#cordonian nights AU

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page  

Now and Then

 - Chapter 9-

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU 

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

Turning the Page Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

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

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

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

Words: 2498

Now and Then – 9 

Chapter Summary: Riley and William arrive in Cordonia 

Title & Music Inspiration: 

Now and Then, The Beatles                                       

When You Love Someone, Gretchen Peters, Bryan Adams 

Wherever You Will Go, The Calling 

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

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

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

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

In Flight, Cordonian Royal Jet, above the Mediterranean Sea 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Riley breathed out, shaking her head. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Welcome home, love." 

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

Home... 

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

***

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

"So, Damien, any questions for me?" 

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

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

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

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

"Yes, sir?" 

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

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

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

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

"Thank you, Damien.” 

"My pleasure, sir.” 

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

Cordonia, Capital 

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

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

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

Liam followed, with William sleeping in his arms.  

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes, thank you, Liam." 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What are you thinking about Riley?"  

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

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

"Thank you, Liam." 

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

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

It was soft and gentle, and full of longing. 

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

"I've missed you, Li." 

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

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

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

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

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

"Liam, I..." 

"Shhh." 

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Liam, I ...” 

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

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

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

📌Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesjanuary2024

[hanaleeappreciationweek]

HLAW 2024: Masterlist

(so much love to @sazanes who made this poster for us!!)

Previous AWs: HLAW 2022 | HLAW 2023

Day 1: Character Appreciation/Throwback

Character Appreciation

Art

A Very Happy Hana by @mxcameronrose/@atlasgoodwin

Lady Hana Lee by @sazanes

Edit

SpreadJoy Quote: Hana Lee by @storyofmychoices

Headcanon

My Top 5 Headcanons for Hana x MC by @uselessgay10101

Fanfic

Winds of Change by @unsettlingconclusions

Moodboard

"You Don't Have To Be Perfect To Be Loved" by @masked-alien-lesbian

Playlist

an eulogy to perfectionism - Hana Lee by @inlocusmads

Throwback

Art

Hana at the Piano by @cassiopeiacorvus

Fanfic

A Blossoming Friendship by @lizzybeth1986

Day 2: Flowers/Fashion Design

Flowers

Art

Hana's Name by @sazanes

Fanfic

A Bouquet for An Angel by @masked-alien-lesbian

Moodboard

The Moodboard that Hopes to Give Hana Her Flowers by @lizzybeth1986

Fashion Design

Art

Hana Wears the MC's Handmade Dress by @mxcameronrose

Fanfic

A Day with Marguerite Thorne by @masked-alien-lesbian

Day 3: Bookworm/AU

Bookworm

Art

Sailor Vega Hana Lee! by @cassiopeiacorvus

A Cozy Night in Bed with A Book by @mxcameronrose

Fanfic

Reader Fatigue by @lizzybeth1986

AU

Art

Hana Lee as Annelyse Adair by @sazanes

Fanfic

Build A Bear Date by @masked-alien-lesbian

Edit

The Ranch Hand and the Ranch Owner's Daughter by @masked-alien-lesbian

Day 4: Competitive Hana/Culinary Love/Music

Competitive Hana

Fanfic

The Cordonian Bake-Off! by @masked-alien-lesbian

Culinary Love

Poem

A Hot Chocolate Embrace by @lizzybeth1986

Music

Art

Rockstar!Hana on the Piano!! by @mxcameronrose

Hana Singing to The Child in Her Womb by @sazanes

Fanfic

"Thank you for sharing your music with me" by @exbex

Day 5: Family/Friendships/Romance

Family

Headcanon

Hana and Kiara's Three Children by @cassiopeiacorvus

Friendships

Art

Best Friends! by @jicklet (Hana & Riley (MC))

Fanfic

Hana Lee: Cordonia's Most Influential Courtier by @mand-delemonde (Hana & Kaela (MC), Hana x Kiara)

Playlist

A Playlist for Hana's Friendships, Romance and Family! by @masked-alien-lesbian

Romance

Art

Wives by @mxcameronrose (Hana x Krystal (MC))

A Kiss After Tango by @sazanes (Hana x Raelyn (@masked-alien-lesbian's OC))

Fanfic

Rose Gold by @lizzybeth1986 (Hana x Kiara)

--

Even though the week itself is over, HLAW will be open for entries all year round!! Please don't hesitate to send them in whenever you can 💖💖

If you'd like to reference the themes, here they are!

If we have missed anyone's pieces, we are truly sorry. Do let us know and we will put it up asap!

[angelasscribbles]

Reunited (A Bad Romance AU)

Series: What If

Original Series: Bad Romance

More: Bad Romance Continues

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings for chapter: Riley x Max (past), Riley x Drake, Riley x Liam

Word Count: 1,333

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Mature themes

A/N: This is for the @choicesprompts Rewrite Challenge. This clip came up on Facebook and it reminded me of Who Said Anything About Divorce? One of my Bad Romance AU's. So here's another. What if Liam had gotten his shit together much sooner? Also, in the original it's Max she enters with and here I've made it Drake.

Mashup: TRR x Friends

My other stuff: Master List.

Fydelia, the night the Engagement Tour kicked off….

Riley Brooks entered the estate at Fydelia on the arm of Drake Walker, the man who had just spent the last three weeks with her at Ramsford. He had wiped her tears, soothed her anger, and warmed her bed.

Much to Maxwell’s chagrin. It was bad enough she had dumped him for Liam. Once that went south, he’d had to watch her fall into Drake’s arms.

He parted ways the moment they were announced, slinking off to the bar to busy himself with tonight’s objective: Getting shit-faced drunk.

Riley ignored the whispers and gasps as they moved through the ballroom. She wasn’t sure which was causing more of a stir. That she had the gall to show herself after those pictures of her and Max had been leaked to the Cordonian Star or that she was there with the king’s best friend, the other commoner outcast.

She swiped a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and held it up in a toast to the gawkers with a brilliant smile, “Lovely to see you all again!”

Soon enough, Riley and Drake came face to face with Liam and Madeleine. Riley was taken aback by the pain and longing she saw clearly etched on Liam’s face. His voice was full of desperation as he uttered her name, “Riley…”

She blinked back her tears and straightened her spine, “Liam.”

One look at Drake’s arm wrapped possessively around her waist and Liam’s eyes filled with fury. “What the hell is this?”

“Come on, darling,” Madeleine started to walk away, pulling Liam with her but he yanked out of her grasp and spun back to the other couple, “Riley, please! We need to talk!”

“I can’t imagine what about,” she ran a finger down Drake’s chest while her eyes stayed locked on her former lover.

Liam’s voice held a warning note, “Riley…”

“Yes, Liam?”

“I…” his mouth opened and closed as he fought an internal battle.

Madeleine moved back to his side, sinking her nails into his arm as she hissed quietly in his ear, “People are starting to stare, come on!”

“Yes, Liam,” Riley made a shooing motion, “Go on, you have your perfect little noblewoman and you’ve knuckled under to the pressures of the court beautifully. Go make Daddy proud and leave me alone. I don’t need you anymore, I have Drake now.”

Liam’s eyes darted from Riley to Madeleine to the crowd around them that was growing every moment as people came to watch the drama unfold.

At that moment, he saw two futures stretching out before him. He realized with sudden clarity that one of those futures was rapidly expiring.

He drew in a deep breath. Desperate times called for desperate measures, “It’s true, I behaved horribly but it’s only because I love you. There are things you don’t know, reasons I had to pretend to reject you-“

“Oh, that wasn’t pretend Your Majesty! That was very real! I was there, remember?”

Shoving Madeleine carelessly aside, his voice rose, and he didn’t care who heard, “I was wrong, Riley! Okay? Is that what you want to hear? I was wrong and I would do anything to have you back in my life!”

“Too little, too late, Li!” Drake interjected, tugging her closer to him, “She’s moved on.”

Liam’s eyes never left Riley as he asked, “Has she?”

Riley shook her head, “I can’t believe this!”

“I never should have broken up with you!”

“Broken up with me? You didn’t break up with me, Liam, you got engaged to another woman five minutes after fucking me in the hedge maze and you did it without giving me so much as a heads up!”

Liam ignored the gasps from the onlookers and Madeleine’s yelp of surprised fury as he defended himself, “I know! But I can explain all that! Riley, I think about you all the time! You’re all I can think about, I’m fucking lost without you! Do you…do you ever think about me?”

“No!” Drake scoffed.

“Yes,” Riley said softly.

“What?” Drake’s head snapped from Liam to Riley in shock and disbelief.

“I don’t know what to say, Liam,” Riley glanced around the room. Dancing had stopped, the room had gone silent, and every eye was locked on the two of them. Here was the man she loved not giving two fucks what the court thought…finally.

“Say something,” he implored her, “anything!”

“This is all so….romantic…”

Drake’s mouth fell open, “Or….” Because come on. The man had dumped her, very publicly, while he had picked up the pieces. “Too little too late, maybe?”

Liam ignored Drake as he plunged on, “I understand I may be way out of bounds here but is there any chance you would take me back?”

Riley considered his offer. Part of her wanted to say no, to punish him for what he had put her through and part of her just wanted him back, wanted the aching hole his absence had left filled again. And yes, there was a small part of her that wanted to rip him away from Madeleine in vindication. What better way to send a big fuck you to the nobility than to take, and marry, their newly minted king right out from under all of them? Especially the simpering evil countess of cruelty that was currently turning six shades of purple as Penelope and Kiara held her at bay.

The pleading in his eyes is what finally pulled a simple, “Maybe,” from her lips.

“Riley, sweetie,” Drake pulled on her arm in an attempt to turn her attention back to him, “This conversation is starting to make me a little uncomfortable.”

Riley turned to him as if just remembering he was there. She placed one hand on her chest and the other on his face, “Oh, God. I am so sorry but…” her eyes flicked to Liam and then back to Drake as she gestured toward the king, “I mean, there’s so much history between us, you know?”

“I’ve known you exactly as long as he has!” Drake protested.

“I’m sorry too,” Liam clapped him on the shoulder, “but Riley and I belong together, and I was a fool to think I could pull off this charade.”

A charade Drake had been fully aware of but apparently chosen not to tell Riley about. He’d deal with his errant best friend later. Right now, he knew he needed a grand romantic gesture to win her back.

Liam turned and held out his hand to his fiancé, “Madeleine?”

She reached back, “Liam-“

“I’m sorry,” he told her as he pulled the engagement ring from her finger, “But I made a huge mistake proposing to you.”

Madeleine gasped and fell back in shock. Bertrand, who had appeared from nowhere, caught her in his arms, “Maddie!”

“What the fuck?” Savannah watched him in confusion.

From across the room, Godfrey was spluttering and insisting Liam couldn’t do this, but two guardsmen held him at bay easily.

Liam dropped to his knees in front of the woman he actually loved, “I love you and I’m so sorry I let the protocols of court get in the way of that. Marry me, Riley, please. I can’t live without you, and I don’t care who knows it!”

“Oh, Liam, I love you too!” She let him place the ring on her finger. When he retook his feet, she flung herself into his arms.

There was a smattering of applause and a mixture of noises ranging from outrage to approval from the crowd.

“Ok, guess we’re seeing other people,” Drake grumbled as he made his way to the bar, “Whiskey, neat, and keep them coming!”

Max turned to him with a gloat, “Welcome to the club. I told you it wouldn’t last.”

“Shut up, Beaumont,” Drake threw back the first shot, “I don’t care what just happened out there, this isn’t over!”

“No,” Max agreed as he gave Drake an appraising look, “It isn’t.”

[dcbbw]

Cocktail

This is just a thought that was in my brain, and I finally decided to write it out. It’s not even a full fic; at under 700 words, drabble is the only way to describe it. Not sure if it’s part of an existing AU or something new; for now, it just is.

If you read this, THANK YOU. Your likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated more than you realize. Please excuse any and all typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors. MS Editor rates this 100% error-free.

Contains my version of PB characters

Song Inspo: 4am, soft siren/CASHFORGOLD/Sidewalks and Skeletons

Word Count: 635

Riley Brooks poured herself a cocktail. It was 6:30 am, far too early for alcohol but she justified her actions by telling herself that the orange juice made it breakfast. Besides, day drinking was a thing now. As she mixed her ingredients together, she reflected on how every major milestone of her Cordonian adventure had been punctuated by a drink.

The night of the Coronation, when she returned to Ramsford with her mind and soul filled with confusion and hurt, Maxwell had brought her a whiskey sour filled with cherries and garnished with wedges of lemon and lime. A boozy fruit salad. The sweetness of the cherries blended with the tartness of the citrus to soothe the burn of the sour mash and numb her heart.

The night in France during the Engagement Tour when Drake took her to the billiards hall. He suggested drinks and that she have a mojito: a blend of sweet and minty muddled to allow each ingredient to assault her tastebuds with every swallow. But Riley neither needed nor wanted muddled. Her emotions were enough of a mess. Liam’s words were a complete contradiction to his actions. No, Riley Brooks needed straightforward and blunt. She chose a whiskey neat. And felt the need for another one after Drake leaned her over the pool table, his hardness pressing invitingly through the denim of his jeans and into her ass cleavage.

Sitting along the darkened banks of the Siene River, enjoying rustic bread and aged cheeses with Liam as he waxed poetically about their future, even though the chances of finding Tariq were growing slimmer with each moment that passed. Riley drank deeply of the French red wine, letting it warm her insides and wrap her in a hazy comfort. Perhaps she and Liam weren’t meant for open daylight; maybe he wasn’t protecting his father for the most fucked-up fuckery she had ever been subjected to. Just maybe, Liam was protecting her and their love, keeping them tucked under the cover of night and away from prying eyes and wagging tongues.

The sloe gin fizz the night of the wedding party had tasted of bittersweet victory. Her name had finally been cleared to Cordonia’s satisfaction, but the disingenuity and boot licking towards her by the nobility and elite merely because their King had ordered it, made the victory a hollow one. They were only sorry to be wrong in their assumptions and gossip, which made them dislike and mistrust her even further. 

There was no liquor at the Statue of Liberty the night of the proposal; Riley chose to make her coffee Irish at breakfast the following morning. She knew her answer would hurt people; the announcement before the meal was served confirmed it. While her intended grinned broadly and gushed eagerly over her, Riley sipped the strong beverage, avoiding gazes and offering a wan smile when she did catch someone’s eye.

On her wedding night, tepid champagne sat in a bucket filled with melted ice. The bubbles that had fizzed and hissed in their flutes when she and her husband toasted each other were now flat. Their bodies were slick with sweat, their breathing labored as the bride and groom lay in each other’s arms, whispering promises and sweet nothings to each other.

The sparkling cider when she told her husband they were pregnant; with a loud yell of happiness, he had picked her up and swung her around, prompting her to throw up all over his shirt and the carpet.

And now this morning, vodka and orange juice. A screwdriver. She needed the sharpness of the vodka to strengthen her resolve and solidify her courage. The orange juice would make her tears not as bitter and her words sweeter. Not that it would make a difference. 

Because five years, two children, and a trail of lies, failures, and broken promises later, today Riley Brooks was going to ask her husband for a divorce and sole custody of their children.

Tagging:  @jared2612​​​ @ao719​​​ @marietrinmimi​​​ @queenjilian​​​ @indiacater​​​ @kingliam2019​​​ @bebepac​​​ @liamxs-world​​​ @mom2000aggie​​​ @liamrhysstalker2020​​​ ​ @twinkleallnight​​​ @umccall71​​​ @superharriet​​​ @busywoman​​​ @gabesmommie1130​​​ @tessa-liam​​​ @beezm​​​ @gardeningourmet​​​ @lovingchoices14​​​ @mainstreetreader​​​ @angelasscribbles​​​ @lady-calypso​​​ @emkay512​​​ @princessleac1​​​ @charlotteg234​​​ @queenrileyrose​​​ @alj4890​​​ @yourfavaquarius111​​​ @motorcitymademadame​​​​ @queenmiarys​​ @walkerdrakewalker​

[alj4890]

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You

(Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis) in a Choices The Royal Romance Crackship AU

A/N The Ball at Olivia's has always been one of my favorite chapters in TRR canon. I love how Riley gets special time with everyone, we see the feelings between each character begin to change and become more intense, etc. And with everyone's reaction during the Cordonian Waltz, how could I not include it in this AU?

Masterlist

Chapter 3

Olivia's Ballroom...

"Why are you acting so weird?" Riley asked. "I don't think I've ever heard you speak this formally before."

Maxwell held his phone up to her ear and hit play.

She could clearly hear Bertrand's numerous reminders that Maxwell needed to be on his best behavior. He was a representative of not only their name but their very position in society, and that Bertrand would find out if Maxwell stepped one toe out of line manner wise.

Bubbly laughter escaped her lips.

"How many messages did he leave for you?" She asked.

"That makes fifty-three since this morning." Maxwell muttered.

"So what I'm hearing is that you and I can't cut loose and just have a ball at a ball?" She teased.

"Not tonight." He grinned at her. "Not if you want your favorite Beaumont to be your escort the rest of the season." He pointed to the windows, leaning even closer towards her to whisper. "I bet Bertrand knows where the best spots are to hide my body if I don't act like the proper spare to a dukedom."

Riley giggled some more. "We can't have that. I wouldn't survive without you!"

"Then I better be the best behaved noble here." He straightened his posture, bowed before her, then ruined the effect with a wink.

"I'll find you ladies later for a dance. I need to go to my table."

"Where are we sitting?" Riley asked.

"About that..." He winced while leading her to a seating chart. "Olivia put me at her table. But you and Hana are over here." He pointed at a spot on the very opposite side of the ballroom, tucked away in a corner.

"Hey look!" Riley pointed at another name. "At least we'll have Drake with us."

"I think Olivia meant it as a slight." Hana explained. "She must not think too highly of us to sit us way back there with him."

Riley shrugged it off. "I'm just happy to be here instead of a dungeon. I mean, look at this place. It's gorgeous!"

Maxwell and Hana shared a smile as Riley went on how exciting it was to see another ball. Her infectious optimism could lighten up any situation and he was grateful for it. No wonder he'd seen Hana and Drake hanging around her more and more as their days in Lythikos dragged on. Who wouldn't want to?

"I think our table will be known as the fun one before the night is through." Riley declared. "Sorry, Max."

"Don't be." He squeezed her hand. "I wish I could sit with you guys."

He sincerely did, not just for a chance to relax and cut loose, but because he dreaded what the next few hours would do to him while being forced to have an up close and personal view in Olivia's dogmatic pursuit of Liam.

A man could only stand for so long to see the one he wants most want someone else.

Dukes and duchess are always invited to the head tables. Why couldn't my ancestors suck at being a noble? Then maybe Bertrand would be a viscount. OOOH! Or a baron! Baron Beaumont. Baron Bertrand Beaumont. That has a nice ring to it. Alliteration is always awesome.

"We'll find a way for you to have fun too." Riley reassured him.

When she noticed some guests staring at them, she curtsied to him, keeping her hand in his. The sparkling ice blue gown she wore twinkled in the light, catching everyone's eye.

Maxwell chuckled softly, then pressed a kiss to her knuckles once she stood up.

"Thank you, my lady."

"See ya," she replied in a thicker than usual Brooklyn accent to make him smile, "My lord."

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

Olivia's lips thinned in a line as she observed Maxwell and Riley's behavior. She didn't think it cute the little parting they had before Riley was banished to no man's land. Her eyes remained on Maxwell until he turned towards her.

She then directed a charming smile towards her approaching prince.

"Good evening, your grace." Liam lifted her hand to his lips for a brief kiss. "You've outdone yourself once again in hosting the court."

"Thank you." She gestured to the place towards her right. "Won't you sit down?"

Liam did so, his gaze sweeping the number of guests mingling and finding their tables.

"I know as a prince I shouldn't have favorites, but I've always preferred your ballroom to any of the others in Cordonia.*

"You can thank my ancestor, Theodosia, for this." Olivia explained. "She was the only hopeless romantic in the family and deemed that a ballroom be constructed over one of the fighting pits at Lythikos."

"I think I would have approved of Theodosia's way of thinking." Liam's attention settled on Riley once he found her.

"From what I've read, she was an annoying woman who was obsessed with falling in love." Olivia rolled her eyes. "I doubt I could stomach her for five seconds. No true Nevrakis could be that soft."

"I don't believe falling in love or longing for it makes one soft." Liam argued, his attention unwavering upon the lady he believed he'd lost his heart to. "In my experience, it makes the person better in every single way."

Olivia studied his profile quietly.

Does love really have that power? I suppose it would if the person one fell in love with was someone like Liam. I don't know if the world can handle it if I become better than I already am once married to the love of my life.

She was snapped out of her musings when a familiar shadow fell over them.

"Your highness" Maxwell greeted with a bow, "your grace."

Liam's welcoming smile held both delight and a great deal of relief. "Are you sitting with us?"

"Yes." Maxwell cleared his throat. "Lady Olivia was gracious enough to sit me at your table in Bertrand's absence."

"Hmm," Olivia mused, "so formal, Lord Beaumont."

"I believe formality is required at these events. Do you disagree, your grace?" Maxwell sat down across from the pair.

She narrowed her eyes at him.

It seems the snack cakes didn't work on bringing the old Maxwell back. I'll never get anything out of him in the current state he's in.

"Surely, my lord, you will relent on propriety so that we can talk as old friends." Olivia summoned her most charming smile. "The three of us share so many memories."

"Four," Maxwell corrected. "You forgot Drake."

"I think one should do all they can to forget him." She replied.

"I think you managed to pull it off with where you decided to sit him." Maxwell mumbled under his breath.

Her eyes narrowed once more upon him.

Liam's chuckle reminded them both that he was at their table.

"Some things will never change." He explained when they both looked at him curiously. "Though it might be nice to see you and Drake finally bury the hatchet that's been between you for years."

"I'm more than happy to bury that hatchet in his thick skull." Olivia quipped. "Once I find where I left it."

Maxwell snorted. "There's some better weapon choices in your armory."

"I've always been partial to a flail." She added, genuinely smiling at Maxwell for the first time in days.

"It leaves an impression like no other." Maxwell grinned at her. "Literally and figuratively."

Olivia laughed, launching into a tale of one of her ancestor's prowess with that particular weapon.

"Perhaps we could change to a less gruesome topic of conversation." Liam cut in once bowls of steamy lobster bisque was set before them.

His companions eyed him in surprise. He had to suppress his laughter over the thought of how long these two could talk about weapons. If not for the lumpy, orangish red substance in front of him, he would have allowed the conversation to continue in graphic form.

He didn't need a visual representation of what a flail could do along with their added commentary.

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

Course after course was set before them. Olivia redirected the conversation each time to find ways to flirt with Liam. Though she had managed to catch a brief glimpse of the old Maxwell she once knew, he'd reverted back to being quiet and proper. She did her best to ignore him for the most part.

Liam, on the other hand, was doing his best to not only deflect her flirty comments but to also drag Maxwell into every new subject that was discussed.

Why, Maxwell silently cried out to the heavens, am I forced to have a front row seat for this?

Every touch Olivia gave Liam, every glance, every single compliment cut Maxwell to the quick. He knew before he ever sat down that this night would be the hardest of his life. He just hadn't anticipated it being this difficult.

He longed to interrupt them. He wanted to draw Olivia's attention back on himself. He needed her to look at him the way she did Liam. He knew the prince was handsome and practically perfect. The man deserved her attention because he was such a great guy.

But still...

Is it too much to ask to have one lady of the Court, one specific lady, be this way over me?

It might be. Who knew why he was so unlucky in love? He only knew his heart had been foolish enough to fall for someone who had fallen for someone else.

He eyed the cutlery when a plate of Olive Wagyu steak was set before him. The knife was looking more and more tempting as a means to ending his torment. Accidentally on purpose cutting himself would allow him a chance to escape.

Worst case scenario: after bleeding everywhere and freaking people out, he would have a cool scar to remind him of tonight.

Liam, being the epitome of politeness, pulled Maxwell's attention back from different body spots he could causally drop his knife on and survive when he complimented Olivia again on her choice of menu.

She lit up with pride each time the prince said he enjoyed something.

Maxwell did all he could to not simply stare at her.

His mind was refusing to work and help him find ways to keep his cool and with topics conversation. His imagination alone should have kicked into high gear and helped him out, but no, everything was against him tonight.

With a white knuckle grip, he cut into the perfectly prepared filet and did his best to ignore the pair in front of him.

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

When Maxwell heard the beginning of a Cordonian Waltz begin, he softly groaned. There wasn't a dance created that set the mood, romantically speaking, more so than this particular one. His nation would do something like this to him. Give the perfect chance to hold the one he desires close, yet have her ask someone else.

"My prince?" Olivia stood and offered her hand to Liam. "Shall we begin the ball?"

"I would be honored to, your grace." Liam led her to the middle of the ballroom.

"Who wouldn't be?" Maxwell muttered, tossing his napkin on the table.

He rubbed his hands over his face then forced himself to join the other nobles along the edge of the dance floor. Instead of watching Liam and Olivia, he sought out Riley.

"Hey!" She smiled at him. "How's it going?"

"Great!" He lied. "May I have the honor of your first dance this evening, my lady?"

Her lips trembled with a giggle she was fighting. "It is I who is honored, my lord."

Maxwell grinned at her. Taking her in his arms, his eyes widened over a thought.

"Umm," he swallowed nervously, "do you know the steps to this?"

"I do, thanks to Hana." Riley whispered. "A heads up from you would have been nice."

"I am so, so sorry." Maxwell moved her through the steps. "I guess I had other things on my mind."

"It's okay." Riley squeezed his hand. "Just, help a girl out next time, okay?"

"I will." He grinned at her again. "You're doing great, by the way "

"I know." She winked at him. "The word flawless comes to mind when I spin."

To prove her point, she twirled elegantly within his arms.

"You're right. Absolutely flawless." He told her. "Even Bertrand would be struck speechless with your gracefulness."

"I would have loved to have seen that. Remind me to do this dance in front of him one day." She teased.

"Will do." Maxwell promised.

"You know," Riley added as she rocked back and forth in his embrace, "this seems a little scandalous for your people. I didn't think nobles touched anything other than hands."

"All that pent up frustration is probably what caused this dance to become a hit." He joked. "A hand can only do so much for one's libido."

"Only if you're not using it right." She teased.

Maxwell bit back his laughter. "Ready to change partners?"

Riley glanced over at Liam. "You mean?"

"Yep." Maxwell twirled her into her prince's arms.

And ended up with Olivia in his.

He felt a jolt of electricity shoot through his body the moment her curves briefly brushed against him.

Olivia tilted her head at an angle as she looked at him.

"Is, uh, is something wrong?" He asked.

He could feel the sweat building up on his forehead.

"Yes." She replied. "I don't know what it is, but there is definitely something wrong here."

"Sounds vexing." He mumbled.

"Good lord, Maxwell!" She snapped. "Why are you still talking like this?!"

"Like what?" He asked.

"Like everyone else in our society!"

"Isn't that how we're supposed to act?" He grumbled. "Aren't we trained to mimic each other?"

"They might be prone to act that way, but you and I never once caved in to that type of thinking!" She pointed out. "You have been the only noble I could depend on to be an individual, like me, instead of part of their hive minds."

He twirled her into his arms, almost cuddling her close to his chest.

Olivia's gasp was involuntary. She tried to recall the last time she'd danced the Cordonian Waltz with him and came up blank.

She couldn't remember ever doing this with Maxwell, which had to be the reason she was noticing everything being this close to him.

She could feel the restrained strength of his muscular arms. She could smell the light splash of his Fragrance Dubois Heritage. It was almost intoxicating the clean, woodsy aroma mixed with his body heat. His warm breath grazing her lips while those ocean blue eyes of his stared into her own made her heart stutter.

I didn't feel like this in Liam's arms.

That stray thought snapped her back into why she was hosting this ball in the first place. It was for Liam. All she was doing was for a chance to be with him.

No matter how odd she felt in Maxwell's arms, there was only one goal tonight: get closer to Liam.

I would probably experience the same reaction if I danced with Tariq or some other person here, she argued with herself. I shouldn't be surprised to feel this way around Maxwell. I'm sure it's normal to notice every little detail when this close to someone.

"I don't think I'm that bad." Maxwell said.

"Huh?" Olivia wondered what he was talking about.

"I don't think I'm like the other nobles." He reiterated.

"The other nobles?" Her eyes focused on his mouth.

"You said I'm acting like them." He reminded her.

"Umhmm." She noticed the beginning of evening stubble darkening around his mouth and jawline.

He must have shaved this morning.

His lips began to curve, causing her to look up once more. She saw amusement in his face which made her pull away some from him. Her eyes narrowed upon his in parting then she twirled back to take her place in Liam's arms. Her temper was teetering on boiling over at having been swept away momentarily by Maxwell and in now seeing that Liam and Riley were completely lost in the other.

"Excuse me," she cleared her throat. "I believe Liam's my partner now."

The couple reluctantly let go of the other. Olivia watched as Riley returned to Maxwell, frowning even more so at their easy smiles of greeting. One would think they hadn't seen each other in a while the way they acted.

It was grating on her already frazzled nerves to see their closeness.

"I think your ball will be the hit of the season." Liam said, noticing all the nobles enjoy themselves.

Olivia looked up at him. Her frown eased hearing what she knew to be true.

"They usually are." She boasted.

The moment the complicated twirl within his arms came, she knew the time was right to finally make her move. Without any hesitation, she closed the few inches of distance and kissed Liam.

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

All color drained from Maxwell's face the moment it happened. His jaw dropped. A strange, buzzing sound filled his ears. He couldn't tell what Riley was saying to him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her turn to see what had put him into shock.

She somehow remained quiet. Her brow furrowed in thought as she watched what had drawn every eye in the room.

Kiara's gasp of outrage nearby helped bring Maxwell out of his stupor.

He wasn't certain how his mind cleared enough to act with precision. Somehow his body moved Riley away from the heart breaking spectacle, and into an empty corner.

Riley's attention was still on Liam and Olivia. She seemed to breathe a touch easier once Liam gently but firmly pushed the duchess away. Once the two left to talk privately, Riley turned towards Maxwell.

"You okay?" He asked.

"No. Not really." She mumbled. "It was stupid of me to think I'm the only one he's kissing. Liam's probably making out with every woman here."

"He's not that kind of guy." Maxwell gently grasped her arms. "Trust me. He isn't the kind to kiss every girl he can. Now if Leo was still the crown prince, then it would be a different story."

He lifted his eyes towards the door that Liam and Olivia disappeared behind.

"Olivia was the one to initiate that kiss."

"So?" Riley folded her arms. "I usually do the same with Liam."

Her brow furrowed with both anger and self loathing.

"Dammit! I'm going to stop throwing myself at Liam to see if what we have really is special. I bet he's been laughing at me every time I leave."

"Hey!" Maxwell grasped her arms once more and gave her a little shake. "Don't even start thinking like that! Liam doesn't do those kinds of things. If he's meeting you in private, you can bet you're the only one."

Riley bit down on her bottom lip. "I hate this competition."

"It isn't a competition." He lowered his head until he was eye level with her. "Not with you in it."

Her lips eased into a grateful smile. "How do you always manage to turn my doubts into hope?"

"It's a gift." He shrugged, grinning at her. "Now, how about we do some strategizing?"

"You mean, grab Liam and make out in front of everyone once he comes back inside?"

Maxwell started laughing. How often had he thought of doing something outrageous like that with Olivia?

"Maybe we'll put that as Plan B. Plan A is to gain you some needed support amongst the other ladies of the court."

He nodded towards where Kiara was furiously whispering to all who would listen about Olivia's behavior.

"Oh. But why would she support me? We're competing for the same man." Riley asked.

"Kiara's the kind who uses logic. She knows her chances aren't as great as others, so she'll want to get in the good graces of Cordonia's future queen. She has plans to be used in diplomatic endeavors for Cordonia more so than to win Liam." He explained.

"I see." She straightened her shoulders and did her best not to look like she'd had the rug pulled out from under her. "Okay. Here goes nothing."

Maxwell watched with pride as Riley made her way over. Seeing Kiara's frown leave in the midst of their conversation let him know all was going well.

He was finally able to allow his shattered heart to take over.

He slumped against the wall and lowered his head in his hands.

She kissed him. How can I possibly compete with Liam after this?

Maxwell straightened from his spot. He decided to do some more observing once he saw Liam make a beeline for Riley.

He dropped his hands and let his head fall back against the wall while failing to see a way forward. All his plans seemed pointless now that Olivia knew what Liam's kiss felt like. As great as the prince was in everything he did, Maxwell was pretty sure that he excelled in all romantic endeavors.

He was one of the first to notice when the pair return. Liam's features were in a carefully, calm mask while Olivia's expressive face revealed confusion and was that...disappointment?

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

A few hours later...

Olivia had never been more thankful to finally be alone in her room. It surprised her how tired she felt once the ball ended. She knew the reason why she was exhausted, yet couldn't quite accept it.

Why did Liam refuse to see they were meant for each other?

As she began to pull the pins out that held her hair up, she replayed their conversation after she kissed him.

"Olivia, I don't quite know how to say this," Liam began.

She beamed at him. She knew this was when he would say he'd been in love with her for years too. He'd only been waiting on the proper moment to tell her. He would probably say he was grateful she'd taken the initiative.

"But we shouldn't kiss."

"What?" She blinked at him.

He hesitated.

"Olivia, I am supposed to give every lady here a chance."

"Come on, Liam." She rolled her eyes. "Are you honestly telling me you're giving serious thought to making someone like Penelope your queen?"

"I have to." He told her.

"Look, I understand you believe you have to, but we both know I'm your only choice. The best one, to say the least."

"Olivia, you're one of my oldest friends." Liam tried to find a way to make her understand without hurting her. "I care greatly for you and I would never want to hurt you, but..."

"But?" She prodded when his voice dropped off.

"But, I've only ever felt friendship towards you." He admitted.

She waived that off. "This is the first time you've allowed yourself to think differently. I'm sure you'll soon come to feel as I do."

"Olivia, I--"

"Besides, it is past time that everyone else sees our potential." She added. "No need for them to have their hopes up."

He shook his head. A muscle spasmed in his jaw as he tried to find a way to make her see he had no desire for her.

"You cannot kiss me again." Liam stated in an unusually hard tone. "Not in public nor in private."

"Liam, don't you see--"

Her jaw dropped as he bowed his head to her, offered his arm, then declared that they needed to return to the ballroom.

"No need to draw more attention to ourselves by lingering out here." He told her. "We will not discuss what happened on the dance floor again."

Olivia took his arm and quietly returned to the ball.

She hadn't particularly liked him deciding they wouldn't talk anymore about it.

Maybe he needs time to get used to the idea. If he has only seen me as a childhood friend, then it might take him longer to see me as a woman.

A knock at her door made her heart leap. She knew it must be Liam. He would want to check on her after all that happened. Maybe even tell her he had a change of heart.

She opened it, her smile disappearing at the sight of Maxwell standing there.

"Hey." He swallowed. "I, um, I..."

"You what?" She demanded.

"I wanted to check on you."

"And why would I need to be checked on?" She asked, folding her arms. "Tonight was a success. Surely, even you saw that."

He slipped his hands in his pockets, propped his shoulder against her doorframe, and lowered his eyes.

"Liv, I saw the kiss."

She stilled. She had a feeling she wasn't going to like what else he saw.

"And I saw what happened once you two came back to the ballroom." He lifted his eyes to hers. "I wish..."

She cocked an eyebrow in silent question.

"I wish you hadn't gotten hurt." He said softly.

"Hurt?" She scoffed at the notion. "Why would I be hurt? I kissed the man I loved tonight."

Maxwell's eyebrows drew together.

"How did it feel?" He asked.

"Excuse me?" She snapped.

"How did it feel?" He repeated. "Was it everything you'd imagined?"

Her lips parted as she thought about it.

While she'd infused every bit of her heart in the kiss, Liam's lips had remained firm and unyielding. There was no response, not even one of curious desire.

It was nothing like the many daydreams she'd spent years on.

Maxwell sighed softly. "You deserve to have a kiss that makes your knees weak."

She snorted in derision. "That's not real."

"It is!" He argued. "When you're kissed by someone who loves you, who wants you more than he's ever wanted anyone in his life, every part of your body comes alive. Your heart feels like it will beat out of your chest. Your mind seizes with the thought of how much you want them. You can't pull them close enough. You feel like you could kiss them forever and you're certain if you stop for a single moment that you'll probably die. You need them, their touch, the feel of their lips, like you need air."

He lifted his hand to her cheek, catching her off guard.

"That's what it's like to be kissed by someone who loves you."

Maxwell leaned closer while dropping his hand, his eyes locked upon hers. "So did you feel any of that when Liam kissed you?"

Olivia refused to answer.

"I didn't think so." Maxwell mumbled. "I knew something was up when you came back to the ballroom. You should have been on cloud nine after that kiss if it had been done right."

"So what, are you some kissing expert all of the sudden?" She snapped. "Who are you to assume it wasn't all that and more?"

His eyes narrowed.

She stepped closer, poking her finger in his chest. "Trust me. It might not be perfect now, but it will be. Once Liam chooses me, everything will line up with your version of a kiss."

"You think so?" He asked.

"I know so." She huffed. "There's no one like Liam."

"That's true." He swallowed. "Still..."

"What?" Olivia glared at him.

"Perhaps you should kiss someone else, just to prove that Liam is the one." He offered.

Her laughter held a bitter edge. "I don't need proof. I've known he was the one since I was five years old."

"Have you kissed anyone, other than Liam?"

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Of course I have."

"And did those do anything for you?" Maxwell hoped she said no.

"Not particularly." She replied.

He released a relieved breath. "Good."

"Good? Why is that--"

Olivia gasped when he slipped his arm around her waist. Her eyes widened when his free hand slipped into her hair. She knew in the back of her mind that she could easily escape this simple embrace. Lord knows, she knew at least ten moves that would have him flipped over her shoulder lying prostrate on the ground.

Something though, she supposed it was curiosity, kept her from doing so. Instead of reacting in her usual manner, she waited to see what he would do next.

Her eyelashes fluttered closed with the first tender brush of his lips on hers. The almost uncertain coaxing for them to part and allow him to truly kiss her sent a brief jolt to her body.

Feeling like she ought to at least allow him to do this to prove him wrong, she opened her mouth and ended up sinking against him.

A low moan escaped her as his tongue tangled with hers. Her hands moved up his chest so that her fingers could slip into his hair.

One of his hands moved to grip her hip, pulling her even closer. He wrapped a few of her loose, red locks around his fist, keeping her head at the perfect angle.

His moan followed hers as he dipped down to kiss along her neck.

Her breath caught in her throat when he returned back to her mouth with intense purpose.

Each suck, nibble, and full exploration of her lips made her restlessly move against him.

"Maxwell." She mumbled against his mouth before he pressed her against the wall.

Her eyes widened as his blatant desire for her notched hers beyond what she'd experienced before. She knew it was crazy, but she wanted more, more of him, his touch, everything.

"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" He asked, breathing heavily against her mouth.

She shook her head, leaning forward to kiss him.

He moaned, reaching down to lift her leg over his hip.

"Don't st--" she covered her mouth when she heard the click of a door being opened.

Maxwell pressed his face against her neck, willing himself to be silent.

The two watched Tariq, oblivious to them in the shadows, head towards the stairs.

Olivia sagged against Maxwell, nearly falling to the ground.

"That was close." He whispered.

"Too close." She placed a shaky hand on his chest to keep him from kissing her again. "It's late. We should probably turn in."

Maxwell nodded, his throat convulsing as if holding in his denial.

"Sleep well, Liv." He forced himself to step away from her.

She watched him until he returned to his room. She stood there a little longer afterwards to try and calm her racing mind in the dark hallway.

When she moved towards her room, she realized her trembling legs meant one thing that she absolutely refused to accept.

Her knees had gone weak.

[masked-alien-lesbian]

Hana and Raelyn Masterlist

Beautiful commission done by the talented @sazanes

Commissions and Requests

Mermaid Hana x Surfer Raelyn done by @sazanes

Chibi mermaid Hana x surfer Raelyn done by @sazanes

Hana x Raelyn Tango done by @sazanes

Chibi version of Hana x Raelyn Tango by @sazane

@sazanes Hana x Raelyn Kiss

Hana facial expression done by @hydn-jpg

Wedding Portrait of Hana x Raelyn done by @mrgabel

First Look at Raelyn - done by @hsslilly-blog

Assassins at the Homecoming Ball - art done by @sazanes story by me!

Proposal ❤️❤️❤️ - chibi Hana proposing to Raelyn ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Picrew Results

Hana x Raelyn kissing

Hana x Raelyn napping as kids

A Redo of TRR series introducing Riley & Raelyn

Hana Meets the Twins (Riley and Raelyn)

A Bouquet For An Angel

Random HC on Hana x Raelyn and Verity x Aislinn

More Stories

Cordonian Bake-Off AU

A Build-A-Bear Date Kids AU

Eurochocolate

Teas of the Past & Present

A Day with Marguerite Thorne - COP crossover

Wood Nymph Hana - An arranged marriage short

Lady Hana x Pirate Captain Raelyn

Princess Hana x Soldier Raelyn

HCs

Hana x Raelyn as werewolves

Hana's Ideal Wedding

Hana's Relationship & Home HC

Hana's Past & Future Romances HC

Hana's own duchy concept

The Duchess Scandal- TDA redo

Edits

Mermaid Hana

Wolf Warrior Hana

Short Hair Hanas

For the Lady's Favor - A Medieval Raelyn x Hana

Light Priestess Hana x Ashen Raelyn - Blades of Light and Shadow crossover

Anointment Photoshoot Redo

Gratitude Ball Outfits Redo

Immortal Desires crossover

Ranch Owner Daughter Hana x Ranch Hand Raelyn AU

Hana wearing Crowns

The Royal Heart/The Cursed Romance - TCH crossover

Hana as the Winged Beast - TCH crossover

The Cursed Heart crossover

The Cursed Heart 2 crossover

Kindred crossover

Wake the Dead crossover

Vampire Hana and Alien Hana

Trend's Engagement Photoshoot

Demon and Angel Hanas

Bad Girl Hana AU edit/mood board

Hana at the Regatta

Hana at the Royal Derby

Hana properly dressed for Lythikos

One Night in Cordonia- A Roommates with Benefits crossover

Guardian Angel Hana x Raelyn

Hana x Raelyn Foreign Affairs edit

Firefighter Raelyn x Hana HOF concept edit

Firefighter Raelyn with scars and tattoos

Infiltrating the Via Imperii

The Friend group as the Via Imperii

The Friend group at prom- HSS crossover

The Friend group and their extracurricular activities-HSS crossover

The Friend group waiting on the twins-HSS crossover

Hana as Wonder Woman x Raelyn as Blue Jay @korgbelmont edit

A Stroll at Midnight- Hana and Raelyn in Love, Sin, and Evil outfits

Night and Stars Deity and Goddess concept - using RC assets

Hana the Goddess of Storms - Using Heaven's Secret 2 assets

Across the Void - Alien Raelyn x Scientist Hana

Skyrim x TRR crossover - Dragonborn Twins

Ghost Raelyn

Playlists

A Punk/Goth/Grunge Hana x Raelyn

Message in a Bottle

Hana's Relationships Playlist

Mood boards

A Darker Possessive Hana AU mood board

Hana, her spouse and the baby mood board

Hana Character Appreciation mood board

Hana Appreciation mood board 2

Random

A Face claim for Hana

Hana in the Sims World

Hana's trading card

Hana's Pop doll vinyl

Hana and Raelyn's wedding pop dolls

Hana TDG title cards

Hana and Annabelle Immortal Desires concept

[kingliamappreciationweek]

KLAW MASTERLIST - PART 2

(this poster is by the incredible @sazanes!)

Find Part 1 of the KLAW 2023 Masterlist here!!)

--

DAY 5 - FRIENDSHIPS/RELATIONSHIPS/AU

Friendships

Art

Liam & Blaine On The Rooftop by @/artbyainna, commissioned by @ao719

Fanfic

Friendship by @angelasscribbles

October Weekend Retreat by @tessa-liam

Movie Nights in Valtoria from Hinge by @angelasscribbles

Panty Hawk by @sincerelyella

A Glimpse of Us by @noesapphic

Relationships

Art

A Kiss in the Garden Maze by @sazanes, commissioned by @dragonknightofsummerset

Maze Tag by @sazanes, commissioned by @dragonknightofsummerset

Chibi Liam and Anastasia by @sazanes, commissioned by @dragonknightofsummerset

Liam Proposes to Reyna by @pilitella, commissioned by @ao719

Drake Comforts Liam by @/artbyainna, commissioned by @deb-1106

Liam and Sophie: The Cordonian Waltz by @sazanes

Character Appreciation

Liam's Forehead Touches by @dragonknightofsummerset

Edit

Marquise, Shanelle and their kids by @khoicesbyk (including a commissioned artwork by @pilitella)

Fanfic

Pride: A Lavender and Crimson One-Shot by @angelasscribbles

First Skirmish - Ch 2 of Royal Retribution by @angelasscribbles

Complicated by @angelasscribbles

The Start of Forever by @liaromancewriter

Skipping Across the Pond by @bebepac

Vivid Memories by @lorirwritesfanfic

AU

Art

Liam the History Teacher by @cassiopeiacorvus

"Let's At Least Give Them Something To Talk About" by @/artbyainna, commissioned by @txemrn

Character Appreciation

Liam as a Friend, Lover and in an AU by @cassiaallen

Fanfic

Hands Down - Prologue by @sfb123

Savage Love - Prologue by @angelasscribbles

Ch 1 and 22 of Bad Romance by @angelasscribbles

Moodboard

Liam from Black Silk by @aussiegurl1234

Video

Reel Edit of Prologue: A Shadow in the Dark by @txemrn

--

If we have missed out on anyone's entries, please do let us know and we will add it asap! Also here is last year's KLAW Masterlist!!)

[angelasreblogs]

Master List Organization Poll

I would love to have everyone's input on master list organization. I have a lot of content and my ideas of how to most efficiently present it keep changing.

I used to have a short paragraph/blurb for each story out to the side of the title. Now I just have bullet pointed lists of titles under categories (ie, “collabs”, “Poly stories”, etc).

I used to have things sorted into multiple master lists, then put them all in one place for simplicity then moved them again, sorting into several blogs each with its own master list: TRR Scribbles, TRR Poly, TRR One Shots, TRR Bad Romance. On these blogs, you will find them further divided by category, but all shown on the same page/list.

I’m wondering what works best for the readers. When you go looking for content, which format do you prefer?

Examples

Ex 1 List of stories with blurbs:

Insurrection: Riley isn’t what anyone thought she was. Her actions set off a civil war in Cordonia. Eidolon: Construction in the four-hundred-year-old throne room awakens an ancient evil. Unexpected Max has an inappropriate fixation on Riley. Dark Elf: Liam Rys is unpleased that his human half has left him not quite immortal. He has a plan to correct that. American Girl: Riley, Drake, and Liam grew up in a small town in North Texas. High school graduation scatters the three lifelong friends and shakes up their respective relationships.

Ex 2, same as one but divided into categories

Paranormal: Eidolon: Construction in the four hundred year old throne room awakens an ancient evil. Dark Elf: Liam Rys is unpleased that his human half has left him not quite immortal. He has a plan to correct that. Non-Royal Au's: American Girl: Riley, Drake, and Liam grew up in a small town in North Texas. High school graduation scatters the three lifelong friends and shakes up their respective relationships. Drake x Riley Stories My Best Friends Girl: Drake Walker struggles to contain feelings he shouldn't be having as he finds himself falling for the same girl as his best friend. Star Crossed: Drake Walker meets the woman of his dreams the night before his best friend's wedding but there's a major obstacle.

EX 3 Title only, one long list

Three Weeks in Ramsford

Complicated

Hinge

The Proposal

The Agreement

Forbidden Passion

Savage Love

Royal Retribution

The De Facto Queen

Victim of Love

Ex 4 Title only, divided into subcategories but still all on ONE master list

Riley x Drake:

My Best Friend's Girl

Lavender and Crimson

Star Crossed

A Fervid Fixation

American Girl

Riley x Liam

Insurrection

Other Pairings:

In Your Room Drake x Leo

The Crown and the Shield Jackson x Constantine

Broken Jackson x Eleanor

Leo & Liv Leo x Olivia

Collaborations:

Mardi Gras Mayhem

One Step Ahead

One Night in Cordonia

Cordonian Royal Airlines

Ex 5: The way it is now, links to separate blogs/ML. Stories are divided into broad categories (each of the below links leads to a separate master list where stories are then sorted into further categories but all on the same page/list)

IE: You click on one of these and when you go to that page, you see ex 4 above. ex 4 is what you get when you click on TRR Scribbles here.

Why Choose? Poly/RH stories.

TRR Scribbles: Mono pairings

Law's End: A crime procedural

One-Shots: TRR one-shots

Visuals: Art, edits, etc.

Extras: other TRR stuff

Ex 6: The way it is now, links to separate blogs/ML but with paragraphs/blurbs giving a brief description of the story. So organized like ex 5 but when you get to the ML, instead of title only, there would be blurbs like in ex 1.

Ok, was that clear as mud? If you understand all that and have an opinion, I would love to have your feedback!!!

Tagging under the cut. Thank you all in advance for your help!

@karahalloway, @harleybeaumont @nestledonthaveone @alj4890 @aussiegurl1234

@walkerdrakewalker @kingliam2019 @twinkleallnight @lovingchoices14  @tinkie1973 @secretaryunpaid @irishgrl2022

@queen-arabella-of-cordonia @kristinamae093 @tessa-liam

@differenttyphoonwerewolf @queenmiarys @emersyn-in-cordonia

 @bascmve01 @twinkle-320 @mattiematt1234 @jared2612

@dcbbw  @amandablink @indiacater  @bebepac

@lunaseasblog @belencha77  @gabesmommie1130

@hollygirl1269 @mainstreetreader

@ladyangel70 @ohmyeightpastlives  @gardeningourmet

@sillydg @phoenixrising0308

@3pawandme @21-wishes @73geenalove @jennieausten

@princessleac1 @kachrisberry @tornbetween2loves

@fangirling12566  @pinklipsandmasonjars @savannahdix

[xxrainbow-princessxx]

Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 1

Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.

TW: Cursing, Implied Violence, Violence, Implied 🍋

Tagging: @lorirwritesfanfic @drakewalkerfantasy @rainbowsinthestorm

@lorircreates @beyondsimsreality @kimmiedoo5 @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @secretaryunpaid @rafasgirl23415

“Look who’s back in town…” Liam grinned as he threw down the folded morning newspaper in front of Leo who was already in an Italian cut navy dress suit. His sea green eyes narrowed slightly as he read the headline article, ‘Exiled Crown Princess, Isabella Beaumont-Sánchez to take up Honorary Professor role at Cordonia University’ followed by taking in the professional headshot of the Laurentian beauty who looked no different to how she did when he last saw her at 21.

“At 26…” Liam cleared his throat, “She’s done pretty well for herself…” Leo pursed his lips in silence remembering the last time he saw her, how she ghosted him and how when his world fell apart - she wasn’t there to save him, save them. Lifting his coffee, Leo sighed before taking in the strong aroma, letting the warm liquid soothe his otherwise cold demeanour and with a grumble, he pushed the newspaper out of the way, “So fucking what…” The younger Rys son was taken back slightly at his brother’s reaction, he had loved this woman; she was on a pedestal and the main reason none of Leo’s relationships ever worked out but now she was here, in arms reach - he barely reacted at all. “Leo…” Liam tried to reason with him but was immediately cut off, “Brother…” Leo grunted, “I am warning you, one more word on the subject and I will personally cut out your vocal chords…”

A few weeks had passed. The former Crown Prince, now a well known mobster, found himself staring at his bedroom ceiling most nights lying in bed in his Valtorian mansion. He couldn’t forget what they had, what they were willing to sacrifice for each other to now not even uttering a simple hello or gesture. Leo blamed the Via Imperii for his lost love but once he too had been exiled and the Cordonian Kingdom overthrown, he tried to reach out again but his attempts remained unanswered. Did he really want to find out the truth or would the truth be too much to bear? To Leo, she was the only part of him that was still good, everything else was gone long ago. He was cold, calculating and no matter what he tried to feel something, it had no effect until he saw that picture Liam had shown him a few weeks earlier. After that, his body stung, every pain he locked away seemed to almost re-emerge all at once. “Fuck it” Leo grunted as he rolled over, punching his pillow to make it more comfortable, “Anything can’t be worse than this…”

The following afternoon, Leo had business to attend in the capital. “Does that sounds amenable sir?” Leo’s assistant spoke but Liam and Drake knew something was up, watching as Leo kept staring off out the boardroom meeting room, “We’ll come back on that…” Liam interjected, “Thank you Sofie, I can take it from here…” before Leo signed off something he might later regret his answer to and Liam wasn’t willing to take the wrap on something that when Leo came to that he would be pissed about. “I need some fresh air…” the former Crown Prince mumbled under his breath. Placing his heavily tattooed hands on the table, he pushed himself upwards, pulling his dark woollen coat around him. Turning up his coat collar and shoving his hands into his pockets, Leo walked where his heart took him, passing through the crowds who unknowingly were brushing shoulders with the mafia boss. It was only when Leo finally looked up, he found himself across the street from the University. “Fucking now or never I guess…” Leo shrugged, as he walked across the street.

It didn’t take him long to find out if Isabella was there or not; the packed lecture theatre gave it away. He slipped in quietly, hiding in the shadows as he watched her work. “But your Royal Highness, surely it is not fitting for someone of your stature to discuss economic growth in a democracy? Particularly when the democracy you were brought up in, it was your own family who created such laws?” Isabella’s eyes searched the theatre, her dark chocolate brown eyes narrowed slightly as she found her heckler. “There’s a few things I believe Señor that is important to have corrected - Please do not refer to me in any Royal regard, my name is Isabella Sánchez, so in this class, Ms. Sánchez is appropriate. Secondly, the Kingdom that I lived in may have been presided by a Royal family who were involved heavily in the decision making process, but there was an autonomous government in place to look out for the people… today, that Kingdom does not have said government and is ruled by one group of people - but that is a discussion for your European History classes, not mine…”

Without a blink, the petite brunette continued her presentation and no one else dared interrupt. If they had, Leo would have had their card marked immediately. He could feel her presence in the room, she was as captivating as she was all those years ago. Her posture and demeanour commanded respect even if she was no better than a commoner these days. Each word that she spoke, each syllable uttered, had authority. The former Crown Prince slowly began to smirk as he recalled the many times he and the Laurentian beauty found themselves after an argument in each others arms; Leo even admitted starting the argument just to have Isabella all riled up. Watching her pace from door to door as she spoke in her trademark 4” stiletto heels made Leo feel something; it wasn’t much but something. He was once completely infatuated by this woman; now she was an enigma to him. “Read up on the next few chapters…” Isabella spoke in her thick Laurentian accent that rolled off of her tongue as the lights in the theatre switched on.

Flicking through her notes, Isabella marked where she stopped, closing up her textbooks as the students filed out of the lecture hall; she didn’t notice the figure standing opposite her until he cleared his throat, “I think I prefer how Laurentian politics is governed now, more Cordonian in nature, don’t you think?” The former Crown Princess sucked in her cheeks at the distasteful comment before raising her head. Her almond shaped eyes widened in shock as her gaze met his, “Leo… I…” she stuttered, “What are you doing here?” The tall, sandy haired Cordonian raised his brow, “Surely it should be you answering that question, rather than me…” The Laurentian beauty’s expression softened as her eyes gazed upon the man she loved all her life. His tattooed skin told a story, each etching a different verse of the last eight years. “I needed a job…” Isabella finally cracked, “I’m sorry that’s it’s here…” Leo leaned over the table that separated them both with a mischievous smirk, “It’s rude for guests to just drop in without calling first…”

Closing the gap between them. Isabella didn’t flinch at Leo’s remark, she wasn’t afraid of him; no matter what he had become or what he had done. She wasn’t blind to his newly found reputation but hoped that what they had would keep her safe at least for now. Slowly, the petite brunette closed over the books she had with a smile, placing each one on top of the other. “It’s always good to see you Leo…” the older Rys brother moved to block in the former Crown Princess with a grin, “Have dinner with me…” he darkly chuckled, “Remind you of a little Cordonian hospitality…” Isabella pursed her lips, “I have prior commitments Señor… I must decline…” The sandy haired Cordonian clicked his tongue in annoyance, “What…?” How dare she even assume it was a no. “Bella…” Leo tilted his head to the left slightly until they heard a third voice in the background, “I… I am sorry, I didn’t realise that you were busy Ms. Sánchez…” but before Isabella could reply back, two girls in matching uniforms, their hair braided the exact same way and both looking like a clone of their mother burst through the door.

“Mama!” They happily chirped, “Come on! We’re going to be late for Ice Skating!” Isabella slowly nodded with a wry smile, conscious of her audience, “Sí, mi querida… of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world…” ‘Mama?’ Everything was going so fast for Leo to comprehend what was unfolding in front of him. One of the girls looked up at him, her eyes narrowing as if she knew him from somewhere. They were both carbon copies of their mother, except for their striking hazel eyes and their hair a shade or two lighter. Isabella held them close to her, her arms across their chests as Leo took a step back, “Prior commitment… ah I see…” his gaze returning to the little girl who stared him down, “…well darlin’ enjoy your ice skating…” he began to smile warmly, shoving is hands once again into his pockets as those sea green eyes became lost, free falling almost in dark chocolate, “…We should take a rain check Ms. Sánchez…” As Leo walked away, Natalia pulled on her mother’s arm, “Mama… who was that man?” Isabella slowly rubbed the crown of her daughter’s head for comfort, “I knew him once upon a time mi amor, nothing to worry about…”

Later that evening, Liam found Leo outside with a cigarette, cradling a double measured whiskey. “You seem to be in a better mood…” the younger Rys brother brought his own drink to his lips, waiting for some type of acknowledgement. “I saw her today…” Leo finally spoke before taking another drag. Liam nodded, patiently waiting; not knowing if Leo would even discuss the subject further. “She looked good…” he mumbled, “…had two kids hangin’ off of her… some sorry sap got caught up, y’know?” Liam raised his brow in question, “How old were they?” The former Crown Prince simply shrugged, “Old enough to form sentences? Hell, how the fuck am I meant to know?” Sighing heavily, Liam knew he had to ask, cautiously playing devil’s advocate having known Isabella - it wasn’t in her nature to play around, unlike Leo. “Is there any possibility they could be yours?” but the question aggravated Leo even further, his whole body tightened at the insinuation.

With a clenched jaw, the older Rys brother spat back, “She would have fucking told me! That’s not shit you keep to yourself, Bella told me everything!” Reaching out, Liam patted his brother’s shoulder in comfort as Leo sighed heavily, his sea green eyes finally meeting Liam’s, “They went ice skating…” he finally cracked a very small smile through that cold exterior. Memories that he had pushed to the side for years kept flooding back to him; flashbacks of when he brought the petite brunette ice skating in Lythikos, spending evenings in the ski chalets cuddled up to one another by the fire. As Leo looked toward the distance one more, Liam squeezed his hand that still rested on his brother’s shoulder, “Brother…” he chimed, “You should speak with her… I can do some digging if you wish? Give Amalas a call?” but Leo just shook his head, “No need… Isabella can tell me herself when she’s ready…” he grunted as Liam nodded in acknowledgment. It was the first time in years that Liam had saw Leo have some form of human emotion. He always wanted to be a father, but no woman ever lived up to the unknown expectation of them. A few dates here and there but nothing serious, living up to his playboy persona but underneath it all; no one came close to what he wanted because he only wanted her.

[deb-1106]

Forever

Chapter 4

Rating: NSFW  (This Series contains mature themes, depictions of sexual acts including m/m, m/f, and m/m/f, and coarse language)

Pairing: Drake x Liam, Drake x Riley

Author’s Note: This series is set in an AU where Liam and Drake are in love with one another and there was never a conspiracy against Riley.  This has enough drama without all that Canon nonsense.  :)

Word Count:  5543 (sorry - this one was LONG)

Riley stood in front of her vanity, studying her reflection as she pressed her fingertips lightly over the dark, puffy circles under her eyes.  She hadn’t gotten much sleep last night and it showed. Instead of the blissful, dreamless sleep she’d grown accustomed to since arriving in Cordonia, she’d lain awake in her bed, tossing and turning into the early morning hours, as the events of last night played over and over in her head.

Liam was in love with Drake.  They were in love with each other.  

She felt a fresh wave of pain course through her and closed her eyes, clutching at the sides of the vanity as her legs threatened to buckle beneath her.

Everything in her wanted to run away, to go back to the comfort and security of her boring mundane life in New York.  At this moment, waiting on drunken Frat boys with wandering hands was preferable to being here in Cordonia, desperately in love with two men, both of whom had been lying to her since the day they’d met.

She thought back to that night.  It had been Drake that caught her eye first.  He was tall, hot and brooding, definitely her type. But he’d been so standoffish and borderline rude that she’d immediately turned her attention to Liam, who had been, as always, a perfect gentleman. He was attentive and engaging and extremely easy on the eyes.  They’d spent the evening talking and laughing and she remembered never wanting it to end.  When he’d told her his one regret was not seeing the Statue of Liberty before he went back home, she knew she’d do whatever it took to make sure his wish was granted.  She remembered how her heart swelled as she watched his eyes light up with a child's excitement the moment he saw Lady Liberty for the first time.  She’d fallen in love with him right then and there.  He was kind and affectionate and so incredibly passionate.  She still felt a tingle of excitement when she remembered how they’d made love for the first time in the hedge maze under the stars.

But still, there was Drake.  He was always close by with his sarcastic remarks and his cynical nature.  He was so infuriatingly distant...until he wasn’t.  Somehow, by luck or by chance or maybe just pure stubbornness, she’d broken through his barriers and been rewarded with one of his incandescent smiles that made her feel like she’d won the lottery.  Liam had been so busy with his royal duties...and with the other suitors...that she hadn’t seen very much of him since arriving in Cordonia.  But Drake had been there.  They’d shared their deepest thoughts over aged whiskey more times than she could count.  She didn’t know exactly when it happened, but she’d fallen hard for him.  

Until last night, her heart had been torn between them.  She’d thought that having to choose between these two vastly different but equally incredible men was going to be the hardest decision she’d ever have to make.  

Oh, how wrong she’d been.

The sound of laughter floated through her windows, carried by the late morning breeze.

Riley stood and made her way to the balcony, throwing open the french doors as she stepped outside.  Below she saw people milling about on the lawn, enjoying the beautiful Cordonian weather.  She heard laughter again and turned to see Drake, Maxwell, Liam and Bastien, all dressed casually in athletic shorts and t-shirts kicking a ball around.

Liam had the ball trapped under one foot as he faced Drake.  Drake was grinning, wiggling his fingers tauntingly at Liam as if to say “Come on.”

Suddenly Liam darted forward, pivoting quickly to the right, as he tried to get the ball past Drake.  But Drake was too quick.  Before Liam knew what hit him, he was flat on his back and Drake and the ball were heading in the opposite direction.

She watched Drake walk back to him, laughing as he offered Liam a hand up.  Riley dissolved into giggles when Liam in turn flipped Drake to the ground and stood laughing down at him.

Scowling, Drake got to his feet.  Liam reached out to ruffle his hair and got a sharp shove in the chest for his efforts.  Undaunted, Liam hooked his arm around Drakes neck until he got a begrudging smile out of him.

This sort of interaction was something Riley had seen from them dozens of times, and she’d never thought anything of it. She’d always known that they had a close bond, she just hadn’t guessed the extent of it.  But as she watched them together, she could easily picture what she’d always assumed was brotherly affection turning more intimate.  And rather than anger her, it warmed her.  They loved each other.  She loved them.  

The question was...did they love her?

Riley dabbed some concealer under her eyes, pulled her hair into a messy bun and threw on a pair of leggings and a loose off the shoulder sweater before heading outside.  She needed to find them, talk to them, and figure out what, if anything the future might hold for them.

Liam, Drake, Maxwell and Bastien sprawled under the shade of an enormous Oak Tree as they guzzled bottles of water.  

“So…” Liam began hesitantly, “You spoke to Riley last night?”

“I sure did.”  Maxwell’s eyes grew wide and he shuddered slightly, “Boy was she mad!”

Drake unconsciously rubbed his hand across his mouth, “Yeah, no kidding.”

“But don’t worry.”  He said with a triumphant smile.  “I talked her out of leaving.”

“Leaving?!” Drake and Liam chorused.

“Oh yeah.��  Maxwell plucked a blade of grass and pressed it between his thumbs, blowing softly until it whistled.  “She had her suitcases out and was half packed when I showed up.”

Liam leaned back against the tree trunk with a deep sigh, “I certainly can’t blame her.”

“Hey!” Maxwell said suddenly indignant “Why didn’t you guys ever tell me that you...well, you know...”

“Mostly cause it’s none of your fucking business.” Drake muttered.

Liam raised his brows in surprise, “Really Maxwell, you didn’t know?”

“Nope.”

“Seriously?” Bastien let out a bark of laughter, “You really are just a babe in arms, aren’t you?”

“I am not!” Maxwell crossed his arms over his chest, pouting.

Liam just shook his head and looked to Drake.  He was twisting his empty water bottle between his fingers, deep in thought.

“We need to find her...talk to her.”

“Yeah.” Drake agreed not looking up, “We do.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to look far.” Bastien said wryly as he jerked his head toward the courtyard where Riley sat on the edge of the fountain talking to Hana.

Drake and Liam shared a look of apprehension.

“Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Drake sighed as he pushed himself to his feet.  “But if she starts throwing fists again, I’m using you as a human shield.”

Riley watched them approach and her heart started hammering in her chest.  She knew this was inevitable, and thought she was prepared for it, but as her palms started sweating she had to tame the urge to flee.

The first thing Drake noticed as Riley looked up at them was how unhappy she looked.

They’d handled this all wrong last night...all wrong.

Good morning, Lady Hana.” Liam said graciously as he bowed slightly to her.

“Good Morning, King Liam.” She replied, the smile on her face not quite reaching her eyes.

“Lady Riley, “ Liam turned and she could see the anxiety he felt clearly etched into his face.  Somehow seeing how nervous he was calmed her own nerves.  

“Good Morning, King Liam. “ She replied before venturing a look at Drake.  She sucked in her breath when she saw him staring steadily back at her.

“Drake.”

He nodded, but said nothing.

Liam gave her a solicitous smile.  “Would you care to join us for a stroll through the gardens, Lady Riley?”  He looked up at the sky and sighed, “It is a beautiful day.  We won’t get many more as perfect as this.” He looked back at her, his expression serious, “And I do believe we have much to discuss.”

Riley took a deep breath and nodded.  “Yes, I do believe you’re right.’

They strolled through the lush Royal gardens, talking about the weather, the new apple crops, the upcoming costume ball, everything but the one topic that weighed heavily on all of their minds.  

Riley stopped to admire a particularly large peach-colored hibiscus flower.  Liam plucked it and placed it gently behind her ear.

His eyes locked with hers as his fingertip trailed across her cheek, “I can’t tell you how sorry I am...” He looked to Drake, “How sorry we are...that we didn’t tell you about our, eh... situation earlier.  I know it must have come as quite a shock to you and I am so truly sorry for it.”

“We weren’t intentionally keeping you in the dark, Riley.” Drake said, his deep brown eyes staring into hers earnestly, “It was...is...a tricky topic to broach.”

Instead of replying, Riley reached out to gently touch the cut on Drake's lip with her fingertips.

“Did I do this?” She whispered

He sucked in his breath sharply when her fingers grazed his skin.  He found he was having a hard time forming words so he just nodded.

“I’m sorry I hit you.” She whispered, as tears welled in her eyes. “I was just so...hurt, so angry and confused.  I lashed out, I’m sorry.”

“I don’t blame you one bit, Matheson.” Drake said solemnly, “I’d probably have done the same thing if I were you. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy thing for you to hear.”

“No,” Riley turned from Drake to meet Liam’s eyes, “But I’m sure it wasn’t an easy thing to say either.”

“It wasn’t.” Liam agreed,  “But it was a conversation that was long overdue.  If I could do things over again, I would have told you about Drake and I the moment I suspected you returned my feelings.  I’m sorry if you felt like we lied to you or misled you in any way.  That was never our intent. I…”

He looked to Drake…”We care a great deal for you.”

“I do know that, Liam”  She sighed, “Or at least, I thought I did.  But right now, I’m questioning everything.  I can’t help but feel like I’m just a means to an end to you.”

“Riley.”  Liam reached for her hands, clasping them tightly before bringing them to his lips, kissing them tenderly. “That’s absolutely not the case.  I have several suitors all vying to become my queen.  Most, if not all, already know, or at least suspect that Drake and I are involved.  If I just wanted a, a...um...what is the term?”

“A beard.” Drake muttered with a sigh.

“Yes, that’s it.  If I just wanted a beard, I could choose any one of them.  But that’s not what I want.  I want a real marriage, with a loving wife.  A mother to my children whom I love and who loves me back. A Queen who is compassionate and strong and who loves Cordonia as much as I do.  I want you Riley Matheson.”

Tears welled in her eyes and began to slowly spill down her cheeks as she gazed back and forth between these two incredible men. 

 “I said some horrible things to you last night.  I’m so sorry.”

Liam smiled gently, “No need for apologies, My love.”

Riley turned to Drake and held her hand out to him.  He grasped it tightly and she pulled him closer to her and Liam.  They stood huddled together, heads pressed close.

“We never wanted to hurt you, Riley.  You have to know that.” Drake said softly, “We both...well, we love you.”

“We do.”  Liam agreed, ”But…”

He looked up and met Drake's eyes, “We also love one another. So if that’s something that makes you uncomfortable, or unhappy.  It’s best that we know now.”

Drake agreed.  “I know this is a totally fucked up situation, Matheson.  We don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.  If this arrangement isn’t something you think you can live with long term, neither of us would hold it against you if you walked away.  This will only work if all three of us are on the same page.”

Riley looked from Liam then to Drake and smiled.  “I’m so incredibly lucky to have two amazing men that love me...and that I love.”

She laughed as she saw them both visibly relax. Drake blew out the breath he didn’t even know he was holding, as Liam’s face split into a wide grin.

“But where does that leave us?” Riley said, softly, “Where do we go from here?”

Liam’s stroked her arm gently, “That my love, is what you must tell us.”

Riley shook her head, her frustration evident.  “How would this even work?  It’s not like I can marry both of you.”

Liam smiled, “No, of course not.  You and I would marry.  You would become my Queen.  Drake's role would be more of…” He cocked his head to the side as he pondered, “A mistress for a lack of a better term.”

Drake’s head jerked up quickly as he gave Liam a dark look. “I swear to God, if you ever call me that again, I’ll knock you the fuck out.”

Liam let out a deep throaty chuckle.  “It's treason to strike the King, you know.”

“Totally worth it.”

Riley frowned.  “So you would marry me...and see Drake on the side?”

Liam and Drake shared a look.  

“If...that’s how you want it, yes.” Liam agreed slowly.

Riley considered that for a moment.  “And if that’s not how I want it?  What are my other options?”

“We could always...invite Drake into our marriage.”

Riley felt herself begin to tremble, whether it was nerves or excitement, she couldn’t be sure.  “Meaning what, exactly?

“Meaning…” Liam stepped a little closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, “That we’d bring him into out marriage bed.  The three of us would be intimate, you and I, you and Drake, Drake and I, all three of us together, anything...everything.”

She looked up into his eyes.  They’d darkened nearly to black with lust and she felt her body respond, heat pooling in her core and rushing like wildfire through her veins.  She looked to Drake.  He wore a similar look of hunger and she had to fight the nearly overwhelming urge to grab him by the hair and finally taste his luscious mouth.

She was flushed and flustered and incapable of rational thought. She looked from Liam then back to Drake and smiled. She loved and desired both of these beautiful, amazing men so much.  She couldn’t imagine a life without them in it.  

She didn’t want to.

“Yes.  I think that would be...good.”  She said breathlessly

Drake and Liam both grinned at her.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Liam said with a wide smile.  He pulled Riley into his arms and kissed her tenderly.  As he pulled away he glanced up at Drake.  A look passed between them, that Riley couldn’t quite decipher.

“Sadly. I must take my leave of you.” A small smile curled at the corner of Liam’s mouth, “A monarch’s work is never done, I’m afraid.”  He indicated his athletic attire, “And I’m not exactly dressed for the afternoon of cabinet meetings that I have ahead of me, so if you’ll excuse me…”

“Of course.”

He smiled tenderly at Riley and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips, but the look in his eyes nearly burned her.  “I should have all of my obligations met by early this evening.  Perhaps we can all dine together in my suite tonight.”

Riley's heart began to beat erratically.  The three of them, alone...in Liam’s suite.

She swallowed her anxiety and nodded.  

“Yes...um...that sounds nice.”

“Until tonight then.” Liam brought Riley’s hand to his lips, kissing it tenderly.  He straightened,  winked at Drake and turned on his heel, heading back to the palace.

That left her and Drake alone together.

“Sooooo, ” She said awkwardly, “Do you want to go back or…”

“Matheson.” Drake said softly, turning her to face him, “I don’t want things to be weird or awkward between us, okay?  I’m still me.  We’re still us.”

Riley smiled and nodded.  “I know.  But you have to admit, it is an awkward situation.  I mean, Liam just practically gave us permission to have sex.”  Her laughter died in her throat when Drake moved closer.  “Not practically.” he murmured as he reached out to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear, knocking the flower to the ground.

Her lips parted in anticipation of a kiss that never came.

“Not here.” He whispered huskily.  “Anyone could see us.”

“But...I thought we had Liam’s permission.”

Drake chuckled and ran his finger across her cheek.  “We may have his permission to touch in private, but that doesn’t extend to the public.  We need to be very clear about that.”

At Riley’s confused expression, he sighed and continued. “What happens in the privacy of our rooms is one thing.  But to the outside world, nothing has changed.  Liam is in love with you, you are in love with Liam and I’m just Liam’s best friend who maintains a friendly if distant relationship with his intended.  That’s how it has to be.  How it will always be.”

Riley’s heart broke for Drake.  How awful it must be to always have to hide your true feelings.  She reached out to cup his cheek in her hand.  Instinctively he closed his eyes and turned into it, placing a feather-light kiss against her palm.

“Isn’t it hard to have to pretend all the time?”

Drake shrugged. “ Not for Liam. It’s second nature for him.  He’s King.  He’s been trained since he was a child to always maintain appearances..” He moved away from her, and bent to pluck the flower from the ground, handing it back to her. “It’s harder for me.  I don’t care what these people think of me.  Even as a kid, I could feel their stares, their disapproval.  They hated that the Prince’s best friend was a commoner. Now that I’m adult, their opinions mean less than nothing to me.  The only people who matter to me are Liam and Savannah…”

He reached out to run his thumb softly across Riley’s bottom lip, “...and you.”

He shrugged again, “So I pretend.”

“I wish it didn’t have to be like that.”

“Yeah.” He said with a soft sigh, “Me too.”

Suddenly he took a step back and grasped her hand.  “C’mon,”

Riley giggled as she let him lead her through the garden.  “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

They emerged from the garden path directly across from the entrance to the hedge maze.  

Drake grinned and tugged her hand, urging her to follow him inside.

Laughing, they broke into a run as Drake led her on a dizzying journey of twists and turns until they reached a dead end deep in the heart of the maze.  

Riley was completely turned around.  

“Are we ever going to find our way back?.” she laughed breathlessly.

“I know this place like the back of my hand.”  He said drawing her close, the heat from his body searing her skin, “It’s the best place in the whole Kingdom to go when you don’t want anyone to find you.”

He pressed her up against vine covered wall as his lips grazed her ear.

“No one can see anything…” he whispered, trailing a path of kisses across her jaw. “They can’t hear anything…” He ran his tongue slowly, tantalizingly down her neck to her collarbone. “It’s just you and me now.”

Riley moaned, grabbing fistfuls of hair as his mouth came down on hers, hard and demanding.  She kissed him back desperately, leaning into his touch as she gave into months of pent up longing.  She clung to him, bringing her leg up to hook over his hip as he ground his rock hard cock against her.

Abruptly, Drake took a step back, his breathing ragged as he tried to get himself under control.  Riley bit her bottom lip and met his burning gaze unwaveringly.

“You’re just too fucking much.” He whispered reverently.

His eyes locked onto Riley’s as he reached down to pull her sweater over her head.

He slid his gaze down to her lacy, black bra.  It was sexy, but it had to go.

With a quick flick of his wrist, it joined her sweater on the ground.

Drake cupped her breasts and teased the nipples with his thumbs, smiling as they hardened instantly.  He bent his head to taste them, rolling the hard buds with his tongue.

Riley moaned as his rough stubble grazed against her sensitive flesh and laced her fingers through his hair, holding him to her tightly.

Desperate to feel him skin to skin, Riley slid her hands down to his chest, and began to tug at his shirt, letting him know in no uncertain terms what she wanted.  Drake got the message loud and clear and yanked it over his head, tossing it into the grass below.  She let out a tiny gasp when she got the full impact of his half naked body.  She ran her hands slowly over his sculpted pecs, across his broad shoulders and down his powerful arms.  She let her hand drift down to his washboard abs, stopping when she got to that sexy V that disappeared into the band of his jeans.  

Drake studied her face as she studied his body.

“Like what you see?” He asked with a sexy smirk.

She sure as Hell did.  There was no end to the hotness that was Drake Walker.

‘Maybe.” She tilted her chin up, “Do you?”

‘Fuck yeah.” He growled as his mouth closed on hers greedily. He pressed her back against the wall, his hands stroking her body until she was breathless.  She felt his fingers glide over her hip and let out a gasp when they came to rest between her legs.

Her heart pounded so loudly, she was sure he could hear it.  

This was really happening.

“Mmmmmm.” Drake murmured against her ear as he stroked her through the thin fabric of her leggings.  Each brush of his fingertips sent waves of pleasure rushing through her.

He slipped his hand down the front of her pants, stroking his fingers back and forth across the hot, liquid center of her.  

“Jesus Riley, you’re so wet for me.” he rasped into her ear.

She moaned and arched against his hand as his words caused the throbbing between her legs to intensify.

Drake tangled one hand in her hair and pulled her head back, sucking gently on her neck as he slid her leggings down over her hips.

He took a step back to catch his breath, and to take a moment to drink her in.  She was breathing heavily, her lips swollen from his kisses, her eyes hooded with desire, and her pussy...he bit his bottom lip as he gazed at it...was slick and glistening, begging to be tasted.

He dropped to his knees in front of her and heard her suck in her breath in anticipation.  

Looking up at her, he leaned forward and slowly, deliberately trailed his tongue over her slit.

Riley watched him intently, her heart racing, as he licked her.  

Still staring into her eyes, he ran the tip of his tongue across her clit.  Riley’s hips jerked in response.

“Stop teasing.” She whimpered

Drake groaned and drove his mouth against her clit, sucking on it, flicking his tongue back and forth, licking her top to bottom before finally burying his tongue deeply inside of her.  She tasted like heaven.  His cock was throbbing insistently, but in that moment nothing mattered but giving Riley pleasure.  Still teasing her clit, he slid two fingers into her tight wetness and curled them upwards, pumping them in and out in a steady rhythm.  It wasn’t long before he felt a gush of liquid against his tongue and dove in deeper, lapping up every drop.  

“Oh God” She moaned, digging her fingernails into his shoulder.

Drake stood suddenly and pulled her to him, his mouth devouring hers in a crushing kiss.  She could taste herself on his lips and tongue and it sent an erotic charge through her.

“I need my cock inside you right now.” He growled.

“Yes.” She moaned, “Hurry.”

He reached for the waistband of his nylon soccer shorts and yanked them and his boxer briefs to his ankles, kicking them away quickly..  Then in one swift movement he grabbed her around the waist and lifted.  Instinctively, Riley wrapped her legs around him as Drake plunged deeply into her warm, waiting body.

She cried out and arched her back.  “Oh God...Drake!”  

Drake held still for a just a moment, letting her get used to the feel of him before he began pounding into her over and over, his breath coming in short gasps as his mind let go and his body took over. God, he’d dreamed about this for so long. She felt every bit as good wrapped around his dick as he knew she would.

He fucked her hard and fast, bringing them both to the edge almost immediately as the sounds of their moans and grunts filled the air.

“Riley.” He groaned. “So. Fucking. Good.” He punctuated each word with a hard thrust of his hips.

Beneath him, Riley shuddered as his cock hit that spot deep inside her over and over until she couldn’t form a single coherent thought.  “Yes...Drake...harder.  Yes…yesssssss.”

She was so close.  She felt a scream bubbling up in her throat and tried to hold it back, but it burst from her lips as her orgasm hit her. It was so fast and intense that she was powerless against it.  Wave after wave of pleasure washed over her as Drake pumped into her, never slowing down.  It went on and on.  She’d barely recovered from her first orgasm before he sent her spiraling toward another one. The pleasure/pain filled her and she nearly begged him to stop when it became almost too much to stand. Her legs trembled and her body quivered as she spun out of control.

Drake knew he couldn’t hold out much longer.  She was so tight, so wet, so unbelievably perfect.  He was lost in her.  Thrusting faster, Drake braced one arm and his forehead against the wall, fighting to stay in control.  He burned with the need for release, but he refused until Riley found her satisfaction one more time.  He bit down hard on his bottom lip and drove into her harder and deeper until he felt her pussy clamp down on him again. Her body shuddered underneath him and she cried out.  

That was all he needed.  

He pulled out quickly and gave his cock two quick, hard pumps before exploding into the ivy behind them.  Sweaty and breathing heavily he turned back to Riley and rested his forehead against hers, his chest heaving with the exertion.

Riley stroked his hair, kissing the side of his face, his forehead and finally his mouth.

“That was incredible.” She whispered.

“You’re incredible.”  He whispered against her lips.

“You didn’t have to do that, you know.  Pull out.”

Drake lifted his head, and kissed her cheeks, her nose, finally her mouth.  “Yes I did.  Can never be too careful.”

“But I’m on birth control.  It’s fine.”

Drake’s expression turned very serious.  “It’s not fine Riley.  You’re going to be Queen.  We can’t take any chances.  I can’t ever come inside you.”

“Not ever?”

He shook his head.  “Not ever,” He repeated with a trace of sadness.

She pulled back from him, studying his face.  “But don’t you want kids someday?”

Drake shrugged.  “I don’t really think about it much I guess.”

“But someday?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“But while we’re together...you, me and Liam, you’ll never be able to have children, will you?”

He shook his head slowly.  “Don’t worry about it now baby.  We’ll worry about it when and if that day comes.  Right now, this...the three of us... is more than I ever hoped for.”

Drake slid his shorts back on and sunk down to the grass, leaning back against the wall with a contented sigh.  Riley pulled her sweater back over her head and searched for her panties.

“I think that's them there.” Drake pointed to a scrap of pink lace dangling from the Ivy.

Rile flushed and snatched them down.  She stepped into them and collapsed next to Drake, laying her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close as his lips slid lazily over hers.

“This is nice.” She murmured

“Mmn hmn” He hummed against her neck.

“Drake…”

“Mnnnn?”

“So this thing with you and Liam...?”

She heard Drake's laughter rumble through his chest. “I’ve been waiting for this.”

“What?”

“The whole, are you gay, are you Bi discussion.”

Riley laughed, “Am I that predictable?”

“No,” he said, tightening his arm around her, “Human nature is that predictable.”

She laid her head on his chest, waiting.  Just when she’d decided he wasn’t going to answer her question she felt his chest heave as he inhaled deeply.

  “Until the summer I turned seventeen I would’ve told you that I was strictly and without question into girls and girls only.  I was actually a little girl-crazy, actually. When we were, I dunno...twelve maybe, Liam and I found a stash of Leo’s girlie magazines and I spent an obscene amount of time jacking off to them for years afterwards.  I’d never had any sort of thought or feeling for another guy until the summer we spent in Lythikos at Olivia's house. She must’ve seen something that we didn’t because she dared us to kiss...and once we did…”

He shook his head.  “I freaked out.  I took off and went to college in the states.  I may never have come back to Cordonia if it wasn’t for the assassination attempt.”

“Right.” She whispered, “They tried to kill Liam.”

Drake nodded.  “Leo came to see me at school.  He told me what happened. Told me Liam was really fucked up over it.  Panic attacks, not sleeping...PTSD level shit.  He told me he needed me...and I didn’t even hesitate.”

He looked down into Riley’s eyes, his face shadowed with pain as he remembered. “I didn’t even need Leo to tell me to come home.  The second I realized I could’ve lost Liam forever I’d already made up my mind to go back.”

Riley reached up and stroked his face, easing the worry lines with her fingertips.  “I can’t even imagine how worried you must’ve been for him.”

Drake nodded.  “Yeah, but I wasn’t just worried for him.  I was worried for me too.  I knew if I went back to Cordonia, I’d never leave.  I also knew I was going to have to face how I felt about Liam, and a part of me...a really big part of me, just wasn’t ready for that.”

“But you went anyway.”

“I did.” He said with a sad smile, “But I didn’t exactly face anything.  Instead I decided the best way to deal with this attraction I felt , was to have as much sex, with as many different girls as I could.  I set out to prove to myself...and to Liam that our kiss meant nothing.  It was an anomaly.  A stupid, drunken mistake.”

“And what did Liam do?”

Drake smiled.  “Liam did what Liam always does.  He let me come figure it out. He waited.  He watched.  He was infinitely patient and understanding.”

“That does sound like him.”

“Then finally one night, I was tired of fighting it.  I gave in and kissed him.  I’d been home almost two years at that point.”

He looked down at her, “He’s the reason I came home.  He’s the reason I stay.  Liam is my home.”

Riley sucked in her breath.  Drake was talking about a kind of love she only dreamed of.  Soulmates.

Riley felt a seed of anxiety begin to burn in her brain and her gut.  They were so close.  They may have invited her into their beds, but was there room for her in their hearts?

Drake sighed and leaned his head back against the wall, a small smile playing across his lips.  He pulled her down so her head was resting against his bare chest as he stroked her hair.  She listened to the steady thumping of his heart and tried to let it sooth the uncertainty.

“This is what we’ve been missing.” Drake slid his finger under Riley’s chin and tilted her face up so she was gazing into his eyes.  “It was you.”

He leaned down to press his lips softly to hers. “You’re the missing puzzle piece, Matheson.”  Now we’re complete.”

[trrvisuals]

I have so many visuals for this series! This was the story I came here to write. And I did. Then I started writing other stories and well, the rest is history lol.

Unbreakable is a series of connected stories that lead chronologically into each other. They are fairly canon compliant.

My Best Friends Girl (MBFG) is based on book one of the Royal Romance and is in first person from Drake’s point of view. It is canon compliant for the most part. The major difference is that Drake has an important function at the palace, he is not just a free-loading professional best friend. Some things take place “off page” (were not in the original story) but do not change the things that are “on page” (aka canon).  

Three Weeks in Ramsford (TWIR) Is based on the time period between book 1 and book 2 that Riley spent at the Beaumont estate. It is canon divergent in that Drake finds a way to make and stay in contact with her during this time period. Some of the events are changed slightly.

Complicated is the sequel to Three Weeks in Ramsford. This series explores the complicated emotions as Riley finds herself entangled in a love triangle, torn between Liam and Drake. It’s canon divergent in that it adds scenes that weren’t in the original (as well as some original characters) and develops the relationships more. The main events/timeline are the same.

Hinge is the fourth installment in the ongoing saga of Riley, Liam and Drake. This series explores the emotions and logistics as they enter into a “Cordonian Arrangement” and learn to navigate a polyamorous relationship.

The Proposal is a short miniseries and my very first foray into TRR fan fiction. Unbreakable was the (very) expanded version.

Next came the AU's for this universe. She's still Riley Beth Campbell, canon still mostly happened up until the end of book one, and their personalities are much the same.

My Best Friend's Girl Remix starts with an alternate ending to My Best Friend's Girl, namely that Drake went after her the night of the coronation, and continues their story.

Forbidden Passion finds her married to Liam, but unable to stay away from Drake.

Heir Apparent has her married to Drake, but pregnant as a result of the Vega's fling with Liam.

Yoga Pants takes place during Three Weeks in Ramsford. It happens during the hot yoga session and was written for the Drake's Tight Pants Anthology hosted by @drake-walker-appreciation

Complicated Couples was a little project that follows the other couples from Complicated, including all my OC's that I kept having to create and my cross-over couple from RoD.

Extras from Hinge:

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page  

Chapter 3 – Regrets 

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU

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

Turning the Page Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks 

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

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression 

Rating: M🔞Warnings - crude language – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors. 

Words: 2487 

Turning the Page 

Regrets – Chapter 3 

Chapter Summary: Maxwell meets William for the first time as Riley continues to confide her truth to her Cordonian friend. Olivia attends a Royal council meeting at Liam’s invitation. Madeleine announces her pregnancy.  

Music Inspiration:  I Want to Know What Love is, Foreigner 

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

A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week #51, Prompt 1 – "There isn’t anything that I wouldn’t do for you.” 

A/N3: My submission for @choicesseptemberchallenge2023, @midnightmelodiz, Day 30 – Home, Heart, “I’m here for you. Always.” 

Brooklyn Heights, New York City 

The tapping sounds of rain pelting on her bedroom window startled her awake. Her eyes fluttered open as she tried to get her bearings. The last thing she remembered was crying herself to sleep after talking with Maxwell. 

Riley glanced at her clock on her bedside table, 2:30 a.m. She sighed and laid her head back on the pillow. She closed her eyes, hoping that sleep would take her, but it did not. Instead, her thoughts returned to the conversation she had with Maxwell the previous evening. 

‘He misses you so much. He is not the same without you.’ 

The rain picked up its pace, now pounding against the glass with intensity. Riley rolled over and gazed at the window, watching the droplets slide down the pane. 

‘You have no idea how much he loves you.’ 

Just like last night when speaking with Maxwell, her tears fell once again. 

‘He’ll be happy to know that you came back. That you want him too.’ 

Riley jumped when the thunder roared, and a flash of lightning filled her room with light. That is when she heard Li’s little voice from down the hallway; he was crying.

“I’m coming, Li Li.” 

Riley climbed out of bed and quickly threw on a robe before heading towards his room.  

Approaching his bed, she cooed, “Hey, little one.”  

“Did the storm wake you?” 

William sniffled and held his arm out to her; his other arm wrapped tightly around his Scooby-doo plushie. 

Riley smiled and scooped him up, cradling him close to her chest. 

“Don't worry, I’m here for you. Always.” 

Riley rocked him in her arms, gently swaying side to side as he laid his head against her shoulder. Once William fell back to sleep, she tucked him back into his bed. 

“Mommy loves you very much,” she whispered.  

"There isn’t anything that I wouldn’t do for you.” 

Riley once again felt tears stinging her eyes. 

“I love you, Li,” she breathed, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.  

Thinking of Liam, Riley crumbled to the floor. The memories and guilt overwhelmed her once more. 

Cordonian Royal Palace, Capital, Cordonia 

It was early Wednesday morning when Liam sat down with Regina for an early breakfast in the dining room. Today, the Royal council was set to meet with a new member; which will be an interesting surprise for the members. 

Liam smiled to himself as he stirred sugar into his black coffee and looked across the table at Regina. He could sense that something was on her mind and was surprised when she told him that Madeleine wanted the press conference re-scheduled for Friday afternoon. 

“Friday, why so soon?” Liam challenged his stepmother. 

Regina looked at him with a stern expression. 

“Liam, the sooner you and Madeleine make a public statement, the sooner the rumors will stop.” He was aware of the rumblings at court. 

Liam scoffed. “The rumors? We are not having a child!” 

The final time he told Madeleine that he would never consummate a child with her, she decided to conceive a child with her lover. As per the Cordonian arrangement that was legally agreed upon, any child born outside of the Royal marriage would become the heir under the Queen’s guardianship. 

Madeleine was well aware of the one stipulation that the King had added to this contract. Liam had the definitive authority to legally name his heir.  She also knew he would also be expected to abide by his duty as monarch and produce an heir. 

“Liam, I understand that this is a sensitive topic for you. But it is imperative that you perform your duty as King and husband. Regardless of how you feel about her, the rumor has already spread through the nobility that you are unwilling or unable to produce a child. With Madeleine now pregnant, the two of you need to come forth through the media to the people of Cordonia. We need to put a stop to the rumors before it gets out of hand.” 

Liam squared his shoulders with a warning expression. 

“I am the King; my birthright. If I say the rumors are false, they are false.” 

“And the people will believe you, but the nobles will not. They will continue to question your ability to produce an heir.” 

“Then let them question. It is not their concern.” 

Regina sighed and folded her hands on the table, “Liam, please. This is important and...” 

“Enough!” Liam slammed his fist down and stood up menacingly. 

“If you are concerned about the image of the crown, then I suggest that you recommend to Madeleine that she must address the nobles at court herself. Let her explain the decision she made; let them see her for what she is for themselves.” Liam spat. 

“I am not concerned about the image of the crown, Liam. I am worried about you. Ever since Riley disappeared, you have been miserable.” 

Liam didn’t reply. Preferring to remain silent, he knew she was right. 

“I have spoken to Drake,” Regina continued. “He agrees with me. The only time you smile is when you talk about Riley. It has been almost three years. You need to let go of her and move on. You have a kingdom to rule.” 

Liam’s jaw tightened at her words. 

“Regina, I know you mean well, but I cannot do that; I will not do that. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a meeting to attend.” 

Liam bowed to Regina and turned towards the grand staircase. Climbing the staircase two steps at a time, at the third level, he turned to the right towards his study. 

Brooklyn Heights, New York City  

Cracking another egg into the bowl of ingredients, Daniel began to quickly whisk the pancake batter while the griddle got hot. Looking up to see Riley carrying William into the kitchen, he stopped stirring to rush over to pick up his Godson. 

“Good morning, buddy. How are you today?”  

William laughed excitedly, “dan dan!” As he wrapped his arms around Daniel’s neck, Riley sat down at the kitchen table after pouring herself a cup of coffee. 

“Are you going to watch me make pancakes?” William nodded and let Daniel seat him in his booster seat next to Riley. “How is Mommy doing, buddy?” 

Daniel looked over at Riley who sat looking out the large kitchen window next to the table. She was in deep thought and when she heard the familiar voice greet Daniel, she turned towards William. 

It was past midnight when the trio arrived back at the brownstone after walking home from the pier. Daniel had invited Maxwell back home to stay and crash, instead of him having to cab back to his hotel. 

Considering there were plenty of words left unsaid, Maxwell agreed quickly in the hope of learning more about his friend. She was clearly struggling; he was genuinely concerned about Riley’s state of mind. His heart broke watching his friend last night; she looked so defeated. Her ‘bright light’, snuffed out. 

“Good morning,” Maxwell sing-songed, but stopped abruptly in the doorway upon seeing the little blond-haired boy sitting beside Riley. 

“Hey, Max. I hope you are hungry.” Daniel acknowledged and invited him to sit. 

“Thank you... yes, I am starving.” Riley slowly raised her eyes to meet his; “would you like some coffee?” 

Maxwell answered, “please and thank you, little blossom.”  

As Maxwell looked at the little boy once more, time stood still. He was frozen in place staring at the little boy drinking from his sippy cup. Max's mouth open... he was speechless. 

“This is Liam’s son. His name is William.” Riley whispered, her voice trembling. 

The resemblance was uncanny – the same piercing blue eyes, the same hair color, the same expressive features. 

The boy was undoubtedly Liam’s son; a mirror image of his father, back in time. 

Maxwell’s heart skipped a beat. He remembered Riley’s heartbreak as he held her in Bossina cathedral as the newly married King and Queen passed by, walking back up the aisle.  

Liam, his childhood friend, had devastated Riley’s world the night he chose another. 

The scandal and shame she had to endure during the engagement tour.

He remembered the pain in Riley’s eyes when she announced that she would stay in Cordonia as his mistress. Just to remain in his life and to live as a secret; she would be bound by a cordonian agreement. 

And now, standing in front of William, he understood why Riley disappeared; leaving Liam and Cordonia behind.

William looked up to Maxwell with those familiar eyes, a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty in his gaze. 

Maxwell knelt beside William at eye level and smiled warmly.  

“Hey there, William. It's a pleasure to meet you.”  

William hesitated for a moment, but then gave Maxwell a tender smile, mirroring his father's charm.  

Riley went on to explain her dire situation to Maxwell. That Madeleine, if she found out about William, could and would threaten to take him away from her.  

That was why she called upon Maxwell for help, knowing that he was the only person she could trust to keep her secret and remain a connection to Cordonia.

Maxwell's mind raced as he tried to figure out a solution. He could not bear to see Riley go through more pain. And he could not ignore the innocent child who had unknowingly become a potential pawn for Madeleine.  

“We'll find a way, Riley." Maxwell assured his friend.  

"William deserves to know his father. And you deserve to remain part of his life and Liam's.” 

Maxwell sat beside Riley and wrapped his arms around her as more tears flowed. 

Maxwell couldn't help but think that William was not just a split image of his father. But also, a reflection of the love that will always exist between Riley and Liam. 

Royal Council Meeting 

The silence was deafening. 

Then, the murmurs began. 

As Olivia Nevrakis confidently strode into the boardroom and settled into her seat on the left-hand side of the King, she exuded an air of self-assurance. Her posture was erect, and her green eyes held a determined gleam. Olivia was known for her ambition and determination, and she was unapologetic about her presence in the room. 

When Queen Madeleine walked into the room, her regal presence commanded attention. The murmurs circulating the room were at once silenced as her gaze swept over the attendees, her expression initially neutral but with a discerning eye. 

When her eyes settled on Olivia, a storm seemed to brew within her. A flash of irritation crossed Madeleine’s features and her brow furrowed. It was clear that something about Olivia's presence had struck a nerve. In a moment of tense confrontation. Queen Madeline 's voice cut through the room.  

“You," she spat. Her tone sharp and commanding.  

“Leave this room at once.” Madeleine glowered unabashedly. 

Olivia, never one to back down from a challenge, met the Queen's demand with her own fiery resolve.  

“I have every right to be here, your majesty,” she retorted, her voice unwavering. 

“I am a member of this council by royal decree, and I will not be dismissed.”   

Liam watched with his hands steepled, seated with a stoic demeanor; observing the unfolding drama with keen interest. As king, and husband to Queen Madeleine, he had his own role to play in the proceedings. His impassive expression gave little away, but his trained, watchful eyes took note of the reactions of each council member to the unexpected clash between the Queen and Olivia. Notably, his queen’s subtle glances with her father, Godfrey, the Duke of Karlington. 

Clearing his throat, everyone turned to their King.

"Thank you all for your attention. The Queen has a statement to declare concerning her 'situation'. "

Madeleine spun around and glared at Liam. "Yes... yes I do."

Speakeasy, Duchy Domvallier, Cordonia 

In the heart of Duchy Domvallier, hidden behind an unassuming facade, lay the notorious Speakeasy known as the ‘Midnight Reverie’. It was a place where the world outside faded into obscurity, and where secrets were exchanged amidst the smoky haze of jazz-filled nights.  

A perfect getaway for King Liam and his trusted childhood friends, Drake and Rashad. The three of them had grown up together, forging an unbreakable bond that transcended their differences in station. Here, beneath the flickering candlelight, they could shed their titles and be ordinary men. 

Rashad started off the conversation. “Why did Beaumont fly to the States?” 

“He mentioned that he was going to a concert in Madison Square Gardens,” Drake responded. “He sends his regrets, though.” 

“Gentlemen, tonight feels like a night for confessions. Let’s start with our own regrets. Drake?” Rashad questioned. 

“My biggest regret is not completing my degree at University.” 

Rashad nodded in understanding, contemplating his own. 

“For me, it’s the time I spent chasing wealth and status instead of cherishing the moments with my family. Those are years I can’t get back.” 

Liam took a slow slip sip of his scotch, his eyes distant. 

“Regrets. I have many, but there is one that haunts me above all others.” He paused; his voice filled with melancholy.  

Drake and Rashad exchanged curious glances before urging him to continue.

“What is it, Liam?” The question asked even though they already both knew the answer.

 Liam's gaze was fixed on a distant point beyond the dimly lit room.  

“My greatest regret is not proposing to Riley on the night of my coronation; scandal be damned.”  

Drake and Rashad again exchanged knowing glances. 

“I thought I had to put my duty before my desires, so when the scandal was broadcast the night of the coronation. I chose another when I had already given my heart to Riley just as she had given her heart to me. When we couldn’t find Tariq to clear her name before the wedding, I listened to my father and the advisors and went ahead with the wedding. Instead of letting her go, I selfishly asked her to stay. But every day since, I have regretted that decision. I should have let her go."

Liam breathed deeply, "then she ended up leaving anyway.” 

Rashad offered a reassuring hand on Liam’s shoulder. 

“Regrets are heavy burdens, my friend. But perhaps it’s not too late to mend that old wound. Life is unpredictable.” 

Drake added, "perhaps, one day, you will get the opportunity to find her again, and be given the chance to re-write that story."

Thanks for reading⚘️

📌@ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @charlotteg234 @jared2612 @irisk12 @thesvnsins @walkerdrakewalker @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader @belencha77 @iluaaa @mysticalfangirl @queenwalton @bascmve01 @umccall71 @choicesfrog @amandablink @choicesflashfics @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesmonthlychallenge

[lorircreates]

Hii 😍

What if your MC / LI sent the wrong picture to the wrong number? It can be a fun or spicy pic

Hi!

I usually would create a little ficlet to answer this kind of ask, but I have many OCs, so there would be many different responses. And my brain is fried lately... So I hope it's okay to just share some headcanons.

I can absolutely affirm to you Daphne (D&D MC AU) would never send a wrong pic to anyone. Ever. Because of her past issues with revenge porn and cyberbullying, she's extra careful and double checks her messages and the sender at all times.

Evelyn (OPH MC) probably is the one who has more trouble with sending wrong messages. Specially when she's tired or sleep deprived. But it wouldn't be something serious. Most likely, she'd just send silly memes in the work group chat. Also Rafael gets a lot of pics of medications or prescriptions Evelyn was supposed to send to a patient or a friend who asked for help in the middle of the night 😂

Natasha (PM MC), Samantha (BB MC), Jade (TRR MC) and Ayla (MOTY MC) are the ones who like sending nudes and mostly send them to the wrong people. Natasha would just apologize and make a joke in case it happens. Though it'd be a scandal to send a nude on the Bernhardt Academy parents group chat, Ayla would know how to get out of trouble with ease and even earn a few fans in the process 🤣🤣🤣

Samantha would have a lot of trouble in this department, given her history of a love triangle including her boss and her now boyfriend. But the one who would be in serious trouble would be Jade. She's a politician, Cordonian are prudes, you get the idea... 😑 She would find a way to get out this kind of mess eventually, but it certainly wouldn't be easy.

Thanks for the ask, dear 😊

[angelasscribbles]

Coronation

Series: None, this is a one-shot and you can find those here.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: this is really about the sibling relationship, see author's note below

Rating: G

Warnings for this chapter: none

Word Count: 593

A/N: This is a short one-shot for the spring holiday event at @choicesholidays. Holiday: National Sibling Day, which was on April 10th. I wanted to rewrite coronation night from the perspective of the people who had the trajectory of their lives changed, either by abdicating or by being the one to step up. And I wanted to show the strength of the sibling relationship through that. With that in mind, this is an AU in which the scandal never happens because I want the focus of this piece to be on the coronation itself and not on someone getting dragged out of it.

My other stuff: Master List.

The grand ballroom was packed. It was coronation night and half of Cordonia had turned out to watch.

The other half would be watching from their television sets. News crews were spread out in strategic places throughout the room.

The former crown prince took his place in the audience. A scant few months ago he thought it would be him on that dais, his head that would be receiving the crown, his life that would be dedicated to duty and sacrifice.

He wondered if he had dumped too much responsibility into his younger sibling’s lap, but he knew that, between the two of them, he was the less prepared to rule, the less willing to make the sacrifices that needed to be made.

He had been prepared to rule, yes. He had been raised to rule, yes. But everything changed when he met her.

He’d given up the crown and abdicated his place in the line of succession for love. He glanced down at the woman next to him, his heart swelling with emotion as she smiled up at him.

It had been worth it. He had no regrets.

He stole a quick glance across the room at his brother’s face, thinking about how much they had in common.

On the dais, Cordonia’s next monarch stood next to their father, eyes scanning the room and lighting up when they landed on him. He smiled back encouragingly, quashing the sliver of guilt that remained even though he was confident he had made the best choice for everyone involved.

He knew his father disapproved but what was done was done.

Constantine stepped up to the microphone and started his speech, “Fellow Cordonians, welcome! I’m so pleased to have you all join us for tonight’s historic event! I appreciate your patience; I know this isn’t the Rys you were originally expecting, but this is exactly why royal couples from time immemorial are encouraged to produce spares!”

There was polite laughter from the audience as the two brothers locked eyes across the room remembering how their father had privately accused his children of playing musical chairs with the monarchy.

But the Rys children had made a pact long ago to stand united in the face of their father’s disapproval and they had never wavered from that alliance even into adulthood. The fact that the youngest sibling was standing on the dais instead of the oldest was proof of that.

Constantine finished his speech and Liam tore his eyes away from Leo to watch as their father placed the crown on Lena’s head.

He had willingly stepped up when Leo abdicated for love, and Lena had willingly stepped up when he’d done the same. He glanced down at Riley as he applauded knowing he had made the right choice. He smiled across the room at Leo who stood next to his new wife, Olivia Nevrakis Rys and he whistled and shouted in approval when his sister made her selection and got engaged to Hana Lee.

Their father had little choice after Lena had threatened to also abdicate if not allowed to make her own choice freely. Leo and Liam had backed her up and both had promised to acquiesce to their father’s wishes for them to stay and support the monarchy if she was given that freedom.

All three Rys children had been able to choose love for themselves because all three had loved and supported each other. Together, they had overcome their father’s attempt to control their lives. Together, they would lead Cordonia into a better future.

[dcbbw]

Sunday Six 9.24.23

Happy Sunday evening, Tumblrs! I know I have been MIA for the absolute longest, and wanting to give a huge THANK YOU to those who know the dirty deets about what’s been going on this summer, and being the shoulders, ears, support, and encouragement, I need to carry on and carry through one day at a time.

Despite posting two dribbles over the past day or so, not saying I am on the comeback trail, but I have been putting fingers to keyboard, and sharing story ideas. While they are not part of today’s Sunday Six, I am working on Sins of the Father; a part two to Dead in the Water (the How to Get Away with Murder AU), tentatively titled Tell Me When I’m Telling Lies; and a Riam one-shot that may become a casual series titled Happy Family.

What I offer to you tonight dear readers are two new ideas (well one isn’t that new):

Church Folk (the MegaChurch AU) based on Wonder’s worst ever version of Riam; she looks like a cross between Wendy Williams and Dionne Warwick, and has six fingers (five whole ass fingers and a thumb); Asian Liam is a dead ringer for Joel Osteen. They are co-pastors of the First, Last, & Only Cordonian Church of God in Christ where the mottos are:

We’re Alphabet Friendly!

God LOVES a Sinner, and so do we

Jesus Ain’t No Joke!

Think of every megachurch scandal, and give Riley Tammy Faye Baker’s hair …

A Summer Place—The Graduate which is an age-gap romance between Liam and Diana, who is Drake & Riley’s daughter. Except Liam doesn’t know, and Diana knows nothing about Cordonia except it is where her parents’ once-great love story originated.

There will be two versions to this story; Version B is titled A Summer Place—Mrs. Robinson, where Riley has an age-gap romance with Andreas, Liam’s son who visits NYC for the summer before starting University. Again, they have no idea of the other.

I realize others are writing age-gap/forbidden romances, but I am hopeful that my ideas and execution will make mine different from what's out there. And it’s me; by the time I finish writing the stories, it isn’t as if I’ll be glutting the market with the trope.

Okay, enough rambling; sneak peeks are below the cut, and as usual everything is in a state of rough draft and published product may vary.

Church Folk (song inspo: Church Clap, KB/Lecrae):

Their courtship had lasted two years; at Liam’s insistence, it had been chaste as well. At least for one of them.

The couple attended church together: Monday night Praise and Devotionals, Wednesday evening Bible study, couples therapy on Saturday mornings, 11am Sunday Sermon.

Between work and church activities, Liam and Riley dated; meals, museums, hikes, volunteering at soup kitchens. No matter the time or venue, all tended to end with them getting hot and heavy in the back seat of his car: Moans, groans, fogged windows; deep French kisses, groping of breasts and fondling of balls, arching and thrusting of hips. All the while keeping their clothes on.

The son of a preacher man never allowed himself to finger Riley nor for her to stroke his manhood.

Penetration was completely out of the question.

Riley often thought it was because of her 6th finger, and that despite his protests, Liam really could not deal with it. But he assured his bride-to-be between desperate kisses that it didn’t matter. Saving themselves for marriage did.

Liam Osteen Rhys firmly believed Riley had been sent to him; her polydactyl was a sign from God Himself that this woman was to be his wife. In the biblical sense, her extra finger was a sign of both wealth and that she was a messenger of God. Liam needed the former, FLOCC needed the latter. In the scientific sense, persons with polydactyl were proven to be stronger and more dexterous than those without.

Yes, Riley B. Williams was his good thing, and he wasn’t letting lust interfere. So, after every date while Riley sat alone in her bedroom with her battery-operated boyfriend and Pornhub pulled up on her phone, Liam visited Maybelle Nussbaum, his high school sweetheart.

If all had gone according to Liam’s plan, he would be wedded to Maybelle already, but his father absolutely forbade an inter-faith marriage. Only one version of God would be worshipped in the Rhys family, and THEIR God believed in ham, bacon, shrimp, and one day to celebrate the birth of Christ.

With Maybelle, Liam could go all the way, and he did. Every time. Sometimes protection was used, but most times not. The future preacher was convinced God wouldn’t allow anything bad to happen to him because he always sought forgiveness afterwards.

On their wedding day, all of Cordonia’s press outlets were present, as well as most of the town; the Rhys family was practically royalty in the small suburb, and everyone wanted to be in attendance for the wedding of a lifetime. Liam stood at the altar with his father, best man and groomsmen, occasionally looking over the crowd still being seated.

His eyes widened when the doors to the ceremony room opened and Maybelle Nussbaum strode through, wearing baggy sweatpants, a vomit-stained tee shirt, and her hair in a messy blonde bun. A swaddled infant rested in the crook of one arm; her free hand pulled a rolling suitcase behind her.

Liam had broken it off with his lover exactly 13 months earlier; he needed to focus on being a husband and ensure no hint of scandal touched his betrothment. He did it via text message and promptly blocked Maybelle’s number and deleted their chat history. And that was the end of that.

Or so he thought.

“Here ya go, Liam! You left this in my uterus right before you blocked me,” the new mother said loudly and cheerily as she placed the baby in a non-plussed Liam’s arms.

The murmurs and whispers amongst the guests began immediately. Constantine’s complexion turned a vague shade of purple. The groomsmen’s eyes went between Maybelle and Liam, who was sputtering and stammering as he protested.

“YOU CANNOT LEAVE ME WITH THIS CHILD, MAYBELLE!” Liam thundered.

“Why not? You did it to me,” Maybelle retorted as she rolled the suitcase up to the altar. “Everything you need is in there. I’m gonna skedaddle now. Take good care of her.”

The scorned lover slipped out a side door just as the Wedding March began to play.

A Summer Place—The Graduate (Version A, Liam)

Song Inspo: Parallel, Emlie Kahn

The server and the sovereign stood at the balcony’s railing as they awaited their food. The dock surrounding the sea harbor was gaily decorated with colorful streamers and balloons. The intricately painted dragon boats sat in their slips, bobbing against the gently cresting aquamarine sea while crew members worked on last minute inspections and details before the race.  

Diana’s chocolate brown eyes were wide with excitement as they took in the scene before her.  

“This is amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this. Montana is basically bull riding, which is literally flags and cowboy hats. And the ocean … it’s so blue and clear, like something out of a painting!” 

Liam studied her profile, wondering why he had the nagging feeling he had seen her before. Her olive complexion, high cheekbones, the curvature of her full lips. It was as if he had seen her features on another face, but not in this particular order. 

“It’s the Aegan Sea,” he gently corrected her, “and yes, it’s a beautiful sight.” 

Diana felt her cheeks flush crimson, as embarrassment flooded her body. She stared up at Liam contritely. “I’m sorry, you must think I’m a goof!” 

Liam’s arm reached out and his palm gently patted the back of her hand. “Why would I think that? You simply didn’t know. It’s your first time here.” 

Diana’s eyes went between Liam’s hand on hers and his eyes, which were filled with a gentle emotion.  

“You’re fine,” he assured her as his other hand ran fingers through her hair, tucking strands behind her ear.  

She felt a pleasant shiver at his touch, which she quickly dismissed as her imagination. Yes, Liam was manly perfection with his trim physique, head full of hair untouched by gray, and the face of a Greek god. But he was her father’s age and had women across the country and continent ready to do his bidding.  

She was a tourist that would be leaving in a couple of months. A nobody, 24 years his junior who didn’t know an ocean from a sea. Diana slowly pulled her hand away from his.  

“So, what’s for lunch? I’m starving!” she said a little more loudly than intended.  

“Oh, you are in for a treat!” Liam grinned. “Mediterranean seafood pie, scallops in a lemon garlic cream sauce, lobster tails stuffed with crabmeat, crab imperial …" 

“Oh my God! It’s like Red Lobster!” Diana exclaimed as she clapped her hands together.  

Liam looked puzzled. “Red Lobster?” 

“It’s an American surf and turf chain restaurant. It’s delicious!” 

“I can only hope Portavira lives up to such a lofty ideal.” 

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

[alj4890]

Right, At Last

(Jackson Nevrakis-Walker x Nicky (Nichole) Beaumont) in a Choices The Royal Romance* While We're Young AU drabble

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: your lover going to walk away, but you grab them and pull them back in for a kiss before they go.

@krsnlove @hopelessromantic1352 @lodberg @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @sirbeepsalot

A/N Thanks @twinkleallnight for requesting these two for this prompt. I think you were right. This definitely seems like something they would do 😉 For this short drabble I think I'll pick it up after the masquerade ball when Nicky wore the red dress.

Masterlist

The Cordonian Royal Palace, 4 a.m., guest chambers...

"We should have gone to my room." Nicky teased, stretching once more.

"Mine was closer." Jackson pressed another kiss to her lips. "I wasn't able to hold back long enough to make it five more doors down."

Her laughter was silenced by the heat of his next kiss.

"Jax." She moaned as his mouth moved down her neck. "I have to go."

"No, you don't." He argued.

"Yes, I do." She smiled softly when he lifted his head to frown at her.

"Nicky," he grumbled, "after everything that's happened, I think we're allowed to be caught, as you like to say, en déshabillé by servants and our families."

Honestly, he thought that everyone would be in more shock to find them in their separate rooms than together after how he'd reacted when he saw her at the ball earlier. He hadn't bothered to hide just how much in love he was with her.

"Jax!" She giggled over his deep, gravelly voice using such a term. "You might have no qualms being caught in such a way, but I would like to keep that small shadow of a doubt over just what we get up to when alone."

He groaned while fighting back a smile. He couldn't really be frustrated with her over something like this, not after all she'd done tonight to show just how much he meant to her. His gaze drifted over to the red dress that would end up being his favorite thing she'd ever worn. Jackson had been miserable for so long after their breakup, that this night of them truly being back together was one he didn't want to see come to an end.

Nicky eased out of his arms, pressing another lingering kiss to his lips.

His attention snapped back to her curvy form moving in the dim lights to get dressed. He relaxed back against the pillows to watch her. Everything she did made a warmth spread throughout his body.

There really is no one else who can make me feel like she does, he thought.

He'd certainly tried hard enough to find someone once Nicky left him. He was at first desperate to find a woman who could help him numb the pain in his heart. Then he simply searched for someone he could care for nearly as much as he did Nicky. Once that failed too, he finally settled for anyone who could make him feel anything. Each date was met with bitter disappointment.

Jackson felt at peace again. Everything in his life was right once more. His broken heart was finally back in working order. And the way he felt right now...

Nicky presented her back to him.

"Would you zip me up ple--"

Her breath caught when he slid his hands within the opening of her dress. His lips dotted kisses along the expanse of her back. Each one seemed more tender than the previous kiss.

"I really have to go." She mumbled halfheartedly.

He rested his forehead against her warm skin and tightened his arms around her. He didn't know if he would ever be ready to see her go again after what had happened once they made it through his bedroom door, even if it was to merely return to her own room to await the moment they could be together in a few hours.

Though there had always been a deeper passion when making love before things ended between them, now there was something more to it. Perhaps it was because they both truly understood what they had in the other. After going through months of being apart, all they missed and had once taken for granted was at last appreciated. Tonight, they savored every single moment of the other in their arms.

Jackson forced himself to sit up and zip her dress for her.

She smiled at him for doing so.

"I'll see you in a little while, Lord Jackson."

He got up, pulled his boxers back on, and walked her to the door.

"Good night, or good morning." She teased.

"Get some sleep, Lady Nichole." He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "I intend on monopolizing all your time today."

"You do?" Her smile grew bigger at the thought.

"And I intend to keep you to myself all night again too." He whispered.

"Then I should definitely get a nap." She opened the door and slipped out into the empty hallway.

Jackson still had her hand in his and yanked her back for one last kiss.

Nicky looped her arms around his waist, deepening the kiss.

They were both breathless once they pulled apart.

"I love you, Nicky." He whispered.

"I love you too, Jax." She eased away once more.

He watched her hurry barefooted down the hallway, pause at her door to blow him a kiss, then disappear within her room.

With what he suspected was a foolish grin on his face; Jackson returned to his bed, clutched the bed pillows that smelled like her, and fell into a peaceful sleep. His dreams that followed were the best he'd had in months. They were all of Nicky and the life he knew they would soon have together.