#constantine would like to disappear please au

[nerdpoe]

Just A Small Morsel, Please Sir AU AKA Constantine Would Like to Disappear Please

Batman is about to go toe to toe with another god, and he needs armor that will prevent another "lost in the time stream" incident.

So he consults JLD.

The decide that if he has a piece of a really, really powerful entity, then that entity's powers should think that they're protecting the entity and in turn, protect Bruce.

So Constantine draws a summoning circle, and is bullied into making an actual good offering to the being the circle is supposed to summon. They include a note; it's written in an old, ancient language, but with JLD working together they figure out roughly what it says; something about requesting a piece of the most powerful being's belongings to grant them protection.

Thus, the ritual begins! The lights dim; cold green fog emanates from the summoning circle, the feeling of dread almost overwhelms the lessor experienced.

And then in the middle of John's chant, the ritual is forcibly stopped from the other side.

The offerings remain.

A single note floats down on top of the pile.

'I'm uh...flattered? But like, it's kinda weird to ask for someone's hair. Gonna have to turn this one down, sorry. No kinkshaming, though! I also won't tell anyone else what that kink is, Constantine, don't worry; I got ur back. Anyways stop the creepy hitting on me.

Danny'

Apparently, JLD had not correctly translated the language.

It's direct Translation, once they had that key provided to them by Danny, which once they got that they were able to figure out that one key letter was not what they thought, was more along the lines of;

'Oh Great High King, We Request A Small Parcel, A Small Snippet, Of Your Luxurious Hair. Just For A Little Bit. We Need To Use It For Personal Reasons. Just A Small Morsel. Thank You For Being Pretty. And Amazing. We Just Want A Small Piece. That Is All We Need. It Does Not Take Much. We Are Very Eager. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please.'

Needless to say, multiple heroes have to stop Constantine from trying to throw himself out of an airlock.

@simplestoryteller

[ghostboybrainrot]

DPxDC Ghost Zone Amity AU Part 2

Part 1   Part 3  Part 4  AO3

Edit: I finally got around to adding this to AO3, link above.

Wow! I am completely blown away by the reaction the first part! It’s the first fic idea I ever posted. Thank you so much for all the likes and messages. I have a lot of ideas for this AU but I‘m new to writing so please be patient. I also would love to hear anyone’s ideas.

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Batman wanted to see the portal himself. Because of course he did. Nosy idiot couldn't let them handle it. And John Constantine just knew the bat was gonna make things harder on him.

"Can you disable it?" Gotham's knight asked.

"Of course not! This is some sci-fi bullshit and I don't do sci-fi. I do Magic, thank you very much.”

"You said you could sense death coming from it."

Constantine ran his hand through his hair, frustrated.

"Yeah but that doesn't mean I know how! This shouldn't be possible. And it radiates Death, capital D. This isn't just a device that has been exposed to death. It's owned by the Dead.

A grunt was all Constantine got as a reply, as the knight continued to examine the machine.

"Do you know where it goes?"

"To the DEAD! Haven't you been listening?! You know the Underworld? Hereafter? Netherworld? Hell with two L's? Hel with one L? Purgatory? Pandemonium? Hades? Tartarus? Any of these ringing a bell?"

Batman does not dignify the outburst with a response but he turns toward Constantine for the first time since they entered the building, narrowing his eyes.

"Which one?"

Constantine waved his hands noncommittally, "Eh, could be any of them. Could be ALL of them. They aren't completely separate. Like different branches of the same company. Different regional managers but all equally shitty.

Batman grunts again, turning back to the swirling mass. After a moment, he starts to fiddle with something on his belt. Constantine couldn't see what he was doing but he already didn't like it. Every time the bat investigated something that Constantine thought was better off left alone, his day would inevitably get MUCH worse. For the millionth time, he wonders why he bothers to associate with these idiots.

Batman pulls what he was messing with from beneath his cloak. His grapple gun? Constantine took several steps back. Nope. Nope, he definitely isn't gonna like this. 

Instead of firing the gun, Batman slowly pulled at the hook loosening the wire until he had roughly 10 ft of it coiled in his hand. Then without any hesitation, he approached the swirling green, tossing the hook inside. It promptly disappeared, quietly, as though it had simply sunk into murky water.

They both waited. No sound could be heard except the ambient buzzing of electronics coming from the large machine. Batman stood a few feet from the portal, watching the line intensely. He had braced himself as though he expected the line to snap taut at any moment and pull him in. After roughly a minute and no such thing happened, Batman slowly reeled in the line feeding it back into the gun.

The hook came into view, no worse for wear. None of the green substance lingered on it. After briefly examining it, Batman clipped it back to his belt. Constantine was slightly disappointed that it hadn't come back ablaze or melting, only because it would help him narrow it down. Having it come back unscathed didn't really tell him where it led. Then again the fact that it wasn’t instantly destroyed from coming in contact with the portal was probably a good thing.

"I think you gotta put worms on the end if you wanna catch something Bats." Constantine joked. He knew the man wouldn't react but couldn't help it. 

To his surprise, John heard a chuckle from directly behind him. It startled him but he did his best to not show it. He knew who it was and didn't want to give him the satisfaction.

Boston Brand, Deadman, slowly floated into view in front of the magician. He was watching Batman but directed his comment toward John.

"I was expecting the Bat to get dragged in! A little disappointed if I'm bein' honest." Deadman laughed.

"I'd be lying if I didn't feel somewhat similar. When'd you get in?"

"Not too long ago," the ghost said conversationally, "I did a quick lap around the crater. Phew! That thing is huge!"

"No kidding? I hadn't noticed." The magician snarked, pulling a cigarette out and placing it between his lips. He wouldn't light up in here. He wouldn't want to piss off the Bat but the familiar feel on his lips brought him a small amount of comfort.

Batman seemed to have noticed Constantine's one sided conversation. He turned to stare at the occultist, his eyes narrowing again. 

"Boston?"

"Who else?" Constantine grumbled.

Suddenly, without warning, he felt a cold wave rush over him as the ghost phased into his body. He felt his mouth open, his cigarette fell to the ground, and a voice that wasn't quite his own spoke.

"Hiya Batman! Long time no see! I heard you guys could use a little help?" John's face grinned without his approval. The voice coming from John had a Brooklyn accent and was entirely too cheerful for his liking.

Batman nodded, unsurprised by the English man’s sudden accent and demeanor change. He gestured over his shoulder toward the machine.

"What can you tell me about this device?"

"Umm..." John's legs brought him a little closer and his hand came up to his chin as though he was thinking hard. "I mean it's definitely spooky, I get kindof a weird vibe from it but other than that. Meh." He shrugged. "Not really my area, Bats."

"Does it seem dangerous?"

"Honestly? I don't think so. Like Constantine said it definitely radiates Death but not like in like in a scary way. Hard to describe. Feels kinda like a nap after a long day, ya know?"

Batman didn't respond. There was a good chance he didn’t know. Constantine had never know the man to take a break. Did he even know what a nap was?

"Would you be willing to investigate?"

"Ya mean like go in? I suppose. Not like I'm getting any deader. Ha!"

As quickly as it appeared, the cold sensation that gripped him vanished and John Constantine's body was his own again.

"Bloody ghost! You made me drop my cig." He bent down to retrieve the cigarette, brushed it off, and put it back in his mouth. John hated when Deadman did that. Which was probably the reason he did it. He could have just asked John to translate. Or better yet ask him to magic Batman's eyes so he could see the ghost! But Boston loved to see John frazzled. As annoying as it was to be on the receiving end, John couldn’t begrudge the ghost his fun. He knew how lonely it could be being dead in the land of the living. No one even knowing he was there. Constantine may not be dead but he’d been around it enough to know how isolating it could be.

"Sorry John!" The ghost called back goodnaturedly, already heading toward the portal. "Wish me luck!"

The ghost flew through the portal and the room was quiet once again. Batman couldn't see the ghost had disappeared but he followed John's gaze toward the machine and waited. Accurately guessing he had already passed through.

After a short moment, Constantine wondered if he had enough time to go outside for a quick smoke. But before he could decide, Deadman's head poked back through the swirl of green. The rest of him followed close behind, looking exactly the same as when he left.

"Well?" John asked impatiently.

"Seems safe enough. It leads to another portal on the other side. No monsters or anything."

Batman spoke up, "What's he saying?"

Constantine, taking a page out of Batman's book, ignored the knight continuing to address the ghost. "And? Where does it come out?"

"That's the weird thing. I think it's just a garage."

-------

That’s all I have for now! Let me know how i did and what you think should happen next.

I have a lot of ideas on what happens to GZ Amity, and coincidentally humanity as a whole, as a result of it getting stuck. I like to think that over time this creates a whole subspecies of liminal humans and GZ Amity ends up giving a solar(ecto?) punk vibe.

Jack and Maddie are LOVING living in the ghost zone. After the initial shock, and a short adjustment period, they throw themselves into their research just as hard as before but instead of focusing on weapons they focus on researching the properties of the ghost zone. They use what they learn to better the lives of the residents of the town.

Amity Parkers don’t leave when they die. Old Evelyn Baker is still there like 300 years in the future. And because no one leaves, the town expands.

Blob ghosts wander around the city like stray cats. People treat them like pets. The Fentons create a blob collar especially for ecto-pets that is designed to stay on despite their semi-intangible nature. Using that design they are able to make equipment that will automatically phase WITH the user without having to dedicate extra energy to it.

I like the idea of Vlad coming around eventually. I think it would be funny for liminal!Amity Parkers gaining a resistance to overshadowing. And because Amity isn’t really part of the US anymore, his vast wealth doesn’t really do him any good. So here he is sad and alone. All his plans have failed and his power is rendered almost entirely useless. He can still overshadow people in the living world and the US is still a capitalist hellscape so his money is good there. But without any sort of end goal it loses its appeal. Eventually, he’ll come crawling back to Amity. 

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Tags:

@seraphinedemort @bookreaderman @ronocnogard19 @apointlessbox @d4ydr34min9 @fylylowo @takingspagetts @vythika96 @catmaraudersfan @coruscateselene @gin2212 @running-batty @amercurio @victoria-has-no-secret @clarinetily @imsociallyanxiousgetoverit @ironicvixen @toomanyartsuppliesnotenoughtime @thewondersoflebanon @booklover4177 @malice-of-the-sunrise @thegatorsgoose @theamazingfox @xye-chan @farmercale @dontfightmecauseillcry @alcorbearson

[kristinamae093]

Ghosted

Ghosted - The Apple Banquet (Chapter 7)

Series Summary - Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach. But everything changed when she vanished just before the end of the social season. As everyone voices their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him question everything around him.

Book/Pairing - TRR - Liam x MC (Riley Brooks)

A/N1 - This AU starts right before the beginning of the engagement tour. There is a two-month lapse between the coronation and where we pick up, but we will stray from canon. Please excuse any errors found.

Characters belong to Pixelberry

The Apple Banquet was set to begin inside the ballroom of the Applewood Estate momentarily. The entire country was excited, as it was the first one to take place since Constantine wed Regina. All of the nobility gathered to witness the bride and groom share an apple from the year’s first harvest before the wedding.

The wedding, Liam scoffed at the thought. After they found all of Riley’s things a few days ago, he completely changed his view point on the scandal and her disappearance. He spent all this time believing she left to be with someone else, but he began to see the situation from a different light.

It seems the more he learns about Riley’s last night here, the more he believes she was forced away.

Liam learned of Riley retiring early from Maxwell, so they had a solid timeframe where someone could have gotten her out of the estate undetected and the maid to pack and move her things. He felt a sense of relief when the maid reiterated that she was not seen leaving with Tariq, but another man. Of course, he wished she would have been able to identify the unknown person, but in a way, his heart swelled knowing she didn’t leave with Tariq, although it opened a world of other unanswered questions.

Bastien had been searching for Tariq and Riley but had no luck in locating either thus far. The last trace of Riley was landing from her flight in New York, the morning after the Country Jamboree. From there, her trail runs cold. There was no trace of Tariq after his arrival to Applewood whatsoever; there wasn’t even a record of a car coming to pick him up from the estate that night. They had both simply vanished into thin air, like a ghost.

Without either of them, Liam was clueless as to how to proceed further. The few clues they had were just that, clues. There was nothing prominent enough to place blame anywhere. Riley's room had been cleared, not a trace to be found. Nothing was spotted outside, no predominant leads were found in the shed, aside from the dress and the piece of mail. Much to everyone's dismay, Bastien confirmed that he disposed of Riley's phone and the letter left in the room, so no comparison could be done. Liam took blame for everything and felt helpless, there was nothing more he could do; but he felt he had to put on his Kingly facade and continue as if nothing was amiss, at least for the time being.

However, Liam felt the time constricting on him. He was set to marry Madeleine in just a few short weeks, and he didn’t have a clue as to what he was going to do about that. Although he knew it was his duty to marry and produce heirs, he didn’t know if he could marry Madeleine just to appease the nobility, especially now that he knew someone potentially plotted to put her on the throne.

More than that, after they found Riley’s bloodied dress, Liam felt a renewed sense of urgency about locating her; he needed to see that she was unharmed. Of course he wanted nothing more than to hopefully bring her back and ultimately make her his Queen, but he didn’t want to get too far ahead of himself. Just seeing with his own two eyes that she is okay would suffice him, although it would break his heart all over again.

As Liam stood on the dias next to Madeleine greeting all of the court’s nobles, he couldn’t help but look at everyone as if they were a suspect. Although the maid said she saw Riley with a man in a suit, every single person there could have benefitted from getting rid of her; he was aware of the fact that Riley was a commoner and not everyone would be okay with having her as a Queen. Furthermore, Liam was sure it was a hired person who escorted Riley away; he knew his nobles were not stupid, but conniving and malicious. They wouldn’t risk getting their hands dirty, especially with something of that magnitude considering she would have been his selection. That meant the suspect list was open to all of the nobility at this point.

“Liam? Are you even listening to me?!” Madeleine snapped.

“No, I’m not.” Liam retorted. He realized the other nobles were lining up behind the double doors, a sure signal that they were about to be announced into the ballroom with his Father and Regina at the head. He turned away from Madeleine and headed toward the line of people. He took his position in the back of the procession, as tradition dictated. He squared his shoulders, stood to his full height, and waited.

“Penelope!” Madeleine snapped her fingers. “My train!”

Liam silently scoffed as he watched Penelope scurry over and take position behind Madeleine. He saw her struggling to keep up with Madeleine’s pace, but she never once let that train touch the ground.

As they reached Liam’s position, Madeleine shooed Penelope away before she turned to Liam. “Cute. I don’t know what your deal is but you need to knock it off.”

“Or what?” Liam snapped as he turned to face her.

“I’m sure I can think of something.”

“Are you threatening me?”

Madeleine indignantly laughed. “No, darling, whatever would make you think that?” She feigned innocence.

Liam stepped closer to her and lowered his voice to where only she could hear. “I told you, I'm not playing whatever game it is that you are trying to play. You'd do well to remember that you are not the Queen, not yet… I hold that power, so I would advise you to tread carefully, Countess.” He hissed through clenched teeth.

Liam found himself on edge; he was not in the mood to deal with Madeleine, or anyone else for that matter. This is the last place he wanted to be, and he was not about to let Madeleine try and boss him around or assert whatever dominance she thought she held over him.

Liam stood back up and adjusted his lapels. Madeleine’s face turned a hundred shades of crimson, but she returned her attention to the line in front of her. She attempted to thread her arm through Liam’s, but he pulled away. At a nod from the herald, the doors swung open and Liam strode inside with Madeleine walking closely beside him.

They were led by a servant to a banquet table adorned with a white lace tablecloth. A wooden stand sat in the middle of the table with a bright red cordonian ruby sitting atop it, beside the apple was a knife with a black handle and gold trim.

Liam took his position behind the table next to Madeleine and directed his attention to his father, who had taken place in front of the table with a champagne flute of cider in hand.

"The sharing of a Cordonian ruby dates back to the times of King Fabian. At that time, the King and Queen would not share cake when they wed, but instead a Cordonian ruby. The monarchy has since modernized, but this tradition is to honor those who have paved the way before us.

We gather here today to celebrate not only another year's bountiful harvest, but the matrimony that these two will share. Although no vows will be exchanged here today, the symbolism remains the same."

Constantine stopped his speech as applause filled the air. He waited for a few moments before he raised his hand to quiet the crowd and continued. "We have a bright future ahead of us as a country. I have no doubt in my mind that these two will lead us with distinction and grace, just as the Kings and Queens before them. We will not only thrive under their rule, but prosper." He lifted his glass in the air. "To King Liam and our soon to be Queen, Countess Madeleine."

The crowd all raised their glasses and echoed the former King's sentiments. Liam and Madeleine then each cut a slice from the apple and ate it to complete the needless ceremony. Liam grew up loving the Cordonian ruby and was incredibly proud of his heritage, but that particular apple tasted incredibly tart and bitter. It took all of his willpower not to scrunch his face as the tangy, sour flavor overcame his taste buds.

Liam was forced to stand for photographs with Madeleine before he could take a moment for himself. He didn't smile, but instead just started blankly into space past the camera. Madeleine was positioned at a slight angle in front of him and he made it a point to put as much space between them as he could and still get a 'natural’ looking portrait.

Once pictures were finished, Liam made a beeline for the bar and ordered himself a scotch on the rocks; he needed something to calm his dangerously high stress levels. As his drink was delivered to him, he felt a hand on his back. He turned around to find Drake. “How you holding up?”

“I’m not, Drake. I haven’t slept, I don’t want to be here. I need to be looking for them, for her; I have to find her.” Liam said before he downed his drink in one gulp and motioned to the bartender for another.

Drake stepped forward and signaled for a whiskey as the bartender refilled Liam’s glass. As he waited he addressed Liam. “I know this is hard on you especially. But, for now, you gotta just play along. Make ‘em think you’re really gonna go through with the wedding.”

“It's just around the corner. There's not a lot of time…”

“Don’t think about that. Right now, our focus is this investigation. We just need a little bit more to go off of, and we’re going to find it, Li. However, that means you gotta pretened to be a pretentious stick in the mud to appease all these ass wipes for a little bit…” Drake smirked as he took a sip from his drink and looked around the room.

Liam half-laughed. “I know you’re right. This is the best option, at least for now.” He shook his head and looked into his drink. “I’m just having a hard time being diplomatic when I know that someone very likely in this room is responsible for hurting the woman I love.”

Drake patted Liam on the back. “I know. But, just think, when all this is said and done and we figure out who did this, you’re gonna get to go full blown King on that mutherfucker! Goddamn I can’t wait for that!” Drake exclaimed with a huge smile on his face.

Liam laughed, for real this time. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy, even when I got you that international whiskey subscription for your birthday.”

“Man, I should order another one of those, that Hakushu Single Malt was to die for.” Drake responded as he took a drink of the whiskey in his hand, imagining it was the japanese liquor.

“Maybe when this is all said and done I can get you a whole case of that.” Liam chuckled when Drake’s eyes widened, but he soon sighed and looked out at the crowd in front of them. “I suppose I should circulate the room, pretend I want to be here. But thank you for lifting my spirits.”

“What I’m here for.” Drake replied as he lifted his glass to Liam, who returned the gesture and downed a large drink after. Liam shook his hand before he turned and made his way through the crowded room.

As he turned away, Liam saw some lesser nobles and the suitors he hadn’t chosen, minus Olivia, who was not yet joining the tour officially. At first glance, he noticed Lady Hana was not present. He was unsure if an invitation had been extended or not, but made a mental note to find out. He shook his head and looked away as he observed Penelope dabbing Madeleine’s mouth with a napkin. She trailed behind holding her drink, even going as far as bringing the glass to Madeleine's lips.

Liam continued through the room, stopping on occasion to shake a hand and exchange pleasantries. He spotted his Father and Regina as they glided throughout the ballroom together. Even though Constantine hadn’t been given much time to live, he insisted on being present throughout the tour. Liam told him he didn’t need to accompany them on the entire route, but Constantine was stubborn and was outside with everyone else when it was time for the motorcade to leave the capitol.

As Liam made his way to the other side of the room, he noticed Bertrand and Maxwell in a secluded alcove. Bertrand waved his finger in Maxwell’s face and Maxwell had his gaze trained to the floor in front of him. Bertrand’s body was turned slightly away from Liam, but he could still see his reddened face and it appeared he spoke so fast he hadn't even stopped for a breath.

Liam decided he needed to intervene and walked toward the pair. He cleared his throat as he approached them. Bertrand turned with wide eyes and bowed to Liam.

“Is everything alright?” Liam asked.

“Oh, yes, of course Your Majesty. We were just discussing House business.” Bertrand replied as he slid his eyes over to Maxwell with an irritated expression.

“That’s not what appeared to be happening. It looks as though you were once again berating Maxwell when I specifically told you to lay off of him.”

“I understand that. However, I learned today from a potential business partner that Maxwell left the estate when he should have been awaiting their call! We didn't secure that deal because he decided he had something more important to do!” Bertrand exasperated as he kept his steely gaze trained on Maxwell.

Maxwell finally looked up to meet eyes with Liam. Liam knew that Maxwell snuck away from the estate to meet Drake and Olivia before the tour started; he also knew that Maxwell had not told Bertrand about their investigation, per Liam's request. Instead, he continued to let Bertrand berate him and place blame on him for their houses' tanked reputation and financial crisis.

What Liam saw in Maxwell’s gaze was complete devastation, he knew judging from his defeated expression he was starting to break. And Liam couldn’t blame him, he had put up with Bertrand's rants daily for months.

Although Liam wasn’t entirely sure if he should, he couldn’t bear to watch his friend be torn down to nothing and let it happen; it was time to set Bertrand straight.

Bertrand began again. “He’s continuously shown his irresponsibility! You can’t pick a suitor, you can’t answer a phone, what can you do, then?! I am this close to–”

“Enough.” Liam said in a quiet but stern tone as he held up his hand to stop Bertrand from his tirade.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, I forget myself–”

“No. You are not going to berate Maxwell any longer as if this is his fault: it is not. As far as him missing your 'important' phone call, I happen to know where he was and who he was with, and that meeting was far more important, I assure you.” Liam bit out.

Bertrand grew confused. “What? I don’t understand, what meeting? Why didn’t you tell me about this meeting?” He asked Maxwell.

“I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone…” Maxwell quietly answered, avoiding eye contact.

“What does that even mean?!”

Liam quickly looked behind him to the crowded ballroom and decided it was too risky to talk there. He motioned for Maxwell and Bertrand to follow him and led them down a hallway close by. He stopped at a nondescript door and ushered them inside.

As he faced them, Liam addressed Bertrand, specifically. “Duke Beaumont, I’d first off like to say that you should be ashamed of how you’ve treated Maxwell as of recent. Let's not forget, you didn’t even select a suitor to begin with.”

“With all due respect, Your Majesty–”

Liam held up his hand to stop him. “I’m not interested in your excuses, nor your apologies. Those are not meant for me, anyway.” Liam looked to Maxwell with a sad expression, then back to Bertrand. “I just wanted you to understand that your King is incredibly disappointed in your horrific behavior, which you had no reason for.”

“No reason?! Sir, I have every reason to be upset! Maxwell brought that… that… harlot here and she–”

“You are two seconds away from finding yourself in the cells. I know you don’t know the truth, but I’d advise you to watch your tone.” Liam hissed through clenched teeth.

“The truth? What truth is there to know? We all know what happened–”

“I have officially opened an investigation into Lady Riley’s disappearance.”

Bertrand’s eyes bulged from the sockets. “D-Disapperance?!”

Liam told Bertrand about what they had learned so far and where they were at with the investigation, as well as his suspicions of Riley being forced to leave. He told him about the shed they found, as well as the bloodied dress and letter inside.

When Liam was finished, he and Maxwell watched as Bertrand slowly walked over to a chair and sunk himself down into it. He clasped his hands together and stared in front of him for a long while. Liam and Maxwell didn’t say a word, just observed as a plethora of emotions crossed Bertrand’s features.

Finally, Bertrand spoke. He kept his gaze to the floor in front of him, “So… she was set up?” he whispered.

“We believe so, yes.” Liam answered.

Bertrand broke into sobs. Maxwell quickly crossed the room and crouched in front of Bertrand. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but we’re going to figure this out! We’re going to fix this!” Maxwell promised him as tears of his own streamed down his face.

Bertrand shook his head and looked away from Maxwell. “While I’m upset she was set up, I’m mostly ashamed of how I’ve treated you since... I’ve blamed you and berated you this whole time, and you were never at fault. You never once challenged me in all the atrocious things I said about you, you just… allowed me to do it…” He tried to swallow the overwhelming lump in his throat and quietly asked, “Did you know about Lady Riley? This whole time?”

Maxwell shook his head and quietly responded, “I only found out before the tour, although I will admit I didn’t know when I snuck out.” He looked away. “I had my doubts about it though… But you were so mad at me and I didn’t want to make it worse.”

“Maxwell… I-I’m so sorry...” Bertrand shook his head as more tears flowed down his cheeks. “You didn’t deserve any of that treatment. I can’t believe I’ve acted this way…”

Maxwell inched closer. “It’s okay, Bertrand!”

“No, it’s not okay. I treated you so… maliciously, as if you weren’t my own flesh and blood.” Bertrand wiped at his cheeks and looked Maxwell directly in the eye. “I’ll never forgive myself.”

Maxwell leaned forward and embraced Bertrand; he squeezed him as tight as he could. Even though Maxwell was still indeed hurt from Bertrand’s harsh words, he didn’t want to see him beat himself up over it. All he wanted to do was to move forward and put this entire mess behind them. Ultimately, all Maxwell wanted was to clear his best friend’s name and bring her home to make the family complete again.

“I love you Bertrand, and if I forgive you, you have to forgive yourself. You’ve been under so much pressure since Dad got sick, and I know I’ve always added to your problems. And then to lose our suitor at the very end of the season…” Maxwell took a deep breath to steady himself and continued. “You were under a lot of stress, and it was technically my fault for bringing her here to begin with, so…”

“No.” Bertrand firmly said as he pulled himself from Maxwell’s embrace, “You are not to blame here whatsoever Maxwell… In fact, I may be more at fault here than you..." He took a deep breath and quietly said, "I – I'm afraid I may need to come clean about something…"

Maxwell immediately moved and stood next to Liam with a furrowed brow. Liam felt his heart rate increase and stepped forward instantly. "What do you mean?"

"I – I worry you may find out anyway during your investigation, and I feel after my other atrocious actions I may as well come clean and take my punishment."

Bertrand was suddenly yanked up from his seat by Liam's strong hands. Liam held Bertrand by the collar of his sweater and pulled his face to eye level, nearly lifting him off his feet. "What did you do?"

Maxwell stepped forward to intervene, but Bertrand held a hand out to stop him. As he spoke, his eyes never left Liam's steely gaze. "Don't. I deserve whatever may come." He took a deep breath and told them about going through Maxwell’s phone and selling the photos from Liam's bachelor party. Bertrand realized if Liam found out on his own, his fate would be ten times worse than whatever he would be facing now. To hopefully spare himself, he was willing to come clean.

The longer Bertrand spoke, the more Maxwell's shock intensified; he couldn't believe Bertrand stooped so low. Liam saw red; he yanked Bertrand closer and growled, "You fucking snake."

"I understand your anger, sir–"

"Did you do it? Did you set her up?" Liam slightly shook Bertrand. "Did you force her to leave?!"

Bertrand's eyes widened once more. "No! My indiscretions were toward the beginning of the social season, and I changed my view on her! I believed in her until–"

"Why? Why do it then?!" Liam shook Bertrand harder, audibly tearing his vest in the process, but Liam was quick to bunch up more fabric to keep his hold intact.

"I assumed she wouldn't last and I was desperate for the money." Bertrand quickly spat out.

"So you not only sold your suitor out, but you sold me out as well? For profit?" Bertrand didn't respond, only nodded his head with shame etched in his features.

At that moment, every single thing that happened over the past couple of days combined with this newly added betrayal sent Liam overboard. He tightened his grip on Bertrand’s vest and pulled, ripping it down the middle with ease and leaving it dangling like the jacket over it. Bertrand stumbled backwards but was given no time to react before a fist connected with his jaw, the popping sound echoing throughout the room. Bertrand dropped to the floor with a yelp cradling his face as he frantically prepared himself for the next blow. Maxwell wanted to help, but he was frozen in fear at seeing the look of pure rage in Liam's features.

Liam stared down at Bertrand through narrowed eyes with heavy breaths. "Your actions are making me question whether or not you are truly fit for the title of Duke. To not only exploit your suitor, but your future King?" He stalked toward Bertrand, who was scooting backward across the floor.

The moment was interrupted by a stern knock. Without notice the door swung open and Bastien rushed inside. He quickly approached Liam and said, “Sir, we need to get you to the safe room, now.” and placed his hand on him to begin leading him away.

“What, why?!” Liam questioned as he attempted to evade Bastien’s grip.

“There’s been a body found.”

Liam forcefully stomped his feet on the ground. “What?! Do you know who it was? What happened?”

“Sir, I don’t know a lot of information right now, but I have to get you to safety before I can go secure the area.”

“Where was it?”

Bastien remained silent for a long moment. He looked as if he didn’t want to answer, but once he saw Liam’s budding impatience he finally spoke. “The west grounds, sir.”

While Liam was locked away in the guarded safe room with Madeleine, her parents, Constantine and Regina, Olivia and Drake were on their way to examine the crime scene with Bastien. The royal family had a secured area inside all the major estates for this purpose, although houses were available nearby. However, those were only used in drastic scenarios such as terrorist threats or assassination attempts. Since there was no signs someone was attempting to target the nobility, Bastien assured them they would be safe there while he and the guard did an initial investigation.

Olivia was not yet ready to join the tour on an official standpoint. She knew the time would come when she would have to, but right now she was only stalking in the shadows looking for any kind of information. Only a select few knew of her presence and she intended to keep it that way until absolutely necessary.

Olivia went back and searched Riley’s room again to ensure nothing was missed and returned to the shed to retrieve the contaminated dress. As her initial shock faded, she realized that was a prominent clue laying right in front of their faces. She went back and grabbed the article at the start of the Apple Banquet while everyone was distracted. She intended to give the item to Bastien, but when he found her and informed her of the crime committed she sprung into action and followed along, the dress momentarily forgotten.

As they walked along the path she immediately realized where they were headed; the shed she had visited just a few hours prior where Riley's things were hidden. From the front, everything appeared as it was when Olivia visited the area. Her anxiety increased as Bastien approached the structure, but he veered to the left and led them to the back, which she was nowhere near during her earlier venture.

Guards scoured all around, some people in lab coats were taking pictures, multiple evidence markers lay on the ground near the area. As her eyes searched over the vicinity, she couldn’t help but feel like it seemed incredibly – tame, for what she was guessing had happened.

Propped against the back wall of the shed was a lifeless body. Upon first glance, the cause of death was undoubtedly clear; the victim's throat had been slashed nearly from ear to ear. Olivia grew up around weapons and knew exactly what kind of damage her skills could do. As she gazed upon the gruesome gash, she immediately knew that wound was deep and absolutely intentional; whoever did this did not hesitate whatsoever. Furthermore, the face was severely battered; both eyes were swollen shut and painted every shade of black, as well as a severely broken nose. She stared at the battered face for only a moment before a small gasp escaped Olivia as recognition swept over her; it was the maid they had spoken with only a few days prior.

Olivia’s widened eyes traveled down the body and she was unable to tell if there could be more wounds on the maid’s chest and abdomen, or if the coat of blood was due to her fatal injury. However, that’s where Olivia’s suspicions sky rocketed; the body was covered in a heavy layer of blood, but the ground around her had nothing.

“Walker, come here.” Olivia beckoned. Drake walked over to her with furrowed brows as Olivia stood. “Tell me I’m crazy, but there’s absolutely no blood around that body.”

“Huh…” Drake answered as he looked around. “You’re right. Hey Bas!” He hollered over his shoulder. Bastien appeared within an instant with a pen and pad in hand. “Have you noticed how there’s no blood here?”

“Hmm…” Bastien glanced down at the area with an unreadable expression before he nodded and wrote something down. “I’ve added it to my notes. Do be sure to let me know if you notice anything else. The more information we have, the sooner we can find an answer.”

“Are we just going to ignore the gigantic elephant in the room?" Olivia motioned to the shed. “This is no coincidence. Who this is, where she’s at, the fact that I'm certain this body was placed here specifically…”

Drake’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “Holy shit–”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “I’m going to start charging if I have to keep spelling everything out for you.”

Bastien spoke before Drake could retort, “I hadn’t made that connection; excellent work Duchess.”

Olivia raised an eyebrow and watched Bastien jot something yet again on his pad. “Okay, him I understand needing a preschool explanation, you on the other hand should’ve made that connection instantly.” She snapped as she continued to eye him critically.

Bastien was slightly taken back, but quickly recovered himself. “I understand your frustration. However, I’m becoming aware of developments at the same rate as you. I’m grateful for your assistance.” He bowed to her. As he stood he addressed the pair, “I’m going to secure the perimeter.”

Olivia watched him leave with narrowed eyes. He went over to a guard and spoke quietly then aimlessly walked around the area. Every now and again he would write something down, but otherwise he only made laps. She knew Bastien was senseless at times, but he almost seemed more so than normal.

For the first time, she took a good look around and again couldn’t help but notice how everything seemed conveniently placed. The yellow evidence markers were almost in a straight line in clustered areas. She approached one and bent down to observe and saw it was a wad of hair; not one single hair, a bunched up ball of long, dark hair. Another was simply a piece of gum; she was no criminal mastermind, but who in their right mind would spit their gum out in the middle of a vicious murder? Of course, it’s possible to be unrelated, but this area was practically of no use; that is until Riley’s things were shoved here. Regardless, Bastien still continued to search the area as if this was a normal crime scene and nothing was amiss.

As she scanned the area, the sudden realization of what was going on on a broader spectrum hit her; whoever orchestrated getting Madeleine on the throne was surely onto the fact that they were now asking questions. It was a silent agreement that whoever managed to remove the top two suitors from the social season was a powerful force, but it suddenly seemed much stronger and deadlier than before. This entire scene was pieced together to send a message; someone knew, and whoever it was was not happy about their venture for answers.

Olivia pulled Drake aside and spoke in a low, cautious tone. “We need to get out of here.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Look around, Drake! Even you have to notice something does not add up! This was fucking staged – someone is trying to send us a message.”

“We gotta tell Bas–”

“Why? So he can write it down?” Olivia rolled her eyes. “We need to plan our next steps… our next move has to be calculated.” She looked around with a nervous expression. As she did, her eyes landed on Bastien who simply nodded and returned to his grazing.

Tags (please let me know if you'd like added or removed): @choicesficwriterscreations @ao719 @txemrn @imashybish @queenrileyrose @kingliam2019 @riseandshinelittleblossom @dcbbw @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @amandablink @cordonia-gothqueen @sfb123 @jared2612 @harleybeaumont @bebepac @charlotteg234 @busywoman @malblk21 @angelasscribbles @bascmve01 @iaminlovewithtrr @hopelessromanticmonie @mysticalfangirl @umccall71 @fuckitweball0000 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @lovingchoices14 @emersyn-in-cordonia @aussiegurl1234 @karahalloway @the0afnan

[arty-shadow-morningstar]

Con Man's Daughter

Posting this because there isn't enough biodad! John Constantine content.

[Masterlist]

(Part 2)

-----

I feel like this should be a Damianette story or just platonic relationship after Jon got aged-up to seventeen and Damian wanted a friend his age but doesn’t want to admit it.

So basically there is this big bad in Gotham using magic that Batman was fighting at the time and enlisted John Constantine to help out.

John realizes that the villain is using a Miraculous.

“Oh. I think I know how he gets his powers. And lucky for you, Bats, I know an expert on this special brand of magic.”

And he did the smart thing and called up Marinette who at the time was already Guardian and was looking for other lost Miraculouses like in the Treasure Hunter AU I wrote.

He calls her at a really bad time. She was in the process of being chased by the guardians of the place. Monsters and evil spirits.

“Hello, Dad. What do you need and can you do it quickly?”

“Hey, sweetheart, it’s me. How is my little cupcake up to these days?”

“You called at a bad time.” Gunshots.

“WAS THAT A GUN I HEARD? WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU, YOUNG LADY?!”

“Somewhere in Japan. Getting a Miraculous. And why can’t you call me to check in on me and not ask me to help you with whatever mess you got yourself into.” More gunshots sounds and it was telling that Marinette was using a gun.

“Where did you get a gun? And don’t you have school?”

“It’s summer break. Don’t worry Maman and Papa know. Well, the fact that I am in Japan anyways.” Marinette sounded a little out of breath. Roaring and horrifying sounds at the other end. “Can we do this later?”

“As it happens, there is a villain going around Gotham with what I think is a Miraculous.”

Swears on the other end.

“Oi. Watch your fucking language, young lady.”

“How about a No and move the fuck back, old man. I am coming over right now.”

“Old man? I am not that old-” as a magic blue portal opens up in the Bat Cave.

And a red Chinese dragon comes out with someone riding it.

Its rider was a black-haired girl. She had a trench coat similar to Constantine's. I imagine her with a fedora. Like Carmen Sandiego style but not red. Sometimes red but only when she has to steal it from a museum or high security places and she leaves a name card with the name Carmen Sandiego. A sword strapped to her back and a dagger to her thigh.

She had a gun in her hand which she used to shoot the monsters as it was halfway through the portal and yelled out the spell to close it.

“Brilliant entrance but you are in lots of trouble, little lady. What were you thinking about going to another country unsupervised? And isn’t there still a butterfly problem in Paris?”

“One, I wasn’t unsupervised. I had Tikki, a billion years old being and a sort of god. Two.Well, it got boring trying to track Hawk-bitch down. And I found this legend about a guy with a Miraculous who disappeared in the temple and thought hey, more miraculous could mean another edge to defeating Moth-man.”

More bickering and John grounding Marinette who was acting very nonchalant about it.

Okay, at this point, I should say that Batman and Robin are in the background trying to make some sense.

Batman is surprised to find out that Constantine has a daughter who is also involved in magic like her Father but an apparently more specialised kind called the Miraculous. He is a little miffed that he didn’t know about John having a daughter. He did consider it weird at first that she had a slight french accent unlike her father’s Liverpool accent although she pronounced some words like he does.

He also connected some dots that she is also the Parisian heroine, Lady Rouge who Wonder Woman introduced to the League a while back and had declined to join the Young Justice or Teen Titans until everything in Paris was resolved.

Damian on the other hand was suspicious of the new arrival and came to the same conclusion as his father about the daughter thing.

Batman after a few minutes, clears his throat.

The Constantines stop arguing.

“Bonjour. Batman. Robin. Pleasure to meet you. I am Mari Constantine and yes, I am this homeless looking man’s brilliant daughter.” “Hey”

“Well, Mari. Your father thinks you can help us with this new criminal turning Gotham upside down. Literally in some cases. He said that you might be able to help us.” Batman said as he pulled up zoomed in picture of the Miraculous.

Mari looks through the Miraculous grimoire and tells them all about it and power-ups, basically the most effective thing to defeat the guy is to get the Miraculous off them. Plus a spell that would make the Miraculous ineffective if casted within a certain radius of it.

“Thank you for the information, Mari. Constantine, let’s go.”

Mari made to follow them.

“You young lady are grounded and staying here.”

“I don’t need another supervillain using the Miraculous which are my responsibility as Guardian to retrieve them for their own misuse and wreaking havoc on the city. And what if there is an akuma in Paris? I can’t go there if I am grounded in the Batcave although it is a cool place to hang out.”

“You can portal back to Paris but you are not going to follow me. Understood?”

“yes. crystal”

“Good. After me and Batsy get the Miraculous, you can do your Guardian duties.”

Damian snickers. Until Batman cut his mood short, “You are staying behind too. Robin.”

“But Father, why? I am much more capable than Constantine.”

“Hey!” Both father and daughter.

Damian is staying behind too because of the Miraculous power or other reasons and keeps an eye on Mari.

Damian stays behind and there were some protests about mari mad about having a babysitter and Damian doesn’t want to be a babysitter. Despite the two of them being around the same age.

“I got an eye on you so no funny business.”

“Okay, Dad, I am not going to have sex with Robin.” Mari said with a shit- eating grin. Robin definitely didn’t blush.

“I hate you sometimes.”

“I love you too, Dad. Go save the world. Byee.”

John eyes her suspiciously because she is not one to give up that easily usually.

He casts a spell to watch her as they leave. and which she totally knew about.

“So...I have one question.”

“Tt, ask and don’t bother me anymore.”

“Is Batman Bruce Wayne?”

Damian looks up, totally caught off guard.

“I am going to take that as a yes.”

Puts sword at her neck. “How did you find out?!”

“Opened up Google Maps and saw that we are under Wayne Manor. Connected the dots. Also I already knew when Dad made a bet with me once to find out Batman’s secret identity but he never did confirm it for me. And can you please not tell your father about this? I don’t feel like being interrogated by the Bat in the future yet.”

“Father must know about this.”

“I saw you looking at Scarlet here. An animal lover then? You can give her some belly rubs. She deserves it after helping me outrun those monsters.”

His silence was brought. To pet a dragon.

One thing after another and he ends up bringing out his pets-Jerry the turkey, Goliath the dragon-bat, Titus- and her introducing him to her other pets like a hellhound, griffin and other mythical creatures who mostly roam free but come to her when she calls for them and also the kwamis, at least the ones who came with her.

After 30 mins have passed, “So Robin how do you feel about disobeying our fathers?”

“I am in.”

“Depends. Are we going after the (villain's name) ?”

“Yes.”

Awesome montage of them getting rid of the spell John casted and flying out of the Batcave on their respective giant flying pets to the villain’s base.

Meanwhile, their fathers are not doing so well and are trapped in a death trap. John can’t say the spell because the villain made him unable to talk.

“At least, the kids are staying put.”

Cut to Damian and Mari jumping off their pets and onto the roof. Taking out the guards posted there and going into the building all sneakily and also taking out the guards that come their way.

They dropped into the room where their fathers and the villain is.

“Why am I not surprised?”

Villain starts an evil monologue about his mastermind plan to which Damian cuts it short by trying to cut him down with his katana. Mari goes to deactivate the death trap.

They are evenly matched with Damian’s training and the Miraculous.

Mari steps in as Damian was about to be killed. Taps on the shoulder of the villain and when he turns around, gives an awesome right hook that knocks him out.

Takes away the Miraculous and curses him. Wiped the dude’s memories of it.

“When I said stay in the Batcave, I meant stay behind at the Batcave. What point of being grounded, don’t you understand?”

“You mean, Oh, Mari, light of my life, my wonderful daughter, thank you for saving my ass. You are the best.’ by that, right?”

-----

Mari and Damian exchanged numbers and email addresses.

As she was about to leave the Batcave, “It’s been nice meeting you, Mr. Wayne.” and leaves with a wink.

John ‘ungrounds’ her for the look on Batman’s face.

-----

After this, Marinette and Damian become friends who bitch and vent to each other about their alter egos and various villains of their respective cities. (In codes, just in case) They also share updates about their pets and love of drawings.

They have that type of friendship where they trade favors. Mari calls Damian to Paris sometimes to help out with the akuma of the day and Damian sometimes calls her in when Bruce doesn’t let him go investigate a case so he can sneak out by magical means or as back up for when his brothers were too annoying to deal with.

It’s summer break so no missing school.

John and Bruce are aware of their friendship and some of the shenanigans the pair gets into behind their back.

-----

-----

Right. how this all started...

John and Sabine first met when the latter was still in college somewhere in France. John was tracking down a demonic entity which was targeting Sabine for some reason and she was the next target.

John saved her life and exorcised the demon. There was a heat of the moment thing and they had a one-night stand. There were a few more flings and hook-ups after that night.

And nine months later, Marinette Cheryl Cheng-Constantine was born.

When Sabine first found out, she called John to come over and he thought that it was a call for another hook-up and was very surprised to find out that it was not and that he was going to be a father.

They both like each other but do not want to be in a relationship together so they both remained as friends and John agreed after some strong-arming at the very least to meet his daughter before he goes to do his job. And pay for child support. And help Sabine during her pregnancy.

Pregnant Sabine was someone you don’t want to mess with. And John has never met a demon or anyone scarier than her.

He was at first not into meeting his child and there was a self-pity party he threw himself with how the child was going to live a bad life because he was the dad and how he destroyed every good thing in his life.

That’s why he is going to meet the baby once and leave maybe a letter and the occasional birthday present and stay out of their life. Forever.

The day Marinette was born and it took one look into her eyes for the HellBlazer to fall under the spell and all of his plans to stay out of her life to burn away.

At first, he tried. He really tried but he couldn’t do it.

Lasted 4 months before he came back, wanting to place protection spells on her and sigils around the house to keep away the forces of Heaven and Hell and other entities so they won’t use her against him as a bargaining chip.

Sabine calls him to babysit. He could have refused and Sabine would have easily found a babysitter. He moans and whines about how he is a great mage and not a bloody babysitter. Sabine retorts that it is actually called parenting since he is Marinette’s father. He grumbles but in the end, agrees.

The great John Constantine is wrapped around the little girl’s finger.

He was around for some of Marinette’s firsts. Her first word was “John”.

It made him cry. He wasn’t a good man and he doesn’t deserve someone this precious. His daughter doesn’t deserve someone like him as a father but fate made it that way and what can you do about it.

After an exhausting week of doing the usual and coming back from Hell, he saw that Sabine had sent him a video. It was Marinette taking her first steps.

Chas swears that in all the years that he has known John Constantine he has never seen the man look so happy.

------

When Tom came into the picture, John was there to take care of a toddler Marinette while Tom and Sabine went on dates.

Insert John threatening a much bigger Tom while holding a baby Marinette with wide eyes and hugging a teddy bear with the same coat as John’s. (It was something Sabine brought on a whim and to tease John when he came around.)

Tom is supportive and treats Marinette like his own flesh and blood.

John resolved to leave for good now that Tom would be there to be a father figure for Marinette.

That plan fell into the drain the moment he was going to leave for what was supposed to be the last time before Sabine pulled him back and knocked some sense into him.

His face was a big giveaway. Sabine knows that despite his claims of being a terrible father for Marinette, he was a good one and damnit she was going to make sure that Marinette would get to know her actual father.

Tom later made an awkward talk with John about how he was not going to replace John’s role as Marinette’s father.

Marinette was the flower girl at Tom and Sabine’s wedding. John was there too.

During bedtime, John would read her stories and use his magic to make it come to life. Although he would feel a little drained afterwards, it was worth it to see her smile.

Sometimes he told stories about his tamer adventures. (After cutting out some of the inappropriate bits)

------

When Marinette was about 5 or 6, Sabine was out on an errand and Tom was at home with Mari and helping her with her homework. There was a crash downstairs at the bakery. Tom went down to check it out to find John lying on the ground.

With a weak cough, he said, “Close the door. Close it.” Before losing consciousness

Tom did before a man with pitch black eyes slammed against it.

Thankfully John had installed heavy wards around the bakery when it first opened.

They held against the demon on John’s tail. Tom brought John inside and unsure of what to do, grabbed a rolling pin on the counter.

The man outside started pounding on the glass door and every time his hands touched the door, light glowed outwards, showing the invisible magic barrier around the bakery. Sparks and steams fizzled with every pound.

Despite the reddening and burns of his hands, the not-human didn’t slow down.

“ʝօɦռ....ʏօʊ ӄռօա ȶɦǟȶ ɨȶ'ֆ օռʟʏ ǟ ʍǟȶȶɛʀ օʄ ȶɨʍɛ ɮɛʄօʀɛ ɨ ɮʀɛǟӄ ȶɦʀօʊɢɦ ȶɦɛֆɛ աǟʀɖֆ. օռƈɛ ɨ ɢɛȶ ʏօʊ,” He laughs, the sound sends chills down the large man’s spine, “ȶɦɛʀɛ ǟʀɛ ֆօ ʍǟռʏ ȶɦɨռɢֆ ɨ ɦǟʋɛ քʟǟռռɛɖ ʄօʀ ʏօʊ.”

Tom knew that Marinette’s father was a con man. Come on, Master and Practitioner of the Dark Arts and Occult. But he was a good father nonetheless despite all his flaws and Sabine liked him enough so that was good enough for him.

Before today, magic was just the sleight of hands and use of fancy tools to sell the illusions. Now, with a could-be-a-demon knocking on his door to get to the father of the girl he sees as his daughter, he’s not so sure.

“Tom? Qu'est-ce qui se passe? (What’s going on?)” A little voice came from the stairs, “Dad!” Marinette padded across the floor to the body of her passed out father.

She shook him awake and there were a few soft slaps to the face.

“Dad, what’s happened?”

John mumbles, “Demon…. possessing some rich guy….. Exorcism…. Doesn’t like me very much…Don’t worry...wards going to hold.”

John manages to stand before falling down and Tom catches him before he hits the floor. He has a concussion. Tom turns to Marinette, “Go, Hide and don’t come out until It’s safe.” which she did

Unfortunately, a while later, Sabine returns from her night out and the demon upon seeing Sabine. “ɛӼƈɛʟʟɛռȶ..”

The demon possessed Sabine and the previously possessed dude hit the sidewalk with a thud.

“ɨռȶɛʀɛֆȶɨռɢ....” The voice coming out of Sabine didn’t sound like her mother which scared Marinette a lot. “օքɛռ ȶɦɨֆ ɖօօʀ օʀ,”the demon pulled a knife out of thin air, ,“ȶɦɨֆ ɮօɖʏ ɢɛȶֆ ɨȶ.”

Tom hesitated until the demon put the knife on Sabine’s neck and put enough force for a thin line of blood to be shown.

He opens the door and the demon knocks him out. Stepping over his unconscious body and looking down on it, “ʄօʀ ȶɦǟȶ, ɨ ǟʍ ɢօɨռɢ ȶօ ʟɛȶ ʏօʊ ʟɨʋɛ ʊռȶɨʟ ɨ ǟʍ ɖօռɛ աɨȶɦ ʝօɦռ, օʄ ƈօʊʀֆɛ.” and cackles. The sound was so wrong and unnerving and little Marinette tried very hard for her sobs not to be heard.

Too bad the demon had super hearing. “Come out, my little blossom. Maman is home. Why don’t you come out and give me a hug?”

It sounded so much like her mother and she nearly believed that it was her mother and not some entity in control of her body.

But she knew better from John’s stories of dealing with demons and how they would use the voice of loved ones to lure them out and into a trap. (Definitely not something one should tell as a bedtime story but Marinette was very different and had an unconventional childhood with John Constantine as her father.)

Wait...she got struck with an idea but she wasn’t sure if it would work.

Before she could do anything, the door of the cabinet she was hiding in was opened and she was dragged out.

The demon lifted her a few feet above the ground by the collar of her dress.

It heard Marinette saying something. “աɦǟȶ ǟʀɛ ʏօʊ ֆǟʏɨռɢ ƈɦɨʟɖ, ֆքɛǟӄ ʟօʊɖɛʀ?”

“Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus, omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursio infernalis adversarii, omnis legio, omnis congregatio et secta diabolica.” Marinette was now screaming the words at the top of her lungs. She repeated the spell over and over again with fierce determination.

John, being his paranoid self, taught her the spell for an exorcism, just in case. Demons spared no one, not even a girl.

It screamed “NO….” as Sabine’s body contorted in strange angles before a dark shadow seemed to be dragged down into the ground. It made a desperate attempt to possess John before it was pulled away and disappeared. There was no sign that there was a demon attack.

After John woke up, he managed to piece together that his 5-years-old (Sorry 5 and a half) daughter sent a demon back to hell.

He was a very proud dad. (He was a tad worried about the consequences from this event and demons hold one hell of a grudge. He wanted his daughter to live a very safe and happy life. The bakery’s wards also need an upgrade.)

He also got the job of explaining what he actually did to Tom. And lots of reassuring.

Sabine, on one hand, was not happy that Marinette knew how to do magic. That is until John told her that he did it just in case so she can protect herself and later it was agreed that Marinette can learn some Magic spells and charms to better protect herself and when she is older, she can decide if she wants to continue or not.

----

(Part 2)

[alj4890]

All Through the Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU

A/N Picking up right where we left off in the prologue and delving deep into the Beaumont's part of this storyline. We will also begin to see what some of our other TRR characters are and how they affect this divided kingdom of Cordonia. This is a VERY long chapter since I went into both Beaumont's histories, but I couldn’t find a good place to end their beginning to this storyline, LOL. Hope it doesn’t ruin this for anyone.

@gkittylove99 ​​ @krsnlove ​ @kingliam2019 ​ @texaskitten30 ​ @yourmajesty09 ​ @mom2000aggie ​ @ofpixelsandscribbles ​ @twinkleallnight ​ @lodberg ​ @twinkleallnight ​ @amandablink ​ @neotericthemis ​  @mm2305 ​ @sfb123 ​ @iufilms​​ ​ ​ @tessa-liam @busywoman​ 

Masterlist

Part 1

Outside the Cordonian Palace...

"Home?" Drake asked as he fell into step beside Liam.

"So soon?" The prince smiled at him. "The night is still young. We could check out a club or two."

"Uh huh." Drake shook his head. "Nice try, but I know you, Liam. Where are we really headed?"

Liam's smile dimmed. "I thought about checking on Leo."

"Leo? Why?"

"I'm worried about him. That last argument he had with Father...he hasn't been in contact at all with anyone at home." Liam softly sighed. "He hasn't answered any of my calls or messages."

"Then why visit?" Drake's tone was filled with bitterness. "Some siblings leave without a second glance and don't care how much it hurts you in the process."

Liam winced at the reminder he had caused his closest friend. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to bring up memories of Sav--"

"She's dead now." Drake bit out.

Liam closed his mouth. He knew that wasn't true, but it was the only way Drake could deal with what Savannah had done. Ever since the Beaumont’s appeared that fateful night, the Walker's had been permanently damaged.

He didn't know if there was even a chance for a reconciliation between the two.

Clearing his throat, Liam returned to the subject of Leo. "I can't come down here without checking on him."

"Is he even here anymore?" Drake asked. "I thought he had left Cordonia all together after your father refused his latest petition."

"He did. But through new sources, I have discovered that he not only returned, but has been back for quite some time."

They walked on in silence until they stopped in front of a small townhome.

They stared at the façade where not a single light was on.

Liam checked the time. "Perhaps it is too late to call upon him now that he is part of the human world."

"We can always come back after sunset." Drake offered.

"You don't have to accompany me." Liam placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder. "I think I can manage to get around down here on my own."

"And leave you alone with not only a Nevarkis but also a Beaumont protecting the streets from your kind." Drake's eyes narrowed. "Fat chance."

Liam shook his head. "Olivia is not going to harm me. And--"

"You can't trust her. I know you think you're little bond you made with her as a kid will keep you safe, but she'll end up just like her family and betray you the first moment she can."

"She's one of my closest friends." Liam argued. "She would never--"

"And as for Beaumont, do you honestly believe he will not seek revenge for what happened to his brother?" Drake snapped. "I'm surprised he has waited this long to make a move."

Liam knew there was little use arguing when Drake fell into this state of mind. With a sigh, he turned away from his brother's current dwelling and began to make the long trek back to the Blackspire Mountains.

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

Earlier that night, Ramsford...

So many memories...

Maxwell stood in front of the wall of weapons his ancestors had collected over the years.

His hand raised, trailing over the gold kraken near the hilt of his namesake's sword, the very one that felt like an extension of his own arm.

"Here you are." Bertrand grumbled. "We need to discuss the next Beaumont Bash."

The young lord had to summon all his strength to fall into the act that was necessary.

"You came to the right man." He spun around, his movements as smooth as silk. "What would you like me to do?"

"I'm leaving music selection in your hands. Savannah," Bertrand smiled softly, "will be handling the decorations. I will of course be choosing the menu." He held up his many lists of chores. "I want my wife's first ball to be praised by all who attend."

"This will be the Beaumont Bash to beat all the previous ones." Maxwell promised.

"I knew I could count on you." Bertrand hesitated. "Perhaps, is there a young lady you would like to invite?"

Maxwell fought to keep his carefree act in place.

"You know me." He shrugged with a dimpled grin. "It's difficult to find...someone right."

Bertrand patted his shoulder. "You'll find the right person."

Once he disappeared down the stairs, Maxwell allowed his smile to disappear.

The past year and a half had been difficult. Becoming this version of a party loving noble grated on his nerves. He wished that they could go back to what they once were...monster hunters.

The Beaumont Brothers had once struck fear in the Dark Kingdom. The very notion that they had been tasked to bring a creature to justice sent many of them scurrying into the far reaches of the realm. Yet, none could escape them for long.

At least...that was how it once was.

That one fateful encounter with the King of the Dark Kingdom made their entire world turn upside down.

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

2 years ago...

"Wait." Bertrand placed his hand on Maxwell's shoulder.

He did a few hand signals.

Maxwell nodded and slipped his sword out of its sheath. He briefly closed his eyes, using his other senses to zoom in on where the danger was. The woods along the outskirts of the Dark Kingdom could be treacherous during the daylight. At night, it was nothing but a death trap to the random lost hiker.

Sensing a presence a little to his right, Maxwell took a few silent steps forward.

Bertrand followed, guarding his back with a crossbow.

"Stop!" A female's voice cried out. "Please, my lords. Help me!"

The brothers froze at the sobs that followed that plea.

"She sounds human." Bertrand whispered. "Could she be lost?"

"This far up the mountain?" Maxwell countered. "Not likely. It's probably another vile fiend hoping to trap her next meal."

"Please." The voice was faint, sounding almost defeated. "Please help me escape."

Escape. That one word meant she was an innocent human, one that would most likely perish from the monsters that resided nearby.

Bertrand stopped Maxwell and stepped in front of him.

Parting the branches of a bush, they saw a woman sitting on the ground. Her knees were pulled up to her chest and her face was buried in her arms. Her body shook with muffled cries.

"Will no one help me?" She repeated over and over.

Bertrand lowered his weapon then knelt before her.

Maxwell remained tense, ready to lop off her head if she even made the slightest movement to harm his brother.

"We can help you." Bertrand reached out and laid a gentle hand on her arm. "Who--"

The brothers jumped back when she lifted her face.

She was a Walker and not just any Walker: Savannah Walker, only sister to the crown prince's right hand, Sir Drake Walker.

The two were the only descendants left of a human family that once centuries ago had made a blood oath to the Rhys. Each generation served as a protector and companion of sorts to the reigning family.

Savannah wiped at her tears. She cautiously rose, then held her hands out to them. "Please. I know who you are and I mean you no harm."

Bertrand had yet to raise his crossbow. His jaw was slack as he gazed upon her.

Maxwell pointed his sword at her. "We received a message asking us to search for a missing human." His eyes narrowed. "Did you send that message?"

She nodded. "Forgive me for lying, but I knew you wouldn't come if you knew it was from me."

Maxwell cursed, his nerves notched to an eleven as his eyes scanned the forest for a possible ambush.

"Why do you need to escape?" Bertrand asked.

"Aren't you the prince's right hand girl?" Maxwell taunted. "No longer enjoying being a vampire's plaything?"

Savannah winced at his insults.

"That's enough." Bertrand snapped. "She needs our help."

Maxwell's jaw dropped. "Surely you don't believe her?"

"I do." Bertrand moved closer to her. "Tell me what is going on."

Maxwell looked up to make certain the sky wasn't falling. Had his overly cautious brother, the very one that made him train hours upon hours each and every day, just defend an enemy of Cordonia?

"Prince Liam demands nothing from me, other than the occasional donation of blood." She sniffed. "He is very kind, but I don't want to remain here." Her warm brown eyes held Bertrand's. "I want to live a normal life, have a family...one that isn't bound to live here."

Bertrand rubbed a hand down his face. She looked so desperate, so in need of reassurance that she could have that dream.

"You're bound by a blood oath." Maxwell reminded her with a shrug. "There's nothing we can do to help you."

"Please!" She jerked her hands back when his sword swatted them. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--"

"Maxwell Percival Beaumont!" Bertrand moved in front of Savannah. "Lower that weapon this instant!"

"Have you lost your mind?" Maxwell motioned toward the one that dragged them out of their beds. "Has she cast some spell over you? She's a member of the inner Dark Court. She probably has some signal that will have Constantine and his spawn out here to end us."

"I don't." She cried. "I could never do that."

Bertrand wrapped an arm around her. "We can't help you escape tonight. The blood oath will kill you if you break it without magic." He gently squeezed her close. "We'll find out what must be done and then rescue you."

"We'll do what now?" Maxwell jerked his brother away from her. "We are not prepared to face off against both Constantine and Liam."

"We'll find a way around them." Bertrand hissed. "Regina will know what to do."

"You're involving the witches now?" Maxwell's eyes grew incredulous. "You know they don't take sides."

Bertrand glanced back at Savannah. "I know. But we must try."

He returned to her and softly whispered the plan.

Maxwell watched as her eyes filled with tears again. She nodded, whispered a way to contact her and then impulsively kissed his brother’s cheek.

"Thank you." She squeezed his hand. "I must return before someone notices I'm absent."

She took off, stumbling through the brush, and disappeared from sight.

"We're really doing this?" Maxwell muttered.

"We are." Bertrand vowed. "She doesn't deserve to be imprisoned here for what her ancestors did."

"Everyone is in some type of prison thanks to our ancestors." Maxwell told him as he started back down the mountain. "Some of us just endure our life sentence better than others."

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

A few weeks went by after encountering Ms. Walker. Bertrand summoned Regina and her coven to discuss how best to help Savannah.

The Guardian, as she was referred to by the younger witches, pondered this problem. Reassuring him that she would find a way, she rose to retire to a guest room.

"Just a minute, please." Maxwell held up a hand to stop her. "Your admirer must never know of this. He'll kill her as well as us if he thinks we plan on disrupting his castle."

Regina stiffened at the word, admirer.

It was no secret that Constantine had fallen in love with her. Years ago, the vampire had made her an offer of marriage. She had been tempted to accept, given that she had lost her heart to him as well. Then tragedy struck and her cousin and her husband perished in a plane crash, leaving their young daughter Madeleine, an orphan.

Regina had noticed that the little girl had inherited magical skills that could be molded into a powerful witch. Knowing that their talent would not be welcomed in the Dark Kingdom, she refused Constantine's proposal and remained in Cordonia. She had raised the young countess to be a witch that would do whatever she could to protect the innocent and needy.

Madeleine had formed friendships with two other noble ladies, completing the coven that would replace Regina on her death. Ladies Kiara and Penelope studied hard, yet were never quite as powerful as Madeleine.

And now the Beaumont’s were asking a favor.

Regina knew she owed them one. Hundreds of years earlier Percival Beaumont had saved the life of her ancestor, Kayden Vescovi. Without him, Regina and Madeleine would not be here today nor imbued with magic.

Madeleine slipped inside.

"Do you really think we can break a blood oath?" She sat down beside her relative. "Blood magic is tricky enough as it is. I can only imagine how much it will take from us to break."

Regina gently patted her hand. "We will do all we can to find a way. Our debt to the Beaumont’s must be repaid."

Madeleine nodded in agreement. "I brought some books along. I'll see if they have anything that can help us."

Regina watched her pixie like cousin slip out the door with a fond smile. It slowly firmed into a frown as she thought of what she had discovered before journeying to Ramsford.

Leo Rhys, former prince of the Dark Kingdom had begun visiting Madeleine in secret. 

She knew she would have to address that once she discovered the type of relationship Madeleine had with the young man. Now though, she was needed to solve this problem for Bertrand.

It took weeks of research, then having to wait upon a waning gibbus moon before a potion could be prepared. Once Regina had placed the bottle sealed with a waxed cork in Bertrand's hand, she had explained what must be done.

"Savannah must drink this and declare herself free from the Rhys' family." She explained. "Then she must force herself to turn her back on them and walk away. It will be painful for her, but she will survive."

"Thank you." Bertrand bowed. "I knew if anyone could help us, it would be you."

She gently squeezed his hand. "If you need me, do not hesitate to call. I will be here as fast as I can."

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

That night, the brothers slipped quietly through a gate into the Dark Kingdom. Savannah had told Bertrand that it was their best place to go undetected, given that the guard typically dozed off around the midnight hour.

"How often have you two talked?" Maxwell whispered.

"Everyday." Bertrand replied.

"Everyday?!"

"Keep your voice down." Bertrand ordered.

"She called to pester you everyday over this blood oath potion?"

"Not exactly." Bertrand slinked further into the shadows when they noticed a few people lingering around a town center.

"Then what have you been talking about?" Maxwell prodded.

He wasn't prepared to hear the answer.

"Marriage." Bertrand reluctantly replied

"Marriage? To whom?" His eyes widened. "You're going to marry a Walker?!"

"Yes." Bertrand narrowed his eyes. "She is kind and--"

"She's a Walker. A. Walker." Maxwell stressed. "Enemy to any and all monster hunters."

"She's not our enemy." Bertrand snapped. "For that matter, she says that Liam isn't either. He wants peace between our kingdoms."

"Oh well, that's a relief." Maxwell mocked, wiping his brow. "The word of a vampire is the one thing you can always count on."

Bertrand grit his teeth together to keep from saying something he might regret. He needed his younger brother's support and approval with this decision. He had never had a moment in his life since Maxwell's birth where he didn't have that. He would need it even more so in taking Savannah for his bride. He also hoped that Maxwell would become a brother to her since she was about to lose the only family she had ever known.

Regina had told him to stress to Savannah that breaking this blood oath could also destroy the bond she had with her brother, Drake.

He had done so over the phone, then wished he could be there to hold her as her heart broke over this hefty price.

With a shaky voice, she had remained determined to leave and marry him.

Creeping onward towards the castle, the brothers remained each lost in thought of what the future would bring.

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

Castle Rhys, that fateful night....

"Welcome home, my dear Sherry. And Rashad, how was your trip? Successful as usual, I believe." Constantine greeted the cousins warmly.

The two bowed and curtsied before relaxing again.

"It was very successful, your majesty." Rashad sat down in a chair catty cornered to the king's. "In fact, I was able to...."

While the pair talked, Sherry hurried over to hug Liam.

"Sherry!" He swung her into a tight hug. "I didn't think you were returning to us so soon."

"I missed home." She stepped back and grinned at Drake. "How have you been, Sir Drake?"

"Stop that sir mess and come here." He couldn't maintain his frown for long around her after pulling her into a tight hug. "The Blackspire Mountains haven't been the same without you flying about."

Sherry, formally Lady Sherveen Alcantar cousin to the Duke of Domvallier, Lord Rashad Kovak, was a fire-user. She and Rashad were direct descendants of King Dominic and his secret marriage to Sei Rhuka after the death of Queen Kenna. The fire users had decided to marry to protect the true heir to the kingdom and give him a family that would always be ready to fight by his side.

Like their ancestors the two cousins could transform into dragons and were known to fly above the clouds, away from curious humans.

Given their direct descent and blood relationship to each member of the Rhys family, their closeness had been encouraged with each and every generation. Sei had been the one to decree that every dragon born was to devote their lives to keeping their vampire relatives safe.

"Where's Savannah?" Sherry asked. "It seems like forever since I last saw her."

"Sav's been down lately." Drake explained. "Maybe she has been missing you and Rashad." He began to walk away, "I'll go fetch her."

Liam motioned for Sherry to sit with him.

As she lowered herself down, her gray eyes turned silver. A delectable smell seemed to waft from nearby. It fluttered her senses.

"Excuse me a moment, Liam," she pushed her jet black hair back and searched for the source.

It wasn't food she smelled, but rather someone. Possibly the one if she was to go by how her ancestors described finding the perfect mate. Her heartbeat accelerated as the smell became stronger with each step she took.

Then she noticed the guards' bodies lining the second floor hallway.

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

Savannah said the words necessary after drinking the potion. Her insides became engulfed with flames, scalding her blood of any magic.

"AHH-" she clamped her hands over her mouth to muffle the agonizing scream while boiling tears slipped down her cheeks. A white hot mist began to float up from her skin.

"Savannah!" Bertrand tried to take her in his arms, but was burned upon touching a bare piece of her skin.

"Let's go." She managed to say through painful gasps. "We must hurry. It's almost--"

Her bedroom door flew open. A stunned Drake followed by Sherry walked into the room.

"Sav? What did you do?" Drake gripped his head. "Why don't I feel--"

Sherry stared wide eyed at Maxwell. She could feel the heat move over her body and pooling within her palms. One little flick of a finger would have fire burning within her grasp.

The one I'm meant for is a hunter?

But how could this be? They couldn't--impossible--how would they ever--

"I'm leaving, Drake." Savannah sobbed. "I can't take it anymore."

"What are you talking about?" He staggered against a wall and slowly slid down. "Why do I feel like you have died? That you've been taken from me?"

"I'm sorry." She knelt beside him. "So incredibly sorry."

He passed out from the pain pulsating in his veins.

"No!" Savannah tried to wake him up. "Drake please--"

"We have to go." Maxwell eyed the silver irises holding his own gaze. "Don't make any sudden moves."

Sherry merely nodded.

The three edged around her to the door.

"Who are you?" Sherry asked.

"No concern of yours." He bit out.

"But..."

She had to chase after him.

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

It had happened in the blink of an eye. One minute, they saw the exit and felt elation at having succeeded. Then a sinister creature flew over their heads. It landed in front of them then threw its cloak back.

Constantine had found them.

"What did you do Savannah?" He snarled. "Why is your brother unconscious? Whatever you did also hurt Liam."

"Sir, I am so sorry. But I can't--"

"You haven't begun to feel sorrow." Constantine held her gaze, then reached out to torment her mind until she was beyond help.

Bertrand knew what was happening and jumped in front of Savannah, taking the hit of Constantine's frightening power.

He fell to the floor with a scream. Curling into a ball, he cried out for his dead mother and then for Maxwell.

Constantine slumped against a wall too, his powers surprisingly weak.

"Bertrand!" Savannah gently touched him and tried to snap him out of whatever nightmare Constantine had thrust him in.

It was no use. Whatever the vampire king had done, there was no clear way to help Bertrand.

"What did you do to him?" Maxwell demanded. "Tell me now before I kill you!"

"Do?" Constantine's voice had grown weak. "I got my revenge."

"No please!" Savannah pleaded. "There's bound to be a way we can end this amicably."

Bertrand’s screams turned to whimpers.

Fighting his own panic, Maxwell picked up his brother and began to back out of the room.

"Wait!" Sherry stepped forward. "I must--"

Liam appeared, causing the hairs on Maxwell's neck to rise.

"Savannah?" He stumbled forward, catching himself against a side table. "What is going on?"

"I'm so sorry Liam." Savannah whispered. "Please tell Drake I love him, but I have to live my own life. Tell him," she glanced back at the man sobbing in Maxwell's arms, "tell him I'm to marry Bertrand Beaumont."

"No!" Sherry shook her head.

It couldn't be. She had lost her heart, her very choice to choose another mate, to Maxwell Beaumont.

"Savannah," Constantine hissed. "If you ever return to the Dark Kingdom, I will kill you for this treason."

Tears continued to slip down her cheeks, her blood had cooled, giving her a new dose of strength to turn her back upon her king and leave all she'd ever known forever.

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

Maxwell had struggled to get his brother down the mountain. Once back within Cordonia's borders, he had called Regina. No human doctor could help Bertrand. He hoped that a witch could reverse the effects of Constantine's vicious attack.

Regina worked tirelessly along with Madeleine to find a way to cure the young duke. The potions and spells they tried did little to bring him out of his fear.

Savannah never left Bertrand's side. She took care of him, fed him, tried to soothe him when he cried out. She did everything Regina suggested in between their treatments. Maxwell begrudgingly began to soften toward her when he saw that she truly loved his brother.

After a month of this, Regina finally sat Maxwell and Savannah down to offer them one final solution.

"I cannot bring him back." Her eyes were filled with sorrow. "Constantine's power is too strong. The damage is too extensive."

Savannah bit back a sob. "It's all my fault."

Maxwell silently agreed. If she had only accepted her lot in life like everyone else did.

"Bertrand made his choice." He mumbled, knowing he would want him to try and comfort her. "You were his choice."

She blinked back tears. "I won't give up on him."

Maxwell wondered. Hadn't she given up on Liam and Drake? And whoever that girl was with the silver eyes? Why would she remain with a mentally damaged man she had only seen once before and had a few conversations with?

Only monsters fell in love that quickly.

Was she--

"What I can do is give Bertrand a new mind." Regina leaned forward. "It will take years to make it permanent. You will have to slip him potions until the new memories settle."

Savannah and Maxwell sat up.

"New mind? So you can give him what he was before the attack?" Maxwell asked.

"I could, but I won't." Regina explained. "I'm afraid the knowledge of the Dark Kingdom would cause the new mind to never fully develop. His fears are forever tied to Constantine now. What he's seeing in his mind are you both, your parents, and even himself being tortured by the king and other monstrous creatures. It is a never ending slide show of agony."

Maxwell swallowed as stray tears began to fall down his cheeks. No wonder Bertrand screamed his name and their mom's. He thought he couldn't save them.

"Bertrand will never again be a hunter and he must never know that you are still one, Maxwell." She reached out and took his hand. "From the moment I begin the incantation, you all will need to live as a normal human."

"Whatever he needs, I'll do." He promised.

Savannah added her own fervent vow that she would give Bertrand that life.

Regina nodded. "Come. Madeleine and I will walk you through the potions you'll need to secretly give him. Tomorrow, we will begin the process."

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

Within a month, Bertrand was back on his feet. He was pleased that he would be marrying his fiancée soon. He was content with the sparkling wine his duchy was famous for. He even took great delight in being a part of Queen Olivia's council.

And he believed his younger brother needed something to occupy him.

Maxwell managed to pull off his late nights out as partying instead of monitoring the boundaries between the two kingdoms. Olivia would join him as much as she could to help, but he preferred being alone.

He needed to prefer being alone.

And then, after a few months of proactive policing, he saw the silver eyed girl.

She was returning from an evening out with human friends.

He stepped out of the shadows, blocking her path.

His eyes darted over her, trying to discern what she exactly was. He could usually pick a vampire out of a crowd easily. Witches were not known to live in the Dark Kingdom. She could possibly be a human that Constantine and Liam preferred to feed from. But that didn't seem likely.

Those humans never left the Dark Kingdom.

He knew there were other creatures rumored to live up there. Werewolves could be occasionally heard at night. There were the elves who kept the kingdom wealthy. An occasional troll would slip out to attack a human. A few families of vampires from other nations had moved a long time ago to the only kingdom where they didn't have to live in fear.

And then there were the mythical dragons.

Maxwell had never seen one, save from renderings of King Dominic and his fellow fire user Sei.

The girl stopped, keeping about six feet between them. "Good evening, Lord Maxwell."

He blinked at the friendliness he could hear. "Good evening, umm..."

"Sherveen Alcantar, or Sherry.” She blushed over her stuttering. “ I prefer Sherry."

"Sherry." He repeated. "What are you doing down here?"

"I was meeting with some friends of mine." She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "My cousin is business partners with William Sloane, do you know him?"

Maxwell gave a noncommittal shrug.

"Oh. Well, he was hosting a dinner on his yacht and I, um, went." She lowered her eyes.

"And what exactly was on the menu?" Maxwell asked.

Her eyes flashed at that condescending tone of his. "The usual a multimillionaire would have. Appetizers of caviar and shrimp. A roasted beet and pear salad. Lobster. Roasted parsnips and potatoes. Complete with a dessert of chocolate soufflé sprinkled with powdered sugar and gold flakes."

Maxwell merely quirked an eyebrow.

She huffed in irritation. "Anyway, there is something I think we should discuss."

"Savannah is not coming back. She's married to my brother." He informed her.

"No, that's not what we need to talk about." Taking a deep breath, she let the words finally be said. "You are meant for me."

"I'm what?" His eyes narrowed. "Are you a vampire."

"No." She shifted, raising one of her legs to take a shoe off. "But we are meant to be together." Her silver eyes began to glow brighter. "And I believe you know it."

"I--" was that why he there wasn't a day that passed where he didn't think about her?

She removed her other shoe, sighing at the relief she felt. "I'm a fire-user."

He snorted with surprised laughter. "Right. And I'm really a--"

His eyes widened when she produced a flame in her palm. Winking at him, she produced two more and began to juggle the fireballs.

"That doesn't mean--"

He fell backwards when she turned into a black dragon with silver tipped wings. Smoke curled out of her nostrils as she leveled a humor filled eye upon him.

He stared at the creature he believed was made up.

With a puff of smoke, she transformed back into a human.

A naked human.

"Don't stare." She ordered, pulling out a spare dress that she always kept close at hand from her purse.

He couldn't help it. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Once she was properly covered, she sat down beside him.

"What do we do about our destiny?" She asked.

He didn't know. His world it seemed had truly fallen apart.

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

He tried to fight it. Maxwell didn't like the fact that he was intended for someone else without any say whatsoever. It seemed that a human couldn't fight the magic or whatever it was when a monster recognized you as their mate.

Sherry began to show up wherever he was whenever he left home. She'd spend a few minutes talking to him, then leave before he could deny they were meant to be.

It drove him crazy. There were times he wanted to accept it. Then there were times he wanted her to never return. Either way he couldn't stop thinking about her. He no longer saw any other woman as being attractive.

One day, he was walking through a park to try and clear his head. It hurt to no longer be able to discuss things like this with Bertrand. He needed his guidance in this. Of course given how he had fallen for Savannah, he probably would have encouraged Maxwell to be with a dragon.

Sherry appeared before him.

He bumped into her. His arms reached out and wrapped around her to keep her from falling down.

She took advantage of his momentum and kissed him.

He had frozen with the feel of her warm lips touching his. Against everything he had was and believed about the creatures that lived in the kingdom high in the mountains, he held her closer and took over the kiss.

Her soft hum of desire drifted up to his ears. Her fingers slipped into his hair. Their warmth was nearly burning. He jerked back at that reminder that she wasn't human.

Sherry's eyes were glowing again as she took deep breaths to calm down.

"Max, I--"

"I have to go." He sprinted away from her.

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

Months continued with seeing her like this. He actually found himself longing for her the moment they parted. He still fought against his growing attraction, but would succumb at weak moments to either holding her or kissing her.

Then he began to actually listen and talk to her.

After a year, he finally accepted that they were meant for one another. Once he did, they began to talk of a possible future together.

"Where could we live?" He asked. "I can't live in the Dark Kingdom. After my years of hunting, I'll be killed as soon as I step into the town square."

"I can live down here." Sherry rested her head against his chest.

"Can you?" He nudged her chin up to look into her eyes. "What about your duties to Liam? What about Rashad? Your bond, is it like Savannah's? I can't ask you to do what she did. She suffers daily with missing Drake."

"Mine isn't a blood oath, more of a way of life." She explained. "Liam and I are family." She gently caressed his cheek. "And he is so happy that I've found you "

"He knows?"

"Of course." Sherry laughed. "Liam, Rashad, and I have no secrets."

"And they're fine with you being with a man who hunts his kind?" Maxwell asked.

"We know you don't do it without provocation." She explained. "If you were a sadistic killer going after the innocent, then we wouldn't allow you to live."

"What about Constantine?" His eyes narrowed in concern. "Something tells me he wouldn't be so understanding."

"You're right." She lowered her eyes. "That's why I haven't told him."

"Sherry." Maxwell pulled her closer to him. "Would he hurt you if he found out? Like what he tried to do with Savannah?"

"I'm... I don't think so." She rolled away from him to look up at the night sky. "My discovering that you're my mate wasn't a choice like what Savannah did. And being with you won't hurt Liam."

"Are you certain?" He propped himself up on his elbow.

She sighed. "About us, yes. About the king, no." She finally shared what was worrying her. "Ever since the attack, King Constantine has been acting strange."

"How so?"

"He doesn't spend as much time with our people as he used to. He rarely leaves his chambers. He has begun pressuring Liam to either find a mate or arrange a marriage." Her brow furrowed. "He seems almost obsessed on making certain all possible enemies are destroyed."

"Enemies like me?” He asked. “Olivia?" 

"Yes." She wrapped her arms around him. "He has plans for Olivia. He fears she will extract revenge on him by killing Liam."

"I see." Maxwell rubbed his brow, trying to see a way out of this.

He didn't know if he could protect everyone.

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

Now...

Maxwell searched his pockets for his cell. He didn't recognize the number but knew that whoever had this number was in need of his hunting services.

"Hello."

"Lord Beaumont?" A cultured voice asked.

"Yes." He hurried into his room when he heard Bertrand and Savannah talking a little ways down the hall. "Who is this?"

"Lorelei Lee." She replied.

"Lady Lorelei." He remembered her from his mother's stories. "How can I help you?"

"My daughter and her friend have got it in their heads to come visit Cordonia." She began. "I'm not certain how long they intend to stay, but I was hoping that I could retain your services."

"For what exactly?" Maxwell asked.

"Protection." She replied. "I have heard through certain channels that the dark prince is beginning to search for a bride." She took a deep breath. "We do NOT want our daughter anywhere near that vile creature."

"I understand." Maxwell replied. "I usually don't do personal security. With my brother retired," he grimaced at that, "it is left up to me to help protect Cordonia's borders."

"My husband and I would be in your debt if you could watch over her in the evenings." Lorelei cajoled. "I've heard that your brother is planning on extending his vineyards. We would be more than happy to invest in the production and distribution of his sparkling wine. Perhaps even let it be the only sparkling wine we serve in our hotels."

Maxwell rubbed a hand down his face. He knew his brother was anxious to succeed. Regina had told Maxwell recently that in order for the spell to be successful, Bertrand had to relax. Gaining not only an investor but also a permanent client would help relieve his troubled mind.

"Send me her information and picture. Call her and tell her that since our family is an old friend of yours, that I've volunteered to show them around. Find out where she's staying and when she plans on arriving."

"Oh thank you, Lord Maxwell. We--"

"I'll also need a contract prepared and signed for all that you offered." He added.

"Yes of course. I'll get everything to you at once."

He ended the call and tossed his phone down.

How had he gone from a monster hunter to a glorified baby sitter?

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

Later the next day, along Beach Cove, Cordonia...

"This place is gorgeous!" Riley dropped her luggage and darted from room to room. "I can't believe we can afford something like this for our stay!"

Hana was puzzled as she turned about. The two bedroom beach house was not what she had booked for their stay. Knowing they would be here close to a month, she had gone for a plain, simple rental without any view whatsoever.

"This can't be right." She turned toward the agent. "We were going with the home on Fourth Street."

The agent shook her head. "You were upgraded by a Lady Lorelei Lee."

"My mother did this?!" Hana couldn't believe it. "Did she say why?"

"It was meant as a surprise and a sort of welcome she told me." The agent handed her the keys and told her to call of they had any other needs. "Enjoy your stay, Lady Hana."

Riley walked back into the entry hall as the woman curtsied.

"Hold up." Her smile held a lot of humor. "Was I supposed to be doing that this whole time?"

Hana rolled her eyes with a giggle. "No. It's just the custom here when one is related to a noble."

"That is so cool!" Riley dropped into a deep curtsey that made her wobble. "My lady."

Hana laughed while dragging her luggage further into the house. "I suppose I can't banish you to the kitchens since you now recognize my rank."

"I don't know." Riley pointed out the modern appliances. "I might be happier stuck in there."

"I can't believe my mother did this."

"Maybe this is her way of showing her support or make up for not showing it these last couple of years." Riley offered.

Hana paused outside the bedrooms. "I suppose that's one possibility. I would have preferred she simply tell am that instead of doing all this."

"Look on the bright side. Our videos are now going to be even more popular with this backdrop." Riley opened up the doors. "Which room you want?"

Both were master suites with a wall of windows looking out towards Cordonia's sapphire waters. The sun was beginning to set, adding a brilliant orange to the rich blue.

"I call the pink sands one!" Hana dashed into it, quickly throwing her luggage on the bed.

"Hey!" Riley doubled over laughing when Hana's momentum caused her to get tangled up in the straps and be buried under her bags.

The two friends had begun the tradition of claiming beds and rooms from their very first trip. Whoever's luggage touched a bed first, it was then hers for the rest of the vacation.

"Looks like I get the nautical theme." Riley hefted her bags and set them inside.

Her room was tastefully done in blues and whites. A bottled ship sat upon the dresser while a nearby table had an old map of the surrounding area embossed upon it.

She explored the large closet and bathroom, thrilled with the large shower with multiple shower heads to help ease the tension of a long day of filming.

"I don't think I'll ever want to leave." Riley called out. "You think we could just make this our new permanent base of operations?"

"We could ask, but I doubt we could afford it." Hana replied. "Besides, I thought you said all paths lead to New York."

"I say a lot of things." Riley giggled as she dumped her clothes on the bed. "You should know that better than anyone." She began to randomly toss her things in dresser drawers before losing all interest in this one tedious part of traveling.

She left her remaining pile of clothes and decided to check out Hana's room.

It was the same as hers yet themed more toward the beach. Riley bit back a smile at seeing Hana carefully unpack and hang her clothes one at a time. She didn't know how she had earned her friendship when they were so completely different.

She was truly grateful to have her as her best friend. No one encouraged or believed in her like Hana.

"Aren't you going to unpack?" Hana asked.

"I will." Riley paused when the phone on the nightstand began to ring.

Hana stared at it too in surprise. No one ever called them directly at the places they rented.

"It could be the agent." Riley told her as Hana picked it up.

"Hello?" Hana's eyes widened at the voice on the other end. "Mother! I don't know what to say. This is so generous to--who? Lord Beaumont?" She sat down on the edge of her bed. "He did? That is very kind of him, but we usually try and discover hidden gems for ourselves. I--no of course not!" Her head dropped. "I didn't mean to sound ungrateful--I mean--yes, but--yes mam."

Riley lifted an eyebrow when Hana placed the receiver down. "What's up?"

"Mother called upon an old friend of the family." Hana couldn't remember her ever mentioning this family before. "A Lord Maxwell Beaumont, brother to the current Duke of Ramsford, is going to be our guide around Cordonia during our visit."

"Whoa." Riley's brow furrowed. "The entire time?"

"Apparently." Hana's brow furrowed. "I don't know why she would insist on his company unless...oh no!" She dropped her head in her hands.

"What is it?" Riley sat down beside her and gently patted her back. "Hana?"

"I think she's trying to matchmake me to this Lord Beaumont!" Hana cried out. "She won't ever give me a chance to simply live my life as I see fit, will she?"

"He might actually be the kind of guy who loves showing off his country." Riley pointed out. "Even if your mother is hoping you two decide to marry, you don't have to do anything you don't want to."

Hana nodded, feeling her confidence return with Riley's reminder. "You're right. I'm certain I can rebuff any advances he might give."

"Don't rebuff him just yet." Riley teased. "We need to see the hotspots and he might be cute." She covered her face after Hana hit her with a pillow.

The pair fell into giggles once more as the excitement of discovering all that this country had took over once more.

They knew this would be a trip they would never forget.

Maxwell x Sherry moodboard.

[ivegotthefanficinme]

The Princess and the Butler 1

Chapter 1

John Constantine X Reader A Highcastle Abbey AU

Summary: She has a troubled history and both her parents are dead. Adopted by Mrs. Logue of Highcastle Abbey she hasn’t left its grounds since she was small. A new butler by the name of Mr. John Constantine is hired and everything starts to change. Quickly betrothed to a man she does’t know. But something dark is coming for her soul... What is it about her past that makes hell want to rise up and greet her? Will she be able to save herself? Will John Constantine, the Hellblazer himself, be able to save the woman he would go to hell and back for? Or will everything they have ever known crumble around them?

Warnings: Demons... heart melting fluff... *Slow Burn*

Words: 1.8k

Links:   Chapter 2              Masterlist

“Y/N please do come downstairs, the new butler has arrived and I would like you to meet him before supper time,” a kind voice calls through the door of your room.

“Right away, M’lady,” you reply.

Hopefully, you think to yourself, this butler will last longer than the previous one. It just seems like Highcastle Abbey goes through staff so quickly.

Although Mrs. Logue is generally a good host, she has high expectations for the staff (as well as for you) and if they do not meet those expectations, then they just aren’t worth keeping around. 

You stand from your vanity and adjust your deep blue dress. As you head down the stairs the soft leather of your shoes pads across the wood. 

Personally, you look forward to meeting the new butler, since you don’t leave Highcastle Abbey the staff usually end up being close acquaintances. The last one was so stuffy and stuck in his own uptight ways he couldn’t do things the way Mrs. Logue wanted. 

Deep down you hope that this new butler will be younger and more likely to be willing to be your friend. Maybe give you some sort of distraction from the dull repetitiveness that your life has become. 

At the bottom of the stairs your eyes land upon a man wearing a neatly pressed black tux. His light blond hair is slicked back away from his cleanly shaven face, giving you a gorgeous view of his chocolate brown eyes. Those eyes meet yours and you can see a flick of amusement pass over his face. 

You try not to trip and fall down the stairs as the look in his eyes sets butterflies free in your stomach.

He is definitely far more pleasing to look at than our previous staff, you think.

You take your place at the bottom of the stairs next to your adoptive mother and sister. 

Mrs. Logue speaks, “It is a pleasure to finally have a head of staff and butler with some manners. Please, Astra, Y/N, meet Mr. John Constantine.”

He tips his head at each of you, his brown eyes shining. 

“Mr. Constantine, this is my daughter, you will address her as Lady Astra.”

Your adoptive sister holds out her hand to the man and he takes it, bowing slightly as his lips hover over her knuckles. 

“And this is my ward. We took her in when she was but a small girl, her mother entrusted her into our care just before she died. You will address her as Ms. Y/N.”

You hold out your hand and he takes it. His pristine white gloves are soft against your skin. His head bows toward your hand just as he did for Astra, but his lips brush across your knuckles, sending a shiver down your spine.

“Ms.” He murmurs, “It is an honor to meet you.”

His accent is thick, almost melodic to your ears. You give him a shy smile as he releases your hand. Your eyes meet again. Closer now, you can see flecks of gold, and strangely, blue in his eyes.

“I do hope that you will be amicable to the rules and expectations of this household. I am not afraid of letting staff go when I am not pleased by their performance.”

He shoots Astra’s mother a brilliant smile, “Of course ma’am. I will do everything I can to serve both you, and your daughters with the upmost manners and care.”

Mrs. Logue nods, turning to you, “Y/N, would you show Mr. Constantine to his new chambers?”

“Yes, ma’am,” you say as you turn on your heels, Mr. Constantine following close behind.

You turn down the elaborately decorated corridors of Highcastle Abbey, you step through double doors and enter into the servants quarters of the house. 

You stop by a door in the hallway, nicer than the others, but still plain compared to the doors of the main house. 

“These will be your quarters. I hope that you will find them adequate. We do have a bell system throughout the house. The bells will ring both in your quarters and in the kitchen, just in case you are not nearby when needed.”

You fold your hands together in front of you, resting them on the poof of your dress at your waistline. 

“My sincerest thank you, love....” he pauses a moment, “May I speak freely?”

You nod giving him a gentle smile. 

“Are you…. Are you happy here?”

You smile fades slightly, Mr. Constantine sees sadness flit across your face.

“I have not… I have not left the grounds of Highcastle Abbey since I was brought here as a small girl. I know of the world outside the stone walls that surround these lands only from the books I have read in the library… and I have read all of them,” you reply to him. 

“You did not answer the question, Ms.”

You give him a sad smile as you turn away from him heading down the hall, “No. Have a good evening Mr. Constantine, we shall see you at supper.”

He stands there for a moment, slightly dumbfounded, but also in awe of your honesty, and truly, the brief flash of sass he just saw. 

***

The next morning you sat comfortably in your armchair in your room. You had a beautiful view of the grounds from the window next to you while you sat reading a book and warming your feet by the fireplace in front of you.

A light tap at the door of your chambers startles your peace. 

“Come in,” you say as you set your book down open in your lap. 

In walks Mr. Constantine carrying a teapot, sugar, milk, and a teacup on a silver platter held delicately in his hands clad in soft white gloves just like the day before. 

“Your morning tea, Ms.” He sets down the platter on the small table next to your chair. “I would like to apologize for my question to you Ms. It was out of line,” he says as he pours the steaming hot tea into the cup.

“It is quite alright, Mr. Constantine,” you respond, turning to look at him. 

“Milk and sugar?” He asks.

“Milk, three sugars.”

“Still, it was out of line. I shan’t ask such things of you again.” He hands me the cup.

“Oh quite the contrary, Mr. Constantine. You see… I have no friends, nor acquaintances outside of Highcastle Abbey. Astra and her mother are fine conversationalists but… their lives are rather dull to me. Nor do I feel that I can open up to them.”

Mr. Constantine stands there listening intently to your words, his hands entwined in front of him. 

“I was hoping, Mr. Constantine that you would be willing to call yourself a friend of mine. Tell me tales of the outside world, and give me someone to talk to and confide in.” You look away from him, afraid to hear him deny your offer of friendship as many butlers had before.

“It would be my honor, Ms. Y/N.”

You smile turning back to him, “We can start with you not calling Ms. Y/N unless we are around Astra or her mother.”

“Alright then,” he pauses, “love.” His own smile reveals to you gleaming white teeth.

“Thank you, Mr. Constantine.”

“You may call me John… or Johnny,” he replies, “I’ll be back later for the dishes. Enjoy the tea and the beautiful morning, love.”

He steps out of the room, closing the door, and you smile as you take a sip of your tea. He had somehow made it just the way you like it. 

You sat for a while in the warmth of the sun and the fire, your tea long finished, the empty cup and saucer sitting neatly on the side table, as you drift off into a light sleep.

It was dark in Highcastle Abbey as you picked up your skirts and ran down the hallway in terror. Something huge and shadow-like chased you. The only part of it that wasn’t as black as the darkest night was its eyes, that blazed red like the fires of hell.

You turned down another hallway and tripped in the rug that ran its length. Hitting the ground with a resounding thud you struggled to catch your breath as you tried to crawl away.

The dark figure caught hold of your ankle and you screamed, trying to kick it away with your other foot. It caught your other flailing leg and flipped you over dragging you closer to it. Fiery eyes leaned down close to yours as it pressed its cold lips against your own. You struggled against it as it started to suck. You screamed again as something white, wispy, almost magical seemed to leave your mouth and be sucked into its own.

Suddenly out of the corner of your eye you see Mr. Constantine, John, coming down the hallway. His eyes glow the same red as the monster above you and his hands seem to be on fire.

“You’ll not have her soul today or any day, you bloody bastard,” he growls.

The monster suddenly gets off of you, shrinking back, seemingly afraid of John. It morphs into a man with dark hair and pale skin then runs off, disappearing down the hall. 

John kneels down next to you, taking you into his arms, his face leaning over your own. He shakes you gently, trying to get your attention.

“Are you alright, love? Are you hurt?”

His voice becomes disjointed from his face, “Wake up, love. Are you alright? Wake up it is but a nightmare.”

“Wake up, love. Wake up.”

Your eyes shoot open with a sharp intake of breath. You find John’s hand resting gently on your shoulder as he leans over you in your chair, concern written all over his face.

“It’s alright, you are awake now. You were having a nightmare of some sort. I was trying to shake you awake but you just wouldn’t wake up,” he says.

You set a trembling hand over his, “Thank you, John.”

You glance outside, the sun just about to set.

“I came up to gather your dishes, and because Mistress wishes to speak to you.”

Nodding, you rise to your feet rather unsteadily, still shaking from your dream. 

“Would you… would you accompany me downstairs please?” You ask him.

“Of course.”

You make your way out of the room and downstairs to the parlor. You jolt to a halt in the doorway with John behind you as your eyes land on a man perched on the settee.

“Y/N, I would like you to meet your future husband, Edex Animae,” Mrs. Logue smiles proudly, but you don’t even look at her.

You take in the appearance of the man in front of you. His skin is pale as the moon, and his eyes and hair dark as the night. The man on the settee, the man whom the wicked creature had turned into from your dream shoots you a wicked smile.

You sway, still overwhelmed by your dream and now this. Your knees crumple underneath you as you faint, falling right into the arms of John Constantine. 

To be continued...

Masterlist          Chapter 2

Tags:

@theregalrogue​

Just comment if you want to be added to this story’s tag list or my permanent tag list!

[badchoicesposts]

In a Land of Myth...

Chapter 15

Summary: When Selene, a young sorceress, arrived in Stormholt she had every intention of remaining anonymous. King Constantine Rys had strict rules on sorcery. The act itself was punishable by death, and she had no desire to be burnt at the stake for her “crimes”. However, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to remain unseen when she becomes Prince Liam’s personal maidservant, and it seems that it’s her job to protect him from everyone that wants to kill him.

Disclaimer: This AU is a cross between TRR, The Crown and The Flame, and BBC’s Merlin. Merlin follows the tale of King Arthur and the sorcerer Merlin. Merlin comes to Camelot where magic is outlawed and is made Prince Arthur’s servant. You do not have to watch the show to understand this fic, but it is based on the BBC show Merlin so the story line will be similar. I don’t own the plot to Merlin or any of the TRR characters.

Word Count: 3,095

Pairing: Liam x MC (Selene), Drake x MC (Selene), Platonic!Bastien x MC

Author’s Note: This may or may not be turning into a Drake x MC fic. However, there is definitely much more Liam content to come. 

Taglist: @flowerpowell, @bobasheebaby, @alexintheskyy, @slytherincursebreaker, @kingliam2019, @furiousherringoperatortoad, @goldenbirdcrystalcage, @burnsoslow​, @zilch3, @desireepow-1986​, @sanchita012, @mom2000aggie​

Let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from the taglist!

Catch Up: Masterlist

Everything was dark. Selene could barely feel her body, she had no idea what where she was or what was going on, and then through the darkness she saw Liam. It was a trap. It was all a trap. This was Lucretia’s plan all along. She was going to get rid of all of them. Selene was lying on her deathbed, and Leo and Liam were going to be killed while trying to save her. Liam was in the cave and he was going to die. She need to save him. 

~~~

“L-Liam,” Selene whimpered softly in her sleep, causing Drake’s head to shoot up. They had moved her body back to her room after the first night in attempts to make her more comfortable, and Hana and Xinghai had both been dropping by every few hours to check on her.

There was a pained look on her face as she continued to mumble Liam’s name followed by the word “trap”. Her breathing was heavy and after a moment she began speaking in a language Drake didn’t recognize. He met Bastien’s eyes nervously, the older man’s anxiety mirrored there plainely. 

“What language is that?” Hana asked, she had been sitting with them trying to keep Selene’s body cool.

“I don’t think it’s a real language,” Bastien said quickly. “Hana, would excuse us for a second?”

Bastien rose to his feet and pulled Drake out of the room with him. 

“She knows. I don’t know how. Her mind never ceases to amaze me,” Bastien muttered. 

“Can she really do anything to help them in this condition?” Drake questioned.

“She’s already trying, and if anyone can do it, it’s Selene,” Bastien said, clapping him on the shoulder and making his way back into the room.

Drake stared after him and took a breath. His mind was moving a million miles a minute. Bastien had told him that the woman, Lucretia had it out for Constantine and that’s why she was doing all of this, but he could also tell that there was something he wasn’t telling him. He was worried about Selene, he was worried about Leo and Liam, but he was stuck here doing nothing. 

~~~

Liam approached the edge of the ledge slowly, very aware of the fact that there was only a small layer of rock between him keeping and losing his life. Leo was standing a few feet behind him, the thought both comforting him and making him nervous at the same time. He heard a soft mumbling behind him, but ignored it, continuing to push himself forward. The ground began to shake beneath him, and he heard a loud chanting behind him. 

“What are you doing?” he called loudly, to the woman he thought he was helping. 

Leo whipped around and pulled his sword out of his scabbard, a look of realization on his face.

“It was her. She’s the woman who told Selene about the goblet,” he said. 

He began to run towards her, but he only managed to move a few steps before she held her hand out and muttered a spell that caused him to fall to his knees, gritting his teeth as he struggled to move. Liam made to turn around and go check on him, but the stone was breaking away under his feet, and there was no way he was going to make it back to him before the floor gave away and he went plummeting to the cave floor. Instead, he ran forward, literally taking a leap of faith and jumping off the ledge, grabbing onto a groove in the stone wall.

“Who are you?” Liam called, struggling to keep himself up. 

“Ask your father,” the woman hissed, delivering a swift kick to Leo’s stomach and causing him to fall onto his back, where he continued to struggle against his invisible restraints. “It is not your destiny to die at my hand, Liam Rys. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t move the process along.”

With that the woman turned her back on the two struggling princes, and walked away, taking the torch and leaving them alone in the darkness. 

“Leo!” Liam called through gritted teeth, “Are you alright?” 

“I don’t know what she’s done to me! I can’t move,” Leo managed to choke out, from where he lay on what was left of the ledge.

Liam let out a loud groan as he struggled to hold on. He was breaking out in a sweat. He still needed to get the flower, but he had no idea what he was supposed to do after that. He had no idea how to get out of the cave without the ledge there. Even if he could find a way of getting out, it was too dark for him to even see anything. If he tried to move now he risked making a wrong move and falling to his death. 

“What do I do?” he mumbled softly to himself. 

He closed his eyes and attempted to catch his breath, but this action did very little to help. He was straining to keep himself up, and his arms were growing tired. He opened his eyes again, expecting to see darkness, only to be shocked by the small blue orb of light that was hovering next to him. 

“Do you see this?” he called out to Leo. 

He heard a soft shuffling, and then his brother’s voice filled his ear. 

“Don’t trust it! That woman probably cast it,” he instructed. “Just hold on. I think her enchantment is starting to wear off. I can feel my legs again!”

Liam understood where his brother was coming from, but there was also an odd sense of calm that was washing over him as a direct result of the light. 

“I need to get the flower!” Liam called back.

The light had illuminated the area enough for him to be able to see above him. There was a small groove in the stone and if he could just push himself up enough to reach it, he could climb up to it. 

“Are you crazy?” Leo called back. 

“We came all the way here! We’re so close to it. I’m not leaving without it!” 

Liam let out a loud groan as he used his arms to pull himself up, the burning in his muscles made him want to give up, but the picture of Selene lying in a bed back in Stormholt dying kept him moving forward. He kept pulling himself up, the ball of light guiding him to where he needed to be. He let out a relieved breath as he came face to face with the plant that had gotten him in this position in the first place, grabbing onto it and pocketing it quickly. However, instead of disappearing, the ball of light continued to move upward, stopping once it became apparent that he wasn’t following. 

“I think it wants me to follow it!” he called down to Leo. 

“Don’t!” Leo called back. “It’s not safe!”

However, despite his brother’s warning, something in his gut told him to follow it. Something about the light made him feel comfortable. He continued to climb up after it, ignoring his brother’s protests until he could see a faint sliver of moonlight up ahead. Despite the circumstances, Liam let out a relieved laugh. 

“There’s an opening up ahead! Go back out the way we came and meet me by the horses,” he called, pulling himself up and into the light. 

~~~ 

Bastien watched in amazement as the small ball of light slowly disappeared from inside Selene’s palm. He pulled the covers back up over her arm as Xinghai approached them. 

“She only has a few hours left,” he said quietly, causing Bastien’s mood to immediately plummet. 

“They’ll make it back in time,” Bas responded with determination. “They have to.”

~~~

“Have you heard? Liam and Leo are back, but the king threw them in the dungeon,” Penelope exclaimed, pulling Madeleine out of her reverie. 

“What?” she asked.

“He’s angry with them for defying his orders. He refuses to let them deliver the plant to Xinghai to make the antidote,” Penelope continued. 

Sometimes, Constantine’s hatred overwhelmed her. His sons had travelled all that way and risked their well-being to save someone’s life, and now that they were in the homestretch, he wouldn’t let them finish the job. He was truly letting an innocent woman die just to teach them a lesson. The man had taken her in and raised her for most of her life. He and Regina had mentored her and given her everything she could ask for, but the king was vindictive. She had overlooked his selfish actions and habits many times because he had always taken care of her as if she were his own, but this was something she couldn’t sit by and let happen. She rose to her feet and exited her room, heading straight for the dungeons without a second thought.

“I’m not allowed to let you go beyond this point, my lady,” one of the guards said, holding his hand out to stop her. 

“Let me see the prisoners,” she demanded, staring intently at him. 

There was no way he was going to turn her away. 

“I’m sorry, my lady. It is the king’s orders,” he said. 

Madeleine continued to glare him down, and she could see him beginning to become uncomfortable. 

“Please, I only wish to speak with them,” she persisted. 

The guard gave her a nervous look, before nodding his head slowly and allowing her to pass. 

“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” she said. 

She smirked to herself at the self-satisfied smile that the guard wore at her words. She knew how far a bit of flattery would go, and if stroking the man’s ego meant getting what she wanted then so be it. She approached the cell and saw Leo pacing back and forth anxiously as Liam twirled the flower between his fingers, a troubled look on his face. 

“Give me the flower, quickly,” she hissed out, making sure the guard couldn’t hear her. 

Both brothers looked up at her in surprise and ran towards the cell door. Liam pressed it into her palm, and she nodded at them solemnly before fleeing the dungeons and heading straight for the physician’s quarters. 

~~~

Bastien helped hold Selene’s head back as Xinghai poured the antidote down her throat. Her body, which had been shivering violently just moments before immediately stilled, causing everyone in the room to stiffen nervously. 

“Is that normal? Did it work?” Drake asked frantically. 

“Yeah, it did,” Selene’s soft voice filled the room causing everyone to erupt in cheers. 

Bastien watched in a mixture of shock and amusement as Drake dropped down onto the floor beside the bed and pulled Selene into a kiss. He wasn’t exactly angry about it. He knew that Drake was a good man, however, the protective side of him didn’t like them doing that. After it became evident that neither showed any intention of pulling away from the other Bastien cleared his throat loudly. Drake looked over to him anxiously. 

“Sorry, I- uh, I guess I’m just glad you’re alive,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. 

Selene let out a quiet laugh, and the sound was something Bastien had missed the past few days. It had been too long.

“It seems like we have a habit of doing that after near death experiences,” she teased, her voice still quiet as she struggled to regain her strength. 

Drake took a step back and Bastien clapped him on the shoulder playfully before taking his place at Selene’s bedside. He wrapped her in a gentle hug, and he could feel her struggling to return the gesture. Her body felt fragile against his. 

“I’m so glad you’re alright,” he whispered. “Do you remember anything?”

Selene nodded but didn’t answer, her eyes wandering over to Xinghai and Hana apprehensively. 

“Am I going to be okay?” she asked. 

“With a little rest you’ll make a full recovery,” Xinghai said, smiling at her.

Hana gave her friend a hug and the two depared, leaving Selene alone with Drake and Bastien. 

~~~

Leo and Liam both jumped to their feet as they saw their father approaching their cell door. They hadn’t seen or spoken to him since the guards had thrown them into the dungeons, and the king looked livid. 

“You disobeyed a direct order! You could have gotten yourself killed, and all for what? A serving girl? Why is she so important to you?” he barked, turning directly to Liam. 

“I would have done the same for anyone else,” Liam responded defiantly. “No one should have to die for me.”

“You’re ignorant if you believe that,” Constantine said angrily. “That is why you have armies and servants.”

Liam sighed tiredly. He could keep having this conversation with his father all he wanted, but it wasn’t going to get him anywhere. Neither of them was going to change their stance in the argument. 

“I don’t think King Eirik was the one who tried to poison you,” Leo said suddenly, causing the two of them to turn to him. 

“What are you talking about? Of course it was Eirik,” Constantine said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“No, I think Leo is right,” Liam said. “There was a woman in the caves. Leo recognized her as the one who told Selene about the poison in the first place. She was an enchantress. When we asked her who she was, she said to ask you.”

Constantine’s face paled slightly, but anger soon replaced his concern once again. 

“This conversation was ridiculous. It was Eirik. It had to be,” Constantine said, turning his back and exiting the cell. 

He left the door open behind him, and the two brothers shared a hesitant look before stepping out as well. They shared a knowing look and immediately left to go check on Selene.

~~~

“It was her wasn’t it? Lucretia?” Selene asked, turning her head to address Bastien. 

“I believe it was.”

“Why though?” she asked, trying to sit up. 

Drake immediately rushed to her side, propping the pillows up behind her. She shot him a grateful smile and reached out to squeeze his hand in gratitude.

“Why bother going through the trouble of telling me if she wanted to kill Liam? Why not just let him drink it?”

“Because it was never her intention to only kill Liam. I think she’s figured out what I already know,” Bastien said.

“What?” 

“That you’re destined for greatness.” 

Bastien kissed the top of her head gently and moved towards the door. 

“Get some rest.”

As the door shut behind Bas, Selene struggled to move herself over to the left side of the bed, patting the empty space next to her to indicate to Drake that she wanted him to join her. 

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I should let you get some sleep,” he said, looking at her hesitantly. 

Even though Selene was exhausted and her entire body ached, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes at his actions. 

“I almost died. I think that warrants snuggles, don’t you?” she teased, causing him to shake his head and settle into the bed next to her. 

Selene curled herself up into his side and rested her head against his chest as his arms wound themselves around her body. The two lay in silence for a few moments, Drake’s hand massaging her scalp and lulling her into a peaceful state. 

“Drake, will you kiss me again?” she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as she inclined her head up towards him. 

Selene sighed happily against his mouth as she felt his lips against hers. The kiss was slow and made butterflies erupt in her stomach. After a moment, they both pulled away hesitantly. 

“What would you do if I said I wanted to be with you?” she asked.

“Heh, are you sure? Liam’s the one that just risked his life to save you,” he said.

He tried to play off his comment as a joke, but Selene could see the genuine apprehension in his eyes. 

“You’re right. Liam is smart, handsome, brave, literally a knight in shining armour and prince charming all rolled into one,” she said with an exaggerated sigh, grabbing onto the side of his face to turn him back to her when he looked away from her in shame. “But, there’s one problem with all that. He’s not you.”

Selene could hear Drake’s heart beating rapidly from where she was laying against his chest, but the man remained quiet. The longer it took for him to respond to her words, the more anxious she became.

“Drake?” she whispered his name, “Please, say something.”

However, instead of speaking he pulled her into another kiss, this one more needy and insistent than the last. She giggled against his lips and pulled away, needing a moment to catch her breath. She felt dizzy in the best way possible, although if she was being honest it was probably from the fact that her body was still recovering from the poison. 

“I’m going to take that as a good thing,” she mumbled resting herself back against his side. 

The sound of the door creaking open caused them to pull away from each other. Liam and Leo both entered the room, the former looking shocked as he noticed Drake jump out of the bed next to her and the latter looking at the two of them in amusement. 

“I would ask how you’re feeling, but I’m going to take that as my answer,” Leo teased, causing Selene to roll her eyes. 

“I hear I have the two of you to thank,” she said, pulling herself to her feet and immediately losing her balance and falling back down onto the bed. “Maybe you should come to me.” 

Leo chuckled and pulled her into an embrace. 

“I’m glad you’re okay.” 

He pulled away, and Selene held her arms out to Liam. She noticed a pained look pass over his face momentarily, before he replaced it with a smile and moved forward to hug her as well.

“Thank you,” she whispered softly, giving him a small smile. “I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”

“Of course,” he responded. “You should get some rest.”

The two brothers gave her one last smile before exiting the room, both Drake and Selene taking note of the sympathetic look Leo gave his younger brother on the way out. 

[kclenhartnovels]

[Happy (late) Birthday, @gingerly-writing! For your viewing pleasure, a continuation of this prompt with an AU of Vendave for you. I hope this is a satisfactory gift :3. TW: torture, dehydration, captivity]

Vendave castle had withstood more battles in the past three years than she had two decades prior. Nestled so far into the heart of her country, she had stood vigil as promise more than fortress, until Kendrick had swept his armies out of the mountains and started his siege. Since then the castle had changed hands between both armies multiple times, had been burned twice, flooded once, and once even had a herd of livestock stampeded through the Great Hall. That had been a move that caught Kendrick by surprise, to the point where even being led through the chamber gave him echoes of snorts and stamping hooves. He almost smiled. 

“Do you want him in the dungeons, sire?”

“No,” Delgos answered, without turning. His broad back supported a velvet cloak, and though the edges were tattered, he looked every inch the Prince Consort he had become sometime during the long war. How they had time for marriage, Kendrick had no idea. How he still wanted to marry Constantine when he was dethroned and crippled, Kendrick really didn’t understand. “Take him up to the southern tower, and chain him there. I want a guard posted at all times. One of ours, please.” 

The guard saluted. “It shall be done, Your Highness.”

Maybe, Kendrick decided, as he stumbled up the spiral staircase, encumbered by chains and hustled along by spearpoint, the marriage had been for the title and power that would come with it. After all, now that the Vendavens had retaken their lands, the throne was Constantine’s again, and he was in little position or inclination to rule at the moment. Kendrick hadn’t seen him in months, not since removing the little whelp’s arm in a swordfight. Maybe he had died of infection afterwards, and they were keeping that fact hidden from the troops for morale. He had done much the same thing after his father’s death anyway. All things considered, he rather thought Delgos would make a better King than Constantine. Constantine was weak and uncertain. Delgos was a battle-worn commander now, all hard lines and discipline. His men would respect that, far more than they would ever be willing to kneel to the short, one-armed, defeated King of Vendave. 

Though if Kendrick found any of his men willingly kneeling to any of the Vendaven people, he would personally kill them once he was free of here.

Kendrick sat against the wall under the prod of the spearpoints, and sighed through the gag when his aching arms were pulled over his head, wrists secured close together. He heard a groan of protest from his shoulder joint; ever since an arrowhead had been dug out of it six months ago, it had given him trouble with rotation, and the current position did him no favors. His ankles were manacled to the floor, and the gag stayed firmly, annoyingly, in place. Had it not, Kendrick would have had some choice suggestions on how to make a prisoner more uncomfortable. He had perfected it over the years, after all.

As it was, he sank back against the stone wall, rolling his shoulder carefully to try and work out some of the pinching ache. It didn’t help much, and he was too tired to try and rise enough to relieve some of the pressure. It would work itself out eventually, or he would grow accustomed to it enough to put it to the back of his mind. 

He closed his eyes. His mouth still tasted like copper and leather, the gag biting into the corners of his mouth. It was too kind of a thing; he would have used a brank, like he had on T’ke so many years ago. Gods, how long ago had that been? He had still been a Prince then, still fighting the last of his brothers for the right to the Kingdom. And his white ghost had been the one to secure the title for him, before disappearing like smoke and ash. It had been enough. It had gotten him this far. 

And he had gotten so close. 

He had gotten the castle, and swept his way towards the sea, chasing the tails of the bedraggled army. And then at the coast, ships had sailed in out of Reckson, trained mercenaries calling up old allegiances from the last war, and the tides had turned. And turned. And turned. Again and again they came so close to murdering each other, to taking out the high command and delivering the final crippling blow to the enemy. And it was Delgos who had finally swung the strike that took him down. 

Well, at least it hadn’t been Constantine. That might have been shame enough to stop his stubborn heart. Maybe. 

Kendrick wasn’t sure if he truly slept, or just wavered in and out of dreams and memories, hanging as slack as the chains would allow. He still stank of blood and battle, and the tower was eerily quiet. He could practically hear his own heartbeat echo off the stone walls. All of the tapestries and most of the furnishings had been destroyed in one conquest or another, and all that remained in the circular tower was arrow slits, a low table, and two stools. Maybe those had been brought up recently, for whatever purpose Delgos had devised. 

Breaking him. Hah. He doubted Delgos had it in him. All he would have to do was bide his time. If he could be free of here, he could make his way back to Ciel and regroup, rebuild. He was still King on the mountain. Diana had been minding the castle in his absence. He trusted her implicitly, and fully expected to return home to a kingdom running better than when he had left. Now all he had to do was return to her. Somehow. 

He wasn’t sure if he slept, but he was certain when he woke. It wasn’t the sound of footsteps that brought him around first, but rather the smell of food. His empty stomach growled, and he opened his eyes to see Delgos walk into the room carrying a tray on one arm. The Prince Consort had shed his armor and finery, and wore such a plain and shirt and breeches he could have been mistaken for a servant, were it not for his bearing, and the scars of battle so clear on his dark skin. The top of a tattoo peeked through the laces on his shirt, but Kendrick couldn't make out the image.

“It still smells like smoke up here,” Delgos remarked with a wrinkle of his nose, setting down the tray and moving one of the stools around so that he could face Kendrick. “Half the castle still reeks of it. What sort of oil did you pour on the walls before you set it alight? We won’t be able to breathe freely in here until next spring.”

Kendrick wasn’t sure what sort of answer the other man was expecting, and he just gave him a simmering look around the gag. Delgos rested his elbows on his knees. A thin silver coronet was mostly lost in the waves of his thick black hair, but it glimmered in the sunlight that streamed through the narrow wall slits. Kendrick could see why Constantine had chased him. For being a halfbreed merchant’s son, he had an aristocratic face, and the sort of patience that Kendrick rarely saw outside of the spotted mountain cats, picking their way across icy crags after nimble and tender goats. What he couldn’t understand is what he saw in the Runnemede brat. Constantine was no lion, regardless of what banners they flew. 

“I’m not a cruel man by nature,” Delgos went on, since Kendrick could do nothing to interrupt him. “I have tried very hard to be a fair and patient man. But you have put me in a position that makes that impossible. So.” He leaned forward, catching the buckle on the side of the gag and slipping it loose. “I am going to have to start to mirror you instead, dragon.”

Kendrick flexed his jaw with a sigh of relief, aware of how dry his mouth was when he finally spoke. “Lesson one: don’t give your captive a nickname that instills fear.” 

Delgos backhanded him so sharply that Kendrick saw stars. The hit came too fast for him to expect, and he gagged on his words, blinking hard. 

“Do I look like a man that’s afraid of you?” 

Kendrick couldn’t see him for a moment until his vision cleared, but even so--no. Delgos did not look like a man afraid. He looked calm, collected, and faintly amused. “So, dragon, have you finished blowing smoke?” 

Blowing smoke. He snorted quietly, but said nothing. Blood trickled over his tongue; he had cut the side of it on his teeth from the blow. It made his throat feel more raw, and when he swallowed it felt like there was sandpaper lining it. He wasn’t sure how long it had been since he’d had even a mouthful of water, but he felt it now. 

Delgos leaned back on his stool, and picked up a mug off the tray. Condensation beaded on the outside, rolling over his fingers and down the sides of the silver mug. Kendrick reflexively swallowed when Delgos did. A foam of ale misted on his lips for a minute, then disappeared with a sweep of his tongue. Fuck. 

“You know the biggest problem with the way you ran your Kingdom and your soldiers?” Delgos asked, when he seemed pleased at the stretch of silence. “You rely on fear and awe. You don’t instill loyalty, or respect. You treat your men like they were dogs. Worse than dogs. A good dog isn’t expendable.” He leaned forward again, enough to slosh some of the ale over the side of the mug. More of the liquid slid over his fingers. Kendrick watched the droplets hit the dusty floor, soaking into the hay and disappearing. If he’d had enough moisture left in his mouth, he might have whimpered. He hated it. 

“Do you want to die?” Delgos asked at last, tapping the red mark on Kendrick’s face with damp fingers. 

Kendrick gritted his teeth, and forced his focus back on the other man’s face. “No.”

“Good. Because starvation is a long, slow, terrible way to die.” He took another slow drink of ale, then held the mug in front of Kendrick’s face. He could feel the chill off the mug against his inflamed cheek. “And I would rather not watch you waste away. I just want you to break.” 

Good fucking luck with that. Kendrick curled his lip slightly, but couldn’t stop from watching Delgos dip his fingers into the mug of ale. He brought his hand up, and the liquid rolled down his fingers, finding every little crease, every callous and scar. Scars that Kendrick had helped put there. War and strife and sorrow, the droplets channeling like blood and tears, slipping away to fall into the straw. He leaned forward as much as the chains would allow, his dry throat aching to stop the waste.

Delgos smiled. "Is there something you want?"

"I am going to skin you alive when I am free of here," Kendrick warned. "And I'm taking your lips first."

He shrugged, sitting back again. He crossed his legs comfortably, and pressed the sole of one boot to Kendrick's chest, applying pressure to force him back against the wall again. "We'll see what wins out first, dragon. Stubborn ego, or thirst. You let me know when your pride has started to whimper, huh?" And he settled back, drinking his ale, carving hunks of bread and cheese from the platter, and looking over a few papers that had come with the tray.

And all the while his heel dug into Kendrick's chest. Not painful, but persistent. He rolled his sore shoulder again, trying to find a new position that hurt less. The chains rattled. Delgos didn't so much as twitch.

The beam of light from the window slit slowly crept across the floor.

Delgos had finished eating. He toyed with the last of the ale, swirling it in the cup so that Kendrick could hear nothing but the slosh of liquid, see nothing but the beads of it sliding down the metal side, pooling in the creases of the other man's fingers, and staining the hem of his sleeve a shade darker. With a contented sigh, he finally swung his legs around, freeing the pressure from Kendrick's chest, and stood. 

"I will be back tomorrow," he said, balancing the mug between his fingers, letting it tilt down until the remaining liquid pooled dangerously near the rim. "Think on what you want until then."

What he wanted was to wrap the chains around Delgos' neck until he was begging for mercy. What he wanted was his throne back, with his soldiers and his lovers all back at heel. 

What he wanted was water. 

Kendrick didn't sleep. He tried, dozing until his head drooped, snapping awake again when his chin hit his chest, the strain sending pain down his back. He fought the chains, chafing his skin until it bled. They didn't loosen. He scuffled at the hay and grime at his feet, finding nothing useful and stirring up enough dust and soot to make him sneeze. His eyes watered. His throat burned. He didn't sleep. 

Morning light cracked through the window and lanced across his face with fresh insult. He craned his neck back as far as he dared, trying to both stretch the aching muscles and get the sun out of his eye. He grimaced, arching his back and pulling at the chains. His shoulder screamed protest, and he heaved free a frustrated noise at last, the breaking of the silence so harsh it almost startled him. No noise followed from outside, and Kendrick swore loudly. His own voice was hoarse, and he screamed his frustration to the walls, to the slice of sunlight, to the chains. He yelled and cursed and thrashed until his dry throat allowed no more noise but a hiss of angry air. 

"Do you feel better now, little dragon?"

Kendrick felt his cheeks flush; he hadn't heard the door open, too busy listening to his own frustrated echoes. He tried to speak, but he had worn away what little voice he had left, and nothing but a rough sound followed.

Delgos smiled, leaning against the doorframe, his arms folded comfortably. "I hope it helped. Are you ready to be reasonable?"

He glared. It felt ineffectual at best.

At last, Delgos stepped inside, closing the door behind him with his foot. He knelt in front of his captive, and ran his hands up Kendrick's arms, finding the trails of dried blood left behind, searching the raw skin around his wrists with a gentle touch. "Were you growling all night long?" he asked, sounding amused. "I don't even have to hurt you. You'll do that yourself."

He rocked back on his heels at last, and freed a waterskin from his belt. The sound of the sloshing liquid made Kendrick's throat ache with longing. Delgos popped the cork, then waited. 

Kendrick could have strangled him. His fingers trembled, and his throat strained for a painful, dry swallow. He tried to breathe through his nose, but it did nothing to relieve the dryness of his mouth. His lips were cracked. 

"Well?" Delgos asked at last, tilting the waterskin so that a few jewelled drops slid over the back of his hand. He pressed his knuckles to Kendrick's cheek, and he automatically turned towards the promise of water. 

A bubble of curses died in his sore throat, and he closed his eyes. He pressed his face against the cool of Delgos' hand. "Please," he rasped, not sure how he found his voice enough to beg. 

No matter his hurt pride, when Delgos tipped the water between his lips at last, the cool flood of relief was like opium smoke. Delgos supported the back of his head, giving him a few mouthfuls before he pulled it back again. "Not too fast, you'll make yourself sick."

Kendrick licked his lips, catching the last drop of water before it could roll down his chin. He cleared his throat. It hurt marginally less than the last time. "How long--?" His voice cracked. He swallowed, then tried again. "How long do you plan to keep me like this?"

Delgos smiled. "Until you break. How long that takes is entirely up to you." He tilted the waterskin towards him again. "How comfortable you are is also entirely up to you, too."

The chains rattled as he shifted. "Uncuff me then."

His smile widened, sharpened. "No."

Kendrick scowled. "Uncuff me, please."

"Marginally better," he allowed. "But no. When I hear your genuine begging, little dragon, and I am in a good mood. Then maybe." He moved the waterskin over again, waiting until Kendrick leaned towards it to pull it away. "Ask me again."

Kendrick closed his eyes. Survive this, and a chance for escape. But he had to survive first. He had to live first. He had to. "Please," he whispered, his voice coming rough again. 

"What do you want?" Delgos needled.

"Please, can I have more water?"

Cool fingers cradled his jaw again. "Look at me."

He didn't want to. He knew all the tricks for breaking captives, for snapping stubborn will and leaving a man crawling. He knew. So did Delgos. He had seen the broken things that Kendrick had left behind. And Kendrick, in the pit of his aching stomach, knew it was only a matter of time before hope of escape would poison into the despair of inevitability.

He opened his eyes. "Please," he repeated, each word like a grain of sand in an hourglass as he looked into Delgos' face, "can I have more water, Prince-Consort?"

"That is a mouthful of a title, isn't it?" Delgos tsked thoughtfully, and poured the water into his cupped palm, then tipped that into Kendrick's open mouth. "Let's keep this simple, as you may find it hard to talk later. You can call me My King.” 

“You’re not King of Vendave.”

“No,” Delgos agreed, holding his gaze like a viper pinning a mouse. “No, little dragon. But I am your King, now.”

[sun-summoning]

@serafina-constantine​ -- re tinder au:  Aww I was hoping to get team sasuke’s reactions to them finally getting together 💖

ok here you go. everyone (not just team sasuke) is answering the same question: how do you feel about sasuke and sakura getting together?

i. karin and suigetsu

“wait, so why are we doing this?”

behind his video camera, naruto scowls at his cousin. his instructions were very simple and very clear and yet karin still needed to be a pain in the ass.

“because naruto wants to use this footage when sasuke marries sakura,” suigetsu replies instead.

“what the hell?” karin frowns. “is he...is sasuke going to propose to her? they’ve been dating for, like, five months!”

“the heart knows what it wants, karin.”

“the heart is illogical and--”

“sasuke isn’t going to propose!” naruto interrupts. “why would he do that?”

karin laughs. “the real question is why would sakura even accept?”

“true love?”

“tch.”

“anyway--” naruto clears his throat and nods to his camera. “answer my question.”

“answer mine!” karin snaps back. “tell the truth.” her smile turns devious. “are you actually going to try using this as retroactive footage at a wedding they’d have ten years from now? are you planning that far ahead? you loser.”

“of course not!” naruto denies. “and you’re definitely not giving me ideas!”

“what if you’re not his best man?”

“obviously i’d be his best man.”

“but he has a brother.”

“sasuke and itachi don’t have the same relationship that we do--you know what? just answer my question!”

finally, karin just sighs and looks at suigetsu. they both actually face the camera, now wearing looks of contemplation.

suigetsu goes first: “i didn’t really think he’d succeed.”

“really?”

“yeah, he’s so awkward, you know?”

“he is,” karin agrees with a wince.

“also, i assumed she’d just slap him? or get a restraining order?” suigetsu scratches his head. “i don’t know man--the whole thing was just a bit...weird. ya know?”

“but it was true love,” naruto says.

“maybe to sasuke. but maybe to a sensible girl that was just creepy.”

“maybe you’re wrong.”

“do you want my opinion or not?!”

karin shoves suigetsu and sends naruto a glare to stop him from fighting for sasuke’s honour as a stalker.

-

ii. hinata

hinata’s hands, previously stuffed into her pockets if naruto recalled correctly, were currently in front of her. she was in the process of trying to dislocate her fingers or something as she took quick nervous breaths.

“um.” naruto smiles at her and she turns red. “we can just, like, not do this if you’d prefer?”

“i--it’s okay!” she replies. “how do i feel about sasuke getting together with the girl he liked?” she grins, but it’s shaky and so clearly uncomfortable. “i’m glad.”

“that’s it?”

she blinks. “were you...expecting more?”

naruto grunts a goodbye and goes off to find someone shadier.

-

iii. shikamaru

shikamaru actually laughs in naruto’s face.

when he settles down, he shakes his head. “naruto, you wildly overestimate how much i care about sasuke’s love life.”

-

iv. juugo

“sasuke’s dating our bio tutor?” juugo scratches his head. “aw man! do you think she gives him a discount?”

“you make her sound like a prostitute, juugo.”

-

v. itachi and mikoto

naruto manages to get reactions from sasuke’s brother and mother when they find each other outside sasuke’s graduation ceremony. he’s off somewhere with fugaku taking photos of him like the proud father he is. and, if naruto saw correctly, sakura even stopped by briefly to leave a nice dusty rose mark on sasuke’s cheek.

“i’m pleased that he found his way to his tinder girl,” itachi tells naruto. “sakura makes sasuke very happy.”

“tinder?” mikoto echoes. “is that a game?”

itachi, the biggest whore naruto’s ever met, smiles softly. “something like that, mother.”

naruto makes a face of disgust. “have you met sakura yet, mrs. sasuke’s mom?”

mikoto raises an eyebrow at them. “naruto, i met sakura before all of you.”

“you did?”

“the work ethic in that girl is astounding. and she’s positively brilliant. she’s worked with some of the best researchers in our field--”

“this is boring,” naruto interrupts. he lowers his camera. “are you taking us out for dinner to celebrate that sasuke actually succeeded?”

mikoto shakes her head fondly. naruto’s been part of their family since he met naruto in primary school, so of course he’s invited.

-

vi. ino

“look at this bullshit.”

ino holds up her phone to show naruto sakura’s instagram page. among photos of various landscapes and meals and selfies, naruto notices a few with sasuke. quite a few with sasuke.

“aww.” he enlarges one of them and coos at the image of sakura smiling in a field of sunflowers with sasuke standing beside her looking as constipated as ever. “they’re so cute!”

“i know right!” but ino’s grin soon morphs into a scowl. “but he’s always around!”

“i mean he mostly just sits there on his phone looking at neko atsume. he’s actually really forgettable.”

“can i live?!” ino snaps. then she stops, her jaw dropping and her eyes widening. “fuck my life,” she whispers. “i’ve been spending so much time with sasuke through his stalking and then when sakura actually deigned to date him that i’m...picking up his habits.”

naruto pats her on the shoulder. “remember when we were younger and i used to say ‘believe it’ a lot?”

“yeah, i wanted to rip your tongue out.”

“okay, rude.”

“it was annoying--”

“let me get to the point!” naruto clears his throat. “anyway, one time sasuke said it too and it was basically the highlight of my adolescence.”

“that’s sad.”

“don’t be a bitch because you’re turning into sasuke.”

“i guess he’s alright,” ino concedes as she looks at her nails. “he’s a total loser and he’s so awkward, but...” she shrugs. “he makes sakura smile.”

-

vii. neji and tenten

“to be clear, we were never on this ‘team sasuke’ or whatever insipid name you’ve chosen as of two minutes ago.” neji hyuuga takes a sip of his tea for good measure. “but, i suppose, sasuke is an acceptable choice.”

beside him, tenten wears a tense smile. “what neji means to say is that we’re happy for them.”

naruto nods, uncomfortable in the presence of sakura’s friends. they were never really part of the tinder-turned-stalking phase of sasusaku beyond their comments on sakura’s instagram (to naruto’s knowledge, at least).

“are you though?”

neji opens his mouth to reply, but immediately grunts, and judging by the way he’s wincing, naruto can only imagine tenten attacked him under the tale.

“yes,” neji replies curtly. “so, so happy.”

-

viii. sakura

“how do i feel about sasuke and i getting together?” sakura echos, staring at him as though he’s the one who’s weird. “he makes me--” sakura shrugs. she looks down. “i’m happy?”

“why do you sound unsure?”

“i’m not unsure. i’m just uncomfortable.” she gestures to his phone. “you’re literally recording this.”

“i’m--” 

technically, footage of sakura wouldn’t be totally necessary to have in whatever video he might make ten years from now when sasusaku get married. sure, sakura saying how she’s super in love with sasuke (or whatever) would actually be a pretty cool ending to that potential video, ino had a pretty good line he could use there. 

sighing, naruto turns off his camera and puts his phone down the table. 

sakura nods in approval. “for the record, i know how the whole story went.”

“oh?”

“yes, from the tinder swiping to itachi’s little bet to him being afraid that i’m the type of girl who says i’m not like most girls.”

“yeah, he was scared of that.” naruto clears his throat. “also, i don’t know what you’re talking about.”

sakura rolls her eyes. 

“wait, so you know about all the stalking?”

she winces. “i hate that word.”

“sorry? i’m not the one who invented language though?”

“let’s go with recon.”

naruto waves a hand. “fine. so you know about all the recon?”

she nods and takes a sip of her drink. “sasuke told me. i think he figured it’d be better to tell me himself than let anyone else tell me instead.”

“controlling the narrative. smart boy.”

“hm?”

“nothing. scandal. anyway--” he taps his chin. “how come you aren’t, well, upset?”

that makes sakura laugh. she throws her head back and when the giggles peter down, the grin she wears is downright devious. “because then i’d be a hypocrite.” she winks at him. “do you really think i didn’t do my own research on sasuke when i finally got more information about him at ino’s party?” she leans in closer. “or that after we actually started dating, i didn’t do my research on his friends and family, naruto?”

naruto fights down a shudder. “what. the hell.”

“social media is a terrifying thing.”

-

ix. sasuke and naruto

naruto has already burrowed himself on the other side of sasuke’s bed, too scared to sleep on his own after a full day of reading creepy stories on r/nosleep. 

“i’m going to die.”

“you’re being an idiot.”

“no, i think there’s a ghost girl who’s going to come for me!”

sasuke makes the usual show of demanding naruto leave, but naruto just swaddles himself even more until sasuke goes to retrieve another blanket for himself. he throws that on the bed and laughs a little when it hits naruto.

naruto watches as sasuke goes about his evening routine from plugging in his phone to watering the succulent on his desk to putting it on his window sill so it can watch the sunrise. when he settles on the bed, he takes his phone back out like a classic millennial and opens his chat with sakura.

“i’m right here,” naruto tells him.

“but if i ignore you hard enough, you might disappear.”

“your life would be the worst without me.”

“it’d definitely be quieter.”

“and more boring!” naruto pokes him. “you should be more grateful, asshole. i’m the one who helped you find your tinder girl.”

“tch, no you didn’t.”

“you whored me out!”

“you would have whored yourself out either way.”

“you take that back!”

sasuke easily ignores him to message his ~*~girlfriend~*~. naruto wants to be insulted, but he can’t really blame sasuke. sasuke has always been terrible -- terrible -- at building and maintaining relationships. the fact that he now has a girlfriend who thinks he’s slightly more than passable as a human being is a wonderful thing. 

when sasuke finally turns off the screen of his phone, the room goes dark. naruto presses his head against sasuke’s shoulder partly because he’s feeling affectionate but mostly because he’s scared of the dark after all those creepy stories on reddit. 

he ignores the way his best friend grunts. “hey sasuke?”

“hm?”

naruto pauses. they don’t do mushy, but naruto wants to tell him, “i’m really happy that you found sakura.”

“oh.” he hears sasuke shift as he nods. “me too.”

“she’s a good match for you. and she’s...nice. she really likes you.”

“yeah.” sasuke clears his throat. “i. um. i really like her too.”

“good.”

“naruto?”

“hm?”

“thank you,” while normal people might go in for a hug in this moment, sasuke shoves naruto back to the other side of the bed, “for helping me find sakura.”

“of course.” he’ll always have sasuke’s back, and he knows sasuke will always have his. 

naruto grins up at the darkened ceiling, unafraid of the potential of ghost girls looming down on him -- not with his best friend by his side. 

[zigtheeortega]

day 24: loss | liam x mc (au)

title: disruption

pairing: liam x mc

@choicesfebruarychallenge | @bi-cookie ; @cxld-play

warnings: angst, smut, n*sfw, (18+)

word count: 5,764

song inspiration: if i ever feel better - phoenix

author’s note: first off, i’m not good at naming characters like at all, so elliott is just a placeholder bc i knew mc would look weird. second, i haven’t written an au choices fic yet, so i’m a lil nervous to post this! I’ve also never written liam before, much less smut for him, so i’m also nervous bc of that! this will probably be my only trr fic bc there are sooo many trr fics out there. lmao anyways, hope you enjoy this angsty smutty sad fic !

“We’re almost there, Elliott,” Bastien called to the backseat, startling her out of her sleep.

She rubbed her eyes and stretched, slipping her coat she’d been using as a blanket over her shoulders, zipping it up to her chin.

Lythikos had an intense frigidity to it, one that Elliott couldn’t forget. She only visited monthly for short periods of time, but the stinging sensation of the snow on her bare face never left her memory.

She checked her phone, her heart fluttering at the pseudonym that appeared on her phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey. I’m finishing up my last obligation, but I shouldn’t be longer than an hour.” His voice warmed her heart. It was the first time in weeks she’d heard it over the phone, not on television in a rehearsed speech. 

“Okay. I brought some of my work with me if that’s alright with you. I’d love your feedback,” Elliott smiled to herself, treasuring her lover’s genuine interest in her new profession.

“Of course,” she could hear him beam through the phone. “I love you.”

“I love you too. See you soon.”

He hung up, and she sighed. Sneaking around was getting so tiresome, but she’d do anything and everything for Liam.

After Elliott and her friends couldn’t locate Tariq, the wedding went on as scheduled. It took her months of hiding out in Cordonia with her best friends to get herself together. Hana stayed by her side consistently, consoling her until she figured out a game plan.

She thought she’d be able to find a solution and live out her fairytale, but she was too late. She’d never be able to fully have Liam like she wanted, but Madeleine offered her a compromise to keep everyone happy.

She’d brought it up to Elliott before everything went to shit, and Elliott rejected it. She saw being a ‘mistress’ as an insult, because she knew she could find a way out of the mess she was in.

Months later, Madeleine, Liam, and Elliott ran a tight ship with friends to keep the affair under wraps.

Elliott could only meet with Liam once a month, under the guise that he had important monthly meetings to attend at Olivia’s home. They could only meet for a weekend at best, and a few hours at worst.

They rarely contacted each other between their meetings. It was depressing, but necessary to keep them a secret. Liam had a burner phone, and Elliott had to save his number under an undetectable moniker. When they spoke, it was short and sweet, and they couldn’t use each other’s real names.

She flew to Cordonia monthly, usually having to go to great lengths to disguise herself from the paparazzi.

It was emotionally draining and everything leading up to the rendezvous was stressful and tense, but all worth it when she saw Liam’s face light up when he first saw her.

Bastien pulled into the driveway behind the castle, easing up next to a side entrance that Elliott was all too familiar with – she knew Olivia would be waiting behind the large door.

She fixed her wig, pulling her beanie over the top of it, and hid her purple-rimmed eyes behind huge square sunglasses.

“Olivia informed me that you can go to the door. I’ll bring your bags in later. There aren’t any paparazzi in sight, so you’ll be safe,” he smiled at her through the rearview mirror, a sympathetic look in his eyes.

“Thank you so much, Bastien. I could never repay you for what you’re doing for Liam and I,” she replied gratefully, apology laced through the tone in her voice.

“Anything you need, I’m here. Don’t feel guilty. The only time he’s happy is when he sees you, and I’d never get in the way of that.”

Her heart swelled at the thought. She waved to him, stepping out into the blizzard.

The door cracked open, and Elliott spotted the fiery hair before her expression.

“Come in, come in,” Olivia frowned at her messy disguise. “That wig’s a mess, Elliott. If you’re gonna opt for a cheap, frizzy wig, at least hide a pocket knife in it.”

Elliott shrugged, grinning at Olivia’s annoyance. “Why should I do that when I have my best friend here to protect me?”

Olivia scowled, a hint of a smile on her lips. “You’re lucky I’m your ally.” She turned on her heel and stalked down the hallway, leaving Elliott scurrying to catch up.

Elliott had gotten pretty familiar with the underground tunnels of Lythikos over the past year. Olivia secretly renovated an unused area to make an apartment-like cluster of rooms, so that Elliott could stay safely in the tunnels with everything she needed, and she wouldn’t be bothered by anyone.

It was an ingenious idea, and Elliott had no idea how to pay her back for her generosity. Honestly, Olivia probably did it to avoid controversy, like most every noble was doing. Elliott wasn’t sure if Olivia was doing it for the sake of Cordonia’s image or the sake of her friends’ sanity.

Olivia pulled out a skeleton key and unlocked the door, turning on the lights. “I added a more comfortable bed, some more decorations, and got Bastien to fully stock the fridge, so you can cook pretty much anything you want.”

She walked over to the living room area and pointed at the T.V. “I didn’t have to get a 60 inch flatscreen for you, but I know how much you love binging horror movies that I had to help scare you somehow.” She smirked, and pulled out a few drawers from the T.V. stand. “I ordered a hundred or so movies in case you get bored. I have no idea how long you’re gonna be here.”

Elliott shifted her weight, sighing. It was too painful to stay longer than a couple of days. “I was gonna leave on Sunday like I usually do –”

“How asinine. You’re taking a 9 hour flight on a Thursday night to get here by morning, and you take another 9 hour flight back on Sunday morning? You’re wearing yourself thin for no reason, Elliott,” she shook her head at Elliott, confusion lining her expression.

“Liam usually can’t spend more than 2 days at a time with me.”

“You have other friends in Cordonia, you know that right?” She narrowed her eyes at her, crossing her arms.

“After all that happened, I can’t show my face here. My reputation is tarnished, and even being seen here is a scandal waiting to happen. It gets riskier and riskier every time. I can’t risk any of my friend’s well-being for the sake of my secret relationship,” Elliott plopped onto the couch, defeated.

Remorse flashed through Olivia’s eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. “None of this is your fault, Elliott. We know the truth.”

Elliott shook her head, a lump forming at the back of her throat. It didn’t matter that Justin and Adelaide were ousted as terrorists, and that Elliott’s friends were able to stop them from assassinating Liam and Madeleine. 

Tariq was never found, and King Constantine was killed before he could clear her name. No one would believe Bastien, and Penelope was too afraid to publicly admit her wrongdoing, so Elliott didn’t have enough evidence to be exonerated.

“Sometimes… I wish everything were different. Maybe if we’d split up and searched on our own… or if I tried a little harder…” She struggled, her throat burning, a sign of tears to come. She didn’t want to talk about this situation any more than she had to, which was every time she visited.

Her new life was pretty much an escape from the events of the past year, but she was forced to face her past trauma head on every time she stepped foot on Cordonian soil.

“Elliott…” Olivia trailed off, and reached towards her, but dropped her hand. “I’m sorry I brought it up. I guess I’m still seething over the whole ordeal. I’m pretty defensive since I know we’re right but no one else knows that.” She sat down, leaning back onto the couch, crossing her legs. “You shouldn’t feel like you’re risking our social standing or anything. All of us know exactly what we’re risking to help you and Liam, and we’re okay with it. You’re our…” She whispered the last word and Elliott couldn’t quite hear her.

“I’m your what?”

“...friend.” 

Elliott threw her arms around Olivia, relishing in the rare vulnerable moment. Olivia seldom showed her true feelings, but when she did, it was like watching a shooting star. It was beautiful, fleeting – a great memory nonetheless.

“Get off of me, you sap,” Olivia patted Elliott’s back with the tip of her fingers.

“Thank you for everything you’re doing. I seriously can’t thank you enough. If there’s ever anything I can do to repay you all, please tell me. I owe you a lifetime of favors.”

“Well, first, you can actually spend time with Hana, Drake, and Maxwell. They won’t shut up about you.” Olivia rolled her eyes.

“Deal. I never got to see Cordonia on my own time, so maybe you could give me a proper tour of Lythikos next time I’m here. You know, when I’m not banished to the cellar.” Elliott grinned.

Olivia laughed once, a delightful noise. “Sure, but you’ll need better snow gear. And take a self-defense class or two before you do so.”

Elliott quirked a brow at her friend, then shook her head. “I won’t even pretend to know what you have planned for me.”

Olivia stood up, and headed for the door. “You have no idea.” She opened it, and before leaving, she said, “Liam should be here soon. Let me know when he’s in the room so Bastien and I can keep watch.”

“Be careful, Liv.”

“Don’t call me that,” Olivia smirked, and closed the door.

----

Elliott spent the next hour working in her notebook, editing and rewriting paragraph after paragraph. An animated movie she’d seen a million times played in the background, prompting Elliott to hum along to her favorite song.

After another hour, she started to worry. She aimlessly flipped through the collection of DVD’s, not really paying attention to the titles.

Where’s Liam? She thought, an uneasy feeling forming in the pit of her stomach.

After hour three, she read a little from a book she’d brought until her eyes started getting heavy.

She awoke to a sequence of 5 sharp raps on the door, followed by a pause, then 3 more.

Our secret knock, She thought. She shot up from the couch and ran to the door, happy tears already welling up on her bottom lids.

She fumbled with the lock, anticipation causing her to shakily rip open the door.

And there Liam stood, holding a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of champagne, and a neatly wrapped present. His perfectly tailored suit laid perfectly on his arms and torso, his muscles just barely concealed. He beamed, his eyes glistening as his eyes grazed over her face.

She grabbed him by the lapels, pulling him inside hastily. “Whoa,” he said, nearly losing balance.

Elliott blushed, wrapping her arms around his neck and bringing his face close to hers. She pressed her lips softly on his, a picture perfect moment she snapshotted and tucked away in her favorite memories.

All of the anxiety she felt traveling in disguise melted away the moment she touched Liam.

“I missed you,” he murmured against her lips.

“I missed you more,” she breathed, snuggling into his neck.

After a sweet moment, she pulled back, and snatched the champagne from his hands. “What’re we celebrating, love?”

He grinned, and locked the door behind him. “It’s a momentous day, Elliott. It’s been a year to the day since we first met.”

Elliott looked at him lovingly, hugging the bottle to her chest. “A whole year?”

He nodded, setting the flowers and present on the table, and gathered Elliott in his arms, hugging her to his chest tightly. “A whole year. I know this situation isn’t ideal, but I’ve never loved anyone like I love you, Elliott.”

He used a finger to tilt her chin to him, and he pressed a soft kiss on her bottom lip. “You’re everything to me.”

“I love you so much, Liam.” She giggled, shaking her head. “From waitress to mistress. Same suffix, different job title.”

His smile wavered, and he exhaled a long breath, obviously uncomfortable with the joke she’d told. “I wish you’d stop putting yourself down like that. Marriage is just a title. Madeleine and I are just business partners. You’re my soulmate, Elliott.”

She pulled back, fiddling with the top of the champagne. “I know. I just wish we didn’t have to be so secretive.”

He gently took the bottle from my hands and popped it open. “I’ve still got local historians and lawyers on my payroll, and they’ve been extensively researching Cordonian laws. I don’t know if they’ll find anything, but I’m determined to keep looking. I don’t want to lose hope.”

Elliott pressed her mouth into a line, then quirked it to the side, processing everything he’d said. “I want to be hopeful that we’ll get out of this eventually, but I’d rather just enjoy the time I have with you, baby. Stress free.”

He poured them two glasses of champagne, and handed one to her. “Of course. My apologies.”

They sat at the kitchen table, and Elliott picked up the flowers, taking a deep whiff of the bouquet. “You really outdid yourself this time, Liam.” 

The cluster of sunflowers, lavender, and white roses contrasted beautifully, and smelled even better. “They reminded me of you, so I had to pick them up.”

“Along with a gift?” She lifted a brow, challenging him.

He sipped his champagne, trying to hide a smile. “I think you’ll like it. Open it.”

She ripped off the wrapping paper to reveal a plain white box. She lifted the top off, revealing an assortment of toys on top of a lacy lingerie piece. Her cheeks heated, and she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

“I love it,” Elliott said, nibbling at the skin on her lip.

Liam eyed her lips, a playful look in his eye. “I thought we could try something new this weekend.”

The blush on her cheeks stayed, despite her eagerness to get in bed. “I like the sound of that.”

She gulped down the rest of her champagne and snatched the lacy piece, running to the bedroom.

“Hey!” Liam called, about to stand from the table.

“I’m trying on the lingerie! Stay where you are! It’s a surprise!” She yelled through the closed door.

Elliott emerged after a few minutes, peeking her head out of the door. “You ready?”

“Beyond ready, my love.”

She stepped out, and Liam’s breath hitched in his throat. She could plainly see him shift his legs, desperately trying to conceal his bulge.

“You look… stunning. Absolutely gorgeous, Elliott,” he said, his mouth agape, eyes hungrily roaming across her body.

The strappy lace piece fit like a bikini. The bottom was closer to a g-string than a thong, and the crotch was cut out, making it for easier access. The lace was sheer, barely covering her nipples and folds. She should’ve felt sexy, but was more out of place than anything.

“This is so corny, Liam. You bought me something that you’re just going to strip off of me, and I look absolutely ridiculous in it,” She said, crossing her legs to cover the lack of cloth around her opening.

He stood from his chair and crossed the room to touch her. He laced his fingers through her hair and draped his other hand across the small of her back. He tilted her head back, kissing her neck and nipping gently at her exposed skin.

“You’re right. I want to rip this off of you, but I can’t even begin to describe to you how arousing this outfit is. You never have to wear something that you’re not comfortable in, but I assure you it’s a pleasurable experience on my end,” he breathed into her ear, tightening his grip around her waist.

“Oh fuck,” She whispered, his bulge rubbing against her, causing her to gasp in repsonse. “Please, let’s talk later, and fuck now. I need you now, Liam.”

“Say no more, beautiful.” He swept her up and brought her to the bedroom, slamming the door behind them with his foot.

He dropped her onto the bed, and shimmied off his coat jacket, hanging it on the back of the wall.

“You’re so adorable, Liam. In the midst of a heated moment, you still have the mind to hang your coat up carefully so that it doesn’t crease before fucking my brains out,” she giggled.

Liam scrunched his nose up in confusion. “I can be reckless.” He threw his coat on the ground, but after a few seconds of eye contact with Elliott, where she could tell how absolutely tormented he was, he snatched it by the lapels.

Elliott howled with laughter as Liam hung it up carefully, brushing off the dirt.

“You always manage to be right, Elliott,” he softly smiled, unbuttoning his top buttons slowly. “But I don’t mind.” His arms flexed as he rolled his sleeves up. “As long as you don’t mind that I’m a little reckless in private, that’s all that matters.”

Her heart raced as he left the room and returned with the box of toys. Although she’d committed Liam’s body and their sexual encounters to memory, she still found herself enthralled with him like it was the first time they met.

He sat on the bed next to Elliott’s lace-clad body, and tucked a hair behind her ear. “Are you okay with me trying some of the toys out on you? I want to make sure you’re completely comfortable with it before trying anything.”

She smiled, nodding. “Yes.”

He pulled a small handheld vibrator out of the box, just small enough to fit on a finger. “First things first, I want to taste you.”

Her lower stomach clenched and ached as he grabbed her thighs and pulled her to the edge of the bed, parting her legs. Before she could throw out a sexy quip, he had taken advantage of the crotchless design by plunging his tongue into her folds, stroking relentlessly.

She moaned and dug her hands into his hair, tugging at his dark strands. He in turn rumbled against her clit, sending shockwaves through her body.

“Liam, please,” she breathed, feeling his hand on her stomach, holding her bucking hips in place.

He knew exactly what she wanted; he always read her cues perfectly. He slid a finger into her, curling it the way Elliott loved. He moved his hand and tongue in unison, the similar paces bringing her close to the edge.

Just as she was about to release, he pulled away, slipping the vibrator on his fingers. “Is it alright if I try this out on you now?”

She nodded, her body eager for his touch. He massaged her clit slowly with his fingers, keeping in time with the laggard pace of his other fingers pumping in and out of her.

The strong vibration mixed with the pressure of his fingers sent Elliot into another world. Her eyes rolled back, and she focused on the image of Liam’s naked physique, his head between her legs… 

Before she knew it, her legs were shaking. Liam kissed her softly, and reached into the box again, but she placed a hand on his wrist lightly. “We have all weekend to play with them. I need you in me now.”

His pupils dilated even further, and he nodded, standing up to slip off his clothes. Although she’d seen him bare numerous times, it never failed to amaze her that the man whose heart belonged to her was so breathtaking. His body looked as it was crafted by the gods themselves, chiseled to perfection, undoubtedly due to his strict fitness and diet regimen.

He grabbed a condom from the box of toys, but before he could tear it open, she stopped him. “Could we… go without one this time? I’m on birth control.”

She wanted so desperately to tell him the whole truth, but she decided she’d wait until the time was right. It would sound like an irrational decision to him, but she had thought it out nearly every day since she left Cordonia for the first time.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, but… I’ll pull out. Just in case.” He looked unsure, but lowered himself onto the bed next to her anyways.

“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. I just thought,” she shook her head. “Nevermind.”

“No, please continue. Don’t ever feel like you can’t be honest with me, Elliott.” He touched her cheek softly.

“The only time we had sex without protection was our first time in the garden, remember?” She smiled softly, reminiscing.

“Of course I remember, my love. It’s one of my favorite times that we’ve been together.”

“Oh, so you’re ranking them now?” She smirked.

“Definitely not. Every time is special, but that one was even more special to me.”

“I was thinking we could kind of recreate the night.”

His eyes twinkled, full of love for the woman he could never fully give himself to. It was depressing, but Elliott pushed those thoughts behind her horniness and flipped on top of him.

“I love when you take charge, El,” he said, his voice verging on a growl.

“You’ve never used that nickname. What gives?” She tried joking, but his bare shaft pressed between her legs was distracting to say the least.

“I don’t know, I thought it was cute,” he shrugged. “I won’t call you that if you don’t like it.”

“No, I love it,” she breathed, and began grinding her hips against his. His grip on her hips tightened, and she leaned forward, kissing him deeply.

He grabbed his dick and rubbed his tip against her opening, teasing her. “You’re a tease.”

He pressed his hips upwards, entering her. Her body shuddered with pleasure as her walls adjusted to his size.

“Fuck, you feel so good,” he groaned, as her hips moved lazily against his.

“It’s so weird hearing you curse, King Liam,” she whispered in his ear, kissing his neck.

His fingers dug into the flesh of her hips. “I’ve never been aroused by a title before, but I have to say that ‘King Liam’ sounds delectable coming from your lips.”

He moved his hands to grip underneath her ass, lifting and lowering her the length of his shaft. She mewled in response, her legs tightening their grip around his middle. “I’ll call you whatever you want as long as you speed it up,” she purred.

He picked up the pace, deepening his thrusts. All of her worries of the future were a fading blip, her sole focus on pleasuring and being pleasured by Liam.

Before she knew it, he’d flipped her, raised her hips, and pounded into her from behind. “Oh,” she cried, her guttural moan muffled by the thick down pillow.

He sped up, his skin smacking against hers relentlessly, the sounds of ecstasy filling the room. She turned back to gaze at him through half lidded eyes, and was met with Liam’s sultry concentrating face. She’d seen it many times before, when discussing security issues with Bastien, but never in this context. 

She felt herself getting wetter and wetter at the sight of him getting off inside of her. She was the one pleasuring him behind the scenes. She was the one exploring parts of him the public would never see, much less Madeleine. She got to see a side of Liam that not a single soul would ever experience. It gave Elliott a new sense of security, despite the harrowing situation they were in.

He reached into the box again and grabbed a handheld vibrator she hadn’t seen before. “I’m close, my love, and I want to make sure you’re there with me,” he panted, before switching it on.

He tried handing it to her, but instead, she guided his hand between her legs. “Oh fuck, El,” he cursed, sweat trickling down his clean shaven chest.

He leaned over her, keeping his fast pace, and placed the quivering toy between her folds. She arched her back in response, pushing herself further into the pillow.

The sensation of the vibrator mixed with getting fucked brought her to the edge quickly, and she released, her body convulsing beneath Liam’s. She shrieked his name, clutching the sheets. “Oh, Liam, fuck.”

He quickly followed her, his pace becoming more jerky as he came with her. “Fuck, I love you, Elliott,” he shouted. The deep commanding bass of his voice reverberated off the stone walls.

When they could finally move, Liam plopped next to her, spooning her while peppering soft kisses across her neck and shoulders.

She couldn’t have imagined herself anywhere else in that moment but Liam’s arms.

----

After they cleaned up, Elliott threw on a robe and flopped onto the couch, turning on the TV to browse through channels.

He sat next to her shortly after, clad with sweats and a plain t-shirt. “This might be a terrible time, but we need to discuss something rather difficult.”

“That phrasing definitely scares me, but go ahead,” she joked, turning the TV off.

“We’re being pressured to pursue producing an heir,” Liam shook his head, pain and regret dripping off of his every syllable.

“Wh… What?” She forced out. Her knees wobbled, the air knocked out of her lungs. She knew it was coming, but not this soon after the wedding.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his hands balled into fists at his side.

“Why? You just got married! I thought we’d have a couple years at least!” she said, her voice hiking up an octave.

“With Constantine passing away and the terrorist attacks, there’s still some uneasiness within the people and nobles. They’re not sure that we’re still stable as a country. It’s more for the benefit of our image than anything. Trust me, I’ve held off as long as I could.” He couldn’t meet her eyes.

“Are you going to have to fuck her?” Elliott’s voice quivered, her breath unsteady. She didn’t know if she was ready for the answer.

His eyes widened. “No, Elliott, I would never. We don’t have feelings for each other like that. The public doesn’t need to know that we’re not having intercourse.”

Elliott’s chest loosened a bit, but she was still cautious as she waited for him to continue. “We’re either opting for adoption, or artificial insemination. There’s not a fertility issue with either of us, but we’re both not capable of sex with each other. It just can’t happen.” He held her gaze, pleading with her to understand.

“I–I can’t continue this if you’re going to have a child with her, Liam. I’d be a homewrecker. I can’t let you be that kind of dad to your kid,” Elliott shook her head, tears freely falling.

His jaw dropped, and he staggered back. “Elliott, my love, I–”

“I know you love me, and I know that I love you. I know that life is going to be so fucking hard without each other, but I can’t do this to your future kid,” she sobbed, sinking into the couch. “You and Madeleine may have consented to our relationship, but your child didn’t sign up for this. Imagine if they found out about us? He’d think so little of you. I can’t have that.”

Her shoulders shook, her breath heaving in and out of her lungs shakily. She was experiencing a loss like she’d never felt before. She could stay with the love of her life in order to satiate her desire to be with him, but at the expense of horrendous guilt, knowing she could possibly break a family up and warp Liam’s future child’s perception of him.

If they stayed together, and the public found out about them, he’d be painted as the bad guy, even though Madeleine encouraged the affair. She’d throw him to the wolves, and he’d be absolutely obliterated by the press.

There wasn’t a winning solution to this problem. They were going to have to do what was best for everyone else, instead of what they truly wanted.

“I’m so sorry, Liam, but I can’t do this. I love you, but I can’t do this anymore,” she repeated and the excruciating pain in her chest continued.

“Elliott, we can figure it out, I know we can–”

“We can’t, Liam! This is it! This is the last time you’re going to see me!” She shouted, her voice trembling and unstable.

“We can still be friends,” he said softly, kneeling next to her trembling form on the couch. “I still want you in my life no matter what, Elliott.”

Anger flashed through her disjointed train of thought. Before she could gather them together, she unleashed her momentary rage on him.

“You’re really that selfish, Liam? You’re that fucking selfish that you could want to maintain the picture perfect life and get everything you could ever want, while keeping me on a short leash? To be there for you emotionally, physically, sexually, but I get nothing in return?” She stood up, pushing an accusatory finger into his exposed chest.

“I have to work under a pen name because of everything that happened. You can’t even Google my government name without reading about how much of a whore I am. I risked my whole life and career to be with you, and you didn’t have the decency to publicly defend me. You just sided with everyone else except for the woman you supposedly ‘love’,” Elliott continued, pushing a tormented Liam closer and closer to the door.

“I have to fly back home when you’re done with me and leave all of my closest friends. This is my real home. I have people who love me and care for me here. I fell in love with Cordonia, its people, and you. But I’m pretty much a prisoner in a dungeon every time I come over,” she rolled her eyes, refusing to shut her mouth and let Liam speak. “All for sex. All for a quick fuck and less than 48 hours of your time before I’m shuttled off back to the cold, heartless city of New York.”

Liam opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Elliott suddenly cackled, cutting off any attempt of him speaking.

“I forgot to tell you that I landed a book deal with a huge publishing company in the city. They want a few novels out of me. They loved my first rough draft of my book so much that they offered me a multi-book deal,” she smiled, shaking her head.

“That’s incredible, baby–”

“I was excited to tell you and instead all I can think about is how by the time I get my first book printed and released, you’ll have a kid. A family,” Elliott walked away from Liam, and sat at the kitchen table, taking a long swig from the champagne bottle.

After a long moment of silence between them, Liam finally spoke. “I know it seems like the universe is fighting us tooth and nail. I know that this situation is the worst we could be in. But Elliott,” he sat down across from her and lifted her chin up with his finger, “You’re the only woman I’ll ever love, and I won’t give up on this unless you tell me to leave you alone.”

“You know I don’t want to tell you to leave me alone. That’s the last fucking thing I want to do, but that’s how it has to be. You’re being selfish right now, Liam. You’re allowed to be selfish sometimes. This whole situation was selfish, but I guess it was okay since Madeleine okay-ed it,” she took another deep drink from the bottle. “But your child is completely innocent. They don’t deserve to be caught up in your selfish decisions.”

He flinched, and his form deflated. “I think… you might be right, El.” He leaned back in his chair, his eyes glistening. “I guess it was absurd to think this affair would last forever.”

She smiled sadly. “It was fun while it lasted.”

“I’ll always love you, El. I’ve always been truthful about that. You’re the only woman I’ll ever love.”

She leaned forward to cup his face in her palm. “I’ll never love anyone the way I love you, Liam.” She took another gulp of the alcohol. “I guess now that you’re confessing, I’ll have to confess, too.”

His brows furrowed as he waited for her to continue.

“I have an appointment with my OBGYN next week. I’ve always wanted one, but I’ve been seriously contemplating a hysterectomy for months now. Since you married Madeleine, really.”

“What? Why?” His eyes widened in surprise.

“I can’t see myself with children, but I can with you. You’re the only man I could ever picture having children with,” her eyes filled with tears. “It’s not a punishment to myself. I just know in my heart I’ll never want children again.”

His eyes brimmed with tears threatening to spill. “I’m so sorry, Elliott.”

Her chin wobbled as the truth of the situation finally set in. She was no longer his, and he was no longer hers. The crown disrupted the fate of the lovers, and there was no amendment.

----

[bobasheebaby]

Hoping For Snow

Pairing: Drake x Liam

Word count: 982

Warnings: pure heartbreaking angst

Summary: One shot AU where MC doesn’t exist and Drake leaves far before the social season.

Song inspiration: Hoping For Snow by The Vamps

A/N: I was listening to this song and the idea for some Christmasy Driam angst absolutely no one asked for came to me. Thank you to both @itsstillnotwhatyouthink and @sirbeepsalot for telling me to do it and assuring me this painful piece was in fact wanted. Merry Christmas, sorry for the broken heart.

Disclaimer: I own no one I’m simply borrowing them from PB for a bit.

Liam stared out the window, he drew in a shuddering breath, the cold Lythikos air chilling his lungs even in the warmth of the home. His heart ached with his only Christmas wish: please come home, come back to me.

He’d hoped leaving the capital and his responsibilities behind would drive out all thoughts of him. The thought of him haunted him year round, he longed for even a day of reprieve. Surely one day where he didn’t fall asleep with broken dreams and promises on his mind wasn’t too much to ask. His heart always aches with thoughts of him, but it always hurt more when the world was lit with twinkling lights. Being even further from the person who stole his breath with a look only increased the aching in his chest.

Does he miss me the way I miss him? Does the thought of me make his heart ache?

He pushed the questions from his mind, they wouldn’t calm the pain he felt in his soul. Only one person could make him feel whole once more.

Will he ever come back?

His eyes remained locked on a snow-covered tree in the distance while his mind traveled back in time.

Liam broke into a broad grin as he caught sight of Drake fussing with the knot of his tie over Hakim’s shoulder. “Sorry.” He replied blushing as Hakim looked at him with a questioning eye.

Everyone had noticed that someone had managed to win the heart of the young prince. Names of young noblewoman from across the country were whispered in quiet halls as everyone tried to figure out who had claimed his heart. No one even suspected the truth that the person he fell for wasn’t noble born and always by his side.

He politely excused himself from his father’s friend. Constantine would reprimand him later for leaving the festive event without making the full rounds, for now he couldn’t be bothered. There was only one place he wanted to be.

He smiled as he caught his eye, nodding before he slipped past the lavish decorations and out the door undetected. They’d perfected sneaking from events unnoticed over the last year together. He quickly and quietly walked down the corridors until he made it to the library, the only entrance to to what had become their spot. Whenever they needed a moment away, to forget the expectations that hung heavy over them they would sneak away to the small hidden dead end secret passage.

In the small dark corridor there were no titles looming over their heads. It was the one place they actually believed all the plans and promises made between stolen kisses and twisted sheets. They were just Liam and Drake, nothing else mattered, no other person existed.

He smiled as strong arms embraced him from behind. He turned in his arms, placing kisses along his jaw, the fresh stubble rubbing against his soft lips. He didn’t care, he loved all of him: the calloused hands, and chapped lips reminded him that there was more to life than legislation and meetings with foreign ministers. There was an entire world out there he wanted to experience with him.

“Li,” he’s words thick and heavy as he slowly pulled back from his lovers arms.

Liam’s smile fell as he met Drake’s gaze, it was clear this time wouldn’t go as all the others. No kisses and promises. No clumsy dancing as laughter spilled from their lips. Something was going to happen, their perfect bubble was about to break. Not today, not so close to Christmas.

“You know how I’m going to Texas for Christmas?” Drake paused as Liam slowly nodded. “I—I’m not coming back.” He spoke slowly as the words became lodged in his throat. “My mom and Aunt Lee have been having trouble and they need me.”

“What about us?” He choked on the words knowing the truth, they could never be.

Drake sucked in a breath as he ran his hand through his shaggy chestnut locks. “We both know we couldn’t ever be anything more than stolen kisses and dances in the dark … it’s better I leave now before you have to marry ... for the country.”

Marry for the country. The words never said in this sacred space forced all the weight of the world back on Liam’s shoulders in an instant. “One more night?” His voice hopeful and eyes pleading.

Drake looked at him, sadness and heartbreak written in his eyes. “I can’t … I still have to finish packing for my flight in the morning.”

Liam nodded in response. Maybe it was for the best, one more night of promises and kisses that could never be would only make saying goodbye harder.

Drake looked over his shoulder before disappearing back through the secret entrance. “I’ll always love you Li, even if we weren’t meant to be.”

Liam was pulled back to earth with the sound of the door to his suite clicking. Part of him hoped when he turned he’d come face to face with the object of his heart's desire. He fingered the heavy signet ring on his finger, he’d gone through this same feeling of longing for years and every year it ended the same— he never showed.

The sharp clicking of heels across the floor punctuated the reality. Each step hammering home the truth that he’d lost him for good years ago.

He turned forcing a tight smile on his lips at the sight of his wife, his queen. I never wanted any of this. His eyes fell to her large belly bump, a lump forming in his throat, one thought persistent in his mind.

Don’t end up pining away like me, don’t let anyone decide your future for you. Fight for your love so you never have to wish they come home for Christmas when everyone else is hoping for snow.

Feedback fuels me, please like, comment or reblog to let me know how much you like it. I can handle the screams, so scream away.

Masterlist can be found in my bio.

Permanent taglist will be reblogged.

[jovialyouthmusic]

Silver Service

A Royal Romance AU fanfic sequel to Protect and Serve

Damien follows Adelaide to Monaco, and Olivia confronts Lucretia

Word Count 3736

A/N Warnings - lots of angst, attempted murder

9 Flight into Peril

Bastien and Sophia sat having lunch in their suite, chatting amiably and savouring the tart cheese chef had served with fresh bread, salad and olives. Bastien let the morning’s stresses and troubles drop away for a short while, knowing it would refresh him. He smiled across the table at Sophia, taking in her golden hair and green eyes, looking forward to the evening when hopefully they would have proper time together. This was just an interlude and soon he would be going back to sort out the puzzle of whether Justin was Anton, and where he had come from and what his intentions were.

‘Drake took Riley out to the mountains for a couple of days’ she said ‘I’m so pleased they’re hitting it off’ He smiled fondly

‘Yes, I’ve not seen him take to someone like that’ he said ‘It’s a shame his father couldn’t be around to see him grow up, give him guidance’

‘Bas, I’m pretty sure you did a good job’ Sophia said, reaching out to take his hand. Bastien shrugged

‘I was only a young man’ he replied ‘But I remembered all the things my foster father told me, and tried my best to keep him from going off the rails. He was fortunate to have a good friend in Liam – and Maxwell played his part too. I wish Olivia had had a softer advocate when she was young, she’s so closed off – I was hoping she and Liam would bond, but all the bad news she’s heard lately will set her back’ He mused, thinking about all the damage Constantine had done, and how he could make amends after assisting him all his working life. He took his hand back and finished off the last morsel of bread and cheese.

‘I should get back to work - I’ll see you later, Sophia’

------

It wasn’t the first time Damien had flown first class, but it had been a while. The plane to Nice from Cordonia wasn’t big, but thankfully in first class it was roomy. Adelaide hadn’t seen him at Applewood, so there was no reason to conceal himself from her – in fact he planned to engage her in conversation and use it to his advantage. To that end, he got up to use the bathroom, and as he passed her seat, stumbled and knocked her drink over. She gave an annoyed cry, but when she looked up at him her expression changed into one of delight.

‘I’m so sorry Miss – how clumsy of me’ he apologised, fussing to try and mop up the spill. She batted her eyelashes at him

‘Young man, you need your eyesight tested – it’s a long time since anyone called me Miss’ she simpered. ‘I suppose it’s too much to expect that an attractive man like you is travelling alone’ Damien affected a flush of embarrassment.

‘Well actually, yes I am’ he admitted, seeing her eyes light up

‘Well, young man, in penance for your awful misdeed, I insist that you come and sit next to me and keep me amused for the rest of the flight’ He looked back at his seat, feigning reluctance, but she caught at his arm ‘I’ll have to order another drink, and I can’t possibly drink it knowing you’re sitting all alone. She waved her hand at him ‘My treat, I insist’

‘That’s very generous of you…’ he made a gesture that made it plain he wanted to know her name

‘Adelaide’ she said ‘Duchess Adelaide of Fydelia. Your accent tells me you don’t come from Cordonia’

‘No’ he smiled. ‘I was there on business, but I didn’t get a chance to see much of it. Excuse me, I’ll go and get my things’ He returned quickly, and sat next to her for the rest of the flight. She got pretty tipsy and let slip she was going to visit a male friend in Monte Carlo in Monaco.

‘What a coincidence, I’m going to Monte Carlo too’ he smiled ‘we should share a taxi – or are you being met?’

‘Oh sweetheart, there will be a limo for me’ she laughed ‘You’re welcome to come with me, I’m meeting my man at the hotel so we can drop you off wherever you like’

‘That’s very kind of you, Adelaide’ he smiled. He was pleased he had chosen to keep a low profile at Applewood and she didn’t realise quite how close they had been for that last couple of days. Travelling with her saved him a lot of trouble tracking her down. Bastien had provided him with photographs of Justin so he knew who he was looking for, but he had no idea as to the identity of any others who might be associated with the Sons of the Earth.

‘We’re coming in to land’ Adelaide pointed out ‘Drink up, time to buckle up’

------

Bastien pored over Jackson’s papers. Fortunately he had been meticulous in his record keeping and it was easy to find the approximate time frame, and scrutinise document after document. Finally he slammed his hand on the desk in triumph, and sent for Lewis.

------

‘So, your majesty – your Grace, it seems it was the association with the Severus family that was the reason for their deaths.’ Bastien said as he spoke to Liam and Olivia in the King’s study. It was their second meeting that day, and Olivia looked tired and pale ‘Constantine knew they had strong ties, and around the same time, Severus and his family disappeared, probably going into hiding. I’m assuming that the King couldn’t prevent the betrothal, so he eliminated the Duke and Duchess and presumed that Lucretia knew nothing about it. She hid her knowledge of it all these years in fear of her life. Now Constantine’s gone, she can breathe easy’ Olivia sat stiffly, barely containing her rage, and Liam stood beside her, hand on her shoulder.

‘Thankyou for finding that out’ Liam said ‘have you heard from Mr Nazario yet?’

‘He should be landing in Nice about now. He’ll keep a close eye on Lady Adelaide and report when he can, but he has to be careful not to be intercepted, so it may be a while before we hear anything.’

‘Good, the sooner we find the Sons of the Earth, the sooner we can stop them from seizing power, and the sooner we can find a way of releasing Olivia from her marriage contract’

------

At the airport in Nice, the limo driver looked reluctant to take Damien, but Adelaide insisted, and he gave the driver the name of a hotel in Monte Carlo – not the one he was staying in, obviously, but it was convenient. He had managed to put a tiny tracking device on Adelaide’s phone when she had gone to the bathroom, so he would be able to find her easily once he’d been dropped off, and it would also give him both ends of any phone conversations. James, who had arrived on an earlier flight, would follow the limo at a discrete distance in an SUV provided by Interpol, who had traced her hotel and room and had installed listening devices.

‘Okay sir, this is your hotel’ The limo driver brought the vehicle to a stop and went to fetch Damien’s bag. He turned to Adelaide

‘Thanks for the lift – and for your company’ he smiled. Adelaide put her hand on his knee and squeezed. He bit the inside of his cheek as she applied pressure – a lot of pressure, and leaned toward him, her mouth next to his ear. He couldn’t help but notice that she also showed a generous cleavage as she did so, and pressed her leg against his.

‘Let me know next time you’re in Cordonia, handsome’ she breathed ‘I can’t promise to show you my country, but I can make you a very happy man’ She sat back and grabbed his hand, taking a pen out of her purse. She scribbled her phone number on the inside of his wrist. ‘Even better, if you’re still around in two days’ time, call me and I’ll give you a preview’ she purred. Damien kept the grin on his face as he got out of the car. He waved as he took his bag and went into the hotel, breathing a sigh of relief. He knew James would be tailing her and keeping him updated, so he went to the bar and ordered a stiff drink, getting out his phone to text Bastien.

------

Olivia was ready for bed when she heard the soft knock on her door.

‘Who is it?’ she called

‘It’s me, Livvy’ came the answer, and she went swiftly to let Liam in

‘What are you doing? You might have been seen’ she hissed as she closed the door behind him.

‘It’s fine, security made sure the coast was clear, just like last night’

‘Well I’m sorry I don’t have any refreshments to offer you’ she said ‘I hadn’t planned on having company’

‘I didn’t come for refreshments, I came to see how you are’ Liam said. She sighed and sat heavily on the edge of the bed.

‘I’m okay I guess. Getting used to the idea that your father…’ she took a shaky breath ‘That my parents didn’t die accidentally’ Liam sat next to her

‘Nothing will make up for that’ he said quietly ‘But you know I’ll do anything I can to help you deal with it’

‘I don’t even know where to begin, Liam’ she said ‘Except to be strong and hope that they didn’t suffer’ Liam put his arm around her shoulder, and she stiffened. He drew back, but she reached out for him

‘Thankyou’ she said ‘I think being held is as good as anything right now’ She leaned into him and he just held her. She didn’t cry, she just let him take her weight. She was a little stiff to start with as if it was something she wasn’t used to. He kissed the top of her head, feeling a little shockwave go through her for a second before she relaxed again.

‘What will we do about the betrothal?’ she asked ‘It really screws up our plan for an heir’ Liam sighed

‘I don’t know yet, but I have the archivist and lawyers looking into it, and I’m sure they’ll find a loophole. You can’t be married to someone you’ve not even met, it’s barbaric’

‘I know, I don’t know why my parents would have agreed to it’

‘Hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of it’ Liam murmured ‘We’ll interrogate Lucretia again’ Olivia stirred and looked at him.

‘Why don’t I speak to her? She might be more willing to tell me – and I’m the one who needs to know’ she said.

…..

James had followed Adelaide to a hotel on the seafront overlooking the expensive superyachts that moored row on row, and called Damien to update him. He left his bogus hotel to grab some sandwiches and took a taxi to go and join the young  guard. It was getting dark as he reconnoitred the building, finding they were lucky that the hotel had its own carpark in the basement of the hotel. Apart from the guest entrance the only way in or out was the service exit that came out in the carpark. The detective from Interpol, Franco, had already taken a room there and the hotel management gave him the details of all the other guests in case her ‘contact’ was already there. He set up camp in the bar to watch for any new guests, and Reception was to let him know if there were any visitors or calls for Adelaide. Outside in the SUV, Damien took first watch as James slept in the back seat, and was pleased to discover Adelaide’s room was easily visible from the road.

Adelaide went down for dinner and drank alone in the bar before retiring to her room, and James and Damien took it in turns to watch and sleep in the car. Franco went to his room, only two doors away from Adelaide’s and the night passed without incident.

In the morning, Damien was on watch when he heard Adelaide take a telephone call from reception.

‘Good morning Sir’ The greeting was formal, but her voice was coquettish. ‘Yes, I’ll be waiting in my room, I’ll expect you at ten o’clock.’ She paused, listening to her caller ‘Yes Sir, no solid food, just orange juice for breakfast. I look forward to seeing you again’ The call ended. Damien knew that such a short call wouldn’t be traceable, but if they were to leave the hotel, they would be able to follow them.

Damien woke James, who went across the street to a café to get something to eat and to use the bathroom. When he got back Damien also went to freshen up in the café’s bathroom with some wet wipes and deodorant. He returned to find that Franco had been brought up to speed and they just had to wait for Adelaide’s contact to arrive.

------

Lucretia had been taken to secure rooms drafted into service by Bastien’s men. Olivia stood outside for a moment, gathering herself together. Liam stood next to her.

‘I’ll come in with you if you like, Livvy’ he offered, but she shook her head.

‘No, she’s more likely to talk to me if it’s just us’ she replied. She reached out stiffly and touched his arm ‘But thankyou.’ She squared her shoulders and nodded to Lewis, who unlocked and opened the door for her.

The room had been used as a study for Constantine when the court had last been there, and there was a connecting door to a small bedroom, which at that visit had been used by his valet. Lucretia stood by the window looking out. She didn’t turn when Olivia entered

‘Aunt’ she said, and the older woman scoffed

‘So they sent you to try and get me to talk’ she said

‘This is me, aunt, not them’ Olivia said firmly ‘There are things I need to know’ The older woman sighed heavily.

‘Such as?’ she asked, and turned back to face her niece.

‘How long did you know about this betrothal?’ she asked. Again Lucretia laughed

‘It was planned long before you were even born, my dear. It was fortuitous that you were female and Anton was male.’ Lucretia related ‘The gender and age of the respective heirs were never right – until your mother had you. It would have forced Constantine to face a serious challenge to the throne. When Alfred Severus was exiled it made things rather difficult for them, and the whole family had to go into hiding when Constantine sent his assassins out to end them’

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ she asked ‘Why are you telling me now?’ Lucretia shook her head

‘Anton needed to be in a strong position’ she said ‘you have no idea the things he’s done to secure his claim to the throne – and you won’t find out from me. It’s enough for you to know that when he succeeds, you’ll be Queen of Cordonia’

‘Did my parents – did they want me to marry Anton?’ she asked incredulously

‘You were only a child’ she said shortly

‘You knew Constantine had them killed?’

‘Thankfully he did a sloppy job – you were meant to be in the car when it was run off the road. Fortuitously you were ill and stayed at home with your nanny’ Olivia swallowed. Inwardly she reeled, unable to process it all – the betrothal, the deliberate killing of her parents, her own narrow escape from death. She took a deep breath

‘Were you lying when you told Liam he couldn’t dissolve the betrothal?’

‘No my dear girl, it’s quite watertight’

‘If I’d Liam had chosen me as Queen…’ she started

‘Oh it would never have got that far’ Lucretia said with a dismissive wave of her hand ‘You’d never have got to the altar – or rather, Liam wouldn’t.’ Olivia gasped

‘What exactly do you mean by that?’

‘Really my dear, you should be able to work it out for yourself. I thought you were much sharper than this. Either Liam would have been told about your betrothal, or there would have been a successful assassination attempt’ Lucretia looked weary – not from physical tiredness, but from boredom.

‘Anton could be tried for treason’ Olivia snarled, anger building inside her

‘Again, I think not’ Lucretia sniffed ‘Not if he could prove a legitimate claim to the throne. How can you commit treason if you are the rightful King?’ Olivia stood trembling with rage and frustration. There was nothing she could do – everything was out of control and she wasn’t sure how she was ever going to regain it.

------

Franco had talked to hotel management, and arranged to be in their security suite watching the camera outside Adelaide’s room. Damien and James were poised in the car outside should she leave the hotel – but if she had arranged to meet in her room, the chance were that they would stay there and do whatever it was they planned to do. The suite was at the end of a corridor next to a supply closet, so any noise they made wouldn’t be noticed. It wasn’t unusual for hotels to have a ‘quiet room’ for certain guests who either needed rest or wanted to make noise without disturbing anyone else.

Just before ten o’clock the detective and the guard saw a bright red sports car enter the hotel car park, and they alerted Franco. He relayed what he saw – two men getting out of the car and riding the elevator to reception. Neither of them fitted Anton’s description. One went ahead and spoke to reception, and the other followed. They both went up the stairwell to Adelaide’s room – Franco had observed earlier that she had a ‘do not disturb’ notice on the door handle. The first man went ahead, knocking on her door and going in for a few moments. Here Damein was able to listen in to what was going on.

‘Adelaide – your Master approaches’ Damien tried hard not to snigger – not that he would be heard, but he had only ever indulged in light BDSM, and this was beyond him ‘Put on the blindfold’ came the command. He turned to James and rolled his eyes.

‘I sure hope we’ve got those wierdos on camera’ he sighed ‘I’m not sure I want to listen to this’

‘It’s okay, Franco is recording it. All we have to do is stay on point to follow them when they leave, add to the intel we already have. We’ll have ID from the hotel security system and we can find out where they go afterwards – whether they have some sort of base here or whether they leave Monaco.’ James said ‘You go take a walk, I’ll take first shift. I guess they’ll be a while yet. I’ll call if anything goes down.’

Damien went for a walk to ease his cramped muscles. He was never fond of stake outs, but they were an essential part of the job and usually gave great results. The thought of what Adelaide was doing made him feel a little nauseous and he was glad to take the break. He went back after half an hour and James went for his break. He had the volume on low so he couldn’t hear words, just make out the tone of Adelaide’s ‘Master’ and her whimpers and groans – and the occasional sound of slaps and blows. He shuddered, and when James returned, he chose to go and see Franco in the hotel security suite.

Franco was pleased to take a break himself, leaving the suite to go and get some coffee and stretch his legs. Damien kept watch on the monitor of the camera outside Adelaide’s room. The first man stood guard outside, occasionally walking up and down the corridor, and making out to any other guests that he was on his way to a room or the elevator. As he watched, he saw the guard look at his phone and go back to the door. He didn’t have to wait long to see the door open and the other man emerge. He could hear his voice clearly

‘It’s done, let’s get out of here. She’s got the do not disturb sign up, nobody will check until she’s due to leave.’ The other man nodded, and Damien opened the door to the suite just as Franco reappeared.

‘They’re leaving – quickly, call James. You’d better go with him, you’ll be able to swing things if they try to cross the border – and you know the area’ Franco nodded and swiftly left. Damien sat watching the monitor. His plan was to turn up at the hotel bar when Adelaide emerged and strike up a conversation. The security guard with him tapped him on the shoulder, making him jump.

‘Something’s not right – here, listen to this’ He turned up the volume on the sound feed. Damien had to strain to hear

‘I don’t hear anything’ he said

‘Exactly, shouldn’t she be moving around, locking the door or taking a shower? I’ll play the recording back but come to think of it I haven’t heard her voice for a few minutes’ Damien looked at the other man in alarm. His hackles rose as the guard played back the last thing Adelaide had said

‘No – what are you doing – stop, please stop’

‘I have to go up and check – do you have a key for the room?’ The guard nodded, handing him a keycard.

‘Sure - go, I’ll send someone after you in case you need help’

‘Make sure they’ve got first aid skills’ Damien said ‘I’ve got a bad feeling’

The sight that met Damien when he got to the room made his blood run cold. Adelaide lay senseless on the bed, a tourniquet applied to her arm and a discarded syringe on the floor next to the bed. He went swiftly to her side, afraid to touch her but leaning close to make sure she was still breathing. Before he could do anything else, the promised hotel employee entered and pushed him aside, taking her pulse and pulling her eyelids back to examine her.

‘Call an ambulance’ he said urgently ‘She’s non responsive’

Next Chapter 10 The Net Closes

[dcbbw]

Six Sentence Sunday

It’s a lazy Sunday and I am writing and working on fics.Which means  am ready and prepared for a Six Sentences post.Here’s what’s being worked on for posting in the very near future:

 Back Roads:

“May I come in?” Liam asked politely. As if they were acquaintances who had met briefly at a party.

Drake nodded, stepping aside to allow Liam entry. Liam walked past Drake, going to the kitchen. A piece of metal glinted from beneath one of the dining chairs. Liam set his bag of purchases on the kitchen counter before removing items: smoked maple whiskey, steaks, fresh haddock filets, potatoes, corn.

Drake looked at Liam in puzzlement. “What’s all this?”

“It was dinner; I wasn’t sure if you would want fish or beef, but thinking you aren’t in the mood for meat today.”

Drake felt a trickle of guilt settle in his stomach. “This is very generous, Li. I know we parted earlier on not the best of terms.”

Liam placed both palms on the counter; he stared at the wall as he spoke.

“I have questions, Drake. And I would appreciate honest answers.”

The guilt was now a river flowing through Drake’s bloodstream. “Of course.”

“The officer who was here … she followed you home to give you a speeding ticket?”

“Yeah.”

“And it was just to issue the citation?”

“What else would it be for?”

Liam turned to face Drake. “Then why are her handcuffs on the dining room floor, and why is your hair wet?”

Guests and Visitors:

Queen Meredith cradled her infant daughter as she looked around the ballroom through narrowed eyes. She took in her friends and guests sipping wine and champagne, dancing under the lights of the crystal chandeliers, and her husband dancing with Queen Isabella.

She rolled her eyes as her arms bounced Ellie. It was bad enough … no, not bad … horrible that the Auvernese leaders were in her country, her home; but they had their army guard and their children with them as well. It was a subtle message that Meredith took as a personal affront.

Actually, Meredith took it as a threat. A blatant one.

The Queen exhaled a noisy breath that blew her bang away from her forehead.

At least this is their last night.

The cooing of her daughter drew her eyes downward and curved her lips upward. Ellie. Named for both Derek’s mother Eleanor, and Meredith’s mother Ellis, the Crown Princess of Cordonia was the only person keeping her sane tonight.

Well, her and Christina and Alex. Meredith looked around for her friends, but all she saw was a sea of bored but familiar nobles. And Bradshaw making his way towards her.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

Her blues eyes darted around, searching for an escape when Christina glided in front of her, a vision in black lace and sequins. Bradshaw came to an abrupt stop at Christina Yang extending her hand. “I am Lady Seattle Grace of Switzerland. And you are?”

New England Blue:

Liam poured her more with a chuckle. “Are you okay, Riley B.?”

Riley waited for Liam to fill and heat his plate before beginning to eat. She frowned across the island at him. “No,” she replied morosely.

“You can say a eulogy for the Panthers if you want.” Liam buttered his French toast.

“No eulogies! They aren’t dead. I’ll probably still watch the Panthers.”

“But Cam? He’s like the Tom Brady of Carolina!”

“With the PATRIOTS?? I … I don’t know if I can do that!”

Liam’s eyes grew wide. “WHAT do you have against my team, Riley B.? I support YOUR teams! I’m not pointing out Cam Newton makes more headlines being a failed fashion icon than he does as a quarterback.”

Riley was sucking a green grape between her lips. The purple of her lipstick against the pale green was … sexy to Liam. His eyes were stuck on her mouth; Riley knew. She deliberately sucked on the grape before it disappeared inside her mouth.

Liam audibly gulped. Riley smirked.

“Is this a tit for tat, Liam? I support you, you support me?”

“Well, isn’t that how relationships work?”

Riley set down her sausage link. “We’re not there yet, Liam.”

“But we’re headed that way! And this is an important issue that needs to be tackled beforehand.”

Riley choked. “With all that’s going on in the world, NFL is what needs to be discussed between us as a potential couple?”

Liam waved a forkful of eggs before shoving them in his mouth and answering. “We have more important things to discuss of course, and we will as we get closer to becoming a true couple; but this is something we can settle right now. And don’t underestimate the adverse effects of sports rivalry in a relationship.”

DC AU, Chapter 5—So Close to Heaven:

Liam made small talk as he and Jill crossed through Franklin Park; Just Jill interrupted him as they passed the statue of General James McPherson.

“Look, I’m only coming along because I’m starving, and steak sounds good. You want to apologize, do so. Don’t try to make it seem like we’re going to form a friendship from this. I wanted one thing from you the other night; you played the game better than I did. I’m a big girl, I can take that; what I’m not expecting is for you to show up at my job and upset my employee.”

Liam turned his head slightly to look at Just Jill’s profile. “I just thought conversation while we walked would be pleasant.”

“And I thought leaving a message with the bartender that something came up would have been an easy enough thing to do but guess not.”

“it was a dick move; I admit that. But Riley, … she needed me.”

Just Jill pressed her lips together. “It’s been a cold, dry winter. I don’t follow sports. I’m from Denver. No, I don’t want to hear how great your wanna-be girlfriend is.”

She looked at Liam. “Enough small talk?”

Apart, Part 2:

Liam set his drink down and hurried from the room. Constantine watched his son leave, and then pulled out his phone. He dialed a number and spoke when the call was picked up.

“Prince Liam has been quite fiscally irresponsible as of late. Please suspend all his financial instruments for thirty days. Checking, credit cards, everything. If he attempts to invoke the Crown to make a purchase, let me know.”

Constantine hung up the phone and rose to refresh his drink. Liam and Drake needed a reminder of their stations in life; the King was doing them both a favor. A summer with Bianca, working with his hands among his own kind would remind young Walker that he didn’t belong in Liam’s world.  

Liam would be spending his summer with the nobles and royals of the European courts; his son needed to remember that he was royalty, and the caliber of associates he surrounded himself with weren’t chosen with his heart. Or his dick.

Constantine picked up his phone again. Whatever plans Liam had for the next month were about to be changed, and that commoner he was so besotted with weren’t part of them.

Ryan Jackson:

The evening was cold and blustery, snow that had fallen earlier already crusted. The boys’ boots crunched through it as they took the shortcut through the park that would get them home a little quicker. They stopped at the sight that greeted them as they approached the gurgling creek.

It was the girl.

Bookbags were dropped as the boys ran to her. Ryan took one look and tore out of his coat to cover her. Then he ran back to the school to get the principal and custodian. And the police.

The girl did not return to school for the remainder of the year. Three weeks after the boys found her, they and their parents were invited to the girl’s house for dinner. She didn’t eat with them. Her parents gave each of the boys a cash reward and a homemade pineapple upside down cake. Ryan asked if they could see the girl.

With sad faces, her parents said it wasn’t a good time, but her girlfriends came over every Wednesday and Friday afternoon to visit; the boys were welcome to come over then.

The woman sipped her Brazilian lemonade wondering just how peeved her husband would be if she drank his as well. His arms were wrapped around her waist, his head laying just above her breast. He snored softly. The woman looked down at him, a wave of love and gratitude washing over her.

He had saved her.

 Not going to tag anyone; thinking folks are making the most of the last of their weekend, and/or recuperating from celebrating America’s birthday. If you come across and want to share your WIPs, please do so! 

[ranger-of-estel]

Could you do a Captain Canary meeting their future daughter and finding out she's following in their footsteps and became a vigilante/timetraveler?

So I apologize this has taken forever to answer, but hopefully it doesn’t disappoint. Personally I rather liked the way it came out, may add it to my list of possible AUs for the future.

Captain Canary - EstablishedAll the fluff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

               Sara and Leonard board the Waverider, hands clasped between them. “We definitely waited to long between date nights.” Sara states, smiling over at him, “thank you.”

               “You did most of the planning this time.” Len shrugged, tugging her closer to his side. “I’m just glad to see the ship in once piece.” Sara chuckles as they make their way to the bridge. The halls are quieter than usual, but neither is immediately concerned by it. At least until they reach the bridge, pausing at the sight before them.

               There are a pair of strangers focused intently on something at the hollotable. One is a tall young man with brown hair. His broad shoulders accented by a snug shirt, and comfortable jeans. The second is a young woman; athletic build with a small gun holstered to her thigh and what Sara believes are throwing knives at her waist. Her dark hair falls in soft curls over her shoulders of her red shirt, skinny jeans accentuating her curves until they disappear into boots.

               Sara’s just begun reaching for a knife when the other woman turns, crystal blue eyes narrowing at the pair. “What are you doing here?”

               “This is my ship,” Sara responds, crossing her arms.

               “Who the hell are you?” Leonard’s gaze narrows.

               “Gideon?” The young woman tosses a confused glance toward the ceiling.

               “My apologies, Captain Lance.” The A.I. replies. “It would appear that our guests aren’t from the same point in the timeline as we are.”

               “Lance?” Sara asks, glancing from the ship to the other woman.

               “This is, awkward,” the woman frowns.

               Before anyone can comment a new voice joins the mix. “Hey Laurel, I’m getting some weird readings from – “ The new young woman cuts off as she enters the bridge. Brown eyes light up as she sees them. “Uncle Lenny!” She sprints forward, nearly tackling Leonard. Her arms locking around him, “I didn’t know you were visiting!”

               Normally Sara would laugh at Len’s what the hell?? Look, but right now she’s to focused on the woman across from her. “Laurel…Lance?”

               The other woman nods, gives a small smile. “You always say you named me after the strongest woman you knew.” She gives a soft laugh, “Ollie says I look like her when I start to argue.” She glances at Len, whos shaking his head at the young scientist, his niece, while she chatters away. “You always say I’m more like dad, but with aunt’s moral compass.”

               Leonard’s attention is caught now, Laurel shooting him a bemused smile. “Hey, dad.”

               “So,” Leonard drawls, looking between the three women. “Second generation Legends?”

               Laurel nods, “couple years now.”

               “What about you?” He looks over at the other young man.

               “Me?” he looks almost surprised to be called upon, dragging his eyes from the schematic on the table. “Michael Palmer, but everyone calls me Mick.” He smiles at Sara, “nice to see you, Captain.” After a moment his attention shifts to the youngest girl, “Claire, what were you saying about readings?”

               “Oh,” she shrugs. “In light of…well, this.” She motions to Sara and Len. “I’d say it’s probably their Waverider landing in the area.”

               Len glances to his daughter with a smirk, “mind giving us a lift?”

               Laurel grings, reminding him immensely of Sara. “I think we can arrange that.”

               “Well,” Michael looks between the pair, “at least now we know why you were so intent we come out here.”

               “Instead of enjoying our shore leave, I might add.” A man in his late twenties enters the room, throwing Sara an achingly familiar smile.

               “Stien?” Len raises a brow.

               “Just Ronny, please.” He looks between them, then glances up. “Gideon, are you sure it Is safe to be in close proximity to the other Waverider?”

               “As long as we don’t touch it we’ll be fine.” Claire answers with a shrug.

               “Miss Ramon is correct,” Gideon replies. “I’ve located the other ship, whenever you are ready, Captain.”

               “Fire up the engines –“ Sara and Laurel stop, laughing before Sara dips her head. “Your ship, Captain.”

               Laurel just grins, and they buckle in for the short trip. They touch down in a clearing across from the second ship. “Guess this our stop,” Sara looks over the group of young heroes.

               Laurel smiles, “don’t worry, you’ll be seeing plenty of us before you know it.” She and Sara share a short embrace, then she moves to Leonard. There’s a gentleness, and adoration in her eyes that makes his stomach do a little flip. “See you later, dad.” She leans up to press a kiss to his cheek.

               “Captain,” Gideon interrupts. “It would appear Miss Queen has also boarded the incorrect ship.”

               Laurel swears, and Sara grins. “Miss Queen? Ollie has a girl?”

               Laurel nods, motioning that she’ll walk them out. “I should go get her before she picks a fight with your Constantine.”

               Leonard smirks, “that sounds like a story.”

               “Oh, you’ll be there for it.” She assures him, amusement dancing in her eyes.

               Once they are outside the hatch of the other Waverider opens. Mick is leading a woman about Laurel’s age out. She has dark hair pulled into a low ponytail, a small bow and quiver slung onto her back. She has Felicity’s eyes and height, but her strong shoulders and defined features scream Ollie.

               “Cass,” Sara hears Laurel give a longsuffering sigh, walking closer to the other woman. “You punched him, didn’t you?”

               The other woman shrugs, “he deserved it.”

               “You realize he doesn’t know that yet, right?” Laurel cocks her head slightly.

               “Doesn’t know what?” Constantine glares from the cargo ramp, glass of ice held to his cheek.

               “Not important,” Laurel shakes her head, giving Cassandra a behave look that Sara knows is similar to the one she gives Len. Which brings her attention to the way the second woman is leaning into her daughters space. Laurel offering an almost smile as she bumps the other woman’s shoulder affectionatly with her own.

               “Beautiful, badass…our daughter has good tast.” Sara grins. Leonard makes an amused sound, offering a small nod as Sara’s hand slips into his.

               “What’s so funny?” Cassandra glares.

               “Just thinking how much I’ll enjoy seeing your father when he learns the daughter of a thief stole your heart.” Len drawls with a shrug.

               Laurel flushes at the comment, suddenly looking like a teenager who’s been caught. But it quickly shifts into realization. “Wait! That means you’ve known this whole time!”

               Cassandra laughs, offering a quick bow of her in greeting. “As much as we’d love to stay.” She glances to where John is still glowering from the Waverider door. She grins, then slips her hand into Laurel’s, tugging her toward the ship. Laurel rolls her eyes and Sara laughs, she and Len waving farewell before turning to board their own ship.

               “What was that about?” Constantine frowns, still half glaring at the departing ship.

               “A story for another time.” Sara replies, ushering the crew back inside.

               Mick smirks, offering a knowing look before chuckling. “Congrats,” he walks down the hall before either can respond.

               The pair make their way to the Captain’s quarters. Sara moves to sit on the bed while Len shrugs out of his jacket. “We have a daughter,” Sara states, looking up at Len.

               “A daughter who captain’s the Waverider.”

               “I didn’t think I could,” Sara’s hand goes to her stomach, “after the pit.”

               Leonard hums in agreement, “I never planned to…after Lewis…”

               “Hey,” Sara reaches out, hand finding his. “You won’t be him,” she gives a breathy laugh. “In fact, she seemed to still like us both.”

               Leonard chuckles at that, sitting on the bed next to her. “If she comes out a hero, we must not do to badly.”

               Sara bumps her shoulder into him, “looks like you make a pretty great uncle too.”

               He smiles, “she reminded me of Lisa at that age.” He looks down at her, brow furrowing slightly, “does this mean we’re supposed to settle down?”

               Sara scoffs, “absolutely not.” She kicks off her shoes, scooting further onto the bed. “We’ll just slow down a little.”

               “Mm,” he toes off his shoes by the nightstand, following her up the bed. “That doesn’t sound so bad.” He leans down to kiss her softly.

               She smiles into the kiss, which she reciprocates before snuggling into his side. “Officially the weirdest end to a date yet.”

               He chuckles, arm wrapping around her shoulders. “Let’s hope it stays that way, I don’t need anymore surprises from the future.” She hums her agreement, conversation turning to other things until they doze off together. Each dreaming of a future they’d never believed possible.