#like I’m so glad I didn’t have to go through all of TRR/TRH with a prince/king named Liam 😐

[yourqueenb]

Honestly I kinda hate that the books where we can change the LI’s name are so few and far between, especially because PB will pick the most basic or white sounding names sometimes 💀

[bebepac]

Six Sentence Sunday 03/12/23

So a friend of mine introduced me to K dramas  and now it’s completely changed my netflix viewing experience.  I’m currently Watching Twenty Five / Twenty One, I highly recommend, I just finished within the last week to ten days Vincenzo and  Move to Heaven.  So if you have any recommendations, please let me know. I’m going for more dubbed right now, the only reason why is because I don’t have much spare time, so I need something I can listen while I might step away from the television a bit doing chores.  

I know it’s been a while since I’ve done an official Six Sentence Sunday but I actually do have some stuff to share! And here’s to hoping I get some of these if not all of them posted in their entirety in the next few weeks!!!!

I know I’ve been slow to post new stories but here is what I’ve posted in the last little bit: 

The Galentine’s Day Queens

School Dayz: Tornado Taylor 🌪

Original Post: 03/12/23 at 8:46PM

Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler (Special) The Book:  TRR x The Freshman Series Series: Mia’s 🌎 World Pairings:  Mia x Jaiden (TRR MC x M!OC) / Chris x Emily (The Freshman)  Status: Still in the Writing process

Raucous laughter and ear splitting shouts followed by squeals and high pitched howls broke over the street as what had to be fifty obviously already drunken people bore down on them in a thundering herd. They were naked, all of them. Wearing only footwear and what had to be thirty pounds of beads each, the partygoers plowed through the group heedless of separating them.

The naked people, men, and women alike danced and twirled through the throng of onlookers crowding the street while the booming of a band that had been distant background noise became louder and louder. Suddenly the two sides of the street were separated by one of the seemingly endless parades that were part and parcel of the Mardi Gras experience.

As the horde of naked people finished filtering down one side of the street, a conga line swept down the other. The middle of the street filled with floats as music and shouts filled the air and beads rained down on the crowd like mana from heaven.

When they finally had a chance to look around, they each found themselves separated from the group, adrift in a strange city during a jubilant celebration.

Chris and Emily

“MIA!”  Emily called out.  

A random woman grabbed her arm dancing in front of her. 

“I’ll be your Mia.”  

Chris smiled  and gently pulled  Emily’s arm from the grasp of the scantily clad dressed woman with scores of beads around her neck.  

“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.”  

The woman shrugged her shoulders and walked away.

“How did we lose everyone so quickly?”  

“No, the question you should be asking is why didn’t we lose each other, and I’ll tell you why right now Em, it’s our matching shirts.  I’m so glad I had these made. I told you matching shirts was the only way to go.”  

Ah the gem of a shirt the both of them were wearing, Blaze Neon Green Shirts with black writing on them, the front  saying “Laissez le bon temps rouler,” with the back saying “Oui cher,” which they had really gotten good at saying this afternoon.   Emily had yet to figure out what Chris’s fascination with matching shirts exactly was.  

Part 6: Shattered Heart The Series: The Cordonian Arrangement  The Book: TRH/TRF Pairings:  Riley x Nico (TRR MC x M!OC) / past pairing Liam x Riley Status: In the editing process

The infusion of her friends and family around her in the coming weeks greatly helped Riley. He thought at times she still looked numb and going through the motions, but he could still hear her crying at night when everything was quiet and she was alone.

“Riley?”  

“I’m okay,”  she said through the door.

“May I come in?”  

Riley opened the door.

“I brought you a slice of galaktoboureko.”

He knew from Nico that it was Riley’s favorite dessert now, but Liam had remembered that Riley always had a sweet tooth.  

“I’m really okay.”  She said through the sniffles.

After a few minutes of silence, Riley whispered.  “I’m not okay.”  

“I know. I wouldn’t expect you to be so soon after…..”  

“My husband died.”

Riley wiped away the tears once more.

“You’ve been really kind Liam, and helping with Angelo, some days when I don’t feel like getting up you’ve been there to help. I’m grateful. Thank you.”  

“You don’t have to thank me for this.”  

“Yes I do, you’ve been here the better part of a month, running a country from a distance, just to be here for me, Angelo, and little one.”  

“Because…. You are my family, and this is where I felt I needed to be.”

“We haven’t talked about it…. What Nico asked of you....”

“Yes…”

“I’m being honest, I can’t see myself leaving Greece any time soon. Just like you know you need to be here, I need to be here to properly grieve him.  I can't get up and leave his family, after everything we’ve lost, and take the last living part of him with me. I won’t do that to them.”

“I wouldn’t ask you to do that Riley.”

“As for us…. I can’t think of that right now.  I need to focus on Angelo and having a healthy pregnancy with as little stress as possible.”

The Last Part The Book: TRH Series:  The Rotten Apple 🍎 Pairings:  Eleanor x Nico / (Eleanor x M!OC)  Status: Still in the writing process

Nico patted his stomach.  “I’ve gained over four kilos since she’s been home.”

“And I don’t mind that at all.  We both have gained some. The food just tastes better here.”  

“But that’s happiness. You two are happy together.”

“We are.”  

“Speaking of, would you mind taking a walk with me King Liam, there are some things I wanted to discuss with you.”  

“Of course. Let me just finish….”  He took a few more bites from his plate.  

“There is dessert father.  Your favorite.”

“Let’s get this walk in Nico, it might need to be a spirited run.”  

“We’ll start  at a fast paced walk and see how that goes."

Elle and Libby laughed as the two started to jog down the driveway.

"What do you think they're going  to talk about?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

Libby stared at Ellie in silence waiting for her to connect the dots.

"You silly!!!!  Father insisted all the way here on the jet that the two of you have an announcement to make since you invited him here. Are you engaged? I know you're not wearing a ring unless you’re hiding it?  Are you engaged Ellie?”  

“No, he hasn’t asked.”

“Would you say yes if he did?”

Elle opened her mouth to speak but Libby immediately cut her off.  

“Of course you would!  I don’t even know why I even asked that. Well if you’re not engaged….”  Liberty’s eyes went wide.

“Are you pregnant again?”  

Elle choked on her drink.  “Why would you say that?”

“Could it be your mini me, that’s playing in the yard with your dog Icarus right now? You’re not denying it.  And you’re drinking water, not wine.”  

“So what? Nico is drinking water too.  He doesn’t drink anymore.  He only keeps wine in the house for company.”  

“You’re still not denying it Ellie….”

[the-everlasting-dream]

No - Drake x MC

Summary: Elizabeth’s reaction to King Liam’s request from Chapter 2 of TRH

A/N: Oh look who’s alive and decided she remembers how to write. Thats right, I’m back with some subpar fiction and I hope you like Elizabeth’s honest reaction to the fiasco that was the beginning of this book. Some lines are obviously from the dialogue.

Word Count: 3408

Warnings: Swearing.

Tags: idk who even reads anymore so  @chantelle-x0x , @choicessa​, @mariamulroney , @drakewalkerwhipped​ , @quartzandarrow​ ,  @mfackenthal​ , @srawesleyghuewrites​ , @topsyturvy-dream​ , @enmchoices​ , @gardeningourmet​ @debramcg1106​ , @alesana45​ , @meladoridarcy, @blackcatkita​ , @tmarie82​ , @annekebbphotography​ , @lizk77​ , @jayjay879​ , @tornbetween2loves​ , @akrenich , @theroyalweisme , @likethetailofacomet​ , @sleepwalkingelite​ , @littleblossom-18 , @ooo-barff-ooo​ , @drakewalker04​ , @mkatschoicesblog​ , TRR only: @speedyoperarascalparty , @carabeth​ , Drake: @fairydustandsarcasm , @drakewalkerisreal​

‘To ask us if our future baby would be the ruler of Cordonia?’

The words rang in Elizabeth’s ears, the sound of her own voice alien to her as what Liam was alluding sunk in.

‘Liam.’ Her mouth moved but it was Drake who spoke, tone laced with disbelief.

‘I... I don’t know what to say. My kid sitting on the throne...’

My kid. Our kid.

They’d talked extensively about kids in the past month, agreeing that while they still both wanted children, it would be nice to spend some time together first as a couple. Surely Drake would say no. The next words that came out of his mouth shook Elizabeth to her core.

‘I mean it would be an incredible honor.. I don’t know what to say..’

She turned to gape at the man she now called her husband, remembering vividly how he’d described how excited he was to take their little one on the same camping trips like his own father had done, teaching them the art of making the perfect smore, giving them the life he wished he could have had. That picture of a little boy or girl with Drake’s hair and her eyes, a perfect mix of the two of them firmly planted on his shoulders seemed to evaporate when she heard those words.

‘Elizabeth. What do you say?’ Liam’s blue eyes turned on her in expectancy.

‘No.’

The word was out of her mouth before she could control herself but she didn’t want to take it back. She watched both their faces fall and straightened her spine, swallowing hard. ‘No. No Liam. I wish I was sorry but I am not. I’m not giving my child up for anything.’

‘Walker,’ Drake started, reaching for her hand but she wrenched it out of his grasp.

‘No. I said no.’

Seeing his mouth open again presumably to reason with her, she turned on her heel and stormed off down the beach. Anger boiled in her veins like never before, searing hot; she could barely think straight. Liam to coming here  — on their honeymoon, no less — and asking them for their literal unborn child was insurmountably selfish.

Hadn’t she giving up enough already? Was getting kidnapped, shot at multiple times, having the man she loved almost bleed out in front of her not enough? Was she to sacrifice her future family just because the king of Cordonia couldn’t get a date?

These and a thousand other venomous thoughts were swirling on her mind as she stalked off, heading in no particular direction except away from the conversation.

‘Walker wait up.’

Elizabeth did nothing to slow her pace as she heard Drake jog up to her. ‘Walker would you just stop for a minute? Elizabeth!’

Jerking to a halt, she waited until he was in her line of vision before fixing him with a poisonous look.

‘Jesus what was that?’

‘I could ask you the same damn thing. What the actual fuck Drake?’ She spat, not caring if anyone heard her.

‘Liz c’mon. It’s not like the kid wouldn’t be ours still.’

‘Drake do you even hear yourself? I thought you of all people would be with me on this. You’ve spent your entire life hating the nobles for their stuffy ways, you’ve ranted to me on enough occasions about how pretentious and prim and stuck up and snobby they are. Now you’re turning around and saying you’d sign our child up for that without a second thought?’

He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. ‘Walker, c’mon you know it’s not like that..’

‘Then tell me what it’s like!’ She screeched, her voice shrill as it no doubt carried down the beach to where the rest of their friends were waiting. ‘Because to me it seems like you’re willing to drop and show your belly every time Liam asks you for something. Have you forgotten you have a wife now or does my opinion weigh nothing?’

‘You know that’s not true Elizabeth,’ he snapped back angrily and some part of her was glad to see the reaction, any reaction. ‘He’s got a good reason. We married for love. Don’t you think Liam of all people deserves the same?’

‘I do. You know I do. But his happiness shouldn’t come at the price of ours.’

Drake ran a weary hand over his face. ‘Don’t you care about the future of Cordonia?’

She paused momentarily thrown by his question. ‘What I care about is the future of my family. Something that you obviously don’t share. I don’t get it Drake. I really don’t. You of all people know how dangerous the life of a monarch is. Assassinations, poisonings, coups. Did the situation with Anton teach you nothing? And the worst part is that you didn’t even think to talk to me about it? You’re happy to just agree with whatever ridiculous demands he dreams up!’

Drake glared at her. ‘That’s bullshit and you know it.’

Hot tears pricked the back of her eyes as Elizabeth met his gaze. ‘We promised each other that we would have each other’s back. All the time, one hundred percent. All we talked about after this whole wedding shebang was to have a normal life, the two of us and the family we would have together. At least that’s what I thought we both wanted.’

The look on his face told her that her words had been driven home. They stared at each other in silence for a long moment.

Say something. This is our first real fight. Say something. She begged him silently, watching as Drake opened and closed his mouth several times but no words came out.

‘I’ve got a beach ball here with both your names on it!’

Maxwells voice cut through the tension. ‘What better way to work through some newly wedded strife than to slap a ball at each other huh?’ He shot a grin at them before wrapping a hand around each of their arms, leading them toward where the others had all gathered.

‘Beaumont this is hardly the-‘

‘Splendid idea Maxwell,’ Elizabeth interrupted, snatching the ball angrily out of his hands. ‘You’re on my team.’

-

Tensions boiled hotter than the afternoon sun as the game took place on the sand opposite the villa.

Elizabeth barely made a sound the whole game, concentrating her entire effort on hitting either Drake or Liam in the face. It would have solved anything but it would have made her feel a whole lot better, she decided, spiking the ball towards her husband. She rolled her eyes as he flawlessly intercepted it, sending it sailing over the net to Hana. She didn’t forget how Liam was readily avoiding her eyes, tapping the ball sympathetically over the net towards her as some kind of convoluted apology. She hit the ball again, harder this time, treacherous thoughts of Rumplestiltskin and baby snatcher rolling through her head.

What kind of person asks another person for their baby? Go make your own goddamned baby. What do I look like? The baby making machine? He may be a king but I am a duchess and my body is mine and so is my child.

‘Elizabeth heads up!’

The warning was too late and she was midway through turning her head toward the sound when something slammed against the side of her face, the impact hard enough to knock her off balance onto her hands and knees on the sand.

‘Walker!’

‘Elizabeth! Oh my god! Are you okay?’

‘I’m fine,’ she answered, brushing aside Hana’s hands, her ego wounded more than anything. Regaining her footing, she avoided all eye contact under the pretense of brushing the sand from her skin, keenly aware of Drake’s gaze on her.

‘I think I’ve had enough volleyball for one day.’

‘Elizabeth -‘ Maxwell began but she silenced him with a hand.

‘Max just... don’t. I want to be alone. Please.’

-

Steam rose off the bubbling waters of the outdoor jacuzzi as Elizabeth sunk deeper into the tub, trailing a hand through the churning foam, the other against her reddened cheek, her thoughts reflecting the same image.

This is my baby. Our baby — she corrected herself. Mine and Drake’s.

‘I want a little girl with your eyes and my hair.’

‘Not my hair?’

‘Hell Walker, you’re so perfect I’d take an exact copy of you.’

She laughed and they shared a cheesy smile as they both stared out at the waves crashing on the sand. She took another sip from her wine, feeling Drake’s eyes on her.

‘Something’s on your mind.’

‘What? N-no.’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘I may have only been married to you for a month but I know when something’s bothering you Walker. So what is it?’

Elizabeth heaved a big sigh. ‘Its just… We didn’t get a ton of time as a couple before the whole wedding debacle happened. We’re still learning about each other.. And I know we’ve got the rest of our lives to do that…'

‘But?’ Concern leaked into his big brown eyes and she could tell he was trying to hide it so she cleared her throat resolving to just say it once and for all.

‘A baby means a big change. For us. As a couple and as ourselves. And I…’ She faltered.

His hand slipped into hers, squeezing comfortingly.

‘This last year has been amazing, me coming to Cordonia, becoming a duchess, marrying the love of my life, so many things have changed. I could do with some normal before another big change happens and shakes it up again.’

Drake tugged on her hand and she took the opportunity to climb into his lap.

'I only just got you. Is it selfish to want you all to myself for just a little bit longer?’

Elizabeth felt his lips on her head, pressing a gentle kiss there.

’Not at all.’‘I know you’re excited for a baby — I am too but I… I’m just not there yet.’

She buried her face in his chest, worried about what he was going to say next. ‘Its okay Liz. Its okay. We don’t have to jump into this thing head first.’

He hooked a finger under her chin so she’d look at him. ‘When it happens, if it happens, it doesn’t matter. All I care about is us. As long as we’re in this together, I’m down for anything with you Elizabeth.’

As the memory replayed in her head, Elizabeth couldn’t help but feel a sense of betrayal. Did all that mean nothing? Or perhaps Drake simply put more stock in Liam’s opinion than her own?

Now THAT hurt to think of. She was very familiar with the bro code but surely that didn't still apply after freaking marriage?

Why us? That was another puzzle, she couldn’t solve. Why Drake and I specifically? Wouldn’t it make more sense if Liam absolutely HAD to appoint a heir to appoint one from one of the longer standing noble houses? What made her so special?  

For the briefest moment, another thought crossed her mind. Surely he can’t still be in love with me...?

Elizabeth shook her head, perishing the thing from her mind. That door was long closed. If a public wedding wasn’t a big enough sign of rejection, she didn’t know what was. Was there something she was missing here? Something everyone knew about except her? Why did it seem logical to everyone to take someone else’s child and make them heir when you are perfectly capable of making your own?

‘Got room for one more?’

Elizabeth picked her head up to see Hana standing in the doorway, a pair of brightly coloured cocktails in her hands. She shrugged in reply, gesturing to the space beside her, gladly accepting the beverage. The cool liquid soothed her dry throat and she sipped it appreciatively, feeling marginally better.

‘Thanks Hana. You always know what to do to make me feel better.’

The other woman smiled softly. ‘What are best friends for? We missed you’

‘I missed you guys too.’ Elizabeth could not help the corner of her mouth lifting for a moment before it dropped back down, her somber mood settling back in. ‘Are things back home as... turbulent as he says?’

Needing no clarification, Hana’s pretty face crumpled in regret. ‘Truth be told Elizabeth, things are more tense than Liam let’s on. As soon as Anton’s trial was over and you guys left for your honeymoon, we received delegates from our neighbours Monterisso and Auvernal. I’m not sure if Bertrand taught you the history behind those countries.’

When Elizabeth shook her head, her friend continued.

‘Back then both countries were at odds with each other, always fighting, always trying to undermine each other. Cordonia was in the middle. The neutral ground so to speak. So it was only logical that each of them would try to win us over to their side so they’d finally gain the upper hand over each other. Constantine’s reign was the only thing stopping either of them from overwhelming us. And when Liam ascended the throne…'

‘Power newly transferred is the easiest to be taken,’ Elizabeth finished.

Hana nodded. ‘Since Liam doesn’t have an heir or any marriageable prospects really, he looks weak. And as a new king, in the middle of a political battlefield, he looks easy.’

‘But why me Hana?’ she burst out. ‘Why does it have to be us?’ She watched her friend’s pretty face crumple in through for a moment.

‘Because he trusts you and Drake the most. All the other houses, other nobles. Sure they might be happy to give up one of their own for the throne if Liam asked, who knows what agenda they have… I’m not telling you to do anything. Just keep all that in mind okay?’

Hana placed a comforting hand on her leg. ‘I’m going to get out before I turn into a prune,’ she joked, getting to her feet. ‘Bertrand would be horrified if we showed up to dinner in this state. You coming?’

Elizabeth nodded vaguely, turning over the new information in her mind. ‘I’ll be right there.’

-

Dinner was a tense affair. To make things worse, the conversation immediately ceased when Elizabeth took her place at the shared table, next to Bertrand. After a few moments of sporadic mumblings and pushing her food around her plate, she stood up abruptly, making her excuses and leaving, ignoring the gazes of her friends behind her.

The sea wind whipped at her hair, tousling it beyond taming as Elizabeth stared out into the dark horizon, kicking at the sand as she ambled down the beach. Her mind still turned over Hana’s words from that afternoon, now that she’d had time to process it, she was beginning to see the reasoning.  

‘Can I join you?’

She shrugged, not needing to look up to know that it was Drake. ‘There’s nuff beach for the both of us.’

‘How’s your cheek?’

‘Its fine.'

They continued like that for a little while longer, walking two feet apart, both of them silent as she ignored the way his eyes begged her to look at him. Rubbing her arms, Elizabeth shivered slightly as the cold sea air nipped her skin. She turned her head to see Drake already shrugging off his denim shirt, having noticed.

‘I’m fine.’

‘Just take it. You may be mad at me but I’m still not going to let your stubborn ass freeze.’

He stepped closer, his hands were warm when they touched her, settling the fabric over her shoulders protectively. Their faces were inches away and for the first time since that afternoon on the beach, she dared to look up into his dark eyes.

‘Thanks.’

He shook his head in a gesture of dismissal, pausing briefly to gather himself. ‘I’m sorry about earlier.’

‘Me too.’

The crashing of the waves on the beach was all that could be heard for a few moments. ‘Is that really something you wanna subject our kid to?’ She said finally, breaking the silence. ‘Liz…'

‘I’m not mad anymore. I just… I wanna understand where you’re coming from.’  

Drake let out a huge sigh, tipping his head back to the night sky above them. ‘I know its out of character for me.. that I’m the last person who would want this.’

‘No kidding. You’ve spent your entire life hating that place. Two days after we met you were warning me about the nobility and how toxic they were and now...'

‘You’re right,’ Drake admitted, lacing his hands behind his head and staring up into the sky, sighing in defeat. ‘You’re right.’

‘So what changed your mind?’ Elizabeth watched her husband think for a long moment.

‘To be honest,’ he said finally. ‘It was you. You were the one who showed me that a person could go through that place and still be the same honest, down to earth girl I fell in love with. What you’ve done to this country, in the last year, generations of nobles couldn’t achieve in decades. You showed me that there’s more to the nobility than gilded walls and politics.’

Drake’s eyes took on a faraway look now. ‘Yeah when you got that duchess title, I was a little scared that you’d finally be one of them but you’re not. You didn’t let it define you, you used it to make a difference like you did for me, the court… hell, the whole kingdom. So when I thought about how our home needs our help… how my best friend needs our help, I knew that with you by my side, if anyone could raise an heir with a good head on his or her shoulders, it’d be us.’

Elizabeth dropped her head to hide the small smile that broke through. ‘You’re doing it again.’

‘What?’

‘Making me fall in love with you.’ She looked up at him. ‘A little prince or princess raised by two former commoners could do a lot of good around there.'

Drake didn’t say anything as he wrapped his arms around her and she gratefully sunk into his embrace, finally feeling at peace for the first time all day.

'Promise me something.’ Elizabeth spoke up, her voice slightly muffled by his shirt.

‘Anything.'

'From now on,’ she pulled back to look him in the face. ‘We make big decisions like this together. We’re gonna be facing a lot of tough things as duke and duchess and we gotta have each other’s backs. Because if we don’t, who will?’

‘Promise.'

‘I guess we should go talk to Liam now huh?’

‘I guess we should,’ Drake replied, lacing his fingers through hers, preparing to lead them back to the villa before Elizabeth tugged him back to her.

‘Actually wait, I just thought of something.’

-

'Liam I am going to be frank with you,’ Elizabeth towered over where he was sitting on the couch, a menacing look on her face. 'What you asked of us today was a huge overstep of personal boundaries. You may be king but you have no right whatsoever to be so presumptuous especially with such a life changing decision.'

'I am sorry Elizabeth truly I-'

‘Do not interrupt me Your Highness.’ Elizabeth’s tone seared through the room as she fixed him with a fierce stare. ‘You had crossed the line and frankly it is only your best friend’s negotiation skills that saved your ass here.’

She paused, watching his blue eyes widen slightly at her use of the word before she made her demand.

‘Five years.’

Liam’s brow furrowed in confusion. ‘I-'

'I’m giving you five years to find a wife and put a baby in her. Drake and I, we care for this country and we care for you but we have to prioritise our own family first. So in the interest of compromise, we’re giving you until our child is five years old to marry and produce an heir of your own. In that time, Drake and I are fine with our kid being the centre of all the media attention and political nonsense as long as you understand that this arrangement...’

Elizabeth paused to gesture between them. ‘Is temporary. When your wife is pregnant, we will withdraw our child as heir and yours may take its rightful place. Those are my terms.’

Liam rubbed his jaw, eyes flitting from Elizabeth’s determined eyes to the floor as he thought it over for a moment before turning back to her.

‘I accept your terms.’

[applevictorianico-blog]

Bruises-Chapter 3

Summary: This series is my take on TRR if Bastien has a daughter.

Warnings: This series will have non-present parenting issues, possible triggers for combat veterans, and a few others that will be addressed when they come up.

Pixelberry owns the characters, and settings from TRR and TRH series, I own Roxy.

Tag List: @badchoicesposts

@bobasheebaby

@riseandshinelittleblossom

@stopforamoment

@sirbeepsalot

@mfackenthal

@jovialyouthmusic

@carabeth

Thank you all for being patient with me, the four year old caught a summer cold. 😢

Chapter 3 - Compromise

Five Years Ago

Roxy ran back across the base to where her car was parked. She opened her door and jumped inside. As soon as Roxy slammed her door shut, the tears spilled from her eyes like a broken dam.

Roxy sat and forced herself to go through every memory of her mother, trying to gain some memory of her father. She had nothing. Roxy brought up her father once to her mother when she was around 13 years old. Anna mumbled something about being sent away and never coming back.

‘He never came back for you momma, why is he here for me?’ Roxy thought as her tears slowed. She grabbed an extra shirt from her back seat and wiped her face. The clock read seven am, ‘Shit, too early to drink.’ Roxy threw her car into reverse, and took off out of the lot.

Bastien sat in his rental, his hands on the steering wheel, wondering why he came. ‘I’m so sorry, Anna. I don’t know what to do here.’ He watched as a lone car took off through the lot across from him. Something inside told him to follow.

About ten minutes later, Bastien watched as Roxy climbed out of her car, duffle bag in hand. The sign above the door read, “Night Stalkers Gun Shop and Range.” Bastien couldn’t help the slight smile curved his lips. He decided to give her a few minutes to warm up before he joined her.

Bastien entered the range quietly, hearing a familiar shot sequence echoing through the building. Pop-pop pop, Pop-pop pop, Pop-pop pop, a clip dropping, click, Pop-pop pop, Pop-pop pop. Bastien stood against the wall behind Roxy, each target moving towards her getting the same fate, two in the chest, one in the head.

Roxy dropped her final clip, placed the Sig on the table in front of her. She took off her safety glasses as she pressed the button to bring all the targets to her. Bastien watched as she reached up and took one of her earphones out.

“It’s not a good idea to just stand behind me, you’re lucky I didn’t turn and shoot when I felt you there.” Roxy’s voice shook a bit, never glancing at the man behind her.

Bastien’s lips turned up into a slight grin, appreciative of her natural instincts. “You left before I could answer your questions.” His voice steady, and relaxed.

“Listen, Mr.Lykel, a part of me appreciates you acknowledging my existence, but I’ve been doing just fine on my own.” Roxy slightly turned, taking in the man behind her.

“I’m not trying to change your path, I needed to know if you were my child. It took three years, because of political unrest in my own country. My current charge, keeps me,” Bastien paused, trying to find the right phrasing, “traveling. It’s not so easy to find my own time these days.”

Roxy grabbed her box of target shells, and began reloading each of her clips. “I’m not a child. A child needs someone to take care of them. I can take care of myself.”

“What did Anna tell you about your father?” Bastien asked.

“Nothing.” Roxy quipped as she slammed the clip into her pistol, and began assaulting another batch of targets.

Present Day

Bastien pulled up in front of 1 Hotel Central Park. He had spent the last 30 minutes compromising with her about the stipulations for her joining him in Cordonia. The final outcome was he would tell Prince Liam the truth, and take his council. Roxy hadn’t been happy with his final remark, but conceded.

“Roxanna Nicole Stanley, I have been doing my best to compromise with you on this for the last three years. The best you’re getting is me telling the Crown Prince and leaving it to his discretion.” Bastien’s voice was straining against flat out yelling. ‘Her stubbornness is from her Mother.’ He thought.

“Fine.” Was all Roxy replied as she climbed out of the rental.

“I’ll call you soon with your flight information.” Bastien told her as she shut the door. He rolled the window down, “And Roxy,” he began as she turned to face him, “I’m extremely proud of you. Anna would be too.”

“Thank you.” Roxy replied as she walked into her building.

Bastien handed the keys to the Valet, and walked into the hotel, unsure about how to approach Liam. The elevator dropped him off in the Penthouse suite the men were sharing for the weekend. He could hear Lord Maxwell in his room, “Tariq, this store sells those Santoni’s you like.”

‘Good, that’s two together, hopefully Liam is alone, but knowing Drake…’ Bastien’s thought fizzed out as he entered the seating area and found the two friends discussing dinner locations.

Bastien stopped and bowed to Liam. Liam looked up, as Drake looked at his watch and back at him. “Bastien, glad you’re back, the guys were getting restless.” Liam spoke with a slight laugh.

“Yeah, Bas, I had to tackle Maxwell twice. Did your meeting run late?” Drake asked, eyebrow cocked.

“About that, Your Majesty, may I have a word with you in private before we head out into the city?” Bastien asked, his tone serious, yet light.

“Of course, Drake excuse is.” Liam stood up from the couch and led Bastien into the Master suite. “What’s on your mind Bastien?”

“I need your council in a personal matter, sir.”

Liam cocked an eyebrow, his biggest smile gracing his face. “Please, have a seat Bastien. What can I help with?”

Bastien sat in the chair across from the Prince, crossing his leg over his opposite knee. “It’s about my daughter.”

Liam’s eyes grew wide, mouth slightly opening. “Your daughter?”

“Yes sir, she’s also the Duke and Lord Beaumont’s cousin, sir.”

“Oh! Is she joining the season?” Liam asked. The shock slowly passing, as his mind began to work out what he thought the issue would be.

“On the condition I formally announce her as my daughter to the court. I don’t think this is wise, but lying to the Royal family is never an option.” Bastien replied, watching Liam’s body language.

“Why have you never brought her up before? Does Drake and Savannah know?” Liam asked as he walked over to the bar cart pouring to small glasses of scotch.

“No, they do not. I only discovered her existence about eight years ago, it took another three to find her, and five to finally have the beginnings of a relationship with her. I've been worried about her safety, given my position.” Bastien took the glass that Liam offered him, taking a sip before continuing. “I originally planned my vacation for this weekend to attend her Commencement Ceremony from Columbia. I was afraid I would have to cancel on her when you brought up this getaway. That’s where I was, and who I was with this morning and afternoon. Duke Beaumont recently discovered that his mother was my older sister. He asked if I had any children the court didn’t know of, and I hesitated in the slightest. He has invited her to join the Social Season.” Bastien finished his glass and loosened his tie slightly.

“So, she is your daughter, but also a blood relative to the Beaumont’s, correct?” Liam asked, and Bastien gave a nod. “You’re concerned for the safety of her status as your daughter if our enemies were to discover her identity and existence?” Liam was trying to put his trusted guards concerns into a monarch's view.

“She also has a military record your Majesty, and a degree in International Relations. I may have suggested for her to apply for the Royal Guard after the season.” Bastien watched as the surprise returned to Liam’s face.

“Are you afraid I may choose your daughter Bastien?” Liam asked, voice serious as he watched the man’s face.

Bastien suddenly understood his daughter’s concern. Roxy could possibly be chosen by Liam at the end of the season, and she wouldn’t necessarily be able to say no to the Crown Prince. Bastien sat stunned, looking at Liam.

[atlasira]

hi i'm quite new to the lovelink/romance club games, which stories would u recommend pkaying first? is it anything similiar to choices/lovestruck?

hi!!! and yay! i’m glad you’re interested in the games!!

my response is under the cut bc i had a lot to say lol

okay so:

LOVELINK is probably the one that’s most different from Choices and Lovestruck.

it’s very similar to sites like tinder or etc. where it’s a texting and match based app. it focuses more heavily on romance, BUT the matches (the people you pair with that interest you) do have their own unique storylines.

fair warning tho: the gem options are insanely expensive. the highest i’ve seen for a gem choice in a conversation was like 320 gems, just for that one choice. regardless, the matches’ stories are interesting so i still recommend it, but warily lol. (also important to note that you are not the main character in the stories. your match is, you essentially are just their love interest who may get involved from time to time)

and also before i recommend you matches, another thing to know is that there’s a counterpart system. basically, each match has a counterpart/mirror, that has the exact same storyline, absolutely no changes in dialogue at all, except they just look different. it’s just so in case you find one match unattractive but are still interested in their story, you can just match with their counterpart and still be good.

there’s a trick tho bc if you match with someone and then realize you’d rather be with their counterpart, there is literally no going back. you can’t swap matches. so be careful with who you match with. fortunately the Lovelink subreddit got together and made a list of each match’s counterpart so we can know who’s the mirror of who.

some matches i recommend:

Austin Russo/Damien Jones (m)

Captain Muffin (a cat - just a fun cute storyline)

Vitoria Voznesensky/Sage Foster (f)

Hugo Hornsby/Marco Botazzi (m)(minor spoiler but in Marco’s profile picture, he’s the guy on the right and in Hugo’s pfp, he’s the guy on the left. im ONLY spoiling this super tiny thing bc i’ve seen several people that matched with them get upset bc they thought Hugo/Marco was the other guy and didn’t find their actual appearances attractive. i do tho! lol i love Hugo’s dimples)

Kayla Summers/Jasmin Medina (f)

Jamie Grant/Seth Evans (m)

Emmalyn Roberts/Angel Reed (f)

Keanu Hale/Blake Bailey (m)

ROMANCE CLUB out of the two is my preferred app. tbh it’s probably my favorite interactive games app overall.

it’s similar to Choices, even moreso than both Lovelink and Lovestruck are. you customize your mc, you’re the main character in each story, and unlike the different paths in Lovestruck, it’s also similar to Choices where your LIs are all part of one story, rather than each getting their own.

the diamond options are reasonable and what’s even greater is that, for the most part, they really are just for extra stuff!!! what i mean is, unlike some stories in Choices (cough endless summer cough) where you might need diamond choices to fully understand things, that’s absolutely NOT the case with RC. the free options make sure to never leave you in the dark. there’s several times where i’ve come across a plot point where my mc needed smthg explained and the diamond option was just if i wanted extra details and interesting art, but i was also given a free option that just went “sum it up for me/just tell me the important bits” and was still able to understand things just fine! and this absolutely applies to clothes too. it’s funny bc some of the free clothing options even look better than the diamond ones sometimes.

wait i can already tell i’m about to start rambling on how good RC is and i wanna stay somewhat neutral in this response lol. but just to quickly point out the pros and cons: RC is very plot focused. meaning, while the LIs are nice and good, for the most part, the writers put lots of emphasis on the storyline that’s going on, which is great bc it gets you really hooked into the books. a con tho is that their older/first stories are really uh..... hit or miss. the more recent ones are incredible, but the ones from way back when, when the app was first starting out are. well. let’s just say those tend to be my diamond mines lmao.

some personal favorite books i recommend are:

Rage of the Titans (modern day greek mythology story)

Shadows of Saintfour (supernatural horror)(and RC does horror really well, meaning the shit is actually genuinely scary, so like be prepared lol)

Love From Outer Space (sci fi, aliens come to earth)

Heaven’s Secret (afterlife angels & demons plot)

Dracula: A Love Story (dracula book thats... super fuckijg mysterious. there’s a lot going on but just know it’s supernatural/modern day/historical fiction with many other elements in there as well)**

Path of the Valkyrie (viking/norse mythology)****

On Thin Ice (ummm former ice skater/psychological... fiction? it’s hard to tell bc this is a VERY new story that RC just published but it’s really interesting so far)

Legend of the Willow (supernatural historical fiction)****

**** — for the books marked with this, i haven’t played them myself, but i’ve heard very good things. i specifically can’t play POTV bc i have *rachnophobia and one of the monsters freaks me out too bad. but if you can get through it then i really do recommend it.

** — D:ALS is amazing and is probably even my top favorite on RC. however, i personally think the LIs definitely have a hierarchy thing going on. it sometimes feels like the order of importance/focus for romance is the vampire character -> your human guy friend -> then your human wlw friend as dead last. and like, listen, i know Dracula’s name is in the title, so him getting the focus does make sense, but..... okay it’s kinda like a Liam in TRR situation (specifically not TRH that’s another can of worms). where the story and everything is happening because of Liam, so it feels like the story would make the most sense romancing him, but you can just ignore it and romance other people. it’s kinda like that. but don’t worry, unlike TRR there’s no default romance where youll have to like reject Dracula or anything. just that his romance is the most fleshed out.

and this is what i have to say about those apps!! i really do recommend them (especially Romance Club) and idk when you’re gonna start playing, but RC is having a Free Event right now that will expire in a day or so where every single diamond option in every single book is free! so that’s very cool and is a great chance for new players! regardless, i do recommend both apps and hope you have a fun time playing! :)

[justanotherdumpingground]

Chapter Reviews: June 11-15, 2019 + Thoughts on TRH and Sunkissed

Wishful Thinking Chapter 10:

Not a surprise Charlie is shady all along. I guess the rest of the story will revolve around digging up more dirt on him. My gut tells me that Ellen is cackling internally if she learns about this.

Me spending diamonds to help a character with a reused model? No thanks. Tony should get advice from other co-workers instead of the MC. I have more important matters to focus on, like who defamed the MC and what Charlie is up to.

Nightbound Chapter 9:

For the confessionals, the one that moved me the most is Vera's. I like that she acknowledges her mom's reappropriation of the Reimonenq Cruse for her benefit and the fear she commands while still disapproving of the abuse she inflicted on Vera. Whatever that is, I hope Vera well use her power for the greater good and step out of her mom's shadow.

I kinda like the Fate. She may seem like an ominous figure, but I like her concern for others while maintaining an aura of dignity. Her tear flashback was really emotional when telling the futures of her clients. For the young woman, I told her that her lover loves her back, even if this path leads to an untimely death. For the soldier, I chose to tell him that he'll die gloriously in battle. For the king, I told him he'll be kind, but his kingdom will be poor. Every time I picked my decision for the first two, I wanted to cry because of their untimely deaths. In the first's case, I was satisfied with telling the truth and having the knowledge that the woman will die surrounded by love.

Since one of the upcoming chapters involves meeting with the fae, I think Lord Elric's monster tear will be acquired soon. But first, let's see how the encounter with zombies go.

Passport to Romance Chapter 14:

Honestly, the MC of this story is so annoyingly ungrateful. Yvette has been covering their travel budget and ensuring their accountability in doing their job, and they paid back by quitting without acknowledging Yvette's hard work. And the premium option to get back on Carlisle isn't convincing. Sure I have no love for him and Bronwyn, but they're also underdeveloped and forgettable.

To aggravate matters, one of the bloggers ships the MC with Elliot. Ugh! I have made no secret of how much I dislike him for his immaturity and irreverent behavior. Let me be with Sumire in peace, you idiot! And I'd rather go to Ibiza alone than go to London with Elliot.

A Courtesan of Rome Chapter 21:

Wow! That was one way to end the story. The buildup to the MC and her family preparing for Caesar's assassination was fun to watch. Victus rallying gladiators to revolt, Delphinia gathering worshippers to give the MC strength and weaken Caesar, and the MC having premium options to hook up with the love interests. I didn't pick any of them, though. The real cake is watch the MC kill Caesar and getting to pick whether to side with Cassius or Antony. It was more or less a moot point because the Republic will soon be replaced with an empire, but because I'm pursuing neither, I might have dodged a bullet.

I'm glad this story gives me the option to stay single. Even though my MC's with Syphax and they chose to rebuild her tribe, I'm glad having a love interest isn't necessary to advance the plot. What's ultimately heartwarming is seeing the MC's family reunited properly once Caesar has been dealt with.

Overall, this story is pretty enjoyable. The middle chapters were a bit of a drag on the MC's story, but they pick up once again when Sabina gave Aquila a verbal smackdown. I also enjoy Delphinia's story and think it's the best of the three because of her charisma, care for others, and firmness. The story still has weak points, however, the most notable being Xanthe, who is undoubtedly an underused character who could've been an interesting character that provides commentary while still someone people could love to hate. Anyway, this story is one of several genderlocked stories I enjoy.

Platinum Chapter 4:

This story is starting to remind me of America's Most Eligible. The fake backstories and PR moves, the urge for competition and the need to reach the top. That looks like a recipe for fun, though.

I don't feel the urge to spend diamonds on instruments, songs, or moments with the LIs. To be honest, I'm generally uninterested in the romance aspect this time. Anyway, I would be excited if I get to customize the MC's stage name.

Red Carpet Diaries Chapter 2:

As expected, I got engaged to Victoria. Nice. And not to mention that I chose to be exclusive with her. Pity that buying an engagement ring with her costs diamonds, but no matter. This better mean that I won't spend too much time with Hunt, who doesn't deserve to be a love interest. Him becoming one involves disregarding the sexual harassment plot in Book 2, which is downright unacceptable.

On another bright note, the ocelot's back! Seriously, I'm annoyed that he can't go on vacation with me. What if he also stars in The Secret of Ninradell? He better do.

Ugh, seeing Markus von Groot today pisses me off. Why is this egotistical, entitled bully allowed to keep directing movies under different aliases? On the bright side, he didn't get to direct the movie of the book, but then again, he was never qualified to direct movies in the first place.

Another collection. Hooray. It looks like it functions more like the memory box in The Senior. Might as well avoid that.

Apparently, a summary for an upcoming chapter says that the MC will find a suitable director for the movie. Well, my money's on Thomas Hunt because he knows the content well.

The Elementalists Chapter 10:

Man, it feels like forever since I last played The Elementalists. Nevertheless, here it goes.

I like that the MC and Atlas chose to have each other's backs after the incident with Kane and Alma. Proof that siblings should stick together. I had to grab the gun because it might come in handy later on, though by that point I couldn't afford to listen to Raife's voice. *sigh*

Speaking of siblings, I seriously wonder what's with Beckett being emotionally needy that he has to have the MC accompany him. I have a love-hate relationship with him because of that and his intelligence. At least things went well with Katrina.

Free spell from Professor Englund? Yes, please! I need to arm myself with shurikens if the gun fails on me.

Finally Shreya has a good plan. Talking to Greygarden is definitely a good idea for more answers on Alma and Kane. And it better be good at the Gala.

Bloodbound Chapter 5:

What kind of scene was that with Lester? At first, I thought he was gonna kill the girl with Clarissa Waverly's model, but after it was revealed to be some sort of foreplay, I'm just horrified. Even if it was presented as consent, I'm still grossed out at the idea of an old creep like him feeding from a young girl. At least throwing a mannequin at him was satisfying.

Also, Jax in a disco outfit and hairstyle made me cringe. On a more important note, is anyone bothered by the lack of consistency with him? He mentioned that his parents met during a student protest during the 1960s, so shouldn't this vision be in the 1990s instead? Either way, I need to save diamonds for this fragment.

No way am I picking the premium option to hook up with Priya. It's just schmuk bait that leads to certain doom. Not to mention that she's never someone I have any respect for because of the way she treats her employees and muses. I seriously dodged a bullet.

I can't wait to see how the confrontation with Gaius goes. I think Lester has made a valid point that the Blood of the First should be destroyed because of the power it contains and that Adrian's feeling the effects through the serum he injected. After all, he mentioned that his serum contains some similarities with the blood.

Thoughts on The Royal Heir and Sunkissed:

It's no secret The Royal Romance has become a cash cow like The Freshman series, though I prefer TRR because of the politicking, Liam's subtle cunning, a cast of characters I enjoy (especially Maxwell, Olivia, and the corgi), and the opportunity to have my own piece of land. Anyway, one book of TRH should be enough.

I'm never excited for Sunkissed when it was first announced. The title and its first two ads on Instagram is enough for me to conclude that it's some forgettable summer romance, so I don't care that it's genderlocked. Even the recent trailer isn't too exciting for the most part. What captured my interest are the bottled message and the girl with long brown hair and creepy looking eyes. This book could be an intriguing mystery like Veil of Secrets or an utter failure for a light hearted story like Home for the Holidays. Either way, best keep a cautious eye on this story.

[bebepac]

Six Sentence Sunday 07.17.22 / Mood Music Monday

Legit how I’m going to feel if one more I.T. problem happens at my job.   For some of you I talk to frequently outside of here know about the stream of issues I have that makes it almost feel like there is a conspiracy against me getting my job done in a decent number of hours. 

Here’s what I’ve released  lately:  

The Rotten Apple 🍎: Rock Bottom

Original Post: 07/17/22 at 9:11PM EST

Chapter: 5: Work Retreat

Series:  The Blue Honey Cafe

The Book:  TRR (no royals)

Pairings:  TRR MC is single

Status: Still in the writing process

“Round two of interviews.  I’m in it to win it.”  Liam flashed a smile at Riley.  

“Bertrand, if you don’t mind, I’m going to help Riley back to her room.”

Liam slipped his arm around Riley holding her close.  He felt Riley lean into his embrace.  

They walked slowly and silently to her room.

“I’ll get you dinner later, I’ll text you alright. Now try to get a little rest, and I’ll check on you later.”

“Thank you Liam.”  

“You don’t have to thank me for this Riley, I just want to make sure you’re alright.”  

Hana had just left for the group dinner and she was sure Liam had forgotten about dinner.  Riley skimmed through the food delivery app on her phone, when there was a knock at the door.  

“Liam! I thought you had left for the group dinner?”

“I didn’t go, because all of our group didn’t feel up to being there tonight.”  

“You stayed behind for me?”  

“Yeah,  you’re the person I would have been talking to most anyway. So this works out.  So can I come in?”  

“Heck yeah, I’m ready for dinner.”  

When Riley decided on her dinner choice Liam laughed.  “You know we’ve been here two nights and being at the beach we’ve eaten anything but seafood?”  

“I know, but i’m not in the mood for it.”

“So Italian it is!”  

She found it incredibly endearing that Liam had ordered a simple spaghetti with meatballs.  

“I don’t know if you feel up for it, but do you want to go eat on the beach?  It’s a really nice night Riley, and I hate it that you’re having to be cooped up in your room, and you haven’t had a chance to walk the beach yet.”

When their food had arrived, Liam packed the spare blanket.

“You’re right, it’s a beautiful night.  I’m glad we decided to come out here.  Looks like others  had the same idea.”

Riley glanced around seeing multiple couples  together cozying up together on the beach.

“Yeah but our idea is way better than theirs.  We have food. Gazing romantically into your eyes isn’t going to make my stomach stop growling.”  

Liam burst out laughing at Riley’s honest admission.

Mood Music Monday Submission

The Series:  The Rotten Apple 🍎 : Chapter 13

Sincerely, Lady Liberty

The Book:  TRH/and beyond 

The Pairings;  Liam x Riley / Eleanor x Nico (Eleanor x M!OC)

Status:  Still in the writing process

Song Inspiration:  I Love You by Billie Eilish

"Papa look!!!"

Nico gazed up from his book to Ana as she stood at the top of the slide ready to go down.

Nico proudly cheered for fearless Ana as she squealed excitedly as she went down the swirly slide at the park. She jumped up enthusiastically, and broke out into a little run, heading for the ladder to climb up the playhouse again for round two.  

Nico glanced down at his book reading, it was only for a moment just long enough for Ana to climb back up the play house slide.  He glanced up again at the slide, expecting Ana to be at the top, but it wasn’t her, another child was in her place.

Ana must be next, he thought to himself, but instead another child emerged at the top of the playhouse.  

Nico dropped his book trotting over to the playhouse peering in. Ana  was not in the playhouse.

“Ana?”  

He did a quick scan of the playground not seeing her.  

Nico tried to stay calm as he called out her name again.  “Ana answer me!”   he screamed in Greek. Panic was starting to set in, and he was starting to get the attention of other parents in the park as he called out Ana’s name.

Stay calm, he reassured himself. He ran over to the restroom, a woman with a child was coming out.  Ana always knew to ask if she needed to go to the bathroom, but it was worth it to check.

Nico quickly pulled out his phone, showing the woman Ana's picture.  “Did you see my daughter in there?  Please can you check and see if she's inside?”  

The woman paused to look at the picture of Ana.

“We were the only ones in there, I’m sorry.”  

Nico completely lost his cool, as he began to frantically scream her name.  What if he lost her?  What if… something worse had happened, someone had taken her? Elle’s words from years ago rang in his ears.  

“Because of who she is, makes her a target, because of who they think I am.”

God what if someone took her?!?!? Panic and fear had set in.

“ANA!!!!!”

He ran the perimeter of the park seeing Ana standing  outside the park talking to a woman who was kneeling in front of her.  Nico hopped the fence and barrelled toward Ana’s direction, at full speed.  The woman kneeling was wearing a veil covering her face, and was handing Ana ice cream.  

“Get the hell away from my daughter!” Nico screamed in Greek, snatching Ana away from the woman, pushing the woman away from her, the ice cream falling between them.