#liam x riley forever

[bebepac]

Garden Party Photo Op

I am participating in @choicesflashfics prompt “ Say that again.... I don’t think I heard you right the first time which will appear in bold

I am also participating in @choiceschallenge-may2023  prompt for vacation.

Without further Ado and it’s been a long time coming since the last update on this series The Life of Riley Book 2:  This is chapter 8 in this series.   

This chapter also contains a companion chapter in Heroes and Villians  called Arch Nemesis

The Book: TRR

The Pairings: Liam x Riley

Rating:  PG

Warnings:  Adult Language

Word Count: 2428

Mood Music Monday Submisson: "When You Believe"  by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey

Summary:  Riley  attends a garden party with a challenge involved to see who will be crowned Cordonia’s Most Photogenic Couple, the prize a weekend vacation to Greece.

Original Post: 05/14/23  at 7:14PM EST. 

A/N: As mentioned any chapter of Life of Riley carrying this callsign 

will have a companion chapter in Heroes and Villains.  The chapters will be similar in plot, but different subjects and perpectives will be focused on, the two chapters together tell a complete story from different vantage points. 

AN2:  I hadn’t planned on updating LOR yet, but I did get a request from the lovely @queenwalton​ as she is a fan of this story line, and it’s a late birthday gift.  So happy belated birthday friend, late but I made it. LOL. 

She smiled when she woke up, stretching out her body while still nestled in the soft plush covers and mattress that felt like she was sleeping on clouds.   Opening her eyes, she glanced around the ornately decorated room. Waking up there every morning, always felt like she was in a dream.  She jumped up, from her bed running  over to the balcony, throwing open the doors, as if she expected the gardens below not to be visible.

  But it was, every single morning.  She had been in Cordonia a little more than three weeks; the ending of the second week at the palace where she was participating in Prince Liam’s social season.  She was living her own Cinderella story thanks to the crown prince of Cordonia Liam Rys, who after spending the night with her in New York, asked her to come visit him in Cordonia for a week, and then asked her to stay. Now this was her life. 

Balls and garden parties, and vying for the hand of a Prince that honestly had already made her life different, and she hadn’t even said the words “I do” yet.

Riley Brooks was not the only one living their own Cinderella story that had Liam to thank.  A young Nicolas Karahalios had everything he owned packed in a duffel bag slung over his shoulder and was standing at the palace gates waiting for entry to live at the palace for the duration of his training. This was different. Previously he was only visiting the palace for training,  now he would be actually staying on site.

“State your full name, and what your business is at the palace.”  

“Karahalios, Nicolas A. I’m beginning level two training for the Kingsguard.”  

The sentry took out a clip board and scrolled through the names.  Nico sighed in relief when the guard picked up a pen and checked his name off the list.

“You're early. Head through those double doors there to take your photo for your level two identification, and from there, you’ll go to uniforms for your cadet training attire.”

“Thank you.”

“Good luck, kid.”  The guard nodded to him, opening the gate.  

“Thank you, Sir!”  Nico slid the strap of his bag up higher on his shoulder and stood in amazement as the palace gates opened for him. He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Nico was officially one step closer to becoming a part of the KingsGuard.  Nico stood tall in front of the wall with the Cordonian Crest

 to take his photograph for his badge.

“Look straight ahead.”  The person instructed him.  Nico smiled.

“Don’t smile in this photo.”

“Oh, sorry.”    

Nico quickly made his face serious and level once more.

“Your badge will be ready in a few minutes.  Since you were the first one here, it won’t be so long,  you can go to uniforms and get settled in, in the cadet dorm, and  don’t look so shell shocked.  You made it this far.”  

“Thank you sir.”  

When Nico finally made it to the cadet dorms, he finally decided to call his mother.

“I made it mama! I’m the first one here.”  

He panned his phone around the room. The first side of the room housed the bunks for sleeping,  the other side  had furniture,  desks, and a huge wide screen television.  

“This is nicer than where you were previously sharing an apartment.”

“And Mama, when I become a guard, I’ll have my own quarters here, in the palace.”

“You can do it Nico.  I know you can.  Thank you for the money you’ve been sending us.  I was able to get Athena a beautiful dress for graduation.”  

“You don’t have to thank me for that, Mama.  It’s what I’m supposed to do.  I’ll be able to take care of you someday.”

“You already do that Nico.  I’m proud of you.”  

“Thank you Mama.  I’ve got to go now , some of the other cadets are here now.”

“And you can't be on the phone with your mother, I understand.”  She chuckled softly.

“It's not that. I love you mama.”  

“Go make friends. I love you too, my sweet little Dianooúmenos." (Egghead)

Nico laughed,

 "Goodbye Mama." disconnecting the call.

His mother didn’t realize this was serious, that no one would really be making friends.   People wanted positions in the guard, and everyone had legacy advantages but him.  He was considered to be the outsider that didn’t belong;

 the only one who didn’t treat him that way was Demitri who preferred to be called Dima for short. Dima was the closest person to a friend he had of the cadets.  Nico had already claimed a top bunk for himself. Dima decided on the one next to him. Nico worked twice as hard as the others, and Dima was at his heels.

After Nico had unpacked, he changed into his workout clothes.

“What are you about to do?”  

“Take a run around the wall.”  (The Palace perimeter)

“Want company?”  

“Sure.”  

As they walked out of the dormitory room, Dima looked at him.  

“You know, you’re not the only one with something to prove, Nico.”

“Say that again... I don’t think I heard you right the first time.”

“It’s easy to ride on someone’s coattails, but making your own path is a lot more difficult.  More people should try it.  You and I are really more alike than we are different, you know.”

“Good to know.”  

Riley

“Come in Maxwell!”  Riley said when she heard his knock.  

Maxwell smiled as he walked through the door.

“You know, we have to stop meeting this way.”  

Maxwell laughed  but the door remained open for Bertrand to walk through.   Riley tried to hide her annoyance.

“Yes Bertrand, what did I do wrong now?”  

He looked her over.  

“Nothing that I can tell as of yet, but you did just wake up, which already means you have a late start.”  

“Still getting used to the time difference.”  

“That didn’t matter last night when you were at the dive bar drinking with Drake Walker acting like you’re still a college student.”  

“You’re acting like Maxwell wasn’t there too.”

“Little Blossom! Way to throw me under the bus!”

“I feel like I'm the only one taking this whole arrangement seriously, keeping you two in check is like herding cats.”  

“Meow.”  

Maxwell chuckled.  

“Do not encourage her Maxwell.”  

“Don’t encourage me Maxwell. You know how that antagonizes him.”  Riley imitated Bertrand’s voice.   Bertrand eyed her, shaking his head.  

“Today’s itinerary is simple.  You will be having lunch in the garden.   All suitors must wear white dresses for the suitor photo shoot.”

“Good thing I’m not surfing the crimson wave this week.”

“The crimson what?  Lady Riley if you are referring to feminine concerns…”  

“Or the monthly monster.”  

“RAWR!!!!!!”  Maxwell yelled, causing the both of them to break out into fits of giggles.

“You two!!! Stop it! I mean it.”  

Maxwell cleared his throat.

“We are very sensitive to those types of things, right Bertrand?  It’s a part of life women must deal with.”    

“This is true Lady Riley, if there is anything you need in that department,  I’m sure Maxwell can handle that for you.”

Bertrand straightened his tie taking  a deep breath to continue his conversation.

“Getting back on task, the purpose of the suitor photo shoot is to upload your candid photo with Prince Liam to the Crown’s social media website so the people can be part of the voting for Most Photogenic Couple.  You need to head to your appointment in the boutique.”

“It’s not needed, I have a  dress for the event, Bertrand.”

Betrand laughed out loud.  

“With all due respect Lady Riley, I’ve looked at your social media, and I seriously doubt anything you brought from New York with you, when you were and I quote ‘living my best life YOLO club hopping with my bae’  would hardly suffice for a upscale luncheon with His Royal Highness and the King and Queen. Maxwell, talk some sense into her.”  

Once Bertrand had left, Maxwell peered at Riley.

“Little Blossom….”  

“Trust me Maxwell, I have the perfect dress for the garden party.  I just need to get a steamer, and I can steam it myself to remove any wrinkles it has. I promise, I will look amazing.”

“I trust you.”  

Even though Liam had offered the Beaumonts funding for Riley’s social season expenses, she always felt if she could avoid spending Liam’s money, she would.  She did have the perfect dress.  It  was snow white and ethereal, gently clung to her curves in the right places, and flowy in all the others. Once steamed and after she had straightened her hair but used her curling iron to create loose waves.  Since it was almost time for her next batch of white roses from Liam to be delivered, she decided to use the current ones to make a garland of roses for her hair, making sure she saved one for something special for Liam. She wanted the whole world to know that she belonged there too.

Liam was absolutely awestruck when he saw her walking towards the party, heading in her direction, him stopping her at  the garden archway.  

The way he stared at her made her feel special and desired.  Liam never gazed at anyone with the level of intention in his eyes.  

After speaking for a few minutes, and the Prince pulling her close to him for a few moments, she continued on to the gardens,  meeting up with Hana first.  

“I’m so glad you’re here Lady Riley.”

“You know me,  fashionably late but always in fashion.”  Riley giggled. “I really like your dress.”

“Yours too! Where did you get it?  There was nothing like it in the boutique.”  

“It’s actually a dress I brought here from home.”

“It’s really pretty, I would have never known. You’ll have a really pretty picture with Prince Liam, with your dress and hair blowing in the wind.”  

“That’s the plan!”  

“Shall we go and grab a seat?”  

“Lets, my dogs are barking!”

“Okay Penelope.” Hana commented with a giggle.

As they turned  to take the first steps to start heading towards the suitor’s table, Olivia passed in front of Riley stepping on her foot.

Riley could not contain the curse words that tumbled from her mouth.  She was afterall A New Yorker through and through.  She was able to use curse words just as fragrant as a painter could make a picture on canvas come to life.  

“And that’s why you should be wearing heels and not dollar store sandals.”  

Riley decided not to engage the Scarlet Diva anymore at that moment, but the reckoning was coming.  She had to wait a bit for the crowd to calm down and It was time for lunch, and time for a little payback.  

She decided to survey the serving tables before she enacted her revenge, and let’s be for real, Olivia had it coming.  Riley strategically started heaping food on her plate in a haphazard fashion.  Anything soupy with a sauce made it to her plate, and to drink? The biggest glass she could find was filled to the brim with red wine.  

Target acquired.  Riley made her way back to her seat with her plate that was heaping with food and her larger than life glass of red wine, when she passed by Olivia, she feigned slipping dropping the glass of wine over her head.  

Direct Hit!

“Whoops!”  Riley exclaimed.

Olivia gasped, jumping up, grabbing her arm.  Riley again slipped as if the ground where the wine had fallen off of Olivia had made the grass slippery and her plate of food somehow left her hands, landing all over Olivia’s dress.  

Flawless Victory!

“My apologies, Duchess Olivia!!!!  It looks like I got your whole dress there. Clumsy me!!!”

She leaned into  Olivia with a smirk.  “Must be those cheap dollar store sandals not providing much traction on the grass.”

The Scarlet Duchess’s face was in fact scarlet and she left the garden party humiliated.  

Riley went back in line and got her actual plate of food, finally making it to her place next to Hana once more.

Hana’s eyes were wide and unblinking.  “I really wasn’t expecting you to do that. But I’m glad you did.  She gets away with so much, I’m glad you stand up to her and for yourself.”

“Don’t let her.  All of you guys could stand up for yourselves too, and not let her get away with the things she does.”  

“That’s just not how it’s done here.”  

“Well, it is now.”

Riley glanced across the way, Liam was smiling, shaking his head at her.  Riley smiled back, shrugging her shoulders resulting in Liam’s smile to widen even more.  

Photo Op Time

As Liam posed and took pictures with the other suitors, there were some nice photos in the bunch but they all lacked something special.  Riley went last, and as she walked in the Prince’s direction 

his smile brightened and his eyes twinkled. His world stopped.

“Natural chemistry has  finally entered the chat.”  

Riley fell into a deep curtsy looking up at Liam as she held out one of the roses she had clipped. 

“A matching rose for you Your Highness for your lapel, for our picture together.”  

“That’s a lovely gesture Lady Riley.”  

After placing the rose, Riley straightened it.  “Perfect.”

Riley faced the Prince for her photo as all the suitors before had done.  But once their eyes met, there was no denying the electric sexually charged energy of the two together.  Neither heard the snap of the camera until Ana De Luca spoke.

“Wow, that was a great picture, but I don’t think the people are ready for a photo with this much raw heat to it.”  

“I request a copy of that one Ana.”

She nodded.  “You two don’t even need to face each other to create chemistry, it happens on its own.”  

Before Ana could actually direct them Liam and Riley fell into a pose different from all the suitors before.  

“There it is.   Perfect.  This picture displays " The Royal Romance.”  

All the suitors' pictures with Liam were touched up and uploaded to the Crown’s social media website for voting.  

Riley’s picture with Liam won by a landslide, meaning she would be going to Greece with Liam; the man she loves. The girl that had come from lowly beginnings being adopted, and losing everything she had to  meeting a kind attractive stranger was now around the world getting stamps on a passport she never thought she would fill, living her best life.

Cinder - fucking - rella  in the house or should we say castle?

Just Breathe....

[http-paprika]

I love your stories so much lemme tell you I binge read all of em and I wanted to ask if maybe you could write a ghost x wife reader where he has a nightmare about losing them

In With the Rain | Simon "Ghost" Riley

My first-ever request, aren't I such a lucky gal! Anyways, this took forever for me to get around to writing, sorry. This was also a difficult request to answer because I know others have done stories similar. So, if there are any similarities, it purely by coincidence. Enjoy!

wc: 719 pairing: simon "ghost" riley x f!reader warnings: brief mentions of violence, gore, and death; along with way too much angst. includes: ghost being a caring father and husband.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The storm outside raged loudly like the one inside of Simon’s mind. He couldn’t distinguish between the beating of rain against the bedroom window and the spray of builts piercing against him.

Screaming, searing pain beat into him as the battle in his mind ran loose. The line between reality and delusion thins as the distinctive smell of iron violently rips through his senses, and the warm liquid seeps through his gear and clothes. The crumpled figure in his arms clings to him with what little strength it has, his wife's battered and beaten remains. His love, the person who’d pulled him through so many storms before, a firm foundation that has been reduced to broken skin and bones. It aches in his body, the feeling of her heart losing its rhythm, and the slowing of her breath. Like a knife through his chest, through all the layers of ice he’d built to prevent something like this from happening. 

“Y/N! God! Y/N!” Simon wants to scream, but his voice comes out hoarse as if he’s been screaming for her for hours. Hot tears stream down his face, clinging to his mask and falling onto her discolored skin. How could he have done this to her? In his mind, Simon always feared he’d be her downfall, her upcoming, but this was worse than he’d ever dreamed.

 Cracking thunder against the sky jolts him awake, like the shockwave of a bomb ringing through his ears, heightening his heart rate. The battlefield had dissolved around him, he was no longer stranded in some horrific, unforgiving place, but in the safety of his townhouse. The sheets have been kicked to the end of the bed Simon shares with his wife, his hand reaches to his right, searching desperately for her body and warmth. But the bed is empty, only keeping remnants of her warm and an indentation of where her body had laid. 

 Almost falling out of bed, he stumbles through the room, not giving a second glance to his disheveled state as he passes the mirror. He searches with vigor through the house, in the bathroom, in his son’s bedroom, in the office, all through the rooms but Simon can’t find her, the house is an empty shell with no one but him. 

 Standing in the kitchen, his body shakes with fear after being unable to find her or their son. Were they gone? Disappearing from his life and taking his security with them. But the light from the back porch catches his attention, Simon could’ve sworn he’d turned it off before retiring for the night. His hand reaches the handle, and the door which he’d most definitely locked, creaks open. Stepping out, where the rain is no longer muffled by the outside, his eyes finally fall on her. She’s curled up on the lounger, their son tucked in the crook of her arms. 

 “Y/N?” She uncurls herself enough to turn and stare at Simon, eyes drooping from an evident lack of sleep. “What’re you doing out here?” 

 “Liam wasn’t sleeping, and you know the rain calms him down.” He nods at her statement, stepping and sitting at the foot of the lounge chair. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.” 

“S’not your fault.” Simon sighs, rubbing his face before returning to look at their infant child. “Thought you were gone for a moment.” 

“Oh–” Y/N frowns, knowing what he’d meant. It’d been some time since he’d had one of those dreams, the last few times being right after Liam was born. “Well, we’re still here. We’re not going anywhere, Simon.” 

 “I know, I shouldn’t worry you with my problems.” He responds, putting a hand on her knee. “Sorry.” 

 “You know you don’t have to apologize to me about that, I’m your wife. You’re allowed to tell me when you’re worried or afraid.” She reminds him, repositioning Liam so that she can place a hand on top of Simon’s. “I’m here for you, don’t ever forget that.” 

 “Thank you. I could never ask for more.” A smile ghosts Simon’s face as he looks back at her. Knowing, truly knowing that she was there for him, and she was safe. As long as he was alive, they’d be safe. And those nightmares would never be anything more than that. 

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page

Because I Love You - 7 -

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 : 2450

Because I Love You – 7 

Chapter Summary: Liam and Riley spend their first day as a family with William. A threat is revealed in Cordonia, while security is tightened in New York. Liam is called back to Cordonia.

Music Inspiration: When You Say Nothing at All, Alison Kraus & Union Station 

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#62, prompt #1 - “Forever means nothing to me if I don’t get to spend it with you.” 

A/N3: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Holiday Prompt #18 - “If you throw that snowball, you’re declaring war.” 

A/N4: My submission for @choicesdecember2023, prompt, Food and Feasts - ‘National cocoa day.’ #choices monthly challenge 

A/N5: My submission for Choices Holidays Prompt Event, @angelasscribbles @choicesholidays, Week 3, “This is definitely going to land me on your naughty list.”

A/N6: My submission for Holiday Prompts 2023, prompt – Snowball Fight – Building a snowman. 

Brooklyn Heights, New York City 

The snow had drifted up against the patio door throughout the evening and continued to pile up as the new day began. 

William looked up and gasped. "It's snowing! Look, Mama, ... loooooooook!" 

Riley sauntered over to the glass door and gazed out at the beautiful sight. "It is snowing, LiLi. You are so right!" 

"Can we go outside and play, Mama? ...Pweeeeeze?" 

"Not yet sweetheart, it's still too early. But, maybe later today, the snow should still be falling." 

William grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Yay!" 

"You can show me all your favorite places outside in the snow." Liam chimed in, walking up to stand beside Riley with his coffee.

"Daddy, can you make a snowman with me?" 

"Yes, I can. In fact, I'm a snowman-making expert." Riley's eyebrow shot up quickly turning to see a smirking Liam beside her.

"Really? Wow." William excitedly clapped his hands. Riley smiled warmly at William's reaction, which mirrored closely with Liam's expression of delight.

"Yes, I have a special way of making them. Do you want me to show you how?" 

"Yes, Daddy, please!" 

Riley giggled, shaking her head. “Snow in the Capital?” 

“Not the Capital, but it was always snowing in Lythikos.”  Liam quipped back with a grin.

Liam whispered, “... and Mama can help too.” Liam smiled affectionately at Riley, softly stroking her cheek with his thumb. 

“But first, I would like to show you a train set at the toy store in the city! Would you like that, William?" 

"Yes, yes, yes! I want to go see the train." William excitedly bounced in his chair. Liam grinned, captivated by the joy in his son's expression.  

"Alright, let's finish our breakfast, and then we can get ready to go. We can also pick up some hot cocoa and marshmallows along the way." 

William squealed in delight. “Oh yes, Daddy.” 

Riley’s shoulders shook uncontrollably, with her laughter barely held. 

“You are having way too much fun, Li.” 

Liam bashfully looked at Riley and winked. “I will have Bastien prepare the car. We can go as soon as it gets here.” 

“Okay, little man. Let’s get you ready to go.” Riley walked to pick up William from his toddler chair as Liam made the arrangements. 

*** 

After visiting F.A.O. Schwarz in Rockerfeller center, as promised, Liam took Riley and William for a hot cocoa treat while admiring the huge Christmas tree in the center court. 

As they walked along the bustling streets of New York, Liam could not help but smile at how much fun his son was having, and truth be told, so was he. They had visited the toy store, where Liam had bought him a set of toy trains, and stealthily selected more toys for Christmas morning for William.

William was in awe of the trains, and he had insisted on carrying the bag personally all the way to the café by himself. 

As they entered, the waitress smiled warmly at them, and Riley was grateful for the privacy that being with the King afforded. She did not need any extra attention from onlookers. 

"Good afternoon, folks. What can I get for you?" 

Liam turned to Riley, "we will all have hot cocoa, with whipped cream and marshmallows."  

“That sounds delicious …yes, please.” Riley agreed. 

The waitress nodded, "you got it." 

As she walked away, Liam turned to Riley, "thank you, Riley." 

"For what?" 

"For letting me be part of William's life. I now know that I can't imagine not having him in my life." 

"I'm glad, Li. He's a very special little person." 

"He is. Just like... his mother." 

Riley blushed, "you're sweet." 

"Not as sweet as you." 

"Stop, Li," Riley laughed, shaking her head. 

"Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we go to the park after this? We can build a snowman." 

"That sounds wonderful. LiLi will love it." 

"… and later, I was thinking just the two of us," Liam suggested, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "We have a lot of catching up to do."

"Oh...that sounds nice too." Riley smiled coyly. 

The waitress returned with their drinks, and they spent the next hour talking and laughing, enjoying each other's company. When they were done, Liam paid the bill, and they headed out into the crisp, winter air. 

"It's a date then?!" Liam continued to watch William. 

"It's a date." Riley confirmed. “Oh, yeah?” Liam beamed. 

“Yeah,” Riley confirmed, squeezing his hand. 

"I meant what I said earlier, Riley. I want to be a part of your lives, both yours and William's. 

As they continued to stroll, Liam reached out and took Riley's hand in his, a feeling of contentment washing over him. 

"I know, Li. And we want you in our lives too." 

"Good. Because now that I have you back in my life.... I want us to be a family." 

"I love you too, Liam." 

"Forever means nothing to me if I don't get to spend it with you." 

Central park was beautiful, covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow, and Riley could not help but smile as she watched Liam playing with William. The two were building a snowman, and William was giggling and squealing with delight. 

"Do you like it, William?" Liam asked, grinning. 

"I love it, Daddy." 

Liam's heart warmed at the sound of the word, and he scooped up his son, twirling him around. "I love it, too, LiLi." 

"Daddy, look, the snowman needs arms." 

"It does. What should we do?" William picked up two twigs and poked them in to its sides.

"Can we throw snowballs at the snowman nowe, Daddy?" Liam laughed. 

"Of course, we can. Whatever you would like." 

Liam put William down and helped him scoop up a handful of snow, showing him how to shape it into a ball. Then, they began to throw the snowballs at the snowman, laughing and enjoying each other's company. 

As they played, Riley couldn't help but feel her heart swell with love and happiness. It was a sight she would never forget, and she knew that their lives together were just beginning. 

"Riley, watch out!" 

Riley turned to see a snowball hurtling towards her, and she ducked just in time, laughing. "Hey, that's not fair, you two!" 

Liam and William looked at each other, trying to hide their giggles, and Riley picked up a handful of snow, forming a snowball. 

"If you throw that snowball, you're declaring war."  

Liam ducked as her snowball flew past him.  

They shrieked with laughter, running around and chasing each other. As the sun began to set, Liam picked up his son and kissed his forehead and pulled Riley close. 

“This is definitely going to land me on your naughty list.” 

"Would that be a bad thing, Li?" 

"God, no!"  

Liam put William down and held his hand out for Riley, pulling her in close to his side. 

"And I love you, my love," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her. 

Riley melted into his kiss, savoring the moment, knowing that this was only the start. 

** 

Liam stood up and turned away from the fireplace after starting a warm glow, heading into the kitchen. Riley had prepared a feast of pasta, meatballs, and salad.

"Dinner's ready," she called out.

"Smells delicious."

"Hopefully, it tastes as good."

"William is fast asleep on the sofa. Let me get him into his bed."

"Okay, Liam, thank you."

They sat down and dug into their meal, both enjoying the warmth of the fire and the comfort of being together. Liam couldn't help but marvel at how normal things seemed.

As they ate, Liam cleared his throat, "I spoke to Leo earlier."

"Oh?" Riley's heart started to race, knowing that Liam will eventually have to go back home to Cordonia.

"We need to get back to the Capital."

Liam looked at Riley, his heart filled with love and sadness. "I wish I didn't have to leave you and William." 

As Liam looked st Riley, his heart tightened.

"Liam, is something wrong?"

"No, everything 's fine. Just a lot on my mind."

"Me too, Li. But we'll be waiting for you here." 

"I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise." 

"I know." 

"Wait!" Riley untangled her arms from Liam and ran to the kitchen. 

When his guard appeared at the door, Liam leaned in to kiss Riley goodbye, he could not help but think about all the moments they had shared together over the past few days. It was a bittersweet moment, and he couldn't help but feel a tug at his heart. 

"Ri, what are you doing?" 

"Just wait, you’ll see, Li." 

A few moments later, Riley returned, carrying a twig of mistletoe. 

“Ahhhh, I see.” Liam watched Riley with amusement as Riley was trying to figure out a place to attach it. 

"There. Now we can have our Christmas kiss." 

Liam laughed, "You' dont have to bribe me, love." ...as the mistletoe twig fell to the floor. 

"I know. You've mentioned it a few times." 

"Well, it's true." 

Liam picked up the mistletoe and held it over their heads, grinning. "My future queen." 

"My king." 

Liam gently wrapped his hand around her cheek as he tugged her close. They shared a passionate kiss, both of their hearts aching with the thought of separation. 

"I love you, Riley. With everything that I am." 

"And I love you, Liam. ....so much."

As they pulled away, Liam tucked the mistletoe in his pocket, determined to bring a piece of their love story back with him to Cordonia. 

"Take care of yourself, Riley. I will be back as soon as I can." 

"Stay safe, Liam." 

With one final look, Liam left the brownstone, his heart heavy.

Moroccan Royal Palace

The heat from the Moroccan sun was stifling, as Madeleine sat on the outdoor terrace reading the latest news from Cordonia. Looking up, she saw a familiar face walking towards her. 

"Father ..." Duke Godfrey had a grim look on his face. 

"The council has just received word that King Liam has been spotted in America with a woman and a child. He has a son." 

Madeleine's eyes widened, "with her? That cannot be true." 

"Apparently, it is. You know what this means, Madeleine." 

"Yes. Our plan has failed. We must change course. 

"How do you propose we do that?" 

"Liam has made his choice, and now we must make ours. There is only one way forward." 

"And what is the next step in our plan, father?" 

Madeleine smirked, "I couldn't agree more." 

"We must ensure that no one stands in the way of the succession of the true heir, your son." 

"How do you suggest we do that?" 

"It seems we will have to remove them from the equation. Permanently." 

Madeleine smiled coldly, "I've been waiting a long time for this. Let's get started." 

As the sun set over the Moroccan desert, Madeleine stood on the terrace, surveying the landscape, thinking.

Brooklyn Heights, New York City

Riley was startled when Bastien showed up at her door, but she couldn't say she was surprised. After everything that had happened, she had expected Liam to take extra precautions. 

"Your Majesty has sent a team of security personnel to protect you and young William." 

"Oh. I see.

"I apologize if it's an intrusion, but the King wants to ensure your safety and that of the Crown Prince.." 

"It's not an intrusion, and I appreciate the gesture. Thank you, Bas." 

What Riley wasn't expecting was the added security of Interpol.

Leo had also arranged for his Interpol contact, Damien Nazario, to oversee Riley and William's security when Liam has to return to Cordonia as an added precaution.

When Riley opened the door, she was greeted by a tall, muscular man with dark hair and a serious expression. 

"You must be Riley. I'm Damien Nazario. Your security detail." 

Cordonian Royal Palace

He shook his head, trying to focus on the task at hand. He had a lot to discuss with Olivia, and he didn't have time to get lost in his thoughts. 

As Liam stepped off the plane, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had missed Cordonia, but there was a big part of him that wished he could have brought back Riley and William with him.

But it was too early for that.

Something felt off. 

As he entered the palace, he was greeted by a familiar face. 

"Your Majesty, it's good to see you," Olivia said, smiling. 

"Likewise, Olivia. Shall we head to my office?" 

"Of course." 

As they entered his office, Liam's eyes landed on a letter that had been placed on his desk. 

As they walked through the halls of the palace, Liam could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. It was a strange sensation, and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. 

"What's this?" 

Olivia's eyes widened, "I have no idea. I didn't see anyone leave anything." 

Liam picked up the letter, and as he read its contents, his blood ran cold. 

"What is it, Liam?" 

Thanks for reading!

📌All fics & edits: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae0093 @charlotteg234

📌Liam x Riley, MC /OTP @jared2612 @irisk12 @thesvnsins @walkerdrakewalker

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

📌Liam x Sophie @charlotteg234

📌Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesdecember2023 @choicesholidays

[kristinamae093]

Ghosted

Ghosted - Altering Visions (Chapter Eleven)

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 f!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.

A/N 2 - It's been a while 🥲. Here's hoping it doesn't take me another six months to post the next chapter 😬🫡.

PSA it's a long one. Whoops, lol.

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Liam fluttered his eyes open a short time later and squinted them against the harsh, blinding light blocking his view. When he took a deep breath, a distinct, stale aroma invaded his senses; it sparked some kind of recognition even before he could fully view his surroundings. He slowly sat up with a groan and blinked until his vision centered. He glanced around and noticed the outdated wood panels, along with the oval shape of the sconces. There was only one estate in all of Cordonia with those outdated features, and he noted that fact immediately. 

Panic flourished through his body as Liam realized he awoke in Applewood. 

He frantically stood with labored breaths and patted his abdomen, almost to ensure he was real. He pinched his thigh and winced, afterward placing a trembling hand on the wall to steady himself. His mind raced as he tried to comprehend what transpired and how he’d gotten there to begin with.

The events of the night suddenly invaded his thoughts. The image of a lifeless Penelope in Landon’s arms engraved and forever etched itself into his memory; he felt guilty, enraged, defeated, and a slew of other emotions.

Penelope was the big break they’d hunted high and low for. She held vital information Liam desperately needed, but seemingly would take her secrets to the grave with her. He couldn’t understand any of it — nothing made sense. The list of unanswered questions swirling around was enough to make him nauseous. A carousel of sorrow and confusion he couldn’t seem to slow down — no matter how hard he tried. 

Amid his tilt-a-whirl moment, an angelic voice rang out not far away, drawing him back to the present. “Who are you? What are you doing here?” 

Liam’s thundering heart suddenly stopped as recognition swept over him. He’d been so entrapped in his thoughts, he hadn't even noticed what portion of the estate he was in. 

Only a few inches away was a door he remembered all too well — Riley’s. His eyes welled with tears as his vision centered on the structure, but as much as Liam wanted to rush to her, he physically couldn’t. The receptors in his brain went crazy — a jolt of electricity shot to his legs, demanding he move, but his feet weighed hundreds of pounds. Dazed and confused, he could only gawk at the blockade separating them. 

“Lady Riley, we have much to discuss — have a seat,” another individual answered. Liam knew it was a male but couldn’t place his identity; although it sounded familiar, as if he could remember it from a vague, distant memory. 

“Tell me who you are and what the hell you’re doing here!” Liam’s blood ran cold at Riley’s tone; the fear and adrenaline were prominent in her shaky voice. His breaths quickened and his instincts screamed to rush to her, but again, his feet refused to cooperate. 

“That wasn’t a request — I told you to have a seat.” Again, Liam swore he could recall that voice, but couldn’t fully register it. He thought about it for a split second until the sounds of a loud screech and a shatter echoed behind the door. 

“Don’t touch me!” Riley hollered, instantly breaking Liam’s trance. He lunged for the doorknob, but when he twisted his wrist, it snapped and turned to dust in his palm. The disintegrated fragments floated to the floor in slow motion, his heart following suit. 

“You’re so beautiful when you squirm.” Liam gasped as he fully recognized that person — it was Tariq. “But if you don’t fucking stand still–”

“Riley! RILEY!” Liam forcefully pounded on the structure. “Open this door! Open it, goddamnit!” He bellowed, but the commotion inside continued, escalating by the second. The next instant, he sprinted down the hall, frantically hunting for somebody — anybody — to get him inside that room. “I need some help!” He hauled over to the other side and yelled once more, but faced only cold, deserted silence. 

His vision darted all around the area before he spotted a window at the end of the seemingly never-ending hallway. Liam sprinted to it and gazed at the scene below. Outside, he could see the country jamboree still in full swing. He scoured the crowd and spotted everyone except Riley; Drake, Hana, Madeleine, and upon further inspection, he saw himself at the head table beside his father. He stumbled backward with a strangled breath, truly dumbfounded by what was going on. 

As Liam recovered, he re-approached the window and banged on it. “Hey! Hey!” He wailed, but nobody below batted an eye. His hits came harder and harder, but the glass never even cracked; his hand took the damage, although he felt no pain. 

The only thing he heard was Riley’s pleas for help, the sounds making his desperation grow by the second. He rushed back to the door and ran full force at it, using his shoulder as a battering ram; it wouldn’t budge. He repeated the process — again and again — but never even split the wood. Liam let out a primal wail and fisted his hair, taking deep breaths to preserve any semblance of sanity. His pulse thundered in his ears and tears stung the corners of his eyes, while he frantically determined what to do.   

He took a step back and realized there was a shadow cast over the doorway. It appeared to be a man, standing with his arms crossed. He wasn’t sure if it was there before, but Liam waved his hand and nothing changed the stony silhouette. The fixture remained cemented in place, not flinching or moving a muscle, regardless of the commotion developing beyond.

“LIAM!” Riley suddenly screamed, ripping him from his trance. He was up against the structure in an instant, using every ounce of strength he had to force his way through, but his attempts were futile. Riley repeatedly called for him and every time, a dagger went straight through Liam’s already hollowed-out chest.

He couldn’t control his overflowing tears at hearing her cry out for him. No matter what he did, he couldn’t get inside; they wouldn’t acknowledge him, nobody came to help, and there was nothing he could do except sit and listen. With a loud sob, he slid down the door and sat in front of it, hoping at some point it would open and he could get to her. 

Riley’s whimpers continued throughout the vicinity, but Liam’s skin turned ice cold as he heard laughter inside; not Riley’s, and certainly not cheerful. The vile sound caused all the color to drain from his face. He leaned his head against the door and completely broke down, letting the devastation and defeat wash over him. 

“I — I’m sorry Riley…” He swallowed thickly, but soon let out an anguished cry. “I’m so sorry…”

The room went eerily quiet for a long while; Liam couldn’t hear much except the sound of his heart shattering, but eventually, the voices began once more. With a shuddered breath, he held his ear up to listen. 

“When will I receive payment?” Tariq questioned. 

“You don’t need to worry about that. Where you’re going, you won’t need it.” 

“W–what do you mean?! I did what I was called to do!” Tariq’s panic was clear to Liam, even without seeing his face. His pulse somehow thundered faster, carefully processing every word.

“There is too much at stake — more than your simple mind could ever understand. For this to work, you need to disappear. You’re a weak, pathetic excuse of a man — we can not risk this entire operation being ousted because of a lousy nuisance.” 

“I swear to it — you have my allegiance and my silence.” Tariq pleaded. “I will disappear, and—” 

“You’re going to, alright — the both of you.” 

What little color remaining in Liam’s complexion drained, and the shakiness in his hands amplified. After a split-second of complete and utter stillness, the phrase resonated and ignited a deadly determination within.

Liam sprung up and kicked the door with all his might. “LET ME IN!” He repeated the process, but again, the barrier showed no signs of weakening. He threw his fists at the structure in a mad frenzy — anything to get inside and get to Riley, then deal with this — man. 

“Liam! Liam! LIAM!” Leo yelled. He repetitively jabbed the button next to Liam's head to summon the nurse, as his brother flailed in his hospital bed. 

Liam was being monitored for dehydration, severe exhaustion, and a touch of malnutrition. Doctors said he had a panic attack, which combined with everything else, made him lose consciousness. All his labs came back normal, thankfully; Leo was worried someone could have slipped Liam something, but the hospital was quick to put that suspicion to rest. 

Since Liam arrived, he had been resting comfortably, but that changed about twenty minutes ago; it started with small groans and subtle movements, but soon turned into blood-curdling cries and forceful thrashes. Leo hoped he would wake himself, but Liam was getting drastically worse with every passing second. 

Liam suddenly flew forward with a loud gasp. His tearful eyes darted all around the room while he grabbed at his gown-covered body. As the world centered, a tidal wave of frustration and confusion washed over him. 

When Liam stopped and stared down at his clasped hands, Leo cautiously re-approached the bed. “Liam?” When he didn’t answer, Leo spoke a little louder. “... Li?”

“I was there.” Liam weakly croaked, his vision locked on his lap.

Leo’s brows furrowed. “Where?” 

“I heard it.”

“Heard what?”

“Riley…” Liam whispered, followed by a shuddered breath.  

“What about her?” 

“I was there… th–that night… just n–now—” Liam stammered, struggling to make sense of the situation. “I couldn’t get in…”

Leo’s heart instantly shattered at seeing the devastation in Liam’s features. “They gave you some medication, Li.” He reasoned. “It’s possible that—”

“I KNOW WHAT I HEARD!” Liam bellowed. The nurse appeared next to him and attempted to speak, but he shouted, “GET OUT!” 

Leo lifted his hands in surrender. “I believe you, Liam… Tell me what happened.” 

“She yelled for me…” Liam faintly answered, refusing to make eye contact. “She yelled and screamed and — I couldn’t get inside, Leo... I tried, but — I — I… I couldn’t save her…” 

Leo took a deep breath to gather his thoughts and responded in a calm, reassuring voice. “Liam, it’s been a long couple of days and I know this has been incredibly rough on you–” 

“STOP PATRONIZING ME! I KNOW WHAT I HEARD!” 

Leo remained reluctant to entertain this idea. He knew Liam was dreaming, but at that moment, he was completely irrational. Leo had never seen him in such a way, even when his mother died. Given the past couple of weeks, the events of that night, and the medication, there was no rationalizing with him — Liam was spiraling, and bad. But perhaps if he entertained the notion — for now — Liam would eventually calm down.  

Leo carefully spoke. “What did you hear?” 

Liam stayed silent for a long moment before he turned his head to meet eyes with Leo. The look on Liam’s face slightly took him aback; the determination in his features was deadly — his sunken, puffy eyes were nearly black. 

Liam let out a long, sharp huff of air and sternly explained, “There were two male voices. I can say with confidence one was Tariq, but as far as the other, I — I don’t know…” He shook his head with furrowed brows as he racked every recollection in his brain. He could almost visualize the man in question, but his face appeared blurred and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t clear the fog. 

“Alright, well, let’s just take a minute to—”

“They were fucking laughing, Leo. They assaulted her and laughed about it.” Liam growled, his chest rising and falling with every sullen breath. “I want Tariq found, now. He’s going to pay for ever laying a fucking finger on her. I swear to God, Leo — I will put an end to his sorry existence with my bare hands.” He clenched his palms, squeezing hard enough to turn his knuckles white. 

Leo once again held his hands up in surrender and replied in a soft voice. “I believe you. Just — take a couple of deep breaths and try to relax—” 

“What if she didn’t leave Cordonia?” Liam suddenly blurted out. “What if she’s…” He trailed off, swallowing thickly. No part of him wanted to finish that statement in any fashion; the unending possibilities gave him instant nausea. “That man… he said, ‘where you’re going you won’t need it’, and then h–he said both of you... BOTH OF YOU, Leo!” He ran his palms over his head from front to back, repeating the process with a crazed look in his eye. 

Leo opened his mouth to speak, but Liam swiftly continued. “It would make sense… Tariq has been untraceable… But–but Riley…. She — Bastien told me she went back to New York. But that person… I know I heard him say it… Where you’re going you won’t need it, where you’re going you won’t need it—” He repeated to himself, his voice diminishing with every anguished syllable. He clutched his hands into fists and forcefully yanked at his hair, rocking himself back and forth. 

“Li,” Leo cautiously started. When Liam whipped his head to look at him, Leo was once more temporarily shocked by the fury and turmoil staring back at him; he realized Liam was hastily elevating himself to a dangerous level. “We can’t jump to conclusions… Okay? Let’s just take a deep breath and try to calm down—” 

“Don’t tell me to calm down, Leo! I KNOW WHAT I HEARD!” Liam shouted as he ripped the IV from his arm, the pain not even phasing him. He ditched the rest of his connections shortly after and dashed out of bed. “Where are my CLOTHES?”

“I’m not saying you didn’t,” Leo reasoned as he followed his brother’s movements. “All I’m suggesting is that we take a step back and really think about this—” 

“I’m tired of taking a step back! Look where that’s gotten us!” Liam seethed. “There is so much goddamn blood on my hands! I let her get hurt! I am responsible for all of this madness—” 

“Stop that — right now,” Leo sternly returned. “You know that is not true even in the slightest.” 

“Say it to MY FACE then, Leo!” Liam barked as he invaded his brother’s personal space. “LIE to my fucking face!” 

“It’s not a lie, Liam,” Leo stood a little taller. “You are not responsible–” He stopped as Liam rolled his eyes and looked away. This time, it was Leo who stepped up to Liam. “No — look at me,” He bore his eyes into his brother, forcing him to see the truth in his gaze. “You are not responsible for any of this, Liam. We’re going to figure this out, I promise.” 

Liam studied the conviction staring back at him and his frustration soared. He spun away and grabbed the bedside table, sending it flying with a primal roar. 

Leo flinched as the wood shattered against the wall, but knew he had to calm Liam down. However, the person he was trying to reason with was not the version of Liam he was used to; this was a side Leo didn’t know lay dormant in his normally calm and stoic baby brother.

“Liam,” Leo softly started. “This is an incredibly shitty situation, and I’m so sorry that you’re being put through this. I love you, and I’m always here for you no matter what.” He confidently stated, but after a moment of silence, hesitantly added, “But I just don’t think a dream is—” 

“I don’t give a damn what you say, Leo! Someone is going to pay for this!” Liam growled, his face reddening with every deep, labored breath. He directed his attention back to his earlier quest for his clothes; he didn’t know where he was going or who he was looking for, but someone was going to feel the wrath of the King of Cordonia — tonight.  

Olivia didn’t even bother to knock before she and Ray joined the room. The pair opted to stay behind and investigate in Portavira a little further — that is until a random guard threw them out. Without Liam or Leo there to ensure their access, they were told to vacate the premises shortly after Liam left for the hospital. Regardless, they had enough time to prove at least one pivotal thing about that ordeal, and possibly solve quite a few others — if Liam believed them. 

They walked in and stopped short at Liam’s crazed expression. “What’s going on?” Olivia sought. 

“I’m leaving,” Liam bit out through clenched teeth. 

“Hold on, we need to talk about something—” 

“Move out of my way!” 

Olivia arched her brow. “We need transparency, Liam. Tell me what is going on — calmly.” 

“I was there, Olivia! I heard it! They fucking attacked her!” Liam bellowed as he found his garments and rifled through the bag. 

Olivia placed a gentle hand on his shoulder to stop his mad dash. “Liam, please — I need a full explanation. I’m not stopping you or downplaying anything, but we need to know what the hell you’re talking about.” 

Liam met her eyesight and saw the genuine interest in her gaze. He could tell Leo thought he was baffling, but he wasn’t. He couldn’t fathom the experience, but knew that was no dream; with every fiber of his being, Liam believed what he heard was reality. The universe mercilessly gifted him a blocked front-row seat — it was a curse, yet oddly a blessing. They spent all this time wondering what happened that night, but now he had a soundtrack to re-play. He wasn’t willing to rest until he deciphered this code, to ensure justice would be swift to all who deserved it. 

He explained in great detail his occurrence and exactly what happened. When he finished, he stared blankly at the floor, cradling his head in his trembling hands; he knew how wild it sounded but didn’t particularly care. It felt so real — so raw. Just thinking about the vile chortles raised goosebumps on his arms, and Riley’s screams now played on an insistent loop in his mind — torment that would never stop. Even if good trumped evil and Riley was located safely in the end, those sounds would be a continuous source of torture until he took his final breath. 

Olivia listened intently to everything he recalled. At the surface, she knew how preposterous it sounded — it was a dream, regardless of how strongly Liam felt otherwise. Her heart ached for her friend at that moment; clearly, everything that happened was taking a major toll on her childhood friend. 

But — given the bombshell she and Ray sat upon, Olivia couldn’t help but wonder if there could be some truth to Liam’s encounter. 

Olivia sat forward and patted Liam’s leg with the gentlest of touches. When she spoke, it was calm and reassuring. “I’m not sure what to say, Liam. I realize you want to believe it to be true, but you and I both know it’s nothing concrete…” Liam opened his mouth to respond, but Olivia held her hand up to stop him, as she saw the fire burning behind his narrowed eyes. “Let me finish… I know tonight has been hard on you for a lot of reasons, but I believe Ray and I have found a very promising lead…”

Liam’s ears visibly rose as his interest grew. “What do you mean?” 

“Sir, I know it’s not what you initially hired me for, but there are a lot of things that do not add up in this current situation...” Ray started. “Between some of Lady Penelope’s behaviors, her father’s statements, and this—” He produced his phone from his pocket and handed it to Liam. “I find it very hard to believe she took her own life.” 

Liam glanced at the device in his hands and realized he was looking at a photo of Penelope’s last statements. He read through it and found nothing of relevance; no mention of Riley, her involvement in the scandal, the maid, nothing. It was incredibly vague, considering it was her concluding words to the world. 

“Why are you showing me this?” Liam demanded as confusion and annoyance rushed through him. 

Olivia produced a document from her pocket. After questioning the legitimacy of the note left in Riley’s room, she wanted to have it near in case the situation arose. “You remember my blackmail letter — the one I got the night of your coronation?” She handed him the paper.

Liam held both items and scanned back and forth; he gasped when he realized they were nearly identical. “But, this — this means—” 

“Someone took her out, Liam.” Olivia finished. 

“I’m not positive if someone would have done it for her, or if she felt pressured into doing it. Either way, since she was saying goodbyes to her family, that leads me to believe Penelope knew she was in danger and foresaw her demise.” Ray added. 

“This is impossible!” Liam shook his head, his rage returning full force. “How does this keep happening?!” 

Olivia and Ray shared a look; the two calculated a theory, and it seemed the more that unfolded, the greater that assumption solidified itself. There wasn’t a lot of evidence to point fingers, but Olivia realized they couldn’t wait any longer; if they were correct, this situation just escalated tenfold. Liam already teetered an incredibly dangerous ledge, but perhaps that’s what the circumstances called for. Plus, after his — experience, she knew he would believe them. 

Olivia softly started. “I need you to stay as calm as possible — at least until I’m finished and we know for certain who we’re directing this hostility at.” Liam nodded with furrowed brows, but Leo shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I don’t know what to say about your — encounter, but — there is reason for us to believe Riley could be in Cordonia.” 

“WHAT?!” Liam practically choked as all the color drained from his face. Even though he was there and truly believed what he heard, someone else saying it out loud momentarily knocked the wind out of him. 

“I checked all outgoing flights from the night of the jamboree and she wasn’t on any of them,” Ray explained. “Every log received a thorough examination, even those with different destinations — she has yet to board a plane to exit the country, to this day. I’ve looked at other modes of transportation and she is the same as Tariq — there is nothing.” 

“But…” Leo hesitantly started after a moment of tense silence. “If that’s the case, then where is she?” 

Olivia sighed and her eyes softened. “We’re — not entirely sure at this point… Somewhere in Cordonia, but…”

“Believe me when I say I am checking everywhere.” Ray confidently inserted. “Every crack, every crevice — any place I can think of. If she truly is in the country, I will locate her.” 

“Okay, but — why haven’t we found her?” Leo returned. The uneasiness in his stomach suddenly bolted to the back of his throat, securing itself and taking root. As he took in Ray’s uncertainty, the lump multiplied in size. 

“I — I don’t have an answer for that right now,” Ray calmly returned. “But I’m working around the clock and using every resource I have to uncover her location. I know those sound like empty promises, but I assure you — I will not rest until Lady Riley is located safely.” He emphasized.

Liam’s heart pounded so fast, he was sure it would give out at any moment. “I — She — B–but —” He stammered, trying his hardest to comprehend the conversation. “Bastien told me—”

“I think Bastien is involved.” Olivia abruptly cut him off. “When we found Riley’s stuff, I swear to you, Liam, I saw the fucking guilt in his eyes. Plus, he’s got his hands in everything at court. I’m not saying he’s as powerful as you, but he can twist and manipulate things like no other because of his position.” 

Olivia continued. “To be honest with you, I don’t think any of us really believe Penelope killed that maid. During the social season, I saw her cry over a fucking crab bite — you can’t tell me she murdered someone in cold blood. Also, I’m thinking, based on his actions tonight, Bastien knew Penelope was already dead — I’m nearly certain of it.”

“Not to mention, he kept this information to himself until we were ready to question her,” Ray added. “I know for certain those reports take only a few days — most likely less if it’s a priority case. I haven’t seen the photos from your first crime scene, but I can tell it was a setup from Olivia’s descriptions. As the head guard, it would’ve been easy for him to manipulate the situation.” 

“Are you sure, though?” Leo interjected. “I mean, I’ve dealt with Bastien a lot over the years, and I can say he is not a genius. Maybe the opposite — butter knives are sharper than he is.”

“He’s capable, though — that’s what troubles me. I think most of the time he gives off the impression he’s useless, but he’s highly trained in a sum of areas.” Olivia explained. “I sincerely doubt he’s the mastermind behind everything, but I’m confident he’s the reason we keep being set back. Who’s always around? Who’s the one directing these ‘investigations’? It’s him.“

“I — damn…” Leo ran a hand through his hair with wide eyes. “You’re not wrong, and it does kind of make sense…” 

Everyone suddenly recognized Liam remained mute as they spoke. His face showed no emotions; he only stared at Olivia as if she wasn’t even there with an unreadable expression. Liam was a world away as various open ends snapped themselves into place. The murky waters of uncertainty clarified, and the bottom of the cesspool became sharper with every jumbled thought dashing through his mind.

All security decisions went through Bastien, including unauthorized entry into an estate. Bastien was the one investigating the maid’s death, and he was accountable for the search for Riley and Tariq — until Ray came along. Bastien didn’t want to let Ray into Penelope’s room because he knew what was in there, and realized Ray would see right through it; past the stuff even Olivia would have missed. He could outsmart her, but knew he couldn’t Ray, which ultimately meant Bastien knew of Ray’s true purpose. He continuously told Liam he was working to provide answers, but suddenly, he believed Bastien’s intentions to be the exact opposite. 

This whole time, a mole sat right under his nose, continuously feeding them the vaguest of answers. Every time they took a step forward, it was never because of Bastien, but someone always ensured they took two back. He didn’t understand how whoever held the cards seemed to be a move ahead, but now — it made sense. 

Liam thought back to all these instances and realized he didn’t remember seeing Bastien. The night of the country jamboree, a different person escorted him to his room at the end of the night. He never questioned it because it wasn’t unheard of for guards to switch out positions, but now he wondered where Bastien truly was. 

The night of the Apple Banquet, he recalled seeing him at the start of it, but not again until Bastien barged in to inform him of the discovery. Now, he couldn’t help but speculate Bastien took the maid’s life himself, or at least staged the scene to frame Penelope. 

Tonight, before Bastien came to Liam and gave him the news of their suspect, he was nowhere to be found; until Olivia, Ray, and Leo left to interrogate Penelope. 

When Bastien told Liam their person of interest was Penelope, he was in a state of disbelief. Liam questioned him, but Bastien stood his ground. However, now he believed with everything in him, Bastien knew she was already dead and intended to manipulate the circumstances further.

Since he opened his eyes to the truth, he often felt as if he mindlessly ran in a circle, desperately trying to piece small portions of a scattered puzzle together. Now he realized he was — and Bastien directed the never-ending laps, all while dangling tiny slivers of hope in front of Liam’s face — taunting him.

Ultimately, Liam concluded without a shadow of uncertainty — Bastien knew what happened to Riley, and likely held knowledge regarding her location.

Liam suddenly shot up from the edge of his hospital bed. “BASTIEN!” He bellowed at an ear-piercing volume, loud enough to rattle the windows. 

Leo winced. “H–he’s not here, Li.”

“What the fuck do you mean, he’s not here?!” 

“There’s some other guy outside!” 

“He was still lingering around Penelope’s room when Ray and I left.” Olivia chimed in. 

“That’s it — I’m going to find him,” Liam growled through clenched jaws. 

“Liam, wait—” 

“NO MORE WAITING, OLIVIA! Do you see what is happening?! All the blood that’s being shed?! This has to stop!”

“I know and I agree. But we need some kind of strategy–”

“No — this ends now.” Liam bit out. He hastily made his way to the bathroom with his bag of clothes, slamming the door shut behind him. 

Olivia had half a mind to stop Liam until they had some kind of plan, but also felt time was of the essence. If they couldn’t prove Riley left the country, their urgency had to intensify. Her location remained unknown, but they believed she was at least in New York. When Ray first mentioned the possibility that she never left the country, Olivia didn’t want to believe it; after Penelope’s untimely demise, she realized this was a vicious, bloody pattern, and the suspicion needed to be taken seriously.

As the body count rose, Olivia’s concerns steadily increased. If history repeated itself, everyone involved would meet a deadly fate, but they didn’t have a detailed log of all entangled in this web. They had no clue where Riley’s name lay on the list of potential victims, and now they held very little information regarding her whereabouts. An involuntary shudder traveled down Olivia’s spine as the air in the room shifted, filling with an amplified haze of grim uncertainty felt heavily by everyone.

Olivia wholeheartedly believed Riley was alive, but for how much longer she couldn’t determine. The lingering feelings of uneasiness in her gut told her they were correct — she never left Cordonia — and if that was the case, her safety was more in question now than ever before.  

Within the hour, Liam left the hospital and was on his way back to the main estate in Portavira. Although doctors wished to keep him longer, he left AMA — he didn’t need fluids; he didn’t need rest; he needed Riley. If Bastien knew something, he was going to tell them, even if he had to use brute force.

A part of him didn’t want to believe it, but the more he pondered, the more sense it made. A small portion of his heart wanted to give Bastien the benefit of the doubt, but that was no longer an option. The betrayal Liam felt was like no other and quickly created a raging storm inside of him, simply waiting to be unleashed.

Hearing Riley could still be in Cordonia, combined with his out-of-body experience, the need to locate her was higher than ever. Of course, he wondered where she ended up when he believed she went back to the States, but now even that was up in the air. The one thing holding Liam above water was knowing she was far away from the carnage, but that was no longer a valid crutch. The waves of despair rose dangerously high, threatening to overtake and drag him under in one fell swoop. 

Liam tried his hardest to push the instantaneous bad thoughts away, but could feel it in his bones — Riley was in danger. From the beginning, he’d always thought something felt off, but he let his pride stand in the way of seeing the truth. Now it was impossible to ignore, as it tore away at his conscience. Guilty wasn’t even a suitable word to describe how he felt, knowing his negligence let this monstrosity escalate as it had. He turned his back on Riley when she needed him most; she screamed for him, yet he tried his damnedest to leave her in the past for so long. 

However, he used all his willpower to remain in the moment and stay afloat; the only thing he cared about was Riley. Even if they found her and she wanted nothing to do with him, he simply needed to see with his own two eyes that she was safe. He didn’t want to think about why she could still be in Cordonia, but the growing ache in his chest told him it wasn’t a good reason. 

The SUV pulled up to the front entrance of the estate, and Liam didn’t even wait for it to come to a complete stop. He rushed out and barged in through the front doors with fire under his feet. The halls remained eerily quiet as the nobility slept, but he was sure word traveled about not only his hospital stay but Penelope’s tragic passing. Leo, Olivia, and Ray all trailed behind as he ran at top speed. 

Liam dashed up the stairs and rounded the corner, but abruptly stopped once Penelope’s room came into view. The door had yellow caution tape covering the opening, and Liam heard Bastien’s voice inside; the sound reigniting the rage burning deep within. He went to make a bee-line for the door, but a timid hand on his forearm ceased his movements. 

“Y–Your Majesty,” Emmaline got out through hiccups. She retracted her hand with wide eyes and shakily bowed as he faced her. Liam’s features momentarily softened as he took in her running mascara and puffy eyes. “P–Please, Sir… I beg you to reconsider… Please — s–she wouldn’t d–do this…” 

Liam’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“We were told they’ve ruled Penelope’s d–death… They w–were picking everything up but n–nobody would listen to us! That wasn’t her handwriting. She–she wouldn’t do this… None of it… She was happy — she wouldn’t—” Emmaline shook her head as more tears fell. 

Liam placed a gentle hand on Emmaline’s shoulder and firmly responded, “I apologize for what you were told, but that is not the case — it will become a homicide investigation as soon as I can get someone else assigned. I promise you — I am going to figure out what happened and ensure she receives the justice she deserves.” 

Emmaline swallowed a sob. “W–where did they take her body? They wouldn’t tell us. T–they came in and ripped my baby out of my arms and I don’t know where she is and—”

“Wait, who took her?” 

“Your head guard said h–he had the authority to — remove her.” Emmaline squeezed her eyes closed as her tears fell harder, trying her hardest to wake herself from this nightmare.

Liam used every ounce of resolve he had not to march straight up to Bastien and securely wrap a hand around his throat. “Emmaline, I assure you — I will find her and bring her home. You have my word — I am going to figure this out.” He reiterated, but the fury coursing through his veins was at an all-time high. The amount Bastien thought he could get away with made Liam sick to his stomach, but he was determined to put a stop to it. 

His answers were suffusive for Emmaline, so she bowed and made her leave. After taking a microscopic moment to gain some clarity, Liam addressed Ray. “Since I am removing Bastien, I need you to take over. And I want you to backtrack and look into Rhonda’s homicide as well. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to find anything, but I want you to double-check. I’ll ensure you have access to everything you need, and I’ll inform everyone you are now in charge here. The crown will compensate you generously for your additional time and effort.” 

“Yes, sir,” Ray returned with a confident smile.

“Leo, I need you to figure out where he’s sending Penelope. I’m going to ask him, but in case he won’t tell me, I need her found before anyone messes with or blatantly destroys her body — there is no doubt in my mind that’s where she’s headed. Grab Maxwell and have him help you — I want her returned at once.” 

“You got it.” Leo nodded before he swiftly vacated the area. 

“I’m going to need some guards with me to do this,” Liam spoke, more so to himself than anyone else. 

“Guards?” Olivia repeated. 

“Yes. I won’t risk something happening to him — we will immediately detain Bastien. If he did nothing wrong, I’ll release and reinstate him, but until then, I am officially removing him from his position as head guard.” Liam answered, but regardless of what he said out loud, both of them knew Bastien was guilty; they just weren’t sure of the extent. 

Olivia smirked. “Welcome to the game, King Liam. Would you like for me to assist with questioning?” 

“I have a different job for you first. I need you to sneak into the security office and search through everything. If he’s working to cover up crimes or anything of that nature, he’s got to have something on him — I’m sure of it.” 

“Knowing that cockeyed baboon, I’d say that’s a safe assumption.” Olivia snickered. “But I don’t know if I like the idea of you interrogating him by yourself...” She cast him an unsure glance. 

“I don’t plan on it, Liv. I just need to find Drake.” 

Almost as if on cue, Drake emerged from Penelope’s doorway, carefully dodging the caution tape. He glanced around and as his eyesight landed on Liam, he furrowed his brows and approached. “What’re you doing here, Li? Are you alright?” 

“We have something to take care of.” Liam quickly and quietly laid out the current plan, as well as a vague description of their accusations. 

“Fuck, man… I gotta admit — I had no clue why Liv and that guy had to leave, but I got to stick around.” Drake shook his head, trying to comprehend this blindsiding revelation. 

“If I had to take a guess, I’d say he wanted someone Liam trusted around but needed to ensure the person was completely and utterly clueless,” Olivia inserted with a crooked grin.

Drake scoffed. “First of all, fuck you. Second, you might actually be right, but — you’re still a flaming bitch.” 

“Stop trying to flatter me, Walker,” Olivia retorted, afterward focusing on Liam. “Are we doing this?” 

Liam let out a deep huff of air. “Yeah, we are. Let’s do this.” He responded with the utmost resolution. He squared his shoulders, craned his neck from side to side, and strode into the room with Drake close behind. Olivia took off in the other direction to do her part in Liam’s plan, moving with brisk precision to reach her destination. 

As he entered, Liam got the attention of a few guards and motioned for them to follow. Bastien examined underneath Penelope’s bed, completely oblivious to the added presence in the room. He cleared his throat to gather Bastien’s attention, and Liam noticed his shoulders tense as he identified who stood before him. 

Bastien slowly rose with uncertainty painted on his features. “Your Majesty? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be receiving treatment?” 

Liam chortled as he stalked toward Bastien. He kept a smile plastered in place and shook his head, muttering to himself. When he made it directly in front of him, Liam lowered his voice to a low, gravely rumble; the fake grin he wore instantly replaced by a menacing scowl. “... I bet you’d like that — wouldn’t you?”

Bastien visibly and audibly swallowed. “I don’t know what you’re insinuating, sir, but I—”

“Of course not.” Liam dismissively agreed. He took a couple of steps back and shrugged. “Regardless, you’re coming with us.”

Panic flashed in Bastien’s eyes; it was brief, but Liam caught it. “With all due respect, I’m not quite finished investigating Lady Penelope’s suic—”

“That is not what this is, and you damn well know it!” Liam abruptly shouted. A tense silence hung for only a moment until he cleared his throat and flatly added, “This is a homicide, and you are no longer a part of it.” He met eyes with one guard who got the silent order loud and clear, the other following suit. They rushed Bastien and captured his arms behind his back, securely holding him in place.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Bastien hollered as he attempted to evade their grip. 

“You’re being taken into custody.” 

“Whatever for?!” Bastien demanded. 

Drake stood in Bastien’s line of sight, mirroring Liam’s irate features. He held his gaze for a long, heated moment before snapping, “You’d better hope and pray we’re wrong, Bastien.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Drake?!” Bastien yelled, squirming against the grasp of those holding him.  

Neither answered the question but merely glared at him; the sheer betrayal and outrage they felt radiated off of them, eliciting a shiver to run down Bastien’s spine. He calmly reasoned, “Sir, I don’t know what this is about, but we can have a rational conversation without all of this nonsense.” He motioned to the guards holding him. 

“No, I don’t think we can, because you see —” Liam stalked toward Bastien, staring into his eyes so intently that he could almost see the wall behind him. As he made it into his comfort zone, Liam lowered his voice and rasped, “They’re only here to get rid of your body if I have to.” He smirked at Bastien’s wide eyes, as well as his complexion paling instantaneously. 

Liam held Bastien’s gaze but addressed the guards. “Take him down to the cells. I’ll be right behind you.”

As they dragged Bastien away, he hollered and stirred up a fuss. Liam ignored his pleas, instead trying to prepare himself for what lay ahead. He wanted clarity, but a part of him dreaded Bastien’s confession; it would be another stark reminder of what his negligence caused. The guilt tearing away at his insides was at an unfathomable level, but he had to push that aside to focus on the task at hand.

He tried to keep his composure, but the gloves were off; there was no more control. Bastien knew something and regardless of what he had to do, Liam was hell bent on making him talk. Innocent lives taken and families destroyed, along with Riley’s heinous attack — all of which rested heavily on his conscience. He was determined to serve a steaming hot platter of justice to all he deemed deserving, regardless of what it took.

The next step in making that happen was getting a pig to squeal. 

As he stood next to Drake, the facade of a composed monarch slipped onto the floor. He didn’t have enough strength left to keep it together. He embraced his emotions and vowed to follow their direction, but the only thing remaining was pure, unfiltered rage. 

Gone was the timid, people-pleasing prince with his mother’s baby-blue eyes. Instead, a carnal lion with dark, dilated pupils awakened, centered on the dangling piece of meat in his face — Bastien. 

[cordonianroyalairlines]

All I Want for Christmas Part 2

Series: Cordonian Royal Airlines

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings for series: Various

Pairing for this chapter: Riley x Drake, Liam x Max

Word Count: 2,848

Rating: General

Warnings for this chapter: none

Submissions: @choicesprompts rewrite challenge, holiday edition TRR x Untamed Heart (one of my all-time favorite movies). @choicesficwriterscreations holiday prompt: Stuck together in the snow; @choicesdecember2023 Christmas and @choicesholidays: This is the worst/best Christmas ever.

A/N: So the end of this is based very loosely on a scene from Untamed Heart. I looked for a clip of the scene in question but couldn't find one. You'll have to trust me that this is one of the most underrated movies of all time. If you've never seen it, you should look it up and watch it.

“Hey, you okay?”

“What?” Riley glanced up in surprise, wiping the wetness from her face with the palm of her hand, “I’m fine.”

“Hm.” Drake grunted as he pulled out a chair and sat down without waiting for an invitation. “You don’t look fine.”

She tried to laugh and cry at the same time and the sound came out as a little hiccup, “Sorry, it’s just Christmas Eve, you know?”

“Yeah….” He said carefully, reluctant to reveal that he didn’t know, not really. He had a mother and a sister, but he wasn’t close to either one. “So, you had plans, I take it?”

“Of course! Every year we all go to my parents’ house for Christmas. My brother Ryder and his wife and kids, my sister Amelia and her fiancé, and my brother Jory will be home from school, and this is Declan’s last year at home before he goes off to university…. I’ll be the only one not there this year….”

“So, you’re close to your siblings?” He set the bottle and glass on the table between them and gestured toward it. “Drink?”

She shook her head. “No thanks. And yes, I’m very close to my siblings and my parents.”

“Would you like something else? I’ll buy you a drink. You can tell me about your siblings.”

“I wouldn’t say no to an amaretto sour…”

An hour later, she looked up to find him smiling at her softly. She flushed as she realized she had been dominating the conversation. “I’m so sorry! I’m just rambling on and on about myself and my family! Tell me about yours!”

“Nah,” he waved her off, “There’s not much to tell. I’d rather hear about yours. Your brother Jory sounds hilarious. Declan should definitely dump that guy, and I agree with Max about your sister. It sounds like she takes your love and support for granted.”

“Max and Amelia have never gotten along,” Riley said with a sigh.

“You’ve known Max for a long time, huh?”

“Since we were teenagers. He’s the one that talked me into becoming a flight attendant and got me this job.”

“You didn’t want to be a flight attendant?”

She shrugged as she pulled her drink closer to her and toyed with the rim, “I was deep in my I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up phase.”

“And now?”

“I like it. I don’t know if it’s what I want to do forever, but it’s really fun for right now. I have no complaints.”

The tension that had set in his back and shoulders at the thought of her quitting eased out of him as he relaxed back into his chair. “As airline jobs go, this is about as good as it gets.”

“You’re not wrong.” Not only did the private airline pay better than commercial airlines, but there were many perks from more flexible schedules to stipends for living expenses while traveling and generous bonuses. But the biggest benefit was getting to work with her best friend. All in all, she really couldn’t complain. “Thanks, Drake.”

“For what?”

“Taking the time to sit here and cheer me up. You didn’t have to do that. I’m sure you have plenty of things you’d rather be doing than listening to me go on and on about my family.”

He scoffed as he looked away from her and lifted his glass to his mouth. “I really don’t.” He was estranged from his family, single, and his only real friend was Liam. All of which was usually fine with him. He preferred it that way honestly, seeing himself as a lone wolf. Community and togetherness were overrated. He needed very little to be happy.

Something about this girl made him want more, though, and the feeling unsettled him.

“Well, at any rate, thank you,” she yawned, “but I should probably get back up to my room.”

“Oh, yeah, sure,” he glanced at his watch as he stumbled to his feet, “Me too. I’ll walk you up.”

The look she gave him sent butterflies exploding through his chest and he quickly clarified, “For safety, you know.”

“Right,” she nodded in agreement, but the smile that played across her lips said she understood exactly what was going on between them.

Good thing one of them did.

Entering the elevator, he reached out and pressed the button for the twelfth floor. He turned his head to find her giving him a measuring look. “What?”

“I didn’t tell you what floor I was on. How did you know?”

His eyes widened as he stared at her like a deer caught in the headlights. He had never felt so much panic surge through his body at one time and he had flown into combat zones before leaving the military for the private sector. His scotch-laden brain struggled to come up with a response that didn’t include telling her he had asked Liam what floor she was staying on. “Max must have mentioned it.” He mumbled.

“When did you talk to Max?”

He was saved from answering when her phone vibrated, and she quickly answered a text from one of her brothers. He heaved out a sigh of relief and changed the subject. “So, what do you like best about Christmas other than your family? The presents?”

“No,” she laughed, “The tree and decorations. There’s just something so peaceful about the lights and ornaments. Waking up to my mom’s ham and cheese omelets for Christmas breakfast. Oh, and I love the music!”

“Yeah? What’s your favorite Christmas song?”

“Jingle Bell Rock,” she replied without hesitation. “I know it’s not the most popular, or sentimental, but I love the beat and I love horses, so there you go. What’s yours?”

“Mine? Oh, no, I don’t have-“

“Come on, Drake, you have to have a favorite Christmas song!”

“Okay, okay, if you put a gun to my head then I guess I’d say it’s Do They Know It’s Christmas.”

Her mouth fell open. “Really?”

“Yeah, really, why is that surprising?”

“I don’t know. I figured you for a Rocking Around the Christmas Tree kind of guy. Why is Do They Know It’s Christmas your favorite?”

“I don’t know,” he jostled his body weight from foot to foot as he silently willed the elevator to hurry the fuck up, “I think it’s the juxtaposition of mindless consumerism with the destitution of impoverished peoples. It makes you think. Or it should.”

“Wow, Drake. You have hidden depths. I knew it!”

He arched an eyebrow at her. “You think about my depths?”

It was Riley’s turn to flush as she spun her body back to face the doors just as they dinged open. “Well, here we are!”

He saw her safely to her door in a silence that suddenly felt comfortable and right, as if him walking her to her door was a normal, everyday occurrence.

She opened the door and looked back over her shoulder, “Thank you again….for everything.”

“I should be thanking you for saving me from drinking alone. See you tomorrow, Riley.”

“See you tomorrow, Drake. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” he said as her door closed.

He stood outside her door for a long moment as he talked himself out of knocking on it and asking her to let him in.

Relationships with co-workers never ended well. He would know.

He turned and started trudging back down the hallway toward the elevator when he was seized by a sudden inspiration. Whipping his phone from his pocket, his fingers flew over the keyboard as his pace quickened and he hurried briskly back to his room, a smile of anticipation curving up his lips.

***

The next morning, Riely rolled out of bed and pulled the curtains open to see the area blanketed in freshly fallen snow, but it was all on the ground. Nothing fell from the clear blue sky.

With a squeal of joy, she bounced back to the bed to grab her phone from the nightstand, preparing to call Liam and ask if they had a takeoff time and then Max to find out how things had gone with Liam the night before, but before she could dial either number, it vibrated in her hand. She glanced down to see a text message in the group chat Liam had created yesterday when he invited everyone to dinner. It was from Drake.

Meet me in the Mountain Vista conference room.

That was odd, but okay. She quickly dressed and hurried out into the hallway, bumping into Max as she did so. “Were you waiting outside my door?”

“I was about to knock! I guess you got the text from Drake?”

“Yeah, but it’s weird, right? I mean, his entire contribution to the group chat yesterday was the word okay. And not even the whole word, just the two letters O.K.”

“I don’t know, but I hope it involves food! Come on, let’s go!”

When they arrived at the lower-level conference room, Max pulled the door open, and Riley walked into a stunning surprise.

Christmas finery draped the entire room. A six-foot tree adorned the center of the raised stage at the front of the room, fully decorated, complete with an angel on top. There were gift-wrapped packages under the tree. Christmas music spilled out of the speakers and a buffet table lined the far wall. She turned in circles, taking in the decorations everywhere, her mouth agape, “What is all this?”

“Uh…” Drake rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Nothing. I mean it is Christmas! Just thought you- um, just thought everyone could use a little Christmas cheer this morning.”

“You did all this?”

“Yeah…”

“Drake, it’s amazing! But why? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining at all, but there’s a Christmas tree in the lobby.”

“I know, but that’s just a generic hotel tree for everybody. I thought you deserved something a little more personal.”

She stared up at him with wide eyes. “You did all this for me?”

“I mean….for all of us,” he declared hurriedly, turning away so she wouldn’t see the red coloring his cheeks. “I even managed gifts.” He plucked a package out from under the tree and held it out to her. “Don’t get too excited, they’re just t-shirts from the hotel gift shop. I got one for each of us.”

Riley watched as Drake tossed one to Liam, who had entered the room just behind them, and then Max. He kept the last one for himself. “Hope they fit.”

“How the hell did you accomplish all this?” A tinge of awe colored Liam’s voice.

Drake lifted his shoulder. “I just made a few phone calls and had things delivered.”

“They delivered all this in a snowstorm?” Max gaped at him.

“Well, the blizzard is over,” Drake scoffed, gesturing out the plate-glass windows along the side of the room. “This is just a lot of snow.”

“Ah, you missed your family today, too!” Riley gave him a sympathetic smile.

“Yeah.” Drake agreed as he turned his head to avoid the sharp look Liam gave him. “We should eat while this is still hot.”

“Ohhhh,” Max rubbed his hands together, “Good idea! It smells delicious!”

Drake followed behind Riley and Max toward the food. Liam sidled up next to him and lowered his voice so no one else could hear, “You never spend Christmas with your family.”

“What? Yeah, no, that’s….. you like waffles, right? Because I ordered waffles.”

“Oh, my god!” Riley exclaimed, “Ham and cheese omelets!”

“And bacon,” Max pointed out. “Don’t forget the bacon. Oh! And crepes!”

Her gaze slid thoughtfully to Drake as Max loaded his plate. “Did you order this because of what I told you last night?”

“Order what?” Drake shook his head as he reached for a plate. “I just asked for food. Lucky coincidence.”

“Okay.” She gave him an appraising look. He avoided direct eye contact with her.

The group sat down at a table near the center of the room and enjoyed breakfast together. Riley bit into a forkful of fluffy eggs, melted cheese, savory ham, and crisp onions as she took in the comforting twinkle of Christmas lights reflecting off red and gold ornaments. Max was already wearing the shirt Drake had given him and a Santa hat that he had produced from seemingly nowhere. All of it was set against the backdrop of sheer whiteness that could be seen through the conference room windows. Every ice-covered tree, bush and light post sparkled in the bright morning sun. A sense of peace and contentment that she hadn’t expected to feel on this particular morning settled over her as the group ate and laughed together.

Her phone rang. “It’s my mom!” she answered and after several tearful exchanges of I love you, I miss you and Merry Christmas, she addressed the group, “My mom wants to say hi to everyone.” She placed the phone in the middle of the table and pushed the speaker button so Catherine Brooks could wish the entire flight crew a Merry Christmas. “And especially you, Drake!” she gushed. “Riley told me about the tree and decorations. Thank you for making the day special for her. You’re a good friend.”

“I’m glad she liked it. I just thought we could all use a pick me up since everyone is missing the day with their family,” he lied. The truth was, he couldn’t stand to see her sad. The smile that had washed over her face and stayed there since she had first walked into the conference room made every bit of effort and expense he had gone to more than worth it.

Not that he was interested in her. He didn’t get involved with co-workers.

“Well, nevertheless, thank you and if you’re ever in our neck of the woods, we would love to meet you!”

“Ah…sure, that would be…all right…”

Drake was rescued by Max, who leaned over the phone to yell “I love you!” and “Merry Christmas!” at Riley’s family.

When every member of the Brooks family had spoken to both Riley and Max and the call was finally over, Liam looked up from his own phone and announced, “Great news…we can fly out now!”

“I almost don’t want to.” Max blurted out and then flushed from the tip of his nose all the way down to his toes. “I mean….I just meant this is nice, and it’s warm in here….”

“It’s okay, Max,” Liam grinned at him, “This has been nice, but we do need to get back home. If we don’t make it back today, we’ll have to reschedule tomorrow’s flight, and then I’ll have to deal with Madeleine and her bullshit.”

Drake shuddered. “Why the fuck did Leo give her part ownership again?”

“He didn’t give it to her,” Liam shook his head as he returned his phone to his pocket, “the judge in their divorce did.”

“Still. She acts like her twenty-five percent is controlling interest or something.”

“Tell me about it.” Liam was not overly fond of his ex-sister-in-law, but he couldn’t deny that she was skilled with the parts of the business he disliked, such as accounting and marketing. He just wanted to fly; and Madeleine taking over those parts, had allowed him to do exactly that.

“Well, I guess we should all go pack then,” Max headed toward the door, “You coming, Riley?”

“In a minute. You go on. And you’re still coming home with me today, right?”

“Bert won’t be home until tomorrow, so yes.”

Liam hurried across the room. “Hold on, Max, I’ll walk up with you!”

Riley and Drake watched them leave, then turned to each other. They stood silent and unmoving for a long moment in the middle of the Christmas finery, eyes searching eyes, unspoken emotions playing across both faces.

She took a step forward, “Drake…”

He caught her hand in his as she reached out for him. “Riley…we can’t…”

“And yet you did all this.”

“I’m sorry. It’s not you. It’s me.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her fingers, then quickly dropped it. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Drake, and thank you. Really. It means a lot to me.” She leaned in, went up on her tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on his cheek before whispering in his ear, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone that you’re a gooey, mushy marshmallow on the inside. Your reputation is safe.”

A short laugh escaped him as she stepped away. He watched her walk to the door with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach that was at odds with the soaring feeling in his chest.

She liked him, right?

Not that it mattered. It was a bad idea to get involved with a co-worker.

As she slipped out the door, panic sliced through his being as he realized that he was involved.

He was very involved.

He heaved a sigh that was full of both resignation and wonder as he made his way back to his room to pack.

[sfb123]

Hands Down - Prologue

Pairing: Liam x Riley

All characters belong to Pixelberry

Summary: Can Liam and Riley still find their way to each other despite Riley turning down Maxwell's invitation to Cordonia?

Rating: G

Word Count: 1,945

Song Inspiration: Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional

A/N: I am participating in @kingliamappreciationweek Day 5 (Friendships/Relationships/AU, all of which apply to this prologue), as well as @choicesflashfics Week 29, "That's all we/they are now. A memory. A faded picture. A failed potential." It will appear in bold below.

A/N 2: It's been a minute since I've posted anything, let alone started a new series. I've had bits and pieces of this story forever, but could never figure out how to put it all together. Then my aunt died (IYKYK), and I've been working on this ever since.

A/N 3: Thank you to those of you that I have been bombarding with ideas, snippets, and complaints. They're still going to be coming, probably now more than ever. But I appreciate you listening and humoring me. Especially @txemrn for looking over this prologue and making sure it was okay.

Tagging my usuals, if you'd like to be added or removed just let me know!

Liam was in a daze as he returned to his hotel suite, still thinking about her. They had only spent a couple of hours together, but it was all Liam needed to know that he was destined for so much more with Riley Brooks. 

He fell back onto the couch and pulled out his phone, texting Maxwell to see if he was still up, and if he would join Liam in his room. He was, and he would. 

While he had his phone in his hand, he opened his camera roll and looked fondly at the picture that they had taken together. Liam told her that it was because he wanted to remember his trip to the Statue of Liberty, but more than that, it was because he wanted to remember her. Not that she wasn’t permanently imprinted on his mind the second they locked eyes, but he wanted to have a photo of her, to have tangible proof that she wasn’t a dream. 

A knock at the door pulled Liam’s attention away from his screen. He stood, returning his phone to his pocket as he answered to find Maxwell grinning on the other side. 

“Well well well. Have fun, your highness?” His friends crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorframe.

Liam chuckled, he couldn’t help it. “More than you know. Please, come in.” He moved aside and motioned toward the sitting area. 

“Soooooo… tell me everything. You seemed pretty smitten, I’ve never seen you like that before!” 

“Maxwell, I’ve never felt like that before. She’s incredible. I’ve never felt more carefree, more happy.” Liam sighed at the memories of his evening. “That’s why I need your help.” 

Maxwell’s head tilted in confusion. “Me? What can I do?”

“Ramsford doesn’t have a sponsor for the social season, correct?” Maxwell nodded slowly, still not sure where this was going. “I want you to sponsor Riley, to bring her to Cordonia.”

“Liam… are you sure? I mean we’re not prepared for that. We weren’t expecting to sponsor anyone.” Maxwell hesitated. He wanted his friend to be happy, but he also knew his family’s financial state, and he wasn’t sure they would be able to support a sponsee. 

“Maxwell, I know your house has been having some… difficulties financially since your father took ill. I would be more than happy to pay for anything she needs. Discreetly, of course.” 

Maxwell studied Liam’s expression, he had never seen his friend like this before. The textbook definition of stoicism, the young prince was never one to show his emotions so openly. But now? He could see the desperation, the need clear as day on his friends face. 

“You really have it bad for her, don’t you?” 

“More than I ever thought possible.” Liam answered. 

“I’ll find her tomorrow morning before I head back.” He patted his friend on the shoulder. 

***

Liam stood in the receiving line greeting the suitors one by one. It was the first night of his social season, but all he could think about was her. She was all he had been able to think about since the night before. 

I hope she had a safe trip. 

She’s going to look so beautiful. 

I wonder if she’s been thinking of me the way I’ve been thinking of her. 

I need to move through this line faster. She’s in it somewhere, I need to see her again. 

Before long, the final suitor dipped into a courtesy and made her way back to the party. Liam looked around the room. Perhaps she had just gotten caught up in something and didn’t make it to the receiving line in time. 

“Liam? Is everything alright?” 

He turned around, to respond. “Yes father, I was just taking everything in.”

Constantine chuckled. “Well, enjoy it son. This is all for you. It’s the beginning of a whole new chapter.” 

Liam nodded, looking past his father to the bar where Maxwell was ordering a drink. “Father, if you’ll excuse me for a moment.” He didn’t wait for a response before stepping away. 

“Maxwell.” Liam greeted his friend as he stood next to him at the bar. 

“Oh, Liam. Hey!” Maxwell shifted uncomfortably on his feet. “Happy social season!” He held up his drink, smiling awkwardly. 

“Where is she?” Liam asked, anxious to see her again.

“Riley?” Maxwell asked, trying to buy as much time as he could. Dreading having to deliver the news. “She… well, she’s not here.” 

“Why not? It’s the first event of the season, is she running late?” Liam began rambling, a knot forming in the pit of his stomach. “Was there an issue getting her a gown? I could…” 

“Liam,” Maxwell interrupted. “She’s not here as in, she’s not in Cordonia. She didn’t come.” 

“What… why?”

That Morning

“Riley!” Maxwell jogged up to the familiar figure as she unlocked the door of the bar. 

She turned to face him as the door opened. “Oh hey, Maxwell, right? Did you forget something last night?” 

“No, I actually had a proposition for you.” Riley furrowed her brows. “Do you have a minute to talk?” 

“Sure, come in. We don’t open for another hour, so I can spare a few.” She walked into the building, and he followed behind. 

As she approached the bar, she pulled down one of the stools and signaled for him to sit. He took a seat and she stepped behind the bar, grabbing an apron and tying it around her waist. 

“So, you and Liam seemed to hit it off last night.” Maxwell said, wanting to gauge Riley’s take on the evening. He wanted to make sure Liam didn’t misinterpret, or misunderstand her side of the outing. 

A slow smile spread across Riley’s face, the same one Liam had on his the night before. That’s when he knew the feeling was very mutual. 

“We did. I’ve never met anyone like him before. Hell, I didn’t think guys like him existed in real life. I hope whoever wins that social season realizes how lucky they are.” She said wistfully.

Maxwell grinned, this was going better than he had hoped. “What if you were the one to win it?” 

“Ha-ha, yeah right.” She replied, shaking her head and turning to empty the dishwasher. 

“No, I’m serious.” He assured her. “Each noble house sponsors a suitor. Since we don’t have any sisters we can pick whoever we want. And I pick you!” 

Riley froze and turned back around looking at Maxwell with a shocked expression. “You,” she pointed at him. “Want me,” she turned her finger to point at herself. “To come with you to a county I only just found out about like twelve hours ago, to join some fancy royal version of The Bachelor to try to marry a prince?” 

“I wasn’t going to word it quite like that, but more or less.” He shrugged. 

“But… why me?” 

“Riley, Liam couldn’t stop talking about you. He was so happy last night. Happier than I’ve ever seen him, and we’ve known each other forever. His life is full of meetings, and stuffy dinners, and boring things he does because it’s his duty. He gets to break away and have fun sometimes, but those times are getting less and less now that he’s ramping up to become King. He’s such a good person, he puts everyone else ahead of himself. He deserves to be the kind of happy you make him all the time.” 

Riley was silent, examining Maxwell’s expression. He seemed to be sincere. “Maxwell, that’s really sweet of you. Liam’s lucky to have a friend like you looking out for him.” She started. “But be realistic, even if I came with you, I’d have to quit both of my jobs and put school on hold. Basically quit my life to travel halfway across the world for the chance to be with Liam. It wouldn’t even be a guarantee.” 

“He asked me to sponsor you!” Maxwell blurted out. 

Riley’s breath caught in her throat, she hadn’t been expecting that. “But why? He doesn’t even know me.” 

“He knows enough to believe that there could be something between you two.” 

She blinked back the tears that had started to rise. She felt it too, but it was a major risk. Riley Brooks didn’t take risks. “Yeah, but even if I did come with you, that doesn’t mean anything. He told me about the social season, it’s not like he’s going to be able to just send the other girls home the second he sees me. Everyone gets a say, and I'm a nobody from America. I know nothing about your country. I don’t know about your customs. Hell, I don’t even like fancy foods, I’d probably make a fool of myself and be laughed out of the country at the first dinner.” 

“But Riley…”

“Maxwell,” She reached across the bar, placing her hand over his. “You’re such a good friend to come here for him. But my answer is no. Maybe if we were in a different time, or a different place, but we’re here. These are the cards we were dealt, our lives are just too different for it to work.” She swallowed over the lump in her throat. “I need to get things set up to open. Have a safe trip back.” She turned and walked to the back, leaving Maxwell alone. 

“I’m so sorry Liam. I tried, I really did.” Maxwell said sympathetically. He could see the pain in his friend’s eyes, despite his attempts to remain composed. “I don’t know if it helps or hurts, but she had the same dreamy look on her face when she talked about you that you had when you talked about her. Everything you felt last night, she felt it too.” 

Liam cleared his throat, “Thank you Maxwell. It was a longshot, but I’m very grateful to you for trying. If you’ll excuse me.” He nodded solemnly to his friend before walking away, moving to the double doors that lead to the balcony. 

He stepped outside and breathed a sigh of relief that he was alone. He approached the balustrade, leaning his forearms against it as he gazed out to the garden maze. He thought about Riley, what she was doing right now, if she missed him as much as he missed her. 

Perhaps he had just gotten caught up in the magic of the evening, he had overromanticized their connection. He took his phone out of his pocket and pulled up their picture. He examined their faces, they both looked so happy. He placed his thumb and index finger on the screen, dragging them apart to zoom in on her face. He was trained to read people, and everything about her, both in that moment, and in the photo, told him that she had been feeling exactly what he had been. Even Maxwell had noticed it the next day when he went to talk to her. 

It just hadn’t been enough. 

“That's all we are now. A memory. A faded picture. A failed potential.” He lamented as he continued to stare down at the picture, remembering their night together. 

“Liam.” His father’s short tone startled him so much that he nearly dropped his phone off of the balcony. 

“Father,” he turned, discreetly returning his device to his pocket. 

“What are you doing out here by yourself? You should be in there spending time with your suitors. The season is going to go by quickly, you need to take every opportunity to get to know your potential brides.” 

“Yes father.” Liam closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to get Riley out of his mind. 

**********

Permatag:

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Liam:

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TRR:

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[angelasscribbles]

Victim of Love Chapter 15: Now and Forever

Series: Victim of Love

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Drake x Riley, Liam x Riley x Hana

Word Count: 1,555

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: none

Song Inspiration for series: Victim of Love by The Eagles

You're just a victim of love I could wrong but I'm not no I'm not

A/N: Finally we come to the final chapter of this "one-shot" I wrote for World Whiskey Day.

My other stuff: Master List.

The press conference had been exhausting. Liam ushered his wife and child into their private quarters and closed the door with a relieved sigh. “Thank God that’s over,” he pulled at his tie as he made his way across the room, “Do you want me to take her?”

“No, I’ve got her. I think all the people made her fussy.”

It was tradition to present the new heir to the press at the age of three months. It had been Crown Princess Eleanor’s first public appearance ever. The public and the press corps oohed and ahhed appropriately, but it had been nerve-racking for the royal couple.

After the last several years of upheaval and his father’s death at the hands of terrorists, describing Liam as apprehensive about the whole thing would have been a gross understatement. He had quadrupled the normal guard detail for such an event, restricted attendance to less than a quarter of the typical amount and made all members of the press corps submit to background checks ahead of time.

He watched as his wife carried their daughter to the nursery for a nap with mixed emotions dancing through him. He couldn’t suppress the thought that it should have been Riley carrying his child through their home. It should have been her beside him on that dais. It should be her that was here with him now.

But it wasn’t and it never would be.

Hana was the mother of his child. Hana had stood beside him on that dais, and it was Hana that was here with him now. It would always be her by his side at official events. If there were to be another heir, it would be through her. He couldn’t find it in him to resent her for any of it. He had put her in this position, after all, and she had handled herself admirably through the last several months.

She had been restless on restricted activity in the months prior to Eleanor’s birth, but she had followed the doctor's orders to a T, determined to do what was best for their child, and had done an amazing job in the delivery room.

Hana was his wife. Hana was his queen.

But it was Riley who had calmed his nerves about the press conference, Riley who had reminded him of all the changes in the guard made under his watch, Riley who had convinced him to trust the men he had hired to do their jobs.

He had love and respect in his heart for his wife. But there was no doubt who he was in love with and they both knew it.

Riley and Drake had gotten married last month in a lavish ceremony at the ranch in Texas.

Liam had not been in attendance. Officially the reason given was that he could not be absent from Cordonia at that time due to both work and personal obligations. The public had accepted that without question as spending the first three months away from the public eye and social obligations was routine in Cordonian custom after the birth of a child.

The truth is, he had not been invited.

“I love you, Liam, I do. But our wedding day should be about me and Drake.”

She had been right, of course. He wasn’t sure he would have been capable of witnessing it.

There was a knock at the door and Liam hurried to answer it, a smile already spreading across his face. “Riley! Drake!”

He hugged Drake first then swept Riley into his arms with a delighted laugh.

Drake stepped aside as Liam spun her in a circle. He didn’t look back as Liam kissed her, crossing the room to help himself to the drink cart, “I think that went well.”

“It did,” Liam conceded, holding Riley’s hand as he crossed the room with her in tow. “Riley was right. I had nothing to worry about.”

“Of course, you didn’t,” she admonished, “I told you to trust your new King’s Guard Commander.”

Liam nodded as he addressed Drake, “I do like all the changes you’ve made. Things run smoother, there hasn’t been a single security breach since you’ve taken over and morale in the ranks has improved.”

“Well, I appreciate you giving me free rein and allowing me to take time off for the wedding right after I started.”

“Of course I did.” He would have given him anything he wanted to get him to relocate back to Cordonia, keeping Riley close to him.

The newly married couple would still visit the ranch often. Drake had hand-picked the new foreman and Bianca hadn’t put up much of a fuss about him leaving. She was too busy being ecstatic about their union. She might have said I told you so. She was already planning a trip to Cordonia to visit them at Valtoria.

Drake had just taken a seat only to immediately scramble to his feet as the queen entered the room.

“You didn’t have to get up,” Hana told him. She went first into Riley’s arms, hugging the other woman to her tightly, before turning and stepping into his embrace.

Riley had agreed to try and move her relationship with Liam forward only if Hana agreed to it. Hana had agreed to it, only if she and Riley worked on putting their relationship back together.

It was true that she had only married Liam to spite the woman who spurned her. It was true that her burning jealousy had never been over Liam, but over Riley.

“I just want a chance to put things right, if we can. I want my best friend back!”

“How’s my Goddaughter?” Riley asked as Drake resettled himself on the couch.

Hana seated herself next to Drake and snuggled under his lifted arm, “She wasn’t a fan of the press conference, but she’s sleeping away now.”

Though Hana was bisexual and liked Liam and found him physically attractive, she wasn’t in love with him. She was still in love with Riley. Once she and Riley had started rebuilding their relationship, her strained relationship with Liam began to improve as well. Mostly because she stopped resenting him as the thing that had come between them.

She was the one who had chosen to marry him, forcing herself to have a ringside seat for their continued love affair. It’s not like she hadn’t known they were in love with each other. Once she had accepted her role in the destruction of their friendship, things slowly started to improve between the three of them.

Not only had she gotten Riley back in her life and thawed her relationship with her husband, she had gained Drake as a friend as well. She snuggled closer and rested her head on his chest. If Riley could sleep with her husband, she could at least snuggle with hers. No one seemed to mind.

The four of them had become almost inseparable over the past few weeks as all the light and love trickled back into the two best friendships and the cracks healed between lovers and spouses.

Drake and Liam found new footing as they navigated loving the same woman. Liam and Riley fell back into the easy camaraderie interspersed with flares of passion that had characterized their relationship before it all went sideways. Liam and Hana were able to open up to each other now that all the cards were out on the table.

The roughest seas to sail had been the fractured bond between the two women. Both had been betrayed by the other, both had felt the sting of that betrayal.

Oddly enough, Drake had been instrumental in Hana’s healing process. Mostly by being a nonjudgmental ear. As she grew closer to Drake, Riley’s utter lack of resentment or jealousy of the friendship filled Hana with hope for the future. They could move forward together, all four of them. She wasn’t going to be left behind or left out ever again.

Drake ran his fingers distractedly through Hana’s hair as his eyes tracked Riley’s movements. She was seated next to Liam, her hand resting on his inner thigh. Liam’s gaze was locked on her face as ran his fingers up and down the exposed skin of her arm.

Drake lifted the tumbler of outrageously expensive scotch to his lips with his free hand, shaking his head in bemusement. If anyone had told him he’d end up in a committed relationship that was basically a foursome he would have laughed at them. But here they were.

Riley was romantically entwined with all of the other three members of their quad and Liam with both of the women. Drake was the only one involved with just one person, but as he and Hana drew closer, the what-ifs had been discussed and everyone had agreed that they were fine with whatever developed organically out of that.

Riley could do no less for Drake than he had done for her. He had opened up space in his heart for her while leaving her the freedom to love others. It was no small thing, and she was grateful for it, and for him. She loved him madly. Just like she loved Liam, and yes, Hana too.

They were truly one cohesive unit and more importantly, everyone involved was finally happy.

~Fin

[dcbbw]

Sunday Sneak Peek: The "Bueller, Bueller?" Edition

It feels as if it has been FOREVER since I have written and/or posted anything of substance or significance. I have so many unfinished WIPs, storylines, and ideas on my laptop and trapped in my brain, but my focus, attention, and energies are all being directed towards IRL events and situations at the moment, and I honestly have no idea when I will have the time and motivation to devote to writing the way I once did.

However, I managed to get some words to keyboard and wanted to share (and gauge interest in) a couple of UnRomance WIPs I’m toying with. Both are follow-ups that NO ONE asked for:

One is for the original ending where Riley actually calls “Stop!” and leaves Liam. The second is a follow-up for the fandom ending where Liam and Riley are married and have Baby Eleanor, and a son on the way.

Not sure if anyone would want to see these come to fruition given I have so many other WIPs folks have expressed interest in (and your patience is both admirable and appreciated beyond measure!), but it’s all I got today.

As usual, everything is in a state of rough draft, and final version may vary. They are both below the cut, and I hope you enjoy them!

Pairing: Liam x Riley (it ain't Cordonia!)

Rating: M for Mature

Single

November (Liam)

It is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving; I have broccoli, cheese, and shredded chicken bisque simmering in the slow cooker that I’ll pair with curried rice and buttermilk biscuits. Eventually. I place a cut-crystal glass filled with cognac on the kitchen counter so I can give the soup a quick stir. Upon hearing my doorbell chime, I glance briefly at the wall clock; my company is early, but not by much.

I open the front door, a practiced smile on my face. “Thank you for meeting me here.”

Elizabeth gives a quick grin as she steps inside. “I was glad to hear from you,” she responds as I gently spin her around to remove a stylish, if dated, gray wool coat from her shoulders. I hang her coat and purse on the coatrack and guide her down the hall.

Her blue eyes take in the pictures hanging on the hallway walls, and when I lead her to the living room, her expression is one of wonder as she sees the enviable view through the wall of windows. She looks at me briefly over her shoulder before looking back out at the East River, Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

“Is this your place, John?”

I shake my head slightly. “It belongs to a friend.”

I gesture to the sofa. “Have a seat, I’ll be with you momentarily. Drink?”

“Wine, please.”

I notice that she is sitting as if posing for a portrait. “Relax,” I instruct in a gentle tone. “It’s the same arrangement as usual, just a different location. Please, make yourself at home.”

I return with the requested drink, and my eyes take in her appearance. Elizabeth looks as If she’s dressed for either a funeral or a job interview: gray polyester blouse, black pencil skirt with a modest split in the back; black pantyhose and black pumps complete the ensemble.

I settle next to her on the sofa; she sips at the vino slowly, almost cautiously. She smacks her red-tinted lips a little too loudly as she nods approvingly. “That’s good wine,” she declares.

As she sips more, my fingertips brush loose tendrils of blonde strands away from her forehead before trailing down her cheekbone and jawline.  She looks at me, her eyes filled with question and desire.

My fingers wrap around her wrist, and I softly tug at it to lead her hand to my still-clothed manhood. Elizabeth seductively licks her lower lip, the tip of her tongue a pale pink. She places her goblet on one of the coffee table’s coasters before flattening her palm against me.

She presses her other palm against my shirt-covered chest while her lips ghost kisses along the side of my neck. Her fingertips walk down my chest, towards my torso. I push her away slightly.

“Stand up and strip for me,” I instruct in a husky tone. “It would mean a lot to me if you were to do that.”

She hesitates for a moment before slowly nodding in agreement.  

“Good,” I say as I rise; I need my drink from the kitchen. “Be right back. Stand in front of the windows. I’ll give you $100 for each piece of clothing you remove but keep your heels on.”

When I return, I have my glass and the bottle of brandy; I settle back on the sofa, pour myself a refill, and get ready to watch the show.

Domestic

My eyes open slowly, greeted by complete darkness. The blackout curtains covering the bedroom windows effectively block any and all illumination. However, they do not muffle the sound of heavy rain falling upon the city. The remnants of a tropical storm moved in overnight and are expected to last through the day.

 Riley is asleep; her breathing is deep and even, occasionally interrupted by a soft snore. Her back is to me, plump ass cheeks pressing against my naked skin. My arms tighten around her waist, and her scent, commingled with yesterday’s fragrances waft elusively past my nostrils. I toss my leg over her thigh as I nuzzle her neck and breathe deeply. The faint smells of fruity shampoo, sleep, powder, and Oscar de la Renta perfume are a heady mixture before sunrise.

The side of my left thumb flicks against one of her nipples; I feel the ridged flesh grow erect under my ministrations. My right index finger plays with her clit before my dick slides into her waiting entrance. After a few strokes, she moans my name in a voice heavy with slumber. Her hips undulate as we rock back and forth together slowly, quietly; I bite my tongue as I fist her hair. My strokes become faster and rougher, her moans grow louder. I clap my palm against her mouth and hiss in her ear to be quiet.

The children are sleeping.

It doesn’t take long for her orgasm to wash over my dick, or my seed to fill her. I pull out of her and let my head fall back onto my pillows. After my breathing slows, I sit up and stifle a loud yawn as my arms stretch towards the ceiling. I make my way to the master bathroom where the wall clock informs me that it’s two hours until sunrise.

I empty my bladder, wash my hands, and pull on my pajama bottoms before donning an ankle-length black silk robe. I run a comb hastily through my tousled locks and shove my feet into bedroom slippers before leaving the room.

My glance falls onto Riley, who is asleep again. She doesn’t stir as I exit the room to make my rounds and check on my family.

I take care of them.

Seven years of marriage, and I have no complaints. Riley has been a good wife; she is still submissive to only me, still in need of and seeking my guidance, and still aggravatingly disobedient.

She loves me, she loves our children more. Riley still works, but not for Independence Publishing and Lynn. Lynn sold the business to focus on her family when her husband’s business became hugely successful. My wife now works for a freelance art gallery in Soho called Standalone; she’s the Procurement and Assets Manager.

 I’ve been a good husband: I’m attentive. I’ve never cheated on her, never hit her in anger or abuse, home every night. I am a good provider, both giving her and maintaining a lifestyle she has grown quite accustomed to. She can quit her job anytime she wants and not have a financial care in the world.

We share equally in parenting our children, and I am a present and engaged father. A housekeeper comes in three times a week to help us manage the cleaning and upkeep of our home. I do all the cooking, although Riley has finally learned how to cook scrambled eggs, spinach, and how not to burn toast.

She’s so proud of herself.

Tagging (let me know if you want on or off):

@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

[deb-1106]

Forever

Chapter 1

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

Pairing: Drake x Liam

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

Word Count:  2730

Liam heard the distinctive sound of Riley's musical laughter coming from somewhere in the great hall.  He stopped to listen, a smile playing across his lips.  She was such a breath of fresh air in the palace.  Her energy and joie de vivre was so infectious, it seemed as though no one was immune to her charms.  In fact, just yesterday he’d caught Bastien humming one of the pop tunes she loved so much.

Eager to see what was so delighting her, he followed the sound, stopping when he reached the library.  

He pushed the door open and peered inside, the smile fading quickly from his face as he took in the scene before him.

Drake sat in a wing-back chair by the fire, with Riley draped across his shoulder.  They had their heads pressed together as they laughed quietly.  They were so engrossed in one another that they hadn’t even noticed him.  

Liam cleared his throat loudly.  “Don’t you two look cozy.”

Startled, they looked up to find Liam leaning against the door frame gazing at them with a frown on his handsome face.  Riley stood and backed away, quickly putting distance between she and Drake.

“Liam.”  She said with a nervous smile, “You startled me.”

“So I see.”  He spoke to Riley, but his eyes never left Drake.

“We were just watching funny dog videos on my phone.  There’s one of this Corgi that can play piano.  I’ll play if for you…”

“Maybe another time, Lady Riley.” He interrupted, giving her a tight smile, “Right now I need a word with Drake.”  He returned his steely gaze to his friend, “Drake...if you wouldn’t mind.”

Without giving him a chance to respond, Liam turned on his heel and strode from the room.

Drake heaved a heavy sigh and pushed himself out of the chair.

“Well that sounded suspiciously like a royal command.”

“I’m so sorry, Drake.” Riley looked close to tears, “I don’t know what I was thinking.  I shouldn’t have been sitting so close to you.  It was... inappropriate.  I can only imagine what he’s thinking right now.”    

“Relax, Matheson.” He said giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze “I’ll handle it.  Don’t give it a second thought, okay.”

Riley bit her bottom lip anxiously and nodded.  

By the time Drake made it to the hallway, Liam was several feet ahead of him. Drake broke into a jog to catch up before falling into step beside the King.

“Liam…”

Liam held up his hand, silencing him instantly.   Drake snapped his mouth shut, sulking moodily as he followed Liam to his private chambers.

Liam swung the door open and motioned Drake in, slamming it behind them so hard that several pictures on the wall shook.

“SIT.” He commanded

Drake took a seat on the couch in the sitting area, leaning back and propping one ankle on the opposite knee.  

“So.” He drawled, raising a sardonic eyebrow, “Who pissed in your cheerios this morning?”

Liam shot Drake a quelling look as he crossed to the bar at the far end of the room.  He dropped some ice cubes into a tumbler and splashed a liberal amount of whiskey into the glass before returning to stand in front of Drake.

“I don’t suppose that’s for me.”

Their eyes locked and Liam raised the glass to his mouth, taking a long sip.

“Guess not.” Drake muttered.

“Would you like to explain to me what I walked in on just now?”  Liam’s tone was calm, but Drake could see the tell-tale tightening of his jaw.  He was pissed

He shrugged his shoulders meeting Liam’s icy stare with one of his own. “Just a couple friends watching dog videos, that’s all.”

“Is that so?”  Liam’s eyes narrowed slightly as he perched on the edge of his desk. “It was all just innocent fun?  Just friends...sitting by a romantic fire...hanging all over each other... watching YouTube videos?”

Drake cocked his head to the side and grinned at Liam.  “Are you seriously jealous right now?”

Liam gave a harsh laugh, “Of course not.”

“Good.  Because you realize how stupid that would be, right?”  Drake held his hand out and Liam passed the tumbler to him without thinking.

Drake took a sip of whiskey, studying Liam’s intently.  He seemed calmer now, his shoulders relaxed as he leaned back against his desk.

“If you’ll recall, you’re the one who told me to stick close to her.  To get her to trust me.”

“Apparently it’s working.” Liam said wryly

Drake’s face broke into wide grin, “You are jealous!”

The corner of Liam’s mouth twitched as he gave in to an embarrassed smile.  “Maybe just a little.”  

He pushed away from his desk and bent down to cup Drake's face in his hands, enjoying the familiar scrape of his beard against his palms.

“Maybe I don’t like the thought of sharing you with her.” Liam said softly as he guided Drakes lips to his.  He let out an audible sigh when he felt Drakes hand cup the back of his head, his fingers tangling in his hair as their tongues collided.  After a minute Drake pulled his head back and gazed into Liam’s eyes before falling back against the couch with a sigh.  

“You know, if anyone has a reason to be jealous these days, it’s me.”  He took another deep swallow of the amber liquid and handed the glass back to Liam. “This whole suitor situation is complete bullshit.”

“Drake...” Liam said gently. “We’ve discussed this.”

“Yeah Li...we’ve fucking talked it to death,” he said sharply. “That doesn’t make it suck any less.”

Liam hung his head.

“Do you have any idea how hard it is to watch those girls fawn over you.” Drake continued, his voice flat, “To watch you flirt with them, kiss them…”  He tilted his head back and sighed at the ceiling, “to listen to you fuck them.”

Liam winced and Drake couldn’t help a little smirk.  “You really should be more discreet.  You know what they’re calling you, right?”

Liam furrowed his brow and shook his head.  

“The Kinky King. Because of your penchant for fucking loudly in places where you know you’ll be caught.”

Liam had the grace to blush.  “You know why I do that.”

“Yeah, yeah.  I know.  To throw everyone off the trail.  To make sure that the courtly gossip focuses on your sexual encounters with the beautiful women of the court rather than your commoner best friend.”  Drake raked his fingers through his hair, his frustration apparent, “I get it.  But like I said, doesn’t make it suck any less.”

Liam leaned over and smoothed Drakes hair back into place, tugging on it a little until Drake looked up at him, his dark eyes clouded with sadness,  “I know this is hard on you, my love.” He said softly, his fingers stroking the back of his neck, “It’s hard for me too.”

“Then put an end to it!” Drake shouted, pulling away, “Marry Liv.  She knows about us and she’s fine with it.  It might even be fun.  I’ve fucked her, you’ve fucked her.  One big happy family, right?”

Liam was already shaking his head, “The people will never support a Nevrakis on the throne, you know this.  Cordonia is already far too unstable.  I need a Queen that will unify the country not plunge it into civil unrest.”

Drake slumped back against the couch in defeat.  Continuing this argument was pointless and he knew he’d never win anyway.  Liam was going to do the right thing, because that’s what Liam did.  He’d sacrifice his own personal happiness for the good of Cordonia.

They sat side by side on the couch, shoulders touching, knees bumping together as they passed the tumbler of whiskey back and forth.

“Damn Leo.” Liam mumbled, “This is all his fault.   If he hadn’t abdicated…”

“Jesus Liam...” Drake groaned, “Not this again.”

“But it’s true!  If Leo had stayed and claimed his birthright…”

“What would’ve changed?”  Drake said wearily, “A big fat nothing, that’s what.”

“That’s not true.  I wouldn’t be forced to marry...to produce heirs.  Everything would be different.”

Drake laughed. “Yeah?  You think we’d be able to be together, out in the open? The Prince and his gay, commoner lover?”  He shook his head, “It would never happen.  Not even if Leo was King.   You have to know that, Li.  What we have now is the best we can ever hope for.”

“It’s not fair.” Liam said softly.

“Nope, it isn’t. But when has life ever been fair?”

Liam stood and crossed to the bar to refill their glass.  On his way back, a picture on his desk caught his eye.  He picked it up and studied it for a minute before turning it around to show Drake.   “Do you remember this day?”

Drake didn’t even have to look to know what Liam was talking about.  It was a picture that Leo had taken of them the day they set sail on an epic adventure at sea.  The day Liam nearly drown.  They were standing side by side arms slung around each others shoulders, grinning like fools.

“Like it was yesterday.”

“You saved my life that day.”

Drake laughed.  “If I hadn’t dragged you out there when a storm was brewing, your life wouldn’t have needed saving.”

Liam smiled and placed the picture back where he found it before joining Drake on the couch again.

Liam gazed at Drake, studying the face he’d loved for more than half of his life.  He saw the little flecks of gold in his eyes that caught the light.   He knew how dark those eyes could turn when he was angry or troubled...or turned on. He ran his thumb over the small creases by his eyes that grew deeper when he smiled.  He hadn’t changed much over the years.  He was still every bit as handsome as he was when they were boys, maybe even more so now.

“Even then I knew I was in love with you.  But you had no idea.”

Drake laughed again. “Don’t kid yourself.  Subtlety has never been your strong suit.  I knew.”

Liam smiled, his eyes sparkling. “You just let me suffer then.”

Drake shifted his body, throwing his arm across the back of the couch as he leaned toward Liam, pressing their mouths together.  “I wasn’t sure how I felt about it yet.” He murmured against Liam’s lips.

The kiss was long and languid, with an underlying heat that could quickly ignite into a wildfire at any moment.  Reluctantly,  Liam pulled away, resting his forehead against Drakes for a moment before sitting back, an indulgent smile on his face. “When did you know?”

Drake smirked at him.  “Do you remember our first kiss?”

“How could I forget?” He said, a wistful expression flitting across his face.  “The summer we turned seventeen.  We were in Lythikos visiting Liv.”

Drake nodded. “She stole a bottle of 100 year old Nevarkis wine and we brought it down to the lake. We all got completely wasted and she convinced us to play truth or dare.”

Liam laughed, “That’s right!  The first of many over the years.”

“She dared you to kiss me.”

Liam nodded. “I never was one to back down from a dare.”  He quirked a brow at Drake, “Remember what happened next?”

Drake nodded and bit his bottom lip, trying to keep from laughing.  “Yeah...I...uh…”

“You fucking punched me.  Split my lip open.  I had to tell Bastien I tripped and landed on a rock.”

Drake smiled sheepishly.  “Yeah.  How many times are you going to make me apologize for that? You kind of sprung it on me.  I wasn’t ready.  I was young, confused…”

“Sleeping with Olivia....” Liam supplied helpfully.

“Yeah, there was that.”  Drake rubbed the back of his neck in agitation.

“And the next day” Liam continued, his voice suddenly thick with emotion, “You were gone.”

“Li…” Drake said softly, his eyes clouded with pain, “C’mon.  Don’t.”

“You ran away, Drake”

“I didn’t run away. I went to college.”

“You took off in the middle of the night and enrolled in a college 3000 miles away.  I call that running away.”

“Ok, Fine.  So maybe I ran.” Drake said with an exasperated sigh, “But I did it because I was really fucking confused.  My best friend kissed me...and I liked it.  I didn’t know what to do with that. All I knew is that up to that point, I was pretty damn into pussy.  I didn’t know what the fuck to do with the feelings I had for you.  So yeah...I ran."

“Don’t run again, Drake.”

“I'm not going anywhere.”

Liam reached out to stroke Drake’s stubble covered cheek tenderly.  “Promise?  Because I can see that this is taking a toll on you. I see you retreating...more than usual.”

Drake wouldn’t meet his eyes.

Liam punched him in the shoulder.

“OW!”  Drake glared at him rubbing the spot where a bruise was rapidly forming, “What the fuck was that for?”

“Tell me you aren’t going to leave again.”

“Fine, fine... I won’t leave.” he mumbled with a petulant scowl.

Liam rolled his eyes. “Now say it like you mean it.” He commanded

Drake reached out to yank Liam in for another blistering kiss, his fingers sinking into his hair as their mouths fused together. He curled his tongue around Liam’s and sucked gently, sending a jolt of desire racing through Liam’s body.  Liam brought his hands up to Drakes chest, the fingers of one hand grabbing onto Drake’s shirt while the other slid inside to roam over his tightly muscled abs.  Electricity crackled between them, as it always did, even after all these years.

After a minute Drake pulled his head back and looked down into Liam’s face.  

“I’m not fucking leaving.  I knew when I let Leo bring me back that I’d never find the strength to leave you again.  You’re my weakness, Li.  I love you.”

Liam smiled. “I love you too Drake. Forever.  I don’t want you to worry.  We’ll find a way to make this  work, okay?  I really think she might be the answer we’re looking for.”

“Riley?”

Liam nodded.  “We have a real connection.  I care about her...and I think she feels the same.  But I sense that she’s conflicted.  I think she’s falling for you too.”

“And...” Drake worried his bottom lip between his teeth for a minute before raising his eyes to Liam’s, “You’re okay with that?”

Liam nodded.  “It might work to our advantage.  If she feels some sort of affection for you she might be more willing to...turn a blind eye to our relationship.  She’d make an excellent Queen.  The people love her.  She young and vibrant and outgoing.  Her views and ideal are modern without being radical.  I think she’d be good for Cordonia.”

“I agree.”

“So I need you to help me convince her.”  

Drake’s brows drew together in a deep frown, “What are you suggesting, Li? Do you want me to seduce Riley?”

Liam threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh, “No, of course not.  Nothing so nefarious as that. Just keep doing what you’re doing.  She’s already drawn to you, not that I can blame her.” He reached out to brush a lock of chestnut hair from Drakes eyes, “You’re fairly irresistible when you want to be.”

“Heh. Irresistible huh?  Everyone else tells me I’m cranky.”

“Oh, you definitely are.”  Liam agreed with an affectionate smile, “But it’s endearing.”

“Do you think she’ll still want to be queen when she finds out about us?”

Liam ran his hand over his face and shrugged.  Finding out your betrothed is in love with someone else was usually a deal breaker under the best of circumstances.  Finding out that lover was another man, well...Liam was pragmatic enough to know that Riley may not respond well to the news.

“I don’t know.  But it will have to be a condition that she agrees to before we’re married.   If I do choose her as my queen, she’s going to have to know everything.  Because I’m not giving you up.  Not for her...not for Cordonia...not for anything.”

“What if she doesn’t agree?”

Liam gave a deep, shuddering sigh. “Then I suppose I accept Madeline’s proposed arrangement.”

[bebepac]

The Vampires Live On: Part 3

This is part 3 of The Vampires Live On, that started out as a story I wrote as a teen that has evolved into so much more.  

Please feel free if you’re stumbling across this part, and are curious to see what’s happened so far,  check out

Part 1       and  Part 2

I am participating in @choicesflashfics​ prompt #3:  You know I don’t have the self control for that” which will appear in bold. 

The Book:  TRR Pairings:  Liam x Riley  in this decade.   (Gabriel x Alice) in the past Word Count: 1810 Warnings and Ratings:  Mention of Character death:  Rating:  Teen Summary: Liam and Riley go back to Riley’s hometown.  

Song Inspirations: 

Friday I’m in Love:  The Cure

Together Again:  Janet Jackson

Original Post: 02/25/23 at 11:04PM EST.

I laughed loudly  as Liam continued to pepper my face with kisses.  

The old couple sitting across from us on the airplane  were watching us.  I playfully pushed him away from me, wagging my pointer finger at him.

“Liam hands off!”  

“Actually it’s not my hands that are touching you right now, it’s my lips.”  He leaned into me once more  puckering up; I used my hand to stop him, and he kissed my palm that was blocking my face.

“So lips off then!”  

“You know I don’t have the self control for that.”  

“Indeed you don’t.”  

“Besides, I’m madly in love with you and I don’t care who sees or knows. Love is a beautiful thing, and I love my wife.”  

Finally the older woman's face softened.  

“How long have the two of you been married? You two look very young.  You can’t have been married long.”  

Amusement danced in Liam’s eyes as he smiled at me, softly kissed my hand.

“It feels like a symphony of many blissful lifetimes rolled up into one. Spending eternity with her is like a dream that I never wish to wake from.”  

“Liam….”  Now it was my turn to kiss him cuddling closer to him, he wrapped his arms tight around me.  

The two of them had been so many people over the years, learning to call each other by the new names they selected, having modified versions of themselves.

Whereas I think I had settled into who I am, forever Alice at my core, Gabriel liked to mix things up.  He had  a book with pages devoted to each person he had been over the last seven hundred years.  The entries of each person read like they were his character bios, a list of traits for each man he was that he would diligently follow for himself, and for the world, myself included.

Of the people he had been while in my company, I have to say I love Liam the most.  He is strong yet soft-hearted and romantic, truly the best of both worlds.  The old woman was right, though wrong about how old they truly were, but they had not been married long. Though I had been incredibly fond of Gabriel for all of these years, it was when he became Liam that I truly fell in love with him.

  When Gabriel became Liam, it showed me another side of himself. It was Liam that proposed to me, and it was Liam that I married after all these years. It was Liam that decided it was time for us to travel back to my home.  

A few of our “friends”  we had met over the years from other clans made it to the wedding along with some of Gabriel’s family.  I wish that Clara and Max could have been there, but part of me feels like she was.  Over the years, I feel at times I have felt their presence around me.  

We married in a small ceremony less than one year ago.  

When we landed it was an hour drive to my old city. I exhaled deeply when we passed into the Lumberton city limits.

“I can’t believe we finally made it here.”  

“I know, it’s been a very long time.  Longer than I intended Riley, but I made good on my promise.”

“You did.”  

“Where would you like to go first?”  

“The library.  I want to see what articles I can find  from around what happened.”

“I figured, good thing I decided to call ahead.”  

“How did you know?”  

“Because I know you Love."

“Yeah it only took you a few years to get to know me.”  

Liam winked.  “Only a few.”  

When she stepped out of the car,  Riley took a deep breath.

“How does this town still smell the same after all these years?”  

“What does it smell like to you Riley?”

“Like home.”  

Liam held her hand as they walked up to the library counter.

“We’re here to speak with Mrs. Banks.”

“And whom might I let her know is here?”

“Liam, and Riley Brooks-Rys.  I spoke to her over the phone a few days ago. She’s expecting us.”

“Yes, she said she was expecting a couple.  Let me take you back there.”  

My grip tightened on Liam’s hand as we walked down the hallway.  

“Don’t be nervous.  I’m here. We’re doing all of this together.”

Once the door closed behind them, the lady at the desk acknowledged them with a smile.

“Please have a seat.”  

Mrs’s Banks' eyes drifted between the two of them before resting on Riley for a moment.

“Historical mysteries also bring out interesting people investigating them, and we have had our share of them over the years, but it looks like the two of you might have some answers.”  

“What do you mean?”  

“The resemblance is striking.”

“What resemblance?”

“There is only one photograph of the sisters, and you look exactly like them. Rumor has it the body of Alice Hughes was never recovered.  Looks like somehow she miraculously survived the ordeal, because I have to be looking at her Great, great great, grand daughter right now.”

She held out the photograph that appeared to be a news article clipped and preserved within the frame.

“May I see that please?”  

Glancing down at the picture, I didn’t even remember it being taken, but there we were, almost a year before  the incident, smiling in our costumes.  I traced  Clara’s picture, my eyes filling with tears.  

“You look almost exactly like them.”  

I didn’t know what to say.  Moments like this on the fly I had never been good with, and Liam jumped in immediately for the assist.

“My wife was orphaned at a young age and wanted to know more about her family lineage.  She did genetic testing, and her genetics confirmed she has strong ties to this area, so I did a little research, which brought me to this mystery. And for a wedding gift, we have flown here to do more investigation, maybe shed a little light on her family's past. "

He continued softly in a voice Mrs. Banks could no longer hear.

It’s okay to be speechless right now.”

I couldn’t speak, so I only nodded in affirmation.

“That’s a beautiful sentiment, one should know where they come from, and visit with their past from time to time, to know where you’re going in the future.”

“I wholeheartedly agree.”  

“There are several articles published after the incident happened.  You know how to use a card catalog right?”

Liam laughed. “Yes we do.”  

She handed Liam the sheet with the article numbers on them.  

“The articles are on microfilm, located in our mezzanine.”

“We can handle a microfilm machine as well. Thank you very much for having the information I requested.”  

“You’re welcome.  I hope that you find what you are looking for Mrs. Rys.”  

Alone in the mezzanine Liam still spoke in a whisper.  

“What were you thinking when you saw that picture, Alice?”  

“I thought it was the first time I’ve seen her face, in so long where it wasn’t a part of my dreams.”  

“But….”  

“I know what you’re going to say. We were identical twins.  We looked the same. But I don’t see her when I look at myself,  I never did.  I only see myself.   So seeing her for the first time in a very long time is nice, because I have missed her, so very much.”

“I know you do.”  

The articles that were written in that time period did not shed much light on the people that  attacked us that night, only that they were criminals.

  The articles theorized my whereabouts, that I was taken, I was dead, or sacrificed in some satanic ritual, as one of the men was torn limb from limb, which had to be Liam’s doing. There was nothing more to find at the library.  

I wanted to go to the place where it happened.  

A portion of the wooded area was still there.  

“I was wondering would the woods still be here.”   

“It still smells the same to you here as well?”  

“Pretty much. It smells rich and sweet at the same time.”

Vivid memories of  Clara flooded my mind of her, Max, and I walking home talking and laughing.   

In the midst of  the forest, in the very spot were, was a patch of wild flowers.

“What is this? Did someone plant these?” 

“No, it appears this area is considered a community reserve now, because of these wildflowers that are growing here, that are not native to this area, and only grow here, in this very spot.”  

“In the very spot… where me and my sister died.  It’s Clara.  It has to be. She loved flowers. Max would pick flowers for her all the time, and the more haphazard they were, she loved them even more.”

“Then we must get flowers before our last stop this evening.”  

“I feel her here. I feel me here, at least who I was.”  

“It was a very powerful moment.  You can still feel the love the two of you had for each other.  It is imprinted on this area, that spot.  I will never forget how I felt the moment after you took your last mortal breath.”  

“Seeing the two of you lying there, feeling the love the two of you had for each other, was beautiful. But there was something else.”  

“What?”

“Sadness.  There was this overwhelming feeling of sadness.  Your sister was sad, but not for herself, but for you, and the life she wanted you to have, that she had willingly given her life for you to have.”  

“But I lived.”  

“Not the mortal life you were supposed to.”  

“But I still lived, Gabriel. I have never regretted my choice.”  

“Not after all of these years?  Giving up mortality, motherhood?  Even something simple as growing old?”  

“Gabriel… that was not the life I was meant to have, because if it was, what happened that night would have never happened to me, my sister, to Max. We would have all had a different life.”

I took Gabriel’s hands in mine.

“With you, I had a different life.  I’ve had  multiple lifetimes. I’ve traveled the world, and seen its beauty and different cultures, something I would have never been able to do given my station allotted to me by birth.  I am thankful you decided to come into the pub that night, and more grateful  that you heard me cry for help.  I have no regrets.  Part of me wishes Clara would have been here and could have been saved that night, but she loved Maxwell so much, even though she never said it to him, but I knew, and I believe he knew it too.  I think she would have died of a broken heart without him.  So it was right for the two of them to be reunited right away.”  

“You really amaze me with your outlook on the world at times, and how you put things in perspective.”  

“Alice was a pretty smart cookie wasn’t she?”

“She is, and that’s only one of the reasons I asked her to marry me.”  

I closed my eyes when Gabriel leaned in to kiss me.  

We had one more stop to make and I knew the next stop would emotionally take a toll on me… visiting my sister’s final resting place.

[aprilchallenge]

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[alj4890]

Right by Your Side

(Maxwell Beaumont x MC) in a Choices The Royal Romance one shot.

For @moodmusicmonday 's Luck of the Draw with the song

A/N I fell hard for this song while trying to think of something for it. So many different Choices books came to mind for this but then as I listened to the lyrics over and over, I kept going back to TRR book 2 and the mess with Riley's reputation and how Maxwell stood by her from the very start (and of course the running LOL) So, here's what my Maxwell shipping heart needed from the beginning of that storyline.

Masterlist

Right by Your Side

Riley felt numb that first night at Ramsford. Perhaps she was still in shock from having guards drag her away as if she was the most vile criminal ever to come to Cordonia. Maybe it was because everyone had seen pictures of her in her underwear and they would forever be on the Internet.

Or, was it because Fate had stepped in to keep her from having to make a decision?

She flopped on her stomach when the image of Liam standing before her in the hedge maze came to mind.

I don't need to wait any longer to make my choice. I love you.

Was that fear she felt in that moment? Was she afraid of hearing what her heart would say if he were to actually pop the question?

Was it because the man standing before her was not the one who had been by her side all along?

The one who came rushing to the airport to stop her from leaving?

Riley buried her face in her pillow. Hot tears began to stain the satin pillowcase as she muffled her cries against it. She didn't want to answer that. She didn't want to address any of the thoughts going through her mind.

Then why did I tell Bertrand that I was innocent with Tariq but I am in love with someone else?

She knew deep down that was the truth. That was the only good thing to come out of this horrible night.

She'd finally spoken about what was truly in her heart.

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

The next morning...

Half asleep, Riley mumbled for whoever was knocking to come in.

Maxwell poked his head in.

"Hey blossom."

"Hey."

He walked over and sat down on the edge of her bed. "You okay?"

"Yeah."

She pushed herself into an upright position.

"I'm fine, Max."

"Are you fine fine or fine?" He asked.

Riley couldn't help but smile. "I'm definitely on this side of fine fine but not quite there yet."

That dimpled smile of his she adored appeared, lighting up his entire face.

And her heart.

"Good." He crawled across her bed to settle comfortably next to her. "I can't stand to see you with tear streaks."

"It's not my best look." She tried to joke.

He draped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her close. "You know you're gorgeous, but yeah. Tears and your skin do not go well together at all."

She laughed while gently elbowing him in the ribs. "Thanks ever so much."

"Anytime." He jumped to his feet when they heard an all too familiar throat clear from the doorway.

With a disapproving glance to his brother, Bertrand walked in with a breakfast tray.

"What's all this?" Riley asked.

"Breakfast in bed!" Maxwell told her.

"Maxwell convinced me that when a young woman goes through something traumatic, that she needs rest and ample sustenance." Bertrand explained.

"Guys." Riley blinked back tears. "You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble."

"You are no trouble." Maxwell argued.

"Well..." Bertrand paused when Maxwell glared at him. "It isn't necessarily you, that is the trouble."

"The trouble is the situation." Maxwell added to try to smooth over his brother's words. "Not you."

Riley wiped at her tears. "This is why I should go back to New York. Look what happens when an outsider comes here."

She forced herself to look up at them.

"I don't belong in your world."

"You do!" Maxwell argued, jostling the tray as he sat down beside her again. "You fit in our world perfectly."

"Not perfectly." Bertrand corrected. "But we can fix that."

"How?" Riley asked.

"By teaching you everything a lady of the Royal Court would know." He explained. "Once you blend in with the other ladies, we'll be able to find out who sabotaged your moment to become queen."

Riley paled some. "I appreciate that, but I don't want to be queen."

Bertrand grimaced. "Be that as it may, you'll never truly be free to be with whomever you want if scandal is associated with your name. No Cordonian family would allow it."

Riley blinked as his words sunk in. "I see."

"Plus," Bertrand continued. "The Beaumont name has been tarnished because of our sponsorship of you."

"Oh no." She buried her head in her hands.

Maxwell was quick to comfort her.

"Hey, don't worry about us." He hugged her close. "I've made a mockery of the name Beaumont more times than I can count."

Bertrand rolled his eyes over that bit of family history.

Riley couldn't believe that not only was she in what seemed an impossible situation but that she'd somehow also lost her chance to be with the man she was secretly in love with.

"I'm so sorry."

"It isn't your fault." Bertrand gruffly argued. "But we are going to need your help to right this wrong. And," his stern demeanor softened, "you are a Beaumont."

"I am?" She asked.

"You're stuck with us." Maxwell winked at her. "For better or for worse."

"Definitely for the better." She winked back with a tremulous smile. "So? When do we start the lessons?"

"Once you've had a chance to eat and get ready for the day." Bertrand told her on his way out. "Meet us in the ballroom."

"Yes, your grace." She dipped her head in thanks.

A slight smile appeared on his lips. "Perhaps our training won't take as long as I once thought."

He bowed and left her alone with Maxwell.

"Give it to me straight." She pleaded. "How bad is my reputation and how horrible are these lessons going to be?"

Maxwell hesitated, raising his hands like a scale weighing each option.

"Crap." Riley flopped back on her pillows.

"It won't be all bad." He told her. "I'll be there to help you through it and to find ways to escape the boring lessons."

Riley rose up on her elbows. "That takes care of the lessons, but what about when I am back out in public?"

"Tell you what." He reached for her hand. "The moment it gets too much for you, just say the word and BAM! We run out of there."

"Really?" Her smile grew at the thought. "You'll run away with me when a noble is acting like a jerk or I accidentally mess up?"

"Yep." He squeezed her hand. "On my honor as a Beaumont."

"Then I think I can get through this." She sat up straight and began to pour some coffee into her cup.

Maxwell watched her settle in to the breakfast he and Bertrand had painstakingly prepared with a great deal of relief. His room shared a wall with Riley's and he'd heard her crying off and on during the night.

It was a slash to his heart as he thought of her in here alone, probably blaming herself for everything that happened.

Around four in the morning he decided that he was done playing the simple escort. From now on, he would protect her from the direct cuts and slurs that those of his rank would hurl her way.

Even if it meant irreparable damage to his family name, Maxwell would do anything for Riley.

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

Madeleine's home...

Riley's stomach churned. She wanted nothing more than to beg Bertrand and Maxwell to take her back to Ramsford so that she could hide there forever. She knew though that if she was to ever have a chance with the man by her side, she would have to find a way to get through this.

Swallowing nervously, she paused in the open doorway of Madeleine's ballroom. Her eyes darted over the familiar faces. Heads were already bent toward each other while fingers pointed at her. The few reporters allowed within the event had their cameras poised to capture the first images of Riley being called out for daring to return.

Just as fear made her legs twitch to run in the opposite direction, Maxwell settled his hand over hers. She looked up and saw nothing but pride in his eyes.

"You're doing great." He whispered, squeezing her ice cold fingers. "Keep your chin up. Here comes, Adelaide."

After the greetings, Adelaide stepped back from the pair, critically studying the way they stood together.

"Don't you make a cute couple?"

Riley immediately jumped on that. "We do, don't we?"

"We do?" Maxwell's eyes widened.

He wasn't certain if he more surprised by Adelaide saying it or Riley agreeing.

"The cutest." Riley added with her first genuine smile of the evening.

Maxwell tried to excuse the conversation as Riley probably needing something to latch on to help stop the gossip of her with Tariq. He didn't mind being the new source that Cordonian's biggest gossip would have spread around before they even walked across the ballroom. If that's the role Riley needed him in now, then he was more than ready to play it.

To prove his point, he kept his hand over the one she had resting on his arm.

"Ready?" He asked when they spotted Liam and Madeleine.

"As I'll ever be." She mumbled, instinctively moving closer to Maxwell. "I really need to talk to Liam and clear things up. Don't you think?"

He hesitated. He knew how much his friend had fallen for Riley. It would hurt Liam to hear she didn't return his feelings. Yet wouldn't it hurt more to wait until he saw her with whomever she was in love with?

"I think you should, just not right now." He barely nodded toward the nobles staring intently at them. "Not with this audience."

"You're right." She released a sigh. "I guess I have to wait. If only he had called me after everything happened, then I wouldn't be so nervous to how he'll react."

What if Liam refused to let her remain in Cordonia? What if he wouldn't let her try and clear her name? She'd never be able to be with Maxwell if that happened.

Lost in her tormented thoughts, she found herself dipping into a curtsy before the royal couple.

"Lady Riley." Liam lifted her hand to his lips, eyes revealing a wealth of adoration for her. "We should talk-"

"To our newly arrived guests." Madeleine finished for him.

"Right." Liam shot a pleading look at Maxwell.

Riley cleared her throat. "Congratulations you two."

Madeleine beamed at her while hugging Liam's arm close against her chest.

"Thank you. Liam is such an attentive fiance."

Riley managed to somehow not roll her eyes. If the countess had any idea that she wasn't wanting him back, then she probably wouldn't put on such a show.

"I can't imagine him being anything less." Riley managed to say with a straight face.

"We really must go greet our other guests." Madeleine told them. "Enjoy the party."

Maxwell released the breath he was holding once he and Riley were left alone. "That went well."

She chuckled. "Honestly I expected her to brandish a scarlet A while screeching for guards to throw me out."

Maxwell's grin brought out her own.

"She'd at least have the decency to wait to do that until they start serving dessert."

"Thank God for small favors."

Maxwell squeezed her hand once more. "Come on. We'll find out seats."

After enduring a brief conversation with Penelope and Kiara, Riley was able to relax for the time being once she was seated between Maxwell and Bertrand. Perhaps she would be able to get through this easier than she expected. She'd hoped to have Hana and Drake on her side, yet they were nowhere to be found.

At least she had Maxwell there to help her wade through this minefield of pompous manners and tradition.

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

"One night down." Maxwell collapsed on her bed with an oof.

Riley sank down beside him as she slipped her heels off. "Thanks to you."

"Me?" He shook his head. "Tonight was all you, blossom."

"Yeah, but I wouldn't have been able to get through it without you." She argued.

"We make a great team." He quipped.

"The best." She stressed.

The two jumped when there was a knock at her door.

"You think it's Bertrand?" She whispered.

Maxwell shrugged.

She peeped out the door to see a servant with a vase filled with roses. Taking them without a word, she quickly shut and locked her bedroom door.

"Oh!" Riley buried her nose in the fragrant blooms. "How beautiful! Did you get these for me?"

Maxwell hated that he hadn't thought of doing so. "No. Wish I had."

She set it down on the table, admiring the bouquet.

"There's something wrapped around that stem towards the left." He pointed out.

Riley unfurled the paper. "It's from Liam!"

"What's it say?" He got to his feet to read it over her shoulder.

The pair both felt guilty when they read the new king's heartfelt plea to meet secretly upon his balcony.

"I have to go." Riley folded the note and slipped it into the pocket of her dress. "I have to tell him the truth."

Maxwell felt a new slash to his heart. After these past few weeks of having her to himself, he realized he was falling in love with Riley. He couldn't tell her, since she was already having to let Liam down. The last thing she needed was more stress over her complicated love life. He just hoped whoever she loved realized what they had in her.

"Madeleine placed your rooms as far apart as she could." He explained. "You're not going to be able to sneak over there with all the nobles here."

Riley eyed her window. "There's more than one way out of this room."

"We're on the third floor!" Maxwell exclaimed. "You'll get hurt or worse!"

Riley opened her window and examined her path to Liam's room.

"Riley please. When I said worse, that meant death!" Maxwell pleaded. "Don't-"

She climbed out the window, perched on the edge, and winked at him. "Promise I'll be careful."

"Riley!" He harshly whispered.

He stuck his head out to watch her precarious walk around Madeleine's home. His heart was stuck in his throat when she struggled to reach the railing to Liam's balcony. She swayed somewhat until she got a good grip.

Once he saw her climb over safely, he ran to her bathroom and emptied the contents of his stomach. Maxwell had never been more terrified than he was in thinking he could lose her if she tumbled off the wall. He hoped Liam would realize the dangerous path she took and find another route back to her room. He honestly couldn't take seeing her try to make her way along that narrow ledge again.

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

"Riley!" Liam rushed to her when he heard her land behind him.

"Liam." She stopped him from embracing her. "We need to talk."

"I know." He took her hands in his. "It's just so good to see you again. I need to tell you--"

"Liam, I'm in love with someone else!" Riley blurted out, unable to hear him say anything nice to her.

The guilt was killing her that she couldn't return his love.

Liam froze. He shook his head as if to clear it.

"I'm so sorry." Riley squeezed his hands before pulling away. "But somewhere along the way I fell in love with someone else."

"Is it Tariq? Is that why he was in your room at Applewood?" Liam asked.

"No! I've never felt anything for him. His being in my room was a big misunderstanding." She explained.

"Then who-"

"He doesn't know how I feel." Riley hedged. She needed to tell Maxwell how in love she was before anyone else found out. "And unless I can clear my name, I won't be able to be with him."

Liam folded his arms and leaned against the wall. His lips that had once been in a delighted smile were now in a firm line.

"Then we must do all we can to help you clear it." He decided.

Riley's eyes burned with tears.

"You'd, you'd do that? For me? After I just..." She lowered her head in her hands while shaking with sobs.

Liam gently took her in his arms, softly shushing her apologies.

"Riley, I want you in my life in whatever capacity you allow." Liam admitted.

It hurt to say he would settle for being her friend. He hoped that perhaps she would one day return his affections as time went on. But for now, he'd do what he could to keep her, protect her, and clear her name.

The two briefly discussed what to do during the engagement tour.

"How did you get over here?" He asked.

When she pointed to the narrow ledge, he paled over the danger she'd placed herself in.

"There is a hidden set of corridors through here." He opened a panel in his room to reveal the path servants traveled in the early morning hours. "At the end of the hall there is a door that opens out into the main loft at the top of the stairs."

"Thanks Liam." She hugged him. "And not just for an easier way back to my room."

His lips curved in a sad smile as he looked at her. "No need to thank me. Goodnight, Lady Riley."

"Goodnight."

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

Venice, Italy...

Bertrand and Justin were once again telling Riley how to act to continue to win over nobles.

"We're making progress." Maxwell repeated to her. "Not only with your reintroduction to society but in finding clues toward whoever is behind the pictures."

"Do you think she'll be there tonight?" Riley asked.

"It's the biggest event in town. Everyone will be there which means the press will be there in droves." He explained.

Justin wished them luck once they left the limo.

Bertrand went on inside, giving them a moment alone.

"You okay?" Maxwell asked.

"I..." She shook her head with a laugh. "Honestly, I wish we could get out of here. Go enjoy Venice at night."

Riley looked about, longing to be anywhere than on a mission.

"Cordonia is the first European country I've ever visited. Now I'm in Italy and I wish I could experience it as a tourist." She snorted softly. "An average, maxed out her credit card to get here, tourist."

Maxwell laced his fingers with hers. "You want to run away?"

Her head jerked up to look at him. "Could we?"

"Say the word, and we will use all our training to get out of here." He told her.

Riley couldn't help but giggle over the memories of their early morning runs around Ramsford.

Maxwell began to over exaggerate his stretches.

"Stop!" She burst out laughing, feeling all her tension melt away.

"Gotta get limber if we're to run." He explained with a smile, his dimples deepening over being able to make her laugh.

"You're crazy." She teased. "And I am so ready to call your bluff."

"Not bluffing." Maxwell corrected. "I promised you I'd run away whenever you needed us to." He leaned down, nose nearly touching hers. "So, m'lady? Do you need to run away?"

Riley's breath caught at his face so near her own. She could see all the different shades of blue in those ocean colored eyes of his. She could detect the light splash of cologne he preferred mixed with the cinnamon Altoids he was known to munch on whenever nervous.

She longed to lean forward the few inches and kiss him. She wondered what he would do. She assumed he would be shocked at first. Would he participate in the kiss once he got over the surprise? Would he admit he felt something for her?

Or would she walk away in embarrassment and heartache?

Maxwell realized his mistake the moment he got too close. He should have thought through his actions instead of just going with whatever he felt in the moment. Her face, the one he adored, was already hard to keep from staring at. Now he was able to see every single feature that held his attention.

Her eyes, green as the first leaves of spring, shined with warmth. The freckles that dotted along her lightly tanned skin dusted her upper cheeks and bridge of her nose. Her lips, petal pink with the bottom slightly plumper than the top one, parted as if ready to be kissed.

What would she do if he allowed himself to accidentally (on purpose) lean more forward so that his lips could brush hers? Would she gasp in delighted surprise or would she shove him away in disgust?

"There you two are!" Hana ran down the steps to embrace them, unknowingly breaking the sexual tension developing. "I was worried I would have to go in by myself."

Maxwell and Riley forced themselves back from one another. Both knew they couldn't run away now, especially with Hana so relieved to see them.

"Shall we, ladies?" Maxwell held his arms out to them.

The three got in line to be photographed.

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

Riley somehow managed to get through the dinner without jumping out of her seat to confront the photographer. Maxwell sat across from her, smiling in encouragement each time her eyes met his. He was the only thing keeping her calm. She wasn't certain how she impressed both the Italian noble and Olivia, barely paying attention to what she said in response to the wine and Cordonia joining the EU. Yet somehow, she'd managed to rack up more points in improving her standing in Cordonian society.

If only it mattered in her having a chance to be with the man she wanted.

Bertrand seemed so proud of her performance. Would he still be if he knew she wanted his brother?

Riley longed to bang her head against the table. She was utterly exhausted from playing the part of a proper lady turned secret detective. She was bored hearing the small talk of the other ladies of the Court.

Then Penelope opened her mouth and asked her about Maxwell.

"What?" Riley bit out.

"Do you think Lord Maxwell would be interested in making a match with me?" Penelope repeated.

Riley glared at the model perfect woman. How dare she even think she could be with Maxwell! Didn't she listen to the rumors that he and Riley were a couple? That that was the reason they were always together now???

Riley was ready to tell her to back off. Then she caught sight of Bertrand off in a corner observing her and somehow tempered her answer.

"No offense." Riley tried to control her voice. "But you're not really his type."

"Oh." Penelope's lips formed a perfect pout made for lipstick commercials. "What is his type?"

"Someone gorgeous. Lots of fun." Riley felt her own heart drop over not being his type. "Someone who appreciates his sweet ways and how he--"

"So someone like you?" Penelope interrupted.

"Me?" Riley stared at her immediate sworn enemy. "Um..."

"Shh!" Hana softly shushed them. "Here he comes."

Maxwell bowed his head to the group. "Ladies? If you would excuse us, I need to have a word with Lady Riley."

"Of course!" Penelope beamed at him then at Riley as she followed the others across the room.

"What was that about?" He whispered.

"I'm not sure." Riley couldn't decide if Penelope was as horrible as she thought. "What's up?"

"Things are quieting down, so now would be a good time to find the photographer and do a little interrogation." He explained.

"Okay." She looked around the crowded place. "And how do we do that without drawing attention?"

"Oh, we're going to draw attention." Maxwell's grin turned mischievous. "Just the kind that doesn't let anyone know what we are really up to."

He led her to a less crowded area where a group of the press were near.

"Your call on what we should do to draw their eyes this way?"

Riley looked up at him as she considered a few options. He could always pretend to be throwing her out of House Beaumont or...

"You should propose to me."

Maxwell stilled. His eyes searched hers to see if she was messing around to only see a shuttered almost vulnerable look in the green depths.

With her hands clasped, she quickly told him he could then pretend to be confessing his love for something else, like gelato.

"Okay." He audibly swallowed.

"I'll give you the signal when I see the photographer." Riley added.

"Sounds good."

He cleared his throat loud enough for some people to glance over at them.

"Lady Riley?" Maxwell gently took her hands in his. "There's something I need to confess."

"There is?" She asked.

He nodded, completely serious at this moment. "I should have seen it happening, yet I was blind to what was standing right in front of me."

"Maxwell, what are you..." She trailed off when he swept down to one knee.

The press surrounded them, each trying to snap pictures of the romantic moment.

"I want to shout it from the rooftops." His smile bloomed. "That I love..."

Everyone waited with baited breath.

"Gelato!" He exclaimed.

Riley choked back a laugh as everyone else expressed their dismay.

As the group left them, grumbling over the lack of drama, Riley spotted the photographer.

"There she is!" She whispered, yanking him up.

The woman noticed the two and took off running.

"After her!" Maxwell nudged Riley into action.

The pair dashed out of the restaurant and down the dark streets of Venice in hot pursuit.

"I can't believe we're gaining on her!" Riley puffed, hiking the skirt of her dress higher to give her legs more freedom.

"I knew our early mornings would be worth it!" Maxwell teased.

They cornered the woman and got a credit card number of the one who paid her for the pictures. This only created more questions for them to find the answers to.

"We did it!" Riley launched herself into his arms, hugging him tight.

Maxwell stumbled back against a wall the moment her body collided with his.

They both stilled, save for their excited breaths. Their eyes met and before either could talk themselves out of it, their lips met in a desperate kiss.

Maxwell's hands slipped into her blonde hair as his lips moved over and over hers, memorizing the taste and texture of her mouth.

Riley kept her arms around his waist, gripping him as close as she could.

They broke apart to catch their breaths, hearts racing with more than just the mad dash across Venice had caused.

"Riley?" Maxwell couldn't make himself ask the question he needed an answer to.

"It's you." She breathed. "It's always been you. I fell in love with you with all the dress fittings and early morning wake up calls and--"

She moaned into the heat of his kiss. Her arms slipped around his neck as his hands drifted down her body.

"I love you." He muttered against her mouth. "So much."

Riley sank into his embrace, her leg wrapping around his hip as they kissed.

"We really need to find somewhere else to continue this." Maxwell groaned when she moved against him.

"My room." She stepped out of his arms. "On the train. Now."

He pulled her close to his side. "You're not worried someone will see and hear us?"

"I hope they do." She paused when it hit her that he might not want that to happen. "I'm sorry. I forgot that you can't be with me until my name is cleared."

"What are you talking about?" He asked, nudging her chin up.

"Bertrand said no family would allow me to be with anyone with my name associated with scandal." She reminded him.

"That doesn't matter with me." His smile gave her hope. "Don't you remember? You're a Beaumont."

Her eyes widened. "You mean..."

"It doesn't matter if we ever clear this scandal up." He pressed his lips to hers. "We can be together out in the open because we're Beaumont's. Let them try and say anything."

Tears sparkled in her eyes. They were for the first time in a very long time, tears of absolute joy.

[kristinamae093]

Ghosted

Ghosted - Always Watching (Chapter 8)

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

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

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

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

The morning after the discovery of the maid’s body, Liam sat with Olivia, Drake, and Maxwell inside the study at the Applewood estate. Liam canceled the barn raising scheduled for the day early that morning. He told the press it was because of inclement weather, which was not necessarily a lie, although it wasn’t the entire truth. 

Liam realized they could not keep the murder under wraps forever. Only a few people knew the real reason for the cancellation, including those in the safe room, Drake, Olivia, Maxwell, and the guards. He planned to keep it that way until they knew who was responsible, and then he would happily release that information to the public. He visited with Rhonda’s family briefly and told her husband they would receive a stipend from the crown, as well as college funds for her children. 

They all believed that the incidents shared a relation; the only steady lead they had regarding Riley wound up dead days later, and that was no coincidence for anyone. Olivia explained to Liam in great detail her observations at the crime scene; after hearing her retelling, he too believed the area was staged, but he couldn’t make too many conclusions until Bastien presented him with the evidence. 

The bloodied dress put a sense of urgency on things, but the murder really made everything more critical. Whoever was behind this was clearly not playing a game and didn’t want their plan to be uncovered. He was growing restless, not knowing the extent to which this treachery ran. 

It appalled him that all of this happened right under his nose. The doubts about the narrative against Riley were always there, but this runs deeper than just wanting a particular woman to sit on the throne as Queen. Whoever orchestrated all of this was an enemy of the Crown, and Liam was determined to rid that negativity of his court. 

Another part of his impatience was purely the need to see with his own eyes that Riley was safe. The guilt he felt for turning his back on her crept up on him at random times throughout the day, but he was trying to push that aside and focus on locating her at any cost. He hoped that whoever was responsible hadn’t been able to locate her either; he prayed with everything in him that after she arrived in New York, she found a safe place to retreat, far away from the turmoil that was unraveling around him. 

“OH! What about this one?” Maxwell exclaimed, as he sat next to Drake and scrolled through an online catalog of outfits for an upcoming gala.  

Drake rolled his eyes. “Please stop showing me this crap. S’long as you wear something, I don’t really give a shit what you show up in.” 

“What are you going to wear?”

“Clothes, most likely.”

“Clothes, most likely.” Maxwell mocked under his breath. 

“What was that?” Drake snapped. 

“Nothing! Oh, this has a matching one! Look! Ohmygosh we could match! Twins!” Maxwell exclaimed as he once again shoved his phone in Drake’s face. 

Drake grimaced at the sight before him. It was a set of bright blue ocean wave suits, complete with a bright orange squid bow tie. “God, no. Not even if you paid me.” He replied as he shook his head. 

“Oh, come on, Walker. You can be a sea creature instead of one who drags his knuckles on the ground.” Olivia added with a smirk. 

Drake flipped her off. “Fuck. You.” 

Olivia snickered. “I’d rather take a lava bath, but thanks.” 

“I’ll see if Bertrand will match me,” Maxwell said with a mischievous grin. 

“Good luck with that, Beaumont,” Drake answered. 

“It could go better than you think, honestly. He’s been super nice to me ever since we told him about all this stuff with Riley. I miiiiight be able to get him to do it.” 

“I’m taking pictures if it happens, hands down,” Drake chuckled. 

Olivia subtly rolled her eyes. “Stay away from me, regardless of what you wear. You too, Walker.” 

“Way ahead of you there, Ice Duchess.” 

Liam stayed quiet; although he still held rage with Bertrand and his tasteless actions, he hadn’t given his status as Duke much thought. Although it had not left his mind, for now, especially for Maxwell’s sake, he was keeping his inner thoughts to himself. 

A knock interrupted them from their uplifted moment. Liam stood and granted them entrance, and Bastien appeared with a bow. “Your Majesty, I was hoping to give you an update on the homicide.” 

“Of course.” 

“We have no clear suspects. However, we discovered a murder weapon.”

Olivia’s ears perked up from her seat, and Liam’s eyes widened. “You did?” 

“Yes, sir. We found it in the woods near the area, and I sent it off for analysis. It was a black knife with gold trimmings; I believe it to be the same one used in the earlier ceremony that night.” Bastien held out a folder to Liam, who accepted it and started looking through it immediately.  

The picture at the start revealed the murder weapon, which was the same knife used to cut the apple with Madeleine, but covered in blood from the tip to the hilt. He flipped further and felt his stomach churn at the images of the crime scene. The first few photos were of the maid’s face and he could recognize her, but barely. As he proceeded, he suddenly pulled the file away from his face with a grimace as he saw the cause of death photographed.

“I apologize, sir. I should have given you a warning beforehand.” 

Liam swallowed thickly and with a deep breath resumed, but a tad more prepared for the sight this time. “My God…” He gasped. “What – How – I –” He stammered before closing his mouth with a shake of his head.  

“We still don’t know a lot, sir, as it’s still the early stages of investigating. But we are working around the clock to ensure we receive a solution promptly. Obviously, we’re certain the cause of death was the wound in the jugular, however, we have sent the body for analysis as well. When I spoke with the other staff, they recalled seeing her earlier in the day, but her whereabouts past three p.m. are unknown.” 

“Is that everything?” 

“For now, yes. I will let you know something else as soon as I know.” 

Liam resumed his venture through the folder and furrowed his brows at some of the random items photographed as evidence; the things Olivia noted were present, as well as what appeared to be a cap for a tube of lipstick with a clear set of fingerprints. Of course, the suspect could have dropped the item, but it seemed conveniently placed within the other markers. The only thing that implied relevance was a bloodied shoe print. He could tell it was a woman’s, as the base was short and narrow, not to mention the pinpoint of a heel. However, it was still an odd discovery given that there appeared to be no other signs of blood anywhere else except on the body itself. “Bastien, are you questioning the legitimacy of this crime scene? At all? I see multiple red flags here just at first glance.”  

“We found a few things out of the ordinary, but I have sent everything for analysis. I’m confident either way, the forensics will produce some kind of answer.”

Liam nodded, sufficed by his response. “Have you looked for Riley? Or Tariq?” 

“I have attempted but have found no new leads. However, I am still continuing even with arrangements for the tour and the homicide investigation. I am doing everything in my power to provide you with some answers.” 

“Thank you, Bastien. Just… keep me updated…” Bastien nodded and bowed before he exited. As he did, Liam stood staring blankly at the door behind him, his mind a jumbled mess of chaos that seemed to only get worse by the day. 

Drake cautiously approached Liam. “You alright, man?” 

Liam laughed sardonically. “No, Drake, I’m not… How am I just supposed to wait? How long is it going to take Bastien to find something?”

“I’m not sure, but what else can we do?” 

Liam ran a hand down his face and let out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t know. If I did, we’d be doing it.” He snapped, but immediately caught himself and retracted. “Sorry, Drake. I’m just…” 

“Na, it’s cool. I get it. I wish there was something we could do, but… it sounds like we’re just waiting until Bastien can get those reports back.” 

“Goddamnit,” Liam growled as he slammed his fist down on the desk he stood beside. “I– I can’t just sit here and wait. I need to do something now."

“Perhaps we should seek outside help,” Olivia interjected. 

“What do you mean?” 

“I have an acquaintance who is somewhat of a… ‘private investigator’. He’s not cheap, but he’s worth every penny. He can look into Riley and Tariq’s locations, for sure, as well as whatever else you may see fit…” 

“I’m not against the idea… but how would that even work?” 

“We can figure out the details later, but I have somewhat of a cover already thought of. I can easily say he’s my driver, or bodyguard, or anything, really. Who’s going to question me? Honestly?” 

“Much as I hate to admit it, maybe she’s onto something, Li,” Drake interjected with a sour face. “Bas clearly has his hands full, and I know you wanna get some kind of answer.”

“See? Even the cave dweller agrees!” Olivia exclaimed, earning her a middle finger from Drake. “Plus, perhaps having another set of capable eyes around will do us some good.”

“I want to agree, I really do. It’s just… the last person to get involved with this was… well, you know. Do we really want to put someone else in danger like that?”

Olivia snickered. “It’s cute of you to worry, but he’s more than capable of defending himself.” 

“I don’t know…”

“Do it, Liam! DO IT! Or I will myself!” Maxwell exclaimed. 

“No offense, but how are you gonna pay him?” Drake asked. 

“Perhaps he would be interested in a one-on-one interpretive dance class; we could trade one service for another.”

“Hate to break it to you, but your dance class ain’t worth shit.” 

Olivia rolled her eyes but approached Liam and blocked Maxwell and Drake from view, forcing him to focus on her. Of course, her top priority was ensuring Riley’s safety, but in addition, she had her own questions regarding her blackmail. She would help Liam with anything, but this was more than merely a favor; it was personal. However, Bastien’s competency was undoubtedly questionable in Olivia’s mind. She couldn’t rule him out as a suspect, but she didn’t exactly have something concrete to tie him to anything. For the time being, she needed a second set of capable hands.

“Liam, we have to act on this now. Whoever did this is actively covering their tracks. If we don’t do something, we may never figure this out.” Olivia pleaded.

Liam swallowed thickly and kept his gaze trained on the floor. “I know…” 

“So, let my associate come and assist us. If he doesn’t provide answers, I’ll pay his service fees out of pocket. But of course, I’ll be working alongside him.” 

“I trust you, Olivia, I do. However, I’m worried that putting another person into the equation may end up biting us in the ass in the long run.” 

“I understand, but again, he’s highly trained and knows what he’s doing. All we have to do is keep his cover intact until we can locate one of them. We can’t tip the mastermind off and give them an opportunity to bury this deeper. As long as everyone in this room keeps their mouth shut about his true purpose, we should have no issues.” 

Liam looked away with a heavy sigh; although he remained hesitant to add another person to this mess, the thought of getting any kind of answer outweighed any con he could think of. And, he trusted Olivia to steer him correctly. He finally said, “Okay, do it...” 

“I already did, Liam. He’ll be in the country this evening, hopefully,” Olivia smirked. “Now, we need to address the next order of business…” she trailed off as she approached the window and stared out. “Whoever did this killed that maid to send us a message; I think we need to send one back.”

Liam’s jaw fell open. “What?! Why would you think that, Olivia? We–”

Olivia held her hand up to stop him. “Let me finish; we need to send a message while doing ourselves a favor. The tour leaves for Italy in four days, but that can not happen, Liam.” 

Liam furrowed his brows. “You want me to cancel the tour?” 

“No, I want you to rebuild it to stay in the country. Think about it; you’re technically still going along with their plans, but perhaps throwing a wrench into them. You’re showing that you’re willing to play along for now, but you won’t back down entirely like they assume you’ll do.” 

Liam shook his head. “I don’t think that’s smart, Olivia. We don’t know what they’re capable of or what lengths they’ll go to.” 

“I’m aware of that, but it’s not like you’re canceling everything; you’re simply rerouting, so to speak. The results will still be the same; you’ll ‘marry Madeleine.’ How you get there shouldn’t matter.”

“Isn’t that suspicious? To suddenly keep the tour within the country?”

“It would be, but I thought ahead and I think I have a decent proposal laid out.” Olivia produced a file and handed it to Liam. “How are we going to figure this out internationally? We have to stay here…”

Liam opened the folder and saw a detailed explanation for the sudden changes, as well as a list of future events to be held within the duchies. “Wow,” He responded with wide eyes. “This – this is convincing, and you’ve practically already planned everything… When did you have time for all this?”  

“Last night. I wanted to come and find you right after Walker and I left the crime scene, but I assumed my plan would get a stronger reaction if I laid it out for you. All you have to do is make the calls…”

“I think it’s a solid move, Li,” Drake interjected. “You’re standing your ground but yet still giving the appearance that you’re moving forward for the ‘greater good of Cordonia.’ I’ll help you take care of anything you need help with, or try to at least. But she’s right; we won’t find any more information about what happened to Brooks globe-trotting.” 

“Trust me, I don’t want to leave, but we already set these events! What am I supposed to do to–” 

“You need to pull your head out of your ass, Liam.” Olivia interrupted. “You’re the King and I think this would be a lot easier if you’d start acting like it.” She saw Liam contemplating her statement and stepped closer to him with narrowed eyes. “It’s time you put your fucking Crown on and show these assholes that you won’t back down. What’s really important to you here, Liam? Do you want to figure this out, or are you going to let them use your duty to control you – again? I lay the plan out for you and when my associate joins us, we are that much more prepared if they were to strike back, but we can’t pussyfoot around anymore. You wanted to do something now, so do it.” 

Liam stared at her for a long moment as her words echoed in his mind and a newfound determination took over him. His nostrils flared as his hands balled into fists at his sides. The bright blue orbs that were previously dimmed seemed to darken even further. Olivia was right; this was his country, his call, and the ball was now in his court.

Liam never said a word, but soon marched over to the desk and picked up the phone. He listened intently until someone answered the other end of the line. “Buonasera, Francesco. I’m afraid I’m going to have to cancel our pre-scheduled festivities...” 

Liam, Drake, and Maxwell worked the rest of the day and into the evening to cancel all the tour’s events, and were well on their way to planning what Olivia had mapped out. With the newly produced schedule, they would have much more time to focus on their investigation while still keeping the same number of events as before.

Liam’s determination in his decision stood firm, however, he couldn’t deny feeling apprehensive as well. He was sure there would be retaliation in some form and was unsure as to just how far they would go. However, the power he felt at that moment was something he wasn’t used to. Since his ascension, he’d signed treaties and other small documents, but this was the first time he was going to assert his authority in such a large capacity. Adrenaline ran through his veins and for the first time, he felt like a King. 

The door to the study was suddenly flung open without warning, startling everyone inside. Madeleine marched into the room with a red face. “What the hell, Liam?!” Constantine trailed not far behind her, although his expression was one more of confusion than anger. 

“Ah, I take it you’ve learned of our changes?”

“There will be no changes! We’ve had this planned for weeks! We’re not canceling within a few days–”

“I already did.”

The color drained from Madeleine’s face. “No, you didn’t.” 

Liam indignantly laughed. “Oh, I sure did.” 

Madeleine’s cheeks heated further, nearly purple. “What the fuck is wrong with you?!”

Constantine put a gentle hand on Madeleine’s shoulder. “Language.” He scolded. Madeleine stepped back with her arms crossed over her chest. “Liam, I want to believe you’re not doing all of this for an irrational reason.”

“I’m simply doing what’s best for Cordonia.” Liam shrugged. 

Madeleine scoffed and shook her head. "Unbelievable! Have you completely lost your mind? How is this what’s best for anyone?!” 

Constantine turned and gave her a warning glance. “Although I do not agree with her delivery, I echo Countess Madeleine’s question.” 

“First off, explain to me how an international tour is beneficial to Cordonia at this current moment. The only event that even made a difference was the charity banquet in Paris; the rest of it was just a bunch of bullshit. This way, we can rally our people behind us.” 

“It was for publicity, Liam!” Madeleine exasperated. “We need to worry about our international standings, which are going to be shit now that you’ve–” 

“Our key priority is the Cordonian people. My father pointed out to me that the citizens doubt our union already, and I can’t say I blame them. It isn’t a secret that you weren't my first choice, not even the second.” Liam had to hide his smile as he stood from his seat and crossed the room to stand in front of Madeleine. 

He forced the softest tone he could when he spoke again. “I want to do everything I can to ensure this works. I know I haven’t done my part, but this is my first step in making amends. Although the international publicity would be good, we need our homeland’s support more. We can enlist in media coverage so we can still get the word out, but Madeleine, we need to stay here. Cordonia needs us right now; Cordonia needs to see its future leaders united. We have to show them we are going to lead them together.” He swallowed down the lump of bile in his throat. 

Constantine observed Liam’s body language during their interaction. Never had he seen him so confident about a decision; he looked regal, authoritative, not a hint of doubt to be present. Liam made undeniable points, and he had preached to both of them to do more to keep the people's faith in their union. However, he couldn’t help but feel like Liam could have ulterior motives for the sudden change. 

Constantine arched his brow. “That’s why you’re doing this?” 

“Yes, father. I just want to ensure the right people are supporting us. We need strength internally. I’ve adapted all the best traditions into our stops along the tour to honor those who have come before us. And, well–” Liam sighed and looked away. “I need to show the Cordonian people I am in the right mind to lead them. They’ve questioned me since my coronation. I have to show them I can do this… I can’t do that from Italy or Paris...” 

Constantine eyed Liam sternly for a long moment. Throughout his life, he could force Liam to break with only a glance. It never worked on Leo, but Liam always cracked under the pressure if he was hiding something. However, Liam showed no signs of hesitation and there were no slips in his facade. He looked regal, poised, composed, calm, and firm, with just a hint of vulnerability. Since he passed the signet ring to Liam, he was practically begging him to get his head together, and the man standing in front of him appeared to be doing just that.  

Liam knew exactly what Constantine was doing as soon as his brow arched. It’s the same glare that had gotten him into trouble multiple times growing up and he expected to endure the stare as soon as he told his father the news. It took all of his restraint, but he never let his carefully placed expression stray from his features. He silently prayed Constantine couldn’t notice the sweat profusely forming in his palms, though. 

After a long moment, Constantine’s face broke out into a small smile. He stepped forward and patted Liam on the shoulder. “I believe this is an excellent idea, son. You have my full support.” 

Liam had to fight hard to hide his surprise. He expected more of a fight from Constantine, but perhaps Olivia provided the perfect excuse. He slightly bowed and said, “Thank you, father.” 

“Let me know if you require any support in the plans.”

“Thank you, but we’re nearly finished.” Liam turned to Madeleine, who stood with her arms still crossed over her chest. “What do you say, Madeleine? You’re free to look over the arrangements if you’d like. We’ve left your bachelorette party on the same day as before, but the location is open to the entire country… Just say the word and I'll have the jet prepared...” 

Madeleine rolled her eyes. “I don’t get why you want to cancel an international tour so we can go to the same old duchies–” 

“Countess, your King made his wishes known and his reasons are relevant. Do you wish for the people to doubt your reign as Queen?” Constantine asked with his hands clasped behind his back. “Perhaps after the coronation fiasco this would have been the best solution, anyway.”

“Fine, we can proceed with your new plans.” Madeleine finally relented. “But there had better be media coverage, Liam.” 

Liam fought the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he nodded. “You have my word.” 

Constantine smiled and put a hand on both of their shoulders. “I’m proud of both of you. You’re going to change the course of Cordonian history, the two of you. Have you prepared a statement, son?”

“I’m working on it,” Liam answered. “Would you like to be present with me, Madeleine? Perhaps it would be better if we announce the changes together.” 

Before Madeleine could respond, Constantine did so for her. “Yes, that’s a splendid plan. Do use urgency so we may stay on track. Be sure to extend invitations to our international counterparts who we expected to see along the tour, though.”

Liam nodded, and Constantine exited with Madeleine at his side, who trampled away with heavy footsteps. Drake audibly gagged as soon as the door closed behind them. “That was hard to watch.”

Liam shuddered. “Tell me about it. Do you think they bought it?” 

“I think so,” Maxwell answered. “Your dad seemed really into the idea, honestly… and as long as it’s heavily publicized, Madeleine will be happy.” 

Liam rubbed his hands together. “Right… Right… You’re right…”

“Calm down, Li. You did good.” Drake patted him on the back. “They bought it and I think you made a smart move by enlisting Maddy to make the statement with you.”

“I agree. It’s showing the mastermind that although I’m changing things up, Madeleine is on board. That’s who they’re concerned about, anyway... I’m hoping that having her support on this will work to our advantage.” 

“Damn straight. Now, we gotta hurry and throw all this bullshit together so you can get your statement out there.” 

A few hours later, Olivia was on her way to meet with her contact on the outskirts of the city limits. Her acquaintance was someone she worked with in the past and trusted to assist them. He helped her look into the source of her own blackmail after she hit a wall. Olivia only traced it back to three different middlemen; had it not been for her associate’s aid, she never would’ve found the others. He didn't classify himself as an investigator, spy, or hacker; simply a jack of all trades. His skill set and knowledge were insurmountable, and Olivia knew he would be a worthy asset. 

Olivia pulled up to an empty parking lot aside from one other vehicle. A tall man in a black leather jacket stepped out and adjusted his shirt underneath as he did so. He took off his sunglasses and leaned against the side of the car. She exited her own SUV and made her way over, all the while looking around to ensure they were alone. 

“Thank you for meeting with me, Ray. I have a job for you.” Olivia cautiously spoke as she reached him. 

Ray smiled and bowed to her. “What can I do for you, Duchess?” 

“I need you to look into the whereabouts of two people. The first is Tariq, second Riley Brooks.” 

Ray nodded. “I was wondering if you were going to seek help there.” Olivia’s brows furrowed, causing Ray to chuckle. “Please, anyone could tell those photos were fakes or set up. It seems likely that the one who leaked the story is the same person who blackmailed you.”

“It’s not just the story, Ray. We think someone removed her from the situation. We found this–” Olivia produced the trash bag with Riley’s contaminated dress and held it out to Ray, who took it and glanced at the contents. “–inside a shed, along with all of Riley’s other belongings.”

“A shed?” 

“Yes.” 

“Why?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

Ray gave her an unsure expression. “I don’t like that, Olivia. That instantly gave me an unsettled feeling. There’s a reason her stuff is there.” 

“Trust me, I know...” 

Ray once again looked inside the bag. “You haven’t sent this off anywhere? To check the DNA?” 

“I intended to, but then I was called to a homicide for the only solid lead we’ve had regarding Riley.” Ray didn’t even try to hide his shock, which caused Olivia to chuckle. “Yeah, tell me about it. Obviously, we’re thinking it’s all connected, but…” 

Ray noticed Olivia’s hesitant expression and inquired, “What?” 

Olivia sighed and explained to Ray all the things she observed the night of the maid’s murder. When she finished, she added, “I was going to have Bastien send that dress off to forensics, but after his futile behavior, I don’t think I want him near it. He’d probably fuck around and lose it or something.” She rolled her eyes. 

“I can have it sent to the lab I use if you’d like. If I tell them it’s a stat order, I should only have to wait a few days.” 

Olivia nodded. “Yes, do that.”

“You got it. Now, have there been any leads into either of your missing persons?” 

“All Bastien has found is that Riley landed in New York the morning after the jamboree.”

“Nothing on Tariq?” Olivia shook her head. “Hmm… I find it odd that there would be no trace of him.” 

“I can confirm on my end I found the same result when I searched.” 

“I’ll begin at once. And you want me to travel with you?”

“Just for now. If we’re correct once the news breaks of the tour’s new destinations, there may be retaliation. I’m not sure what that could look like at this point and I need more people around who can properly assess situations. Honestly, finding Riley’s dress and leaving it opened my eyes to the fact that we’re all emotionally involved in this. There’s no reason for it to have sat in there a second longer once we found it, but we were all so stunned nobody was thinking. I hate to admit it, but even myself included.” 

“I can see why; it’s a lot of information to learn at once and not a lot of it makes any sense from where I’m standing. But I agree that having someone with a firm and clear mindset could benefit you.”

“I’m counting on it.” Olivia handed him a thick folder. “Here is your dossier to cover you throughout the tour. You are now Harold Marshowitz, my new bodyguard. Alternative forms of identifications are in there as well as any security clearance you may need.” 

“Got it.” 

“Great, let’s get moving.” 

“Wait–” Ray stopped her. “While we’re free to speak openly, I wanted to bring forth another potential lead I see…” 

Olivia arched her brow. “I’m listening…” 

“Have you looked into that article? At all?” 

“What do you mean?”

“It had to come from somewhere; it didn’t just appear. Not only did someone have to take those photos, but there was a story attached to it. Someone concocted that; I’m unsure if it’ll be the same person, or…” 

Olivia shook her head as frustration washed over her. “No, I hadn’t even thought about that…” 

“As you said, you’re all emotionally involved in this. I’m not, so I can see things a little more clearly…” Ray trailed off, then hesitantly spoke. “I’m, uh – a little surprised that the guard didn’t think of that.” 

“Bastien is an idiot, but something about his demeanor lately has struck me as off… I don’t know if he’s developing dementia, or if it’s something deeper…”

“All the more reason to have me around,” Ray smirked. 

“Is that something you can look into? The article?”

Ray flashed her a cocky smile and straightened his jacket. “Who do you think you’re talking to?” 

Olivia rolled her eyes. “I’m trusting you, Ray. I need you to come through for me.” 

Ray placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “All jokes aside, this is what I live for, Olivia. I love sinking my teeth into a juicy mystery. I will find them, you have my word.”

Out of sight, a figure was lurking in the shadows not far away, intently watching and listening to the meeting. As Olivia and Ray vacated the area together, the peeper clenched their jaw and repetitively punched the tree they stood beside. After removing their surveillance equipment and slamming it to the ground, they started vigorously pacing.

Everyone assumed Liam could start asking questions, but his duty and broken heart were supposed to keep him blinded. The expected time for his inquiries was long after the wedding when the job would be fully completed. However, Liam and his collective group of friends were making progress in their search and had uncovered too much in a short period; not everything, but it wouldn’t be that hard to find the rest of those answers, especially now that he brought on a competent professional to help. Considering how early it was in the tour, the possibility of him figuring it out suddenly skyrocketed. 

As a result, the entire operation was in more danger than ever before; that was not an option for anyone involved. They served the deception all around; if the mission was uncovered, multiple people would go down for it, and they would face the wrath of more than the current monarch. 

It wasn’t hard to guess where their investigation would lead them next, and that meant another loose end just identified itself. The unknown person brought out their phone to make a call, which was answered on the first ring. “We have a tremendous problem…”

Tags (let me know if you'd like added or removed): @choicesficwriterscreations @ao719 @txemrn @imashybish @queenrileyrose

@kingliam2019 @riseandshinelittleblossom @dcbbw @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight

@amandablink @cordonia-gothqueen @sfb123 @jared2612 @harleybeaumont

@bebepac @charlotteg234 @busywoman

@malblk21 @angelasscribbles

@bascmve01 @iaminlovewithtrr @hopelessromanticmonie

@mysticalfangirl @umccall71 @fuckitweball0000 @differenttyphoonwerewolf

@lovingchoices14 @emersyn-in-cordonia

@aussiegurl1234 @karahalloway @the0afnan @nestledonthaveone

[choicesflashfics]

Week 28 Prompts:

“I saw this and it reminded me of you.”

“Sometimes forever doesn’t necessarily mean forever.”

“I am nothing if not consistent.” -> “Yeah, a consistent pain in my ass.”

Well, aren’t you a Lamb? - @leelee10898 (The Royal Romance)

Heads Up - @txemrn (Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x F!OC)

Where Do We Go From Here - @bebepac (The Royal Romance; Past pairings: Riley x M!OC / Riley x Liam)

A Different Fate - @jerzwriter (Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

[angelasscribbles]

Victim of Love Chapter 14: Yes and Maybe

Series: Victim of Love

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Drake x Riley

Word Count: 1,739

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: none

Song Inspiration for series: Victim of Love by The Eagles

Show me what kind of love have you got? My other stuff: Master List.

Drake looked back and forth between his best friend and the woman he loved in perplexity. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding.”

Liam bit back his anger and emotional devastation as he struggled to remain calm, “Which part have I misunderstood? The part where you came to visit me and then slept with the woman I love or the part where you ran away with her or perhaps the part where you proposed to her in a bid to take her away more permanently?”

Drake shook his head as he moved to Riley’s side, “That last part.”

Liam’s voice rose a little, “How is marrying her and taking her to Texas not permanent?”

Ignoring Liam, Drake took Riley’s hands in his. “Remember when I told you that any man who had the opportunity but not the sense to lock you down properly didn’t deserve you?”

“Yes, but Liam-“

“I’m not talking about Liam. I’m talking about myself! I let you get on that plane without giving me an answer because I didn’t want to pressure you but what the last two weeks have taught me is that I can’t live without you. I know you said you had some things you needed to figure out and I know those things have to do with Liam. Am I right?”

“I…” her eyes flew from Drake to Liam before dropping to the floor, “Yes.”

Liam tried to interrupt, “Drake, I don’t think-“

Drake never pulled his gaze away from Riley as he cut Liam off, “I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to her! Riley…do you remember when I asked you to give this, me and you, a real chance?”

She nodded.

“And you agreed…”

She nodded again.

“Do you remember what else I said that day?”

Her head lifted and her eyes met his, “What?”

“Just before I asked you to give us a chance, I told you that I wasn’t asking you to stop having feelings for Liam or to end your relationship with him. Remember?”

Her brows drew together in confusion, “Yes…but…”

“I asked you to marry me because I want you in my life, and I want to be in yours…forever. But I don’t want to own you or control you. What you do with Liam is still your business.”

Liam sucked in a hopeful breath as he watched Riley’s face, gauging her reaction to Drake’s offer. It was a solution that could resolve a lot of issues for all of them.

Riley’s gaze once again darted between the two men. “Are you saying you’d be okay with me having an affair with-“

“Not an affair,” Drake corrected her, “We’d have an open relationship.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really! I know you don’t want to abandon Valtoria. We can split our time between Cordonia and America. We’ll figure out the logistics together-“

Liam had been watching the exchange quietly. Four months ago the idea of sharing her with anybody would have infuriated him. But four months of living without her had been an excruciating experience, one he had no intention of repeating. Not if he could help it.

And besides, he had asked her to share him with Hana. Political marriage or not, he had given another woman everything he had promised her, and he knew he was lucky she hadn’t walked out of his life then and there.

He was through being selfish.

Clearing his throat to get their attention, he took a step closer to the couple and using his most conciliatory tone made an offer he hoped they couldn’t refuse, “Or you could take the job in the King’s Guard I offered you and move back home.”

Drake jerked as surprise hit him square in the chest, “That’s still on the table? I assumed that offer had been rescinded the minute you found out about us.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, Liam laughed, “It was! But I just put it back.”

It wasn’t as unselfish as it seemed. Ever since he’d had to marry another woman, Liam had walked around with a low level of anxiety gnawing at his insides every minute of every day. He was convinced she was eventually going to get sick of the position he’d put her in and leave him. And he wouldn’t blame her if she did.

Giving her Valtoria had been a bribe, she was right about that. Everything he’d done from the moment he’d stood on that stage and called out someone else’s name had been a desperate attempt to hold onto the love he didn’t feel he deserved.

If she married Drake and if Drake joined the King’s Guard, then she’d stay. It was really that simple.

“So, what do you say?” Liam asked.

“I say that it’s all really up to her,” Drake turned back to face the woman that held his heart in her hands, “Riley? Marry me? Please?”

“Say yes,” Liam encouraged.

Riley shook her head, “But do you want to join the King’s Guard? And how would this whole thing work? And what about Hana? How does she-“

“Riley, I was going to say yes to Liam’s offer four months ago. Where we live, how we juggle this whole thing…those are all just details, and we’ll figure them out as we go. I promise.”

“Hana and I have had a lot of time to talk,” Liam told her, “And I mean really talk. She wants you to come home too. She’s hopeful that the two of you can repair your relationship as well.”

Riley looked from one man to the other, her heart beating so fast she was sure it was going to jump right out of her chest. She loved them both, there was no denying that. The only reason she hadn’t said yes to Drake in the first place was the thought of losing Liam. And here they were, telling her she could have both. She thought about everything that had happened since she’d first come to Cordonia and came to a decision.

“Drake, I’ll marry you bu-“

She was cut off as he swept her into his arms with a resounding whoop. He spun her around as he laughed, “I don’t care what the but is, Riley, you’ve just made me the happiest man in the world!”

He set her back on the ground and drew her into a passionate kiss.

Liam cleared his throat again, “I’m still here.”

“Sorry, sorry,” they both murmured as they drew apart, but neither one looked sorry as they grinned sappily at each other, fingers covering lips, and blushes swirling across cheeks.

“What about us, Riley?” Liam’s voice was strained as he interrupted the happy moment.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with us, Liam,” she told him truthfully, “All of our issues are still there. All of my issues with Hana are still there.”

“All right,” Liam said carefully, “But surely we can work on those. If you’re willing that is.”

“Me?” She stared at him like he’d grown a second head, “You are the one that shuts down any conversation about the future, you are the one that issues demands and decides when we can and can’t be seen together, you are the one that-“

Liam looked like he’d been struck, “Riley! I….I….” with a dejected sigh he sank into the nearest chair, “You are correct, and I am sorry. I have been reluctant to discuss the future because I dread facing any future that is devoid of your presence.”

Drake let an involuntary snort escape him.

Liam’s head snapped up, fire in his eyes, “What?”

“That’s not how you made it sound at lunch the day you pretty much bragged about having your cake and eating it too.”

Liam wanted to be angry, but he knew Drake wasn’t wrong. Anger fought against pain and fear inside of him. Being honest was being vulnerable. A quick glance at Riley convinced him that being vulnerable was worth the risk. He was dangerously close to losing her completely, “It was false bravado I didn't want to admit how much I depend on her, how much I need her, how utterly lost I am without her in my life.”

Drake blew out a long, slow breath, “I know the feeling.” With a wry shake of his head, he asked, “What are the odds that we would both fall for the same woman? And fall hard and fall fast?”  

“Pretty high considering that we've both always had the same taste in so many things,” Liam was astonished that he managed to find humor in the situation. But it was true. He and Drake appeared different to the world because of their vastly different stations and the way they interacted with the world. But at their core, they were very similar.

They were both bound by honor and duty, they both strove for perfection, holding themselves to impossible standards. And either one of them would give their life for the other. They had never had a serious disagreement over anything in their lives until they fell in love with the same woman.

It suddenly made perfect sense to him that they would fall for the same qualities in a life partner. Even for the same woman. Perhaps especially for the same woman.

Drake's laugh boomed across the room at Liam’s observation. “I mean we have, but she’s not ice cream.”

Riley’s brow quirked up, “You have the same favorite flavor of ice cream?”

“Yes,” Liam answered, “Vanilla. And we have the same favorite whiskey-“

“Macallan,” Drake interjected.

“We like our steak cooked the same way-“

“Medium rare.”

“The same favorite color-“

“Blue.”

“We have the same favorite polo team, horse breed, soccer-“

“I get the idea!” Riley laughed, “You do have a lot in common. But you’re very different men.”

“We know that.” Drake smirked, “For example, I hate ballroom dancing, he loves it.”

“It’s not my fault your idea of culture is watching two men pummel each other to a bloody pulp.”

“Mixed Martial Arts has the word art right there in the name!"

Riley watched them banter with a soft smile on her lips. She would have expected them to be at each other’s throats all things considered, but they weren’t. Their affection and respect for each other were clearly evident despite the gravity of the situation they found themselves in.

Maybe, just maybe, there was a way forward for all of them.

[dcbbw]

Sunday Six 2.26.23

Hiiii, Tumblrs and Happy Sunday! Posting my first six sentence Sunday in what seems like forever, but I am making progress on some stories and wanted to share an update.

Everything is in a state of rough draft and final, posted versions may vary from what’s below.

Everything’s beneath the cut. Hope you enjoy!

Partner Knows Best (LI/MC couple ask)

What’s their love language?

Riam:

Him: I’m torn between receiving gifts and acts of service.

Her: You have to GIVE for me to RECEIVE!

Him (huffing in frustration): Acts of service, then!

Her: His is words of affirmation. And cock. Lots of cock!

Points: 10

SGL x Riley B:

Him: Hands down, quality time!

Her (blushing): He speaks all of them. Fluently.

Points: 10

Mermaids:

Him: We’re still learning each other, but I think she speaks physical touch.

Her (rolling her eyes): You WISH! I’m going with acts of service for him.

Points: 5

UnRomance:

Him: Riley enjoys the gifts I give her.

Her: Liam’s language is physical.

Him (staring intently at Riley): Physical touch?

Her (shaking her head slightly): Just physical.

Points: 10

Untitled ChoicesPrompts:

Grab your coat

Leave a note

And run away with me

The nobleman held the vellum stationery between his fingers as his eyes re-read the summons, written in familiar, flourished script. The mingled fragrances of amber, mandarin, and jasmine wafted gently from the sheet of paper.

The black linen envelope it arrived in lay on the front passenger seat of the car he drove, the plain white address label bearing his title, name, and the name of his house. No street address was given; it wasn’t necessary.

Opera flowed from the vehicle’s speakers: Madame Butterfly, one of his mother’s favorites. It filled his ears as he continued to stare at the words, curious if the missive had been sent out of concern or conniving. It was no secret that his carefully crafted façade was crumbling, and that he was desperate to keep it private. But this was Court; the circles were small, and mouths were big.

The Poisoned Apple

Palace Cells, 3am

The soft tap of Louboutin heels against the stone floor echoed quietly down the weakly-lit hallway. King’s Guardsmen stationed exactly five feet apart bowed deferentially to the Queen as she passed them. Queen Riley Brooks – she had dropped the Rys surname a decade ago- acknowledged each bow with a terse nod of her head, her thick curls bobbing with each movement.

Her steps slowed as she approached a barred cell; she peered inside the darkened prison. Its sole occupant was awake, their head buried inside a book. Riley saw the movement of the person’s lips as they read aloud in a hushed whisper.

“Ahem,” the monarch cleared her throat. “I need a word with you.”

Juanita “Jane” Ramirez lifted her head slowly, her eyes locking on Riley’s. She took in the smartly tailored pantsuit the other woman wore and caught a whiff of the expensive fragrance perfuming the Queen’s skin despite the lateness of the hour.

“What could you possibly have to say to me, in the middle of the night, no less, that you haven’t already said in the course of the past 10 years?”

“I’ve lost everything because of you, and I now stand to lose even more!” the Queen seethed.

The disgraced doctor barked out a harsh, mirthless laugh before swing her legs over the side of the iron cot anchored to the brick wall. “That’s a rich statement coming from the woman on the other side of the bars,” she observed.

“I’m as much a prisoner as you are; my cell is simply larger.”

Silence between the two women until Jane sauntered the door, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest.

“I couldn’t change the DNA, Your Majesty,” she said quietly.

“You could have lied about it!”

“For what? To what avail? The truth got me imprisoned for 20 years; a falsehood would be a death sentence!”

Riley’s eyes narrowed, and her voice cracked when she spoke. “Then we’d both be free.”

Boxing with God (#KTAW)

The strains of the Cordonian Waltz filled the Lythikan Keep’s ballroom; the guests flowed easily and effortlessly between each other, their movements almost perfectly in sync. Kiara Theron’s head was tilted back as she smiled up at Lord Tariq. He twirled her away to the next partner as he prepared to receive the next; Kiara twirled into an empty space.

She looked around quickly, wondering if she somehow fallen out of step when a horrified shriek split the air. The Lady of House Theron looked around swiftly, as did others; the scream had come from Lady Riley, the suitor from America, whose eyes were fixed on Duchess Olivia and Prince Liam.

Who were kissing. With tongue.

Kiara’s eyes widened at the sight, while she clicked her tongue disapprovingly. To Riley’s untrained eye, it appeared that Olivia was staking her claim and the Prince was willing to let her do so. But Kiara knew better. And it made her heart sad but also churned the wheels in her mind.

The competition was taking itself out; Olivia throwing herself desperately at Liam, reminding him who loved him, who knew him and lady Riley screaming like shrill fishwife who had somehow been wronged.

Now was the time for her to stand out.

Trudy Sloane (#SWAW)

Sloane never bothered to ask her mother why she named her only child Gertrude; she had always assumed it to be a family name, belonging to a favorite aunt or an almost-forgotten great-great-great grandmother.  

What she told herself is that she was named after a great woman in history.  

Perhaps Gertrude Bacon, an aeronautical pioneer and writer with contributions in astronomy and botany; or Gertrude Barrows Bennett, an American writer of fantasy and science fiction. Sloane’s personal favorite was Gertrude Blanch, the mathematician.  

Gertrude grew up in Washington, DC in an era where the options for black residents were limited. Children from lower-income families were encouraged to enter the military; mid-income parents steered their offspring towards the federal government for the job security, or vocational school to learn a high-earning trade such as cosmetology, barbering, or plumbing.  

Even as a child, Trudy, as her mother affectionately called her, was different. She didn’t watch the other television shows her friends watched. She was a fan of the Star Trek franchise, religiously watched the PBS science series NOVA, and instead of playing with dolls and makeup, she took anything mechanical apart to find out what made it work.  

No, Trudy was not going to be stuck behind a desk shuffling papers and answering calls from irate citizens in her customer service voice. She was going to make a change in the world. A noticeable difference. 

She didn’t know the world was going to bring about a difference in her as well.  

 The Price of Everything (Platinum AU)

Avery Wilshere stepped out of Brooklyn’s blustery chill into the relative warmth of Late Night Wanderer, his blue, blue eyes taking in the crowd. The repurposed warehouse was packed, people lining walls and walkways, and jostling to get the attention of mixologists at the bar. A lucky few were seated at tables near the stage.  

Avery removed his bowler hat as he walked through the crowd, wondering who or what was causing such a buzz. Hell, he was the number one pop star in the world at the moment and no one even recognized him. 

Sometimes, that was a good thing.   

Snatches of chatter reached his ears, one name repeated constantly: Riley Brooks. 

He found a seat just as house lights dimmed; he was shrugging out of his wool coat when a Latina of slighter taller height with her brownish-blond hair in a pixie cut climbed the makeshift staircase to reach the stage. The crowd began wildly applauding and filling the air with wolf whistles.  

She smiled to the audience, picked up her guitar and strummed a few chords as she spoke.  

“You guys treat me too good, I swear! Going to start off with a song I wrote the other night, thinking about them. We all have a ‘them’, am I right?” 

Loud applause as the crowd agreed with her question quickly quieted as Riley began singing. 

I pull up out front, put the car in park 

I open the door, cross the floor 

Shed light into the dark 

Searching for peace of mind, but all I find  

Is a cold and empty room 

I thought you were my home  

But all you did was play house 

I turn on some music and dance alone 

Remembering being in your arms 

Never knowing your smiles were swords 

Meaning me deep harm 

You were my home, and I was your house 

You were playing house my heart 

Dumbing me down with your smarts 

Your lips, your eyes, your touch 

Playing house with my heart 

And I still love you, I still want you 

Playing house with my heart 

And I don’t need a home if it means you won’t roam 

Stay 

Stay with me 

And play house with my heart 

The last note hung in the still air for a full minute before Riley received a three-minute standing ovation. She wore a look of bewildered happiness on her face as she alternated between bowing as much as her baby bump allowed and blowing kisses to the audience.  

Avery studied her thoughtfully as he briskly clapped his hands together.  

His flame was burning brightly today, but there would come a tomorrow when it wouldn’t. He would probably become a producer, help another singer or two make their mark before Avery into obscurity.  

This woman could be his legacy. She had an innate ability to connect with the audience, regardless of demographics. Hell, with the right grooming and marketing, she could be the female Elvis. 

Avery could make that happen.  

He was going to make Riley Brooks a superstar.  

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