#bastien x annabelle

[tessa-liam]

Life Goes On

Marabelle Series

Chapter 15 – Part 2

Choices – The Royal Romance, AU – (cross-over with Rules of Engagement)

Series Premise – An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobility, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret?

Marabelle Series Masterlist, My Complete Masterlist

Main Pairing – Crown Prince Liam Rys x F!OC Lady Sophia (Sophie) Taylor

Other Pairings – Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC), Drake Walker x F!OC Melanie Smithson

Most characters belong to Choices/Pixelberry Studios

Series Rating – M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, drinking, crude language & innuendo, gun violence

Many thanks to @selina012 for pre-reading.

Category – Alternate universe/on-going series/angst/fluff/cross-over with Choices Rules of Engagement

Chapter Summary – Liam returns home to Cordonia to find Sophie and to address his nation about the university terror attack.

Music & Title Inspiration: Life Goes On, Ed Sheeran, Luke Combs; Run To You, Lucy Thomas

A/N1: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the U.S. and is Barthelemy Beaumont’s second wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) is Bertrand’s mother.

A/N2: ‘Social Season’ in this AU series refers to a traditional period in the spring/summer for royalty and members of the court to take part in Balls, dinner parties and charity events.

A/N3: Heartfelt thanks to @Selina012 for joining me in writing ideas and with dialogue/content for this chapter and series.

Aboard the Royal jet, Rashad peered outside the window and took in the white sands of Cordonia's shores passing by. Suddenly his ears popped, and the pilot spoke over the intercom, announcing the estimated arrival time was in 5 minutes. He felt nervous and helpless and could not help but repeat his fears in his mind: ‘There hasn't been any good news’.

Drake watched Liam walk away from his seat, his hand curled around a glass tumbler filled with an expensive scotch. He wondered if they would hear news before they landed. Remembering his best friend's emotional spiral downward after the past assassination attempt three years ago at the palace; this had the makings of that same pattern. This time though, Drake was not going to leave Liam alone.

The dire problem of not having any clues where Sophie was at the moment was suffocating.

As they waited to land, the minutes seemed to draw out. There was not much he or any of Liam's guards could do but wait and prepare to offer the crown prince their full support.

Liam finished off his scotch, the fiery liquid barely registering, and tried to review the notes for his upcoming address to his nation in his head while stepping into his private suite onboard.

There had still been no update on his beloved Sophie's whereabouts or circumstances.

He took a deep, long breath and turned to Bastien walking next to him with unmistakable determination. "Bastien, contact the security team back home immediately. I need all the current details on the scene and an update on the rescue operations."

Bastien sprang into action, calling the security team leader and putting him on speakerphone so that Liam could hear the conversation in real time. Captain Sean Wilson answered the call.

"Captain, this is Crown Prince Liam Rys, requesting an update on the incident at the University of Cordonia." Liam's voice came through the phone speaker, clear and strong.

"Your Highness, the situation at the scene is complicated and we have deployed additional rescue teams to help facilitate the speedy rescue and recovery process.”

The captain’s voice was tired but remained professional. "We have confirmation that multiple students have been injured in the shooting. We have increased security three-fold around the campus and are working diligently to track down the suspects."

Liam's fists clenched involuntarily, but he remained stoic as he continued. "I need a complete list of all the known casualties. I want to know about each and every one."

"Your Highness, we have established a comprehensive emergency response mechanism. At present, we are compiling the information and rescue teams are working at full ability. The list of casualties is being urgently collated, and I will send it to you via encrypted channels as soon as it is completed."

Liam nodded, and though he could not be seen, there was an unmistakable insistence in his tone: "I need this completed as soon as possible. In addition, please continue to strengthen the search and rescue efforts to ensure the safety of all students. At the same time, increase the manpower to hunt down the suspects and I demand that they be brought to justice in the shortest possible time."

Shortly after hanging up, the sound of an encrypted email rang on Liam's tablet, which he quickly clicked on; and displayed a list of known casualties on the screen as asked. There were fourteen people in the column of the dead, and dozens of names in the column of the injured. Liam took a deep breath and began to go through the list of names, one by one, each name like a sharp blade, stabbing at his heart. He searched carefully, afraid to miss any possible detail. But until the end, he did not find Sophie's name.

Liam clenched his fists, his eyes shining with unshakeable determination. "Bastien, as soon as the jet lands, we will go to the scene and assess the situation personally.”

Bastien, at once responded: "Yes, Your Highness. I will ensure that everything is in place."

Liam turned his head to stare out the window at the clouds; his heart was in turmoil. Although Sophie's name did not appear on the list of casualties, his fears did not diminish. He knew that the lack of news did not mean that Sophie was necessarily safe. That she might still be struggling, or that for some reason she might not be able to communicate with the outside world. He had to ensure that Sophie was safe personally.

Thinking of this, he took out his phone and touched Sophie’s number with trembling fingers. But all he heard on the other end of the line was a cold, robotic voice: 'Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is unavailable.'

Sending a text, he carefully tapped every letter, as he expressed his worries and thoughts.

'Love, please call me as soon as you get this message. I'm worried about you.'

___

'Where are you? Are you safe? Why can't I reach you?'

___

'I'm already on my way back to Cordonia. Please wait for me. Please.'

As the minutes ticked by, the 'unread' message on the screen was an ironic and cruel reminder of the futility of all his efforts.

Frustrated, he then tried to call Sophie's aunt and then sent a text message to Maxwell. 'Max, are you okay? Where are you? Have you heard from Sophie?'

Shortly after, his phone vibrated and Liam checked the text immediately .... only to see Maxwell reply,

"Liam, me and Daniel are at the Malic Hotel now, we're all right. But Sophie got separated in the confusion!!!!😢 I have been trying to reach her without success. I'm really worried about her.'

Receiving this update, Liam, although still anxious, was also relieved that Maxwell felt safe. He immediately replied: "Max, good to hear you're okay. Please keep in touch, I'll be back as soon as I can, and we'll find Sophie together."

Liam then picked up his phone again and sent a text message to Sophie's Aunt Bethany:

'Duchess Bethany, this is Liam. How are you? Have you heard from Sophie? I am very concerned for her safety.'

A few minutes later, Bethany replied to his message: 'Your Highness, I'm fine, but Sophie hasn't been heard from since the ceremony. I am also anxiously awaiting her contact. Please try to not worry, I'm sure she will be all right'

Liam's heart sank to rock bottom as he closed his eyes, silently praying that she would be found safe and unharmed. At the same time, he also felt a deep sorrow for all the innocent victims of the attack. He understood as crown prince, he had the responsibility and obligation, along with his father, to ensure the security of the country and its people. This attack was an acute test of his leadership.

University of Cordonia, Capital

As Sophie wandered aimlessly through the maze of people, her eyes welled up. The adrenaline of an earlier escape from the auditorium faded and she felt more sadness, fear and heartache than she had ever felt before. For a moment, she could not control her emotions and tears ran down her cheeks. How she wished it all had been a bad dream, that she would wake up and find that it had all been a false alarm.

An hour later, Sophie and other surviving students and guests were evacuated in an orderly manner to a hotel outside of the campus, the Malic Hotel. The hotel was temporarily requisitioned as an emergency shelter and was surrounded by police and security personnel to ensure internal safety and order. But even so, there was an indescribable tension and unease still in the air.

Sophie had been assigned to room 302. The moment she stepped into her hotel room; Sophie could finally catch her breath. She sat wearily on the edge of the bed, looking out of the window with empty eyes, but her mood could not be calmed. She was eager to know more about what happened at the graduation, especially the mysterious men in black masks, their identity, purpose and why they were there; all of these became lingering questions in her mind.

She instinctively wanted to turn on her phone, hoping to find some clue or news report that would at least give her a sense of what had happened. But reality threw icy water at her - her phone screen was broken and riddled with cracks. She quickly pressed the power button, but the screen only flickered a few times, and then no longer responded. Sophie's eyes flashed with despair, as her contact with the outside world was completely cut off.

Thoughts came like a flood. She missed her Aunt Bethany, who supported her no matter what she was going through, who gave her endless warmth and encouragement, and who always made her feel at home in Cordonia. At the same time, she missed her horse, Marabelle. Every time she mounted Marabelle's back and galloped across the wide fields of Ramsford, all her troubles seemed to go away with the wind. Marabelle's eyes were always full of trust and loyalty, and there was a tacit understanding between them without words. How she wished now that she could feel the freedom and joy of running with Marabelle again.

But most of all, she missed Liam. In this unknown and dangerous moment, how she wished he could be with her, give her support and comfort. Liam, the man she was in love with, who gave her strength. She had never been so impatient to see him, to feel safe in his arms.

Now, however, she could only face all this alone; tears in her eyes had slipped down once again. In addition to missing Liam, Sophie's mind was filled with anxiety about the attack. She did not know how many people had been injured or even killed in the attack; whether Candy and Tom would get better, or what was going on with Maxwell and Daniel. They were her friends and family, and their safety stuck with her. She prayed silently that they would be safe.

Amidst this anxiety, there was so many questions. Who were those men in black at the graduation? Why would they target innocent students? What is the purpose behind this attack?

What puzzled her even more was the emblem of the earth and the baby. What does it mean? What has it got to do with the attack?

Her mind was full of confusion and uneasiness, questions swirled with no answers in sight, leaving her breathless. She tried to piece together every detail of the night in her mind, hoping to remember a clue or an answer. But the images were fragmented, leaving her unable to grasp and put together any useful information.

"Liam ..." Sophia muttered under her breath. She recalled what Liam had said about what he had experienced as a young prince and the memories of an assassination attempt that had fear cutting through his heart like a sharp blade.

Exhaustion came flooding in, overwhelming all her thoughts and feelings. Sophie lay in bed, breathing smoothly and deeply, and her body relaxed, as if all her worries and pain had been temporarily released at that moment. She drifted off to sleep with all her doubts, uneasiness, sadness, and longing for Liam.

The Royal Palace, Cordonia

The press was relentless. Inside the throne room, King Constantine stood stoically, as members of the press core demanded answers about the campus attack. Constantine cleared his throat and addressed the press directly and with the assurance of his years of reign and released a statement:

“At this dark hour, I stand before you with profound grief and pain in my heart. Like many of you, I am mourning the lives lost today, and we pray for the wounded to make a full recovery.

While we grieve the senseless violence that struck our country, we are also furious with the loss and sorrow brought on by those responsible for this evil act. We cannot and will not tolerate the murder and harming of innocent lives simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Those who commit such unspeakable acts will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the crown.”

Stepping down from the dais, Constantine was at once escorted by his royal guard out of the throne room. He looked visibly shaken and gripped his cane, trying to stand straight and upright.

Constantine's face was pale, and his eyes were filled with deep sorrow, his elderly face looked worn. But he refused to shed tears, still maintaining his dignified manner, while in public.

Lawrence, his personal guard, moved quickly to his side, “Your Majesty, the Royal jet has just landed with your son.”

Malic Motor Hotel, temporary safe house, University of Cordonia

The second group of surviving students were transported to the Malic hotel in orderly batches by the police in the pre-dawn night. The bright lights in the lobby could not hide the tension and in these in the air. Police officers, security personnel and medical staff were busy shuttling through the hallways to ensure that every student was properly accommodated.

The noise of footsteps and a murmur of conversation broke the sounds of the night. Sophie woke up, opened her eyes slightly, and through a gap in the half-closed curtains. She saw several figures hurrying along the corridor, as if new survivors had been brought in. She got up and dressed. Soon the door was gently opened, and a figure slowly entered the room. It was a girl about Sophie's age, a little wobbly in her step, visibly shaken by the night's horror and still reeling from the shock.

"Hey, um ... excuse me. I was assigned to this room. Is it okay if I come in?" The girl's voice was small and trembling, and her eyes were slightly timid.

Sophie at once stood up and smiled back, "Hello, come on in." The girl came closer, and Sophie could see her face. She had an East Asian face, long deep brown hair, and large black eyes full of fear and confusion, as if she had just woken up from a nightmare.

The girl said softly, "thank you, my name is Hana. What happened tonight was terrible ..."

Sophie took Hana's hand and sat her down on the edge of the bed. "Hi Hana, my name is Sophie. I know we have been through the same horror. But it is all right now. We can talk together and maybe it will make you feel better." Sophie tried to sound calm and friendly, hoping to bring some comfort to the girl.

Hana gave Sophie a grateful look, and took a deep breath. She began with great determination to recount her own experience at the graduation.

"I was with friends and all of a sudden the lights went out and they were gunshots ... I tried to run away, but there were screams and chaos all around me. I really don't know how I got out. I was taken to the stadium with some people and stayed there almost overnight until we were brought here. But I never saw my friends again. I got separated from them, I do not know what became of them..." Hana wiped tears from her eyes.

Sophie listened quietly, with a surge of sympathy and understanding. She thought of her friends Candy and Tom, and her cousin Maxwell and Daniel, and a pang of worry filled her heart.

"Hana, I've had my own friends injured and go missing too. Candy's arm was hit by shrapnel, Tom was shot in the shoulder, and they are both in the hospital; and Maxwell and Daniel got separated from me when they escaped. I am really worried about them. But I'm sure they will be all right. Your friends must have gotten out safely, too. You must believe that."

Hana's eyes flashed with emotion and trust as she listened to Sophie's words. "Sophie, you are such a strong person. If only I could be as brave as you."

Sophie patted Hana's arm gently and smiled wryly.

"Hana, it's normal to be afraid in this situation. In fact, I am also afraid, and all the people who have been through this attack."

Then Sophie's tone became a little heavier, and she decided to tell Hana what she had seen. With that, Sophie picked up the paper and pen on the table in the room and drew the sign from memory. Hana's face turned pale when she saw Sophie's drawing; her eyes widened, and she repeated in disbelief, "you saw this sign?"

Sophie nodded, her words unmistakable, "Yes, I'm sure. It was a very strange sign. I saw it clearly. They acted quickly and in an orderly manner. They were not ordinary thugs."

Hana held Sophie's hand tightly, her voice shaking slightly. "This sign, I have seen on the news, but with what specific event, I can't remember. However, it is definitely unusual and must be the hallmark of an organisation or group."

Sophie's eyes sharpened, and she frowned in thought. "This is no coincidence. The men in black were clearly prepared, and their attack may well have been targeted. We must tell the police about this as soon as possible.”

Hana shuddered, her voice filled with fear and worry. "But... will that put us in danger? If they are really that powerful, will they retaliate?"

Sophie's heartrate quickened. Of course she was afraid. The scene of Candy and Tom being shot and wounded replayed again before her eyes. The blood staining their shirts, the pain and helplessness weaving in their desperate eyes. These were images that she could never forget.

Then, in her mind, the panic of people running away, their faces showing fear and helplessness. Screams, cries, and pleas for help made up the most tragic symphony of the night. Fires were burning, the smoke was billowing, and the whole evening was enveloped in despair and confusion.

But thinking of the students who had been victimized, of Maxwell and Daniel who were still missing, and of Candy and Tom who were still in the hospital ... Sophie took a deep breath and quieted her heart. She could not let her fear consume her. She knew that her friends needed her. ... 'If you do not step up, Sophie, this kind of tragedy will happen again.'

Sophie stiffened her resolve, her voice was soft, yet powerful: "No, Hana, we cannot stay quiet. Candy, Tom, and your friends are just some of the many people who were hurt tonight. If we stay silent because we are afraid, more people will be hurt in the future. We can't let this continue to happen."

Hana's fear was replaced by a kind of courage as she listened to Sophie's words. "You're right, Sophie. I won't back down," She nodded firmly.

"Sophie, I'm so happy to meet you." Hana looked sheepishly at Sophie, blushing.

"If it wasn't for you, I don't know what I would have done."

She touched Hana's arm and smiled, "I know you have determination, too, Hana." Sophie was genuinely happy ... happy to be friends with Hana.

Sophie hesitated for a moment, then whispered to Hana, "Hana,can you show me the news? My phone broke during the attack." She pulled out her cracked cell phone.

Hana nodded, and picked up her phone from the nightstand to open the news app. Together, they stared at the small screen, searching for news related to last night's university shooting.

On the screen, several shocking reports soon came into view. The mass shooting at the University of Cordonia had attracted widespread attention from the national and international community. The report detailed the chaos and bloodshed of the night, but also said that the police were fully investigating the incident and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible. As she read, she felt mixed feelings.

Sophie continued browsing. Suddenly, a marked headline hit her eyes and made her heart beat faster. --

"Crown Prince Liam Rys urgently ends his visit to Italy and returns home to respond to the shooting incident at Cordonia University."

She tapped eagerly; the live broadcast of the news began automatically.

On the screen, Liam stood in the doorway of the familiar white, shadowy auditorium, behind which the smoke had not fully cleared and live images of ambulances and police cars could be seen. Liam's figure stood unwavering behind press microphones.. He wore a black suit, his eyes were slightly solemn, but his face was more resolute and decided, that could not be ignored.

Sophie stared intently at the screen, every subtle expression of Liam tugging at her heartstrings. His voice came clearly over the phone, calm and strong.

Sophie's eyes were red and brimmed with tears. Her heart was racing, as she felt Liam's deep emotion coming through the screen. And then Liam's words turned to unquestioning determination:

Sophie stared at the screen, her tears spilling onto her cheeks. The moment she heard him say the words, 'Our Cordonian family', her heart swelling with indescribable excitement and pride; she wanted to run to his side and face all of this with him. However, this emotion was quickly overcome by reason, knowing that she could not expose her relationship with Liam, especially when there were other people around watching. She gently turned down the volume on the phone for fear that Hana would notice her emotional reactions. She clutched the phone tightly, as if she could feel Liam's presence and power in her hand.

"Sophie, what's wrong?"

Hana's voice sounded softly, interrupting her thoughts. Sophie suddenly came back to herself with a disguised smile, trying to sound natural. "Oh, nothing, I just didn't expect Prince Liam to be back so soon, it's only been a few hours since the shooting."

There was a subtle tremor in Sophie's words, afraid that her mind would be read by Hana and cause unnecessary trouble for Liam. She knew that at this particular moment she had to be careful not to reveal her relationship with Liam.

"Hana, could I possibly use your phone again? I want to send a text to my family and tell them about my situation."

Hana heard her words, a flicker of concern in her eyes. She seemed aware of Sophie's inner struggle and longing, but out of respect and trust, she did not ask any more questions, just smiled and nodded, "Of course, Sophie." You can use it whenever you need."

Sophie gave Hana a grateful look, and a warm wave came through her heart. She quickly opened the text messages on the phone, her fingers jumping over the keyboard, as she sent two messages. The first one to Aunt Bethany and the second one to Maxwell. In the text messages, Sophie told them that she was doing well and that they should not worry. She expressed concern for Maxwell and Daniel and hoped they were safe.

After sending the two texts, Sophie took a deep breath and began her text to Liam. She edited the text carefully ...

"Hi, Li, this is Sophie.

I'm all right. I am in Room 302 at the Malic Hotel at the university.

There was a shooting at the graduation, and I was lucky to escape. My phone is broken, and now I'm texting you on my roommate, Hana's phone.

I know you must be terribly busy and worried at the moment, but please believe me, I am fine and safe.

Don't worry about me. Just focus on what's needed right in front of you. I love you and look forward to seeing you soon."

The message didn't mention Liam's real name, and Sophie was confident that he would get her message. After pressing the send button, the words "Delivered" appeared on the screen. Suppressing her feelings, she quickly removed the text message, making sure it left no trace.

It didn’t take long for Sophie to hear back from Maxwell and Aunt Bethany.

Maxwell:

“Sophie, it’s so good to hear from you! Daniel and I are at the Malic Hotel too, and we are doing fine. We were looking for you, too. Just relieved to hear you are okay. We’ll talk more when we meet up.”

Aunt Bethany:

“Dear Sophie, I’m so happy to hear from you! Thank God you are okay. We are all so worried about you, but now we can relax. Be safe and we will see each other soon.”

After receiving notifications of incoming messages, the corners of her mouth cannot help but raise in a happy smile, a big stone in her heart finally fell to the ground. Sophie held the phone and re-read their loving words, feeling the warmth and support from her family.

A ray of sunlight penetrated a gap in the curtain and gently spilled into the hotel room, shining on Sophie's face. She gently closed her eyes, quietly feeling the warmth of the sun, the soft light made her very at ease, like a pair of warm hands, smoothing her fear and anxiety away. She was relieved that Maxwell and Daniel had escaped safely and that she could tell Aunt Bethany about herself.

And Liam will know that she's safe. Sophie found a trace of comfort and strength in reaching out to him.

"Thank you, Hana." Sophie smiled and handed the phone back to her new friend.

Hana took the phone and put it away, quietly watching it all, with a warm glow in her eyes. She may not know the story between Sophie and Liam, but she could sense that there was a deep emotion and connection with him in Sophie's heart. In this time of uncertainty, they were supporting each other and facing life's challenges together.

Cordonia International Airport

The Royal motorcade was situated on the tarmac in wait to take Liam and his men to the university.

Liam strode quickly and confidently to his SUV after his security detail had provided Liam with a report of all the victims and fatalities. Sophie's name was not listed, and Liam's heart remained uncertain, until he saw her with his own eyes.

His duty of keeping alert and informed for his country allowed Liam to control his fears of the possibility of seeing his beloved injured or worse. He fought against every fiber of his being to not burst through the chaos, with full disregard, to search for Sophie among the evacuated students. Liam, surrounded by his royal guard, Drake and Rashad, he walked onto the university grounds.

Drake, on the other hand, was not worried about propriety and cared for none of it. He rushed in and did not pay attention to anything but finding Sophie and Maxwell. He broke past some of the law enforcement and was met by a swarm of flashing cameras and press microphones.

"Back away!" He snapped, having to put his forearm up, and not relent. The flashing bulbs, whirring of camera lenses and questions being thrown at him was enough to drive any sane person mad.

"Don't you have decency? What type of scoundrels and fiends are you?"

An officer who recognized Drake, yelled, "settle down, everyone, he's an American friend of the prince's, stand down and don't crowd him."

On the campus of the University of Cordonia, even after several hours had passed, the chaos in the auditorium had not abated by a minute. Several police cars and ambulances, flashing their warning lights, stood by the side of the road at the ready. Police officers and ambulance workers were busy moving around the scene, serious and focused, although physically and mentally exhausted, but still stuck to their posts, to deal with the incident.

A police cordon has been placed around the scene to seal off the auditorium from the outside world. Liam saw the chaos and destruction ... and the despair of his people.

Liam took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, and walked resolutely into the crowd and up onto the raised dais. The crowd grew quiet, and all eyes turned to the crown prince.

" Last night, our university campus has experienced an unprecedented trauma. On behalf of the royal family of Cordonia, I extend my sincere comfort and deepest condolences to all those who have been hurt and who have been affected by this tragedy. Your pain is the pain of all Cordonia. We will do everything possible to provide the necessary support and needed assistance to make sure everyone gets through this."

At this point, Liam's eyes flashed a subtle tenderness, that is his endless miss and love for Sophie.

But Liam took a deep breath and condensed his emotions and anger into a powerful determination.

"We will not sit idly by and let go of any of these terrorists. I promise that the Crown will use all resources in its power to track down the attackers and punish those responsible for this tragedy. We will bring justice to the victims, and to our people, to our Cordonian family."

***

The sky in the east gradually lightened as the night slowly faded; like the tide falling, as if in response to his words. A ray of dawn pierced the darkness, and the sun rose at last. The golden light slowly and gently spread over the campus, silently dispelling the darkness and cold; to bring a touch of warmth to the morning. There was renewed trust and hope in the eyes of the crowd. At this moment, they are silently praying, their hearts are full of deep hope: may such a tragedy never be repeated, so that the dead can rest in peace, and so that the living can find the strength to move forward; In the hope that the murderer will be punished, and there will be no hiding places of any crimes and evils.

As the Royal guard escorted Liam from the stage, Bastien approached with Liam’s mobile phone in hand.

“Sir, Lady Sophia has left you a message.”

Thanks for reading ❣️

@choicesficwriterscreations

@selina012

📌tags in the comments, please let me know if you want to be added or removed.

[likethetailofacomet]

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words... Rose of Sharon

This is my submission for the Choices Fandom Game: A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

I was given my picture by the wonderful @bobasheebaby who not so subtly hinted that I should write this about Bastien and Annabelle, and I was more than happy to comply. I tried my actual hardest to keep  this AT 1,000 words. But, you guys, I am wordy. This was so much fun, though, and I am very excited to share this piece! 

A/N: This piece can be read alongside my series The Broken Bits. This takes place just three days after Bastien and Annabelle meet. If you haven’t read their first meeting, you can do so here. Also, fun fact: a “rose of sharon” isn’t actually a rose. it’s used to describe “a flower of the field or valley” but there isn’t a specific flower that is being referenced. (picture prompt appears in body of text) 

Word Count: 1,263 

Tunes: Rhiannon, Fleetwood Mac and Rose of Sharon, Mumford and Sons

He saw her again just three days after meeting her in the entrance hall of the palace. It was a warmer than usual spring morning and Bastien was finishing his rounds before meeting with Jackson to discuss the arrangements for the Milan trip. He made his way through the courtyard between the main building and the outer offices, the sun warm on the back of his neck. The hedges were tall but trimmed with razor precision into thick, solid walls of green. Bastien reached out and ran his hand along the waxy leaves as he passed by. He enjoyed when his patrol took him through the gardens or the courtyards. The palace was beautiful with its sculpted reliefs and oil paintings, everything dripping in gold, but it was stifling at times. A gilded cage was still a cage, and on warm days he much preferred to be outside. He turned the corner and where he would normally expect to see the violet blossoms of the giant Rose of Sharon bush; he was met instead with a shock of fiery orange hair glinting in the sun.

He reacted instinctively, not wanting to be seen, by shrinking back against the hedgerow. She sat in front of the bush, one leg stretched out, her milky white skin practically glowing against the emerald blades of grass, the other bent with a sketchbook propped against her knee. Her curls rolled down her back, some of them dancing on the breeze and blowing into her face. He watched as she used the hand that held her pencil to brush a few stray strands back behind her shoulder, only for them to blow back into her face again. It would be much easier for her if she tied it back, Bastien knew, but he found himself enjoying the fact that she hadn’t. She didn’t strike me as someone who does things because they’re easy, he thought to himself, remembering her quick comebacks and sharp wit…that playful glimmer in her eyes, the way that her cheek would get that dimple in it when she smirked at him. She does things exactly as she wants to.

 He’d found himself thinking of her over the past few days, wondering if or when he’d bump into her again. He watched her for another moment as she brought her pencil back to the paper, moving it gracefully, sweeping it across her page like a magic wand, making flowers and tangled vines appear from nothing. Her toes curled in the grass, the sun in her hair and on her skin- she looked like a flower in the field, no wonder she could capture them so perfectly. He realized he’d been watching her for longer than he meant to when another breeze blew through the courtyard, shaking the blossoms and the leaves and her hair, and he knew he had to move before she turned and saw him. He stepped out from behind the hedges and started back on his path, his palms sweaty as he got closer to where she was set up in the grass.

 She’s just a girl. Just say hello, what’s wrong with you? His thoughts did nothing for his confidence. You’re training to be the Captain of the King’s Guard someday, man, and you can’t talk to a pretty face? Before he could continue berating himself, he heard something and realized she was not only listening to music on a small battery operated radio, but that she was signing along. The song changed and her nimble fingers jumped to the volume dial, spinning it and making the music louder. Her outstretched leg bopped with the beat and her voice hit his ear, “Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night and wouldn't you love to love her? Takes to the sky like a bird in flight and who will be her lover?” He stutter stepped as he heard her voice, off key; she was an artist but certainly not a singer, though that wasn’t stopping her from belting the song with reckless abandon. Now you really have to say something. You’re watching her, you’re listening to her, for god’s sake, at least clear your throat. Bastien wished he could teleport to Jackson’s office so he wouldn’t have to interrupt her, wouldn’t have to pierce this perfect bubble of sunshine and song that she was enjoying. But that wasn’t an option, so he cleared his throat and took another step towards her.

 “I was wondering how long you were going to stand there, Bastien,” she said between lyrics, without turning around. “This is a private concert, do you have a ticket?” she glanced over her shoulder at him and he could see a dark smudge of charcoal above her right eyebrow. She looked amused, that smirk back on her face, one cheek squished up into her sparkling eye.

 Despite being caught in the act, he felt a smile creeping up his warm face, a sheepish laugh falling from his lips. He patted his pockets as she spun around, drawing her long legs up in front of her. “I seem to have misplaced my ticket,” he said, “would you happen to have another?”

 Annabelle grinned at him and set her sketchbook aside. “Sorry, an act like this,” she gestured to herself, “sells out quickly. “Better luck next time, Mr. Senior Assistant.”

 “Apprentice,” he corrected her, but the wink she shot him told him that she knew, and that she was teasing him. He shook his head and checked his watch. He had exactly 3 minutes before he was due in Jackson’s office, and at least a 5 minute walk ahead of him. He’d have to run. “So when’s the next show time?”  he asked.

 Annabelle looked down at her sketchbook, at the blossoms she’d been working on. With a smirk, she ripped the corner piece off of one of the pages and quickly turned it over, scribbling something on the back. She rose, unfolding her long legs, and crossed the space between them. She smelled like grass stains as she came closer, holding the paper out to him. “You tell me,” she said, biting her bottom lip and looking at him through her lashes.

 Confused, Bastien looked down at the paper. It was one of her flowers, gorgeously lifelike, and on the back she’d written her name and a phone number, and two little x’s. When he brought his disbelieving eyes back up, she was already scooping her things back into her bag. “I’ve got to get to a meeting with my advisor. You’re probably supposed to be somewhere too,” Bastien nodded, still in awe of the drawing she’d given him. “Well, you better get wherever you need to before you’re in too much trouble to take me out sometime.” She winked again as with a toss of her hair she set off towards the palace, leaving him to shove the paper on his pocket and sprint across the courtyard to Jackson’s office.

 _ _ _ _

 On the final day of his post as Captain of the King’s Guard, Bastien Lykel left the room that had been his office, an age softened piece of paper in his hand, the smudged sketch of a Rose of Sharon still as lifelike as the day she’d given it to him. Ever our lives entwined, he thought to himself, recalling a poem she’d read him one day. He sighed, tucked the sketch back into his breast pocket where it had been a constant for the past twenty one years. Time to find out how true that is…

And I will surround you With a love too deep for words Hold you from the world and its curse So long as I have breath in my lungs Long as there's a song to be sung I will be yours and you will be mine Ever our lives entwined My rose of Sharon

tags:  Writers: @speedyoperarascalparty @ao719 @leelee10898 @riseandshinelittleblossom @zaffrenotes @drakewalkerwhipped @stopforamoment @annekebbphotography @lizeboredom @boneandfur @mind-reader1 @jovialyouthmusic @ooo-barff-ooo @bobasheebaby @ownworldresident @hopefulmoonobject @sleepwalkingelite @likethetailofacomet @silviasutton1989 @blackcatkita @blackcoffee85 @kennaxval @andy-loves-corgis @callmetippytumbles @iplaydrake @the-everlasting-dream @brightpinkpeppercorn @agent-bossypants @tornbetween2loves @dcbbw @jlouise88 @choicesbyjade @breaumonts @thehonorarybeaumont @pixelsandkink @innerpostmentality @katedrakeohd @darley1101 @carabeth @sirbeepsalot Readers: @cocomaxley @mfackenthal @moneyfordiamonds @romanticatheart-posts @choicesarehard @gibbles82  broken bits tags:  @zaffrenotes @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @brightpinkpeppercorn @jovialyouthmusic @mind-reader1 @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlessflame  @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @the-everlasting-dream @thequeenofcronuts @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mkatschoicesblog @mfackenthal @drakewalkerisreal @jlouise88 @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @gardeningourmet  @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth

[mfackenthal]

Hello loves!  If you’re still following me, may I just say thank you for your patience.  I know it has been too long since I have created one of my review posts.  I can only apologize.  I love you all, but I needed a break.  So I was gone for a while.  When I came back – the fandom had changed.  Mostly, people just changed their names, actually.  But it took me a while to find everyone.  And, of course, new people had joined the fandom – or at least I was introduced to people – so they’re new to me.  

I’m going to organize this by book instead of by love interest because some authors are keeping the pairings a secret and I don’t want to ruin their surprise.

I don’t think I’m back up to reading 80 fics a week … but I do think I’ve read quite a few (too many?) fics this week.  Let’s find out how many, shall we?

A few quick reminders:

(1) If you want to find out what I specifically thought about each chapter, that can be found on my blog.  To more easily search my blog, search the phrase “mfackenthal reviews ________” and fill in the blank with the blog name.  IE “mfackenthal reviews maxattack-powell” to find the work I reblogged specifically by @maxattack-powell.

(2) In case it’s not obvious: I recommend ALL of these fics and ALL of these authors.  I cannot say enough about the fabulousness that is these authors. 

The Royal Romance

Second Wedding (http://mrswalkers-blog.tumblr.com/post/182240871361/book-the-royal-romance-summary-riley-looks) by @mrswalkers-blog Riley is about to walk down the aisle for a second time.  How did she get here?  This short story will help you reflect on your own relationships while warming you heart.

The Road Less Traveled (https://ao719.tumblr.com/post/182583348931/the-road-less-traveled-masterlist-summary-6) by @ao719 This delightful series will also warm you heart with its innocence and anticipation.  It’s made even more delightful by the fact that you get a chapter every day. 

Queen of My Heart (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/173032059318/queen-of-my-heart-master-list) by @walkerismychoice This is not a new series by any means – but it’s not over either.  I got caught up because it’s an amazing series and I love it!  If you don’t know it already, this is a retelling of the story that has captured our heart but in a universe in which Liam is making his decision on reality TV.  Madeleine is still the villain and she’s about to get her comeuppance – or so I hope!  Catch up and see what happens next with me!

The Not So Royal Romance series (https://strangerofbraidwood.tumblr.com/post/182742931095/the-not-so-royal-romance-collection) by @strangerofbraidwood  What happens with Olivia and Hana after the events of the story as we know it?  Find out in this intriguing series.

 Something Unexpected (https://hopefulmoonobject.tumblr.com/post/182769220258/something-unexpected) series by @hopefulmoonobject This series follows Liam and Leo as they have fallen in love with two foreigners who don’t yet know they are dating the most powerful men in all of Cordonia.  Will this end in true love?  Or with the “lies by omission” become a problem?  I honestly don’t know yet and can’t wait to find out!  When these couples are romantic – they’re adorable. When they’re feisty, I love that too!

One Handsome Devil (https://onehandsomedevil-trr.tumblr.com/post/182558278027/one-handsome-devil-a-novel-by-katherine) by @onehandsomedevil-trr  Liam is named Nicholas in this series that is starting to hint at more turmoil to come – with Olivia.

Secrets Unwind (https://whenyourheartskipsabeat.tumblr.com/post/182550912733/the-royal-romance) by @whenyourheartskipsabeat  Liam lost Riley.  He has found her.  Everything seems to be falling in to place.  We know it won’t last – but the ride is exquisite!  Come join me in reading this series!

Learning to Love Again (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet  If you follow me then you know that I binged this whole series this week.  That’s right – all 46 chapters of it!  This series GAVE ME LIFE!  It’s a beautiful telling of the story of Drake, Liam, and Claire (MC) where Liam is immediately supportive of Drake and Claire – like supportive before Drake can even really make a move. The characters in this story are pure, beautiful, supportive, strong, and loving.  I have fallen in love with Liam and with Bastien in this story – and I know with certainty that this wasn’t the author’s intention – but I also know she fully supports falling in love with these characters.  Of course, if you’re a Drake fan (as I am) this series will make you happy also.  It’s not a love triangle and yet I still felt so much of that drama that I love in these stories. This series is drama at it’s BEST.  The drama doesn’t come from misunderstandings but from the plot. It’s not over – but it will be soon.  So catch up!

Going deep into the ruins of Bastien and Annabelle (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet  A little of how Bastien met the love of his life, Annabelle.  Come meet the woman who captures Bastien’s heart.

My Girl (https://tmarie82.tumblr.com/post/182792805128/pairing-drake-x-mc-emma-warner-walker-book-the) by @tmarie82  Drake and Emma are married, with children, and celebrating Valentine’s Day.  Sit back and enjoy some cuteness in this fluffy fic.

One Night Stand (https://kennaxval.tumblr.com/post/182792808423/one-night-stand-olivia-x-drake-nsfw) by @kennaxval  Olivia puts Drake in his place, saves Drake and others from a car accident, and gets a little something from Drake in the process.  As it turns out, Drake is a lucky guy.

Their First Valentine’s (Part 1) (https://drakewalkerwhipped.tumblr.com/post/182818195966/their-first-valentines-part-1-drake-x-mc-x) by @drakewalkerwhipped  If you haven’t met everyone’s favorite poly couple – you really should look them up as written by @drakewalkerwhipped.  This trio is so supportive of each other, so loving, so tender.  I call them #relationshipgoals.  It’s their first Valentine’s Day where they’re not in hiding and they’ve essentially got the kinks worked out.  This chapter is essentially fluff with a little heat – promising much more heat in whatever comes next.

Brave For You (series) (https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list) by @likethetailofacomet As I understand it, this was written and helped inspire Learning to Love Again because fans demanded a story where Drake lives.  In this trilogy, Drake does not.  Riley has to learn to live without him.  

Perfect Match

Missing You (https://queerchoicesblog.tumblr.com/post/182657763715/missing-you-pm-alana-x-fmc) by @queerchoicesblog  Long distance relationships are hard, but sometimes the little things you do in such a relationship have deep meaning.  Read about how Alana might be in such a relationship.

The Elementalists

When I Taste Tequila (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/182626500588/when-i-taste-tequila) by @walkerismychoice  A delightful A/U with Beckett.  His nerdiness shines and gets our MC to drop her defenses.  Kissing ensues and leaves you wanting more.  If you like The Elementalists and you like Gray’s Anatomy – you should read this fic.

Complicated Series (https://darley1101.tumblr.com/post/182575228193/complicated-part-3-it-couple) by @darley1101  In this series, Beckett and Tatiana (MC) start “dating” (quotes are important).  They date for show. But will they fall in love for real?  This series has a great story crossover, it delves into some difficult situations around bullying, and we’ve just learned that Beckett also has a “real girlfriend.”  I need more @darley1101!!!!  Quit writing the rest and give me more of this ;) 

A Courtesan in Rome

The Words that Went Unsaid (https://wughhumans.tumblr.com/post/182673414478/the-words-that-went-unsaid-marc-antony-x-mc) by @wughhumans  Anthony has enemies and that has disastrous consequences.  I don’t want to say more as it will give it away … so I’ll just say it’s not a fluffy read but it’s worth it and I can’t wait for more!

Warrior (https://tmarie82.tumblr.com/post/182744621008/pairing-mystery-pairing-mc-arin-book-a) by @tmarie82  A dark fic that gave us what many of us really wanted …

The Death of a Monster (https://wughhumans.tumblr.com/post/182774319428/the-death-of-a-monster-lysandra) by @wughhumans  Obviously, many people would like to see Legate Aquila die.  Here’s another fic to show how that could happen.  This one is even darker, more graphic, but amazingly well written!

The Heist: Monaco

Stress (https://mysteli.tumblr.com/post/182707625378/stress-fabien-x-mc) by @mysteli  A bit of an AU – but really just an extension of the story – if the MC took a little break from the masquerade party to join Fabien in the getaway car.  Learn a little more about Fabien in this hot fic!

America’s Most Eligible

Bad As Me (http://choicesfanfic.com/content/bad-as-me/) by @lizeboredom  I’m still shook by the fact that the MC in this story is not named Minah.  They’re all supposed to be named Minah!  (If you don’t know what I mean – read ALL of @lizeboredom’s work!) Despite the author being drunk when she wrote this fic and named her character the wrong name – this is a hot story about a much tougher Minah (Myrah) who is flirting with danger when she flirts with Vince.

Desire and Decorum

Only the First of Many (https://walkerismychoice.tumblr.com/post/182799720138/only-the-first-of-many-ernest-sinclaire-x-mc) by @walkerismychoice  As the author says – this is a retelling of the diamond scene from book 2 chapter 9 but from Ernest’s POV.  This is a sweet, hot, tender, and a beautiful rendition.  If you didn’t buy that chapter – this is a great way to read it. If you did – this is an even better way to relive it.

Red Carpet Diaries

Simply Between Us Series (http://angstymarshmallow.tumblr.com/post/182229096884/simply-between-us-part-6-thomas-hunt-x-mc) by @angstymarshmallow  Hunt and Tatum are just about to say “I love you” when Priya storms back in to Hunt’s life.  Is he truly over her?  What will Hunt do when he’s not the most mature one in his relationship with Tatum?  Come read this beautiful written story of love, heart ache, angst, poor decisions, traffic, and (I hope) love conquering all! 

Bloodbound

Against the Rules (http://choicesbyjade.tumblr.com/post/178304360927/bloodbound-fanfiction) by @choicesbyjade  Adrian is flirting with his own rules.  This drives both Samantha (MC) and himself to some sexual acts.  Will there be consequences?  Read to find out!

Artwork Drake by @maxattack-powell

https://maxattack-powell.tumblr.com/post/182780797714/he-wanted-to-surprise-you-when-you-woke-up-did

Adrian by @maxattack-powell

https://maxattack-powell.tumblr.com/post/182815538556/he-says-youre-all-the-sunshine-he-needs

Oh shit!  I read 89 fics this week!  Granted 46 of them were one series, but I still!  I commented and reblogged 89 fics.  I guess I have to say – I’m back baby!

But seriously – I probably will not be able to maintain this pace.  I have to actually read a book next week.  LOL 

Also, this time around if I read a series – I didn’t include a link to each chapter – I included a link to a masterlist.  I included the masterlist link as often as I could.  If I couldn’t find one, I linked to the last chapter.

I hope you found something you hadn’t read yet.  This community is amazingly talented. 

If you know someone I should be reading – send them my way!  I’m always looking for new authors to highlight while I continue to read everyone I’ve already learned to love.  I’m still behind and catching up with many who I have highlighted in the past – but hit me up if there is something you want me to read ASAP.

So much love to all of you!

~MFack~

PS. Even though she’s not here anymore, big thanks to @drivenbyfantasy for creating the graphic.  

PPS. Last, but not least, on the off chance that I missed a fic that you know I reblogged, my apologies! It was unintentional and is not a reflection on you, but upon my inability to maintain my own blog.  Also, if a link or a tag doesn’t work - I am sorry!

[skyecrandall]

CCAs 2018 Results

We have finally reached the end of 2018′s edition of the CCAs after weeks of voting for both the nomination and the final phase. Before I announce the results, I would like to thank all 202 of you who voted for the final phase once again. In brackets you will find the number of votes the following received.

also the detailed results can be found here. But if you want to read the responses with a dramatic flair.... here you go:

Category 1: Best Male LI

3rd: Tom Sato (46)

2nd: Ernest Sinclaire (50)

Winner: Damien Nazario (55)

Winner’s Comments:

"Wow, this is a lot to process. I dedicate this award to my mother, my sisters and most of all Kai !" smiled Damien. "Hey! What about me!" Yelled Nadia from the crowd. "Oh and yeah, you too Nadia!" added the private investigator.

Category 2: Best Female LI

3rd: Skye Crandall (31)

2nd: Kamilah Sayeed (43)

Winner: Annabelle Parsons (45)

Winner’s Comments:

"My my, thank you my dear supporters. This award is for all of the ladies who had to hide their true nature due to this pungent patriarchy. Glory to womenfolk!" said Annabelle. "Glory To womenfolk" roared back the crowd.

Category 3: Best Supporting Character (female)

3rd: Nadia Park (39)

2nd: Michelle Nguyen (44)

Winner: Olivia Nevrakis (73)

Winner’s Comments:

“Hmm, the trophy is as tacky as always. But I suppose I could have it melted and reshaped into something more worthwhile,” complained Olivia.

Category 4: Best Supporting Character (male)

3rd: Zack Zilberg (46)

2nd: Diego Ortiz Soto (50)

Winner: Elliot Vance (59)

Winner’s Comments:

"It was obvious that I would win after I overshadowed everyone with my performance. I'd like to see you try and win an award, Harper” snickered Elliot mischievously.

Category 5: Best MC

3rd: Perfect Match MC (39)

2nd: Desire & Decorum MC (51)

Winner: It Lives Beneath MC (67)

Winner’s Comments:

“Oh really Elliot? See, I got one too. Anyway thank you my friends who saved me from getting my fingers chopped off and staying brave enough to not run when things were getting tough. You were the ones who helped me keep my cool and I guess you too, you gremlin of little brother,” smiled Harper.

Category 6: Best Antagonist

3rd: Duke Richards (44)

Winner-Tied: Cecile Contreras and Jeff Duffy (49)

Winner’s Comments:

"What the hell? " yelled both winners "I'm offended that I got tied with that two faced troll. I plotted world domination,all he did was murder a family," said Cecile. "I'm equally offended. I actually killed bad people here. I should have won," argued Duffy  "You should have died on that flaming ship," hissed Cecile. "And I should probably kill you right now," threatened Duffy as he tried to hit Cecile on the head with the trophy. The latter ducked and was able to avoid the hit. Before the fight escalated, Bastien and Mara quickly got on stage. They gave Cecile another trophy and directed each back to their seat.

Category 7: Most Funny Character:

3rd: Lily Spencer (18)

2nd: Craig Hsiao (64)

Winner: Maxwell Beaumont (88)

Winner’s Comments:

"Wow I won the award again this year? Awesome! See Bertrand! That last time was not just a fluke! I'm actually funny!" smiled Maxwell.

Category 8: Most Humane Character:

3rd: Damien Nazario (46)

2nd: Elliot Vance (48)

Winner: Hayden Young (64)

Winner’s Comments:

"I was really shocked to learn that I was even nominated. So imagine how shocked I am right now since a robot won over humans. Thank you all for accepting me,"smiled Hayden as a single tear rolled out of their left eye.

Category 9: Best Non-MC Romance

3rd: Zahra X Craig (54)

2nd: Elliot X Robbie (56)

Winner: Mr.Chambers X Mr.Konevi (78)

Winner’s Comments:

"Well I suppose our secret is out now. No point in hiding it anymore," said Mr.Chambers, probably embarrassed by the crowd spanning in front if hum. "Like how Miss.Parsons would say... Glory to Gay folk!" Said Mr.Konevi before embracing his lover and kissing him.

Category 10: Best Non-Romantic Relationship

3rd: Kamilah / Adrian (43)

2nd: Andy / Tom (44)

Winner: Elliot / ILB MC  (45)

Winner’s Comments:

"Thank you all for this other victory. If you knew how hard it was to keep up our dynamic when Harper was doing such a terrible job," taunted Elliot. "Excuse my little brother. What he actually meant is that due to his inexperience I had to carry the dynamic on my shoulders," teased back Elliot. However before the two were going to begin their banter again, they were directed to their seats by the bodyguards.

Category 11: Best Atmosphere

3rd: Veil Of Secrets (35)

2nd: Desire & Decorum (50)

Winner: It Lives Beneath (65)

Category 12: Best Plot Twist

3rd: Nathan being a snake (38)

2nd: Damien being replaced by Dames (79)

Winner: Evil Duffy (85)

Category 13: Best Book

3rd: Perfect Match (30)

2nd: Desire & Decorum (51)

Winner: It Lives Beneath (70)

This is it. What are your thoughts about the winners and losers? Do comment and reblog.

Also... want to witness more of this year’s CCAs, want to know everything behind the scenes? Well if you do, join Pax and Eos as they go and interview some of our fellow winners in a special fanfiction that I made. Click here to be redirected to the fanfiction.

anyway I would urge you to reblog this so that those who voted may know that the results are available. Thank you and see ya all for a glorious 2019 on my blog (although there won’t be much book for me to stan after ILB is over)

[uneminuteparseconde]

Des concerts à Paris et alentour

Novembre 07. Low Jack + Sidney – Bigwax records (gratuit) 07. M.A. Beat! + Domotic – Olympic café 08. Half Asleep + Delphine Dora – Médiathèque musicale (gratuit) 08. Cold Cave + Choir Boy – Petit Bain 08. Jealous + The Absolute Never + Drone à clochettes – Alimentari 08. Dominique A – Maison de la Poésie 09. Le Syndicat faction vivante – Paris anim' Marc-Sangier, Vercingétorix & Didot (gratuit) 09. Sonotanotanpenz + Le Ton mité – Le Chair de poule 09. Words & Action – Le Klub 09. Rendez-Vous + Prurient + Silent Servant + Poison Point + Crave + Low Jack b2b Moyo + Clara 3000 & Coni – La Machine 09. Regis + Vatican Shadow + Samuel Kerridge + December – Rex Club 09. AZF + Randomer + Identified Patient + Zuli + Benoua b2b Legitime – Concrete 09. The Hacker – Badaboum 09. Porest Group + Senyawa – théâtre Berthelot (Montreuil) 09. Kikagaku Moyo + Frédéric D. Oberland – Petit Bain ||COMPLET|| 10. Missing Waves – Paris anim' Nouvelle Athènes (gratuit) 10. Kink Gong + Baba Commandant & The Mandigo Band – théâtre Berthelot (Montreuil) 11. Bo Ningen + Cassels – Point FMR 11. Brothers Unconnected (Alan & Richard Bishop) + Robert Millis & Jesse Paul Miller – théâtre Berthelot (Montreuil) 13. Hot Snakes – Point FMR 13. MellaNoisEscape + Puts Mary – Petit Bain 13. Sophie Agnel, Joke Lanz & Michael Vatcher – Instants chavirés (Montreuil) 14. Cocaine Piss + We Hate You Please Die + New Favourite – Supersonic (gratuit) 14. Peter Murphy & David J jouent "In the Flat Fields" – Bataclan 14. Jerusalem In My Heart + Good Luck In Death + Florian Abou Yehia – Petit Bain 14. Tout de suite + Mr Marcaille + Le Crabe – L'International 14. Charalambides + Bridget Hayden + Jon Collin, Nina Garcia & Augustin Bette – Les Nautes 14. Blind Delon + BLNDR + IV Horsemen + Paulie Jan + DJ Varsovie + Panzer – Rex Club 15. Father Murphy + Le Jour du seigneur & Kaïto Winsé + Arnaud Rivière – Les Nautes 15. Babil Sabir 2 + L'Ocelle Mare – Le cirque électrique 15. Méryll Ampe + Emmanuelle Bouyer + Anne Flore Cabanis + Matthieu Crimersmois + Frédéric Mathevet + Colin Roche + Anton Mobin... (Extended Score #2) – Le Cube (Issy-lès-Moulineaux) 15/16. Mario Batkovic – Centre culturel suisse 16. Frigs + Plomb + Cave Story – Supersonic (gratuit) 16. Jasss + Nkisi + Bonaventure (Biennale Némo) – La Gaîté lyrique 16. Ellah A. Thaun + Love Coffin + Bryan's Magic Tears – La Station 16. Tapeworms + Carpet Burns + Casio judiciaire – La Pointe Lafayette 16. Noir Boy George + Officine + Foune Curry – Instants chavirés (Montreuil) 16. Parquet Courts – Elysées Montmartre ||COMPLET|| 17. Moriarty – Librairie L'Atelier (gratuit) 17. The Damned – Elysées Montmartre 17. Jung An Tagen + Matthias Puech + Meryll Ampe & Konpyuta – 100ECS 17. Eomac + Defekt + Aktion mutante (Unhuman & Violet Poison) + ANFS + Polly F – entrepôt en banlieue 18. Ensemble Links : « Drumming » de Steve Reich – Cité de la musique|Philharmonie 19. U.S. Girl – Nouveau Casino 19. Samara Lubelski + Metabolismus + Gloria Navales – tbc 20. King Champion Sound + Pierre & Bastien + Rose Mercie – Le Klub 20. Duck Duck Grey Duck + Billie Bird – Centre culturel suisse 21. The Breeders – Le Trianon 21. Lydia Lunch & Ian White – La Station 21. Ekafaune + Badbad + Baba Yage – Le cirque électrique 22. Société étrange + Pyjamarama – Le Zorba 22. Scout Niblett + Miles Oliver – Petit Bain 22. Cookies + Trotsky nautique + Guns'n'Ganseblumchen – La Pointe Lafayette 22. Les Filles de Illighadad + Zenobia – NF-34 22. Tomoko Sauvage + Jacques Demierre & Axel Dörner + Frantz Loriot + Anna Frei & Franziska Koch (Textures fest.) – Instants chavirés (Montreuil) 22. Serge Teyssot-Gay, Christian Vialard & Éric Arlix : Hypogé – Le Cube (Issy-lès-Moulineaux) 23. Michael Nyman : "War Work: 8 Songs with Film" – Salle Pleyel 23. Ennio Morricone – Bercy Arena 23. Kollaps + Trepaneringsritualen + Verset Zero – Gibus 23. Le Mystère des voix bulgares – église Saint-Eustache 23. Les Morphogénistes + Asié Usu + Annabelle Playe (fest. Vision'R) – Les 100 ECS 23. Saravah revisité (Areski, The Recyclers, Arlt, Bojan Flames...) + Hyperculte + Waltraud Blischke (dj) (BBmix fest.) – Carré Bellefeuille (Boulogne-Billancourt) 23. Yasmine El-Baramawy + Dennis Tyfus + Les Sirènes (Francisco Meirino, Jérôme Noetinger, Mathieu Saladin & Juliette Vocler) + Denis Rollet (Textures fest.) – Instants chavirés (Montreuil) 23. Tommy Four Seven + AnD + Stephanie Sykes + VSK – Concrete 23. Steve Rachmad + Scan X + Matteo WNB – Rex Club 23>25. Anne-James Chaton & Manuel Coursin : "L'Affaire La Pérouse" – La Pop 24. Geometric Vision + Solveig Matthildur – Supersonic (gratuit) 24. Seefeel joue "Quique" + Insides – Petit Bain 24. O'Death Jug – Le Bal 24. Smode + Marti Guillem + Maries Laveau + The Shaders + Stéphane Privat + Sune Petersen (fest. Vision'R) – Les 100 ECS 24. Endless Boogie + Pan American + Facs + Von Limb + Waltraud Blischke (dj) (BBmix fest.) – Carré Bellefeuille (Boulogne-Billancourt) 24. Frustration + Twin Arrows – Rack'am (Brétigny/Orge) 24. Trentmøller (dj) – NF34 24. Arnaud Rebotini + Vernacular Orchestra + Soul Edifice – Rex Club 24. ABSL + Cem + Elad Magdasi + Mind/Matter + Moth + Nico Moreno + Paramod + Parfait + Raär + Sentimental Rave – tba 25. Satan + Kill + Necrodancer – Espace B 25. Lene Lovich Band + Morgan King – Supersonic 25. Evan Crankshaw & The Dead Mauriacs + The Mauskovic Dance Band + Waltraud Blischke (dj) (BBmix fest.) – Carré Bellefeuille (Boulogne-Billancourt) 27. Mudhoney – Trabendo 27. Etienne Jaumet – New Morning 27. Elizabeth Devlin – La Tête de chou 28. Anne-James Chaton – Auditorium|Cité de l'architecture (gratuit) 28. Adult. – Petit Bain 28. Borja Fames + Eloïse Decazes + Èlg – Instants chavirés (Montreuil) 28. Ensemble IRE joue "Nexus Entropy" d'Ulrich Krieger + Marc Baron + Lionel Marchetti (fest. Bruits blancs) – Anis gras (Arcueil) 29. SK/LR – Chair de poule (gratuit) 29. Esben & The Witch – Point FMR 29. CHDH + Mariachi + Lårs Akerlund & Sten Backman (fest. Bruits blancs) – Le Cube (Issy-lès-Moulineaux) 29. Rakta + Marée noire + Trashley – Instants chavirés (Montreuil) 29. Interpol + Nilüfer Yanya – Salle Pleyel ||COMPLET|| 30. Mick Harvey – Petit Bain 30. Artus + Fleuves noirs + Hex – Le cirque électrique 30. Spit Mask + Poison Point + Lunacy + Some Ember + Offermose + Kaukolampi – La Station 30. Deeat Palace + Tamara Goukassova + Tryphème – L'International 30. Machine sauvage + Léon Denise (fest. Vision'R & Cookie Demoparty) – Folie numérique N5|Parc de La Villette 30. John Chatler + Samuel Sighicelli + Shapednoise (fest. Bruits blancs) – Anis gras (Arcueil)

Décembre 01. NAO (fest. Vision'R & Cookie Demoparty) – Folie numérique N5|Parc de La Villette 01. Nadia Ratsimandresy + Bruno Chevillon + Uriel Barthélémi + Marc Sens + Annabelle Playe (fest. Bruits blancs) – Anis gras (Arcueil) 01. Deux boules vanille + Jeff Mills + Molécule + Renart + Nicolas Horvath joue P. Glass, T. Riley et J. Adams + Ensemble Links : "Music for 18 Musicians" de S. Reich (fest. Marathon!) – La Gaîté lyrique ||COMPLET|| 02. Beak> + Le Comte – Café de la danse ||COMPLET|| 03. Idles + John – Bataclan 03. Pardans – Olympic café 05. Julia Holter – Petit Bain 05. Sudden Infant + Massicot – Centre culturel suisse 06. La Tène avec Jacques Puech, Louis Jacques, Guilhem Lacroux & Jérémie Sauvage – Centre culturel suisse 06. The KVB + M!R!M – Badaboum 07. Kink Gong – Médiathèque musicale (gratuit) 07. Antoine Chessex + Nina Garcia + Francisco Meirino – Centre culturel suisse 07. Heimat + Bordigaga + Bruno Billaudeau, Xavier Mussat & Black Sifichi (Semaine du bizarre) – Instants chavirés (Montreuil) 07. Nosfell – Espace 1789 (Saint-Ouen) 07. Aubadja + chdh (fest. Vision'R) – Le Générateur (Gentilly) 07. Shxcxchcxsh + W.LV.S + Wlderz – Rex Club 08. Père Ubu (Semaine du bizarre) – Théâtre Berthelot (Montreuil) 08. The Horrorist + Federico Amoroso – L'Officine 08. Jean Benoît Dunckel + NSDOS + CloZee + Kiddy Smile (Inasound fest.) – Palais Brongniart 08. Blawan + The Advent + AWB + Yogg & Pharaon + Netsh – Concrete 09. Panteros666 + Matt Black + Erol Alkan + Kiasmos (Inasound fest.) – Palais Brongniart 09. The Fleshtones – Supersonic 09/10. Moriarty – Cité de la musique|Philharmonie 12. Nova Materia – La Maroquinerie 12. Le Réveil des tropiques + France + Helio Polar Thing – Petit Bain 13. The Callas + Selofan + Hørd (fest. Magnétique Nord) – La Station 14. New Model Army – Trabendo 14. Carol Robinson, Bertrand Gauguet, Julia Eckhardt & Yannick Guedon : "Sequel to Occam Ocean" (2018) d’Éliane Radigue – Palais de Tokyo 14. Sida + Broken English Club + Toresch + Moderna + Wr2old + Shazzula (fest. Magnétique Nord) – La Station 14. Hangman's Chair + Jessica93 + Revok – Les Cuizines (Chelles) 14. Succhiamo + Air LQD + Rraouhhh + Christophe Clébard – Le Chinois (Montreuil) 14. Rebekah + Paula Temple + Anetha + Hannah b2b Charlene – Concrete 15. Gaspar Claus – Cité de la musique|Philharmonie 15. Ata + Oliver Hafenbauer + Chinaski + Last Love Pilgrim + Kilian Paterson + Slyngshot + DJ Neewt (fest. Magnétique Nord) – La Station 15. Job Sifre + Fatma Pneumonia + X1000 + Spunoff (fest. Magnétique Nord) – La Station 15. AZF – Rex Club 18. Drab Majesty – Point FMR 19. Belmont Witch + Zad Kokar + Petra Pied de biche – Instants chavirés (Montreuil) 22. Yan Wagner + Il est vilaine + Magnüm + Mayerling – La Maroquinerie

2019

Janvier 18. Francis Dhomont (fest. Akousma) – MPAA Saint-Germain (gratuit sur résa) 19. Armando Balice + Ingrid Drese + Jérôme Noetinger + Loïse Bulot + Robert Hampson (fest. Akousma) – MPAA Saint-Germain (gratuit sur résa) 20.  Catherine Bir + Raphaël Mouterde + Francisco Meirino + Roland Cahen + Yoko Higashi & Lionel Marchetti (fest. Akousma) – MPAA Saint-Germain (gratuit sur résa) 22. Emmanuelle Parrenin & Dominique Regref – La Ferme du Buisson (Noisiel) 24. Rouge Gorge – Le Chair de poule 25. La Secte du futur + Shiny Darkly – Supersonic 25. Léonie Pernet – Gaîté lyrique 26. Chloé – Elysée-Montmartre 29. Dominique a – Salle Pleyel 31. Deena Abdelwahed – Gaîté lyrique

Février 02. The Residents – Gaîté lyrique 02. Shabazz Palaces + Dälek (fest. Sons d'hiver) – théâtre de la Cité internationale 06. Brendan Perry – Petit Bain 07. VNV Nation – Le Trabendo 09. The Ex : "Ethiopian Night" (fest. Sons d'hiver) – salle Jacques-Brel (Fontenay-sous-Bois) 10. Therapy? – La Maroquinerie 11. Massive Attack feat. Liz Fraser jouent « Mezzanine » – Zénith 16. Anthony Braxton + Dave Douglas & Bill Laswell (fest. Sons d'hiver) – théâtre Jacques-Carat (Cachan) 21. Mlada Fronta + Absolute Valentine + Neoslave – Petit Bain 22. Nils Frahm – Le Trianon ||COMPLET|| 23. Nils Frahm – Le Trianon

Mars 02. Boy Harsher + Kontravoid – Badaboum 07. Scratch Massive – Gaîté lyrique 12. Yann Tiersen – Salle Pleyel 20. Oomph! – La Machine 22. Delia Derbyshire (diff.) + Lettera 22 + Evil Moisture + Caterina Barbieri + Drew McDowall : "Coil's Time Machines" (fest. Présences électronique) – Studio 104|Maison de la Radio 22. The Young Gods – La Maroquinerie 23. Pierre Boeswillwald (diff.) + Max Eilbacher + Andrea Belfi + Sarah Davachi + William Basinski & Lawrence English (fest. Présences électronique) – Studio 104|Maison de la Radio 24. Warren Burt (diff.) + Mats Erlandsson + Okkyung Lee + Low Jack + BJ Nielsen (fest. Présences électronique) – Studio 104|Maison de la Radio 29. Perturbator – Le Trianon 30. Marc Almond – Le Trianon

Avril 05. Beirut – Le Grand Rex 08. The Specials – La Cigale 10. Daughters – Point FMR 14. Arnaud Rebotini joue la BO de "120 Battements par minute" – Cité de la musique|Philharmonie 17. Teenage Fan Club – Trabendo 27. She Past Away – La Machine 27. Chloé : Lumières noires – Le 104

Mai 10/11. Dead Can Dance – Grand Rex 11. Christina Vantzou + Eiko Ishibashi + Jan Jelinek + NPVR (Nik Void & Peter Rehberg) – Le 104 12. Massimo Toniutti + François Bayle – Le 104 17. Philip Glass : Études pour piano – Salle Pierre-Boulez|Philharmonie 18. Bruce Brubaker & Max Cooper : Glasstronica – Cité de la musique|Philharmonie 31. François Bonnet + Knud Viktor + Jim O'Rourke + Florian Hecker (fest. Akousma) – Studio 104|Maison de la Radio

Juin 01. Eryck Abecassis & Reinhold Friedl + Hilde Marie Holsen + Anthony Pateras + Lucy Railton (fest. Akousma) – Studio 104|Maison de la Radio 02. Bernard Parmegiani + Jean Schwarz (fest. Akousma) – Studio 104|Maison de la Radio 26. Magma – Salle Pierre-Boulez|Philharmonie

Juillet 11. Masada + Sylvie Courvoisier & Mark Feldman + Mary Halvorson quartet + Craig Taborn + Trigger + Erik Friedlander & Mike Nicolas + John Medeski trio + Nova quartet + Gyan Riley & Julian Lage + Brian Marsella trio + Ikue Mori + Kris Davis + Peter Evans + Asmodeus : John Zorn's Marathon Bagatelles – Salle Pleyel

Août 23>25. The Cure (fest. Rock en scène) – parc de Saint-Cloud

Septembre 13. Rammstein – La Défense Arena (Nanterre)

en gras : les derniers ajouts / in bold: the last news

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle - 14 -

Lovers in a Dangerous Time - 14 -

Choices – The Royal Romance, AU – (cross-over with Rules of Engagement)

Series Premise – An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobility, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret?

Marabelle Series Masterlist, My Complete Masterlist

Main Pairing – Crown Prince Liam Rys x F!OC Lady Sophia (Sophie) Taylor

Other Pairings – Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC), Drake Walker x F!OC Melanie Smithson

Most characters belong to Pixelberry Studios

Series Rating – M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, drinking, crude language & innuendo.

Not Beta’d - Please excuse all errors.

Category – Alternate universe/on-going series/angst/fluff/cross-over with Choices Rules of Engagement

Words: 3434

Chapter Summary – It’s graduation night for Maxwell and along with Sophie and Daniel, they attend the festivities with family and friends at the University of Cordonia in the capital. Tasked with a diplomatic opportunity, Liam flies to Rome for a summit with Francesco and officials of the Italian parliament.

Music & Title Inspiration: Lovers in a Dangerous Time, Bare Naked Ladies, Ben Grosse

A/N1: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the U.S. and is Barthelemy Beaumont’s second wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) is Bertrand’s mother.

A/N2: ‘Social Season’ in this AU series refers to a traditional period in the spring/summer for royalty and members of the court to take part in Balls, dinner parties and charity events.

A/N3: Heartfelt thanks to @Selina012 for joining me in writing ideas and with dialogue for this chapter.

en route to Rome, Italy

Seated behind his computer screen, Liam scrolled through the files his advisors had given him earlier in the day. It was late into the evening and the plane was quiet. Drake was asleep in his chair, snoring softly, and Bastien was seated nearby, his eyes trained on his book. Rashad, standing for the crown’s legal counsel, was reviewing the proposals that would be discussed and implemented if agreed upon.

The only sound came from the occasional beep of the computer's keyboard as Liam entered the codes that would allow him to access the secure files. Sitting back, he began to read through and analyze the information. After an hour or so had passed by, Liam stopped to acknowledge the flight attendant who set down a late snack and two fingers of scotch.

After taking a sip, he turned to his head guard.

"I hope I'm not interrupting," Liam said quietly as he closed the laptop and set it aside.

"Of course not, sir," Bastien said. "What's on your mind?"

"I just had an interesting chat with a source. There have been rumors circulating in Cordonia that the 'Sons of the Earth' are organizing. The Sons have been out of power since the last time they rose up to oppose the monarchy over a decade ago.”

"They were never a real threat," Bastien stated, his tone confident.

"My source tells me that a new leader has risen within their ranks, someone who is very charismatic, and able to sway the others with his message. I am concerned, Bastien. The Sons were always an extreme faction, and they could prove dangerous if allowed to regain power."

"You want me to find out more about them?"

"Yes," Liam nodded. "And be discreet. If it turns out that this new leader has no real power, we can put this behind us. But if there's any threat or danger, we need to be ahead of it."

"Of course, sir. I will situate agents immediately."

"Thank you, Bastien." Liam's expression grew pensive as he turned back to open the computer. "There is something else."

"Sir?"

"This source tells me that the Sons' leader has taken a particular interest in a member of the nobility. It is believed that the noblewoman is being used to gain support among the other houses.”

"Which noblewoman?"

"Duchess Adelaide Amaranth," Liam answered, his gaze hardening. "According to the information I have, factions have been allowed to situate in Krona."

"You want me to investigate her involvement, as well."

"I'd like you to bring her in and question her, yes. And I want a full investigation into her financial records. See if you can uncover any ties between her and the Sons."

"Consider it done, sir."

Liam loved the power and responsibility of his role as the crown prince. He thrived on the challenges and opportunities it provided, and was excited for the day he would take the throne as king.

With his advisor's files securely tucked away, Liam leaned back in his chair, a slight smile on his lips. He was confident in his ability to lead Cordonia into a brighter future, and he knew that with his team of advisors, he would be successful.

He had never felt so ready for the challenges ahead, and he couldn't wait to take his place as Cordonia's leader. He glanced at his ring, the royal seal engraved on it and smiled.

Liam knew he was doing the right thing. He was prepared and would not let his country down. He would protect it, care for it, and ensure that it remained prosperous and safe for generations to come.

He thought back to his father, and the legacy he would leave behind. Liam knew that his father had been a good king, and he hoped to emulate him as much as possible. He hoped that he would live up to the standard his father had set.

But more than anything, he was looking forward to starting a life with Sophie. Their relationship was a secret for now to many, but he knew that their time would come. He had been thinking about their future together a lot lately, and he had an idea of what he wanted to do.

University of Cordonia, student dorms, Candace’s suite

Sophie stood in front of the mirror, helping Candy fix the accessories in her hair. "Candy, you look amazing, and you will definitely be the center of attention at the party tonight."

Candy, who was wearing a long purple dress, smiled and turned to take a satisfied look at her makeup. "Thanks Sophie! I picked this dress out especially for the grad, and Tom will be there, too. It's the first time we've ever been to a formal event like this together."

Sophie smiled with a hint of envy. "It's nice, you two look so good together. Speaking of which, Tom is your third boyfriend at Uni, right? You are always so popular with the guys."

Candy winked mischievously and patted Sophie on the shoulder. "Oh, Soph, don't say that. I'm just looking for the one who really belongs to me."

"Maybe, Candy," Sophie said, shaking her head. "I guess I just haven't met anyone yet. I am just fussy and hard to please," she grinned.

"...and you're almost a graduate. Why don't you even try to get a boyfriend? Maybe you're expecting too much of your future boyfriend, too."

Sophie laughed and waved her hand in front of her. Her relationship with Liam was still ‘under wraps’ with only family and Daniel knowing the truth. "No, it's not that. I have had some bad luck with dating in the past. And besides, I have other priorities."

Candy raised her eyebrows. "Other priorities?"

"Like finishing my education and starting my career." Sophie shrugged.

"Sophie, you know that's not enough to keep a man happy," Candy teased.

Candy's cell phone rang. She picked it up and saw that it was Tom. Candy suddenly smiled with joy, picked up the phone in front of Sophia and began to talk to Tom endlessly.

Sophie's sighed and went out on the balcony alone. The sky was now dark, and the stars dotted the night sky. The cool evening breeze touched her face and soothed her heart. As she looked around, the campus was enveloped in a colorful glow. The trees and buildings were decorated with all kinds of colorful lights and decorations. The celebration of the end of the school year filled every corner.

She picked up her phone and sent Liam a quick text and snapshot of the view from the balcony, her fingers jumping across the screen, and finally pressed send. But as the minutes ticked by Liam's response was slower to arrive than usual.

Sophie's eyes flashed a hint of loss, and she put the phone down slowly. She took a few deep breaths and recalled that Liam had said the previous night that he was going on a four-day business trip to Italy with his advisors. Perhaps he is now busy meeting with the Italian politicians. In a few days they'd see each other again, she put her phone into her clutch and smiled.

Just then the balcony door was pushed open. Candy, with a glow of happiness on her face walked quickly out onto the balcony and said excitedly, "Tom is waiting downstairs, we must go. Are you ready?" Sophie nodded and smiled at Candy, happy for her. "I'm ready, let's go."

Outside the building, a young man with a bouquet of flowers stood by the roadside waiting. Upon seeing Candy, he spread his arms in joy and the two embraced followed by a passionate kiss. Sophie looked at their sweet exchange, with both blessing and faint envy in her heart. But she quickly recovered her mood and followed them on to their way to the auditorium.

U. of C. Auditorium

As they stepped inside, the grandeur of the space overwhelmed Sophie. The walls were lined with intricately carved stonework and the ceilings were adorned with ornate frescoes depicting the history of Cordonia.

The stage was set at the far end of the hall, with a large, curved platform flanked by rows of velvet chairs.

The room was filled with the sounds of conversation and laughter, as hundreds of students and their families gathered for the event.

"There you are!" Maxwell exclaimed, as Sophie approached the group. "We were starting to wonder if you were going to miss the ceremony."

Sophie grinned. "No way. I wouldn't miss this for anything."

She reached out to give Maxwell a hug and was surprised to find that he was wearing a tuxedo. "I see you decided to dress up for the occasion," she said, amused.

"Yeah, mom insisted!"

Maxwell gestured to Daniel, who was dressed similarly in a tailored suit, his hair combed neatly. "Squirrel!" Daniel shouted as Bertrand and her uncle Barthelemy looked on in dismay.

***

As the graduation ceremony ended, the excitement in the auditorium grew as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the post formal festivities.

The sound of the band started, and everyone's eyes were drawn to the stage behind the dance floor.

Above the dance floor the ceiling was covered with gold tassels and twinkling crystal lights which complemented the colorful balloons and streamers surrounding the parquet floor.

A spotlight illuminated the space where a young man stood in a white tuxedo, a microphone in his hand.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice ringing out through the hall. "I am your host for this evening, and it is my great pleasure to welcome you all here to celebrate the graduating class of 2024."

There was a smattering of applause from the crowd. The host grinned. "It's time for the graduates to strut their stuff on the dance floor. Will all the students please take their places for the first dance."

Sophie laughed as she watched Maxwell and Daniel sashay arm in arm to the center.

Aunt Bethany gently tapped her shoulder. “Dear, your uncle, Bertrand, Sav and I are heading home. Have fun tonight.” Kissing her aunt’s cheek, Sophie turned her attention back to the dance.

“You guys can go dance then and I'll walk around.” Sophia smiled as she told Candy and Tom motioning towards the dance floor. Despite feeling a little lonely inside she wanted to give them some space to be alone.

“Okay, see you later Soph!” Candy and Tom smiled at each other and walked arm and arm into the dancing crowd. Looking at their backs Sophie took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Memories of her first dance with Liam flooded her thoughts, seeming to have just happened yesterday. What would happen if you were by your side tonight, Liam? Maybe he would gently take her hand and ask her to dance with him or maybe they would sneak out of the room and find a quiet corner to enjoy some alone time and sweet solitude. Sophie moved through the crowd alone, occasionally greeting acquaintances, but more often she just quietly observed everything and everyone around her.

That is when the mood at the party suddenly turned eerie. The lights began to flicker and then the whole venue was plunged into darkness. The sounds of people began to cry out as they looked for their companions. What is the matter - is there a power outage? Sophie mumbled to herself as she was about to take out her phone for light. But that was forgotten as she heard gunfire in the distance, which instantly destroyed all the peace and beauty of the evening.

“It's a shooting!” A frightened voice broke through the darkness as people started running and screaming wildly. Sophie's heart raced as she pressed against a wall trying to find a safe refuge as the emergency lights clicked on. Out of nowhere, Sophie felt a stinging pain on her cheek and forehead. She touched it with her hand and blood smeared on her fingertips having been cut in the face by shards of flying glass. Being surrounded by a chaotic crowd and the sounds of more gunfire, Sophie never felt more terrified and helpless than ever before.

Sophie looked through the flickering lights and saw strange figures flash through the window. Each of them was dressed in black and wore a black mask showing only their cold eyes. What was even more bizarre was the emblem on their chests. Each had been embroidered with a strange pattern. A picture of the earth with a baby was intertwined. It was unclear and strange who or what this referenced. Sophie took out her phone to film them but then another shot rang out close by which made her jump. In a panic the crowd rushed in her direction and in chaos her phone was flipped out of her hands by a fleeing person which flew several meters slamming into to the ground.

Regardless of the panic she felt at the moment, Sophie quickly took advantage of a few people moving out of her way to run and pick up her phone and placed it into her pocket, the screen smashed. The sound of her name being called brought Sophie's mind back to reality. She turned her head and saw that Tom had been shot in the shoulder in the confusion and his blood was red on the floor and down the front of his suit jacket. Candy was also cut in the arm by flying shrapnel and in pain, huddled on the ground beside Tom.

Sophie, ignoring the pain on her face, struggled to rush to them and used her whole-body strength to help the two people up amid all the chaos and despair. She found a glimmer of strength in the fear she felt for her friend and the thought of Liam. Grabbing a table napkin, recalling the first aid she had learned during her Girl Scouts years, she made emergency bandages for both of them. as she bandaged, she looked around from time to time looking for possible escape routes, but the smoke and the fire blurred her vision, and every step was full of unknown and danger.

Candy knelt down beside Tom and held him tight ignoring the pain on her arm. Her voice crying was pain and heartache Tom's face was pale as paper, but his eyes still flashed with the will to live. “Candy, sweetie ...” Tom struggled to lift his wounded hand and gently wiped the tears from Candy’s face and forced a smile, although his own gunshot wound to the shoulder had nearly knocked him unconscious.

“We have to get out of here, quick.” Sophie had just finished patching up Tom's shoulder and stood up. “Let's go that way ... there seems to be an exit.” She said pointing to a looming door not far away. Candy dried her tears, and she nodded. Together they supported Tom, struggling through confusion and fear, Sophie leads them through the sea of fire and debris.

Rome, Italy

A sleek, black limousine drove through the city, navigating the busy streets until it arrived at a five-star hotel located in the historical centre.

Liam sat inside the spacious interior, his gaze fixed out the window as the scenery rushed past them. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Sophie, her face, her smile. The memory of the softness of her skin, the gentle curves of her body beneath his touch. He was anxiously waiting for her response to his text.

He was going through the days events of the first day of his official business meetings he had today. It was a very productive and busy day of meetings with the prime minister of Italy, the minister for economy, the mayor of Rome and others to discuss international issues, economic growth and cultural exchanges between Cordonia and Italy.

But there was a part of him that wasn't fully focused on the job at hand. His initial plan for this Italian trip was to formally propose, to show his family and country that their future Queen was the most important person in his life.

He remembered seeing the display of jewelry at the Cartier store, he had a ring, a symbol of their commitment picked out for her. Now, inside his suit jacket, that diamond ring was nestled safely next to his heart.

Liam started to become tense and anxious that he didn't hear anything from Sophie.

Rashad watched from the other side of the vehicle with concern. He cleared his throat and broke the silence. "You alright, my boy?" He asked softly.

Liam shook his head and forced a half-hearted laugh. "Sorry...I've got a lot of things on my mind right now."

"Yes," Rashad replied. "A lot of big decisions on the horizon. So how'd today go, if I may ask? I wasn't there at the meeting of the prime minister. How was it?"

Liam straightened his posture and raised his chin.

"I think it went very well. I gave a very encouraging speech and I was able to make him agree with our position about our partnership between the two nations. That should help open more trade deals and increase exports to other countries, maybe even beyond the EU, like China or the UAE."

Rashad nodded proudly. "Excellent."

The two men continued their discussion as the limo wound its way through the city towards the luxury hotel. After a short drive, the vehicle drew up to the entrance.

Drake smiled at the luxury accommodation and turned to Liam. "And the hotel you're staying in is The Ritz, right?"

Liam raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"This is where I'm staying for the duration of the trip, but I did the preliminary negotiating with them before we left so my entourage could get the penthouse floor. But first, my friend," Liam chided playfully, "I have to make a statement for diplomacy purposes."

Liam emerged from the limo as the reporters and press begin flashing their cameras as paparazzi called out for his attention.

'Ecco qui, Nostrand alternative!'

["Over here, Your Highness!" ]

"Your Highness, do you have any comments for the press?"

"Can you tell us what the plans are for the Cordonian delegation while in the city?"

Liam looked at the cameras and responded.

'Il mio governo attende con ansia i nostri dibattiti su come promuovere la crescita economica e le opportunita per i nostri Paesi, affinche tutti i nostri cittadini possano.'

["My government looks forward to our discussions about promoting economic growth and opportunities for our countries, so that everyone in our citizens can prosper and enjoy the benefits of progress." ]

The gathered journalists cheered, and a member of the concierge team opened the door and led Liam, Rashad, Drake and Bastien into the opulent interior of the building.

Before entering the elevator, Liam paused and turned to Bastien. "i need you to locate Lady Sophia. I have been unable to contact her since leaving Cordonia."

"Right away, sir."

Thanks for reading; please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from this series.

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[likethetailofacomet]

The Broken Bits, Chapter Four:

Been Gone Such A Long Time 

A/N: Who is V the bartender????

Word Count: 3,465

Tunes: Missing, The XX 

Vanna bumped the door open with her hip as she hastily tied her long brown hair in a ponytail. The bell above the door jingled, but the noise of Saturday night swallowed the sound of the bell. Someone was very drunkenly singing “Don’t Stop Believing”, a small group of equally drunken fans gathered near the stage to cheer him on. Ugh, that’s right, it’s karaoke night, she thought as she finished her pony tail and hurried toward the bar. She was only ten minutes late, but the backup had already started at the drink station, and she winced at the look Jay shot her from behind the mixing tin he was shaking furiously- far more vigorously than a martini called for, he was bruising the gin on purpose by the look of it. He shook the container in one hand and haphazardly garnished a long island iced tea with the other by plopping a lemon wheel in it, the dark liquid sloshing out over the top of the glass and onto the rubber spill mat below. Vanna slipped past a group of bachelorettes and lifted the trap door to enter the bar area, an apologetic look on her face. “Sorry, Jay, the baby was-“

“Yeah, yeah, it’s all good, V, just get over here and start pouring beers.” Jay rolled his eyes before giving her a wink to prove that his 5 minutes of hating her were up.  He wasn’t really mad at her, it had just been a long night and Kayla, the opening bartender, had all but evaporated as soon as the clock struck ten having been at The Hippo since noon. She was supposed to wait for her relief to get there, but she had a date and Jay’s pleading did nothing to guilt her into staying past her shift time. Vanna smiled at him as she reached into the mug chiller for three cold glasses and began pouring Brooklyn Lagers, expertly tilting the glasses to create the perfect head of foam before sliding them down the bar to Jay at the drink station. The two worked seamlessly with Jay calling out beers and wine for Vanna to pour as they dug out from under the mountain of orders. When the crowd around the drink station had dispersed, the patrons properly plied and ready to make fools out of themselves on stage, Vanna helped Jay get things back in order before the next wave hit.

“So, everything good with the kid?” Jay asked over his shoulder as he replenished the lime wedges from a container he’d pulled from a cooler under the bar.

Vanna laughed and shook her head. “Yeah, he’s fine.” She gestured with the towel in her hand. “Just at that age where everything is a fight, there’s always a tantrum to be thrown, and he seems to have a sixth sense for when I’m leaving. Kid was passed out, asleep and snoring, but as soon as I said goodbye to the babysitter and grabbed my keys he was awake and screaming.”

Jay chuckled. “Yeah, I remember when mine was like that.” He laughed again, using tongs to refill a jar of maraschino cherries. “Fiona used to switch” he snapped his fingers with a loud crack, “like a demon possessed her when I’d have to leave for work. Now?” he blew air through his lips and raised his tong hand. “Now I’m lucky if I get a “later, dad” It’s a phase, V, no worries.”

Vanna leaned against the shelving behind the bar and crossed her arms over her chest. “Well don’t tell me that.” Jay laughed. “Is it too much to ask for something in between tantrums and indifference?”

“Yeah, that doesn’t exist.” Jay finished filling the garnish bin and moved to lean against the shelving next to her. He wiped his hands on his apron before crossing his arms and gently nudging her with his shoulder as the group of bachelorettes took the stage for “Dancing Queen”. “So, uh, you hear from the kid’s dad recently? I know he was here to visit a few months back and then…I uh…I know that whole… attack thing happened and you said you had family there and…I’m rambling now. If you don’t want to answer just tell me to shut up.” He turned his head to smile sheepishly at her.

She felt her chest tighten at the mention of the attack, at the thought of him…at the thought of her family. He’d finally gotten in touch with her a full two days after the attacks, those two days passing like months while she waited to hear about the people she cared about. But it had been a quick, curt conversation that hadn’t made her feel much better at all. She sighed, ran a hand over the top of her head and grabbed the end of her ponytail, tugging and twisting it around her fingers. It was her nervous tic, and Jay noticed. “I…no, I haven’t heard anything since...”

Jay leaned over and gave her a one armed hug. “Sorry I brought it up, V, just…I care, that’s all. We don’t have to talk about it.”

“Thanks, Jay,” she leaned into his hug without uncrossing her arms. She knew that he was just trying to show interest, show support. He didn’t know all the ins and outs of her situation. He didn’t know the history of it…and he didn’t know she had a brother. As the group of cosmopolitan drowned girls on stage wound down their song, another wave of patrons started approaching the bar and their moment of reprieve was over. They resumed their positions at the drink station and in front of the taps, and Vanna was glad that she didn’t have to do much thinking to pour beers; she was at The Hippo, her mind was anywhere but.

She went on auto pilot, muscle memory taking over to pour the perfect 8oz servings of wine, her wrist tilting at the same angle each time, arm pulling upwards at the same point of each pour. This way her mind was free to wander from person to person, starting with Bertrand. He’d been the first man she’d fallen for, wide eyed and oblivious, like a deer caught in a hunter’s sights. He was serious and dignified, he stood for all of the things she admired about the nobility, all of the things she wanted but could never have. He’d promised her nothing, and they’d never talked about what their relationship meant if it meant anything at all. They hadn’t done much talking period, if she was being truthful with herself, spending their time alone with their hands roving under each other’s clothing, their lips leaving hot trails and little marks all over one another’s skin. She’d sighed his name into a kiss more frequently than she’d said it in any other manner; he’d pinned her to a wall, a bookcase, a door, more often then he’d stood before her and had a conversation. There wasn’t love to have been lost. He was the father of her child, and it had hurt that he didn’t want to give it a try, to see if they could be a family, find love where they’d found pleasure. He’d said it had been due to familial duties, and that was when she learned that she’d never be good enough for these people, and she didn’t want her child to live that way. She didn’t tell Bertrand about the baby because she didn’t want his pity, didn’t want him to see his son as a burden. She always planned to tell him someday, but someday when she could rightfully refuse any monetary aid he’d try to shove at her to assuage his guilt. She didn’t love him when she left Cordonia, and she didn’t love him now that he’d found her, now that he knew about Bartie. He’d said he wanted to be part of their lives, that since he’d found them he’d felt that he was missing half of himself. But she felt nothing other than relief that he wanted to be involved in Bartie’s life in a real way, and not just by writing a check. Since the attacks though, she’d heard nothing from him, and again, it hurt that this time he’d lied about wanting to be a part of their lives. Two strikes against him and he’d started off down in the count; That night, as she mechanically poured a glass of house red, she decided that she was done considering Bertrand Beaumont family.

Her thoughts went next to her mother. Before leaving Cordonia it had been almost ten years since she heard from Bianca Walker. She was vaguely aware of Jay calling for a Sam Adams and two Amstel Lights, and she poured them as she recalled the last time she’d spoken to her mother on the phone -on her 17th birthday. She hadn’t given any clue that it would be the last time they spoke, simply wished her daughter a happy birthday, told her she missed her, like always, and that she hoped she was doing well, that she was happy…like always. When Christmas came and went followed by New Year’s Eve without a call or card, she and Drake had started to worry. They’d reached out by phone only to find that Bianca had changed her number. They’d sent a letter that hadn’t been returned as undeliverable, so they knew that she hadn’t moved, knew that nothing had happened to her…she had simply just stopped being involved in their lives. The visits had stopped 2 years prior, the invites, 3, and she remembered the painful jumble of mixed feelings she had; my mother wants nothing to do with me, did I do something wrong? How could she just... she remembered the hot tears boiling in her eyes. She remembered Drake’s reaction when he saw how it was affecting her.

“Hey...Savvy,” he hadn’t used that nickname since they were much younger. Hearing it had made her eyes flick up to his as she exhaled slowly. “Screw her. You got me. Always.” She knew Drake must have been hurting just as much, knew he was probably angry and confused just like she was. But he was putting it all aside to take care of her. That’s what Drake did for the people he loved.

She’d given Bianca one last chance when she came to the states. She’d figured, even if they hadn’t spoken, or seen one another, even if Bianca hadn’t tried or even made it seem like she wanted to try, Savannah thought she’d want to know that she was going to be a grandmother. When she’d showed up at Bianca’s family ranch in Texas, she was struck first by the joyful resonance of the wind chime that hung from the porch. She watched, mesmerized as the thin metal rods dangled, swaying in the breeze and catching the sun as they clinked together. The sound and the shine of the sunlight hurdled her back in time to a visit nearly twenty years ago. She was 7, Drake 9, and they were bursting with excitement over the gift they’d made their mother, with Bastien’s help, of course. Bastien had cut the pieces of metal, letting Drake help him punch holes so that they could be strung from a small wooden disk that Savannah had painted. Their mother had beamed and carried on about how gorgeous it was and how lucky she was to receive such a beautiful and thoughtful gift, promising that it would grace her porch forever. The paint was faded and chipped, the wooden disk cracked and nearly split in two from years in the unrelenting Texas sun. But there it still hung. So she hasn’t forgotten about us… That thought and the dilapidated wind chime gave her the courage to walk up the porch steps and knock on the red screen door.

When her mother answered, however, that courage evaporated. The look on Bianca’s face was one of mixed fear, anguish and regret, swirled with a touch of defensiveness, and Savannah wished she could take back the knock, take back her trip to Texas, and go back to New York where it was easy to disappear into the crowd. “Savvy…” she gasped, but quickly regained her composure. “What are you doing here?” the woman asked her, propping the door open just enough to speak, not enough to be welcoming. She crossed her arms over her chest as her graying hair danced on the breeze.

Savannah didn’t know how to answer, so she blurted out, “Just thought you’d like to know you were going to be a grandmother. Just thought you’d like to know that your children are still alive.” She heard the venom in her voice and it both surprised her and didn’t- she was hurt, again, let down, again, by the woman before her. “But I was wrong, I guess, huh?” Bianca said nothing, but Savannah caught her eyes flick up to the wind chime. “This was a mistake…” she followed Bianca’s gaze to the chime before crossing the porch and reaching up to remove the chime from the hook that had been screwed into the porch’s wooden roof. Without a word, she took the chime and turned her back on her mother, climbing into the cab of the truck she’d rented. She drove and drove, tears falling and curses flowing. Bianca Walker wasn’t family anymore.

Vanna was pulled back to the present as she realized that she had overfilled the glass in her hand, cold amber liquid flowing out of the tap and over her fingers. “Shit,” she muttered as she closed the tap and wiped her hand on the rag hanging from her apron. She cleaned off the rim of the glass, poured out a bit of liquid and topped it off achieving the perfect 2 inch foam head before sliding it down to Jay. She let her mind go to one last person- Drake. Drake would always be family. He would always be one of the most important people in her life. But she would always feel a twisting, burning feeling of regret for the way that she’d left him; just a note, but he deserved so much more, and she’d always regret not giving it to him. At the time, she thought she was doing him a favor, leaving before he found out about her child. She remembered, painfully, how destroyed her brother had been when he heard of the loss of his own child- a child he never even got to hold- and she thought that watching her go through a pregnancy, watching her raise a son on her own, would bring things up for him that he’d worked hard to bury. She thought, at the time she left, that she’d be doing him a favor-that he’d be better off without her to worry about, to try to take care of. She knew, now, that she was wrong. Every day she woke up full of missing him. Every day she woke up and knew in her heart that he missed her, too. But every day she woke up in New York City was one more day longer that she’d been away, and as the days turned to years she became embarrassed and anxious to reach out to him, knowing that she’d hurt him with her sudden departure. She wanted to but couldn’t.

When she’d spoken to Bertrand after the attacks, she’d gotten an update that had chilled her very soul- Drake had been shot. She’d sobbed and cried herself to sleep that night, despite Bertrand’s assurances that his surgery had been successful and that he was expected to make a full recovery. The only thing that had made her feel even remotely better is that Bertrand had told her that he was seeing someone, and that she hadn’t left his side, that she would be there for him in his recovery, would be there to help him in whatever way that he needed. Her brother was loved, and from the sound of it, loved fiercely. It was the only thing keeping her from complete devastation, and as much as she wanted to fly back to see him, to beg him to forgive her and to hug him more tightly than she ever had before, she knew that now wasn’t the time- that he needed to focus on healing and having her show up to tear open old wounds wasn’t going to help. She may have lost Bertrand. She may have lost Bianca. But she’d never really lose Drake, and she knew that. Drake Walker and her son were the only family that she had left.

That’s not true, said a voice in the very back of her memory. You have Bastien…you have…there was someone else, someone she knew was there for her, someone she knew had loved her very much as a child…someone she couldn’t quite remember, but she couldn’t completely forget, either. I wonder where she is now…I wonder if she remembers me… Her wondering was cut short as Jay called for more drinks and she pushed all the memories down to focus on the task at hand.

The night wore on in waves as it tended to on karaoke nights, until the clock struck 2am and Jay’s shift came to a close. He helped her restock a few items before she shooed him out. “Go home, Jay, I was late, you’re exhausted. Get home to that adorable little brat of yours.” She gave him a good-natured shove.

“Alright, ain’t gotta tell me twice,” he grinned. “Have a good night, V, hope the last two hours fly for ya.”

Jay lifted the trap door and exited the bar just as the bell above the door jingled, and two more customers walked in. Vanna lifted her gaze from the tap to the door and smiled as she saw one of her favorite regulars. She overheard him greeting Jay amicably before leading the girl he was with over to the bar. Who’s that? She wondered about the girl. Usually he comes with…

“Hey, V…” he said, the tone of his voice slightly off. She let the towel she was drying her hands on fall back down to her apron as she pulled the tap to pour Dan’s beer.

“Hey you, long time no see…where’s-“

“V, we need to talk…”

.  .  . .  .  .  .  .  .

Two days before they were supposed to leave for the Council’s trip to New York, Claire was perched on the back of the couch behind Drake, gently kneading the tense muscles of his injured shoulder. Her right leg was draped over his other shoulder, his fingers grazing her shin as he closed his eyes , leaning into her touch. “How’s that feel?” she asked, applying pressure to his shoulder blade with her thumb, rubbing in a circular motion.

He winced and let out a low hiss, but he responded with, “Feels amazing, Berkley, don’t you ever stop.” His eyes squeezed even more tightly shut.

Claire grinned. “Ever?” she craned her neck to look down at him, mischief sparkling in her clear blue eyes. “But if I never stop, how can we-“

Without warning, he gripped her leg and pulled her down and around his shoulders and into his lap, his right arm coming around her, his left hand sliding up to cup her cheek. Surprised laughter bubbled from her lips as he absently brushed his fingertips along her arm. A spark of mischief to match hers was reflected in his dark eyes, and a slow smile spread across his face. “In that case, you can stop now,” he said, voice low and full of intent. He dropped his head to catch her lips, but before the kiss could deepen, a buzz interrupted the moment as the phone in Claire’s pocket rang. “You don’t have to get that, do you?” he groaned.

“No way,” she breathed, kissing him back, bringing her hands up to tangle in his hair. But the phone continued to buzz, even after the caller had left a message. “Ugh…maybe I do,” she whined, reaching for her pocket without pulling away from his lips. She waited until she absolutely had to to pull apart, pressing the answer button before checking the caller I.D. “Hello?” she answered, eyes still locked on Drake’s as he continued to brush his fingers along her arm.

“C?” There was alarm and excitement and news in Dan’s voice, and it made Claire sit up straight.

“Dan?” The way she greeted him drew Drake’s attention.

“C…I just left The Hippo…I think I know where Drake’s sister is…you’re not going to believe this…”

.  .  .  .  .  .  .

Tagging: @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @brightpinkpeppercorn @mind-reader1@jovialyouthmusic @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants@andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife@roonarific @stopforamoment @mfackenthal@mkatschoicesblog @drakewalkerisreal @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth

[likethetailofacomet]

The Broken Bits, Chapter One:

Twenty One Years, Four Months, and One Day

A/N: Well, here it is, the thing I’ve been most excited about since LTLA was still only halfway complete. OF COURSE I love Drake and Claire with all of my heart, and I always will. And they will play a large part in this series, too. But the main players here are my beloved broken bits: Bastien and Annabelle. This series will take a look at how and why they fell apart, and if and when they might fall back together. I’ve always loved the beauty found in broken things- it reminds me that not all is lost no matter how stacked against you the odds may seem. Alright, enough of this or I’ll start waxing poetic all over your Thursday. 

Pairing: Bastien x Annabelle, Drake x Claire, Bertrand x ??? 

Warnings: mentions of character death

Word Count: 3,178

Bastien looked around the empty room that had served as his study for the past twenty one years and as Jackson Walker’s before him. The office of the Captain of the King’s Guard would be vacant for the first time in Cordonia’s history; because for the first time in Cordonia’s history, there would be no King to guard. He spun, slowly, eyes roving over every nook and cranny of the empty shelves, over the nicks in the walls from where things had been thrown in frustration, over the diamond patterns of the leaded window panes. These four walls and the title that came with them had bound him by duty to set aside anything that wouldn’t fit within them. His mind went immediately to the framed photo that used to sit on the desk that used to fill one corner of the room, and to the ethereal, copper haired woman it used to depict. Annabelle. Even thinking her name inside this room was difficult; she was a free bird, and her wings were best spread outdoors. But not a day went by, when, sitting in this room, he hadn’t wished that he was anywhere else, anywhere with her. Not a day went by that he didn’t wish for more than the broken bits of their love, slashing through his memories; her laughter and the way it started in her eyes, her hair and the way it would always get in his mouth, her fingers and the way that they were always stained with charcoal or paint or grass or mud. He tried to imagine her now, imagine how time may have changed the shape of her face, or the curve of her body. He tried to imagine that no matter what had changed, that she was still Belle, still the brightest star in the sky, still the sweetest song on the breeze.

But he knew that he was far from the man that she’d left behind, and he wondered in what ways she may have changed, too. He wondered, more often than he’d like to admit, if she’d kept her word that she’d wait for him. He was surprised to find, as the years went by, that he both hoped she had and hadn’t. Part of him held on to that fragile fiber of “what if”; what if he was able to give her what she wanted? What if he was able to get away from the danger of his position like she’d begged him? Would she still have space in her heart for him? That idea, the thought of her waiting in Paris…waiting for him…waiting with all that love and no one to share it with…that idea made him ache, and as painful as it would be to find out that she’d moved on, part of him hoped that she had. Annabelle Walsh had so much love in her heart, and Bastien thought it would be a damn shame if that all went to waste simply because he couldn’t give her as much of himself as she wanted. She deserves someone that can put all the pieces back together, and show her that she was never broken in the first place, not someone who took a sledgehammer to her dreams, he’d think, sipping a glass of leathery bourbon at the end of a long day, reflecting on all the ways that his life wasn’t right for hers.

Now though, standing in the empty room, he found a third part of himself that he never knew was there, and that part told him that he might be able to erase all the “what ifs” and all the doubts- that he might be able to start over, start fresh. Now, there was a part of him that existed only to find her, to know, once and for all, not what could have been, but what might still be. He tapped his fingers twice against the windowsill, gazing out at the grounds for the last time. Echoes of the thousands of conversations that had happened in this room behind a closed and locked door faded as her voice, like a song, filled his head and he heard the words that she’d written to him the day that she’d left Cordonia. He’d read them so many times he could see the curling blue ribbons of her scripted handwriting with his eyes closed, could feel the soft texture of the handmade paper on the tips of his fingers, could smell the ink as though she’d just dipped her pen in it minutes and not decades ago.  

Bastien,

                I am broken, Bas. It breaks me, leaving like this, leaving you. But I know that it would only break me more, crush me, really, to stay and lose you. I can’t do what Bianca did, Bastien. I can’t stay here and wait for a car to pull up outside. I can’t stay here and wait for someone in a suit to tell me that you’re not coming home. I lost my brother that way, Bas. I can’t lose you like that. Not you.

                You have to believe me when I say that all I’ve wanted since we met is just for us to be together. For you and I to be together, Bas. But we can’t be together if you’re not willing to give yourself to me- your whole self, not just the parts that you can spare, not just what’s left over, or what doesn’t fit in your job description. You told me that your position as Captain would only be temporary- that you would find someone suitable to take over, and that you’d leave the King’s Guard. And I waited, Bas. I waited the six months you asked me to wait, and then I waited six more months. I can’t help but wonder if you ever intended on leaving, or if you just hoped that I’d give in. But I can’t give in to this. You were shot, Bastien, and you were lucky this time. But luck always runs out, and I can’t be here when yours does.

                Do you remember Paris, Bas? We talked about it, dreamed about it, about the life we could make there. That’s where I’ll be. I’ll wait for you, Bas, but I can’t wait here. If there is ever a time that you have space for me in your life, come find me in Paris.

Forever yours,  Belle

He tapped his fingers against the window ledge once more as the words he’d committed to memory finally gave him something to hope for. As much as he loved Annabelle- like the moon loved the stars, like the sun loved the Earth- there was something in him, something he was born with, something fostered by Jackson’s tutelage that kept him from being able to put that love before his duty. He’d sworn an oath, not just to his King, but to his future King, to his country, to the other members of the guard, to Jackson himself, and Bastien took that swearing seriously. He reasoned with himself that to break the oath he’d taken would be to prove himself a liar, untrustworthy, and therefore unworthy of Annabelle’s love. If he could break that vow, what was to stop him from breaking another? That was the reason that his 25 year old mind had come up with, and for a long time it was a sound reason, to him. But in the years that had passed in her absence, he started to see things with new perspective. He watched the way that Bianca was broken after losing Jackson- how the fact that he had died honorably meant nothing to her battered heart. He watched as others in the guard fell in the line of duty, watched as their husbands and wives and families mourned them, and not their accomplishments. He watched the way that Drake had allowed Claire’s love to completely transform him, and he couldn’t help but wonder how Annabelle’s might have done the same to him. Yes, he still felt bound to his position, but he found that it had less and less to do with the King that he served, and more and more to do with the hope that he was holding onto for the future. And now that future was here- here in this empty room. All those oaths, all that honor, all that duty. What did it mean, now? He looked around once more. There was nothing to see. It meant nothing, now. With an exhale of more than just breath, he left the room, and his duty, for the last time.

.  .  .  .  .  .

Four months had passed since the attack at Ramsford. Four months since the remaining members of the Seven Devils, Lady Kiara of Castelsarreillan among them, stood trial for their crimes and were sentenced to life imprisonment. Four months since Liam announced the changes that had sent ripples through all of Cordonia. At first, there was shock and some pushback from some of the older Noble families- the Pykes of Essenwood, to be specific, but overall the changes were being well-received. Almost all of the Council positions had been appointed, and new governmental legislation was being passed almost daily. There was still plenty of work to be done, but four months was not that much time.

Four months, and Drake was still recovering from his injuries, still working through physical therapy, still paying for the sacrifice he’d made. He still could barely lift his arm, still had to limit his activity, still couldn’t get through a night without waking in agony. Four months, and most of Claire’s nightmares had subsided, but plenty still seeped in between her closed eyelids. After finally being able to sleep in the same bed as Drake, his presence kept most of the more awful visions at bay, but not all of them were so easily expelled. She had been undergoing therapy since the second week after the attacks, finally making strides to heal not just these new wounds, but the old ones that had been haunting her for far longer than the past four months.

It had been four months since Bertrand Beaumont had learned that his younger brother Maxwell would be chosen as the Representative from Ramsford. He wasn’t at all surprised. In honesty, Bertrand knew that Max was better suited to help usher in a new age. Max was brighter, his mind more open. Bertrand’s mind was shackled by the old way of things, by custom and protocol. He knew that wasn’t what Cordonia needed, not anymore. He thought about the night of the ball... of the attacks on his home... and how all he could think of was them. Would he see them again? She’d called him several times that night, and even as he wondered if he’d ever see them again, he couldn’t bring himself to call her back. She’d made it clear that she didn’t want him back in their lives when he’d finally tracked her down and visited her during the social season. How much could have changed? Four months wasn’t that much time. 

Brielle had spent a few sleepless nights after seeing her sister’s name scroll across the television of the bar she was playing at. American Suitor Claire Berkley listed amongst those injured in terror attack at Cordonian royal ball. She hadn’t seen her sister in years. Most days she tried not to think about her, her heart aching with regret over the terrible things she’d said to her the last time she’d seen Claire. But three triangles inked onto her wrist stood as a permanent reminder of the sister she had estranged herself from. After learning that she’d made it safely through the chaos abroad, Brielle had spent a few more sleepless nights, tossing and turning, trying to decide how and if she could reconnect with her sister. It had been four months, and while that wasn’t much time, she thought she’d come up with a plan. A good one. I’m sorry, Claire, I’m so sorry.

.  . .  .  .  .

Annabelle sat cross legged in the gallery. For the past four months, all the papers had been reporting on the shifting state of things in Cordonia, one of France’s oldest allies. The dissolution of the monarchy. The end to nobility, to House this and House that, to knights and guardians of the realm... to the King’s Guard. She thought of Liam, the tiny little thing he was when she saw him last; now making big changes, bold moves. She smiled. I knew that little lion would have a mighty roar, she’d allow herself to think. She’d read about Drake’s appointment to the new Common Council... about how he’d been seriously injured in the attacks. My sour little apple, I hope you find the sweetness now. She’d allowed herself to think about one last name that she’d read in the papers. One last name that she still thought about daily. Bastien. My silver eyed hawk... are you finally free? Four months, she’d asked herself that question. But four months wasn’t very long at all. 

Twenty one years, though, was a long time to think about one name. It was a long time to wonder, to hope, to cry and love and hate and hate that she loved. It was a long time to defend the love she’d walked away from to her family, to her friends. It was a long time to defend it to herself. She had two allies, and it had been too long since she’d been able to speak with either of them. She looked around the gallery, quiet in the early morning as the sun’s first rays spilled in through the windows, glinting off of the glass in the frames that hung all around her. Most of the art was hers, now, though a few of Brigitte’s works still remained. The gallery itself was hers, now, on paper, though in her heart it would always be Brigitte’s.

She sighed, sipping her coffee and pulling her sweater around her shoulders. She hadn’t understood the full extent of Bastien’s relationship, his attachment to Jackson Walker, until she’d found the same thing in Brigitte. It had been two years, almost to the day, since Annabelle had lost the woman that had come to mean more to her than her own mother; who had been there for her and supported her and helped her grow as an artist, as a woman, as a person. She’d taught her French, she’d taken her under her wing; she’d kept her afloat in the moments when she was sinking fast. “I have no children of my own, mon petit oiseau,” she’d said during one of their last morning coffee sessions together, one of the last mornings that Brigitte was strong enough to come into the gallery. She’d set her warm, nut brown eyes on the grown woman who would always be her little bird, and Annabelle could remember how thin her face had looked, how frail the immensely strong and free woman had become in her illness. “But you, my darling Belle, you have become my family, and there is no one else in this wild world that I would trust more with my gallery.” It had been a short few weeks after that when Annabelle had said goodbye to Brigitte, and at that moment, she’d understood everything that Bastien had felt about his mentor- all the duty, all the promises, all the things he felt like he owed him. Oh what a mistake I’ve made. The regrets that had been building up inside of her since she fled Cordonia threatened to burst from her heart, but she’d fought them back, held them in, kept them from corrupting her. Until now. Until the past four months.

Her other ally, whom she hadn’t heard from in almost a decade, when the two had had a major falling out over Bianca’s absence in her children’s lives, had called her late one night after the news of the attack broke. Annabelle could hardly believe the number that was flashing on her phone as she groggily answered it, heart pounding in her throat.

“Annabelle?” the woman’s voice was raspier than she remembered, more raw, more thin.

She cleared her throat, sitting up in bed. Her eyes immediately went to the small, mosaic frame that had sat on her bedside for the past twenty one years- dried glue was visible seeping out from shells and bits of sea glass that a tiny Savannah had stuck to a wooden frame that Bastien had nailed together. The photo depicted Bastien, grinning with Drake on his shoulders and Liam hanging off of his arm and Savannah leaning against his leg. It was from that day on the beach, when Bas had made good on his promise to help the boys build a clubhouse, when Belle had given Savannah a long “princess braid” and helped her collect “beach treasures”. It was the last real happy memory that she had with them all, and it was her most cherished possession. The call from Bianca frightened her, thinking the worst, she found her voice. “Yes, Hi, Bianca…I’m here…is it…did you hear something?”

There was a second of stillness over the line before the woman spoke again, the hint of a sob stuck in her throat. “No, I…I haven’t heard anything, Belle…I was hoping that maybe…maybe Bastien had…”

“He hasn’t,” Annabelle clutched the blankets around herself and closed her eyes.

“And…” there was another second of hesitation. “And nothing from Drake either? I know…” Annabelle could hear an exhale of breath that sounded like crying. “I know that… that you care about him very much…”

More than you know, Bianca. I care about that sour apple more than you could ever know. “I do, Bianca. Very much. But I haven’t heard from him. I haven’t heard from anyone in Cordonia in ages… I would tell you, if I had.” It was true. Despite her feelings on Bianca’s broken hearted abandonment, she of course would never keep information about her children from her.

Another sound like a sob. “Okay, well…well I thought it was worth a try…”

They’d ended the call and Annabelle had picked up the frame, running her fingers over the shells and the bubbled, dried blue. She’d cried herself back to sleep that night, the frame resting against her chest.

Twenty one years- she’d lived her life, she’d travelled, she’d found happiness. But she’d waited, as well. Twenty one years and four months, she’d waited to be made whole again. The clock tower outside the gallery struck 9 and she sighed again, setting her coffee down on the counter and walking across the room to unlock the door. She passed by one of her more recent works and saw him in it, as she saw him in everything. Come find me in Paris, Bas, she thought to herself as the door lock clicked and another day began.

Twenty one years, four months, and one day.

tagging:  @ooo-barff-ooo  @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @brightpinkpeppercorn @jovialyouthmusic @mind-reader1 @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @drakewalkerrosenberg @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mkatschoicesblog @mfackenthal@drakewalkerisreal @jlouise88 @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @gardeningourmet @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby

[likethetailofacomet]

The Broken Bits, Chapter Three:

Remember Me

A/N: Bastien joins Drake and Claire for dinner and memories play a part in answering some questions that Drake has. Annabelle is reminded of all that she left behind and all that she might still get back. 

Pairings: Bastien x Annabelle, Drake x Claire 

Word Count: 3,022

Song: Remember Me, Augustana

Will you hear me blowing in the wind? Will it give you shivers down your skin? Will you stop and stare, wonder if I'm there? Will you think about me now and then?

The rocks crunched beneath the tires of Bastien’s car as he pulled off of the dirt road and into the long, secluded driveway that lead to the cabin. Thick evergreen trunks cropped up on either side with silver stars starting to dot the sky above, and before long he was met with the sight that had at one time been a staple in his life: the warm glow of the kitchen light through the window, two figures moving inside setting a table. He pulled up alongside the blue truck that was already parked in front and turned the engine off. The Walker home would always feel like home to him as well for all the times that Jackson and Bianca had welcomed him for weeknight dinners and holiday celebrations. He stepped out into the crisp night and headed up the path to the porch, a bouquet of flowers in one hand, a bottle of bourbon in the other.

As the car door closed with a heavy metallic thud, he saw Claire look up and wave through the window, a bright smile on her face. It brought a smile to his own pewter eyes, and he raised one elbow to wave back, both hands full. As he headed up to the front door he was hit with the memory of bringing Annabelle here for the first time; something in Claire’s wistful wave had stirred something that had been dormant for years. He felt a slight tightening in his throat and he recalled the way she’d nervously clutched his arm as they’d climbed the steps.

 “What if they don’t like me, Bas?” she’d asked.

“Not possible,” he’d said with a grin before leaving a quick kiss on her cheek. “Besides, you’ve met Jackson already.”

“Yeah, just…” she bit her lower lip and looked up at him as they paused on the steps.

“Belle,” he cupped the side of her face with his hand, fingers sliding behind her earlobe. Bastien looked into her eyes and for the first time in his life, he saw something that he was undeniably sure of. “Not possible,” he said again. She’d smiled and it reaffirmed what he’d seen in her eyes; that this was it, him and Annabelle, and that this was love.

The cool breeze blew through the dark boughs of the tall pines and took the memory away as quickly as it had come to him, leaving only the lingering feeling of her fingertips in the crook of his arm. He’d been thinking about her at lot in the past few months, as he transitioned from life with the King’s Guard to simply having his life to himself. It was an adjustment he was never sure he’d actually make, but one he’d been wishing for since the day he came home to her note. The end of all the things that were keeping him from her- from giving himself to her the way she wanted and deserved. The upcoming trip that Liam had planned for the council would be the last time Bastien provided his services as head of security, and then he would be truly free go to her. Before his thoughts could reach for her, the door swung open and Drake was there to greet him.

“Bas,” he greeted him with a grin. His tie was loosened but still around his neck, the top few buttons undone, and his sleeves were pushed up around his elbows.

“Hello, Drake,” Bastien smiled back and stepped through the door into the familiar surroundings of the living room.

Claire appeared from the kitchen, drying her hands on a red checkered towel before swinging it over her shoulder. “Hi, Bas!” she exclaimed, all brightness as she snuck past Drake to hug Bastien. Her thin arms came around him before he could unload either of the items he was carrying, eliciting a chuckle as she squeezed him. “It’s so good to see you,” she said as she let go, Drake’s arm coming around her waist. They looked like a family and it made Bastien extremely happy.

“Claire,” he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, his coarse stubble scratching her smooth skin. “Always a pleasure to see you.” His eyes shone warmly as he extended the bouquet of red and white Amaryllis out to her. “Congratulations, Miss Cordonian citizen.” She had finalized her paperwork earlier that day, coming home with her new passport displaying Drake’s address as her new permanent residence.

Claire beamed as she took the flowers, bringing them to her nose to inhale their scent. “Thanks Bas,” she said, looking as happy as Bastien felt.

“And this is for you, Councilman,” he handed the bottle of leathery bourbon over to Drake, his eyes locked onto the younger man’s. He watched as Drake reached out and took it, eyes scanning the label. His Adam’s apple moved in his throat as he swallowed the ball of emotion that seeing that bottle brought on.

“Is this…” he asked, fingers curling around the neck of the bottle, already knowing the answer to the question. It was the same bourbon his father always kept around the house; the same that Jackson had toasted Bastien on his first night in the King’s Guard, and the same that Bastien still toasted him back with nearly every evening.

“He’s proud of you, Drake. And so am I.” Bastien stood watching as the look on Drake’s face changed to one of appreciation.

“Thank you,” was all Drake could say as the two shook hands, Bastien clapping him on his shoulder lightly. 

Claire headed back into the kitchen to put the flowers in water and finish with dinner as Drake and Bastien moved towards the table. They sat and Bastien asked Drake how his first day on the council was, Drake excitedly recounting his day. Claire listened in, smiling to herself as she doled out portions of hearty chili with freshly baked corn bread, passing them to Bas and Drake before taking a seat in front of her own bowl. The three dug in, enjoying the warmth of the fire that crackled pleasantly behind them in the next room. Bastien caught Drake glancing over at Claire smiling through a mouthful as she talked excitedly about passing her citizenship test, and watched as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. Happy. They’re just happy, Bastien thought, finishing his meal. It was all he wanted for them.

“Claire, that was excellent,” Bastien said when they had all finished, pushing his chair back from the table. “You’re quite the chef.”

“Glad you liked it,” she said brightly, rising to collect the bowls. “Old family recipe.” She stacked Drake’s bowl on top of hers and ran her hand along his shoulder as she passed behind his chair. He reached up and gripped her fingers, bringing them to his lips for a kiss. They locked eyes for a second and Drake’s lips twitched into a small smile. Bastien passed his empty bowl to Claire who thanked him and brought the dishes and silverware to the sink. She busied herself with cleaning up and putting away leftovers, packing a container for Bastien to take home with him as well. Drake cleared his throat as she turned the water on to start the dishes.

“Bas, I…I need to ask you something,” he said, leaning his elbows on the table top.

Bastien shifted in his chair keeping his eyes focused on Drake. “Sure,” he responded. “Everything alright?”

Drake nodded, took a breath and answered, “Yeah, everything is fine I just…” he shook his head. “Bas, when I was in the hospital…after the attack…before I was awake I…” he dragged a hand through his hair as Bastien sat quietly. “I had a dream.” He looked up as Claire shut the water off, coming back to sit next to him. She reached for his hand and he gave it to her, their fingers linking. “I saw my parents, I saw Claire,” he looked over to the woman he loved, his eyes softening as they fell on her face. “I saw you, too, Bas,” he said, looking back across the table at him. “And all that made sense to me, because you’re all the most important people in my life…because there were similarities…what happened to my father… and me…and Bas I saw you get hurt, too…and there was a woman.” Bastien felt his throat tighten, felt a stale, old nagging pain shoot through his chest as his heart pounded. “At first I couldn’t remember her name…but then I heard your voice...”

“Annabelle,” Bastien heard his own voice, felt the name scrape against his tongue as it left his mouth.

Drake nodded. “She must have been important to me…but I can’t remember how or why… who was she, Bas?”

Who was she? His thoughts swam with her; the soft contour of her lips as they pressed between his shoulder blades in the middle of the night; her long graceful fingers wrapped around a charcoal pencil and smudged with dark gray smears; the tingling way her laughter would catch the breeze and float through the air. Annabelle. Her whispered, breathy I love you, Bas. Her eyes full of tears and her voice full of pleading. Her absence.

Bastien sighed and scrubbed a rough hand over his face. “She’s the woman I love, Drake…she…she was my world…she’s my world.” Bastien felt his brow furrow and his heartbeat quicken, but then a wave of warmth washed over him as another memory seized his mind.

“Belle, let’s close up out here and…” he’d come into the small living room of their apartment after cleaning up the kitchen. They were babysitting Drake and Savannah while the Walkers celebrated their anniversary. He’d expected to find Annabelle tucking the children into their sleeping bags on the couches, perhaps bargaining with Drake to close his eyes. Instead he’d come in to find her sandwiched between two sleeping faces, Savannah’s fingers clasped tightly around Annabelle’s, Drake tucked under her arm and nestled against her side, her long copper hair cascading over them like a curtain. She was asleep, too, and Bastien was hit hard with how simple and beautiful and normal and right the whole scene looked. He looked around the living room at the easel in the corner where her latest painting stood, and the two pieces of sketchbook paper she’d taped on the wall for Drake and Savannah to paint on while she worked. His eyes fell on the empty popcorn bowl that they’d all shared while watching a movie after dinner, remembering the laughter that bubbled out of the three of them. This could be mine someday, he thought to himself as he leaned over her sleeping form to brush a kiss to her lips. She stirred awake, blinking her eyes open. “Hey,” he whispered, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Hey,” she hummed, sitting up gingerly and unwinding her arm from around Drake. “They wouldn’t fall asleep without a story,” she explained, raking her fingers through Drake’s messy locks as his mouth fell open in sleep. She stood, turning back to pull the sleeping bags up over both of them before facing Bastien again.

“Let’s get some sleep, they’ll have us up early I’m sure,” he smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple as he laced his arm around her waist, pulling her to him. All this could be mine, he thought to himself with a smile as he flicked the light off and lead her to bed, all this will be mine, someday.

“Bas?” Drake’s voice snapped him back to the present and he felt her slip from his thoughts again. He blinked and met Drake and Claire’s eyes.

“She loved you and your sister very much, Drake.” He said, truth keeping his voice even. “We…she and I, we used to watch you two for your parents sometimes and she,” he sighed, “she loved you. It makes sense that you saw her in your dream.”

“Where is she, Bas?” Claire’s voice was a curious whisper tinted with sadness as she read the emotion he was sure was clear in his eyes.

Bastien averted his eyes as he answered. “Paris…she…I wanted to marry her…but she wouldn’t while I was captain of the guard.” He shook his head. “She had a brother who she was very close with- Andrew- he was a few years older than her…He was a police officer and he was killed on the job,” his heart ached as he recalled the first time she told him about Andrew and the way her eyes had shattered into tears at just the mention of her brother’s name. “She was afraid of losing me that way…she said she couldn’t marry me while I lived in danger…said she’d wait for me in Paris…” He trailed off, looking out the window at the night sky, wondering if the sun was up yet where she was, casting pinkish light through the slats in the blinds and dancing in her hair.

“We’re set to travel to Paris on this trip with the council,” Drake said, knowing that Bastien had agreed to come along on the trip, lending his services one last time.

The silver-eyed man nodded. “Yes,” he said simply, and something in his tone told Drake not to press the matter further. “Maybe I’ll see her again.” The thought had been the only one swirling in his head for weeks. Maybe I’ll see her again, maybe I’ll love her again, maybe she’ll be mine again. It was the only thought that mattered, the only thought that scared him, the only thought that had his entire future hinging on it.

“Maybe,” Claire said, but there was hope in her voice, and strength, and Bastien knew she was trying to encourage him. It was working; Claire Berkley had a way of making even the most hopeless things seem possible.

He left Drake’s that night with her name echoing through his heart and his mind. Annabelle. I’m coming, Belle, I remember your promise…do you remember me?

.  .  . .  .  .  .  .

“That’s very good, Celine,” Annabelle stood behind her student, watching the way she blended blues and grays on the edge of her brush to add texture and depth to the canvas in front of her. The little girl’s hair was tied back, but there was a dab of yellow paint coloring the ends of her braid, and without warning she became Savannah Walker, perched on a stepstool in front of a taped up piece of paper on the wall, her fingers covered in purple and green. The flash changed and Celine was back, her toothy grin beaming up at her teacher, as Annabelle wiped the paint from her hair with a paper towel. “You’re improving, little dove.”

Later, as they were waiting for Celine’s mother to come get her from Annabelle’s apartment, Celine wandered around looking at the paintings and photographs that covered the walls. Occasionally she’d ask a question, “did you paint this, Belle?” “where are you in this picture?” “is this your family?”- the last question caught Annabelle’s attention and she spun on her heel to see the photo from her bedside table in Celine’s hand. Bastien, Liam, Drake and Savannah with sun on their shoulders and seawater in their hair and laughter on their faces. She could still see the way they smiled at her as she looked through the camera lens, could still feel the way the ocean was crashing in her chest as she imagined someday having all of that with him.

“As close to a family as I ever had,” she answered finally, noticing that Celine was still looking at her and holding the frame. “You remind me of the girl in that picture, little dove.”  She ruffled Celine’s hair, taking the frame from her and swallowing the knot in her throat.

“Where are they now, Belle?” she looked up expectantly. Children were always full of questions, and to them, all questions should have answers.

Annabelle sighed as the doorbell chimed announcing Celine’s mother’s arrival. “They grew up and flew off,” she said, moving to press the button on the panel near the door.

“Are they gonna fly home?” Celine clutched the painting she’d done that day.

“Maybe,” Annabelle looked at her contemplatively before her eyes darted out the window. She wondered where they all were now, wondered if they remembered her, if she was written in their hearts like they were in hers.

Celine smiled. “I hope so, Belle.”

“Me too, little dove,” Annabelle tapped Celine on the nose and gave her a smile. “Me too. Now, your mom is waiting. I’ll see you next week, okay?” The girl nodded, smiling wide to show off her missing teeth as she said goodbye and headed out into the hallway to meet her mother. Annabelle waved to the woman and watched as the little girl linked hands with her mother and they walked away chatting excitedly about Celine’s masterpiece.

“I want to give mine to Mommy and Papa!” Savannah announced proudly as Belle stood behind her at the bathroom sink, rubbing her hands together under the water. The white porcelain swirled with wisps of violet as the paint ran from Savannah’s fingertips and down the drain.

“They’ll love it, Savvy,” Belle assured her, shutting the faucet and wiping her hands off with a towel before turning to see if Drake needed help. She knew he wouldn’t, preferring to do everything for himself, the independent little apple. She felt Bastien’s eyes watching her as she helped the kids clean up, and she liked the way it felt. We could have this, someday. We will have this, she thought.

She closed the door and returned to her quiet apartment. Do you remember me, Bas? Do you remember the promises you wanted to make- the ones I didn’t let you keep? I remember. She felt a tear slip past her eyelashes as she allowed herself, just this once, to hope that he was coming for her. Remember me, she pleaded, please, remember me.

.  .  .  .  .  .  

Tagging: @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @brightpinkpeppercorn @mind-reader1 @jovialyouthmusic @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mfackenthal @mkatschoicesblog @drakewalkerisreal @jlouise88 @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth

[likethetailofacomet]

The Broken Bits, Chapter Two:

Come Again No More

A/N: Moving right along with this new age in Cordonia’s history and what it means both politically and personally. 

Pairing: Drake x Claire, Bastien x Annabelle 

Word Count: 4,124 

Song: Hard Times, Eastmountainsouth

Let us pause in life's pleasures and count it's many tears While we all sup sorrow with the poor There's a song that will linger forever in our ears Oh, hard times come again no more 'tis a song a sigh of the weary Hard times hard times come again no more Many days you have lingered around my cabin door Oh hard times come again no more

Claire looked out the window in the kitchen, the just risen sun reflecting off of the lake’s surface like diamonds, the green of the trees and the vines and bushes glowing like emeralds, like jewels of the forest. Home. She took a sip of her coffee as she let the word sink into her bones. Sure she’d stayed with Drake throughout most of the social season, but the constant danger they’d been living under had kept her from ever feeling safe. Safe. Another thing she hadn’t felt in ages. She set her mug down on the counter and moved closer to the window, leaning against the cool glass as she looked out. The last time she’d felt truly safe, truly at home, was 4 years ago when she was with her mother and Brielle; before moving to New York, before working at Keagan’s, before Alex and before Cordonia. When she closed her eyes she could still picture their front porch; the swing with the large, always fluffy cushions covered in floral patterns and caked with actual pollen from the black eyed susans and tiger lilies and lilacs that grew along the rail. She could still see the glass door and the big picture window that would hold candlesticks at Christmas and giant shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day; could still see the tiled kitchen table, the light wood cabinets, and the one drawer that didn’t quite close all the way from that time Brielle had shoved too much junk into the junk drawer. When she opened her eyes all those images were gone, but the feeling remained, and that’s how she knew that this was her home now.

She listened as the breeze blew through the trees, a gentle whoosh as the leaves and branches swayed in the sunshine. She heard the sweet sounds of swallows singing as they swooped low over the lake. So different from the sounds of the city that she’d left behind, all harshness and volume. She took a breath and focused on the sounds she could hear inside the cabin- the coffee maker dripping, brewing a second pot of coffee for the day, the fireplace crackling, warming the whole first floor, the water rushing through the pipes from Drake’s shower. It was that last one that made her feel the most like this is where she was meant to be- Drake. Claire sighed, thinking of the man who held her heart, who’d held it from the moment that their lips met that first, electrifying time. He’d been making excellent progress in his recovery after the attacks at the Engagement Ball in Ramsford, and Claire knew that he was thrilled to be able to do something as simple as shower without help- up until two weeks ago he’d still been in a sling and unable to raise his injured arm more than a few inches. Small steps, she was constantly reminding him, are still steps in the right direction.

 “I know, Berkley,” he’d say with a grumble, brows furrowed and a determined look in his deep eyes. She’d brush the long roguish hair from his face and drop gentle kisses to the corners of his eyes until the annoyed little crinkles there smoothed themselves back out and he’d sigh. “I just hate not being able to do things…or hold you…”

Claire knew that Drake hated feeling dependent on anyone but himself, and that even leaning on her these past few months had been difficult for him; not because he didn’t trust her, but because he wasn’t used to having someone to trust, not in this way anyway. “I know, baby,” she’d say, all patience and love, “but you will.”

The sound of the water stopped as he turned off the shower. Claire helped herself to more coffee, pouring a mug for Drake as well. She pulled the milk from the fridge and added a splash to his leaving hers black before bringing both mugs to the small table. She sat, gazing out the window absently, her thoughts returning to the newly found feeling of home as she waited for Drake to come downstairs. She brought the dark, bitter liquid to her lips, breathing in the nutty aroma before taking a big gulp of coffee. As it slid down her throat waking her up, she heard the heavy sound of his footsteps coming down the stairs. She turned in her seat and pulled one leg up tucking her foot beneath herself. This. This is part of what made this place home; seeing him in the morning, coming home to each other at night. Her heart swelled like it had every morning as he made his way into the kitchen, but faltered at the frustrated look on his face.

“Berkley, I need... can you...” he sighed and frowned, holding a towel in his good hand. His hair was still soaking wet, his shirt only buttoned half way from the bottom up. He’d shaved, a piece of tissue stuck to a nick near his chin, but otherwise his face was completely smooth save for the furrows in his brow and the tight set of his lips. It wasn’t just his shoulder, Claire knew; he was nervous, though he wouldn’t say it.

She rose, wordlessly, and crossed the room to where he stood. Drake cast his dark eyes downward before flicking them back to hers. Oh, Drake, it’s okay. She swallowed a thick knot, her hands going to his face, turning it so he’d look her in the eye. “Good morning, sunshine,” she said, simultaneously raising on her toes to capture his lips, and reaching out to grab the towel from him.

The feel of her lips on his instantly softened his frown as he kissed her back slowly. “Good morning, Berkley,” he sighed, relinquishing the towel to her grip, hand going to her waist. Without prompting, she brought it up to his shaggy hair and started to dry his dripping locks.

“How’d you sleep, Councilman?” she asked, finishing with his hair, running her fingers through it loosely.

“Fine,” Drake replied as she tossed the towel onto the countertop. Her fingers went next to the unbuttoned buttons of his shirt, starting around his ribs. He’d done as many of them as he could, but Claire knew it was still hard for him to keep his arm up for an extended period of time, and washing his hair in the shower had maxed out the ability in his shoulder for the morning.

“Just fine?” she questioned, one eyebrow arching high. “You were snoring all night…seemed pretty restful to me.”

“I don’t know…good I guess…”

She could tell that he was on edge about the first official Council Meeting taking place in just a few hours. Of course there had been plenty of strategic meetings and Drake had been in on all of them, but this would be the first gathering of the entire Council since they’d all sworn in two weeks previously. Claire had beamed proudly at him as he swore to serve the citizens of Cordonia fairly and to uphold law and peace in their country, and they’d celebrated that night by going out to dinner, just the two of them. He’d been so happy that day, so sure of himself and confident that he’d do the best job that he could in his new role as Valtorian Representative to the Common Council. Now that it was time to actually step into those shoes, she knew he was having some doubts and jitters. She paused her buttoning to grip the lapels of his shirt and pull him closer to her, pressing her chest flush against his body.

“Hey, look at me,” she whispered, a faint smile on her lips and in her eyes. He complied, dropping his gaze to her face, mouth falling open, a small breath slipping out. Claire held his eyes with her own for a few seconds, demanding his attention, insisting that he drop his insecure thoughts. She placed her hand flat against his chest, over his heart where it was beating with nerves. “This is the best thing to ever happen to this country, Drake. This council… this new chapter…” she felt his fingers curl around her waist as she continued. “And you’re part of it. And you’re going to be great, Drake. I know it, Liam knows it…Bastien has said so…and I think you know it too, huh?” Her smile grew as in his eyes something changed, and he knew that she was right.

He took his hand from her waist and brought it up to cover hers, wrapping his fingers around her whole hand. “You really think so…” it wasn’t a question, it was a realization- she believed in him, and not just because she loved him.

Claire nodded as he squeezed her hand. “I really do,” she said. He loosened his grip to let her finish his buttons before ducking his head to catch her in another kiss. Both hands went to her hips as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving against hers. A small, breathy sound came from the back of Claire’s throat as Drake’s tongue slipped into her mouth, sliding against hers.

“You taste like coffee,” he said smiling, lips still pressed to hers.

Claire nodded, breaking the kiss with a tiny peck, and fixing a stray piece of his hair. “Just made some,” she said, stepping away to grab his mug and hand it to him.

“Thanks, beautiful,” he said, and Claire knew he was thanking her for more than the caffeine. He followed her to the small kitchen table, sitting across from her, their feet finding each other, Claire’s resting on top of Drake’s. They passed the morning by talking about everything but how nervous Drake still was; Claire had an appointment with immigrations to finalize her citizenship, she also had an appointment with her therapist, and then errands to run including a stop at the market to pick up items for dinner that night.

“Don’t forget,” she said as she handed him his to go mug at the front door. “Bastien’s coming for dinner tonight.” She smiled as she said it, absolutely ecstatic that Bas had agreed to join them. She had grown to adore the man, and loved the relationship he had with Drake, loved the sense of family that she felt whenever the two of them were together.

Drake smiled, knowing how excited she was. “How could I forget, Berkley?” he dropped a quick kiss to her nose and sighed. “Okay,” he took a deep breath, eyes widening. “Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need it, but…luck.”

Drake felt his heart skip as he looked at her standing there in his doorway- their doorway. It could be any doorway in the world, he thought, and if she were standing in it, it would be home. “I love you, Claire.”

“I love you too. Now get out of here so I can be productive.” She pushed him playfully out the door, careful of where she placed her hands so as not to put pressure on the still sore, still healing scars that covered most of his left pectoral and shoulder. As she pushed, she leaned out the door and watched him shake his head, a grin on his face as he walked to his truck and climbed in. Drake Walker, Cordonian Common Council Representative for Valtoria, suit and tie and rusty pick up. She bit her lip. Oh how I love this man. Claire stood on the porch until his truck was no longer visible, before heading back inside to get ready for her day.

As the clock struck 8am she felt the phone in her pocket buzz, and she answered it without having to look at the caller I.D. “Hey, stinker,” she said, a smile drawing itself across her face as Dan’s voice returned her greeting. She had about twenty minutes to kill, and he had just gotten off of work, so the two chatted a bit, filling each other in on what was going on in their lives. Dan asked how Drake was feeling about his first day as a councilman –‘Nervous, but he’ll be great, I know he will,’- and Claire asked if he’d gotten over his crush on Olivia yet.

“It’s not…C…come on you know me… you know I don’t do crushes…I just…she’s nice, okay? We talk from time to time. That’s all.” Claire covered her mouth with her hand so as not to laugh directly into the phone as Dan stuttered and sputtered.

“Sure, D, whatever you say. I’m not rolling my eyes at all,” she said as she rolled her eyes. They amicably filled all twenty minutes talking and teasing as if they hadn’t gone three and a half months without seeing one another, as if there weren’t thousands of miles and an ocean between them, as if there were only precious few hours before they were both standing behind the bar cutting lemons and prepping margarita mixers. Easy. Their friendship had always been easy, would always be easy.

“Love you, Stinker,” he’d said after she promised to call him the following week to let him know how Drake’s first day was. She finished her coffee in one gulp and set about her errands for the day with one last look around the cabin, thinking again how happy she was that they’d be hosting Bastien for dinner.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .

Drake arrived in Fydelia early. While the palace was being reallocated as a tuition free trade school, complete with dormitories, classrooms, offices, athletic fields and more, the smaller Mythra Estate House, which had served as a second home to the Royal family for years, was now being used to headquarter the Common Council. Drake couldn’t even come up with a guess at how often he’d been in this building- dozens and dozens of times throughout his life- but stepping through the door on that day made it feel like a whole new place. Everything still looked the same- one of the conditions that the more traditionalist members of the former Noble class had held tightly to, was that all Royal buildings and estates should be maintained and preserved no matter what their new purpose would be. But just because the trim and carpets were the same meant nothing about how it felt to walk through those doors.

A smiling young intern greeted him from a small wooden desk. “Good Morning Councilman Walker,” she squeaked, as she stood. Her curls were barely contained in a bun at the back of her head, her eyes wide with eagerness and made to look even wider by her glasses.

Drake smiled warmly at her. She looked about as nervous as he felt. “Good Morning,” he responded, gesturing with this coffee laden hand as the other was gripping his briefcase.

“I’m Norah,” she introduced herself, straightening her skirt nervously.

“Nice to meet you, Norah,” he nodded to her. Drake had pushed heavily for college students to be employed as interns for the Council. His theory was that if there were young minds that were passionate about this new page in Cordonia’s history, then they should certainly be a part of writing it. Norah seemed like this was her dream job, and Drake felt his smile widen. “Are you studying politics?”

Her green eyes flashed with excited interest. “Yes,” she nodded so vehemently that some pieces of hair fell from her bun. She scrambled to fix the strays as she continued. “Yes, and, well, Councilman Walker, I know that you were the one that pushed for the interns and I just want to say thank you because you are the reason that I’m able to be here, at the start of all this, and…” the words were spilling from her lips and it reminded him of Claire and how she always spoke in double time when she was nervous or excited or frightened. “And well I just wanted to Thank you, sir, and let you know that I’m happy to help however I can.” She grinned sheepishly and adjusted her glasses.

Drake felt his smile spread and some of his nerves dissipate. “Well,” he cleared his throat, not sure how to respond to her outpouring of gratitude. “Well, it’s my pleasure, Norah. We’re glad to have you. Now,” he glanced at his watch. “Can you tell me where I’m supposed to be?” he let a casual little laugh escape him as he asked.

“Of course, sir,” she nodded and gestured down the long hall in front of her. “The Council Chambers are straight through there, located in the old Library. I believe Councilwoman Nevrakis and Councilman Beaumont are already there.” Drake thanked her and she resumed her position as he headed to the room that she indicated.

Within fifteen minutes of his arrival, Drake was seated at the large mahogany table with the full Common Council: Liam sat at the head of the table with Leo, Representative from Fydelia to his right. Next to Leo sat Olivia, representing Lythikos, Maxwell representing Ramsford, and Kyla Manifustos- Cordonia’s top Social Justice attorney- representing Essenwood. Drake took the seat directly to Liam’s left, with Hana next to him- she’d be representing Portavira as Penelope had declined the offer to pursue the aspirations that the nobility had kept her from. The last seat was given to Asher Kaliphos of Castelsarreillan. Drake didn’t know much about him, other than that his appointment to the council had caused waves with some of the traditionalists; he had been the former head of the coalition for reform, a group that had been responsible for several peaceful protests in the past decade. His appointment had actually come at Leo’s suggestion, his reasoning being that to keep things fair and even, all viewpoints should have a place at the Council table. Drake represented the common people, Olivia and the Rhys brothers were a nod to tradition, while Hana offered an outside view, Maxwell- the younger of the Beaumonts, represented overlooking the long standing tradition of the eldest sibling inheriting titles and land, and Asher and Kyla stood to show the rest of the country that this new system, the Common Council, was not simply a reset of Cordonia’s old ways, but an actual representation of the people that lived there. Drake knew it meant that they might butt heads. He was hoping for it, actually, as it meant that passionate opinions were being represented and heard, and kept from turning into rebellions.

The Council discussed a variety of topics ranging from Education to Disaster Relief to Foreign Policy, but the biggest item of discussion was the upcoming diplomacy tour that Liam had announced shortly after the swearing in. As Cordonia was making drastic changes, they owed their closest allies personal visits to assure them that their alliances still stood, and their first trip would be a three pronged affair stopping first in New York, then Milan, and finally Paris. Liam explained that half of the council- himself, Maxwell, Olivia and Drake- would travel while the other half – Hana, Asher, Leo and Kyla stayed behind. The trip would begin in just three days’ time, and Drake realized that that would be the new pace of his life; short notice, lengthy trips, long meetings. None of that was a deterrent to him though, because he knew how badly this all needed to happen…knew it was the only thing he could do to try to help make his country more safe, more secure, it’s people happier and better provided for. These things were all of great importance to him for many reasons, but of course, Claire was one of those reasons.

Drake rose from the table as the meeting concluded, thinking about her bustling around the kitchen preparing dinner. He thought about waking up next to her and taking her out for a horseback ride and walking hand in hand on the beach. He dared to imagine her in a white dress, dared to imagine a family in their future. These were things that he knew he wanted. He knew he wanted them with Claire, and he knew he wanted them here, in Cordonia, so he’d do his part to help his country for the people, for Liam, but also for himself and the family he dreamed of building with the woman he loved. He said goodbye to the various council members, lingering a while to speak with his friends, before heading back out the way he entered the building. He said a quick goodnight to Norah, who even after six hours still looked at bright eyed and enthusiastic as she had that morning. He shook his head with a smile, thinking to himself how that brand of enthusiasm would have bothered the old Drake, but he found himself already taking a liking to the overly committed intern. He sent a quick text to Claire to let her know that he was on his way home. Home. To her. He smiled to himself as he climbed into the truck and started the ignition.

The drive from Fydelia to Valtoria was about an hour, so Drake had plenty of time to contemplate the evening ahead of him. He’d been meaning to talk to Bastien about the ethereal dreams he’d had right after his surgery, but so much was happening and changing and all so urgently and quickly, and he’d been focusing on his recovery through it all. This would be the first time that he’d get a chance to sit down and really talk to Bas. He’d shared his dream with Claire; he’d seen his parents, a flash of a memory of them dancing and laughing. He’d seen himself and Claire, remembered the way she begged him to come back to her. It had become clear to him why Claire appeared in his dream, why his parents had. But there was a third couple as well- a young Bastien and a copper-haired woman named Annabelle who he could almost remember, but every time he tried to think of her, she danced further from his memory until she was gone. He sensed that she’d been important to him, but couldn’t remember how… he sensed that she’d been important to Bastien, and couldn’t help but wonder if he’d been in love with her.

Drake knew that Bastien considered him and-his heart ached to think her name, but even Savannah- as his own family; knew that he had no wife, no children of his own, but until the dream he’d had, until he’d seen Annabelle, he’d never given it a thought.  Bastien was Bastien- always there, always strong. He was the closest thing Drake had to having his own father in his life. He’d been there for Drake on countless occasions, and Drake looked up to him more than anyone else he knew. Drake Tonight, in his home with Claire, he’d finally get his chance to broach the topic. He was excited that Bas was joining them, as he knew that Bastien had joined the Walkers for many a family dinner, and now that things were finally starting to feel peaceful for both of them, he looked forward to having that happen more often. No more heartache, no more hard times. Only peace, now; only progress.

.  .  . .  .  .  .

Annabelle folded the newspaper she’d been reading and stood to cross the darkened room. She gazed out the window of the gallery as the lights along the Seine came to life, thinking about what she’d just read and trying not to let her hopes soar too high. The Cordonian Council was set to travel to Paris and with every beat of her heart she heard his name. Bastien. Bastien. Bastien. For just over two decades she’d only been able to survive by not thinking of him; by simply hoping that one day he’d show up out of the blue. Now she wondered how many times he’d been in Paris and not come to her. She wondered if he’d come with the delegation and if so, if he’d finally be ready to lay aside all that had kept them apart. She hated the way her heart was tearing at itself both wanting and dreading the day to come so that she’d know once and for sure if he was still holding on to her. Forever entwined, she’d told him once, and felt it still. As the moon rose over the river, Annabelle locked up and headed to the place where she sleeps- it wasn’t home, she’d never called it that; home was in his arms, and in just over a week she’d know if home was a place she’d ever return to again.

tagging:  @ooo-barff-ooo  @sleepwalkingelite  @zaffrenotes@brightpinkpeppercorn @jovialyouthmusic @mind-reader1 @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mkatschoicesblog @mfackenthal @drakewalkerisreal @jlouise88 @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @gardeningourmet @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth

[likethetailofacomet]

Come Back to Me

A/N: I thought this chapter might actually be the death of me, guys, no lie. But, by some miracle, I am still here and so are these characters. One more chapter, ya’ll. ONE. MORE. (phewwwwww) 

Pairings: Drake x Claire, Jackson x Bianca, Bastien x Annabelle

Warning: gun violence, character death, angst out the wazoo  

no music for this one. silence. deafening silence. 

The room was dark and empty and for a moment he couldn't quite place where he was standing. There didn’t appear to be any walls, just an endless expanse of deep black oblivion all around him. He took a step forward and the hard soles of his shoes slapped against the marble floor loudly. He looked down and recognized the intricate golden inlay- a seven pointed star, one point for each of the seven duchies, with a Cordonian Ruby at the center. He was in the palace ballroom. He looked up and sure enough the enormous crystal chandelier glittered down at him. He was starting to wonder where everyone was, was starting to realize that something was not right, when he turned and saw her. She was standing alone in the middle of the floor in her white gown, the silver embellishments twinkling like stars in the heavenly light that shone around her. He felt happiness spread through him as he made his way towards her, forgetting his worry that something was wrong, reaching out to take her hand in his. "Berkley," he whispered as he brushed his lips to her knuckles. "May I have this dance?" she nodded, not really meeting his eyes, and he couldn't understand why she looked so sad. He circled his arm around her and drew her in. She laid her cheek against his chest and brought her free hand up to his shoulder, running her fingertips over the fabric of his jacket. Drake’s eyes fell to his right hand, fingers twined with hers, his thick and knobby, hers thin and delicate. He started to sweep her across the floor, simply content to have her in his arms. Who knew I’d like dancing so much? Just needed the right partner, he thought, closing his eyes and breathing her in, feeling her lean her slight weight into his body.

For a few beats they swayed together, his hand pressed to the small of her back as she continued to run her fingers over his shoulder and chest. Drake opened his eyes and looked down at her. His heart plummeted into his stomach as he realized her cheeks were wet with tears. “Hey, Berkley, don’t cry. What’s wrong?” He ran his hand up and down her back soothingly, the fabric of her dress smooth against his palm.

“I love you, Drake,” she mumbled softly. “I love you. I love you, you have to come back to me.”

Come back to her? What does that mean? He shook his head slightly, his forehead wrinkling with confusion. “I’m right here, Berkley. I love you, I’m right here, not going anywhere. Wherever you are, remember?” He looked down at the heart shaped charm hanging from her neck.

She seemed not to hear him, despite her closeness as she pressed even closer to his chest. Her eyes were following her fingers, now tracing two circles where his chest meets his shoulder. “I love you,” she just mumbled again. “You have to fight, Drake. You're so strong...you have to fight.”

He was about to ask her what she meant again when something in his peripheral vision caught his eye and he whipped his head around to see what it was. They weren't alone, after all. Laughter, sounding far away as though traveling through a tunnel, underwater, through time. The swish of a skirt as two more dancers came into view, smiles on their faces, on their lips and in their eyes, floating across the floor. Is that...how can... He looked down at Claire. She hadn't seemed to notice the other couple gliding across the floor. His eyes found their way back to them and he realized he knew exactly who and what he was looking at. My parents...my...dad...

As suddenly as he found himself standing in the ballroom, he was transported out of his body, watching the two couples- himself and Claire, and his mother and father- twirling on the floor from the doorway. He realized that he was watching a memory, his own memory. He was maybe seven, and he and Liam had sneaked back downstairs to pilfer more desserts after having been sent to bed an hour ago. They were on their way to the kitchens when they passed the open door of the ballroom, music, and the musicality of laughter and clinking glasses and revelry spilling out. He was caught, like a spell, like a trance, as his eyes landed on his mother and father dancing among the royals and the nobles. His mother's mouth was open wide in surprise as his father turned her under his arm sending the light blue skirt of her gown swirling around her ankles. The look on his father's face was pure joy, dark eyes lit with love and happiness as his wife leaned in to kiss him upon returning to the hold. Before he could react to what he was seeing, he was back, his arms around Claire, her tears against his shirt, her mumbled “I love you,” in his ears.

He wanted to tell her it was alright, wanted to wipe her tears away, wanted her to look up, to see his parents, to meet them. As he opened his mouth to speak, a third couple danced into view, and he squinted in their direction as they came closer. Bastien? But he looks...young... But there was no mistaking the silver eyes of the man he'd always known to be a part of his life. He was much younger here, his face not yet set into the stern mask he wore now. In his arms was a lithe young woman, brightness in her eyes, her copper hair cascading in soft curls down her back. She looks so familiar...I know her...she's...she was... but he couldn't remember her name. The girl laid her head against Bastien's chest and he rested his head atop hers lovingly. Drake could taste the young woman's name on the tip of his tongue, knew that somehow she had been part of his life, too. But it flew away, just out of reach, like a bluebird taking wing.

“You have to wake up, Drake.” His attention was brought back to the woman in his own arms. Her eyes were focused up at him, red rimmed but alert. She took the hand that had been on his chest and brought it to his face. He leaned into the feel of her touch, his skin tingling where it was met with hers. “I love you, and you love me, and you can't leave me now... we still...you're still...Drake, you have to come back to me, please.”

“Berkley,” he breathed, feeling a tear slip down his own cheek at the pain and pleading in her voice. What does she mean? Why doesn't she understand? I'm here, I'm right here and I'd never...

His thoughts were interrupted again by a loud bang, shattering the splendor, and a scream, piercing the picture. He felt Claire shudder and held her tighter to his chest. That was a gunshot. His heart pounded and his pupils dilated and he realized that while they’d been dancing it had been getting dimmer and dimmer around them. Another scream, another bang, and then he saw; his father on the ground, his mother sobbing as she slowly faded away from the ballroom; Bastien clutching his arm, stumbling, the copper haired girl, eyes flooded with tears as she slipped out the back door.

Dad... Bas...

The chandelier crashed down behind him, sending shards of glass all over the floor. Drake moved to shield Claire with his body only to realize she was no longer in his arms. No, where is she? “Claire,” he choked out her name as the air cleared she came into view, just a few feet in front of him. He opened his arms, ready to scoop her back into them, to protect her, get her out of here. As his foot left the ground to take a step towards her, he saw her lips drop open in a scream, one word, “No!” followed by his name, as her eyes went wide and focused on his chest. He hadn’t heard the third shot, or the fourth, hadn’t felt them pierce his shoulder blade, tear through artery and bone, through the front of his shoulder and pectoral muscles. He hadn’t felt any of it, just a need to be near her. He looked down to his jacket. Where a boutonniere might adorn his pocket, two bright red stains were blooming instead. 

When he brought his eyes back up to Claire, he was looking at her from the ground. She was calling out to him frantically, but something, someone was dragging her away. 

“This can’t keep happening, Drake.” A voice filled his ears as the last bit of light left the ballroom. Who... Bastien? And as Claire vanished from view the voice, Bastien’s voice spoke once more. “Bianca, Annabelle, Claire...” Annabelle, that’s right. “Don’t let this place tear you from her, break your love apart. Drake, you have to wake up.”

He felt his eyes slip closed, felt the world shrink. “This can’t keep happening” bouncing around the inside of his skull, “I love you, Drake, come back to me,” etching itself in his heart.

How? How do I get back to her? I need to, but how? 

“Please Drake, you have to wake up.”

.  .  .  .  . 

An inhale through his nose. Sterile, clean. But also, daises, lemongrass, her.

A deep ache in his chest. Burning, spreading. But also, a change to the rhythm of his heart, a skip as it found it’s mate, hers. 

His eyes opened slowly. Blinding, dry. But there she was. Another inhale, less pain, as his eyes found her hand wrapped around his. Another thump of his heart, pumping warmth and life and love through him. His heavy eyelids fell closed again but he pried them open again to drink her in. She was really there, he’d made it back to her. Her cheek was resting against the bed where he lay, her eyes closed, soft golden hair feathered out against the white sheets. White sheets, white walls, hospital. He was distantly aware of beeps and hums, of a bulky bandage wrapped tightly around his upper torso and left shoulder, and a much smaller one wrapped around his right hand. He was aware of that dull, deep digging feeling in his back and chest and bicep. But he blinked again and felt her breath on his fingers and he tried to squeeze her hand but couldn’t. He needed to look in her eyes though, needed to hear her voice, needed her to hear his. He attempted to clear his throat. it felt like he’d swallowed broken bits of glass but he didn’t care. “Berkley,” he managed, using all the strength he had to make his voice as loud as he could.

She stirred, a small hum from the back of her throat, a sniff as she moved her head. “Berkley,” said again, this time more clearly, this time less painfully. Her eyes snapped open and she let out a gasp as they met his. My girl, there she is. “Good morning, Berkley”. He didn’t know if it was morning. Didn’t matter.

“Dr-Drake?” Her voice wavered as she gasped again, her fingers tightening on his, the blue pools of her eyes deepening like the sea. “Drake! Oh, god, Drake! Drake, you... you’re awake, oh my god,” she scrambled to stand, to get closer to him. Her hands both went to his face and he closed his eyes as he felt her forehead rest against his own. “You came back to me,” she whispered, “I knew you’d come back to me.”

There was pain, some confusion, as flashes of what he could remember and what he’d just dreamed traded places and danced through his head. But relief was flooding his veins along with the medication, just to feel her close to him, to know that they were still together. Wherever she is, so am i.

“I’ll always come back to you, Berkley,” he whispered, his throat still sore but the words he needed to say mattered more to him than the discomfort. “Always.” She was kissing him gently on his eyelids, his temple, the crest of his cheek. “I love you, Gra Go Deo, I love you forever.” Forever. He wouldn’t let anything break that, wouldn’t let anything tear her away from him or him from her.

Jackson and Bianca. Bastien and Annabelle. The dangers of the Cordonian court had torn them apart. But it wouldn't happen again. Not to Drake and Claire. He felt a smile form as he took another breath, as her lips and her hands and her words fell all over him. There was still a lot he didn’t know, still a long road to healing ahead of him, but he was here, alive, in the arms of his soul mate meaning that she was there, alive, and that was all that mattered. He could endure anything with her by his side. That’s what love was, what he had learned it to be.

.  .  .  .  

Bastien’s phone had vibrated in his pocket just minutes before Drake had woken up, and he’d stepped out of the room to take the call. Closing the door softly behind him, he answered the call he’d been waiting for since he promised it to Liam almost 48 hours prior.  But he’d managed to do better than a secure line. “Hello? Leo? Have you landed?” A pause and then, “A car will be there any minute to pick you up. See you soon.” He hung up the phone and walked past the other room on the private wing, Liam’s. The King was resting, Lady Olivia by his side. He let out a breath, glad that Liam would have his brother soon, would have his family to help him through everything that had happened.

Just then, A nurse ran towards Drake’s room, then another, and Bastien felt the air grow still. Don’t let this happen again, he silently pleaded as a doctor entered Drake’s room and he hovered closer to the room. No whining beep of a flatline, no wailing or screaming from Claire. He held his breath until his feet took him to the door and he peered inside to see Drake and Claire, their eyes locked on one another while the doctor took vitals and made notes. 

Olivia poked her head out into the hallway, catching Bastien’s eye. “Is he...?” Her eyes were sharp and her tone was even but her quick, almost gasping breaths were giving her away. 

“He’s awake,” Bastien told her, and they both  felt peace settle into their hearts. Bastien cleared his throat and headed for the waiting area, settling back into one of the chairs he’d sat in with Claire and Olivia. 

The Duchess was only a few paces behind him, carrying Claire’s phone. He watched her    dial a number before she covered the speaker and said “Claire’s family,” pointing to the phone. Bastien nodded. “Hi, Dan, it’s Olivia... I just wanted you to know... he’s awake.” A pause. “Yes,” she wiped at her eyes and nodded at what Dan was saying. “Yes I think you should. I think... I think she’d like that.” They spoke for a minute or two more before he heard her say “Bye Dan... see you soon.” 

. . . . . 

tagging:  @ooo-barff-ooo  @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @brightpinkpeppercorn @jovialyouthmusic  @mind-reader1 @endlessly-searching-for-you @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @drakewalkerrosenberg @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mkatschoicesblog @mfackenthal @drakewalkerisreal @jlouise88 @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @gardeningourmet @iplaydrake

[likethetailofacomet]

Sunday Six 3/24/19: The Broken Bits- Interlude 3

Fydelia, 22 years ago

Annabelle reentered the ballroom, her cheeks warm from the whiskey and the wonder of the evening. She’d just run into Drake and Liam, sneaking back downstairs to steal more desserts. The two boys had frozen in their tracks when they realized that they’d been spotted, but Annabelle winked at them, her lips quirking up into a grin. “Your secret’s safe with me, trouble makers,” she whispered, ruffling both of their hair. Liam laughed and Drake even caved in and gave her a smile from beneath his messy dark locks. She caught Drake watching, mesmerized by his parents twirling on the dance floor as she looked over her shoulder. Before she could turn back around, Bastien’s arms came around her, his lips by her ear.

“There you are,” he said, his fingers trailing down her bare back. “I’ve been looking for you,” his eyes narrowed as his lips turned upwards. “Dance with me, Belle,” his voice was low and primal, his breath warm against her skin. Goosebumps erupted up and down her spine as her arms came around his shoulders. He was wearing a sleek, dark suit, different from the more casual gray one he wore when he was on duty. She tucked her fingers beneath the collar of his shirt, running them against the back of his neck, knowing that when she touched him there he’d close his eyes, a breathy hiss coming from the back of his throat at the light contact. She pressed her lips to his while his eyes were still closed, felt his palms press against her back, pulling her into him and towards the dance floor.

Later, a melancholy jazzy tune played as couples swayed slowly, bodies pressed close together. Annabelle rested her cheek against Bastien’s lapel, her fingers clasped in his big, strong hand. This is what I want, she’d thought, listening to the gentle thrum of his heart. Just this, just him, without all the rest. “Bas,” she picked her head up as fireworks burst in the sky outside. Partygoers streamed out onto the balcony to watch as red, gold and purple sparks lit the night to welcome in the new year. “Bastien, would you leave it all behind? All of this... the guard... the palace... would you leave it behind... for us?”

Bastien looked around and realized they were alone on the dance floor. He brought his eyes back to hers and she thought she saw something there, something like disappointment, but it was gone in a flash. “The guard is my life, Belle. It’s all I’ve ever wanted... what I’ve worked for... look at Jackson and Bianca. Look how happy they are. We could have that, Belle, and I wouldn’t have to leave the guard.”

“You’d never be safe,” she burrowed back into his chest. “And i’d always have to worry... and what if we had children Bas... children who could lose their father...” she thought of Drake and Savannah and took a shuddering breath. “Cordonia isn’t as safe as it used to be anymore. I love it here, Bastien. And I love you. And I want a life, a family with you. But I can’t do it while you’re in the guard. I can’t marry you to become your widow.” I don’t want the glitz or the honor or the fairytale. I just want him.

“I’ll think about it,” he said after a long pause where he’d pressed her closer, running his hand up and down her spine. He lifted her chin with the fingers that had been tracing her face and found her lips, kissing her with every ounce of Love he had, hoping it was enough to keep her. They’d gone home that night and he’d fallen asleep quickly, leaving her to fold his discarded suit before it turned into a mess of wrinkles. As she picked it up off the floor, something fell from an inner pocket and clattered to the hardwood with a tingling sound. A glint caught her eye as she bent to retrieve a stunning diamond ring, her eyes darting to the sleeping man on the bed, her breath sticking in her throat as her heart swelled painfully with love and sorrow and hope. He was going to propose, and she’d given him the ultimatum so he hadn’t. He was ready to give his heart to her, just not ready to give up the guard. She suddenly felt guilty for asking. Annabelle tucked the ring back into his jacket and tried to forget it existed as she curled her body around his in the bed, gently kissing the spot between his shoulders. Just this. Just him. It’s all I want. A tear slipped down her cheek as she slipped into sleep.

Tagging: @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @brightpinkpeppercorn @mind-reader1 @jovialyouthmusic @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mfackenthal @mkatschoicesblog @drakewalkerisreal @jlouise88 @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth

[likethetailofacomet]

Sunday Six 3/31/19: The Broken Bits- Interlude 4

A/N: Sorry kids, not a full chapter, but please enjoy this interlude from Bastien’s perspective! (hoping to have the thursday/sunday posting schedule back on track this week!) 

Fydelia, 22 years ago

“Captain Walker?” Bastien sat across from Jackson in the older man's study, a glass of bourbon in front of him. He'd had something on his mind for days, turning over and tumbling, scratching at his every thought, but he wanted to wait for the right time to bring it up. Their ritualistic Friday night meeting in Jackson's study seemed like the only time.

Jackson raised one eyebrow and looked up at his protege as he finished folding up the cuffs of his sleeves. He deposited his cuff links on  the desk, and pushed them away from the edge, toward a framed photo of Drake and Savannah by the lake behind their home. “You see the time, Bas?” he tilted his head toward the clock on the wall. It was ten past midnight. “You see the sleeves?” He rolled his shoulders foreward, exposing his forearms. “I'm Jackson, now, got it?” He sat back in his chair, sinking into the leather with a sigh as he reached for his glass. “Now, what's got your gears turning over there?” He made a circular motion with one hand as he raised his glass to his lips.

Annabelle's face flashed behind Bastien's eyes as he blinked, grabbing for his own glass and an excuse to stall. She'd been insistent that things in Cordonia were becoming more and more dangerous, the general unrest growing from a hush to a whisper to a loud discourse over the course of King Constantine's reign. When she'd arrived, she believed what the tourism industry wanted to- that Cordonia was a picturesque fairy tale, a place so beautiful that nothing bad could ever happen. She'd let herself believe that Bastien's job couldn't be all that dangerous- afterall, when they'd met, he hadn't even been required to carry a firearm. That had changed, as had the frequency and variation of the training drills the King's Guard had been running. Bastien knew it worried Annabelle, knew that she had exactly one fear. She'd made that clear on New Year's Eve when she'd asked him if he'd leave the guard, and he saw how that fear changed the color of her eyes, heard how it altered the pitch of her voice in ways he'd never seen. He'd noticed little things, leading up to that night, now that he could look back with perspective- little things like the way she'd held him tighter in her sleep, like he might evaporate before she woke up; like the way her sketchbook was changing from a portfolio of blossoms and vines, to one of severe birds of prey in grays- Little things that added up to quite a sum. “Jackson,” he took a breath, broaching the topic. For Annabelle. “I...I want to propose to Annabelle.” Bastien held up a finger, sitting forward quickly to stop Jackson from reacting. There was more to be said. Jackson took note and sat back, letting him continue. “But she's made it clear that she won't marry me while I'm in the guard...while I'm as highly ranked as I am...She thinks Cordonia's gotten dangerous and...” he sighed and shook his head, running his hands through his hair. “Well, I've told you about her brother, and...she'd scared. I just... was Bianca ever scared? Did she ever...ask you to leave? To...quit?” He leaned his elbows on his knees, eyes fixed on the man before him, hoping he had all the answers.

Jackson took a long pull from his glass before setting in on  a cork coaster. He laced his fingers together and cracked his knuckles before he steepled his hands, palms together, pointer fingers extended toward the bottle of amber liquid on the shelf. “You know why I drink Bourbon, Bastien? Why I drink American Whiskey and not Scotch or anything else for that matter?” It was a rhetorical question, but Bastien shook his head anyway, eyes on the bottle. “It's because that's what Bianca's father drinks, and he gave me permission to marry his daughter, so he must be right about everything, right?” he winked. “Bianca had no idea what to get me for my birthday, the first year we were together. We'd only been seeing one another for a few weeks, and I insisted that she didn't need to do anything, that my birthday wasn't that important and that we still had to get to know one another. She of course, protested, and ended up getting me a bottle of this,” he gestured again towards the bottle. “Now, I was always a gin guy, myself, until Bianca forced a birthday gift on me.” he laughed, seeming to recall some memory of him and his wife before she held that title. “You're probably wondering where I'm going with this.” He took another sip of his bourbon. “Truth is, I'd do anything for Bianca. She shaped my life, she gave me my family. She's my partner in this world, she's my other half. If she asked me to? Yes. I'd leave the guard. But I know she'd never ask me to. That woman,” he smirked, blowing out a breath through his nose. “Is stubborn.” He set his glass back down. “But I couldn't live without her.” A serious flash flicked across Jackson's face. “Could you live without her, Bas?”

“No.” The answer was out of his mouth before the question was completely asked. “No,” he said again with a shake of his head from behind his glass. A hot wave rushed through him that had nothing to do with the alcohol and everything to do with the way that Annabelle was the rhythm of his heart. “She's everything, Jackson...she's...she's my world.” He thought of the way she smiled, of the way it felt when she kissed his shoulders, his back, of the way she looked with paint on her hands and in her hair. “But...the guard...” he shook his head again, brows knit close together. “You'd really walk away? From the promises you made?”Jackson had simply raised a brow and nodded and Bastien knew he was serious. 

He thought for a few beats, weighing Jackson's words; both said and unsaid. His mind wandered to her, picturing her lying in their bed, clutching his pillow, her long legs taking up as mush space as possible, long orange hair spread out in swirls across the sheets and her face. He wanted her, like that, every day and every night and every moment in between. “Maybe if we catch the Sons of Earth...maybe if we get Eamon Krass...things will die down again...and she'll see...it'll be safe again....” Jackson hadn't responded, and Bastien cleared his throat before checking his watch. It was nearly one am, and suddenly he wanted only to be where Belle was, with this arms around her, holding her close while he had her to hold. He stood, abruptly, drawing Jackson's attention. “I've got to get home...” He said absently, sticking his hands in his pockets. “I...Thanks, Jackson...for listening, for...thanks...” Jackson tipped his glass to Bastien as the younger man headed for the door, his feet unable to catch up the beat of his heart.

Tagging: @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @brightpinkpeppercorn @mind-reader1 @jovialyouthmusic @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment@mfackenthal @mkatschoicesblog @drakewalkerisreal @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth

[likethetailofacomet]

Sunday Six 4/7/19: The Broken Bits- Interlude 5

A/N: this week’s Interlude answers a request from @bobasheebaby for :

Fydelia, 22 1/2 years ago

Annabelle paced the pavement outside the hospital, arms hugging her chest for warmth as the day turned to night, the air temperature dropping with each new star that blinked into view. She kicked at the curb, scuffing the white soles of her canvas sneakers. She’d been waiting inside with Bianca and the kids, but once they got the news that everyone was going to be fine, Bianca had taken off. Annabelle couldn’t blame her; Savannah had fallen asleep in her lap an hour ago, and Drake was fighting sleep with all he had, only making him crankier. It had been a long day for all of them, made longer by the trip to the E.R. She sighed and wiped at her exhausted eyes before combing her fingers through her hair, curls made wilder by the salt water and sun. The day had started out so differently than how it had ended.

She’d been thrilled to attend the Regatta that year, having missed the previous year’s due to her R.A.A. fellowship schedule. This year, she’d be seated in the stands with Bianca and the Walker children. She’d come to see the Walkers as family, and was excited to be spending the day with them in the fresh air and sunshine. She much preferred these types of events to the more elegant affairs, feeling more herself in denim than dresses. She’d brought her sketchbook with her, eager to capture the colorful flags, billowing sails, and crystal clear, rippling water. Balancing her book on her knee, she let Savannah lean in close to watch as boats appeared with a few swipes of her pencil.

As the races went on, she’d intermittently caught glimpses of Bastien and Jackson as they scanned the crowd and kept close to the royal family. She’d winked and waved at Bas as he stood behind the little princes, Liam and Leo waving excitedly back thinking she’d been waving at them. She’d pulled her lips into a grin at their happy little faces, at the wink that Bastien had sent back to her with a twitch of his own lips. Cloudless sky. Golden sun. Good company and a heart bursting with love.

It had all been dashed when suddenly, in the break between the last race and the award ceremony, she’d watched as Bastien’s metallic eyes locked on to a man carving through the crowd and heading towards the King. He’d shouted something to Jackson, and in a flash they’d sprang into action at once coordinating the evacuation of the royal family- Jackson barking an order to another nearby King’s guard member- and tackling the would be aggressor. Annabelle’s breathing stopped and her heart beat in her throat as she watched the man she loved engage with the attacker- watched him take the man down, landing painfully on his shoulder. A flash of silver caught the sunlight as Jackson expertly stripped the man of his gun, all as the crowd gasped and screamed and fled- all but she and Bianca, too rooted by anxious fear to move or even breathe. She felt Bianca’s white knuckled grip on one hand, felt a frightened Drake tugging on the other, but her eyes were stuck on Bas. Even as she watched him and Jackson subdue the attacker with ease, her head swam with what could have happened, her stomach dropped. It had been a whirlwind from there on out as she and Bianca were lead by other members of the guard to the hospital where Jackson and Bastien would be taken to be treated for the injuries incurred in the incident.

Annabelle leaned against the concrete pillar outside the emergency room door and sighed. She’d run through the gamut of emotions from terror and anger to sadness and finally, relief. Bastien had suffered a dislocated shoulder and cracked humerus- nothing requiring surgery or stitches, but he’d be in a sling for a few weeks as the bones reset. She couldn’t help but think of how things could have gone, but the rush of relief was almost just as hard to handle, wiping her out with how her emotions had swung so drastically. When the door to her left opened, she lifted her eyes to the stars, silently wishing that this would be the one and only time she had to wait for him like this.

“Belle,” he approached her slowly, knowing that she’d been worried and scared. “Belle I-“ they had a lot to talk about, but she could t hear it now. She cut his words off with two fingers against his lips, with her eyes holding his. She felt his breath catch as he swallowed what he was going to say, and she licked her lips before they crashed to his. Her hands came to his face as she whimpered into the kiss, his uninjured hand resting on her hip. Whatever he had to say, whatever there was to talk about, it all could wait for the sun to come up in the morning. For now, for the day they’d had, she needed this; needed his lips on hers under the stars, needed to feel his heart beating close to hers, needed the relief of this moment and the hope that it would never happen again.

Tagging: @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @brightpinkpeppercorn @mind-reader1 @jovialyouthmusic @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @gardeningourmet @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mfackenthal @mkatschoicesblog @drakewalkerisreal @drakesensworld @rainbowsinthestorm @gibbles82 @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth

[likethetailofacomet]

Sunday Six 3/17/19: The Broken Bits- Interlude 2

Paris, 18 years ago

Annabelle slammed the sleek black receiver into the cradle, swearing in French. “Putain!” She spat the word as the receiver bounced off the cradle and clattered onto the counter top. She was livid that the woman had resorted to calling her at work, knowing she’d have to answer. Her father had done the same the week before. The two of them were too much alike; both too sneaky, too selfish and backhanded to have ever been able to find real life long happiness together. They each wanted to be the one responsible for making her return to the states- just so they could lord it over the other. She seethed as she righted the phone, raking one shaking hand through her long copper hair.

“Mon dieu, Belle,” Brigette’s voice startled her. She hadn’t heard the gallery owner, her friend, come in, too wrapped up in the heated argument she was having on the phone. “I’m proud of your pronunciation, mon petite oiseau, but what’s got you so angry that you’re shouting and swearing like this?” Brigette fixed her walnut eyes on Annabelle, her gaze made more severe by the way her hair was pulled back into a high and tight bun. Long strands of onyx and amethyst crystals dangled from her neck, knocking together as she crossed her arms over them.

Annabelle sighed. “I’m sorry, Brigette” she leaned back against the counter, crossing her long legs in front of her with a shake of her head. “That was my mother. I haven’t been taking her calls at home so...” she raised her hands in defeat. Brigette blinked and leaned her elbows on the counter. “She says she wants me to come home. Says she doesn’t understand what I’m doing... what I’m waiting for...” she scoffed, looking down at her left hand. He’d wanted to place a ring there. He’d asked her. She flexed her ringless fingers. “She said ‘it’s been three years, Annabelle, he’s not coming’.” Her clear voice dropped an octave as her throat tightened. What her mother probably didn’t know, was that the Cordonian Royal Family had just completed a trip to Paris. As captain of the King’s Guard, Bastien had been on the trip. She knew; she’d seen him in the background of the newspaper photographs. He just hadn’t come to her.

“Bastien,” Brigette stated. Annabelle nodded and sniffed. The French woman peeked at the sketchbook next to the phone, at what Annabelle was working on: a series of hawks in black and grey, swooping gracefully, sharp eyes shining with lifelike energy. She focused again on the young woman in front of her. “And, do you want to go home? Do you think he’s not worth waiting for anymore?”

Home. Annabelle thought about the word and realized she had no idea where home even was anymore. Boston? Fydelia? Paris? Those were just cities that held pieces of her life. There was only one place she’d ever felt at home. She closed her eyes and imagined his arms around her, imagined she hadn’t said no, hadn’t run from her fears. That feeling was worth waiting for, and she knew she’d never find it in anyone else. Her heart would be homeless until it found his again- but it would be worth it. The words she’d written to him were inked in her memory indelibly: “Find me in Paris, Bas, I’ll wait for you there”. She shook her head, bringing one hand up to deliberately swipe away the tears that had formed. “No,” she said in answer to Brigette’s question. “I’ll wait as long as I have to.”

Brigette nodded and stood. “Alright then,” she said, “in that case,” she reached up and tucked Annabelle’s lustrous hair behind her ear, patting her on the cheek, “you tell that Salope not to call my gallery and bother my little bird anymore.” She smiled and kissed Annabelle’s cheek before heading into her office. Annabelle looked down at her sketchbook, at how he was in everything she drew, everything she saw, everything she felt. She’d wait as long as she had to, wait for him to leave the danger of his position, the shackles of his duty. She’d wait as long as she had to to be home again.

Tagging: @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @brightpinkpeppercorn @mind-reader1 @jovialyouthmusic @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @thequeenofcronuts @the-everlasting-dream @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mfackenthal @mkatschoicesblog @drakewalkerisreal @jlouise88 @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth

[likethetailofacomet]

Sunday Six 3/10/19: The Broken Bits- Interlude One

A/N: so just like in LTLA I’ll be using these six paragraph (because I’m too wordy for six sentences) interludes to look at different aspects of the story.

Paris, 20 years ago

“They all have gray eyes.” Brigitte flipped through Annabelle’s portfolio, water colored sketches of men and women, old, and young, surrounded by ferns and flowers and sparrows flashing past. All the men looked like him- what he looks like now, what he might look like some day, as a grandfather, his face lined with worries and laughter. All the women and girls were a perfect blend of her wild, orange mane and his metallic silver eyes; all the daughter they could have had at every age of her life. Annabelle fidgeted uncomfortably, straightening her skirt. “Who has gray eyes, mon petit oiseau?” Brigitte cast her own nut brown eyes warmly across the table as she continued to leaf through.

Annabelle looked out the small front window of the almost hidden gallery that had become her true home in Paris. She’d stumbled into Brigitte’s door almost a year ago, lost and wide eyed, upon arriving in Paris, looking for a job- any job. Brigitte had drawn her long black shawl around her shoulders and looked appraisingly at what the cat had dragged in, eventually nodding and offering her a job on the spot. She’d swept and cleaned the gallery, polished the frames and occasionally helped customers if Brigitte wasn’t there. But what Annabelle loved most about it was simply being with the art- surrounded by beauty in different forms and colors. On the days when everything was blue and she could barely drag herself from bed, being in Brigitte’s gallery made life a little lighter. Lighter. That’s what she was trying to become by selling these sketches. “The man I love,” she said blankly in answer to the question.

Brigitte kept her eyes on Annabelle as she flipped the page in the portfolio. She’d been there for Belle through her loss shortly after settling in Paris, but she hadn’t pried or asked a single question about the baby’s father. Annabelle had been grateful for that, but she felt it was time for her to talk about him, and the woman studying her collection of work was about the only person in the world she trusted. Aside from him. She turned back towards Brigitte just as her eyes dropped to the last piece.

Annabelle inhaled sharply. She’d forgotten that one was in there. She sat up straighter and reached tentatively across the table, fingers outstretched towards the page. Her heart beat out of rhythm painfully before dropping through her rib cage. She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry... this one’s” she squeezed her eyes shut to cut off the unexpected tears, blinking them open again stubbornly. “This ones not for sale.” Brigitte let go of the page and Annabelle gingerly took it, letting her eyes fall over it for a moment before tucking it into her bag, remembering what she felt as she drew it.

It wasn’t a man who looked like him, it was him. Bastien, the only man who’d ever hold all the pieces of her heart. She’d captured his eyes and the shape of his chin and the curve of his lips perfectly, hauntingly. He was holding a bundle of white roses, a muted pink blanket wrapped around them, gazing at them longingly, cradling the bundle like a newborn. She’d sketched herself in black and white, her hair blowing in the breeze, her head resting on his shoulder and a faceted tear falling down her face. A mournful dove flew overhead. Their little rosebud that never was. The moment of shared loss she’d kept from him.

Brigitte stood, closing the portfolio. “They will fly off these walls like little birds,” she said, reaching down to cup Annabelle’s chin, causing her to laugh through the strangled tears she was contesting with. “I think some wine for us my darling? And you can tell me about this man with the mysterious eyes.”

Tagging: @zaffrenotes @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @brightpinkpeppercorn @jovialyouthmusic @mind-reader1 @endlessly-searching-for-you @notoriouscs @endlessflame @endlesstaylormckenzie @agent-bossypants @andy-loves-corgis @akrenich @nekkidmolerat @indiacater @the-everlasting-dream @thequeenofcronuts @the-whiskeywife @roonarific @stopforamoment @mkatschoicesblog @mfackenthal @drakewalkerisreal @jlouise88 @drakesensworld @gibbles82 @gardeningourmet @iplaydrake @speedyoperarascalparty @bobasheebaby @carabeth