#katie's best royal wedding dresses

[thepastisalreadywritten]

10 best royal exhibitions to continue the Coronation celebrations, from Buckingham Palace to Blenheim

The day of the Coronation is over but these remarkable royal exhibitions across the UK means the excitement doesn’t need to be

By Natasha Leake

18 May 2023

The glow from King Charles III’s Coronation is starting to fade, but there is plenty more pomp and ceremony to be discovered at these extraordinary royal exhibitions currently being staged across the country.

Stately homes and royal palaces have transformed their sumptuous rooms into backdrops for stunning showcases of royal regalia, period costumes and mementos of past Coronations.

From Blair Castle to Castle Howard; Blenheim to Buckingham Palace, book a date at one of these must-see royal exhibitions to keep the celebrations going.

Through a carefully curated selection of more than 200 pieces, the Kensington Palace fashion exhibition draws parallels between the pomp, ceremony and performance of the contemporary red carpet and the pressure to ‘see and be seen’ at Georgian court.

One-of-a-kind creations worn by Lizzo, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga et al. are juxtaposed with outfits worn by 18th century movers and shakers in the State Apartments, which, handily, is where the showcase is staged.

Pictured: A row of magnificent outfits in the King’s Gallery at the Crown to Couture

5 April - 31 October 2023

Blenheim Palace is using the occasion of the Coronation to celebrate its historic connection with the Royal Family.

With a collection of previously unseen artefacts, crowns, coronets, robes, and photo albums, take a trip into the world of royal fashion with an impeccably restored Norman Hartnell silk gown, worn by the then Rosemary Spencer-Churchill to the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

Also on display are costumes from Bridgerton and The Crown, and a page from a Blenheim visitor’s book, which includes the elegant inked signatures of Wallis Simpson (the future Duchess of Windsor) and her second husband, Ernest A. Simpson.

Pictured: The restored Maid of Honour Coronation dress worn by Rosemary Spencer-Churchill to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

19 March - 30 July 2023

Originally launched in 2022, the award-winning Castle Couture exhibition returns this summer to Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Atholl family, with an extended edition that showcases statement designs, intricate embroidery, innovative textiles, and style influences from the 18th century through to the 20th century.

Among the highlights are delightfully delicate ostrich feather and Brussels lace fans by the renowned Parisienne craftsman Duvelleroy, the appointed supplier to Queen Victoria.

There are also pieces from the personal collection of the late Katharine Stewart-Murray, Duchess of Atholl, Scotland’s first Scottish female Member of Parliament.

Pictured: This ballgown would have been worn by Lady Glenlyon (later Anne, Duchess of Atholl) during the visit as they dined with the royal couple.

1st April – 28th October 2023

In a homage to the Regency period, visitors are invited to take a step back into the world of the Georgians with an exhibition that looks at how fashion trends reflected the significant trade, travel and technological advances of the period.

A highlight of the exhibition is a rarely displayed, full-length portrait of Queen Charlotte (of Bridgerton fame) by Thomas Gainsborough, dated from around 1781, which usually hangs in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.

The showcase also features one of the earliest surviving British royal wedding dresses: a stunning gown worn by Princess Charlotte of Wales in 1816.

Pictured: A painting of King George III by Allan Ramsay, c.1761–2.

21 April – 8 October 2023

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis captured the hearts of the nation the late monarch’s funeral.

Now they are being celebrated as part of a free exhibition at the Wallace Collection, in central London.

The one-room display features touching imagery of the Queen with her corgis.

It coincides with the museum’s exhibition, ‘Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney,’ which celebrates human devotion to dogs over the centuries through a carefully curated selection of 50 paintings, sculptures, drawings and taxidermy.

Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II sitting on rocks on the Garbh-allt Burn with two corgis on the Estate at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, September 1971

8 March – 25 June 2023

Situated in a pair of beautifully restored early Georgian townhouses, the exhibition showcases centuries of royal fans from across the globe, including a special, printed, English fan marking the restoration of Charles II and the contemporary fans made by The Fan Museum in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

The exhibition promises to be ‘not merely a look back on what has been but a rally of hope for what is to come.’

King Charles III has also taken an avid interest in the Fan Museum’s work.

Pictured: A Belgian folding fan dating from 1881

1 February - 24 June 2023

The Long Gallery at Castle Howard, home to the Howard family for more than 300 years, is hosting an incredible exhibition featuring an exact replica of the Crown Jewels and peers’ robes worn to coronations gone by.

Set in 10,000 glorious acres on the edge of the Yorkshire moors, Castle Howard was commissioned in 1699 by the 3rd Earl of Carlisle from Sir John Vanbrugh, who later conceived Blenheim Palace.

The 1st Earl of Carlisle was descended from Lord William Howard, the youngest son of Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (the current Duke of Norfolk organised the King and Queen’s Coronation).

Pictured: Castle Howard’s replica of the Crown Jewels

From April 1

During the last Coronation, the hotel had to secure extra flagpoles in order to fly banners for the many different royals and dignitaries staying there.

The archive overflows with Coronation material, which is why Claridge’s unveiled a space showcasing the hotel’s status as ‘the Royal Hostelry.’

Mementos on display include pages from Queen Victoria’s diary, fans created for the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, and Claridge’s menus and cocktail cards created for the coronations of King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Pictured: A collection of royal mementos including featuring a book of 53 photographs of the then Prince of Wales, and an order of service from the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

Until May 31

The world watched in awe as the newly crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla processed from Westminster Abbey back to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach.

This extraordinary regal treasure is available to view at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, alongside the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which transported Their Majesties to the Abbey ahead of the service.

Also housed in the mews? The famous Windsor Grey horses, which drew the magnificent carriages on the day.

Pictured: The Gold State Coach

2 March - 30 October 2023

At the epicentre of the Coronation was Westminster Abbey. So where better to delve into the gilded history of the captivating service?

A new exhibition in the Chapter House reveals the key elements of the royal ceremony, which has taken place at the Abbey for nearly a thousand years.

Featuring historic illustrations and archive photography, it promises to unpack and explain the Coronation’s magnificent ceremonial regalia and objects.

8 April - 30 September 2023

[saintmeghanmarkle]

I loved the alphabet game we had some time ago. Who fancies another game? by u/Stunning-Field2011

I loved the alphabet game we had some time ago. Who fancies another game? Seeing the great GIF post yesterday from ill independence gave me an idea.I’d love to have a battle royale for our favourite sinners or sinner behaviour. I think in the early rounds we should split into sub sections or themes like journalists and authors or most markled. So we could have Alison P Davies v’s Dan Wooton. We could all nominate our favourite comments and the winner goes through to the next round. Here are just a few ideas: Move along Ashleigh variety event South African performer who called out the dancing in the streets lie. USO guy Reece Witherspoon wedding invite Katy Perry dress comment Taylor Swifts assistant declining the invite to be on archetypes Various recent burns from the suits castFucking grifter comment. No talent comment. Some of the judges that shaded her as much as was permissible. She’s repugnant - Morocco Best NFI - Obama birthday party, Westminster wedding Mods, I’d be happy to run and organise this once we have everything in place if you guys are too busy. post link: https://ift.tt/QjTgcAy author: Stunning-Field2011 submitted: April 09, 2024 at 06:46PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[harry-sussex]

KATIE’S TOP 10 15 BEST ROYAL WEDDING DRESSES OF ALL TIME

15.  Princess Madeleine in Valentino (Sweden, m. Christopher O’Neill, 8 June 2013)

The only thing I can say I hate genuinely about this dress is that it never sat right off her shoulders.  It looked like it was slipping and sliding all day.  Other than that, wow, this dress is gorgeous.  The color is beautiful, combined with that fantastic tiara and gorgeous veil.  Lace but not too much lace.  Absolutely beautiful! 

14.  Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby in Ove Harder Finseth (Norway, m. Crown Prince Haakon, 25 August 2001)

I love a simple wedding dress, and Mette-Marit really hit it out of the park with hers.  I love that she was involved with the design.  I love that she accessorized really minimally to let the dress and that fabulous veil shine.  The only thing I’d like to have seen is a bit more bling in the tiara, but she still looked absolutely beautiful!

13.  Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg in Oscar de la Renta (France/Austria, m. Prince Jean-Christophe Napoleon Bonaparte, 19 October 2019)

This dress is so far out of my comfort zone, but it is absolutely fabulous.  So quirky, so intricate - I’m in love!  It’s classic Oscar de la Renta and it fits her beautifully.  I’m not a fan of what the cape does in the chest area and I would never, ever wear this myself but it’s a work of art!  Absolutely fabulous!

12.  Camilla Parker-Bowles in Anna and Robinson Valentine (United Kingdom, m. The Prince of Wales, 9 April 2005)

I think this is stunning for a second wedding.  The color, the gold accents, the classic Philip Treacy headpiece - absolutely magnificent.  It looks bridal without being juvenile, and it’s gorgeous while still being appropriate for the occasion.  I’ve always loved it!

11.  Crown Princess Victoria in Pär Engsheden (Sweden, m. Daniel Westling, 19 June 2010)

The combination of the simplicity of Victoria’s gown with the Cameo tiara and that gorgeous, intricate bouquet is exquisite.  The Cameo needed something simple to let it shine and Victoria and Engsheden did not disappoint.  The color and material were perfection and this is how you do an off-the-shoulder short-sleeved look!  Combined with no necklace to really let the whole look shine, this is one of my favorites!

10.  Beatrice Borromeo in Armani Privé (Monaco, m. Pierre Casiraghi, 1 August 2015)

This is the first of three (yes, three) mentions of Beatrice Borromeo on this list.  She’s gorgeous and would have made a beautiful bride wearing a trash bag but this dress is something else.  It’s classic bridal with just a touch of high fashion and I love it.  That lace is so, so delicate, only someone as graceful as Beatrice could have pulled it off.  Her veil is gorgeous and although I missed a tiara, she’s literally sparkling in the delicate, shimmery fabric!

9.  Catherine Middleton in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (United Kingdom, m. Prince William, 29 April 2011)

What a love affair the world has with this dress, the modern icon of all wedding dresses!  It would have been easy to overwhelm Kate’s figure with a full skirt, but Sarah Burton nailed the proportions perfectly.  The lace is exquisite from her neck to her shoes.  I love how she brought back lace sleeves in bridal fashion.  The peplum detail on the back of the skirt is incredible.  It fit her like a second skin in the best way and she looked every bit the fairytale princess walking down the aisle.  Her veil was just the right length, too - not too long but not too short.  It’s no wonder this is the new iconic wedding dress!

8.  Meghan Markle in Clare Waight-Keller for Givenchy (United Kingdom, m. Prince Harry, 19 May 2018)

I’ve said before that I love a simple wedding dress, and Meghan did not disappoint.  The boat neckline was so flattering on Prince Harry’s bride, and the color and fabric were just the right combination for her.  I stood on the Long Walk during their carriage procession, and I could see Meghan coming from a mile away because she was literally shimmering in the sunlight.  I wish it was better tailored - my only true grievance - but everything else was gorgeous.  And that veil!  What can I say about that veil?  It literally sparkled in the sunlight going up the stairs to the chapel.  I can’t say enough - and the fact that it included a patch of the dress they wore on their first date?  My heart!!  If this was better tailored, it would have been top 5.

7.  Princess Eugenie in Zac Posen (United Kingdom, m. Jack Brooksbank, 12 October 2019)

The first reception dress of the list!  Eugenie’s ceremony dress was pretty, but not my style.  This, however... how could one go wrong with a pale blush cape dress that fit her perfectly?  She looks like an ethereal goddess, like she’s descended from the clouds to grace us with her presence.  The color is magnificent, the fabric so delicate.  I don’t know how it’s possible to look so beautiful and so comfortable at the same time, but Eugenie and Zac Posen really pulled it off.  This was such a pleasant surprise when comparing it to her ceremony dress - I loved it!

6.  Beatrice Borromeo in Valentino (Monaco, m. Pierre Casiraghi, 25 July 2015)

Never in my life could I have imagined myself picking a purple wedding dress in a list of favorites, but here we are.  Beatrice’s civil wedding dress was everything one could have expected from her - delicate, feminine, with an almost fairy-like quality that many couldn’t even dream to pull off.  She literally looks like a goddess.  The lace overlay cape was something out of a dream, and the natural flow of the skirt is magnificent.  I love that the lace detail up top matches the lace detail at the bottom.  Ethereal is the word I would use to describe this dress - absolutely heavenly!

5.  Elisabetta Rosboch von Wolkenstein in Valentino (Belgium, m. Prince Amadeo, 5 July 2014)

The delicate details of this dress are everything!  I love the matching neckline with the sleeve structure and the chest/mesh detail.  I especially love how those details match the veil outline.  I usually don’t like mesh paneling very much, but Elisabetta pulled it off beautifully.  The simplicity of the skirt is complemented by the gorgeous overlay.  Plus, there’s something so gorgeously simple about the twist in her hair that I just adore.  The skirt is flattering and of the right proportion, and I love how vibrant the white is.  This is truly one of my favorites - so delicate and feminine!

4.  Claire Lademacher in Elie Saab (Luxembourg, m. Prince Felix, 21 September 2012)

Y’all know I wasn’t going to get through this list without my main man Elie Saab.  This dress is truly a masterpiece, a piece of premier artistry.  The lace detail is simply unparalleled, and it being head-to-toe does nothing to detract from the magnificence that is Princess Claire and Elie Saab.  I love the high neckline and the minimalistic jewelry.  Plus, that tiara with her dark hair and that gorgeous veil?  *chef’s kiss* magnificent.  Absolutely otherworldly.

3.  Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy in Elie Saab (Luxembourg, m. Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, 20 October 2012)

God, what a dress.  What can I even say?  That lace?  Incredible.  The skirt?  Fantastic.  The train?  Phenomenal.  Veil?  Unreal.  I really don’t have anything technical to say about this other than good Lord,  it is out-of-this-world, show-stopping fabulous.  Stéphanie’s usual style is not my favorite but it’s truly all forgiven because she pulled out the big guns with this royal wedding dress, the epitome of what a royal wedding dress should be.  The only thing that heightens this above Princess Claire’s Elie Saab masterpiece is the color - it’s so gorgeous, so flattering, I have no words.  Also, I’m a sucker for this kind of veil - mounted on the back of her head and thin enough to be transparent.  The whole thing is mesmerizing - an absolute work of art.

2.  Beatrice Borromeo in Armani Privé (Monaco, m. Pierre Casiraghi, 1 August 2015)

Beatrice’s second reception gown rounds out my favorites of hers from her wedding week.  I love the simple lines of this dress - the v-neck is so flattering and I love that the straps are thin without being too thin.  The A-line cascades down through the skirt beautifully, the belted waist ties the full thing together.  The construction is truly magical, a genuine workpiece.  I can’t talk about this dress without discussing the cape-like effect of the back.  She looks like she is walking through the clouds with the gorgeous wispiness of the cape.  I love that the pieces are separate, and I can only imagine what they looked like in motion.  Armani truly outdid himself with this - it was perfectly constructed from top to bottom.  A true masterpiece.

1.  Lady Gabriella Windsor in Luisa Beccaria (United Kingdom, m. Thomas Kingston, 18 May 2019)

And finally, last but certainly not least - the inspiration for my future wedding dress if I ever get married.  Lady Gabriella stopped me in my tracks when I saw this dress.  Literally, I was walking and looking at my phone, and I stopped short when I saw it.  The cape is just divine, that’s the only word I can use to describe it.  It’s like Beatrice’s second reception dress, but kicked up a notch with that absolutely inimitable lace overlay.  The skirt is proportioned beautifully, and I love how it flatters her figure without suffocating her.  The shoulder/cape detail is heavenly.  I could stare at this dress all day long, it is so magnificent.  It is delicate and feminine with magnificent construction, structured and lined beautifully with an element of softness and romance that cannot be paralleled.  It’s no wonder this is my favorite royal wedding gown of all time.  It’s just extraordinary.  I’ve done my best to explain in words but I simply cannot.  This dress is incredible.  Heart-stopping, show-stopping, jaw-dropping magnificent.

[tabloidtoc]

In Touch, April 26

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Duchess Kate's revenge on Meghan Markle

Page 1: Contents

Page 2: Spring Cleaning -- it's that time of year again, and these products can help -- Nina Dobrev cleaning her floor

Page 4: Introducing Real Housewives All-Stars -- the most beloved table-flipping, drink-tossing, backstabbing stars from Real Housewives NYC, New Jersey, Atlanta and Beverly Hills casts are uniting for an all-star series on the streaming service Peacock and since everyone knows group trips make for the wildest episodes, the show will be filmed for two weeks at a Caribbean resort

Page 5: Angelina Jolie seems to be turning into quite the social butterfly as just weeks after her casual dinner with Ellen Pompeo then DJ Diplo posted an Instagram video with a woman who looks an awful lot like Angie, Number of the Week -- 2.25 million dollars fetched for Tom Brady's rookie football card, Gratitude of the Week -- Lena Dunham explaining how Glenn Close once cut her out of a too-tight corset at a black-tie event, Wife of the Week -- Megan Mullally on introducing her husband Nick Offerman to society, Makeover of the Week -- Iggy Azalea revealed bright green locks

Page 6: Crib of the Week -- Jerry Seinfeld's Colorado hideway in Telluride for sale, Winner of the Week -- Pete Davidson finally moves out of his mom's house on Staten Island and gets his own pad, Loser of the Week -- Bridgerton fans because Rege-Jean Page who plays the Duke of Hastings has confirmed he will not return next season

Page 8: Up Close -- Lady Gaga in a wedding dress playing Black Widow Patrizia Reggiani on the set of House of Gucci

Page 10: Brioni house ambassador Brad Pitt strikes a pose for the brand's Spring/Summer 2021 campaign, Nicole Kidman who will play Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos shares a cheeky on-set pic, Kate Beckinsale straps her cat Clive to her chest in a carrier

Page 12: Planet Hollywood -- stars give back for Earth Day -- Zac Efron shows how bees are affected by pollution on his show Down to Earth with Zac Efron, Gisele Bundchen picks some herbs, Kelis working in the garden

Page 13: Nikki Reed and her chicken, Bella Hadid gets down and dirty sowing 1500 lavender plants at her family's farm in Pennsylvania, Jenna Fischer and her new orange tree

Page 16: Dwayne Johnson shows off the fruits of his labor in the gym, Christopher Meloni joked that he's a big boy after fans notice his ample behind on the set of Law & Order: Organized Crime, Madonna and daughter Lourdes Leon pose for a selfie, Katy Perry standing on a toilet in the American Idol bathroom

Page 20: Kim Kardashian has officially become a billionaire, but not everyone in her family is congratulating her, as sister Kylie Jenner is annoyed because Kim is being so smug about it -- Kylie is proud of her makeup line, and she thinks Kim basically just copied her business model with KKW Beauty and Skims -- meanwhile Kim never misses the chance to point out to her whole family that none of them would be rich or famous without her, they'd be nobodies -- when Kim found out Kylie might be a billionaire, she made it her mission to do the same because she's famously competitive and Kim didn't just set out to best Kylie in business, she wants to destroy all of her sisters and this is natural sibling rivalry but of course Kim is acting like it's war

Page 21: Rapper and actor DMX, real name Earl Simmons, died at age 50 after being on life-support for a week following a heart attack at his New York home -- the father of 15 had long struggled with substance abuse, which reportedly triggered his cardiac arrest -- he showed few signs of trouble in his final days: his fiancee Desiree Lindstrom shared a video of the healthy looking and upbeat star jamming to a Michael Jackson tune, and his final single X Moves was released the day he died, but secretly, he was struggling

Page 22: Cover Story -- Meghan Markle snubbed by the royal family -- Meghan was banned from Prince Philip's funeral as her husband Prince Harry returns to the U.K. for the first time since Megxit -- the royals truly are hoping to heal the rift with Harry, but the chances of that happening are slim if Meghan is around because the family just doesn't trust Meghan anymore

Page 24: Prince Philip's life in pictures

Page 28: Is Tiger Woods hiding something? The investigation into the golfer's horrific car crash is concluded, but questions linger

Page 30: True Crime -- Till Death Do Us Part? San Diego mom May "Maya" Millete vanishes after making an appointment with a divorce lawyer

Page 32: The Big Interview -- Margaret Josephs of The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Page 36: And the Oscar goes to...these must-haves for that virtual soiree you're hosting on Hollywood's biggest night -- Lady Gaga with her Oscar

Page 38: Fashion -- Long Live Tie-Dye -- this psychedelic print is still going strong -- Addison Rae, Kourtney Kardashian

Page 40: Animal Overload -- my dog looks Hoda Kotb

Page 46: Horoscope -- Taurus Renee Zellweger turned 52 on April 25

Page 48: Last Laughs

[mia-soufi2018]

Blooming marvellous! Princess Beatrice follows Royal Myrtle tradition for her stunning bridal bouquet, made by master florist behind younger sister Eugenie's wedding display 

By Sam Baker Tom Pyman Stephanie Linning For Mailonline - July 18th 2020, 10:01:26 pm

Princess Beatrice upheld royal tradition as sprigs of myrtle were included in her breathtaking bridal bouquet. She married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, yesterday in a secret ceremony in Windsor

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Beatrice poses with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and delighted grandparents after socially distanced wedding - but there's no sign of Andrew in official snaps - as it's revealed princess wore a dress loaned by the Queen for nuptials

By Emily Andrews, Royal Editor Max Aitchison Michael Powell Scarlet Howes For The Mail On Sunday - July 18th 2020, 10:03:01 pm

Princess Beatrice married on Friday wearing both a tiara and vintage dress generously lent to her by her grandmother, deeply conscious that the 31-year-old was missing out on a traditional large wedding.

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Beatrice's ultimate 'something borrowed': Second-hand taffata gown with bodice encrusted with diamante designed by Sir Norman Hartnell was a huge message of support from the Queen, writes ALEXANDRA SHULMAN 

By Alexandra Shulman For The Mail On Sunday - July 18th 2020, 10:06:36 pm

ALEXANDRA SHULMAN: Fashion is so often used to make a statement and this gown, personally loaned by the Queen, sends a huge message of her support to a much-loved granddaughter.

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The Phil good factor: Duke of Edinburgh looks back to his best beaming alongside the Queen in Princess Beatrice wedding picture

By Katie Feehan For Mailonline - July 18th 2020, 10:06:54 pm

In an official photo released today (left), Prince Philip stood beside his wife of 73 years in a smart dark coloured suit, white shirt and striped tie, beaming at the newly married couple

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

What are your favourite 5 things about your favourite 5 royals?

Catherine (HRH The Duchess of Cambridge)

her work with mental health - as someone who suffers with mental health issues, her work in this field interests me immensely. She’s also been at the forefront of a push to make mental health less taboo and more easily spoken about. Professor Peter Fonagy said she’s “done more to turn the tide of stigma around mental health than any other single individual that I could name”

her work with early years - as a primary school teacher, this is also a field that massively interests me. Something I’ve been pushing is for more mental health support and a wider support for the emotional and mental health of children and their families. It’s something I think would have helped me in my childhood. I’m very excited to see where her work with early years goes

her relationship with her family - both the brf and the middletons. I love that she’s so close to her parents and siblings and I bet she’s the best auntie to little Arthur. I also have always loved how well she has embedded herself with the BRF. Her relationships with Charles, Camilla, Harry, and Zara, in particular, mean the world to me

her babies - mama kmiddy is the love of my life. I can’t believe I’ve watched her go from little Waity Katie to a full on mother of three. George is 7. She will have gone through first teeth, first steps, first words, with all of them. I can’t cope

her fashion - I know everyone in the world says her fashion is boring but it’s very close to my style and that’s just rude. Plus, occasionally she BRINGS IT and I love that

Madeleine (HRH Princess of Sweden)

her family - she had to go through being cheated on in the public eye, in the close aftermath of her sister’s wedding, but she found her prince charming. She’s got three beautiful children and she is so devoted to them. In any walk of life, she would be a stay at home mum, at least until the children got older, and being a mum suits her so much

her work with childhood - the fact she works so closely with a charity founded by her mum is so sweet. She’s also on the board with Childhood Sweden and an honorary board member for Childhood USA. It’s a worldwide charity which covers a particularly important issue and I’m glad that Madde continues to work with it

her relationship with her siblings - Vikkan, Madde, and Lilip are my absolute favourite royal siblings. You can see how close they are in all their interactions and they not only all clearly love each other, but they extend that love to each other’s partners. To watch the go from three siblings in 2010 to three siblings, three spouses, and seven children in 2020 has been an honour

her min stora dag tea party - do you mean my favourite royal event of all time? Madde, in full princess drag, weaing a giant tiara and her orders, sat on the floor with a bunch of seriously ill children. These little princes and princesses were able to eat in a palace, off official antique china, with a real life princess. It makes my heart swell. The fact she brought Leonore was the icing on the cake

her evening looks - I’m back to being shallow but there is one royal who was born to wear evening gowns and tiaras and it’s Madeleine. She looks every inch the fairytale princess in a full on evening gown and she does tiara hair better than anyone

Sofia (HRH Princess of Sweden)

her wedding day - sofia’s wedding was the first non-brf wedding I watched and was actually on the day I started using this blog so it has a special day in my heart. From her wedding dress, to having Estelle in her wedding party, to the performance of Joyful, Joyful, it means a lot to me

her outfit at gabriel’s christening - for years, her outfit at Alexander’s christening was my favourite. But then she pulled out the big guns for Gabriel’s. Being from Dalarna and having her son become the Duke of Dalarna, she rocked up in national dress and stole my heart forever

the way she accepted her role - from her speech about wanting a beach wedding but that not being princess appropriate, to beginning to take on independent roles as a royal, to being accepted by the Swedes, she has taken to her role better than nearly any other married in royal. I’m in awe of how well she’s done it

the way she is still herself - if I have to see anyone else say “she should probably cover her tattoo”, I’m going to scream. She’s Princess Sofia of Sweden but she’s also Sofia, ex-glamour model, and she’s ok with that. She doesn’t try to hide her past but accepts it is part of her and moves on

sophiahemmet - not only do I love the work she’s done with sophiahemmet over the years, but she cemented herself as a forever fave when she started working as a volunteer at the hospital to help during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. She didn’t need to do that but she did. Every other royal could take a leaf from her book

Marie (HRH Princess of Denmark)

her relationship with alexandra and her step-children - I’m forever in awe at how well she coped with marrying Joachim considering how beloved Alexandra was (and still is) in Denmark. Alexandra and Marie seem to get on really well and Nikolai and Felix (Felix in particular) both appear to have a close relationship with Marie and their half-siblings

her work with food waste - this is such a dull but important topic. The fact she quietly educated herself on the topic, pulled together people who knew a lot about the area, and then began to spread awareness was a very smart way to do it. I’ve loved how she’s including Athena and Henrik with her work in this area

her relationship with denmark - I know everyone talks about how well Mary has coped with moving from Denmark but I think everyone forgets Marie is also from a different country. I loved her little relationship with Henrik, considering they were both French, and I think she’s done a wonderful job of assimilating into a new country and a new culture. Her recent interview, where she said she is Danish and Denmark is her home, but France still has a place in her heart, really pushed this home for me

her dedication to the drf - she married the “spare”, she is the second wife of said spare, and she could easily have sat back, done the bare minimum, and turned up for tiara events. But she didn’t. She was really close with Henrik and seems to get along well with Margrethe. Marie, Mary, and Frederik also seem to get on well. Marie seems to be a loving aunt. She works hard and wants to work for the family (which also seemed clear in that article) and she clearly loves them a lot

her relationship with her babies - mama Marie is so sweet. She puts her children and step-children first. When they are with her at public events, she makes sure they are safe and happy and, if they are uncomfortable, she makes them feel safe, while still maintaining a good relationship with the press. (I’m also in awe of how well she deals with the press but that’s an issue for another day)

Letizia (HM Queen of Spain)

how she’s overcome the negativity towards her - sometimes I forget how much both Spain and the royal watching world hated Leti. Sometimes I forget how after that Easter incident, the royal watching world turned on Leti for protecting her daughter. Letizia holds her head high and gets on with her work. She is a mother and a queen and she ignores the press and public reaction against her

her fashion - damn, Leti dresses SMART. If there was a royal I’d want to get business chic inspo from, it’s Letizia. She rewears clothes a lot and she wears a lot of high street designs, and this has helped her to cultivate a useful and fashionable wardrobe

her little family - Leti, Felipe, Leonor, and Sofia are a tiny oasis. I’m proud of Leti and Felipe for protecting their children for as long as they did and I’m proud they are now supporting them as they begin to have a public-facing life. Leti clearly adores her children and I love watching her watch Leonor give speeches.

her passion for travel - Leti strikes me as a wonderful diplomat and I don’t know if that’s true but I’m going with it. She seems to have a wonderful relationship with every royal, politician, and head of state she meets. Along with Felipe, she visits a wide range of countries and she appears knowledgeable and caring

her work with children’s rights - there’s nothing I love more than Leti and babies! She’s worked in children’s rights since her marriage and it’s an area of work I am obsessed with. You can see this passion in her defence of her own children and it makes me happy that she takes this passion and this love and gives it to children who need it

[choicesfanficanonymous]

The Royal Murder (The Royal Romance Murder Mystery Satire)

Book: The Royal Romance

Rating: PG-13 (Character death if not obvious by the title)

Word Count: 969

It was a dark and stormy night in the duchy of Ramsford. Our hosts Duke Bertrand Beaumont and Lord Maxwell Beaumont both ran frantically through the ballroom of their estate. The former was fretting and panicking about everything from the dismal weather outside to the napkin choices, while the latter was trying to calm the worries of his elder brother.

A loud clap of thunder sounded outside, simultaneous with the ringing of the doorbell, signalling the arrival of the first guests. The Duke of Ramsford took a deep breath to ready himself before taking his place alongside his brother to greet the incoming swarm of people.  Lords, ladies, dukes, duchesses, counts, and countesses all began to fill the room.

The Scarlet Duchess, Olivia Vanderwall Nevrakis, stood near the bar with a look of indifference on her face as she engaged in what seemed to be a very dull conversation with the eccentric Lady Penelope and the elegant Lady Kiara. Her family’s hand in various assassination attempts on the crown had left many hesitant around the duchess, but she remained uncaring in regards to the rumors about her involvement because the people that truly mattered knew of her innocence.

The Scorned Countess, Madeleine of Fydelia, held her head high as she roamed the room, stopping every once in a while to make conversation with various members of the court. Her two broken royal engagements had warranted many rumors of her own, especially since her deep affection for the former crown prince Leo was obvious to everyone at court. But, the thin, blonde woman refused to show any emotion where they were concerned.

The Polymyth, Lady Hanna Lee, stood next to her host, Lord Maxwell Beaumont, and the two settled into a comfortable and easy discussion. The lady had finally settled into her new life and it was obvious to those around her that getting out from under her parents’ thumb had been good for her.

The Commoner, Drake Walker, stood with his back to the wall in a secluded corner of the room with a glass of whiskey clutched in his hand. The king’s best friend since childhood had managed to be the center of many court gossip sessions as well. His good looks and flirtation with the queen before her marriage to the king did not go unnoticed by the ladies of the court. Across the room from him, Lord Neville Vancoeur stood with a scowl on his face. As he glared at the other man, it was made clear that the very public disagreements that had occurred between the two were not yet in the past.

The American Queen, Riley Brooks, stood faithfully next her husband with a warm and inviting smile on her face. Her introduction to Cordonia had been anything but welcoming, but the woman had still managed to overcome every trial that had been thrown her way. She had always handled everything with a grace that inspired those around her. King Liam had his arm wrapped around Riley’s waist. Although he was not the original heir, there was never any doubt that he would make a better king than his older brother Leo, who was supposed to take the throne. Leo’s impulsive and abrupt marriage to Katie, a woman he had met on a cruise, after his abdication only further proved this to the people of the court and country.

Tonight’s ball was the first since the assassins had been locked away and the royal wedding and honeymoon had ended, and life at court seemed to finally be returning to normal. Guests milled about the ballroom, and the sounds of voices mixed together with soft piano music filled the air. The people were at ease and were genuinely enjoying themselves.

This, however, did not last very long. The lights abruptly flickered off and various gasps and shouts erupted from all over the large room. The king called for the guards, and as they began to surround the royal couple, a single gunshot was heard. The screams became louder at the sound, but only seconds later the lights flickered back on. The screaming stopped now that the lights were back on, but everyone in the grand room seemed flustered as they checked to make sure that the people around them were unharmed.

A loud shriek filled the air, and a lady of the court dressed in a bright orange dress looked as if she was about to faint as she pointed to the body lying on the ballroom floor. Countess Madeleine of Fydelia lay in a pile on the ground with a single gunshot wound to the forehead.

The guests gasped and for a second everything remained still as they came to terms with the reality of their situation. They began to whisper frantically among themselves as blood dripped from the wound and onto the floor. They were all suddenly very ready to leave the estate as all of their previous fears of assassins were renewed. Chaos erupted as the guards tried to usher the royal couple to safety while various nobles rushed to get out of the ballroom.

As the nobles pushed and shoved each other in attempts to get through the doors, a man in a dark grey suit quickly surveyed the room before slipping through a back door. He could hear the voices of his fellow guard members through his earpiece as he walked to a secluded corner of the estate grounds. He removed the earpiece and took out his phone.

“It’s done,” he spoke into the device. “She won’t be a problem for you anymore.”

Katie smiled as she looked over at her sleeping husband.

“Good. The money will be in your account by morning,” she said softly to refrain from waking the man next to her before hanging up the phone.

[vivalaskristie]

Chapter 4  Meanwhile, Back at the Palace

Book: The Royal Romance (AU)

Series Premise: Parallel, behind the scenes, Madeleine and Bastien

A/N: This is my first series, my first AU, because Madeleine and Bastien needed to smash.  I posted and then pulled it because it wasn’t quite right.  It’s still a work in progress.

Warnings for this series: The first sex scenes I’ve ever written, bad language, sneaking around, alcohol, general mischief and the occasional academic symposium.

Permatags:  @speedyoperarascalparty @burnsoslow @dcbbw @stopforamoment @emceesynonymroll

Chapter 1 Prelude

Chapter 2 Drinks on a Yacht

Chapter 3 A Dark and Stormy Night

Three months later, Bastien walked down to the track at the nearby high school, just after dusk. It was finally cooling off, and he was looking forward to having a run outside. The treadmill in the palace gym just wasn’t the same, and it never felt right to be in there with the nobles and courtiers anyway. Either they ignored him because of the differences in social stations, or they talked to him and most of the time he didn’t have a lot to contribute to the conversations.

He hopped the chain link fence around the track instead of using the gate 50 yards away. He dropped his towel on a bench, checked his shoes, and turned when he heard the sound of someone running behind him. It was her. Madeleine was here, and based on her flushed face and sweat-soaked shirt, she’d been here a while. She slowed for a couple of steps as she recognized him, but she hit her pace again almost immediately. He hadn’t seen her since the yacht. He’d watched her disembark and get into her limo and he figured that was the end of that story.

He jogged to the track and started his workout. She was about a third of the way around in front of him. As he warmed up, his pace increased. By the end of his 2nd lap, he was next to her. She had earbuds in, so there was no conversation. He matched her pace and they ran kind of together for a few laps, separated by a lane or two. She eventually slowed down as her run came to an end. He was aware of her stepping off the track finally, and she sat on the bench where his towel lay. He kept running. She remained on the bench, cooling off and drinking her water and scrolling on her phone. A couple of times he caught her watching him. A couple other times, she caught him watching her.

When he finished his final lap, he sat down beside her on the bench. 

“Hello Bastien,” she said, in that wonderful scratchy voice that he’d heard in his dreams for three months now. “It’s good to see you.”

“And you as well. Please accept my congratulations on your engagement,” he said. There was no point in ignoring the fact of her impending nuptials.

“Thank you,” she answered. “I figured you’d be on the bachelor party world tour with the rest of the boys.”

“Not this time. I’m taking a couple weeks off before we have to start implementing security measures for the wedding.“  

“Ah. So you’re not the one making sure that Leo and his American girlfriend aren’t discovered.”

Bastien was stunned. What did she know about Katie?  How did she know about Katie?  This was bad. Only Leo’s inner circle was supposed to be in that loop. Madeleine gave a low laugh when she saw his reaction. He looked at her, and his questions obviously showed on his face.

“Please. I’ve been playing this game for years. I pay attention. He never liked going to the States, until suddenly he liked going very much. And he’s a terrible liar.”

“And you’re still going through with the marriage?” Bastien asked. 

“Of course. I’m going to be the Queen. She’s a mistress. That’s nothing new for people in Leo’s position. He’ll get tired of her, replace her. My place is secure.” It was brave talk, but her tone didn’t match her words. She sounded like it had been rehearsed, like she’d been coached… 

“I see Adelaide’s been helping you come to terms,” he said coldly. She looked up sharply, her expression showing the hurt he heard in her voice. “I’m sorry. I overstepped.”

“Don’t be. You’re right. Mother has been making sure that I know that my duty is to remind Leo of his.”  

He took her hand. “What do you want to do?”

“I want to be Queen.”

“No. That’s not what I meant. What do you want your life to be?  Married in name and title only? That will be enough?” He wasn’t sure who the hell he thought he was, all of a sudden, asking the future Queen of the Realm about her personal thoughts on her marriage and future. He couldn’t help himself. Somebody needed to ask her, and nobody else seemed to be doing it.

She was still for a few seconds, considering her words carefully, and then she smiled. “Bastien, have you been reading fairy tales again?  You know how this works. Leo doesn’t love me. I don’t love him. But we can be good with each other, and good for Cordonia.”

“Well I guess you’ve got it all figured out..” His eyes were on her, and no humor showed on his face.

“I always have,” she said softly. “Shall we go back?”

They rose, and walked together, Madeleine a step ahead of him as dictated by royal protocol. They didn’t speak again until they were inside the palace gate. 

“Good night, Bastien.”

“Good night, Lady Mad.”

She blinked, remembering the note he left on the yacht and the hours they spent together. Her cheeks flushed, and he smiled faintly before he turned to walk away.

Later that evening, Madeleine was reading in the sitting room in her suite. Her quarters were well-appointed and positioned near enough to the Royal Family to establish her as one who belonged there. The balcony doors were open to allow the cool sea breeze to fill her rooms. Her phone buzzed. She picked it up to read the text:

You deserve better, Lady Mad.

She considered it for a moment, and then replied:

Yes, but Cordonia deserves the best

Within a minute her phone buzzed again in her hand. She smiled.

Can’t argue with any part of that.

She paused, wondering if she dared…

It’s certainly worth discussing further in person.

Bastien was lying on his bed as her last text flashed across his phone. As he read her words, heat filled his body. He’d been sure that their night together was a one-off, something that happens occasionally between nobles and palace staff but never lasts beyond a weekend. He stood up. Of course he was going to go to her. He pulled on dark clothes, something that wouldn’t draw attention if he were seen. He started to open his door and then shut it again. It wasn’t a good idea to just walk through the palace and show up at her suite. There was no way to explain that away. No, he’d need to take a different route.

He walked to his office and entered a code on the wall panel next to the bookshelf. The bookshelf swung open. He’d take the subway.

Fifteen minutes later, he was standing in a dimly lit narrow passage three floors above his own. I should warn her, he thought. 

Go to your dressing room. You’re going to hear a knock.

She’d set her phone down after he hadn’t replied to her insanely bold text. She’d been disappointed, but not surprised. What was he going to do, skulk around the palace for a booty call?  But now this was interesting. She stood up and walked through her bedroom to the dressing room. There was a single knock on the wall to her left. Before she could do anything, the wall became a door and Bastien was standing there.

The look on her face was priceless. “What…?”

“I thought it best to be discreet,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “May I come in?”  

She smiled and walked back to her sitting room. She closed her book after marking her page, put it on the side table, and gestured for him to sit next to her on the sofa. They sat half-facing each other. 

“I hope I’m not interrupting. Quiet evenings alone are rare around here.”

“No it’s fine. I was just reading. One of my mentors from school sent me his new book. He’s trying to get me to come back for my MPhil.”

His attention switched from the memory of the last time they were on a sofa to what she’d just revealed. She’d gone to Oxford, but he didn’t know much about what she’d done there. “Are you considering it?  What did you study?”

“History and Economics. My honors thesis was about how a small traditional monarchy in the European Union can leverage its strategic geography and outsized capital to become an equal partner in the global economy. I may go back at some point in the future, but I have things going on here right now.”

What the hell did she just say?  What just happened? He was riveted. 

“You did academic research about Cordonia’s economy.”

“I did. Nobody really had before, so it was a blank slate.”

His mouth was literally hanging open. She smiled, knowing she had just taken control of the situation back from him after his little “meet me in the closet” stunt.

“Well, you see Cordonia’s location on one of the most lucrative trade routes in Europe has benefited us for centuries. The coastline allowed us to build ports that were accessible and still protected.”  She stood up and began to pace in a circle as she talked. “We’ve had one of the most generous tax structures for imports and exports ever since the idea of tax structures for imports and exports was conceived.”  She looked at him and saw that she had his undivided attention. The heat of his gaze was unmistakable. Was he … was he turned on? She decided to just go with it. With a twist. “When we opened the casinos in the middle of the 19th century”– she pulled her shirt over her head, revealing a simple black bra–”we became the leading tourist destination for the new wealthy class of commoners. We welcomed their presence, and their money, like nobody else in Europe.”

Holy hell, what was she doing?

“Since then, Cordonia has been able to parlay its geopolitical position to its advantage through two world wars.”  She approached him and knelt between his outstretched legs, resting her hands on his thighs. “We took a risk not staying neutral like Switzerland, but it’s always been our international policy to do the right thing. Our well-chosen strategic alliances resulted in strong positions with much more powerful nations.”  She put her hand on his crotch and felt his erection. He looked like he was about to pass out. She stroked him with her finger.

“Today, we have one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world.”  She unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, looking him straight in the eye. “My conclusion was that we could, and we should, do more.”  She pulled his cock out and appraised it with the same expression she wore as when she’d been talking about economics. “Don’t you agree?”

He swallowed and cleared his throat. “I do. I like more. More is amazing.”

She rose to her knees and licked the underside of his penis from base to tip. “I think so too.”  Her lips closed around the head of his cock and he groaned as she took him further into her mouth. She made a sound low in her throat that he felt all the way up his spine. He felt her nails rake over his balls as she slowly raised her head. She dipped again, not breaking the suction between her soft hot lips. Her free hand snaked up under his shirt and over his chest, then she ran it down the length of his body, down his side to his thigh before bringing it to clasp her other hand as it worked the base of his cock.

Bastien’s muscles clenched from head to toe. He was close, so close and he didn’t want it to end but it had to. He ran his hand over the back of her head, not pushing, just feeling her move against him, around him, all over him. And then he broke, letting loose in her mouth. She kept going, not slowing down until he was still. His eyes were closed, but he knew exactly where she was as she raised her head one last time and released him.

She folded her arms and rested them on his thigh, laying her cheek on her forearms. She watched him as he breathed deeply a few times.

“I hope my seminar didn’t put you to sleep,” she remarked with a sly grin. Bastien hooked his hand under her arm to bring her onto his lap. She settled in the circle of his embrace. “I don’t get the chance to talk shop very much lately."  He laughed softly.

"I have an entirely new respect for economic theory,” he said. “You really have a way of making it relatable."  She flushed, but not out of embarrassment over the topic or the blowjob, quite frankly. She knew she was good at both.

They sat like that for a while, talking about whatever came to mind. This wasn’t small talk, or the usual chatter that happened inside the palace. They both had to work at that, and neither enjoyed it. This was different and comfortable and easy.

The balcony doors were still open and the room grew chilly. She nestled in closer, unconsciously seeking his warmth. They kept talking.

"Would you like to stay?” she asked after an hour more. “Can you? Do you have to be somewhere?”

“Technically I’m on vacation. I can be wherever I choose. I can stay."  Bastien knew that this was happening on her terms, that every minute with her was stolen. He wasn’t about to leave if he had anything to say about it.

He stood up, lifting her with him. He carried her to the bedroom, leaning her toward the light switches so she could turn them off as he passed them. He set her on the bed, walked back out to close the balcony doors, and returned.

"Just in case we get loud,” he said and her smile became a laugh. He crossed over to her and kissed her. She pulled him down so he sat beside her, and he leaned in for more. They were already partially undressed–his pants were still undone and her shirt was in the other room. They slowly finished pulling each other’s clothes off, exploring with their hands and mouths.  He kissed a faint thin line that crossed her belly on the right side where her appendix had been removed while she lived in England. She found scars shaped like stars, from gunshot wounds he received during the attack that killed Drake’s father. He ran his finger across her apple tattoo, which he had seen in his mind every day since that night on the yacht.

“Talk,” he said with a laugh. She rolled her eyes and blushed.

“Before I left for university, I went on vacation with Hana and Olivia and Penelope. We were close in school, before all of this… whatever it is, palace nonsense became important and got between us. We were on Ibiza, doing the rich Eurotrash thing, and Olivia got this idea that we should all get tattoos.”

Bastien’s eyes widened. All four of them?! 

“Right. So we spent the day drinking and deciding what to get. It had to be meaningful, y'know?"  She laughed at the memory. "It was our version of a blood vow. Penelope was on probably her tenth appletini and she had this amazing idea:  we should get apples! The famous Cordonian Ruby! It was perfect! Hail Cordonia! We found a place that could take us all at once, and …” she pointed to her own apple on her abdomen.

Bastien’s expression was priceless. He looked about to burst.

“Go ahead, ask away.”

“Are they… are they all the same?  In the same, uh, location?” He was laughing now.

Madeleine slowly shook her head, smiling wickedly. “And that’s all I’m going to tell you.”

Those were the last words they spoke for the rest of the night.

They slept late. Neither had anywhere to be the next day, so they lazed in bed, achy from the night’s adventures. They had gotten loud indeed. Bastien didn’t realize how badly he wanted to bite her, to grab her, to leave some sort of mark on her like an animal until he realized that he couldn’t. It was enough that she was covered in beard burn, some places more than others, he realized with no small amount of possessive pride.

Madeleine, however, had not hesitated to leave a trail of bites and scratches and handprints all over him. She knew that he’d been careful; she made up for it.

She rang for a late breakfast  while he was getting into the shower so it would be on the table when they got out. And it was. It was cold, but it was there.

Leo was scheduled to return late that night. Neither of them mentioned it, but as they filled the hours with sex and words and silence and even a nap tangled around each each other, they both knew they were racing the clock. They made love once more as the sun disappeared over the sea. Afterward, Bastien got dressed as she watched from the bed, uncovered and unconcerned by it.

He sat down and kissed her again, memorizing her taste and scent, and how she touched him as she leaned toward him. “Bye, Lady Mad”

“Goodbye, Bastien”

They didn’t speak of what would or wouldn’t happen next. It didn’t matter.

Chapter 5

[queenmiranda-01]

The Royal Couple                    Chapter 5 - Love Thy In-Laws

Liam x Miranda (MC)

I apologize that this chapter has taken so long to release but I just got my laptop back today. Thanks again for reading my story and I hope you are enjoying the series. 

Please know that I am not a professional writer so I apologize for any misspellings or improper grammar structure. I welcome all feedback both positive and negative. Thank you!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters as they belong to pixleberry studios. I’m just using them for fictional entertainment purposes

(Miranda releases herself from Liam’s embrace, moves off of the floor and grabs her phone that is on the end table at the other end of the couch.)

Miranda: It is my Mom, I got to take this Sweetie I'm sorry!

Liam: (Smiling) Its ok go ahead

(Miranda quickly puts her T-shirt back on, sits down at the other end of the couch, and answers the phone. Miranda's Mom (Alicia) appears on the screen smiling)

Miranda: Hi Mom!

Alicia: Hi Honey! Oh it’s so good to see you, you look great! It's been so long since I heard from you. How are you?

(As Miranda talks to her Mom Liam gets up off of the floor, puts his sweat pants on and sits at the other end of the sofa and looks at his phone)

Miranda: Thanks. I'm doing great. I'm sorry I haven't called in a while but we've been so busy.

Alicia: It’s ok Sweetie I can only imagine how busy you two must be. Being King and Queen of a country has got to be a lot of work.

Miranda: Yeah, its tough but thankfully I have Liam to help me.

Alicia: How is my wonderful Son-in-law? (Liam smiles when he hears his Mother-in-law's comment about him) Is he there? I want to say hello.

(Miranda glances over at Liam who is shaking his head "No" to Miranda)

Liam: (Quietly whispers) I'm not dressed appropriately.

Miranda: No, he's not here right now. He had a late meeting or something tonight.

Alicia: Oh ok. How is he? Are you taking good care of him?

Miranda: Liam is doing great and of course I am taking good care of him.

Alicia:  Are you still cooking for him? He needs home cooked meals, not just that fancy Palace food. Remember what I told you

Miranda & Alicia: "The way to your man's heart is through his stomach"

(Liam quietly giggles)

Miranda: Yes I know

Alicia: A home cooked meal fills a man's heart and belly with love

Miranda: (Sarcastically) I know Mom you told me all of this before.

Alicia: Well I just want to make sure that you don't forget.

Miranda: I cook breakfast and dinner for Liam just about every day and as he keeps telling me both his heart and belly love me for it.

(Liam makes a kissy face at Miranda and smiles. Miranda glances at Liam and smiles back)

Alicia: Well it’s good to know I taught you well then. You keep taking care of my handsome Son-in-law because he deserves it. Not because he’s royalty and a King but because he is your husband and he loves you so much Honey.

Miranda: I know he does and I love him just as much

(Liam makes another kissy face to Miranda)

Alicia: Oh that's wonderful to hear. You two are good then?

Miranda: We’re prefect actually, we couldn't be better!

Alicia; Really that's great. So umm you are still keeping him "Happy" right?

Miranda (With a shocked and disgusted look on her face) MOTHER!

(Liam puts his hand over his mouth as he laughs hysterically)

Alicia: WHAT? I just want to make sure you're continuing to add fuel to your home fires

(Liam continues to quietly laugh as Miranda continues to get grossed out)

Miranda: Oh my GOD Mom I am NOT having this conversation with you!

Alicia: Oh lighten up Miranda it's a simple question

Miranda: Ok I'm hanging up now!

Alicia: DON'T you dare hang up on your Mother!

Miranda: Then we are changing the subject! NOW!

Alicia: Ok fine

(Miranda sighs and rolls her eyes)

Miranda: So um how's Daddy doing?

Alicia: (Rolling her eyes) He’s fine but he's a pain in my ass.

Miranda: Why?

Alicia: All he does is complain. He's becoming such a grouch anymore.

Miranda: What’s he complaining about?

Alicia: Any god damn thing he wants. He bitches and moans about everything.  If I buy something and spend more than a $100.00, he has a fit. Christ you would think we were broke or on welfare as cheap as he is sometimes.

Miranda: Daddy is just being Daddy, you know how he is but you still love him, right?

Alicia: Of course I love him even if he does annoy the living shit out of me but he’s never been this bad before. (Miranda smirks at her Mom and shakes her head) Have you heard from your sister lately?

Miranda: I haven't heard from Jessie since before my wedding when she texted me and told me she couldn't make it. Where is she these days?

Alicia: I have no clue. I haven't spoken to her in over 3 months. Last time she called she told me that she had met some guy and was planning on touring Europe with him. (Alicia sighs and rolls her eyes) God I wish she would settle down and find a decent job.

Miranda: Yeah well Jessie has always been flighty. She left the house a week after she graduated high school and hasn't been back since. She’s just not the type of person to stay in one place for too long. She’s too much of a free spirit.

Alicia: I know that's why I worry about her. I wish she would grow the hell up. Oh well. When was the last time you talked to your brother?

Miranda: Uh god...um... the last time I talked to Robby...was...probably right after I got back from my Honeymoon. I think he told me he was interviewing at a law firm in Philadelphia.

Alicia: Oh it has been a while since you talked to him. He got that job and he is living in Philadelphia now.

Miranda: Really! That's great, oh I'm so happy for him. I’ll have to call him soon

Alicia: That's actually not the best part. He's met someone.

Miranda: Really? Who?

Alicia: Her name is Avery and she is a lawyer who works with him at the firm, apparently she is the daughter of one of the senior named partners. I think they have been seeing each other for about three months now and wait to you hear this...they just moved into together.

Miranda: WHAT? Robby moved in with her? You’re kidding right? (Alicia smiles and shakes her head “No” to Miranda) Oh my God he has never lived with a girl before or even dated the same girl for more than a few weeks.

Alicia: I know and guess what? He is bringing her home for Thanksgiving so Daddy and I can meet her.

Miranda: Wow Mom it sounds like this relationship is getting serious.

Alicia: Yeah I think it is.

Miranda: Hey speaking of Thanksgiving that's part of the reason why I called you. You remember Liam's brother Leo and his wife Katie.

Alicia: Oh yes of course I met them at your wedding, they're the ones with the adorable twins?

Miranda: Yeah that’s them. They invited Liam and I to Thanksgivings at their house this year and we are actually able to attend so we figured that since we are going to be in America that we would come see you and Daddy the day after Thanksgiving and spend a few days with you guys.

(Alicia gets an overjoyed look of happiness on her face)

Alicia: Are you really? Oh Honey that will be wonderful it’s been so long since we've seen you and Liam. I'm so happy! Let me go get your Father he would love to hear this. Hold on I'll be right back,

(Alicia puts her iPad down and walks away from the screen to call Miranda's Dad (Rob))

Liam: (Sarcastically) I'm sure your Father will be thrilled to know that I'm coming

Miranda: Stop it!

Alicia: (In the distance) Rob! .....Rob! .....ROBERT!!

Rob (In the distance) WHAT!!

Alicia: (In the distance) COME UP HERE!

Rob: (In the distance) I'M BUSY! WHAT DO YOU WANT?

Alicia:(In the distance) YOU'RE NOT BUSY YOU'RE WATCHING TV! GET OFF YOUR ASS AND GET UP HERE! I have Miranda on FaceTime

Rob: (In the distance) Oh well why the hell didn't you tell me that in the first place instead of screaming.

Alicia: (in the distance) Just shut up and get the hell up here.

(Lam and Miranda laugh as they listen to Rob and Alicia yell at each)

Miranda: My god those two are unbelievable

(Miranda's Mom picks up her iPad and appears back on the screen and then Miranda’s Dad appears on the screen and sits next to Alicia)

Rob: Well if it isn't my daughter the Queen. How are you baby girl?

Miranda: Hi Dad! How are you doing?

Rob: Ah I can't complain

Alicia: (Rolling her eyes at Rob and mutters under breath) Like hell you can't

(Rob gives Alicia a stern questionable look)

Rob: What? What was that?

Alicia: Nothing , nothing

(Rob gives Alicia a stern glare and then turns his attention back to Miranda)

Rob: So how you doing Baby? Anything new?

Alicia: She's coming home after Thanksgiving

(Rob gets a concerned and angry look on his face)

Rob: Why? What happened? Did that son-of-a-bitch you married hurt you again because if he did I'll stick that bastard’s crown of his right up his royal ASS!!

Miranda: (With a look of anger on her face shouts at her Dad) DADDY!!!!!!!

Alicia: ROBERT???

(Alicia slaps Rob on his arm and gives him a mad look. At the same time Miranda glances up from her phone and sees Liam slightly sitting up from the couch, looking over at her with an angry shocked expression on his face because Rob's comment has upset him)

Liam: (Whispers quietly) Did he seriously just say that? What the hell is his problem?

(Liam shakes his head as Miranda glances back at her phone)

Alicia: (To Rob) Will you knock it off! What the HELL is wrong with you?

Rob: (To Alicia) You said she was coming home?

Alicia: I meant she and Liam are coming for a visit not because she’s leaving Liam. You IDIOT!

Miranda: (With an angry tone) Daddy Liam is my husband and he LOVES me dearly. He would NEVER EVER hurt me.

Rob:  Yeah I bet Princess Diana thought the same thing when she married a Royal and look what happened to her.

Miranda: (Rolling her eyes and looking annoyed) Oh for Christ’s sakes! Not this again!

(Liam throws his hands up in the air and has a mad look on his face because his Father-in-law has really pissed him off. Miranda puts her hand up to Liam to calm him down)

Liam: (Whispers Quietly) I'm not listening to him anymore. I'm going to bed

(Miranda watches as Liam walks out of the family room and heads upstairs)

Alicia: Oh my god Rob will you just STOP! You are making a complete ASS of yourself right now?

Rob: Alicia don't start with me, I know what I am talking about. All of these god damn Royals are the same. The use people to get what they want and then they toss them aside when they are done with them.

Alicia: (To Rob with an angry tone) You have no idea what you are talking about so STOP it! NOW!

Miranda: Dad for the last time I am NOT Princess Diana and Liam would NEVER allow me to end up like her. If you honestly believe that he is capable of hurting me or would allow anyone to hurt me like that then you really have no clue what you are talking about. Liam and I love each other very much and I wish you would get this unrealistic image of my husband out of your head so you can see what a wonderful man he is and how much he loves me.

Alicia: Listen to our Daughter Robert!

Miranda: You know maybe coming to visit you guys after Thanksgiving isn't such a good idea after all.

Alicia: (Looking like she is going to cry) What? Oh no Miranda please don't say that?

Miranda: I’m sorry Mom but I love my husband too much to subject him to a weekend of untrue and hurtful opinions. He gets enough of that from social media and the press he shouldn’t have to put up with that from his own family.

Alicia: (With tears in her eyes, pleads with her husband) Oh Rob please!

Rob: No, No Sweetheart wait, please don't do that. I...I want you two to come visit us, please?. I'm...I'm sorry ok. I was.... completely out of line

Miranda; Yes you were!

Rob: (With a regretful and remorse tone) I know, I know and I'm sorry Honey. (Rob takes a deep breath) I just love you so much and I worry about you. I know how much pain and heartache you went through to get where you are now and it will absolutely kill me to see you hurt again. Someday if you’re lucky enough to be a parent you'll understand that no matter how old your baby gets it breaks your heart when you see them hurt.

(Miranda sees the love and tears in her Dad's eyes)

Miranda:  I know you love me but Liam is not the bad guy and he was never the one that caused me pain and heartache. He always has and always will protect me because he loves me.

Rob: I know he loves you, but I still worry about you all the time.

Miranda: Why do you worry about me so much?

Rob: Because I’m your Daddy and I’ll never stop worrying about you. Even though you are all grown up and married.... (Rob fights back tears, his voice slightly cracking)....you’re still my baby girl and I will never stop loving you and wanting to protect you.

(Miranda’s heart warms by her Daddy’s beautiful words. She becomes teary-eyed when she notices a tear running down Rob’s cheek)

Miranda: Daddy I don’t want you to stop loving me and protecting me. I just wish you would realize that Liam isn’t the one that you need to protect me from.

(An awkward silence falls between Miranda and her parents. Miranda wipes her eyes and clears her throat)

Miranda: Um it’s getting late for me so I’m going to get going.

Alicia: Ok Honey....Uh call me on Thanksgiving and let me know when you guys will be arriving.

Miranda: Yeah I will definitely call you and let you know.

Alicia: I love you Sweetheart, I’m so glad you called and I can’t wait to see you and Liam. Give Liam my love!

Miranda: I will, I love you Mom! I can’t wait to see you!

Rob: I love you Baby girl! You know that right?

Miranda: I know and I love you too Dad, I’ll see you soon.

Rob & Alicia:  Bye Miranda!

Miranda: Bye!

(Miranda ends the call and then sits back in the couch and shakes her head. She starts to think about why her Dad feels the way he does toward Liam and she realizes that her Dad has acted this way since the day he learned of Miranda and Liam’s engagement)

(Chapter 6 will be released before Friday 2/8)

[ernestsinclairs]

Tillie Marshall Wedding Board

**Request any LI for a wedding board!**

The Ring: Tillie may or may not have kept one of the Monaco royal jewels for herself, and used one of the diamonds in a custom wedding ring for you. She sent it in to Cartier for a special design, and managed to draw up a $200,000 bill. But some things were worth paying for.

The Dress: You donned a halter top dress with a gold neckline from Pronovias, while Tillie went all out into a Swarovski crystal embedded romper. You exuded class and grace, Tillie emanated fun and spark. You had the wealth, and Tillie had the luxury.

The Ceremony: It was a long story, but Rye had gotten ordained some years back as part of another heist. He officiated you and Tillie’s wedding at the Cavalli Club in Dubai. You and Tillie rented out the entire superclub at the cool price of $300,000, but there was nothing money couldn’t buy. Dubai was the perfect place - full of shameless luxury, fast cars, and the best clubs in the world. It was practically Tillie’s home.

Extra Notes: After the all night long party, you hitched a ride in Tillie’s Lamborghini to the airport. For your honeymoon, you and Tillie actually went back to Monaco, just to see if you could pull it off. You did, and the authorities never even knew. 

First Dance Song: Who knows? You were buzzed, Tillie was buzzed, and everyone was having too much of a good time to care.

@katies-bishops

[leelee10898]

For you: This I promise you (10/?)

Pairing: Leo x Aria (Mc) Rating; Fluff/ NSFW Chapter inspiration: Nsync - This I promise You. Catch up HERE

"I'm going to miss you today. " she stood on her tip toes placing a kiss on his lips. "I'll only be gone a few hours, and besides you should spend time with your family before our flight leaves tonight." He tightened his arms around her waist. Leo was heading to New York for a few hours to check on the Penthouse. He also had plans to meet up with an old friend, which Aria had no idea about. Leo got into the car and headed down the drive way, before disappearing onto the highway.

About an hour and a half drive Leo arrived in New York. He swung by the penthouse checking the mail and taking care of a few things that needed his attention. I had been months since they were there last. He checked the time. 11:45. He had plans to meet up with someone at 12. He went down to the garage, he eyed his bike, but decided on the rental since he had a few things he wanted to take with him.

He drove a few blocks, parking the car walking up to a building. "Well you're a sight for sure eyes. How you doing old man?" He chuckled. "Ha funny Rhys, you're not to far behind."

"Its good to see you Percy." He patted him on the back. "So, you ready?" Percy eyed him. Leo took a deep breath and smiled "absolutely."

They walked into the high end jewelry store. A petite woman walked from around the counter. "Mr Rhys I presume?" She extended her hand.

"Yes." He took it shaking it. "I'm Grace, I will be helping you today. Is this your fiancee?" Leo started coughing. "He wishes." Percy clasped him on the back. "No, he is here for moral support." They glanced around the room Leo, looking for the perfect ring. "Tell me why you aren't using the ring you already bought her." Percy asked. "Because she has already seen it, she had it on her when she was shot. New beginning, new ring." Leo insisted. "You think you'd be a pro at this by now Rhys. This is what, your 4th engagement ring." He chuckled. Leo shot him a stern look. "I didn’t buy Madeline's, that was taken care of for me. Katie got the first ring I seen, because I didn't really care. And you remember the Aria's first ring. It has to be perfect."

"Oh, I remember spending 4 hours in that Italian Jewelry store." He rolled his eyes.

"How's Athena?" Leo changed the subject. "Shes good, stressing planning the wedding. I think she may kill the wedding planner." He chuckled.

Leo stopped settling on a beautiful rose gold three stone Halo band. The brilliant round cut stone sparkling against the lights. "This one." He pointed, it was gorgeous. "Ah excellent selection Mr Rhys. This is a 1.60 carat stone, the clarity vs2, color G. It is a stunning choice if I say so myself." Grace said picking up the ring "If you are certain we can start the paperwork."

A short time later they exited the store. Leo couldn't rid himself of the huge grin that spread across his face. "Well Rhys, I got to get back to Athena. I plan to take her to dinner tonight. Tell peanut I said hello, and Congratulation man. Its about time you locked her down." He chuckled.

Leo walked back to the car, he put the ring in his duffel bag and headed back. It was late afternoon when Leo arrived back to her parents house. John walked around the side of the house "ah your back, Linda and Aria got dinner just about done. You ah, you get what you went for?" John approached the car. The grin on Leo's face told him all he needed to know. Leo pulled the box from his bag, handing it to John. "Damn boy that's a beauty, what this set you back 5 grand?" He handed Leo the box back. "17, but the money doesn't matter, not when it comes to Aria." He tucked the ring back into his bag. "You spent $17,000 on a ring!?!?" John hollered. "I don't know if I should be grateful you love my daughter that much, or shaking my head for spending that much." He chuckled. Just then Linda came to the front door hollering out for them to come get dinner. Once inside Leo pulled Aria into a hug, giving her a long kiss. She could feel the grin on his face. "I missed you too, what's with you?" She giggled. "I'm just happy to see you. And happy to be heading back to Italy with you."

After dinner, they loaded their bags into the car, and said their goodbyes to her parents before heading to the airport. They met up Ellie and Maxwell before they boarded the royal Jet. Aria was tired so she slept most of the flight. Once he knew she was fast asleep Leo made his way over to Ellie. "I want to show you something." He said as he pulled the box from his carry on. Her hands flew up to her face, "oh my God, your gonna propose? When?"

"When we get to Italy. I have it planned out, but don't say anything ok."

Ellie could hardly contain her excitement, but she agreed to keep quiet. After a long flight they finally touched down. They made their way to the hotel to drop their things off and get some rest. They woke the next day and hung out at the hotel with their friends. Leo had made arrangements for the two of them for dinner, he wanted everything to go smoothly. It had been a long 24 hours but he was anxious to take the next step in their relationship. After am excellent meal, they decided to walk back to the hotel, It was a beautiful night.

"Do you remember this place?" Leo stopped in front of a small cafe. "Of course I do, how could I forget."

"That day, changed my life forever. I didn’t know how bad I needed you, until you crashed into my life."

"You mean literally." She giggled.

" we have had our fair share of ups and downs, that's for sure. But everything thrown at us, we have come out stronger." He grinned. "Aria, you are the light of my life. Your strength and faith in me, makes me want to be a better man, it makes me strive to be the best man for you and our babies." He touched her stomach. "Leo, you are an amazing man, and you are going to be an amazing father."

"I have something for you " he pulled out a ring, attached to a necklace, her ring, the 1st ring he bought her.

"Leo, I thought I lost this." She gasped. "I found it, that night. That night was the worst night of my life. I was terrified, but it also told me that this ring, represented our past. And I don't want to live in the past, I want to look forward to the future. "

"Its beautiful, will you put it on me?" She turned around lifting her hair. Leo put the chain around her neck, his shaking hands fumbled to close the clasp. "Are you ok?" She asked. She felt the ring settle onto her chest "so how does it look?" she turned around to Leo, down in one knee a gorgeous ring staring back at her. Her hand flew over her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. "Aria, love of my life. I love you more then words could ever Express, will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?" The tears were falling now, happy tears. She shook her head yes, "yes, Leo. I will marry you." He slipped the ring on her finger quickly as he shot up to his feet, pulling her into a heated kiss. They didn’t notice the small crowd that had formed around them until the cheers and applause pulled them from their kiss. They both chuckled "come on, let's go back to the hotel." Leo whispered into her ear.

Once they made it to the room, his lips were on hers. As his fingers worked to unzip her dress, letting it pool at her feet. He lifted her up bridal style and carried her across the room laying her down on the bed. He unclasped her bra tossing it across the room, his fingers hooked her panties as he slid them down her legs as his lips kissed fiery trails up her thigh, settling between her legs. "You have made me the happiest man in the world, and now I am going to show you" he parts her folds with his fingers "just how" he kisses her clit. "Happy I am." He flattens his tongue running it from her center to her clit, as he flicks and swirls it around her sensitive bud. She gasps at the sensation, her fingers finding his hair as she lightly tugs his face forward.

 He slides in two digits, slowly pumping them in and out. Her legs start to shake. "Leo, oh god." She moaned out as she climaxes. A large grin forms on his face as he continues to lick and suck on her overly sensitive bundle of nerves. She tries to shut her legs but his strong arms hold them open. She feels the fire building again as he continues to eat her like a starved man. "Fuck, Leo, oh my god." She screams out as she gives into another orgasm. Finally he pulls back, wiping his face with the back of his hand. He snakes up her body, hovering over her. His lips capture hers in a searing kiss. He pulls back settling onto his knees as he pulls her up to him, he lines his thick long length up with her center and slowly slides himself in. "Mmmmmm" she moans.

 He starts off at a slow, tantalizing pace his thrust long and delightful. Her breathing un even, shes savoring the feeling of the build up. He quickens the pace just a bit, just enough to drive her wild. "Mmmm Leo, God your amazing. " she moans. "No baby, it's you that is amazing. You feel so good on my cock." he picked up the pace again, faster, shallow pumps. He lifted her legs into the air, holding her ankles. "Oh fuck Leo. God yes." He could feel her coming undone, her walls fluttering, legs shaking, he watched her as she writhed in pleasure, gripping the sheets. A low primal growl escaped his throat as he watched her come undone, because of him, the satisfaction was to much to bear.

 "That’s right, Cum with me baby, let go Aria." She trembled from the extacy she felt. "Oh, yes Leo, Leo." His name flew off her lips like a prayer his eyes rolled back into his head as he thrust deep into her, spurting velvety tops of his seed into her.

He lowered her legs slowly, dropping to her side. He pulled her face towards him. "I love you Aria, and I can not wait to spend the rest of my life with you as my wife."

Tag list:  @gardeningourmet  @bobasheebaby @scarlettedragon @annekebbphotography@speedyoperarascalparty @greyeyedsmile14 @stopforamoment @mind-reader1 @xxrainbowprincessxx @hopefulmoonobject@alicars @katurrade @indiacater @bella-ca @blznbaby @blackwidow2721@liamxs-world @simsvetements @furiousherringoperatortoad@choicesfannatalie @crookedslimecreatorpasta @coldcollectornight08@laniquelovely @museofbooks @syltti78 @ao719 @3pawandme @blubutterflyy @itsstillnotwhatyouthink @liam-rhys @riseandshinelittleblossom @wannabemc2 @gibbles82  @sarwin85 @heatherfilliez @cocomaxley

[royalpain16]

Betting on the Royal Baby

In Britain’s celebrity pregnancy economy, Meghan Markle’s unborn child is inspiring wagers, luxury cookie tins and diamond-encrusted jars of diaper rash cream.

On the Paddy Power betting website, more than $325,000 hinged on a single unborn baby.

When will it arrive? What will its name be? The shortest odds were on (1) this week and (2) Diana.

But isn’t it kind of icky to put money down on a woman’s pregnancy? Even if that woman is Meghan Markle, arguably the most famous American in Britain, and definitely the best-known actress turned duchess there? Even if the baby is a Royal Baby?

“The idea of tens of thousands of strangers voting on the sex of your unborn baby is frankly bizarre, but it’s part of the buildup to a royal birth and an acceptable part of the narrative,” said Katie Nicholl, who comments on the royals for a living and wrote a book titled “Harry and Meghan: Life, Loss, and Love.”

She added: “It’s generally seen as harmless fun, and an age-old tradition that’s synonymous with royal births.”

It’s also a chance to make a lot of money off a newborn.

Last year’s wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Markle — now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — was popular with gamblers. There were guesses about her dress (Givenchy), his beard (intact) and the weather (lovely)

But there are far more bets on Baby Sussex, who will be seventh in line to the throne. At the bookmaker William Hill, wagers are expected to reach $1.3 million. Another bookmaker, Boyle Sports, is taking bets on categories like the baby’s godparents and weight.

That’s more action than for each of the baby’s three royal cousins — the children of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Prince Harry’s brother — who are third through fifth in the succession lineup.

On the BookMaker.eu website, odds favor the baby’s being born in the morning on a Sunday, said Angus Hamilton, an entertainment specialist for the sports betting platform, who remembers similar wagers being placed when Princess Diana was pregnant.

The betting market for royal babies is not enormous, Mr. Hamilton said. On BookMaker.eu, there is less than $100,000 in related wagers, compared with the $1 million in bets that the Oscars sometimes draw on the day of the ceremony.

“It’s not college basketball or the Super Bowl, but it’s a bit of fun,” he said. “Royal babies are big news in the U.K., but people are excited about this one in particular.

That’s why Tilletts, a jeweler in Norwich, is marking the birth by charging $5,500 for a jar of diaper rash cream. The lid is made of silver, engraved with the British and American flags and set with diamonds, inspired by “the sparkling warmth and charm of Meghan’s personality,” according to the company.

Baby Sussex is expected to be an economic stimulus for British pubs, restaurants, souvenir shops and museums, with an uptick in tourists, especially from the United States, said Richard Haigh, the managing director of Brand Finance, a consulting firm. Last year, it estimated that the Sussex wedding fueled $1.5 billion in spending.

Immediately after the birth, sales of memorabilia and other baby-related products could reach nearly $100 million in Britain and the rest of Europe, with some related spending in North America, according to the Center for Retail Research in Norwich.

Stores in Britain have already geared up for a boom in baby-related spending.

Biscuiteers, a London company specializing in iced cookies, is marking Baby Sussex’s birth with a luxury biscuit tin of decorated sweet treats featuring crowns and baby onesies that customers can buy for 45 pounds, or about $59.

[kaitycole]

My Best Friend’s Wedding - Riley’s POV: What He Doesn’t Know

So I have been sitting on this installment for a while now and neglecting it, my apologizes, but here’s this piece. You can catch up or reread the first two installments HERE. I really am sorry this series has seem to get pushed back!

This piece is called What He Doesn’t Know which will be followed by What He Doesn’t Know: Drake’s POV

Summary: Liam has shown up to Drake and Riley’s wedding, much to Rileys’ surprise but what secret is Riley running around trying to keep hidden? Or will the secret come out just two hours before their happily ever after?

Word Count: 1092

Tag List: @drakelover78 @zilch3 @umccall71 @gardeningourmet @speedyoperarascalparty @mrsdrakewalkerblog @liamxs-world

   Riley watches as Jess takes Liam out of the room. She tries to refocus on Hana pinning her hair but she can’t. Even after almost five years, Liam is makes her stomach flop – in an unpleasant way.

           Nothing in the world made her believe for one second Liam would have showed up. The night of his proposal went horrible, he didn’t handle her rejection well at all. He offered to have a sexual relationship with her on the side and then to even make her a duchess but she had to decline.

           Riley knew she could have easily handled being a duchess and Drake would’ve loved being able to remain in Cordonia. She had convinced him that a clean break from Cordonia is what they both needed and he understood that, at least she assumed he did. Before she had met her Cordonia family, Riley had been a more than enough failed relationships. She had been exact where Liam had been asking her to be in his life in any capacity before any form of a relationship was better than not having her in his life at all. Because of that, she knew that sticking around would destroy Liam even more. She had even been hesitant to invite Liam to the wedding but when Drake asked, she had to say yes because he had sacrificed so much already.

           “Hello? Earth to Riley!” Hana calls, waving her hands.

           Riley shakes her head, “Oh. Yes?”

           “I said how do you like it?” Hana looks at Riley puzzled.

           “I love it. Sorry, my mind’s in a million places.”            “Because of Liam?”

           Riley sighs, “Yeah, because of Liam.”

           “And you haven’t told Drake.”

           Riley takes a deep breath and looks at her best friend, “No I haven’t. I never thought he’d show.”

           Hana gives a sympathetic smile and grabs her hand, “It’d be best coming from you.”

           Riley stands up, “I need some air.” There’s panic in her tone.

           “We have to get you in your dress in an hour!” Hana calls out as Riley dashes out the door.

           Her body starts to feel tingly and she begins to get dizzy. Her breathing has become shallow and her heart is pounding. It feels as though everyone and everything is staring at her and she can feel the ground underneath her as she all but runs outside.

           She finally spots a bench and sit down, practically gasping for air. Riley rubs her hands together, trying to take deep breaths. After a few minutes, she’s finally calmed down.

           She thought that she had more time before she had to tell Drake. She really did plan on telling him once they got settled in New York. It was wrong for her to have kept this from him but she decided to be selfish for once. If he found out everything from Liam, she doubts he’ll ever forgive him.

           Riley constantly thought about coming clean to Drake, she didn’t want their lives together starting out on a lie. But whenever she gained the courage to, he’d smile at her or something would come up that would fade her confidence.

           “Riley? Is that you?” A feminine voice asks.

           Riley turns to see Katie carrying baby Dom over to her. Katie sits next to her.

           “I know you aren’t royal but the press would have a field day with you in that.”

           Riley looks down, finally registering that she’s only wearing her slip and a pair of flats. “I just needed some air.”

           “Second thoughts?” Katie asks.

           “No.” She takes a deep breath, “Can I ask you something?”

           “Of course, you can.” Katie has become an older sister figure to Riley over the years that they’d been in each other’s lives. Being an only child was hard sometimes but Katie and her siblings took her in when they met and she was thankful for that. Savannah still had reservations towards Riley especially under the circumstances that Riley had met Drake.

           “If Leo kept something from you, would you be able to forgive him?”

           Katie smirks a little, thinking back to when she first met Leo and how telling her that he had a fiancée had slipped his mind but not once did her love for him falter.

           “I think that the trust would been chipped but the love makes up for that. Even if it feels like it won’t, if things are meant to be like I believe they are, everything will be fine.”

           Riley smiles slightly at Katie, “Then I have something I need to take care of.”

           Katie waves to Riley as she walks back into the manor. She quickly walks upstairs, hoping to stay out of the view of the press. She catches a quick look at Drake who seems to pacing outside the room she’s supposed to be in: he’s nervous. Drake had started getting more and more nervous about their wedding not being perfect enough for her. If only he knew the biggest secret she’d been keeping from him and like most secrets, there was more than one lie that had been made to cover things up.

           Maxwell calls Drake’s name and she’s just out of ear shot to hear what they’re talking about but Drake’s face looks serious enough to cause her stomach to flip. Once they are out of sight, Riley runs back into her room and sees Hana’s concerned face.

           “Riley, what happened?”

           Riley sits down on the couch and sighs, “I have to tell him. I keep worrying Liam will tell him first.”

           “You do know the wedding starts in less than two hours. A lot of people are here.”

           “I don’t want to start our relationship on a lie. But I have faith that our love will be strong enough to beat this.”

           Hana tries to give Riley an encouraging smile but it comes up short, “Riley, I want to tell you to go for it because you’ve supported me a lot these last years, but this is a huge gamble to make. The stakes are too high especially for you in Cordonia and the press is here.”

           “What if Liam tells him first? He’ll never forgive me if it happens like that.” Riley sighs defeatedly.

           “I doubt Liam would bring that up…” Hana trails off.

           “What do you know?” Riley knows Hana extremely well and a telltale sign that she’s hiding something is that she trails off and shifts around in her seat.

           “Look, all I’m going to say is that I think you need to wait until after the wedding.

[endlesschange]

The Right Heart: Prologue

A The Royal Romance Fanfic

Warnings: Some swearing and mentions of sex.

Pairings: Prince Liam x Kate Beaumount (mentioned), Drake Walker x Kate Beaumont (mentioned)

Summary: During the social season of Crown Prince Leo’s journey to find a bride and queen, Kate Beaumont can’t help but discuss her own love life with her best friend.

Word Count: 4,803

Prologue: Before the Storm

Katherine Beaumont figured that, by now at least, she should be used to attending courtly functions.

As the youngest member and only daughter of House Beaumont of the duchy of Ramsford, it was somewhat expected for the brunette and her two elder brothers to be in attendance at a whole laundry list of events. From charity auctions to barn buildings, and from palace galas to the elusive Beaumont bashes, the girl didn’t even have to make a guess at whether or not the family would be attending. Her eldest brother, Bertrand, had assumed the title of Duke Ramsford with their father falling ill years ago and while he had once lived it up in the way that most young people did, he had begun almost ruling the events of their family the same way that their father did — and with that came attending a multitude of frivolous events in support of the Crown. 

It was something that Kate and her other brother, Maxwell, had come to terms with a long time ago, having been raised to grow accustomed to. But while Bertrand enjoyed networking and the process of preparing for events and Maxwell just enjoyed a good party no matter the occasion, the youngest Beaumont couldn’t help but feel almost silly standing in the grand ballroom of the palace in a form fitting gown, sipping champagne that probably cost more than the Ramsford estate itself. She figured that by now she should be used to attending courtly functions. But the truth was that she wasn’t at all.

Despite having been born into this life and despite being extremely grateful for everything that life had offered her, there was just something about court and the world that it was that always struck her as . . . odd. She supported Cordonia with every fiber of her being, she loved her home truly she did, but prancing around balls simply to be surrounded by stuffy fellow nobles gave her the royal equivalent of cabin fever. Like Maxwell, she enjoyed a good party and enjoyed seeing her friends all together in one place, but with Bertrand looming over her shoulder at almost every other hour, it felt more like tedious work than actually enjoying herself.

There was a level of eloquence that one must maintain at all Cordonian courtly functions, the ones actually held at the palace especially. Kate knew that Bertrand was always chomping at the bit when it came to her behavior, the eldest Beaumont seeing Maxwell and his antics as a lost cause over the years. Kate was the youngest, someone Bertrand thought that he could control and mold into the model of a perfect lady, even if it meant acting like an asshole.

Preparing for tonight’s event, a ball held in honor of the social season’s beginning, had been an absolute nightmare. Bertrand had run his mouth the entire, grasping tightly onto his high horse as he practically shouted orders to Kate seemingly from the moment she woke up. He was seemingly hell bent on her rubbing shoulders with the exact kind of people that she wanted to avoid. From criticizing her choices in dress to making sure she knew the proper positioning of cutlery, he nearly gave her the third degree. She had nearly fallen asleep during his lecture on fork placement — a speech she had heard far too many times in her short life.

God, she thought to herself as she sipped on champagne, imagine what he would have been like if she was actually involved in this spectacle. She shuddered at the thought.

The spectacle in question was the social season itself. Starting tonight, Crown Prince Leo of Cordonia would begin his search for a wife as well as Cordonia’s future queen. King Constantine had no current plans of stepping down from the throne for his son to ascend, but the social season was Cordonian tradition — and somewhat of a protocol. In order to one day rise the ranks up to king, the Crown Prince had to be married, or at least engaged to be wed. The social season was a circus show for the most part, in Kate’s opinion, noble houses tossing their daughter’s or sponsored suitors into the ring for ring and crown. Over the course of the next few months, Leo would be expected to get to know each lady, whereas the people of the country would be exposed to how each lady acted through the eyes that were the press.

Thankfully for Kate, she had been spared from being a part of this madness. For one, Kate couldn’t ever, ever, in a million years see herself pursuing Leo. The Beaumont children were relatively close to the children of the Crown, having grown up together through court and such. A handful of years Kate’s senior, he was someone she saw simply as a brother figure and nothing more. He was close to Bertrand’s age as well, and once upon a time, when Bertrand actually used to have fun, he and Leo had done a numerous amount of things together. And whatever Bertrand knew about Leo’s past of being a partying playboy, it had set him on a clear path to making sure that the Beaumont family were not sponsoring anyone, especially not his baby sister. It was moments like that in which Kate realized that Bertrand sometimes thought with his actual brain and not his courtly mannerisms.

When Kate had been given that news, she had let out a breath of relief. If there was something that Kate didn’t want, it was a life that would be led for her. Granted, that was pretty much the life she led under Bertrand’s thumb, but the youngest Beaumont had dreams. Running a country and marrying someone that she didn’t love weren’t exactly a part of those dreams. Really, all she wanted was to travel, experience life, and perhaps one day find the heart that was right for her. In a social season with press and royalty and nobles watching her every move? She was certain that she’d be unable to find that heart. She couldn’t picture herself running a kingdom. She couldn’t picture her dealing with that, day after day. Maybe it was because deep down, she didn’t particularly care for the dealings of social classes and the people that came along with it. Maybe it was her naivety, her young age telling her that she wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment to something other than herself. Either way, it wasn’t exactly the life Kate Beaumont wanted to live.

Instead, she watched on as other noble ladies began to try and vie for that life tonight, as did the rest of court. Currently, the ladies participating in this social season were being presented to King Constantine and then Prince Leo himself, the latter looking all too bored with the frivolity of it all. Like most nobles, Leo knew most of the ladies he was being introduced to, the majority of them knew each other through functions just like this one. Clearly his days as the court’s wild child were not behind him. Kate didn’t know whether to pity him or laugh at the expression on his face.

“Countess Madeleine looks as if she has this all wrapped up with a neat little bow,” a voice spoke up from beside Kate, breaking her from her thoughts.

A glance to the side gave Kate a view of Savannah Walker, rolling her eyes at the sight of Fydelia’s countess across the room. Kate snickered into her glass, before giving her best friend a light jab to the ribs with her elbow. “Keep those comments going, Walker, and people are going to begin to forget how starstruck with the nobility you are.”

Savannah narrowed her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. Unlike Kate herself, Savannah was born a commoner, the daughter of an American woman and a late member of the King’s Guard who had spent her entire life at court. Kate and Savannah were the same age, so anytime that the Beaumont’s had visited the palace, the two had always found themselves in each other’s company, which had then spawned into a lifelong friendship. Savannah, like her mother before her, was quite frankly enraptured with nobility. Kate wasn’t exactly sure what the appeal was, but Savannah beamed at every chance she had to participate. There was some sort of childlike wonder in her eyes at every event, like she was living out a fairytale. It was something Kate found endearing, though she did her fair share of poking fun at her friend.

“I am not starstruck with the nobility,” Savannah muttered in annoyance. Kate raised an eyebrow. The Walker girl rolled her eyes again. “Okay, well at least not with all of them, like Lord Neville for example.”

The name of the Vancoeur man itself left a sour taste in Kate’s mouth, the girl wrinkling her nose. He tended to mostly stay at Comery Isle, never one to set foot in court unless there was something important going on. But the handful of times that Kate and Savannah had had to deal with the man had done nothing but leave quite possibly the worst impression of him in their minds. “No one is a fan of trash, Savannah.”

Savannah burst into a stream of giggles, not noticing how the nobles that floated by them on the dance floor gave her dirty looks. That was another thing about Savannah that Kate enjoyed, her tendency to not notice the ways that people looked at her or talked about her. As a commoner in a room full of nobles, there were plenty of times where people like Lord Neville had looked down upon her, but Savannah took it in stride. Whether she kept her feelings about that to herself and herself alone or she just didn’t care, the Beaumont girl wasn’t all too sure, but she truly had never seen a non noble handle themselves in such a strong-willed way.

Sighing, Savannah took a sip of her drink. “I just wish there were more . . . charming men around for us to see. I mean, we’re literally standing in a ballroom, Katie, where’s our fairytale romance?”

Kate chuckled. Nodding at the line of ladies waiting to speak to Leo, she said, “Well, as a member of House Beaumont, I could probably pull some strings and get you a place in the social season. Fighting a bunch of catty woman to win over an actual prince, that’s got to have some fairy tale appeal.”

At Kate’s teasing, the Walker girl shuddered. “No offense to Leo, but I’ve heard my brother talk about his particular . . . tastes in the bedroom. I’m not exactly looking for that. Nor do I feel the need to have to deal with Madeleine on a near daily basis.”

“Ah, nobles and their kinks. Warding off potential suitors, most likely since the union of the Five Kingdoms,” Kate chuckled, eyes roving over the crowd that was beginning to gather for dancing. As expected — there was an actual betting pool going on — the Fydelian countess snatched Prince Leo for the first dance without a single warning. Madeleine was an acquired taste (read: a manipulative bitch), but damn, she was good at getting what she wanted. Turning back to her friend, Kate shrugged. “It’s just as well. If I told Bertrand we were going to sponsor someone last second, he might actually have the aneurysm Maxwell’s been predicting for three years.”

At the mention of her eldest brother, Savannah turned a brilliant shade of pink. A smile tugged at her lips and her eyes seemed to sparkle a bit more than they had the previous moment. With just the mention of Bertrand's name, she's been reduced to a schoolgirl with an obvious crush. A crush, by the way, that made Kate want to gag.

“Really, Sav?” Kate groaned, already noticing the way that the girl in questions allowed her eyes to roam the ballroom looking for a particular moody Beaumont brother.

If there was one thing that puzzled Kate endlessly about Savannah Walker, it was her strange fascination with Bertrand. From a young age, it was clear to see that the girl was taken with the Duke. She thought the world of him, like the sweater vest wearing man had hung the moon and the stars himself. Kate figured that, sure, maybe when they were younger it might have been plausible for girls to be attracted to her brother. Before their father's death, Bertrand had been charming and kind, someone people actually wanted to be around. But following the death of Barthelemy, he became somewhat of a colossal asshole, he exact kind of man that Kate wanted to keep her best friend from falling for. Falling for Bertrand seemed to be like driving down a dead end street — once you reached the end of the road, that was it.

Savannah's blush didn't falter, but her voice sure did as she tried to make a retort at her friend. Loudly, a little too loudly actually, she replied, “I don't know what you're talking about!”

“Sure, sure,” Kate replied with a teasing grin and a roll of her eyes. “You definitely don't have a giant crush on my stick in the mud brother.”

“He's not that bad,” her friend told her, her voice quieting down a bit. She looked slightly embarrassed, but refused to voice that particular feeling.

Kate waved her off with her hand. “That's because you've never been on the other end of his extensive the ruination of this house will fall onto your shoulders if you use the wrong fork, Katherine speeches or his Maxwell, if you breakdance one more time in the presence of the Queen kind of threats. You think he's this great, powerful Duke, but he's really just an inconsiderate jerk who gives extensive tongue lashings.”

At the words tongue and lashings, Savannah's blush seemed to grow even deeper, the girl's eyes widening for good measure. Kate stared at her oddly for a moment, wondering what in the actual hell that she had said that caused her to blush so heavily. And then it hit her. Holding herself back from throwing up the minimal contents of her stomach, she gave a shove towards Savannah’s shoulder.

“Oh you know that is so not what I meant,” Kate groaned, shuddering as she tried to ward off those disgusting thoughts. “It’s one thing to swoon over my brother in my presence, it’s another to have your mind in the gutter over him with me standing next to you.”

Savannah spluttered, but there was a measurable amount of mirth in her eyes at the situation. “My mind is not in the gutter over your brother, Katie. He just happens to be an attractive, interesting man that I — ”

“Have scandalous daydreams about, yes we’ve covered that,” the Beaumont girl interjected.

The Walker girl narrowed her eyes. “You’re insufferable. And a little bitter. Maybe you’re the one who needs to start having scandalous daydreams, take the edge off.”

At that, a peal of laughter escaped Kate’s lips. She covered her mouth with her hand for a moment, before she poised a manicured eyebrow at her best friend. “And who do you suppose I start having scandalous daydreams about?”

“Well, we’re in the middle of a crowded ballroom, I’m sure we could find you some sort of eye candy,” Savannah snickered, a twinkle in her eyes as she scanned the crowd. Raising a finger, she discreetly pointed at a somewhat dashing man walking past. “What about him?”

Kate made a face. While she couldn’t for the life of her remember the man’s name — if Bertrand were here, he’d probably whip out his courtly flashcards — she knew that she had met him once before. And that he had been a rude, perverted asshole to anything that breathed. With narrowed eyes and a sharp tongue, she replied, “I’d rather spend my life getting pleasure from my right hand alone then deal with him.”

“I thought you were a respectable lady of the court?” Savannah teased, biting her lip to stifle the laughter that was threatening to pour out.

Kate raised an eyebrow. “You’ve spent enough time at court to know most of these ladies become skilled in the art of . . . self service because they have to deal with the likes of have of these earls and dukes and such.”

“Well, from what I’ve heard, some of them are good in bed. And besides, lets just take sex off the table — is there literally no one here that you’re interested in? I’ve known you nearly my whole life and I swear I’ve never seen you have a crush on someone who wasn’t a celebrity.”

At the mention of the word crush, a flush seemed to creep up the back of Kate’s neck. One, because what Savannah was saying wasn’t anywhere near the truth. While she was right in the sense that nearly all of Kate’s crushes were celebrities (and the occasional fictional character), there had been one instance at court where she had found herself swooning over someone. And two, because the universe clearly wanted to fuck with her, her eyes managed to land on said crush at just that particular moment.

To say that Drake Walker — yes, Savannah’s older brother — was hard to find amidst the dancing couples and conversing dignitaries would be a lie. In fact, the commoner stuck out like a sore thumb, leant up against the far wall in a pair of dark pants and a button down shirt, a far cry from the elaborate suits that the men around him wore. A half drunken glass of whiskey was clutched in his hand and a sour expression was plastered across his face, the signature Drake look. If it weren’t for the fact that his best friend happened to be Prince Liam, the younger brother of Leo, Drake probably wouldn’t have been there at all.

Kate bit her lip as her eyes glanced over him, a little voice in the back of her mind nudging her to remember how taken she had been with him for a week during her fifteenth year. The long and short of it was that at one visit to the palace, there had been a near tragic accident in the stables that involved Kate and one of the newer horses at the time. Kate, like her brothers, had grown up riding in equestrian competitions and felt at home around horses, but the newest steed had clearly not appreciated her over confidence. Ten seconds later, the horse had charged at her only for her brother’s best friend to dart out of another stall and coax the horse into calm, pretty much saving Kate from being trampled. At the time, he had been newly eighteen, the summer before he left for his brief stint at college, and for some reason, Kate had been over the moon with him for the following days. And then he had made a rude comment about her brothers and the nobility in general — a classic Drake tactic — and the crush had disappeared as quick as it came.

Her silly little schoolgirl crush on Drake had been something that she had never disclosed to anyone, especially not Savannah. The crush had been short lived, maybe a week and a day, and it had been mostly centered around the fact that Drake had practically saved her life. For a short period of time, she viewed him heavily as her ruggedly handsome knight in shining armor. There had never been any actual feelings, no substance behind the fact that she had briefly liked to drool over the man who seemed to have an easier time drinking his weight in whiskey than he did conversing with other human beings. So because of that, she hadn’t disclosed the feelings to anyone. Savannah was far different than Kate herself and Kate knew without a shadow of a doubt that the first thing out of her best friend’s mouth would be how she’d talk her up to Drake and how the two would actually be sisters if the two were to get together. 

Yeah, that would never happen, Kate thought to herself as she watched the man take another sip of whiskey. She turned back to her friend. Muttering, Kate told her, “I don’t have crushes on any of these people because I’ve known half of them since childhood and half of them are complete assholes.”

Savannah shrugged, taking another sip of her drink. “Not everyone you’ve known since childhood is a jerk. For one, there’s the Prince.”

Furrowing her brow, Kate replied, “If I wanted to go after Leo, I’d be battling it out with Madeleine at the moment.”

“I meant Liam, dumbass,” Savannah responded. “He’s always had a soft spot for you. And he’s incredibly well mannered and honestly? Looks like he’d know what to do in more intimate situations.”

At the mention of Prince Liam, Kate couldn’t help but groan. It wasn’t exactly like this was the first time that her friend had ever brought up the notion of the two dating. God, Bertrand might just have a coronary from pure excitement if he ever found out that there was a chance that his little sister and the King’s second son could possibly enter a relationship. Kate could just imagine it now, the way he’d bust out all of his infamous lectures on courting and being a prim and proper lady.

It wasn’t much of a secret that Liam had harbored a little bit of a crush on the only Beaumont girl — at least, it wasn’t much of a secret in their social circle. If any of the elder members of court knew, that was beyond Kate’s knowledge. But when it came to Maxwell and Drake and Savannah, Liam’s little soft spot for Kate wasn’t unheard of. Kate figured that she should be flattered, thrilled even, to have a potential chance with an actual prince, someone who could further her own social standing and allow her to live out a fairytale. And yes, maybe a small part of her was a bit flattered — Liam was a kind and handsome man — but she wasn’t exactly sure that was the kind of situation that she’d want to put herself in. It would be a situation where she knew she’d feel like she being forced into it. Surely Bertrand would never let her have a purely romantic, feelings based relationship with Liam if she wanted. He’d be hounding her every day and night, making sure she was using her relationship to better House Beaumont.

So, much like she wasn’t interested in courting his brother, Kate didn’t have much of a desire to court Liam either. It wasn’t that Savannah was wrong — again, Liam was one of the sweetest people that Kate had ever come across in her life, even if he had every reason to turn out like an entitled bastard. He also wasn’t bad looking, with his dark hair and charming smile. She knew that across Cordonia, Liam was crushed on and lusted over heavily by most women and men. But being interested in Liam was a road she’d rather not travel down, despite the fact that Savannah couldn’t seem to get that through her head.

“I don’t want to crush on or fantasize over Liam,” Kate muttered in annoyance, glancing down at her empty champagne glass. Shit.

“Well, you’d better figure out a way to put that nicely because he’s headed over here with my brother right now,” Savannah laughed.

Kate glanced up, feeling almost like a deer in headlights when she realized that Savannah wasn’t lying. Prince Liam made his way over, the picture perfect model of grace and charm. Drake, on the other hand, followed behind him with his usual bored expression plastered across his face.

The two men came to a stop in front of the two women, but only two of the four were smiling. Liam had an effortless grin etched across his lips, while Savannah beamed endlessly at the prince and her brother. Drake still looked bored. And Kate still wore a mildly distressed expression on her face, wondering what in the actual world could have brought them over here.

Seeing as no one else was going to break the silence, Liam took the lead. “Ladies,” he greeted, giving each girl a nod.

“Your Highness,” Savannah replied with a grin, a joking edge to her tone. After all their years being friends, the girl sometimes still addresses her brother’s friend in professional terms, even if Liam had told her a thousand times to call him just Liam. Before he could make that remark, she tossed a look in her brother’s direction. “Hey big brother.”

Drake grunted out a greeting and gave Kate a barely discernible nod. She rolled her eyes. But she gave him a smile nonetheless and did the same for his current companion.

The smile seemed to make Liam’s expression sparkle. “Lady Katherine — ”

“Liam, we’ve been over this — every time you call me Lady Katherine, I lose roughly six years off my life,” the Beaumont girl joked.

“My apologies, Kate. I’ve spent the entire evening greeting everyone by title, it’s a hard habit to break,” the prince joked. Then, he offered his hand. “They’re about to start the next waltz. Would you care for a dance?”

Without even breaking a sweat, Kate gave him a sad smile. “I’m actually not in a dancing mood. But I’m sure Savannah would love to accompany you, wouldn’t you Savannah?”

Savannah gave her a scowl, before brightly turning to the prince who was trying his best not to look like a kicked puppy. Shoving her half empty glass into Kate’s empty hand, the Walker girl took Liam’s outstretched hand. “I’d be delighted to dance with you.”

If Liam was even mildly disappointed at dancing with the girl he didn’t ask, he hid it exceptionally well. That was an art that most Cordonian nobles knew well. He whisked her off to the dance floor just as the music queued up, the two soon disappearing amidst the other dancing couples. Kate bit her lip, feeling like a bit of a bitch, but she shoved that down as she disposed of her empty glass on a passing waiter’s tray, bringing herself to drink the rest of Savannah’s glass.

“You know, you break his heart a little more every time you turn him down for a dance,” a voice spoke, bringing Kate to realize that Drake was still stood beside her. He had taken Savannah’s now empty spot, leaning against the wall much like he had done across the room. But now he was giving her a look, one that told her that he knew exactly what she had been doing when she sent Savannah out on that dance floor.

“Spare me the over protective best friend speech, Walker. I’m just not in the mood for dancing tonight.”

“That’s what you said the last time.”

“Don’t you have somewhere else to go be miserable?”

Drake scoffed, but there was a hint of a smirk on his lips. “If I’m miserable, then so are you. Maybe even more. You’ve been moping the entire night. And unfortunately, Katie,” he drawled, using his sister’s nickname for the Beaumont girl in a sarcastic manner, “Misery loves company.”

She rolled her eyes at him, briefly wondering how in the hell she had ever managed to have a crush on him. Kate didn’t hate Drake, to make it clear. In fact, she sort of considered him a friend (she was smart not to brand him a best friend like Maxwell had, but Maxwell had never been one to grasp the fact that Drake generally wanted to push him off a cliff). But he was just the right brand of annoying that Kate didn’t want to deal with tonight. 

Tipping the glass of champagne towards her mouth, she downed the rest of Savannah’s drink in one fell swoop. Eyes cast out to the dance floor, she couldn’t help but already begin waiting for this social season to come to a close, so that everything could calm down.

But unfortunately for Kate, she would come to learn a year later that Leo’s social season was in fact the calm. The last bit of comfort before a whole season of heartache and pain and mixed emotions. Right now, she was calm, calmer than she would be in a years time. For it truly was always the calmest before the storm.

Tag List: @goldenraines @museofbooks

[hushman]

First encounters

After posting my headcanons for @honestlyprettychill  Altean Bodyguard au Seeing that you guys enjoyed it and reading @rueitae story as well @pidge-suggestions two stories really warmed my heart. In fact, it inspired me to do my take on the first meeting between Lance and Pidge as well. It’s in line with what was established in @rueitae story(because It was awesome) but is done from Lance’s perspective mostly, with a few additional scenes thrown. I do recommend you read that one as well the get the full scope of the events.

“Poisoned?!” Samuel asked in dismay.

“The princess did assure me it was unintentional,” Coran replied. “I have received word from the infirmary that he should make full recovery.”

After breakfast, Samuel had arrived at King Alfor’s private study so that he, the king, head advisor Coran Smythe and Captain Shiro could discuss the final preparations for Emperor Zarkon’s arrival. However the first matter on the agenda had instead been his daughter’s ongoing trouble with maintaining a bodyguard.

“Samuel, I love Katie dearly but I can not keep asking Shiro to find replacement bodyguards.” King Alfor said. “In the last three years she has gone through enough bodyguards to fill its own regiment.”

“You’re exaggerating Alfor,” Samuel replied.

Shiro handed Samuel a tablet listing all the guards that had been assigned to watching the young princess. “Actually, considering average regiment size, she has gone through about a regiment and a half.”

“Oh quiznak,” Samuel muttered, “I swear, I’ll have a talk with her about this.”

“You did have a talk with her about this, about 23 guards ago, when we last brought this to your attention,”Alfor replied. “And in her defense, the next guard she had after your talk did last almost a whole Quintent longer than what has become the average. It might be time for a different approach.”

“What if we placed an electric collar around her neck that would track her location and deliver a mild electric shock if she left the castle unsupervised.” Coran suggested.

“This is my daughter we’re talking about,” Samuel said indignantly. “She’d have that collar deactivated within thirty ticks. Ten if she didn’t do it with her eye’s closed just to prove a point.”

“True,” Coran replied before contemplating for a moment. “I’ve got it! We use a leash with a really long chain.”

“Do we at least know why she is against a having bodyguard?” Alfor asked.

“She feels she doesn’t need a bodyguard and is easily irritated by the guards that get assigned to her,” Samuel replied. “I think if she could get along with the guard she wouldn’t be as vehemently against it.”

Shiro rubbed his chin thoughtfully. All his choices for bodyguards had been based on skill and previous experience. While that approach served well in other cases, maybe it was time go for someone based on personality instead.”

“I can respect that but if she hasn’t been able to get along with any of the guards she has been assigned thus far, I doubt she’ll like any of them,” King Alfor said dismissively.

“Actually, there is one person we haven’t tried yet,” Shiro said. “He’s a less orthodox choice but I think he may be what we’re looking for.”

“I’ll trust your judgment,” King Alfor replied. “Assign him and if he doesn’t work out we’ll revisit the leash idea.”

Everyone present was pretty sure Alfor was joking about that last part.

***

Shiro was at his desk in his office when a white-haired Altean walked in and gave him a salute.

“You wanted to see me, sir.”

“Take a seat Lance,” Shiro replied.

Lance complied before starting to talk again.

“Listen, if this is about that thing with the diplomat's daughter, I am really sorry.”

“No it’s not, as far as I can tell that matter was resolved. Though for the record, that had been the diplomat’s wife.”

“Really? I must find out the product she uses cause she looked phenomenal.”

“We’re getting sidetracked,” Shiro scolded. “You’re here because I have an assignment for you. You will be acting as bodyguard to Princess Katie.”

Lance sat up straighter at that.

“Seriously?”

“Is that a problem?” Shiro asked.

“No, it’s just I figured that job would go to someone a bit more senior.”

“There have been some..difficulties in finding someone suited for the role,” the captain said tactfully. “And despite a few ‘incidents’ your performance has been highly commendable. I have the absolute faith that you are the best man for the job.”

“Thank you sir, I won’t let you down.”

“Very good, now you have two vargas to prepare and I’ll introduce to the princess this afternoon.”

***

“What do you mean it’s not ready yet? It’s already been two quintents.”

Hunk, a well built Altean male with short brown hair, rolled his eyes as he continued to pour juice into bottles.

“I have told you repeatedly, spiced juniberry juice must be slow cooked for two quintents and then chilled before serving. It’s only just finished cooking and it is going to take at least six vargas to chill in the fridge so you’re going to have to wait.”

Instead of replying, Lance paused to check that no one was around before he picked up one of the bottles filled with warm juice and blew on it. He then handed now cold bottle back to Hunk.

The large altean glanced once at the bottle that now felt like it had spent six vargas in the fridge and once at his white haired friend.

“Remind me again, why exactly are you keeping your magic a secret?”

“Just pour the juice!”

Hunk took out two glasses and filled them with the now chilled liquid.

“What’s the rush?” Hunk asked as he passed Lance a glass.

“I have to meet Shiro for my new assignment in a varga and we both know that once word gets out that you made your spiced juniberry juice it will be gone in a dobash.”

“Fair enough,” Hunk replied before both Alteans took a sip from their juice. “So what’s the assignment?”

“I’ll be the bodyguard to Princess Katie.”

“Seriously? Aren’t you worried?”

“I am bit,” Lance admitted. “I mean, being solely responsible for the safety of a princess is a lot to take on but Shiro has faith in me so I’m sure I can manage.”

“I don’t mean just protecting any princess, I mean this particular princess,” Hunk explained. “Word is she goes through bodyguards like toilet paper. I spoke to nurse Glacia and she said they were still treating the last bodyguard the princess had. They said the princess poisoned him.”

“Come on Hunk, you know how the rumour mill is, I’m sure it will be fine,” Lance replied. “Just got to be myself and it will all work out.”

Hunk rolled his eyes, he loved Lance like a brother but he sometimes worried about the young guard’s grip on reality. He chose to remain silent though, he wasn’t a guard so it wasn’t really his place to judge and for all he knew, Lance might surprise him. This might just be the boost Lance’s career needed.

His doubts were then redoubled when Lance broke the silence.

“So you spoke to nurse Galcia. Did she ask me at all?”

***

Lance arrived with Shiro in one of the royal gardens. On the way there Shiro had brought Lance up to speed on the Princess’s previous guards and unfortantly the rumours were starting to sound more plausible.

“Wait here until I call for you,” Shiro ordered.

Doing what he was told, Lance stood there as Shiro approached the princess. Seeing her from the distance Lance was certain that the rumours were unfounded. She looked the part of a princess with flowing brown hair, green and gold dress, elegant pose. There is no way someone that looked so sweet would poison a guard.

Lance started to rethink that analysis that Shiro had trapped in some vines. Still when Shiro signaled him to come over, he put on a confident smirk and a little extra swagger in his step. He would be able to win her over with some of the Lance McLain charm.

Shortly afterward he was dangling in the air by his ankles.

Maybe he needed a different approach.

***

Shiro left the Lance and the Princess, or Pidge as she insisted to be called, alone. Once Pidge set Lance free from the vines the two started to head to her room. Lance decided to break the ice by telling her a bit about himself.

“So that’s why mom started working at the castle,” he finished with his latest story. Whilst he had been talking he also examined Pidges room. Checking for any potential threats or vulnerabilities but also because her room was filled with so many wondrous things. His current focus was a portable telescope.

“Wow, I haven’t seen one of these since we organized grandpa’s barn.”,

“Be careful, it’s an antique,” Pidge ordered.

Having been taught that antique meant far more than what you could afford, Lance carefully set the telescope back down.

“I love old astronomy equipment,” Lance stated, hoping to find some common ground with the princess. “Marco’s wife works under Commodore Trayling and she sends me cool space stuff all the time.”

Pidge didn’t seem enthused by this and instead said, “It’s getting a little late, Lance. I should probably get ready for tonight.”

Lance blinked in confusion. It was an obvious ploy to get him to leave since she looked ready for tonight but Lance wasn’t exactly sure why Pidge would be wanting to get him to leave. Especially since they were meant to be getting to know each other better.

“You’re already ready though. And we still have five vargas before dinner.”

“I need all of those vargas. Do you know how long it takes to apply all that makeup?” She replied.

That made sense to Lance though it gave him inspiration for how he could prove to Pidge that he was useful to have around.

“Oh yeah,I can help you apply it. I did my sister’s for Marco’s wedding and everybody raved about it, You’d be done in half the time.”

“I need to go to the bathroom. And take a shower.” Pidge replied, then added quickly, “and you are not following me in there.”

“Not a problem. I’ll be right here.” He replied as he made himself comfortable in a nearby chair, deciding to take a look at an elemental magic book that looked interesting.

The bathroom door closed and soon the sound of running water could be heard. As Lance jumped ahead to the chapter covering water magic he was feeling good. It genuinely felt like he was making progress with the princess.

After Fifteen dobashes Lance started to get suspicious. While he was no stranger to long showers, he also knew how water usually sounded when it was hit againsts body and that water that was running was not sounding right for someone supposedly taking a shower. Still, he wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt.

When it had been a full varga since the water had been running, Lance knocked on the door.

“Pidge? You alright in there?”

When no response came Lance became certain something was up. Praying to the ancients that it wasn’t just that she hadn’t heard him, he opened the door and saw that Pidge was gone and had simply left the shower running. After calling her name a couple of times for good measure, he became certain she wasn’t there.

“Quiznak!” He cursed as turned off the shower.

He started pacing back and forth as he weighed up his options. He could go chasing after her but he had no idea where she was. Even if he found the hidden passageway Pidge had most likely used she still had a full varga head start meaning she could be anywhere in the castle and possibly not even in the castle at all.

His next impulse was to alert the guard to start a massive search but he decided against it. It was clear that Pidge could handle herself and alerting the guard would cause mass panic as the scramble to find her, not to mention get him fired for managing to lose her with the first varga. It ultimately became clear that best course of action was to wait for her to get back and then have a heart to heart how this bodyguard situation was supposed to work.

The question now was what he was going to do while he waited?

***

He combed through Pidges collection of books. As a princess she undoubtedly had access to books and resources Lance would never be allowed near normally, most of the books naturally focused on plant magic but there were a few books about elemental magic in general. One particular booked discussed harnessing the element even if you couldn’t see it. After reading through he was curious to try.

He found a cup on Pidges desk and filled it with.water. He placed the filled cup on the ground and sat down, closing his eyes. The trick he had done to cool the Juniberry juice had been literally childsplay to him. As in it was something he was mastered when he was a child.

While there was probably a complicated explanation for how it works, to him it was only a matter of thinking cold thoughts and then blowing. More complicated magic like creating ice or manipulating water was harder and had taken him longer to learn. What was particularly hard was manipulating water you couldn’t directly see or feel.

While he knew roughly where the cup was, the point of the exercise is to connect the with his element even if he couldn’t see or directly feel the element.

Keeping his eyes closed, he cleared his mind and tried to sense where the water was. His mind reached out, searching to make that connection with his element. Finally, when it felt like he had made the connection he took in a deep breath and held it as he tried to make the water completely still. When water becomes completely still it freezes. After a moment, Lance opened his eyes and saw that the water in the cup hadn’t frozen. Disappointed, Lance released the breath he had been holding. He then noticed he could actually see his breath and made a startling realisation. His aim had been off so rather than freeze the water in the cup he had instead been freezing water in the air around him.

He decided to find something else to do and hoped the room warmed back up before Pidge came back.

***

Having sorted out Pidge’s vanity, tried a few of her products to see what would be for her and fiddled with some of her knick knacks, Lance had returned to reading when he heard the sound of the shower being turned back on, signifying Pidges return.

As he heard the door open, he welcomed her but as he turned the door suddenly slammed shut again. Deciding to get ready to do her makeup, Lance set himself up that the vanity.

“I wasn’t sure what your facial routine was so I tried out a couple. I’ve also heard some really good things about the Naquadian foundation, so I opened it up. Hope you don’t mind. It is excellent. I’ve been trying to hide this mole for years and it actually conceals it! I definitely recommend it. We can start with that and then I think the eyeliner would really bring out the gold in your eyes. They’re way too pretty to not get noticed.””

The door opened again and out stepped Pidge. Wearing the same dress she had worn when she had left.

“Same dress?” Lance asked, eyebrow raised. “Don’t you have like, a million of them?”

“I do not,” she said shortly, “and this happens to be my favorite so I want to wear it.”

He wanted to retort that he could clearly smell the forest and sweat on that dress but his ears picked up a strange buzzing sound that had certainly not been there before. Not wanting to alert whatever it was, he instead put on a smile as he led Pidge to the vanity seat.

“You’re the princess, I can work with this. Take a seat.”

He turned on the crystalline lights and searching for a cleansing wipes since the shower Pidge had taken had failed to remove the old makeup, all the while stealing quick glances to locate the source of the buzzing and pointedly ignoring the scowl Pidge was giving him.

“Yeah I know, you’ve obviously been doing it for a while considering how often you attend state events. I just enjoy doing this,” he said. He finally found a cleansing wipe and started with her forehead. “Cold showers are good for you after exercise, but you weren’t in there long enough to get your morning makeup off.”

He felt Pidge tense up. “I was in the shower the whole time.”

Lance managed to resist rolling his eyes. He couldn’t believe she was trying to play innocent but he kept his tone casual as he focused on finding the buzzing.

“Yeah that’s why you have day old foundation on and smell like the forest. Pidge, you live in a castle. It’s like a rule that there are secret passageways everywhere.”

“And you didn’t come after me?” Pidge sounded oddly surprised.

Lance threw the dirtied wipe in the trash receptacle and fished out a new one with his left hand as his right slowly sneaked towards his sheathed broadsword. He had located what was buzzing. At glance it looked like a spy drone.

“It didn’t sound like the water was hitting you in the shower so checked on you a varga later to make sure you weren’t dying. You were already gone. No idea where you went and didn’t want to send everyone into panic frantically looking for you. I figured I’d just wait until you came back. You’ve got plenty of cool stuff here to keep me occupied for a few hours.”

Without warning Lance stood up, drew his broadsword, and sliced through the air in one fluid motion, knocking his chair over in the process.

He hit his mark, slicing the drone cleanly in half. After sheathing the sword he picked up the pieces to show to Pidge.

Lance sheathed his sword and picked it up, holding it out in his palm to Pidge.

“If there’s a spy and they had found out you were out alone? It could have gotten ugly.”

“How did you notice?” Pidge asked. “I didn’t even hear it.”

“Grew up on a farm,” Lance explained. “I haven’t quite gotten used to the constant hum of machinery yet here in the city. It’s been buzzing around since you came out of the bathroom the second time.”

Hoping that act had least earned him some respect, Pidge seemed unimpressed. “I would have been fine.”

“Maybe. Whoever was listening knows you sneak out though. So the next time you go out, promise you’ll take me with you,” Lance pleaded. “It is my job.”

Surprisingly Pidge seemed to relent. “Only if you promise to let me practice my magic when we go out.”

That took Lance by surprise “Practice? You’re like perfect at it already why do you need to practice?”

“Because there is always room for improvement, just like technology. I need to become more precise, more powerful, learn the quirks of more plants,” she explained. “I have this gift and I have a responsibility to know it as well as I can. Some people don’t get that.”

“And that’s why you’ve gone through an entire regiment’s worth of bodyguards in the last three years?” Lance asked.

“Look, it’s nothing personal,” Pidge said. “I know Uncle just wants to make sure I’m safe, but I need to be able to take care of myself. What if something were to happen to you?”

“After today? Honestly, I’m relieved.” Lance said as he sat back down. He scooped up some cream and began to spread it over her face. “When Shiro selected me to serve as a bodyguard for the royal family I freaked out. I mean I love the idea, it’s a great way to become a hero, but the actual responsibility that I have? It’s terrifying. You Pidge? You’re really good with that plant magic. If I fail, you can save yourself.”

And Lance meant it. She wasn’t some helpless damsel, she clearly had power. Still no one was infallible and if nothing else he offered her and extra set of eyes. He could only hope she would let him help her.

“Besides your room is amazing! You have top of the line facial cream,” he rambled, putting some of said cream on his own face. “I’ll get to go to all the royal functions.” He gasped. “I’ll get to see Princess Allura. Is she as beautiful as everyone says she is?”

As he finished Pidge’s make up, he noticed she had gone back to scowling at him. Still, they finished getting ready and Lance was able to successfully escort Pidge to the supper. Lance had been pleased to learn that the rumours of Allura’s beauty were true but he, unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to introduce himself to her. Still, as Pidge’s bodyguard, he knew he’d get the chance to do it later.

After the supper, Lance and Pidge approached Shiro and showed him the damaged drone. While Pidge had wanted to keep the drone and figure out where it had come herself, Lance had pointed out that there could be more of them flying around the castle so Shiro needed to know about this. After getting a guarantee from Shiro that he would look into it but also give Pidge a chance to examine the drone once he was done with it, Pidge let Lance escort her back to her room.

“Well Pidge, I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

Lance started to walk away when Pidge called out to him.

As he turned, he saw a prickly poltae flying straight at him. On instinct, Lance unsheathed his broadsword and sliced the poltae in two. Once done he looked up at Pidge in dismay.

“Why?!”

Pidge shrugged. “I wanted to make sure the drone thing wasn’t a fluke. I can’t have a bodyguard with shoddy reflexes. Good night.”

She then closed the door, leaving Lance wondering he had gotten himself into.