#trr fan fiction

[ao719]

Best Kept Secrets

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

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

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

Title inspiration: Villain - Lucie Silvas

Book/Pairing: TRR; Liam x F!OC

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

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

Catch up here

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

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

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

Liam shook his head. “Not yet …” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Understandable,” Liam nodded. 

“They also made a request …”

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes,” Liam nodded. “I’ll be fine.” 

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

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

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

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

“Not a concern for herself?”

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

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

Liam nodded. “I guess …” 

“Alright, well, if you hear any—”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Did you find anything?” Rashad asked.

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

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

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

“Go on,” Liam urged.

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

“Reena?” Liam questioned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Amara,” Liam said quietly.

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

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

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

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

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

“My thoughts exactly,” Amalas nodded. 

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

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

“Pretty much,” Amalas nodded. 

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

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

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

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

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

****

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

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

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

Another toothy grin. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*******

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Sir—”

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

Amara imperceptibly shook her head in disbelief. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liam glanced beside him. “Madeleine?” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

****

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

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

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

*******

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

The pair had yet to speak. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*******

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

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

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

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

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

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

“That says a lot,” Drake snorted. 

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

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

“Sure,” Drake nodded. 

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

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

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

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

“What is it?”

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

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

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

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

“Rendering the alliance null and void.” 

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

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

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

There was nothing but sheer gratitude in his voice. “You’re welcome,” Amalas nodded. “Now … there is the small matter of what I get for doing all of this for you …” Liam stiffened at her words, and she smiled. “I’m not going to ask for your Crown Jewels, Liam. Relax.” 

“What is it that you want?”

“All I want is for Cordonia and Monterisso to be allies. I want to know that if ever needed, you would have our back, and I would extend the same to you and your kingdom in return. I think I’ve more than proven my allegiance …”

Liam let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “You certainly have,” he smiled. “And Cordonia would be both lucky and honored to have Monterisso as an ally.”

Amalas smiled. “I won’t make you sign anything right away. I wouldn’t want you to have war flashbacks to what you just went through.” Liam snorted at her words. “We’ll consider it a vocal agreement for now until we can draw up some friendly terms we both agree upon, which I promise will not include a betrothal.” 

“Thank you, Amalas. Truly. I’m in your debt.” 

“I’ll let you go so you can get going on getting yourself out of that mess you’re in,” Amalas smiled. “I’ll be in touch.” 

When the screen went black, Liam let out another breath, pressing his palm to his chest as though it would help to slow his heartbeat. His mind flooded with everything that needed to be done. He checked his watch before he grabbed his desk phone and dialed a number. 

The voice greeted him on the other end. “We need to meet to finish the statement and make the calls to have the press meet tomorrow morning …” 

****

Amara walked around the corner from the entryway of the North Wing after Drake had brought Sophia back to her; as she set her down and watched her toddle toward her toys, she glanced up to see Daniel on the phone. He wore a look of surprise, nodding to himself as the person spoke on the other end.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Daniel said. “You’re welcome, sir.” 

When he ended the call, Amara furrowed her brows. “Everything ok?” 

“He did it.” Daniel looked at her with a grin. “Liam got the information he needed to get out of the alliance. He just called … he wants the statement made in the morning so he’s calling a last-minute meeting with the council.” 

Amara stared at him and her vision began to blur as tears filled her eyes. “He … he got Sophia out?” her voice cracked. 

“He did, Buttercup,” Daniel nodded with a grin. “She’s a free little bird.” Amara covered her face with her hand as a relieved sob escaped her; Daniel was there a moment later, wrapping her in a hug. “Now all you need to do is prepare yourself for the announcement. Are you ready for this? For it to all be out in the open?” 

Stepping back, Amara wiped her cheeks as she let out a shuddered breath. “I-I’m ready as I can be … but …” She trailed off.

“But what?”

Amara shook her head. “Daniel, you can’t give that statement … not the way Liam wants you to.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean that it’s not right, the way he wants to do this,” Amara answered. 

Daniel’s brows furrowed before realization struck. “Tell me you’re not suggesting what I think you are …” 

Amara dropped his gaze as she nodded. “I am.” 

“Amara, no—”

“I’m not your client,” Amara interrupted, looking back at him. “He is.” 

*******

The following morning, after a brief and final meeting with the council and Liam to discuss last-minute details regarding the statement, Daniel met with Amara in the North Wing to talk with her about it. 

Imogen had already left to take Sophia to Liam since he had cleared his schedule for the day, something Amara was thankful for; it would give her time to decompress and think once the announcement was over. 

Daniel glanced over at her, wondering if she’d perhaps changed her mind. He took in a deep breath before slowly exhaling, finally breaking the silence. “You know what I have to do to make this work, right?”

“Yes,” Amara nodded, staring straight ahead.

“And you’re sure about this?”

Amara nodded again. “Yes.” 

“Buttercup …”

“I’m sure,” Amara reiterated. “This was my doing. When I said all I wanted was what was best for Sophia and Liam, I meant it.” 

Daniel shifted his body to face her. “But what if I can spin it, though? I can. And I can make it more of a—”

“This needs to happen first,” Amara interrupted, knowing where he was going with his question. “In order to control both the criticism and narrative … this is the only way. We can talk about what comes next afterward … if this works.”

Daniel sighed. “Well … I was taught by the best, so — I actually hate that I’m saying this — I’ll do everything that I can.” 

“You do whatever you need to do.” Amara finally looked at him. “You can’t go into this with any emotional attachment because I’m your friend. Don’t worry about me. Liam is your client. He is your priority.” 

“I know …” Daniel reluctantly nodded. 

“And you’re prepared for after?” Amara asked. 

Daniel scoffed. “As best as I can be. If he doesn’t kill me, I’ll consider it a win. And if he does … it’s been a pleasure knowing you.” 

“Thank you … for doing this.”

“Only you would thank someone for something like this,” Daniel shook his head as he rose from the sofa. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll come find you when it’s done …” 

“You don’t have to do that,” Amara said, looking up at him. “I think I’m going to need some time to myself. I’ll let you know …” 

Daniel nodded in understanding before he turned and started toward the door. When Amara heard it latch shut a moment later, she closed her eyes, feeling her heart drop into the pit of her stomach as she sank deeper into the cushions of the sofa. 

****

After sending Imogen to his quarters with Sophia, Liam, Drake, and Riley sat inside his study. On the television was the image of an empty podium as the news station waited for the exclusive statement from the palace. 

“You feeling alright?” Drake asked.

“As best I can be,” Liam nodded.

“Nervous?” Riley questioned.

Liam hesitated for a moment. “A little …” 

“It’s going to be fine,” Drake assured him. “They’ll be surprised, sure. But I don’t think it’ll be that bad.” 

Riley saw Liam give her a questioning look; she had experience in this area just like Amara and Daniel. “Truthfully, I think it could go either way,” she said. “But I agree with Drake. I don’t think it’s going to be all that bad.” 

Liam nodded before glancing at his watch; with only a few minutes to go before Daniel would be at the podium, he had a call to make. “Let’s get this over with.” He walked to his desk and grabbed the phone, dialing the number. 

“King Liam,” Bradshaw greeted on the other end of the line. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” 

“We can skip the pleasantries, Bradshaw,” Liam bit back. “Plus, I think this call will be anything but a pleasure for you.” 

“And why is that?”

“I’ll just get straight to it. The alliance … it’s done. I’m out.” 

“Oh, Liam,” Bradshaw laughed wryly. “It’s too early for jokes.”

“I can assure you, I am in no way joking,” Liam replied. “You know, I thought the way you tried to blackmail me was bad enough, but come to find out, the alliance and betrothal you proposed was never even valid or legal.”

“What are you on about?”

“The twins,” Liam hissed. “I know they’re not Isabella’s children and therefore have no legitimate claim to the Auvernese throne.” Silence filled the other end and a smirk tugged at the corner of Liam’s lips. “What’s wrong, Bradshaw? Cat got your tongue?” 

“How did you—”

“It’s not important how I found out. What’s important is that I know and I have the proof. So, as I said, this alliance is done.” 

“If you so much as utter a word of this to anyone, I will make it my life’s mission to destroy you and Amara with your little secret.”

“You might want to turn on the news, Bradshaw.” 

Liam could hear him rummaging on the other end through grumbles at the same moment he looked up at his television screen; Daniel had just appeared behind the podium, and he lifted the remote, turning up the volume.

“Good afternoon. On behalf of King Liam, I’d like to thank you all for coming this morning. I’m going to get right to it because there’s a lot to cover and I’m sure there will be questions to answer afterward. There has been speculation circulating regarding an alliance between Cordonia and Auvernal. I’m here to tell you that there is no such truth to those statements. 

With that said, it’s important for you to know that the King and Queen of Auvernal tried to stoop to a despicable level of intimidation in hopes of seeing that alliance through. They tried to blackmail His Majesty by threatening to out a romantic relationship he was involved in two years ago with his then public relations specialist and press liaison, Amara Onasis. Auvernal tried to use that against King Liam in order to secure the alliance they wanted …” 

Upon hearing the gasps and murmurs among the crowd, Liam lowered the volume as he turned his attention back to his call with Bradshaw while Daniel continued with his statement, explaining how Bradshaw brought Amara in to work for him as an unknowing participant of what that work was truly for and about the parentage of the twins.

“As I said, consider this alliance severed,” Liam said. “And by the way, I’ve been in contact with an old friend of yours, and they wanted to send you a little gift.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Bradshaw seethed.

Just then, Liam could hear a knock on a door in the background of the call. When the door burst open, Bradshaw began yelling, but his shouts were interrupted  when Interpol announced themselves. 

“What is the meaning of this?” Bradshaw barked.

“Queen Reena sends her regards,” Liam said in a smug tone. 

Liam could hear ruffling on the other end and Bradshaw’s shouts as Interpol agents closed in on him, taking both him and Isabella into custody for their illegal siege of Rivala. He ended the call before he, Drake, and Riley turned their attention back to the screen as he raised the volume once again. 

“The stakes of getting out of the alliance he was being forced into, one that included an eventual betrothal between heirs, was even higher than most knew because a month ago … King Liam found out that from his relationship with Ms. Onasis two years ago … he had a child …” 

“Here we go …” Riley whispered under her breath as more gasps were heard and the shocked faces of those in attendance were shown on a split screen.

“This past month, His Majesty has spent time with his daughter, Crown Princess Sophia, getting to know her and building a relationship with her …” When Daniel trailed off, Liam furrowed his brows at the flicker of hesitation that he saw cross his expression before he let out a breath and continued speaking. “It was a relationship he was robbed of having by Ms. Onasis herself, who purposely kept her pregnancy and birth of their daughter a secret from him …” 

Riley and Drake stared at the screen slack-jawed as more murmurs whipped through the crowd on the screen. Liam was wide-eyed. What the hell is he doing?

Daniel continued to throw Amara under the bus, easily painting her as a villain by stretching and twisting some of the truth. He said she chose to leave Cordonia after the relationship with Liam had ended, that she had gone out of her way to keep the truth about Sophia hidden from him, showed no intention of telling him, and how her actions forced Liam to miss out on more than a year of his child’s life until she was left with no choice but to come clean after being caught trying to leave again.

Liam ran his hands through his hair, clasping them together at the back of his head as he stared at the screen in stunned and angered silence. 

When Daniel finished, the hands of dozens of reporters shot into the air as people clamored to ask the questions they had. 

“What just happened?” Drake asked as he and Riley turned to look at him. “I thought you didn’t want any fingers pointed?”

“I didn’t!” Liam shouted. “I don’t know what the fuck that was but it certainly wasn’t what was discussed at all!” He let out a shuddered breath. “This is unbelievable!” 

Riley turned her attention back to the television, watching Daniel flawlessly answer the questions he was asked. And she noticed that none of the questions were about Liam and his affair; most were about Amara, her betrayal to their King, and how he was feeling regarding it. He did it on purpose, she thought to herself as it suddenly clicked. “She told him to do it,” Riley said just above a whisper, but neither Drake nor Liam heard her over their own conversation. 

“Ok, just calm down,” Drake said. “I can’t … for the life of me understand why he’d throw her under the bus like that, but I’m sure he’s got a reason.”

“I’m about to find out,” Liam growled, looking at the screen, watching Daniel ask for privacy for both Liam and Sophia for the time being before he turned away from the podium and headed back inside. 

Liam flung the door to his study open so hard it bounced off its hinges as he stormed into the hall. Riley and Drake shared a look before they followed him. 

Daniel stepped inside the foyer just as Liam reached the top of the grand staircase; he glanced up, seeing his narrowed gaze boring into him as he flew down the stairs. “What the hell was that?” he barked.

“Liam—”

“That was not what we discussed, Daniel! Not to mention, you completely stretched the truth out there!” 

“I did what needed to be done.”

“You threw her under the bus!” Liam shouted. “Hell, you might as well have been fucking driving it! Why would you do that to her? What the hell is wrong with you?”

Despite Liam’s flaring temper, Daniel remained calm, having prepared himself for this reaction. “I did what she asked me to do.” 

Caught off guard, Liam took a step back. “What?” 

“She knew it was the only way for you and Sophia to come out of this as unscrutinized as possible … to take the focus off of you and the affair and make it about her … to make her the villain. Everything I said up there … she told me to say.”

No, Daniel hadn’t been at all thrilled with Amara’s suggestion or what she asked him to do, but she was right in her reasons why. Throughout their conversations about it yesterday and that morning, however, she never told him that he had to keep quiet about why he did what he did.

Liam let out a breath. “She … why? Why the hell would she do that?”

“Because she loves Sophia,” Daniel replied. “And despite what you may think or how you feel, she loves you …” 

“I … I don’t understand,” Liam shook his head. 

“She’s a fixer, Liam,” Daniel said. “This is what she does. She’s someone who thinks everything is salvageable … everything except herself in this particular situation. So she made the choice to stick her neck out and sacrifice her reputation in hopes that it was enough to save yours.”

Liam ran his trembling hand down his face as what Amara had done and why she had done it sank in. 

****

Late that afternoon, Amara sat with her knees curled to her chest on the sofa in the North Wing. It had been hours since the announcement was made and she hadn’t moved from her place in the living area. She had turned off the television once Daniel started to delve into the details of her betrayal; she didn’t want to see or hear how the press and people reacted. 

Amara had been sitting in silence ever since, emotional as she mulled over everything in her head. She was hopeful that she’d gotten what she wanted out of it: for most — if not all — of the negative attention to be off of Liam and in turn, Sophia. If the press and the people needed someone to be their villain, she was more than willing if it meant that they left Liam and Sophia alone. They could lift them up and tear her down; it was the least she deserved. 

Lifting her hand, Amara wiped her cheeks with the cuff of her sweatshirt; she sniffled as more tears started to fall. Knowing she’d more than likely be emotional was the reason she asked Daniel to give her time after the statement. She could feel it cresting that morning and knew she was going to need to be alone; everything from the past month had seemed to catch up with her all at once. She was already overwhelmed, sinking into a state of despondency and teetering along the edge. The statement had been her tipping point. 

When she heard knocking on the door of the North Wing, Amara’s gaze slowly slid toward the entryway; she didn’t move. She assumed it was Daniel, Riley, or both, but she wasn’t up for talking or company at that moment and knew they’d leave after she didn’t answer. 

A few moments later, more knocking came.  

Sitting up and letting out a breath, Amara wiped her cheeks again as she stood from the sofa. As she moved toward the entryway, another knock came. She rounded the corner and reached for the knob, prepared to tell Daniel or Riley or both that she was fine and still needed and wanted time to herself. 

Amara opened the door and she froze when she saw Liam standing on the other side. 

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

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[sfb123]

I love how you iron out the creases in PB's narrative of TRR. Can you rewrite the first chapter of book 2? I remember Liam sent a message to meet him. When I was playing that chapter I was so angry, I (MC) refused to meet him and then finally he comes down to meet the MC.

How do you think their first meeting should be? After all MC has been through or may be even Liam has been through.

I am making it my personal writing resolution, to try to clear out some of the asks in my inbox this year. I have some really great ones that I'm excited about. This one from @twinkleallnight is a great example of that. Thank you for sending it!

My inbox is always open! I can't promise a particularly timely response, but I promise, anything that has been sent is still there, and I've got them all in the back of my mind.

Never Really Over

Book: The Royal Romance Book 2

Pairing: Liam x Riley (past) Liam x Madeleine

All characters, and some of the dialogue, belong to Pixelberry.

Summary: It's the first night of Liam and Madeleine's engagement tour, and Riley receives a late night visitor.

Rating: PG

Word Count: 2,335

A/N: I am participating in @choicesflashfics, using the prompt “Nothing about any moment I’ve spent with you will ever be a regret.” it will be in bold below.

A/N 2: Thank you always to @txemrn for pre-reading, and all your super sweet and supportive feedback.

As soon as Riley crossed the threshold to her room, she kicked off her shoes, leaving them where they landed. She had used up all of her energy at dinner, pretending she didn’t notice everyone staring and whispering as she passed by. Acting as if she was happy for the newly engaged king as he paraded around with Madeleine on his arm, even though she could feel her heart crumbling every time her eyes traveled in their direction. 

She fell back on the bed, trying to convince herself to take her makeup off before she started crying. Despite her intentions, she remained rooted in place. Her self-loathing was interrupted by a knock at the door. She groaned before begrudgingly standing from the bed and answering it. 

Maxwell greeted her with a wide smile and a bouquet of two dozen roses. “Special delivery! Housekeeping sent over a new centerpiece for your end table.”

Riley took the flowers from him, leaning in to smell them. When she got closer, she noticed a piece of paper wrapped around one of the stems. She brought the flowers over to the table, setting them down and unwrapping the paper. 

I wouldn’t blame you if you’re furious with me, but please meet me so I can at least explain. I’ll be on the balcony outside my room in twenty minutes.

“That’s Liam’s handwriting!” Maxwell exclaimed as he read over her shoulder. 

Riley’s heart began to speed up. “He wants me to meet him? But why?” 

Maxwell wrapped his arm around Riley’s shoulder, pulling her close. “Because he loves you. He probably wants to explain why he picked Madeleine, and how he’s made a terrible, horrible mistake.” 

“Or he wants to tell me off for hurting him and making him look like a fool on the biggest night of his life.” She went to her dresser, pulling out a pair of pajamas and stepping into the bathroom. 

“Riley, you have to go!” Maxwell called through the door. “You don’t really believe that he thinks that, do you?” 

Riley opened the bathroom door and walked back to the sink. “What other reason could there be?” She began wiping the makeup off of her face. “He told me he loved me, we… you know. And then twenty minutes later, he was engaged to Madeleine, and I was being dragged out of the palace.” 

“All I’m saying,” Maxwell approached her, meeting her gaze through the mirror as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Is that you should at least hear him out.”

“He had three weeks, Max.” 

“But Riley -”

“I’m not doing it. It’s going to be hard enough seeing him at all these events. I’m not about to start looking for an extracurricular heartbreak.” She exited the bathroom going to her bed and turning it down. “I’ll see you in the morning, Maxwell.”

Maxwell’s expression fell as he came to terms with the fact that he wasn’t going to win this fight. He said goodnight to Riley and headed to his room.

Riley sank between the sheets, trying to calm her mind so that she could get some sleep. Her thoughts were racing, replaying the events of the evening, and now wondering what Liam wanted to see her about. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t curious about what he had wanted to say to her. She pictured him standing on the balcony waiting for her. Would he be hurt that she didn’t come? 

She lost track of how long it took, but eventually she did drift off to sleep. Which was cut short with a firm, yet soft knock on her door. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she slowly rolled out of bed. Reaching for her robe, she slipped it on and tied it as she approached the door. 

Her breath caught in her throat when she locked onto the blue eyes that were waiting for her on the other side. She quickly fixed her face, hiding her surprise, and her sadness. “Your majesty.” She dipped into a formal curtsy unsure of how she should address him, as this was the first time she had been alone with him since he became king. 

Liam examined Riley for a moment. She looked so beautiful, but he could see the pain in her eyes, despite her attempts to hide it. It broke his heart to see her like this. “Lady Riley,” he nodded, “may I?” 

Riley stepped aside, allowing Liam to enter, closing the door behind him. They stood in silence for a moment, looking in each other's eyes, trying to figure out what the other was thinking.

“Did you get my note?” Liam broke the silence. He was hoping she simply didn’t notice it when she received the flowers. Riley nodded, and his heart sank. 

“Forgive me, your majesty,” Liam winced slightly, this was the second time she had used his title. He missed the way his name sounded when it fell from her lips. “Dinner was more tiring than I anticipated. I decided to stay in this evening.” 

“Riley, you know there is no need for formalities when we’re alone.” He stepped forward, reaching out for her hand, but she stepped out of his grasp.

“You’re engaged now, I’d assume it’s frowned upon for you to be alone with the court whore.” 

“Riley…” 

“What? That’s why you’re here, right? To tell me off, to tell me how much I hurt you? How you regret everything you said to me that night?” She turned her back to Liam, wiping away the tears that had escaped. 

His eyes went wide at her outburst. This whole time, he thought she was avoiding him because she was angry with him for the Coronation, he never expected her to think that he believed the pictures. “Riley, I know you didn’t do anything. You were set up.” 

“You… you do?” Her head slowly turned, and Liam saw the tears streaming down her face. 

“Of course,” he stepped up to her as she turned fully. He tentatively lifted a hand to wipe her tears. “Riley, I meant every single thing I said to you at my Coronation. I still mean them. Nothing about any moment I’ve spent with you will ever be a regret. The only regret I have is choosing Madeleine over you.”

“Then why did you?” Her pain was quickly replaced with anger and confusion as she backed away from him again.

“Can we sit?” He asked, tilting his head toward the bench at the foot of her bed. 

She nodded, and they sat down next to each other. Riley kept as much distance as possible between her and Liam. 

“Riley, someone is determined to prevent you from becoming queen. They were willing to go to great lengths to set you up. To put you in a compromising position, to invade your privacy. I know about the lock on your door. Whoever this was was willing to put your safety at risk, and they have considerable resources and access to court.” He took a deep breath, reaching over and resting a hand on her knee. “If I had stood up there and chosen you, from then on, you’d be in danger.” 

“But I would have had you to protect me. I know you wouldn’t let anything happen to me. And you have guards and all that,” Riley said, still not understanding how he could pick someone else, after everything they had shared. 

“Yes, but I’ve already failed to protect you once.” Liam’s gaze dropped to his feet, internally chastising himself again for not being there for her that night. “And after what happened at Applewood, the guards can’t be trusted either. The only way to truly keep you safe was to act as if I believed the pictures.”

There was a brief silence in the room, both of them letting the gravity of their current situation sink in.

“Do you remember the night of the masquerade? When I told you about my mother?” Liam finally spoke up. 

Riley looked at him curiously. “Yeah, you said you lost her when you were a kid.”

“Yes, but I didn’t tell you how.” His eyes locked on hers, and she could see the tears trying to break free. “She was poisoned.” 

“Oh my god, Liam. I’m so sorry.” She put a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

Liam cleared his throat and stood from his seat. “Yes, well that’s exactly why I couldn’t choose you. She was the queen, yet there was someone that wanted her out of the way, and they had the means to make it happen.” He walked back over to her, kneeling in front of her and taking her hands. “If I had lost you, Riley…”

Riley studied Liam’s expression. She saw the pain and fear in his eyes and understood that he truly believed this to be the right decision, even if she didn’t agree with it. “So what does this mean for us?” 

“Madeleine and I have… an understanding,” he sighed, “she knows that I’m not in love with her.” 

“Okay, but you’re engaged to her.” 

“Because I needed to make a choice. On paper, she was the best option.” Riley’s gaze dropped, but Liam placed his finger under her chin lifting it to look her in the eyes. “But she offered me an arrangement the night before the Coronation.” 

“What kind of arrangement?” RIley asked with a slight sniffle. 

Liam wiped another stray tear from Riley’s cheek before taking her hands in his. “She told me it was obvious that I was in love with you. But regardless of my feelings, she would be the best Queen for Cordonia. If I were to choose her, she would allow us to continue our relationship.” 

Riley stood abruptly, pulling her hands from his and rolling her eyes. “How incredibly generous of her.” She started moving towards the door. 

“Riley,” Liam rushed after her, placing his hand on top of hers when she reached for the doorknob. “All I could think about in that moment was finding a way to keep you in my life.” 

“So your solution to all of this is to be the good little king, marry Madeleine, and make me your mistress?” She backed away, placing her hands on her hips. “What kind of life is that?” 

“A temporary one,” he assured her. “I have no intentions of marrying her. It was simply a play to buy us time. Her hope is that nothing changes, and I simply end up marrying her.” He took a step closer to Riley, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “But my hope is that we’re able to uncover the traitor plotting against you, and then…” He lifts her hand to his lips, kissing it softly. 

“Happily ever after?” Riley sighed, getting lost in the feel of her hand in his, the brush of his lips against her skin. 

Liam smiled as he used their still joined hands to tug her closer, wrapping his free arm around her waist. “Precisely.” He paused for a moment, relishing in the closeness he had been so desperate for over the last few weeks. “But we need to be careful… very careful.” 

Riley kept her eyes locked on his as his expression shifted to concern. “For your safety, it must still appear that we’re no longer involved.” 

His words snapped her out of her daze, and reminded her of their current situation. She instantly pulled away, stepping out of his embrace. “That shouldn't be a problem. We aren’t involved anymore, Liam.” 

“But Riley, I -”

“No,” she cut him off. “I understand that you and Madeleine have an arrangement. But it’s an arrangement that I have not agreed to.” Liam looked at her in confusion as she, again, moved toward the door. “I am here to clear my name. If I’m successful in that, then we can have a conversation about what that means for us. But for now, you’re engaged. It may be political, and there may not be feelings involved, but I’m not getting in the middle of it. I’m trying to stop the rumors, not give them more things to use against me.” 

Liam dropped his gaze to the ground as tears began to well in his eyes. “I understand,” he replied quietly. 

“Hey,” she said, her voice softening, his glistening eyes lifted to meet hers. “I still mean everything I said that night too. But I sat alone for three weeks without so much as a word from you. I spent all that time in my head, playing out scenarios, worrying about seeing you again, wondering if I would see you again. A lot has happened since the garden maze; I can’t just act like it didn’t.” 

“You’re right.” Liam nodded as he stepped toward the door, clearing his throat to try to compose himself. “My availability will be limited during the tour, but if there is anything I can do to help you clear your name, I will.” He lifted her hand one more time, his lips lingering on the back of it, not wanting to break contact. 

“Thank you,” Riley replied. 

Liam reluctantly let go of her hand and opened the door, turning once more to look at her over his shoulder. “Goodnight, Lady Riley.” 

“Goodnight, your majesty,” she curtsied. As she stood, her eyes stayed trained on the floor, not wanting to watch him leave. 

He exited her room, closing the door behind him. Riley quickly locked it, and returned to her bed, collapsing onto the plush mattress.  As difficult as this evening was, things had been so much easier when she thought Liam hated her. Now he wanted to continue their relationship, secretly, while he was engaged to Madeleine. Sure, she had held her ground tonight, but it was going to be a long engagement tour. Would her resolve be strong enough to stick to her principals? More importantly, would any of this even be worth it in the end?

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[deb-1106]

Serendipity

Part 3

Written for @choicesflashfics - Week 33

Prompt 3  — “Say that again … I don’t think I heard you right the first time.”

Book: TRR/OPH

Pairings: Drake Walker x Ava Matheson, Bryce Lahela x Charlie Hawkins

Word count: 2500

Rating: M

TW: Profanity, Suggestive language

A/N: This is a collaboration between myself and @walkerismychoice using the weekly prompts provided by @choicesflashfics As always if you want on or off the tag list, just let me know.

“So you’re laying out clothes for me now?”  Drake eyed the crisp, white button down shirt and freshly pressed tan pants that had magically appeared on the bed while he was in the shower.

Ava gave him a dazzling smile.  “Just a suggestion.  But if you’d rather wear a pair of your ratty old jeans and one of those sad, threadbare flannel shirts you love so much…I can’t stop you.”

“My clothes have been good enough for dinner with the fucking King and Queen…” He muttered under his breath, “but I guess they don’t quite cut it for dinner with Ken and Barbie.” 

He picked up the shirt and inspected the tag. 

Fucking Armani. She wasn’t messing around tonight.

Ava poked her head out of the bathroom, eyeliner pencil still in hand, “Did you say something?” 

“Just wondering why we have to get so dressed up for a casual dinner date with your new bestie and her boy toy.” 

Ava rolled her eyes.  “First…he’s not some boy toy.  He’s a very accomplished surgeon who just saved your life.” She chided gently, “So maybe keep that in mind before mocking him. Second, it’s just a new shirt and a pair of pants for goodness sake.” She flashed him a cheeky smile, “I’m saving the tuxedo I bought you for our second dinner date with them.

“Assuming there IS one, you better be kidding.”

Ava shrugged before ducking back into the bathroom.

“I still think this is fucking weird.”  He shouted to her retreating back, “Who the hell makes friends with their doctor for fuck sake?  Isn’t that some kind of HIPAA violation?”

Silence from the bathroom.  Ava either didn’t hear him, or she was pretending she didn’t.

“Swear to God…” Drake grumbled, “if he mentions how good-looking he is even once tonight, I’ll show him my surgical skills…with a fucking butter knife.”  

Drake grabbed a pair of boxer briefs out of his top drawer and slid them on before getting dressed.

He glanced into the mirror and nodded. He hated to admit it, but he looked pretty damn good in designer duds, if he did say so himself.  

Leaning in closer, he raked his damp hair back and fleetingly wished he’d gotten it cut this afternoon.

Just then, Ava emerged through the bathroom door.

Their eyes met in the mirror and she smiled.  Drake felt his stomach do a little flip as he watched her cross the room toward him, her pale yellow sundress floating around her legs, her ponytail brushing the tops of her tanned shoulders and the alluring scent of fresh Gardenia perfuming the air with every step she took.

She’s a goddamn Goddess.  How did I get so lucky? 

Ava sidled up behind him, sliding her arms around his waist.

“See.” She cooed, as her admiring gaze traveled over him from head to toe. She pressed into him, the heat of her breath on his ear making the hairs on the back of Drake’s neck stand to attention as the sensation of her breasts rubbing against his back made other parts of his body do the same. 

“You look hot.” She whispered in his ear.

“You think so?” He turned around and pulled her into his arms, making sure she could feel what she’d just done to him.  “Am I as hot as pretty boy?”

Ava bit back a smile as she reached out to smooth the fabric of Drake's shirt over his broad shoulders, and down his tightly muscled arms, being mindful not to jostle his injured arm too much.

“Not gonna lie… Bryce is reeaaally attractive.”

Drake’s brow furrowed. “Say that again … I don’t think I heard you right the first time.”

Ava smirked. “Oh, I think you heard me…I mean, did you see that smile…” 

“Yeah.  I’m pretty sure NASA classified it as a new constellation.” Drake unwrapped her arms from his waist. “Actually, if this whole surgeon thing doesn’t work out, he could always get a job as a lighthouse.”

Ava laughed and grabbed his wrists, pulling him back to her.  She leaned into his chest, savoring the heat of his skin through the light fabric. She let out a soft sigh as she tilted her head up to meet his eyes. 

“You’re no pretty boy, Drake Walker. ” She murmured, as she ran her hands over his chest, biting her lip seductively. “You're my rugged, sexy, gorgeous, hunk of a man that I love with every fiber of my being.” She looped one arm around his neck, pulling him down for a lingering kiss laced with promise. “And if you behave yourself … when we get home tonight, I’ll show you just how irresistible I find you.”

“Yeah?” One corner of Drake’s mouth curled upward.  “Out of curiosity, just how well-behaved are we talking here? Like, for instance…if I were to casually mention you’re in the market for a stripper for your bachelorette party and ask if he’d consider dusting off his banana hammock for one last grind against the pole…would you consider that bad behavior, or simply a friendly exchange of lighthearted banter between friends?”

“You wouldn’t DARE.”

 Drake gave her a slow, panty-dropping grin. “New plan.  How about you ensure my good behavior at dinner, by skipping straight to the ‘not being able to resist me’ portion of the night?”

Ava smiled up at him, momentarily losing herself in the burning intensity of his gaze before getting a hold of herself and gently pushing him away.

“No can do, Loverboy. We’re running late as it is.  They’re probably already at the restaurant waiting for us.”

Drake sighed and grabbed his keys off the dresser. “Come on, then.   The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get home and finish what you started.”

—

Bryce rushed through his and Charlie’s apartment door, unsurprisingly late after a complicated surgery. The best thing about being with another hospital physician was that they just got it. He knew Charlie wouldn't be upset that he didn’t get home when expected, although he did get five text requests for a status update in the last hour or so. 

Bryce could hear the shower running in the master bath as he approached. As tempting as it was to hop in and join Charlie, he'd already taken a shower after changing out of his surgical scrubs. He slowly and quietly pushed open the bathroom door, leaning against the frame to watch and thinking he should be thankful the landlords chose glass shower doors over a curtain. Bryce knew Charlie could be self-conscious about her body, what with growing up surrounded by people who could afford to buy the body they desired if they couldn’t attain it naturally, but to him, she was perfection. Her well-proportioned curves were in all the right places, and what Charlie described as an average body was anything but. He tried to keep his arousal at bay as her soapy hands skimmed over her ample breasts and then down and around to her flawless backside. Soft and round, yet firm at the same time, Charlie’s ass was Bryce’s favorite part, but before he could dwell on it, she turned to grab her conditioner.

“Ahhh!” Charlie screamed as the bottle slipped and crashed to the shower floor. “You scared me! Why didn’t you say you were here instead of just gawking at me like an idiot?”

Bryce shrugged. “It’s a better show when you don’t know I’m watching.”

“Well, show’s over, pal. If you want a chance to see any more of this…” Charlie waved a hand over her body, “you better get ready so we’re not late for dinner.”

Bryce chuckled as he headed to his walk-in closet. Charlie was by no means high-maintenance, but she also wasn’t the jump out of the shower and go type either. He’d be dressed and ready to go long before she had her hair and makeup done. He threw on a nicer pair of dark jeans and a lightweight gray pullover he thought would be fitting for the venue. Although Ava and Drake associated with royals, they, or more specifically Drake, didn't seem like the type to be impressed by fancy dinners and material things. Not that he cared much about impressing Drake anyway with as unpleasant as he'd been in the hospital. However, Charlie really liked Ava, and judging someone solely based on their disposition after a traumatic gunshot wound wasn't completely fair. Plus Bryce had been somewhat of a cocky asshole in defense, so he probably owed Drake another chance.

Inspecting his defined jawline in the mirror, Bryce determined his five o’clock stubble to be more sexy-casual than unkempt mess and didn’t bother shaving. He ran a little pomade through his hair with his fingers and it magically fell into place like it always seemed to do. In the span of no more than five minutes, he was ready, and Charlie was just barely out of the shower.

The hum of the hair dryer told Bryce he still had plenty of time, so he powered-up his playstation to relax for a bit. Engrossed in his game, he had no idea how much time had passed when Charlie emerged from the bedroom.

“Hurry up!” She snapped. “We need to leave now!”

“Just let me save this.” Bryce powered down the machine and glanced up at Charlie which rendered him momentarily speechless. Yes, they’d been dating close to two years, but it seemed most of that time was in hospital scrubs. Seeing her dressed up always felt like the first time, and today, with her loose curls, flowy white floral mini dress, and strappy heels, was no exception.

"Come here." Bryce stood and pulled Charlie in by the waist. "Are you sure you don't want to cancel on them and order in?" He lightly trailed a finger up her inner thigh.

She pushed him away and laughed. "Stop trying to seduce me. You're too damn good at it. You're even wearing that cologne that reminds me of…you know. You really aren't playing fair, but I shall resist. She plucked the keys off the hook by the door and tossed them to Bryce. "Let's go!"

___

Thanks to Drake’s lead foot and aptitude for navigating the serpentine back roads of Cordonia, they arrived at the restaurant right on time.  Drake was surprised - pleasantly surprised by the choice.  Rather than a pretentious fine-dining establishment, which Drake presumed would appeal to the young successful doctors, they had instead chosen a quaint, unassuming tavern.  

As Ava predicted, Charlie and Bryce were seated at a table, waiting for them.  Ava squeezed Drake’s hand.  “Remember. Play nice.” 

“I know the stakes.” He gave her his most disarming smile. “Now let's go break bread with our new best friends.”  

As they approached the table, Bryce rose from his seat.  As Charlie and Ava embraced and began gushing over each other's outfits, Bryce turned to Drake with that big, goofy grin of his and offered his hand.

His handshake was surprisingly firm, Drake noted with satisfaction. Nothing he hated more than a limp handshake.  

So at least there was that.

Once the girls broke apart, Charlie smiled warmly at Drake and he smiled back. “Nice to see you again, Charlie.” 

He extended his hand toward her, with every intention of giving her a friendly handshake, but as he watched  Dr. Touchy McFeely pull Ava into a tight hug,  his and Charlie’s handshake somehow morphed into a half shake, half hug that was fully awkward as fuck.

Drake sighed and sat down, only to feel like even more of an ass as Bryce pulled out Ava’s chair for her.

Shit.  I guess bailing on those stupid ‘comportment’ lessons all those years ago is finally biting me in the ass.

He met Ava’s eyes across the table and she gave him a sweet smile before turning her full attention to Charlie.

Shit.  

Drake scanned the room, trying to catch the eye of a server.  He needed a drink STAT.

 “So Drake.” Bryce’s cheerful voice momentarily pulled Drake's attention from his search.  “How’s the shoulder?”

“Huh?” Drake just caught sight of a waiter passing by with a tray full of drinks.

“The shoulder.” Bryce repeated, tapping a long slender finger against his own scapula, “How’s it feeling?  Any residual pain?”

“No.” Drake shook his head slowly, “Nope. No pain.  All good.” 

“Good.” Bryce nodded. “Yeah, well … glad to hear it.”

“Yup.”

The two men sat in an awkward silence as the girls chatted away, oblivious to the tension on the other side of the table.

“So …uh…” Drake cleared his throat, “You like being a doctor?”

Even as the question left his lips, he recognized how idiotic it was.  Thankfully their server chose that moment to materialize, saving Bryce from having to answer.

“Good Evening, I’m Brian and I'll be your server tonight.”

Drake opened his mouth, but before he could utter a word, Brian placed a tumbler of amber liquid in front of him, and another in front of Bryce.

“Now ladies, can I get you started with a beverage?”

“Charlie said you were a whiskey man.” Bryce explained, “So I took the liberty…I hope you don’t mind.”

Mind? Drake thought to himself, Hell, right now I want to kiss you right on that pretty little mouth of yours.

But what he actually said was… “Thanks man.  Appreciate it.”

Drake took a deep swallow, savoring the deep oaky flavor and subtle heat as it hit the back of his throat.

Suddenly, his brow shot up in surprise. “Wait.  Is this…” “Macallan 15." Bryce supplied helpfully, “I wasn’t sure what you drank, but this has always been one of my favorites.” He paused, “Actually, I prefer the 18 year, but this was what they had so…”

“No. This is great.” Drake said quickly, giving Bryce his first true smile of the evening, “You can’t ever go wrong with Macallan.”

Bryce grinned back at him.  “Cheers to that!”

They both raised their glasses.

“So Bryce.” Drake leaned back in his chair, having decided that this night might not be a total bust afterall, “Ava tells me you play a bit of Basketball."

Bryce took a sip of whiskey and nodded, “Yeah, I played some in college, but now I play just for fun.  Do you play?”

“Yeah, I mean, not in college.  Soccer was my game back then.  But we have an indoor court at the palace and that's what we do to unwind between shifts.” 

“Between shifts?  You work at the palace?  I thought you just lived there.”

“Yeah. I uh…” Drake hesitated, not sure how much he really wanted to divulge.  Talking about his job didn’t usually make for light-hearted dinner conversation.

But Bryce asked…

“I’m not actually living there at the moment.” Drake confessed, “Things with Liam are a little…uh…strained right now.” without thinking, he sent a cautious look in Ava’s direction, “But I do still work there.  I’m Kingsguard.”

“Kingsguard.” Bryce repeated before letting out a low whistle and leaning back in his chair.  “So throwing yourself in front of bullets is all in a day's work for you.” 

“Hardly.” Drake chuckled as he finished off his glass.  Bryce immediately signaled for two more. “But if it meant saving her…” Drake glanced over at Ava, and as if sensing his eyes on her, she looked up and smiled. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her.”

"Aww!" Charlie interjected, although Drake wondered how she managed to overhear when neither woman even paused to take a breath in their own conversation. "I think this one's a keeper, Ava."

Ava reached her left hand across the table to squeeze Drake’s. "He is." 

Charlie's eyes went wide. "Ava!" She grasped Ava's hand and pulled it closer to inspect. "Is this ring what I think it is?"

Ava beamed and glanced at Drake before turning back to Charlie. "We wanted to tell you and Bryce together in person, but yes it is. We're engaged!"

[angelasscribbles]

A Fervid Fixation Chapter 6: Conflagration

Series: A Fervid Fixation

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Riley x Drake

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Language

Word Count: 4,159

A/N: This is me officially giving up on predicting the length of this story. 🤷🏻‍♀️

My other stuff: Master List.

Riley jumped as the door slammed behind Liam. She turned back to Drake, “What do you mean I have no idea what I’ve just done?”

“I mean…you’ve only known the charming and polite Liam, the person he is when he’s getting his way.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that you don’t know what he’s capable of! Liam handles things…differently.”

“Differently how?”

“Okay, so take me for example. I’m a simple man, Riley. Straightforward. Nick pissed me off, I punched him. Tariq threatened you, I punched him. Simple. Out in the open. Resolved and moved on from. But Liam? He can destroy a person’s life from the ground up and they never see him coming until it’s too late.”

“Liam wouldn’t-

“Oh, he would, he can, and he has! I’m telling you…you don’t know him like I do! If I haven’t been fired, had my clearance revoked, and been shut out of all our systems by the time he makes it back to the office, I’ll eat my shoes.”

“But…you’re his best friend!”

“Who just betrayed him.”

“You didn’t-“

“As far as he’s concerned, I did and that’s all that matters. I told you, absolute monarchy.”

“What will you do if he fires you?”

“The job is the least of my concerns, Riley. I told you; I have money. I can get by without an income for a while. I can get another job, somewhere else, but…”

“But?”

“But I can almost guarantee he’ll have all my domestic assets frozen by nightfall. He can make it impossible for me to find another job, he can seize this property if he wants to and frankly if he decides to arrest me, I could spend the rest of my life in a prison cell.”

“But you’ve done nothing wrong or illegal!” She protested, “Surely a jury-“

“Doesn’t matter. There won’t be a trail. This isn’t America.”

“Why would he do any of that?”

“Because in his mind, I just took something that belonged to him. Liam Rys doesn’t do tit-for-tat. He goes for shock and awe. Slight him, he will raze your life to the ground.”

“I…I don’t believe you! He’s just hurt right now, he’ll calm down, you’ll see.”

Drake plucked his phone up from the coffee table where she had placed it and dialed. Putting it on speaker phone while it rang, he held it toward her so she could hear the conversation.

“Who are you calling?”

“Jason Toussaint, the Lieutenant in charge of cyber operations,” he answered.

The call connected, “Drake? What the hell is going on? I just got orders to lock you out of all systems.”

“Hey, Jason,” Drake spoke into the phone, “Has my employment been terminated?”

“Yes, and all security clearances revoked,” Jason answered, “What the hell is going on, cap?”

Drake gave Riley an I told you so look before answering, “Has the order been given to freeze my assets?”

“Yes, but I haven’t done it yet.”

“The assets don’t matter,” Drake answered, “but do that last.”

“All right. I’ll buy you as much time as I can, but be advised that your passport has been revoked.”

“Noted. Thanks, Jason.”

Drake hung up the phone and started pacing.

Riley watched him, anxiety spinning her mind in a million different directions. “What are we going to do?”        

Drake stopped pacing and turned to face her, “We need to go, now!”

“Where?”

“Anywhere that isn’t Cordonia or a country that has an extradition treaty with Cordonia. His reach ends at the border.”

“Okay, but how do we do that if you don’t have a passport?”

“We get creative!” He smiled reassuringly at her, “Don’t worry, I have a plan! Go pack your stuff!”

It didn’t take her long because she had barely unpacked. When she came back down the stairs, Drake was just hanging up the phone, “Who was that? Is everything okay?”  

“I just found out from my contact in MiSHI that the person Tariq was working with is Bastien.” He said grimly, “And there’s only one person he takes orders from.”

“Who’s that?”

“Constantine.”

Riley’s heart dropped, “Liam’s father?”

“Yes, the fucking bastard! This makes it even more imperative that we get out of the country as soon as possible. If Constantine has determined that you’re not suitable marriage material for his son, he will go to any lengths to ensure he stays away from you.”

“Okay,” she took a deep breath as she nodded, “I’m packed, we can go!”

“Me too,” He pointed to a duffle bag laying by the door, “I’ll go grab your bags, you go grab some snacks from the kitchen so we don’t have to stop any more than necessary.”

“On it!”

“There’s a cooler under the cabinet closest to the fridge!” He called over his shoulder as he bounded up the stairs.

Fifteen minutes later their stuff was loaded into the back of a nondescript range rover.

Confusion pulled through her, “Where did that come from and where’s your car?”

“My car is stashed in the garage around back where this was parked. It won’t be easily seen unless someone is looking for it. And they won’t be. They’ll be looking for it out on the road, but they won’t find it because we’ll be in this!” He grinned at her as he dangled the keys, “It was my sister’s. They won’t think to look for her car. I doubt Liam even remembers she had a car before she left!”

“Savannah, right?” she asked as she slid into the passenger seat, “You told me about her. You never told me why she left.”

“Because some fucking duke used her and threw her away like she was garbage!” he climbed into the driver’s seat and put the car in gear as he spoke, “Made a big deal about how she was good enough to fuck but not good enough to marry. Then she found out she was pregnant and was afraid the guy would take her to court and get custody of the kid. And he would have won because he had all the money and all the power. So I helped her move away before anyone here even knew she was pregnant.”

“Jesus…that…that sucks, I’m so sorry!”

“It’s okay,” he shrugged, “Fuck that guy. She dodged a bullet if you ask me.”

He navigated the vehicle down the rutted-out path and eventually onto a better, but still rough dirt road. It took twenty minutes before they hit pavement.

“So…an officer in the Royal Guard, huh?”

“Yes, the youngest Captain in the history of the guard!” he told her proudly.

“I’m sorry you’re giving that up.”

“What?” he pulled his eyes from the road briefly to look at her, “It’s fine. I did what had to be done. I have no regrets.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because, if titles and money were what you cared about, mine weren’t going to impress you. I’m a captain in the Cordonian Royal Guard, not a crown prince or even a duke. I make good money and I have a small inheritance from my grandmother, but I can’t compete with billionaires.”  

“I don’t care about your money, Drake.” She sighed, “I literally chose you over a crown prince, remember?”

That got a smile out of him, “You did, didn’t you?”

She smiled back, “I did.”

“I still can’t believe you did that!” his voice held a note of awe as his hand reached for hers.

She squeezed his back and smiled, “So where are we going?”

“To Hadley Airfield.”

“What is that and why are we going there?”

“It’s an old government-owned airstrip that’s still staffed by the guard, but used primarily for non-military purposes. Crop dusting, running supplies for research missions, shit like that. It’s a low priority for upgrades so it’s still pretty low-tech. I won’t need to swipe a key card to get in, just punch in a code that I’d bet money no one has thought to change, and even if they did, they’d have to physically send someone there to do it.”

“So…what? We’re going to steal a plane?”

He gave her a mischievous grin, “Yep.”

“Wait…seriously?”

“Seriously. An old one that can’t be controlled remotely. Then we’re going to fly right over the border into Auvernall. No extradition treaty and they have an international airport there.”

They would ditch the stolen plane and melt into the masses of people in Auvernall before hopping a flight to anywhere in the world and disappearing off Liam’s radar forever.

“And just who the hell is going to fly this plane?”

“I am!”

“You’re a pilot?”

His grin widened, it was downright cocksure as he answered, “Before I joined the guard, my prior service was in the Cordonian Royal Air Force, babe. Yes, I can fly a plane.”

Five hours later they pulled up to a rusted metal gate and stopped at an unmanned guard station. Drake rolled the window down and typed a code into the box. The gate made a loud buzzing sound and then slid open.

“Told you!” He gloated as they drove unimpeded into the airport.

“I never doubted you!”

He navigated the Range Rover through the airport to a row of metal aircraft hangers in the back. He pulled up next to a small office building and put the vehicle in park. “I have to go inside and check the logs.”

“Why?”

“I need to know which planes are fueled and ready to go. I need to know the flight schedule. The last thing we want is to take a plane with a mechanical issue, not enough fuel or to take off at the wrong time and crash into another aircraft.”

“Okay,” She nodded, “I’m coming with you!”

“No,” he shook his head, “You should stay in the car.”

“And what if someone comes to ask me what I’m going here?”

He rolled that around in his head for a few seconds before acquiescing, “All right. Let’s go!”

A bell tinkled as they entered the office. An air-conditioned blast hit them, a stark contrast to the heat and humidity outside.

A slender, blonde-haired man with a crew cut looked up from his seat at the desk, “Hey, you can’t be in here-“

Drake flashed his badge at the young corporal, “I need access to the flight schedule and maintenance records.”

“Yes, sir!” The corporal surged to his feet, stumbling over his own feet in his haste to produce the records.

After thrusting the requested documents into Drake’s hands, the young man glanced in Riley’s direction.

“Hey!” Drake snapped his fingers in the kid’s face, “She’s not your concern!”

“R-Right! Sorry!”

Drake flipped quickly through some pages on a clipboard before tossing them onto the desktop. He grabbed Riley’s arm and aimed her toward the door, “Come on, let’s go!”

The bell jingled as the door opened again and a lone figure strode through it, blocking the light so all Riley could make out was a silhouette.

Drake took several steps back, pulling Riley with him, “Bas? What are you doing here? How did you know-“

“You don’t think I remember Leo giving us the slip just like this when you were partnered with me during your training year?”

“Shit! Fuck!” Drake kicked at a pile of boxes, sending them toppling over. He pulled Riley closer and put his mouth to her ear so only she could hear, “When I tell you to go, you get in the car and go. Meet me at hanger forty-seven. Got it? Don’t talk. Just nod if you understand.”  

She nodded as he discreetly pressed his keys into the palm of her hand.

“This place is going to be swarming with King’s Guards any minute,” Bastien flashed his badge at the corporal and told him, “Go on kid, get out of here before you end up in the middle of a shootout.”

The kid scrambled out the door without a backward glance.

Why are you doing this, Bas?” Drake asked, “I thought you believed she wasn’t good enough to marry Liam.”

“What I believe doesn’t matter, I have my orders, I can’t let you leave,” Bastien reached for Riley’s arm.

Drake moved quickly, pulling her out of his reach, “God damn it, Bas! I wish you hadn’t done that.”

“I’m trying to help you-“

“Go!” Drake spun Riley toward the door with one arm as the other shot out to clothesline the older man.

Riley hit the door running and didn’t slow down until she skidded into the Range Rover. She yanked the door open, clambered up into the driver’s seat, and threw the car in gear, leaving rubber on the asphalt as she careened out of the parking area.

Her eyes scanned the dingy metal hangers as she drove. They each had a number painted on them in now faded yellow paint. When she found the correct one, she drove straight into it and slammed the brakes on.

Flinging the door open, she rushed back to push the sliding doors of the hangar shut.

Maybe that would slow them down. She ran back to the car and started transferring luggage to the plane.

When she was done, she began pacing back and forth across the hangar. Minutes ticked by as she considered going back.

She started talking to herself, “What if he got hurt? What if he got arrested? Fuck!”

She made up her mind to go back if he didn’t appear within the next two minutes. Out loud she said, “Come on, Drake! Where are you?”

Footsteps sounded near the rear of the hangar, and she whirled toward it, ready to run.

Drake stepped away from a small door she hadn’t noticed before. He grinned at her, “I’m right here, Brooks. Miss me?”

“Oh, thank God!” She rushed into his arms, “What happened?”

“I had to knock Bastien out,” he said grimly as he caught her, “he wasn’t going to let us leave.”  

“I’m sorry, I know you were close.”

“Yeah, well, he may have been my godfather and he may have loved my mother,” Drake said as he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head, “but his first loyalty was always to the crown.”

“Well, I’m still sorry you had to hurt him.”

“It’s okay, he’ll recover,” he told her as he released her, “But we have minutes to get out of here before soldiers are everywhere. Let’s go!”

He took her by the hand and headed for the plane. He made it to the steps when she pulled her hand away, “Wait! I forgot-“

“There’s no time!”

“Your phone! It’s in the console!”

Shit! He was going to need that to reach his contact in Auvenall. “I’ll get it, you get on the plane!” He reversed direction and pushed past her.

He scooped the phone out of the center console and didn’t bother closing the door as he hustled back to the plane.

Riley was still standing at the bottom of the steps, waiting for him, instead of on the plane like he’d told her.

“Freeze!” The doors of the hanger banged open as soldiers poured into the room, scattering and taking up tactical positions around the area.

Drake pushed her in front of him, “Get on the plane!”

“But-“ she stumbled as he guided her body forward while her head moved around to see behind them.

“Riley! Drake!” Liam’s voice rang out as he stepped past the guardsmen.

Drake spun around, yanking a nine-millimeter Baretta from the waistband of his pants. He leveled the firearm at Liam while making sure to keep himself situated in front of Riley, blocking her from any potential gunfire.

Every assault rifle in the place was suddenly aimed at them as the king’s life was threatened.

“It’s okay, hold your fire!” Liam yelled at them as he held his arms out to the side to indicate that he himself was unarmed. He couldn’t risk Riley getting shot when they took Drake down. “Are you going to shoot me, Drake? Your best friend? Your brother?”

“Is that what you are?”

“You know it is,” Liam replied calmly.

“Did you tell Riley that I was obsessed with her? That I was unhinged?” Drake demanded.

Liam’s eyes slid to Riley’s face then back to Drake, “You have been acting erratically, Drake. Nick…Tariq…coronation night…this! Stealing a plane? Really?”

“Borrowing it,” Drake corrected him, “You can have it back once we’re safely out of the country.”

“This is treason, Drake. Come on, man. Be reasonable!”

Drake’s back pressed against Riley, eyes still trained on Liam as he moved backward, nudging her up the first step. In a low voice, he told her, “Everything I did, I did for you! You understand that, right?”

“Don’t move!” One of the guardsmen yelled as Drake edged Riley up another step.

A rifle clicked.

Riley’s gaze swung around the room to take in the ridiculous number of guns pointed directly at Drake’s chest. “No!” she pushed around and in front of him, placing herself between him and the guns.

“Riley, don’t!” Both men yelled.

She spread both arms out in the air, “I won’t let you shoot him! Liam, please! He’s your best friend!”

“I don’t want to hurt him, Riley, but-“

An officer stepped up next to Liam and whispered something in his ear.

Drake kept the handgun grasped in one hand while the other landed on her shoulder, “Riley, get behind me and get on the plane!”

“No! They’ll shoot you!”

“Riley-“

Liam’s features hardened, “Riley, you don’t understand-“

“No, I don’t Liam! Why can’t we just leave?”

“Well for starters, Bastien is dead, and we have some questions,” Liam replied grimly.

“What?” Drake stumbled back like he’d been struck, shaking his head, “No! No!”

Liam’s face reddened, and his voice was laden with accusation, “You killed him!”

“No! I just disabled him! He was alive when I left!”

“Then who killed him, Drake?”

“I don’t know, Liam, you tell me!”

“Are you insinuating-“

“I’m not just insinuating, Li! You had him killed so he couldn’t reveal your father’s part in the plot against Riley!” Drake accused, then after a moment’s thought added, “And possibly so you could pin it on me!”

Liam’s eyes darted from Drake to Riley, “You’re not buying any of this, are you?”

“I don’t know, Liam.” Her eyes narrowed, “When I chose Drake, you told me I’d just made the biggest mistake of my life. That sure sounded like a threat.”

“When I said you’d made a mistake, I meant by trusting him!”

“But Drake’s been telling the truth about you, Liam, I heard it myself!”

“From whom?” Liam asked in astonishment.

“Jason.”

“Who’s Jason?”

Her confidence wavered, “The Lieutenant in charge of cyber security…”

“There’s no Lieutenant named Jason in the cyber division, Riley.” Liam shook his head sadly then extended his arm toward her, “Come on, Riley, just take a few steps forward and all this can be over.”

Drake’s fingers dug into her shoulder, as he moved up another step, pulling her after him, “He’s lying, Riley! Can’t you see that?”

“No, Riley,” Liam moved his fingers in a come hither motion, “He’s lying! Just take a few steps forward and come here.”

“So…you didn’t fire him and revoke his clearance?” Riley asked, uncertainty coloring her voice.

“Of course, I fired him and revoked his clearance!” Liam exploded, throwing both hands in the air, “he abused his position and literally kidnapped you!”

“I rescued you, Riley!” Drake protested, “He told you himself, he wanted you on that plane that night!”

Riley’s mind spun with indecision. She still had questions, “What about his assets?”

Liam’s brows furrowed, “What about them?”

“Did you have them frozen? Did you revoke his passport?”

“Yes! Because I was trying to stop him from doing exactly what he’s doing right now! Once he gets you out of Cordonia, I won’t be able to protect you! But it didn’t matter anyway.”

“What do you mean, it didn’t matter?”

“I mean…he had no assets to freeze. Why is that Drake?”

Drake shrugged as he adjusted the Barretta in his grip, “I moved all my assets out of Cordonia two days ago, Liam.”

“And why would you do that if you weren’t planning this little escapade all along?”

“Because I know how you operate! I had to protect myself, and her!” He lowered his voice so only Riley could hear, “That’s why I told Jason to do that part last. So it took longer for Liam to figure out I was a step ahead.”

“Me?” Liam scoffed, “I think you’re the tactical genius here.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Drake said evenly as he moved up another step, pulling Riley up with him.

“I mean….I’m beginning to think maybe you were behind the whole setup with Tariq!”

“You think I sent him to do the thing I beat the dog shit out of him for? I never pegged you as delusional, Li.”

“Maybe you didn’t know about that part. Maybe that was all Bas’s idea.”

“Bas?” Drake snorted, “You know he only took orders from one person…your father! And we all know how badly he wanted you married to Madeleine! Speaking of Madeleine, are we sure she wasn’t in on the whole thing?”

“My father is far too sick to be meddling in my affairs. We all know the person Bas would have done anything for was you!”

“What?” Riley froze, almost to the top step.

“Think about it, Riley!” Liam insisted, “He contrived the entire scandal precisely because he knew what the protocol would be, he’s a trained, high-ranking officer after all! And he knew precisely what my reaction would be. He likes pointing out how well he knows me. He’s right. He does! He knew I’d want you out of the country and out of harm’s way while I investigated and cleared your name. It was the perfect opportunity for him to swoop in and play the hero, paint me as the villain. Which is exactly what he did, isn’t it?”

Panic laced Drake’s voice, “Riley, you’re not buying this, are you? He’s twisting everything!”

“How convenient that Bastien is dead,” Liam continued, “He was the only person that could have connected you to the scandal.”

“The only person that could have exonerated me and implicated your father you mean! That is convenient, isn’t it?”

“Riley, come here!” Liam’s voice cracked, betraying signs of his rising desperation.

“Riley, get on the plane…” Drake pleaded.

She hesitated as everything they had both said swirled through her mind. They both made persuasive arguments. She was never going to know the truth either way. How well did she really know either of these men?

There was one thing she did know for sure though, “Liam, I know one thing...”

“What’s that?”

“I know you’re a liar!”

His arm dropped as shock coursed through him, “What?”

“You told me you loved me! You told me you were going to marry me! You fucked me in the hedge maze and then you turned around five minutes later and got engaged to another woman while letting me be drug out of the palace under armed guard!”

“That was different! I’ve explained why! I have to think about Cordonia, Riley!”

“I understand that Liam. I do.” She nodded.

His body sagged with relief, “Good. Okay, come here,” he held his arm out toward her again.

She stepped back, her body pushing Drake up another step, “But…”

All the stress rushed back into his body, “But?”

“But I need a man who puts me first and Drake has proven he’s more than up to that task.”

Liam’s mouth fell open, “Even if he’s a liar and a murderer?”

“He’s not, Liam. You’re wrong about him!”

Drake took one more step back, into the plane then dropped the gun as he yanked Riley inside and slammed the door.

“Goddamn it!” Liam kicked fruitlessly at the ground.

“Sir?” The officer in charge of the scene approached him as the plane’s engine roared to life, sending half the contents of the hangar flying through the air.

Shouts of “Cover! Cover!” pinged off the walls as Liam was yanked backward and drug to safety.

Men scattered and dove out of the way as the plane taxied out of the hangar and onto the runway.

“Sir!” The commander yelled, “We can still stop them! We can aim for the pilot or the fuel tank!”

Liam watched as the plane picked up speed. He shook his head, “No, if the pilot’s dead, the plane will crash, if it loses all its fuel, there’s a chance it gets airborne before it runs out and plummets to the ground.”

He still wasn’t willing to risk her life.

“But sir-“

“It doesn’t matter,” Liam sighed as he watched the plane climb into the air. He still had one play left, “Get me Isabella Achilles on the phone. Now!”

[eadanga]

The Royal Romance Chapter 8 Part 1

The car pulls up to a large estate Riley exits the car as servants come and gets all the luggage inside. Riley’s looks around taking in the view of the Alps

Maxwell stands beside her grinning “Here we are welcome to Lythikos! The Land of ice, snow and mountains”

Riley turns to him “This is where Olivia lives?”

Maxwell nods “Some of time yeah she’s primary at Lythikos Hall which is further south but she’ll host us up here for the social season so we can take advantage if the snowy activities”

Riley sighs “And so she can take advantage of the Prince”

Hana places a hand on her shoulder “She does have an edge here but that’s no reason to admit defeat!”

Maxwell nods “That’s the spirit!”

Drake steps up “Maxwell what happened to your brother? I noticed he’s not around lecturing Brooks I thought he’d hate to miss out on a chance to eat fancy food and rub elbows with the royals”

Maxwell sighs “Bertrand was called away for some business having to do with our estate”

Riley smirks “I already miss his protocol quizzes”

Maxwell grins “If you want I can quiz you on how to best stand behind a chair”

Drake rolls his eyes “Please don’t we’re about to have a nice time”

Riley and Hana giggle as Maxwell playfully pouts

Hana smiles “I agree it’s beautiful out here” She shivers “Even if it’s very cold!”

Drake raises an eyebrow “Didn’t you pack anything warmer?”

Hana sighs “Not exactly I didn’t know it’ll be snowing this much but I’ll survive what say we check the inside of the chateau”

Maxwell nods “Good idea! Riley let’s go I’ll show you where your room is” Riley nods as she follows Maxwell inside and he guides her to a lavish grand bedroom he grins “Come on Riley put your stuff down and let’s go!”

Riley laughs “What’s your rush?”

“We got the entire day in snow planned out! Plus I already see Olivia and Liam on the ice better put on something warm”

Riley sighs as she gets her coat and boots Of course they’re already on the ice we haven’t even been here that long and she’s already sinking her claws into him Riley heads down the stairs and meets Maxwell outside he hands her a pair of ice skates

“You know how to ice skate right?”

Riley smiles “I know the basics of it try to stay upright and don’t fall I used to skate all the time down at Rockefeller center even once for a date”

Maxwell grins “Good enough and you’re gonna have to relay the details of that later”

Riley smiles and she heads out onto the ice with Maxwell out the corner of the of her eye Riley spots Liam and Olivia skating she can hear snippets of their convo

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how well I can skate?”

Liam smiles “Oh I very much remember”

Riley sighs I know he’s tying to be polite but it won’t be long before she starts flirting

Maxwell skates up to her “Remember eyes on the prize now et out there and grab some time with the Prince while I distract Olivia” He grins and waves at Olivia “Olivia! You gotta see me do a spin don’t move!” He winks then hip checks Riley sending her sailing across the ice “Go get them princess!”

“Whoa! Dammit Maxwell why’d you do that!” Riley holds out her arms to keep her balance and she runs into something hard and feels a pair of arms wrap around her she looks up

“Liam”

 “Are you alright?

 Riley feels her face heat up and her face turn bright red and she slowly moves away from him “Just fine thank you for catching me”

He smiles “It’s a pleasure to see you always you’re a vision of grace on those skates”

“After you just saw me flailing around?”

Liam chuckles “No but I did see you skating with Maxwell on the ice you seem to be an expert”

“I’ve had some lessons but it’s been a while”

“They paid off I take it you’ve come to skate with me today”

Riley grins “That was my hope”

“Then please accompany me” He offers his hand

“Gladly” She takes his hand and entwines his fingers with hers

Liam grins “You look very lovely today very warm”

“Yup definitely glad I put on this coat do you and the court come out here regularly”

“Not often but Olivia’s been very generous by having us at our estate but actually I used to come out here frequently when I was younger Olivia and I will play in snow together”

“You and Olivia huh? Tell me more about that”

Liam nods “We’d build snow forts on the banks and catapult snowballs at each other the lake was too dangerous to play on since we were young but sometimes we’d sneak out onto the ice and hope we will see the fish beneath the surface we never did but we had some exciting false finds”

“You two must have been close”

Liam sighs “We were it’s hard watching her become the person she is I know she’s a tough person to get along with”

“She’s basically the opposite of you”

“Olivia had a difficult childhood her parents were killed in a political assassination when she was only 5 years old she was alone without family at her estate for the better part of the year before my family and I officially visited” He frowns “She was supposed to be in the care of her great aunt but that woman left to summer on the Riveria abandoning her Olivia didn’t have anyone she was alone”

“But didn’t she have the servants?”

“The servants were doing their best but they we’re traditionist Nevrakis family trained for decades after a lifetime of holding the nobility up on a pedestal they weren’t prepared to give Olivia what she needed the most…love”

Riley feels her heart break as Liam continues

“The first few days of our visit she was sullen and withdrawn I thought she hated me but one night I heard her sobbing through the walls I actually believed it was a ghost at first but when I got over my fear and investigate there she was little 5 year old Olivia weeping and clutching one of her mother’s gowns saying over and over again come back please come back I knelt beside her and held her until she cried herself to sleep I knew I couldn’t leave her there then I convinced my parents to let her live at the palace with us for almost 2 months she wouldn’t leave my side just about drove Drake crazy but”

Liam stops mid sentence as Olivia skates over

“That Maxwell is a persistent one”

Liam grins “He can be of high energy”

Olivia sighs “Yes I can tell” She turns to Riley with a mocking smile “So Riley I bet you’ve never seen a countryside this spectacular are you impressed?”

Riley smiles “Actually yes it’s gorgeous your home is truly lovely the snow the lake the trees it’s absolutely breathtaking”

Olivia looks at her surprise “Oh well yes it is”

Riley smiles to herself Not gonna be rude not after hearing all that from Liam

“I’m glad even someone like you can appreciate the elegance of splendor and nature”

Riley sighs And there she goes just when I was feeling bad for her

She wraps her arm around Liam’s “Now Prince Liam I believe you owe me a round across the lake”

Liam nods “Excuse me Riley I do owe her I will see you later”

They skate off together

Riley sighs Just because we’re at her place she uses the opportunity to be clingy with him but after hearing her history I can see why

Tags: @mfackenthal @indiacater @the-soot-sprite @gkittylove99 @twinkleallnight @iaminlovewithtrr @princess-geek

[zoebug19]

Hey! 

My names Zoe and I feel like a noob to this fandom again! I’ve been gone for a year, haven’t written in 2 and I just feel like a completely newbie again 😂 I’ve made this new blog because I need and wanted a fresh start

Like when I first started I’m still OBSSESED with The Royal Romance, Open Heart, Perfect Match, the freshman & Ride Or Die. Recently discovered Crimes of Passion & Foreign affairs which I’m obsessed with.

I started writing a couple months ago again and much like I was when I joined; I’m terrified to share them. Any fix recs would be greatly appreciated. I’m sure i’ve missed some amazing ficus while i’ve been gone. Also I’d appreciate any suggestions you have for any blogs to follow too.

I’m really excited to be apart of this fandom again.

[riseandshinelittleblossom]

I am considering running a second Quote me on this challenge. Would anyone be interested?

[queenmiarys]

Song inspiration

Thanks to everyone for reading liking and sharing I really appreciate it.

Thank you for pre reading and your advice @lilyoffandoms

@lilyoffandoms @angelasscribbles @honey358luv @harleybeaumont @luvquit @kingliam2019 @mom2000aggie @yolandawalker @socalwriterbee @shewillreadyou @karahalloway @21-wishes @bebepac @queenrileyrose @staff @yaniradolton @choiceskatie @lovingchoices14

Book: The Royal Romance/Royal Heir.

Series summary:  This book starts off in book two before the engagement tour, the Beaumont’s don’t have financial issuesBertrand and Savannah are already married their son is three, this Maxwell is not canon

Paring: Maxwell x Juliana, Liam x Madeline.

🍋🍋🍋

Chapter Summary: Madeleine finds out rumors are true 😉, Juliana in bad situation, Liam suspects Juliana hiding something.

Crossed

Chapter 3 Only time will tell

Everyone arrived at Applewood and settled accept Juliana, She sit in the room for about an hour, then she got up and made her way to Max room, she knocked on the door him and Bertrand stood talking. “if I’m interrupting I can come back?

“ Juliana you are most definitely not how may we help you?

“They put me in the same room can one of you switch please?"

 

Maxwell wanted to hug her and tell her there was no way he was letting her stay there alone after what happened. “ Jewel I'll take your room, unless Bertrand want to."

 “I think she’ll feel safe in your room, just make sure the locks are secured and I've also asked king Liam to put extra guards on the grounds. your safety is important to us, we don’t want nothing happening to you are our family "

She  gave Max a look. “thank you both I came here to find happiness and I truly have, okay guys enough of that before I start crying, they left and she got a Message from max.

 

“ I’m glad you came I needed some privacy with you. His lips crashed  into hers and his tongue slide into her mouth it felt like weeks of not being able to touch her, he caught his breath and got serious. " look this wasn’t the only reason I invited you to come, I know you said you had to think but honestly I don’t know about this, I mean hiding us; if I’m going to be your man then I want to be your only man,  its also time we talked to Liam too."

“You’re right but first we need to talk about something."

“Jewel, you tell me anything okay."

" I been sick for last few days, I think I may be pregnant."

“What! “you mean I’m going to  be a father?"

“That’s what I wanted to talk about, I was with Liam twice it depends how far along I am , if I’m pregnant."

“I don’t want you stressed out baby, have you took a test yet, you wanted chocolate milkshake my favorite so that gives me hope, before we return we go pick up some test, we may be able to walk in, hopefully my doctor can run a DNA test."

“I just want to focus on us right now its been 6 days since we been alone. "  I miss you." He was very gentle he ran his hand between her legs and they fell apart, he licked her till she came, then enter her.

“ You feel incredible, come for me again, that’s my girl , I don’t think I can hold much longer but I want you come once more."

I rubbed my click while he was inside of me we both came,

We ate the rest of the food, I quickly fall asleep.

Liam knocked on Juliana door but no answer. He had a lot on his mind, especially if  O’Dell was right. He made his way to the  bar and called O’Dell.

Maxwell laid on the bed thinking what if Liam is the father, I promise to keep both of you safe, he thought before kissing her forehead and falling asleep.

_______

“Your Majesty, this what we have for you on Ms.Rodriguez." Once she arrived at Applewood she met with  the Beaumont brothers, she then left an hour later to met with Maxwell beaumont at the bakery about 2 blocks away, they picked up some food then went to the Apple spa hotel, my men say they are still there now

“ Thank you, that will be all, he called his driver to pick him up, he had way to many drinks.

It’s now almost 2am, Madeline been sitting waiting on Liam for the  last hour.

“Sorry I must be in the wrong room?"

“No you’re not, this is your room, look we are to be married why not , tell me you never ever thought how it’ll be?"

"Madeline I told you before." by this time she had unbutton his pants and her mouth was wrapped around his length

She liked how he felt in her mouth, she was surprised at how big he was , he pulled her up and bent her over.

He licked her wet center until she came, she never experienced a man taking their  time with her, even drunk Liam was full aware of what he was doing.

He flipped her over and entered her, she felt every inch of him, he give her a minute to adjust to him he asked if she was okay, he made her come twice more before his own release, he got up and cleaned up himself and passed out.

Madeline was still on fire From what just happened, the guy told her those pills would help her give in to her wildest desires and make her feel free to be more sexual and do things she wanted,  she got up and flashed her face with water, she got in bed and wrapped her arms around him. She haven’t been so confused in her life more then now.

A few hours later, Liam woke up with a hangover and wondering what the hell did he do, he didn’t remember much after the bar, not even calling a car.

"Madeleine what the hell are you doing here?"

“I was here when you returned and wow it was really good sex."

“Sex with you?"

“Yes, you wasn’t complaining last night and neither was I."

"I wasn’t in my right mind, did you drug me or something?"

"I would never do something like that, look you will grow to like maybe even love me,  we can  try this when you’re sober and it’ll be better." she winked,  the truth was she definitely wanted more of him.

 ---------------------

I was the next morning, Maxwell woke up it was 7am

“ Jewel baby wake up we got to get back, we’ll stop and pick up a few test and something to eat, they arrived back she took 2 of the test both positive

“it's just 8, let me see if I can call Dr. Morgan ."

“Hello, Doctor Morgan this is Maxwell Beaumont, my friend needs to see a doctor can you see her ?" Oh thank you Doctor Morgan." They arrived at the doctor’s office.

This was the second time she noticed the same guy. she quickly send Max a text

 

“Hello I am doctor Morgan." She recognized her right away.

" Mr. Beaumont please step into my office, tell me how may I help?"

She took 2 pregnancy test and both was positive, we need an DNA test ran

“Okay are you the potential father

“Yes I am.

“ There’s your baby you are indeed pregnant, I say by my measurements you're about 8 weeks, I will stat you on prenatal vitamins, do you know what your weight was or you lost or gained ?

“ Well when I was in NY the last time I was weighed I was 115 the last I got weighed

"Maxwell a word please."

“Okay we want to see where you are ok; shoes off wait for double zero Okay you are 121 you gain 6lbs not bad, you want to eat healthy sex is fine, nothing to rough dad, reduce stress as much as possible and get as much rest as you can, you are pregnant and will be more tired then usual."

" Yes Doctor. Morgan? "

With the press all over this I think its best if you two left the country, until things came down, she already been part of one scandal, and since she’s small she probably will start showing soon she already 2months, I give you this advice because  I delivered you and your brother, I know if this is your baby you will be a great father, give me a hug congratulations, about the DNA that will take about a week or so, and Max you two must inform our king he might be a father as well."

"How did you know this."

"Max I’m old not blind, I've seen the way king Liam looks at her even if it was on camera, you walked in and I saw you look at her the same way."

They left out, there was that guy behind them, he dropped her off and asked her to go to his old room, and called Drake, hey this dude been following me around or jewel.

Okay man be there shortly

 

It’s lunch time and Juliana is sitting in the maze on the swing in deep thought she didn’t hear Liam enter.

“This is a nice surprise, its hard to track you down lately, can we talk a minute please?"

She nodded .

I can’t do this now Liam please but I promise we’ll talk."

“I know that things didn’t  turn out right and we have a long way to go, I want to know until we get this situation settled, "were do we stand?"

" Is there a future with us ? or have you really moved on with Maxwell?"

"Why can’t you be honest with me?" I’m not stupid."

"Liam please I got to go."

 

It’s now 5pm their all out front to  await their rides to take them to  the train in a neighboring city.

 

“Hello to all, Thank you all for coming along to celebrate our engagement with us, we hope that you all enjoy the tour and tonight’s dinner, once everyone is settled please meet us in the dining cart."

The smell of the food hit Juliana, and made her feel queasy, she quickly made up an excuse not to stay.

But Drake noticed and went to find her, but Maxwell beat him to it.

Baby the doctor give you a list of things you could take I stopped and got these see if they help, I want you to rest and I brought you this across the street its for the baby, I say boy chocolate milkshake

Drake eyes went wide.

"Liam asked about us, so we need to talk to him about us."

Baby I’m ready for that, just not about the baby yet."

 "Can I ask you something?"

“Sure baby whatever you like."

“I don’t want  to lose you Max I need to know where we stand if this is Liam child?"

There was a knock on the door, did you forget something? Oh Drake how can I help you? "

“ baby I’m not leaving you never, but I better get back out, rest baby.

Drake hide so Max wouldn't see him

I saw you earlier how sick you got back there. Just checking on you."

"Thank you for checking on me but I’m fine."

Okay remember we were once where friends  Rodriguez, if you ever need to talk I am here.

Drake we still are friends, I would like to believe we are, I hear Hana really likes you and I hear you have a new house so why haven’t you invited me out there?"

“Sorry only Hanna has  been there but you and Max are welcomed to come "

"How much did you hear? You overheard us didn’t you?"

“Yes but it wasn’t Intentionally honestly I was coming to check on you and there were the two of you talking; so how long have you been together?"

"We started hooking up a week after Liam Coronation, I felt broken and weak and like a no body cared but Maxwell." He was there in so many ways and plus I already had a crush on him, so I wanted him and didn’t stop until I got him, now I could probably lose him, Liam moved on too I heard.

“ What do you mean, how have he moved on?

“ I saw Madeleine coming from his room at Applewood,  they slept together and I don’t believe she was lying, I been going through some stuff to even focus on what Liam got going on, if she makes him happy why shouldn’t he."

“Thanks for talk but I am so tired and sleepy." was only 8:15 but she couldn’t keep her eyes open.

“Rodriguez I don’t believe that he would, I know he still loves you, and from what I just seen so do Max, you must pick and let one go and you may be carrying a prince or princess, even if you want Max, you and Liam would need be Co parents if that baby is his, and from what I've seen Max  not not going anywhere. "

It’s 11pm Maxwell was worried so he went to check on her and had the cook to cook her something, ‘ Jewel baby I hate to bother you but you need to eat something, its chicken Parmesan."

She ate half and drink water.

“That’s my girl."

 Stay with me I need you next to me.

They showered and got in bed both fill asleep

 

------------------------ -----------

 

It’s the next day, Max has planed to show her around, he had the  day planned just the two of them.

 

They got back to train around 8pm. “ Baby I had fun, I want this type of thing with you for life I want you be my wife one day

"What the hell did you  Just say Maxwell Beaumont ?"

“ Bertrand you heard me right, we are in love and I want her to  be my wife.

“Maxwell we need to talk about this, she’s King Liam girlfriend and you know how important she is to him."

“ If she was so important to him why didn’t he fight for her?" where was he when she was crying in my arm broken because of his decision?" I won’t let anything happen to them, his hand flu over his mouth, god dammit." he mumbled under his breath.

 "Wait what do you mean them? Please tell me you didn’t get her pregnant?"

"Can we not talk about this now."

“Oh Dear God Maxwell. We need to  sit down and talk this  out,  here is not the Proper place, but this conversation is far from over."

 

“We have a dinner to attend come on you two and please behave and stop looking at her like you’re a love sick puppy."

"She headed to the boutique where Olivia was waiting on her, “Hello Juliana I have a dress for you That’s lovely and it should fit you perfectly."

"I have put on a few pounds Liv so that size  is to small."

She had to make an excuse, she knew her usual size 4 wouldn't fit."

"What the hell have  you been eating?" I’ve seen you eat which is hardly anything at all and the last few days you haven’t been eating the food that’s prepared here."

"Liv please I ate out and was to full to eat ."

"Hmm you are hiding something I’ve gotten to know you pretty well, something is off and I will figure it out; I’m pretty sure its not about your boy toy Max

Her eyes went wide, “why do you say that?"

“I see what other’s look over, Maxwell is in love with you and how you look at him you love him too. “look in my eyes and lie, because I seen how he gets when you’re around Liam.

“Liv please I need to be alone."

She walked out without saying anything.

Maxwell picked out 2 dresses that she would be comfortable in and a pair of flats.

 

"You look beautiful baby."

She changed and walked out to see Hana, they greeted each other and  talked a little, then parted ways.

Maxwell walked up behind her kissing her neck, she was so tuned on by his touch. She gave a sad face.

She linked her arm through his arm and he escorted her out.

Liam sit watching them he paid close attention to how they were acting around each other, the way Maxwell looked at her said it all, yep he's definitely  in love with her, he could see he was trying hard to hide how he felt.

Maxwell looked up at Liam starring at him and wonder what’s his issue, he watched as he stood to ask Juliana to dance, he watched as they danced.

A voice called out, “Penny for your thoughts?"

He looked at Madeline in disbelief. Are you really falling for your king? I can see hope in your eyes if he’s free of her then you believe you two could have a real chance?" he laughed. " I got to see this.

“He still care for her, you two need be honest with him, he needs to know so he can finally move on."

" I got him into bed, but to keep him there when he thinks Juliana is still available is impossible, you need to get caught that way no odd conversations, and once he finds out I can be there to comfort him."

“ I am good why are you acting strange?"

She stormed off because she knew he was right, she wanted something real with him now she really started to care for him since their night together a few days ago, she was scared of these feelings it was all so new for her, she had plenty of boyfriends, but Liam was different and there’s no way in hell I’m letting him go she thought, she went over to him. “excuse me lady Juliana my I cut in? they danced.

“So how have you been?

She smiled. “ I am just happy to see you that’s all nothing else, look I had fun the other night and was wondering if we could have casual sex, we are grown, and we  both have needs.

“This is not you; why are you trying to get me to sleep with you again?"

“Can we talk in private?"

“Sure."

“ What’s so urgent?" She locked lips with him

“Liam I really want you, I know you don’t love me but can we try.

“Lady Madeline please conduct yourself, I don't think now is the time excuse me. "

She sit crying, Penelope come in and hugged her

“What ever it is will be okay."

“How did you get here?"

"My dad brought me he has some business with king Liam."

 

 “Yes I been so tried lately, but what did you want to show me?

Liam had a hard day, he left a note for Juliana to meet him, she came but seem very tired it was close to midnight, she disappeared right after dinner Maxwell stayed around , “ Did you just wake up?" He asked

 

 

It’s beautiful Liam , how did you find this place?

“ My family use to visit when I was younger, look I am sorry about yesterday, but you really never answered me.

“Liam it’s complicated I promise we’ll talk

“Complicated how?" all I want to know is where we stand?"

“Liam I believe we both got things to think about you are engaged and unavailable, you have been for a long time I just didn’t know it., its cold out and I am still sleepy can we return?"

"Okay."

 

We arrived back the train, I enter my room and Maxwell is sitting on my bed waiting on me, he’s not happy

“What did you tell Liam?"

“Nothing yet, I was going to but I couldn’t."

I give him a smile and close my eyes.

“I want us to wait  at least for  the test results come back, I don’t need you stressed.

“I want you to rest  don’t overload yourself ..You and our baby must stay healthy.

 

 

“Can you meet me in my room?"

“I am your future Queen, I am not your lapdog Maxwell."

“Just keep your future husband away from Juliana, they went off together tonight."

“Why would that concern me?  I offered an agreement,  her  as his mistress and to my understanding she didn’t accept."

"Just keep him busy, go do things as a royal couple, meet me tomorrow? we going to work on you Madi.

Don’t worry little one,  mine ��or not I’m going to take care of both of you, I’m praying Liam is not your father."

[drake-walker-appreciation]

Drake's Birthday Celebration!

We have set Drake's birthday celebration for August and hope you'll join us with fics, drabbles, artwork and more! Special thanks to @aussiegurl1234 for the graphic!

The event will take place from August 1st through August 12th of 2023.

RULES:

All mediums accepted! Fanfiction, fan art, mood boards, HC's, whatever you've got!

Must be themed/centered around Drake's birthday and present him positively.

You must tag @drake-walker-appreciation

The deadline is 11:59 p.m. CST on August 12th, 2023.

A couple of important points:

The event is in August, but you may place his birthday in whatever month you HC it is!

Throwbacks featuring Drake's birthday are more than welcome!

Please reach out to this blog, @angelasscribbles or @karahalloway with any questions or suggestions!

We know his birthday, much like most of the PB timeline is nebulous so for anyone interested, here's the thought process about its placement, under the cut:

I think it’s common knowledge that PB’s timeline is total crap.

MC is told that the social season is a “few months” long, but if you follow the actual time stops given in the stoy…. “the next day…”, “a few days later…” etc, then the timeline is two and half weeks-ish. It’s like day 11 by time stops when MC is told that the season is “more than half over” despite the season being several months long. The Apple Blossom Festival is immediately after this, and Drake’s birthday happens during it.

We obviously can’t depend on anything about this timeline to tell us when his birthday falls.

Instead, we can look at the timeline that the actual social season in England follows. There is ample proof that plenty of the details of how royalty and the social season work in TRR are based on England, so this feels like a good option.

Besides, they left us no choice but to figure it out on our own, so any method you chose to use is valid since this is fiction. I personally did a deep dive into the social season in England both historically and in modern times.

The social season is four months long, starting in early April and ending on the Twelfth of August aka the start of the shooting season.

Applewood and the Apple Blossom Festival happen just before the Beaumont Bash, which is canonically the last official event of the social season. Therefore, I place the bash in the first half of August. MC drives from the festival events at Applewood directly to Ramsford so we can assume those activities take place at the end of July or beginning of August.

The next clue comes with the very title of this festival: Apple Blossom Festival. It’s not a harvest festival, so it doesn’t take place in the fall. (Apples are typically harvested in the last week of August and September, some even later, which is after the social season concludes at any rate.)

Apples blossom from early spring to late summer depending on the variety of apple. Most blossom in April or May but since the festival takes place at the end of the season, we have to assume that the Cordonian Ruby is a late-blooming variety. A very late blooming variety. (This is possible because when they bloom has more to do with the temperature of the region than the time of year. Since there was skiing and ice skating in April, we can assume it stays cold there well into spring.)

In conclusion, based on all of the above, I feel confident that Drake’s birthday falls somewhere at the end of July or in the first half of August.

That said, I’m not here to gatekeep anyone's HC’s so with that in mind, even though the event is in August, you may place Drake’s birthday whenever you like in your story. Put it in February, put it in October. The important part is that you have fun with it. That’s it.

Happy writing!

[fadingreveries]

Novel-style story for The Royal Romance?

For any Choices fans and The Royal Romance fans out there, would anyone be interested in the idea of a novel-style retelling of TRR?

One that would be told in third person and involve more commentary, comprehensive backstories, and bonus scenes including Riley (MC), Liam, Drake, Hana, and Maxwell? It would also include descriptions of diamond scenes and premium outfits for those who haven't purchased them in the app.

I'm totally dreading finishing the series because it was the first story I ever read on Choices, so I'm trying to cope by writing fan fiction... LOL.

But then I thought, would anyone be interested too?

It would go along the lines of something like this...

“Hey!” A booming voice yelled out, making the two co-workers turn around. “Riley, Daniel, quit slacking off over there!” If there was one thing Riley was ready to embrace, it was the fact that she had finally given her two-week notice to her boss. After six years, she would finally be out of his clutches and no longer have to hear constant nagging from him about every minuscule detail she had made the mistake of carrying out in front of him.  “You told us to take out the garbage,” Riley reminded him, a scowl deepening as she remembered how insufferable her boss was.  “And now I’m telling you to wait on the bachelor party that just rolled in. Chop chop!” The manager barked out, clapping his hands for emphasis before storming back inside the bar. 

Please tell me I'm not the only one who's wanted to read more from the original TRR series...

[ao719]

…Sometimes Not (Part 6)

The Scars Still Follow Me Around

Song inspo: Don’t Hold Me - Dean Lewis

A/N: This is an au mini series to my Always You story. Thank you @burnsoslow for prereading! Please excuse any errors.  

Book/Pairing: TRR; Liam x OC (Reyna)

Rating: T • Warnings: None but some mild language.

Catch up here

“Are you all packed?”

Reyna looked at her phone that was propped up against the pillows on her bed. “Yeah,” she replied, patting the top of her suitcase. “I think I got everything.”

“Everyone is really excited you’re coming,” Liam chuckled. “When I told Maxwell, he was practically bouncing up and down.”  

Reyna smiled. “It’s been a long time …”

Liam smiled in return. “Too long.”

In the few months since Liam and Reyna’s Paris run-in, the two had quickly fallen back into the friendship they once had. They resumed their video chats a few times a week and kept one another up to date on their day-to-day, playfully bantered and bickered, and laughed and joked, just like old times.

It was crazy how once that awkwardness ebbed away, it felt like no time at all had passed. They were back to the Liam and Reyna they were before they crossed that line … and that included her keeping her feelings for him hidden, just like she had before. Their past situation had gone unspoken about by either of them, seemingly brushed under the rug and ignored as though that part of their story never happened. He didn’t bring it up, so neither did she … but maybe that was for the best.

Liam had also been in New York a few times, and the pair had hung out like they always had before. Now, Reyna was preparing for a trip to Cordonia. It was Leo’s 30th birthday, and the Aldridge family had been invited to attend the ball being thrown in his honor. Liam had called to extend the invitation himself along with the offer to send the royal jet for them. Reyna smiled as she said she was looking forward to it … but behind that smile lingered some scars.

This trip to Cordonia would mark the first time Reyna had returned since Liam’s coronation ball, the last time she saw him before their reunion three years later; it would also be the first time she would see any of the Cordonian gang since then as well. Knowing she was going back there was proving to be more difficult than she thought it would be.

More than three years had passed, but Reyna’s upcoming visit brought to light unresolved feelings and issues that she hadn’t realized she held onto until now. And along with that was a simmering resentment she didn’t even know she carried.

“You ok?” Liam asked, pulling Reyna from the daze she’d fallen into.

“Yeah,” Reyna smiled as she looked at him through the screen. “Just tired. It is almost midnight here.”

“You can sleep on the flight over,” Liam said. “Also, I made sure the jet was stocked with all your favorite snacks.”

“And they say chivalry is dead,” Reyna chuckled.

Liam winked with a grin, then glanced at his watch. “Alright, I better shower and start my day. And you need to go meet your parents at the airport. I’ll see you later.”

Reyna smiled halfheartedly. “Can’t wait …”

****

A couple of hours later, high above the North Atlantic, Reyna stared down at her book, the words blurring together beneath the dim overhead cabin light. She couldn’t concentrate; the jet smelled of rich leather mixed with the lingering scent of Liam’s cologne. All she could think about was him … and her impending arrival in Cordonia.

“I’m surprised you’re not asleep,” Gideon said just above a whisper.

Reyna glanced over at him; he was sitting in the seat across from her, beside her sleeping mother. “Same to you.”

Gideon smiled. “So … what’s on your mind?”

“Nothing,” Reyna replied with a shrug. “Just reading.”

Gideon gave her a look, and when Reyna furrowed her brows in question, he sighed. “If I didn’t know you as well as I do, the way you’ve been staring at the same page of that book for the last 45 minutes was a dead giveaway.”

Reyna sighed, closing the book and drumming her fingers against the cover. “This will be my first time back in Cordonia since … everything … and it just seems to be dredging up some stuff.”

“You and Liam are in a good place now,” Gideon said. “You can’t let what happened back then ruin what you just got back.”

“It’s not about Liam.” Not specifically. Reyna glanced over to meet her father’s gaze. “It’s the first time I’m going to see Leo …”

Gideon stared at her for a moment. “Ah,” he nodded in understanding.

“It’s been over three years and I … I didn’t know it even bothered me, but getting ready for this trip, knowing I was going to see him … it seems to have brought up this resentment I didn’t even know I had. All I can think about is what he did being the reason …” Reyna trailed off, shaking her head. “I know, it’s stupid.”

“It’s not stupid,” Gideon said. “But holding a grudge isn’t going to change the past, Reyna.”

“I know,” Reyna sighed.

“Well … perhaps this trip will give you some closure you didn’t know you needed.” Gideon smiled sympathetically when she looked at him. “Try and get some rest.”

****

Much later, after his last meeting of the day, Liam hurried from his study and headed to the south wing to change; Reyna and her parents would be arriving soon. He’d filled his schedule with back-to-back meetings in hopes of helping him pass the time by staying occupied, but it didn’t do much in helping to keep him distracted.

Liam was excited for Reyna’s arrival, but a little on edge, wondering how her visit would affect the way he’d already been struggling. They were in a good place now and he didn’t want anything to ruin that, which is the reason he’d kept how he still felt about her to himself the past few months since their Parisian reunion.

It hadn’t been easy.

They had fallen so easily back into their old routine, and while Liam was enjoying having his best friend back in his life, every time he saw or spoke to Reyna, he was only reminded of all the reasons he’d fallen in love with her in the first place. Her bigger-than-life personality, her wit, her sense of humor, her brilliant smile and infectious laugh, her kind heart.

Holding those feelings in had been difficult, but there was one thing that helped Liam: the simple fact that he was terrified. He had just gotten Reyna back in his life and he didn’t want to do anything to risk losing her again. Sure, what they shared three years ago was without a doubt the greatest thing that had ever happened to him, but then everything went to hell and he lost his best friend because of it. And that was something they hadn’t even spoken about. They had talked about everything that had happened during those three years apart except the reason they had missed them. It was like it didn’t exist … like crossing that line and how they felt never happened. She didn’t bring it up, so neither did he … but that was probably for the best.

After changing, Liam rushed down to the foyer, having received a message from Bastien that the Aldridge clan had arrived. When he reached the top of the stairs, his eyes immediately fell on Reyna, standing with her parents while they spoke to his father and Regina; she glanced up, smiling when she saw him.

Liam descended the stairs and everyone turned their attention upon hearing him. “Your Majesty,” Gideon grinned.

“None of that,” Liam chuckled, shaking his hand before greeting Catherine with a kiss on her cheek. He then turned to Reyna, meeting her outstretched arms. “Hey, you,” he whispered; he hugged her tightly, inhaling her scent before stepping back. “It’s good to see you all. How was the flight?”

“Long,” Catherine chuckled.

“It’s a tiresome journey,” Constantine said.

“Oh yeah. Flying by private jet,” Gideon playfully rolled his eyes. “How grueling.”

Constantine chuckled and looked at Liam. “I was just saying how nice it is to have Reyna here again.” He glanced back at her, watching Liam sling his arm around her shoulder with a grin. “It’s been so long.”

Reyna smiled. “It has.”

“I couldn’t believe it when Liam told me he ran into you in Paris,” Constantine grinned.

Gideon coughed to conceal his laugh. “Yeah … small world.” He cut his eyes over to Constantine. “So, where’s Leo?”

Constantine chuckled at his quick change of subject. “He’ll be meeting us for dinner.” He looked at his watch. “Which will be in an hour. You should all get settled beforehand.”

Staff members appeared, grabbed Gideon’s and Catherine’s luggage, and headed up the stairs to the guest wing. “Come on,” Liam said as he grabbed Reyna’s bag. “You’re in the south wing with me.”

Reyna nodded, dropping his gaze as they turned toward the stairs; that wing — his wing — held so much history. It was where everything between them started … and where it ended.

“We’ll see you at dinner,” Constantine called out as they reached the top of the stairs; Liam lifted his hand in a wave of acknowledgement before they disappeared down the corridor.

When they entered the south wing, Liam started down the hall toward her room. As Reyna passed by the living area, she paused, hit with the memory of the last time she stood in there.

“I love you so much, Rey … and I wish that were enough. But things … they are different here.”

“So that’s it? Everything that we had … is just done and over … just like that? Like none of it ever happened … like none of it fucking mattered at all?”

“You matter. We matter, Reyna. We always have. I … didn’t cross that line … with the intention of us finishing here …”

“Rey?” Liam called out. She stiffened, blinking away the tears before continuing down the hall. His brows furrowed. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” Reyna smiled. “Just jet lagged.”

Liam stepped inside her room, setting her bag down; she flopped down on the bed a moment later, and he chuckled as he laid on his side next to her, propping his head on his hand as she yawned. “You have time to rest before dinner.”

Reyna glanced at him. She wasn’t quite ready to see everyone. “Do you think we could have dinner up here, just us? We can hang out … maybe watch a movie?”

“Sure,” Liam nodded, not thinking anything of it; he knew she was probably tired. “No one will mind. What are you in the mood for?”

They stared at one another, both their mouths curling into smiles as they tried to read the other. “Pizza,” they chuckled. “Jinx.”

“I’ll call for it and let my father know we won’t be joining them,” Liam smiled as he rose from the bed.

*******

That night, after consuming two pizzas while watching some rom-com Reyna put on, Liam lay wide awake in bed. Not only was Reyna’s presence there keeping him awake, but the way she seemed off was as well. It could have been as simple as the jet lag like she said, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was something else.

Once they decided to remain in the south wing for dinner, Reyna seemed fine; she was fine while they ate and watched their movie, talking and laughing with him the entire time. Then Leo called, asking if they wanted to meet up for drinks because he hadn’t seen her yet. Reyna’s demeanor shifted; she said she was tired and was going to go to bed.

Liam rolled to his side, letting out a breath. He wondered if just being there was hard for her … and if it was hard, was it because maybe … maybe she still felt — No. He scolded himself as he closed his eyes, pushing the thought far out of his mind.

*******

The following afternoon, with the palace abuzz with final preparations for that evening’s ball, Liam and Reyna strolled through the gardens.

Liam’s eyes slid to Reyna; she’d still been acting off. Any time he asked if she was ok, she said she was fine, but he wasn’t buying it. She opted for one of his omelets that morning instead of joining their families for breakfast and seemed to get lost in thought a few times while they walked through the palace afterward. It only made him question the thought he had last night that he was trying but failing to ignore.

When they came to the hedges at the entrance of the garden maze, Liam turned to her with an impish grin. “It’s been a while … how well do you think you remember?”

Reyna laughed knowingly. “I could find my way blindfolded.”

“Bold words,” Liam quipped.

“I’ll even give you a head start so I can’t follow, and I bet I still beat your royal ass to the center.”

Liam’s brow arched at her challenge. “You must love losing.” He turned and ran into the pathway.

Reyna laughed as she started after him, but then the memory of the last time she stood in that spot between the hedges made her freeze in place.

“I wish I could go back and change it, Liam … I wish I could take it all back, that entire summer. I regret all of it.”

“Don’t say that, Rey … you don’t mean that.”

“I do. Because at least if it never happened … you and I would still be friends. The exact fear that had kept us from crossing that line all these years … has now become a reality, Liam. A decade worth of friendship … it’s been ruined. And for what? Because in the end … none of it was worth it. It broke our friendship, and I can’t speak for you … but it broke me. And there’s no coming back from it … nothing between us will ever be the way that it was before we crossed that line.”

“I don’t hear you!” Liam’s voice singsonged in the distance. “Are you lost already?”

Pulled from the memory, Reyna shook her head and let out a shuddered breath before she started after him.

****

That evening, Leo’s birthday ball was well underway. Liam stared at Reyna from where he waited at the bar for a refill while she caught up with Maxwell and Olivia. Despite appearing to have a good time to everyone else, he knew her and could tell she was putting on a bit of a front. Something was bothering her, and he was pretty certain at that point that he was right in thinking that being there was hard for her. He’d finally pieced it together once he realized the significance of each place where she seemed to get lost in thought, including that ballroom; when they entered, she momentarily froze as if hit by a painful wave of nostalgia.

What Liam couldn’t figure out is what it meant, if anything at all.

While speaking to a group of friends across the ballroom, Leo spotted Reyna as she stepped away from Maxwell and Olivia and headed for the balcony. He excused himself from the group and started making his way toward her.

Like his brother, Leo was good at reading people, and it was obvious to him that Reyna had been avoiding him since her arrival. She’d skipped out on dinner the night before, declined to have drinks, skipped breakfast that morning, and had yet to even say hello to him that night. She was alone on the balcony now, however, and there was a long overdue conversation they needed to have.

Leo knew that his actions three years ago catalyzed Liam and Reyna’s downfall. What he did was the reason things between them had ended because Liam was suddenly faced with the duty and responsibility of the crown and all of the bullshit that went along with it. He’d heard over time from both his father and Liam about how Reyna was affected by everything that transpired after.

When Leo heard from Liam that the Aldridges were coming for his birthday celebration, he told himself then that he would talk to Reyna. It might be three years too late and there was a good chance she’d never forgive him, but he needed to at least try to give her the apology he had long since owed her. She may be his brother’s best friend, but Reyna was his friend, too; he also shared over a decade worth of memories with her, and she became the sister he never had.

Reyna stood on the balcony, letting the cool night air wash over her. As good as it had been to see some familiar faces that night, that was the last place she wanted to be. The moment she stepped inside the ballroom on Liam’s arm, the night of his coronation and watching him choose someone else flashed in her mind. She’d wanted to leave ever since. It was ridiculous, she knew, to allow the past to affect her this way, but it was as if her mind and heart were screaming for closure she wasn’t sure she’d ever truly get, not when it came to Liam anyway.

That trip only continued to remind Reyna of how unfinished they felt and probably always would, at least to her.

When Leo stepped outside, Reyna turned upon hearing him; he watched her shoulders slightly stiffen, but she smiled. “Hey, stranger.”

“Hi,” Reyna replied. “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks,” Leo smiled as he came next to her.

“I was going to come find you later … once everyone stopped crowding around you,” Reyna lied.

“No worries,” Leo nodded, then looked at her. “How’s it feel to be back?”

Reyna glanced away from him. “It’s been fine.”

Leo sighed. “Listen, I, uh … I’m actually glad I caught you out here because there’s something I really need to say to you.” He let out a breath as she looked at him again. “I owe you one hell of an apology for everything that happened that summer you were here.”

Reyna was surprised he’d brought it up, but despite feeling the way she had been, she tried brushing it under the rug; she couldn’t bring herself to let him know it still bothered her. “That was three years ago,” she shook her head. “It’s in the past.”

“Is it?” Leo questioned, and she furrowed her brows. “Reyna, you’ve been avoiding me since you got here.” Guilt flashed across her face, and he shook his head. “I don’t blame you. We haven’t seen each other since that night, and I never gave you the apology you deserve. And I understand if you hate me because what I did back then was so fucked. I wish I could go back and change how I went about it, but I can’t. But I’m truly sorry for everything you had to go through and deal with because of what I did.”

Reyna stared up at him, and just like that, her resentment was snuffed out; his acknowledgment and genuine apology turned out to be exactly what she didn’t know she needed. Then, guilt of her own hit her. “I’m sorry, too … for avoiding you and not just talking about it. To be honest … I didn’t even know it bothered me until I was packing and it just … hit me that I was going to see you for the first time. Then all of these … feelings followed … and I didn’t really know how to go about dealing with them.”

“I get it,” Leo nodded. “I … I wasn’t thinking back then … at least not about anyone but myself. When I came back, Liam … boy did he let me have it.” He rubbed his jaw, remembering the crack of his brother’s fist across it that day. “He was so angry with me … and so broken. And then I heard from my father about how you had been … and I felt so guilty knowing I was the reason you both were hurting so much.”  

Reyna let out a breath. “For what it’s worth … it wasn’t only your doing. I know I was to blame, too, for how certain things played out.”

Leo knitted his brows. “How are you to blame?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Reyna shook her head. “It really is in the past now,” she subtly smiled. “And if Liam can forgive you, I certainly can.”

“It wasn’t easy,” Leo scoffed. “It took him nearly a year to be close to normal with me again,” he chuckled. “But thank you … for your forgiveness. Honestly, it’s the best birthday present I could have asked for.” He held his arms out in an offer, and she smiled as she stepped forward and he pulled her into a hug. “By the way—” He squeezed her tightly before he stepped back “—It’s fucking good to have you back. Liam moped around this goddamn place for the last three years like you were his puppy someone dognapped.” Reyna snorted, but then her eyes slightly widened, darting from him to over his shoulder. Leo stiffened. “He’s standing right behind me, isn’t he?”

“Sure the fuck am,” Liam snapped. “Mind if I steal my puppy for a moment?”

Leo grimaced guiltily as Reyna laughed. “That’s my cue.” He gave her one last hug. “Thank you again,” he whispered before kissing her cheek. He turned, chuckling as he dodged out of the way of Liam’s fist aiming for his arm before disappearing inside.

Reyna met Liam’s gaze when he turned to her; she wondered about how much, if any, of that conversation he’d heard. He smiled at her, slipping his hands into his pockets. “How does continuing our age-old tradition of sneaking out sound?”

Reyna grinned. “Heavenly.”

“Not as heavenly as the burger, fries, and milkshakes I have waiting for us up in my wing,” Liam winked as he held out his hand. Reyna laughed as she took it, and he led her off the balcony.

****

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”

Reyna giggled as she stared down at Liam; his head was in her lap with a white bowed microfiber headband keeping his hair back from the facial mask she had painted on him. “Open,” she chuckled.

Liam complied, parting his lips to be fed a French fry. When she pulled the cucumber peels off his eyes, he fluttered them open, staring up at her with a deadpan expression as he chewed, which only made her laugh harder.

“Your face is gonna be so purrty,” Reyna snorted.

“I’m already purrty,” Liam scoffed, finally cracking a smile when she laughed again.

They’d come to the south wing and consumed their burgers, milkshakes, and most of their fries before she talked him into letting her give him a facial. He waited, wondering if she’d bring up the conversation she had with Leo … one he’d partially overheard. He couldn’t take it anymore, though; there was a question burning inside him about something she said that he needed an answer to.

“So … I, uh … I heard you talking to Leo on the balcony,” Liam said tentatively.

The smile faltered from Reyna’s lips. “How much did you hear?”

“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. I was coming to get you to make our getaway … and I heard him apologizing.”

“Yeah,” Reyna nodded.

Liam continued to stare at her. “I think it’s good that he did … and I know he appreciates you forgiving him. You didn’t hear it from me, but he was a little nervous about you coming,” he smiled ruefully.

Reyna chuckled. “Lil’ old me?”

“Please,” Liam snorted. “I’ve seen you mad. You may be small, but you’re scrappy when you want to be.”

“It’s part of my New York charm,” Reyna quipped.

“Well … I’m glad to know things between you two are back to normal, but …” Liam hesitated for a moment before continuing. “Can I ask you something?” He held her gaze as she nodded. “Why do you blame yourself?”

Reyna took in a deep breath and slowly let it out; she knew it was coming the moment he’d mentioned he overheard. Her fingers brushed against his temples as she adjusted the headband in order to distract herself long enough to come up with something plausible, but the truth came out before she could. “I wasn’t there,” she said in a cracked whisper. “Your dad gave you … gave us … a way, and when you came for me, I wasn’t there. Because I wasn’t coping like a normal person. I had hit rock bottom … and I wasn’t there.”

“Rey …” Liam sat up and turned to face her. “It’s not on you.” He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he stared at her misty eyes. “Ok, well … you admitted that you blame yourself, so I suppose I should admit …” That I’m still so in love with you and never stopped. “So do I. It remains the biggest regret of my life … and I’m certain it always will be.”

Reyna’s brows knit. “What does?”

“That I didn’t fight harder … for you to stay … for us … to find you when I came to New York. I should have fought harder.”

“Liam …” Reyna shook her head. “It’s not your fault.”

“And it’s not yours,” Liam retorted. “It was … it was circumstance, Rey. Do I wish things had been different? Yes, more than anything …” A flash of something flickered in her gaze. Hope? He shook the thought; it wasn’t that. He cleared his throat, needing to mask his mistake. “Because, at the least, we wouldn’t have lost those three years. But taking the blame … that isn’t going to change any of it.” She nodded, knowing he was right. “So how about no more blaming ourselves? Deal?”

Reyna smiled. “Deal.”

“So … is that all that’s been on your mind?”

The way in which he asked Reyna told her he already knew the answer. She should have seen it coming based on the way he kept catching her lost in her musings and asking if she was ok each time. It didn’t matter that they had those three years apart; he still knew her better than anyone, even better than she knew herself most of the time.

“I just …” Reyna shifted her gaze from his, letting out a breath mixed with a wry laugh. “It’s my first time back since …” She trailed off, not needing or wanting to say it. “And I just keep remembering things …”

Liam nodded in genuine understanding. “I get it … I live here, so I really get it.” He had three years to get used to the memories constantly invading him. No matter where he went inside his own home, remnants of their relationship lingered everywhere, good and bad. “But maybe now that you’ve had this first visit and things are better … it’ll be easier next time … if there is a next time.”

Reyna smiled at him. “There’ll be a next time.”

“Good,” Liam smiled in return.

It wasn’t the whole conversation, but the past was somewhat acknowledged, so it would be enough. At the least, they knew that it wasn’t simply forgotten by the other.

As they stared at one another, however, those lingering confessions were on the tips of their tongues, that their past was still very much their present and they both felt the same way now as they did back then.

Neither was willing to put their friendship at risk again, however … so they swallowed the words.

After a moment, with him still staring at her with such genuine affection, Reyna’s head tilted to the side as her smile grew and a chuckle escaped her.

“What’s so funny?” Liam asked.

“I’m having a hard time taking you seriously right now,” Reyna giggled.

Liam’s brows furrowed, but then he watched her gaze flicker up to the bowed microfiber headband he’d forgotten he was wearing; he rolled his eyes with a good-natured grin as she laughed. “Get this shit off my face,” he chuckled as he turned, laying back and resting his head in her lap again.

“You love it,” Reyna smiled down at him. “Ok, but wait …” She grabbed her phone and twisted her upper body, bringing her face down next to his; holding her phone above them, she snapped a photo. “Ok,” she chuckled as she sat up. She took two facial pads, gently wiping his face clean. “There.”

Liam opened his eyes to meet her gaze, and he stared up at her. She started to lean down, and for a moment his heart shot to his throat in anticipation, but then she rested her forehead against his.

“Thank you,” Reyna whispered.

“For what?”

“Knowing me … and knowing I needed to get away and talk.”

Lifting his arm, Liam rested his hand on the back of her neck. “You don’t need to thank me for that.”

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

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[sfb123]

Christmas in Cordonia - Part 2

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Liam x Riley

Catch up here.

All characters belong to Pixelberry.

Summary: Liam and Riley celebrate Eleanor's first Christmas.

Rating: G

Word Count: 1,192

I am participating in @choicesflashfics holiday prompts. The prompt What's wrong? Do you not like your gift? will appear in bold below.

A/N: Thank you @txemrn, as always, for pre-reading!

“His majesty King Liam, her majesty Queen Riley, and her highness Princess Eleanor,” the herald announced as the ballroom doors opened. 

Liam and Riley entered the room arm-in-arm with Riley carrying Eleanor on her opposite hip. The young princess took in the crowd that was clapping for her, and she began giggling and clapping back much to the delight of the attendees. 

The royal family walked across the dancefloor to the stage. Liam stepped up first, extending his hand to guide Riley up the steps. They stood for a few moments posing for photos before Liam stepped up to the microphone. 

“Good evening, everyone,” he began, “I would like to thank you for celebrating with us tonight.” Liam paused, turning to Riley and smiling when he saw Eleanor nestled into the crook of her neck. “This is certainly a milestone holiday for Cordonia, but most importantly, for my queen and myself as we celebrate Princess Eleanor’s first Christmas. 

“It has been a difficult year, faced with many challenges. But we have come together as a country, and now we are stronger than ever.” The crowd applauded, and Liam stepped away from the microphone, signaling for Riley to step up. 

“Tonight is not about treaties, or policies, or politics,” the queen began. “There will be plenty of time for all of that in the new year. Tonight we invite you to eat, drink, dance, and be merry. With that being said,” She continued. “I would like to invite my husband to join me in opening the dance floor for the evening.” 

Riley stepped to the side of the stage where Regina was standing and handed Eleanor off to her. She then turned to her husband, taking his hand. The two stepped off the stage and into the center of the dancefloor. Once they had taken their positions, the band started playing “White Christmas”, and they began moving across the floor as the members of court looked on. 

“You were perfect up there,” Liam beamed. 

“I learn from the best,” she smirked at him, and he chuckled, pulling her closer. 

As the evening progressed, everyone seemed to be having a great time. The atmosphere was much more laid back than a typical royal function, which is exactly what Liam and Riley had hoped for. When Riley first came to Cordonia, events like this were very rigid and formal. They still were, for the most part, but for Christmas, she wanted everyone to just relax and enjoy each other's company. 

Riley used to spend Christmas Eve at her aunt’s house. It would be packed full of friends and family, and it was her favorite night of the year. They would all sit around laughing, eating, and telling stories. She knew that it wasn’t going to be exactly the same here, but she wanted to bring a little of that at-home Christmas spirit to the Cordonian court. 

After making their rounds and sharing a few more dances, Liam and Riley invited their guests to sit down for dinner. As the first course was served, the ballroom doors flew open, grabbing everyone’s attention. 

“Merry Christmas, Cordonia!” The former crown prince announced as he entered the room. He was clad in his full royal regalia, and donned a headband that dangled a sprig of mistletoe over his head.

“Leo?” Liam said in disbelief, as he stood from his seat. “What are you doing here?”

“What’s wrong? Do you not like your gift?” Leo jested as he approached his brother, extending his arms out for a hug. 

Liam stepped forward, embracing his brother. “No, it’s perfect. I just didn’t expect to see you. I thought you were traveling.” 

“I was,” he clapped Liam on his back before pulling away. “But I decided to surprise you. Besides, I couldn’t miss my niece’s first Christmas.” 

Leo leaned down to Eleanor’s high chair, lifting her out and kissing her cheek. “First rule of Christmas, El, this is mistletoe.” He pointed to the small plant suspended over his head. “If you’re under it, you’re getting kissed.” He peppered kisses all over her face as she giggled in delight. 

Once Leo had said the rest of his greetings, he settled into the newly set place beside his brother, and everyone tucked into their meals. 

As the last of the plates were cleared, the guests began pairing up and making their way to the dance floor. 

“Whelp,” Leo began as he stood from his seat. “I think it’s time to work off that meal by dancing with my favorite sister.” He bowed to Riley, who was still seated beside Liam. 

Riley rolled her eyes as she took his hand. “Leo, I’m your only sister.” 

“Semantics.” He shrugged before leading her out to the dance floor. 

Riley and Leo glided effortlessly across the floor. “Look at that, you’ve still got it.” 

“Pfft… it’s like riding a bike,” Leo said as he led her into a spin. “So, how are you holding up?” 

“I’m fine. This royal function stuff is all old hat at this point.” 

“Ri, that’s not what I meant,” Leo responded, dipping Riley with a flourish. “Liam mentioned you’ve been missing your family. I know you’re close with them.”

“Yeah,” Riley sighed. “I mean, I have to be okay, right? Besides, I’ve got my Cordonian family. It’s my daughter’s first Christmas. I’m not going to ruin that by being all Grinchey.” 

Leo laughed, and twirled his sister-in-law once more. “That’s too bad; you look good in green.” 

The pair turned their attention when they heard a throat clearing behind them. 

“May I cut in?” Liam asked, smiling at his wife. 

“Aww… little brother, I thought you’d never ask!” He stepped away from Riley and took Liam’s hand. “I’ll lead.” 

Riley burst out laughing as Liam slapped his brother’s hands away. “Would you get off of me! I want to dance with my wife.” 

Leo sighed playfully. “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” He said as he wiped away a fake tear. “Excuse me while I go drink my pain.” 

Liam chuckled as he pulled Riley close. “I’m glad Leo was able to make it for Christmas.” 

“Me too.” She smiled up at her husband. 

He could see the sadness in her eyes. “Riley…”

She blinked back the tears that threatened to spill over, and shook her head quickly. “It’s fine, I’m good.” She looked around the room before looking back to Liam. “Hey, did you lose our kid?” 

Liam leaned down, kissing her on the nose. “Nope.” His lips moved to hers, kissing her again. “Savannah was bringing Bartie up to the sitter, so I asked her to bring Eleanor as well.” 

He smirked when Riley’s brow lifted in curiosity. “I thought we might be able to slip out for a bit,” he said, as his hand traced her curves, landing on the small of her back. “Perhaps take an evening stroll through the maze?” 

“Would it be a true royal function if we didn’t?” She smiled.

Liam leaned down, kissing her softly on her lips once more. “True.” He leaned in close, his breath tickling her ear. “Follow my lead.”

“Yes, my king.”

*****

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[moodmusicmonday]

MMM: Ahhh, Music to Our Ears!

~🎵~

Music inspires a ton of fan fiction by creating another element of a story’s setting that otherwise can’t be written. MMM is a bimonthly opportunity for creators to share songs for recently published fics or for upcoming fics (a teaser, if you will) to get readers excited about reading your newest adventures!

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Title and Artist of the song

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Comment on this post (reblog or comment)

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[angelasscribbles]

Eidolon Chapter 8: Disclosures

Series: Eidolon

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: None right now, busy being haunted

Rating: MA

Warnings: HORROR

Word Count: 2,530

My other stuff: Master List.

“Your Grace, your aunt is here to see you. Should I send her up?”

Olivia nodded to the guard, “Thank you, yes.”

Lucretia had not stepped foot in the palace for close to three hundred years. She did not have fond memories of it.

Lucretia Nevrakis was drug from her cell and deposited in front of the queen in her private chambers.

Despite two years in the cells, she was not broken. She stood in front of the queen with her spine ramrod straight, her chin up and determination sparkling in her eyes. “What do you want?”

“That’s how you greet me?” Merida laughed, “After two years?”

Lucretia shrugged, “You and I both know the only thing keeping me from ripping your heart from your body right now are these.” She lifted her arms, lead shackles gracing each wrist.

Lead. The one metal that could dampen and weaken a witch’s power.

“About that….” Merida smiled, “How would you like me to remove them?”

Lucretia’s raised her eyebrows, “I’m listening.”

“First, I would need assurances that you won’t seek revenge for your imprisonment.”

The witch smirked, “Of course not. All I desire is to be freed from my unjust imprisonment, Your Majesty. As you know, I have always maintained my innocence.”

“An entire village is dead.”

“Of smallpox! Not every misfortune is witchcraft!”

“And yet children from that village taunted you and killed your cat.”

Lucretia tamped down the anger that flared through her, “My familiar. Yes.”

“Hmmm.”

“I’ll do it.”

“You’ll do what?”

“Whatever this favor is that you require in exchange for my freedom.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that.”

“Don’t you want to know what it is? Don’t you care if it’s something that will hurt another?”

“Not really.” Lucretia managed to sound bored. “If it secures my freedom, I’ll do it. And I’ll swear an unbreakable blood oath not to ever harm a hair on your head. And you will swear never to imprison me again, for any reason. Let’s let bygones be bygones, my queen.”

A blood oath was bound by magic with blood from both parties. To break one was death.

Merida smiled, “Excellent. So glad you see reason.”

Lucretia smiled serenely at her queen. The mortal fools never paid attention to what she didn’t promise.

“Niece.” She greeted as she entered the prince’s private sitting room.

“Great Grandmother.” Olivia greeted her back.

“Are you crazy?” Lucretia hissed, “Someone might overhear you!”

“The only person in the room right now is unconscious.” Liv returned evenly, “I need to know about the serving girl that was cursed three centuries ago.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s back. Or her ghost is haunting the palace. I need to know exactly what happened here, what your role was. You were the witch that cursed her, no?” Olivia’s voice held accusation.

Lucretia’s voice held indignation, “Not because I wanted to!”

“Oh, were you forced?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“So, you could have said no?”

“I could have said no and spent the rest of my, probably short, life in the cells that lie beneath our feet! Then you wouldn’t be here! Your mother and grandmother would have never been born!”

Olivia relented, a little. “Can you at least tell me why you chose this particular curse?”

“I didn’t choose it!” The older woman scoffed, “I simply channeled the queen’s intention and let the spell craft itself.”

“You’ll need to be very specific so I can bend the spell to your desires.”

“I want her to suffer as I have suffered! I want her never to be able to go near him again, never to be able to touch him again!”

“You want her touch to be displeasing to him?”

“I want it to burn! I want it to hurt!”

“This step is very important. You need to think very hard about exactly what your intention is. Here.” Lucretia thrust a glowing stone into her hand, “Focus your energy on this stone and really think about what you want.”

Merida cradled the stone in her palm and let her thirst for vengeance poison her thoughts. She funneled all of her hurt and anger and desire for suffering into it.

Olivia sighed.

Mortals never understood the scope of the things they wished for.

Magic came with consequences. Everything had a price.

“I’m going to need to know everything.”

~~~~~

Drake stirred, shifting in the bed and lifting his hand to shield his eyes against the brightness of the light pouring through the windows.

His mouth was dry. His head hurt. It felt like the worst hangover he’d ever experienced in his life.

“Drake! You’re awake!” Liam grabbed his hand, “Thank God! Liv! Liv, he’s awake!”

“Shhh,” Drake winced against the loud voices, “Shit, you’re loud!”

Max laughed, “I think that’s a good sign!”

“Beaumont? What are you doing here?” Drake asked, lifted his head to glance around the room.

“Worrying about you, dipshit!”

Olivia placed a hand on his forehead, “No fever, that’s good. Your aura looks good. Not full strength yet, but it’s well on its way! How do you feel?”

“Like…shit.”

“You scared us to death, Drake! Why the fuck didn’t you use the amulet?”

“Sorry, Liv….” He croaked, “Water?”

“Here.” Liam handed him a cup.

He pulled himself into a sitting position and downed the water quickly. Holding the cup out toward Liam he asked, “More, please?”

Four glasses of water later he took note of his surroundings, “Why am I in Liam’s bed?”

“We couldn’t move you very far.” Liam replied wryly, “You’re heavy!”

That got a small laugh from him, “Fair. How long have I been out?”

“Three days.” Olivia answered.

“Three days?” He looked at her in alarm, “I’ve been out for three days?”

“Yes, Drake, don’t act so fucking surprised! You had your aura stripped almost completely away from your body! That takes time to heal from! You almost died, you idiot!”

Right. Because he hadn’t used the amulet. He grimaced, “You were right, all of you. I’m sorry.”

“Yes!” Max jumped up from his chair, “I told you there was a ghost! I told you she was a succubus! I told you not to provoke her!”

“I didn’t! She attacked me for no reason!” Drake grimaced.

“So, you admit I was right?” Liv sounded amused.

“Yes, Liv! Fuck. But answer one question for me….”

“What?”

“If you knew about all this, why didn’t you warn him about that throne room?”

“Because I didn’t know! I mean, I didn’t remember! Yes, I have access to ancestral memories, but there are so many of them, it’s hard to pay attention to all of them, so I mostly block them out. Until I need one and it forces its way to the forefront of my mind. Like when I came back from Lythikos that day and found out what he’d done!”

Turning to Liam, she continued, “If I had known you were going to open up that throne room and rip out those walls, I would have stopped you. Maybe in the future, tell me things, ok?”

Liam’s mouth fell open, “Like I could have known you would have relevant information about the ghost in the wall! Maybe if I’d known you were a witch! Talk about withholding relevant information!”

Liv held her hands up in front of her, “Touché! From now on, we tell each other everything, alright?”

“Agreed.” Liam answered.

Drake cut in, “Okay, okay. Mistakes were made on both sides. Now we just need to figure out exactly what’s going on with this….succubus….”

“Oh, we know the whole story.” Olivia answered him.

“What?” He looked between them in shock, “How?”

“A lot has happened in the last three days, Drake.”

“Oh yeah, like what?”

Olivia and Liam exchanged glances.

“For one, I’ve spoken to Rezna.” Liam said carefully.

“That’s the succubus’ name!” Max supplied.

The name tugged at his memory. He wasn’t ready to talk about that though. Instead, he asked, “So she actually spoke to you? Gave you answers?”

Liam nodded.

“And you believe her?”

“Yes. Her story has been corroborated.”

“By who?”

“Lucretia.” Olivia answered.

Drake turned his head to look at her, “Your grandmother aunt?”

“Hahaha, but yes.”

“When did she get here?”

“She arrived last night. She had quite the tale to tell us.”

“So, are you going to let me in on it?”

“Yes.” Liv answered, “But let’s get you fed first.”

“And showered.” Liam agreed.

“Fine. I agree to your terms, but only because I also have to pee. A lot.”

Two hours later, after an empty bladder, a shower, clean clothes and a hot meal, Drake was ready.

He lifted his eyes when Lucretia entered the room. She looked like a harsher, older version of Olivia. His voice held accusation as he greeted her without preamble, “So, you’re the witch that did this to her?”

Lucretia betrayed no emotion as she regarded him, “And you are the reincarnation of her lover?”

He winced, glancing around the room. How did she know that?

“Um…Rezna told me.” Liam answered his unasked question. “It’s what saved your life. She recognized you at the last minute and was able to stop. She’s never been able to control it before. Once the feeding starts, she doesn’t stop until the victim is dead. It was part of the spell that was cast on her.”

“So why was she able to stop before killing me?”

“Because she loooooveees you!” Max singsonged.

“Really?” Drake shot him a withering glance, “I almost died, and you’re about to break into song?”

“Sorry, but it makes sense. Right?”

“Perhaps.” Lucretia nodded then turned her attention back to Drake, “Do remember anything else about that life?”

“Not much, bits and pieces, fragments, like a half-remembered dream. It…doesn’t seem real….”

“Just tell us what you can remember.” Olivia coaxed.

Drake thought for a moment then told them, “There was a ball, we went back to her room after. Like I said, it’s just fragments, more like flashes of moments. I remember leaving the next morning.”

Rezna rolled over when she felt his warmth leave her. She watched as he cracked the door open. Soft voices murmured in the hallway, then he closed the door and started rooting around for his clothes.

“Where are you going?”

His head came up and he made his way back to the bed, taking a seat on the edge, “I’ve been summoned by my captain. I have to deliver a message to Ramsford. It’s a weeks ride, so I’ll be back in a fortnight.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“And I’ll miss you, but when I get back, we’ll start planning our wedding, ok?”

“Okay.” She giggled, “But do you have to leave right now?”

“Why? What did you have in mind?” He bit into his lower lip as he rolled back onto the bed and pulled her on top of him.

Thirty minutes later, he lay on the bed smiling up at her. She was on top of him, legs spread around him as she leaned forward with a bright smile, her long locks spilling into her face as she crooned, “I love you, Gawain.”

He reached up to cup her cheek, love spilling through his heart, “I love you too, Rezna. I can’t wait to marry you!”

“Something happened to her, after I left, didn’t it?”

“Yes.” Liam answered.

“What did she tell you about that night?” Lucretia asked.

She stirred in the darkness, confused. What had woken her? A noise. Someone was in her room, “Gawain?”

No answer. She sat up, fear striking through her, “Who’s there?”

Unseen hands pulled her from her bed.

She struggled, her arms flailed out, her legs kicked, she tried to scream.

A cloth was placed over her face. She sucked in a deep breath; the sweet scent of ether coated her mouth and filled her lungs.

She fought for consciousness and lost.

“What happened to her was awful, Liam.” Olivia watched him closely, “But she has to be stopped. I’ve asked my aunt here to help us do that.”

“She won’t hurt anyone if she can feed on me!” Liam insisted.

“But look at you! You may be alive, but you’re weak, you’re sickly, you have no energy! You can’t run a country like this! You can’t live like this!” Olivia yelled at him.

“She’s right, Li.” Drake interjected.

Liam turned to him in astonishment, “How can you say that? You loved her!”

“In a life I don’t remember!” Drake was sure Liam was losing his mind, it must be one of the effects of the succubus, he didn’t see the situation clearly, “In this life she almost killed me!”

He hadn’t believed in reincarnation before, but he could not deny the memories he’d had, or the fact that her recognition had saved him.

“You know we just want you to be ok, right, Li?” Came from Max.

Liam blew out a frustrated breath, “Okay! Okay! But does stopping her mean we have to hurt her? Isn’t there a way to break the spell?”

“Hurt her? She’s already dead, Liam.” Olivia said.

“She’s not.” Lucretia replied.

“What?” All four chorused together.

“She didn’t die inside that wall. She starved, she weakened, but her essence survived.”

Liam gaped at her, horrified, “She was aware all that time?”

Lucretia waved a hand dismissively in the air, “Think of it as a state of suspended animation. She was aware in the way a dreamer is aware.”

“You knew she was there, and you didn’t try to help her?” Drake’s voice was quiet, serious, belying his earlier assertation that he didn’t care what happened to her.

The older Nevrakis shrugged, “They witch proofed that throne room. There was nothing I could do. And to let her out was to doom more men to die.”

“But it wasn’t her fault.” Liam repeated. “Please tell me there’s a way to break the spell and set her free.”

Lucretia smiled, “Perhaps.”

Rezna awoke chained to a table. A woman with fiery red hair stood over her, her face gaunt, her wrists bloody as though she had recently been restrained herself.

“Who are you? What’s happening? Why are you doing this?” She struggled vainly against her restraints.

“I’m sorry, dear. It’s nothing personal.” Lucretia had planned to simply double cross the queen and leave once her restraints had been removed, but Merida had included casting the spell for her in the blood oath. She had to do it to secure her own freedom. But at least she could include a way to break the spell in it.

Mortals and their lack of thoroughness almost always left her a loophole.

“Are you sure she’s worth saving?” Lucretia asked.

“Of course she is!” Liam answered, “None of it was her fault!”

“Oh, some of it was her fault.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You cursed her, the queen ordered it, what, exactly, was her fault?”

“You didn’t see the rampage she went on. Did she tell you that part?”

“What rampage?”

It didn’t matter. Whatever she had done, he was sure there was a reason. Liam didn’t want to kill her, or hurt her.

He wanted to save her.

[eadanga]

Royal Love Part 18

Summary: Now 18 Eleanor heads to her first year of college and falls for a handsome musician. Can she keep her royal secret be with her true love?

A/N: This series is for @kingliam2019 one of my 500 followers giveaway winners

Liam’s eyes went wide with shock as he tried to process what Eleanor just asked he put the phone on the couch and paced around the room in thought

 “Dad you there?”

Liam quickly reached to grab the phone and he sighed “I’m here Eleanor but I don’t think we should discuss this on the phone”

“You’re right should I come out there?”

“No I’ll come I’ll get a hotel I’ll be there tomorrow”

“Ok dad I’ll see you love you”

“Love you too sweetheart”

Liam hung up and he sighed as MC walked into the room “Bella is out like a light now we can” She looks at his expression “What’s wrong?”

“Love Eleanor wants to reveal her identity to the guy she’s been seeing”

“And what did you say?”

“I said I’ll fly over a talk to her but I really don’t know what to say I want her to be happy but I mean it’s about her security there could be enemies everywhere and what do we even know about him?”

MC places a hand on his shoulder “I understand everything you’re saying but if our daughter feels in her heart that she can trust him then we should support her you don’t wanna be like your dad I mean look at what he did just to keep us apart”

“Oh yeah I remember” He clenches his fists as he remembers the confrontation he had with his father

****

Liam stomps into his father’s study and throws the doors open “What the hell is this?!”

Constantine looks up from his papers “Liam what is it?”

Liam shoves photos in his face “I found these in your drawer! So it was you? You’re the one who ruined MC’s name and had every magazine and tabloid saying all kinds of shit about her!”

Constantine stands and takes a few steps back “Liam I can explain”

“Go ahead explain! Cause this is all bullshit!”

“Liam I did it for you!”

“For me?” Liam laughs “Please enlighten me on how this was for me”

“Liam a commoner woman can’t run a country! You need to be married to someone like a duchess or countess not some waitress you know nothing about!”

“Well since you like the news so much father here’s some news for you I am gonna marry her and I don’t give a damn about what you think!”

“Liam listen to me”

“No you listen! MC will always be the woman I love no one else and I am gonna fix this I’ve been recording everything and I’m sending this to every news station in Cordonia!”

Constantine’s eyes went wide “Liam you can’t do that! I’ll be ruined they’ll remove me off the throne for lying!”

“Good then someone better than you can be on the throne someone who’s not a scumbag”

“Liam!”

“You and your washed up old self can go to hell for all I care”

****

Liam clenches his fist “I will never forgive him I didn’t even go to his funeral for what he did I will never be like him”

“I know you won’t Liam you’re doing what he never did talking to her”

Liam smiles “Thanks love” He kisses her forehead then wraps his arms around her waist “Now I want to spend time with my lovely wife”

MC giggles as he lifts her up and carries her to the bed

****

Eleanor lays on her bed staring at the ceiling she hears a knocking on the door “Hey girl you want some snacks?” “No thanks”

Marissa pops her head in “Why are you laying there?”

“I just talked to my dad I told him I want to tell Cole everything”

“And what did he say?”

Eleanor sighs as she sits up “Not much just that we should talk in person he’s coming tomorrow” She fidgets “What if he’s disappointed in me?”

“Hey your dad loves you he’ll never say that”

“I know I’m just worried about what he’ll say”

“I’m sure it’ll go great your dad wants you happy”

“Yeah he does”

****

Liam arrives at the hotel and gets his things settled in he texts Eleanor the address he sighs as he waits for her to arrive. There’s a knock on the door and he goes to open it and he grins when he sees her

“Hi daddy”

Liam pulls her in for a hug “Hi princess” He kisses her forehead “Come on sit down let’s talk”

Eleanor sits on the bed and Liam sits next to her “So this Cole guy are you?”

“Well we’re taking it slow but I do have feelings for him and I don’t want to lie to him”

“I know Eleanor I know the feeling but you know it’s about your security and you don’t know who’s listening in”

“I know dad it puts me at risk telling other people I just want to be honest”

Liam gives her a small smile “And honesty is always the number one thing in a relationship what did you tell him?”

“That you’re high in the government of Cordonia”

“You didn’t tell him my title?”

“No”

Liam sighs “You know your happiness is important to me Eleanor” He smiles “I’ll let you tell him”

“Really?”

“Yes on one condition”

“What is it?”

“You give it some time let you relationship with him get stronger and you bring him to Cordonia so we can personally meet him and”

“So he sees what my life is like as a princess?”

“Yup if he feels the same way about you he’ll accept you know matter who you are”

Eleanor smiles “That’s fair dad I’ll do it”

Tags: @indiacater @mfackenthal @the-soot-sprite @iaminlovewithtrr @gkittylove99 @twinkleallnight @princess-geek

[trrvisuals]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extras from Hinge: