#Riley goes to cordonia

[bebepac]

Six Sentence Sunday 03.31.24

Is it me you're looking for? Yes, I know I've been M.I.A. for a bit, but you guys I'm really trying to upper level adult here. I have decided I'm going to buy a house. So I have hired a realtor and have started the process. When my lease is up again, I WILL be moving into my home.

Let's see if I remember how to set one of these up!

Original post 03/31/24 at 8:02PM EST

Chapter 9: Riley Brooks's Day Off

The Series: Life of Riley Book 2

The Book: TRR

Pairings: Liam x Riley (Liam x F!MC)

Status: Still in the writing process

Since the challenges Constantine had been coming up with weekly for the suitors were getting a lot of publicity for the crown, the suitors met weekly for a meeting with a PR specialist to make sure they had the crown’s best interests in everything they did. They also passed out weekly itineraries of what the Suitors would be doing. Did it ever reveal any events they would be participating in? No, but that their sponsor would be revealing the new task and prize for that week."

Riley thumbed through the itinerary, once than again looking confused.

“Is something wrong Lady Riley?”

“Jenna, my booklet seems to be missing a page. I have nothing for Friday’s itinerary .”

“Actually no you’re not. None of you are. Since I've just been brought into this role, I know you ladies are going through a lot being thrust into the public eye in this magnitude. Lady Riley, you for example, you are coming to us from America and have no experience with dealing with the nobility on a daily basis, and are completely learning how to navigate court successfully from scratch. I recognize this to be quite the experience. The potential reward of all of this is indescribable, but you all need breathing moments for mental and physical wellbeing. We are building in “off days” to your schedule to do what you want with it, a recharge day of sorts, or a mental health day if you will.”

“Well if you’re weak you need days off. I will spend my time training.” Olivia chimed in.

“If that is how you want to spend your day Olivia, there are no wrong answers, it’s free to do whatever you want, as long as you enjoy it.”

That evening:

“Of course, you would have an off day when I’m out of the country.” Liam sounded genuinely disappointed.

“I know I thought about that too.”

“Take it as an opportunity Riley, do some exploring, sleep in a little bit, we both know you like your sleep. Relax. You know, life moves really fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

“You’re completely right Liam. Thanks.”

“Sounds like you have a plan.”

“I do.”

When she hung up with him, she called Maxwell.

“What’s up Little Blossom?”

“I need your help.”

WIP 2

Part 3: Spice Spice Baby

Series: Not officially one: Previous Parts include: Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice

The Book: TRR

Pairings: Liam x Bebe (Liam x F!OC)

Status: Still in the writing process

I have never required that much sleep. There has always been something so peaceful about the world at night for me. I glanced at her once more before getting out of bed. She was soundly sleeping and didn’t even stir from her slumber as I rose. A good mattress will do that, and honestly I think she needed the rest. I slipped on my pajama pants and walked to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

Night time was when I did my best thinking, and the thought crossed my mind that the two of us would be able to pull off this ruse with my coworkers. Bebe really did seem invested to make “us work.” Or maybe she was invested in the paycheck.

“Was my snoring keeping you awake?”

Bebe was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, resting her hip on the frame, her robe loosely tied.

“You don’t snore.”

“And you,” she gently tapped my nose with her pointer finger, “are a liar.”

“I wasn’t lying, I didn’t hear you snoring, or if you were, you weren’t disturbing me.”

“Why are you up, Liam?”

“Why are you up, Bebe?”

She quirked her eyebrow at me, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I rarely sleep through the whole night, I’m always up for a bit.”

“Why?”

Her stare from across the room was almost piercing my soul.

“Therapist was not one of your duties I'm paying you for in our contract.”

She looked surprised, but more importantly, hurt by my remark. In a split second I had turned her into a business arrangement that she was a prostitute, that I was paying for a service.

“Oh, well you’re paying me a handsome sum, therefore I feel like I should be anything you need me to be at the moment. I’ll just….”

I had hurt her feelings, and snapped at her, and I didn’t even know why, and the look in her eyes, I didn’t want to ever see that again.

“Life.” I called out to her before she was out of the room. Bebe immediately stopped and turned to face me.

“I can relate to that. Do you mind if I just sit up with you for a bit then?”

“No, not at all.”

Bebe settled into the couch next to me. She didn’t say a word, but I found her silence and non-judgment strangely comforting.

WIP 3

Part 4

Series: The Vampires Live On

The Book: TRR

The Pairing: Liam x Riley (in this decade Gabriel x Alice in the past)

Status: Still in the writing process

“We’re here.”

“I really didn’t think it would be this clean here. I know what you said, but looking at the other graves along the way here, I expected the same condition.”

“You know, I can be very persuasive, and keeping in contact as the groundskeeper’s changed over the years, very important in this. “

“I didn’t think they would be buried side by side.”

“Because that didn’t matter here, and since he died, protecting the two of you, his family wanted nothing to do with him.”

“Poor Max. He was such a good sweet guy. What we were, or not completely, never mattered to him.”

I placed the small flower arrangement into the vase at his grave.

“I have missed you dear friend,”

“I’m going to give you some time alone with your sister and friend.”

“You can stay.”

“No, I’ve been with you for an eternity, you have not had any time with her or him since that night. I want you to have some time alone with them. You deserve that.”

“Thank you, Liam.”

Even though the space around her grave was clean, I found myself picking up and pushing the few leaves and debris away to make her area more pristine.

I sat down in the grass in front of her grave and closed my eyes, letting the emotions of finally being here with her again wash over me.

“Hi Clara. I have missed you so much.”

WIP 4

Chapter 17: Finale Part 4: The Wedding

Series: The Rotten Apple 🍎

The Book: TRH & Beyond

Pairings: Eleanor x Nico (Elle x M!OC) / Liam x Riley

Status: Still in the writing process

Final exams for Liberty had ensured that she wouldn’t be able to come to Greece early to take part in some of the pre-wedding festivities that Elle had planned. Elle felt guilty that Liberty would be missing her graduation from the Crown Academy to come to her wedding; her father had wanted to pull some strings for Liberty, but Elle declined, citing the importance of her education, though she did want her there.

Elle smiled as she panned the camera around the back yard.

"I really wish I was there Ellie."

"I really wish I was there. Libby! Look at you in your cap and gown. Father and I stepped away for a bit to watch the live feed of the baccalaureate."

"Thanks Ellie."

"For what?"

"Just making an effort. I can't wait to see you and everyone."

“Does that include Michail? He looked so sad when I told him you would not be here tonight.”

A slow smile crept over Liberty’s face.

“He looks sad?”

Elle laughed, “You’re clearly not about that.”

“Did he dance with any other girls?”

“Just one.”

“Who?”

Elle’s smile widened.

“Only me, when he could pull me away from Nico, all he talked about was you. He really likes you Libby.”

“You think so?”

“I know so, and he can’t wait to see you tomorrow and neither can I.”

“Neither can I!”

#bebepac writes #choices fanfiction #trr fanfic #trr fandom #liam x riley #the rotten apple #the life of riley #choices fic writers creations #six sentence sunday #elle x nico #the vampires live on #Riley goes to cordonia

[karahalloway]

Mission: Cordinia - Game of Thieves

Fandom: TRR x Mission: Impossible II

Series: Mission: Cordonia

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

Synopsis: Harper's illicit plans go awry when Drake's appearance at the Beaumont Bash throws an unexpected wrench in the works

Word count: 5,000

Rating/Warnings: E (swearing, aggravation, illegal activities, a handful of lemon-scented moments)

Chapter theme song:

A/N1: This is my submission for @choicesprompts' Rewrite Challenge and the scene I chose to redo with my OTP is the one from Mission: Impossible II where Nyah steals the necklace from the hacienda in Seville. This is (still) one of my favourite movies of all time and I especially love this scene for the music, the way it's shot, the situational humour and the sexual tension... basically everything about it! 🙃

A/N2: The clips (for anyone who hasn't seen the movie, or doesn't remember) are below (I couldn't find a YouTube video that had the entire scene in one video). Enjoy!

Game of Thieves

"Evening, ma'am," greets a liveried footman as he reaches for the door handle of the Mercedes AMG SL 63 roadster that I've just revved to a stop. "And welcome to the Beaumont Bash."

"Thanks," I say with a smile, spinning in the seat to swivel my legs out of the car. "Looking forward to seeing if the experience lives up to the hype."

"Oh, I can assure you that it does, ma'am," he chuckles, handing me a token for my car. "The Bash gets wilder every year."

"Does it really?" I ask with wide eyed surprise as I open my clutch up to carefully stow the token away.

"I promise, you will not be disappointed, ma'am," he assures me with a wink.

"Bet your ass I won't, bud," I murmur under my breath as I turn towards the House. "Because I have something special planned for tonight..."

Stepping onto the red carpet lined stairway of the the stately, baroque manor, I can tell that the party is already very much in full swing: the thump of the bass echoes out in the night, the occasional shrill laugher rising above it as shadowy silhouettes drift and mingle.

Which is perfect.

Because even though I am normally very much a punctual kind of girl, there are certain situations where it pays to arrive fashionably late... or not at all.

As in my line of work, timing is everything.

And I intend to make it rain tonight...

...assuming everything goes to plan.

I have no real reason to think that it won’t. After all, I've been planning this job for over a year and I've made sure to account for every step, every detail, down to the time of my arrival, to the way I’ve styled my hair, and even the black lace mini dress I’m wearing.

Because when the potential pay-off is this big, nothing can be left to chance. And I am nothing if not a perfectionist.

Making it to the top of the steps, I am greeted by a pair of burly-looking security guards.

"Good evening, ma'am," says one holding a tablet. "Your name?"

"Lady Riley Brooks," I say with a demure smile.

A lie. But, then again, I’m not stupid enough to have booked myself onto the high-profile guest list under my real name.

The guard taps on the screen a few times before nodding.

"May I take a look at your bag, ma'am?" asks the other.

"Of course," I reply graciously, handing my black leather YSL clutch over.

The guy opens it up, pulling out my phone, a USB charger, a compact mirror, and a tube of lipstick, before slotting everything away again and returning it to my hands.

"Have a good evening, ma'am," he nods, opening his arm to indicate that I may enter.

"I very much intend to," I say with a smirk, stepping through the doorway into the House...

...and I am instantly transported into another world.

The strategically placed mood lights bathe everyone and everything in the lavishly decorated room in a heady mix of rose and violet, providing an ethereal backdrop to the acrobats that are twirling seductively through the air with the help of various hoops, aerial silks, and trapeze lines.

Heightening the trance-like effect are strobe lights that flash in perfect accompaniment to the EDM-remixed classical music, illuminating the glitter and lavender-scent infused smoke slithering around the guests' ankles.

But what truly takes my breath away is the centre piece of the extravagant show, which is a pair of scantily dressed dancers, performing a racy ballet routine on top of a snowy-white Lippizaner.

"Apparently money can buy you anything," I muse softly, surveying the combined effect of the spectacle that is more than on par with anything ever put on by the Cirque du Soleil.

And even though I would love to lose myself in the magic of it all, I’m here for business, not pleasure. Which means that I cannot afford any distractions.

So, taking a breath, I plunge into the crowd. Weaving between the ballgowns and the tuxedos, I'm careful to avoid direct eye contact with anyone as I skirt ‘round the edge of the performance area, trying to look the part while remaining as unassuming as possible.

But despite my attempts to lose myself in the press, I feel an unmistakable tingle rise up the back of my neck.

I'm being watched.

I come to a stop, debating what to do.

Part of my mind tells me that I should ignore it, that it's probably just some drunk duke checking out my ass.

But a deeper, more instinctual part of me knows the difference between a pervy once-over and an unrelenting, focused stare. And this is definitely the latter.

So, probably against my better judgment, I lift my head in silent challenge...

...and my gaze instantly collides with his, bringing the world around me to a sudden, screeching halt.

My breath lodges in my chest as I find myself helplessly immobile under the weight of his scrutiny, like a deer caught in the headlights. The music, the laughter, it all falls away until it feels like it's just me and him, suspended in time and space across the room.

Because even with the distance separating us, I can feel the heat of his gaze scorching into me, stripping me bare, until I'm left naked, exposed in front of him.

And still he doesn't look away. He doesn't blink, or flush, or avert his gaze in any semblance of pretence that his attention had actually been focused on anything else.

He simply stands, unmoving, on the other side of the dancers, his dark eyes binding me unapologetically, giving me no corner, no chance of escape.

Yet escape is exactly what I must do.

I have no clue who this guy is, and I have even less interest in finding out. As best case scenario, he is simply a dangerous distraction. But worst case? He somehow knows exactly who I am and my reason for being here.

And neither of those options are good.

So, as the dancers pirouette across the floor, throwing their arms out and breaking the line of sight that connects us, I wrench myself out of my stupor, diving into the crush behind me.

"Holy shit! Who was that guy?" I gasp under my breath, feeling my heart race at a million miles an hour in response to the strangely intimate nature of the encounter.

But despite my shock, I know in the back of my head that the details are irrelevant. That the only thing that matters is getting as far away from him as possible. Because the last thing I need right now is him following after me and derailing all the hard work I've put into getting here tonight.

Keep it together, Harper, I tell myself, bending my head low as I use the anonymity of the crowd to hide myself, hoping that I've managed to give him the slip.

Reaching the end of the throng without incident, I duck behind a doorway to give myself a second to catch my breath, and make sure that the coast is clear.

Satisfied that I've lost him — at least for the moment — I turn towards my next objective, which is the grand staircases.

It's an exposed location, so I know I'll have to be quick. Especially since there is a pair of guards stationed at the bottom of the steps, tasked with preventing exactly the kind of protocol violation that I am about to commit.

Luckily, just at that moment, a group of very much worse for wear noblewomen stumble out of the main party, shrieking loudly.

"Oh, my goodness!" exclaims one, feathering herself with her silk fan. "Did you see the size of that lad's package!"

"Calm down, Abigail!" admonishes another. "We know that husband of yours is next to useless, but you should at least try to not make such a spectacle of yourself!"

"Mmm, speaking of spectacle..." purrs the first, laying eyes on the guards.

"Abigail!" cries her companion, even as snorts of laughter rise up from the others. "You are absolutely incorrigible!"

"Better to be incorrigible than a vapid, old nun!" comes the pithy response as Abigail stumbles across the hallway.

Seizing my chance, I fall into line at the back of the group as the women crowd around the guards, laughing and swaying as they try to secure their attentions.

As expected, the focus of the guards quickly becomes diverted by the ladies, even if it's only to the extent of trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism in the face of the relentless coquetry, and I use the opportunity to dash up the stairs behind them.

Keeping to the shadows, I fly up the steps two at a time, knowing that I have scant few moments to make it to the upper floor before I am spotted.

Reaching the top of the landing, I throw myself behind a suit of armour. But, it seems that Lady Luck is with me tonight, and apart from the sound of the party continuing in full swing downstairs, I hear no signs of a pursuit.

So, I take advantage of the momentary reprieve to retrieve the pair of satin opera gloves that I've stashed in my garter. Pulling them on, I slip out from my hiding place and make my way towards the master wing, using my mental map of the manor's blueprints as a guide.

Arriving at the correct set of doors, I try the handle, and breathe a sigh of relief when it turns easily in my hand.

I've brought a set of lock-picks with me, of course, but being able to save time and effort in not having to use them is a massive win.

Letting myself into the room, I click the door softly closed behind me.

An opulent, Rocco-inspired suite greets me, complete with a four-poster bed and a full-blown hand-painted mural on the ceiling.

But I’m not here to gawk. And I have precious little time to get what I came for and get out.

So, pulling my compact mirror from my clutch, I open it up to reveal the miniature voltage detector concealed within.

Stepping further into the room, I hold the device out in front of me, the faint chirps serving as a beacon guiding me towards my destination.

The beeping suddenly intensifies as I swing the detector past the line of the bathroom, and I know I'm getting closer.

Adjusting my course, I follow the compass-like arrow in my hand. Zeroing in on the oversized bathtub, I am rewarded with a series of high-pitched cheeps.

Jackpot.

Why someone would choose to hide a safe in a bathroom, not to mention in the vicinity of a bathtub that is prone to flooding and other types of short-circuit causing disasters, I have no idea.

That said, it is innovative.

Though not innovative enough to fool a professional thief like me.

Because that's what I am — a career larcenist who specialises in small, high value items. Jewellery, art, antiques... I’m not picky. As long as it has a five-to-six figure price tag and I can hide it in my cleavage, I am willing to put in the effort to lift it.

And that's why I’m here tonight — to get my hands on the 24 carat Bvlgari diamond necklace that has graced the neck of every Duchess of Ramsford since the turn of the last century. Not only is it worth millions, but it's also a stunning work of art. And it deserved to be worn, rather than gathering dust in an expensive safe somewhere.

Scooting into the marble tub, I place my clutch onto the mosaic tiled surround as I scan the expanse of the walls with the voltage detector.

The indicator suddenly jumps to the right and down, and I can't help but feel the familiar rush of butterflies in my stomach.

This is it.

Dropping the detector back in my clutch, I extract my phone and the tube of lipstick. Twisting the bottom off the tube, I pull out the miniature lock-pick hiding within and, with the help of the flashlight on my phone, I begin to move over the tiles, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

Suddenly I spot it — a tiny inconsistency in the mortar between the edge of two tiles. Reaching down with the pick, I dig at the protrusion until it pops free, revealing some kind of card slot.

Turning the flashlight off on my phone, I flip it over and snap the protective cover off, exposing a flimsy bit of plastic nestled within. Connecting the keycard decoder to my phone via the micro-USB port, I slot it into the nearly invisible slit between the tiles.

Booting up the hidden app on my phone, I quickly run the hack program and am rewarded with a beep and a click as the high-tech safety net falls away...

...only to have my sense of achievement instantly dashed.

Because instead of a discreet jewellery box nestled in the belly of the safe, I am greeted with yet another layer of security.

A slice of mosaic tile slides back on the bathtub surround to reveal a complicated-looking, multi-lock compartment within.

And this one has no electronic overrides.

"Crap..."

"I see you've found it."

"Jesus Christ!" I gasp, nearly jumping out of my skin at the sound of the unfamiliar and unexpected voice.

Whipping around, I come face to face with the guy from downstairs, perched on the side of the tub with a conspiratorial smirk on his face.

Like this is all some kind of massive joke.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I demand, angry at him for sneaking up on me, but even angrier at myself for letting him get this close in the first place without my warning bells going off.

Because thieves without self-preservation instincts don't survive long... and mine have just let me down big time.

Which is even more annoying given the fact that he is staring at me with that calculating, predatory gaze again, his entire body exuding a tightly-coiled, barely suppressed energy, like a panther waiting to pounce.

And even though he is dressed in a custom-tailored suit that moulds effortlessly to his muscled form like a second skin, and the watch that peeks out from beneath his cuff is worth almost as much as my car, he isn’t fooling me. Not one bit.

Because as much as he’s tried to hide it, he is an interloper here. Just like me.

His rich baritone is missing that characteristic upwards inflection that the nobility like to force upon their speech in an effort to differentiate themselves from the rest of us. And no duke, count, or baron would be caught dead with the type of five-o'clock shadow this guy is sporting, much less condone the uninhibited way with which his thick, chocolate-coloured hair has been left to fall around his face.

But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to lower my guard. Just the opposite.

Because regardless of who he is, or what he looks like (...which is hotter than hell), the guy reeks of trouble.

And his next words only help reaffirm my initial assessment.

"Think you're the only one who can pick a lock?" he asks, brow quirking upwards in sardonic challenge.

"Pfft!" I snort. "Seeing is believing, bud, and as far as I can see, I'm the only one wh—"

The sound of the bedroom door clicking open interrupts whatever retort I was going to throw at him.

Our eyes meet — mine in panic, his in measured curiosity — and in the next instant, I've grabbed the lapel of his expensive jacket, and yanked him towards me.

We hit the bottom of the tub just as the owner of the manor bursts irately into the room.

"I swear to God, Maxwell," seethes the Duke of Ramsford, the stomp of his pissed-off footsteps echoing off the wood planked floor as he enters the suite, "if one more ruddy bird defecates on my shoe, I'm culling the entire bloody lot!"

"He just got scared!" comes his companion's plaintive response. "You did boot him up the behind in a very undignified fashion..."

"Because he shat on my Oxfords!" cries the Duke, clearly incensed, as he rummages around the closet, no doubt for a replacement pair of loafers.

"Maybe if you tried being nicer to Lord Featherington—"

An unintended snort escapes me. Were these two for real right now?

"You try'na give away our position?" asks the guy from above me, his voice barely a whisper as his face hovers mere inches from mine.

"No," I hiss back, trying to sound irritated even as I struggle to contain another bout of amusement at the sheer hilarity of the situation — listening to two grown men argue about peafowl while trying to hide a third between my legs. "But it sounds like you are."

"I happen to like this position," he murmurs softly, his words sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

"Well, don't get used to it, bud," I reply dryly, trying to ignore the feel of his overwhelming and inescapable proximity, while listening out for the Beaumont brothers. "This is a temporary situation, nothing more."

His whiskey-laced breath washes over my lips. "All the more reason to enjoy it..."

"In that case," I purr, meeting the full force of his rich, mocha-coloured eyes head on, "you wouldn't mind if I'm on top, would you?"

"Not one bit," he grins.

"Good," I smirk back as I begin to shift my weight beneath him. "Because I wouldn't have given you a choice, anyway."

He stifles a scoff as he rolls to the side.

"Something funny?" I ask with a raised brow, scooting out from under him.

"Nope," he replies, snaking a hand around my waist to pull me on top of him. "I'm just here for the ride."

"Then you better get comfortable," I tell him, as the Beaumonts make their way back across the room.

Hearing the door open and click shut again in their wake, I push myself back up, noting with more than a hint of annoyance that I now smell like the warm spice of his aftershave.

But that inconvenience can’t be helped, nor can I let it distract me from the reason I am here. I'll simply have to wait to wash it off in the shower once I am clear of this place.

So, reaching into my up-do, I extract the tension wrench hiding in my hair, and collect my lock-pick from where I dropped it on the bathtub surround earlier before refocusing my attention on the safe.

Upon closer examination, it seems to have three separate compartments, each secured by its own, dedicated lock. And I have no idea which section contained the necklace... or whether there are any hidden alarms embedded in the locking mechanisms if I pick the wrong one.

But, even with the odds — and time — stacked against me, I know I have to make a choice, because I didn't come all this way to chicken out at the final hurdle.

Taking a breath, I lean towards the middle compartment, figuring that out of the three possibilities that woul—

"You're not gonna find it there."

I nearly drop my tools all over the marble tiles.

Gritting my teeth, I glance down between my legs to find Mr Impeccable Timing smirking up at me, his hands folded easily behind his head, like he’s lazing on a tropical beach without a single care in the world, instead of at the bottom of a porcelain tub, with a stranger straddling him.

"Find what?" I bite out testily.

Who knows...? Maybe this is his idea of a good time. But it sure as hell isn’t mine.

"The former Lady Beaumont's one-of-kind Bvlgari necklace that goes up for auction next Tuesday," he replies.

My eyes narrow suspiciously. "And are you going to tell me where it is?"

He holds my gaze silently for a long moment before nodding his head, "Far left."

"Hmph," I huff, not convinced that I can trust him any further than I can throw him; which, given his size — he’s 6ft tall at least — is not very far at all.

But, unfortunately for me, I don't have time to try and psychoanalyse the possibility of whether or not he is trying to play me. The night is wearing on, the Beaumonts could return at any time, and I need to get as far out of the country as humanly possible before anyone notices the theft.

So, I am going to have to take a leap of faith.

Leaning forward again, I slide my tools into the lock of the indicated compartment and start feeling around for the binding pins.

I manage to locate the first and second relatively quickly. But, finding and setting the third proves to be slightly more elusive and I feel myself growing more agitated with each passing second.

"Damn it, why won't you move?!" I seethe under my breath as I battle with the pin.

"Hey, you put me here, remember?" comes the wry response from beneath me. "I just do as I—"

"Oh, screw you..." I huff exasperatedly, lifting my leg to give him a perfunctory knee to the gut.

"Christ, girl!" he wheezes painedly, sitting up behind me. "If you want to play rough then—"

"Gotcha!" I exclaim triumphantly, finally managing to slot the irksome pin into place and making quick work of the fourth.

The door of the compartment pings off its bolts and I drop my tools to open it up eagerly. To my relief, I'm rewarded with a velvet-lined jewellery box, which I pull quickly out.

Laying the container down on the tiles in front of me, I reach for the lid, my heart in my mouth as I lift it up...

...and I can't help but gasp at the sight in front of me.

The diamond necklace is even more stunning in real life than I could've imagined. Several hundred painstakingly curated gems gleam up at me from a nest of black silk, perfectly offsetting the elegance of the winged design to make it seem like the whole necklace is floating.

But, given that I am working on borrowed time thanks to all the unforeseen setbacks that I've run into tonight, I know that I am not going to be able to give the beautiful item the attention it deserves. At least not until I am back home.

So, reaching down, I grab the coolness of the white gold. Quickly unscrewing the heavy clasp, I unfurl the strand of precious metal and slide it down into my bra, giving my breasts a slight readjustment to help conceal my illicit cargo.

Snapping the lid of the box back closed, I turn to face my uncalled-for spectator.

"Right," I say, slotting the box back into its place. "Now that that's done, you're going to tell me exactly who you are and—"

"I wouldn't do that."

"Do what?" I bristle indignantly as I slam the safe's door closed with one hand.

An ear-splitting alarm shrieks to life.

"That," he clarifies blandly.

"Shit!" I gasp, grabbing for my stuff and haphazardly throwing them into the clutch as I scan the bathroom for possible exit points.

But my off-the-cuff plan of jumping out of the second storey window is quickly dashed as the door of the master suite bursts open to disgorge the two security guards from downstairs into the room with guns drawn.

Dread settles in the pit of my stomach like a lead weight as the guards start shouting. "Shit..."

"T'enquites pas!" comes the sudden voice of guy from behind me.

Glancing up in surprise, I see that he's pushed himself up to his full height and is gesturing at the guards to lower their weapons.

"Mr Dallas!" cries the Duke of Ramsford, bursting into the room as well. "What in blazes is going on here?" Turning to the guards, he adds, "You twits! That is Mr Dallas — our external security consultant! Apologise at once!"

"No need for that, Lord Beaumont," smiles Dallas, flapping my keycard decoder discreetly behind his back as the alarm is finally turned off. "They're just doing their jobs."

I snatch it out of his hand and stow it in my bag, throwing the satin gloves after it.

"Now, Miss Gale, my associate—"

My eyes widen at the sound of my real name as I flip my clutch closed. How did he—?

"—has your necklace in a very safe place," continues Dallas conversationally, stepping out of the bath. "But obviously, we both feel that the alarm should've gone off a bit sooner. Isn't that right, Miss Gale?"

I quickly paste a demure smile onto my face as I turn around. "Yes. Agreed. Much sooner."

Dallas — if that is even his real name — holds his hand out to help me navigate my exit from the tub in my heels while continuing his disquisition. "Now, given the circumstances, our recommendation would be to reset the sensors to respond to a lighter load. How d'you feel about sixty kilos, Miss Gale?

I shake myself out of my stupor to do some quick mental conversion, before beaming, "Perfect!"

Name? That’s one thing. My exact weight? That’s a whole 'nother league... Because no way had that been a simple guess.

But right now is not the time to ponder whether he's managed to get his hands on my Social Security number as well. Because we’re still very much in deep water.

"Shall we?" asks Dallas graciously, his face a mask of innocence as he holds his hand out in front of me.

"Let's!" I nod eagerly, stepping towards the door, my head still spinning from the sudden whirlwind of events...

...but I feel myself get pulled backwards.

"Erm, Miss Gale..." murmurs Dallas, his dark brows quirking upwards questioningly. "Aren't you... forgetting something?"

I frown in confusion. "Umm... don't think so..."

He fixes me with a level look.

My frown deepens. He’s not serious... Is he?

He stares me down uncompromisingly.

I let out a huff of annoyance.

"My lady!" cries the Duke, clearly scandalised as I reach down between my breasts. "What are you trying to do! Rob me?!"

"The thought had crossed my mind..." I reply with a tight smile, pulling the necklace out and handing it back to its owner.

"Yes, well, thank you for your..." The nobleman gulps visibly as he takes the strand of warmed metal from my hand. "...sincere efforts, Miss—"

But I've already stomped out of the room.

Flying down the grand staircase, I push my way through the — now very much more rowdy — crowd and out of the front doors of the manor, intent on putting as much distance between me and Dallas as I can so I didn't end up murdering him in full view of all of Cordonian high-society.

Un-fucking-bel—

"Harper!"

"You've got to be kidding me..." I grit as I continue my aggravated jog down the carpeted steps, pulling the token out for my car as I went.

"Harper! Wait up!" Dallas hollers again, managing to catch me by the arm just as I hit the last step.

"Fuck off," I snap, wrenching my arm out of his grasp.

He snaps a hold on my wrist to whirl me back around. "Look, just hear me out, will ya?"

"Why should I?" I hiss into his face. "Had it not been for your last minute growth of a conscience, I could've walked out of there with that necklace and that duke would've been none the wiser!"

"At least you walked..."

"Ha! Funny!" I hit back sarcastically, giving him an unmitigated shove to extricating myself from his grasp again. "Only I'm not laughing because your fucking chivalry just cost me a year's worth of work!"

"I needed to see how good you were," he replies evenly.

"Oh, really?" I scoff over my shoulder as I veritably throw the token at the nearby valet manager. “And why is that?"

"I find myself in need of someone of your unique skill-set."

I stare at him incredulously for a moment before bursting out laughing. "Yeah. In your dreams, bud! I work alone. And even if I didn't, I would never team up with someone I didn't know, much less—"

"You wanna know me?" he interjects, suddenly up in my space again. "Fine. My name's Drake. Drake Walker and—"

"Let me guess..." I gripe, folding my arms as my Mercedes pulls up. "You're not really the Beaumonts' external security consultant."

"Nope," he confirms, reaching out to grab the driver's side door as the valet gets out. "But, then you're not really Lady Riley Brooks, so I guess we're even on that front..."

I roll my eyes at him.

"...and if we're being honest, I should probably come clean about one more thing."

My eyes widen as he holds up a small fob.

"I triggered the alarm," he admits, pressing the button and causing the manor behind us light up with the wail of the claxton again.

I stare up at him, utterly speechless.

He shrugs down at me apathetically. "Sorry."

I manage to recollect myself enough to throw an ice cold glare at him as I get into the car. "For future reference, I don't do early mornings, date, or put up with two-faced bastards who get a kick out of screwing me over. So, you can take your job offer and shove it, Walker."

Grabbing the door, I slam it closed — getting more than a bit of perverse satisfaction out of the fact that the suddenness of the movement manages to pull him off balance — before kicking the throttle down and leaving him in a cloud of exhaust in my rear view.

Fucking asshole.

Bonus: Artwork

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Picture credits:

Drake - Necklace - Bathtub - Harper

#the royal romance #drake walker #harper gale #trr au #mission: impossible #rewrite challenge #game of thieves #Spotify

[twinkleallnight]

One Night in Cordonia

Chapter 6 : Road to Recovery

Series: One Night in Cordonia, a @choicesprompts Round Robin Event.

Fandom: TRR so far, but others could be added in

Pairings: Various

Word count : ~ 1k with summary.

Rating: Mature

Warnings: talks about sex, innuendos, language

Prompt: Fantasy @choicesjunechallenge or @liaromancewriter.

A/N: This was fun to write playing with my fav characters in an odd setup. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for including me 😘. My sincere thanks to @angelasscribbles and @lizzybeth1986 for being the force behind the scenes.

Next author: @kingliam2019

Summary: It's Leo's social season. The day is Beaumont bash after the formal dinner is done and the royal couple has left. Anton sends his second in command Claudius to spread a fog "Death Smash" that would leave the guests paralysed and he would attack. But the gas delivered was Shagging smog 2.0, by mistake, leading to a sexual frenzy amongst guests. Anton himself goes to check and falls prey to the gas. The only unaffected members are Max (immune), Leo (because he was in the gardens and Olivia (partially affected, trying to fight the effects)

"Tell me everything you know," Leo declared.

Amidst Olivia's uncontrolled advancements, Max summarized the events that took place in Leo's absence.

"What do you think we should be doing?"

Leo took a moment to think before he dashed to the staircase. Max followed, dragging a dizzy Olivia along.

Leo spoke as he climbed down, "Search for that American model Riley first and her press secretary. We have to make sure they are not recording this for their channel. Snatch their cameras if that's their plan. Can't let the whole world see the mess we are in, right now."

Olivia giggled at the thought but quickly composed herself, covering her mouth. Leo shook his head looking at Olivia swaying against her wish, trying hard to remain sane.

He took out his phone and flipped it open to contact the palace. "We need backup if this is an attack." He stated.

Max nodded while handling Olivia, who was again leaning on him. "Olivia…"

"Hmmm?" She looked up at him with a seductive gaze. He eyes roamed across the flush on her skin making her look more attractive.

"You are testing me." He groaned. He touched her cheek to help wake her from her slumber but his fingers lingered on, feeling her soft skin. She gave him a foolish grin. He was about to give in when…

"Max." Leo called him. "Maxwell, Not now! And not her. Remember what she will do to you when she comes back to senses."

Max realised he was playing with fire. His caressing hand started patting Olivia hard.

"Olivia! Olivia!"

"Oww, oww, ouch!"As soon as she was alert she noticed she was hugging Max and he was standing awkwardly. She straightened up and made some distance. She rubbed her cheek that had turned red from Maxwell's patting.

"I am sorry." Max apologised.

"Can you be a bit gentle? I know I am under the spell." She said in a stern tone trying to hide her inner fears, now that she knew about his fantasies of her. She was aware that she was adding fuel to the fire everytime cuddling up to him. But she liked the idea somewhere deep inside. She blushed fiercely and tried to look away.

Thankfully, Leo interrupted her train of thoughts. "I have called for a platoon of men from the palace. Let's go and find Riley now."

They searched through the tangled bodies but couldn't find anyone important. Everyone still seemed to be affected. A hearty laugh between the moans and groans caught their attention. They turned around the corner and saw Riley who was attempting a pole dance on some fake pole.

Liam was splayed on a couch in front of her, his gaze fixated over the display Riley had put up. His eyes did not have the glaze that others had but he seemed to be totally invested into the American beauty. Before they could step ahead, Leo's phone rang.

"Shit. Father is calling." He tensed at the timing of the call but still recieved it.

"Leo?" Constantine almost barked through the phone. "Why have you ordered guards with masks? What's going on? What are you upto and where are you?"

"Father, I am at the same place you left me, Ramsford, with Beaumonts." Leo tried to keep his voice calm.

"But why the guards?"

"I.. we… we might have a situation here." He fumbled.

"Spill it already, will you?"

"There is a fog here and we don't know who spread it but everyone is acting weird."

"Exactly in what way are they acting weird?"

"They are.. they are all making out."

"What are they making?"

"I mean, they are…all undressed and ….lustful." Leo was the infamous playboy but when it came to his father, he was finding it difficult to discuss the matter.

"Why are you talking in jumbled words? What do you think? You were born from an egg? Can't you just use the right word?"

"Sex. They are involved in a sexual frenzy." Leo blurted.

"Dammit!" Constantine cursed under his breath. "You have been attacked by Shagging Smog."

"A what?"

"It's kind of a sex pollen, you fool."

" How do you…?" Leo couldn't understand how his father knew the details.

"Where do you get that playboy streak son? Been there, done it all, my child." Constantine smirked over the phone. "Catch hold of your brother and Beaumont boys. They can help you. "

"How?" Leo uttered in a confused state.

"It affects a person only once. The smog cannot alter your mood on a second exposure. Also, it changes genetics. So, you, Liam and the Beaumont boys remain unaffected."

"You mean you and Duke Barthelemy?" Leo tried to comprehend.

"Yes," Constantine rolled his eyes. "we both have had an exposure to that stupid chemical once. So Max and Bertrand are also immune.

" But Bert was.. " Leo's voice trailed away, figuring out what he was about to reveal about Bert and Drake.

"What about Bertrand?"

"Nothing. I will find him. He is somewhere here." Leo tried to dissipate the urgency.

Constantine let out a deep sigh. "Collect the boys. I am coming there."

Round Robin Readers list:

@tessa-liam @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @secretaryunpaid @squid-princess-teach-swallow @kristinamae093 @fearyrain @petiteboheme

My tags: @3pawandme @alj4890 @angelasscribbles @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lizzybeth1986 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising0308 @princess-geek @sazanes @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tessa-liam @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @rubiwalker @703cowbarn @kyra75 @likealotus @kskvb20 @marietrinmimi @juan-francisco-palencia

#choices fic writers creations #round robin fic #trr au #playchoices #pixelberry #the royal romance #trr fandom #trr #olivia nevrakis #maxwell beaumont #leo rys #twinkleallnight

[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!”

#trr au #drake walker #drake x riley #drake x mc #the royal romance #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #fervid fixation #angelasscribbles #drake might be the bad guy #the royal romance fanfic #choices #choices stories you play #trr #trr drake #fanfic #fanfiction #fan fiction #trr fandom #trr fanfic #choices trr #choices the royal romance #trr au fanfic #trr fanfiction #trr mc

[tessa-liam]

All is Fair in Love & War

Book: TRR, The Royal Heir Book 2 AU 

Summary: The King and Queen of Cordonia VS The King and Queen of Auvernal, battle for dominance in Tango 

Song Inspiration: King of My Heart, T. Swift 

Video Inspiration: Tango for Two, L. Tarantino & G. Cocomero 

Visual Commission: Liam & Riley @artbyainna 

Dance Tutorial: Argentine Tango by Diego Blanco & Ana Padron 

Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP (LiRi) 

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except Daniella, who belongs to me. 

A/N1: This is my submission for week #8 @choicesflashfics, Prompt #3 “I’ve never done something like this before.” 

A/N2: This story has not been Beta'd, please excuse all errors. 

Rating: A, 18+, adult conversation 

Word Count: 1663 

✨✨✨✨✨ 

Riley's POV 

As Dr. Ramirez gently places the baby on my chest, I am overwhelmed with emotion, at finally holding our beautiful baby. Gazing upon her for the very first time, I forget about all the pains of childbirth and all the fears I had dissipated. 

“She’s perfect, Riley.” Liam says with tears in his eyes. 

“I can’t believe that just happened! This moment...It’s just so amazing. I’m just so happy to be here with you right now...and with our baby!” Riley tearfully confesses. 

“A little girl...It’s been a long time since we had a princess running around the palace. I’m going to give you the world, my little princess.” Liam emotionally whispers to Eleanor, taking Riley’s hand in his. 

✨✨✨✨✨ 

Liam’s POV 

It feels like yesterday since our baby was born. From that birthday on my primary focus is, and always will be, Riley and my children. 

Their happiness and security are my highest duty; as a husband, as a father and as the King of Cordonia. 

 I refuse to waste my time dwelling on the problems with Auvernal.  Their attempts at coercion to force a betrothal will not succeed. Thus, I delegated the mundane task of dealing with those issues to my Royal Council. 

It’s Monday morning, and I have my usual morning conference with my advisers scheduled to begin in 20 minutes. 

While taking a sip of my coffee, I touch Riley’s number on my cell, knowing that she is in the palace gymnasium. 

“Hi Liam, how is everything?” Riley answers breathlessly on speaker. 

“Riley, you're not overdoing it with these exercises, are you?” 

Maxwell interrupts by saying, “Li, don’t worry, we are fusing dance with the exercises. I will make sure it’s a relaxing and fun experience.” 

“Thank you, Max. I’ll hold you to it. Riley, I will come down after my meeting to take you to lunch.” 

The call is interrupted by a knock on the door, and Liam ends the call and directs his advisors to enter. 

“Your majesty, good morning.” Rashad, Olivia, Bertrand, Kiara, Hana, Drake and Bastien step into his office, each taking seats at the boardroom table. 

Rashad, acting as Liam’s chief legal counsel, begins the meeting with an overview of the challenges caused by the Auvernese leaders.  

After listening intently to each presentation by each council member, Liam states, “whatever actions we decide upon today, always remember, to keep your friends close, your enemies closer.” 

Liam goes on, “One of the greatest books on war strategies, was written by Sun-tzu, a Chinese general and military strategist, ‘The Art of War’. This dispute is not about military force; it is psychological warfare.  

At the end of the productive meeting, a practical action plan was devised. Liam left the meeting with the direction for the council to plan the implementation. 

✨✨✨✨✨ 

Riley and Maxwell had finished their workout and were chatting and enjoying a light snack of fresh fruit and infused water on the patio outside the gym. 

Feeling energized, Riley spotted Liam walking towards her carrying Eleanor in his arms and got up to dance her way to him. 

Liam burst into laughter watching his wife sashay towards him. 

“Hello, my love,” Liam bends down to reward his wife with a kiss. I see all this exercise hasn’t worn you out.” 

“Never! Max is teaching me how to tango,” Riley animatedly exclaims while gently lifting Ellie from Liam’s arms. 

“I wouldn’t say I am an expert...but...tango dancing is a great cardio workout and body toner,” Maxwell states. 

Liam nods in agreement, “tango is a ballroom dance. I learned the Argentine tango as part of my Royal training, as a matter of fact. 

I will arrange for that instructor to join the two of you tomorrow morning. 

...and I will join you as well.” 

“Really? You will work out with us tomorrow?” 

Liam wrapped his arm around Riley, “let’s go for lunch. Max, you are more than welcome to join us.” 

✨✨✨✨✨ 

“I have an idea that I want to run past you, Riley.” Liam sits back on his chair at the dining table, cradling Ellie at lunch. 

“...and you as well, Max.” 

Riley smiles, “you’ve got my attention.” 

“Mine as well,” Maxwell responds. 

Liam moves the baby to rest on his chest, holding her close with one hand. 

“How would you feel about dancing with me at the military charity ball being held in Auvernal later this month? An Argentine tango?” 

Riley’s expression turns inquisitive.  

“I’ve never done something like this before.” 

Maxwell smiles wide and exclaims musically, “that would be awesome! You are so ready to handle this, little blossom. And with Liam leading you? Wow, this will be epic!” 

In the royal gymnasium the next morning, Liam and Riley arrive early to warm up for their first joint dance lesson. 

As the dance instructor enters, followed by Maxwell, 

Liam teasingly calls to Riley, “Okay, your majesty, get into position.” 

“You are so bossy this morning!” Riley saucily responds back, bending down to adjust her shoe strap. 

Liam smirks, tempted to smack her behind, but he has to show decorum. They were in public. So, instead he murmurs in her ear, “just wait till later!” 

Riley stands and straightens, standing beside her husband. Her smirk quickly changing into a smile as they stepped forward to greet their instructor. 

After pleasantries are exchanged, Daniella, the instructor begins, 

“The Argentine tango is a passionate ballroom dance that is great for expressing love between two partners.” 

Riley bashfully smiles lowering her gaze to the floor. Liam gives her hand a squeeze, winking at her when she looks up at him. 

“Tango dancing involves quick, graceful, and playful movements with plenty of room for improvisation. These fun moves create a simple, yet elegant dance that consists of eight steps taken across eight counts.” 

Daniella turns to Maxwell, “we will partner to demonstrate each step.” The grin that formed on Maxwell’s face was enormous.  

“The tango is a fairly straightforward walking dance that just requires precise footwork. It is relatively easy to perform once you master the eight basic steps and understand how the count works.” 

These dance lessons continued daily for the next 3 weeks. 

✨✨✨✨✨ 

Military Charity Ball, Auvernese Royal Palace, Auvernal 

Arriving at the palace in Auvernal, Liam and Riley, along with their Royal council, are ushered to the ballroom. 

Rashad, Bertrand, Kiara and Hana enter the ballroom, while Isabella and Bradshaw meet with Liam and Riley before being heralded into the Ball. 

Olivia, Drake and Bastien stealthily went up the stairs to meet with their contacts on the viewing balcony above the ballroom. Leo stood with Queen Amalas with wide grins as they held up the folder with the birth records for the twins 

As Liam and Riley were learning the tango, the Royal council learned that the children claimed to be royal blood by the King and Queen of Auvernal were illegitimate. Bradshaw’s lover was pregnant with twins. Isabella needed an heir, arranging for the affair to continue if she could falsely claim parentage. Since Leo was courting Queen Amalas in Monterisso, he volunteered to bring the proof with him to the ball, along with Amalas. 

“King Liam and Queen Riley, welcome to our beautiful country,” Bradshaw pretentiously croons. 

Isabella meanwhile studies her queen rival with a jealous eye. 

Riley, after all the dance practices over the past three weeks, was down to her pre-baby weight with added curves that Liam adored. Her shimmering gold cocktail dress hugged her curves perfectly. 

Her dress didn’t go unnoticed by Bradshaw and noticing his lustful gaze, Isabella was shooting seething glares at him. 

Liam’s facial expression remained neutral as he took notice of the unwelcome gawking by his rival towards his wife. He does, however, protectively wrap his arm around Riley snugly, barely keeping the distance required for proper decorum. 

“Yes, thank you for hosting this charity event.  I am sure the military paraphernalia will be well received,” he conceals his contempt for the pair knowing that they now have legal documentation that annuls the betrothal agreement. 

As the evening moves forward, the orchestra begins the first notes of the Argentine tango.  

“Are you ready for this?” Liam questions Riley. “Oh yes, let's bring it on.” Riley answers enthusiastically. 

Liam leads her to center of the dance floor, and once there, he moves his body close to Riley. He extends his left hand forward to capture Riley’s upward flexed right hand. Liam places his right hand on Riley’s back moving her flush to him. Riley places her left hand on Liam’s shoulder. 

Liam nods to the maestro to begin the music, and he takes the first step of the tango. 

All the practice they had dancing allowed them to perform the steps flawlessly. They ended the dance provocatively as she ran her leg up the side of Liam’s leg to his waist. Riley then wrapped her hand around his neck and Liam returned her affection with a passionate kiss. 

The applause was deafening, as they bowed to the audience. 

Isabella was livid. As she began her dance with Bradshaw, she angrily moved around the ballroom like a ‘bull in a China shop’. Bradshaw looked so uncomfortable and he stopped dancing. 

Kiara and Hana, watching them, couldn’t believe the spectacle they were witnessing. Rashad and Bertrand and members of the Cordonian Royal guard encircled Liam and Riley, as Bradshaw and Isabella stormed out of the ballroom. Olivia, Drake, Leo and Amalas intercepted them to confront them. 

✨✨✨✨✨ 

 Returning back to Cordonia at once after the ball ended abruptly, Liam glances down to Ellie sleeping peacefully and securely in her crib. Riley wraps her arms around him and smiles down at their baby, knowing that all is good in their kingdom. 

@txemrn @bebepac @ao719 @peonierose @phoenixrising0308 @queenmiarys @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @703cowbarn @mom2000aggie @malblk21 @queenrileyrose @indiana-jr @winkyluxhumanoid @rubiwalker @harleybeaumont @kingliam2019 @marietrinmimi @imashybish @angelasscribbles @isha26 @sfb123 @tinkie1973 @belencha77 @honey358luv @jared2612 @urfaveaesthetic101 @xpandass420x @kyra75 @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks

@late-to-the-fandom

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed.

#the royal heir #the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #trr liam x mc #trr #liam rys #choicesflashfics #always liam and riley #riley brooks #trr au fanfic

[dcbbw]

The Rules

I have Christmas asks, unfinished WIPs that I absolutely need to complete by the end of the year, and stories I WANT to write/update, but here I am with yet another story absolutely NO ONE asked for. It’s me dipping my toe into the Horrible Riley pool.  

You know, the MCs that are either an unapologetic bitch using any means necessary to get what she wants, or the social climbing, gold-digging crown chaser fucking her way through Court in her quest for bigger and better. (Take that how you will) 

However, I failed miserably at my goal; while this is a Riley unlike any I have written before, she isn’t horrible. She’s broken, hiding herself behind rules and walls; another exploration that has been done before.   

It is my hope that this story and my take on this character’s development proves to be both interesting and entertaining without stepping on people’s toes.  

So, let’s flip the fairytale shall we, and once again meet a Riley Brooks with a different mindset, perspective, and take on Cordonian Court.  

THANK YOU to all who read this over in part, and a special shoutout to @ao719 for the final read-through and assuring me it makes sense. THANK YOU to all who will read this story; your likes, commentary, and reblogs are appreciated more than you know.  

Please excuse any typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors. MS Editor rates this story 97% error-free.  

Rating this story M for mature themes and subject matter

PS—It goes without saying that this is yet another Liam/Riley AU from me, and it’s a one-shot.  

All characters belong to Pixelberry. 

Song inspo: Hard Times, Ethel Cain 

Word Count: 3,490 

My heeled shoes glide along the highly polished, gold-veined marble flooring in step with my husband, King Liam of Cordonia. The music from the orchestra fills the air, Liam’s murmured sweet nothings fill my ear. 

He smells of mouthwash, expensive cologne, and the smell that is uniquely him.  A smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes curves the edges of my lips as we move as one amongst the dancers.  

I wish I could be happy. 

His grip on my hand tightens as the palm splayed against the small of my back pulls me even closer to him; I smell the starch in his shirt. He has just twirled me when Olivia Nevrakis walks up to us, smiling prettily at her King as she asks if she can cut in. I see the refusal in his eyes, but hear his lips acquiesce.  

I step away slightly, allowing the Duchess just enough room to slide into the spot I vacated. Before I take my leave, I give the couple a last glance. Liam’s eyes are filled with apology and regret; Olivia gives me a triumphant glare.  

I give zero fucks. I gave up on Cordonia a long time ago. It was no longer a fairy tale; it was an opportunity. One I was determined to take full advantage of.  

The tap of my heels as I maneuver my way across the dance floor is swallowed by the sounds of chatter and the clinking of glassware. I stop at the bar and request a whisky sour. I feel the eyes of Court upon my frame, as they have been since I arrived in this tiny Mediterranean country. I hear whispers of American throughout the snippets of conversation I’m privy to as I wait for my drink.  

It isn’t a compliment.  

I am adjusting the bell sleeve of my red velvet gown when the bartender places my drink in front of me. It has a draped scoop neck that teases with peek-a-boo glimpses of cleavage; there is a plunging v-back that showcases my very bountiful ass.  

I am standing before the floor-length three-way mirror in my bedroom’s walk-in closet, carefully inspecting my image when Liam comes up behind me. He’s dressed from the waist down: Black tuxedo pants, black silk socks, and black wingtips so polished, the overhead lighting reflects from them.  

“Where’s your shirt?” I ask in a strangled voice as my eyes travel the planes of his chest and abs.   

“You’re beautiful,” he breathes against my cheek as his arms clasp about my waist.  

I roll my eyes in embarrassment. I’m not unattractive, but like most women, I use cosmetics to enhance what nature gave me.  

His long, strong fingers begin peeling the dress from my shoulders and eventually my unfettered breasts. My body shivers beneath his touch. His head lowers so he can gently nip the skin of my neck; his hair is damp against my flesh. “What is it you desire, my love? Ask, and it shall be yours,” he entreats with hitched breath.  

I lean my neck to the side to grant him greater access as I reply. “A pair of diamond earrings and a shopping trip in Paris.” 

Rule #1: Assign a value to yourself. Men never see your worth, so you have to.  

“The jet will be ready first thing in the morning,” he promises as his erection springs forth from his undone zipper.  

More of the dress is peeled away until my buttocks are exposed. I feel Liam tug at my thong, rolling them down my legs. He sinks to his knees, spreading my ass cheeks apart as his tongue snakes into my forbidden hole.  

He says he loves me, but I know he doesn’t. Not really.  

No one loves a whore.  

 I’m just different: foreigner, commoner, woman of color. New and different have expiration dates. Once the unknown becomes the familiar, he’ll move on to someone else. 

He thinks I don’t care that he’s royal, but I do. How can I not? The trick is to make him think I don’t. The less I ask for, the more he offers. I have cars, properties, jewels, and wealth beyond anyone’s imagination, but it wasn’t freely given.  

Even marriage is quid pro quo.  

Liam moans my name as his hand slides along his length.  

He’s quid. 

He rises and settles his palms firmly on my hips as his hardness invades my sex.  

I’m quo. 

His thrusts are slow, deliberate; his fingers twirl and tweak my nipples. I stay silent as I undulate my hips against his groin. Cries of delight and moans of pleasure choke in my throat.  

Rule #2: Don’t allow yourself to enjoy the experience. Men pay to get their rocks off, not yours.  

I watch it all in the mirror as I count backwards from 100.  

I smile an acknowledgement to the worker before turning to leave; I bump into Drake Walker who has sidled up next to me. I arch a brow to hide my dismay at the unexpected meeting. I don’t like Drake Walker.  

I find him to be a hypocrite.  A whiny hypocrite, constantly complaining about nobility and their ways, yet he makes sure to surround himself with them.  

His only forms of rebellion are to wear denim to their functions, drink their liquor, and silently judge them from back walls and dark corners.  

He says he stays for Liam ... to shield the King from the den of vipers that is Court, but I don’t see what protection he offers. He’s not present at meetings, he isn’t standing guard outside doors … hell, he’s rarely with Liam. 

He says Court owes him for the death of his father.  

My question is: Why?  

He was offered every advantage after his father’s death: growing up in a Palace, the best education possible for free. He was clothed, fed, and had a roof over his head. AND all he had to do was wake up every morning.  

Unlike me, who grew up in a roach and rat infested two-room tenement with a mother who worked three jobs at minimum wage and was brutally robbed, raped, and murdered for the grand sum of $67 when I was fourteen. 

I never knew my father; I doubt my mother did either. I’m a street urchin who survived on street smarts and … attributes, guided by a greasy-haired, gold-toothed Puerto Rican pimp named Luis.  

I had no family, no one to catch my abrupt fall from the semblance of stability I had grown up with. Rather than get lost in a broken system, I chose to get swallowed by the mean streets.  

I don’t even have a high school diploma.  

But I follow the rules. 

Drake had the chance for a college education, which he squandered. He says he gave up his life for Liam’s, but Liam insists he begged Drake to return to America. I guess being the Cordonian Commoner was an easier option than actually making something of himself in America.  

He isn’t even an opportunist. Drake Walker is a complete slacker. I don’t respect that. I respect the hustle, the drive, the ambition.  

I work every day including holidays and weekends, and perhaps harder now that I’m in Cordonia. The only difference is it doesn’t always involve being on my back or my knees.  

No, he isn’t my favorite person in this Godforsaken place, but damn, can Drake Walker fuck.  

Court is back in Applewood the evening of the symbolic foxhunt. Despite a hot bath liberally doused with liniment, my entire body aches. I am wearing a dressing gown over a peach satin camisole as I sit before my vanity, running a brush through my thick tresses. Despite the earliness of the hour, my bed is already turned down. 

Music from one of my many playlists drifts from my phone’s speakers, and I am humming along when I hear the doorknob rattle before my room door swings open. I am on my feet, a vase filled with fresh flowers and water hefted above my head, when Drake Walker crosses the doorway.  

Rule #3: Know how to protect yourself and expect the unexpected.  

He stops his steps, hands held up in a gesture of capitulation and his eyes wide. “What the FUCK, Brooks?” he yells.  

“What are you doing in here?” I question angrily, still holding onto the makeshift weapon threateningly.  

He slowly lowers his hands as the back of his shoe kicks the door shut. “Why isn’t your door locked?” he counters.  

“I lock it before I get in bed,” I grumble as I set the vase back on the table.  

“I check all the doors before I retire to my room for the evening. Applewood is old and maintenance isn’t what it used to be. Some of these locks are faulty, so I check them all.” 

He sits on the edge of my bed; I don’t like it but say nothing. The less I say, the sooner he’ll leave.  

“I do earn my keep around here, y’know.” 

“Oh, turning doorknobs definitely screams ‘useful member of society’.” 

His jaw clenches as his brown eyes narrow. “Look, I don’t know what you have against me …” 

I throw the brush down harshly against the vanity’s top. “It isn’t ME! It’s YOU! Since the day we met, you have done nothing but belittle, demean, and distrust me! And I have done absolutely NOTHING to warrant your opinion and judgement of me!” 

He stares at me moodily. I return his gaze, my chest heaving from emotion and exertion. His eyes travel from my face to my bosom, and I know why.  

I’m not wearing makeup. I’m ordinary.  

My breasts, however, are extraordinary: perky and firm with large areolas, elongated nipples. They don’t need rouge and kohl and lipstick. 

Drake has always been one to go for pretty.  

That night at the dive bar in Brooklyn, he alternated between ignoring me or outright dismissing me when I was the waitress; yet, when I was the tour guide wearing my tight dress and heels and painted face … he couldn’t keep his eyes off me.  

Drake needs visual stimulation, something to catch both his eye and attention.  

“I’m protecting you,” he mumbled, his gaze now trained on the floor.  

I rise from my chair; fuck my hair, I’ll do it in the morning. I stomp loudly across the floor until I’m standing directly in front of Drake and holler, “FROM WHAT?”  

He looks up quickly, and I see the brown in his eyes has deepened. His arms abruptly wrap around my waist, his palms sliding down the robe’s slippery fabric as he pulls me onto his lap.  

“This,” he whispers as his mouth covers mine and his tongue enters my mouth. 

It isn’t unpleasant. In fact, I could get used to this.  

His fingertips tiptoe along my spine as our heads turn and tongues intertwine; I feel myself slipping under, giving in to the feelings of want and lust; I quickly pull myself back.  

He has nothing of value to offer. He isn’t an opportunity.  

Rule #4: Men don’t respect women who give it up for free. 

I can’t be the next notch on Drake Walker’s bedpost with nothing to show for it but a wet ass. 

But … if he has nothing of value, and I remove mine … I’d be free.  

To enjoy. To experience. To scream.  

To orgasm.  

I deepen the kiss as I tell myself Drake is a treat to myself. An indulgence.  

A one-time indulgence with a big dick and nimble fingers. 

We both still hate me for rejecting his subsequent advances.  

“Where’re you headed, Your Majesty?” he drawls in a snarky tone. He doesn’t bother to hide his disdain at me becoming one of them.  

I ignore the way his eyes rake over my body, the way my center responds to his appraisal. I step around him primly, my drink clutched in my curled hand.  

“To get some air,” I reply curtly.  

I feel his eyes on my ass as I walk away. “You’re showing a lot of skin. Don’t catch cold,” he advises.  

I don’t make it very far before I am accosted by the Brothers Beaumont. My eyes roll heavenward as they greet me, each with free glasses of my expensive liquor in their hands. They both owe me BIG TIME, and I am still debating what I wish to collect as payment.  

Except everything they now have is due to me. And my attributes.  

Maxwell, who lied to me about the entire social season. It wasn’t an adventure; it was an ordeal. He neglected to tell me he and his house were as poor as church mice, and that I would have to come out of pocket for nearly every expense. He promised to repay me when the social season was over. 

When, against all odds, I did accept Liam’s proposal, Maxwell then proceeded to make a small Hollywood fortune on MY story … and has yet to offer me one fucking dime.  

On top of that, he got brand new on not only me, but Liam as well.  

I admire the hustle, but not when it’s at my expense.  

Bertrand, who talked nothing but shit about me from Day One, paraded me about and pimped me out to bring finance and fame upon HIS house, then begged me to help him win over the love of his life, Savannah Walker.  

Drake’s sister.  

A commoner.  

The irony is not lost on me.  

I wonder if they knew my … differences would be the advantage they needed to get back in Court’s good graces, and that is why Maxwell was so insistent I return with him.  

But I don’t have time for them; I need to escape this room, these people. I give them a false smile and tenuous promises that we’ll talk over dinner and continue along my path. From the corner of my eye, I see Penelope, Olivia, Madeleine, and Neville huddled together, sipping champagne as their eyes flit about the room and their lips move.  

I catch Madeleine’s eye and deliberately slow my gait to ensure they all get a good look at me.  

Pretentious bitches. 

Olivia holds my gaze the longest but is the first to break our staring contest. The Duchess of Lythikos, wrapped in insecurity and shrouded in infamy, is perplexed at what anyone could possibly see in me when Penelope had lineage, Madeleine held pedigrees and titles in two countries, and Olivia herself was RIGHT THERE … drops her gaze like the coward she is.  

Who’s the commoner now? 

There’s a sneer on Neville’s lips, but his eyes are curious as he studies my body poured into the red dress. He doesn’t bother to hide neither his disdain nor his desire.  

None of these Cordonians do.  

Sometimes, when the night is quietest, I wonder if I’m simply too full of myself; maybe, just maybe these people do find me interesting and funny and my blunt observations of how the world works refreshing.  

And then I come back to reality.  

I have nothing to offer but my body and Maybelline-enhanced looks. While I closely follow politics and international news, and am a voracious reader at times, all I have is a 10th grade education, a body count that would make most folks faint, and know how to serve food.  

They wonder what the King sees in me. They assume to know what I see in him.  

I don’t belong here, and we all know it. But they need me.  

I hold the advantage, the advancement they seek. And it’s between my legs. The Promised Land rests upon my shoulders, and the entrance lies between my thighs. It both confuses and infuriates them that if they could just touch, sniff, taste it … they would be even more exalted than they already were.  

I hate this place.  

Even if I deigned to help them climb one more rung up the social ladder, what can they offer me of value? 

I married the King.  

Which is why they want me.  

To use me even further.  

I mask my insecurity with a curt nod to the small group as I pass them. They reluctantly bow their heads in acknowledgement of their Queen.  

Rule #6: Don’t ever let them see your weaknesses.  

My steps become brisker, quicker as the terrace doors come into view; protocol dictates I keep my head up, but my eyes stare straight ahead. The less people I make eye contact with, the fewer I have to deal with.  

Rule # 7: Mind your business, not everyone else’s.  

The air is stiff and cool against my back as I stare up at the full moon; I breathe contentedly as it bathes my body in its pale light. I enjoy the stolen moments alone; they’re a rarity in my new life. It’s not that I mind crowds; what I don’t like is being the center of attention.  

Unwanted attention.  

I slowly nurse my drink as I look out over the garden maze. I wonder about Liam’s mother, what type of woman she was. She had vision if the magnificent garden is any indication.  

I wonder about Daniel, my one true friend in all the world; is he okay? Would he recognize me now? I don’t look the same, I don’t even smell the same.  

I’m an imposter, playing a role I’m ill-suited for.  

I don’t hear Liam approach me, but I feel his nearness. He emanates an energy that ignites a heat within me.  

“I’ve been looking for you,” he says softly as he sets his glass of scotch on the stone ledge.  

“I needed air before dinner,” I explain.  

He nods, his eyes trained on the lush rosebushes below. “Riley, are you unhappy?” 

I look over at him; his profile is in shadow, and I cannot read his expression. I quickly swallow a gulp of alcohol before answering. “No.”  

It isn’t a complete lie.  

“Why do you ask?” 

“I realize nobility is … different and can be difficult for an outsider to navigate. I have spoken to the most senior members of both Court and Council, and you should find them to be more … helpful going forward. And with our courtship being an unorthodox whirlwind, I just …” 

He breaks off as he lifts his glass to his lips. He studies the amber liquid for a moment before setting the tumbler back down. “We don’t talk. Not about matters of substance.” 

I stare at him. The rules dictate that I don’t speak on matters of importance; men want my body, not my brains. I sit prettily, make noncommittal comments, and nod my head in agreement while I wait to part my lips or spread my legs.  

I know coitus, not communication.  

“What … what do you want to talk about?” I ask as my stomach twists nervously.  

I’m certain that he’s ending the marriage.  

New and different have expiration dates.  

I feel an inexplicable disappointment at the thought. 

He turns his head so I can see fully into his face. His expression is almost tormented, his eyes inscrutable.  

“I am your husband. You are my wife. I’m in love with you but know hardly anything about you! When I touch you, you tremble as if afraid or … repulsed.”  

I hear the crack in his voice as his head drops. 

“If you know nothing about me, how can you be in love with me?” I ask quietly. “Sex isn’t love.” 

His head lifts quickly, and his words tumble from his lips. “With you, I feel alive! I feel possibility! Your touch both soothes and calms me. When I see your face, I feel as if I can take on the world. The courage it must have taken to give up your life to take a chance on a stranger; the strength you must have to endure Court day in and day out … it’s an inspiration. My inspiration!” 

His fingers comb through his hair as he worries his lower lip. “Maybe … maybe that isn’t love at all, but I’m willing to find out. But I need you to give me … give us ... a chance.” 

I hold his gaze, my lower lip trembling. I set my tumbler carefully on the balustrade before wrapping my arms around myself as I desperately think of an acceptable answer.  

“You’re chilled,” he incorrectly surmises as he steps closer to me to pull into an embrace.  

“Riley,” his breath whispers through my tresses, “how do you feel about me? Truly.” 

My eyes close briefly; I feel a tear make its way down my powdered cheek.  

If only Court weren’t such a shitshow.  

If only I were worthy.  

If only there were no rules.  

I press my cheek into the crook of his neck; my arms tighten about his waist.   

“You make me want to break the rules.” 

Tagging:  @jared2612 @ao719  @marietrinmimi @merridithsmiscellany-blog @queenjilian @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie  @liamrhysstalker2020​  @neotericthemis​ @twinkleallnight​ @umccall71​ @superharriet​  @busywoman​ @gabesmommie1130​ @tessa-liam​ @phoenixrising0308​ @beezm​ @gardeningourmet​ @lovingchoices14​ @foreverethereal123​ @mainstreetreader​ @angelasscribbles​ @lady-calypso​ @emkay512​ @jovialyouthmusic​ @21-wishes​ @princessleac1​ @charlotteg234​ @queenrileyrose​ @alj4890​ @yourfavaquarius111​ @motorcitymademadame​ @bbrandy2002​ @queenmiarys​  @choicesficwriterscreations​

#dcbbw writes #king liam x riley #trh fanfiction #writeblr #writer on tumblr

[harleybeaumont]

The Other Nevrakis - Christmas Party

Book - The Other Nevakis - TRR AU

Pairings - Drake x Lilith (OC), Liam x Riley

Word Count - 1,330

Warnings - language, drinking

I was inspired to write this fic from the @choicesholidays​ prompt: I’ve never been stabbed by an icicle before, and the edit that goes along with it is from the prompt: I’m so glad we found each other.

___________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

It’s the night of Liam and Riley’s annual Christmas party. Not the formal one attended by every noble and dignitary in Cordonia, but a cozy gathering of their closest friends and family members.

Jingle Bell Rock plays quietly over the speakers, and Lilith and Riley are seated at the bar, both about 5 shots of tequila in.

“We need to take a picture!” Riley hiccups and giggles as she leans against her friend. “Max brought all these props and no one’s using them.. besides him, I mean.”

Lilith chuckles as her eyes land on Maxwell who is wearing an elf hat with a bell on the end, attempting to put a Santa hat on a protesting Bertrand.

“No thanks!” Lilith smirks. “I put on a pair of those stupid elf ears and I’ve just provided you with blackmail material.”

Riley places her hand over her heart and gasps. “Me?! You think I would blackmail my BFF?! “ Lilith raises an eyebrow skeptically and Riley laughs. “Ok maybe that one time when I wanted to borrow your Jimmy Choo’s and you wouldn’t let me, but never anything serious!”

“You were going to tell everyone that I can burp the alphabet! I don’t want anyone to know that! It’s humiliating!”

Riley cackles, leaning against the bar to steady herself. “It’s impressive! And it’s not like I was really gonna tell anyone!”

“Ya, ya..” Lilith rolls her eyes with a smile. 

“I have an idea.” Riley nods across the room to where Liam and Drake are standing together, talking. “I bet I can convince Liam to dress up as Santa quicker than you can get Drake to. Winner gets to pick what we dress up as from Max’s prop box. ”

“Well duh, you’re gonna win!” Lilith shakes her head. “Liam literally does whatever you want, whenever you want!”

Riley bites her lip, watching her husband with a smirk. “He does, doesn’t he?”

“So you see, this isn’t a fair bet.”

“Then what would be fair?”

Lilith glances out the window, watching a light snowfall drift across the night sky. “Snowball fight.”

“Ha!” Riley laughs. “Against the woman who grew up in Lythikos surrounded by snow 24/7? How is that fair? You’ll annihilate me!”

“Sounds like you’re scared, Ri.”

Riley bites her cheek while she thinks. “Fine. Take two more shots of tequila, and then it’ll be fair.”

“Two more!? But we’ve both had the same amount!” 

“Exactly. Everyone knows you have a higher tolerance than me.” Riley holds her hand out expectantly. “Soooo? Deal?”

Lilith knocks back two more shots and shakes Riley’s hand with a smirk. “Deal.”

______________________________________________________ 

The girls stagger slightly as they make their way outside into the snowy courtyard, grabbing their coats on the way. Lilith blinks her eyes slowly, her mind hazy from the tequila. 

“So, howwe gonna do this?” Lilith slurs, shaking her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts.

Riley pulls out her phone and sets a timer for five minutes. “Whoever has been hit the most when time runs out, loses.” Riley smirks but wobbles, catching herself on a statue. “Whoa. Ok, ready…go!”

Lilith dashes across the courtyard, slides behind a tree, and begins balling up snow as quickly as possible to create a nice stash of ammo. She peers out from behind the brush, listening for any sound of Riley. With no sign of her, Lilith picks up a few snowballs and creeps through the snow, making her way from tree to tree for cover. She sees no footprints, noting that Riley must have gone along the concrete path. “Where is this bitch?” Lilith whispers and is immediately pelted in the back of the head with a freezing projectile. “Hey!”

Riley laughs maniacally and rushes away. “First blood! First blood!”

“You’re gonna pay for that!” Lilith bolts after Riley, hurling a snowball that quickly whiffs past Riley’s head, barely missing her, and exploding against the tree beside her.

“Oh my god, are you trying to take my head off?!” Riley squeals as she weaves between the trees with Lilith hot on her tail. After a minute, Riley pauses to lean against the tree, completely winded. When she turns around, Lilith is nowhere in sight.

Riley’s eyes dart around the courtyard, but thanks to the excess amount of tequila, everything feels as if it’s moving in slow motion. She pulls out her phone and checks the time with a grin. “You only have 15 seconds left! I win!!”

“That’s what you think.” Lilith appears from behind a tree holding a snowball in each hand. “Nowhere left to hide.”

Riley holds her hands up in surrender, a look of terror flashing across her face. “Why do you look like you want to murder me?!”

Lilith utters a sinister chuckle. “I win.”

Placing two snowballs in one hand, Lilith brings her arm back ready to deliver the winning blow, when a flash of something dives from her peripheral vision. 

“Noooooo!” The snowballs smack square against the chest of the interloper as he screams.

“Liam!” Riley yells as he lands in the snow with a grunt. She kneels down over him and giggles. “You saved my life!”

Liam sits up and rubs his sore chest. “Oww, maybe literally! That snowball had an icicle in it!”

“Jesus Lil!” Drake appears next to her with a smirk. “Trying to assassinate the King and Queen with an icicle?”

“I didn’t know, I swear!” Lilith throws her hands over her mouth in shock. 

Liam stands and dusts the snow off of himself with a chuckle. “I’ve never been stabbed by an icicle before. You’ve got quite an arm, Lilith!”

“I’m so sorry!” Lilith shakes her head. “I don’t know how that happened, for real!”

“Well.” Riley grins cockily. “I believe I win the snowball fight!”

Lilith scoffs. “You wouldn’t have if Liam hadn’t jumped in front of you like a damn superhero! How did you guys even know we were out here?”

Drake steps closer to Lilith, wrapping his arms around her to help her get warm. “A couple of Riley’s guards told us that there was a drunken snowball fight going on outside, and we might want to check on you.”

“What was going on out here was my glorious victory!” Riley boasts with a cheeky grin. “I beat a Nevrakis in a snowball fight! This is the best day ever!”

Lilith rolls her eyes. “I’m pretty sure Liam intercepting the snowball is technically cheating.”

“Look, I’m too cold to argue. We’ll forgive you for the icicle and just call it even,” Riley says through her chattering teeth as she pulls Liam close. “Now let's get inside because I’m fricking freezing!”

Liam and Drake help their shivering, inebriated partners back inside the palace and help them get cleaned up, returning to the party just in time for karaoke.

As Leo saunters on stage and begins singing Santa Baby, Riley takes Lilith’s hand and leads her to the prop box. “Now, what am I gonna pick for you to wear in the photo?”

“Uh, no way! Outside, you said we would call it even.” Lilith crosses her arms.

“Did I?” Riley taps her cheek with a smirk. “Ok, fine. We’ll just go up and do some karaoke. Actually Lilith, why don’t you get up there and share your amazing talent of singing the ABC’s by burpi-.”

Lilith throws her hand over Riley’s mouth, narrowing her eyes. “You are the worst!”

Riley grins widely, passing Lilith a pair of reindeer antlers, which she snatches  and puts on begrudgingly. “I hate you.”

“No you don’t! You love me.” Riley pokes Lilith in the side wiggling her finger, and Lilith swats her hand away with a chuckle. 

“Fine. But if I take this pic you have to promise not to hold that over my head ever again! Because you know damn well I have plenty of dirt on you.”

“Deal.” Riley bumps Lilith’s shoulder with a smile. “Now, put those paws up little reindeer, and say cheese!”

#the other nevrakis #trr fanfic #the royal romance #bff's #christmas party #choices trr #choicesholidays #drake x oc #lilith nevrakis #liam x riley #the royal romance fanfic #trr #trr drake

[alj4890]

Right by Your Side

(Maxwell Beaumont x MC) in a Choices The Royal Romance one shot.

For @moodmusicmonday 's Luck of the Draw with the song

A/N I fell hard for this song while trying to think of something for it. So many different Choices books came to mind for this but then as I listened to the lyrics over and over, I kept going back to TRR book 2 and the mess with Riley's reputation and how Maxwell stood by her from the very start (and of course the running LOL) So, here's what my Maxwell shipping heart needed from the beginning of that storyline.

Masterlist

Right by Your Side

Riley felt numb that first night at Ramsford. Perhaps she was still in shock from having guards drag her away as if she was the most vile criminal ever to come to Cordonia. Maybe it was because everyone had seen pictures of her in her underwear and they would forever be on the Internet.

Or, was it because Fate had stepped in to keep her from having to make a decision?

She flopped on her stomach when the image of Liam standing before her in the hedge maze came to mind.

I don't need to wait any longer to make my choice. I love you.

Was that fear she felt in that moment? Was she afraid of hearing what her heart would say if he were to actually pop the question?

Was it because the man standing before her was not the one who had been by her side all along?

The one who came rushing to the airport to stop her from leaving?

Riley buried her face in her pillow. Hot tears began to stain the satin pillowcase as she muffled her cries against it. She didn't want to answer that. She didn't want to address any of the thoughts going through her mind.

Then why did I tell Bertrand that I was innocent with Tariq but I am in love with someone else?

She knew deep down that was the truth. That was the only good thing to come out of this horrible night.

She'd finally spoken about what was truly in her heart.

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

The next morning...

Half asleep, Riley mumbled for whoever was knocking to come in.

Maxwell poked his head in.

"Hey blossom."

"Hey."

He walked over and sat down on the edge of her bed. "You okay?"

"Yeah."

She pushed herself into an upright position.

"I'm fine, Max."

"Are you fine fine or fine?" He asked.

Riley couldn't help but smile. "I'm definitely on this side of fine fine but not quite there yet."

That dimpled smile of his she adored appeared, lighting up his entire face.

And her heart.

"Good." He crawled across her bed to settle comfortably next to her. "I can't stand to see you with tear streaks."

"It's not my best look." She tried to joke.

He draped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her close. "You know you're gorgeous, but yeah. Tears and your skin do not go well together at all."

She laughed while gently elbowing him in the ribs. "Thanks ever so much."

"Anytime." He jumped to his feet when they heard an all too familiar throat clear from the doorway.

With a disapproving glance to his brother, Bertrand walked in with a breakfast tray.

"What's all this?" Riley asked.

"Breakfast in bed!" Maxwell told her.

"Maxwell convinced me that when a young woman goes through something traumatic, that she needs rest and ample sustenance." Bertrand explained.

"Guys." Riley blinked back tears. "You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble."

"You are no trouble." Maxwell argued.

"Well..." Bertrand paused when Maxwell glared at him. "It isn't necessarily you, that is the trouble."

"The trouble is the situation." Maxwell added to try to smooth over his brother's words. "Not you."

Riley wiped at her tears. "This is why I should go back to New York. Look what happens when an outsider comes here."

She forced herself to look up at them.

"I don't belong in your world."

"You do!" Maxwell argued, jostling the tray as he sat down beside her again. "You fit in our world perfectly."

"Not perfectly." Bertrand corrected. "But we can fix that."

"How?" Riley asked.

"By teaching you everything a lady of the Royal Court would know." He explained. "Once you blend in with the other ladies, we'll be able to find out who sabotaged your moment to become queen."

Riley paled some. "I appreciate that, but I don't want to be queen."

Bertrand grimaced. "Be that as it may, you'll never truly be free to be with whomever you want if scandal is associated with your name. No Cordonian family would allow it."

Riley blinked as his words sunk in. "I see."

"Plus," Bertrand continued. "The Beaumont name has been tarnished because of our sponsorship of you."

"Oh no." She buried her head in her hands.

Maxwell was quick to comfort her.

"Hey, don't worry about us." He hugged her close. "I've made a mockery of the name Beaumont more times than I can count."

Bertrand rolled his eyes over that bit of family history.

Riley couldn't believe that not only was she in what seemed an impossible situation but that she'd somehow also lost her chance to be with the man she was secretly in love with.

"I'm so sorry."

"It isn't your fault." Bertrand gruffly argued. "But we are going to need your help to right this wrong. And," his stern demeanor softened, "you are a Beaumont."

"I am?" She asked.

"You're stuck with us." Maxwell winked at her. "For better or for worse."

"Definitely for the better." She winked back with a tremulous smile. "So? When do we start the lessons?"

"Once you've had a chance to eat and get ready for the day." Bertrand told her on his way out. "Meet us in the ballroom."

"Yes, your grace." She dipped her head in thanks.

A slight smile appeared on his lips. "Perhaps our training won't take as long as I once thought."

He bowed and left her alone with Maxwell.

"Give it to me straight." She pleaded. "How bad is my reputation and how horrible are these lessons going to be?"

Maxwell hesitated, raising his hands like a scale weighing each option.

"Crap." Riley flopped back on her pillows.

"It won't be all bad." He told her. "I'll be there to help you through it and to find ways to escape the boring lessons."

Riley rose up on her elbows. "That takes care of the lessons, but what about when I am back out in public?"

"Tell you what." He reached for her hand. "The moment it gets too much for you, just say the word and BAM! We run out of there."

"Really?" Her smile grew at the thought. "You'll run away with me when a noble is acting like a jerk or I accidentally mess up?"

"Yep." He squeezed her hand. "On my honor as a Beaumont."

"Then I think I can get through this." She sat up straight and began to pour some coffee into her cup.

Maxwell watched her settle in to the breakfast he and Bertrand had painstakingly prepared with a great deal of relief. His room shared a wall with Riley's and he'd heard her crying off and on during the night.

It was a slash to his heart as he thought of her in here alone, probably blaming herself for everything that happened.

Around four in the morning he decided that he was done playing the simple escort. From now on, he would protect her from the direct cuts and slurs that those of his rank would hurl her way.

Even if it meant irreparable damage to his family name, Maxwell would do anything for Riley.

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

Madeleine's home...

Riley's stomach churned. She wanted nothing more than to beg Bertrand and Maxwell to take her back to Ramsford so that she could hide there forever. She knew though that if she was to ever have a chance with the man by her side, she would have to find a way to get through this.

Swallowing nervously, she paused in the open doorway of Madeleine's ballroom. Her eyes darted over the familiar faces. Heads were already bent toward each other while fingers pointed at her. The few reporters allowed within the event had their cameras poised to capture the first images of Riley being called out for daring to return.

Just as fear made her legs twitch to run in the opposite direction, Maxwell settled his hand over hers. She looked up and saw nothing but pride in his eyes.

"You're doing great." He whispered, squeezing her ice cold fingers. "Keep your chin up. Here comes, Adelaide."

After the greetings, Adelaide stepped back from the pair, critically studying the way they stood together.

"Don't you make a cute couple?"

Riley immediately jumped on that. "We do, don't we?"

"We do?" Maxwell's eyes widened.

He wasn't certain if he more surprised by Adelaide saying it or Riley agreeing.

"The cutest." Riley added with her first genuine smile of the evening.

Maxwell tried to excuse the conversation as Riley probably needing something to latch on to help stop the gossip of her with Tariq. He didn't mind being the new source that Cordonian's biggest gossip would have spread around before they even walked across the ballroom. If that's the role Riley needed him in now, then he was more than ready to play it.

To prove his point, he kept his hand over the one she had resting on his arm.

"Ready?" He asked when they spotted Liam and Madeleine.

"As I'll ever be." She mumbled, instinctively moving closer to Maxwell. "I really need to talk to Liam and clear things up. Don't you think?"

He hesitated. He knew how much his friend had fallen for Riley. It would hurt Liam to hear she didn't return his feelings. Yet wouldn't it hurt more to wait until he saw her with whomever she was in love with?

"I think you should, just not right now." He barely nodded toward the nobles staring intently at them. "Not with this audience."

"You're right." She released a sigh. "I guess I have to wait. If only he had called me after everything happened, then I wouldn't be so nervous to how he'll react."

What if Liam refused to let her remain in Cordonia? What if he wouldn't let her try and clear her name? She'd never be able to be with Maxwell if that happened.

Lost in her tormented thoughts, she found herself dipping into a curtsy before the royal couple.

"Lady Riley." Liam lifted her hand to his lips, eyes revealing a wealth of adoration for her. "We should talk-"

"To our newly arrived guests." Madeleine finished for him.

"Right." Liam shot a pleading look at Maxwell.

Riley cleared her throat. "Congratulations you two."

Madeleine beamed at her while hugging Liam's arm close against her chest.

"Thank you. Liam is such an attentive fiance."

Riley managed to somehow not roll her eyes. If the countess had any idea that she wasn't wanting him back, then she probably wouldn't put on such a show.

"I can't imagine him being anything less." Riley managed to say with a straight face.

"We really must go greet our other guests." Madeleine told them. "Enjoy the party."

Maxwell released the breath he was holding once he and Riley were left alone. "That went well."

She chuckled. "Honestly I expected her to brandish a scarlet A while screeching for guards to throw me out."

Maxwell's grin brought out her own.

"She'd at least have the decency to wait to do that until they start serving dessert."

"Thank God for small favors."

Maxwell squeezed her hand once more. "Come on. We'll find out seats."

After enduring a brief conversation with Penelope and Kiara, Riley was able to relax for the time being once she was seated between Maxwell and Bertrand. Perhaps she would be able to get through this easier than she expected. She'd hoped to have Hana and Drake on her side, yet they were nowhere to be found.

At least she had Maxwell there to help her wade through this minefield of pompous manners and tradition.

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

"One night down." Maxwell collapsed on her bed with an oof.

Riley sank down beside him as she slipped her heels off. "Thanks to you."

"Me?" He shook his head. "Tonight was all you, blossom."

"Yeah, but I wouldn't have been able to get through it without you." She argued.

"We make a great team." He quipped.

"The best." She stressed.

The two jumped when there was a knock at her door.

"You think it's Bertrand?" She whispered.

Maxwell shrugged.

She peeped out the door to see a servant with a vase filled with roses. Taking them without a word, she quickly shut and locked her bedroom door.

"Oh!" Riley buried her nose in the fragrant blooms. "How beautiful! Did you get these for me?"

Maxwell hated that he hadn't thought of doing so. "No. Wish I had."

She set it down on the table, admiring the bouquet.

"There's something wrapped around that stem towards the left." He pointed out.

Riley unfurled the paper. "It's from Liam!"

"What's it say?" He got to his feet to read it over her shoulder.

The pair both felt guilty when they read the new king's heartfelt plea to meet secretly upon his balcony.

"I have to go." Riley folded the note and slipped it into the pocket of her dress. "I have to tell him the truth."

Maxwell felt a new slash to his heart. After these past few weeks of having her to himself, he realized he was falling in love with Riley. He couldn't tell her, since she was already having to let Liam down. The last thing she needed was more stress over her complicated love life. He just hoped whoever she loved realized what they had in her.

"Madeleine placed your rooms as far apart as she could." He explained. "You're not going to be able to sneak over there with all the nobles here."

Riley eyed her window. "There's more than one way out of this room."

"We're on the third floor!" Maxwell exclaimed. "You'll get hurt or worse!"

Riley opened her window and examined her path to Liam's room.

"Riley please. When I said worse, that meant death!" Maxwell pleaded. "Don't-"

She climbed out the window, perched on the edge, and winked at him. "Promise I'll be careful."

"Riley!" He harshly whispered.

He stuck his head out to watch her precarious walk around Madeleine's home. His heart was stuck in his throat when she struggled to reach the railing to Liam's balcony. She swayed somewhat until she got a good grip.

Once he saw her climb over safely, he ran to her bathroom and emptied the contents of his stomach. Maxwell had never been more terrified than he was in thinking he could lose her if she tumbled off the wall. He hoped Liam would realize the dangerous path she took and find another route back to her room. He honestly couldn't take seeing her try to make her way along that narrow ledge again.

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

"Riley!" Liam rushed to her when he heard her land behind him.

"Liam." She stopped him from embracing her. "We need to talk."

"I know." He took her hands in his. "It's just so good to see you again. I need to tell you--"

"Liam, I'm in love with someone else!" Riley blurted out, unable to hear him say anything nice to her.

The guilt was killing her that she couldn't return his love.

Liam froze. He shook his head as if to clear it.

"I'm so sorry." Riley squeezed his hands before pulling away. "But somewhere along the way I fell in love with someone else."

"Is it Tariq? Is that why he was in your room at Applewood?" Liam asked.

"No! I've never felt anything for him. His being in my room was a big misunderstanding." She explained.

"Then who-"

"He doesn't know how I feel." Riley hedged. She needed to tell Maxwell how in love she was before anyone else found out. "And unless I can clear my name, I won't be able to be with him."

Liam folded his arms and leaned against the wall. His lips that had once been in a delighted smile were now in a firm line.

"Then we must do all we can to help you clear it." He decided.

Riley's eyes burned with tears.

"You'd, you'd do that? For me? After I just..." She lowered her head in her hands while shaking with sobs.

Liam gently took her in his arms, softly shushing her apologies.

"Riley, I want you in my life in whatever capacity you allow." Liam admitted.

It hurt to say he would settle for being her friend. He hoped that perhaps she would one day return his affections as time went on. But for now, he'd do what he could to keep her, protect her, and clear her name.

The two briefly discussed what to do during the engagement tour.

"How did you get over here?" He asked.

When she pointed to the narrow ledge, he paled over the danger she'd placed herself in.

"There is a hidden set of corridors through here." He opened a panel in his room to reveal the path servants traveled in the early morning hours. "At the end of the hall there is a door that opens out into the main loft at the top of the stairs."

"Thanks Liam." She hugged him. "And not just for an easier way back to my room."

His lips curved in a sad smile as he looked at her. "No need to thank me. Goodnight, Lady Riley."

"Goodnight."

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

Venice, Italy...

Bertrand and Justin were once again telling Riley how to act to continue to win over nobles.

"We're making progress." Maxwell repeated to her. "Not only with your reintroduction to society but in finding clues toward whoever is behind the pictures."

"Do you think she'll be there tonight?" Riley asked.

"It's the biggest event in town. Everyone will be there which means the press will be there in droves." He explained.

Justin wished them luck once they left the limo.

Bertrand went on inside, giving them a moment alone.

"You okay?" Maxwell asked.

"I..." She shook her head with a laugh. "Honestly, I wish we could get out of here. Go enjoy Venice at night."

Riley looked about, longing to be anywhere than on a mission.

"Cordonia is the first European country I've ever visited. Now I'm in Italy and I wish I could experience it as a tourist." She snorted softly. "An average, maxed out her credit card to get here, tourist."

Maxwell laced his fingers with hers. "You want to run away?"

Her head jerked up to look at him. "Could we?"

"Say the word, and we will use all our training to get out of here." He told her.

Riley couldn't help but giggle over the memories of their early morning runs around Ramsford.

Maxwell began to over exaggerate his stretches.

"Stop!" She burst out laughing, feeling all her tension melt away.

"Gotta get limber if we're to run." He explained with a smile, his dimples deepening over being able to make her laugh.

"You're crazy." She teased. "And I am so ready to call your bluff."

"Not bluffing." Maxwell corrected. "I promised you I'd run away whenever you needed us to." He leaned down, nose nearly touching hers. "So, m'lady? Do you need to run away?"

Riley's breath caught at his face so near her own. She could see all the different shades of blue in those ocean colored eyes of his. She could detect the light splash of cologne he preferred mixed with the cinnamon Altoids he was known to munch on whenever nervous.

She longed to lean forward the few inches and kiss him. She wondered what he would do. She assumed he would be shocked at first. Would he participate in the kiss once he got over the surprise? Would he admit he felt something for her?

Or would she walk away in embarrassment and heartache?

Maxwell realized his mistake the moment he got too close. He should have thought through his actions instead of just going with whatever he felt in the moment. Her face, the one he adored, was already hard to keep from staring at. Now he was able to see every single feature that held his attention.

Her eyes, green as the first leaves of spring, shined with warmth. The freckles that dotted along her lightly tanned skin dusted her upper cheeks and bridge of her nose. Her lips, petal pink with the bottom slightly plumper than the top one, parted as if ready to be kissed.

What would she do if he allowed himself to accidentally (on purpose) lean more forward so that his lips could brush hers? Would she gasp in delighted surprise or would she shove him away in disgust?

"There you two are!" Hana ran down the steps to embrace them, unknowingly breaking the sexual tension developing. "I was worried I would have to go in by myself."

Maxwell and Riley forced themselves back from one another. Both knew they couldn't run away now, especially with Hana so relieved to see them.

"Shall we, ladies?" Maxwell held his arms out to them.

The three got in line to be photographed.

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

Riley somehow managed to get through the dinner without jumping out of her seat to confront the photographer. Maxwell sat across from her, smiling in encouragement each time her eyes met his. He was the only thing keeping her calm. She wasn't certain how she impressed both the Italian noble and Olivia, barely paying attention to what she said in response to the wine and Cordonia joining the EU. Yet somehow, she'd managed to rack up more points in improving her standing in Cordonian society.

If only it mattered in her having a chance to be with the man she wanted.

Bertrand seemed so proud of her performance. Would he still be if he knew she wanted his brother?

Riley longed to bang her head against the table. She was utterly exhausted from playing the part of a proper lady turned secret detective. She was bored hearing the small talk of the other ladies of the Court.

Then Penelope opened her mouth and asked her about Maxwell.

"What?" Riley bit out.

"Do you think Lord Maxwell would be interested in making a match with me?" Penelope repeated.

Riley glared at the model perfect woman. How dare she even think she could be with Maxwell! Didn't she listen to the rumors that he and Riley were a couple? That that was the reason they were always together now???

Riley was ready to tell her to back off. Then she caught sight of Bertrand off in a corner observing her and somehow tempered her answer.

"No offense." Riley tried to control her voice. "But you're not really his type."

"Oh." Penelope's lips formed a perfect pout made for lipstick commercials. "What is his type?"

"Someone gorgeous. Lots of fun." Riley felt her own heart drop over not being his type. "Someone who appreciates his sweet ways and how he--"

"So someone like you?" Penelope interrupted.

"Me?" Riley stared at her immediate sworn enemy. "Um..."

"Shh!" Hana softly shushed them. "Here he comes."

Maxwell bowed his head to the group. "Ladies? If you would excuse us, I need to have a word with Lady Riley."

"Of course!" Penelope beamed at him then at Riley as she followed the others across the room.

"What was that about?" He whispered.

"I'm not sure." Riley couldn't decide if Penelope was as horrible as she thought. "What's up?"

"Things are quieting down, so now would be a good time to find the photographer and do a little interrogation." He explained.

"Okay." She looked around the crowded place. "And how do we do that without drawing attention?"

"Oh, we're going to draw attention." Maxwell's grin turned mischievous. "Just the kind that doesn't let anyone know what we are really up to."

He led her to a less crowded area where a group of the press were near.

"Your call on what we should do to draw their eyes this way?"

Riley looked up at him as she considered a few options. He could always pretend to be throwing her out of House Beaumont or...

"You should propose to me."

Maxwell stilled. His eyes searched hers to see if she was messing around to only see a shuttered almost vulnerable look in the green depths.

With her hands clasped, she quickly told him he could then pretend to be confessing his love for something else, like gelato.

"Okay." He audibly swallowed.

"I'll give you the signal when I see the photographer." Riley added.

"Sounds good."

He cleared his throat loud enough for some people to glance over at them.

"Lady Riley?" Maxwell gently took her hands in his. "There's something I need to confess."

"There is?" She asked.

He nodded, completely serious at this moment. "I should have seen it happening, yet I was blind to what was standing right in front of me."

"Maxwell, what are you..." She trailed off when he swept down to one knee.

The press surrounded them, each trying to snap pictures of the romantic moment.

"I want to shout it from the rooftops." His smile bloomed. "That I love..."

Everyone waited with baited breath.

"Gelato!" He exclaimed.

Riley choked back a laugh as everyone else expressed their dismay.

As the group left them, grumbling over the lack of drama, Riley spotted the photographer.

"There she is!" She whispered, yanking him up.

The woman noticed the two and took off running.

"After her!" Maxwell nudged Riley into action.

The pair dashed out of the restaurant and down the dark streets of Venice in hot pursuit.

"I can't believe we're gaining on her!" Riley puffed, hiking the skirt of her dress higher to give her legs more freedom.

"I knew our early mornings would be worth it!" Maxwell teased.

They cornered the woman and got a credit card number of the one who paid her for the pictures. This only created more questions for them to find the answers to.

"We did it!" Riley launched herself into his arms, hugging him tight.

Maxwell stumbled back against a wall the moment her body collided with his.

They both stilled, save for their excited breaths. Their eyes met and before either could talk themselves out of it, their lips met in a desperate kiss.

Maxwell's hands slipped into her blonde hair as his lips moved over and over hers, memorizing the taste and texture of her mouth.

Riley kept her arms around his waist, gripping him as close as she could.

They broke apart to catch their breaths, hearts racing with more than just the mad dash across Venice had caused.

"Riley?" Maxwell couldn't make himself ask the question he needed an answer to.

"It's you." She breathed. "It's always been you. I fell in love with you with all the dress fittings and early morning wake up calls and--"

She moaned into the heat of his kiss. Her arms slipped around his neck as his hands drifted down her body.

"I love you." He muttered against her mouth. "So much."

Riley sank into his embrace, her leg wrapping around his hip as they kissed.

"We really need to find somewhere else to continue this." Maxwell groaned when she moved against him.

"My room." She stepped out of his arms. "On the train. Now."

He pulled her close to his side. "You're not worried someone will see and hear us?"

"I hope they do." She paused when it hit her that he might not want that to happen. "I'm sorry. I forgot that you can't be with me until my name is cleared."

"What are you talking about?" He asked, nudging her chin up.

"Bertrand said no family would allow me to be with anyone with my name associated with scandal." She reminded him.

"That doesn't matter with me." His smile gave her hope. "Don't you remember? You're a Beaumont."

Her eyes widened. "You mean..."

"It doesn't matter if we ever clear this scandal up." He pressed his lips to hers. "We can be together out in the open because we're Beaumont's. Let them try and say anything."

Tears sparkled in her eyes. They were for the first time in a very long time, tears of absolute joy.

#Spotify #mood music monday #luck of the draw #choices trr #the royal romance #trr #trr maxwell #maxwell x mc #choices the royal romance #choices the stories you play #choices maxwell beaumont

[twinkle-320]

Hold On

“Quote Me on This” Prompt Challenge:  I was given the quote “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other”.  It appears in the mood board below and will be bolded in the story.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Riley & Drake, Liam & Olivia

Rating: MA

Warnings: Grief, mentions of death, mildly graphic details of injuries

Disclaimer:  I am not a healthcare professional, all details of medical care and injuries are fictional dramatizations for the purposes of this story and I do not proclaim them to be accurate in real life.

Word Count:  3796 (sorry!)

A/N:  After receiving multiple requests for a follow up to my Choices Prompt Challenge submission ‘Promise Me’ (read here), I decided to use this challenge to answer the call.  If you haven’t read that one, this one won’t make much sense.  There is a time jump between that story and this one, and this is long so I could wrap this up without turning it into a mini-series :)

A/N 2:  I kept this in the first person from Riley’s POV in keeping with the style of ‘Promise Me’ but it does jump between present and past tense with Riley thinking back on the time between where that story ended and where she is now.  Please forgive any errors in grammar or tense, as this is not my usual style.

Quote Me on This Challenge Tags: @dcbbw @debramcg1106 @burnsoslow @twinkleallnight @argylemnwrites @yourquietarioso @bebepac @peonierose @leelee10898 @riseandshinelittleblossom @angelasscribbles @harleybeaumont

Taglist: @ladyangel70 @gkittylove99 @lovingchoices14 @petiteboheme @kingliam2019 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @walkerdrakewalker @alyshak92

“I’m sorry, Lucas. I really am, but I can’t come back yet…”  I nod as if I’m on a video chat, but I know my boss can’t see me.  “No, no…it’s fine.  I understand and I appreciate you accommodating me as long as you have.  I’ve loved my time with the firm and I’m grateful for the opportunity you gave me…Yes, thank you Lucas…you too.”  When the line goes dead, my body shakes with the sob I’ve been holding in.

Outside it’s a rainy day but there is just enough light from the setting sun to allow me to catch my reflection in the window.  In the mirrored image, the tears running down my cheeks blend with the raindrops on the window.  Just beyond the glass, life goes on and the world moves forward, but inside these walls, I feel like time is standing still.

It’s been seven months since I returned to Cordonia and I’ve been trying to balance life back home with my need to be here.  To say it isn’t going well would be an understatement.

For the first time in my life, I was just fired from a job or, ‘let go’, as Lucas had delicately put it.  It should feel crushing to lose my dream job but honestly, I can’t blame them.  My clients need and deserve an attorney and agent that can give them undivided attention and I can’t do that right now.  I’ve been working remotely, filing motions, writing briefs, and negotiating contracts but I can’t provide that personal touch from thousands of miles away and when you’re dealing with athletes and actors like I am, that personal touch means everything.

I feel myself on the edge of a breakdown and I can’t allow myself to lose my shit right now; not here. Mere feet from where I stand, watching the sky weep with me, the man I love is lying in a bed, still fighting for his life.  Machines beep as they monitor every aspect of his body and vitals, and the spikes on the brainwave monitor are all the proof I need that he can hear me, so losing it in front of him is not an option.

Moving to the far side of his bed, away from the monitors, I brush his chestnut brown hair away from his eyes and place a gentle kiss on his forehead. “You are in desperate need of a haircut, my love,” I whisper. “I love you. I’ll be right back.”

Across from me, the monitor beeps, registering another spike. It always does after I tell him I love him. While I long for nothing more than to hear his voice, I’ve started to think of the beeps as him saying ‘I love you too’.

Unable to fight the tears any longer I rush from the room, and head for my suite right next door.  Most people would exploit their friendship with a king by asking for political favors or seeking personal gain but all I want is permission to stay here around the clock.  Of course, I have a room at the palace too for those days where Liam insists that I need a break which was initially once a week but he has become more insistent more often recently.

My visits to the palace are bittersweet.  I love spending time with Olivia and the kids but…I hate myself for the resentment I feel.  I never let it show, it wouldn’t be fair to Liv. She is carrying around a hefty dose of survivors’ guilt as it is but…I can’t stop myself from thinking it.

Five minutes after I curl up on the bed and fall apart, my breakdown is interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Excuse me, Riley?” Dr. Hastings says, peeking his head in.  I’m not pleased with the intrusion but I’m glad I’ve finally broken him of calling me Ms. Nevin.

“Hi Dr. Hastings,” I say, sitting up and wiping away my tears.

“Shift change is coming up, I just thought I’d give you a run-down of today’s tests and vitals.”

All I can do is nod my head and prepare myself to hear more of the same.  I used to hold onto hope for each update but now that the physical wounds have healed and the threat of infection is gone, the updates are nothing more than a recitation of fluctuating brain activity and stable vitals.

I nod along, glassy-eyed as Dr. Hastings goes over the usual.

“I’m sorry, Riley. I know you’re hoping for big changes and progress,” he says, registering my disappointment. “But I continue to be encouraged by Drake’s brain activity.  His mind is reacting to stimuli with more frequency.”

“Then why hasn’t he woken up?” I cry.

“I wish I had an answer for that,” he replied sadly.  “All we can do is continue to push his body to respond in the same way his brain does.  We’ve been seeing results.  If you’d like to stay for tomorrow’s tests, you can see for yourself.

“No,” I shake my head, “I…I can’t.”

I used to stay for the tests but it’s terrifying and heartbreaking.  The tests consist of weaning Drake off the ventilator gradually.  His lungs do respond, and he attempts to breath on his own which I know is encouraging, but every so often he makes sounds like he’s choking or struggling, and I can’t handle it.

“I understand,” Dr. Hastings nods. “I hope you get some rest; I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Just as he turns to go, we are both surprised to see Liam entering my room.

“Riley, Dr. Hastings…good evening,” the king says. “Did I miss today’s update?”

Dr. Hastings bows.  Though he finally uses my first name, he refuses to break protocol when it comes to royalty.  “I’d be happy to go over it again, Your Majesty.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Liam replies.  “I’m sure Riley can give me a run down.”

I nod, knowing that Liam can already tell by looking at me that nothing’s changed.  With a final bow, Dr. Hastings departs and Liam takes a seat beside me on the bed.

“Rough day?”

“You have no idea,” I sigh.

“Why don’t you fill me in?”

“Well…for starters, I lost my job…”

“Oh, Riley…I’m so sorry.”

I shake my head.  “Don’t be…I knew it was coming eventually.  I’m surprised they worked with me this long.  But, without an income, I’m going to have to put my condo on the market.”

“No, don’t do that. I can assist you in holding onto it.”

“I can’t take money from you Liam…”

“You wouldn’t be.  Rashad is quite busy with Sloane Enterprises these days.  I could use another contract attorney on my legal team to pick up the overflow work.”

“Liam…I’d be happy to help but I’m still selling the condo.  There’s no reason to keep it and I can’t keep asking my dad to make the drive to Tampa to check on things for me.  For now…my home is wherever Drake is,” I say, feeling the crushing weight of sadness again.

“I got the sense that Dr. Hastings didn’t have good news.”

I shrug.  “It was the same as any other day, no better, no worse.

“This is to be expected when dealing with traumatic brain injury.”

“All the imaging shows his brain is healing,” I protest.

“Yes,” Liam nods, “which is all the more reason to be hopeful. You know how extensive his injuries were. I truly believe this coma is his body’s way of taking all the time it needs to heal. He’s been beating the odds since you got here.”

Logically, I know Liam is right.  Drake’s body went through hell and on the night I arrived seven months ago, they didn’t expect him to make it beyond another twenty-four hours.  The first time I walked into that room, Liam had to keep me on my feet; I could barely tell it was Drake in the bed.

On our flight from Philly to Cordonia, Liam had tried to tell me what to expect but it was a difficult conversation to get through and quite honestly nothing could have prepared me.  I was shocked to learn that Drake had joined the guard.  Liam had tried to convince him to finish his veterinary degree and refused to appointment him to the guard, but Drake didn’t want an appointment handed to him anyway.  He earned his way in by joining the military; after two years of exemplary service, he earned the Cordonia Medal of Honor and his commanding officer recommended him for the guard.  Drake was immediately assigned to head of Olivia’s detail.  In true Olivia fashion, she had scared off all her previous guards and they hoped Drake could put up with her.  I still can’t believe that those two managed to coexist as long as they did but Liam assures me they had become quite close.

I learned all about the Sons of the Earth and their leader, my former press secretary, Justin, AKA Anton Severus…his secret marriage to Olivia, his plots to kill Liam and take the throne, his death, and the rebel factions that carried on his evil legacy.  Olivia had been relatively safe when he was alive because he needed her for his plan, but once he was gone and she was married to Liam, she became a target of the rebels.

Two days before Liam came to Hill Heights, a rebel uprising attacked Olivia’s motorcade on their way out of Lythikos and isolated the lead SUV.  On a hunch, Drake had anticipated a possible attack and ordered Liv into one of the secondary vehicles with a whole team of guards while he rode lead with a decoy.  A rendezvous point had been established as a contingency if the motorcade got separated.  Off their plotted course, the lead car encountered a roadside bomb which flipped the car and sent it up in flames and the rebels riddled it with bullets before taking off.  By all rights, no one should have survived but the driver managed to free himself and pull Drake out just before the car fully exploded and succumbing to his own injuries.

When they failed to arrive at the rendezvous point, Liv ordered all but the six men guarding her back to look for them. That’s when they found Drake and the driver on the side of the road, unconscious with life-threatening injuries, and the other two guards in the car, dead.  Both men were airlifted to the Capitol where the race to save their life began.  Drake had suffered a head injury from the blast and multiple gunshot wounds from the rebels’ indiscriminate firing spree.  Two bullets struck major organs.  Hours of surgery were required, and it was touch and go.

I can’t try to explain the extent of the injuries or even all that went into attempting to save him, but I do know he looked like he’d been to a war zone when I saw him.  His skull was open to relieve the pressure on his brain, vacuum drains were attached to multiple wounds where they had opened him up to repair internal damage and remove bullet fragments, and his left leg was in a cast, suspended by a sling above the bed.  Looking at him now, you’d never know any of that.  There is a thin scar on his head where hair still won’t grow but it’s hidden by his full head of hair around it, and he of course has scars from the bullet wounds, but they are hidden by his clothes.  Just looking into his room, aside from the ventilator, you might think he’s just asleep, but…he’s not waking up.

“Are you headed back over to sit with him?” Liam asks, pulling me back to the present.

“In a few minutes,” I sigh. “I came here to have my daily breakdown. Ever since the nurse told me he shows signs of distress when he hears me cry, I try not to do it in front of him.”

Liam takes my hand giving it a reassuring squeeze.  “You must try to focus on the positive, Riley…he hears you.”

“How are you so optimistic after all this time?”

“A well-crafted facade, I assure you. I have breakdowns too, but I try to be strong…for you, for Liv…”

“How is she?” I ask.

“You should ask her yourself, she’s right next door.”

I gasp in surprise.  “She’s here?”  Olivia hasn’t come to the hospital since Emily was born.  Of course, having a baby keeps her busy, but Liam and I know it goes beyond that. Liv feels responsible for what happened and the guilt that she carries makes seeing Drake difficult for her.

“Yes, she asked to come.  I decided to give her some time with him by coming in to check on you.  Fabian and Emily are across the hall in the family suite with the nanny if you wish to pop in to see them.  I’m going to go sit with Olivia, join us whenever you are ready.”

Visits with Fabian and Emily always bring a smile to my face, even on hard days…especially on hard days. I pop in for hugs and snuggles before joining Liam and Olivia.

“Riley,” Olivia exclaims.  Rising from her seat she pulls me into a hug.  I’m still trying to get used to an Olivia who hugs.

“Hi Liv, it’s good to see you.”

“Of course it is,” she quips.  Motherhood has softened her, but she hasn’t lost her wit.  “So, tell me…what updates did this inept medical staff have to share today?” she asks.

“Not much,” I sigh, “small progress like every other day.”

“What more can we do?” she says, turning to Liam. “We need to bring in a new medical team, the best of the best.”

“My Queen, I assure you, Drake’s team is the best Cordonia has to offer.”

“Then look outside Cordonia,” she snaps.

I can hear the anxiety in her voice.  She’s here but she’s still struggling and taking charge is her coping mechanism.

“Liv, I am more than willing to bring in more doctors, I’d scour the globe for the best but…his care is not up to me.  Any decision to change doctors has to come from Savannah or Bianca.”

“They’re both twits,” Olivia retorts.  “Bianca can’t even be bothered to come here.”

“After what happened to Jackson, can you blame her?”

“You’re damn right I can! That’s no excuse not to be at your son’s side…your child! But what would she know about that…she abandoned them.”

Drake’s monitor starts to beep, and my eyes jump to the screen.  I know what to look for and his elevated blood pressure is a sure sign that our conversation is affecting him.  “Liv…we should take this somewhere else.”

Olivia frowns and I see the tears welling in her eyes.  “I’m sorry…I’m…”  Going to Drake’s side, she takes his hand and leans down to his ear.  “I’m sorry…I’ll stop.  Please calm down…I just want you to get better.”

I’ve never heard her speak in such a calming tone and to my surprise, Drake’s vitals slowly return to normal levels.

Liam looks at me with hopeful eyes. “That’s a direct response to stimuli if I ever saw one!”

I nod, unable to speak as I fight back tears. Liam comes to my side and pulls me into an embrace. “I’ll speak to Savannah but in the meantime, we will leave you two in peace.”

Olivia gives me another hug before they leave the room hand in hand.

Taking the seat beside Drake, I wrap my hand around his, rest my head on his shoulder, and settle in for our nightly talk.  Having a one-sided conversation felt awkward at first.  In the early days I did little more than tell him I love him and beg him to hold on.  I’ve gotten used to it now and talk as much as I can, hoping my voice will pull him from whatever darkness he’s trapped in.

“Everyone wants you to get better, but no one more than me.  I’m trying to be patient but it’s so hard, baby,” I cry.  “Every minute of those four years without you, I felt like I wasn’t really living…I built a life and moved forward but something was always missing…you.  And now I’ve been by your side for seven months, which is where I belong but…I still feel that void because you won’t wake up.  We’ve lost so much time already…I’m…I’m so sorry I left.  Even when you said you couldn’t be with me, I should have stayed…I should have fought for us.  Going our separate ways was never the answer, Drake.  We held onto the guilt we felt over falling in love, we held onto the pain we had cause Liam, we held onto all our own insecurities, and we let it drive us apart.  By holding onto the bad, we missed the bigger picture, we failed to see that the best thing to hold onto in life is each other.  I’m holding on now, Drake…I’m here and I am in this for good.  I love you with every fiber of my being and I can’t…I won’t…live a life without you in it.  I need you to come back to me baby.”  As my tears fall against the soft fabric of his hospital gown, I hear that beep and feel a mild sense of peace as I doze off at his side.

I wake in the morning to the blazing sun shining on my face and the sound of voices carrying into the room from the hall.  In a normal hospital, it wouldn’t be unusual, but in the private royal wing where Drake is the only patient, it’s not something I’m used to hearing.  Rising from my chair, I decide to go investigate, surprised to see Liam and Savannah having a passionate conversation as Dr. Hastings and the head nurse, Holly, look on.

“Savannah, you must see reason…I have complete faith in Dr. Hastings, but a second opinion could make all the difference.  I have a world-renowned neurological team on standby, ready to come to Cordonia.  You haven’t been here, you haven’t seen his progress.”

“Liam, you have to understand how hard it is for me to see my brother like that!  Being here everyday would be torture; I don’t know how you and Riley do it.  But I have been in constant contact with Dr. Hastings and I get the same updates you do. I understand the small progress gives you hope but that’s all it is…small progress.  I can’t just go on blind faith, Liam, I have to do what’s best for my brother…for all of us, and allowing him to hang in a medical limbo is not a life.”

I see the tears falling from Liam’s eyes, he makes no effort to hide them.  “What are you saying, Savannah?”

“I’m saying…I’m saying I think it’s time we let him go,” Savannah replies, breaking down in sobs.

“NO,” I scream, charging toward her filled with anguish and rage.  Liam wraps me in his arms to keep me from reaching her.  “You can’t do that!  I won’t let you do that.”

“It’s not your decision to make, Riley.  I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?  That’s all you can say?” I yell, giving into my rage. Savannah looks terrified of me, and she should be.  I sob, struggling against Liam’s hold on me, barely registering the sound of machines over my own yelling.  “You ran away and left him to worry about you for over a year, but he never stopped looking for you.  He never gave up!  How the hell can you justify giving up on him now?”

“It’s not giving up, it’s mercy,” she cries.

“No, please, no Savannah, don’t do this…don’t do this, please,” I wail as my knees give out.

“Look what this is doing to her…to me…” Liam cries as he struggles to hold me up.  “Look what it will do to everyone that loves him…Savannah, please…”

“Do you think this is easy for me?” she cries.  “I love him too.”

“Then give him more time, that’s all I ask.  Let me bring in another medical team. Don’t do this…”

 “Liam, I have t…”

“LET ME GO, I HAVE SOMEWHERE TO BE!”

My heart feels like it is going to beat out of my chest the moment the shouted words echo through the corridor, drowning out our own voices and cries.  I know that voice, I’d know it anywhere.  Looking around I finally see Dr. Hastings and Holly are gone.  Ripping at Liam’s hands, I free myself from his hold and race back to Drake’s room.

“I have somewhere to be, you have to let me go…I have somewhere to be!”

“Drake?” I gasp, paralyzed and frozen in place from shock.  I watch as Dr. Hastings, Holly, and two other nurses struggle to restrain Drake and I can’t tell if it’s real or just my mind’s trauma response to my fight with Savannah.

“He was awake when we responded to the alarms,” Dr. Hastings explains.  “We managed to get him extubated, but he’s agitated and disoriented.”

I try to make sense of what I’m hearing but I feel like I am in a daze.  “Drake?” I cry again.

“Nevin?  Nevin!” Drake shouts, ripping at his IV’s and fighting against the doctors’ hold.

The sound of my name from his lips breaks me from my trance.  “No, no, no,” I rush forward, full of longing to touch him and convince myself this is real.

“If he can’t calm down, we’ll need to sedate him,” Dr. Hastings says.

“No, No,” I shake my head, sitting down on Drake’s bed.  Clutching his hands in one of mine, I bring my other hand to his cheek.  “Calm down…you have to calm down.”

Drake shakes his head, disoriented and trying to talk between coughing fits.  “I needed to get to you…to the cemetery…I needed…”

I wrap my arms around him, and I feel the tension roll off his body as he relaxes into me.  “I’m here, I’m here…” I soothe, running my fingers through his hair.

“How?  When?” he asks as his body starts to shake with sobs.  “What happened?”

I pull back and cup his cheeks.  “Don’t worry about that right now,” I whisper, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. “I’m here, and I love you, and right now, you just need to stay calm and let the doctors check you out.”

Drake returns my kiss fervently before feathering kisses all over my face and pulling me desperately into his arms.  “Hold on to me…hold on to me…” he mutters as he cries.

“I will, Drake…I will…and I promise, I’m never letting go.”

#quote me on this challenge #choices fic writers creations #writing prompt #trr #trr drake x mc #trr drake #trr mc #trr fanfic #the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #drake walker

[bebepac]

Garden Party Photo Op

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

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

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

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

The Book: TRR

The Pairings: Liam x Riley

Rating:  PG

Warnings:  Adult Language

Word Count: 2428

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Thank you.”

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

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

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

 to take his photograph for his badge.

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

“Don’t smile in this photo.”

“Oh, sorry.”    

Nico quickly made his face serious and level once more.

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

“Thank you sir.”  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It's not that. I love you mama.”  

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

Nico laughed,

 "Goodbye Mama." disconnecting the call.

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

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

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

“What are you about to do?”  

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

“Want company?”  

“Sure.”  

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

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

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

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

“Good to know.”  

Riley

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

Maxwell smiled as he walked through the door.

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

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

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

He looked her over.  

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

“Still getting used to the time difference.”  

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

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

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

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

“Meow.”  

Maxwell chuckled.  

“Do not encourage her Maxwell.”  

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

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

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

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

“Or the monthly monster.”  

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

“You two!!! Stop it! I mean it.”  

Maxwell cleared his throat.

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

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

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

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

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

Betrand laughed out loud.  

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

Once Bertrand had left, Maxwell peered at Riley.

“Little Blossom….”  

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

“I trust you.”  

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

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

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

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

“I’m so glad you’re here Lady Riley.”

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

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

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

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

“That’s the plan!”  

“Shall we go and grab a seat?”  

“Lets, my dogs are barking!”

“Okay Penelope.” Hana commented with a giggle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Direct Hit!

“Whoops!”  Riley exclaimed.

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

Flawless Victory!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Well, it is now.”

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

Photo Op Time

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

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

“Natural chemistry has  finally entered the chat.”  

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

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

“That’s a lovely gesture Lady Riley.”  

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

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

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

“I request a copy of that one Ana.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just Breathe....

#bebepac writes #the life of riley #riley goes to cordonia #liam x riley forever #choices fanfiction #play choices #trr liam #trr riley brooks #trr nico

[masked-alien-lesbian]

Ever since I heard Message in a Bottle by Taylor Swift on the radio, I can't help but replace London with Shanghai

In the beginning of TRR book 2, Bertrand puts Riley through a gauntlet of etiquette and decorum lessons before she goes back to court to save her reputation. While Riley is busy with all that, her twin, Raelyn is going through some things herself. Right before the news broke that pushed Riley out of being a contender for the Prince's hand, Raelyn and Hana had confessed their feelings for each other. But the King had the twins kicked out of the palace and almost out of Cordonia and Hana's parents had her called back home to China.

I just always imagined what it must have been like for Raelyn and Hana being separated 1000s of miles apart after briefly experiencing a love like no other. And Message in a Bottle is one of several songs that felt appropriate for the two.

How is it in Shanghai?

Where were you while I'm wonderin'

If I'd ever see you again?

....

You could be the one that I love.

#Idk if it's sad but #A ton of songs I hear #I immediately think #Oh that would match their Heartbreak Era #Or that's a love song for Hana #Oh that's a wedding song #choices #pixelberry #playchoices #hana lee #the royal romance #Hana #Hana x f!OC

[txemrn]

Pairing: King Liam Rys x MC (Queen Riley Brooks-Rys)

Word Count: ~2400

Music Inspo: "Pearls" by Samantha Gongol

Base in Play: Third Base

Warning: 🔞Mature Audiences Only🔞 NSFW; language; very brief mentions of war

A/N: This is my submission for @springfeverpitch. These events are part of my Pour Two Glasses universe, but you don't have to read PTG to understand this one-shot (it says "duet," but it's only going to be a one-shot). These characters and some plot points belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Not truly beta'd; please excuse my errors. 

~🖤~

Silver shadows from the pale, full moon dance carelessly across the stillness of the inky-dark bedroom. Save for the whisper of the secondhand on a wall clock, the silence is piercing, almost deafening with its loneliness. It's just past 1AM, and after making yet another public appearance solo, Queen Riley Rys has worried herself into an exhausted, lonely slumber. 

The unrest of Central Mali broke out almost two months ago, sending Cordonia as well as other committed allies of the United Nations of the Mediterranean into action to restore peace. King Liam Rys was appointed as a political mediator, and he is currently serving his first classified mission.

It's been nine days since he left. Nine. Nine mornings without his crooning. Nine evenings without his touch. Nine days of not knowing where he is, or if he's alright, or when he's coming back.

Though she had stately matters of her own to tend to, the queen found herself becoming more and more anxious without the other half of her heart near. She was always well-aware that something like this could happen, given her husband’s excellent leadership and peace-keeping skills. She just hoped it wouldn't happen.

With dry streams of mascara settling on the soft contours of her skin, Riley lays across her marriage bed like a broken rag doll: clearly uncomfortable, but clearly desperate for sleep. She's uncovered, her body resting on top of the made-up duvet and topper along with the ornamental throw pillows, unconcerned with the drafty cool air from the night.  

She did manage to grab her husband’s pillow, planting her face cozy amongst the fibers scented like him.  Intoxicated by the remnants of his essence, her body had relaxed into a blissful sleep.

Still adorned in her wine-colored cocktail dress, the weary queen had only managed to remove her heels and shapewear before crashing into bed–and even those items had been thrown chaotically onto the floor. Even her heavily beaded earrings along with their matching pearl necklace remain fastened in place despite the impressions on her delicate skin.

In the stillness of the early morning,  something startles Riley awake. Lifting her head in confusion, she surveys her bedroom, quickly noticing she was still dressed from the fundraiser.  She goes to rub her heavy eyes–and she hears it again. But this time, she recognizes it. Her phone.

Aimlessly reaching around the bed in the blur of the dark, her fingers frantically stumble across her cell. Squinting, she looks at the screen. And then a huge sigh of relief escapes her lungs as she answers.

"Liam?" Her voice roughly croaks. "Baby?"

"Hey, darling," he handsomely chuckles, "have you poured my glass yet?"

Riley squeezes her eyes closed, bowing her head as joyous sobs crawl from her chest. "Are you coming home to me?"

"I am–"

"When?" Riley eagerly interjects, climbing to her knees on the bed. "Please," her breath shudders, "please tell me soon."

"Well, my queen–" suddenly, a deep baritone whisper of an echo floats into the room from the shadows of the hallway.  "--how about… right… now?"

The phone slips through Riley's trembling fingers. Her glistening stormy blue eyes grow wide with indescribable shock as she slowly glances towards the opening bedroom door.

And just like that, he was there, all six-foot-three-inches of his brawny physique, standing in the entrance to their master suite.

"Liam," she whimpers under her breath, "Oh-my-God, Liam!" She stumbles out of bed, dashing into his strong arms.  Crashing into his body, she bounces on her toes, locking her hands behind his neck.

As she jumps, Liam grips firmly under her thighs, lifting her legs to wrap around his waist. His large, wandering hands slip to her ass, his insatiable touch caressing each cheek intimately.

"You're here." Her whimper dissipates into the pulsating air as Liam's mouth instantly melts into her starving pout.  His kiss intensifies, the languid flick of his tongue coaxing her lips apart. Soft mewls of desperation seep from her chest as warm streams spill from her stormy pools.

"I'm sorry," he retreats for air, resting his forehead against hers. "I'm so sorry for taking so long to come back to you–"

"Shhh–" Riley hums, sucking gently on his top lip. "You're here now," she heavily breathes as Liam collects her back into a passionate kiss, her mouth swelling against his ravaging bite. 

With an untamed growl spilling from his lips, Liam carries his wife into their bedroom, pinning her docile body to the wall. "Fuck," he exhales roughly, a pained expression on his chiseled face. "I missed you… so much, my queen."  A hand cups the velveteen skin of her cheek, his thumb dragging across her bruised lips. Liam's stone blue eyes eclipse to obsidian as Riley teases the tip of his thumb with her tongue. 

Her doe-shaped eyes entangle with his lust-filled stare; an innocence sparkles in her pools, pleading to be consumed by his carnal heat. "Show me how much, your majesty."

A feral snarl escapes the king as he lowers Riley to her feet. Hastily, he spins her, pressing her to face the wall, her body colliding against the hard surface as he cages her in with his daunting frame. He collects her wrists, locking them above her head with a single hand. His other fist gathers the hem of her dress, exposing the swells of her bare bottom.

With a heady darkness in his timbre, he chuckles, tisking with his tongue. "What do we have here?" He swiftly spanks her ass, a moan belting from her voice. "No panties?" He lets out another titter, his hand massaging the welt growing across her skin. "Have you been missing me, my love? At night?" His palm wanders down her curves, finding her slick, wet center. "Have you been imagining your fingers as me?"

Riley whimpers with greed, feeling her husband's cock grow hard against her lower back. "Liam," she breathes. Unable to move anything else, she presses her backside desperately against his length.

He hisses in pleasure. "Such an eager little queen." He unfastens his belt, and unzips his pants, his considerable size spilling free from its confines.  Barely able to fit his own hand around the girth of his shaft, he pushes himself under Riley. With her pussy drenched with her desire, he slides himself into her slit between her lips, his sensitive head brushing against her clit. "Can you feel…" his breath shudders, biting his lip, "… how much I've missed you now?"  

He slides himself tenderly between her folds as he nuzzles his mouth into her neck, basking in the mewls escaping her throat. Nipping at the delicate flesh on her shoulders, he takes his hardened length in his hand, lining himself up with her slick entrance. "Maybe this will show you how much I’ve–"

Suddenly, Liam's pocket begins to vibrate, the chime of a phone call slicing through the sensual moment.

"Damnit!" He grumbles, silencing the ring as he tosses the phone to a tufted bench. "Now," he tenderly kisses the nape of his wife's neck, caressing her curves fervently. "Where were we?"

His phone alarms again.

But Liam doesn't stop. 

"Baby," Riley grimaces, her husband’s movements becoming harsh, beastly. "Maybe you should–"

"They can fucking wait!" He growls, a piece of his well-groomed, well-styled hair falling into his eyes. "Let's just–" 

There's an abrupt pounding on the door as Liam's phone continues to wail into the darkness of the quarters.

"Liam, it's okay," Riley gently coddles his arm.

"No. This is not okay," he bites, grabbing his phone. "I swear to God, we better be under siege." He glares at his wife, raking back his blond wisps, "and even then, I will take you, ravage you under gunpoint!"

Riley clamps her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter from her husband’s insatiable appetite. She feels unbelievably good, absolutely perfect, indescribably complete having her kinky king reunited with her under one roof. Sure, she can care for herself independently–not to mention, rule an entire country in his absence... but why would she want to if it was her choice?

Liam glares at the unknown number when all of a sudden, the master bedroom door comes crashing in. Riley squeals, pulling the skirt of her dress down as Liam tucks himself painfully back into his pants. 

And he growls.

"Drake!" Liam holds his arms out in a shrug. "What in the actual fu–?"

The king's royal guard snickers, shielding his face with a hand. "Dude, Li, we just dropped you off, like, ten fucking minutes ago–"

"--and you were supposed to be taking inventory of our equipment," he snarls under his breath.

"Well, I was… until someone forgot to get on the call," Drake retorts, crossing his arms. "Maddie has been blowing up my phone, wondering why you haven't joined the UNM conference."

"Conference call?" Riley steps forward, nervously playing with her necklace. "It's the middle of the night–"

"I understand," Drake nods, holding his hands up in defense. "The other allies were notified of Liam's return, and they want to know how everything went."

"Seriously?" Riley raises an eyebrow. "He's been away from his own fucking bed–excuse me–his own bed for nine days. Can they just let Li at least get a good night's sleep?"

Drake gives a pained, sorrowful look at Riley before turning back to his best friend.

"Okay…" Riley's face etches with confusion, "what aren't you guys telling me?"

Liam sighs, dragging his hand down his face. "Drake, tell Maddie I'll take the call from my personal study in five."

The commoner gives a curt nod before excusing himself from the bedroom. Liam saunters closer to his wife before taking her in his arms, resting his lips against her temple.

"William," she ducks out from under his chin, her eyes searching his powder-blue gaze. "Tell me the truth."

He laces his fingers with hers before kissing her knuckles. "Come with me." 

Hand-in-hand, they mosey through the quarters down a long hallway just past the kitchen. Liam and Riley have their own offices in the palace as their point-of-contact throughout the day, but this home study served as an after-hour workbench, a private reprieve for more personal matters while being in the comforts of home and apart from royal security.

Liam guides her into the wood paneled study, surrounded by built-in bookshelves and reference materials. "Baby," he takes her other hand, "I might have to go back."

Riley furrows her eyebrows, a smirk growing on her lips. "Okay," she squeezes his hands, "I know–"

"-- in a few hours," he interjects. 

She freezes, dropping her husband's hands. She starts to smile, but quickly realizes her husband isn't joking.  "No," she whispers before scoffing, her voice becoming angry. "No. Absolutely not."

Liam hangs his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. He's not the least bit upset with how Riley took the news; he knows exactly how she feels. He's beyond frustrated with the situation himself, and knowing that it's burdening–rather hurting the other half of his heart makes it even worse. 

The past nine days have been a complete nightmare without his wife by his side. Being without her, even for just a moment, is like being robbed of oxygen. He never understood what it meant to be in love; he never understood its all-consuming power, its life-crushing grip, its overwhelming stake it could–and would drive into every fiber of his being… that is until Riley Brooks walked into his life.  And although he is more than competent, more than able, boasting incredible intelligence and wisdom in his skills as a leader, the love he shares with his wife makes everything clearer, better. He never knew he was in the dark before she became his light. He never knew he was thirsty until she became his nourishment. And now that he knows how good life can be, he hates every second away from her.

"That's why they want to hold this briefing," Liam starts, watching Riley pace. "And they agree that if some of the challenges I met during this mission can be solved elsewhere," he sighs heavily, "baby, I'm looking at leaving… in a few hours–"

Riley twirls around, tears gathering in her stormy blues. She stares blankly at her husband. Then, she shakes her head, reality hitting her.  "Do they not realize you have a country and–and responsibilities and a life?" Her words tremble as Liam envelops her in his strong arms.  He fists her dark raven curls, pressing her cheek into his broad chest. 

"Shhh," he lovingly hums, "I know–"

"What about us?" She sniffles. "What about… what about our family?"

"Hey," he hooks his finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to his. "We're still us," a crooked smile pulls at his mouth, "and our best years are yet to come, Riley Rys." 

Wrapping her arms around her husband, she rests her head on the firm plains of his chest as he nestles his nose into her curls, breathing her in deeply. "I just really miss you, baby," she barely murmurs.

"I know, love," Liam pushes her hair behind her ear. "But, I'm always going to come back," he lays his palm on his wife's chest, her heartbeat reverberating against his fingertips. "And I'm always right here."

Riley giggles, wiping away her tears. "Pour two glasses?"

Liam presses his lips into hers, a burst of heat blossoming in their touch. "Pour two glasses."

The sudden shrill of the telephone rings from the desk. Liam hugs Riley close, kissing the tip of her nose before reaching for the study phone. 

"Maddie?" He answers, "yeah, I'm here… no, go ahead and put me through… would you like a copy?... I can. Let me send that to…" Liam stumbles over his words as his possessive eyes track his wife, heading towards the exit.  "Hold on, Mads." 

He holds his hand over the receiver as he jogs over to the entryway. As Riley turns the handle to leave, Liam puts his hand on the solid wood, pushing the door closed.

"And… where do you think you're going?"

Riley stares at her husband's hand, the side of her mouth curling into a smirk. She slowly looks up to challenge him, but is instantly captivated by his lust-filled glare. “I was just–”

He holds a finger to her mouth, instantly silencing her as his eyes smolder hauntingly.

“Your king has not dismissed you yet.”

~🖤~

I haven't been feeling great about tags recently, so I am not going to be tagging anyone in this fic. If you are reading this, I appreciate your understanding, and I appreciate you taking the time to read this.

#spring fever pitch #choices spring fever pitch #choices sfp

[angelasscribbles]

Change of Plans

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

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Riley x Drake

Rating: Teen

Warnings for this chapter: None

Word Count: 1,900

A/N: For those who aren't familiar with my TRR stuff, I always make Drake a captain in the royal guard. This is a one-shot AU where Drake goes after her to the airport the night of the coronation.

My submission for @choicesprompts

My other stuff: Master List.

“I didn’t mean it like that!”

“How did you mean it then?”

“You know…in a good way!”

“In what universe could what you just said be construed in a good way?”

They stood facing each other, hearts pounding, chests heaving with emotion.

Neither wanted to be the first to admit their feelings to the other.

“I’m leaving!”

“Wait! Please don’t! I….I’m ready to tell you the truth!”

Riley spun back toward Drake in the middle of the airport concourse, fury snapping in her eyes, arms folded across her chest, “What could you possibly have to say to follow that?”

If looks could kill, he’d be dead, resurrected, and killed again. She was mad. More than mad. She was furious and from the look in her eyes, out for blood. His.

But as afraid as he was to admit the truth to her, he was more afraid that if he let her walk away and get on that plane, she’d walk right out of his life forever and he’d never see her again.

“Okay, first of all,” he held his hands out in front of him in the universal gesture of surrender, “I would like a chance to rephrase that last statement! Please!”

“What’s there to say, Drake? You literally just said I told you so and insinuated that I’m not good enough to be here! As if any of what just happened was my fault! You of all people know the truth about what really happened that night!” She hated herself for the tears that swam in her eyes. She didn’t want him to think he’d made her sad when really they were angry tears, hot and bitter.

“No…” he shook his head slowly but resolutely, “When I said that I tried to warn you about what it was like here, that wasn’t an I told you so…okay, maybe it was but not in a mean way!”

“What other way is there to take that?”

“In an ‘I’m sorry you’re going through this’ kind of way!”

“And the rest of it?”

He drew in a deep, steadying breath before replying, “When I said that you didn’t belong here, I meant there, the palace, specifically, not here in Cordonia.”

“What’s the difference?” She snapped.

“There’s a huge difference, Riley! I didn’t mean that you weren’t good enough for them! I meant that they aren’t good enough for you!”

“What do you mean?” She sniffled, the flames of anger banked, but ready to flare again if he said the wrong thing.

“I mean….” He lowered his hands and chanced a step toward her, “You’re kind and you’re real, and that’s the opposite of what those stuck-up, entitled jackasses that hang around the palace just to kiss Liam’s ass are!”

“Yeah?” she asked, slightly mollified.

“Yeah,” he affirmed, taking another step toward her and reaching out to touch her face, “And your smart and funny and a bad ass at trivial pursuit and you’re the only person I know that can get Max to act right! I mean, you’re fucking amazing is what you are!”

She felt a flush creep up the back of her neck as her face flamed with heat, “What was that truth you were ready to tell me?”

Before he could answer, they were interpreted by a guardsman stepping forward and reaching for her arm, “Time to go!”

Drake moved between them and pushed Riley behind him, “She’s not going anywhere!”

“But, sir-“

“Lay a hand on her at your peril Lieutenant.”

“But my orders-“

“What were your orders exactly and where did they come from?”

“From my commanding officer, sir, Bastien Lykel. My orders were to remove her from the premises and escort her to the airport.”

“Which you’ve done,” Drake said through clenched teeth, “So you can go. I’ll take it from here.”

“Sir? I-“

“Dismissed, soldier!”

“Yes, Captain!” The man gave Riley a quick nod then turned on his heel and motioned to the other guard that had brought her to the airport.

As she watched them leave, she softly told him, “Thank you.”

“Yeah, it was nothing,” his face pinkened as he rubbed the back of his neck, “you’re welcome.”

“How did you get here so fast?”

“Well, when I couldn’t catch the car they put you in, I ran all the way back to the damn garages to get my bike and then exceeded every posted speed limit on the way here.”

“Why?”

“Why?” his eyes widened in astonishment, “To get to you before they put you on that fucking plane!”  

“But why?” She asked again, her eyes darting back and forth between his face and the floor.

He blew out a nervous breath. He said he was ready to tell her the truth and here it was…the moment of truth. “Because I….because I like you, Riley! And I mean like you, like you…and I would have chased you all the way across the goddamn ocean if I had to!”

Happiness brimmed up in her heart, “You like me?”

“Yes, okay? I like you! I know I don’t show it most of the time but-“

A smile broke out across her face, “I like you too!”

His eyes snapped to her face, “You do?”

“Uh-huh,” she nodded happily, biting into her lower lip.

“There you are!”

Riley and Drake both turned toward the voice to find Max and Bertrand hurrying through the terminal in their direction.

Max swept her into a hug while Bertrand held back. After a brief conversation about what had actually happened the night Tariq came into her room, Bertrand laid out his plan for her to go with them to Ramsford, learn all the ins and outs of court and join Liam and Madeliene’s engagement tour.

“So you’re coming home with us,” Bertrand finished as he motioned toward the exit.

“The hell she is!” Drake barked as he took her arm and pulled her to him. Then he looked down at her and lowered his voice several decibels as he said, “Unless you want to go back to Ramsford and take princess lessons and do all the rest of that shit he just said.”

She shook her head, unable to hold back her smile as she laced her fingers through his, “No. I’d rather go with you! But I don’t think I can go back to the palace right now-“

“No need. I have a cabin in the woods on Lake Kenna we can stay at…I mean, if you want to that is…”

“Yes!” She answered quickly, “I want to!”

“Good!” He squeezed her hand and pulled her toward the exit, “Max, could you grab her bags? I can’t fit those on the back of my bike. You can drop them off at my place or we can come to Ramsford to pick them up tomorrow after I go back and get my car.”

“Yes!” Max agreed, “I’m so excited for you two! I knew it! I told you he liked you back!” Max squealed.

“But….” Bertrand spluttered as he hurried to keep up with them, “how are you going to win Liam back if you don’t come with us and go on the engagement tour?”

“Who says I want to win Liam back?”

“I…oh…what’s happening?”

“I’m sorry, Bertrand,” she turned to face him as they stopped on the walkway outside the terminal. “I know I came here to see if there was any real chance with Liam and I know this isn’t how you wanted things to end, but there wasn’t a real chance, that spark fizzled and died. I developed feelings for someone else.”

“Who?” He demanded before his fell to their clasped hands, “Oh….OH! Drake? Really?”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” Drake huffed, “It’s insulting.”

“Well, I for one am happy for you both!” Max dropped her suitcases on the cement walkway so he could hug her again.

“Don’t hug me, Beaumont,” Drake warned as Max turned toward him with a grin.

“Fine,” Max’s face never lost the expression of pure gloating joy, “but I knew it! You were so fucking obvious, Drake!”

Drake looked away from the group and pushed out a breath of surprise before turning his head back to Riley, “Was I?”

“Little bit.”

“Well, it wasn’t obvious to me!” Bertrand protested, “How long has this been going on?”

“He kissed me in your study the night before the Beaumont Bash,” Riley answered.

Drake’s eyebrows raised, “Um…who kissed who, precisely?”

“Ok, Walker, I’ll give you that one, but you definitely kissed me earlier tonight, just before the coronation,” she said, her voice full of vindicated satisfaction.

“You….what?” Bertrand was spluttering again, “You….you kissed one of the king’s suitors minutes before she could have become your queen? What…what is wrong with you, man? What were you thinking?”

Drake surprised himself by not being embarrassed at the sappy grin that spread across his face, “I was thinking that if she was about to be engaged to my best friend, it was my last chance to kiss her and that I’d be a damned fool if I didn’t take it! And I stand by that.”

He turned his body into hers and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close as his head dipped down to capture her lips with his.

Riley tipped her head back and leaned into him, returning his kiss with heat, fire, and passion, oblivious to strangers scurrying past, Bertrand’s scandalized gasp, and Max doing a happy dance next to them.

“Ahem!” Bertrand cleared his throat, loudly, “I…ah…am happy for you both, truly. I was just surprised. Still, propriety, please. Maybe save that for behind closed doors? There could be paparazzi anywhere out here and you’re already under a scandal for-“

“I don’t care,” she told him as she pulled away from Drake.

“What? But-“

“I did nothing wrong, and everyone that matters to me knows it. I’ll get around to making a statement telling the truth, but right now, all I want to do is be alone with Drake. We have some things to….figure out.”

And she certainly wasn’t going on any engagement tour. Fuck that.

The luggage was loaded into the limo and Bertrand asked, “Are you sure you don’t want a ride? We have a perfectly good car here, you don’t have to climb on the back of that death trap.”

“Hey!” Drake huffed, “That’s a top of the line Ducati and I’m an excellent rider!”

“Ah, Bert, you do care,” Riley stepped into him and drew him into a quick embrace.

The older Beaumont returned her gesture, “I have become quite…fond of you, Lady Riley. I do consider you family. You will always be a member of  House Beaumont.”

“You’re going to make me cry!” She told him as she pulled away, wiping at her eyes.

“Me too!” Max agreed. “That was like a huge emotional declaration coming from my brother!”

She hugged Max goodbye as well and Drake helped her on the back of his bike, “You ready for this?” he asked as he handed her a helmet.

“More ready than I’ve ever been for anything in my life,” she told him.

“Good. Hold on tight,” he said as he started the bike and it lurched forward, into the darkness.

She held on to him with everything she had as they flew down the asphalt, hurtling through the Cordonian night, away from the palace and toward their future.

#trr au #drake walker #choicesprompts #angst with a happy ending #one shot #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

[tessa-liam]

I bet my Alex and your Riley will get great friends. Eeek, imagine Alex decides to visit her old friend from NY, Riley in Cordonia and enjoys some of sights as a tourist with Nik.

Yup, she convinced him somehow. Whether she visits Cordonia alone or with Nik who will protect her from anything, lol. He likes to know if she's safe, it is an foreign country afterall even though he wasn't interested.

Alex can't believe Riley [oops... she means, Queen Riley or her Highness] is married with a charming royalty. She would feel honored to finally meet Riley and her husband, King Liam. His royal highness of Cordonia *royal curtsy*.

Plus, does Queen Riley has any royal tips for Alex (secret fae royalty)? Etiquette rules, etc??

Thank you, for your precious and royal time. Have a Queen-ly day 👑

Thank you for the ask @ladylamrian! 💕💕💕

You know, this would make an interesting story idea🤔...

Liam & Riley are definitely royalty, but with their friends, out of the spotlight, they want to lead a normal and down to earth lifestyle.

So, that means all royal protocols are 'out the window' while out of the spotlight.

And in the spotlight, Riley tips would include wearing the latest fashion trends with exclusive designer shoes.

(and that goes for Nik as well 😉)

#tessa liam asks

[harleybeaumont]

Unintentional

Chapter 4 - The Nightclub 

Book: The Royal Romance AU

Pairings - Liam x Hana, Drake x Riley, Maxwell x OC

Synopsis- Since childhood, Liam has held a terrible secret that even he doesn't know about. As the years go by, he suspects more and more that there is something wrong with him. Can he put his life together and find happiness?

A/N- The first 4 chapters will have the feel of a one-shot, as each one is a glimpse into Liam’s past. But as the story goes on, they will all tie together. 

A/N 2- This story is a bit different than what I usually write.. Ok a LOT different. Some terrible things have happened during Liam's life.. But the story isn’t without humor or joy. I swear it’s not all bad! The characters are still canon in the sense of their whole overall personalities, but of course there are several changes to fit the story.

**A/N 3- This is the last flashback chapter! The next chapter will start what is currently happening in Liam’s life!

Series Warnings- oh so many: language, drinking, violence, sexual assault, abuse, murder, homophobia, bullying, mentions of suicide.. Also there will be some lemons in later chapters. 

Word count- 3,620

18+ only

Click here to catch up.

Chapter 4 - The Nightclub

The fourth time it happened, he was twenty-four. Liam and his girlfriend were headed out for a group date with Drake and his fiance and Max and his boyfriend. 

Liam and Hana met during Leo’s social season where the older Rys brother courted several different suitors, trying to choose a suitable bride. Unsurprisingly to Liam, Madeleine used every trick in the book to get Leo to fall for her. Poor guy. Liam tried to warn him, but Maddie was determined to be queen someday and changed herself to be the exact woman Leo wanted. They were married a few months after the social season ended.

Hana, on the other hand, was a sweetheart. She was always smiling and doting on Liam and he felt comfortable around her. They had been dating for six months and the two got along well. Maybe they didn't love each other, but.. he was happy. And so was she.

Drake met Riley Brooks while visiting one of his fraternity friends in New York after graduation. Riley was a waitress at a bar they went to and they immediately hit it off. Riley kept Drake from being what Liam called a ‘bro.’ She moved to Cordonia with Drake after only knowing each other for three months and he proposed after six. It was an extremely un-Drake-like thing to do, but they were clearly in love, and Liam was happy for them.

Max met Hunter at a nightclub. Hunter was working as a bartender, and like everyone else in the room, was entranced by Maxwell's dancing. The two had been dating for a couple months. Liam was surprised that Hunter was Max’s type. He was a bit more.. rough around the edges than the guys Max usually went for. But sometimes opposites attract.

Liam and Hana stepped out of the car and found Drake and Riley both walking in the restaurant at the same time as them.

“Hey Hana!” Riley threw her arms around her. Hana and Riley quickly became best friends once they met, and were inseparable. 

Drake nodded to Liam. “Max and Hunter are already inside.”

“No hug for me?” Liam joked with his friend as he watched the girls giggling together while they spoke in hushed tones.

Drake shook his head with a smirk. “You know I’m not a hugger.”

“Hey!” Riley jumped on his back. “You hug me all the time!”

“You're an exception.” Drake smiled as he pulled her around to him and gave her a quick kiss.

“Awww.” Hana beamed at them. “I can't wait for the wedding!”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Drake said and Riley frowned at him. “What?” He looked at her nervously. “I’m just saying that we haven't set a date yet! We have plenty of time!”

Riley punched his arm. “I know what you meant. I just like fucking with you.”

“Don't I know it.” Drake rolled his eyes teasingly.

They walked into the restaurant and headed back toward a private room where Max and Hunter were waiting. Maxwell hopped up and ran over to the group.

“My frieeeeends!” He took turns hugging each of them.

“We just saw you like a week ago!” Drake said as he pried Max off of him.

“I know, but I just love you guys.” Max winked, hugging Liam next.

“We love you too Max.” Liam chuckled as he patted him on the back. Liam nodded to Hunter, who was looking at him and Hana strangely. “Hunter, how have you been?”

“Fine.” He said coldly and looked down at his phone.

That was weird. Liam shrugged it off and sat down between Hana and Maxwell. The night was full of laughing and drinking as the friends enjoyed each other's company. 

Hunter put his arm around Max. “So you guys wanna get out of here and do something fun?”

Max looked at him in surprise. “I thought we were having fun?”

“I mean real fun! How about a nightclub?” Hunter pressed a kiss to Maxwell's cheek. “I wanna see you get out there and show everyone why my boyfriend is the best dancer around.”

Max blushed. “I mean.. If you guys are up for it.”

Liam and Hana shrugged, “Sure!”

Drake groaned and Riley covered his mouth. “We’d love to!”

They all piled in the back of Liam’s limo and made their way to a club Hunter frequented. As they pulled up, loud music poured out into the street and Drake gave Liam a disgusted frown. 

Liam chuckled and nudged Riley. “You’re gonna have to keep an eye on him so he doesn’t sneak out.”

She winked, grabbing Drake's arm tightly. “Don’t worry. I got him. He wouldn't dare leave me alone in a club when I look this hot!”

Liam put an arm around Hana, as Hunter led them to the front of the line. Liam always tried to keep his head down in public so he wouldn't be recognized. Sometimes it was embarrassing that he got preferential treatment just because he was royalty. Hunter grabbed Maxwell and shoved him a bit too roughly toward the bouncer. “You better let us in! I've got Lord Maxwell Beaumont here.” Liam scowled, feeling a familiar spark of anger in his chest at how this guy treated Max. Hunter continued, “And if that’s not enough to sway you, in the back is the actual fucking Prince of our great nation!”

Shit. Liam cringed, trying to look away as people began to stare and gossip. The bouncer took one look at Liam and Max and let them all right in. 

“You promised you wouldn't do that anymore!” Max whispered to Hunter.

“What?!” Hunter glowered at him. “It worked didn’t it? Gotta use that title for something, right Max?”

As Max and Hunter walked ahead, the other four exchanged wary glances. “This guy won't last long.” Liam said quietly to Drake.

Drake shook his head, “God I hope not.”

Riley, Hana, Maxwell, and Hunter ran out to the dance floor and Drake and Liam headed to the bar. Liam wasn’t much for club dancing, and Drake definitely wasn't. At least not until he was drunk. Liam and Drake sipped their drinks, watching their friends dance. 

Drake cleared his throat. “So, um.. I have something kind of.. awkward to tell you.”

“What's that?” Liam eyed him curiously.

“God I don't even know how to say it. I don’t want to piss you off, but I just.. have to tell you.” Drake cleared his throat. “Riley.. Uh. She asked if Hana could have a threesome with me and her.” Drake was blushing furiously and staring out on the dance floor.

“I know.” Liam chuckled. 

“You know?” Drake snapped his gaze to Liam as his mouth dropped open in surprise.

Liam smiled. “Hana told me. She said Riley and her had discussed it before and she wanted to see if I was ok with it.”

“And you are?” Drake raised an eyebrow.

“Sure. I don’t own her.”

“But.. Hana’s your girlfriend. You don't care that she wants to sleep with me and Riley?”

Liam shrugged. “Nah.”

Drake was quiet, but his brow was furrowed and Liam could tell his mind was racing. “Drake.. Hana and I..” Liam sighed. “I mean.. we're good friends, but we just don't really see each other that way. I’ve tried, and so has she.”

Drake looked dumbfounded. “What?! Why are you two dating then?”

“Companionship, I suppose. It’s nice to have someone who’s there for you.” Liam turned to Drake. “And if I’m honest.. I think Hana is more into women.”

“I feel like I’m in the twilight zone.. How have you never told me any of this?!”

Liam laughed loudly. “I don’t know! I just thought it was obvious!” Liam nodded toward Hana who was grinding against a woman on the dance floor. “I mean, look at her. You ever see her do that with a man before? With me?”

“I.. guess not.”

Liam chuckled. “Enjoy your threesome.”

Drake burst out laughing, nearly spilling his drink. “Um, ya I think I will!”

The two of them laughed together and sipped their drinks. After a few more songs, Riley made her way back over to Drake and plopped down in his lap. 

“I’m so tired and sweaty! How can anyone keep up with Max?” She panted as she grabbed Drake's whiskey and turned it up, downing it in one gulp.

Drake wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. “A question for the ages.”

“Where is Hana by the way?” Liam looked around the dance floor, but she was nowhere to be seen. Maxwell was still dancing, but Hunter was gone too. “I’m going to go look for her. I don't want to leave her alone in here.”

“I’ll check the restroom.” Riley said as she followed Liam. The two of them made their way to the back of the club and Riley checked all the stalls, but Hana wasn't there.

“She’s not answering her phone.” Liam tried calling her again, but it went straight to voicemail.

“That’s weird.. She always keeps it on.” Riley gave Liam a concerned look.

“Let’s look around.” Liam was actually getting worried now. Hana never went off by herself. They found the woman who she had been dancing with earlier and asked her if she knew where Hana went. The woman said she went to get drinks with a man. 

“What did the man look like?” Liam asked.

“Um.. tall.. tan skin..” The woman spotted Maxwell, “Oh! He was dancing with that guy before!”

“Thank you.” Liam walked back to the bar with Riley, feeling confused. “So she left with Hunter? Where would they go?”

“I know she wouldn't leave without telling me.” Riley shook her head, her brow still knit with worry.

“Stay here and keep looking around. I’m going to check outside.” Liam felt his pulse quicken as he made his way across the room and out the back exit. Surely Hana was ok. She was with Hunter.. And he was their friend. Kinda.

Liam stepped out into the dark back alley and glanced around. If the guards knew he was doing this, they would lose their minds. He had convinced them to let him go out tonight with only minimal security stationed at the entrance and one undercover at the bar. They obviously didn’t know where he was now.

Liam cautiously walked down the back alley. There was no way Hana was out here. It was way too creepy. He started to walk back inside when he heard a muffled shout. “Hana?” Liam called out as he made his way over toward the noise.

“Get off of me!”

Liam’s eyes widened. That was definitely Hana’s voice. He ran around the side of the building and found Hunter holding a hand over her mouth while the other was pulling at her clothes. He began kissing her forcefully and Hana was trying her best to fend him off. Liam grabbed Hunter and threw him to the ground. This fucker is dead. Hunter groaned in pain and Liam knelt over him, punching him repeatedly as he tried to escape. Liam knew deep down that he should stop, but he was so consumed by his anger, he didn't think he could.

“Liam!” Hana yelled, and as always, her voice instantly calmed him down. “You have to stop hitting him! You’re gonna kill him!” Liam’s heart was beating out of his chest as he stilled his hand, and a bloodied man lay beneath him, moaning in agony. 

Liam stood up panting and wrapped his arms around Hana tightly, as she sobbed into his chest. “I’m ok. I swear, I’m ok..” She spoke between sniffles. Liam reached in his pocket for his cell phone to call the guards, but it was gone. It must have fallen out somewhere on the ground.

“Do you have your phone, Hana?’ Liam still had his arms wrapped tightly around her. He was afraid to let her go.

“No. I forgot it in the car.”

“Go inside and get Drake. Tell him what happened and to send my guards out here.”

Hana squeezed him tighter. “I don’t wanna be alone.”

Liam’s heart ached for her. “Come on. I'll go with you.” Liam scowled at Hunter who was still writhing on the ground, before giving him a swift kick to the ribs. “Don't move motherfucker.”

Liam quickly escorted Hana inside the bar where she fell into Drake and Riley’s arms. “Call the police. Hunter just assaulted Hana behind the club.” 

Liam motioned for his undercover guard, who was currently looking around for him frantically. They burst through the back door into the alley, but Hunter was gone.

Later that night, everyone returned to the Palace. Hana and Riley were staying up watching movies together to try and relax. The police were out looking for Hunter, but so far, they couldn't find him anywhere. 

Maxwell was devastated. “I just.. can't believe he would do this!” He sobbed. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry. I should have known!”

“Max, how could you have known?” Liam wrapped his arms around Maxwell on the couch, letting him cry against him. “First of all, you didn't even know he was interested in women.. He told you before that he wasn't, right?”

“No.. I mean yes I thought he was gay. He said he was.. And believe me, we had been intimate before. Maybe he's bi.. or maybe he was just using me.. I don't know.”

 Liam sighed, as he rubbed Maxwell’s back. “And you said he’s never been violent before?”

“Not.. really.” Max shrugged, wiping his tears on his sleeve.

Liam glanced over at Drake, who raised his eyebrows in question. “Max. What did he do?” Drake said quietly.

Maxwell shook his head. “I mean.. I didn't think anything of it at the time. But sometimes he was a little pushy when it came to sex.. Ugh, this is embarrassing.” Maxwell looked down, not wanting to make eye contact with them.

“It’s ok. You can tell us.” Liam shrugged. “Or not tell us.. Whatever you're comfortable with.”

“He just.. wanted what he wanted. And it didn't matter if I wanted it or not.” Max put his head in his hands. “God, I’m such an idiot.”

Liam had so many emotions bubbling up inside that he wasn't sure which one to deal with first. “Maxwell, please stop blaming yourself.. You’re obviously a victim here too.”

Max shook his head about to spout out more excuses, but Liam stopped him. “Max.. don’t. You always do this. You have to stop blaming yourself for everything.”

“Sorry.”

Liam put his hand under Maxwell's chin, forcing him to look up at him as they were seated beside one another. “You have to see that you are an amazing person. I’m sorry that so many people take advantage of you because of that.. But it’s true. You are amazing. And you deserve someone who realizes that.”

“Liam.” Max looked up into his eyes in surprise and Liam sucked in a sharp breath, turning away slightly on the couch.

“Um..” Liam cleared his throat and glanced over at Drake, who was slack jawed as he looked between the two of them. “I’m going to.. check on Hana.” Liam said as he stood up and quickly left the room. 

Hana and Riley were laying on the bed eating popcorn and watching Legally Blonde.

Liam entered quietly and took a seat on a chair in the corner of the room. He wasn’t sure if Hana would even want to see him after witnessing him beat that man so mercilessly. “How are you feeling?” He asked Hana cautiously.

She gave him a small smile and sat up. “I’m good. Thanks to you.”

Liam looked down and shook his head. “I don’t even want to think about..” He blew out a long breath and looked away. Hana walked over and hugged him tightly. 

“Thank you Liam. You’ve always been there for me.”

“Of course.” He gingerly returned her hug. “That’s what friends are for.”

They smiled at each other and Liam stood up to leave. “So, are you sure you’re ok? Can I get you anything?”

“I’m good. I swear.” Hana smiled and sat back in bed grabbing a handful of popcorn. “Night Liam.”

“Goodnight Hana. Night Riley.”

Liam went back downstairs into the empty sitting room and dropped down on the couch. What a horrible fucking night. Maxwell came back in and sat on the couch adjacent to the one Liam was on.

“Can I just crash on this couch tonight?” Max asked as he lay back onto the plush cushions, pulling a blanket over himself.

“Of course.” Liam said before chugging some cold water, trying to fend off his exhaustion. “Wanna watch a movie?”

“Sure!”

Liam settled down on the couch and turned on the tv. “What do you want to watch?”

“You know.” Max chuckled.

“No.” 

“Pleeeease?! It’ll make me feel better!”

Liam gave him a playful sigh. “Fine.” He scrolled down the list until he found it. “Billy Madison.. for the thousandth time.”

Maxwell laughed, and Liam couldn’t help but join in. It was nice to see him happy after such a horrible night. They lay on their respective couches watching the movie until Liam’s eyes began to close. 

Max spoke quietly. “I hope the police find him soon.”

“They will, Max.” Liam rubbed his eyes, trying to keep himself awake.

“There’s nowhere for him to hide. He doesn't have any family here. The only other place I can think of is the park. That’s where we always went after our dates, to feed the ducks.”

Liam nodded and felt his eyelids get heavier and heavier until they finally closed.

4:15 am, Liam shot awake, panting. Where the hell am I? Oh fuck, not again! He squeezed his eyes shut tightly trying to will himself back into the Palace on the couch, but of course it didn't happen. He took a deep breath and looked down at his hands. Shit. They were dirty and he had what looked like rub burns on his palms. Liam glanced down at himself, checking for anything out of place or injured, but other than his clothes being a bit disheveled, he looked fine. Liam breathed out shakily as he stood up, trying to figure out where he was. Why does this keep happening to me? He felt sick to his stomach. Every time this happened, Liam tried his best to block it from his memory. But he couldn't keep doing this. And he didn't want to admit to himself, the horrible realization that was going through his mind.

Liam stood up and dusted himself off. It was dark and quiet outside. He knew where he was. In a field about a half mile from the Palace. He sat off, walking back in the dark, hoping and praying that no one would see him. Liam crept through a back door in the kitchen and a guard gave him a strange look as he entered. “Are you alright, Your Highness?”

Liam jumped in surprise and nodded, looking away. “Just coming back from a walk.” Liam paused for a moment, considering. “Did I, uh.. come through this way earlier tonight?”

The guard raised an eyebrow. “No, Your Highness.”

Liam gave the guard a quick nod and took off toward the sitting room. The movie was over and the soft glow from the tv menu lit the room. Max was still sound asleep on the couch. Liam grabbed the blanket that had fallen on the floor and covered him up, then dropped back down onto the other couch in a huff. Why does this keep happening to me? What is wrong with me? Liam stood abruptly and stalked to the kitchen to get a drink, trying to stop his mind from racing.

The next morning, Liam was shaken awake by Drake. His back and neck ached, and he realized he was slumped over on the kitchen table with a quarter of a bottle of scotch in front of him.

“Shit, man. Did you drink all this?” Drake said sadly as he examined the nearly empty bottle. “What happened last night at the club must have really fucked you up, huh?” Drake sighed. “What am I saying.. Of course it fucked you up.. Sorry. I should have stayed up with you.”

Liam sat up rubbing his head. “Ya, I guess it did. I’m fine. Other than this tremendous hangover.”

Drake grabbed Liam a bottle of water and pulled out his phone. “Let’s order something greasy to eat. Best cure for a hangover.”

“Sure.” Liam tried to force out a laugh, but he felt horrible. Between the hangover and what happened last night.. It was all he could do not to vomit.

Max trudged into the kitchen yawning. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Something that will surely clog our arteries.” Liam had his eyes shut tightly as he massaged his temples.

“Liam, what… Did you drink all this last night?” Max said, giving him a worried expression. 

“It’s fine, Max. I’m fine, I swear.”

Maxwell's phone rang loudly and he put it to his ear. “Yeeelllllo?” His face paled and his eyes were as wide as saucers. “No.. Are you serious?”

Liam felt like he couldn't breathe. Surely this wasn't what he thought it was.

Max spoke quietly. “Ok.. well.. Thank you for calling.” He hung up the phone and looked  over at Liam wide eyed. “They found Hunter..”

Liam held his breath. Please tell me he's not dead.. Please tell me he’s not dead.

“The police said he threw himself off of the bridge by the duck pond. He’s dead.” Max started crying and Liam was frozen in place. Not again.

#trr fanfic #the royal romance #liam rys #drake walker #maxwell beaumont #drake x riley #hana lee #choices fanfic