#you've seen the 'Liam's parents believing their son is coming out to them and try to drop hints that they'd support him which liam takes

[fluffypotatey]

Something that could happen in Things Dr. Geyer Notices

David Geyer, trying to hint that he's aware of the supernatural to his son: i just want you to know that your mother and i love you so much. nothing could change that. absolutely nothing. nothing. Liam Dunbar: i'm bi David: *sighs*...so am i, kiddo

[mind-reader1]

Queen of Hearts (Ch. 32)

Drake x MC (Emma Barnes)

TRR AU: What would happen if Emma loved Drake but had to marry Liam?

Catch up here

Warnings: None

Note: One more chapter and maybe a bonus if you guys are lucky! 

Word Count: 4,550

Summary: Emma and Drake hide out in the states from the press. Drake finally gets to meet Emma’s parents! And finally, the big return! How will things in Cordonia be for Drake and Emma after avoiding it for months? 

Chapter 32: Bad Karma - Ida Maria 

You better believe in karma Baby it's gonna sting The wheel of life's gonna do you in So I don't really have to do a thing You took me outta my money You messed up my love life and my career You better believe in karma Guess it's gonna start getting weird right here

Bad karma (oh, yeah) Baby that's what you got Bad karma (oh, yeah) Whether you believe it or not The universe is gonna getcha You'll be scratchin' the seven year itch You know what I think? Bad karma's a bitch

When they landed in Texas Emma felt her stomach rolling, she was nervous about meeting Drake's mom for the first time. He sensed her nerves and squeezed her hand leaning down to whisper in her ear.

“You don't need to be nervous.”

“How much did you tell her Drake? What if she hates me?” Emma looked around for a trash can, she felt like she was going to be sick.

“She knew about our arrangement with Liam, that's it. She's the one who told me to get my ass on a plane and come back, trust me she's going to love you.” Emma nodded and let Drake pull her along, waving at a woman with long black hair.

“You must be Emma! Drake's told me so much about yo-” she reached out to pull Emma into a hug, but Emma bolted to the nearest trash can, and got sick. Drake came over and held her hair, Bianca awkwardly standing back.

“Oh my god. She's gonna hate me.” Emma groaned as Drake rubbed her back, passing her a tissue.

“Your pregnant Walker, she's not going to be mad at you for that. She's going to be happy she's going to have another grandkid.” Emma wiped her mouth and straightened up, walking back over to his mom.

“Sorry. It's so nice to meet you!”

“You feeling alright darling?” Emma smiled.

“Just fine, airplane food.” Bianca smiled knowingly but stayed silent. Bianca drove them to her ranch and grilled Emma.

“Okay Mom, I think that's enough. You're going to scare her away.” Emma gave Drake a thankful look.

“I wouldn't have all these questions if you had brought her here at some point! You've been married for three years and this is the first time I'm meeting her.”

“Mom.” Drake's voice got a warning tone.

“It's fine Drake. I wish we could've visited before, circumstances just didn't allow it.” An awkward silence fell over them as they drove up to the ranch. Drake grabbed their suitcases, Bianca and Emma hung back in the kitchen.

“Want something to eat or drink?” Emma shook her head and Bianca raised an eyebrow.

“Stomach still upset or something else maybe? You're glowing dear. Does Drake know? I saw Liam's announcement, I'm sure you have a lot to talk about if you didn't talk on the plane.” Emma's eyes grew wide.

“I uh, yeah he knows. We do have a lot to talk about, but I had an idea I was hoping you could help me with.” Drake descended the stairs and heard Emma and Bianca speaking in hushed tones.

“Mom, I'm going to give Walker a tour.” Drake grabbed Emma's hand.

“Why do you call her Walker like it's her name?” Drake rolled his eyes.

“It's nothing, just our thing. Anyways, we'll see you for dinner.” Drake dragged her out of the house and helped her onto a horse. They slowly rode together across the entire property, it was breathtaking and a literal breath of fresh air to the palace and press constantly following her.

“This is beautiful Drake!” He looked over at Emma and she was the happiest he had seen her in years. Of course, she had been happy they got back together and after their moment on the plane, but this was different, a more carefree kind of happy, the kind of happy she had been right after they had gotten married.

“We should stay here Drake, leave it all behind.” he sighed.

“Walker, I love this place and I love you. Cordonia is our home though.” Emma knew he was right, but she didn't want to go back. Ever.

“Drake I… I don't know that I can go back. After everything. New York was my home for a long time, I love Cordonia, but I missed the states.” Drake pulled his horse over, so he was right next to her and squeezed her hand.

“I get why you're afraid, I do. Cordonia was my home though, my mom didn't move here until Savannah and I were adults. Besides, you can't run from Liam or the press forever, you have responsibilities in Cordonia like your duchy. Not only that, but think of our friends, you know Maxwell and Hana wouldn't let you stay away too long. I'm not saying we have to leave tomorrow or anything, but we will have to go back eventually.” Emma groaned.

“I know. I want to have the baby here though Drake, I want privacy. I don't need the press breathing down our necks, I want our baby to grow up like a normal kid, just like we talked about.”

“I think we can make that happen Walker.” Drake smiled and leaned over to give her a kiss before they continued the tour.

They stayed in Texas with his mom for a month, Emma loved spending time with Bianca, but she was driving Drake crazy, and Emma's sex drive had been low, partially because of all the nausea that seemed to hit her at every time of day, and also because Biana was just down the hall and the bed wasn't exactly the quietest, it squeaked any time one of them turned over. Emma still wasn't ready to go and face the press though, she had seen headlines and they were still about her and Liam. Wondering where she had gone, who she was with, how Liam was handling the fact that she had run off with his baby, if it even was his baby. That was her favorite headline. The unstable American duchess who couldn't handle the pressure of being Queen. Drake snatched her phone from her before she could read another on the plane to New York.

“Hey!”

“Walker you shouldn't bother. The press is like vultures, they're as bad as the ladies at court.”

“They're right Drake! I couldn't handle it and I ran off.” Drake rolled his eyes.

“No Walker. We're taking a break, taking time for us, time we never got to have. We're planning a wedding, getting ready for a baby, there's nothing unstable about it.” Emma snuggled up against Drake.

“You're right. I just, I guess it bothers me that they still haven't left me alone like Liam asked.”

“We'll figure it out together Walker. For now, we should worry about making new memories in New York, happy memories.”

“I want you to meet my parents too.” Drake's brows knit together in confusion as he looked down at her.

“I thought-” Drake didn't finish the sentence, the one time he had asked about her family hadn't gone well. All she said was that she had no living relatives.

“They are. They're dead, but their graves are here, I know they would've loved you. Even if you can't meet them, I still want to take you. I know it sounds dumb, but I used to go and talk to them, I haven't been since before I met you. A lot's happened since then.”

“I don't think it sounds dumb at all. I'd love to meet your parents.” They were renting a tiny studio apartment on a monthly basis, it took them a couple weeks, but they had settled in well. Emma took a deep breath and smoothed over the black dress she was wearing, she was going to take Drake to her parents graves and she was nervous about it. Drake sidled up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her cheek.

“Are you ready?” Emma nodded and let out a deep breath grabbing Drake's hand. He grabbed some flowers off the table and they hailed a cab to the cemetery. Drake climbed out and helped Emma out, he began walking in a general direction, stopping when he felt resistance. He looked back and saw Emma standing still, clearly nervous.

“Emma?”

“I’m scared Drake.” She shook her head, her breathing shallow and uneven.

“What's scaring you?”

“I've never taken someone to my parents graves. I haven't been here in four years Drake. I'm an awful daughter.” Drake pulled her in close and kissed her forehead.

“No, you're not. You were living your life, you're here now with your husband and our unborn baby. They'll be so happy and proud of you and how far you've come. I want to meet them; can you show me now?” Emma nodded and took a deep breath to steel her nerves.

“Hey Mom, hey Dad. I know it's been awhile, I'm sorry. I didn't forget about you, I've just been busy. I got married to the most wonderful man ever, Drake. He's here with me and...and we're having a baby. I love you, and I miss you so much.” She choked back a sob as Drake stepped up and laid the flowers down at both headstones clearing his throat.

“I, uh. Hello Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, I'm Drake, your son-in-law. I'm sorry I never got to meet you, but I'm so incredibly grateful for you both, for the wonderful daughter you raised and that I got the privilege to marry. I'm sure you had an idea of what kind of man you wanted your daughter to end up with, and I uh, I'm going to try and be that man. I hope that I can be a good father and raise this baby so, it turns out to be as amazing as a person as your daughter.” Emma felt tears sting her eyes, she didn't think it was possible to love Drake more than she already did, but after hearing him talk to her parents that’s exactly what happened. Drake, who had been kneeling stood back up and looked at Emma wiping a tear.

“Walker? What's wrong?” She smiled and grabbed his hand, keeping it against her cheek and leaning into his touch.

“Nothing,” she whispered, “I just love you so much. Thank you for coming with me today.”

“Of course, Walker. I love you and this baby, I'm glad you let me meet your parents.” Drake rested a hand on the tiny bump there and grabbed her hand.

“Bye mom, bye dad. I love you, I'll come visit more often. Maybe I'll have your grandkid with us next time.” They strolled hand in hand back towards the road, a content silence between them.

“Car accident.”

“What?”

“They died in a car accident. I was 20. The roads were icy one night on their way home from dinner, it was just a freak accident.”

“I'm sorry Emma.” She smiled and squeezed his hand.

“It's okay Drake. It's been ten years, I'm just really glad you got to meet them.”

“Maybe when we get back to Cordonia, we can visit my dad, you can talk to him. I haven't been in a while. He would've loved you, and to know that he would've been a grandpa, he'd be over the moon like Bastien.”

“I'd like that a lot Drake, I want to thank Jackson for giving me such an incredible husband.” Emma chuckled.

They stayed in New York for two months, Emma knew they needed to return to Cordonia. Their friends had been respectful of needed space, but they were starting to grow worried and more insistent, she was ready to face them all though. They flew into Cordonia late at night without telling anyone, going straight to their cabin. The next day after they had let everyone know they'd returned, they went to Valtoria. Hana had been holding down the fort, but it was time for Emma to step in again. Neither of them had spoken to Liam since they left, Emma was mad that he had done nothing to tell the press to leave her name out of the headlines, that it wasn't his baby she was carrying. They hadn't spoken to Olivia either, while Olivia and Emma were still friends, it was awkward because of Liam. That day they received a message from a royal carrier, Liam was hosting a ball in honor of her return and offering her a chance to publicly be announced at court with Drake if they wanted.

This was everything she had wanted and fought for during her time as Queen, but now that it was here she was unsure. Drake never wanted to be a Duke, in the eyes of Cordonia they weren't even actually married as they'd never filed any paperwork. She was pregnant with his baby out of wedlock, just another rumor for the press to run rampant with, she couldn't hide it either. She had a visible bump now no matter what she wore, it was small, but unmistakable, besides the press already knew she was pregnant. They decided to go on the condition that press wasn't allowed in, Liam agreed. The night of the ball Emma chose a dark blue gown that was off the shoulder, beading under both breasts. It hugged her curves, but wasn't tight, it was a perfect fit and it showed off her bump which Drake loved. He wore a new suit that matched, also dark blue with the pink tie he had worn to her wedding to Liam. She straightened his tie and they walked out hand in hand, but before they even got to the car they were flooded with camera flashes.

“Your grace over here!”

“Your grace, are you with Drake Walker? The Kings best friend?”

“Your grace, is he the father of your baby?”

“How does King Liam feel about this? Does he know he's not the father?”

“How long has this been happening your grace?”

“Was the weight of the crown too much?”

“Why did you lie to the people for so long?” They fired off question after question. Emma felt dizzy, so many familiar faces from previous social events. One man, the one who always wore his ball cap backwards got in her face. Emma stumbled back, and Drake caught her.

“Get out of here! Leave us alone! Can't you see she needs some space!” Drake yelled, but his voice was drowned out.

“Are you the father?”

“You're wearing a ring! Did you secretly get married while you were gone?” Emma's head was spinning, it felt hard to breath, she couldn't see because of all the camera flashes.

“GIVE HER SOME SPACE! SHE'S PREGNANT!” Drake helped Emma steady herself and made a path through the press to the car. Emma didn't feel like she could breathe again until she couldn't hear or see the paparazzi anymore. Drake was disheveled and sweaty casting worried glances over at her.

“Vultures. Don't they have anything better to do than worry about other people's lives. Hell! Liam asked them so give you some space.” Emma rested her hand on Drake's, the last thing she needed was him all worked up, they still had to face Liam and the rest of court for the first time since the announcement about the divorce. They arrived at the palace, but neither of them moved, Drake watched Emma closely.

“Do you still want to do this Walker? We can turn around.” Emma shook her head and opened the door taking a deep breath.

“Let's do this.” Emma climbed out first and waited for Drake, they walked into the palace together. Emma whispered to the herald how to announce them to the rest of the guests, they were the last to arrive.

“The guest of honor! Duchess Emma Walker and Duke Drake Walker.” The ballroom was silent for just a moment before murmurs rippled the crowd. Emma forced a smile and grabbed Drake's arm walking down into the ballroom, Emma caught Liam’s gaze, Drake avoided it. Their friends quickly found them, asking all sorts of questions, but mostly excited to see them. Bartie came rushing up to them and wrapped his arms around Drake's legs before going to Emma's, he had gotten so big. Their hearts swelled looking at him, they couldn't wait for that, it wouldn't be long now. Slowly but surely people stopped whispering and started to approach, Kiara first. Drake grabbed Emma's wrist and placed himself slightly between the women, he didn't trust either of them not to start something.

“Duchess Emma, Drake, I'm surprised to see you again.” Drake could feel the hate rolling off Emma.

“It's Duke Drake actually.” Emma pursed her lips.

“Of course,” she cleared her throat, “I wanted to apologize for my behavior before you left court. Madeleine started all the rumors and was practically forcing me onto Drake. I, uh, assume congratulations are in order.” She raised an eyebrow at Emma's belly.

“I think you should leave Kiara. I don't like what you're implying about my wife.” Drake snapped.

“Non, just a misunderstanding. I'm sure there are many people who want to talk to you though.” Kiara stepped away and Emma rolled her eyes turning to Drake. He rubbed his hands up and down her arms.

“Are you ready to sneak off yet?” Emma chuckled and looked around.

“Absolutely, but all eyes are on us. We'd never make it out of here.”

“Screw it. Let 'em see.” Drake pulled Emma close and dipped her for a kiss, he pulled away when he felt her smile against his lips.

“Where did that come from marshmallow?”

“I've wanted to do that since the homecoming ball, now I can, and I don't plan on wasting a second.” Someone cleared their throat behind them and they turned to see Liam and Olivia standing there. Emma and Drake both stiffened, Drake and Liam hadn't seen each other since Drake had punched him. Emma made the first move, smiling and giving Olivia a hug before nodding politely to Liam.

“Thank you for this ball Liam.”

“Of course. Has everyone been polite?” Drake scoffed behind them.

“Just peachy.”

“How's Lucian?”

“What does he mean? Has someone bothered you?” Drake laughed incredulously.

“The entire court has been staring at us all night, the press practically attacked us outside of our estate in Valtoria. So much for calling off the watchdogs.” Olivia stepped up ready to snap back, but Liam grabbed her arm.

“It's okay Liv,” Liam turned to Drake, “I'm sorry that's happened. I'll be speaking to them first time tomorrow. I know it might be hard to believe, but I've changed, and I want to make up for all the pain I inflicted on you both. Please, let me know if I can do anything for you. I know things can probably never go back to the way they were, but I'd like to try.” He held out his hand and Drake looked at it and walked away. Liam sighed and dropped his hand.

“Give him some time Liam. We're both working on our forgiveness, maybe some of us more than others.” Emma pursed her lips and glanced back at Drake.

“I should go after him, it was good to see you again Olivia. Liam. We'll have to catch up, chat about Lucian.” Olivia beamed.

“Yes, he's doing well. We can talk about it later though, go.” Emma chased after Drake and felt all eyes follow her as she left the ballroom. She found him outside by an empty bar cart.

“Hey, ready to get out of here?”

“I'm sorry Walker. We can go back in there, I just needed a minute.”

“It's fine Drake.”

“He just, I can't believe him! After all the shit he pulled now he's asking for forgiveness? Saying he's changed!” He ran a hand through his hair angrily and paced.

“Drake,” Emma stepped in his path and put her hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look at her, “I hated him. Hated. I do think he's changed, and I think we should give him a chance. He was your best friend. I can’t stand the thought that I had anything to do with you guys drifting apart, so please think about it okay?” He held her gaze for a moment, his eyes softening.

“You never cease to amaze me, let's get back in there. It's your ball after all.” Emma leaned in for a slow, passionate kiss.

“No. Let's go home Drake, back to the cabin.” She let her hands trail down his chest and over his crotch, Drake instantly responding.

“Absolutely. Let's go.” He grabbed her hand and they ran off to the car. The next morning Emma woke before Drake and looked over at him, his hair was a mess and he was on his side facing where Emma had been moments ago, his face squished against the pillow, an arm out on her side of the bed. She had been laying in his embrace for almost an hour, she couldn't lie still anymore, but she didn't mind watching him for a minute before making coffee. He looked younger, happier, so much more handsome when he wasn't wearing his signature scowl. She snapped a picture and wandered downstairs, turning on the news as she waited for the coffee to brew. There was breaking news, Liam was holding a press conference.

“About three months ago, I stood before you and told you Lady Emma and I were getting a divorce and I asked you to respect her privacy, though I never gave you a reason why. Well you have dragged her name through the mud and you cornered her and her companion last night at her home. That is not respectful to her or anyone else! I am horrified by this, what our media has become. I offer you a deal, leave Lady Emma alone, leave her out of this. Leave my son and Lady Olivia out of this, and I will give you a tell all interview. If anyone so much as looks at one of them or speaks of one of them, then the deal is off. You've got 24 hours to think about it. Thank you.” The press was silent and then began clambering after him.

“Drake!” Emma hollered, he came racing downstairs panicked.

“What? Is it the baby? Are you okay?”

“I'm fine. Watch this.” She rewound the press conference for him and got them both a cup of coffee.

“Wow.”

“I think he's changed Drake.”

“Maybe.” Emma's phone began to ring, and she saw it was Liam calling. She frowned but answered anyways. Drake watched her like a hawk over his cup of coffee as she took a seat at the kitchen counter. When she hung up he looked at her expectantly.

“Well? What did he want?”

“He wanted to know how much I was okay with him sharing, if he should mention you if asked. The media already figured it out anyways. I'd rather have the record set straight than another fake headline floating around.” Drake nodded, he hated the idea of being in the public eye and everyone knowing their secret, but that was part of the territory and a small price to pay for being with the woman he loved.

Olivia paced back and forth in front of Liam as he bounced their son in his arms.

“Liv.” She held her hand up to stop him. He had mentioned the night before telling the press to lay off Emma and Drake, but he failed to mention it would include a tell all interview.

“What were you thinking? Oh wait, you weren't! This will reflect badly on you, me, them, our son! I can't believe you! Still bending over backwards to please the American.” Olivia rolled her eyes.

“Olivia that's enough!” She stopped and looked at Liam, he had used his king voice, he never used that voice with her.

“This isn't about Emma, it involves her, but it's not about her. This is about us. I'm tired of seeing headlines about you wrecking my 'marriage’ or hearing rumors whispered around court. People calling our son a bastard child! Honesty is the best way to go about this and what we should've done from the beginning, but I'm going to fix it. I don't want our son growing up hearing these things about his parents or himself. It's all gone on long enough.” She considered his words, knowing he was right.

“Well, this all could've been prevented if you didn't need the shiniest new toy every time.” Liam smiled, he knew Olivia and Emma were friends, but Olivia had some lingering jealousy.  

“Liv, you know I only have eyes for you.” She rolled her eyes, he always said that though. She snatched Lucian out of his arms and turned her back on him.

“Liv.” She didn't answer. “Olivia.”

“What?!” She snapped and turned around. Liam was there on one knee smiling up at her.

“Olivia Nevrakis, I have known you for as long as I can remember, you have been a staple in my life and I regret that I didn't recognize sooner just how perfect you are for me. Liv, you are the Queen of my heart and I want you to be by my side forever as the Queen of Cordonia. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?” She was speechless, she and Liam had discussed the future before, but it never really involved marriage talk, it focused more on their son. Their relationship had been a kind of slow burn, building up the more tension that grew between Emma and Liam. The silence built between them and Liam began to get a sense of déjà vu.

“Liv?”

“Yes.”

“What?”

“Yes! I'll marry you Liam.” He stood up to slip the ring on her finger and went in for a kiss, but she held up a hand to his lips and he frowned.

“I'm keeping my last name though.” Liam chuckled and leaned in to kiss her, this time she allowed it.

“I would expect nothing less Queen Nevrakis-Rhys.”

“Good, now go get ready for your interview.” She pushed him away with one hand before slapping his butt. Liam jumped surprised.

“Just enjoying knowing you're all mine now.” Liam took a deep breath in the palace boutique and out on his best suit before having his hair and makeup done. He was nervous, palms sweating as walked up to the podium in the press room. They fired question after question at him, but he had been expecting them all.

“So, you're saying that Lady Emma was unfaithful to you after you cheated on her?” Liam suppressed an eyeroll.

“No. Lady Emma and I had an arrangement. Our friends were in danger and I needed the Cordonian people's support. I knew that they loved her and trusted her, and so I asked her to marry me, it was then I learned she was in love with someone else. I suggested that she could be with who she wanted, as long as she agreed to play the role of my wife for the cameras and in turn she let me be with Lady Olivia who I love dearly and has agreed to marry me.”

“What about Lady Emma's baby? Are you saying that you're not the father?” Again, he had to suppress an eye roll.

“Do you not feel betrayed by your best friend? Is Drake Walker the father of the baby?”  

“No, I do not feel betrayed, and yes Duke Drake Walker is the father of his wife's baby. I'm very happy for them both. This interview is over now.” Liam stood and left the press room.

Next Time: It’s been a year since Emma and Drake returned to Cordonia! What are they up to now? Has everything gone smoothly? 

Tagging: @notoriouscs @brightpinkpeppercorn @ooo-barff-ooo@leelee10898@sleepwalkingelite @roonarific@speedyoperarascalparty@andy-loves-corgis @furiousherringoperatortoad@findingdrake @sue9659@smritysriv@larryssunflower@likethetailofacomet drakewalkerfics@zaffrenotes@mrsdrakewalkerblog@agent-bossypants @endlessly-searching-for-you   @cgd03 @simsvetements@jovialyouthmusic @akrenich @jlouise88 @bettys-mom @gibbles82

[lizzybeth1986]

Quick Thoughts on Book 3, Chapter 14

• Apologies for the delay, guys. Still recovering.

• It's time for our Ball! YAY.

• ...and for Hana's parents. Not so yay.

• Every LI in the group has at least one not-very-ideal parent. For Liam and Maxwell it's their dads (though Bartalemy seems to be the best of the four) and for Drake and Hana it's their mums.

• Title: Welcome, One and All!

• Alternate Titles should include This Chapter Is Brought To You By Jeffery.

• For those who don't remember the TRR pre-release interviews, Jeffery is the dude who loves hats:

I'm pretty sure this chapter is his baby.

• So technically Xinghai and Lorelai have not kept in touch with Hana since her fight with Xinghai in Shanghai (that rhymes). There is a hint that she might have tried to reach out to them before the tour if you were getting engaged to her (she asks Ana de Luca to send the copies of her shoot to an address, which I presume was her home in Shanghai).

•

You bet I slammed that last option.

• There's also not a lot of difference in this scene between the Hana playthrough and the non-Hana one, and there should have been. The dynamics of this discussion will - should - be different if you're Hana's fiancée. They have Lorelai and Hana's dialogues change if you're marrying her at the end, but technically that's unavoidable. There should have been an obvious difference in dialogue here as well.

• Bertrand has returned. Again.

• AND HE'S LATE. Apparently because his son needs to be coached on proper cutlery placement through the babysitter.

• We have a brief tete-a-tete about Savannah and Bartie before moving on to our OOTD:

Tbh I think I'm okay with both. I had my reservations about the neck but I also like capes so I will take it. The traditional dove one makes you look like Red Riding Hood.

If you choose the phoenix gown, you also get to don a humongous hat, and you get the option to take it off anytime.

Esther loves hats. She's a happy happy camper xD She may not have said those 'fancy hat's comments to Regina in Book 1 but you bet she was thinking them! So Esther - and I as Esther's creator - feel validated and vindicated and all other sorts of v words 😄

• Also yes, Esther, I'm pretty sure that hat ate every other hat in Cordonia before making its way to your head.

• It's now time for our Ball, and our LIs are waiting for us to make our entrance. Liam calls you 'a heroine of myth and song', Maxwell tells you you're 'on fire', Drake asks him if you're trying to give him a heart attack, and Hana settles for a very simple 'you look gorgeous'.

• Okay yadda yadda announcements, yadda yadda speech, yadda yadda complimentes from guests esp if you chose the phoenix decor, yadda accolades all around.

• Basically the main conversations taking place at the Ball are with Madeleine, Kiara, Regina, Mara and Olivia.

- Madeleine: Mainly to close the main loop of Madeleine's role as press secretary. The previous conversation with Liam/Drake at the Lythikos Ball is implied when you choose to call her a snake, even though she sees that as a compliment.

- Kiara: You get to either call her brave, or to ask her about her well-being. Thankfully, she is able to at least sleep at night now. They're definitely wrapping up Kiara's story here. Which is okay, I'm pretty certain it wasn't meant to be manifested in the first place and I suppose I'm expected to be grateful she got some attention. But I won't be, because she deserved this - and perhaps better. I couldn't care less for her brother and would rather not see him again but at least they had the decency to wrap up her storyline first this time rather than ignore it in favour of him completely.

- One of my favourite sequences is the one with Regina. She's clearly affected by Constantine's death and still hasn't recovered enough to get used to the idea of attending a Ball without his presence yet. But you also see her struggling with the stoicism she's been brought up on, and chastising herself because she can't. You have the choice of either asking her what Constantine would have told her if he were alive (like hell I'll choose that option!) or telling her she should allow herself to grieve. I thought her parting words in this conversation were beautiful.

- Mara: From Mara we learn that the Nevrakis family had connections with the Sons of Earth, and that in fact Anton is the son of the leader of that group. I've seen some interesting theories around this, one of which is (I believe this one is @alicars theory) that he is Francesco's son. Which...would make that first meeting in Italy quite interesting, as well as the reveal that Francesco was friends with Liam's mother. Will Liam's mother's background be brought up in future chapters??

- Olivia: So this is what all our efforts to win Olivia over culminates into! I have such Diavolos vibes with this scene (not the betrayal bit, but the winning their trust bit. Olivia I think sticks by Liam's side whether she likes you or not), because if you look at the TCaTF ally chart in Book 3, Diavolos' name is the last on the list of people to join you, even though he has spent time with you as an ally and been part of the rescue mission to save Mind Control!Dom. In a lot of ways, while Olivia has a huge connection to Liam and becomes your ally on that score, it requires effort and some ice-breaking to get her to fully support you.

• Say hello to my new pets y'all!

As of now Esther has a horse named Celestia, a corgi names Joy, a visiting hawk named Tiberius, a black panther named Cava and two red pandas she has named Hansel and Gretel.

• I wonder if you have the ensuing group scene if you don't choose to accept the red pandas (I'd see for myself but the red pandas have really adorable sad faces).

• The group scene is alright, it's a lot like the one in Shanghai with the pandas. Liam is adorable and holds them like a pro, Maxwell is super super SUPER excited, Hana is shocked by their lack of manners (Hana they're animals!) in comparison to pandas and Drake is a mean meanie. You have Zeke on the side giving us factual animal info.

• We're now back at the estate, and Hana's folks have arrived.

• TO TAKE HANA BACK???

• Hana puts up a good fight against her mum (let's be honest, Xinghai hardly seems to have a say in this. He looks sad about this and barely gets in a sentence. This show is all Lorelai's), and refuses to come with them, at which point Lorelai insists on taking her belongings away since they belong to the Lee family, and she isn't a Lee anymore.

• You know what I want Hana to say?

"FINE KEEP THE CRUMMY LUGGAGE MOM LETS SEE IF YOU CAN MAKE ANOTHER WHOLEASS CHILD OUT OF THAT"

• Please tell me she gets to kick Lorelai's ass this chapter. Please.

• So the Ball and festival will continue this chapter, and I'm guessing that any drama might happen later on in the Capitol if we go by the trajectory of the previous books. The places most closely connected to the MC - Ramsford, New York, Valtoria - are usually where you forget briefly the tension in the books, before being plunged into complete and total chaos.

• I still think there's a LOT we have left to find out. A LOT.

• There is a possibility that Hana will get a diamond scene post her confrontation with her parents. And as far as I can see it, this is the culmination of her entire journey, her entire struggle. This is the last shot the writers have at doing justice to her character, and giving her a good scene. If Hana doesn't get an extremely fulfilling, nuanced scene - one that has a marked difference between her as a fiancee and her as a friend - then I doubt she will get another one. They will have lost their chance to be fair to this character.

• And if they fail to do justice to this character...I'm afraid that will be the end for me. I may be chapter reviews and essays, I may still write stuff inspired by this book...but whatever love I still have for TRR will be lost for good.

• Because you know what you're telling me, a brown woman with an upbringing not entirely unlike Hana's? Who loves this character and has to now try to relate to her because her own writers didn't give me enough material? You're telling me that you don't think stories like Hana's - stories like mine - are worth attention, worth nuance, worth telling properly, worth telling with heart. You're telling me women like Hana are alright as tokens, but not important enough as characters. You're telling me you want the accolades that go with using women of colour in your stories, but don't want to put in the work. In fact...you're already telling me that. You've been telling me that for the last two books.

• I'm sincerely hoping this will change with the chapter I will play now, and that I and other Hana stans don't walk away from this chapter disappointed. I really, really do. It won't completely make up for the lack of care they have given this character...but it will be SOMETHING.

• With that, I'm going to go into this week's chapter, folks. Seeya!