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lawsend · 10 months

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Murder at Vista Heights Chapter 3

Series: Law’s End

Episode 1: Murder at Vista Heights

Fandom: The Royal Romance (loosely, there’s not much canon in here).

Pairings: None yet

Word Count: 2,521

Rating: MA

Warnings for series: adult themes, any given chapter may contain murder, violence, language, drinking, drug use, etc.

My other stuff can be found on my main blog @angelasscribbles here is the Master List.

“Well?” The chief of homicide demanded a glower on his face.

“I…this has to be some kind of mistake…” Liam’s face was ashen as he pulled the sketch from Bertrand’s hands.

Max gripped Riley gently but firmly by the shoulder and pulled her back and to the side, quietly shifting them out of anyone’s direct line of sight.

Riley allowed herself to be moved. If no one noticed her, they would speak more freely, and she might learn something.

“Are you questioning Ms. Nevrakis’s ability to render an accurate image from the witness’s verbal account?”

“What? No, of course not!” his eyes jumped to Lilith and the woman he had questioned earlier. Lilith’s sketches had helped catch plenty of perpetrators. She was very good at what she did. Still.

He stalked across the room and thrust the sketch under the older woman’s nose, “Mrs. Haltom, this is the man you saw arguing with the victim?”

Riley strained to hear, holding her breath as she leaned in their direction.

“That’s the man I saw leaving his apartment after hearing the argument.”

“Did he say anything as he was leaving? Anything you can positively attribute to him?”

“Yes, he said ‘If you don’t back off, I’ll personally fucking kill you!’”

“I…thank you,” Liam’s shoulders slumped in defeat, “You can go now.”

“Max!” Riley hissed as she drug Max toward the door the woman was headed for, “We have to follow her and see if she’ll tell us-“

“You’re not going anywhere!” Liam’s voice thundered out, freezing her in place, “Stay right there! I’m going to need a word with you!”

“Fuck!” Riley muttered as she watched Liam and Bertrand disappear into the chief’s office, “She’s getting away!”

“I’ll go!” Max offered, hesitating as he waited for her response.

“Yes!” Riley made a shooing motion with her hands, “Go! Get her full name and phone number so I can question her later!”

“On it!” Max scrambled out the door and down the hall after the witness.

Riley sauntered closer to Liam’s desk, her eyes scanning the top of it for any files or notes that might be left lying around in plain sight. Her eyes flicked over to the glass window of Bertrand’s office.

She’d give a lot to be a fly on the wall in there right now.

Her gaze fell back on the paperwork scattering Liam’s desk. There was a manilla file folder labeled, “Hayes”. She glanced quickly around the room. No one was paying any attention to her.

Her fingers tugged the folder out from under the two others and slid it to the edge of the desk. Flipping it open, her eyes scanned the first page quickly. Before she could turn to the next page, she was startled by a voice from behind her, “Can I help you with something?”

Shit!

She jumped guilty and spun around to find an unfamiliar man standing behind her. He had shaggy shoulder-length brown hair, hazel green eyes, and a deadly serious expression on his face. Her eyes dipped to take in the badge clipped on his belt and the gun holstered on his hip.

“I was waiting for Liam- I mean detective Rys, he told me to wait here.” She hoped he couldn’t hear her heart thundering guiltily in her chest.

The detective’s gaze stayed stern as he asked, “Did he tell you to go through his confidential police files?”

“Ah…n-no…I wasn’t…I mean, I didn’t mean to, I just…I was looking for a pen and some paper so I could jot down a few notes.”

“Right.” His eyes narrowed.

“It’s okay, Flynn, Liam did tell her to wait here.” Lilith came to her rescue, handing her a pen and notepad, “Here you go. Why don’t you have a seat right over there.” She pointed to a couch near the wall.

“Thank you,” Riley gave Lilith a grateful smile and slunk away quickly before she got herself arrested.

The hardened homicide detective’s face softened as he turned his attention to the redhead, “I wasn’t trying to be an ass, but she was digging through confidential files!”

“I’m sure she didn’t realize it.”

Flynn threw a dark glance at Riley as he harrumphed before remembering the two cups of coffee in his hands. He thrust one toward Lilith, “Here. I…uh, thought you might like some coffee.”

“Oh! I…”

“Cream with two sugars, right?”

“That’s right! How’d you know?”

Flynn shrugged as he moved to the desk next to Liam’s and busied himself scooting folders around randomly. “That’s how you always take it. I’m a detective. I notice things.”

“Oh, well, thank you.” Lilith dropped her eyes to the cup in her hand as her cheeks flushed.

Riley clocked the interaction with interest and filed it away for future reference. Information was power and you never knew what secrets might come in handy down the road.

Liam shook his head as he faced off with his superior officer, “No. No! There’s no way Leo did this!”

“Liam….I know he’s your brother, but-“

“Look, sir. I know that his background is problematic but-“

“Problematic?” Bertrand snorted, “That’s the understatement of the year!”

“Like I said, I’m aware of his issues but-“

“I just don’t think you can be objective about this case. I’m transferring it to-“

“Sir, with all due respect, I’ve already investigated the scene, deposed the witnesses, coordinated with-“

“Yes, but if your brother is the perpetrator-“

“He’s not!”

“Even if he’s not, he’s at least a suspect and I need someone on this case that will give full and equal consideration to all leads!”

“Okay. How about this? You leave me on the case until and unless Leo becomes the prime suspect! Please, sir! Give me a chance to exonerate him!”

Bertrand pinched his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger as he regarded the earnest detective sitting across from him. He knew that Liam struggled against the same obstacles that he himself struggled against. Namely, a family legacy of corruption.

Liam was assigned to the seventh precinct because Bertrand had been the only chief willing to take a chance on him. Liam was the son of Constantine Rys, the not-quite-disgraced former Sheriff of Lantano County, and younger brother of Leo Rys, a fully disgraced former vice detective in the CCPD.

Bertrand had seen himself in the younger man when he’d agreed to hire him. In contrast to his father and brother, Liam was by the book, conscientious and honorable. Leo though… he lived on the other side of the law now and gave two shits less who knew it.

“Liam,” Bertrand said gently, “I don’t think you see your brother clearly-“

“I do, sir. You don’t know him the way I do!”

“Maybe not, but we both know what he’s capable of, Detective.”

Liam shook his head vehemently, “That was different! He wouldn’t just-“

“And what if he did?” Bertrand snapped, “What if all the evidence points to him?”

Liam glared at his boss for a minute before wilting, “Then I’ll arrest himself, sir. No one is above the law.”

“Right now, everything points to him. We have an eyewitness that puts him at the scene, and multiple witnesses that overheard the very loud, very heated argument just hours before the murder!”

“I have another suspect!” Liam protested, “I was just about to interview the informant!”

Bertrand nodded his head, “Tell you what. I’ll leave you on the case for now, but O’Malley takes the lead. You’ll assist him and I expect hourly updates! Is that understood?”

“Yes! Thank you, sir!”

“And Liam…if it turns out Leo did this, you’ll have to step away.”

“Yes, sir. I understand.”

Max slid himself onto the black faux leather couch next to Riley.

“Did you get the information?” She whispered.

“Oh yeah,” his grin lit up his whole face, “Her name, her number, her life story, the fact that she has a granddaughter my age who’s single and a dinner date for six o’clock tonight!”

“Six o’clock?”

“She’s old, Riley.”

“Fine. Six it is. I’m impressed, Max! How’d you get her to agree to dinner?”

He shifted uncomfortably, “I agreed to meet her granddaughter. She’s coming to dinner too.”

Riley clapped both hands over her mouth as she tried to repress the giggle that threatened to bubble out of her.

“Yeah, yeah, yuck it up. The shit I do for you…”

“Ah, Max, you love this as much as I do! And who knows? Maybe she’ll be a hottie and you’ll hit it off!”

His shoulders slumped as his eyes tracked across her face, “That’s not very likely.”

“Why not?”

Before he could answer, the door to Bertrand’s office opened and Liam stepped out.

“O’Malley!” Bertrand barked.

Flynn pulled himself away from Lilith and jogged across the room as Liam made his way back to his desk and motioned for Riley and Max to take the chairs across from him.

Liam drew in a deep breath to steady himself before lifting his eyes to Riley, “You said you have a suspect with motive. Who?”

“William Sloan.”

Liam blinked slowly, “William Sloan? The CEO of Sloan Enterprises?”

“That’s the one!” Riley smiled brightly at him.

“What’s the motive?”

Riley glanced around the office then leaned over the desk, “His wife, Katie Sloan might have been sleeping with the victim!”

“Might have been? Based on what evidence?”

“Well, he was concerned enough to hire a private detective to have her followed and she was followed right to a meeting with the murder victim.”

Liam sat up in interest, “When was this meeting? Where did it take place? Who was the private detective?”

“Oh…um…” she slid her eyes sidewise to Max.

Max straighten in his chair as he counted backward in his head, “Five nights ago, at the bar in the lobby of the Savoy Hotel.”

Liam’s gaze swung from Riley to Max in surprise, “Now I know you’re not a private investigator, are you?”

“No, officer, I’m a photographer.”

“So how do you know this and who-“

Riley placed a hand on Max’s chest to forestall any further comments from him, “Max just happened to see them there and he’s reporting it to you, as a good citizen.”

“Uh huh,” Liam leaned back in his chair as he returned his attention to Riley, “And how do you know about William Sloan hiring a PI?”

“I can’t reveal my sources,” She returned his gaze levelly.

“Riley, I’m going to need a little more to go on than your word.”

“Well, I would imagine you can pull security footage from the bar on the night in question.”

“We can and we will. It would be really helpful if you would just tell me the name of this PI.”

With a coy grin, she placed her elbow on his desk and leaned her chin in her hand, “And what do I get out of that deal?”

His mouth went dry as he properly identified the teasing lilt in her tone and the flirty flutter of her eyelashes. This woman was infuriating. She had no right to be so frustrating and alluring at the same damn time. She did things to him that he didn’t like to admit. But she was a reporter and had already proven that he couldn’t trust her. He hated that he knew exactly what it sounded like when she came and that he desperately wanted to hear it again.

Pushing his sudden arousal to the side, he shook his head, “Helping solve a murder? Isn’t that enough?”

“If I go around throwing my sources under the bus, they’ll stop telling me things.”

“Fine,” Liam blew out a frustrated sigh, “Is there anything you can tell me? Do you know the nature of Katie and Trent’s relationship? Was she cheating on her husband with him?”

“I don’t know if she was sleeping with him or not, but Trent and Katie used to be engaged!”

“Did they?”

“Yes, you can look that up. It’s a matter of public record.”

“Oh, I will,” he pushed away from his desk, walked around it, and motioned toward the exit, “Now, unless you have anything else useful to tell me-“

Riley and Max stood, but while Max headed for the exit, Riley turned back to Liam, laying a hand on his arm she lowered her voice, “I hope this is enough to take the suspicion off your brother.”

His face paled, “You heard all that?”

“Enough,” she shrugged, “For what it’s worth, if you say he didn’t do it, that’s good enough for me. I believe you.”

He stared at her hand on his arm for a long moment before lifting his eyes to her. He found nothing but sincerity there as he whispered, “Thanks.”

“Anytime,�� she smiled as she dropped her hand away from his arm and turned to go.

“Riley, wait!” He reached for her and spun her back toward him, “Please…don’t print my brother’s name.”

“Liam….I have a duty as an investigative journalist-“

“Please!”

She hesitated. The vulnerability in his eyes and the pleading in his tone conspired to weaken her resolve. “Fine. I won’t print his name for now but once you narrow down a suspect, you tell me first!”

“Riley, you know I can’t-“

She placed her palm flat on his chest, “I’m not asking you to give me confidential information. All I’m asking is that once the information is cleared for release to the press, you slip it to me first!” Because fuck that smug bastard Neville. This was her story and she intended to scoop him on every detail. “Deal?”

Liam’s jaw clenched as he considered her offer. “As long as the information has been cleared through official channels, then fine, I’ll call you before I send it to public relations.”

She gave him that smile again. The one that made him feel like he could climb a mountain for her if she wanted him to. She leaned forward and went up on her tiptoes to place a soft kiss on his cheek, “I think this is going to be a very mutually beneficial arrangement, Detective.”

He watched her walk toward the exit, and Max, who was waiting with his hands shoved in his pockets, giving Liam an appraising look.

Max placed his hand on the small of her back as they exited, shooting a glance back at Liam as he did so.

Interesting. Liam was suddenly curious about the nature of her relationship with her photographer. But there was no time to worry about it now. Right now, he had much bigger problems.

Liam’s head was spinning with the information he had just obtained. Far from exonerating his brother, this new piece of evidence could bury him further. Katie Sloan nee Vanderhilt wasn’t just Trenton Haye’s ex-fiancée, she was also his brother’s ex-girlfriend. If Katie Sloan was rekindling old flames, could she have fallen back into Leo’s bed? Pitted one lover against another?

With a sigh of trepidation, he pulled his phone out and dialed, “Leo, it’s Liam. I’m going to need you to come down to the station and answer some questions.”

#trr au #trr au fanfic #writeblr #crime drama #angelasscribbles #Law's End #laws end #cordonia city #maxwell beaumont #liam rys #drake walker #riley brooks #trr fandom #trr fanfic #the royal romance #no canon #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

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fadingreveries · 2 months

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Novel-style story for The Royal Romance?

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

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

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

But then I thought, would anyone be interested too?

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

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

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

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resetmypatientviolence · 9 months

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From what I hear, it’s a fucking travesty that PB murdered TRR in the end. Literally everybody else’s headcanons are better and I’ll resort to fanfic as canon.

#the royal romance #TRR #playchoices #choices #pixelberry #like poor Liam #should have been an option to fuck off from Cordonia esp if not with Liam ESP AFTER THEY TRIED TO TAKE YOUR BABY FROM #YOU #OR NOT FORCE YOUR KID TO BE AN HEIR???#tho I guess the ending of deciding if you and your li want another kid is cute #and I just found out the nature preserve thing with drakes ending #but otherwise yeah #the first 3 books were solid #and even the first one of TRH #but after that #pb murdered them and lost originality between the LI’s

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dcbbw · 1 year

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Taking the L

I am participating in #KingLiamAppreciationWeek (#KLAW), hosted by the ever-lovely @lizzybeth1986 and @sazanes. This is my offering for Day 1: Throwback/Character Appreciation. I will be providing at least one more story for the event; if I do it correctly, the fic will cover the additional themes/days.

So, this is basically me giving my opinion and head canons about Liam while linking throwback fics into the dialogue; while I have all the love and appreciation in the world for my first, true LI, it may be best to have some of my Rileys express what they treasure and cherish most about the Liam they are paired with. After all, they are the ones with the man day in and day out.

Thank you to all who will read this brain dump; I can only hope it makes sense and comes across in a coherent manner. Everything is below the cut.

PB birthed Liam Rys, but us content creators raise him.

Song Inspiration: Fanfiction on the Internet, Jake Timothy

Word Count: 1,207

Why Liam?

My reason is incredibly simple (and it isn’t because it’s The Royal Romance) … I have dated enough Drake Walkers and Maxwell Beaumonts in real life; no way am I doing it in an alternate universe and spending real dollars to do so.

I dealt with enough games and guards/walls and insecurities and mothering of men; I have done more than my share of putting forth efforts and ego-stroking and reminders and pushing and prodding. I have begged men to love me and proved (to no avail) that my love is worthy of acceptance.

Playing the game with Liam as my LI is my form of escape from reality … the refreshing openness, honesty, and emotional availability Liam Rys provides gives me hope, and will always be my why.

Which Liam?

My preferred Liam is Asian Liam (Asiam). When I first joined the fandom almost 5 years ago, Caucasian Liam (Whiam) was the King of choice for the majority of the fandom, and I remember being nommed for a Clown Award for fetishy writing because I wrote a tall, black MC with Asiam. (I received 7% of the vote)

Asiam is my default Liam, and not just because I see him (looks-wise) as a cross between Gong Yoo and Alex Landi; in my head canon, Asiam is patient (more than most), more sensuous than sexual, logical, an overthinker, and has a humility that is rare for someone born into and raised in an environment of the highest privilege.

He is the driving force behind Riam, Sock Game Liam in the DC AU, UnRomance, and the majority of my TRR-themed one-shots and limited series including The Platinum AU, Driam, and Laxwell.

My love for Asian Liam does not stop me from using the other versions of Liam.

I know I’m in the minority here with my thought process, but I see each version of Liam as a separate person with a distinct je ne sais quoi who just happens to share core characteristics and personality traits with the other two.

I think it would be especially true for Asiam (whom PB did not even classify as an ethnicity, and let's not get into the whitewashing of his mother, Eleanor), and Black Liam (Bliam). While all versions of Liam have a mother who is both a commoner and foreigner, two of them have a parent of color, which (again, to me) has to influence how they are perceived by the international audience they are constantly paraded in front of.

White Liam (Whiam) to me, is trusting, definitely carnal, and has a boldness ...a recklessness if you will; yet he is hesitant to fully embrace his role as King. This Liam takes the lead in stories such as The Commoner’s Wife, Streets of New York, One Night Stand, and he is the Liam of choice in the upcoming stories, Sins of the Father, Best Friend, and Body Count.

I have plans for Bliam; he is the star in a few upcoming fics: Looking, Heartland, Life in a Southern Town (the Election AU), and Eight Minutes. For me, Bliam exudes a confidence the other Liams do not, which is at odds with my head canon that this particular Liam is more guarded than Drake and more of a loner.

Currently all three Liams can be found in my Remix series (only two chapters in, but more is coming!) where Asiam is a complete thot. (He can be an anomaly at times)

Head Canons (strictly my envisionings, opinions, and thought processes that formulate my version of Cordonia’s favorite King)

· His name is Liam, not William; his mama named him Liam and that’s good enough for me. And coming from a family where me and my siblings all have names that begin with an R, I like the Leo, Liam, Lena thing; bonus that the first syllable for each is pronounced “Lee”

· He has BDE, and the BD to back it up

· He is not submissive in the bedroom. Being King is a 24/7 job, and I do not see him just shedding that type of power the second nakedness enters the picture

· I also do not see him as dominant in the bedroom; for his partner’s pleasure, he can be assertive (not to be confused with aggressive). The man is still kinky though

· However, he has no problem with a transference of power between he and his partner between the sheets (within reason)

· Liam grew up in an environment where unilateral decisions that affect the entire country are made in a millisecond; hence the Coronation night fiasco. If keeping you a secret from Cordonia means you’re safe … it’s worth the fallout

· Madeleine was his only choice that night because another suitor’s acceptance would immediately become a political arrangement, with their families/houses effectively trapping Liam in a marriage neither party wants

· It doesn’t happen often, but he and MC argue. Loudly

· He’s a social smoker, especially when networking or brokering a deal/arrangement/alliance

· If he’s pouring a scotch, he’s stressed

· MC is his first true/real relationship

· He is not perfect

· He makes mistakes

· Two of my Liams can cook; the rest are at the mercies of the kitchens and Riley

· He doesn’t flaunt his wealth

· He is deeply spiritual (believes in a higher power and prayer), but doesn’t begin attending church until he and MC have created a family

What is the one thing Riley appreciates most about (her) Liam?

Riam Riley: I’ll have to get back to you on that.

Riley B.: I would have to say his thoughtfulness. When he borrows my car, he returns it with a full tank of gas. When he comes to my place, he brings in my mail and packages. He’ll Venmo me money when it’s a couple of days before payday. He looks out for me.

Mermaids Riley: His vulnerability. It’s hard to open to someone you hated for absolutely no reason, then find out you’re going to marry them, and now you have to get to know said person and let them get to know you as well. The more we talk and spend time together, the more I learn and not just the surface stuff. That takes more than courage, and I admire it.

Platinum AU Riley/Raleigh: I haven’t seen him in 10 years, but I remember his intelligence. He was more than educated or smart; Liam had a hunger for knowledge, and constantly fed it. He was open-minded as well, so prone to listen to opposing perspectives and broadening his mindset.

Discontent Riley: What I appreciate most about Liam? His selflessness. We’ve had … we’re having our share of problems, but he is always there for me despite public opinion, and at great risk to his reign. I can only imagine the toll our losses and my drinking have taken on his health on all levels, but he only cares for mine. I don’t deserve him.

UnRomance Riley: I appreciate the way he takes care of me. It may not always be the way I would want or even like, but he knows what I need without me saying a word.

Riam Riley: Oh, dear Lord! It’s my turn again? Okay, okay … I got one. It’s his even-temperedness. He’s the calm to my storm, he listens to me go on and on and on, especially when I’m hormonal which is all the time. Liam is steady. He makes things make sense. Not saying he doesn’t get frustrated, fed up, and angry … he does. But he’s never volatile, and it never lasts long. He truly forgives and forgets.

And there you have it, dear reader … a few things I think makes my Liam(s) tick and sets him apart (if only slightly) from the others. Your mileage may vary.

Tagging: @jared2612 @ao719 @marietrinmimi @queenjilian @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie @liamrhysstalker2020 @neotericthemis @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @busywoman @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam @beezm @gardeningourmet @lovingchoices14 @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles @lady-calypso @emkay512 @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @queenrileyrose @alj4890 @yourfavaquarius111 @motorcitymademadame @queenmiarys @kingliamappreciationweek @lizzybeth1986 @sazanes

#dcbbw writes #king liam appreciation week #klaw day 1 #king liam rys of cordonia

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khoicesbyk · 9 days

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The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 8,600 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

Sorry this is wayyyyy late! I thought I had uploaded it last month. Oh well! 🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

Chapter 5.) Joy Of Winter.

It's December in Cordonia. And many in the kingdom were abuzz for the annual Cordonia Winter Festival. It has become somewhat of a national pride and many were ready to celebrate. None more than Marquise. He loves the event and the fact that it has become his wife's newest pastime brings him joy.

December wasn't just the month of the Winter Festival. It was also the month of his graduation. He was to finally graduate with a Doctorate in Psychology. He was excited and couldn't wait to go to Boston. But first, before he could celebrate he had business to attend to.

It was a few weeks removed since his mother-in-law had gotten into a physical altercation with Countess Alicia. With many of the nobles beginning to take Lady Alicia's side and wanting Shantel to be removed from her post. But Marquise knew better. And after the security footage of the fight was released, he had both ladies meet him in his office to discuss and remedy the issue.

"Good morning to you both. Thank you for joining me. Please have a seat." he said to them both.

"Thank you for having us, Your Majesty," Shantel replied.

"Yes. Thank you." Alicia agreed.

"You're both very welcome. Now that you both are here, we can get down to business. Apparently, you two have an issue that needs to be resolved. Now."

Alicia huffed.

"There wouldn't be an issue, Your Majesty, if someone here had remembered her place."

Shantel rolled her eyes.

"If by 'remembered her place' you mean that I should've remembered that I am a Duchess and you're not, then yes you're right I should have, and by doing so I should've had you thrown out of the palace."

"You have no authority there!" Alicia sneered.

"No, I don't. But my husband, perhaps you know him, his name is Prince Damien Miller, he does. And so does my daughter. The Queen. After all, it is HER palace. Not yours. And certainly not your step-sister's." Shantel shot back.

"Your husband is a coward and idiot!" Alicia seethed.

"If by that you mean he chose better and by that I mean he chose me and not a bottom feeder like you. Then yeah you're so right he is."

Alicia's face contorted with disgust.

"Why you no good god awful Jezebel!" Alicia snapped at Shantel.

"You're still mad that he didn't want you then and still doesn't want you now!" Shantel spat back at her.

"Why you–" Alicia started to say before Marquise cut her off, "That is enough! Have some decorum! You're both grandmothers for God's sake."

Shantel raised an eyebrow.

"You know what? You're right, Your Majesty. We should know better. Especially me. After all, my sweet granddaughter is the Crown Heir. I have an example to set for her. I wouldn't want her to see me act like this."

Alicia scoffed.

"This is why you are not and never will be worthy of your so-called title and station as Duchess. You think because you slept with Damien that you belong among us. You are nothing but a commoner. A low-brow American commoner at that."

"Correction: you slept with him. And according to him, you were never really that good. Unlike you, I married him. I love him. Something you have always been incapable of doing."

"Ladies!" Marquise warned.

"I don't even know why I'm even here. We both know you'll do nothing but side with this sad excuse of a noble." Alicia said to Marquise.

Marquise took a deep breath and straightened his spine.

"You're here because whether you like Shantel or not, whether you like the fact she is married to Damien or not, she is still an active member of The Royal Family. And you decided to put your hands on her. Knowing that it's against the law to do so." Marquise said to Alicia.

"She started it!" Alicia protested.

Shantel rolled her eyes.

"Countess, with all due respect, I have seen the security footage and heard the accompanying audio as well. You antagonized her after she, my father-in-law, and Commander Devereaux were situated and settled into their rooms and when she snapped at you for your rudeness during dinner, you threw a drink in her face. Which ended quite badly for you."

Alicia rolled her eyes and Marquise raised an eyebrow at her.

"Did you just roll your eyes at me, Countess?" he asked.

"Of course not. I'm not a heathen. Unlike some people." she replied while gesturing to Shantel.

"I'm not so sure your actual husband, Earl Amos, would agree." Shantel shot back at her.

"Ladies! Last. Chance." Marquise warned.

The two women glared at each other but said nothing.

"Now this issue between you two needs to be put to rest permanently. You are both nobles of very high society, given you both have close proximity to King Dominic and Shantel has close proximity to myself and my wife."

"So just what are you proposing, Your Majesty?" Alicia asked.

"After speaking with both of your husbands I let them decide what the best course of action is to take," Marquise replies.

"And what did they decide?" Shantel asks.

"Your husbands decided that you two are going to work together." Marquise replies.

They were stunned.

"What?!" Shantel asks.

"Excuse me?!" Alicia asked.

"Allow me to explain, because Shantel is the Education Minister, she needs a second in command. That's where you come in Alicia. Because as of this moment, per your husband's request, you are no longer Head Of Staff at the palace in Cloutier."

Alicia blinked.

"What do you mean by his request?!" Alicia asks.

"What I mean is Earl Amos requested you be fired from your position as Head Of Staff for embarrassing and potentially jeopardizing his house, social standing, and name. And I will honor his request. Effective immediately. Instead, you will serve as Shantel's second in command. Consider it fair and well...karmic punishment."

Their jaws dropped.

"So you're saying that I have to work for that?!" Alicia asked, gesturing at Shantel who rolled her eyes.

"Yes. This was the solution both men came up with and as King, I signed off on it." Marquise replied.

"Unbelievable. I can not believe that no good coward would turn on me!"

Shantel shook her head.

"Next time pick on someone who can't fight. You know, like your step-sister?" Shantel quipped.

Marquise turned his attention to his mother-in-law.

"As for you madam, you said it best. Your granddaughter is the Crown Heir. And it is up to you to set the greatest example for her. And as her father and your King, I expect you to act like it. Now as far as Alicia working for you is concerned, I expect you to be a fair leader. Is that clear?" Marquise asks.

"Of course. She's not the first combative person I've dealt with in a workplace and she won't be the last."

Alicia scoffed.

"This is humiliating! I shouldn't have to work with her!"

"Not work with her Countess. Work under her. She is officially your boss. But as she has just assured me, she will be fair. And I expect that you will be compliant."

"And if I'm not? What then? You forget I'm protected by my brother-in-law." Alicia asked.

"First of all, his detail does not extend to you. And hasn't extended to you since he lost power. And secondly, I could just forgo the solution and go with Damien's original idea," Marquise replies.

"What idea?" Alicia asks.

"That I strip you of your title and lands. That was Damien's original idea. The only reason he didn't push harder for it is because of your grandchildren. He as well as your husband didn't think it would be fair for them to have to lose what's rightfully theirs because you want to be a 60-going-5-year-old." Marquise replied.

Shantel snickered quietly.

"It's no wonder why many of the nobles don't respect you, Your Majesty. You let worms like her get away with murder, while you punish their betters for no reason." Alicia sneered at him.

"Oh, I definitely have a reason. It's called I'm the King and this is my kingdom! Now if you're that unhappy with how I rule and run things, you are free to live anywhere you'd like. Just know that it won't be here in Cordonia."

Alicia huffed.

"Are we done?" Alicia asked.

"Get out of my office!" Marquise hissed at her.

Alicia got up and stormed out. Slamming his office door.

"Well, that was fun," Shantel said.

Marquise raised an eyebrow at her, causing her to shake her head.

"I'll be fine, son."

"I know. But I meant it when I told her that you would be fair. Do not make me look like a liar."

"I would never do that to you. You know this. I know how hard you work to balance everything."

"Good."

"You know she's going to run and tell the first noble she comes across that you have been unfair to her right?" Shantel asked.

"I'm betting on it. But I've been in power long enough to know how to deal with these wealthy idiots." he replies.

"What if she tries to gather enough support to oust you and my daughter?" she asks.

"Unless she can somehow convince the 5 heads of the Great Houses of Cordonia to support her cause, I doubt it. Also, Countess Madeleine, Duchess Kiara, Duke Bertrand, Duchess Olivia, and Duke Landon pledged their support to the crown when Khari was born and reaffirmed that pledge when my boys were born."

"Madeleine took over for her mother?" Shantel asks.

"Mmhmm. Duchess Adelaide has kidney cancer on top of having Cirrhosis." Marquise replied.

"Oh my God!" Shantel said with a gasp.

"Her health struggles haven't been made public yet, but due to her rapidly declining health, she quietly passed the duties as Head Of House over to her daughter when the boys were six months old."

"Is it terminal?" Shantel asks.

"That I don't know. I do know that Adelaide is on the donor list. I also don't know how high up the list she is." Marquise replies.

"Does my daughter know?"

"Yes. We went to see the Duchess a few weeks ago."

"How can Madeleine be Head Of House if her mother is still a Duchess?"

"Her health. If a Head Of House ever falls gravely ill, they can pass their duties on to their heir. Maddy won't officially be Duchess of Fydelia until her mother officially passes."

Shantel nodded.

Just then there was a loud commotion outside of Marquise's office door.

"What in the world?" Shantel asks.

That's when Earl Amos Barbaroux came in with Countess Alicia hot on his heels.

"May I help you?" Marquise asked.

"Yes, yes you can. You can tell my so-called husband that the deal he made with Damien is off!"

The Earl rolled his eyes.

"Please my King, I apologize for intruding into your office. But my wife is being unreasonable."

Alicia whirled around on him.

"Unreasonable?! You are trying to dehumanize me by forcing me to work for someone who is way beneath my station!" Alicia yelled at her husband.

"You don't have a station!" he yelled back at her. "I have a station!"

Shantel and Marquise looked at each other as Earl Amos took a deep breath.

"If it wasn't for me, you'd still be the same noble whore, that your parents passed around, family to family, until they found mine, specifically they found my father, and begged him to match us together!"

This left the King and his mother-in-law speechless.

"You—" Alicia started to say before her husband cut her off, "I have had to put up with you and your constant disrespect and condescendence for decades. And now is when I put my foot down!"

"Enough! Whatever the issue is or issues are between you two, will not and can not be solved by you two having a shouting match in my office. So if you two don't mind." Marquise said to both of them while gesturing to his office door, "Thank you."

Earl Amos nodded.

"Yes, you're right Your Majesty. I apologize for my behavior towards you and Duchess Shantel." he replied to Marquise before addressing Shantel, " and speaking of you Duchess, I would also like to extend my sincerest apologies for my wife and her unbecoming and unscrupulous behavior towards you all these years. I have never been more ashamed or embarrassed."

Shantel nodded.

"Thank you for your apology, Sir."

Earl Amos gave her a small smile and nod before turning his attention back to his wife.

"His Majesty asked us both to leave his office. So let's go," he said calmly to her.

Alicia crossed her arms as she glared at him.

"I am not going anywhere with you! You no good traitor!" Alicia sneered at her husband.

"Well, you're certainly not going to be staying in my office all day so you and Earl Amos can both take your leave."

Alica scoffed at Marquise.

"Countess, I will NOT repeat myself," Marquise warned her.

Alicia huffed and began to turn on her heel. But not before saying one last thing to her husband.

"I should've had Edward kill you when I had the chance!"

The Earl scoffed.

"Well, now you can't. And until our youngest three children have finished their studies and are off to university, I am stuck living with a shrew of a wife better known as you."

Alicia stood there with her mouth open as she watched her husband walk out. Then followed behind him not too long after.

"Well that was certainly eventful," Shantel said to Marquise.

Marquise only shook his head.

"Too eventful."

"What happened to them?" Shantel asks, "From all I ever heard he's been nothing but good to her."

"He has. But she's never been any good to him."

"But why? What has he done that she hates him so much?"

Marquise looked at his door for a moment.

"Off the record? The three youngest children he mentioned...aren't biologically his."

"What?!" Shantel asked.

"Their biological father was a man Alicia had been having an affair with for years. He worked on her and Amos's estate staff. And rather than risk the scandal of divorce, he's raised them as his own." Marquise replies.

"Do you think their children know he's not their biological father?" Shantel asked.

"I doubt it. I don't think he wants them to know."

Shantel nodded.

"I can understand why. It would break his heart. Where is their biological father?"

Marquise exhaled slowly.

"You don't know this but your brother-in-law had him executed when the man threatened to go public about his and Alicia's affair."

"You're joking!"

Marquise shook his head no.

"Nope. And Edward made sure to have this man erased from all public records. And he even told Amos that he was to raise the children as his own until they became of age."

"Edward, had every trace of him erased?"

"Yes. You forget he had A LOT of unchecked power then. No one would have been stupid enough to question him. It took me a while but I did find the man's name."

"What was it?"

"His name was Yohan. But that's all I have been able to recover about him."

"Surely the man had a family."

Marquise exhaled slowly.

"If he did, they were silenced by either execution or exile."

Shantel shook her head.

"So is that all nobles do? Cheat on each other and drink themselves to death?" she asked.

"No. They also brag about their insane wealth and power while thinking it rivals mine."

"And we both know your power is unmatched."

"Exactly. So now that all that ugliness is over, how about I treat you to lunch?" Marquise asked.

"I would love to have lunch with you son-in-love."

"Perfect!"

Later that night Marquise had caught Shanelle up on his very colorful morning.

"Alicia was cheating on Earl Amos?"

"Yes. For years. And she was able to get away with it."

"How?"

"She knew he could never challenge her because all she had to do was run to either Edward or Genevieve and she'd be safe. So he knew it was safer to keep quiet."

"Yikes!"

"Yeah."

Shanelle took a sip of her wine.

"Now are you sure this Alicia woman working under my mom is a good idea?"

"Absolutely. I trust your mother, I especially trust in her judgment. I also trust that Alicia will remember that she has more to lose than gain if she defies the decision that was reached."

Shanelle nodded.

"Now onto more exciting things. Like your graduation next week."

Marquise snickered.

"I am so excited. I can't wait."

"Same! We've been waiting for it and now it's here. How do you really feel?" she asked.

"Honestly, I'm relieved. It's been a long journey. But it's been worth it. And now by this time next week, I will have my degree in my hands. And then we and the kingdom will celebrate our favorite kingdom pastime."

"I know I'm so excited. I love seeing the palace and the orchard all decorated. And it'll be the first Winter Festival that the boys will be able to participate in."

"They were at the one last year."

"They were with Nina all day. She kidnapped our boys."

"Not that you minded my Queen."

"True."

"But you're right. They will have a blast."

"And of course, there's my favorite: the annual snowball fight."

Marquise raised an eyebrow at his wife.

"What do you have planned for this year, my love?"

"Battle of the sexes!"

"You mean I get to throw a snowball at you?"

"No. It means you will finally be dethroned as the defending snowball fight champion."

Marquise snickered.

"May the best team win my Goddess."

"I know I will."

Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

Over the next few days, the couple spent time together before His Majesty had to get ready for his solo trip to the States. While he was excited to go, his children weren't. They had never been away from their dad for that long. So the Princess came up with a great idea for her and her brothers. They would go with him without him knowing. She pulled out one of her Daddy's biggest suitcases and did her checklist.

"Okay, boys! We have our snacks, our juice, and our chocolate milk! Now do you have your blankies?" Khari asked her brothers. Both boys held up their blankies.

"And you have your touchdown bears?"

The boys held up their bears.

"Alright! Let's hop in!"

All three climbed into the suitcase and shut it.

"Okay, boys! We gotta be quiet so Daddy doesn't know! So shhh!" she whispered to her giggling brothers. Who tried their hardest to quiet down so they wouldn't get caught. Sadly they were caught when their parents couldn't find them and looked all over the palace for them. But they discovered the suitcase they were hiding in.

"Babe?" Shanelle asked over her shoulder.

"Yeah?" Marquise replied.

"Is this one of your suitcases?"

Marquise looked at it.

"Yeah, but I never packed this one."

"Then why is it closed?"

Marquise went to open it when he heard familiar giggling. He shook his head and started to chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Shanelle asked.

"I just figured out why we haven't been able to find the children."

"What do you mean?"

"Take a listen."

Shanelle leaned in and heard the same giggling.

"No, they didn't."

"Yes, they did."

Shanelle shook her head with a smile.

"Let's play along."

Shanelle nodded.

"There's my suitcase! I've been looking all over for it!"

"Good, I'm glad you found it. Now you and my dad can go on your trip."

"Yup now let me just zip it up."

The giggling intensified when he zipped up the suitcase.

"Say, my love, have you seen the children?" he asks.

"No, I can't say that I have," she replied.

"Oh well! I'm sure we'll see them before I leave."

Marquise picked up the suitcase and carried it down with the children giggling inside and him and Shanelle snickering the whole time. When they got to the main hall where Shanelle's parents were waiting they heard the giggling.

"What in the world is going on?" Damien asks.

Shanelle told them and asked them to play along.

"Well, Your Highness. I believe we're ready to leave." Marquise said to Damien.

"Yes, my King. It seems that we are ready. It's just I haven't seen the kids. Shantel and I looked everywhere for them."

"Y'know that's funny! Their mother and I were just saying the same thing."

"Where could those kids be?" Shantel asked.

Shanelle just shook her head laughing softly. That's when Margo walked up.

"Are you ready to leave my King?" she asked Marquise.

"Yes. We will be leaving shortly. Do me a favor. Take a listen to the suitcase."

Margo took a listen and heard her grandchildren giggling.

"Why are they in the suitcase?" Margo asked.

"Because apparently, they think they're going with me. So we're playing along." Marquise whispered.

Margo nodded.

"Mama, since you're here have you seen the children?" Marquise asked.

"No, I haven't. I thought they were with you and their mother." Margo replies.

"No. No one has seen them. Damien and I can't leave without saying goodbye to them. Oh well! Let me take my suitcase and Damien and I can take our leave."

"That's an unusually large suitcase, my son. What do you have in it?" Margo asked.

"You know I don't remember what I packed in it. Let me check."

Marquise opened the suitcase and there were his children and their giggling.

"There you are! What are the three of you doing in my suitcase?" Marquise asks.

"We don't want you to leave so we're going with you Daddy," Khari replied.

His heart exploded as he helped them out of the suitcase and sat down with them.

"My love you know you and your brothers can't go with me."

"But!" Khari pouted.

Marquise put a gentle finger to her lips.

"My love. I love you and I love Zyon and I love Kylo. But you three are too young to go with me."

"But we don't want you to go Daddy."

"I know you don't. I won't be gone long."

He hated seeing the looks on their little faces.

"I'll see you three Thursday."

"It's not the same Daddy," Khari said, shaking her head sadly.

"Dada..." Zyon whined.

Marquise took a deep breath.

"If it's one thing you three know how to do perfectly, it's tugging at Daddy's heartstrings."

He gathered the three of him in his arms.

"I love you. I love each of you. I don't like to leave you but sometimes Daddy has to. But I promise I will never ever be gone for very long."

Marquise looked at his children and smiled before clearing his throat and singing softly.

"Come now my sweet babies please don't cry. Let's wipe those tears from your eyes. Let's see those smiles so they brighten up the day. Always remember no matter what, Daddy is never too far away."

He held his children close before Kylo looked up at him then went and grabbed his blankie.

"Blankie!" he said as he held it up to his father.

"You want me to take it with me?" Marquise asked.

Kylo's only answer was a smile.

"Thank you, my love. I will take great care of it."

Zyon followed suit by giving his father his touchdown bear.

"My! I'm being spoiled today. Thank you."

He held his two boys close to his chest.

"My two sweet loves. I love you both more than I could ever tell you. I will see you both soon. I won't be gone for long."

He kissed them both on their foreheads before sending them to their mother and turning his attention to his daughter.

"Come here, my love."

Khari stood in front of her father with a sad look on her face.

"Are you mad at me Daddy?" she asked.

"Never. You are allowed to feel whatever it is you feel. I could never fault you for that." he replied.

"So I'm not in trouble?"

"No. You and your brothers kinda gave yourselves away when you first started giggling. We couldn't help but play along."

"You knew that we were in the suitcase the whole time?"

"Yes, my sweet one. We did. Your mother and I couldn't help but play along."

"Oh..." Khari said dejectedly.

Marquise tilted his head before gently tilting her chin up.

"You have no idea how much I adore you. I adore the way you love your little brothers. I know why you feel the way you do. I used to feel that way whenever my mother had to leave for a short period."

"Really?" she asked.

"Yes. When I was 8 years old, Mother had to go on a leaders fellowship to Namibia for three months and I missed her terribly. Every day I would ask everyone on her staff when she was coming back."

"You did?" Khari asks.

"Ohh yes. Every single day until your grandmother returned." Margo replied.

Khari giggled.

"My point is I know what it feels like. I know you don't want me to go but I have to. It will only be for a few days."

Khari looked down at the ground. He pulled her close to him.

"Do you know what happens next Saturday?" he asked her.

"Your graduation?" she replies.

"Yes. Do you know why I'm excited about it?"

"Because you worked really hard for it?"

"Yes. But that's not why I'm excited about it."

"Then why Daddy?"

"Because you and your brothers will be walking across the stage with me when I get my degree."

Khari perked up.

"We will?"

"Yes. I asked if it would be okay and the committee I spoke to agreed."

Khari nodded.

"Look at me, my love."

Khari looked up at her dad.

"I will only be gone for a few days. I know you're sad but we'll be together again on Thursday."

"You promise Daddy?"

"I swear it on my heart, my life, and my soul. I will never be away from your side for too long."

Khari chewed her bottom lip and then nodded.

"Okay."

Marquise wrapped his daughter in a loving hug as he stood up.

"I love you, I adore you. My sweet beautiful Princess."

Khari gave him a big kiss on the cheek.

"I love you too Daddy. I'm sorry we tried to trick you."

"No need to apologize, my love. Now go to your mother. Okay?"

Khari nodded.

"I will call you and your brothers tonight okay?"

"Pinky promise?" she asked, holding up her pinky.

"Pinky promise," he replied, hooking his pinky to hers.

With a soft kiss on her forehead from her father Khari was at her mother's side. Marquise stood up and looked to his father-in-law.

"Your Highness, NOW we can leave."

"Of course," Damien replied with a small chuckle.

With final goodbyes to their loved ones. Marquise and Damien were soon on their way to the airstrip. Once in the air Marquise silently became curious about his children's plan to go with him.

"Something on your mind son?" Damien asked.

"Just wondering where Khari got the idea to pack herself and the boys in a suitcase," Marquise replies.

Damien chuckled.

"From me. It's an old story that I told her when she asked me if her mother had ever gotten into big trouble as a child."

"What do you mean?" Marquise asked.

"Shanelle was 4 years old when she didn't want me to leave on a trip home. So she packed herself into my suitcase and fell asleep."

Marquise snorted.

"And I nearly missed my flight because Shantel and I couldn't find her." Damien replied.

Marquise nodded with a smile.

"I guess she thought she'd succeed where her mother failed." Damien quipped.

"She would have if she and the boys weren't giggling so much."

Damien simply nodded with a smile.

His Majesty and Prince Damien's US trip began when they touched down in Tennessee. There they were taken across the state line into Kentucky, where they visited His Majesty's Bourbon Distillery. They toured the facility and even got to taste the special holiday blend. As well as touring the four adjacent horse farms. That's where His Majesty got the idea for the name of the distillery. Terre de Chevaux. Which means Land Of Horses.

That night he called to check in with his children.

"Hello, my little ones! I miss you so much."

"We miss you too Daddy. How is your trip?" Khari asked while holding the phone so her brothers could see.

"It's been fun. I toured the distillery and the horse farms around it and do you know what I found out?" Marquise replied.

Khari shook her head no.

"I met some of the horses. And I learned their names."

"What are their names?"

"One is named Esther after my grandmother. Another is named Victor after my uncle. And the last one is named Ellie."

"Like Grandmother?"

"Exactly my love."

"Wow! Will we get to meet them, Daddy?"

"I hope so."

"Where do you go next Daddy?"

"I will go to the capitol in Washington D.C. tomorrow, where I will get to speak to Congress, and then your grandfather and I will be in Boston. Where I will see you three Thursday."

"We can't wait! Right boys?" Khari asked her brothers who were trying to take the phone from her.

"It's time for bed my loves."

"Okay, Daddy. We'll talk to you tomorrow."

"I love you all. So much."

"We love you too! Right boys?"

Later after putting their children to bed, Shanelle had a quiet conversation with her husband.

"Finally! They're all down for the count."

Marquise snickered.

"I miss you. You know that right?"

"Yeah, I know. I miss you too, handsome. But like you told the kids we'll see each other Thursday."

"Indeed we will. It's amazing that we've been to Boston twice in one year."

"I know you should go play the numbers while you're in the States."

Marquise snorted.

"Yeah sure I will."

Shanelle let out a small yawn that she failed to hide.

"Go to bed, my Queen. I'll text you in the morning."

"Alright. Goodnight Handsome."

"Goodnight my Goddess."

"I love you."

"I love you too Shanelle."

After blowing her husband a small kiss, Shanelle went to bed. The next morning, His Majesty touched down in Washington D.C. to re-sign the Cordon-America Act of 1985. After signing the act Marquise got the chance to speak to Congress. Something he only ever dreamed about.

"Good Morning everyone! My what a dream come true this is for me. I actually get to speak to Congress as a whole. If only my Poli Sci professor could see me now."

In his nearly 45-minute speech, Marquise highlighted the importance of the act and the continuation of the shared goal between his kingdom and America. A free, safe, and fair world for all to live in. After his speech, he and Damien toured The Library Of Congress, where he saw the original Declaration of Independence. Once the tour ended, they traveled to the Maryland National Cemetery so Damien could lay flowers at his in-law's graves.

"I haven't been here in a few years. It's good to see them." Damien said as he laid the flowers on each grave.

"Thank you for bringing me here. Shanelle talks about them all the time. Especially your former mother-in-law."

Damien snickered.

"Yes. Mom is where Shanelle gets her personality from. That Jamaican fire runs through my daughter's veins."

"And mine," Marquise added.

The two shared a chuckle. After a short flight that evening, His Majesty found himself back home in Boston and getting ready for his graduation. The next day, his wife, children, mother, and mother-in-law arrived from Cordonia. And he couldn't wait to hold his babies again.

"I've missed you three so much," he said as he hugged them.

"We've missed you too Daddy! How has your trip been?" Khari asks.

"It's been good but it's better now that you three are here. And just like I promised you, we're together again. And you and your brothers can explore the house." Marquise replied as he led his family into the living room. "But before that, I believe I have a few items to return."

He pulled out Kylo's blanket and Zyon's bear.

"I believe that these belong to the two of you."

Later that night after a big dinner and getting his children off to sleep. His Majesty went to check on his mother who was just settling into her bed.

"Are you alright Mama?"

"Yes, my love. I'm fine. I am perfectly happy."

"Happy eh?"

"Yes of course my son. By this time Saturday, you'll have your Doctorate in hand. And will be able to display it in your office back home."

Marquise chuckled.

"It means the world that you're here with me."

"It means the world to be here. To represent our kingdom and our family."

"It's funny. I look around this room and I can't help but miss Papa. I wish he could be here."

Margo took his hands in hers and looked at him with a warm smile.

"I know you do, my son. The last time I was here was with him when you earned your bachelor's degree. He would be thrilled to see you earn your Ph.D. As a matter of fact, the whole flight he would've had the children in stitches and excited about your graduation. But it's just Papa that you miss is it?"

Marquise took a deep breath.

"No. My heart aches for her. I miss her. I wish she could be here as well."

"She is here my love. She's so incredibly proud of the man you have become. She would be filled with such pride at all you have accomplished in your life. And so would Papa. They look down from heaven with smiles as bright as the sun and as wide as a Cheshire Cat."

Marquise shook his head with a smile before kissing her forehead softly.

"Thank you, Mama. You always know what I need."

She kissed his cheek.

"I'm your mother. I will always know what you need."

"Get your rest, Mama. I'll see you in the morning."

Margo smiled at him as he left the room and returned to the master bedroom where his wife was. He climbed into bed with her and wrapped himself around her.

"My big ass baby."

"I've missed you."

"I've missed you too but you are way too heavy. Now get off of me."

Tried as she might, but Shanelle could not get him off of her.

"Marquise...I...can't...breathe! Get off me!"

He finally let her go.

"Big ass creep!" she said as she caught her breath.

"Your big ass creep. Thank you."

"Yeah, yeah."

She snuggled into him.

"How are you feeling?" she asks.

"Relieved. It'll all be over soon. All the hours of study and presentation and research will have all paid off."

"Mmmhmm. And soon you will officially be a Doctor and a King."

Marquise snorted.

"Very funny."

"You love me."

"Indeed I do. I will say I can't wait to see our children walk the stage with me."

Shanelle shook her head with a smile.

"Their little cap and gowns came the day after you left. So Khari has been teaching the boys how to walk the stage."

"Please tell me you got it on video."

Shanelle handed him her phone.

"See for yourself, Your Majesty."

Marquise watched as his daughter tried to teach her brothers how to walk a graduation stage in hilarious fashion.

"Well...she tried."

"Yup. They are cute though."

"Very," he said with a small smile.

As he lay in bed with his wife, Marquise became contemplative.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asks.

"My thoughts are worth more than all the literal gold in our vault. But since it's you, sure," he replied.

"What's really on your mind? Is it your mother?" she asks.

Marquise sighed.

"Yes. I can't help but wish she was here. I can't help but want her to be here. I want to see her celebrate with you, Margo, and your parents. And I want to see her standing behind our children. Cheering them on." he paused to clear his throat, "You would think that after 26 years my heart would have healed itself by now. But it hasn't. That void in my heart is still there. That need to see her, to be around her, to be able to hold her hand or hug her is still there. I just hope to God that I've made her proud."

"I know it is. And I know in my heart that you have made her proud. Everything that you've accomplished in and with your life has made her proud. This is just another accolade to add to the list of things that she's proud of you for."

He kissed her forehead softly.

"Thank you, my love."

"It's what I'm here for."

He smiled at her as he held her close.

That Saturday was the big day for His Majesty. After getting dressed himself, he hilariously got his children dressed in their caps and gowns. With both boys being so enamored with their caps. Once everyone was ready it was time to head to the university. Once they arrived Marquise took a very deep breath for this was it. Everything he'd worked for had led up to this very moment. And it was a moment that didn't disappoint.

He finally got to do the one thing he had been dying to do. Walk the graduation stage. But what made it even more special was his children walking with him. He was proud as they stole the show. Afterward, he found himself in his mother's arms.

"I am so proud of you, my love. So proud! You've done it, my boy! You've really done it!" Margo said proudly.

"Thank you. I'm still in shock but I am so thankful to have you here. By my side, to celebrate with me."

"My love, there is nowhere on this earth that I'd rather be. I got to watch you achieve yet another one of your dreams."

Marquise closed his eyes and laid his forehead against hers.

"Look at me, son."

He looked at her.

"I wholeheartedly believe that Eleanor is jumping for joy right now. She is elated that her son is not only a King but he's also now a Doctor. You are her greatest dream come true. Her smile is as bright as the sky and as wide as a canyon. And so is Papa. You know he is in heaven just bragging about his boy doing it yet again. Telling every angel he comes across that his son has become a Doctor."

He pulled her close.

"Thank you. For every single thing. I would not be where I am, I would not be the man I am, without you. Please don't ever forget that."

"I never have and I never will my son. Now go celebrate my love. Go on."

Later that night after hours of celebrating with his family. He spent time with the one he loves most, his wife. They were nestled together on the couch in the living room.

"I'm so proud of you. You know that right?" she asks.

He placed a sweet kiss on the palm of her left hand.

"I know. You've been one of my biggest cheerleaders throughout all of this. When I wanted to stop or give up you told me to keep going. Or else you'd slug me." he replies.

Shanelle snorted.

"Mission accomplished."

Shanelle took a look around the room.

"Our story began right here. In this house. On this couch because someone's big ass pulled his hamstring racing a bunch of teenagers."

He punched her.

"Ow!"

"That's what you get!"

"Jerk!" she hissed.

"Chicken, shrimp, or goat?" he asked.

"You're lucky I love you."

"I really am. Because at the time we got engaged, there was a part of me that feared you would've turned me down."

Shanelle took a deep breath.

"Please don't hate me for this."

"For what?" he asked.

"There was a part of me that wanted to tell you no. A HUGE part. I wanted to run away from you and not look back." she replied.

"Why didn't you?" he asks.

"Because I love you. That's why. I couldn't let you go even when my brain was screaming for me to do so. You showed me what true love is. You made a promise that you have never broken. You promised to love, protect, and nurture my heart and my love. And you have constantly and consistently kept that promise." she replies.

"And I always will. If you don't believe anything else from me, you can believe that."

Shanelle smiled at him as they continued to enjoy a quiet moment together. Once back in Cordonia, planning for the Winter Festival kicked into high gear. Crews worked overtime making sure every detail was perfect and to Shanelle's exact specifications. All the while Marquise had plans of his own.

With the palace being as big as it is, there is a lot of unused and mostly dead space on certain floors. So he decided to have three floors converted. One into a personal bowling alley. Another into a massive indoor ball pit and playground for his children. The final floor is the one he's most excited about, that floor will be an indoor laser tag arena. And it has to be tested out to make sure it's safe and ready for the barrage of kids and adults who will want to play. Because it will be open to his family and the staff and their families.

That Friday before the Winter Festival, Their Majesties hosted their family, both immediate and extended at the palace residence. While the children were having a time running around playing, Marquise pulled Logan aside.

"Come with me," Marquise said to Logan.

"Where we going?" he asks.

"It's a surprise. Trust me you'll like it." Marquise replied.

"Nope! You know I don't like surprises unless I'm in on them. So where are we going?" Logan asks.

"I'll show you when we get there," Marquise replied through clenched teeth.

"Ohhhh...okay Uncle Scar."

"Shut up and move Simba."

Marquise led Logan to an elevator and used a keycard to enter.

"Well, this is spooky..."

"Get in the elevator Logan."

Logan shot him a suspicious look before he and Marquise got into the elevator.

"Okay. I'm in the elevator. Now what?" Logan asks.

"Now we go down to the basement," Marquise replied.

"To your dungeon?" Logan asks.

"No. That's on the other side of the palace. And you'd have no access to that. But this is something else." Marquise replies.

They rode the elevator down and got off when it dinged. Once out of the elevator, they walked down a hall to a door with a keypad.

"What's behind the door?" Logan asks.

Rather than answer, Marquise smirked and then slid his keycard to open the door. When the door opened, Logan's jaw dropped.

"Welcome to my newest toy."

"What is it?" Logan asked.

"This is my brand new laser tag arena," Marquise replied.

"Laser...tag...arena?!"

"That's what I said."

"Dude! When the hell did you have time to do all of this?" Logan asks.

"Construction started back in May. And was completed after the boy's birthday. But it's still not quite ready yet." Marquise replies.

"What do you mean?" Logan asked.

"It hasn't been tested...yet," Marquise replies.

That's when Logan's grin widened.

"And who's going to be brave enough to test it out, sire?"

"Why we are, my good man!"

"Man! Let's go!"

The two suited up and spent a few hours laughing and having a good time in the arena. When they left both were buzzing.

"That was amazing. Thank you for sharing it with me. Even though you cheated half the time."

Marquise snorted.

"You're welcome. And thank you for coming. I'm glad you had a good time."

"I can't wait to tell my wife about it."

"As long as you don't tell the children. I want it to be a surprise for them."

"My lips are sealed, Your Highness."

When they got to the common area, their wives were enjoying a glass of wine.

"And just where have you two been the past few hours?" Shanelle asked them.

"Out." They both reply.

The wives looked at each other.

"Uh-huh. You two went to check out Marquise's laser tag arena, didn't you?" Bronwyn asks.

The men's jaws dropped.

"How do you know?!" they asked.

Bronwyn answered by pointing to Shanelle.

"How do YOU know?!" they asked.

Shanelle shrugged.

"I might've accidentally stumbled upon the construction site one day."

"You mean you were being nosy?" Marquise asks.

"It is my job to be," Shanelle replied.

Marquise groaned.

"Relax. Your kid doesn't know. I haven't told her."

Marquise visibly relaxed.

"I can't keep nothing from you, can I?" Marquise asked.

"Nope. Now move it, you two. We have a Winter Festival to get ready for tomorrow." Shanelle replied.

The next day was the day of the Cordonian Winter Festival. All of Shanelle's hard work and planning had finally come to fruition. Many enjoyed a plethora of winter activities. Including snowmobiles. Which Marquise, Logan, Branden, and Brayden took full advantage of.

"Alright, Brayden. We got a big job."

"What's that?" he asked.

"We gotta beat your dad and brother in the race," Marquise replied.

"Yeah yeah! Go super fast!"

"And do you know what we win when we win?" Marquise asked his nephew.

"What uncle?"

"Bragging rights my boy! Bragging rights!"

"Yay!"

"So ready...set..."

"VRRRROOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM!"

"And we're off!"

While the dads and the boys enjoyed the snowmobiles, Shanelle took the girls ice skating out on the frozen pond.

After riding around on snowmobiles it was time for the main event, the annual snowball fight. That both royals were determined to win.

"Any last words before I take your title, Your Majesty?" Shanelle asked her husband.

"Keep dreaming woman!" Marquise replied with a smirk.

"I am so going to enjoy this!"

"You enjoy losing?...how very odd."

Once the trash talk was done, the whistle was blown and the fight was on. It was a battle of giggling proportions. With trying to take out one another.

"Will you hold still?!" Shanelle shouted at her husband.

"Why? So you can hit me?!" he replied.

"Yes!"

"No!"

The snowball fight was epic and ended in a draw. Which was a delight to all who participated, watched, and cheered. Before the event was over His Majesty decided to try his hand at axe throwing with Sam and a very animatedly drunk Logan.

"Uh, Logan?" Sam asks.

"Yeah?" Logan replied.

"How many of those have you had?" Marquise asked, pointing to the pint in Logan's hand.

"Including this one?" he replied before downing the rest of the pint, "eight."

Sam and Marquise looked at each other.

"You've had eight pints of Skullcracker Ale? Are you nuts? That stuff is powerful!" Marquise asked.

"Yeah, I know. Who knew you Europeans could make a strong ale?" Logan replied before grabbing an ax, "Now let's really have some fun!"

"Oh Dear God..." Marquise groaned.

"If he hits either one of us..." Sam warned.

"Noted."

Sam and Marquise stood way back and watched Logan toss the axe and wildly miss his first target.

"Missed it by an inch. Let me try again."

Logan tried again with Sam and Marquise looking on.

"How long are you going to let this go on?" Sam asks.

"Until either he runs out of steam or they run out of axes," Marquise replied.

"Which one is more likely to happen?" Sam asks.

"They run out of axes," Marquise replies.

"So we're gonna be here a while?" Sam asks.

"Yup so settle in my friend," Marquise replies.

Later that night after the Winter Festival had concluded, His Majesty told his wife what had happened at the ax throwing booth.

"Logan had how many pints?" Shanelle asks.

"You heard me. He had eight pints of Skullcracker Ale." Marquise replied.

"How did you let him drink that many pints?"

"First of all, I didn't let him do anything. He was already halfway through his eighth one when I got there. And second, saying you're great friends with the King will get you anything in this kingdom. Including eight pints of Skullcracker Ale. Especially when the limit is four pints."

Shanelle groaned.

"That hangover is about to be epic."

"Oh yeah. He's gonna be feeling it for days. But thank goodness there's a hangover cure."

"I can only handle three pints of Skullcracker Ale. I don't know how Logan managed to drink eight of them."

"Because he has an iron liver?"

Shanelle snorted.

"That's for sure."

"And how are you, my love? What was the final tally?" he asks.

"I'm good. I'm exhausted. Today was so much fun. And the money raised during the silent auction was enough to fund the Children's Fund. All in all, it was a great day. People had fun and that's all I care about. It's why I do this every year."

"I know and you do a brilliant job at this if I do say so myself."

"Careful Your Majesty. Your personal bias is showing."

"So? I'm allowed to brag about and celebrate my beautiful wife's accomplishments all I like. Thank you very much."

"Fine. Just one question."

"Hmm?"

"What are we doing for Christmas?" she asks.

"How about somewhere tropical?" he replies.

"Works for me!"

"I shall make our Christmas arrangements post haste."

"Yay!"

Just then there was an urgent knock at their bedroom door.

"Who in the world is that?" she asks.

"I'll go find out," he replied.

When he got up and answered the door, there was an attendant on the other side.

"Yes?" he asked as he stepped outside.

"Apologies for the disturbance this late Your Majesty but there is news out of Earl Amos's house." the attendant replies.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Earl Amos Barbaroux is dead." the attendant replied.

"What?!"

"He was stabbed to death in his office."

"What?! By who?"

"Lady Alicia, sire. From what I have been told they got into an argument and she stabbed him in the chest with a letter opener. Repeatedly."

"Where is she now?"

"An arrest warrant was issued for her but she's taken refuge at the old palace but that's all I know at the moment."

Marquise groaned.

"Great...thank you for informing me. Please keep me informed of any further details."

"At once sire."

When Marquise entered the bedroom, he had an annoyed look on his face.

"What's that look for?" Shanelle asks.

"Earl Amos is dead," he replied.

"Lady Alicia's husband?"

"Yes. She stabbed him to death."

"What?! Why?"

"I don't know yet. But I will find out. Just not right now."

"What happens to his estate in the meantime?"

"It goes to their oldest daughter."

"Do you know where she is now?"

"Hiding out at your palace to avoid arrest but that's as far as I've gotten."

"She won't be there for long. I'll put the call in to have her removed from the property. I will NOT be sheltering her."

"You're not. Her step-sister is."

"I don't care about her step-sister. Genevieve can kiss my whole ass. Alicia's gone as early as tomorrow morning."

Marquise smirked.

"So says the Queen."

"So shall it be."

5 notes · View notes

txemrn · 1 year

Text

Pour Two Glasses

Chapter 5: "... Wake Me Up When It's Over..."

Need to catch up? Masterlist

✨ Have you checked out this teaser video yet? Pour Two Glasses Teaser✨

Word Count: 3935 (+/-)

Series Synopsis:In the midst of a violent political war, Queen Riley Rys’s life is dismantled overnight, forcing her to flee Cordonia to live in hiding as a commoner with a loyal, best friend

Series Song Inspo: “Pour Two Glasses” by the Movielife

Chapter Song Inspo: "Wake Me Up" by Tommee Profitt ft. Fleurie (Avicii cover)

Series Warnings: 🔞 For Mature Audiences Only 🔞angst; profanity; major character death; grief and mental health discussion; discussion of violence & war; alcohol use; NSFW material

A/N: Characters and some plot references belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Big projects like this often takes a village of cheerleaders, barnstormers, listeners and readers. I am so blessed to have such a supportive village--huge thanks to y'all for making this story come to life! This was not beta'd, so please excuse my errors.

A/N 2: It's been a while, so how about a quick review? *clears throat* Previously on Pour Two Glasses... Sensing her need to be close to her husband, Drake coordinates for Riley to sleep each night of Liam's Royal Wake next to his closed casket; he also gives her a necklace to wear that holds Liam's wedding ring and signet ring; Riley and Drake have a heart-to-heart, which included the intimate story of the promise Liam and Riley made to each other: a promise to "pour two glasses"; after the funeral, a member of the 'Les Combattants de la Liberté' (the same coups that shot down Liam's plane) opens fire during Liam's funeral procession in an attempt to assassinate the queen. Despite Drake's efforts, Riley is shot.

~🖤~

"Ahhh! Fuck!" Drake grimaces, holding pressure to his left arm as blood seeps violently from his fresh bullet wound. Sucking in a sharp breath from the pain, he glances to his right where he had pushed Riley down, and hopefully out of the way.

Her body lies completely still as a pool of deep rouge grows from under her petite, lifeless frame.

"Brooks?" He stretches his neck in hopes of a glimpse of her face, but the abrupt shock of sharp torment in his shoulder knocks the air from his lungs. Anxiously panting, he glances back at Riley, realizing she remains motionless to the sound of her name. “Fuck,” he mutters. “Riley!” He frantically searches for a way to get closer to her. He peers at his injured shoulder and his crimson-stained fingers, weighing the options that don't exist on borrowed time that has already expired.

He grabs the collar of his shirt, bunching up the material in his palm before biting down on it. He rolls onto his stomach, his screams of torment muffled into his makeshift gag as he gnashes his teeth. With his good arm, he army-crawls on his side, pulling himself across the pavement with his elbow. The balls of his feet push to propel him, all the while he moans in agony.

His body finally gives out from the misery. "Brooks? Brooks?" He gruffly pants. He lays flat on the ground, reaching to her sprawled out hand with his unaffected arm. He nudges against her skin, but she doesn't move. His fingers find her wrist; he feels a weak, slow pulse.

"Goddammit!" Drake cries out in pain as he sits himself up. "No–no–no… Riley!" Groaning in anguish, he single-handedly pulls her body to himself, propping her head up in his lap. He tenderly peels the blood-drenched wisps off of her cheeks and forehead. Her head suddenly lolls back, her neck extended across his thigh with her pale lips agape. "Riley!" Tears flood his eyes, "No…" Surveying her body, he notices two bullet wounds to her left shoulder near her chest.

Near her heart.

Drake turns to the other guards that are tending to a few critically wounded people in the otherwise desolate courtyard. "We need help over here!" He cradles Riley's head as he watches the color drain from her face. "Don't do this, Brooks,” he growls, “Don't you dare fucking do this.” He sobs angrily, gripping firmly to the fabric of her dress. "You can't leave me, too…"

------

A crisp gentle breeze catches her brunette waves in a delicate waltz of silk and sunshine. The softness of the evergreen grass tickles her toes as she ventures through the fragrant blooms. Somewhere amongst the fresh harvest of Cordonian rubies, a handsome melody echoes across the meadow, a deep baritone that Riley instantly recognizes.

“Liam?” Her steps begin to quicken as she searches behind the bark and the bend. “Liam?” Her voice is earnest and hungry as her widened, ocean-blue eyes survey the area for even just a glimpse of his beauty. She grips the sides of her skirt, lifting the hem to her hips as her feet become more swift amongst the uniform rows of bountiful trees.

As she approaches a knoll, a large shadow grants her body brevity from the warm sun. She brings a hand to her forehead, shielding the brightness from her eyes. She strains to make out the broad shapes and chiseled lines of the man standing before her, but she knows it's him. His eyes shimmer with the brilliance of the Mediterranean, his skin like the soft sands of Nissi.

“My love,” he smiles endearingly at her; he cups two filled wine flutes in one large hand as he extends his arm out towards her, his open palm ready to take her into his arms.

“My king,” she breathes, her heart swelling at the very presence of him. She drops her skirt. She draws closer to him as a smile brightly bubbles across her lips. It’s him; it’s really him.

But as their fingertips almost touch, Riley missteps. She trips over an imperfection in the terrain as she falls to her knees, her hands catching her on the ground. As she looks back to her husband, he is gone.

“No,” she whispers as she frantically scours the rolling hills around her. Empty. Not a single trace of life. Riley is alone. “No–no–no… Liam?” She spins wildly around, searching for him. But suddenly, she hears an ear-piercing crackle like thunder.

And then another.

A searing pain abruptly burns deep into her shoulder and chest, knocking her off her feet. The impact of the fall robs her of the air in her lungs. In a state of panic, she begins gasping for air, but the rise and fall of her chest makes her whimper, tears collecting in her eyes.

"Liam?" She tries to scream, but can only muster a rough whisper. "Someone? Please?"

Riley tries to sit up, but an intense scorch of discomfort stuns her to lay back amongst the long blades of grass. Her mouth falls open from the sensation, but only silent sobs pour from her lips.

With a trembling hand, she carefully touches her fingertips to the painful area of her chest. Biting her lip to stifle her screams, she feels a thick oozing of warm fluid escaping her shoulder, flowing between her fingertips.

Blood.

"Help," she strains, but her words falter as her eyelids fall heavier with each blink.

She hugs her body with her other arm as the breeze suddenly feels frigid against her pale skin. Her breathing becomes more rapid, each inhale growing laborious, more challenging than the last.

'Anyone?' Riley mouths as she grows still. The light in her eyes falls dim, her lashes fluttering as they begin to close.

Stillness.

Darkness.

Suddenly a large, calloused hand squeezes tightly to her petite weak fingers.

"Brooks," a deep, trembling whisper calls to her, "it–it's going to be okay, baby. Hang in there." A sense of relief rushes over her; hearing the familiar gritty voice comforts her, grounding her back with reality.

Riley can hear a soft shrill of metal on metal from squeaky wheels underneath her. She feels a light current of air swishing across her body as if she is being moved rapidly. The pungent smell of medical-grade antiseptic with the slight undertone of decay hits her nostrils, reminding her instantly of the night she had to identify her husband’s remains.

She tries to speak, but her mouth refuses to move; even her whimpers fall silent, unable to get anyone’s attention. She tries to grip onto the hand that is holding her fingers, but despite her effort, nothing moves.

As she relaxes her body, an excruciating pain suddenly penetrates through her torso, an inexplicable affliction of torment tearing through every last nerve, leaving her senseless, breathless, motionless.

An abrupt alarm of rapid analog chimes begins to whistle.

"Heart rate 152. We need to move, people…"

Riley's eyes flicker open to blurred fluorescent lights, flashing obnoxiously into her field of vision. She hears a twisted garble of concerned voices around her, but can barely make out the faces of the strangers surrounding her.

"Hang another liter of NS. Go ahead and draw up fifty of hydromorphone…"

"...BP 88/42…"

"... prep OR six…"

"... order four units of O neg…"

The swift movements around her makes her stomach turn as the searing discomfort ravages throughout her chest. She grimaces, her eyelids shutting at the furrow of her brows.

Suddenly, she feels a pinch, like a tiny sharp prick of pressure pushed into the swell of her thigh. A warming sensation follows, infiltrating through the area before finally swimming briskly through her body.

"Hydromorphone with Phenergan 25 in…"

The room begins to swirl into nothingness, the chatter falling into silence. Her hand falls limp, no longer able to feel Drake's tight grip on her fingertips. No more background noise; no more strange smells. Like falling into the deep end of the ocean, a single, high-pitched shrill rings incessantly in Riley's ears as she flails her arms and legs into the blackness. She finally clenches her eyes shut, terrified of the loneliness, terrified of the struggle, terrified of the emptiness.

Stillness.

Darkness.

Until a warm glow grazes her skin.

A gentle caress of her cheek leads to a tender stroke of a thumb across her full bottom lip.

Riley's eyes cautiously flit open.

And she gasps.

"Liam?"

------

"Sir, this is as far as you can go."

Though he understands hospital safety protocols, Drake scoffs as Riley's hand is pulled away from his grasp. An abrupt loneliness tugs at his heart as he watches the gurney rapidly wheel down the white sterile hallway. As his left arm hangs limp, Drake drags his fingers down his face, swallowing a sob. Will this be his last memory of her alive?

He feels his chest begin to dramatically rise and fall, his breathing becoming quicker as his expression contorts into remorseful anger. He was supposed to protect her. He promised her–shit, he promised Liam that he would look after her, and now Riley is fighting for her life.

As Drake's jaw trembles, a petite hand tenderly pats his unaffected shoulder. He jerks around to find a familiar raised eyebrow, her piercing jades sympathizing instantly with his downcast stare. “Liv,” he whispers, a crooked smile flashing across his lips as his face twists with emotions. “You’re… here. You’re… you're okay,” he chuckles into a choked cry.

Noticing the sincerity of his tone, Olivia Nevrakis’s typical stone-cold presence melts into something more human and warm. She smirks, holding her arms outstretched. "Come here, big guy," she snickers, waving him into her embrace. “You know that even rogue militant coups can’t get rid of me that easily.” The longtime friends squeeze each other more snuggly; though they might not always see eye-to-eye, they silently gesture in agreement that life is better together.

“Christ on a Kraken! Riley is never going to believe this.”

Drake turns towards the cheerful, flamboyant voice. He casually tosses his head to the side, his chestnut fringe cascading out of his field of vision. The corners of his mouth curl, grateful to see the youngest Beaumont brother alive and well with no obvious injuries.

"Hey, man," Drake reaches out to take Maxwell's hand, pulling him into a brotherly embrace.

"We were so worried. I thought you were dead," his breath hitches in his chest, "and–and Riley…" The young lord succumbs to his tears, unable to speak. Drake endearingly pats his friend on the back as he flashes a knowing look to Olivia.

"I'm fine, Max," Drake mutters, signaling for him to let go.

"Have you even been seen by a doctor yet?" Maxwell looks at the crimson gore, dried across the guard's once pristinely pressed suit.

"Not yet. I–" he freezes as he peers down the now empty corridor, the last place he saw her, the last place he touched her. The last place he felt her life in his own hands. A large lump forms in his throat as the horrific scene plays in his head.

The definitive cocking of the chamber of a glock; the smell of smoke and blood in the air; the unraveling of fearful screams of hopeless onlookers…

"Riley! Look out!"

He tried to shield her; he tried to protect her. He tried to save her.

Was he too late?

The queen's guard shakes his head, staggering away from his friends, willing the sting of his tears away. He already lost his very best friend almost a month ago; he can't lose Liam's wife, too.

"She's strong, Walker–" Drake stops in his tracks, turning to the fiery red head that fell into step with him walking down the hallway. He leans up against the wall, shoving a hand in his pocket as his head falls forward in anguish.

"I just… I feel so fucking guilty, ya know?” he mutters under his breath. “I was supposed to be there for Liam–I should’ve been there with him, and Riley?" He looks away, blinking away tears. “It should’ve been me–"

"No," Olivia interjects sternly. "Don't go there. You are not responsible for his death. And Riley?” She takes Drake’s face between her palms, commanding his attention to focus on her words. "She will survive this–'

"I should've been there–"

"And you were," she interrupts. "Drake, she would've been killed if you hadn't intervened when you had."

"You saved her life, man," Maxwell tearfully steps forward, holding out a cup of coffee for the guard. "She's been through a hell of a lot worse." They all chuckle knowingly with one another. "She's going to survive this," Maxwell states encouragingly as he dabs away his tears.

Olivia nods in solidarity, looking towards Drake. "She will."

Drake stares at his styrofoam coffee cup before bringing it to his lips. "She has to," he breathes before taking a sip.

"Cmon, buddy," Maxwell's mouth begins to curl as he slaps Drake on his wounded shoulder. "Let's get you checked out–"

"Ow!" Drake roars, "Limp dick motherfffff–!" Drake bites his tongue as he shields his arm.

"Oh, there he is," Olivia snickers to herself, taking a seat in the waiting room. "I was concerned he left his balls next to his snuff in the back pocket of his Wranglers."

—---

Tangled in sheets of silk, Riley cradles Liam's head against her bare chest. He kisses tender pecks along her velveteen skin, her fingers mindlessly combing through his golden waves.

Coming down from their euphoric bliss of making love, the gentle warmth of intimacy saturates the air. A soft hum escapes Riley's lungs as she is overwhelmed with the desire to cry streams of joy. To be at peace again. To feel whole again. To be herself again.

This is perfect. Too perfect. Riley had craved for weeks now to have just one more moment, one more breath with her beloved. And now…

Is this really happening?

She presses her lips into his disheveled, blond hair, breathing in his intoxicating scent. His fingertips graze across her shoulders and down the slope of her full breast, his familiar touch igniting a scattering of goosebumps across her body. But when Liam looks up at her with his hungry gaze, his crystal blue stare that rivals the Northern Lights, relief floods her senses.

I'm home.

Biting her bottom lip, Riley guides her husband up her body until he's lying face-to-face with her, their longing stares never breaking from one another. She delicately traces the angles of his jaw, the contours of his neck until finally resting her palms in the scatter of hair on his chest.

She rests her head against his body, her fingers lacing with his.

"Liam," she exhales as she listens to the rhythmic pulse of his heart. "I've missed you." Her words softly shudder against her stifled sobs, tears coursing down the curve of her nose. She nuzzles her forehead into him, wanting to be closer, deeper with him, thirsty to drink every last drop of him.

"Please tell me this is it," she flutters her eyes close, his large hands draped across her back. "Please tell me this is where our forever starts."

Feeling his piercing stare on her, Riley instantly meets his mouth in a searing kiss. She slips her tongue between his full lips as the passion continues to burn between them.

Riley guides him to lay on his back, straddling his broad physique as their tongues continue to caress in steady pulses. She nips at him, coaxing for more. Gently rocking her hips, Riley sits up on her husband, his length pushing against her slick folds. Taking his large, rugged hands in hers, they cup her peaking breasts, fondling them together.

"I love you," Riley moans into the darkness as her desire builds for her husband once more.

But then she stops.

She looks back to Liam's handsome face. And a sudden chill runs down her back.

He didn't say, 'I love you'...

"Love," Riley grips one of his hands, bringing it to her lips to kiss. "Is this okay? Are–are you okay?"

He doesn't answer.

An uncomfortable coldness floods her veins as a familiar burning sensation grows in her lower left shoulder.

"Liam?" She shakes his body. "Liam baby, please," her eyes begin to water, "please talk to me."

Riley glances around the dark room; it looks like their royal quarters, but deep in her heart, she abruptly knows she's far from home.

And far from Liam.

And like an old film reel, the fantasy around her begins to burn away, slowly at first as a blinding light pierces through the darkness.

"This… this isn't real, is it?" She trembles, bringing his hand to her heart. "Please, baby…" the room becomes stifling as Riley begins to gasp for air, her husband’s touch nothing but a phantom pain. "Please don't leave me again…"

Suddenly, Riley feels like she's choking as a soreness forms promptly in her throat.

"That's it, your majesty," the assured voice of a stranger calls out to her. "We're done with your surgery. Take some nice big breaths for us."

Riley barely peeks through her heavy eyelids, but her stormy blues are instantly met with the brazen shine of surgical spotlights. And she grimaces, discomfort etching across her delicate features.

"Good job. Take another breath."

The queen can feel something weighted and quite warm being folded across her frigid body. Suddenly, she feels soft fabric engulfing her toes, then her feet.

Where am I?

"Let's get you some Fentanyl and the rest of your Zofran for the ride, your majesty."

Abruptly to her arm, she feels a twinge of heat expanding in her veins, traveling first to her shoulder before dispersing across her body. The panic that was building in her nerves subsides as she relaxes into a subtle snore. And then into nothingness all over again.

—---

"Rise and shine, little blossom…"

Hearing the muffled, yet familiar whisper of her dear friend, Riley cautiously opens one eye. But in an instant, she closes it. Her eyebrows knit together, the burn from the bright sunlight too much for her right now.

“Max?” She croaks softly, her lips dry and cracked. “Maxwell?” She makes a small effort to move, but a sudden ache knocks her back onto her bed. She mouths the word ‘Ow’ as she slowly reaches up towards her injured shoulder with a trembling hand.

“Shhh, Riley,” Maxwell tenderly pats her arm. “I’m gonna go get someone. I’ll be right back.” With a squeeze of her fingers, Maxwell takes off to the nurse’s station.

Feeling the agonizing pulse in her left shoulder, Riley tries to open her eyes again. Everything remains a blur as her eyes dart to the glass door. Two large men stand just outside the windows like perfect statues on either side of the frame, wearing what appears to be… guard uniforms?

“Drake…?” She tries to call out, assuming he's one of the men, but the hoarseness of her voice silences her attempt as she winces at her sore throat. Where am I? She frantically peers around her bed, noticing a collection of monitors and clear bags of fluids, all attached to her body with various cords and wires.

What happened?

Riley’s head feels a bit swimmy, dizzy from the heavy medications she has been given, not to mention the anesthesia slowly dissipating from her body. She was trying to put the puzzle pieces back together, fact versus fiction. Each part played like a vignette in her memory.

Laying in bed with Liam… The airplane crash… Giving herself a progesterone shot... Sneaking into the church with Drake… Dancing at the award ceremony. Gunshots…

Had it all been a dream?

Suddenly, her eyes widen with realization, wishful-thinking blooming across her face. It was a dream. Noticing a big red button on the bed with the word ‘Nurse’, Riley frantically presses it. A jolt of hope bursts within her chest.

It was just a dream– a terrible dream– but just a dream.

The sliding glass door to her ICU room hurriedly rolls open, an older nurse with peppered short hair hurries in with Maxwell hot on her tail. “Well, well… look who’s finally awake!” She smiles kindly, her hazel gaze sparkling with genuine joy. “Your majesty, my name is Vangie, and it has been an honor to care for you through your recovery–”

“Recovery?” Riley looks to Maxwell with curiosity.

“You have two nurses that have been assigned to specifically care for you per the guard's protocol,” Maxwell informs as he takes a seat next to Riley’s bed, gently grabbing her hand. “Vangie here is your night nurse, and she has been incredible.”

Riley turns to the nurse, giving her an uncertain half grin before giving her attention back to Maxwell. “But… what is going on? Why–why am I here?”

Maxwell grips tightly to her fingers, a pensive-look crossing his features. “You’re in the hospital, Ri. You had surgery–”

“Surgery?”

“Yes, your majesty.” Vangie finishes administering medications into Riley’s IV before glancing back to her queen. “You’re quite lucky, actually. You lost a lot of blood, and it was touch-and-go our first night together, but you have pulled through nicely–” her pager suddenly beeps, a slight annoyance flashes in her eyes. “My apologies, your majesty,” she bows, “I need to take this.”

Riley gently nods, offering a soft smile before turning back to Maxwell. He sweetly leans over her, resting his elbow on her bed as he pushes away stray hairs on her face. “I’m so glad you’re finally awake. I've been so worried.”

Riley’s eyebrows furrow, an expression of confusion falls over her as she glances around the room. “Maxwell, I–” she cinches her eyes closed in frustration, “how long have I been out?”

“A good part of three days.” His words drip with worry, “They said the injuries you sustained were pretty severe, but thank God, one of the bullets missed your heart by two millimeters–”

“Bullets?”

Maxwell pauses inquisitively. “You don’t remember much, do you?”

Riley chews on her lip, shaking her head.

“That’s honestly a good thing,” he sighs heavily.

“Max,” she softly pleas, “please… tell me?”

Maxwell sits up in his chair, combing his fingers through the relaxed style of his hair. “Ri, you just woke up. I think you should get some more rest before we dive into what happened. Heck, Olivia and Drake will be back in the morning, and we can–”

“--and Liam?”

Maxwell freezes, the color draining from his face at the mention of his dear friend and king. He swallows thickly. “Wh–what about him?”

“Is he–?” She presses the heel of her hand against her forehead. “I must sound like a lunatic,” she chuckles anxiously, “but… it’s all bleeding together, these thoughts in my head spiraling and mixing reality with fantasy. I feel like when I’m awake, I’m dreaming, and when I’m dreaming, I’m awake, and–I mean, I just…” She tosses her hands on the bed, another titter escaping her throat as tears prick her eyes. “The airplane crash, the funeral, his casket… please tell me the truth.”

Maxwell’s breath hitches, causing a sobering chill to overwhelm Riley. Of all the images flashing through her mind–the morgue, champagne in the orchard, his wedding ring on a necklace–she had hopes that maybe–just maybe– the worst of them all was actually a nightmare, that maybe Maxwell can ground her back into reality, that maybe—

“My husband… ?”

A wave of sorrow pours onto Maxwell's features as his ever-optimistic expression drains. And he shakes his head.

It wasn’t a dream.

~🖤~

Tags (please let me know if you'd like to be added/removed)

PERMA

@alj4890 @ao719 @charlotteg234 @issabees @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam

ALL TRR

@3pawandme @alyshak92 @iaminlovewithtrr @lovingchoices14 @malblk21 @rubiwalker @sfb123 @twinkleallnight

POUR TWO GLASSES

@busywoman @irisk12 @walkerdrakewalker @veebug8

------

Thank you so much for your support! Every like, comment and reblog means the world to me! 🖤

#pour two glasses #the royal romance #choices fanfic #choices trr #choices the royal romance #liam rys #king liam #king liam rys #drake walker #riley brooks #liam x riley #drake x riley #liam x mc #drake x mc #maxwell beaumont #cordonia #choices fanfiction

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cassiaallen · 1 year

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King Liam Appreciation Week Day 5 - Friendships/Relationships/AU

Friendships:

We know that Drake is Liam’s best friend, but I also like (the idea of) his and Hana's friendship. They both have certain pressures upon them, such as having to marry (albeit under different circumstances/conditions); they’re both intelligent, funny, and fiercely loyal.

I also think that he and Leo are best friends, despite the age difference. One of my favourite stories was from ROE when Leo tells the MC that Liam once snuck him a slice of cake after Leo wasn’t allowed any after he almost ruined a duchess’s wedding.

Relationships:

Liam x MC is my no. 1 ship. I love how supportive the are of each other, like Liam can be vulnerable around her (and at least once this is shown in canon in the last chapter of TRR3 when he tells her how much he misses his father), he tried his best to make sure she felt at home in Cordonia, and he always has a romantic surprise up his sleeve. These two are made for each other (in the Liam route at least 😄🙈).

Liam x Olivia is another ship I like, cause I’m a sucker for childhood friends to lovers. Olivia started out as the antagonist, but she truly became a better person. Liam took care of her when her parents died and they’ve been close ever since (minus some stuff Olivia pulled during TRR1, like the forced kiss), and just little things like Liam distracting Drake when Olivia started crying in a flashback when she missed her parents or when Constantine broke her wooden sword and he changed the game to the three of them being in one team.

I love that we had the opportunity to set them up at the end of TRF if the MC chose someone else.

Liam & The Heir - I love how adorably excited Liam is about his wife being pregnant; when he holds his daughter in his arms for the first time, and just any time they interact with each other 🥰

AU:

In an AU I have outlined, Liam and MC are abolishing the monarchy and creating the Republic of Cordonia with a head of state and a president, because they recognise the importance of democracy and how much damage all these ancient rules have done (looking at you, Barthelemy). In this universe, where Liam has to take up an actual job, he becomes a historian. This is inspired by the scene (forgot which book) where he shows the MC around and tells her all those historical facts.

Long story short - Liam is a wonderful and adorable human and I’d marry him irl 😄🙈😁

Tagging: @kingliamappreciationweek @lizzybeth1986 @sazanes

#klaw day 5 #king liam #king liam of cordonia #the royal romance #the royal heir #the royal finale #choices fandom #choices the royal romance #liam rys #king liam rys #king liam appreciation week

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queenmiarys · 10 months

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A/N: hello everyone, this wasn't my intention to start writing then put things off , plus with this I tried to do my research and I asked a few of the ladies here some advice, a few weeks ago I called my uncle who's a doctor and asked him, so if any advice please just inbox me, I know no one who's even been shot before so here's what I came up with.

A/N please excuse any errors or misspellings, I did very little editing, this has been sitting in Google docs a while waiting on an end to be added. I want to thank anyone who reads and like my story. Any feedback is welcomed trust me I would not be offended, this is a learning experience to me, I wrote somewhat in middle school, I read others work and be like some of you could be professional writers.

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

ENVY

Book: The Royal Romance

Paring: Liam x Mia

Summary: Summary: This takes place 2 years after meeting Riley, Liam meets 24 year old Amelia Ramos and starts a new relationship.

Rated R

Most characters belong to pixelberry

Warning: Gun violence, some profanity, 18+

Chapter 3 Disaster strikes

New York

"Liam needs me, it's a big night, so Maxwell told me Liam has met someone he spent a lot of time with while he was here."

"Yeah Drake told me about her, but do you think he's over Riley?"

"The way Max tells it he is, he said has the same look for Mia he used to have for Riley.

"Oh interesting but what about the situation?

"That's not our place, but thank you for being there for her, I love you."

"I love you too Olivia." He pulled her close and showered her with soft kisses

"Leo, you'll make me late." I need to Shower and get dressed."

-------

Cordonia

Liam spent most of his day in meetings. He made it back to his quarters at 3pm, he knew Mia would be up around 7am to get ready for work.

She answered on the second ring. ”Hello beautiful, how is your morning going?"

“It’s okay I just really miss you a lot, " I was just having coffee and doing a little online grocery shopping before work." Liam hit the FaceTime button

I miss you too, my love. I've closed the deal I was working on, so after this fundraiser, I can come visit for a few days. I know you have work and you planned to come here in 2 weeks." A knock on his door. "My love someone is at my door, can you hold for a moment."

"Sure."

“My son, we need to talk."

“Okay father give me a minute I was on a call, I’ll be right back."

“My love It’s my father he needs to talk with me, I’ll call you when you get off work.( Kisses)

" Okay lo, I mean kisses talk to you later." Oh boy I almost told him I love him, good save I hope, you know it's too soon for that she said to herself.

"Yes Father?"

"May I come in?"

"Sure father"

"Son, you know I'm getting up in age, it's time I stepped down."

"When?"

"At the end of the next social season, William, I need you to find a wife. Madeleine is my first choice, but I can understand you looking elsewhere, but to reality secure that you choose a good queen,Princess Francine Hassan of Morocco, or Princess Alana of Norway, either woman would be a wonderful choice for Cordonia for different reasons and I met the princess of Norway she's so beautiful."

"Father, I will not be in some loveless marriage or marry for Cordonia, I will find my own wife, someone I love and care about."

"All I have ever tried to do is protect you, from getting hurt, from experiencing the pain I was caused when someone took your mother, the only woman I've ever loved away from me, you are all I have left of her.

He felt bad for his father, but he still wanted love and if he was granted a second chance, he was going to grab it and hold on for life.

"I understand, but I'm a man you must trust that I'll make the right decisions regarding my love life." He finally said

"Son, your enemies will use the people you love against you and that will hurt you more than anything, remember I love you son, and only try to protect you."

" I love you too father, but if you'll excuse me I gotta go, I take it you can see your way out."

He walked into the hallway, he took a deep breath to try calm his nerves before he called Drake.

Hey Li."

"I really need to relax before this Gala, are you guys for a spa day?'

"Sounds good buddy." Max said

"Yeah count me in." Drake said

They were all relaxing when Max brought up Mia.

Liam smiles at just thinking of her. " I am falling for her, I mean she could be the one, I don't know what about this woman that makes me so happy but I believe that we belong together, I mean she's beautiful, smart, caring and she smells absolutely amazing all the time, guys I so wish she were here tonight."

" Buddy I'm so happy to see you happy again, you deserve it." Max said

"And so do you Drake, you'll meet someone, who will make you happy."

Liam Studied Maxwell for a moment, " My friend, so do you, are you still dating that Mark guy?"

Max,was looking down avoiding eye contact, Drake turned to look into his eyes "Okay Beaumont spill it, what are you hiding?"

"I was on a date with Ava and Mark ruined my date, he caused a scene, both broke up with me.

"Why didn't you talk to us?" Liam asked

"Really, it's no big deal."

"I'm assuming this happened around 2 weeks ago? Drake said"

"How did you know that?"

"Well Beaumont you were in an unusually bad mood,"

Drake laughed. "Oh my God Beaumont, I just realized all the women you've dated are red heads."

Maxwell smiled. "So what about it?"

“So you do have a thing for Liv?"

"I never thought of her that way, sometimes she can be kinda scary and sexy at times." Desire crossed his eyes for a moment

“I don’t know you all made me think how hot she can be at times, but she probably would never date me

"Never know until you try Max, Liam patted him on the back

“Let face it Max said, she always had a thing for you Rys men.

"What do you mean men? I only knew she was kind of into me."

“Max and Drake laughed, kind of, she's been in love with you forever man."

“ But after she found out your feelings for blossom, I saw her making out with Leo ."

Both Drake and Liam's mouths hang open.

“My brother always gets what he wants but just plays with women's feelings too much, I hope he's not going to hurt my friend."

They all made it back to the palace and went there separate ways to get ready for the Gala, it was now 7pm, Liam had the chef to prepare him dinner, there would be food but they served dinner really late at this event.

He ate, then showered and got dressed, it was 9pm time for the Gala. Mia was just getting off work, he faced her, she picked up on the first ring, “Hello beautiful how was your day?"

“It was nice, I just miss you like crazy, I have been thinking I own my own business and Jennifer is reliable, I want to come to visit you."

“My love, that sounds wonderful, but I didn’t want to pull you away from anything important, you told me your work was very important."

“It is but in a short time you become important to me too, you told me you had a ball to attend right?".

“Yes a fundraiser to help families living on the streets of Cordonia, we give them a home and see if we can help them get on there feet, we only help them for a year, we support them either till they find a job or they opt out of the program, we hate to see that happen, we start this last year we helped 10 families get on their feet, last year we only raised 6 million."

“I will ask my dad to put in 6 million for me, I’m sure once he sees why I’m asking he’ll have no problem with it, we've been talking for 30 minutes and you have a ball to attend."

“I'd rather stay in my suite talking to you all night, a knock on the door, he let out a sigh sorry my love It’s my guard (Kisses) call you once I am done."

————————————————————–

He mingled and worked the room, he knew his smile could get him just about anything he wanted, he had already raised 10 million dollars this year, he thought about Mia 16 if her father gives, an older lady walked up that he had never saw before, she offered 20 million if I spent one night with her, I had to decline, after all she to old and I have a girlfriend.

I worked the room more, Drake and Maxwell and Rashad, come over laughing, I see you sent Mrs. Ferguson."

“Neville actually slept with her for her 30 mill for his father's charity event." Rashad said laughing.

“So gross I couldn’t imagine being with someone who could be my Nanna, come on I am only 26 and that lady is like 60/70." Liam said as he laughed.

——————————————————————————-

Mia had hung up and went and showered, she hadn't washed her sheets yet that still smelled of him, she only slept on his side of the bed, he had left a bottle of his cologne behind and she would spray a little in the air before falling asleep

She slept for about an hour before she heard banging on the door, it was almost five, they came in with wine coolers and food, Jen looked around. " Is your man back already?"

“I wish, sit guys I want to talk to you, Jennifer I need you guys help, I want to visit Liam, but I need someone I can trust with my baby, you both know how important my career is, but I got to be honest in a short time I’ve fallen in love with Liam .

“Love is big Mia, you just met him." Jen said.

“I know but I have never felt this way for anyone before, sure I have loved guys but I was never in love with them."

Her friend's mouth hung open, the sex must be good if he got you all in love, she didn’t look up at her, so you haven’t had sex?" Oh my God you really are in love."

“ Let's take your mind off this call my brother Amy, let’s play cards, Daniel came over.

“So Dan, who's your new boy toy this week?

“Are you staying with mom again?"

"Jen, please I'm fine, and God no I'm not staying with mom."

“I was just checking on you, I wish you would settle down and pick one guy, we all worry about you"

“Jen you start this every time you are drunk stop it, I am fine."

She didn’t say anything else, she took her phone out texting her mom.

The announcement caught Mia's attention. "Turn that up.

"This is Craig Shyster reporting from Corodia General hospital, we got a tip that Prince William Rys, was shot in the shoulder doing a Gala fundraiser last night and the person who shot him was shot dead on scene, right now we have no further information about the Prince condition at this time."

It was like someone punched me in the gut , I got dizzy, I was losing my mind, all flights were canceled to or from Cordonia, I got myself together, I called my father.

He could hear my voice trembling, asking what was wrong.

“Father, did you see the news about Prince William Rys?"

“Yes I saw it but what does that have to do with you?

“He’s the guy I was telling you about."

"No flights are going in or out. I need your private jet.

“Mia, that might not be a good idea, the prince just shot you in danger.

“Please father, I don't care, I need to get to the man I love."

“But you haven’t known him long and you believe you love him?"

“Yes and he may be dying thinking I didn’t care enough to come be at his side, father please I’ll do you want even let you put me back under your protection, I will follow whatever you want to get me to Cordonia please."

—-------;--

2 hours earlier

Olivia and Penelope made their way over to Liam smiling, “ we made 4 times the amount as last year,

Him and Olivia walked across the room. “So I hear you met someone"

“Who told you this?

“I can’t reveal my secrets, but if this Mia woman is what you want I wish you all the best."

“Can I ask you something Olivia?

“Sure you can."

“Why didn’t you tell me about you and Leo?"

“Well we didn’t tell anyone it just happened."

"I assume my father doesn’t know, and how do you feel about Leo?

“I love him, and Con knows they had a big fight about 6 months back, we were at Leo’s in California when your father visited him, but don’t worry me and Leo will handle it."

A man walked over and handed Liam a note saying his father needs to speak with him, unknown to Liam his father had got a similar note saying Liam needed to speak with him, excuse me lady Olivia

————————————————————–

Drake went along as security, they entered the room and it was dark, “I guess my father hasn’t arrived yet, they turned on the light and one of the head guards, Damien, had a gun pointed at Constantine's head.

“Dammit what are you doing Damien?"Drank asked

“ avenging my parents death, see along with Olivia parents, my family should be on the throne, my brother may have failed but I won’t."

"Your old man ordered my parents alone with Olivia parents to be assassinated for fighting for what was rightfully theirs, the Rys family should have never been on the throne

"Gentleman let me tell you, your father is not a good man

Drake's eyes went wide,giving an annoyed look. What the hell is he talking about your father.

Damien could see Drake trying to figure out what he was talking about

"Oh my Mr. Walker I assume that King Constantine has never told you he’s your real father?" Am I right?" He laughed."

“What? He’s not my father you fucken psycho and never will be!"

“Drake my boy I have documents that say otherwise, the birth certificate you have is from America but see you were born here, your father the king arranged it all, for Jackson to adopt you and legally become your father go on ask him to tell the truth ?'

Tears were running down Drake face, "TELL THIS SONOFABITCH YOU ARE NOT MY FATHER GO ON CON FOR ONCE IN YOUR MISERABLE LIFE TELL HIM HE’S WRONG."

“Son I can’t do that, it’s all true your mother was my mistress and she got pregnant, she didn’t know who your father was me or Jackson, but the test come back 99.9 that I was your father, so I paid off American doctor to say you were born in the US, were only a week old."

Drake fort Back his emotions, he knew he had to sort out whatever feeling he had later, right now he had to stay in professional mood and dispose of the situation at hand

"Who dies first?" they head Damien ask

"I volunteer, please just let my boys go they haven't done anything but be born into the Rys family but they are innocent."

" I love both of you and only try to do whatever is best for you."

"How touching." He pulled the trigger and Liam leaped in front of his father getting shot In his Left shoulder, both Constantine and Liam hit the ground, at this time Drake has managed to get his spare gun and shooting Damien dead.

Drake took off his dress shirt asking Constantine to apply pressure to the wound, until he can get some help

Once the EMT arrived, they were led in and out through a secret tunnel, they got him to hospital quickly.

#Liam Rys #liam& MC #envy #trr #DrakeWalker #cordonia #NewYorkCity #gun violence

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bebepac · 1 year

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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

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angelasscribbles · 3 months

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Cordonian Karaoke: Riley Take 4

Series: Cordonian Karaoke

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Characters: Drake Walker, Liam Rys, Riley Brooks, and the rest of the gang

Rating: Fun

Warnings: Depicts drunkenness generally

Word count: 321

Everything else: Master list.

It’s karaoke night in Cordonia and everyone is drunk. Drake persists in singing suggestive songs while shooting suggestive glances in Riley’s direction and dragging her up onto the stage for duets. Duets about lovers.

Riley has had enough. Leaning over she whispers softly in his ear, “I'm calling your bluff”, before making her way to the stage with a mischievous glint in her eye.

She flips through the book, chooses her song, and makes direct eye contact with Drake before giving a mesmerizing rendition of Love Karaoke by Blaire Reinhard keeping her eyes locked on him the entire time.

On her way back to her seat she drags her fingers across the back of his shoulders and then retakes her seat. Oblivious to the others at the table, she takes a long sip of her drink then makes direct eye contact with him and runs her tongue over her upper lip.

Riley: (stands up) I'll be up late in my room if anyone wants to drop by later. One time offer.

Drake: (eyes wide like a deer in the headlights, watches her leave then spins to the others) She didn't mean.... She wasn't.... You don’t think.....

Max: Dude. I'm fucking gay and even I know....

Hana: are you really this dense? (Then under her breath to herself) what the hell does she see in you?

Liam: (returning from the restroom) What did I miss?

Drake: Riley….

Max: No!

Hana: Nothing!

Liam: (retakes his seat) okay….

Drake: I’m drunk, you should go home! I mean you’re drunk; I should go home. I mean…..

Max: (leans toward him) You’re drunk and you should go home?

Drake: Yeah, thanks, buddy! Bye now! (Claps Max on the shoulder and bolts from the room).

Liam: Where’s Riley?

Max: (pulling him out of his chair) Never mind that, it’s your turn, let’s go sing! Have you ever considered men?

Liam: What?

Max: (laughs nervously) Nothing, never mind.

#liam rys #drake walker #trr fanfic #trr #the royal romance #riley brooks #angelasscribbles #cordonia karaoke #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

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lawsend · 11 months

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Murder at Vista Heights Chapter 1

Series: Law’s End

Episode 1: Murder at Vista Heights

Fandom: The Royal Romance (loosely, there’s not much canon in here. I've just borrowed the names).

Pairings: None yet

Word Count: 2,524

Rating: MA

Warnings for series: adult themes, any given chapter may contain murder, violence, language, drinking, drug use, etc.

A/N: Thanks to @harleybeaumont and @karahalloway for prereading and bouncing ideas with me.

“Riley! Riley! Come here!”

Riley Brook’s head jerked up from the keyboard she’d been furiously typing on, her lush auburn brown curls bouncing freely, her deep emerald eyes wide. Her gaze darted from the source of the interruption, who was standing on the other side of the room waving his arms at her, to the coworker sitting at the desk across from her who looked completely disinterested as he lifted a shoulder and brought a sandwich to his mouth, lettuce and mayonnaise falling onto his desk.

Gross. That’s what the break room was for.

She carefully closed the lid of her laptop before walking across the newsroom. Goddamn if she was going to let any of these vultures scoop her story or copy her work.

“What’s up, Max?” she asked as she approached the over-exuberant freelance photographer who often hung around the office.

His cobalt blue eyes sparkled with excitement as he ran a hand through his short, russet brown waves and practically danced in place, “You told me to tell you if anything interesting came across the police scanner!”

Riley grabbed his arm, her fingers sinking in almost painfully as she glanced around the newsroom in panic. Dragging him into the empty breakroom, she glared at him, “Keep it down! It’s not a scoop if everyone knows!”

“Sorry! Sorry!” He lowered his voice and leaned closer to her, “The seventh precinct was just called out to investigate a homicide!”

“The seventh precinct?” Her eyes widened, “That’s Liam’s beat! Did you get the address?”

“Of course!” He dangled the keys to his midnight blue Chevy Tahoe in front of her, “We can take my car!”

She deftly swiped the keys right out of his hand, “Fine. But I’m driving!”

“But-“ he tried to protest but she was already striding for the door. He quickly gathered his equipment bag and stumbled after her.

Sliding into the passenger seat of his own vehicle, he glanced over at the woman in the driver’s seat, “It’s my car, Riley…”

“Don’t be a baby,” she admonished him as she put the car in gear and flew out of the parking garage, “Besides, I like to be in control.”

“Yeah….” His eyes tracked across her face then dipped down her body, a flush creeping across his cheeks before he turned toward the window, “Just try not to sideswipe anyone this time.”

“That wasn’t my fault!”

“Which time?”

“Any of them!”

Max wrapped his hand around the grab handle above the window and held on for dear life as the Tahoe careened around a corner, “You know the murder victim isn’t going anywhere, right?”

“I want to get there before that asshole Neville! He’s not scooping me again!”

“Okay….” Max squeezed his eyes shut and said a quick prayer as his vehicle jolted over a curb.

The Tahoe skidded to a stop in front of the Vista Heights apartment complex. Riley hopped out and made a beeline for the crime scene.

“Are we really going to just leave her in the middle of the street like that?” Max yelled after her.

Riley answered him over her shoulder without slowing down, “No one’s going to tow it right now. The cops have bigger fish to fry. Come on!”

He hesitated only briefly before grabbing his camera and scurrying after her. He glanced back at the SUV doubtfully, but the sight of Riley’s retreating back spurred him on. He could always bail out a towed vehicle. Riley never waited for anyone or anything.

He kind of liked that about her.

By the time he caught up to her, she was leaning over the caution tape as she tried to get anyone’s attention, “Excuse me? Excuse me?”

“Stay behind the tape!” a uniformed officer yelled at her.

“I know that…” she muttered as her eyes scanned the area until she spotted a familiar face, “Liam! Liam!”

Detective Liam Rys turned his gaze toward the crowd as a voice he knew all too well screamed his name. Shaking his head, he strode over to the caution tape with his lips pressed firmly together, “I’m at work, Miss Brooks. How can I help you?”

“Sorry, detective,” she gave him a look that was half repentant and half teasing, “I was wondering if I could get a comment, or at least the name of the victim.”

“You know better than that, Riley. This is an active crime scene.” There was a slight edge in his voice as his eyes flicked over her shoulder to take in Max as well, “You both need to get out of here. Wait for the press release, like everyone else.”

Riley tipped her head back to look up into his face. At five foot seven, she was tall for a woman, but he had a couple of inches on her. The tailored suit he was wearing fit him perfectly and gave away his family background of wealth and privilege. He wasn’t buying Armani suits on a detective’s salary. His raven hair was cut short, not quite military short, but close. His onyx eyes held several emotions, the primary of which was annoyance.

“Are you still mad?”

“I was never mad, Riley,” he glanced at Max then leaned forward so only she could hear him. His breath tickled her ear, “But fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I’m not falling for your tricks a second time.”

Goose bumps cascaded down her spine at the memory, “It wasn’t a trick, Liam.”

“Hm,” he pulled back with a smirk, “Right. That’s why my case ended up on the front page of the Cordonia City Ledger the next day.”

“Coincidence.”

“I don’t believe in coincidences so move along.”

“But-“ she watched his retreating back with a frustrated exhale.

Max’s gaze swung from Riley to Liam then back again, “Whatever happened between the two of you anyway?”

Riley shrugged, “Nothing that wasn’t mutually beneficial.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning none of your business!”

“I was just-“

“Max, look!” she punched him in the arm as the body was wheeled out and loaded into the back of an ambulance.

Max brought the Canon EOS Rebel up and started clicking furiously.

Riley’s eyes swept around the crime scene, looking for anything that would help her identify the victim.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here? If it isn’t the scruffy underdog and her mangy sidekick.” The voice was like nails on a chalkboard.

Riley turned with disdain toward the biggest pain in her ass. Neville VanCoeur, the highest-ranking journalist at their rival publication, The Cordonia City Herald. He had curly, dirty blonde hair that he kept gelled so thickly to his head a hurricane wouldn’t move it an inch. His face was fixed in a permanent sneer unless he was on camera, and he’d had it out for her since day one.

Probably because she’d turned down both his sexual advances and his job offer. “Scruffy underdog isn’t the insult you think it is, Johnny Bravo.”

Max erupted into gales of laughter as Neville stiffened, “Who is Johny Bravo?” he sneered, making Max laugh even harder.

“Your long-lost twin, ass wipe,” Riley smirked at him before turning her back to scan the crowd, looking for a neighbor that might talk.

Neville’s response was lost as Riley made her way through the throng of onlookers, hoping for anyone that knew which apartment the murder had occurred in. No one knew anything.

She stomped her foot on the ground in frustration as her eyes fell on the spot the ambulance had been. “Hey, Max, I have an idea!”

Max listened and a mischievous grin spread across his face, “I’m on it!”

He quickly found Neville’s photographer and sidled up to him, “Dude! There’s a delivery entrance open around back! I got some amazing shots!”

“Really?”

“Really!”

The man’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, “Why would you tell me this?”

“Oh, am I not supposed to?” Max acted startled, “I’m new at this. I thought we all helped each other out like that! Isn’t that how it works?”

“Sure, kid. That’s how we do it,” the guy gloated, “Thanks for the tip!”

Max watched the photographer whisper to Neville who looked gleefully around before sneaking around the parking lot to the back of the building. He gave Riley a thumbs up.

Riley waited for Max’s signal, then found a uniformed police officer, “I’m sorry to interrupt but I just saw that reporter go around back. Aren’t they supposed to stay on this side of the caution tape?”

“Yes,” the man was obviously annoyed, “Thank you ma’am, we’ll take care of it.”

“Any time, officer,” she smiled disarmingly at him.

Riley and Max ran back to the Tahoe, giggling the whole way.

“That should keep him busy for a while!” She laughed as she climbed back into the driver’s seat.

“So, we can get to the coroner’s office first, I presume?”

“Of course!” She started the car and threw it in reverse.

“Be careful with Estelle!” Max yelled at her as the car went up onto the sidewalk.

“Sorry, sorry!” She put it in drive and made her way carefully away from the crime scene. Curbs were one thing, she didn’t want to hit a pedestrian, and the street was now full of onlookers.

They drove in silence until they were clear of the crowd. Max relaxed into his seat with relief, but it was short lived as Riley gunned it the moment they were back on open road.

“Jesus, Riley! I want to get to the coroner’s office as a photographer, not a body!”

“Have I ever killed you before?”

“No…but there’s a first time for everything!”

Riley was quiet for a moment, then her tone turned serious, “Can I ask you something?”

Max’s face lit up at what he thought was a change of subject, “Sure Riley, you can ask me anything!”

“So, I’ve been wondering….Why did you name your car Estelle? That’s an old lady’s name, isn’t it?” She took her eyes briefly from the road as he answered.

Max gave her a flirty wink, “I like older women.”

Riley rolled her eyes as she returned them to the road, “Grandma old?”

Max’s face fell, “No…no, that’s not what I meant!”

“How old are you, Max? Twenty? Twenty-one?”

“I’m twenty-three, Riley. I’m a grown ass man.”

“Sure you are.”

“I’m only five years younger than you, you know.”

“Only,” she snorted, “Five years is an entire college career and then some.”

Max let out a frustrated exhale as he shifted in his seat, “Whatever.”

They pulled up in front of a small, nondescript building situated behind a UPS hub and across from a warehouse in the industrial district. It was a squat, one story structure made of faded brown brick with a row of tiny windows stretched across the front and a red windowless door in the middle. Actually, the door was just off center, a detail made her want to knock it down with a wrecking ball.

“This building is depressing,” Max muttered as he climbed out of the Tahoe.

“You always say that.”

“It’s always true!”

“Considering what it is, that seems appropriate,” Riley responded as she made her way into the building and down the hall to the morgue, bypassing the reception desk which was thankfully empty.

“Come in!” a voice called in response to her knock.

“Hey, Dr. Lee!” Riley greeted the woman with the lab coat.

“I told you to call me Hana,” the doctor was shorter than Riley, with warm caramel colored hair falling to her shoulders, deep brown eyes and an upturned nose.

“Sorry…Hana…I was wondering if you knew anything about the murder at the Vista Heights apartment complex earlier today.”

“Just brought him in,” Hana swept her hand toward the body on the table, “the cause of death seems obvious, but you never know. All homicide victims are autopsied, as you know.”

“Who is he?” Riley craned her neck trying to get a better look. The man on the table looked to be in his mid to late forties with jet-black hair and sharp features.

Max hung back near the door. He had no desire to see the dead body.

“You know I can’t tell you that,” Hana admonished.

“I know. I’m sorry,” Riley shot Max a meaningful look, her eyes darting from his to a manila folder laying on Hana’s desk, before stepping closer to the other woman. With a slight pout, she reached out and rubbed a hand down her upper arm, “Forgive me?”

Hana flushed slightly as a shy smile spread across her face, “It’s fine, I know you’re just doing your job.”

“And you’re just doing yours. I respect that.” Riley’s eyes flicked over Hana’s shoulder as Max closed the folder and gave her a thumbs up. “You said the cause of death was obvious?”

Hana hesitated, “I really shouldn’t say…”

“I promise to keep your name out of it.”

“I mean…it’s going to be out there soon enough anyway. I don’t think it’s a huge secret that gunshots were fired just prior to 911 being called. That’s all I can really say.”

“Thank you!!” Riley knew about the gunshots because Max had heard that much on the police scanner. It was nice to have confirmation though. “We’ll let you get back to work!”

“Riley?”

She paused on her way to the door, “Yeah?”

“Are you going to be at the bar later?”

“The Beat?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.”

“Of course!” she grinned, “There’s been a murder! Where else would I be but the bar all the cops hang out at?”

“Okay, maybe I’ll see you there.”

“That would be awesome!” Riley gave her a wave then exited the room. The moment they were back in the car, Riley turned to Max and demanded, “Well?”

“Well, the victim’s name was Trenton Hayes, he was shot dead in his apartment.”

“Trenton Hayes…Trenton Hayes…” she searched her memory, “Isn’t he some kind of wall street tycoon?”

“Yeah, I don’t really keep up with that type of stuff.”

“Really?” Surprise pulled through her, “You’re a Beaumont.”

“Not a very good one,” he laughed humorlessly, “My contribution to the family empire consists of spending the money…”

“Okay….” She didn’t know what to say to that. She smacked him on the shoulder as she drove, “Well, look the guy up!”

“I am!” He swatted her hand away as he typed into his phone, “Oh, shit! I’ve seen this guy before!”

“Really? Where?”

“I took pictures of him for this PI I work with sometimes.”

“What? Why?”

Max shrugged, “I don’t know. He pays me to take photos sometimes, or hack into shit. I wasn’t following the guy; I was following the woman he met with!”

“Who was the woman?”

“Katie Sloan.”

“Wait! The wife of William Sloan? As in, the head of Sloan Enterprises?”

“Yeah, that’s the one!”

“Holy fucking shit! Who is this PI? We’re going to talk to him right now!”

“Walker and Son Investigations, it’s on Canal Street.”

“Hold on!” She yelled as she yanked the wheel and skidded into a U-turn, “Canal Street, here we come!”

#trr au #writeblr #maxwell beaumont #liam rys #drake walker #riley brooks #trr fandom #trr fanfic #the royal romance #no canon #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #trr au fanfic #crime drama #angelasscribbles #Law's End #laws end #cordonia city

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emkay512 · 1 year

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Show You Off

Set at Liam and Riley’s first wedding anniversary, and they are trying to come up with ideas to celebrate each other. - Another OUAT one shot

Song inspiration: Show You Off by Dan + Shay

A/N 1: This is participating in @choicesflashfics week 8 and I’m using prompt 3: “I’ve never done something like this before.”

A/N 2: I’m grateful for this prompt cause it got me to actually want to finish this by the end of the prompt week. And I want to thank @queenrileyrose for pre-reading this, just earlier today!

I’m also including the designs that I also created, just cause… I had fun making them and wanted to include a visual, as basic as it may be 😅 I hope it’s not too off putting!

Warnings: Tiny bit of language and just a mention of 🍋

Word Count: 2,445 (my longest yet! ��)

Tags: Sorry if I missed anyone, let me know if you want to be added or removed @queenrileyrose @burnsoslow @bbrandy2002 @ao719 @kat-tia801 @sincerelyella @charlotteg234 @neotericthemis @kingliam2019 @iaminlovewithtrr @amandablink @iluaaa @jared2612 @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @secretaryunpaid @ladyangel70 @gkittylove99 @texaskitten30 @shanzay44 @ofpixelsandscribbles @sarcastic01lily

The king and queen of Cordonia were enjoying a peaceful breakfast together in their personal quarters at the palace. Their first wedding anniversary was fast approaching, and they hadn’t discussed any plans. Riley was a ball of excitement for their upcoming milestone, but to her surprise, Liam hadn’t brought it up at all. She knew there was no way he’d forgotten, but she couldn’t hold in her excitement a minute longer.

“So..” Riley, broke their comfortable silence, “A pretty big day is coming up for us..”

Liam looked up at her with a smirk on his face, “I must say, I’m very impressed with you.” Riley had a very quizzical look on her face with his response. “I’ve been waiting for you to bring it up, here I thought you would have been talking of nothing but our wedding anniversary for the last month.” Liam smiled very brightly at the topic. Riley hurled a piece of toast at him for picking on her.

“Well excuse me for not interrupting the king’s schedule.” She laughed, completely relieved for his playful response. “So, tell me, what should we do? I’ve been dying for you to tell me there’s some great Cordonian tradition that we mustn’t be the first ones to break.”

“Heh, you always have been one to catch on quick, haven’t you, Love?” He reached over to grab her hand and peck it with a quick kiss. “Well there is one tradition, but it’s not centuries old or anything, and most certainly not something we have to do.”

“Please tell me.” Riley replied with wide excited eyes.

“It’s simple. It’s the idea that we exchange a sort of gesture rather than a gift. Like planting a tree or something of the sort for your partner.”

Riley instinctively scoffed, “I think I can do better than planting a tree for you!” Liam laughed at her instinct to declare she could do better than a tree for him.

“I take it you like the idea?”

“I love it, let’s do it.”

Liam stood from his chair and leaned down to Riley to seal the idea with a deep kiss. “Yes, let’s.”

The next day, Liam found himself in his study, wracked with thoughts about how to fulfill his end on this grand gesture tradition. He had a specific idea in mind. Something very un-Liam and the more he researched, the more he liked it. He knew his wife would be filled with shock and delight over it. He was quickly becoming more convinced on it, but he just needed to find the right design.

Suddenly, there was a quick knock on his door, and Liam called for them to enter. Drake walked into Liam’s study to catch up and check in on his best friend. Upon his entrance, he noticed Liam had laser focus on his computer screen. Liam glanced up, and once he recognized Drake, he adjusted his attention back to his desk. “Oh, hey Drake. Come on in, make yourself comfortable. What can I do for you?”

Drake did just that, but he couldn’t ignore his instinct to inquire on Liam’s current fixation. “Uh, well, you can catch me up for starters.” Drake had no idea what had him looking so serious. Liam didn’t respond assuming Drake would have no trouble helping himself to whatever he needed. “Dude! What’d you got porn on there or something? I’ve never seen a man stare at a screen so hard.”

“What? No!” Liam snapped his head up at Drake with the slightest and feigned look of offense at the comical suggestion. Drake had poured himself a finger of scotch from Liam’s bar cart and motioned, asking Liam if he’d like to join, which he did. Drake handed Liam his drink and sat down opposite him willing Liam to explain. “Well, Riley and I have our first wedding anniversary approaching, and I’m trying to figure out what to do.”

“Uh, huh. And so you’re.. online shopping? Doesn’t seem like you to simply buy something.”

“Astute as ever, Drake. I’m not online shopping. Riley has decided she wants to keep with tradition and exchange gestures instead of gifts.” Drake was interested and still curious where this was going. “I have an idea in mind, but.. it’s very permanent and I’m struggling to find the just right design.”

“Ok, so just exactly what is this very permanent gesture you are so unsure about?”

“Oh, I’m sure about it. I just want it to be right... Let me just say this, what is the one dare Leo gave me that I could never actually do?”

Drake shot straight up in his seat with immediate understanding and total shock. “No way! You want to get a tattoo!?”

True to form, Riley had enlisted Maxwell to help her plan this gesture gift exchange that she and Liam had agreed to. When they came up with the idea, she thought it was the brightest and best idea ever, but now here, in her own private study, she was struggling to come up with an idea. Even Maxwell had completely gushed over the tradition when she told him, but now even his over the top brain was drawing a blank. “And you’re sure you’re totally against the crotch-less panties idea?” He asked very seriously.

Riley side eyed him hard, but after a minute long stare, she shrugged and replied with a sigh, “I’ll call it plan B.” Maxwell nodded at her with pride that she put the idea on the table. “I just.. want to do a huge gesture, but also subtle.. something eternal.”

Maxwell slapped his hand and arm down on the table in a stroke of genius. “I got it!” Riley looked up at him with intrigued eyes. “You should tattoo his name on you!” Her eyes fell immediately with disappointment.

“Maxwell, I’m not even allowed to wear colorful nail polish. There’s no way I could get a tattoo.”

“Well then, get the tattoo on your ass.”

“Honestly, what am I going to do with you?” Riley said although she was secretly letting her mind wander. It’d be kinda perfect. The ass placement would be a little less than romantic as she wanted. But, his name permanently inked on her, she actually liked it. “So… just exactly where would we get all the bodily image regulations, anyway?”

Maxwell clapped his hands in excitement, “I sure as shit don’t know the official rules, but I can bet we know who does!” The next thing they knew, Riley and Maxwell found themselves in front of Bertrand.

“My dearest brother, I don’t know why, but I have always dreaded this day. Somehow, I just knew you’d lure our queen Riley into some drastic shenanigans. Little did I know you’d encourage her into a tattoo!”

“But it’s a gesture of love! And a Cordonian tradition! It’s their first wedding anniversary. And our queen wants to permanently honor our king. Hello, it’s true love!”

With Maxwell’s over excited attitude, Bertrand could only concede. “Lady Riley, if you wish to proceed, I must tell you, there are actually no restrictions on Royal bodily tattoos. You are permitted to a subtle ink job.” Riley couldn’t stop from withholding her excitement. She’d get Liam’s name tattoed on her as soon as possible, she loved the idea. She just needed to put a plan in motion.

For Liam, his plan fell into place quite easily. With Drake’s help, they found a tattoo artist that was more than willing to discreetly meet the king at the palace to get the job done. The timing worked out perfectly, three days before their anniversary date, Riley was due in Valtoria for a ribbon cutting ceremony. A usually quick appearance, but she very conveniently announced she’d stay overnight to prevent exhaustion from the quick travels.

She even assured him she’d take her time in Valtoria, and include time to make casual appearances around the area to visit the residents. It gave Liam more than enough time, it was perfect.

For Riley, she quickly finagled a side quest into her already existing planned visit to Valtoria. Maxwell was already scheduled to attend the event with her to continue with House Beaumont’s standing alliance and connection to the crown. He would help find a local shop for Riley to discreetly dip into.

Liam had already agreed to her extended stay under her guise of visiting the residents. Sure she would, including a visit to a well kept tattoo parlor. It gave her more than enough time, it was perfect.

On the day of Riley’s trip, she hastily began her travels after exchanging her affectionate goodbyes with Liam. Once Liam felt like a comfortable amount of time had passed since Riley’s departure, he had Bastien contact Mara to confirm their safe and steady passage. All seeming to be part of normal security protocol, which was of course part of Liam’s intention, but he also wanted to get started on his appointment.

Liam had decided to use his office for his in-home tattoo parlor. Drake was there to offer his moral support, and to actually see this take place.

“Are you nervous?” Drake asked, he was still in disbelief this was happening. Any time Leo wanted to win a good ‘dare-off’ with Liam, he’d end it by daring Liam to get a tattoo. Any tattoo. But Liam would never take that dare. To him it was too reckless to permanently modify his body on the whim of a dare.

“Not at all,” Liam answered with a smile.

They were cut off with a knock at the door, and Bastien entered with the tattoo artist in tow. The man was covered head to toe in ink and was extremely professional while he set up his designated station and sanitized his tools. After a while, Liam provided the design he created and showed where he wanted it placed. Liam positioned himself in the chair and the artist began his work.

Riley had finished her appearance, and she and Maxwell started to wander down the beaten path in Valtoria. Riley was relying on Maxwell to lead the way as he assured he found an appropriate place and made arrangements with the owner to accommodate the queen.

“I have the address, but aren’t we supposed to find some bright neon sign that says tattoo? I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for it”

“I wouldn’t know, believe it or not Maxwell, I’ve never done something like this before.” Riley answered with no surprise that he would be looking for something as ridiculous as that. Once Riley stepped in with navigations, they quickly found the parlor that was eagerly awaiting her arrival. The staff greeted her and directed her to the booth and artist that would be working on her. She handed over the final draft of what she wanted and laid out where she wanted it and they got started.

Liam and Riley each woke up the next morning, missing each other, but grateful for the night apart to keep their tattoos under its covering without having to explain it. Liam went into the bathroom to clean his hands and carefully uncover his tattoo with plenty of ointment available to keep the area from getting too dry. He was ecstatic with the finished work and now just had to think of how to conceal it when his wife returned home.

Riley couldn’t wait to uncover her fresh ink. She sat up in her bed in Valtoria and quickly peeled off the covering. She loved it and gently touched it to make sure it was real. In the thrill and excitement of getting the tattoo, she had momentarily forgotten what to do next with it and surprisingly, it was Maxwell that reminded her of the needed new tattoo care.

To both Liam and Riley’s surprise, it was fairly easy to conceal the gestures they created for one another. The two were usually unable to keep off each other and they both worried that their singular desire for a little more distance would raise an immediate red flag. But neither said a thing, not wanting to encourage an annoying line of questioning.

The night of their anniversary date had arrived and they enjoyed a very romantic and intimate dinner out in the capital. They were both eager to finally reveal their gestures, and Riley insisted she go first. For some reason, she was a little nervous.

“Ok, I wanted to do something to show you how proud I am of you, to be your wife, your family, your queen. I want to be with you for forever, and I want to show you that you’ll always be with me.” She raised her left hand with curled fingers up to cover her mouth. “Ready?” She asked, and then she slowly twisted her wrist outward to display the fresh ink in the form of a beautifully scripted and ornate “L.R.” on her wrist.

Liam’s eyes went wide with utter shock and delight, the very reaction he expected out of her. He was already moved with her touching declaration and his heart was bursting with affection at his initials adorned on her body. “Do.. do you like it?”

“Like it!?” His eyes darted from her wrist to her eyes, “I absolutely love it, Riley, I never imagined someone doing something like this for me. I am in awe of you.”

Riley was thrilled with his elation, but now it was her turn. “What.. do you have for me?”

“Heh, well considering what you did for me, I think you’re gonna like what I did for you.” He removed the oversized watch he had been wearing on this left hand, and set his elbow upright on the table, displaying the fresh tattoo on his wrist that read “Riley” with a gold crown just above the name on the end.

“Oh my…. Oh my God, Liam! You didn’t!” Riley couldn’t stop from covering her mouth with her hands in complete and total shock. She grabbed his wrist and pulled it to her face. “How did you…. How did you know!? Was it Maxwell, did he spill my surprise? Liam how did you possibly know? This is amazing, look at us! We match! I love it!” She was squealing with joy and excitement.

Liam laughed heartily, “I promise I did not know, it seems we share more than just a heart, we share a mind as well.” Liam got up from his seat and pulled a hefty load of cash from his wallet to drop on the table to tip the staff, and he reached and pulled Riley from her chair. “Now, we are getting out of here, and I am putting a baby in you tonight.” He said with the most devilish grin Riley had ever seen.

#choices trr #king liam #choices #the royal romance #trr #liam x riley #choices trh #choices flash fic #liam rys #cordonia

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