#lady juliet nevrakis-walker

[alj4890]

Making it Believable

(Prince Emerick Rhys x Juliet Nevrakis-Walker) in a Choices The Royal Romance *While We're Young AU* drabble

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: kissing to pretend that you are in a relationship together.

A/N It's been a long time since I've written for this pair. I've had a lot of anonymous requests for more for these two which I've tried to keep up with occasional drabbles. When I saw this kiss prompt, I knew it was made for them and their fake dating relationship happening in the few drabbles since the series went on hiatus (which we will get back to soon). I'd also promised @lodberg another glimpse into their evolving relationship. Here they are doing something I know you've been anxious for. 😉

@lodberg ​​ @hopefulmoonobject ​​ @vickypoochoices ​​ @zaffrenotes ​​   @mynameiskaylabella ​​ @museofbooks ​​ @elbenmond ​​  @gibbles82 ​​  @krsnlove ​ @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @hopelessromantic1352

Rating: G for fluff

Masterlist

"This is a disaster!"

Juliet stormed into the crown prince's chambers and slammed down a stack of magazines on his desk.

"Lady Juliet," Emerick quipped while leaning back in his desk chair, "always a pleasure to see you."

She glared at him. "I don't have time for your ridiculous charm." She pointed at the magazines. "Just look at what they're writing about us!"

He did as commanded, scanning each cover that had a picture of them together. Many of the headlines questioned whether or not their relationship was going to lead to marriage.

Then there were those that were comparing what they were like in previous relationships to the one they supposedly were in.

"I knew it was too good to be true." Juliet flopped across his couch. "After all our hard work to keep you free from marriage proposals and me from annoying noblemen, the people finally realize we aren't really together."

Emerick stroked his jaw while flipping through some of the articles. He studied the pictures of the two of them together that were lined up with them and their exes.

He grimaced somewhat at all the images of himself kissing various women. Juliet's past wasn't much better, but at least she maintained a relationship longer than he did.

"Say something!" She demanded when he remained in silent study.

"We have two options." Emerick declared.

She sat up on her elbows and cocked an eyebrow in question.

"One, we simply ignore this and let the people believe the actual truth about us being only friends."

"Or?" She prodded when he hesitated.

"Or we make it believable the next time we are caught by the press."

"And by believable you mean...?"

"We kiss, Jules." He stated in an even, nonchalant tone.

Juliet sputtered. "Excuse me?"

"Come now." He got to his feet. "We're both adults who have had experience. It isn't like we're teenagers who've never had a kiss in their lives."

Juliet simply stared at him with her jaw dropped.

"What?" He asked.

"I can't believe you're serious!" She shouted. "Emerick, you're...well...you're you!"

He rolled his eyes. "And?"

"And you're talking about kissing me. ME!" She shook her head. "This fake dating was supposed to save us headaches not cause more of them."

"What's worse?" He stopped her from turning away from him. "Kissing me, a man you've known since infancy, one you trust, a friend;" he stressed, "or being mauled by one of the many noblemen who want a connection with Lythikos?"

"Geez, must you put it like that?" She folded her arms.

"It's the same for me." He reminded her. "It's either kissing you for one picture or being hounded by women hoping to become a princess."

Juliet mulled it over.

Emerick knew he'd won when her head dropped back.

"Fine! I'll kiss you."

"You don't have to make it sound like a chore." He teased, winking at her. "I know some ladies who can vouch for my kisses being a rather pleasant experience."

Her eyes narrowed.

"I don't care if you have a thousand ladies vouch for your kisses." She huffed in irritation. "It's still weird."

"Why?"

"Because we've known each other forever." She snapped. "You're best friends with my brother!"

"So? You're best friends with mine." He countered. "And that whole knowing each other forever bit doesn't really matter."

"Why doesn't it?"

"Look at Nicky and Jackson." He pointed out with a cheeky grin. "They grew up together and clearly have no problem kissing each other.

Juliet closed her eyes and counted to twenty to try and control her temper.

"My brother and Nicky are in love. We are not."

Emerick shrugged as if that was neither here nor there.

Juliet's fists clenched. She might not feel like kissing him but she certainly felt like punching him in his stupid, ridiculously handsome face.

"Look," he tried to reason, "we've had some fun on our," he made quotation marks with his fingers, "dates, haven't we?"

She reluctantly nodded. As much as she wished she could deny it, Juliet really did enjoy her dates with the prince.

"This one kiss isn't going to change anything between us, Jules." He promised. "We do it, make certain the press takes all the necessary pictures, and we can then resume our normal time together fooling the masses."

Juliet ran a hand through her red hair.

"You're right." She mumbled.

"What was that?" He leaned his ear towards her. "I didn't quite catch that."

"I said you're right!" She snapped.

Emerick placed his hand over his heart.

"My lady, I am overcome." He dropped to one knee before her and pressed her hand to his lips. "To hear such a sweet declaration from you, it is all I have ever hoped for."

Despite wanting to remain irritated with him, Juliet began to laugh at his overly dramatic teasing.

Emerick beamed at her for being such a good sport throughout these months of subterfuge.

"So when are we doing this?" She asked.

"Whenever you wish." He sat back down behind his desk to check his schedule. "We have a ball at Ramsford in two weeks. There's the dinner with the Chamber of Commerce next Friday. Then--"

"I think we should get it over with as soon as possible." She decided.

Emerick looked up at her in surprise. Was the notion of kissing him that disgusting to her?

Juliet's cheeks heated with a touch of color. "If we put it off, I'm going to be more nervous about it."

Emerick didn't think he could be any more shocked than he was hearing her say something like that. Juliet was a young woman who never got nervous. She had enough of the Nevrakis confidence in her mixed with the Walker's not caring what anyone else thought persona that was simply Jules.

She was typically unflappable in any situation. Her quick, dry wit intermingled with her fiery temper to keep others from daring to say anything cutting to her. She was respected and feared amongst many members of the Royal Court.

He'd come to depend on that these last few months. Though she could drive him crazy at times, he appreciated those personality quirks of hers along with her logical, no nonsense way of thinking. She had surprisingly become a person whose advice he readily sought.

He saw the type of noble she was becoming. Her loyalty and steadfast nature came from both her parents and he couldn't be more grateful to have it for himself.

Of all his friends though, he was surprised how much he had come to enjoy every moment with her. Even their arguments left him feeling energized. There was something about her that he...

Emerick stopped that train of thought.

He did wonder why a simple kiss had the power to make her nervous.

Juliet hated admitting to such a weakness in front of him. She knew it sounded ridiculous. Goodness knows, she'd never been one to try and tame her passionate nature. Emerick had even been one of her friends who'd caught her in more than one embrace with different men over the years.

But the thought of kissing him...

She didn't know what to think about the feelings that particular notion stirred within her. No man frustrated her nor made her laugh quite like Emerick did. He never stepped back from going toe to toe with her, nor was he cowed like many of the other nobles when she was angry.

He was infuriating with how charming he could be. His flirtatious nature had been with him since birth. It was effortless on his part and she realized through her time spent one on one with him that it was typically used to put one at ease.

Though many assumed he was carefree, she'd come to see the more serious side to his personality. She knew how much he valued his family and their close knit group of friends, but she was also catching glimpses into the type of king he would one day become.

She admired him and was usually proud of the decisions and arguments he made in terms of their country. She would have no problem respecting him as her king once Uncle Liam stepped down from the throne.

She did worry though over the thought of some woman coming along and trapping Emerick in a marriage. Like his father, the prince possessed a tender heart. He'd never stepped back when someone was in need. Once he cared about someone or an issue, he threw himself into it with everything he had.

He needed to be protected. She now understood why her father had remained by Liam's side until he met Riley. She realized that it was up to her to be that for Emerick. She knew her brother, Jackson, felt the same way about the prince but he was a little caught up with Lady Nicky Beaumont to give all his free time to this endeavor.

Which might explain why she didn't put up much of a fight when Emerick suggested they do this fake dating for the social season.

At least that's what it was in the beginning...

Juliet put a stop to her wayward thoughts. She was not going to join the ranks of hundreds of women enamored with the crown prince.

But this kiss...what if she...if he...

She got to her feet.

"Let's go out tonight or tomorrow."

Emerick slowly nodded. "If that's what you wish."

"It is." She lowered her eyes. "Something casual. I don't think we need to kiss at some court event."

Emerick's brow furrowed as he observed her.

She really is nervous.

"How about tomorrow afternoon?" He offered.

"Sounds good." She stumbled to his door. "I'll see you for lunch then."

Before he could say another word, she hurried out of his room.

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

The spring day had turned chilly and damp. Emerick and Juliet thought that was the perfect setting to make the kiss more believable. It wouldn't look staged now, especially since they weren't supposed to be posing for the press at an event.

The two walked through the capital, hand in hand, as they made their way to an outdoor cafe they were known to frequent. Other than the palace guards following at a respectable distance, the two basically had the sidewalk to themselves.

Emerick decided during a night of tossing and turning in bed, that it would be best to catch Juliet off guard with the kiss. He worried that if he forewarned her about when it would happen, she would be even more nervous and the kiss wouldn't appear authentic.

She was already clutching his hand and arm. He didn't know if the occasional trembles he felt were from the cold breeze or from her nerves.

Once the two were seated at a patio table and had their orders placed, he reached over and took her hand once more.

He could hear the clicks of cameras from some not so well hidden paparazzi.

Juliet smiled at him, squeezing his hand.

He held her gaze as he lifted their clasped hands to his lips.

Emerick could feel her tense at the touch she'd felt many times throughout the years.

"Jules." He said softly.

She lowered her eyes to his mouth.

He leaned forward and slipped his hand into her hair, tugging her forward as he pressed a tender kiss to her lips.

He was doing fine maintaining what was going to be a simple kiss until she reached up and cupped his cheek.

Her lips parted under his allowing him to deepen the kiss. He could taste the beginning of her fiery nature as her tongue caressed his.

Her husky moan took him by surprise as she pulled him closer to her.

They barely pulled apart to catch their breaths, before he dipped back down, sucking her bottom lip.

Her breath hitched, a flash of her green eyes met his blue before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Her mouth slanted over his, drawing him back into another passionate kiss.

Emerick nearly yanked her into his lap. If not for their waiter, clearing his throat, their kiss would most likely still be going. And where it would have led, startled them both.

"Emerick?" She whispered. "Stop staring at me like that."

Juliet knew she was looking at him just like he was her, as if seeing each other for the first time.

He lowered his eyes and quickly picked up his glass of water. He hoped as he gulped it down that it would cool the desire he felt for her in that kiss.

Emerick made the mistake of glancing at her again. He saw the slight redness around her mouth where his stubble had rubbed against her porcelain skin. The sight brought on another flash of heat over his body.

Juliet's eyes drifted back to his mouth as she sipped her own ice water. She was tempted to put the glass to her cheeks as she thought of how it felt being kissed by him. It made her want to do it again.

No wonder he said he had numerous ladies who could vouch for his kisses, she thought to herself.

"Well," Emerick tried to joke to break the tension, "I think we managed to make our relationship believable."

Her lips curved a touch proudly.

"Yeah, I think we did."

Their eyes met while smiles formed on their faces.

"Was it as dreadful as you thought it would be?" He whispered.

Emerick expected her to tease him about being a bad kisser.

Juliet instead lowered her eyes to his mouth once more.

"On the contrary," she lifted her water glass as if she was about to offer a toast, "I didn't find it dreadful at all."

Emerick tapped his glass against hers.

With a wink, he said.

"Neither did I."

#thirty kisses in thirty days #prince emerick rhys x juliet nevrakis-walker #choices the royal romance #while we're young a/u #trr future #prince emerick leopold rhys #lady juliet nevrakis-walker

[alj4890]

Love Drabble

Quid Pro Quo Pars Duo

(Jackson Nevrakis-Walker x Nichole "Nicky" Beaumont) in a look at what happened at Collette's wedding.

A/N 🤣 well I'm easily swayed. When I saw @twinkleallnight 's comment that she would love to see what these two were doing at the wedding while Emerick and Juliet were joining up to avoid suitors, I wondered the same thing and even thought about maybe writing it while I was writing the previous drabble. 😂 And for @hopelessromantic1352 , I've added more Thomas for you. So once again, let's see if we can find a way to get these two back on the road to being a couple again.

@lodberg ​​ @hopefulmoonobject ​ ​​@hopelessromantic1352  @krsnlove ​ @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @sirbeepsalot @thehonorarybeaumont

Masterlist

Paris, France...

"Aren't you riding with us?" Olivia asked while following Juliet into the waiting car.

Jackson shook his head. "I'll meet you there."

She quirked an eyebrow at Drake.

He knew that look meant that he should press for more information.

"If you've found a way to miss this wedding," Drake instead said,'"then take me with you."

Olivia rolled her eyes in a huff.

Juliet leaned over her to yell out.

"If anyone shouldn't have to go to this ridiculous wedding, it's ME!" Her green eyes focused on her brother. "Please tell me you found a way out of this!"

"I haven't." Jackson replied with a grimace. He knew better than anyone how much his sister didn't want to be a part of this event. "Sorry, Jules. You know I would have told you if I had."

She slumped back into the carseat.

Olivia motioned for Drake to get in. "We'll see you there."

Drake patted his son's shoulder as he got in.

"Don't be late!" Juliet yelled out once more.

Jackson held a hand up in farewell as the car drove off.

Slipping his hands in his pockets, he headed towards the Beaumont's vila.

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

"Hey Jax!" Izzy greeted, rushing down the steps.

"Bye Jax!" Emily added, following at her heels.

With giggles and chatter, they quickly got into a waiting car and got on their way to the church.

Jackson released a relieved sigh. He wasn't quite up to anyone questioning why he was coming over to the Beaumont's.

His trip to Los Angeles had gone better than he hoped. He and Nicky were able to be around one another without any pressure or arguing. As if by unspoken agreement, they steered clear of any talk about their infamous breakup and the reasons behind Nicky leaving him.

He wondered now if he was pushing his luck. They had been around none of the usual crowd those few days in Los Angeles. Now they would be attending an event that held the very people, the very pressures, their relationship used to be under.

Would it cause all the bitter feelings of their ending, memories of happier times, and reminders why they weren't in fact engaged by now or at the very least, happily in love to rise to the forefront of their minds?

No use worrying over it now, Jackson thought to himself.

He knocked on the door, hoping he wasn't about to do something that would end up hurting them both.

His eyes widened somewhat at the sight of Thomas Hunt opening the door.

"Jackson." The famous director eyed him before his frown eased. "I see you've been dragged into this wedding nonsense like everyone else."

"Yes, sir." Jax chuckled while stepping inside. "How'd you get stuck with going?"

Thomas softly smiled. "It is hard, as I'm sure you know, to say no to a lady's pleading." His lips eased even more. "Especially when she reminds you of all the times she came along as your plus one in the past."

"I heard that." Amanda playfully grumbled as she came down the stairs.

Jax braced himself. Fear of anger or coldness from her gripped him. He knew he shouldn't feel that way, especially since it was Nicky who had dumped him, but he worried about seeing her after all this time.

Amanda had been one of his favorite "aunts" growing up. Once he realized he was in love with Nicky, he realized why he adored Amanda as much as he did. She and Nicky shared so many traits, both physically and personality wise, he couldn't help but love her too.

Plus, he'd always assumed that she would one day be his mother-in-law.

His worry disappeared the moment she flashed her warm, delighted smile his way.

"Jax!" She walked up to kiss his cheek. Her eyes flitted over his face. "I swear you look just like Drake did at your age."

He chuckled, returning her hug. "That's what everyone says."

"And here I was hoping to be the first to think that." She winked at him. "Nicky should be down soon."

"Soon soon, or soon?" He teased.

She laughed. "Soon soon, I think."

She then turned her attention on Thomas. "Don't you look handsome?"

The gruff director snorted while tugging at his bowtie. "Of the two of us, I think you deserve the compliment." His eyes dropped down her blue lace dress. "Might want to change in case you upstage the bride."

She laughed, shaking her head. "I know that's not true and a rather clever ploy on your part to make us late for the wedding."

"Nonsense." Thomas replied. "I have no desire to be late." His lips eased into another smile. "I'm trying to get us out of going completely." He offered his arm to her. "Truthfully though, you do look quite lovely."

"That's what I told her." Nicky called out.

Jackson felt his heart stop the moment he saw her coming downstairs. The silk gown Nicky wore looked as if it had been designed with her in mind.

He'd always loved waiting on her at the bottom of a staircase. It gave him more time to admire her figure while feeling a great sense of pride that she'd chosen him as the man to escort her wherever they were going. His eyes were already falling into their old habit of traveling down her curves then catching glimpses of a long leg peeping out of a high slit.

He met her eyes when she paused on the next to the last step. How many times did he take it for granted that she used to do that so they would be the same height for a kiss.

She beamed at him. "You shaved!"

He rubbed his jaw. "This is a court event. One must be properly sheered for everyone to admire."

"As I recall, you weren't too concerned with that edict and neither were Uncle Liam and Aunt Riley." She teased.

He found himself smiling at her, simply enjoying that the same feeling he had seeing her again in Los Angeles had only grown stronger these last couple of months.

So far, it wasn't a fluke.

"We should go." Amanda whispered to Thomas.

She slipped her arm within the bend of his, tugging him quietly away from what she hoped was the beginning of their reconciliation.

Nicky looked up at their retreating forms.

"We'll meet you there!" She called out.

"See you soon." Amanda responded.

Once the door shut, Nicky let out a sigh.

"You okay?" Jackson asked.

"I am." She smiled at him. "It's been a busy day getting everyone dressed and all." She looked once more towards the empty entryway. "Emily and Izzy's laughter woke me up. Then Mom and Uncle Thomas were out on the terrace having breakfast and simply enjoying themselves." She sighed happily again. "It has been a perfect day."

Jackson felt that old need to take her in his arms and simply hold her. He knew from what she'd shared when he last saw her how much she needed her mother and sister to be back to how they once were. Hearing her say it was perfect simply in seeing them happy made him want to remind her how she'd made so many of his own days perfect by simply being there.

Right now, this day felt absolutely perfect.

She refocused on him. "You look quite dashing for this wedding." Her dimpled grin grew. "Is this in revenge for Colette or are you hoping to catch someone's eye."

He slipped his hands in his pockets and leaned against the banister. His signature smirk appeared on his handsome face as he met her hazel gaze.

"I think I already caught someone's eye." He winked at her making her laugh. "With how you look, I wouldn't mind having you on my arm for the rest of the night."

She playfully swatted him with her clutch once she took his arm. "Careful, or I'll tell Colette you're planning on objecting during the ceremony."

"Talk like that makes me think you have some Nevrakis blood in your veins." He shuddered, making her laugh again. "That's quite a threat."

She squeezed his arm close for a moment. "Don't worry. I kept you out of her clutches for years." She looked up at him, feeling a thrill over the smile he gave her. "One more night won't kill me."

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

"Nicky!" Alec rushed down the steps of the church to sweep her into a big hug.

She hugged him tight before stepping back to admire his gray tux. "Let me see you." She motioned for him to turn around. "Just as I thought." She tapped her chin, eyes swimming with mirth. "Still devastatingly handsome."

"Don't even think about trying to distract me with compliments." Alec warned. "You were supposed to call me when you got to Paris."

"I know, I'm sorry. I was exhausted by the time we landed yesterday." She explained. "I slept sixteen hours."

"Oh." Alec stopped wagging his finger at her. "Then I suppose I can let you off this one time." He squeezed her into another hug. "But only if you tell me you're coming back to Cordonia for good soon."

Her smile dimmed some while glancing over at Jackson talking to some other nobles. "I think we will. It's been hard to bring it up to Mom and Emily. Everywhere we go, we'll end up thinking about Dad and I'm worried they'll become depressed again." She swallowed, wishing things had gone differently. "I know I'll hurt seeing our home and all the old places we used to go, all while knowing he won't be there with us. I don't know if I can take going through it again."

Alec wrapped his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her close like he always did whenever she was sad. He rested his head against hers for a moment, trying to find a way for his best friend and family he loved to be able to come home for good.

"Plus, I'm sure it would be a bother to Jax if I did return." She admitted. "I can just picture the press hounding him everywhere he went into how it felt for the lady who dumped him to return."

She had to fight back tears in thinking how he might end up hating her in the end. She couldn't risk losing these steps forward with him. She hoped that one day, they'd be standing on a church's steps like this because it was their wedding and that was why one of her best friends was hugging her.

"I guess this means I have to come see you then in California." Alec mumbled.

He noticed how down she looked and gently shook her.

"I should be getting all over you for what you did."

Her head jerked up, lips parted in shock.

He continued in a serious tone to tease her. "You've made me the one to keep Emerick and Jax in line." He lowered his head to hers. "You know that was supposed to be your job. I'm merely the getaway driver."

She burst into laughter.

Jackson smiled over at the two when he heard the sound then excused himself from the group he was talking to.

"What's so funny?" He asked, attempting to be causal as he pulled Nicky back beside him.

She automatically slipped her arm within the bend of his. Jackson placed his free hand over hers, smiling down at her.

Alec noticed the whole interaction and couldn't help but hope this was only a glimpse of the beginning of them finally being where they were supposed to be. He couldn't think of two people more perfect for one another than these two other than his own parents.

"I was reminding Nicky of our jobs." Alec replied with a wink at her.

"Jobs?" Jax repeated.

Nicky giggled some more. "Alec has had to deal with you and Emerick all on his own."

"I'd forgotten how much she helps when you two go off on adventures." Alec reminded him. "I think I've aged ten years since she left me alone with you two."

"Come on." Jax argued. "I'm nowhere near as much trouble as Emerick."

Nicky and Alec shared an amused look.

"I'm not!" He told them.

Nicky gently patted his hand. "Of course you aren't."

"Alec!" One of the groomsmen motioned for him to hurry back into the church.

"That's my cue." His earlier joy seeing his friends disappeared.

"We better go find our seats." Jax added.

"We'll look for you at the reception." Nicky promised as Jackson pulled her behind him.

"Can't wait." Alec's grin returned.

He couldn't wait to see them back as a couple.

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

The two had originally planned to sit near either his parents or hers. Since they were running behind, they ended up slipping into the end of a pew in the middle of the sanctuary.

There was little space left. Nicky was squeezed up tight against Jackson's side to avoid crowding the other man next to her.

"Sorry." She whispered.

"No problem." He mumbled back.

Every time she turned to look about at the decorations and wedding party coming down the aisle, he would catch whiffs of her perfume. She seemed to not notice him shifting in his seat to keep her completely against his side.

He draped his arm along the back of the pew, fingers gently brushing her bare shoulders. He wished her hair was down so he could tease her by pulling at a lock during the drawn out ceremony.

He then noticed the tears in her eyes.

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

Nicky was doing fine, even cheering in her mind each time Jackson moved to keep her close. When he draped his arm behind her, her nerves nearly sang feeling him touch her skin once more.

But then the couple began their vows to one another.

Her giddiness dissipated at the thought that this was all she wanted...all she'd ever wanted.

Her dream, even as a little girl, was to be married to Jax. To have to sit here and watch a couple who weren't even in love go through the very ceremony she longed for hurt worse than she expected.

It felt like her chance for happiness really was dead. Jackson probably did just want her as his date for revenge. Either that or use her as a shield against the other ladies who eyed him with lust for his body and/or his title.

She'd never have a wedding, at least not with him.

She should be grateful that he at least treated her as a beloved friend now instead of...

Her breath hitched the moment she felt his lips against her temple. His arm curved around her shoulders while he offered her his handkerchief.

She looked up at him.

His brow was furrowed in that familiar way whenever he saw her crying. She knew he couldn't stand to see her upset. He'd once told her he never felt as helpless as he did the moment he saw a tear fall down her cheek.

Could it be he still felt that way over her? That he could still love her after everything that happened between them? The fights and harsh words...had they left no lasting, irreparable damage upon their hearts?

He leaned down toward her face and pressed his forehead against hers. His nose brushed hers briefly, lips so close to her own.

"Don't cry." He pleaded in a whisper.

She sniffed and raised his handkerchief to dab under her eyes. The moment she began to pull away from him, he locked his arm in place around her.

She couldn't help but hope that this meant he would want to marry her some day.

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

The two remained by the other's side for the whole reception. They laughed during observations of their siblings and friends. They danced only with each other, much to Collette's irritation. And shared a number of glasses of champagne off in secluded corners.

When it came time for the bouquet toss, Colette specifically called Nicky's name and those of Juliet, Emily, and Izzy to come to the front.

"I know you each need all the help you can get to find a husband."

She'd attempted to make her insult sound like a playful taunt, yet everyone who knew her caught the true meaning.

Juliet purposely folded her arms, determined to burn the bouquet if it even came close to her.

Emily rolled her eyes over the situation, firmly decided to relax and let other ladies from the court fight over it. She knew her sister and friends would all have much better spouses than what Colette ended up with.

Izzy was fuming with a smile on her face, just like her mother, Hana, taught her. She was having all kinds of revenge scenarios running in her mind for Colette to even think of insulting her friends. She would pick one and find a way to get back at the young lady for daring to cross those she adored.

Nicky, though wanting to slap Colette over so many things she'd done to her through the years, managed to remain calm and collected.

Before she could blink, the bouquet was coming directly towards her.

Without much thought, Nicky caught the bouquet of white lilies and roses.

Colette burst into raucous laughter.

"Lady Nicky!" She doubled over, making certain every eye was on her. "Let's hope you can catch a husband as easily as you did the bouquet."

Chuckles and murmurs came from all over the banquet hall.

Those closest to Nicky were decidedly not laughing. Their stoney, bored expressions let the entire room know their feelings.

Thomas had to grip Amanda's hand under the table to keep her from getting up and saving her daughter from Colette. Her hazel eyes had darkened with her anger.

Drake kept a grip on Olivia's shoulder keeping her still. Rashad eased back when he noticed Hana trembling with rage. Riley ignored Liam's whisper to calm down, deciding to let those close to their table know how gauche the Queen of Cordonia found Collette's behavior.

Alec, Emerick, and Ellis all had fists clenched ready to jump in if Nicky needed them.

Emily had tears in her eyes, wishing that her sister wasn't being humiliated in such a way. She was ready to scream to everyone that laughed how wonderful and lucky some man would be to win Nicky's heart. She wished Scott Caulfield was here, showing the world that Hollywood's newest sex symbol was completely enamored with Nicky.

Izzy had already decided on which forms of vengeance she'd enact on Colette. Now she could add some more for doing this to their Nicky.

Juliet already had her lips parted, ready to launch into a verbal onslaught these pampered nobles never knew was possible.

But then...

Jackson stepped up and took Nicky's hand. In front of all of them; he lifted it to his lips for a lingering kiss and managed to have that shy hopeful smile on his face.

"I hope I know the lucky man." He said loud enough for everyone to hear.

Mutterings and whispers exploded over the hint that he would be the one she chose to marry.

Nicky blinked at him, unsure what to say.

He tucked her hand in the bend of his arm and led her out of the hall.

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

"Give me a minute." Nicky pleaded once they went down a part of the mansion closed off for the party.

Before Jackson could react, she dashed into a nearby room and shut the door.

She fumbled in the dark for a lamp then leaned against a desk. Her breaths came in and out in broken gasps as she relived the humiliating moment over and over.

I shouldn't have come, she thought. To face everyone again after so little time and with Jax! I want to go home. I don't want to be here or with anyone ever again. Why did I think--

Jackson slipped inside and shut the door.

Nicky whirled around in surprise, bracing herself against a desk. In the shadowed light, Jackson's face looked harsher than usual. His dark eyes held her immobile as his hands clenched into fists.

She didn't know what to do anymore as she stared at him. All her hopes and dreams seemed so foolish now. It was pointless. All she was trying to do was completely pointless.

With a curse over seeing her upset once more, Jax crossed the room and yanked her in his arms. His lips captured any words she was about to say in a deep, desperate kiss.

Nicky hung limp for two heartbeats before she wrapped her arms around his neck. She eagerly responded to every touch of his lips and tongue against hers. She felt like she was coming back into the warm light after months of cold, bitter darkness.

The feel of Jackson holding her like he once did didn't feel old or dull. Her body reacted as if they had never kissed or touched before this very moment. The butterflies and heart racing was just as strong or if not stronger than before.

His hands splayed on her bare back, attempting to press her even closer.

He felt his senses come alive for the first time in months with the passion and tenderness of her response.

He'd wondered if they ever got around to kissing again if it would be comfortable and nothing new. He knew now that it was an all new excitement thrumming through his veins over being reunited with her once more.

Their breaths echoed in the room when they ended the kiss. They held tight to the other while searching for signs of regret or repulsion.

They knew they should probably talk about whether or not this was a moment of weakness, too much champagne, or simply because they couldn't imagine being with anyone else.

All they wanted to do was wallow in the wonder of their kiss and see if it was as good as if felt. They both leaned in for another.

And another...

And another...

And another...

#trr future au #while we're young a/u #Jackson Nevrakis-Walker x Nicky Beaumont #choices trr #the royal romance #olivia x drake #choices thomas hunt #liam x riley #hana x rashad #prince emerick leopold rhys #lady juliet nevarkis walker

[alj4890]

Love drabble

(Drake x Olivia) and a little bit of (Emerick x Juliet) in a Choices The Royal Romance/While We're Young drabble

For @lodberg for wanting more of Juliet and Emerick and @twinkleallnight for wanting to see how the parents react to them spending so much time together 😉

@lodberg ​​ @hopefulmoonobject ​ ​​  @krsnlove ​ @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @sirbeepsalot @thehonorarybeaumont

Masterlist

Entwined

Nothing was more beautiful than Valtoria on the night of The Lantern Festival. With the many lakes and ponds that dotted the duchy, the effect was simply stunning once all the lanterns were released.

Ever since Liam made Riley the duchess of Valtoria, the couple along with their children always made sure to be there each year to celebrate with the people. Their friends would join them for a week of relaxing and hiking through the mountains.

Now that the majority of their children were grown, the older adults were able to step back and allow them to handle being in the spotlight.

The crown prince, Emerick, had taken over giving the welcoming speech the last few years. He was typically surrounded by his brother, Ellis, and their closest friends.

On this particular evening though, he only had one person by his side, which unfortunately meant that the rumors were getting out of control.

"We should have made everyone else get up here with us." Juliet whispered.

"After Ellis spilt punch on his shirt and Emily tore her dress, we ran out of time." He whispered back. "I have no idea where Nicky or Jackson are. Have you seen Alec and Izzy?"

"I lost Izzy earlier in the crowd." Juliet murmured. "I saw Alec on the phone a little while ago. He mouthed, business, and disappeared inside."

"I apologize for making you stand up here with me." He mumbled near her ear.

She looked up into his handsome face with her signature smirk.

"You owe me big time for this."

He chuckled, carefully tucking a windblown curl behind her ear. The back of his fingers lingered a moment upon her cheek.

"I intend to pay handsomely for all you have sacrificed this season for me."

"You better." She teased. "Because I'm merely counting the days until I can collect all of that plus interest."

He coughed on his laughter as more cameras were raised in anticipation.

"Smile." Emerick slipped his arm around her waist when reporters began to snap pictures of the two of them. "We're trapped."

After giving a welcome to all who had joined them, along with the significance of the festival, he had a servant bring over two lanterns.

Juliet's eyes widened for a second when she noticed that the two were tied together with a red ribbon.

Her slight stiffening wasn't lost on the prince by her side.

Giving the photographers a picture that many were hoping to capture, Emerick turned toward her with a wicked smile. He leaned down close once more to whisper in her ear, lips barely brushing the delicate skin turning pink.

"Like us, these lanterns will be trapped together for eternity." He whispered.

Juliet snorted, dropping her head so that no one could see how much she wanted to laugh. Having him think of a way to send the joke they tossed back and forth how this farce was going to end up keeping them trapped together was making tears come to her eyes. His squeezing of her waist only made the struggle worse.

"Now, Lady Juliet and I will make our wishes and send these two to join their brethren." Emerick told the crowd.

"Ready?" He asked her.

"Hold on." She closed her eyes tight, lips moving silently as she made her wish.

"Ready." She opened her eyes to see an amused yet very fond expression on Emerick's face.

"One, two, three."

They both let the lanterns go and watched as the two circled around each other until the ribbon curled keeping them entwined together.

The supposed couple then had their well practiced smiles in place as the questions began.

Off to the side, Drake stood observing the spectacle his daughter always caused when near Liam's son.

His frown firming drew his wife's attention.

"What's eating at you, Walker?" Olivia asked.

Drake cast a frustrated glance at her before focusing once more on the pair.

"What do you think about them?" He asked.

"Who?"

"Our daughter and Emerick." He grumbled.

"What are you talking about?"

"Their relationship."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me you believe their little act."

"I know Jules says it's an act." He snapped. "But it seems to me that he is using her."

Olivia snorted. "Using Jules? Do you honestly think anyone can use a Nevrakis?"

She tilted her head as she studied her husband's growing irritation.

"Granted she does have your genes , but I like to think the Nevrakis ones already defeated any weakness the Walker's might have had."

"Liv." Drake groaned.

"You know our girl can take care of herself." Olivia pointed out, slipping an arm around his waist.

"I know Jules can." He wrapped his around her, pulling her closer. "It's Emerick I'm not so sure about."

"You're worried about Liam's son?" Olivia began to laugh.

"If it was Ellis, I wouldn't be as concerned. He's more like Liam. But Emerick..."

His eyes narrowed when he noticed the prince had yet to remove his arm from around Juliet.

"Has a lot of Leo in him."

Olivia followed his glare. What she noticed and thought was more telling than Emerick's actions with their daughter, was that Juliet was not making a move to escape him.

In fact, it was looking more and more that Juliet enjoyed spending events by Emerick's side.

"I think he has more of Liam and Riley than Leo." She argued.

"That smirk is all Leo." He pointed out.

"Perhaps." Olivia conceded, much to her husband's shock.

"And you're fine with him being with our daughter?"

"Once again, I'm not worried, because she is our daughter." Olivia silenced him with her elbow to his ribs when he opened his mouth again to argue. "She has both of us in her. Neither of us is willing nor has the patience to put up with idiots or people who take advantage of others."

Drake ran a hand through his hair, releasing a long deep breath. He couldn't think of a way to argue that fact.

"You know I'm right." Olivia placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'm always right."

She left him to continue his study of the two.

Just as he was about to relax in his wife's reassurance that all was fine, Emerick took Juliet's hand. With a whisper that had her smiling, he whisked her off through the crowd towards some shadowed area of Valtoria.

Drake softly cursed before slouching off in search of Olivia.

"He's Leo reborn." He grumbled. "This can only end in disaster."

#choices trr #the royal romance #trr #drake x olivia #drake walker x olivia nevrakis #prince emerick leopold rhys #emerick x juliet #lady juliet nevarkis walker #olivia nevrakis #while we're young a/u #trr future

[alj4890]

Is there something your MC and li can never agree on? If yes, what is it?

😂 Oh no. I have too many pairings for this 🤣. Let's see if I can do the ones I write mostly for.

Here we go:

In The Royal Romance: Here's my head cannons for each pair I have written for.

For Riley and Liam: I think Riley would disagree with Liam that they have to continuously go and take part in nobles both in Cordonia and abroad who are practically enemies. Yes, she would see the need to maintain peace, but for those who refuse to work with them or are mean and selfish, she'd see no point in attempting to get their support. Liam of course is the one to give unlimited chances to these individuals and sees it as part of his duty to the crown.

Drake and Olivia: These two will disagree on anything simply because they love to argue with one another 🤣

Rashad and Hana: In my head cannons, Rashad does not understand how Hana can keep doubting herself. Hana doesn't understand how he could possibly think she is perfect at everything. He also disagrees with her believing she must continue to be around her mom when she clearly makes her stressed and unhappy. I think their arguments, though typically sweet, are centered around these issues.

For Maxwell (who now has three love interests, LoL)

X Nadia Park from Perfect Match: I think these two rarely argue. She thinks he's the sweetest and he thinks the same about her. Their arguments would be more playful than actual disagreeing. Both think the other had the best ideas.

X OC*Amanda. My first LI for him who then ended up being better with Thomas Hunt 🤣 Their fights typically centered around jealousy. Since neither can quite accept the fact the other is truly in love with them, they struggle with their insecurities.

X OC* Sherry: 😂 This OC I made for him in my Dark AU might be my favorite one yet and will probably be transitioning into my other non supernatural AU's. Their disagreements centered on Maxwell not accepting that they were fated to be together and in terms of keeping the other safe. I head cannon that both rush into situations with little thought of whether or not they should and it causes the other panic which then results in a fight.

For the WWY AU (TRR Pairs' Grown Children)

Nicky Beaumont x Jackson Nevrakis-Walker: They disagree about their future. Both know they want to be together forever, yet Nicky wants to move forward and go ahead and be married with a family. Jackson doesn't see the need to hurry. He's happy living in the moment while she's happier making plans.

Ellis Rhys x Emily Beaumont: Their friendship turned romance is a favorite of mine. I love that trope 😂 Emily isn't afraid to try new things and go on crazy adventures. Ellis follows her but would much rather stay back and stick to the normal, everyday life they have.

Emerick Rhys x Juliet Nevrakis-Walker: Both have a temper, though Juliet's is quicker. They disagree often on how their relationship (which is all for show at the moment 😉) is portrayed to the public. Juliet worries as people continue to believe the deception and is afraid they won't be able to easily end it. Emerick's confidence that all will work out well grates on her frazzled nerves. His frustrations with her stubbornness and throwing up his romantic past with other ladies causes the two to lash out from time to time.

*******

In Red Carpet Diaries

Thomas Hunt x OC*Amanda: Their arguments center around jealousy and in the other's innate stubbornness. They disagree with how to handle his popularity as a famous Hollywood director and her duties as a duchess from Cordonia. Both just want to spend time together away from the pressures their life throws at them, yet it ends up making them argue and disagree on how to or if they should say no to the demands on their time.

Matt x Addison: These two are like my RCD version of Rashad and Hana. Both think the other is the sweetest and rarely disagree. I think Matt would mention he thinks she should maybe not get involved so much in their friends' love lives. Addison disagrees and continues to try and push the pairs she thinks should be together.

Ryan x Holly: My closest to having another Drake and Olivia 🤣 Holly loves to disagree with Ryan, which frustrates him beyond measure. He believes his charm is enough to get through any situation. Holly just can't let that happen.

**********

For Bloodbound:

Jax x MC*Alex: They disagree over who should take point in either a fight or unknown situation. Each one can't stand the thought of the other possibly getting hurt or losing the one they love.

*********

Open Heart

Bryce x MC*Chris They disagree over time spent with his family. Chris is all about making peace and moving on. She thinks that means spending more holidays and talking to them on a regular basis. Bryce might forgive his parents, but he doesn't believe that means he has to spend as much time as he can with them in order to maintain that peace.

Tobias x MC* Chris: I've just started delving into them being together so I haven't quite figured out what they will disagree over. I'm planning on writing more for them so we will see what comes about 😉