or library. He likes spilling about how amazing his father was. Liam love telling you about the memories of his families. You were on the urge of tears because how heartbreaking and wholesome. What's you didn't know that Dilf!Fennesz was hiding behind the doors, holding stack of books. He wasn't mad or upset. He too was almost on the urge of tears but he just smile.

*Knock* *Knock*

"Excuse me Aruji-sama. It's getting late. Do you want to read a bedtime story? Hm...? You do? Wonderful! Please get comfortable. You can pick any stories. Oh? The Princess of the Moon? Sure, let's read it together, okay?"

Dilf!Boschi Arenas - Look! I know what's you're thinking, but shush! Anyways! Dilf!Boschi is a good dad. Let's me explain. He is learning how to be a good father for his son and daughter. His son (youngest) Rhys and his daughter (oldest) Emily Arenas. Rhys is a wild-child, always misbehave and causes a lot of butler having a headache. Emily Arenas, however is a gentle, kind, helpful girl. Of course she is a big sister to Rhys and will scold Rhys and apologize to you for her brother behavior. Dilf!Boschi will doesn't mind Rhys to be a troublemaker as long he doesn't stole his father prosthetic arm or mask. Imagine the mansion was chase by Rhys and Boschi heavy footsteps in the hallway.

Dilf!Boschi adopted Rhys and Emily. They aren't his biological kids. He knew that someone has abandoned them in the alleyway during the rain when they were baby and a child, but they already knew that they don't have a mom in their life. He does like it when Rhys bother Haures, but he will drag Rhys away if he is making you feel uncomfortable. Emily always help with her father chores, but she will be caught by her father working on his chores. She is ban from touching any supplies of chores. That doesn't stop Emily because she will make any hairstyle for her father. Braids? Boom! Ponytail? No worries! A bun? Yeah, she got this! At least Emily is having fun putting flowers or hair clips on her father's long smooth hair.

Dilf!Boschi doesn't mind spending time with his kids. He wanted to have a bounding moment with them. Since they don't have a mom. Emily and Rhys sees you as a mother to them. You always look after them when their father wasn't around. You always spend time with them. Even tho you are Aruji-sama in the Grosvenor mansion and the families too. Emily will make flower crowns that made from daisy from the ground and Rhys running in circles around the tree. He will act like he doesn't care, but reality his heart was warming up. Emily really like Ammon since he has teach her how to braid or make other hairstyle to make for her father. Boschi will act like he doesn't care and would be tough. He is cracking a small smile on his face as he cross his arms.

Dilf!Boschi like the rest of the butlers. He is protective of his two children. He doesn't like it when Haures oldest son has interest in his daughter. He would 100% separate them. You did have a girly talk with Emily about crushes. He doesn't accept his daughter having crushes. Not on his watch. Nope! Never in the million years. He still have nightmares seeing his daughter got kissed by on the back of her hand by Haures oldest son, August. Rhys is fine. He is just poking his father's prosthetic arm is laid on the table.

Dilf!Boschi isn't very much an academic. Emily or the other butlers children would be either studying in the library or just be with you. He does want his kids to learn about fencing. Not saying he is a bad father but he is a chill-laid back father type, expect overprotective of his daughter and his son too. He will see them studying in the library alone. Quite chaotic for Rhys, but Emily scold him to be quiet. Hours pass by, he is still checking on them to make sure if they're still there. It's getting dark. He saw Emily and Rhys sleeping on top of the table. He was worried that they were sleeping there for too long. Yes, he practiced with his prosthetic arm to carry them. Useless now because he heard you passing by.

"Hm, Aruji-sama. It's a getting late. I will escort you to your room soon. Hm? You want to help me carry those kids? Ha. No need I'm fine. W-Wait! Don't get injured. Ha... sorry, I just painck... at least let me tucked them to sleep. You should get some sleep too. It's getting late..."

Dilf!Ammon Lead - Gardener... he is just a gardener. ANYWAYS! He recently recovering from his wife passing. His daughter, Rośe Lead. Like Fennesz, he thought he was doing a terrible job of raising his daughter. Reality, he is doing a fantastic job for raising his daughter like a lady. She will cover her father lies, but will get caught little sooner, but you cannot say no to her puppy eyes. He and Rośe had a very healthy relationship of daughter and father bounding. They would spend time in the gardening. Like the rest of the butler, he is a little overprotective and a little of laid back father, but he would only teach her how to take care of flowers and other plants.

Dilf!Ammon - He liked making a small gift for his daughter, flowers crowns. She loved flower crown. You would see her mostly everyday, coming to your room and place any flowers crown on your head. She also gift Muu some too. Please praise this girl for doing a good job. She mostly gift everybody with flower crown made from her hands. Also since her name is Rośe, her father would make her stay away from actual rose flowers torns. You could hear him talking about his daughter embarrassing story how Rośe as a toddler touch the torns but she acts like nothing happen. Poor Dilf!Ammon after he saw his daughter finger bleeding. Don't worry he didn't passed out.

Dilf!Ammon - doesn't like talking about his past or the scar on his back. If you or his daughter asked, he would brush it off and change the topic. You never questioned it after you heard Boschi explain it to you expect for his daughter. You and Rośe would spend time together in your room or in the garden. If her father was busy doing his duty and couldn't be together. Not like Boschi but if Dilf!Ammon found out that his little girl has a crush. He would never question it because he want to respect her privacy, but he would tease her on which boys that she has a crush on. You just stood there and watch the teasing. Not wanting to upset her.

Dilf!Ammon - isn't the type of father that would scold or yelled at her for making a mistake. He is the calming dad, I think he is the type who would calmly explain that making mistake is okay as long you didn't do it in the future. He does hate to see his daughter cried. He would reassure her by calming her down. He is trying his best to comfort her. You were passing by the garden place and see Rośe with her dad. She is crounching down in tears. You made eye contact with Dilf!Ammon. You turn away as nothing happen but you hid behind the walls as you listen to their convo.

"Shhh... it's alright my little rose. Don't cry, don't let those tears spoil you. Papa is here, it's alright, papa loves you. It's alright to make mistake, I'm not mad at you. You are a amazing kid. You are loved. Hm...? You want Aruji-sama? Alright, let's find them okay? How about they could join you for flower crown? Ah, there's that smile."

Third Floor Butler Profile:

Dilf!Lucas Thompscie - Doctor. Is it obvious? Anyways! A total dad on crack, mostly inserting dad jokes in fornt of his daughter and his butler mates, especially you. You are not tired of his jokes since he does respect your discussion. Lucy Thompscie aka his daughter, doesn't understand her dad's jokes, but she still laughs it off tho. He is divorced by his ex-wife after finding out that she was after his knowledge and looks. He did won custody of his daughter. I mean fair because Dilf!Lucas has good looks and women would charm him. He still adored his daughter. Anyways, you found Lucy pretty cute. She doesn't really like spending time with her dad, mostly on you. Yeah, that her father in the corner.

Dilf!Lucas - He always busy with his work. That's the reason why his daughter doesn't want to bother him or spending time. Lucy would cling on to you like a Koloa. Her father's did gave her a stuff pastel rose pink with white spots long ears bunny. She still have it because you will see her carrying it everywhere, 24/7. Don't question it! Since Dilf!Lucas always busy on his work. He will make hia daughter stay away from Miyaji and his kids too. Quite a show, but the rest of the butler would separated them, preventing from seeing each other. He will make his daughter eating healthy things. She will fight him until he told her to finish it. You pray for that poor kid. He wanted her to be healthy and not be sick. Since kids needed some vitamins and nutrients.

Dilf!Lucas - Yes, he drinks wine like those wine mom. He doesn't drink in fornt of his daughter since she mostly cling to you or Muu. She rarely visit him. If she does then she pull her eye bag and stick her tongue out. She isn't like those misbehaving children. She doesn't like her father. You cannot tell if he is used to this or is he heartbroken that his daughter despite him. Reality he is used to her behavior, he knew that she is a shy kid. He would just laugh it off saying that she just shy. He was glad that she doesn't have to watch him over his shoulder doing his work.

Dilf!Lucas - since his childhood, he was very smart growing up and ended up in college at a very young age. He wanted his daughter to study and do well at school. He is fine if his daughter was or wasn't intelligent enough for her education. He would help her, depends how his schedule or how busy he was. He won't ask for your request because you are Aruji-sama. Eventually you helped Lucy anyways. Yes, he did try to stop you from helping her. He just wanted to test his daughter intelligence with all the subjects. If you're out of town of something, he will babysat his daughter, by making her sitting on his stool, doing absolutely nothing beside clinging into her pastel pink rose stuff bunny plush. She will not join the other butler kids because she rather being with you instead. He doesn't question his daughter about and thinking that she just too shy.

"Lucy dear, stop giving me the cold look. You remind me of Mr. Miyaji. I understand you wanted to see Aruji-sama, but they are at work/school right now. Oh? You don't want to play with the butlers kids? *chuckles* how about this. I will take a break from work, so we could some chess together? How about that? No? *sighs* you're just like Aruji-sama. Stubborn... I still love you kid okay? Let's take a break shall we? How about some ice cream break? Just a father and daughter moment."

Dilf!Nac Stein - Hear me out. HEAR ME OUT! I haven't figured out or have talked about his old work place but seeing his official art of what his past was. ANYWAY not gonna spoil it. Dilf!Nac definitely pretty, handsome and he never age. He still working with Grosvenor families. He still took care of finances. I would say that he is divorced, his wife won custody but the children has visitation, so they could visit their father any time they want. The youngest daughter Elena and the oldest son Trey. He absolutely adore his two children, you remember meeting them the first time. Exact same eyes as Nac has, and no Aruji-sama they are not twins. I mean they have the same feature but they're not twins. You don't often see Trey and Elena a lot since they are living with their mother. You don't really meet her a lot since Dilf!Nac didn't bring the topic about his ex-wife or meeting someone else. He rather foucs on you, the kids and his work.

Dilf!Nac is always Nac. He still complimenting you of being beautiful/handsome. A father with boost confidence. Don't feel ashamed or creep out! He just want to see you smile and feeling good about yourself. Remember that Lamli and him were enemies. Yeah, they are still the same as always. He doesn't want his kids to be the same behavior as Lamli. No worries, they are not like him, quite the opposite to their father personality. Trey is a independent young man, he treats women with respect, but he is terrible at complimenting people back, and also helpful. Elena quite a bookworm. She's really quiet, it gets to the point where her father would always check on her because she was too quiet, but nope she is sitting in the corner reading. He doesn't compare his kids, he loved them to death.

Dilf!Nac is very elegant looking. He doesn't have wrinkles or any eyes bags under his eyes. He does have a beauty marks and a scar the same as always. He likes neats things, he always make sure his kids outfit was straightened and dress well. No filthy, because that does really bother him. He always make sure that his kids have manners and respecting him and the others especially you because you are Aruji-sama. He doesn't like kids that disrespecting you or him. Also I forgot to mention that he always talk about how amazing you were. I bet the kids already knew how amazing you are. RIP the kids can't say that enough to their dad, they just nodded their heads as they listen to their dad ranting about you. You did sneeze eventually.

I did read more information about Dilf!Nac that he likes to do embroidery. Imagine he was doing Embroidery with his daughter, Elena or his son, Trey together during break. You did find them together in Nac's office place, working on Embroidery. You didn't disturb them, you just left with a smile on your face. You should bring your phone/camera over. At least he is taking a break with his kids and spending time together.

"Now, now. Trey, don't painc. You are doing an amazing job. Make sure you follow the pencil line where to drew. Ah, don't poke your finger with the needle. Oh? Elena that's an amazing flower right there. Keep up with the good work! You two are doing well. I'm pretty sure Aruji-sama would like it if you show it to them!"

Dilf!Lamli Bennett - how do I explain this? Wasn't sure if he was a good father or just bad...? Anyway! He still have that baby face and no, he doesn't age like Nac does. His personality may still the same like always. Always and continues to annoy Nac nagging and won't do his duty, but will do it unless Nac nagging them again. I was thinking that Lamli is actually widowed. His wife has passed away due to an illness. He tries his best to raise his twins since he has the childish personality. About the twins they are like the high school host club twins but no incest, but they look exactly the same. I feel bad for Aruji-sama for being involved with the game, "who's the real Aki or Jin?" Yeah, they are childish like their father, but they do like pulling on pranks on the other butlers or the kids but not you. Very chaotic Bennett family here. You could see Nac or Haures/or his eldest son scolding the Bennett twins.

Dilf!Lamli - he always spend time with you. He knows who is Aki or Jin but he wouldn't tell you unless you praise him or give him attention then he will tell you which one is Aki and Jin. Good luck remembering that because they wore the same clothes and wouldn't leave any difference. He doesn't want to stress you out. Remember his personality may still the same. Well, Dilf!Lamli is very protective of you and his sons too. Well in public, he acts like a gentlemen, but he hates other nobles flirting you or harassing you. He does carry an extra knife in his pocket. Don't worry the twins will stop their father from stabbing another noble. I forgot to mention that Dilf!Lamli doesn't drink like Lucas does. He rather foucs on you since you are his master.

Dilf!Lamli - he isn't good with kids that cried. I know. It may sound rude but it true. He doesn't know how to comfort the kids from crying. He isn't good comforting the kids but he will make silly faces preventing them from crying. If it works then that calms Lamli down. If it doesn't then he has to think harder. He does enjoy being with his sons pranking on other butlers or their kids. You would hear loud footsteps running from the hallway or scolding. He did stop the twins from pranking you. He would probably lecture them about how great you are and should be respected. That didn't stop the twins, they will continue try to prank you until they will be caught red-handed. At least you're not covered in anything due to Lamli protection. You could finally sighs in reliefs. Yeah, the twins like pranking Muu too. They loved Muu by the way.

Dilf!Lamli would take you to stars gaze. He'll probably wake you up around midnight or 3 am. You might be thinking? Does he takes his kids too? Yeah, the twins are awake and peaking over their father shoulders. You four did sneak out of the mansion to see stars or the Aurora lights. You could see him pointing at the stars and the constellations. You could see him smiling, you don't see eyes bags under his eyes. He is telling you and the twins about the stars and the history. At least you could stay a little longer. He does let you rest your head on his lap while you are either sleeping or awake listening to his story. Sometimes the twins would be bored and would run around the woods, not too far. They know how late it was, and they knows about angels. Sometimes you would hear them singing K-I-S-S-I-N-G songs. Imagine that woke the butlers and would get scold, expect for you. If you're either too sleepy or fully awake.

"Aruji-sama! Aruji-sama! Look! That's a headless angels! Isn't that amazing! Imagine the angels hunt is like that. Wouldn't be so cool! Hey! Hey! There's a Cassiopeia- Oh? Aruji-sama? Are you sleeping? Hehe! Don't worry you're safe with me and the stars too. I'll take you to your room. Have sweets dream Aruji-sama!"

Basement Profile:

Dilf!Miyaji Oldia - definitely good with kids especially with every butlers sons and daughters. Dilf!Miyaji does age a bit but his scar still remains on his face. He has some small wrinkles under his eyes. He still kept his tall, elegant looks very nice. He wasn't big fan of big event, but he was also quite popular with women. Not very popular than Lucas, but a little bit. Yes, Dilf!Miyaji does have a only son. He seems very much a babysitter in this manison. He would watch the kids if any one of them comes near the danger. Very much a fatherly figurine, always there for the kids, and very masculine. He does have a really good relationship with his son and other children too. Pretty much everybody even the kids like Dilf!Miyaji because how soft-spoken that he was. He is pretty much busy with everybody kids or sometimes on duty if he wasn't with the kids.

Dilf!Miyaji - is a music teacher, and used to be a doctor. He is now working with the Grosvenor families. You are surprised that a man in his late 40s with a son, now working with two jobs. You do understand that he is good with kids and a loyal butlers babysitter. Lucas and Dilf!Miyaji still remains enemies. He does have a flashback when his son being polite to Lucy aka Lucas's daughter. No problem! He must respect women and others too. What he didn't know that, his son, Makoto is that he kiss her back hand. Yes, he saw everything. He took his son and ran off with Lucy being left alone and confused. You were watching in the distance, not knowing what to do. He doesn't want his son to be with his enemies daughter or in the future. Would be awkward, if Lucy's has become his daughter-in-law and Lucas would be there.

Dilf!Miyaji more like daddy wolf- *cough* *cough* ANYWAY! Since he is protective of the kids. Well... he is protective of you too. He will a death glare to anyone that wanted to hurt you. He does also have to take care of Lato's sanity. He was worried about Lato being close to the kids. He does know that he gentle towards the ladies. Dilf!Miyaji was lucky to get off his nasty marriage. He mostly focused on you, and the children sake. Similar to everybody, he doesn't plan to find another lover. Since he was a music teacher, but he is smart and intelligent. He is very helpful around the kids if they're stuck on their homework or school work. He will be embarrassed if you stood in fornt of the door, having a Tea party with the kids. He will clear his throat, not wanting to be rude. You still remember it, but he will brush it off if you bring that topic up. Don't embarrassed him in fornt of the other butlers.

Dilf!Miyaji is a... boomer. *kiit laughing in the background* I'M SORRY HE IS ACTUALLY! He doesn't know how to use smartphones. You eventually have to teach him on how to use it. You know how parents held their phones. Glasses and the phone farther away from their face. Yeah, that him. You have to held your laugh. He is not technically blind, but he will put bold words and very bright screen to max. Eventually you're done with helping him, how to use the phone. The image will appears on your head during lessons. Good luck helding your laughs because he is there with you. He will be happy if you hang out with him or play with the kids while he watching them. You two were like mother and father to them. The kids secretly think that you two were a couple. I mean, they're not wrong. You act like you heard nothing but deep inside you are flustered. Dilf!Miyaji still like sunbathing, like always... anyways! He already knew that kids are noisy, but he is good how to calm them down. You would be watching Dilf!Miyaji lifting the basket with his musculine, buff, arms. You try to look away, but he always caught you red-handed. He doesn't mind if you don't do anything gross.

"Aruji-sama, you have been looking at me. Is it one of the kids hiding behind the white sheets? No...? Oh... Ah? What's wrong? You're looking red. Are you having a fever...? It's not really hot today. It should be a little warm today. Hm...? My arms...? Ah... you are flustered about... me...? Ah, I apologize I should find the kids first. Hm? You want me to stay? Alright, I'll stay. Children should get some fresh air too."

Flure Gracia - I don't see him as a dilf. All I know that he isn't good with kids. At least he is having fun designing the outfits for them. Poor Flure would be tease terribly. No worries the kids love Flure. He seems very sweet with the kids while Miyaji isn't around. He doesn't know how to handle their feelings or their behavior. If one of the girls have a doll or a stuff plush. He would create them an accessories and outfits. He does enjoy seeing the kids praising them. He often help Miyaji with his other duty. He does get tease by Lato, because he gotten a lot of attention from kids. He rather being with you and the kids.

"Aruji-sama, I may be shy around kids, but do you mind staying with me? I do enjoy having you around. I apologize for hogging you."

No, Flure will not show his dolls to them.

Lato Bacca - Also don't see him as a dilf. Same thing with Miyaji. He is good with the ladies, but on the gentlemen... um... alright. He will watch over the kids, but Miyaji would refuse, but he would watch them for protection if they got bully or misbehave. He rather getting hurt instead the kids getting hurt. Some kids would be scared of him because of his aura and eyes. You didn't find him scary. You understand that they're kids. Lato would run away if his sanity gotten worse. He would leave the kids confused. At least Miyaji could get to comfort him. Once Lato got warm up with the kids. They will start to like him more. Be careful not to swing one of the kids Lato...

"Aruji-sama, welcome home. I'm playing with the kids. They are starting to warm up with me. Hm? Miyaji-sensei is not here, he is in his music part-time. Don't worry, I will be careful with the kids. You trust me right?"

[liaromancewriter]

The Start of Forever

Premise: The Prince always knew his duty would require sacrifice, but no one told his heart that.

Book: The Royal Romance Pairing: Liam x MC (Phoebe Summers) Rating/Category: General. Angsty Fluff. Words: 810

A/N: Some of you know, Liam is my favorite Choices LI [I changed the default name to Aiden]. I don't typically write for TRR, but the @kingliamappreciationweek inspired me to write this fic. This is for Day 5. Enjoy! I'm using @choicesflashfics week 29, prompt 2 (in bold) and @creativepromptsforwriting prompt 362. Tagging for reblog to @creativepromptfills. Also submitting to @aprilchallenge prompt "wish"

Prince Aiden Rys had not grown up believing love was a possibility in his future. He might have wished for it -- in the darkest part of the night when his thoughts were too loud for him to sleep — and secretly hoped he could fall in love with the woman he would marry.

But believe? No. That required more than he had to give. And he had already given up so much. And yet. For a few hours last night, he fell in love and believed in the possibility of forever.

Aiden glanced at the digital clock on the bedside table, ubiquitous to hotel rooms everywhere, and locked his hands behind his head on the pillow. He should get up and get dressed. But he did none of those things. Wanting to prolong these fleeting moments of freedom for as long as he could.

Bastien would knock on his door in a couple of hours, reverential but unyielding, as he shepherded Aiden to the airport. The bodyguard’s presence would mark the end of this interlude and the beginning of the next: Cordonia’s social season and selecting his future queen.

But the Masquerade Ball was still hours away, and Aiden was not ready for reality to intrude just yet.

Earlier tonight, he arrived at the address Maxwell had texted him. Aiden hadn’t known what to expect from what appeared to be a dive bar. But knowing his exuberant friend, he’d had trepidations. At the same time, he hoped Drake would keep the younger Beaumont brother in check.

Okay, somewhat in check, Aiden laughed silently. Very few people in this world had the power to control Maxwell.

All his reservations went out the door the moment he saw her. The ugly uniform couldn’t detract from the beauty of her heart-shaped face and soulful blue eyes framed by long black hair, the front of which was arranged in a complicated braid.

One could argue there were more beautiful and sophisticated women at Court. But at that moment, Aiden was hard-pressed to name a single one of them, let alone remember what they looked like.

All he could think was, finally. There you are. Quickly followed by not her, not now.

He couldn’t fall in love just when he had accepted what he must do for the good of his kingdom. The people of Cordonia deserved a monarch who placed duty, the honor of sacrifice and love for one’s country ahead of everything else.

Aiden hoped he would one day be worthy of Cordonia’s storied legacy.

But tonight, just for a few hours more, he wasn’t a king or a prince. He was just Aiden. A man that craved freedom even as he embraced his responsibilities.

During dinner, he’d tried to hide his feelings, but his eyes followed Phoebe every chance they got. He hoped he’d been surreptitious in his admiration, but he’d never been in love.

Drake had given him a look that told Aiden he wasn’t being his usual stoic self. After that, he’d turned his attention to the deluxe burgers, listening absently to Maxwell’s tall tales and ignoring Tariq’s snide remarks about the food and the establishment.

Later, Aiden walked up to Phoebe, apologized for his friends’ boorish behaviors and racked his brain for an excuse to stay in her orbit a while longer.

Luckily he remembered Maxwell’s earlier comment about wanting to try a New York City nightclub, and things progressed from there. The flashing lights held no appeal for him, but sharing a drink with Phoebe and telling her his secret had felt freeing.

The whole night had been a lesson in spontaneity, from Phoebe arranging a private boat tour of the Statue of Liberty to that unexpected kiss just as the cloud cover broke and the stars sparkled above them like so much fairy dust.

They only realized they were holding hands the entire time, the moment they had to let go as the boat docked at the pier. They disembarked, turning to face each other, the Manhattan skyline rising behind them, both uncertain about what came next. But knowing instinctively this was it. There was no next.

That’s all they were now. A memory. A faded picture. A failed potential. Two people, right for each other, who’d met at the wrong time.

If only, thought Aiden, shoving the covers aside, swinging his legs off the bed and forcing himself to let go.

He might be a prince, but he’d always known his life was not a fairy tale.

When the knock came on his door, as he’d known it would, he glanced at the man in the mirror one last time. One who’d been free to kiss the woman he loved on a starry night under the watchful eye of the ultimate symbol of freedom.

And he said goodbye to what could never be.

-------------

@choicesficwriterscreations @lizzybeth1986 @sazanes

[fadingreveries]

The Royal Romance, Bk1 Ch1: Once Upon a Time (Pt. 5)

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Story Summary: In this novel-style retelling of TRR, beloved scenes with original commentary from the Choices stories including your favourite group of royals and friends will be expanded upon. Contains extended commentary and scenes from the original story, in-depth descriptions of bonus scenes, and premium choices and outfits.

Chapter Synopsis: Love awaits in the royal court of Cordonia as Riley competes for the Crown Prince! Will she accept his proposal, or will someone else win her heart?

Word Count: 1.8k

Disclaimer: All rights to original commentary, scenes, and characters from The Royal Romance series reserved to Choices and Pixelberry Studios. No copyright infringement intended.

~ ~ ~

Liam and Drake caught up to the rest of the group where they stood under a lamppost on the sidewalk. Liam couldn’t help but look up at the skyscrapers. He had never seen buildings taller than the palace in Cordonia before. At the corner of the street, Riley fiddled with her phone. 

“So how far is the walk?” Liam questioned, wanting to know where else their adventure was leading them. 

“We’re not walking there actually. It’s pretty far away. I called a car on my way out of work, so it should be here in a second,” Riley explained, before glancing back down at her phone again. 

“Wait, you can afford to have a car on retainer?” Maxwell asked, before he caught himself. He cleared his throat with a little frown. “I mean, obviously. I also have one too. Because Beaumonts always travel in style.”

Luckily, Riley didn’t notice his odd answer and instead giggled. “Um, okay. It’s a rideshare, so not really mine.”

“A what?” Maxwell blinked in confusion. 

“A ‘rideshare’? You know, like a cab? Do they not have those where you’re from?” Riley explained. Maybe these guys had never even heard of shared transportation before or maybe they had never ridden a taxi before. 

Nodding, Maxwell replied, “Oh, of course they do… but it’s not like any of us would have any reason to use them.”

“Why’s that?” Riley questioned, curious.

Maxwell’s eyes widened. Bertrand was right. He really needed to watch what he was saying sometimes. He started stammering, “Oh! Uh… because we’re… um…”

Before Drake could tackle Maxwell to shut him up, Liam cut in with an excuse, “Because… we normally use our own cars like normal folk do.”

“Yeah! I drive it!” Maxwell added, feeling grateful for Liam’s quick thinking. Then he made the decision to add on, “No wait! We all have separate cars that each of us use.”

“And know how to drive,” Liam stated, trying to keep himself from blowing their cover. 

“Smooth,” Drake mumbled, giving them both another deadpan look of his. 

Thankfully, a large, black SUV pulled up to the curb next to the group. Since Riley was distracted flagging it down and opening the door, Liam and Maxwell collectively breathed out their own sighs of relief.

“Our carriage awaits,” Riley remarked, gesturing to the car. 

“Woohoo! A car!” Maxwell excitedly cried out, the only words that came out for how much he looked forward to a rideshare in America. 

Tariq, on the other hand, was pleased to see something that felt more like home. “Luxury leather!”

Liam looked over the SUV with a nod of approval, smiling. “It does look rather spacious.”

“Wait, wait, wait! We can’t do this!” Drake interjected, as everyone in the group turned to take in his frazzled expression. “We don’t know the driver! Liam can’t take a ride from a stranger!”

“Oh, why not?” Riley froze in her spot, worried that something was wrong. 

Drake flashed her a smile that was probably meant to be reassuring but came across as mildly unhinged. He grabbed Liam’s arm, hauling him back and whispering urgently, “Bastien will murder me if you get into an unsecure vehicle with an unknown driver!”

Riley hesitantly got out of the car, concerned. “Um. Well if you guys don’t want to take a rideshare, then that leaves the bus.”

__________

After a few moments at the bus stop, a bus stopped in front of the group. The bus driver opened the bus doors and waved the party inside. “Bus 2015. Going downtown!”

“Ooh, there’s a conductor! Do we need tickets?” Maxwell asked, enthralled by the idea of taking a bus like the common folk did. 

Drake shook his head, correcting him, “You’re thinking of a train.”

“Well, you still need to pay…” Riley stated matter-of-factly with a grin. 

This made Maxwell frown, as he halfheartedly said, “Ooh, ‘paying’...”

The bus driver informed them, “You can just tap your credit card on the reader to buy a SingleRider ticket!”

“My which on the what now?” Maxwell instantly replied, suddenly looking alarmed as he went through his pockets. 

“Allow me, Maxwell,” Liam answered, flashing a friendly smile to the driver. “Five passengers please. Do you have change for a hundred?”

The driver paused in her seat, looking confused. “Dollars? No.”

“Oh,” Liam simply said. Then he gave the one-hundred dollar bill to her with his smile back on his face. “Then keep the extra!”

Riley, Liam, and his friends walked past the bus driver who looked very happy to let them board. They sat down on the blue cloth seats of the bus before the bus started up again and drove down the busy streets. 

“I’m sorry, we don’t get out much,” Drake apologized to Riley, trying to excuse his friends’ peculiar behaviour. 

“I’m starting to gather that…” Riley responded, thinking to herself before giving them all a friendly grin. “But it’s certainly been an adventure so far.”

__________

At the destination, the bus dropped them off at the nearby beach ten minutes away from the bustle and rustle of the city. Everyone piled out of the limo at the beach, and the guys headed off towards the ocean. 

“We should build a bonfire,” Drake suggested, glad to be somewhere more refreshing and less stuffy compared to the crowds they had been surrounded by all day. 

At this comment, Tariq eyed Drake scavenging for dry wood and frowned. “I’m not doing manual labour.”

“Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to. What I meant was, I’ll go build a bonfire,” Drake corrected himself, resuming his search. 

Maxwell, on the other hand, was ecstatic with the new location of the bachelor party. He hollered out, “This place is awesome! Skinny dipping!”

“Keep your pants on, Maxwell,” Tariq pleaded, not wanting to see anything resembling undergarments or worse, underneath them. 

The sky had turned a deep indigo colour with streaks of pink and purple from the sun finishing its descent across the horizon. There were white clouds painted across the sky, shining in the reflection of the ocean’s dark blue and turquoise waters which lapped onto the shores of golden sand. 

“Thank you for bringing us here. I can tell the guys are enjoying themselves already,” Liam thanked Riley, as he admired his friends exploring the undiscovered gem of a beach. 

Riley thoughtfully observed Liam beside her, before commenting, “I bet you’re used to putting everyone else first.”

“And why would you say that?” Liam questioned, turning to look at her with an air of curiosity. Other than his most trusted friends, no one had ever paid attention to him outside of how he brought pride to Cordonia. 

“I can tell. I’m good at reading people…” Riley simply said. She focused her attention on Liam, wondering how he felt at the moment with the new change of scenery. “Now forget about your friends. What about you? Do you like it here?”

Smiling to himself, Liam quietly murmured, “I love it.” It was nothing but the truth. Here, he felt as if he could hear himself think more clearly. He relished the light breeze in the air and the sound of the waves lapping gently onto the shores. 

“It’s my secret spot, so I’m really trusting you,” Riley mentioned, bumping her shoulder against Liam’s. It was a spot she frequented when she wanted a moment to herself to breathe and temporarily put down the weight on her shoulders on the ground. It seemed like Liam needed that as well. 

This fact touched Liam’s heart, as he smiled at her with a sense of gratefulness. “I’ll do my best to be worthy of that trust. Though there’s just one problem… How am I supposed to buy you that drink?”

Jokingly, Riley tapped her finger on her chin as if deep in thought. Then she told Liam, “You’ll think of something. Or maybe you’ll just keep owing me.”

“Fair enough,” Liam agreed. Riley was witty and charming, he had to give her that. “So what should we do?”

“We should… climb up the cliff!” Riley excitedly suggested, pointing to the small hill near the shore. 

Liam’s mouth hung open, as he asked in surprise, “Way up there?”

“Try to keep up!” Riley teased, as she made for a running start with Liam trailing close behind her and laughing in amusement. 

Finding handholds and places for her feet, Riley quickly scaled the cliff face. Once she reached the top, Riley panted, trying to catch her breath as she grinned. “Did it.”

She turned around, extending a hand down and helping Liam up to join her. Gratefully, Liam took her hand and soon found himself facing Riley. Time seemed to stand still as the two gazed into each other’s eyes, which shined brighter directly underneath the soft light from the moon and in the other's presence. 

“Thanks,” Liam responded, a little flustered as he dusted his hands off on his pants. 

Up here with only the two of them, Liam allowed himself to truly observe Riley. He saw her eyes twinkle with excitement as she took in the simple beauty of nature around them. He noticed her wavy black hair bend in the wind, as she brushed a few strands away from her face. 

But when Riley turned her head to face him, Liam knew this wasn’t a silly little crush anymore. Her look gave him butterflies in his stomach but a warm sense of comfort coursing throughout his entire body. He didn’t even know it was possible. 

And maybe, he realized, she was the one he was missing all his life. 

Riley smiled, looking out at the breathtaking view of the shores, the ocean, and the sky around them. “What do you think?”

“Huh?” Liam said in confusion, snapping himself out of his daydream. 

“The view. Worth the climb, right?” Riley asked once more, before craning her neck back up at the stars above them. 

“Oh, definitely,” Liam agreed, the warm smile never faltering on his face. 

For a moment, they both looked out, watching the moonlight play on the waves below as the wind moved through the clouds. From where they were, they felt closer to the stars which shone brilliantly in the sky. Then Riley shivered, which Liam immediately took note of. 

“Cold?” Liam frowned, taking note of the hair on her arms stood up in goosebumps. 

“Maybe just a little…” Riley admitted, giving him a shy look as she wrapped her arms around herself.

“I see that the guys got the bonfire going. Let’s head back down and warm up…” Liam suggested, as he made his way down the hill and helped Riley down.

~ ~ ~

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Tag list: @kingliam2019 @princess-geek @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @tinkie1973 @tessa-liam

[magnolia-sunrise]

if you don't mind elaborating, i'm super curious as to what bastien and matteo's relationship is/was like. what went wrong and how did they come to not fit together (anymore?)? does wolfgang know about that all pre-relationship and how does that affect the two of them once they are together? i hope that makes sense i'm fascinated by how old relationships (platonic/romantic/etc) come to leave marks on and affect characters in the present

OHHH this is wonderful thank you for asking mintt!! i am very quietly really obsessed with their dysfunction but its a difficult thing to draw so i don't get to talk about it often :O

when they first met Bastien was genuinely dazzled with attention and care that Matteo gave him, and how much he provided and cared for him during one of the worst periods of his life when he dropped out of med school etc. they started living together very quickly, and in many ways it was both a lifeline and just genuinely affirming for Bastien who was very early in his transition back then. its the sort of thing that's hard to portray given where their relationship is now, but they did love each other and since then Bastien has always felt like he owes Matteo his life

what changed over the years is, well in most plain terms Bastien changed and Matteo didn't. what felt like comfort before, started to feel more like a cage, because Matteo is a very confident, decisive and controlling person. which was extremely attractive and helpful for Bastien in the absolute mess he was in when they started dating, but as he grew more into his own person he would chafe more and more against the limits of what Matteo found acceptable or attractive. they would live their life how Matteo preferred it, because it has always been that way! and to his fault, Bastien never tried to speak up about it or change anything. he just quietly resigned himself to it, repressing his own wants, and they both let the relationship grow stagnant over years. on top of that was always the feeling of this enormous debt, figuratively and financially, that he owes him. Matteo's money after all helps to finance the clinic where Bastien spends most of his free time getting into a situationship with his android patient

so over time as they get to know each other with Wolf, i think Bastien mentions his relationship less and less and spends more time away from home. so Wolfgang doesn't know the details, but they can tell he's unhappy and they know he will never let himself love anyone else. doesn't stop them from flirting with him, but meeting Matteo or seeing the two of them is a very special kind of pain.

and when Wolfgang and Bastien get together, given the traumatic circumstances, Bastien hasn't even broken up with Matteo yet, since they just had to drop everything and go. i think he carries a lot, a LOT of guilt and self hatred over his indecisiveness and how long it took him to break out from the relationship and let himself be happy - it cost him everything. the way he let himself be in that relationship turned him into a very walled off person, though luckily Wolfgang is a very persistent wrecking ball.

because of all this and how things go down (finding Wolfgang dead. his clinic in flames. etc), he forces himself to be more open and to say yes and to voice his desires and slowly Bastien accepts he could actually be happy, though he will probably never forgive himself. when things are a bit calmer and they have some time to each other, i think some of this history comes out in more detail, exchanging stories about past lovers and love's scars.

with their relationship with Matteo the most interesting part for me is the dynamic of like... even if someone saved your life at one point, it doesn't mean you owe them the rest of it. and it takes Bastien a very long time to accept that

[tessa-liam]

Smoke and Mirrors - I Will Fight For You Chapter 2

Smoke and Mirrors 

Chapter 2: I Will Fight for You 

Book: The Royal Romance Finale AU 

Series premise: Hidden in the shadows, poised to challenge the status quo are enemies of the state. The loyalties and honesty of family, and of friends, will be tested. ‘Keep your friends close, your enemies closer.’ 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP ‘LiRi’ 

2nd Pairings: Leo Rys x Amalas, (past, Olivia Nevrakis x Amalas)    Drake Walker x F!OC Delaney Leigh 

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except Delaney Leigh, Interpol Director Ryerson, Criminal Intelligence Officer Cossoy 

Rating: M *Warnings: sexual innuendo, adult language/swears 

Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff 

Words: 1968, Read: 8 minutes 

Chapter Summary: Olivia starts her fight to remain in Amalas’ life. Bastien may have lost credibility with his King, but his truth will be the start of a new reality for Cordonia.  

Chapter 2: I Will Fight for You 

Music Inspiration: Fight Song by Rachel Platten 

AN1: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week # 16 Prompt #1. “All I ever wanted is right here in front of me”. 

Previous chapter: Old Habits Die Hard 

*** 

Royal Guard Palace Security Offices 

Bastien was watching with trepidation as the Interpol agents gathered more physical evidence from the tampered jail cell. The cell door locking mechanism was removed along with the corresponding digital touchpad installed at the entryway to the bank of holding cells. The computer analyst had already electronically uploaded data from the Cordonian computer systems to the Interpol police servers, early this morning, during his interview with Officer Cossoy. 

Going over in his mind the questions he was asked by the criminal intelligence officer, he was fairly confident that his answers that he gave were acceptable and not incriminating. The analysis from the confiscated iPhone didn’t have any circumstantial evidence of his involvement in any way. 

That he was sure of, after personally reviewing the data. 

There shouldn’t be any surprises this afternoon. Right? 

He felt prepared for his meeting with King Liam this afternoon. However, he was anxious and reconsidered every detail in his mind of the answers he gave to Interpol. 

What conclusions will Interpol discuss with the King? 

What will he his reaction to those conclusions? 

He woke up that morning feeling hopeful, but now, the guilt he always felt was now consuming him.  

*** 

King Liam’s Study, Cordonian Royal Offices 

Liam stood in front of the large bay window in his study, re-living the moment it registered in his mind that Riley was having twins.  

“...and this baby is the twin of another baby right next to it, here.” 

His smile grew wide thinking about having two more children in his family and what that will look like. 

Will they be boys? Girls? Or one of each?  

Ellie will have siblings! 

Riley was making another dream a reality for him, and he was ecstatic. 

When he heard the knock on the door, he redirected his thoughts to focus on the task at hand.  

A potential security breach.  

Turning at the sound of the guards voice, he regarded Leo as he walked into his study.  

Liam greeted his brother, “Leo, hey, thank you for coming to this briefing early.” 

“No problem, Li, how was the doctor’s appointment this morning? is everything okay with Riley?” 

Moving to stand behind his desk, Liam grinned, “well, I...”, he paused shaking his head and smiling. 

Leo tentatively returned the smile to his brother, raising an eyebrow, “what gives?” 

Liam couldn’t get the words out fast enough. 

“Riley is having twins!”  

“Woah! Geez, man...congratulations! Two babies on one shot! 

Impressive, little brother!”  

“Only you would think of that, Leo!” Liam chuckled. 

Leo walked over to his brother pulling him in for a one arm hug. 

Laughing, Liam shook his head, “thank you!” 

*** 

Monterisso Royal Offices 

Amalas sat back on her office chair, waiting for the Interpol file to upload. She was working with her security forces to identify a person of interest requesting citizenship in Monterisso. Normally, her team would vet all new migrants, however when Interpol contacted her directly about this person, her interest was piqued, and she wanted to investigate further personally.  

The analysis of the confiscated iPhone of the escaped prisoner uncovered decrypted information that pointed to a connection in her country. A drone manufacturer here in Monterisso. 

Amalas sat back on her chair, reclining back to relieve the tension in her neck. 

It was not a surprise that the ‘Spy Queen’ was personally asked by the Director for her expertise.  

Amalas had developed drone software, as well, as set up ultramodern drone hardware manufacturing companies in Monterisso.  

Interpol had previously acquired several models of surveillance drones and software for worldwide operations from Monterisso. 

But the surprise came from Leo Rys; who mentioned that this person of interest had evaded the Cordonian Royal guard, and that King Liam had called Interpol.  

The fugitive made a statement at the time of her arrest that she is a Monterrisan resident and was employed as a drone program analyst. In her search to identify this woman, being that they had no evidence of residency, or immigration papers, Amalas had found driver licensing documentation. 

Her name is listed as Lena Eleanor Runarsdotti, formally from the country of Vallenheim. 

She sat back up checking her phone on her desk that just pinged with a message. 

*** 

 King Liam’s Study, Cordonian Royal Offices 

Discussing the revelation that Dr. Ramirez gave at Riley’s appointment, Liam conveyed his anger and distrust of the investigation into the death of his mother. 

Leo was stunned, to say the least.  

“Our father would have known about this pregnancy! My God, Li, is there no end to the fucking bullshit that he was hiding?” 

“Why wouldn’t he tell me at some point that? Why would he not let me grieve for my unborn brother or sister? Did he grieve?” 

“Maybe she wasn’t pregnant when she died. She was away often from the palace, especially before she passed.” 

“Leo, what are you suggesting?” Liam was agitated at his comment. 

 “Li, something doesn’t add up…there’re missing pieces to this puzzle.” 

Liam sighs in frustration, “I have instructed Interpol to analyze and re-open the murder investigation of my mother and now her pregnancy as well.” 

That is another reason why I need you here in Cordonia.” 

Liam could feel his stress level rising, his jaw clenching, he walked over to his bar cart. Picking up two crystal tumblers and a bottle of scotch, he returned to his desk. 

“Anything you need Li, I will stay here for as long as you need me.” 

After Liam handed his brother a drink, once again, the royal guard knocked announcing the arrival of the Interpol Director. 

*** 

King’s Royal Chambers, Cordonian Palace 

Sitting on the terrace, Riley sipped her orange juice while checking messages on her laptop. 

There were several messages concerning Valtoria that she flagged for follow-up with her personal secretary. For the time being, Riley would work remotely with her key duchy council members, at Liam’s insistence. 

Liam was determined to have his queen step back from her duties as duchess temporarily in Valtoria; not wanting her to travel long distances without him.  

Riley sighed and shook her head. 

He was going into ‘protective Daddy mode’, and to help facilitate that, he tasked Olivia with overseeing her duchy along with Lythokis. 

Riley chuckled at the memory of Liam’s pleading look of concern as he successfully sold the idea to his wife. 

“Excuse me, your majesty.” Mara, Riley’s personal guard, interrupted Riley’s thoughts. 

“Duchess Olivia is here requesting an audience.” 

“Thank you, Mara, please show her here to the terrace.” 

Riley was not surprised that Liam had already arranged for Olivia to meet with her. 

Olivia appeared at the doorway, grinning at her longtime friend. “Twin babies! Riley, I am so delighted for you!” 

“Yes, it was a shock to say the least! 

Thank you for coming to see me. Liv, please come sit.” 

*** 

King Liam’s Study, Cordonian Royal Offices 

Interpol Director Ryerson and Criminal Intelligence Officer Cossoy entered Liam’s Study. They both bowed to Liam and then shook Leo’s hand before sitting down at the boardroom table. 

After pleasantries were exchanged, Director Ryerson wasted no time in stating their preliminary findings and suggested three plans of action. 

“Firstly, to facilitate the installation and implementation of the proposed enhanced security protocols, I would like to imbed Officer Cossoy with your Royal guard.” 

“Is there a perceived threat to my Kingdom, Director? A threat that the Royal Guard is not adequately equipped to ensure the protection of the Royal Family?” Liam questioned emphatically. 

“Not at this time, your majesty. Your family is secure.” 

“We do believe, however, that Bastien Lykel is a compromised asset, placed close to the royal family, during the time of King Constantine’s reign, by a yet undetermined element.  

By staying in close proximity to the operations of your Royal guard, we can watch first hand Mr. Lykel.  

“Bastien needs to be removed at once, especially now with Queen Riley’s pregnancy,” Leo exclaimed. 

“With all due respect, Queen Riley will be safer with the increased presence of Interpol.” 

“Does this ‘increased presence’ include added Interpol officers to her personal guard?” Liam responds. 

“Yes, your majesty, Officer Cossoy has select, vetted guards to imbed to the Queen’s guard.  

Director Ryerson continues, “The former Duke of Karlington, who is currently incarcerated, is also a point of interest here. 

We need your approval to seek his extradition, Your Majesty, to our headquarters in Lyon, France.” 

Liam at once answers, “whatever supports you need, of course. As well, I will assume you have evidence of Bastien’s complicity.” 

The Director continues, “we have reason to believe Mr. Lykel has previously undisclosed information on the death of Queen consort Eleanor Rys and of Jackson Walker, as well.” 

Even though Liam asked for a further investigation into his mother’s death, he was stunned at these revelations. 

“Lastly, we have identified the true identity of the woman apprehended by the Royal Guard, that was later released by Bastien Lykel. 

Her name is Lena Eleanor Rys. She is currently living in Monterisso, formally of Vallenheim. She was the ward of Queen Sigrid Runarsdottir, deceased.” 

*** 

The sun was just setting, when Drake slung into his Ford F-150 truck. He was exhausted.  

Tonight’s council meeting was complex. When Liam joined in with the Interpol officers, his world was flipped over with the new revelations. 

His mind was still reeling from the intense meeting and the last thing he wanted to do was to go home to a lonely cabin.  

Texting Delaney, he let her know that he would be stopping by tonight, hoping he could crash at her place. 

When he finally pulled into Delaney’s driveway, he smiled wide when she greeted him at the door. 

Upon receiving Drakes’s text, Delaney started to prepare a light, late meal for him, complete with home baked apple pie with ice cream for dessert. 

Drake sat back, after his feast, content and relaxed. 

“You were hungry!” 

“This meal.... was perfect. Thank you...You really know how to spoil a guy! 

“You’re welcome baby, anytime!” Delaney winks. 

Drake smiles, “Laney, come over here.” 

Moving to him, she straddles his lap.

“All I ever wanted is right here in front of me.” 

Placing his hands on her hips, Drake doesn’t waste any time, pressing his lips to hers, then deepens the kiss. After a few moments Drake pauses, then cupping her cheeks with his hands. Gazing into her eyes, he confesses,

“Then stay with me tonight.” Delaney whispers. 

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[yen-yay]

Honeymoon Knight (Bastien)

Part 2 / 2

[Yay] = Insert Name

After a while…Bastien and I came to the temple. One of the legends of Kalliste.

"He who is given the Hwadong in the temple of the goddess is blessed with good fortune.”

The temple of the goddess is the setting for this legend.

Bastien was standing in the temple of the goddess with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Bastien:

Thank you, [Yay]. Thank you for staying with me all this way.

I am so happy to be able to spend this day alone with you…

I was very happy. I was very happy to spend a peaceful time with my precious partner.

I was so happy to be with you. Being with [Yay]…I could feel the happiness in my heart. I am so sad that today is over.

You:

Bastien…

Bastien:

But I...I will continue to be by your side, [Yay].

I will continue to be next to [Yay]...I will protect you.

Mrs. [Yay]…Please accept this bouquet of flowers.

Saying that, Bastien…held out a bouquet of soft pink flowers.

The fluffy and distinctive flowers gave a gentle impression. It is a very pretty bouquet.

Bastien:

Pink starches. The language of the flowers is "everlasting.”

Mrs. [Yay], you are the one I want to protect with everything I have. 

My body, my heart, my life…

Everything I am…

I swear I will devote myself to you forever. In my life, which was nothing but a sword,...Who brought light to my life…None other than…[Yay], it's you.

No matter how long I have to live from now on…I will live…All of me belongs to you, [Yay].

So, please…Please…Please accept this bouquet. I am...

I'm thinking of you all the time.

I will be next to you at all times.

And I will protect your... I will protect your body, your heart, your life... everything. I promise to make you happy.

Bastien did not look away... Bastien looked me straight in the eye.

I gently…I accepted Bastien’s bouquet.

You:

Bastien is very important to me, too.

Bastien:

Hmph, hmph…Lord…

No, [Yay]…Thank you for accepting me.

Thank you for accepting my feelings. Thank you for allowing me to continue to be next to you…

Thank you so much. Right now…I am happy from the bottom of my heart. Everything I am belongs to you. From now on…I promise to take good care of you, [Yay].

I will make you happy.

Saying this, Bastien…This man said he will take care of me for the rest of my life…I'll take care of him forever…

He looked into my eyes and smiled softly.

It was a gentle smile that made me think so.

Bastien:

Well, Mrs. [Yay]…

I'm sorry to leave you…I think it's time for us to go.

You:

I understand.

On the way back from the temple, I was resting in the flower garden... Bastien called out to me. I took the bouquet of flowers that Bastien had given me…I ran to him. Bastien got on his horse…and quickly pulled me up on the horse.

He is also riding a white horse... Today he was like a prince from a fairy tale.

Bastien:

Hmm…? [Yay], what's wrong?

You:

Bastien, you look like a prince.

Bastien:

A prince...?

I'm a prince?

You:

Because you're so cool.

Bastien:

Hmph--". I see.

[Yay], I'm sure…even though you know I'm not cool. 

But still I’m really glad that you still think I’m cool. I'm really happy.

I'm not like the hero of a fairy tale... I'm not a perfect being...

Still, I can make you...I want to be the one who can make you happy.

If I can make [Yay] happy...If we can be together forever...

I am the happiest person in the world.

You:

Bastien…

Bastien:

Well... let's get going. [Yay], lean your body with mine.

You:

Okay, okay.

I leaned against Bastien…

I leaned my back against him.

Bastien:

Hmph--. Then let's go.

Bastien gave the signal, and the white horse slowly…slowly started to walk.

It seemed that he was going to take the long way around on his way.

Bastien must be...Bastien must be hoping that this happy time will last for a long time.

You:

Bastien…

Let's go slowly, Bastien.

Bastien:

… …Oh, yes, I will. Hey, [Yay]...

Honey…What's up?

Bastien put the reins together in one hand and…With his other hand, he caressed my bouquet.

I wish this day can last forever.

THE END

(I cried a lot, I hope you enjoyed)