#liam x madeleine

[alj4890]

Just Try

(Liam x Madeleine) in a Choices The Royal Romance drabble

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: an "I'm in love with someone else, but you're here," kiss.

May 2023 Choices Challenge: lies | first heartbreak

A/N Here's my take on what Liam was going through at the beginning of Book 2 while Riley was at Ramsford. When I saw this particular kiss prompt, I immediately thought of him being forced to live a lie where he is happy with Madeleine. This is nothing but pure angst. Sorry 😬

Rating: G

@gkittylove99 @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @twinkleallnight @lodberg  @amandablink @neotericthemis  @mm2305 @sfb123 @tessa-liam @thesvnsins @krsnlove @busywoman @choiceschallenge-may2023 @jerzwriter

Masterlist

Another day as the new King of Cordonia was over at last. Liam trudged his way upstairs to his bed chambers. Each step felt heavier than the one that came before it. His mind buzzed from the numerous meetings he'd gone through since being crowned. Nothing so far came close to how he thought his life would be once he became ruler.

As he closed his door, he allowed his shoulders to droop. In here, he was able to be simply Liam, a young man grieving for his deathly ill father and for the loss of the woman he so desperately loved.

Riley.

He closed his eyes for a moment. His head tipped back to rest upon his door while images of her danced in his thoughts. Everything had seemed so perfect to have only come to an abrupt end.

He was so tired of the pictures of Riley and Tariq being brought up in the news. It hurt to see her nearly naked with another man, even though he knew they weren't true.

Thank God for Drake, he thought to himself.

Liam pushed away from the door to prepare himself a needed drink. In honor of his best friend saving her, he poured a liberal amount of Macallan 1928. He then did his best to relax.

This life he was forced to lead wasn't easy. He knew before he'd even been made to take his older brother's place that it wouldn't be. Liam honestly did not anticipate it being this hard.

He'd always suspected he would have to marry someone out of duty because of the crown. As the spare, he thought it would be to help secure ties with another kingdom. Nothing brought about an alliance faster than marriage. Then when Leo abdicated, Liam knew his choices had diminished even more.

Especially when his father insisted on the very public suitor events.

And of course, Maxwell and Drake's insistence that he have a bachelor party.

Those two instances of being pressured had led to Liam feeling this depressed. Though he was grateful to his friends wanting to give him a night he'd never forget, he almost wished it had never happened. If he'd been allowed to remain here, stuck in a lifestyle he understood, he might not feel like he was now living a lie.

Instead, he'd lost his heart to an American. He'd begun to dream of an impossible life by her side. He almost attained it.

Then it was snatched away at the very last second.

He couldn't even call Riley and discuss any of this with her. Fear of someone finding out kept him from doing so. He couldn't ask anyone if she had decided to remain in the country. Who could he trust with that? He at first thought of calling Ramsford in an act of kingly benevolence to reassure Bertrand that he didn't hold any ill will for bringing, as the media dubbed her, that beastly American to him so he could discover whether or not Riley returned to New York. But who knew who would be listening in?

Even if she had remained in Cordonia, would she still want him? After all, mere minutes after declaring his love for her he'd gone and announced he was marrying another.

He took a long sip of his whiskey, allowing it to burn in his throat as memories of making love to Riley that night came to mind. Why didn't he rush inside after she told him she loved him too to declare her his choice? He instead had given in to the moment and selfishly kept her to himself for a little longer.

And look what that cost me, he thought bitterly.

"Come in." He called out at the brisk knock to his door.

Madeleine poked her head inside. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

The words sat on the tip his tongue to say that she was. She was intruding on his nightly torture of what his life had almost been. He was ready to wallow in his misery without the added reminder of being trapped with her as future queen.

"Not at all." He took another sip. "Please, sit down."

Madeleine beamed over his manners still being intact even though he was drinking. She knew many noblemen who couldn't contain their baser instincts once alcohol was involved. She was a little relieved to see him imbibing. Hopefully it would help with her plan.

She wasn't a fool. She knew she wasn't his real choice. Madeleine believed though that they could find a way to be a couple, even if it was an act on both their parts.

But she also knew that in order to be a successful queen, she would need to one day bear him a child.

"How was your day?" She asked politely.

"Busy." He forced a smile. "But productive nonetheless."

"Good." She sat up a bit straighter. "I've begun to plan our engagement tour."

Liam took another sip, nearly finishing off his glass with that reminder.

"Have you?" He got up to top off his glass. "May I get you anything?"

"I'll have whatever you're having." She decided.

Maybe a drink would help her too with discussing what was on her mind.

He handed her a tumbler halfway filled.

"Thank you." She took a dainty sip, nose wrinkling over the taste.

She'd never enjoyed drinking straight spirits, but desperate times called for such.

"I think we need to discuss how we should act at these events." She began.

Liam softly sighed. "And how do you think we should?"

Madeleine narrowed her eyes at his tone. Was that irritation or resignation? Either way, it didn't give her much hope.

"I know ours wasn't the typical courtship," she added.

"Indeed, it was not." He snorted.

"But, it needs to look like it in front of everyone."

Liam downed his glass. "I believe in the public's eyes, I am a dutiful fiancé."

"Dutiful, yet not happy." She stressed.

"I've smiled for every picture." He argued.

"Not the way you smiled with Riley."

He couldn't believe she had the unmitigated gall to say his love's name.

"Do not dare," his tone turned a touch sinister, "presume to compare yourself to her."

Madeleine blinked. Had she misjudged Liam's easy going demeanor?

"I'm not." She replied, her own tone turning peevish. "I'm simply pointing out a fact. People knew you favored her above all the rest of us. Since you didn't pick--"

"Couldn't." He corrected.

"Couldn't pick her," Madeleine continued, "then you must at least pretend to be content."

"And what do you think I've been doing?" He pushed out of his chair to pace. "I've made certain to praise you in interviews. I've stood by your side, smiling like an idiot. I've--"

"Not kissed me."

Liam stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes widened at the mere thought of kissing the proper, icy countess. His already tender stomach from drinking without dinner churned at the thought of kissing a woman his brother had been with.

It was wrong. He couldn't think of another way to put it.

Madeleine got to her feet and stood before him. Taking a deep breath, she titled her head back.

"Madeleine, we can't--"

"I know you hope things turn out differently." Her eyes held his. "But the likely hood of Riley's name being cleared is far fetched at best. We need to be prepared for our future."

Liam briefly closed his eyes. His heart ached to hear that his dreams were getting further and further away from becoming a reality. All he had was hope in finding out what happened at Applewood. He didn't even know how he would secretly conduct an investigation. He couldn't, not without discovering first off why the security had failed so miserably that fateful night.

The thought of the rest of his life spent with the woman before him was too much right now. The pain he felt in having to choose her was still so raw. He couldn't think about the notion of truly marrying her.

Was the crown even worth it? Was his duty going to be the very thing to keep him tethered to an unhappy life?

Perhaps Leo is right. Maybe abdication is the only way.

"I think we need to kiss." Madeleine broke through his tortured thoughts. "At least for practice for when we need to pose for pictures and such. We need it to look natural."

Liam shook his head. "We do not have to kiss in public."

"Very well." She knew she had an uphill battle on her hands. "But we will one day have to have children."

Children. Liam ran his hands over his face. He was supposed to have children with Riley. He even told her that was his dream on his first date, to one day have a family of his own. He'd already imagined them looking like his love. He hoped they would have her dark hair, her warm smile, her easy laugh, and her tender heart.

Now the likely hood was that they wouldn't exist. He would be forced to have children with Madeleine.

He needed another drink.

Madeleine watched in silence as he hastily gulped his third glass. She wasn't insulted. After all, she knew the type of loyalty Liam had. His devotion to a woman who had shamed him was admirable, if not foolish in her mind. It boded well though for their own future that she could trust him.

She decided she could be magnanimous in their current situation.

"If Riley did remain with the Beaumont's," she added, "I will gladly turn a blind eye to you making her your mistress."

Liam nearly choked on his whiskey.

She rolled her eyes over that reaction.

"I understand how much you care for her."

"I love her." He stated.

"Be that as it may," her voice was tight with conviction, "we are the ones getting married."

Liam set his empty glass down. Why was she hounding him about this?

"Now, we need to kiss at least once so it won't be as awkward as it will be if done for the first time in front of others."

Her frown firmed on her lips. "My mother is the type to demand such demonstrations of love."

When Liam still remained away from her, she reminded him that her irreverent parent would be the first to throw a party for their engagement.

Seeing no way out of this nor getting a chance for peace, Liam returned to her and took her in his arms. Before he could think too much about it, he captured her lips in a kiss.

It felt wrong. Madeleine's body was stiff as she forced her lips to ease under his. He didn't even try to deepen it. What was the point? She wasn't even remotely interested in him physically. He couldn't even use her to help him in his loneliness.

That thought made him jerk away from Madeleine. He couldn't believe he ever considered taking advantage of another in such a despicable manner.

His eyes darted over to his empty glass. Was it the cause of such a notion?

He decided he would never drink that much again before dealing with his fiancée. It wasn't fair to her, to himself, and it certainly wasn't right to do to Riley.

Even if he was to never see her again, she was still worth being true to.

"There are other ways we can have children if forced to marry." He told her. "You need not worry about having to demonstrate your affection to me physically ever again."

Madeleine's relief didn't escape his notice.

"Very well. Thank you for discussing it with me." She walked out with her head held high.

Once the door shut, Liam buried his head on his hands. He was embarrassed and disheartened with how this night was ending. He knew he should have never let Madeleine inside, much less entertained their conversation. Look what it had done to him. It had brought Liam nothing but more pain and sadness.

He honestly wasn't sure how he could continue this life of his without Riley.

[karahalloway]

(Less Than) Noble Intentions: Chapter 18 - Diplomatica

Fandom: TRR

Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Harper Gale)

Series Summary: The social season may be over, but Harper Gale’s problems are just beginning. With everyone at court a potential suspect, can she and Drake survive the engagement tour and get to the bottom of the plot against her and clear her name? An AU take of TRR2 featuring my OTP - Harper & Drake.

Masterlist: (Less Than) Noble Intentions

Chapter Summary: Harper, Olivia and the Beaumonts arrive in Rome... but not everyone is happy to see them

Word Count: 5,300

Rating/Warnings: None (for once 🤣)

Chapter theme song:

A/N1: Lots of Italian and random cultural/historical tidbits in this... but, then again, we are in Italy, so the foreign language aspect will be a bit of a running theme through the next few chapters (sorry...not sorry - I actually learnt some Italian in the process!)

A/N2: @aussiegurl1234, before you ask, yes, I HC that Vito bears a striking resemblance to Michele Morrone 😆

Chapter 18 - Diplomatica

"How is it hotter here than in Cordonia?" I gasp as I step out onto the jet's airstairs.

"Italy is a peninsula," Olivia says from behind me, slotting on a pair of Versace cat-eye shades. "It is more exposed to the anti-cyclones that blow up from the Sahara."

My mouth drops as I make my way down onto the steaming tarmac. "This heatwave... is coming from Africa?"

No wonder it feels like the inside of a furnace!

"It certainly isn't coming from the Arctic!" bemoans Bertrand as he shields his face from the intensity of the rays with an upraised hand. "Though what a welcome change that would be!"

"Brr...!" objects Maxwell with a shiver. "No thank you! I've had my yearly fill of sub-zero temps at Olivia's!"

"You're welcome," comes the snippy response as the Duchess of Lythikos strides past us.

"That said, turning the mercury down a few notches wouldn't hurt..." I remark, squinting accusatorily up at the beating sun.

"The summer heatwaves have been growing longer and more intense over recent years," Olivia advises from up front, "leading to consequent effects on food and water security, power generation, infrastructure, not to mention the added burden on the healthcare system across Europe. It is one of the items on the agenda for Christian's roundtable with the Italian Prime Minister tomorrow."

I frown as I arrive at the passenger-side door of the first in a trio of waiting Porsche Macan GTS's. "I thought this was supposed to be an engagement tour..."

"It is," she confirms as a black-suited Italian sporting close-cropped hair and aviators opens the door for her. "But any foreign visit involving a high-ranking head of state is — by its nature — a diplomatic event as well."

"I guess that makes sense," I concede, sliding into the relative reprieve offered by the SUV's A/C system. "Though you said Christian is meeting with the Prime Minister tomorrow... I thought that was supposed to be today. Did something change?"

"No," derides Bertrand as he settles in next to me. "Today, the King is partaking in a meet-and-greet with the Italian President, followed by a private audience with the Pope while the future Queen is fitted for her wedding trousseau, capped off by dinner and a performance of Tosca at the Teatro dell'Opera in the evening. While tomorrow we have been invited to brunch at the Cordonian Consulate, after which the King has a round-table discussion with the Prime Minister, and day will be closed out by a state gala."

"Oh," I mutter sheepishly. "So, the Prime Minister isn't the same as the President...?"

"The Prime Minister is the head of government, while the President is the head of state," the elder Beaumont instructs as Maxwell squishes himself into the backseat on the other side of me. "The roles are quite distinct."

"Of course they are..." I huff under my breath.

Seems like in addition to Olivia's list of influential Cordonian nobles, I will also need to memorise a textbook on European constitutional history...

Though, now I am doubly glad of the business-like, but nevertheless stylish pale pink, high-necked pencil dress that Bertrand foisted on me this morning — it definitely would not have been great to show up underdressed to such a high-level meeting!

"But we must hurry!" the elder Beaumont proclaims. "We are due at the Presidential Palace in just under an hour, and we still need to fight our way through the notoriously infernal Roman traffic!"

"Not to worry," Olivia assures us with a sly smirk from the front passenger seat. "Vito here knows all the shortcuts."

"That sounds ominous..." I mutter, reaching for the seatbelt on instinct.

"I prefer 'expeditious'," she counters, turning to Vito, who has now taken up position behind the wheel. "Andiamo."

"Certamente, Duchessa," he nods, throwing the car forward with a violent depression of the gas pedal.

The sudden acceleration yanks an inadvertent gasp from my lips as I'm thrown back in my seat... just like on that afternoon in Ramsford when Drake pulled the same stunt on the Beaumonts' driveway.

I feel my throat tighten as I glance inadvertently out the window. God, I hope he's okay...

I know in the back of my mind that I'm probably making myself anxious for no reason. Drake is an adult, perfectly capable of taking care of himself... including in close-quarters situations. He's demonstrated that to me plenty of times.

Yet, I still can't help but worry about him. Especially when he's off in a foreign country (all by himself for all I know...), having left with basically no good-bye, and with definitely no assurance of when he expects to get back.

And while I know that he is doing this for me — so we can collar Tariq and extract whatever information he has in relation to the plot to influence the outcome of the social season... and to answer for what he did to me in Applewood — the wait is killing me. I have no idea where he is, what he is doing, and whether he even has his phone turned on, given the high-stakes nature of his self-appointed task.

Which is why I have held off trying to reach out to him (...even though the baser, needier part of me is itching to do exactly that), as I don't want to be the one to interrupt a crucial moment by setting his phone off with an ill-timed call or text, especially considering the three-hour time difference...

I heave a breath.

I just have to trust him. Like he asked me to at every turn of this increasingly bumpy road that we've been travelling since I left New York. And hope that we are finally on our way out of the woods.

Exiting the boundaries of the airport, Vito navigates the Porsche onto a highway where we are able to pick up some speed. Olivia uses the opportunity to open up her phone, throwing some questions in Italian to her associate every so often as we cruise along. Bertrand is similarly occupied, while Maxwell has slipped on some Bose headphones and is bobbing away to the beat.

Which leaves me to stare somewhat aimlessly out the window, watching the scenery roll by in a bid to keep myself distracted.

But the reprieve ends up being somewhat of a welcome one. The various warehouses and road-side auto lots surrounding the airport quickly give way to a tree-lined thoroughfare, and I find myself basking in the calming effects of the greenery, not having expected to encounter such a bucolic sight on the road to a major urban centre.

Eventually, though, the vegetation gives way to the crumbling walls of some kind of expansive estate that we end up following for a good few miles until the asphalt road changes over to cobblestones and we pass in front the gates of a red-bricked stone fortress that looks like it's been plucked straight from the set of Game of Thrones.

"Wow..." I can't help but breathe as I take in the sight of the towering structure simmering under the light of the mid-morning sun.

"Le mura aureliane," advises Vito from up front, catching my awed expression through the rear-view mirror. "Costruita dall'imperatore Aureliano per difendere Roma dai barbari."

I nod distractedly, craning my neck as we turn a corner to follow the path of the ancient structure that is somehow still standing despite the clear ravages of time and weather.

Nothing lasts like this anymore...

Making another turn, we pass beneath an arched portion of the wall, and the road before us opens up into a leafy boulevard that takes us into the city proper. And from there, it's one jaw-dropping piece of architecture after another jostling for space between more modern buildings and seemingly never-ending rows of trees.

"I didn't expect Rome to be so green..." I admit to no one in particular as I eye up the unusual-looking shrubs.

"You can thank the Ancient Romans," supplies Bertrand without glancing up from his phone. "They planted the now-iconic stone pines in scores along the major roadways in part to serve as ornamentation, and in part to provide a steady supply of pine nuts, which are an essential ingredient in many dishes, including pesto and various pies and tarts."

"It certainly was worth the effort," I agree, watching the evergreens drift past on either side of us.

Though, as Bertrand predicted, the closer we get to the centre of the ancient capital, the increasingly chaotic the traffic becomes, with cars, buses and mopeds all vying for space on the roads, requiring Vito to make recourse to his own horn as well as various offensive gestures in order to narrowly avoid a slew of accidents... and I suddenly have a slightly better appreciation for why Drake drives the way he does. Because based on my experiences first in France and now in Italy, it appears that on the Mediterranean, might equals right when it comes to priority on the road, and unless you're forceful, you ain't getting nowhere.

Managing to finally extricate ourselves from the constraints of a complicated intersection, we end up on a quieter road running parallel to a long patch of bunkered-looking grass on our left.

"What's that?" I ask, tapping Vito on his shoulder.

"Il Circo Massimo," he advises.

My eyes widen. "That's the Circus Maximus?"

"Sì," he nods. "L'antico stadio romano costruito per le corse dei carri."

"Unbelievable..." I murmur, slumping back into my seat in awe.

There is nothing comparable back home — even the oldest still-extant pre-Columbian structures date to only the first millennia A.D. Whereas here we are, casually cruising past a seminal piece of history that is still embedded into the fabric of the city nearly three thousand years after its construction. And we haven't even seen the Colosseum, or the Forum yet!

Rome really is the Eternal City...

Leaving the green fields of the Circus behind us, we enter a more urban-looking environment as we start to climb a hill. The white- and sand-coloured buildings cluster closer together, and the general architecture becomes more uniformly Baroque, until we arrive in a large plaza dominated by a massive, Neo-Classical structure that towers over everything else.

"Il Vittoriano," Vito offers without prompting.

"Is that where we're having brunch with the President?" I ask, slack-mouthed as I stare up at the imposing building.

It certainly looks impressive enough to house the head of a country!

"Of course not!" admonishes Bertrand. "The Vittoriano is a symbolic collection of monuments built to commemorate the rule of King Victor Emmanuel II and the unification of Italy. The President resides at the Quirinal Palace, which is located on a wholly different Roman hill!"

"Oh," I mutter sheepishly.

"Like she is going to know the difference," scoffs Oliva from the front. "They don't even teach The Art of War in her schools... How can you expect her to know anything about Italian history?"

"Italian history is foundational history!" insists Bertrand. "The Romans were instrumental in shaping not just the course of European, but Northern African and Middle Eastern events for millennia! How can they neglect to teach American children about this?"

"Because the focus is on US history," I tell them wearily as Vito navigates us to the other side of the square.

"Surely that is an afternoon's worth of lessons at most?" the elder Beaumont queries sceptically. "Your country was only founded in the conventional sense of the word in the mid-1600s..."

"Most Americans haven't been to Europe," I remind him, watching the rows of buildings flick past on either side of us as we begin the ascent up another hill. "They don't necessarily have a basis of comparison."

"Sounds like your curriculum is somewhat lacking in scope, then..." he surmises with pursed lips.

"Yeah, well..." I retort dryly, "I don't write the textbooks. Though, speaking of education, is there any chance for some sightseeing? It would be a shame to spend two days here and not actually see anything..."

"While I wholeheartedly approve of the sentiment," Bertrand replies, "I am afraid that you will have to make do with the cultural experiences offered by the various host venues on the official itinerary. Which — I admit — are no Pantheon, or Sistine Chapel, but are impressive and important cultural artefacts, nevertheless. The Quirinal Palace, for instance, so named for the Quirinal Hill on which it sits, is actually the sixth largest palace in the world and has served as the primary residence of such notable figures as—"

I let out a low exhale as Bertrand launches into a full-blown historical recital. And while the details are definitely interesting, I didn't come all this way to listen to a one-man rendition of a Roman guidebook.

Which makes me all the more determined to find some kind of opportunity to slip away from the official tour — even if it's just for an hour to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain — so that I can experience something of the magic that this breathtaking city has to offer.

When, I have no idea, given the busyness of our schedule, but I managed to orchestrate an escape plan to see the capital back in Cordonia, so I'm confident I'll be able to pull something similar... albeit without Drake's help this time. But despite the set-backs, I'm not about to miss out on this kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience...

With my intention firmly set, the car rounds an uphill corner, and we are suddenly on the edge of yet another expansive plaza secured by a rim of strategically placed concrete planters and a pair of police cars.

Vito pulls to a stop and slides the window down to exchange a few quick words with the officer who has come to greet us.

"Passports," instructs Olivia, reaching into her purse.

Opening up the white, Medusa emblazoned Versace clutch sitting on my lap — which I am sure cost more than what I would've ever made in a month working as a waitress back home, but which Bertrand had insisted on as a 'necessary' Italian-themed accessory — I pull out my shiny, new Cordonian passport and pass it to the front.

Maxwell and Bertrand do the same, and there is a couple of minutes of tense silence while the stern-looking officer inspects each document to verify our identities, while another policeman does a circuit 'round the car with a convex safety mirror.

Finally, the policeman hands the passports back with a curt nod, and waves us through.

"Were they not expecting us?" I query as I slot my credentials away again.

"They were," Olivia advises. "But we are arriving separately from the royal delegation, so the State Police are obligated to run a security check."

"Why?"

The Duchess of Lythikos scoffs back at me. "To ensure that we are not terrorists trying to kill the President with a car bomb... Or did that part go over your head?"

"No..." I hit back sarcastically. "I meant why are we arriving separately?"

She looks back at me with an arched brow. "Would you have preferred to deal with the press?"

"I... No," I admit.

She turns back to the front with a smirk. "Didn't think so."

Vito pulls the car to a stop in front of a small courtyard decked out with a red carpet and intertwined streamers made out in the colours of Cordonia's and Italy's flags. Allard and Schweitzer — who had been travelling in the car behind us — appear to open the doors for us.

Bertrand scoots out of the backseat first, before turning back to offer me his hand.

"Thanks," I say with a sincere smile, grasping his fingers to help pull myself up.

"Always my pleasure," he replies with a genuine smile.

Smoothing my skirt, I gaze up at the somewhat understated-looking entranceway, suddenly nervous about the prospect of acting as a newly-minted ambassador of Cordonia. I mean... three months ago, I was bussing tables at a dive bar for less than minimum wage, and now here I am, decked out in clothes that cost more than the rent I was paying for a fifth-storey walk-up, about to have an official meeting with a foreign country's head of state.

To say that I feel like a fraud is a massive understatement.

"What are you waiting for?" asks Olivia, breezing past me with all the confidence of a woman who's done this a hundred times before... probably because she has. "For the grass to grow?"

"I—"

"I heard the President loves chocolate bomboloni," offers Maxwell enthusiastically, linking his arm through mine to tug me down the length of the red carpet.

"What's...that?" I ask, forcing myself to swallow down the sudden dryness in my throat.

Maxwell's face collapses into an aghast look of shock. "Only the best pastry-based dessert! Second only to cronuts, of course!"

"That's definitely a high bar to hit," I admit.

"Think mini doughnuts with gooey chocolate filling, dusted with powdered sugar," he explains. "They literally melt in your mouth!"

"Except we are not here to indulge infantile cravings for sugary treats," reprimands Bertrand as we pass through the arched doorway. "We are here to partake in important discussions relating to matters of state, and t—"

"Pfft," scoffs Olivia. "Speak for yourself, Beaumont. These meetings are dull as shite. I'm here for the sweets."

I can't help but snort at the unexpected riposte... as well as the resultant sight of Bertrand's jaw hitting the parquet flooring. And I unexpectedly find myself feeling better about the whole experience. Because despite whatever nerves I may be feeling, the fact that Olivia and the Beaumonts are with me means that I am not alone in this.

Passing into the coolness of the building, we are greeted by a middle-aged woman who proceeds to lead us through a veritable rabbit warren of ante-rooms and corridors before we finally arrive in an expansive room dominated by a pair of jaw-dropping crystal chandeliers suspended from a vaulted, hand-painted ceiling.

"La Salle Bronzino," informs our guide, indicating that we should step through.

"Wow..." I breathe, trying to take in the opulence with as much composure as I can.

A slew of camera shutters click to life upon our arrival.

Jerking my gaze down from the delicate, celestial fresco above me, I spot the handful of photographers aiming their lenses at me.

I stifle a groan as I plaster a demure smile onto my face. "I thought you said there wouldn't be any reporters."

"This is an official state visit," Bertrand hisses out of the corner of his mouth. "Of course, there will be reporters!

"Just not as many as there would have been outside earlier," Olivia assures me.

My shoulders slump in acquiescence. "Take the wins you can get, I guess..."

"Ah, you made it!" exclaims Christian, striding up to us with a jovial grin. "Traffic wasn't too terrible, I hope?"

"Nothing Vito couldn't handle," Olivia assures him, dipping into a chaste curtesy as the photographers snap eagerly away.

Christian turns to me with a good-natured chuckle. "And Lady Harper... First impressions haven't put you off, have they?"

"No," I assure him, bobbing down politely as well, knowing that everyone in the room now has their eyes on us. "The exact opposite, actually."

"Excellent," he beams, holding my gaze for a second longer than he did with Olivia. "I have to admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for Rome, myself."

"It really is a—"

"Darling," interjects Madeleine with a steely smile, appearing at her fiancé's shoulder. "You really should focus your attentions on the President. He has been gracious enough to open up his home for us, after all..."

Christian's nostrils flare with the briefest flash of irritation as he pulls back slightly. "Quite. Let us go make the necessary introductions."

Madeleine bristles. "That is not what I—"

Deftly ignoring her, Christian extends his arm decisively towards an elderly man wearing a sombre suit and gold-rimmed glasses. "Shall we?"

"I guess so?" I concede, already feeling myself being steered past the silently fuming countess.

"Now remember," Bertrand mutters next to me as Christian leads us down the length of the room. "In the context of a formal conversation, it is always lei — never tu — when addressing your counterpart, so for the love of all that is holy, please do not—"

"Singor Presidente," proclaims Christian as he pulls to a stop. "Permettetemi di presentarvi altri membri della nostra delegazione."

The President raises his head dutifully. "Certamente."

"Questo è Singor Bertrand Beaumont, duca di Ramsford, e suo fratello, Maxwell."

The Beaumonts bow their heads dutifully.

"Beaumont..." the President frowns. "Sai, mi suona familiare. Sei parente di Signor Bartholemy, per caso?"

"Sì," Bertrand confirms. "Egli è nostro padre."

The President is nodding in recollection. "Sì... sì... Ha accompagnato il re precedente in molte occasioni. Sei molto simile a lui."

"Sì, la somiglianza di famiglia è forte," Bertrand acknowledges.

"E questa è Singorina Olivia Nevrakis, duchessa di Lythikos, un mio carissimo amico, e fedele sostenitrice del famiglia Rys."

Olivia holds out her hand. "E' un piacere conoscerla, Signore Presidente."

The President drops a chaste kiss on the back of her hand. "Il piacere è tutto mio."

"E finalmente," concludes Christian, "questa è Singorina Harper, la nuova duchessa di Valtoria."

The President's brows arc inquisitively. "Singorina Harper... You are... American? No?"

"Sì," I affirm as I offer my hand out. "Ma ho praticato mio Italiano..."

The President's mouth cracks into a genuine smile. "And you are doing very well, Singorina! Tell me, have you visited la città eterna before?"

"No, this is my first time," I admit, also switching to English, now that the formalities are over and done with. "But even the ride from the airport was utterly magical! It's like stepping into history!"

"Sì," the President affirms with a grin. "Us Romans are unspeakably lucky to be able to call such a beautiful city our home. It is a place of many treasures."

"What is your favourite part of the city?" I ask.

The President blinks in surprise at the unexpected intimacy of the request. "That is a difficult question... But if I am forced to choose... it would have to be this little forno next to la Fontana di Trevi which makes a very unique — and very delicious — pistachio croissant. It is not for every person, but if you have a spirit of adventure, then I suggest you try it."

"Thank you," I say with a sincere smile, filing the suggestion away. "I definitely will!"

"I cannot say that I have had the pleasure of sampling this treat, either," Christian admits, with a knowing glance down at me. "But Lady Harper has excellent taste in pastries — she was actually kind enough to introduce us to an American delicacy called a cronut. It was a big hit all around."

"A cronut?" queries the President. "I cannot say I am familiar..."

"Don't worry," Maxwell assures him with a conspiratorial grin. "We'll bring you one. If you'll trade us some bomboloni in exchange?"

Bertrand's already sunburnt face reddens further. "Maxwell! You cannot entreat the President t—"

"You like bomboloni, also?" interjects the President with keen interest.

"Of course!" Maxwell affirms enthusiastically. "Anyone who doesn't like them clearly has something wrong with them!"

"Sounds like you have excellent taste in pastries as well, Signore Maxwell!" chuckles the President.

The conversation continues to revolve around our shared food interests for a few more minutes, until an aide clears his throat from behind the President.

"Accettare le mie scuse," he apologises. "But I am being advised that it is time for the photographs and the speeches."

"Of course," nods Christian graciously, indicating that the President should lead the way to the front of the room where a small podium has been set up.

As the two men peel away from the group, I cast my eyes 'round the space and spot Hana standing by one of the large windows. Giving her a wave, I use the brief break in the proceedings to make my way over to her.

"So, what's the view like from this side of the room?" I ask by way of greeting.

"Quieter than your side," she admits wryly. "You certainly seemed to be having an engaging conversation with the President!"

"We discovered a shared love for sugary treats," I admit. "You should've joined us — you could've bragged about that baking championship that you won."

"It's alright," she demurs with a blush. "It's actually been nice to take a moment to step away from the crowd."

"Oh?" I ask, laying a concerned hand on her arm. "Is something wrong?"

She heaves a breath, as if debating whether to tell me. Finally, she says, "I have been fending off suitors."

My brow shoots skywards. "How many proposals have you had?"

"Since I arrived...? Probably twelve..."

My eyes bulge. "Twelve! That's like two a day!"

"Yes," she concedes with a weary exhale. "Lady Madeleine has been extremely gracious in personally introducing me to numerous eligible bachelors—"

"—but none of them are Maxwell," I surmise.

Her eyes flick up to mine before dropping back down sorrowfully. "No. But for the sake of my parents, I must entertain every available option in an honest manner."

"That definitely sounds exhausting..." I concede. "But hopefully now that we're out of the country, you can catch a bit of a break."

"I am not so sure..." she admits. "I have been advised that a number of well-connected Italians will be in attendance at the opera tonight..."

"Pfft...!" I scoff. "Just take the night off... Pretend to be sick... Run off with Maxwell to get some gelato... Actually enjoy being in Italy!"

Hana blushes. "I—"

The chime of a bell rings out across the room, interrupting our conversation.

Looking up, I see that all heads have turned dutifully towards the twin forms standing on the dais as they prepare to address the congregation.

"Vostra Altezza Reale, colleghi delegati, Signore e Signori," greets the President, "È un onore, per me, ospitare la delegazione reale di Cordonia, nostro vicino e stretto alleato per centinaia di anni. È passato troppo tempo da—"

As the speech winds on, I find myself tuning out, given that I am only able to understand every third or fourth word. But, not wanting to come across as rude by continuing my catch-up with Hana, I instead try to occupy myself by examining the two large tapestries suspended on the walls.

A round of applause draws me out of my reverie, and I join in on auto-pilot as the President hands off to Christian. Several more minutes of lilting Italian fills the room, during which time I move my attentions to the Roman-looking busts, wondering which emperors they depict.

Finally, the speeches come to a close, and I heave a sigh of relief.

"Did you understand any of that?" I ask Hana as the President presents Christian with some kind of medal, and the two men pose for photos.

"Of course," she nods. "My parents—"

"—have been giving you Italian lessons since before you could talk?" I finish dryly.

Hana's cheeks dimple. "Not quite that young, but yes. I am what they consider 'proficient'."

"Meaning, you speak it better than I speak English," I joke.

She snorts in response. "I wouldn't say that..."

"But it's true," I say with a smirk, happy to see that Hana's time back at court has not completely crushed her sense of humour.

"Ah, I've missed talking to you, Harper," she says with genuine feeling. "The last few days have felt so busy that I feel like we haven't spoken in months!"

"Yeah, tell me about it..." I agree with a huff. "In the space of a week, I've become a Cordonian citizen, been granted a duchy, gone from number five to number one on Madeleine's shit list, and—"

Hana's eyes widen. "It's not that bad, surely...!"

"It's probably worse," I admit. "And being on the front page of the Cordonian Sun — again — is probably not helping matters either..."

"Yes, I saw that article..." she commiserates with feeling. "I'm sorry that the press are treating you in that manner again."

"Hey, it's not your fault," I assure her. "But the press aren't all bad — I managed to convince Ana de Luca to help us track down the photographer who took those pictures of me and Tariq, and she actually came through yesterday."

"That's great!" she enthuses. "I have to admit that I have not had much success on my side... Madeleine does not permit her ladies-in-waiting to handle any of her private correspondence, including her mobile phones and laptop. And she has only talked to us about the upcoming events on the tour..."

"Well, it was a bit of a long-shot, anyway," I concede with a shrug. "But who knows? We might get—"

"Pardon," interrupts Kiara with a pointed cough. "But the Queen requests your presence."

I roll my eyes with a scoff. "She's not married to Christian yet..."

"But she will be soon," she reminds me pointedly. "So, it is actuellement in your interest to remain on her good side, given that you are now a duchess."

I feel the corner of my mouth scrunch into a mou of dissent, but I force myself not to pick apart the many things that are wrong with her statement. "Fine. Where is Her Majesty?"

"Bidding adieu to the President," she advises. "She has asked that in the meantime I gather the ladies who are to accompany her to the wedding boutique."

"Does she really need an entourage to go shopping?" I ask as we start making our way back to the double doors at the far end of the room.

"It is tradition for the suitors who were not picked at the end of the social season to assist the queen-to-be in the preparations for the wedding, including selecting her bridal gown and trousseau."

"Wonder how many times that's gone wrong before..." I mutter under my breath.

"It is a ritual de beaucoup d'importance," Kiara insists seriously. "The former suitors — and their families — demonstrate their public support for the union via the personal assistance they provide the bride and groom in the lead-up to the big day, as well as in the act of taking on key roles during the ceremony itself."

"Let me guess..." I grumble. "We're all going to be maids of honour, too..."

"In Cordonia, the correct term is 'witness'," she corrects. "They are the ones chosen by the couple to countersign the marriage certificate. Mais oui — it is likely that one or two of us will be called upon in such a manner."

"Great..." I sigh, arriving at the entranceway where Penelope and Olivia are already waiting. "All the things we get to look forward to..."

"Oh, Lady Harper!" squeals Penelope in excitement. "I love your dress! How do you always manage to find such super chic pieces?"

"Uhh..." I say, genuinely taken aback by her enthusiasm. "Bertrand picked this, actually..."

Olivia snorts derisively. "You mean Lord Tweedle-Dee? Please... That man has worse fashion sense than Jared Leto."

"Actually, he—"

"If you lot are quite finished with your asinine chit-chit," snaps Madeline as she strides imperiously past us, "you can pick up your feet. We are already running late for my appointment... Which took months to schedule, so don't you dare make me miss it!"

I meet Hana's gaze with a fish-eyed look. "Ever heard the term 'bridezilla' before?"

"No," she admits with a frown. "But it sounds scary..."

"Oh, trust me!" I assure her as we bring up the rear. "It is! Especially since it sounds like Madeleine is planning to take the concept to a whole 'nother level..."

The story continues in Chapter 19: Field Day

A/N: Translations for the Italian below:

At the airport: Andiamo - Let's go

Certamente, Duchessa - Certainly, Duchess

En route Lemura aureliane. Costruitadall'imperatore Aureliano per difendere Roma dai barbari. - The Aurelian Wall. It was constructed by the Emperor Aurelian to defend Rome against barbarians.

Il Circo Massimo - The Circus Maximus

Sì. L'antico stadio romano costruito per le corsedei carri. - Yes. The ancient Roman stadium constructed for chariot racing.

Il Vittoriano - This is a colloquial nickname for the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

At the Presidential Palace Singor Presidente. Permettetemi di presentarvi altri membri della nostra delegazione. - Mr President. Allow me to introduce some additional members of our delegation.

Certamente - Certainly

Questo è Singor Bertrand Beaumont, duca di Ramsford, e suo fratello, Maxwell. - This is Lord Bertrand Beaumont, Duke of Ramsford, and his brother, Maxwell.

Beaumont... Sai, mi suona familiare. Sei parente di Signor Bartholemy, per caso? - Beaumont... You know, that sounds familiar. Are you related to Lord Bartholemy, by chance?

Sì. Egli è nostro padre. - Yes. He is our father.

Sì...sì... Ha accompagnato il re precedente in molte occasioni. Sei molto simile a lui. - Yes... Yes... He accompanied the former king on many occasions. You look a lot like him.

Sì, la somiglianza di famiglia è forte. - Yes, there is a notable family resemblance.

E questaè Singorina Olivia Nevrakis, duchessa di Lythikos,un mio carissimo amico, e fedele sostenitrice del famiglia Rys. - And this is Lady Olivia Nevrakis, Duchess of Lythikos, a dear friend of mine, and loyal supporter of the Rys family.

E' un piacere conoscerla, Signore Presidente. - My sincere pleasure, Mr President.

Il piacere è tutto mio. - The pleasure is all mine.

E finalmente, questa è Singorina Harper, la nuova duchessa di Valtoria. - And finally, this is Lady Harper, the new Duchess of Valtoria.

Sì. Ma hopraticato mio Italiano.* - Yes. But I am practising my Italian. *Italian speakers will note that there is a grammatical mistake here (the correct phrasing is 'Ho praticato il mio italiano'). However, the mistake is deliberate because Harper learnt Italian literally an hour ago, so she's not going to be perfect at it!

La città eterna - the Eternal City (nickname for Rome)

Accettare le mie scuse - [Please] Accept my apologies.

Vostra Altezza Reale, colleghi delegati, Signore e Signori. È un onore, per me, ospitare la delegazionereale di Cordonia, nostro vicino e stretto alleato per centinaia di anni. Èpassato troppo tempo da— Your Royal Highness, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen. It is my honour to host the royal delegation of Cordonia, our neighbour and ally for many centuries. It has been far too long since—

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(Less Than) Noble Intentions only (let me know if you want to be added!)

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[angelasscribbles]

Obsession

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

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Riley x Liam, featuring Madeleine

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Language, alludes to violence

Word Count: 1,678

A/N: This is from my follower appreciation prompt list/wheel event. This one is from @karahalloway and is for Madeleine x dark x jealousy

My other stuff: Master List.

Two months before the coronation…..

Liam whispered into her ear and Riley giggled as his lips brushed the delicate skin of her neck.

He gazed down at her with that smile that made her want to give him the whole goddamn world.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. As her eyes tracked down his body and then back up to his face, she saw a movement over his shoulder.

Someone was watching them.

Oblivious to it, Liam pulled her body into his, encircling her in his embrace. “I love you, Riley.” He murmured against the shell of her ear before his lips found her neck again.

Riley’s eyes locked with Madeleine’s as the blonde shot daggers at them from a darkened corner of the balcony they had escaped to.

Riley’s fingers dug into the back of Liam’s shoulders as she whispered, “She’s doing it again.”

“Let her watch.” He murmured as his mouth continued its trek down her neck to her shoulder.

She shivered as she let her head fall back and gave in to his request.

```````````````````

A month before the coronation….

Madeleine drummed her fingers on the edge of her champagne glass. Something had to change. She knew what she wanted and failure wasn’t in her vocabulary.

Liam and Riley weren’t even being subtle about it. Giving each suitor an equal chance. What a joke. The two of them were all over each other every chance they got.

She was sick of it.

She knew what she had to do.

“Countess Madeleine, you wanted to see me?”

She glanced up with an inviting smile, “Yes, Duke Lambros, please do sit down. I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Certainly, but you can call me Tariq.” He said as he took the seat across from her.

“Tariq then. Tell me, how well do you know Lady Riley?”

````````````````````````````````

Coronation night….

The ballroom was in pandemonium. Liam couldn’t hear himself think over his parents bellowing in his ear.

“I’m sure given the circumstances, Lady Riley withdraws from the competition.”

“You must choose now, Liam!”

He ignored them.

He knew he’d never be able to get to her in time. Yanking the microphone from his father’s hands he did some bellowing of his own, “Everyone stop!”

The room quietened considerably. The guards that had descended upon Riley stopped and turned toward the stage. Liam knew who they were.

“Alexi. Mikel. Release Lady Riley at once. That is a direct order.”

He watched with satisfaction as both men dropped their grip on her and stepped away. Drake swooped in and stood protectively by her side, his demeanor daring anyone to touch her again.

Drake was a good friend.

“Now I’m ready to make my choice. “ He announced to the room, “I choose Lady Riley Brooks!”

Pandemonium broke out again.

“You can’t!” Madeleine screamed, “The scandal-“

Liam called for quiet and waited until he got it to resume, “I don’t know how those photos were obtained, but I can assure you that the incident in question was very one-sided. Duke Lambros made an inappropriate advance, which was rebuffed.”

“How can you know that for sure, son?” Constantine demanded.

“Because I was there that night, I heard her scream and pulled him off of her.”

“That’s a lie! Drake was the one that-“ Madeleine froze as she realized she had as good as confessed to being the saboteur.

Liam made eye contact with Drake and tipped his head in Madeleine’s direction. Drake nodded and spoke into his com.

While Madeleine was being escorted to his office for questioning, Riley was escorted to the stage where Liam got down on one knee and officially proposed to her.

After his coronation was complete, he and Riley joined Drake and Bastien in his office.

“Tell us why,” Bastien said.

“Did you want Liam and the crown so badly you were willing to set up an innocent woman?” Drake asked.

“You think I did this because I want Liam?” Madeleine stared back and forth between them in astonishment.

```````````````````````````````````````

Three months before the coronation….

“Truth or dare?” Max asked.

“Truth.” Madeleine said primly.

“Have you ever kissed a girl before?”

“What? No! Of course not!” Her face pinkened at the suggestion.

“Why of course not?” Riley asked, “There’s nothing wrong with kissing girls!”

Madeleine was suddenly interested, “You’ve kissed a girl before?”

“I’ve kissed lots of girls!” Riley tittered drunkenly. “Right, Hana?”

Madeleine flushed a deep shade of scarlet, “You’ve kissed Hana?”

Riley and Hana both fell over giggling.

“Yes, she has!” Max snickered, “I can confirm.”

“You….you watched?” Madeleine’s horrified expression sent the rest of the group into a fit of giggles.

“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, Madi!” Riley told her.

Madeleine watched quietly as the game progressed until it was her turn again.

“Madeleine, truth or dare?” Drake asked.

She had finished off two more glasses of pineapple rum since her last turn and the pleasant buzzing in her head made her feel adventurous, “Dare!” She said confidently.

“Oh, shit, Madi!” Riley tittered, “Never pick dare when Drake’s handing them out unless you want to do sexual things!”

“Go easy on her, Drake,” Max said, “I don’t think she’s ready for your level of dares.”

“Okay, okay,” he responded, “I’ll pick something simple. Madi, I dare you to kiss Riley.”

“Told you.” Riley giggled softly.

“Oh, I….um…okay!” Madeleine replied.

“Okay!” Riley handed her drink to Hana and straddled Madeleine’s lap as the other woman sat cross-legged on the bed. She cupped Madeleine’s face with both hands and tipped her face up.

Madeleine’s powder blue eyes flicked from Riley’s eyes to her lips and back again as she nervously licked her lips.

“Do I make you nervous?” Riley asked as she ran a thumb gently across the blonde’s bottom lip.

“N…no.” Madeleine lied.

Riley lowered her mouth to Madeleine’s and gently parted her lips with her tongue.

Madeleine melted into the kiss.

Her world shattered into a million pieces then the pieces reassembled themselves….differently.

Nothing mattered but the taste of cherry lip gloss and the sweet, warm caress of a pair of velvety soft hands on her face.

Riley pulled away with a grin and then fell beside her on the mattress with breathless giggles.

Madeleine felt bereft. An aching loneliness filled her and all she wanted was Riley’s lips on hers again.

“Damn that kiss was hot.” Drake said standing up, “It’s late, I need to get back to my room.”

“I’ll bet you do!” Max chortled.

“We should probably all get back to our rooms.” Hana agreed, reaching for Riley’s hand.

She took it and Hana pulled her up from the bed.

Madeleine watched as Riley and Hana walked off together, arms around each other’s waists, giggling and whispering loudly to each other while they made their way down the hall.

She felt something unfamiliar stir in her chest as she wondered if Riley was going to kiss Hana again. Was she going to do other things with Hana? Things that she wanted Riley to do with her! It wasn’t fair.

The sensation in her chest intensified. It hurt. It made it hard to breathe.

Hana had to go.

```````````````````````````````````````

A week before the coronation…..

“What do you mean you have to leave?” Riley demanded.

“I mean my parents have called me back home.” Hana was in tears.

“But why? The season isn’t over yet!”

“I…I don’t honestly know! They said they’ve received disturbing reports about my behavior!”

“Oh, Hana, no! I’m so sorry!”

Madeleine watched discreetly from the other side of the room, a mixture of satisfaction that her anonymous email, complete with photos of Riley and Hana, had worked and burning jealously at the way Riley wrapped her arms around the smaller woman in comfort.

The glass in Madeleine’s hand shattered, “Shit!” She exclaimed as blood dripped onto her dress.

```````````````````````````````

Coronation night….

“Wait, you did all this because you want Riley?” Liam stared at her in disbelief.

“She belongs with me! Don’t you see it, Riley? You can’t marry Liam because of the scandal, you’re free now! We can be together, me and you!”

“No.” Liam shook his head, still reeling from the revelation that Madeleine was completely unhinged. “Riley belongs with me! She’s in love with me and we are getting married!”

“She kissed me, Liam!”

“In a drunken game of truth or dare!” Astonishment spilled through him at Madeleine’s level of intensity as she glared at him.

“Liam,” Riley touched his arm, “Is the scandal going to be a problem?”

“No, we can get Tariq to come forward,” Liam said.

Madeleine snorted. “That’s not going to happen!”

“Why not?” He asked.

“Do you think he should have been allowed to live after what he did?” She hissed, her eyes narrowing.

“What you sent him to do, you mean?” Drake asked.

“I sent him to get fake incriminating photos, not try to fucking assault her! You should have beaten him to death when you pulled him off of her, but since you didn’t, someone had to finish the job!”

Liam jolted, “Wait…are you….are you saying that Tariq’s dead? And that you killed him?”

Some semblance of sanity finally took hold and Madeleine demanded a lawyer before clamping her lips together and refusing to speak.

Madeleine’s tear filled eyes found Riley as Liam escorted her from the room.

“I did it for you, Riley, for us! You have to believe me! I love you!”

Riley turned back toward her with a myriad of emotions in her eyes, “I’m sorry if I did anything to lead you on, Madeleine, but I’m in love with Liam!”

“No!” Madeleine choked out through her sobs, “No! No! No!”

She watched Riley turn and walk out the door with Liam. It closed behind them leaving her alone with Bastien and Drake.

“I want a lawyer! Call my father!” She demanded.

She had to get out of this predicament. Her father would know what to do. She had to be free.

Madeleine had shit to do.

Liam had to go.

[elegantxdreams]

Nothing gives me a greater joy than reading a liam x MC fanfic where Madeleine is the villain.

[msjr0119]

Hiiii

One simple question. R you still alive? 😆

I miss your storiees thar i followed on my old account.

Pleassseeeee come back soon 🙏

Erm, hi….. 👋🏼

I’m still alive just about ☺️🤣 ….

Sorry for the long hiatus, life has been hectic and kind of taken over! Moving house, work, three children, holidays, planning a wedding…… I have no energy left 🙈

Whilst I’ve been away I have been writing ‘one shots’ based on my current life and attempting to do some writing that people have asked specifically for in the past 😬

These include pairings of; Drake x Riley, Liam x Riley, Drake x Madeleine and Riley x ?

I am determined to post these ASAP! I promise ❤️ I just need to get my MOJO back 💪🏼

Thank you for the ask! And let me know what your old account was 😁 I’m very intrigued with your blog name 🤣

[robotchooses]

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page  

A Step Back in Time, chapter 11

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU 

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

Turning the Page Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

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

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

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

Words: 3268

A Step Back in Time, Chapter 11

Chapter Summary: Liam, Riley and William arrive for a weeklong retreat in Lythikos. Olivia takes Riley ‘under her wing’ to mentor and to offer advice for her return to court. Olivia was determined to get her friend into the right frame of mind and to ultimately get the sparkle back in her eyes. 

Music Inspiration: What Was I Made for? Billie Eilish ; Lose Control, Teddy Swims 

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

A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’) 

‘Cause I, ‘cause I 

I don’t know how to feel 

But I wanna try 

I don’t know how to feel 

But someday I might 

Someday I might 

Think I forgot how to be happy 

Something I’m not, but something I can be 

Something I wait for 

Something I’m made for 

Something I’m made for’ 

Cordonian Royal Palace, Capital 

If you told Riley Brooks that she would be living in Cordonia, in the Royal palace, with the King of Cordonia just last summer ... she would not believe you. She would tell you that ‘once upon a time’, she fell in love with that King and competed for his hand in marriage in his social season. By reason of the cruelty of fate, and the callousness of the Royal court, that dream would be ripped away from her by a world that was foreign to her. Where outsiders, or commoners, were frowned upon and/or deemed lesser than the noble class. She would be relegated to be the other woman, the mistress to that immensely powerful man whose duty to his country dictated that he must marry a ‘chosen’ woman, even though he did not love her. 

...and she had to watch that man she loved, marry another. 

...because she loved him, she remained. Confiding to him, ‘I’ve made my decision ... I want to be with you. I don’t care what it looks like.’ 

...and it broke her. 

In the Royal east wing, inside William’s bedroom, Riley meticulously packed his clothing into a large suitcase. Carefully selecting each item with love and care for their winter vacation in the Alps of Lythikos, she folded his small woolen sweaters with matching pants and jeans. Soft mittens and a woolen cap were nestled next to his favorite plushie, Scooby; ready to go with him on his snowy adventures. 

"Li Li, sweetheart, come here please," Riley called out, her voice echoing through the spacious room. William bounded towards her; his eyes wide as he watched his mother pack his belongings. 

"We go away, Mama?" William asked, his voice filled with wonder. 

"Yes, my sweet boy," Riley replied with a smile, scooping him up into her arms and placing him down on his bed. "We're going to the mountains with your father to visit a good friend of ours. It's going to be so much fun." 

William's eyes sparkled with delight at the mention of his father. In the five short months since he met his father for the first time, the bond between father and son had grown stronger exponentially. William adored Liam, who always had time for his son's playful antics in New York and now, here in Cordonia, as well. Despite his Royal duties, Liam made the point to spend as much time with William as possible. Riley was not surprised. Liam often spoke about what kind of father he wanted himself to be. The exact opposite of his own father. She could tell that Liam was trying his best to make up for all the time they had lost. And she could not be happier. 

Riley continued to pack, tucking away William's favorite books and toys to keep him entertained during their trip in Lythikos. She had already arranged for snacks with the kitchens, ensuring they would have everything they needed for the long drive to the northern chateau.  

Riley looked up, catching Liam's gaze.  

Liam stood and silently watched, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. A gentle smile played on his lips as he watched Riley packing their son's belongings for their trip, while William happily tried to help his mother. 

"Come, my King," Riley softly spoke and smiled with a playful glint in her eyes. "Help me double-check if we have everything for our little adventurer." 

Liam pushed himself away from the doorframe and strolled over to Riley; he crouched down beside William, who was wide-eyed with anticipation. 

“Daddy, look.” William pointed to the large suitcase, smiling happily at his father. 

"Hello, my little prince," Liam greeted, ruffling William's hair. "Are you ready for an adventure?" 

William giggled and nodded his head vigorously, his eyes reflecting the admiration and adoration he held for his father. Liam chuckled, “I see you have lots of toys packed.” 

William climbed over to the suitcase and plucked his favorite plush to show his father. 

“Ah, I see you packed your little dog. Is he your special friend?”  

“Yes, Daddy. I love puppies.” William grinned, squeezing his toy. 

“You do? That is good to know,” Liam winked at Riley as William returned his toy to be packed. 

“I will meet you two in an hour. All right, love?” Liam asked Riley. 

“Okay, Daddy,” William answered as Liam and Riley chuckled together at his response. 

As Liam left to go to his study, Damien entered, bowing to Liam, “Your Majesty”. 

Liam smiled and nodded 'hello' in response as he walked towards his assistant waiting in the hall followed by his security detail. 

Nevrakis Chateau, Lythikos, Cordonia 

Driving through the majestic mountains, Riley stared at the vista overlooking the Nevrakis chateau. Memories flooded her mind as they passed the frozen lake below. The lake where she, along with the other suitors skated on, with Liam during his social season years ago.  

Riley shivered. Was it from seeing the beautiful winter landscape or from those memories of past competitions for the man she loved? Riley’s thoughts were interrupted by the happy sound of her son’s voice. 

William giggled; totally enthralled by Liam’s storytelling of his past adventures in the snow. The sight of father and son was precious to Riley, as she softly smiled at the two of them. William was sitting on Liam’s lap as he pointed to the large chateau coming into view ahead. 

The escalade stopped at the grand entrance of the Nevrakis chateau as members of the royal guard went into formation and opened the vehicle doors. 

As they made their way toward the entrance, a flurry of snowflakes fell from the sky, adding a layer of white powder to the ground. 

"Wow, this is beautiful.” Riley raised her arms to the sky. “I remember my first visit here during your social season.”  

"It is. If I remember correctly, it was just as cold." Liam quipped adjusting William’s scarf. 

Members of Olivia’s waitstaff greeted the party as they entered the lavish and grand estate. Standing at the base of the grand staircase, Olivia grinned as William squealed at the pair of Alaskan malamutes sitting inside the foyer. 

“King Liam, Lady Riley and Prince William ... welcome to my quaint northern lodge. I am delighted to host the three of you.”  

Liam approached Olivia and kissed her cheek, then gestured to Riley and William to join them. 

"Olivia, it's been far too long since I last visited. The grounds are magnificent.” 

"Indeed, thank you, Liam.” Olivia beamed with pride. 

"Thank you for hosting us. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.” Riley added. 

"Anything for my dear friends." 

Olivia's attention was drawn to William, who was petting the dogs and giggling. 

"Well, hello again, prince William." Olivia walked over and knelt beside and offered treats to her two canine companions. 

William looked up at her and smiled. 

"Hewwo." 

"He's even cuter than I remember," Olivia grinned. “This one,” she motioned to the brown tipped dog, is ‘Mischa’. And this big guy is ‘Zeus’, "she cooed. 

"Now, Riley." Olivia stood and walked forward slowly, looping her arm through Riley's arm and leading her inside. "We have lots to catch up on. Liam, make yourself at home. Your Royal suite is ready for you. Gustav will be your personal attendant for your stay." 

"Thank you, Liv. That is much appreciated." 

"You are quite welcome. Now, Riley, let us get started on our girl time.” Liam winked at Riley, his shoulders shaking as he chuckled at Riley’s faux scared expression. 

"Okay, sounds good." Riley shook her head grinning as she walked by Liam. 

Olivia and Riley climbed the grand staircase and disappeared around a corner while William sat on the floor playing with the dogs. 

"William, let's get you changed and settled." Liam extended his hand down for his son to take. 

"Okay, Daddy." 

“Bye bye puppies.” William exuberantly spoke to the large dogs. 

***

 Riley and Olivia sat on a plush sofa in front of a large window overlooking the mountains. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the snowy landscape. 

"It's so beautiful here." Riley marveled at the picturesque view. 

"I'm glad you like it.” Olivia proudly acknowledged as she handed a large glass filled with chardonnay to Riley. 

Olivia sat back and watched Riley; her expression turning serious. 

"Riley, I know that things have been difficult for you since you've come back, but you have to remember, you're a force of nature. You are stronger than you think.” Olivia was continuing the conversation of their last visit at the palace.

Riley looked down at her hands, which held onto the wine glass with a death grip. She knew the invitation to spend the week in Olivia's duchy was not just a holiday for her, Liam and William. Her once adversarial friend, and now, her good friend, wanted to assist her with reuniting with Liam.

"I can see the pain and sadness in your eyes." Olivia continued. 

"Oh... "  

"How is it really going? Riley, how is everything between you and Liam?" 

Riley sighed and set her wine glass on the table. 

"I'm...I'm not sure." 

"Do you still love him?" 

"Yes, of course. I have never stopped loving him.” 

"Do you think he loves you?" 

"Yes.” There was a small smile followed by biting her top lip. 

"Then what's the problem?" 

"I'm not sure."

Olivia shook her head and sighed. 

"You have to trust him, Riley. He loves you. And I can see how happy William makes him.” 

"I know that.” 

"But there's something else, isn't there?" Olivia eyed her friend for clues.

"It's just that... we've spent so much time apart. And now that we are back together, things feel different.” 

"I think I understand. That is quite normal, all things considered." 

"And I'm worried that he'll eventually resent me for leaving him while I was pregnant with William." 

"He could never resent you, Riley. You are the mother of his child. It'# not in his DNA.” 

“I keep thinking that that there will be another scandal around the corner. That something or someone will tear us apart.” 

"What happened to that confident and free spirited American girl? The one who turned the court on its' head. Where did she go?"

"I know what you are asking. I feel scared; waiting for the other shoe to drop.” 

"Scared of what? And why?" 

"That he won't forgive me." 

"Riley, listen to me. That is your guilt talking.” 

Olivia reached over and grabbed Riley's hands, looking her in the eye. 

"Liam loves you. He will always love you. You and William are his world. And I know that he wants nothing more than to make you happy.” 

"But..." 

"But, nothing. There is no 'but'.” 

"Okay." Riley was not convinced. "But, Madeleine ..."

"Is out of the picture; where Liam is concerned. You have the power of position now, make Madeleine feel it." 

Riley looked at her friend and took a staggered breath.

"Most importantly, you hold the King’s heart...show the world, show Cordonia, show Madeleine what that means...you will bring her to her knees." Olivia sneered. 

"This is why I wanted you to come for a visit. To remind you of who you are and what you are capable of.” 

“Olivia ...” Riley sighed, shaking her head, ‘no’. 

"Now. Come with me." 

Olivia stood and motioned for Riley to follow. 

Olivia took her down to an armory in the bowels of the chateau. 

"Here we are." Olivia turned and motioned to a wall of weapons. 

"What are we doing down here?" Riley asked, eyeing the collection of weapons displayed on the wall.

"We're going to do some training.” 

"Training? For what?" Riley questioned, perplexed. 

"For the press." 

"Why do I need training for the press? With weapons?" 

"Because they're vultures. They will try to get a rise out of you. They will ask rude and invasive questions. They will try to trip you up.” 

"But why do you think I need training? I know you haven’t forgotten that I was subjected to them during Liam’s social season." 

"Because they're relentless idiots.” Olivia sneered. 

"Okay, but ...” 

“Now that you are back in Cordonia, the mother of the crown prince, no less ...they want to find out your intentions with their king.” 

Riley took a deep breath, closing her eyes. 

"Don't worry. I'm going to teach you how to handle them.” Olivia confidently proclaimed with a smirk. 

"Thank you, Olivia.” Riley sighed as she eyed the collection of pointy weaponry again. 

"Of course. Now, let us get started.” 

Riley was grateful for Olivia's help and advice. She knew that she was right about the press, having dealt with them through the engagement tour, after the scandal was brought to light. 

Riley didn't have to know that. At least, not yet. 

And she knew that she needed to be prepared. Riley understood the extent to which the press would dig and manipulate information to get a juicy soundbite. But she was not aware that Madeleine would have her own agenda to discredit and sabotage her at every chance she got, all the way from Morocco. However, Olivia was well aware of Madeleine’s spite and her bitterness over losing the crown. 

"First off. I want you to choose a weapon." Olivia pointed to her collection of weaponry mounted on the wall. 

"A weapon?" Riley’s eyes were wide looking at the selection before her.

"Yes. You cannot fight the press with words alone.” 

"Um...okay." Riley answered sceptically. 

Riley looked at each weapon closely. There were swords, halberds, axes and daggers, among others. 

She picked up a sword. 

"Hmm...a sword? Interesting choice." 

"It's light and I can move fast.” 

"Good. Particularly good.” Olivia nodded approvingly. “That would be a weapon that Liam would choose.” 

“Really?” Riley admonished. 

"Now, we'll practice some moves.” 

"Moves?" 

"Yes. Maneuvers. Stances. Blocking and parrying.” 

"Wow. This is serious.” 

"Indeed. I'll start slow, but don't let your guard down.” 

"I won't.” Riley responded warily. 

"Good. Now, attack me." 

"What?" Riley looked aghast.

"Attack me." 

"Oh, um ... okay." 

Riley raised the sword and ran at Olivia, who easily dodged the blow. 

"Is that the best you've got?" 

"No.” 

Riley lunged at her again, and again, Olivia sidestepped each attack. 

"You're leaving yourself open.” Olivia challenged.

"I am?" 

"Yes. If this was a real fight, I would have cut you down by now." Olivia chirped. 

"Oh.” Riley let out a large breath, wondering to herself how this lesson was going to end. 

"Here. Let me show you." 

Olivia demonstrated a series of moves, her sword flashing and swooshing in the air. 

"Now, you try.” 

Riley imitated the movements, her sword swishing through the air. 

"Better.” Olivia critiqued. 

"Thanks." Riley answered questionably. 

"Again.” Olivia commanded with Riley going on the defensive. 

They continued to spar, their swords clashing together. Riley was impressed with Olivia's skills and ability to read her opponent and react accordingly. 

As they continued to fight, Riley became more comfortable with the sword, her moves becoming more fluid and graceful. Liam slipped into the back of the room, quietly watching the sparring.

"Excellent.” Olivia praised.

"Thanks.” Riley smiled at the compliment, picking up a bottle of water.

"Now we need a target." Olivia led her to a stuffed, practice dummy.  

Riley chuckled as she watched her friend attach a large face photo of Madeleine onto the head with a dagger.  

"Here, let me help you." Olivia handed her an assortment of knives, before she expertly threw her dagger.

Riley's first few throws landed wide, but she quickly found her mark, sinking several blades into the center of the picture. 

"Nicely done.” 

"Thanks." 

"Feel better?" Olivia snickered as Riley laughed. 

“Yes! Yes, actually I do. But I don't understand. How is this going to help me?” 

 "When the press asks you questions, you need to stay calm and confident. If they try to rattle you, throw them off balance. Focus on your target.” Olivia pointed to the picture. 

"Let's practice."

"All right."

"Imagine I'm a member of the press. And I ask you, 'Lady Riley, where have you been all these years?'"

Riley cleared her throat and straightened her posture. 

"I've been raising my son in New York. It's where he was born and raised.” 

"Why did you leave Cordonia?"

"I left to protect my child. And because I knew that King Liam had an obligation to the Queen.” 

"What are your intentions now that you've returned?” 

"I'm here to support my son and to be a part of his life.” 

"Do you still love the King?” 

"Yes, of course." 

“No! STOP!!!” 

Olivia moved assertively towards Riley. "This is where you say, 'that's all the questions for today’ and then you walk away from the microphones. Show confidence. Show determination. Show stoicism. Control the narrative.” 

Riley raised her eyebrow. "How did you get so good at this, Olivia?" 

Olivia shrugged, her shoulders rising slightly. "I'm the duchess of Lythikos. People talk. And sometimes they don't realize I'm listening." 

Riley nodded, a new respect for Olivia blossoming in her heart with a renewed sense of determination in her step. 

Feeling his arms, Riley giggled and leaned back against him with a content smile. 

Liam sauntered up to Riley from behind, wrapping his arms around Riley’s waist. 

Riley turned around to look at Liam, her eyes filled with love. 

“The Royal guard will then lead you away from the gathering,” Liam interjected. “You will never be left without protection.” 

"Thank you, Liam.” Riley tearfully smiled.

"I want you to know that while I am alive, you will always have a home in Cordonia. And I will never let anyone threaten that ... or you ... ever again.” 

Riley felt a warm feeling in her chest and a sense of calm.

Maybe everything was going to be all right, after all. As long as she had Liam and William, she knew she could face anything.

"Liam, I love you."

"I love you, too, Riley."

Liam pressed his lips to hers, and Riley melted into his embrace. They kissed for a long moment, savoring the feel of each other's bodies.

"Come, let's go get some sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."

"I'm ready.*

"Pleasant dreams you two. Good night."

"Olivia, thank you for your expertise. It is much appreciated.

"Your welcome, Liam. It's my pleasure."

Good night." Riley called out.

Riley followed Liam out of the room, her hand firmly grasped in his.

And for the first time since she had come back to Cordonia, she truly felt like she was home.

"Thank you, Olivia," she whispered as she lay in Liam's arms, his steady heartbeat lulling her to sleep.

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

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[kristinamae093]

Ghosted

Ghosted - Two Steps Back (Chapter Ten)

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

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

A/N 1 - This AU starts right before the beginning of the engagement tour. There is a two-month lapse between the coronation and where we pick up, but we will stray from canon. Please excuse any errors found.

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

After the Regatta

Penelope hobbled to her room on a sore foot and a painfully bruised ego. This wasn’t going as expected; advisors told her toward the beginning of the season she might stand a chance, but after only the first few events, they hastily changed their tone. Between Madeleine, Riley, and Olivia, they knew Penelope would not be the new king’s choice.  

Regardless, Penelope was enjoying her time away. The friends she’d made were irreplaceable; she and Kiara formed an everlasting bond. Even Riley was incredibly friendly, despite her commoner status. Penelope was rooting for Riley to win it all because she was genuinely a nice person, and Penelope was looking forward to what Cordonia could look like with her as queen. 

Penelope approached her door whilst humming to herself. The day was long, and she was relieved to be in the comfortable solace of her own space. She planned on calling her parents for their daily video chat, and to get some doggy face time to tide her over while away. Her anxiety was through the roof without having them close, but the friendships she’d made were a momentary distraction. She was glad the ladies were nice enough; otherwise, this experience would’ve been a nightmare. 

Penelope entered and made a bee-line for the bathroom. She did her business, washed her hands, and bounced her way over to the dresser to get more comfortable for the evening. Just as she opened the drawer, a stern knock sounded on her door. Penelope scrunched her face; she was expecting no visitors but thought perhaps Kiara wanted to hang out. 

As Penelope opened the structure, a thunderous force shoved through her and entered, slamming the door shut. Penelope stumbled backward but caught her footing. She could only stare at the person in front of her as panic flourished through her body. She didn't recognize them, but the death glare plastered on their face told her that notion was not applied on both ends. Her instinct told her to scream for help, but the visitor addressed her before she was given the chance.

They spoke in a low, raspy voice. “Have a seat, Lady Penelope. We have a lot to discuss.” 

“W–who are you?” 

“You need not worry about who I am, only what I know.” 

“What do you mean?” 

The person clasped their hands behind their back and stalked around Penelope; like a vulture circles its prey. “Everyone around you thinks you're the sweet, poodle-obsessed Penny, but I see otherwise. I know all about you… The things you’ve done… What your daddy tries his damndest to hide…” 

Penelope’s already increasing heart rate spiked. “I don’t understand.” 

“Of course you don’t. It’s alright, I wouldn’t want anyone to know, either.” They dismissively shrugged.

“Know what?” 

The person snickered at her attempts to deflect, but they could see the panic rising in her eyes. “It’s quite a common expression — young and dumb. But, when you’re in the nobility, there are no secrets unless you know the right people.” 

Penelope thickly swallowed. “I don’t – I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Really? So, then you’ve never been — joined in holy matrimony, right?”

Penelope’s eyes widened. “I–” 

“Enough with your attempts to feign confusion; that will only prolong this process and I am not in the mood to play games. I know of your estranged marriage; how your father pays plenty of hush money per month to keep his mouth shut. I imagine it would be fairly difficult to talk yourself out of that situation if the press were to catch wind; considering Portavira continuously requests the Crown’s compensation. And I do believe the monarch would not be happy to learn your family has developed a slush fund, either.” 

The intruder gave Penelope a wicked smile and added, “Not to mention the — fatality that was caught amid your poor life choices…”

Penelope visibly tensed. “That’s not – I didn’t–” she stammered before snapping her mouth closed; her flustered state prohibited her from forming an argument.

“It’s a matter of opinion, I suppose. Regardless, I attained the records from your procedure.” They waved a piece of paper in Penelope’s face, and recognition swept over her instantly. She released a shuddered breath as the document came to a stop, her tearful eyes centering on the text. 

Despite Penelope’s panicked state, the aggressor continued, “Tell me, do your parents know of your aborted fetus? I mean, I saw you on security cameras entering the clinic alone. It was smart of you to use a fake name, but unfortunately, that was not enough to cover up your mistakes.” 

Penelope never answered, but the assailant watched her swallow thickly with shame etched in her features. She couldn’t fathom how this stranger had found her deepest secrets that she was certain would never see the light of day. 

Penelope found out she was pregnant the day after her annulment was discreetly settled. Terrified wasn’t a strong enough word to describe how she felt, as she stared down at the positive test; she went to the clinic in disguise to find out about her options and decided abortion would be the best solution. Being only nineteen years old, Penelope was practically a child herself and didn’t believe she was at a point to care for a baby like they deserved. And she was alone; when she dreamt of this moment, it happened completely differently in her head. She longed for the fairytale love, where they would start a family together; not single and inevitably disgraced.

Her parents didn’t know, she was too afraid to tell them — especially after her father agreed to pay a continuous hefty fee for Guy’s silence. Penelope was always well-behaved; the perfect trophy daughter. The look of pure disappointment held in their eyes when they found out about her marriage haunted her; she never wanted to do anything out of line again. All Penelope desired was to move on from her mistake, but life had other plans.

Panicked and ashamed, Penelope made the impossible decision alone, not wanting anyone to know of the stupid decisions that led her there. Her fear and guilt only increased after the procedure, but she grieved what could have been and pushed it into the deepest pit of her mind.

She never told a soul – nobody knew – or so she thought.

“All it would take is a small whisper to the press and it would destroy not only you, but your fraudulent parents as well…” 

Penelope gasped as her tears freely flowed. “No! P–please, don’t!” 

The person laughed; the sound sending an involuntary chill down Penelope’s spine. They stalked forward until her back hit the wall and they breathed over her. Penelope squeezed her eyes closed, but felt them draw nearer. The tangy scent of alcohol mixed with cigar smoke filled her nostrils, as they whispered in her ear, “If you want my silence, you’re going to have to earn it.” 

Penelope’s eyes shot open as she frantically nodded her head. “Okay, j–just tell me what you need, and I’ll do it.” 

“I knew you’d see reason,” the unknown presence spoke while taking a small step away. They produced an envelope from their jacket and handed it to her. 

Penelope opened it and started skimming over the information; it was an email address with a set of instructions and a few other notes. She didn’t understand what it all meant; the main thing that stuck out was the location of where they wanted the photographer to be. 

“Why are they going to be outside Riley’s room?” 

“The less you know, the better.” They once again reached into their jacket, this time pulling out a small vial and handing it to her. “You need to give this to her beforehand. I do not care how it happens, just make sure it gets in her system; the earlier, the better.” 

“W–what is this? Is this a drug?” Penelope stammered as she stared down at the bottle in her trembling hands. 

The person smiled; a dark, wicked smile. “You don’t need to worry about that; just make sure she ingests it at an early enough hour.”

Tears once again streamed down Penelope’s cheeks as she frantically shook her head and tried to hand the items back. “N–no. I can’t do that, and I won’t. I would rather disgrace myself than–”

“You’re going to do it.”  

Penelope stood a little taller and yelled, “No, I won’t! I–”

Penelope received a sudden, sharp backhand to her cheek. She fell to the floor cradling her face but was soon flipped over onto her back, her aggressor pinning her to the ground. She opened her mouth to scream, but quickly closed it as she saw the gleam of a blade in the light right in front of her face. 

“Make a sound and I’ll kill you right here, right now.” The attacker moved the knife to hover over Penelope’s throat, applying just enough pressure to keep her subdued. “You have two options — you either comply and do as you’re told, or this is where your life will end. If you refuse to cooperate, you already know too much, and I will ensure you don’t live to tell the tale personally. But I won’t stop there, no – I’ll ruin your parents as well; the entire world will know what a fraud you and your family are.” 

“No… P–please. I – I can’t – I –” Penelope frantically stammered, trying to develop a coherent sentence. 

“You can, and you will. Otherwise,” they leaned forward, close enough to touch noses with Penelope. “I’ll dig your grave myself and throw those mangy mutts in with you after. Perhaps we can make it a family affair and shove your parents inside, too. After all, being exposed to the world and losing their only disappointment of a child would leave them with nothing left to live for; especially once they know of your treacherous sins.” They sat back with a vile chortle, letting the words linger.

Penelope cried harder, her breathing rapid and erratic as her panic boiled over. She opened her mouth to shout for help despite the blade at her throat, but a firm hand abruptly pressed against her lips. “I think I’m being very understanding, actually. I could just end you and move on to the next useless suitor, but I’m allowing you to make the correct choice; to answer the call of service for your country. That commoner has no business being here; you know it, I know it, everyone knows it! We have to deal with her!” 

After a tense moment of silence, her intruder grew restless. They rolled their eyes and huffed, “You’re running out of time. I’ll gift you ten seconds; agree, or...” The blade on Penelope’s throat suddenly held more force; hard enough she could feel her skin being lightly pierced. “I don’t think I really need to finish that sentence, do I?”

Penelope subtly nodded her head, afraid to move too much. Although she didn’t want to betray Riley in that way, she saw no other way out. Not only was her own life being threatened, but her parents as well; she was not willing to let them die because of her secrets they knew nothing about.

Her attacker soon chortled and sat up. “I had a feeling you would see it my way.” They patted her cheek, hard, before they stood and adjusted their clothing.

The intruder walked to the door and turned back around to address a whimpering Penelope. “As a reward for your service, I will make you a lady-in-waiting for the soon-to-be queen. I’d suggest you take the position and use discretion whenever necessary from here on out. If you do anything to compromise this operation, you will be sorry. Am I clear?“

The following afternoon, Olivia met with Liam, Leo, and Ray as they discussed the events of the night prior. The court just arrived in Portavira, although there was a break in events until the polo match in a few days. They gathered in Olivia’s room, as that’s where Ray set up his equipment and continuously ensured the area remained free of compromises. 

Olivia told them about Penelope’s involvement, and Liam was certain Olivia was lying or playing some kind of sick joke. However, after seeing the proof himself, he knew it had to be true. He wasn’t close with Penelope by any means, but still felt betrayed. Riley was kind and warm to those around her, not a malicious bone in her body; what made Penelope want to get rid of her?

“We have to question her. I can’t be sure, but she might know we’re onto her. The look in her eyes –” Olivia shook her head with a heavy sigh. ”– I can’t explain it, but I don’t like it.”  

“I agree,” Leo interjected. “We need to know why she did it, man, because this makes absolutely no sense. I mean, Penelope – of all people? Did she accidentally eat some dog food or something, and it made her go kookoo?” 

Despite his overflowing anxiety, Liam laughed. “I really don't know. But we’re not all going to question her. I think it’s best if myself and Leo did this, so we don’t overwhelm her.” He spoke to the entire group. 

“Are you… okay to do that?” Leo tentatively asked. “I can take Olivia — or hell, even Maxwell or Drake, if you don’t think you can keep your cool. We can’t really risk her shutting down and withholding anything important...” 

Liam remained silent for a long moment. Honestly, he didn’t know if he could control himself. The selfish side of him wanted to confront Penelope face-to-face and demand answers. However, he knew he was teetering on a dangerous ledge, and her confession could provoke several different reactions. 

He didn’t remember the last time he’d slept or ate a full meal. Days were molding together, and he had no sense of time unless it pertained to the tour. Liam was simply muttering through, doing the dutiful checklist a monarch should on the daily and trying his hardest to stay afloat; even though in all reality, he felt like he was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. No amount of training could prepare him for something like this; he was simply in limbo until one of the many open ends finally led them to something of importance. As the King he held mighty authority; yet, he’d never felt so powerless. Every second of not knowing something was torture; he just wanted to see Riley with his own two eyes. 

“I… don’t think I can, actually. If you wouldn’t mind questioning her, I would very much appreciate it, Leo.” 

Leo patted Liam on the back with a reassuring smile. “No problem. Care to accompany me, Livvie?” 

“I suppose if we want some kind of answer, I’ll have to, won’t I?” Olivia smirked. 

“Are we doing this now, or?” 

“Yes. The sooner, the better.” 

“And we’re certain she’s here?” Liam asked. 

“She was out earlier with her dogs,” Olivia answered with an eye roll. 

Liam nodded as he rubbed his palms together. “This is a decent plan. I have a good feeling about this, guys.” 

For the first time since he opened his eyes to the truth about the narrative against Riley, Liam felt like this could take them somewhere relevant. This was a solid lead and although he knew it probably wouldn’t provide him with all the answers he was seeking, it was a damn good start. 

Liam spoke again, “Any other updates?” 

“I received the diagnostic report on Lady Riley’s dress on the way here." Ray explained. "The blood was mostly Riley’s, but traces from Tariq were present as well. There were a few hairs and skin cells noted, but the DNA only registers those two.”

“Oh… okay…” Liam quietly responded. He hoped deep down the mess was from someone else, but immediately felt foolish to let himself believe such a thing. Hearing it confirmed out loud made his stomach burn with anxiety; this is what he blinded himself to, this is what he ignored. The overwhelming guilt Liam was fighting momentarily took his breath away. 

“Otherwise, there are no new leads.” Ray briefly met eyes with Olivia, the both of them having a silent conversation; unbeknownst to Liam. It wasn’t technically a lie, but not the entire truth. Ray found something — interesting, but Olivia decided now was not the time to bring it up to Liam, at least until after they learned what exactly Penelope knew. “Where Tariq is concerned, I’ve hit a complete brick wall; there’s absolutely nothing.” 

“Nothing?” 

Ray shook his head. “Not a trace. His accounts show no transactions, and his family has not heard from him in months. I’ve checked every mode of transportation available to leave the country and he wasn’t on any of their databases.” 

“How is that even possible? There has to be something, somewhere. Seriously – Tariq has the IQ of a fucking peanut.” Leo interjected. 

“It could be a collection of reasons,” Ray answered. He suddenly stopped typing on his keyboard and took in everyone’s curious expressions. “Either he’s just incredibly clever and has an immaculate ability to cover his tracks, has hired someone to do that for him, or…” 

“He’s dead…��� Liam quietly inserted, just above a whisper. His palms started trembling in his lap, and the only thing he could feel was his heart erratically thumping.

The deeper this web went, the further Liam felt himself slipping from reality. All he wanted was a sign, a concrete clue, anything to put him one step closer to finding Riley. The longer that time passed, the more he believed there was a grim reason they couldn’t find them. Just when the light at the end shined brighter, Liam was suddenly drug further down into the abyss of questions, making him doubt everything. 

“We can’t confirm that right now, Your Majesty. I’ve searched hospital records and there are no reports of him checking in at any of them and nothing solid to point to that conclusion. There are a lot of open ends regarding his whereabouts, but I have a couple more places to look before we should start truly discussing that possibility.” 

“Right…” Liam quietly responded as his mind raced. If Tariq’s DNA was on her dress, does that mean he’s the one who injured her? They already knew he was close to Riley; the pictures obviously showcased them together, but was Tariq responsible for attacking her, too? Those thoughts created a storm of rage he’d never felt before; just when he thought the fire had sizzled out, another splash of gasoline was poured onto the diminishing coals. Liam may not have felt a lot of hope, but he sure as hell felt the rage consuming his entire being. 

Leo noticed Liam's forelorn expression and reassuringly gripped his shoulder. “Don’t worry, man. We’re going to get an answer — soon.”

A short while later, Olivia, Leo, and ‘Harold’ walked the halls of the Portavirian estate, searching for Penelope’s room. Liam opted to have a drink with Drake instead of being alone, as his already overflowing anxiety seemed to increase with every passing second. 

They rounded the corner and Olivia tapped on Penelope’s door, but received near silence; muffled barks rang out beyond the structure, although seemingly at a distance. After a few moments, she stepped forward and repeated the process, but again, no answer. Leo knocked a few times a little louder, but heard nothing — aside from the dogs. He reached for the handle and tried to turn it, just to see, only to find it locked.

“What should we do?” Leo asked Olivia. 

Olivia tapped her index finger against her chin. “I don’t know…” She furrowed her brow and stared at the door in front of her. “The poodles are inside, so she shouldn’t be far… Maybe we search around and see if we spot her anywhere? It’s still relatively early; she could have stepped out for a moment.” 

Leo and Ray both agreed, and the trio began their trek. They started outside by the pool and checked the lounge area, but Penelope wasn't located anywhere. They searched nearly every floor, even the roof, but found no signs of her. Everyone else was already in their room for the night, the estate nearly deserted as they scoured the abandoned hallways. After a while, everyone agreed to take their chances and return to Penelope’s door, as a good hour passed since they last attempted. 

A voice called out to them as they made their way up the grand staircase. They turned around to see Landon making his way to them with a grin on his face. “Good evening, Your Majesty, Duchess, a pleasure to see you both. Are the two of you just strolling, or have you been out on the town?” He chuckled with a playful side eye directed at Leo. 

“You know me,” Leo smirked, “but actually, we’ve been looking for your daughter.” 

Landon’s smile faded, instead replaced with a perplexed expression. “What do you need from Penelope?”

Leo and Olivia shared a hesitant look. “Actually, it’s confidential… Do you know where she is?” 

“She said she was retiring to her room earlier.” 

Olivia spoke next. “We checked there. We checked everywhere and we have no clue where she’s at.” 

“Perhaps she’s already in slumber; she is quite the heavy sleeper. How about I come with you? I was headed there anyway, as she was acting fairly strange earlier.” 

“Strange how?” Leo asked. 

“She kept hugging her mother and me, and told us how much she loved us. She just seemed — sad, as if she would burst into tears at any moment. And she asked me to ensure Merlin and Morgana get plenty of treats.” Landon furrowed his brows and shook his head. “I asked her what she meant, and she just gave me another hug. Emmaline thinks she’s getting ready for her time of the month, which is why I came prepared.” He held up a wad of chocolate bars and laughed.

“I take it Merlin and Morgana are the poodles?”

“Oh, yes. They’re practically her children. It’s been hard on her to leave them at home, but she’s done fairly well. The unexpected route changes actually ended up being very beneficial to her, since she gets to be with them for a few days. I’m certain she’s going to have a hard time leaving again, but I know she appreciates getting to see them. When it was time to leave for the engagement tour, she was practically inconsolable; she didn’t want to leave, to the point we weren’t sure she would attend at all.” 

“So, she didn’t want to return, then?” Olivia inquired, hanging on his every word. 

Landon sighed and looked away. “I don’t believe so, no. But we made sure she knew how much of a tremendous opportunity this was for her. She was incredibly reluctant, but finally agreed. In all honesty, I think most of her reservations were regarding the fact that she was going so far away. Penelope is a very timid girl; she doesn’t particularly enjoy the crowds or being away from home. I’m confident staying in Cordonia where things are a little more familiar will turn things around for her; perhaps she will enjoy herself a bit.” 

“Right…” Olivia trailed off, as her mind swirled around these new little bits of information. She questioned if Penelope's reluctance to come back had to do with Riley's disappearance. The haunting look in Penelope’s eyes as that cab drove away told Olivia she could be correct. 

“Lead the way, then,” Leo inserted with a forced smile, as uneasiness crept into the pit of his stomach. The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood at attention, an involuntary shudder traveling through his body; he shook it off and politely smiled at Landon, who returned the gesture before starting the journey.

Everyone strolled through the halls together and within a short time, they were nearing Penelope’s room once again. Leo and Landon made small talk along the way, but Olivia didn’t listen most of the time. A bad feeling rapidly grew as they walked; why, she wasn’t sure, but it was becoming impossible to ignore. As they got closer, the air suddenly felt cold, raising goosebumps on her skin and sending a shiver down her spine. The hallway had an eerie aura to it that was beyond explanation; judging from the cautious expressions of everyone around, Olivia knew her feelings were not in her head. Landon appeared to be the only one who didn’t notice the atmosphere shift, although he hadn’t stopped talking long enough to take in the environment. 

Just as they were about to arrive, they heard muffled voices speaking not far away. Olivia furrowed her brows and started walking faster, practically running, with Ray and Leo not far behind. 

She came to an abrupt stop as she saw a litter of guards standing outside of Penelope’s room; dressed in full riot gear with what she assumed to be loaded assault rifles, all appearing to be awaiting instructions. Standing toward the back of the mass of people was Liam, who was speaking with Bastien in hushed tones. She could tell even from afar he was talking sternly; his angry demeanor instantly drew Olivia to him. Drake lingered close-by, wearing an expression of pure confusion.

Olivia approached them and inquired, “What’s going on?” 

“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you,” Liam replied. “Did you question Penelope?”

“We were looking for her, that’s why we’re here, now.”

“But you didn’t find her?” Liam snapped, not even trying to hide the annoyance in his tone. 

“Not yet…” Leo answered as he took in Liam’s tense shoulders and ticking jaw. “Liam, what is going on?” 

Before Liam could respond, Landon interjected himself. “What is the meaning of this?!” 

Liam took a deep breath to calm himself and spoke in a calm, yet authoritative voice. “Duke Landon, I understand this may be hard for you to hear, but we have to take Penelope into custody.”

“Custody?! On what grounds?!” Landon hollered. 

Liam swallowed down the ball of anger and agitation lodged in his throat and spoke in a flat voice. “She is the prime suspect in the murder of Rhonda Floros.” Everyone’s eyes widened as their jaws hit the floor. “We will investigate further, but she has to be detained until we can–” 

“I – what?! You have no proof! This – this is an injustice!” Landon yelled as he frantically paced in front of Penelope’s door. 

Leo hesitantly spoke in a hushed manner. “Li, all we knew about was the photographer. How can you jump to that conclusion?” 

“The forensics came back and Penelope’s prints were all over the murder weapon. Her DNA was on everything else as well, but I’m focused on that knife.”

“Impossible! There has to be some kind of mistake!” Landon pleaded. 

“I’m sorry Landon, but the forensics does not lie,” Liam replied with a sad smile. “Trust me, I don’t want to believe she could have done something like this and I intend to figure it out, but we have to locate her first!"

Landon quickly stepped toward Penelope’s room and pulled a set of keys from his pocket. “She is in here — I know she is; she’s sleeping. I’ll wake her up and we can figure out this mess together, because I know for certain she is innocent.” He spoke as he unlocked the door and turned the handle. He entered and flipped the switch on the wall, the area becoming illuminated. 

Liam motioned for the guards to stay outside and followed closely behind. Olivia entered next, followed by Ray. However, a stern hand on Ray’s chest halted him in the doorway. 

“You are unauthorized personnel,” Bastien snapped.  

Liam quickly intervened. “No, he’s not.” 

“Your Majesty, with all due respect, I entered his credentials myself. I know for a fact what clearances he has and doesn’t.” 

Liam stepped up to Bastien with narrowed eyes. “Poof.” He snapped his fingers. “I just gave him access. Now, step aside.” He growled through clenched teeth, the vein in his neck profusely popping out.  

To be honest, Liam was stalling until he found Ray and Olivia; the three of them were going to question Penelope together. His earlier worries about keeping his cool were well out the window; now he was simply confused. Why did she hire the photographer? Did she really kill that maid? Did Penelope know they had spoken to her? Every piece of random evidence found had Penelope’s DNA – and only hers – on it in some fashion. Although the legitimacy of the scene was still in question, her fingerprints on the murder weapon were more than enough to detain her for questioning. 

Bastien never once took his eyes off Ray during the entire interaction. Ray observed Bastien's face crack slightly and saw him swallow and clench his jaw when Liam commanded him to stop. He finally moved his hand to allow Ray entrance, but held his intent gaze for just a moment too long. Olivia watched and noted how she wasn’t stopped, nor Drake or Leo — only Ray. She couldn’t help but wonder why Bastien didn’t want him specifically there. 

Liam glanced around as he entered and saw no signs of Penelope and nothing raising any kind of alarm. He’d never been inside this room before, but to the naked eye, not a thing was out of place. However, Liam couldn’t deny the sudden chill he felt as he stepped over the threshold. His skin instantly clammed up, and his heart rate increased substantially with every tense second that passed. 

Everyone else followed behind and did the same, but Landon circled the room while frantically calling Penelope’s name, only to get no response. He ducked into the bathroom to check there, but saw no traces of his daughter. Everything appeared just as it was earlier that morning when he personally prepared everything for Penelope’s arrival.

“This doesn’t make sense,” Landon huffed as he reemerged. “She said she was coming to bed. Where else would she go? Should we contact Lady Kiara? They had grown quite close.”

Liam sighed and ran a hand down his face. “Bastien, send someone to Lady Kiara’s room to check.” His patience with this situation was dissipating. An answer was right there dangling in front of his face; he could practically taste it. Even if he had to turn the entire continent upside down, Liam was going to find Penelope and make her answer for her part in this mess — whatever that could have been. 

“Yes, sir.”

Olivia glanced at the dresser and saw a jewelry box. Something on top of it quickly caught her attention; it was a piece of paper neatly folded with the words read me written on it in red ink. Her breaths immediately stopped as she stared at it for a long moment. Goosebumps raised on her skin as she realized the penmanship was strikingly familiar.  

She slowly reached out and brought it closer; Ray noticed and came to stand beside her to see what she had found. Liam and Landon continued to speak on the other side of the room, completely unaware of their discovery. Olivia carefully unfolded the sheet and quickly scanned over the contents. As she started reading, the color suddenly drained from her face, her hands trembling, and even tears were forming in the corners of her eyes. Her mind instantly started spiraling, trying to decipher what this meant.

Olivia and Ray stood gawking at the paper in a trance for an unidentified amount of time. The sound of Landon’s thunderous voice suddenly brought both out of their dazes. “This is absurd! She did nothing wrong!” 

“I understand your frustrations but as I said before, the forensics does not lie,” Liam answered in the calmest tone he could muster. “I have questions about all of this, Landon! But one way or another her DNA was littered–”

“Bullshit! Run the tests again! Something is going on here!” 

Liam winced at Landon’s volume, but shook it off and stood to his full height. “Duke Ebrim, you’d do well to remember who you’re speaking to and watch your tone. While I understand why you’re upset, I’m only here to figure this out. If you want to clear her name, help us find her so we can speak to her!” 

Landon frantically looked throughout the room, desperately trying to make sense of what was happening. At that moment, they heard a bark, followed by another softer cry; everyone suddenly stilled and an eerie silence took over, as they glanced at one another with furrowed brows. It sounded undeniably close, but there were obviously no dogs in the area. The silence in the air was deafening, but then it happened again and Landon finally pinpointed the location — the closet. It would make sense; Penelope heard the commotion and retreated in there with her poodles to hide because she was afraid. 

Landon made a bee-line for the door and wildly swung it open. He took a step back and two fluffy dogs slowly came out with their heads down, causing Landon to take a few steps back; they laid at Landon’s feet and whimpered. 

“What is it, Merlie?” Landon asked as he rubbed one of the dogs’ heads, their howls intensifying. 

The room’s air suddenly felt incredibly thick at the interaction. Liam felt physically sick to his stomach as recognition swept over him from head to toe — something was waiting for them in that closet. His hands shook at his sides, his breathing shaky and uneven as he stared into the dark, open doorway. 

Landon stepped over the poodles, who went and lay on the bed, but continued whining. As he entered, he ran a hand along the wall until he found the switch. The small area came to light, and his worst nightmare suddenly became reality right in front of his face. 

“NO!” Landon wailed at an ear-piercing volume as he dropped to his knees near the doorway. 

“What’s wrong?” Liam sought, but Landon broke into a fit of sobs and crumpled to the floor. 

Liam swallowed thickly and took a couple of cautious steps forward. Olivia suddenly appeared and tried to redirect him, but Liam was steadfast; whatever it was, he needed to see it for himself. As he got closer, he could see a chair lying on its side. His eyesight started on the floor and slowly traveled upward. He hadn’t made it very far before the color drained from his face with sweat immediately beading his brow at seeing a pair of dainty feet dangling in the air; one heel on, the other nowhere to be seen. 

Liam looked away but with a shuddered breath followed the body back up to the face, and sure enough, it was Penelope.

Landon suddenly shoved Liam out of the way. “MOVE!” He rushed over and held Penelope’s lifeless form, lifting her easily with one hand; the other quickly moving to remove the belt from around her severely bruised neck. Her limp body dropped into his arms and he cradled her to his chest as he rocked back and forth, making cries that would haunt Liam until the day he died. 

Liam regained his footing but remained cemented in place. This was it; this was their big break, but they only received more unanswered questions. Hopelessness flourished, as he saw no other solutions in sight. He felt like a mouse, mindlessly running through a maze just trying to reach the end for the reward. Penelope's testimony was that reward, but instead of finding the end of the maze, he encountered a sudden, abrupt wall.

Regardless of their actions, they faced a grim reality where a devastating setback countered every advance they made; one step forward, only to be met with two deadly steps back.

Liam suddenly couldn’t breathe; his lungs felt like fire with every rapid, hollow breath. The room started spinning, his vision hazing at a rapid rate. His heart pounded mercilessly, the sound overpowering Landon’s continuous wails filling the room. His hands flew to his chest and he stumbled backward, Leo and Drake quickly moving to catch him before he hit the floor. 

They lowered him to the ground and sat over him as Liam’s vision slowly faded out, their faces disintegrating into a pixelated, blurry image. He blinked his eyes a few times to regain himself, but found the rapidly spinning room made him nauseous. He felt Leo lightly tapping his cheeks, but when he tried to open his mouth, only an anguished cry escaped. 

Liam stared at the ceiling until the bright lights suddenly dimmed. His eyelids grew incredibly heavy until he succumbed to the weight of the world forcing them down. Darkness consumed him as he slipped into unconsciousness, a still silence overcoming his being. 

"Goddamn it," Leo grumbled to himself, as he watched Liam’s body relax. "Get a fucking ambulance! Now!" He hollered over his shoulder before his teary vision centered on his brother again. "Cummon, Li..."

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[ao719]

Best Kept Secrets

Best Kept Secrets - I’ll Take The Fall (Chapter 16)

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Summary: An unforeseen encounter with the past proves that even the best-kept secrets eventually make their way into the light. 

Title inspiration: Villain - Lucie Silvas

Book/Pairing: TRR; Liam x F!OC

A/N: Thank you to @burnsoslow for prereading. Please excuse any errors. 

Rating: M • Warning: This series will contain NSFW material. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+

Catch up here

Sitting inside his study, Liam anxiously drummed his fingers against his desk, staring at his laptop screen. He was waiting for a call from Amalas and Olivia, who were currently in Auvernal, attending their Fleet Week event. 

Olivia met with Amalas in Monterisso a couple of days ago to hash out their plan. They’d arrived at the Auvernese palace that morning with the intention of sneaking off to do some digging; it was now late afternoon, and Liam had yet to hear from either of them. 

A knock on his study door pulled his attention; Liam called for them to enter, and Rashad stepped inside a moment later, shutting the door behind him. “Anything?”

Liam shook his head. “Not yet …” 

Rashad could see the worry in his old friend’s eyes. “I’m sure they’re fine.” 

“I just don’t want them to get themselves into a bind by getting caught.”

“They’re not going to get caught,” Rashad retorted. “They both have plenty of experience in this area and know what they’re doing. Just relax.” 

“This is my best chance at getting something concrete enough to get out of this damn alliance.” Liam sighed as he raked his fingers through his hair. “If they don’t find anything …”

“If they don’t find anything, we’ll keep looking,” Rashad said. The stress of this — among other things — over the past month had certainly taken its toll on his friend, and he could both see and sense it. “We’ll get out of this, Liam, one way or another. You have my word.” 

Liam blew out a breath and nodded. “I hope so.” He looked at Rashad again. “Did you just come from the council meeting?”

“Yes,” Rashad answered. “They want to meet tomorrow so we can discuss the announcement. Should Olivia and Amalas get what we need, they want to make sure we’re ready with a statement so we can stay ahead of Bradshaw on the matter and get it out before he tries anything.”

“Understandable,” Liam nodded. 

“They also made a request …”

Liam tilted his head. “And what’s that?”

“They want to bring Amara in on these discussions,” Rashad replied, and Liam’s brows slightly rose. “She is Sophia’s mother, so they feel it would be for the best to have her involved in the plan for the announcement and so she’s kept in the loop … and I have to say I agree. Daniel said he’d let her know. I just thought I’d give you a heads up that she’ll probably be there …” Liam glanced away, silently nodding. “Have you spoken to her at all since everything happened?” 

“No,” Liam answered, staring out the window. “I haven’t.”

It had been a few days since Liam had spotted Amara playing with Sophia out in the gardens. That was the first time he’d even seen her since that day they spoke in his study a month ago. Any communication they had was still done through Riley and Daniel. They hadn’t spoken at all. Not a word. 

“Are you going to be ok with that?” Rashad asked. “With her being there?”

“Yes,” Liam nodded. “I’ll be fine.” 

“And are you sure you two can be cordial?” 

“I will be,” Liam replied as he met Rashad’s gaze again. “I can’t speak for her. As I said, we haven’t spoken.”

“Do you think she’s going to have any qualms about the announcement?”

“I’m sure she’ll have some worries … because we’re obviously going to have to be forthcoming in the statement about our past. It’s not like it will be a secret once it’s out there that we had a relationship while Madeleine and I were married; it’s simple mathematics. I know she was worried before about any scrutiny Sophia and I could face if our history got out, so I don’t doubt that will still be a concern of hers.” 

“Not a concern for herself?”

“I’m sure she’s worried about herself as well,” Liam said with a shrug. “I just mean that she specifically said she was trying to protect Sophia and me, so I’m assuming that will more than likely be the biggest concern she’ll have, more so regarding Sophia.”

Rashad nodded, letting his thoughts on the matter stir for a moment. “Well, I guess we’ll find out tomorrow how she feels …” 

Liam nodded. “I guess …” 

“Alright, well, if you hear any—”

Rashad was cut off by the sound of an incoming video call on Liam’s laptop; they both looked at each other, and the look on Liam’s face told him exactly who it was. He hurried toward the desk to listen in just as the King answered. 

“Olivia,” Liam said in a relieved tone, able to see they were settled in their seats on the jet. “Are you and Amalas alright?” 

“Of course we’re alright,” Olivia scoffed.

“You weren’t doubting us, were you, Liam?” Amalas playfully asked. 

“No, I just … I hadn’t heard from either of you since last night, and … I may have started to worry a bit.”

“It’s heartwarming to know you care,” Amalas quipped. 

Olivia chuckled as she looked back at the screen. “We’re fine. We’re on the jet headed back to Monterisso.”

“Did you find anything?” Rashad asked.

“Right to the point. I like him,” Amalas said. “Yes … maybe.”

Liam furrowed his brows. “What does that mean?”

“We were able to sneak into his study,” Amalas answered. “I found something that piqued my curiosity …”

“Go on,” Liam urged.

“While snooping, I found multiple past correspondences between Bradshaw and the former Queen of Rivala.”

“Reena?” Liam questioned.

Amalas nodded. “We just got done speaking with her before we called you. It took some persuading to get her to tell us any of this because she’s afraid … but did you know that Rivala had an alliance agreement with Auvernal two years ago?”

“What?” Liam’s brows rose in surprise. “No.” 

“According to Reena,” Amalas began, “her daughter was set to marry Isaac Achilles in a betrothal alliance just like the one they approached you with. As part of the proceedings, she had her physician perform a routine medical exam on their twins, but before she could see the results, Bradshaw and Isabella seized them. When Reena refused the alliance after that, feeling as though they were hiding something, she claims Auvernal sent their troops in to occupy Rivala, and she had no choice but to accept the alliance and step down as monarch to avoid an all-out war.”

Both Liam’s and Rashad’s eyes widened. “Holy shit,” Rashad gasped. 

“Wait,” Liam shook his head. “If that’s true, how the hell has no one heard about it?” 

“They rebranded her concession as a willing alliance and made it appear as though the two nations combined to be one,” Olivia answered. “They forced her hand into giving up her kingdom because they knew she would want to protect her people from unnecessary bloodshed. I think Bradshaw had the same intention with Cordonia, but he found something else to use against you instead of brute force …”

“Amara,” Liam said quietly.

Olivia nodded. “Sending his troops there would have been a last resort, but you folded when he threatened to out your past, so he didn’t need to.”

“Plus,” Amalas interjected, “having Auvernese troops in Cordonia after having them in Rivala would have looked a little too suspicious for Bradshaw’s liking, so it worked out better in his favor to not have to send them in.” 

“Do we have any proof of this other than Reena’s word?” Liam asked. “It’s not that I don’t believe her, I do. But this isn’t concrete enough. If they had her sign an alliance as they did with me, it won’t hold, and Bradshaw will just accuse her of fabricating it all two years after the fact.”  

“No … we don’t have any proof,” Amalas shook her head. “Not yet. I did find a flash drive hidden in a secret compartment in Bradshaw’s desk drawer, but I don’t know what’s on it. It’s encrypted, so I’ll need time to decode it.” 

“Considering it was hidden and is encrypted, my guess is there’s something there,” Olivia added. “Whatever’s on it, they don’t want anyone to see.” 

“My thoughts exactly,” Amalas nodded. 

“And Reena offered to be of assistance in any way she can in hopes of exposing Auvernal’s illegal siege of Rivala,” Olivia said. “She said she hopes to spare Cordonia from the same fate.” 

Liam shared a look with Rashad before glancing back at the screen with a nod. “So we just need to hope there’s something on that flash drive we can use …”

“Pretty much,” Amalas nodded. 

“Also, I snagged you a little gift while rummaging through that shithole,” Olivia smirked.

Liam arched his brow curiously; she held up a piece of paper in front of the screen, and his eyes slightly widened once it came into focus. “Is that—”

“The original alliance document that you were forced to sign,” Olivia grinned. “That way, when we do take this asshole down, you can destroy it.” 

“Thank you,” Liam smiled. “Thank you both.” 

“I’m going to start working on this flash drive,” Amalas said. “I’ll be in touch …” 

****

That night, Liam sat in the cushioned glider in Sophia’s room inside his quarters, staring down at her as he attempted to rock her to sleep. Having had her stay overnight with him the past few nights had been going well, but they were both still adjusting to the new routine. The first night, getting her to sleep wasn’t an issue. 

The last couple of nights, however, was another story. 

Sophia stared back at him, and he tucked his lips between his teeth to stifle a laugh when she offered one of her adorable toothy grins. “You need to go to sleep,” Liam said through a quiet chuckle. She let out a little squeal as she sat up in his arms, and he positioned her to stand on his thighs as he held her. “This is not going to sleep.” A sound like a raspberry escaped her as she leaned forward, pressing her forehead against his as she scrunched her nose. “You’re too cute for your own good. You know that?” 

Another toothy grin. 

Liam shifted her to lay against his chest and she rested her head on his shoulder as he rubbed her back and started to rock again. “Dada,” she murmured, and he froze. “Da da da da da.” He moved so he could tilt his head to look at her as she turned her face to snuggle into the crook of his neck, clutching the front of his shirt in her tiny hand. “Daaaaaa Dada.”

Liam wasn’t sure if she was actually saying the word or was just listening to herself make the sound, but he didn’t care. He smiled and let out a breath, blinking the tears from his eyes as he rested his cheek against her head and resumed his rocking. “That’s right, Soph. Daddy’s got you.”

As Sophia finally started to drift off to sleep, Liam found Amara at the forefront of his mind. Truthfully, she’d been lingering there since that afternoon when Rashad came to see him.  

Knowing they would be coming face-to-face for the first time tomorrow had Liam feeling a little more nervous than he wanted to admit. He wasn’t sure what or how he was going to feel. He’d spent the last month trying to process everything; he’d had time to think, spending some nights awake and replaying everything he’d been told. He tried to put himself in Amara’s shoes and inside her head during that time in order to try and better understand where she was coming from. And while some things had been put into a different perspective, helping to assuage his anger and resentment, he’d be lying if he said the hurt and betrayal he felt wasn’t still there. 

Liam was worried that seeing Amara could reopen wounds that only just started to heal and destroy any progress he’d made in trying to come to terms with everything. He also knew, however, that Amara had just as much right as he did to be a part of these discussions, to know what the plan was for announcing their child to the world. Sure, he could fire back his own request that the council just meet with them separately and relay their suggestions and opinions on the matter to the other, but regardless of where they currently stood on a personal level, this wasn’t about them. 

Liam also thought that just maybe this had the potential to be a good thing. Yes, he’d been actively avoiding Amara as he spent time with Sophia to build a bond and relationship with her while simultaneously wading through all of his thoughts and feelings about everything as best he could. And from what he’d been told, Amara had been actively avoiding him as well out of both a desire for him to have time with Sophia on his own and a fear of upsetting him and tainting that time. 

Perhaps being forced into a room together with other people could be the first step in getting them to a place where they were both comfortable enough to talk on their own.

*******

Late the following morning, Liam sat inside the council chambers with Rashad and a few others as they waited for everyone to arrive. He and Rashad were speaking in hushed tones as others began to file into the room. 

Liam glanced up at the door just as Daniel stepped inside followed by Amara; his eyes locked on her as he slowly straightened himself in his chair. Her eyes shifted around the room, hesitant and afraid in a way. Daniel gestured for her to take the seat beside him, the one across from Liam at the opposite end of the long table. When she sat, she folded her hands in her lap and kept her gaze cast downward. She appeared to be nervous, which wasn’t like her at all; Liam wasn’t sure if it was the meeting, seeing him, or both. 

Still looking at her, Liam watched when Amara glanced up at the door as the last few people filed into the room … including Madeleine. He saw Amara’s throat bob as she swallowed thickly and looked away, closing her eyes; it was obvious seeing Madeleine had caught her off guard and made her more uncomfortable than she clearly already was. 

Despite the purpose of these meetings being how to announce Sophia’s existence to the world, Liam thought Madeleine should be included as well because his relationship with Amara during their marriage would also be made public. He and Madeleine still held a deep respect for one another, and because this had the potential to throw her into the middle of a media frenzy, he asked if she’d like to be there, to which she said yes. 

Madeleine walked over to Liam, and he stood from his chair, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek before she took her seat. When he sat back down, his eyes lifted to Amara again; she still hadn’t looked at him. 

“Alright,” Rashad spoke up, quieting the murmurs of the others in the room. “Everyone is here, so let’s get started.” 

As they began to discuss the reasons for the meetings, Amara inconspicuously lifted her gaze to Liam; he was looking at Bertrand, who was currently speaking. She’d been trying not to look at him, afraid of seeing the utter disdain for her in his eyes if she did. 

When Daniel came to her yesterday and told her the council had requested her presence in the meetings and the reason why, Amara agreed to go. She appreciated being kept in the loop, and she wanted to know exactly what their plan was regarding the announcement of Sophia; she’d have heard it from Daniel regardless, but she was glad to be included in the discussions. She’d be lying if she said the thought of coming face-to-face with Liam for the first time in a month didn’t keep her up last night, however. Nervous didn’t begin to describe what she was feeling. 

Amara had continued to struggle in the weeks since everything came to light, and she continued to keep it to herself. Knowing she was going to be sitting in the same room with Liam had her feeling more than just on edge all morning; she was worried about keeping her composure and not breaking down in front of him. 

The moment Amara stepped inside the council chambers, she felt Liam’s presence. She felt his gaze shift to her. And she couldn’t bring herself to look at him, not only because she couldn’t bear to see exactly what he thought of her in his expression, but because she was afraid that if her eyes met his, any bit of strength she was holding onto in order not to fall apart would dissipate.

“So, what are your thoughts on how to go about this, sir?” Hakim asked, pulling Amara’s attention to him; she couldn’t help when her gaze flickered to Liam again a moment later.

Liam leaned his elbows against the table, pressing his clasped hands over his mouth as he sorted through his thoughts. He’d been thinking about this the past few days, and he knew what he was about to say would surprise some, Amara included. “I’d like to keep everything as … simple and civil as possible,” he said. “I’d prefer this announcement to be done in a way that doesn’t point fingers at any one person in particular.”

“With all due respect, Your Majesty, I’m not sure that’s possible,” Bertrand spoke before looking at Amara. “I’m not trying to come off as though I’m passing judgment, so please don’t take it that way,” he glanced back at Liam, “but the facts are the facts, sir. You were kept in the dark about the existence of the child.”

At that moment, Amara wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. 

“I have to agree, sir,” Landon chimed in. “I’m not sure if there’s truly a way to get around not pointing any fingers.”

“There is a way,” Liam said matter of factly. “We flub the truth.” His gaze lifted, meeting Amara’s for the first time; she looked more taken aback than anyone else in that room by what he was saying. He glanced back to his council. “We don’t give all of the details as to why I didn’t know. We chalk it up to miscommunication and misunderstanding. We focus on the present instead of the past.”

“Sir—”

Liam held his hand up to silence Bertrand. “I just feel that it would be the best way for the people and press to keep their focus on what matters now. To say, yes, this happened, this is where we are, and we’re dealing with it. It would just make things easier for everyone to move forward and not dwell on anything else.”

Amara imperceptibly shook her head in disbelief. 

Yes, Liam was well aware that he could potentially save himself, his reputation, and that of the monarchy should he just tell the truth and attempt to shift the attention to Amara and what she had done. He didn’t want to do that to her, though. Despite his lingering anger and hurt, he still loved her and cared about her well-being. He wasn’t out for revenge and didn’t want to offer her up as a proverbial lamb to the slaughter in order to save himself, which wasn’t a guarantee anyway. 

“I understand what you’re saying, sir,” Hakim said. “However … I’m not sure that is the best path going forward. The people are going to be made aware that you had this relationship during your marriage, which will have the spotlight and attention on you and the monarchy. You should be strategic about this and use the details — the facts — to your advantage. I understand you don’t want to throw anyone under the bus, but I believe it’s in your and the crown’s best interest to do so.” 

“We can’t act like you wouldn’t be in this predicament had you known from the beginning,” Landon added.  

Amara closed her eyes, feeling the Duke’s words like the slap they were intended as. 

“Even if I’d known, had I been made aware from the start … we still would have had to deal with the fallout of our relationship during my marriage to Madeleine.” Liam sighed. “I’m looking at it that way … I’m taking the fact I didn’t know out of the equation and using how we would have dealt with it back then now.” 

“I see where Liam is coming from,” Rashad said as he looked at the others. “To show that he’s focusing on the present, that his main concern is having a relationship with the Princess … it could just as easily keep the attention off of the scandal aspect of it all.” 

Liam nodded in stern agreement before looking to the other side of the table. “Daniel, this is your area of expertise. What do you think?” 

Daniel cleared his throat. “Honestly, I think it will mainly come down to how yours and Amara’s relationship will be portrayed and perceived by the Countess in front of the public.”

Liam glanced beside him. “Madeleine?” 

“Liam and I have spoken at length,” Madeleine said. “I told him that I don’t have any issue letting it be made known that I knew about their relationship.” 

Amara struggled to keep her expression neutral and her surprise at bay over Madeleine being willing to flat-out lie on her and Liam’s behalf. She didn’t know about their relationship, not until the day it was over, but she was willing to make the people believe that they had her blessing. 

“We openly stated during our divorce announcement that the marriage was nothing more than an arrangement,” Madeleine continued. “So I don’t think it would come as too much of a shock to the people to know that because of that arrangement, we both sought attention and affection outside of our marriage. And that’s something we can also play to our advantage … to get a little sympathy for the loveless marriage we were forced into due to archaic traditions. Not to mention, this news will probably have people questioning whether Amara’s return to Cordonia with the child was a reason for our divorce because of the timing. Showing my support and understanding in the matter would certainly help to deter those assumptions.”

“If that’s how it’s going to be handled, I don’t see why we couldn’t do it the way Liam wishes,” Daniel said. “Having him focusing on the present and the future could shift the attention away from the affair if we zero in on the positives, which are that Liam is thrilled to be a father and that Cordonia has their long-awaited heir to the throne. However, it’s still a risk. There’s a chance that it doesn’t go the way you’re hoping and you and the monarchy could still take the brunt of the criticism and backlash.”

“Ms. Onasis.” Everyone’s eyes shifted to her, including Liam’s, when Bertrand said her name; she let out a quiet breath. “What do you think?” 

Amara swallowed thickly, blinking away the sting in her eyes; she wasn’t even sure why she felt so emotional at that moment. She cast her gaze downward. “I just want what’s best for Sophia and Liam,” she said quietly. 

Liam stared at Amara for a moment before looking at Daniel again. “I understand that it’s a risk … but it’s one I’m willing to take.” 

****

An hour later, after more discussions on how to construct the announcement the way Liam wanted, the council decided to pause with plans to reconvene over the next several days while they waited to hear from Amalas. 

As everyone began to file out of the room after bidding their goodbyes to their King, Liam watched Amara at the end of the table, where she stood talking to Daniel. He’d been surprised at how quiet she had been during the meeting. This was her area of expertise as well, with more experience and success than Daniel, so he’d been certain she would have tried to take control of the reins of the discussion, but she hadn’t. She offered no opinions or suggestions; her only spoken words were that all she wanted was what was best for him and Sophia. 

Liam started for the door at the same moment Amara did. She didn’t look at him and he kept his gaze leveled above the top of her head as he followed her out the door. They both turned, going in separate directions down the corridor without a word or glance back at each other. 

*******

Over the next few days, Liam and Amara had been in closed-door meetings with the council and Daniel, sometimes more than once a day. 

The pair had yet to speak. 

During the discussions, Amara would answer questions only when asked, and Liam did much more talking than she did, but their words were never directed specifically at one another. And at the end of every meeting, they always seemed to be the last two to leave the chambers, but they’d go their separate ways at the door, still not sparing a word. 

Amara wanted to talk to Liam, but she didn’t know how to even approach him. She was certain he despised her under that stoic facade he was wearing in front of his council, and she still worried about upsetting him should she even try to speak to him. She was struggling with the silence and all of the things she wanted to say, which among a hundred more apologies included wanting to tell him that she wasn’t sure his approach on the announcement was the best.

During the meetings, Amara remained quiet about her thoughts on Liam’s plan, but she silently hoped he would realize that he needed to prioritize himself and Sophia. The subject was brought up a couple more times by other council members who still felt he should reconsider, but Liam remained resolute in his choice not to point the finger where it would be easiest: at her. 

After the end of a particularly heated meeting, Liam let out a breath as he leaned back in his seat while the others stood from theirs and began to leave. They discussed how exactly they should deal with Auvernal in the announcement since speculation and questions had begun to float through the media regarding an alliance; those talks flared the tempers of some of his council members who wanted Bradshaw to be held accountable for what he’d done. Liam promised them that he was already looking into it, and as soon as he had more information to share with them, he would. 

Liam looked across the table at Amara, who seemed to have the same idea he did about waiting for the others to clear the doorway before attempting to make her escape. The last couple of days, he found himself watching her more often during the meetings, studying her. He couldn’t help but notice how she hadn’t seemed herself; she was a far cry from the opinionated and outspoken woman he knew her to be. She was quiet … too quiet. And she just looked … disheartened. 

And the last couple of days, at the end of each meeting, Liam thought about approaching her to talk … but then he’d think better of it before making his way in the opposite direction. He knew, however, that one of them needed to take that first step, and after their last conversation, he was pretty sure that person would have to be him; based on what he’d heard from Riley and what he’d seen for himself during these meetings, she wouldn’t be approaching him. 

Amara rose from her seat, and her eyes flickered up for a brief moment to catch Liam doing the same. Just talk to him, she told herself before she started for the door. You need to talk to him. When she stepped into the hall and turned, instead of making her usual beeline down the corridor toward the North Wing, she stopped, hesitating. She closed her eyes, trying to work up the courage to turn around and say something … anything. 

When Amara finally turned, expecting to see him halfway down the corridor by now, she froze when she saw Liam standing in front of her. 

Liam stared down at Amara, both of them standing there in awkward silence. Just say something, he urged himself. He parted his lips to speak … but then closed his mouth before he let out a quiet breath and turned, walking away. 

Amara didn’t call after him. Instead, she made her way down the opposite end of the corridor. 

*******

A few days later, inside his study during a late lunch break, Liam was on his hands and knees, chasing after Sophia as he pantomimed a bear. He rose up on his knees, lifting his arms high above him with a playful roar before he scooped her up and tickled her belly. 

“Dada!” Sophia squealed through giggles as she wriggled in his embrace, and he could feel his heart swell. 

When he gently set her feet back on the ground, Sophia toddled over to the table; she grabbed a piece of cut-up apple and shoved it into her mouth before grabbing another and outstretching her arm to him in an offering. 

Liam opened his mouth and she shoved it in. “Thank you,” he chuckled. 

“Riley said her favorite food is apples. She’s definitely Cordonian,” Drake quipped from his seat on the sofa. 

“She eats more apples than I do,” Liam chuckled. 

“That says a lot,” Drake snorted. 

Sophia moved around the table to Drake with a piece of apple for him; she raised her hand and he leaned forward, taking it. “Thanks, squirt,” he smiled. 

Just then, Liam’s laptop chimed with an incoming call; he got to his feet and hurried to his desk, and when he saw the name, his heart started to race. “Hey, I gotta take this. Can you take her back down to Amara for me?” 

“Sure,” Drake nodded. 

Liam quickly rushed over and scooped Sophia up, kissing her cheek and saying goodbye before passing her off to Drake. When they exited his study, he rushed back to his desk and answered the call. “Amalas,” he nodded in greeting. 

“I want you to repeat after me,” Amalas said with a subtle smirk. “The Queen of Monterisso is the greatest of all.” 

Hope flooded Liam’s entire body from her smug tone. “You got into the flash drive and found something?”

“I didn’t just find something, Liam. I struck gold,” Amalas grinned. 

“What is it?”

“I’m sending over what I found through a secure channel so you can see for yourself.” 

A moment later, Liam’s phone pinged with an alert. He grabbed it and opened up the documents Amalas had just sent, skimming over their contents. He froze on one particular section, and his eyes widened as he snapped his gaze back at the screen.

“That’s right,” Amalas grinned triumphantly. “Seems as though Bradshaw couldn’t keep it in his pants. The twins aren’t Isabella’s biological children, meaning—”

“They have no legitimate claim to the throne because they have no royal blood,” Liam breathed. 

“Rendering the alliance null and void.” 

“This is why they seized the medical reports before Reena could see them …” 

“Exactly. They didn’t want her to know the truth.”

Liam let out a breath, feeling his heart thump in his chest from the sheer relief he felt. He looked from his phone back to his laptop. “Amalas, I … I can’t thank you enough.” 

There was nothing but sheer gratitude in his voice. “You’re welcome,” Amalas nodded. “Now … there is the small matter of what I get for doing all of this for you …” Liam stiffened at her words, and she smiled. “I’m not going to ask for your Crown Jewels, Liam. Relax.” 

“What is it that you want?”

“All I want is for Cordonia and Monterisso to be allies. I want to know that if ever needed, you would have our back, and I would extend the same to you and your kingdom in return. I think I’ve more than proven my allegiance …”

Liam let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “You certainly have,” he smiled. “And Cordonia would be both lucky and honored to have Monterisso as an ally.”

Amalas smiled. “I won’t make you sign anything right away. I wouldn’t want you to have war flashbacks to what you just went through.” Liam snorted at her words. “We’ll consider it a vocal agreement for now until we can draw up some friendly terms we both agree upon, which I promise will not include a betrothal.” 

“Thank you, Amalas. Truly. I’m in your debt.” 

“I’ll let you go so you can get going on getting yourself out of that mess you’re in,” Amalas smiled. “I’ll be in touch.” 

When the screen went black, Liam let out another breath, pressing his palm to his chest as though it would help to slow his heartbeat. His mind flooded with everything that needed to be done. He checked his watch before he grabbed his desk phone and dialed a number. 

The voice greeted him on the other end. “We need to meet to finish the statement and make the calls to have the press meet tomorrow morning …” 

****

Amara walked around the corner from the entryway of the North Wing after Drake had brought Sophia back to her; as she set her down and watched her toddle toward her toys, she glanced up to see Daniel on the phone. He wore a look of surprise, nodding to himself as the person spoke on the other end.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Daniel said. “You’re welcome, sir.” 

When he ended the call, Amara furrowed her brows. “Everything ok?” 

“He did it.” Daniel looked at her with a grin. “Liam got the information he needed to get out of the alliance. He just called … he wants the statement made in the morning so he’s calling a last-minute meeting with the council.” 

Amara stared at him and her vision began to blur as tears filled her eyes. “He … he got Sophia out?” her voice cracked. 

“He did, Buttercup,” Daniel nodded with a grin. “She’s a free little bird.” Amara covered her face with her hand as a relieved sob escaped her; Daniel was there a moment later, wrapping her in a hug. “Now all you need to do is prepare yourself for the announcement. Are you ready for this? For it to all be out in the open?” 

Stepping back, Amara wiped her cheeks as she let out a shuddered breath. “I-I’m ready as I can be … but …” She trailed off.

“But what?”

Amara shook her head. “Daniel, you can’t give that statement … not the way Liam wants you to.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean that it’s not right, the way he wants to do this,” Amara answered. 

Daniel’s brows furrowed before realization struck. “Tell me you’re not suggesting what I think you are …” 

Amara dropped his gaze as she nodded. “I am.” 

“Amara, no—”

“I’m not your client,” Amara interrupted, looking back at him. “He is.” 

*******

The following morning, after a brief and final meeting with the council and Liam to discuss last-minute details regarding the statement, Daniel met with Amara in the North Wing to talk with her about it. 

Imogen had already left to take Sophia to Liam since he had cleared his schedule for the day, something Amara was thankful for; it would give her time to decompress and think once the announcement was over. 

Daniel glanced over at her, wondering if she’d perhaps changed her mind. He took in a deep breath before slowly exhaling, finally breaking the silence. “You know what I have to do to make this work, right?”

“Yes,” Amara nodded, staring straight ahead.

“And you’re sure about this?”

Amara nodded again. “Yes.” 

“Buttercup …”

“I’m sure,” Amara reiterated. “This was my doing. When I said all I wanted was what was best for Sophia and Liam, I meant it.” 

Daniel shifted his body to face her. “But what if I can spin it, though? I can. And I can make it more of a—”

“This needs to happen first,” Amara interrupted, knowing where he was going with his question. “In order to control both the criticism and narrative … this is the only way. We can talk about what comes next afterward … if this works.”

Daniel sighed. “Well … I was taught by the best, so — I actually hate that I’m saying this — I’ll do everything that I can.” 

“You do whatever you need to do.” Amara finally looked at him. “You can’t go into this with any emotional attachment because I’m your friend. Don’t worry about me. Liam is your client. He is your priority.” 

“I know …” Daniel reluctantly nodded. 

“And you’re prepared for after?” Amara asked. 

Daniel scoffed. “As best as I can be. If he doesn’t kill me, I’ll consider it a win. And if he does … it’s been a pleasure knowing you.” 

“Thank you … for doing this.”

“Only you would thank someone for something like this,” Daniel shook his head as he rose from the sofa. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll come find you when it’s done …” 

“You don’t have to do that,” Amara said, looking up at him. “I think I’m going to need some time to myself. I’ll let you know …” 

Daniel nodded in understanding before he turned and started toward the door. When Amara heard it latch shut a moment later, she closed her eyes, feeling her heart drop into the pit of her stomach as she sank deeper into the cushions of the sofa. 

****

After sending Imogen to his quarters with Sophia, Liam, Drake, and Riley sat inside his study. On the television was the image of an empty podium as the news station waited for the exclusive statement from the palace. 

“You feeling alright?” Drake asked.

“As best I can be,” Liam nodded.

“Nervous?” Riley questioned.

Liam hesitated for a moment. “A little …” 

“It’s going to be fine,” Drake assured him. “They’ll be surprised, sure. But I don’t think it’ll be that bad.” 

Riley saw Liam give her a questioning look; she had experience in this area just like Amara and Daniel. “Truthfully, I think it could go either way,” she said. “But I agree with Drake. I don’t think it’s going to be all that bad.” 

Liam nodded before glancing at his watch; with only a few minutes to go before Daniel would be at the podium, he had a call to make. “Let’s get this over with.” He walked to his desk and grabbed the phone, dialing the number. 

“King Liam,” Bradshaw greeted on the other end of the line. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” 

“We can skip the pleasantries, Bradshaw,” Liam bit back. “Plus, I think this call will be anything but a pleasure for you.” 

“And why is that?”

“I’ll just get straight to it. The alliance … it’s done. I’m out.” 

“Oh, Liam,” Bradshaw laughed wryly. “It’s too early for jokes.”

“I can assure you, I am in no way joking,” Liam replied. “You know, I thought the way you tried to blackmail me was bad enough, but come to find out, the alliance and betrothal you proposed was never even valid or legal.”

“What are you on about?”

“The twins,” Liam hissed. “I know they’re not Isabella’s children and therefore have no legitimate claim to the Auvernese throne.” Silence filled the other end and a smirk tugged at the corner of Liam’s lips. “What’s wrong, Bradshaw? Cat got your tongue?” 

“How did you—”

“It’s not important how I found out. What’s important is that I know and I have the proof. So, as I said, this alliance is done.” 

“If you so much as utter a word of this to anyone, I will make it my life’s mission to destroy you and Amara with your little secret.”

“You might want to turn on the news, Bradshaw.” 

Liam could hear him rummaging on the other end through grumbles at the same moment he looked up at his television screen; Daniel had just appeared behind the podium, and he lifted the remote, turning up the volume.

“Good afternoon. On behalf of King Liam, I’d like to thank you all for coming this morning. I’m going to get right to it because there’s a lot to cover and I’m sure there will be questions to answer afterward. There has been speculation circulating regarding an alliance between Cordonia and Auvernal. I’m here to tell you that there is no such truth to those statements. 

With that said, it’s important for you to know that the King and Queen of Auvernal tried to stoop to a despicable level of intimidation in hopes of seeing that alliance through. They tried to blackmail His Majesty by threatening to out a romantic relationship he was involved in two years ago with his then public relations specialist and press liaison, Amara Onasis. Auvernal tried to use that against King Liam in order to secure the alliance they wanted …” 

Upon hearing the gasps and murmurs among the crowd, Liam lowered the volume as he turned his attention back to his call with Bradshaw while Daniel continued with his statement, explaining how Bradshaw brought Amara in to work for him as an unknowing participant of what that work was truly for and about the parentage of the twins.

“As I said, consider this alliance severed,” Liam said. “And by the way, I’ve been in contact with an old friend of yours, and they wanted to send you a little gift.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Bradshaw seethed.

Just then, Liam could hear a knock on a door in the background of the call. When the door burst open, Bradshaw began yelling, but his shouts were interrupted  when Interpol announced themselves. 

“What is the meaning of this?” Bradshaw barked.

“Queen Reena sends her regards,” Liam said in a smug tone. 

Liam could hear ruffling on the other end and Bradshaw’s shouts as Interpol agents closed in on him, taking both him and Isabella into custody for their illegal siege of Rivala. He ended the call before he, Drake, and Riley turned their attention back to the screen as he raised the volume once again. 

“The stakes of getting out of the alliance he was being forced into, one that included an eventual betrothal between heirs, was even higher than most knew because a month ago … King Liam found out that from his relationship with Ms. Onasis two years ago … he had a child …” 

“Here we go …” Riley whispered under her breath as more gasps were heard and the shocked faces of those in attendance were shown on a split screen.

“This past month, His Majesty has spent time with his daughter, Crown Princess Sophia, getting to know her and building a relationship with her …” When Daniel trailed off, Liam furrowed his brows at the flicker of hesitation that he saw cross his expression before he let out a breath and continued speaking. “It was a relationship he was robbed of having by Ms. Onasis herself, who purposely kept her pregnancy and birth of their daughter a secret from him …” 

Riley and Drake stared at the screen slack-jawed as more murmurs whipped through the crowd on the screen. Liam was wide-eyed. What the hell is he doing?

Daniel continued to throw Amara under the bus, easily painting her as a villain by stretching and twisting some of the truth. He said she chose to leave Cordonia after the relationship with Liam had ended, that she had gone out of her way to keep the truth about Sophia hidden from him, showed no intention of telling him, and how her actions forced Liam to miss out on more than a year of his child’s life until she was left with no choice but to come clean after being caught trying to leave again.

Liam ran his hands through his hair, clasping them together at the back of his head as he stared at the screen in stunned and angered silence. 

When Daniel finished, the hands of dozens of reporters shot into the air as people clamored to ask the questions they had. 

“What just happened?” Drake asked as he and Riley turned to look at him. “I thought you didn’t want any fingers pointed?”

“I didn’t!” Liam shouted. “I don’t know what the fuck that was but it certainly wasn’t what was discussed at all!” He let out a shuddered breath. “This is unbelievable!” 

Riley turned her attention back to the television, watching Daniel flawlessly answer the questions he was asked. And she noticed that none of the questions were about Liam and his affair; most were about Amara, her betrayal to their King, and how he was feeling regarding it. He did it on purpose, she thought to herself as it suddenly clicked. “She told him to do it,” Riley said just above a whisper, but neither Drake nor Liam heard her over their own conversation. 

“Ok, just calm down,” Drake said. “I can’t … for the life of me understand why he’d throw her under the bus like that, but I’m sure he’s got a reason.”

“I’m about to find out,” Liam growled, looking at the screen, watching Daniel ask for privacy for both Liam and Sophia for the time being before he turned away from the podium and headed back inside. 

Liam flung the door to his study open so hard it bounced off its hinges as he stormed into the hall. Riley and Drake shared a look before they followed him. 

Daniel stepped inside the foyer just as Liam reached the top of the grand staircase; he glanced up, seeing his narrowed gaze boring into him as he flew down the stairs. “What the hell was that?” he barked.

“Liam—”

“That was not what we discussed, Daniel! Not to mention, you completely stretched the truth out there!” 

“I did what needed to be done.”

“You threw her under the bus!” Liam shouted. “Hell, you might as well have been fucking driving it! Why would you do that to her? What the hell is wrong with you?”

Despite Liam’s flaring temper, Daniel remained calm, having prepared himself for this reaction. “I did what she asked me to do.” 

Caught off guard, Liam took a step back. “What?” 

“She knew it was the only way for you and Sophia to come out of this as unscrutinized as possible … to take the focus off of you and the affair and make it about her … to make her the villain. Everything I said up there … she told me to say.”

No, Daniel hadn’t been at all thrilled with Amara’s suggestion or what she asked him to do, but she was right in her reasons why. Throughout their conversations about it yesterday and that morning, however, she never told him that he had to keep quiet about why he did what he did.

Liam let out a breath. “She … why? Why the hell would she do that?”

“Because she loves Sophia,” Daniel replied. “And despite what you may think or how you feel, she loves you …” 

“I … I don’t understand,” Liam shook his head. 

“She’s a fixer, Liam,” Daniel said. “This is what she does. She’s someone who thinks everything is salvageable … everything except herself in this particular situation. So she made the choice to stick her neck out and sacrifice her reputation in hopes that it was enough to save yours.”

Liam ran his trembling hand down his face as what Amara had done and why she had done it sank in. 

****

Late that afternoon, Amara sat with her knees curled to her chest on the sofa in the North Wing. It had been hours since the announcement was made and she hadn’t moved from her place in the living area. She had turned off the television once Daniel started to delve into the details of her betrayal; she didn’t want to see or hear how the press and people reacted. 

Amara had been sitting in silence ever since, emotional as she mulled over everything in her head. She was hopeful that she’d gotten what she wanted out of it: for most — if not all — of the negative attention to be off of Liam and in turn, Sophia. If the press and the people needed someone to be their villain, she was more than willing if it meant that they left Liam and Sophia alone. They could lift them up and tear her down; it was the least she deserved. 

Lifting her hand, Amara wiped her cheeks with the cuff of her sweatshirt; she sniffled as more tears started to fall. Knowing she’d more than likely be emotional was the reason she asked Daniel to give her time after the statement. She could feel it cresting that morning and knew she was going to need to be alone; everything from the past month had seemed to catch up with her all at once. She was already overwhelmed, sinking into a state of despondency and teetering along the edge. The statement had been her tipping point. 

When she heard knocking on the door of the North Wing, Amara’s gaze slowly slid toward the entryway; she didn’t move. She assumed it was Daniel, Riley, or both, but she wasn’t up for talking or company at that moment and knew they’d leave after she didn’t answer. 

A few moments later, more knocking came.  

Sitting up and letting out a breath, Amara wiped her cheeks again as she stood from the sofa. As she moved toward the entryway, another knock came. She rounded the corner and reached for the knob, prepared to tell Daniel or Riley or both that she was fine and still needed and wanted time to herself. 

Amara opened the door and she froze when she saw Liam standing on the other side. 

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

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[lizzybeth1986]

Liam and Olivia: When You Prefer The Side Character To The Main

Series - TRR's Alternative LIs: The Romances that Didn't Happen

Previous: A Brief History of Alternative Romances in Choices

A/N1: My apologies for the length of this one! There was a LOT to explore, and even more that I had cut out from my initial draft.

A/N2: This essay operates on the premise that Liam is not the "favoured LI"/"golden boy" of the team - an argument I have made in detail in other Liam-centric essays. I am not interested in arguing those same points in my comment box/reblogs. Visit the Liam section of my meta masterlist if you want to learn more about that.

CW: Mentions of non-consensual kissing. Mentions of the plot against the MC in TRR1. Very fleeting mention of the "infertility subplot" TRH pushed onto Hana.

(Screenshot from HIMEME's YouTube channel)

As I mentioned in the previous essay, TRR (along with ES, to a far smaller extent) was the only series that seemed to make an attempt to pair even their popular LIs with another character. It also was (along with TCaTF) one of the very few books that hinted at an alternative romance in the first book itself.

This section of the essay series will perhaps be the longest, since Liam x Olivia got the earliest hints, and was built up first. While the other three pairings were introduced or hinted at in Books 2 and 3, the reader got to see glimpses of a possible Liam x Olivia pairing from the finale of Book 1 onwards.

Why An Alternative LI?

TRR is, essentially, a story that hinges on the likelihood of an arranged marriage. The character that makes this entire story possible, Liam, is expected to pick a bride by the end of his social season, whether he is ready for marriage or not. The ending of Book 1 itself ties his ascension as a king to marriage.

(Screenshot from Skylia's YouTube channel)

To prove Madeleine's point, the finale actually shows us that until he picks a fiancèe, he literally won't be addressed as king, but still as Prince Liam. So while this point does get heavily retconned later on in the series, the original story itself required Liam to be married sooner than any of the other LIs.

But Liam's story doesn't just hinge on needing a good Queen for his kingdom. His arc - at least in Book 1 - involved learning that being a good king doesn't mean he needs to sacrifice his own desires or romantic sensibilities. If that were the case, he could have just been stuck with Madeleine. No - the story was supposed to be about Liam learning to validate his personal aspirations without hurting his political position. It was essential then that the woman he picked was someone he either was already in love with (the MC), or someone he grew to love over the course of the series.

When you take this context into account, having an alternative romance becomes not only convenient, but essential.

And if the MC doesn't choose Liam as her endgame...who better for this "romance" than an old friend who has always held a torch for him?

A Romantic Rival

(Screenshots from Skylia's YouTube channel)

As most of the fandom remembers the first book and the trajectory of the Liam and Olivia relationship in it pretty well, I'll try not to go into too much detail. The Olivia of Book 1 has two parallel storylines: the one with the MC, where they first start out hating and then learn to like each other...and the one with Liam, which begins with Olivia assuming she will win the social season, but becoming more and more resigned to the MC's chances of winning as her position in the competition declines.

There is obviously a lot more focus on her dynamic with the MC, for two reasons:

1. Until the MC chooses an endgame, an LI will never show more interest in another person. It will always be the alternative LI whose interest initially drives that side-story. Making an LI reciprocate that interest can result in a negative impression of them, as fans could potentially believe that their love for the MC is not genuine or special. This is the case for all LIs in the series, not just Liam.

2. Narratively, the first book wants to make Olivia's love for Liam their big character reveal. It is the first time Olivia actively opens up to the MC, and is canonically the beginning of their "friendship". So very little emphasis is placed on her emotional attachment to Liam until the Coronation (with her cactus gift and her confession to the MC before leaving), and even less on how Liam feels about her.

Whatever little we do get of Liam and Olivia's dynamic before the finale is focused on their childhood friendship. We learn from Liam that she was a sad, lonely child when they met, heartbroken by her parents' death and the negligence of the aunt who was supposed to raise her. Her attachment to Liam emerges from his support of her when they were children, and we later learn in TRH that he not only supported her, but often empathized with young Olivia and comforted her in ways that didn't give away her vulnerabilities.

Olivia claims at the beginning of TRR1 that "everyone just assumed Liam and [Olivia] would get married one day". Given what we learn later about Constantine and the Nevrakis family (and the fact that no one backs Olivia's claim at any point in the book), it is possible she was exaggerating. But it is also true that until the MC gains more popularity and Madeleine makes her entrance, Olivia is assumed to win the social season quite easily. In the same way that Madeleine is positioned as the "political" rival in Book 1's story, Olivia is viewed as the "romantic" counterpoint to the MC.

From Liam's end, there is actually very little shown about his thoughts on Olivia. It is clear that he cares for her, wants the MC to think well of her and understand her circumstances. While as a child, he comforted her when she was called a cactus by reminding her that they were tough plants that no one messed with; as an adult he is pained by her vindictiveness towards people who haven't even harmed her. There is plenty of grounds here for some sort of relationship, but enough there that shows why the MC who will marry him would be a slightly better fit.

The second half of TRR1 focuses on softening Olivia to an extent - having her and the MC optionally bond over their dislike for Madeleine (who is viewed as the "bigger bad" at this point) and having her only occasionally approach Liam for his company. Her feelings for him come to the forefront only during his Coronation, around the time she withdraws due to the blackmail exposing her parents' attempts to assassinate King Constantine.

This moment in the series completes Olivia's transition from antagonist to a possible friend. The reveal that Olivia loved Liam all along ensures that the MC can sympathize with her for not getting the man she loves, and allows the reader to envision her as a future ally.

To some who already vouched for a Liam-Olivia endgame before the finale, this moment was a confirmation. To others who didn't exactly see Olivia's actions towards Liam as rooted in affection, this moment was a revelation. Whatever it was, this moment made her extremely popular in the fandom.

But this scene also had a more important purpose - it provided players not interested in Liam, a possible out from the situation. The ending of TRR1 hinged on Liam choosing the MC as his future bride, then being forced to accept someone else when the scandal broke out. Book 2 allows the MC to explore what she wants without the expectations of a social season. The prospect of a titled lady who genuinely loved Liam being his potential endgame would make it easier for fans of other LIs. It sounded like a perfect ending for everyone.

The (Unwanted) Kiss, and What It Says About the Fandom

(Screenshots from Danni Stone's YouTube channel)

A scene that often gets ignored (or conveniently forgotten) when discussing Liam x Olivia in TRR1, is the kiss in Lythikos.

The Lythikos Ball in Ch 8 is already a social battleground of sorts for Olivia. She wields her power as hostess here - monopolising Prince Liam's company, and humiliating the MC and her friends with the worst seating and ice-cold food. Things come to a head when - while dancing the Cordonian Waltz with Liam - she forces a kiss on him, completely disregarding his ability to consent.

I use these precise words to describe this incident for two reasons. First, because canon refused to do so. Second, because most of the fandom refused to do so.

Different characters in the story respond to this incident in different ways. A shocked "what a bold play!", a sarcastic "Olivia's growing up, how sweet", and an enraged "she's gone mad with power here!" emerge from the ladies of the court - all focused on Olivia's intentions and actions. None of these responses ever address Liam's end of this situation.

Even more interesting are the options the MC is given to address the situation when Liam speaks to her later.

(Screenshots from Danni Stone's YouTube channel. This is the second dialogue option)

She either speaks to Liam like nothing happened, or engages in victim blaming. Personally I think both options are as bad as each other. Neither of these options include "are you okay?" or "were you comfortable with that?".

Liam's answer to the MC's (optional) accusations is perhaps the only time the issue of consent is even barely addressed (and even here Liam is duty-bound to think of Olivia's welfare over his own comfort). It is appalling that it takes the MC practically victim blaming this man for that to happen. And it is equally disturbing that Liam's response is so apologetic, so contrite, as if this entire situation was his fault.

The kiss is viewed as a number of things in the book: an affront to the suitors who have no power in Olivia's estate, or a political blunder. But what does it mean to the man who had this kiss forced upon him? Would he really feel comfortable or safe around her again after that? The writers clearly didn't know, nor did they care. And most of the fandom was only too happy to follow suit.

The few times this kiss was spoken about amongst the fandom, the question of consent was barely ever addressed. The kiss was either brushed aside as unimportant, seen as an indication of the "love and passion" Olivia had for Liam, or viewed as a manifestation of her jealousy towards the MC. Liam is sometimes seen as "clueless" for not "noticing Olivia's feelings...I mean, she literally kissed him!!" All of which could be true, but it doesn't erase the fact that his consent was never given, nor his comfort with the situation ever considered.

It is doubly ironic given the fandom reaction to the MC's plight in Applewood, after Tariq attempts to kiss her without her consent (though this situation involves significant privacy violations and dark conspiracies, and Liam's does not). The MC's situation was (rightfully) viewed as horrible and potentially traumatising, and many were upset that the emotional impact of it wasn't adequately addressed in the story. It wouldn't be surprising if Liam's situation wasn't viewed on the same level - given the difference in contexts - but the fandom and canon rarely saw this as something that happened to him, without his consent.

Ironically, the fandom never really considered Olivia planting a whole smacker on Liam's mouth as possible "proof" that she could engage in creepy, entitled behaviour...but they did often view Liam as "creepy" for...complimenting diamond-option outfits, or saying romantic-coded dialogues that the MC would reciprocate by default (again - I don't deny this is a problem and those lines should have been coded properly. However one cannot deny the doubt standards here). Olivia was the one who forced a kiss on the object of her affection in canon, but Liam was the one who got so many "abuser" and "harrasser" (and worse!) depictions in fanfic when TRR2 and 3 were out.

I will be addressing this particular scene again in another context, in a later essay in the series. I would like my readers here to not forget this scene, or the (lack of) outrage around it. It would be helpful to ponder over why Olivia's behaviour here is largely viewed as no big deal, especially when other side characters (and at least one main character) could be villainized for far, far less.

Olivia and Liam in TRR2 and 3

(Screenshots from Skylia's YouTube channel)

TRR1's finale and TRR2 show a small shift in Liam and Olivia's dynamic. Now that he is engaged, and in love with a woman who isn't Olivia, their interactions become sporadic and awkward. To ensure that Liam won't be viewed as a cassanova, the narrative keeps their interactions to a minimum. Group scenes that involve Liam often leave Olivia out, and group scenes that involve Olivia exclude Liam.

However, to address the "romantic potential" from TRR1's finale, the book shows Liam and Olivia interact in at least one scene in Ch 10. Here, they have a short, stilted conversation that leaves Liam concerned about Olivia's well-being, and that makes Olivia grieve over her unrequited love for him to an equally concerned MC.

Olivia's story in TRR2 largely centers around establishing her character (snarky, prickly, warriorlike. Much of this is actually a deviation from her writing in TRR1), strengthening her relationship with the MC, and integrating her into the core group.

Olivia's feelings for Liam get addressed again after the MC makes her final choice of LI. The MC's acceptance or rejection of Liam's proposal results in a bit of tension between the two women. If Liam is the MC's choice, Olivia admits to her heartbreak despite being truly happy that Liam has found love. If not, she reveals a slight resentment that the MC could so easily throw away the love that Olivia so badly wanted. The narrative allows Olivia her complicated, ambivalent feelings towards the Liam x MC match, and expects the MC to understand and sympathize. By default.

If you don't choose Liam in TRR3, his romance with Olivia does start here. And by this I mean that Liam is now allowed to reciprocate her affections.

(Screenshots from the Skylia YouTube channel (Drake playthrough). The screenshots aren't in order. 1st Liam x Olivia scene is the handholding at Applewood (5), 2nd is dancing at Vegas (1st two), 3rd is Liam asking Olivia for a dance at the finale ball (middle two), and the last is Liam asking Olivia out (6))

Even in the playthrough where Liam is marrying the MC, his default is to trust Olivia, show her kindness and staunchly defend her to people who suspect her motives. Liam advocates for her innocence in TRR3 Ch 2, even as her family becomes one of the prime suspects. The MC may vouch for her by choice...but if she does choose to suspect Olivia, it is Liam who pushes back against the idea.

By this point, the MC and Olivia can cement their friendship if the former has worked on gaining her trust. If not - the book has already created an inbuilt mechanism to ensure Olivia's loyalty anyway. It is tied to her gratitude and affection for Liam, the one person who consistently believed in her from childhood. Whether the MC makes an effort to win her approval or not, Olivia respects her. Her emotional attachment to Liam as an old friend, and loyalty to her king, ensures that her support is gained by default throughout.

Outside of his own playthrough, though, the narrative does slip in a few extra scenes where Liam shows an obvious romantic interest in Olivia. It's small - he isn't exactly yelling from the rooftops that he loves her - but it is definite progress where he seeks her out for support, dances with her and eventually asks her out to dinner at the finale. The scenes are few but prominent, and leave no doubt to the reader that Liam fully intends to court her.

So...why is Liam still single in the Drake, Hana and Maxwell playthroughs of TRH?

Writer Bias

When you read enough interviews and watch enough livestreams from the TRR team, one thing becomes very, very clear. They love their TCaTF callbacks. And no callback is more beloved to the writers than the repurposing of Zenobia Nevrakis' sprite to create her descendant, Olivia.

In this section, I will focus in particular on Kara Loo, COO of Pixelberry and one of the head writers of the TRR/H/F series. Going by several interviews and social media posts, Kara wrote most of Olivia and Drake's scenes and dialogues (along with "some of the Prince's speeches"), and was in fact the driving force behind how Olivia's character came to be, in the original series.

"...when we were creating Book 1, we wanted an evil redhead to be your antagonist, and Kara said, "Oh, what if we used Zenobia, but the twist is she's a Nevrakis descendant?"" - Jennifer Young, Looking Back on The Royal Romance (Sept 2018)

Kara has openly admitted before to having a fondness for Olivia's particular character type. In an interview with Daily Dahlia, she spoke of Val, one of the TCaTF LIs, in glowing terms that perfectly fit the way Olivia has been written as well:

"I love writing Val Greaves in The Crown & The Flame. I love writing for characters that are a little meaner and will really just say what they’re thinking, even if it isn’t exactly tactful." - Daily Dahlia's Interview with the Pixelberry Crew (Sept 2016).

The love for mean (and white! Don't forget white) women among the team, is pretty clear when you look at the kind of reception TRR's mean white women get.

Notably, Kara does have the occasional nice thing to say about Liam too. In an interview before the release of TRR2, she spoke of how "considerate and loving he is", how "there is nothing mean or selfish about him". As a Liam fan who kept seeing him bashed left and right after the TRR1 finale, those words initially felt like a massive relief.

But now, seeing the way the team treats nicer and more diplomacy-oriented characters in the series, this fulsome praise for Liam's selflessness gives me pause. It reminds me too much of how most of the team swore up and down that Hana would be their choice of LI to marry in a livestream, at the same time that they were slamming an infertility subplot on her in the books. Looking back with the knowledge of how the writers would treat Liam later, praise like this seemed less focused on finding him lovable, and more on ensuring that he gave constantly to the MC without ever getting much in return.

While Liam's treatment is not as bad as Hana or Kiara's, one must take note that the team - esp the head writers - have never really hesitated to throw Liam under the bus or retcon entire chapters and backstories to make characters like Drake seem better than him (eg. The narrative choice to have Drake claim Liam was leading the MC on when they first met in TRR3, which has led to more than one attempt to rewrite the bachelor party).

Part of this could be attributed to just the fondness for a specific character type. But I do think that with Kara in particular, ideology also plays a role in her preferences. There are at least two interviews from the team where her liking for darker, more violent storylines has been mentioned. In TRR3 the team affectionately called some of their brainstorming sessions with Kara as "Kara's trail of bodies" (one idea was to kill off Madeleine in Lythikos), and in the TRF livestream they mention that she initially wanted a war storyline.

This leaning towards a more militaristic mindset shows...in the care that Kara takes for Olivia's dialogues and especially her spy scenes (tho such scenes actually don't contribute much to the plot). In contrast there is a subtle disdain for the more diplomacy-minded characters shown in scenes where Olivia's ideologies are measured up against theirs (eg. Any scene where Hana and Olivia are supposed to work together, or the vast difference between the "valiant" Lythikos tournament and the "ridiculous" Castelserraillan flower competition in TRH3).

Even though it is often the diplomacy that saves the day at the end, the framing always highlights the militaristic way of thinking more positively. Given that Kara writes a lot of Olivia, and a fair amount of Liam, it's pretty obvious now where her (and the team's) particular bias may lie.

Because of this bias, it became far easier for TRR's writers to lean into popular fandom myths when it suited them, or pander to a particular section of the fandom. Which is the subject of my next section.

Fandom Entitlement

Olivia often has two types of fans - the ones who wanted to ship her with their MCs in canon (and couldn't), and the ones who wanted to be "bestieeeees!" with her. The frustration of the former was rooted in the fact that wlw had only one romantic option, but I will not be talking about them.

The latter were found in plenty among the Liam, Drake and Maxwell stans - all of whom either viewed her as an ally to win over (Liam), or as someone to push onto Liam, so they could romance the men they preferred in peace (mostly Drake and Maxwell. Some Hana stans but not as many).

As I'd mentioned in an earlier section, Olivia's final scene in TRR1 allowed people who didn't want to romance Liam, to envision a narrative 'out' for themselves. By the time Olivia reappeared in TRR2 Ch 5, she'd gained a cult following among many, many fans. A lot of them were actively rooting for the start of a romance between Liam and Olivia, and very few resented her for her feelings or begrudged her past actions.

But there was one downside. The intent among the majority who rooted for this pairing, was more about "getting Liam out of the way", than any actual romantic potential. Because of this, certain Liam x Olivia stans (ironically, the Drake romancers were the loudest voices in this group) felt a ridiculous level of entitlement towards this pairing.

A number of readers insisted on having Liam fall for Olivia immediately, wanted him to show feelings for her instantly, and complained when he didn't do so while his (optional) romance with the MC was still on.

Olivia's sad, longing gazes in TRR2 propelled many a reader to complain about what an awful situation poor Olivia was in and how insensitive and uncaring Liam was (even in the face of screenshots that clearly showed him worrying about her desolate mood). One of many examples comes from a post in Feb 2018 - a Drake stan's written walkthrough of TRR2 Ch 10, and ironically the following lines were made above a screenshot set that clearly showed Liam noticing how sad she was and worriedly asking the MC about that:

Liam finds you and as always, can’t help fawning over you. This time Olivia is right there and he is like, Oh yeah, Olivia, you are too here, hi. She definitely notices, gets upset, and leaves because she really does love him and she is third choice at best.

This was not the only one. There were multiple posts like these, and they often positioned Olivia as a figure of sympathy, yearning for a love that would never be hers. Liam in these readings was always positioned as someone who "didn't care" and later, "didn't deserve Olivia".

When he did start showing an interest in Olivia in Book 3, it went largely unnoticed by most of the fandom, even though he was romancing her in at least 3 out of 4 playthroughs. There were very, very few posts made about any of these romantic moments. Instead, from Chapters 3 to 10 of TRR3 - where Liam didn't show any indications of heartbreak re: the MC - certain Drake/Maxwell fans made posts complaining over his not pining over the MC, or theorizing that some of his friendly attempts to educate the MC about the country had to have been done with more than friendship in mind.

This section of the fandom often got insane amounts of pandering from the writers themselves. When TRR3 returned from a hiatus post Ch 9, we were suddenly hit with more scenes involving Liam's "heartbreak" (it featured sporadically in all three of the other playthroughs, but you could tell it was tailor-made for the Drake one because it got referenced there waaaay more) before the big battle with Anton. Fandom spoke far more on these scenes than on the ones they got for Liam x Olivia.

What was completely missed was that such "heartbreak" scenes happened because there was a demand from readers who weren't even Liam stans in the first place, and the same stans didn't hesitate to flip and label him "desparate" or "pining" or write fanfic where he was an absolute creep in response to a thing they asked for!

As for talk of the Liam x Olivia ship post TRR3, the phrase "sloppy seconds" started to be used often to address the pair after the series ended, and there were quite a few posts claiming that Liam didn't deserve such an incredible woman like Olivia.

(Edit Source: the playchoicesconfessions Tumblr blog)

Using the pining subplot that nonLiam stans had asked for, some of the same people would insist that Olivia "deserved better than to be sloppy seconds" (at some point after TRR3, I noticed that even some Liam stans would say the same!). This argument often came hand-in-hand with the lie that Liam never cared for Olivia enough (as one can see in the edit above). It also often hinged on the premise that the MC was Liam's first love, that he wouldn't (and shouldn't!) ever get over her, and that anyone else would rank as second best to him. And while I agree that Olivia deserves a partner who would wholeheartedly love her, this argument seemed to come from people who were eerily reluctant to imagine Liam leading a happy life without the MC.

Tbh, the fandom at large has always had a very confusing relationship with Liam as a character. I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that from TRR2 onwards, making Liam a scapegoat was a very popular reading from the fandom. He was often expected to live up to impossible standards - way more than the other male LIs - and criticized incessantly for dialogues and action that the other two could easily get away with.

Many fans were (rightfully) frustrated by how Liam could have romantic lines by default (which the MC would by default reciprocate, to their chagrin) all through TRR1 - while ignoring romantic default dialogues from Drake - but also complained when Liam responded more calmly than expected to her rejection of his proposal. They also didn't like that he could be largely neutral/merely friendly towards the MC for most of TRR3. Damned if he didn't, damned if he did.

I'm not saying that this was the viewpoint of the entire fandom. There were people - yours truly included - who pushed back against such a biased view of this pairing. Against a view that insisted on centering only Olivia's feelings, while either badmouthing Liam for not returning her love, or ignoring the times when he did. There were people who pointed to canon for proof that he cared.

But enough voices vouched for this other, more unsavoury reading that "Olivia deserves better than to be Liam's sloppy seconds", that it became quite popular. That it became the accepted view in canon too, when the writers began work on TRH.

Olivia x Liam (not), TRH and Beyond

As we all know by now, Liam x Olivia did not happen in TRH. After a dance and an invitation to a date in the finale, Liam was back to being single and uninterested in any romantic relationships (like all the other LIs). It went to the point where he was ready to appoint the MC's future child as his heir (heir apparent, not presumptive. The fandom mockingly dubbed him "Rumpelstiltskin" for this). At the time, I imagined that perhaps the narrative was trying to erase the pair altogether, since no other LI got paired up either. It would be fair.

This wasn't exactly the case. In fact, in my opinion, what they managed to do was much worse.

(Screenshots from the HR Gameplay YouTube channel. Liam is renamed "Rayden" here)

Savannah's bachelorette (TRH1 Ch 7) has the MC and the ladies "address" certain pairings that were hinted at in TRR3. One doesn't get addressed at all, one addresses the LI by name only if the playthrough isn't the one where the MC is married to him.

Olivia's is the only one that got addressed regardless of whether the MC was married to the man she had wanted or not. And looking at the scene now, I really, really wish they didn't write it at all.

If the MC encourages Olivia to talk about her feelings for Liam, the latter shows anger and resentment over Liam not choosing her twice over. This, despite the fact that he did attempt to date her the previous book. This, despite the fact that he never indicated interest until he actually felt it. This... despite the fact that not returning the feelings of someone who likes you romantically is a normal, natural thing that said someone should accept without judging other person!

In fact, the fandom was more than willing to view other LIs "not returning feelings" as normal, natural and blameless...so why did only Olivia get sympathy and praise for her unrequited love, and why did only Liam have to be criticised for the same?? Even in THIS scene??

Liam x Olivia would not be referenced for 3-and-a-half books after this, until the very end of TRF. Over the course of the series, the team tested her compatibility and possible chemistry with at least two side characters. One was Jin, the Auvernese spy that Olivia fights with in TRH1 Ch 19. While they did seem to have some banter in the first book and a smattering of scenes in the second, interest quickly died down and Jin was written out of the story once the Auvernese royals' scandals were exposed.

TRH3 then hinted at Amalas x Olivia as a pair, peppering hints as early as the introductory chapters. There had been a few murmurings among the fandom for the same, since a number of wlw were fond of Olivia, and people liked headcanoning her as bi or lesbian (in fact, when the team claimed in a TRH1 livestream that having Olivia as an LI would "soften her" too much, the fandom protested). Amalas x Olivia was met with more approval than Jin x Olivia, and in TRF you could encourage Olivia to ask either Liam or Amalas for a dance.

Liam himself never got any other options for romance (understandable, none of the LIs did), and in fact had several aspects of his story chipped away, chunk by chunk, to benefit other characters. In the end, Liam is treated like Olivia's "alternative LI" than the other way around.

It was a pretty ironic ending for a pairing that people felt so entitled over in the beginning. After years of protests against Olivia being Liam's "sloppy seconds" just because he chose her after being rejected by their MCs... the narrative didn't mind treating him like some sort of "consolation prize" (one of two) for Olivia. And as expected, nor did the fandom.

Conclusion: Could This Pairing Have Worked?

Much as I dislike it now, I did think Liam x Olivia had some potential back then. Politically and emotionally, Liam and Olivia were opposites in many ways. There was a lot you could explore. Their background history and the sweetness of their childhood story had the potential to add layers to their dynamic.

But for a pair like Liam x Olivia to work, romantically, some things would need to change:

1. Respect in the writing room for both their ideologies, not just Olivia's. If you view one with adulation and the other with disdain, that will eventually show in the writing. These two could have been a solid power couple if the team could just set aside their boners for violence and knives once in a fucking while.

2. THE KISS. If you're going to have that kind of a scene around, especially in the context of TRR1's larger story, it needs to be addressed. From Liam's point of view. With Olivia openly regretting it and atoning for it, and Liam getting to choose how to handle that. It isn't just enough to assume they spoke offscreen, and then pretend the forced kiss never happened or that that violation meant nothing.

Olivia was wrong. Olivia crossed boundaries. Olivia disregarded Liam's consent. Liam was the victim here, not the person the MC should be shouting at - even by option.

If a romance should proceed between the two, that kiss deserves to be addressed with a lot of sensitivity and respect to Liam's own experience.

3. BALANCE! Between their perspectives, their viewpoints, their beliefs. Which would only be possible if you equally valued both characters.

4. Respect for Liam's feelings and his romantic choices, whatever they may be. Liam knows what he likes best. Him not returning Olivia's feelings is not a crime, nor does it make him any less of a caring person. Him falling in love a second time, seeing an old friend in a new light, should have been embraced as a concept.

Loving someone else deeply in the past shouldn't make his feelings for his second love any less genuine. But most of the fandom adopted such a way of viewing the Liam x Olivia relationship because it allowed them to pity Olivia and blame Liam (again) - and the team validated those sentiments out of excessive care for one character, and a lack of it for another.

Changes like these four would have definitely made for a better-written alternative romance. But given the kind of team and the fanbase TRR had, none of the changes I mention here would ever have a hope of becoming a reality. Olivia is too popular, too beloved to her writers and fandom, (and too white!) to be viewed with even this much of a critical eye. And tbh, once the fandom has marked a character (esp a character of colour - customizable or not) as a scapegoat, they would enjoy bashing them too much to stop. From then on, it would only be a matter of which excuse, which nitpick, which set of double standards, would work best.

Liam and Olivia had potential. And the narrative was able to get that story to the point where the two could at least have a first date. But team TRR squandered all its future possibilities in the mad rush to pander to a portion of their fandom, with a clear bias for the side character...and so we will never know how a more balanced portrayal would've looked like.

A/N3: I have quoted posts that have actually appeared on Tumblr, but without any identification marks. All of them are one among many such posts - either lost to digital decay or hard to find. I do not want to call out any of the individual posters - I want to make it clear that many of these posts are indicative of a fandom-wide problem. Do not try to find out, or harrass, these posters.

Next - Maxwell and Penelope: When You Like the Side Character So Much, You Gift Her A Shiny New LI

[alj4890]

The Christmas Card

A Choices: The Royal Romance Drabble for CFWC Holidays 2022 prompts

(Liam x Madeleine) (Liam x Riley)

Prompt: A holiday card is delivered twenty years after it was sent.

Rating G for holiday fluff, brief mentions of a death of a parent and spouse

@gkittylove99 @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg  @amandablink @neotericthemis  @mm2305 @sfb123 @tessa-liam @thesvnsins @krsnlove @choicesficwriterscreations

A/N: Not a part of any of my AU's, but this was the first inspiration I've had since RCD Appreciation Week ended 😂 So here we go.

Masterlist

The Royal Palace, Cordonia...

"The mail, your majesty."

Liam gave a brief nod to the footman as he continued to peruse a report from Kiara about her ongoing trade negotiation with Greece.

"Father?"

He looked up at the sound of his daughter's voice.

Her eyes were narrowed somewhat in concern. She was already dressed for the evening's holiday event. The deep hunter green of her velvet evening gown set off her vibrant eyes and golden hair.

His expression softened instantly at the sight of her.

"You look lovely, Charlotte."

She smiled as she came into the room.

"Thank you."

"I see you're wearing your mother's colors this evening."

Her smile dimmed some. "I thought I should since this is our first Christmas without her."

Liam got to his feet to wrap her in his arms. "You honor Madeleine in everything you do, dearest."

Charlotte blinked back tears. "I hope so."

She straightened her posture. "I know she was anxious for me to choose a suitor before she died." She rested her head on Liam's shoulder when he kept his arm around her. "I know I should have to give her peace, but I couldn't help but hope that maybe I could find someone I could care for."

"Do not feel guilty." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I want you to marry someone you love."

She nodded, lowering her eyes.

"Perhaps you'll meet someone this evening." He dropped his arm on his way back to his desk. "You never know who might show up."

She chuckled. "You never lose hope, do you Father?"

"Never." He winked at her.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready for the ball?"

Liam took his glasses off to look over at the mantle clock.

"I suppose you're right." He grimaced at the sight of Christmas cards he knew he needed to open

"I can go through some of those for you." She offered.

"I'll hurry and come back to help." He got up. "Start with the international piles."

She sat down behind his desk and began to do as he said.

Liam watched her with pride and love shining in his eyes. He couldn't be more thankful for his daughter's existence.

As he made his way to his chambers, he felt a little guilty that he did not miss her mother like one should.

Madeleine had been a phenomenal queen. Her cancer diagnosis a year earlier had been a blow that everyone across Cordonia deeply felt. Liam, the ever dutiful husband and king, remained by her side for three months as she suffered with slowly wasting away.

Though neither ever fell in love with the other, there was an affection that developed. A close friendship had grown between them, especially when they had their daughter. Their immense love for Charlotte drew them closer than they ever expected. That closeness made them a family that all Cordonians longed to be a part of.

For nearly twenty years, Liam had those two along with Regina and Leo as his family. He had his friends. He had a prosperous kingdom. He had everything a man could possibly have wished for.

Except...

He opened the top drawer of his nightstand and pulled out the tarnished key chain he'd received nearly twenty-one years ago.

His fingers rubbed the Statute of Liberty figure while he thought back to the lady who'd given it to him. He wondered what would have happened if he'd been able to marry her.

He knew he wouldn't have Charlotte. He couldn't imagine a world without his daughter in it. The past nineteen years were some of the happiest of his life by simply being her father. She had an innate gentleness about her. She possessed her parents' deep sense of duty and honor, yet had a heart that was even more tender than his.

Madeleine told Liam she was worried about her getting her hurt one day because of it. Yet, she didn't want to try and mold her the way her parents had made her. The coldness and stoic indifference she'd been raised in was not going to be part of their daughter's upbringing.

She was thankful their daughter was warm and caring.

Madeleine finally had someone who loved her unconditionally and she was able to do the same. Having a child changed her for the better. It made her relax, or at least relax as much as she could, and simply enjoy the moments out of the public eye to be with her daughter.

Liam and Madeleine spent a great deal of time with Charlotte at Applewood. Seeing their daughter crawl, learn to walk, and play helped create new memories for them both that no longer held bitterness of those hallowed halls.

Madeleine soon forgot the press release she had to give in the apple orchard over being dumped by Leo. Seeing Charlotte running to play hide and seek amongst the trees had quickly taken over that place in her mind.

And Liam learned to love his once beloved childhood home again.

Applewood. The very place where all Liam's dreams were destroyed. After all these years, he was still in disbelief that someone had managed to capture images of Riley in Tariq's arms.

He wondered what would have happened if he hadn't given in to his father's demands to choose someone else the night of his coronation.

Would the public have eventually forgiven Riley and accepted her as queen?

He set the key chain down. He shouldn't dwell on what if's. He'd been able to not think about it as often as he used to for years. Now that he was a widower and it being the holiday season, he found his thoughts returning more and more to the American he'd once loved.

Going to his closet, he began to get ready for the evening.

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

Charlotte set aside a card from yet another political figure and reached for the next one in the stack. Her brow furrowed as she studied the faded stamp and holiday sticker. The red envelope was no longer as vibrant as the creases along the edges.

She then noticed the postal date.

"Oh my!" She slit it open and pulled the card out.

She quickly scanned the contents before seeing the name at the bottom.

Jumping to her feet, she dashed out of the study.

"Princess Charlotte!" One of the guards yelled in alarm.

Ignoring him, she hurried up the palace's stairs to her father's room.

Liam heard the commotion. He paused in tying his tie and peeked out the door.

"Charlotte!" He nearly fell backwards with her colliding into him. "What's wrong? Why did you--"

She was breathless. Gasping for air, she handed him the Christmas card.

Liam eyed her for another second or two to make certain she was alright before slipping his glasses on. He then read it's contents.

His jaw dropped.

"Father?" Charlotte gently laid her hand upon his arm. "This from her isn't it? The one you told me about?"

"It is." He shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe after all these years she would send me a card."

"She didn't." Charlotte handed him the envelope. "Riley sent it to you twenty years ago."

Liam's eyes bulged as he read towards the bottom of her card.

"Do you think it's true?" Charlotte asked.

He set it down. Liam began to pace as him mind whirled with this unexpected surprise. He knew he needed to calm down and think everything through.

Charlotte watched him quietly. Her hands were gripped tightly while she too wondered what should be done.

"I think we should go to New York." She decided.

Liam whirled around in surprise. He should have known with Charlotte's tender heart that she would believe that they both should go.

"Shall I go tell the flight staff?" She asked.

He nodded. "Tell them we'll leave first thing tomorrow morning."

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

New York...

"I'm home!" Riley stomped her boots at the door to knock the snow and sludge free.

"Hey Mom!" Her daughter yelled out from the kitchen. "How was your day?"

"Busy." She took her coat off and collapsed on the sofa. "How about yours?"

"Pretty good." Her daughter, Hope, came out to set the table. "Professor Simmons offered me an internship for next semester."

Riley perked up over that news. "That's wonderful! Did you accept?"

Hope playfully rolled her eyes. "You mean, did I accept my dream job of curating The Met's Egyptian displays while working with my all-time favorite mentor?" Her lips curved into a smile Riley easily recognized as her father's. "Of course I said, no."

Riley threw a throw pillow at her, laughing when it was thrown back.

She got up and hugged her tight.

"I'm so happy for you, sweetheart."

Hope squeezed her. "You'll be even happier to know I thought we should celebrate."

Riley leaned back. "Is that egg rolls I smell?"

"And everything else we love." Hope dashed back to the kitchen to gather the takeout cartons.

"That's my girl." Riley sat down and propped her aching feet up on the chair next to her.

"How bad was it today?" Hope asked.

"It wasn't horrible. Just a lot of new cases." Riley smiled at her. "As long as I can sit down, we can party all night to celebrate."

Hope laughed, shaking her head as she went back to get them something to drink.

"I hope Rapaport appreciate the greatest paralegal in the world."

Riley snorted. "I think they see us all as one entity sometimes." She sighed. "But they have been promising amazing Christmas bonuses this year."

"Good. You deserve it." Hope sat down and began to fill their plates. "I think you should take a cruise or something to reward yourself. You never do anything for you."

"Yes, I do." Riley reached over and took her daughter's hand. "All the little vacations you and I have taken over the years have been wonderful."

"But you always go where I want to." Hope squeezed her hand. "Don't get me wrong, I loved that you did, but I wish now I had realized it sooner so that we could go where you wanted to go."

"Trust me. I loved all those trips to Hershey's Park when you were little." Riley teased. "And Macy's loved that I'd have to buy bigger clothes after gorging myself on chocolate during each visit."

Hope giggled at the memories.

For nearly twenty years, it'd always been just the two of them on their many road trip adventures. Neither would have had it any other way.

Riley sat back and quietly watched her daughter as she told her about what she would be doing at The Met. Her mind drifted to one particular trip she took before her daughter came into the world. Of all the trips she'd taken in her life, she would never regret that one whirlwind of a vacation to Cordonia.

At times though, she wished she had given in to the Beaumont Brother's pleas and remained to discover who had destroyed her chance to be with her Prince Charming. Her heart broke when she heard Liam choose Madeleine over her after having just told Riley he loved her.

After all they shared in that hedge maze, she couldn't go back.

Still, she wondered what would have happened if she had...

As they settled in to eat, a knock sounded at the door.

"That's probably Sean." Hope jumped up. "I'd texted him about my internship."

She rushed over and opened the door.

"Hello." She greeted the two strangers with a warm smile. "May I help you with something?"

Speechless, Liam stared at Hope. It was as if all his memories of Riley had come to life in the young woman in front of him.

Charlotte smiled softly and took over once she saw her father unable to do so. "Does a Riley Brooks live here?"

"She does." Hope turned around. "Hey, Mom? You have some visitors."

She stepped back and invited them in.

Riley came into the living room and stopped short at the sight of Liam.

"Mom?" Hope hurried over when she saw the color drain from her mother's face. "You okay?"

Trembling, Riley sank down on the arm of the loveseat, never once taking her eyes off of Liam.

Swallowing nervously, he stepped toward her.

"Liam?" She said hesitantly.

She did not quite believe he was really in her apartment.

He nodded, his smile coming forth.

"Hello, my love." He held up the Christmas Card. "I finally received this."

Riley covered her mouth with a gasp.

"I never knew, Riley." He took her hands. "If I had, you know I would have been there for you."

Tears fell as she threw herself in his arms.

Hope glanced back at the young lady he'd come in with to see if she had some idea what was going on.

Charlotte's shy smile flashed at her as she held her hand out.

Hope took it with a soft laugh. She was used to her mom being emotional when seeing old friends.

"Hi, I'm Hope."

Tears formed in Charlotte's eyes.

"How ironic."

Hope tilted her head in question over that odd statement.

Charlotte took a deep breath. "I've secretly hoped for a sister each Christmas for as long as I can remember." She beamed at her clueless half sibling. "And at long last, I have one."

[angelasscribbles]

Unbothered

Series: Unbothered

Fandom: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Pairings: Liam x Madeleine, Riley x Drake, Riley x Liam (past, allegedly)

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: adult themes

Word Count: 800

A/N: Completely random and unprovoked. This was just suddenly in my head so I pass it on to you!

My other stuff: Master List.

“This fucking bitch!” Madeline raged under her breath, “Sitting up here like she owns the fucking palace!”

“What was that, Mads? Did you say something?” Riley gave her a self-satisfied smirk.

“Do you have to eat in the sitting room? And could you get your feet off that coffee table? It belonged to Queen Alexandra and has been appraised at over eighty thousand euros!”

“Leave it to you to know the exact dollar amount of every piece of furniture in the palace.” Drake snarked.

“You’re going to get crumbs on the divan, Riley!” Madeleine screeched, ignoring Drake.

“The baby is hungry.” Riley replied with a smug grin, “Liam was very clear that the wellbeing of the heir is of paramount importance.”

“Yes, but does that mean you have to eat in here? We’re meeting with the Norwegian prime minister and his wife in here in fifteen minutes! Get out!”

“Calm down, Madi, before you blow a gasket.” Drake stood lazily to his feet as he stretched.

“Why are you even here, Drake? Don’t you have a stable to muck out or something?”

“Yeah, I don’t do that anymore. I’m a duke now, remember?”

Madeleine rolled her eyes, “How the fuck could I forget? You take every conceivable opportunity to remind me!”

Drake reached his hand out to Riley, “Come on baby, let’s go find you some more snacks in the kitchen.”

“Must be nice to have literally nothing to do all day except lounge around someone else’s home eating all their food.” Madeleine muttered.

“It’s Liam’s house and his food!” Riley reminded her, then she rubbed her belly with a smile, “And Liam’s baby.”

Madeleine turned a deep shade of crimson, “Drake get your wife out of my sight before I lose my patience!”

“Whatever. I’ve lived here longer than you have, Madi. This is my home too!” Drake gave her a disapproving look, “Liam only married you because he was forced and blackmailed into it. He doesn’t love you and he won’t even fuck you. He had to knock up my wife to get the heir that Cordonia needs!”

“And that doesn’t bother you?” Madeleine stared at him with her mouth open. How was he ok with this?

“Eh.” He shrugged, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Right baby?”

Riley went up on her toes to place a kiss on his check, “Right baby. Except when what happens in Vegas is due in November.”

“Oh, there you are, love.” Liam called out as he entered the room.

Madeleine turned to face her husband, but Liam had Riley wrapped up in his arms, brushing her check with a soft kiss, “How are you my little peach? How’s our little nugget?”

“I’m fine, my king, and our baby is doing great!” She tittered as she shot a triumphant look at Madeleine.

Liam held onto her hand as his eyes roved freely over her body, “You’re glowing, love. Pregnancy agrees with you!”

Madeleine stepped closer to Drake, “This….this doesn’t bother you?” She whispered.

“N….no!” He shook his head, “Riley’s my wife. Liam knows that.”

“Does he?”

Drake glanced back at Liam who now had one arm over Riley’s shoulder, whispering something in her ear that made her cover her mouth and giggle. Drake cleared his throat, watching Riley anxiously. She moved her head to find Drake’s eyes and gave him that brilliant smile that always washed all his doubts away. Yeah, she loved him.

“Hey, baby, let’s go back up to our room.” He suggested with a seductive edge to his voice. He would reassure himself with sex, that always worked.

“Yes, go to your room!” Madeleine just wanted them out of there before the Norwegian prime minister and his wife showed up, “Better yet, go to your own house! Why are you even here? You have a whole estate you could be at! Liam gave it to you!”

“Liam wants us here, don’t you?” Riley walked her fingers up his chest.

“Absolutely!” Liam beamed.

“Because I’m your best friend, right?” Drake interjected.

“Right.” Liam reluctantly released Riley as Drake pulled her away from him and into his own arms.

Drake pulled her out the door of the formal sitting room as Liam watched her go with undisguised love and longing on his face.

Madeleine watched Liam watch them leave, seething with annoyance. Drake was completely unbothered by Liam fawning all over his wife. Liam was completely unbothered watching Drake drag her away for middle of the day sex and Riley was completely unbothered by, well, everything!

Madeleine was bothered. She was bothered by all of it. But there was nothing she could do about any of it. She sighed as she drew a hand across her forehead wondering for the eight millionth time if being queen was really worth it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[twinkleallnight]

Isle of Misfits

Chapter 10: Dealing with the Paparazzi.

Fandom: TRR x Platinum x OH x CoP x TNA x ?

Series: Isle of Misfits, Round Robin 24, hosted by @choicesprompts

Characters:

TRR – Liam Rys, Leo Rys, Olivia Nevrakis, Madeleine Amaranth

RoE – Katie Rys

TNA – Sam Dalton

Word count: 1240

The phone pinged.

‘1 new message’

Leo sighed and picked up to read. He was tired of explaining himself to Katie. The world never understood him or his desire to live a care free life. The paparazzi won’t let him breathe. But he thought Katie would understand. She would always know. He had tried to be honest with her, always.

He was struggling to stay abreast sailing through the rough waters when his brother decided to take the corrective action for Leo’s deeds . He was forced into this PR stunt of a circus with his childhood friend, Bertrand, playing the ring master. And as if Gods had not had enough of entertainment, he was paired with his ex, Madeleine! Just perfect!

Coming out of his reverie, he tapped his fingers on the home screen to check the new message .

‘Meet me at the beach restaurant in 10minutes to collect your dossier .

Countess Madeleine .’

“Better than having Sam Dalton as a mentor” he consoled himself. “His brains function through that Rocket in his pocket. At least Madeleine has her head over her shoulders.”

He dragged himself out of his bed. Sharp after 10 minutes he presented himself in front of the Countess.

“What do you plan to do with this?” He lifted the heavy bundle of papers filed into a folder neatly. ‘Prim and proper. So much like Madeleine.’

But Madeleine’s reply was totally off beat. “why you have not shaved?”

Leo shook his head as if trying to decipher. “What?” He moved his fingers through the over grown messy beard.

Madeleine scoffed, “ Let me make it clear Leo. You are constantly under lens.”

“That’s exactly what I don’t want.” He cut her off.

“You were the crown prince.”

“And I abdicated.” He tried to prove his point.

“Doesn’t matter. You can’t change who you are born as.”

“Why?” He pulls his fingers through his sandy blonde hair In frustration.

“Prince Harry abdicated too. But he is always in news.”

Leo scowled, “For heavens sake! Can’t they let me live in peace?”

“Only if you don’t give them chance to rip through your peaceful personal life.” She air quoted.

He nods in agreement. “And I can see, you are here to tell me, how.”

“Now you are talking business.” Madeleine smiled.

Leo closed his eyes for a moment. He had to do this for Katie, for his children. He took a deep breath. “Okay. Tell me what am I supposed to do?”

“You need to look perfect when you walk in public. It shows that you are leading a perfect and happy life.”

Leo smirked, “Yes it’s a very happy life.”

“Make it look like one and I can tell you, they will stop chasing you.”

“Fine! What next?”

“I have appointed a valet for you. He will help with your attire, hair and your over all appearance. You will not leave your room before he checks you.”

Leo rolled his eyes. He had no other option but to accept what was thrown at him.

For the next hour he went back and forth over the plans Madeleine had laid out for him.

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

Bertrand’s office next day

Olivia was seated across Bertrand, discussing their next modus operandi. Olivia had successfully completed her task with Raleigh Carrera and was now assigned to the case of the exiled crown prince, Trystan Thorne, of Drakovia.

An urgent knock on the door brought them to a halt. They both looked at each other. Bertrand voiced, “Come in” , wondering who was their uninvited guest for the meeting .

Leo stormed in and slammed a tabloid onto the desk in front of Bertrand. Olivia stared back at Leo’s fuming face while Bertrand looked in confusion, “ What does this mean?”

“Open and see for yourself.” Leo pointed out his finger.

As soon as Bertrand picked the newspaper and unfolded it, his eyes went wide with shock. Olivia leaned towards him to peer into the news.

The newspaper had images of Leo and Madeleine sitting in a cafe. The first one had Madeleine gleaming at Leo and the second one showed them shaking hands near the exit. The tag line read ‘Former crown prince Leo Rhys, spotted with his ex, Countess Madeleine, at leisure on a private island. Do we smell something burning in Katie Rhys’ sweet home?”

A smile played on Olivia’s lips.

“Seriously?” Leo asked looking at Olivia’s reaction.

“It’s not about you.” She fanned away with her hand.

“From what I can see, it’s definitely about me.” He turned to Bertrand angrily, “This is how you were going to help me save my image and my marriage?”

Olivia spoke instead, “Its not his fault. Madeleine should have been more discreet while planning her meetings.”

Just as on clue, Madeleine stepped inside the office. “Speak for yourself. I know my job well.” She snatched the tabloid from Bertrand’s hand and glanced at the pics, dismissing it in an instant.

She focused on Leo, “ This is the reason I insisted you need to dress up properly. Had you been in a formal attire, this would have been ignored by the media as just another business meeting.”

“Great ! So now it’s all my mistake? You know what my mistake is? Trusting you guys with my future.”

Bertrand replied in a calm note, “I think you are over reacting. It’s just two pics, we can change the flow of events. My PR company can assure you, we are good at turning the waves in your favour.”

Before he completed his sentence, the doors to his office opened with a bang. Drake barged in raging in anger. “The hell you turn things only in your favour. You Beaumonts are the most mean and selfish men walking on this damn planet.” His voice echoed across the halls outside the office.

Bertrand’s eyes roamed behind Drake to check if there were any audience at his doors. He settled his gaze back on Drake. “May I know the reason for this intrusion?”

Drake sneered, “You call yourself CEO of a PR firm yet you don’t have updates of the newsflash on TV channels across Cordonia?”

Bertrand gave Drake an irritated glare and picked up the remote to switch on the flat screen hanging on the wall across his table. The screen brightened up with flashes of red haired lady bouncing on a dance floor. All of them in the room knew that was Olivia but the next few moments left everyone’s mouth hanging open.

Bertrand came into the frame trying to dance. He made some lewd gestures and then grabbed Olivia into a smooch.

Leo and Madeleine jolted back at Bertrand. Even Olivia had shock written all over her face. Definitely she was drunk that she didn’t remember this incident.

Bertrand gulped and fumbled with the remote to switch off the TV. He didn’t want to listen or let others in the room listen to the reporter’s remarks.

“I... I ... I can explain”, he said nervously.

Drake sprinted to him in two steps and held him by collar. “How many times are you going to explain? First my sister, then your back stabbing brother took Riley and now you target my girl friend?”

“Riley is with Max?” The baritone voice from the entrance of the office brought everything to standstill. They all turned to see Liam standing in a thunderstuck state.

Tags : @angelasscribbles @alj4890 @tessa-liam @lizzybeth1986 @3pawandme @annabellewynter @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising0308 @princess-geek @sazanes @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @rubiwalker @703cowbarn @kyra75 @likealotus @kskvb20 @marietrinmimi @aussiegurl1234

[dcbbw]

Commoner, Part 2--Secret

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Word Count: 2,201

Rating: M for Mature themes

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

And me.

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

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

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

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

I’m commoner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo has left both of us.

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

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

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

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

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

Now she can be his dirty little secret.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo always wore Armani.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Open it,” he urges.

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

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

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

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

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

Every word they say sounds just like him

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

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

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

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

I know my place.

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

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

“I’ll see you at breakfast.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leo.

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

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

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

[robotchooses]

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page  

Now and Then

 - Chapter 9-

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU 

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

Turning the Page Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

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

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

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

Words: 2498

Now and Then – 9 

Chapter Summary: Riley and William arrive in Cordonia 

Title & Music Inspiration: 

Now and Then, The Beatles                                       

When You Love Someone, Gretchen Peters, Bryan Adams 

Wherever You Will Go, The Calling 

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

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

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

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

In Flight, Cordonian Royal Jet, above the Mediterranean Sea 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Riley breathed out, shaking her head. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Welcome home, love." 

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

Home... 

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

***

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

"So, Damien, any questions for me?" 

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

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

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

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

"Yes, sir?" 

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

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

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

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

"Thank you, Damien.” 

"My pleasure, sir.” 

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

Cordonia, Capital 

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

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

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

Liam followed, with William sleeping in his arms.  

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

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

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

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

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

"Yes, thank you, Liam." 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What are you thinking about Riley?"  

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

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

"Thank you, Liam." 

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

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

It was soft and gentle, and full of longing. 

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

"I've missed you, Li." 

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

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

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

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

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

"Liam, I..." 

"Shhh." 

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Liam, I ...” 

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

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

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

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