#nevrakis chateau

[twinkleallnight]

The First Kiss:

Book: TRR - My series Once upon a time AU

Pairings: Drake x Olivia

Word count:2340

Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry. 

Rating: Teens

A/N 1: This one shot happens when the teenage prince and his friends are on a short holiday at Lythikos. 

A/N 2: Thanks @lizzybeth1986 for extending a helping hand as always. 

Prompt:  @springfeverpitch : first base fic for Dralivia ( swing, pillow, "can I kiss you?") 

Prompt 2 of @choicesflashfics in bold 

May fit in for National kissing day of @choicesjunechallenge @liaromancewriter  

Image courtesy

"I came first." 

"But I saw it first."

"I reached out for it first." 

"But I caught hold of it first." 

"I get to use it because I am a boy." 

"No, I get to use it because I am a Nevrakis."

The sentences were growing longer as was the argument. Savannah and Liam looked at each other, rolled their eyes, huffed a sigh in unison and sat down on a rock. This was not how they had planned their weekend at Lythikos but It was a routine for them to witness Drake and Olivia arguing over trivial issues. As kids, it would be cheese or jam on bread or the equal distribution of chocolates received from a generous visitor to the palace. Growing up, as teenagers it changed to, who gets the window seat on a drive or who gets which horse for a ride. At this moment, they were fighting for a piece of driftwood shaped like a sword that they found in the snow outside the Lythikan chateau. 

"You already have Zenobia!" Drake yelled. 

"Had! Max broke it." 

"Not my problem." Drake shrugged. 

Savannah snickered at the mention of Olivia's childhood toy sword. "Are they ever going to grow up?" 

Liam shook his head, "Someone needs to remind them that they are fifteen not five." 

"What if they never change?" 

"They will change when they realise their true feelings." He smiled. 

"You really think so?" 

Liam gave a wide grin. 

Savannah smiled back saying, "You know, you are…." 

" … a hopeless romantic." He completed her sentence. "I know."  

Thud! The sudden shift of sound cut their conversation short. 

Savannah panicked at the scene in front of her. "Oh, no,no,no. No!" 

Drake tried to snatch the wood from Olivia and one thing led to another. Soon, they were both wrestling.

Liam and Savannah jumped up. It was an unwritten agreement between the two that they wouldn't intervene unless the fight converted to physical form of infliction. And it was also pre-decided that Liam would manage Olivia while Savannah would catch and push Drake away. Olivia with all her Nevrakis might was impossible for Savannah to handle. Savannah found it easy with Drake. A simple tickling on his sides and his body would give way.

Savannah nodded, "Now!"  Liam leapt and  caught hold of Olivia by waist, pulling her away. As soon as Olivia's clutch loosened from Drake's neck, Savannah pushed Drake, butting her head into his muscular chest. Her fingers crawled upwards on his sides. 

Drake started squealing, "No, not again. Savvie! This is… aaaaa..unfair! Stop!" 

On the other end, Liam was trying to calm down a ferocious Olivia, but she was throwing her limbs in the air frantically. "Leave me!" 

Suddenly, a loud shriek made Olivia stop and turn. Savannah had fallen down and Drake had toppled over her. 

Liam released Olivia and they both rushed to her side. Drake untangled his leg and moved aside to find her yelping in pain. "I am sorry, Savvie, I didn't mean to. Here, let me.." He tried to lift her but her left leg seemed to be badly twisted. She screamed in pain. 

"What's wrong?" They all turned to look at Bastein who had rushed to them, after listening to the noise. 

"Bas,..." Savannah started crying, "I can't stand. I may not be able to walk." 

"Shhh! Let me have a look." He quickly hunched down and examined her leg. Savannah would not let him touch. She seemed to be in extreme pain. "Savannah dear, I think you have sprained your foot badly. Let me call for first aid. " 

Bastein made a few calls. In a matter of a few minutes, her leg was put in a temporary splint and a SUV was ready to take her to hospital. 

Drake tried to help Savannah but she raised her hand to stop him. "You have done enough damage," she wailed out. Liam took the hint and promptly came ahead to help. Drake quietly stepped aside feeling more guilt. 

Liam asked concerned, "Bas, can I go along with her to the hospital?" 

"If you insist." 

Liam's face lit up. " Yes, please." He swiftly climbed into the seat next to Savannah. He then gave a scornful look to his friends. "Try not to kill each other. Warriors of Lythikos." He taunted and moved his hand across Savannah's shoulder, protectively.  

Once the vehicle moved out of sight Olivia's  caretaker Ms Berkes, ushered her and Drake in for a warm drink. 

Drake sat slumped. 

"She didn't really mean it you know, right?" Olivia made a statement.

"Hmm. I am sorry." 

"What? What did you just say?" Olivia looked with her eyes wide as a pan.

Drake cleared his throat to repeat. "I said, " I am sorry." 

"Drake Walker is apologizing! I can't believe it!" She threw her hands up I the air. 

"Please. You have to let me make this right.” Had I not been stubborn, Savvie wouldn't have gotten hurt so badly." 

Olivia waved it off, "Stop blaming yourself for a little mishap. She should have been careful. She should have gauged whom she was tackling." Olivia got up to leave, "Anyways, it looks like it will snow soon. I am going to grab a book in the library." She announced and then mumbled on her way, " Lost that sword stick too! " She pouted her lips. Her hand started fidgeting with the edge of her shirt. 

Drake caught the way her hand grabbed the cloth, a sign that she was dejected over losing the sword. Now, he felt even worse. He couldn't make either of the ladies happy. Savannah was hurt badly and he couldn't be beside her for comfort. Thankfully, Liam was with her. Fine, so what if Savvie left, at least he could prove it to Olivia. She was still here. He looked out of the glass window. The storm hadn't set in yet. It looked like a faint drizzle. What if he quickly ran out and got that piece of wood for Olivia? 

He rushed out without giving it a second thought. A fresh layer of snow had covered the already white grounds. He scrambled through the rough terrain, ignoring his insufficient clothing for the harsh climate. He was unmindful of his bare hands without the gloves when he tried shifting snow to dig in a bit if it was where they left it. 

Finally he was successful. He started running back to the Chateau. The moment he entered, he heard Olivia calling out for him.

"Drake, Bastein called. There is a storm coming so they won't….." she stopped mid sentence when her eyes fell on Drake near the entrance. He was beaming as if he had won a trophy but what she saw was Drake in a disheveled state. 

"What on earth were you upto?" She said in a shocked tone.

"I found the sword. Here." He presented the piece of wood with a puffed up chest. He was sure she would be excited to see it. "For you." 

"Are you out of your mind?" She lashed out instead. He was confused. Did he do something wrong now? 

"It's snowing out there. The storm is setting in and you went out like this?" She pointed out his attire. "Where is your sweater? And where are the gloves?" 

All at once, realization hit him. The adrenaline rush had kept him going. He felt the shiver creeping up his body now. He was cold and numb. 

"Ms Berkes!" Olivia shouted. She closed the distance between them and held Drake who was now turning pale. Without waiting for her caretaker, she started dusting away the remnants of snow from his body. She pulled out the coat from the hanger stand  at the corner of the entrance and covered Drake's visibly shivering body. 

"Come here." She made him sit on the couch and started rubbing his hands. Ms Berkes came in the meantime and without any questions helped Drake. 

He kept looking between the two of them, dumbfounded. Whenever he tried to open his mouth to speak, Olivia would shut him. "Keep quiet. You need to conserve whatever energy is left in that weak body of yours." 

He decided to keep his mouth zipped if he had to survive under the Lythikan roof and that too in Olivia's presence. 

 Ms Berkes served him hot soup that made him comfortable. Soon he was fast asleep on the couch. Olivia arranged a pillow to tuck under Drake's head. She sat down with her cell phone, checking the weather updates. She couldn't complete her sentence earlier to tell Drake that Liam and Savannah won't be returning due to an alert from the Met department.  Ms Berkes took the excuse to place a call to the palace and update Bastein. 

Olivia took the cue and dialed Liam's number. 

"Good evening." 

"Good evening." 

"How's Savannah?" 

"She is good. Resting in the west wing under Bastein's watch. How are you?" 

"Good." She let out a sigh.

Liam chuckled. "Is Drake troubling you again?"

"Don't ask." 

"That bad, huh?" Liam snickered.

Olivia looked at Drake's sleeping form. He looked peaceful. "He went out just before the storm." She rolled her eyes. "Without a sweater!" She added. 

"What? How is he?" 

"Ms Berkes helped him warm up. He is alive." She wanted to kick him for causing all the trouble. 

"But why did he go out? It's unlike him to act so stupid." Liam questioned. 

"To get that wooden sword." 

"Seriously? That's crazy. He is still fighting over that piece when his sister.." 

Olivia interrupted, "for me." She said in a barely audible voice. 

"For?" Liam asked. Did he hear it right? 

She winced at the thought and the reaction Liam may give. "You heard it." She won't repeat it. 

A hearty laugh boomed through the earpiece of her phone. Olivia closed her eyes and covered them. She could dig in a hole in the earth just to hide herself, right now. This was so embarrassing. 

"I told you." He laughed again. " I always told you." 

"Whatever." She tried to take it casual. 

"No, you can't deny it. The guy is serious. He really likes you. All the fights and arguments he has with you, they are all just a facade to hide his feelings. Poor Drake." 

"Poor?" Olivia almost jumped. "I had to spend an hour to warm him up." 

"Oh really, and may I know how you did that?" Liam teased. 

"The medical first aid that all Lythikans learn as a baby." Olivia was not going to have a foot in mouth moment. She was not going to let him know that in the spur of the moment, she had hugged him to exchange her body heat to warm him up. That she had cuddled up till she was sure that he was fine. She shifted the focus. " I am tired after all the hard work. You take care. We will travel back to the palace tomorrow morning after weather clears." 

"Sure, you take care of yourself. Don't pick up fights with Drake. Trust me, he really likes you." 

"Good night, Li." She stressed on ending the conversation.  

"Good night Liv." She could hear the thrill in his voice.

She tapped on the red icon and callously slid the phone on the couch. Her gaze shifted to Drake. She got up from her place and scooted down near him. Drake. As she knew him. Or did she know him? The chubby face had changed so much in the past few years. But their fights had not. The cute little voice with which he adoringly called her 'Livy' had turned husky with a depth to it. But the affection in that voice had not changed. The boy had grown up into a lad who could manage many things. But not his silky hair. A smile danced on her lips. Her hand unknowingly went up to the few stray strands that had fallen over his eyes. Her fingers gently moved the chestnut hair aside and traveled over the contours of his chiseled face to stop near his lips. Her lips curled looking at his slightly open mouth. She lowered herself dangerously close to him, breathing the same air. Her lips had just brushed over his parted lips when….

"Olivia?" She heard Ms Berkes' soft whisper. 

She acted to be tucking the blanket around Drake and stood straight. 

"I think he is fine now. I will catch up some sleep. Good night, Ms Berkes." Olivia scurried away from the scene. 

She spent a sleepless night, tossing in the bed. Outside the skies were dealing with a storm and inside, Olivia was fighting her own inner storm. 

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

Next morning. ...

The sky was clear and the wind pleasant  as was Olivia's mood. She had a skip in her step when she went out in the gardens. There was sometime before they got clearance for traveling to the palace. She sat on a swing but didn't swing. Only her thoughts were swinging and singing to her. 

She was so engrossed that she didn't notice Drake walking down and sitting on the neighboring swing.

"Good morning, Livy. " 

She was startled but quicly composed herself. "Good morning." 

She said curtly and turned her head in opposite direction. He was back to normal. There were no signs of any effect of storm on him. And there was no sign of any effect of last night's rendezvous.  She wasn't sure about the later. She just hoped there was none. 

He tried to initiate the conversation, "Thank you." 

"Thank you for what? Letting you survive another day." She smirked.

Drake gave a genuine smile, "For all you did yesterday for me." 

"You don't need to mention." Olivia looked away hiding the blush creeping on her neck. 

"I want to say one more thing." 

"What is it? " Her heart raced as she glanced at him.

"You left something with me last night. I wanted to give it back to you." 

She gave him a puzzled look.

"Can I kiss you?" 

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

#spring fever pitch #choices fic writers creations #choicesflashfics #choices june challenge #drake walker #olivia nevrakis #liam rhys #pixelberry #playchoices #the royal romance #trr fandom #trr #king liam #twinkleallnight

[lizzybeth1986]

Before I start talking about this scene, I’d like to talk about the way Hana’s character has been constructed in the story.

There are two types of Hana scenes:

1. Diamond options involving her help in a task. The MC can achieve the desired results even without these scenes, but purchasing them makes her job easier because Hana gets to guide her along the way, as well as bringing her talent and expertise to the table. These scenes tend to lean towards the neutral side, usually limited to showing the two women working together.

2. Background information. These scenes often delve deeper into Hana’s past, and give us a better idea of her life in China, the dynamics within her family and the scandal that drove her to Cordonia in the first place. They tend to be more tender, more intimate, use softer background music, offer more options for romance.

The Cordonian Waltz practice scene is special because it involves a little bit of both. There is only one other scene like it so far (the nighttime conservatory scene where she teaches the MC Italian phrases), and that takes place only in Book 2. It allows Hana to pass on valuable information that can help her in the upcoming ball, and gives us a deeper insight into Hana’s failed engagement.

The Waltz

Are we able to wing it at the Nevrakis Ball if we don’t take Hana’s help? Of course we can. But we see the real beauty of this courtship dance when Hana teaches the steps to the MC. With her training, we get a better idea of the Cordonian Waltz: that it begins structured and formal with the box step and the reverse, and then turns flirtatious with the spin and the twirl.

During the most romantic portion of that dance, the spin and twirl, the MC has two options - to focus either on a spot on the wall or on Hana herself. With the first, practice goes on as usual:

With the second (“I will focus on you”), Hana looks shocked by the suggestion, blushes, and struggles to regain her composure for the rest of the dance:

While the first panel focuses on the technical aspects of the dance, the second allows for a more emotional reaction. If we played the cronut run with Hana, we will know by now that she has already started to respond to the MC’s touch…and that it is her own reaction that confuses her more than anything else. This is, quite obviously, the farthest thing from ‘safe’ Hana has ever known. But since when has being 'safe’ done her any good?

The Engagement

Chapter 3’s diamond scene doesn’t tell us much about Hana’s relationship with Peter, besides the fact that he pulled out of the arrangement a month before their wedding. Here, however, Hana describes to us in heartbreaking detail how the match ended, relating to us that it wasn’t her fault or his, but due to an ongoing problem that Hana herself isn’t ready to admit to yet.

The root of Hana’s problems with Peter, and then Liam (if she hadn’t shifted her focus to the MC instead), lies in this one panel:

Hana has been groomed and trained, from childhood, to be the best kind of marriageable match in her community. This is what she is meant to be, and meant to do, and she has been taught that her life has little purpose beyond her role as respectful daughter, and later on as dutiful wife. The disregard for Hana’s own feelings is most stark here: not only is she not allowed to love whoever she wants - she isn’t even allowed to view love as an option. Her needs aren’t even addressed, talked about, or given any attention to. No one ever makes her question her lack of investment in the relationship, much less point out that it is affecting her. She doesn’t even know that love is an important component of any relationship she is supposed to be in.

Contrast this to the picture of Peter she presents to us. “Raised with romantic notions about true love and a lifetime of happily wedded bliss,” Hana tells the MC, and she is essentially describing a dream she has been deprived of her entire life. Peter is a man of power, of privilege, someone who can control his destiny in a way Hana never believed she could. He is someone who can dream of love and romance because he is entitled to that dream, unlike Hana, who barely has any say in it at all. He can choose to have a relationship with her, and choose to break things off when he realises it won’t work out.

I don’t think he ever understood why I would’ve gone through with it. To me, this line is one of the most heartbreaking ones in this entire chapter. Because even as she says this, Hana herself doesn’t realise how trapped she is.

In these lines, Hana is essentially telling us, the reader, that she would have gone through with an arrangement that would’ve made her miserable for the rest of her life, only because her parents taught her that it was her duty as their only child. Only because she knew no other way. Not only that: she is willing to force herself into the same miserable situation again, this time with Liam. And she doesn’t see it as harmful. She sees it as “another chance”.

Going by everything she has been taught, Hana had actually done everything “right” in her relationship with Peter. She followed instructions. Accepted his proposal. Played by the rules. Displayed her talents, made herself an attractive prospect. And yet, despite being 'safe’, her engagement ended in the most disastrous manner possible.

In her mind, SHE is what’s wrong. The fact that she could not summon up the tender romantic feelings expected of her, could not hold on to a relationship that would have killed her emotionally, could not succeed in fullfiling her parents’ wishes at the cost of her own - makes her 'damaged’. She doesn’t realise yet that the damage lies in her conditioning, and in the things she has grown up believing her whole life, in her inability to understand her own feelings.

We know, at this point, that Hana is beginning to have feelings for the MC. Feelings that she isn’t able to fully identify yet, much less acknowledge. Hana has forever grown up in the knowledge that her life is meant to revolve around a man - particularly one who possesses power and prestige. There is a clear possibility that she may have not even known that she could fall in love with women. Her interactions with the MC are the first time she ever feels these emotions towards anyone - man or woman - and it is clearly knocking her sideways. At this stage we are witnessing a woman so deep in her denial, her confusion, that she cannot even imagine what she is feeling is real, much less articulate it to the object of her affections.

Hana occupies a pretty precarious space within the books. She is both the deliverer of knowledge, and the ingénue who is still grappling with her body, her emotions, her sense of self. She eases the MC into courtly life, but also learns from her how to express herself more fully. She is encouraged to use the MC to gain access to the Prince she is barely interested in, only to find that she prefers her company to his. She faces rejection and censure in her first few days in Cordonia, but considers it home by the end of the book. She starts out looking for everything but love, only to find love staring her in the face while she is still in her underwear. She is giver and reciever, teacher and student, woman-of-the-world and confused child. She is a treasure trove of emotional anomalies, and that is what makes her so compelling as a character.

Your View

1. Which is your favourite Hana diamond scene and why?

2. Give your take on Hana’s “relationship” with Peter and how it contrasts with what she is going through with the MC at this point in the story.

(As I always say, the questions are completely optional)

#the royal romance #hana lee #hana x mc #hana: diamond scenes #cordonian waltz #nevrakis chateau #lythikos #cordonia

[karahalloway]

(Un)Common Attraction: Chapter 14 - A Waltz to Remember

Series: TRR (following the events of Book 1, with some changes)

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

Rights belong to Pixelberry, most characters and some dialogue belong to them.

Book Synopsis: Harper Gale is a small-town girl working as a waitress at a seedy New York dive bar. After a chance encounter with nobility sees her jetting halfway around the world to compete for the hand of the Prince of Cordonia, her dream of seeing the world starts to come true sooner than she expected. But as the completion heats up, Harper quickly learns that life at court is a lot more than just pretty dresses and fancy balls, and that the polished aristocratic smiles often hide deceit. Does she have what it takes to rise above the gossip and intrigue of the social season, and beat the nobles at their own games? And, more importantly, does she actually want to become the queen of a small European country? Or will her heart have other ideas?

Masterlist: (Un)Common Attraction

Chapter Summary: It’s the night of the Snowball, and after making it through the Cordonian Waltz, Harper has a realisation...

Word Count: 3,200

Rating/Warnings: PG-13 (very minor swearing)

Please read: Author’s Note

Also available on Wattpad.

Chapter 14 - A Waltz to Remember

"Hello, dear guests and welcome to the Nevrakis family chateau!" announces Olivia from the head table. "It means so much to me that you would join me in this place that's so dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy the festivities tonight as much as I will. Now, everyone, please join me up front for the Cordonian Waltz!"

"I guess that's it for the dinner portion of the evening..." I mutter, pushing my chair back to stand up. "That has got to be the worst dining experience I've ever had!"

"They should serve some hors d'oeuvres a little bit later," Hana says. "People tend to get hungry while dancing."

"Not me," announces Drake, downing the last of his drink. "I have no intention of being roped into doing the waltz in front of all these people. If you need me, I'll be right here."

"Catch you later," I say, wishing I had the luxury of choice, instead of having to perform for everyone like a trained monkey.

But Hana and I did not spend two hours practicing the steps for me to chicken out now. So, squaring my shoulders, I make my way towards the dancefloor.

"Good evening, dears," purrs Olivia as we approach. She is hanging possessively on Christian's arm. "I trust you enjoyed the lobster bisque?"

"Oh, the piping hot soup was excellent!" I say meaningfully. "And the extra large chunks of lobster were a real treat!"

"Is that so?" asks Olivia, trying to decide whether I was pulling her leg or not. "Well, I will make a note to pass your compliments onto the staff."

"There's no need," I reply with a sly smile. "I'm sure the staff have had plenty of notes from you this evening already."

"In that case, let us partner up!" she says, eyeing Christian in a not-so-subtle fashion.

"Olivia, will you honour me with this dance?" he asks dutifully.

"Of course," she replies, throwing me a victorious smile as she dips into a curtsy. "Anything for you, my prince."

As we watch the two of them take up positions on the floor, Hana observes, "It would be unspeakably rude for Prince Christian to not dance the first waltz with the hostess."

"Yeah, I know," I concede. "But she could be a little less gleeful about it."

"Ladies," says Maxwell by way of greeting. "Shall we dance, dance, dance?" he asks, doing a little boogie.

Hana giggles.

"Hana, you can go with Maxwell, if you want," I tell her. "You let me dance with Christian at the Masquerade, so why don't you go first this time?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure." Hanging out with Drake and Hana over so-called dinner had helped lighten my mood, but I did not think I could bring myself to be in close proximity to Maxwell yet, especially during something so intimate as the waltz. "There are plenty of people here, so I'm sure I'll find another partner."

"Well, in that case," says Maxwell, "Lady Hana, may I have this dance?"

"It would be my pleasure," replies Hana, accepting Maxwell's hand with a dazzling smile.

"My lady, will you do me the honour of partnering with me?" queries a voice from behind me.

Turning around, I see one of the new guys who had been hanging out with Tariq offer me his hand.

"Of course," I reply, placing my hand in his. "I don't believe I know your name, Lord...?"

"Just Rashad, please," he replies with a slightly embarrassed smile as he leads me onto the dancefloor.

"Okay, then, Just Rashad," I reply with a small smile of my own. "I hope you know the steps?"

"Of course, my lady," he replies, placing his left hand securely at my waist, and taking my left hand in his right in the high hold that I had practiced with Hana earlier today. "Do you?"

"Just about," I admit.

The orchestra begins playing and Rashad squeezes my hand slightly, indicating that I should step back. I follow his lead and soon we are twirling in time with the other couples to the rise and fall of the music.

"You are an excellent dancer," murmurs Rashad as he brings me back in from a spin to hold me close as we sway.

"You're not too shabby yourself," I reply.

Hana's tutelage had definitely been worth its weight in gold, and I find myself relaxing a bit more as we proceed through the steps.

"Time to switch partners," advises Rashad, unwrapping me and letting go of my hand.

"Lady Harper. You truly are a vision tonight."

"Christian!" I exclaim, as I find myself being swept up into his arms. "Fancy seeing you here!"

"You mean, on the dancefloor of a private ball during a choreographed waltz?"

"Well, when you put it like that, maybe it's not so much of a coincidence..." I admit as he leads me into a graceful glide. "Though, I am surprised that Olivia let you go so easily, given that she has managed to keep you to herself pretty much this entire trip."

"Yes, I admit I probably haven't been as social as I could've been," he sighs. "But since Olivia is our hostess, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't lavish her with the attention that she deserves."

"One of the benefits of having home court advantage," I muse, as he twirls me.

"True," says Christian, pulling me in close as we start swaying together. "But even though we haven't been able to spend a lot of time together lately, I hope you do know that you are constantly on my mind..."

"Christian..."

"And I hope I can show you just how spe—"

"Ahem!" Olivia has appeared before us with an imperious look on her face. "I believe he's my partner now."

"Oh, right," I say, letting go of Christian's hand.

Looking around, I can see Rashad waiting patiently for me.

"Sorry about that," I murmur, taking his hand.

"That's alright," he replies good-naturedly as he leads me through the steps again. "It appears that Prince Christian has a particular fondness for you."

"Yeah..." I sigh. "But our relationship is so strange. All these courtly protocols seem to have been designed to keep us apart, rather than help us get to know each other better."

"When you're royalty, the rules are different."

"I know. It's still something that I am getting used to."

"You're from New York, right?"

"Yes," I reply, thinking that it would be easier than spilling my whole life story to the guy. "Are you from Cordonia?"

"I am, originally, but I have spent the past few years abroad focusing on various business ventures. It is only recently that I have returned home."

"Once the social season wraps up, I hope to go travelling myself."

"Even if the Prince chooses you?"

"Well, there's always the honeymoon..."

I suddenly feel Rashad stiffen.

Following his gaze, I see Olivia with her arms wrapped around Christian, sticking her tongue down the poor guy's throat.

"That...that is a bold play..." stutters Rashad.

"Yeah, she's not known for being subtle..." I add.

We watch Christian gently extricate himself from Olivia's grip after way too a long a moment, and with a few hushed words, lead her off the dancefloor.

The music winds down, and the men bow to their partners.

"Lady Harper, it's been a pleasure," says Rashad, planting a kiss on the back of my hand.

"Likewise," I say.

As Rashad melts into the crowd, I am joined by Maxwell and Hana.

"Did you see what Olivia just did?" gasps Hana.

"I think that was the point," I reply dryly.

"Yes, and it seems to have caused the intended effect," says Maxwell, inclining his head at the other suitors, who were whispering furiously amongst themselves.

"Looks like little Olivia's all grown up," observes Madeleine, taking a sip of her champagne. "How sweet."

"I knew she and the Prince were close..." breathes Penelope, eyes wide. "But I was not expecting something like that..."

"It was a power move," seethes Kiara. "She would not have dared to pull off something like that at the Palace."

Madeleine shrugs nonchalantly. "Ostentatious displays like that are for the unrefined or and the insecure. I am neither. You will not see me resorting to such a desperate act."

"If you're game, it appears that we have a chance to play a little politics here," whispers Maxwell in my ear.

"What do you mean?"

"Look at Kiara," he says. "She's clearly upset at Olivia's display. And she's alone by the hors d'oeuvres right now. I'd say this is an opportunity. You should use it to get on her good side. If you can drive a wedge between her and Olivia, it might weaken Olivia's position. And if Kiara has good things to say about you, it'll help your reputation at court!"

"I did not realise that you were such a tactician," I respond, wondering again whether I should be wary of Maxwell, or if I should just give my paranoia a rest and reserve judgement until Drake and Bastien dug up some solid evidence. After all, Maxwell was supposed to be helping me through this whole thing, wasn't he?

"I'm not, but it's what Bertrand would advise you to do," admits Maxwell.

This gives me pause.

What if it's actually Bertrand who orchestrated the photos? He certainly seems cold-blooded enough to pull it off... Maybe that's why he was so visibly upset when Maxwell revealed that he had chosen me as a contender for the Prince's hand... Was House Beaumont really so deep in debt that he would resort to such a low-brow move? Though it definitely makes more sense than Maxwell being the culprit...

I feel myself relax a bit more, satisfied that I had come up with a scenario that absolves Maxwell of involvement. I didn't think I could keep dodging him for the entirety of the social season, and I actually liked the guy. Though it meant that I would still need to watch myself around Bertrand...

"Harper?" asks Maxwell, interrupting my thoughts. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sorry," I say with a genuine smile this time. "Just thinking about what you said."

"So, are you up for a bit of divide and conquer?"

"Aye-aye, capt'n!" I say with a smart salute before making my way over to Kiara.

"Go get 'em tiger!" says Maxwell enthusiastically, miming a tiger's paw with his hand.

"Good evening, Lady Kiara," I say, sidling up to her to look at the hors d'oeuvres on display.

"Oh! Lady Harper," exclaims Kiara. "Comment ça va?"

It takes me a second to realise that she had reverted to French. After a brief pause, I reply, "Ça va bien, merci."

My accent was terrible, but I see Kiara give me a tiny nod of approval. "What can I do for you, Harper?"

Thank God for Monsieur Pellard in high school!

"I couldn't help but overhear the reactions to Olivia's little display," I say, picking out a few cocktail shrimps and some dipping sauce. "Not very subtle, in my opinion..."

Kiara grips her wine glass in anger. "I can't believe her! She wouldn't have the nerve to do that anywhere else. She's gone crazy with power here!"

"But that doesn't mean we have to stand by and accept it."

"What are you proposing?"

"She thinks she has the upper hand at the moment," I explain. "But, she's self-centred and individualistic, so that leaves her vulnerable. If we work together, we stand a better chance at keeping her in check."

"So, you're suggesting an alliance?" she asks, narrowing her eyes at me.

"Yes," I say. "A mutually beneficial alliance. Olivia may think of herself as the queen bee, but her friendship is a one-way street. And unlike her, if you agree to support me, I'll support you too. Put in a well-placed word here, sing your praises there..."

"I see you're point," muses Kiara. "Normally, I wouldn't entertain such a suggestion, but you seem to share a unique bond with Prince Christian, and we could both benefit from some well-placed support from time to time."

"So, we have a deal?" I ask.

"We do," says Kiara with a smile. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I should mingle with some of the other guests. A bientôt."

"Ciao," I say.

"So, how did it go?" asks Maxwell as I re-join him and Hana.

"Quite good, I think," I admit. "Kiara seemed open to the idea of working together to counter Olivia's influence."

"Glad to hear it," smiles Maxwell. "You seem to be taking things in your stride."

"Thanks," I say. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go find myself a drink. All this dancing and scheming has made me quite thirsty."

Making my way over to the other side of the room where the drinks table had been set up, I spot Drake surveying the options with a sour look on his face.

"No whiskey on offer, then?" I ask by way of greeting.

"No," he huffs. "There's enough wine and champagne to drown a duke, but, as usual, they didn't bother to put out any of the good stuff."

"Though I'm sure you have your personal supply close at hand..."

"Yeah, but I was hoping to hold onto that until later in the evening."

"So, is there a chance I could tempt you with some wine?" I ask, picking up a glass.

"Normally, I'd say 'hard pass', but tonight I'm feeling adventurous," he replies, choosing a glass of red.

"What shall we toast to?"

"How 'bout, ‘the moments in between’?"

"What do you mean?"

"All the nobles think about are the big events," explains Drake. "The grand balls, the press appearances, the banquets... They don't realise that the moments that truly matter are the ones they tend to turn their noses up at. Little moments... Like this one right here..."

"Wow," I blink. "That is actually quite poetic."

"I have my moments," replies Drake with a wry smile.

"To the moments in between, then!" I say, raising my glass.

"Cheers," he says, clinking his glass against mine.

"Hmm..." I nod. "This wine's not half bad."

"I'll still take whiskey any day of the week, but I can live with this," he agrees. "So, how did the all-important waltz go?"

"Honestly, quite well," I admit. "Hana was great at teaching me all the steps, though I have you to thank for suggesting I ask for her help in the first place."

"Well, my mom did raise me to be a gentleman, even if I am not one by birth."

"Do you miss her?"

"Sometimes," he admits. "I should pay her a visit, actually. I haven't seen her in a while. Though I probably won't be able to until after the social season."

"Speaking of the social season, I have something to tell you."

"Oh, yeah?" asks Drake, raising a brow.

"Could we possibly go somewhere a bit more... private?" I ask. "I don't want people overhearing us."

"Follow me," he nods, setting his glass down on the table and leading the way out of the ballroom.

As usual, I have to hurry to keep up with his long strides.

Once out of the ballroom, he leads me down the main corridor for a bit until he stops in front of a closed door. Checking that no one is about, he quickly opens it and ushers me in before shutting it behind us. It's dark in the room, but Drake soon finds the switch and flicks the lights on.

"We should be able to talk in here without being overheard or interrupted," he advises.

Looking around, I see that we are in a small anteroom that may have once been used as a private study or a drawing room. But, the room seems to have been out of commission for a while, with protective dust sheets having been laid over all the pieces of furniture.

"So, what did you want to tell me?" he asks, leaning against a bookcase.

"Something that Maxwell said tonight," I say. "It got me thinking about other people who could've been behind the photo incident."

"Oh, yeah?"

"But you need to promise me that what I'm about to tell you stays between you, me and Bastien."

"You have my word," he nods. "And undivided attention."

"Okay, so you know how you think someone close to Christian may be behind the whole thing? Well, what if it wasn't Maxwell, but Bertrand?"

"Why d'you say that?"

"Well, even though Maxwell was at the bachelor party, can you seriously see him doing something as nefarious as selling out one of his friends? I mean, the guy is the definition of a loveable teddy bear..."

"Terrible mental image," says Drake with a grimace. "But I get your point."

"Bertrand, on the other hand, is not only the head of House Beaumont, but he is also cold, calculating, and seriously lacking in empathy. It's not inconceivable that he would've know where you guys went in New York because of Maxwell, and hired someone to take photos."

"It is possible. But what would be his motivation?"

I take a deep breath. "Their financial situation. House Beaumont is broke."

"Huh..." muses Drake. "Interesting angle. Do you have any proof?"

"No, not really," I sigh. "Apart from the fact that Maxwell and Bertrand made me promise not to tell anyone. But I figured you wouldn't have anything to gain from the information, and having a motive could help you narrow down the list of suspects."

"I'm glad you hold me in such high esteem," drawls Drake with a wry smirk. Turning serious, he adds, "Bastien and I will look into it."

"Thanks," I say. "Though you'd better not reveal that you are actually the evil mastermind after I just told you all that, because then I'd feel like a complete dumbass..."

"Heh," snorts Drake, moving away from his post to stand in front of me, hands in his pockets. "I know looks can be deceiving, but I promise you can trust me. I want to get to the bottom of this as much as you do. For Chris' sake... and for yours."

"That's sweet of you," I say softly.

"There's nothing sweet about it," he declares, gazing down at me. "I'm just doing what I said I'd do."

"Even so," I insist, tilting my face up to his. "I'm glad you're looking out for me. Whether Christian asked you to or not..."

"You're going soft on me, Gale," murmurs Drake.

His hand reaches up, but he stops himself before he touches me, different expressions fliting across his face too fast for me to read.

"I'm just calling it like it is..."

"Thanks, Gale," he says. "Coming from you, that means a lot."

The story continues in Chapter 15 - In the Heat of the Moment

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#uncommon attraction #drake walker #drake x mc #trr fanfiction #harper gale

[justcallmefox89]

The Royal Romance: Cinderfella’s Adventures in Cordonia - Chapter Seven

An AU of The Royal Romance with a male MC and a bisexual prince.

The court visits Lythikos, Callum and Liam heat things up.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

          Two days later I find myself in the Alps with Drake, Hana, and Maxwell, staring at the Nevrakis chateau.

           “Here we are!” Maxwell announces gleefully.  “Welcome to Lythikos!  Land of ice, snow, and mountains.”

           “I hate it,” I say grumpily, shoving my hands into the pockets of my hoodie. “So, we’re here so Smoke Show can try and make a move on Liam?”

           Maxwell wrinkles his nose.  “Basically.”

           “Aww, that’s cute.”  I flash my friends a cocky smirk.  “Misguided and doomed to fail, but cute.”

           Drake looks around and then back at our little group.  “Where’s your brother, Maxwell?  I notice he’s not around lecturing MacKenzie.  I thought he hated to miss out on the chance to eat fancy food and rub elbows with the royals.”

           “Bertrand was called away to deal with some business regarding our estates,” Maxwell glumly answers.  

           I throw my arm around Drake’s shoulders.  “Come on Brat, you can just admit that you miss Bertrand.”

           “No.”  He glares up at me, his dark hair falling down over his forehead and into his eyes.

           I tug him a little closer and lower my voice.  “Ok, for real… have you ever fantasized about what Bertrand’s got going on under that sweat vest?” I ask teasingly.

           “You are demented!  What is wrong with you?”  Drake scowls and shoves me away with both hands while I cackle in amusement.

           “Come on guys, let’s get inside.  Callum, I’ll show you where your room is.”  Maxwell herds us all to the entryway of the chateau, then leads me to my room.

           Maxwell urges me to hurry as I unpack my things.  “Come on, let’s go!  We’ve got an entire day planned out on the ice.  Plus, I already see Olivia and Liam out there.”

           I roll my eyes and move my hand motion that mimics jerking off.  He glares at me, so I decide not to press my luck and quickly slip into my leather jacket and shove a pair of gloves into my pocket.  

           “Alright, let’s go get this over with.”  I pull a grey beanie down over my ears and follow Maxwell outside.

           He leads us to the frozen lake, where we sit on a bench and pull on our ice skates.  

           “You know how to ice skate, right?”  Maxwell asks.

           I glance over at him as I lace up a skate.  “Does my giant ass look like it does a whole lot of ice skating?”

           “Oh.”

           I glance out at the ice where Oliva has already latched onto Liam.  “Don’t worry about me, Beaumont.  Love will find a way.”

           “Ok…”  He looks at me dubiously.  “I’ll go distract Olivia so you can steal some time with the Prince.”

           “Nah, I’ll handle Smoke Show.  You just help me get out onto the ice without wrecking my shit.”

           It takes a couple minutes and some inventive swearing, but I make it onto the frozen lake with relatively little flailing.  I shift my weight and not inconsiderable height and manage to balance myself before I begin skating towards Liam and Olivia.  A few feet away from them I start wobbling but I’m able to insert my body between them, hanging onto Liam’s shoulders to steady myself.

           “Callum!  Are you alright?”  Liam wraps his arms around my waist, his eyes looking me over for injuries.

           “We were in the middle of something.”  Olivia’s words are laced with irritation.

           I wiggle a little, making sure I’m completely blocking her from Liam’s line of sight.  I touch my forehead to his and close my eyes.  “Thank you so much for catching me,” I whisper.  “I’ve never skated before; I was so scared I was going to fall and break my arm.”

           “Of course, Callum.  I would never let you fall.”  Liam smiles and touches my cheek gently.  

           “Liam!”  Olivia is furious now.  

           You’ve been outclassed, Smoke Show.  Time for you to take a seat.

           “If you have time… maybe you could show me how to skate?” I ask Liam hesitantly, hopefully.

           “Absolutely.  Take my hand.”  Liam pulls me close.  “Olivia, we’ll talk later.”

           “But Prince Liam you-”  

           We glide away as she sputters with rage.  I glance over my shoulder and wink at her; she glares at me, her face mottled red and twisted with fury.

           “I’m glad I can be of service to you in your time of need,” Liam teases me as we skate around the perimeter of the lake.  

           I gasp theatrically.  “Are you making fun of me because I can’t skate, Your Highness?”

           He chuckles and kisses the back of my hand.  “Of course not, love.”

           I playfully glare at him before we both start laughing.  “Do you and the court come out here a lot?” I ask him when we finally have ourselves under control.

           “Not often.  But when we do Olivia’s always been very generous by having us at her estate.  I used to come out here frequently when I was younger.  Olivia and I would play in the snow together.”

           I cut my eyes over to him.  “You and Olivia, huh?  Tell me more about that.”

           “We’d build little snow forts and catapult snowballs at each other.”  Liam smiles at the memory, his eyes crinkling at the corners.  “The lake was too dangerous to play on since we were young, but sometimes we’d sneak onto the ice in hopes that we could see the fish beneath surface.”

           “You two must have been close,” I say neutrally.

           “We were…”  His faces darkens.  “It’s been hard watching her, well, become who she is.”

           “So why is she in the competition then?  You can’t seriously want to marry her.  Like, she’s hot and all but-”

           “Callum!”

           “What?”  I blink at him innocently.  “I’m just saying… if I was a bird, I’d shit on her first.  That’s all.”

           Liam looks torn between horror and laughter.  “You can’t just say things like that.”

           “You don’t do honesty here in this country?” I ask, my tone showing just how unimpressed I am.  “Olivia sucks and she treats the other competitors like shit, I’m not gonna pretend otherwise.”

           Liam frowns.  “Why didn’t you tell me she was treating you and the others poorly?”

           “Would you have done anything about it?” I challenge him.

           He guiltily looks down at the ice.

           “That’s what I thought.  Can’t have the prince accused of favoritism when he’s being forced to marry someone he doesn’t even love,” I growl.

           “Callum…”  

           I tip my head back and sigh in frustration.  Liam sounds so… lost.  “I’m sorry, darlin’.  I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

           “You’re right though.”  He squeezes my hand comfortingly.  “I know you hate this process and I appreciate you so much for being strong and sticking it out for me.  You’re the reason I’m going to have a chance at marrying someone I care for.”

           My breath catches as watch his face, amber eyes glowing and his smile brilliant in the winter sunlight.

           Goddamnit. Giving me heart palpitations before noon.

           Soon enough we’re rejoined by Olivia.

           “So, Callum, I bet you’ve never seen a countryside so spectacular.  Aren’t you impressed?” she asks with a catty smirk.

          I make a show of looking around the frozen countryside and shrug.  “Nah.”

           Her mouth drops open.

           Justice boner achieved.  I feel all tingly inside.

           “I mean, I’m from America,” I continue.  “Land of the free, home of wicked awesome natural wonders.  This is neat I guess.  I liked the Rocky Mountains better… Aspen was pretty bomb.”

           Liam prudently backs away and Olivia looks likes she wants to strangle me.

           If only she was tall enough.  

           Olivia clutches Liam’s forearm in a grip so tense her knuckles turn white. “Prince Liam, I believe you owe me a turn around the lake.”

           “Excuse me, Callum.  I do owe her. I’ll see you later.”

           “Later, darlin’,” I reply with a wink, grinning as a faint blush crosses his cheeks.

           After they leave Hana glides across the ice towards me.  She circles around me, skating backwards.  “Looks like Olivia stole Liam from you.”

           I shrug and smile at her as she twirls gracefully and comes to a stop next to me.  “Damn, Cinnamon Bun, look at you go.  Where’d you learn to skate like that?”

           “Ice skating was one of the things my parents sent me to lessons for.”  She fidgets next to me, looking uncomfortable.

           I raise my eyebrows but don’t say anything.  Pops had Donny showing me how to shoot and handle a knife by the time I was 6, so I don’t feel like I can cast too much judgement on her parents for putting her into ice skating lessons.  

           “It’s a skill I learned to appeal to suitors.  I was told that “a display of elegance can go a long way’.”

           Never mind.  Judging commenced.

           “Do you even like ice skating?” I ask.

           Hana remains silent, drawing patterns in the ice with the blade of her skate.

           “Cinnamon bun?” I prompt.

           She finally shakes her head and I sigh in exasperation.  “We’ve got to find you a hobby that you enjoy.”

           “Whether I enjoyed things or not was never really taken into consideration during my training,” Hana says, sounding defeated.

           “Ok… level with me Cinnamon Bun.  Do you even want to be here?”  I cross my arms and look down at her, patiently waiting for her answer.

           “O-of of course I do!” she stammers.

           I quirk one eyebrow up and she deflates.

           “I like being here.  I like you and Drake and Maxwell and Liam.  I like having friends.  But…” she trails off.  “I don’t like this competition.  I’m only here because my parents forced me.  Liam is nice but I would never want to marry him.”  Hana’s face burns bright red at this last admission

           “Oh?”

           “He’snotreallymytype.”  The words all come out in one rushed whisper.

            “All right, now I have to know what your type is.”  I nudge her with my shoulder.  “Come on, spill all those juicy details.”

           Hana hides her face in her hands and mumbles something I can’t understand.

           “Say what now?”

           “I said that I want to be competing for a Princess, not a Prince,” she repeats, louder this time.

           “Nice!”  I smile at her in delight.  “Any of the noble ladies here tickle your fancy?”

           Hana stares at me in confusion.  “That’s it?”

           I feel like I’ve missed something.

           “Was I supposed to say something else?” I ask, confused.

           “No!” she exclaims. “I just thought… never mind. Thank you for not making a big deal about it.”

           “Why would I?”

           “What did your family think when you came out?” Hana answers my question with a question.

           I shrug and adjust my beanie.  “Pops has dated a few men, so he was pretty nonchalant about it all.  It didn’t matter who I brought home, guy, girl, whoever… just as long as they treated me right.  I think the makeup and the dresses confused him for a bit, just because he didn’t know how or where to shop for them.  But as soon as he figured that out it was smooth sailing.”

           “You’re lucky.”  Hana smiles ruefully.  

           “Pops is pretty awesome,” I agree.  “I take it you don’t have that kind of support at home?”

           “They don’t even know.  After all the lectures about finding the right man and carrying on the family name I’m afraid to say anything.”

           I pull her into a hug.  “You don’t have to tell anyone until you’re good and ready to, Cinnamon Bun.  And I won’t say anything, I swear,” I murmur.

           “Thanks, Callum.  You’re too good to me.”  Hana squeezes my waist tightly.

           I boop her nose with the tip of my finger.  “I am just as good as you deserve.”

           Olivia claps her hands and raises her voice to catch our attention. “Alright everyone!  It’s time to hit the slopes!”

           I trail behind the nobles as we take off our ice skates and climb onto the ski lift.  One nauseating ride later we crest the top of the slope.

           Drake skis up to us.  “You finally made it, MacKenzie.”

           “Miss me, Brat?”  I stick my tongue out at him.

           He scowls at me.  “I was just getting bored.”

           “Your face is going to stick like that,” I warn him with a smirk.  “Why didn’t you go skating?”

           “Not really my thing.”  He wrinkles his nose.  “Hey, you wanna race down the slopes?”

           “Uh… nah, skiing isn’t really my thing, Brat,” I answer, distracted by the sight of Liam approaching.  “I think I’m going to catch up with Liam.”

           “Yeah, ok.”  Drake looks disappointed.

           “We can hang out later if you want?” I offer.

           He doesn’t reply, just nods before he moves away from me.  

           Saving that interaction to ponder at a later date, I sneak towards Liam, who is inspecting different sets of ski equipment.  I wrap my arms around him from behind, kissing his neck and whispering in his ear.  “Nobody’s looking… run away with me.”

           “We can’t,” Liam murmurs, moaning a little when I trace the shell of his ear with the tip of my tongue.

           “Says who?”  I move one hand up to lightly grip his throat and gently grope his cock with the other.

           “Let’s go.”

           I stifle a laugh as Liam grabs my hand and spins around, quickly and quietly leading me away from the group and into a thick copse of trees.  

           “God, you drive me crazy,” he mutters, gripping my jacket and pulling me beneath the snow laden branches of a gigantic spruce tree.  He falls back against the truck of the tree, urging me to press against him.

           “You love it,” I whisper against his lips before taking his lower lip in my teeth and tugging on it.  “Admit it… you’ve always wanted someone to break the rules with, someone who could show you what you’ve been missing.  You don’t want someone who will treat you with kid gloves… you want someone who’ll show you how to play rough and dirty.  Isn’t that right, Your Highness?”

           Liam stares at me with bright eyes, his chest heaving, warm breath clouding the air.  “Yes,” he hisses.  “Please, Callum…”

           “I got you, baby.”  My voice rumbles low and deep in my chest and Liam shakes at the sound.  I kiss him roughly, our teeth momentarily clashing together in our eagerness to taste each other.  He buries his hands in my hair, yanking sharply on the long strands, causing me to groan in delight.

           Liam’s body arches against mine, and desperate to feel more of him, I grip his hips and lift him up, holding his body against the trunk of the tree.  “Wrap your legs around my waist,” I order him.

           He instantly complies, whining in need and urgently rubbing against me as our clothed erections grind against each other.

           “Such a good, good boy,” I growl, sucking a deep red mark on his neck. “God, you taste good.”  I take a firm grip on his ass and roll my hips, feasting on the sight of Liam throwing his head back in pleasure, mouth parted and eye closed.

           I rock my hips in a steady rhythm as I use my hands to grind Liam, sweet, pliant Liam, against me for maximum pleasure.  I seal my mouth over his when his moans get a little too loud, his tongue silkily rubbing against mine as his hands snake under my shirt, his cold fingertips teasing my nipple rings.  I falter for just a moment, caught up in my lust and the urge to throw him over my shoulder and run back to the chateau to bounce him up and down on my dick. Liam’s needy whimpers draw me back into the moment and I increase my speed.

           “God, darlin’,” I moan, burying my face in Liam’s neck.  “I swear you’re gonna make me cum just like this…”

           He arches against me, too far gone to speak.

           “Lady Olivia is ready to return to the chateau.  I suggest you two re-join the group.”

           Fucking fucky fuckity fuck fuck.

           Liam stiffens in my arms as I rest my head against his shoulder and groan loudly. “Go away, Bastien.  I’m busy rockin’ your prince’s world.”

           “Callum!” Liam hisses.

           “I’m afraid I must insist you return to the chateau.”  Bastien’s voice is fully of tightly controlled anger.

           “Fine,” I pout, gently setting a red faced Liam on his feet.  I brush some snow from his hair and kiss his cheek before taking his hand and weaving our finger together.  “Let’s head back then.”

           Bastien scowls at me as we silently walk past him, grey eyes flashing dangerously in the afternoon sun.  I turn away from him, confusion at his reaction making my stomach roil uncomfortably.  I’m not upset that I’d been caught with Liam; I’ve been caught by more than one angry parent in more than a few compromising positions.  Bastien and I have been teasing each other sure, maybe we’ve even flirted a little… but that doesn’t explain why I’m reacting so strongly to him catching me grinding against Liam.

           Fuck it.

           I shove thoughts of Bastien away to the deep recesses of my brain to examine at a later time.  

           Callum MacKenzie, master of denial.

           Back inside I sit around the fireplace with Maxwell, Drake, and Hana, sipping hot chocolate and nursing a serious case of blue balls.  

           “Did you have fun today, Callum?” Maxwell asks me.

           “Yup,” I answer, flicking a mini marshmallow at Drake, grinning when it connects with his cheek.  He glares at me as he wipes it off with the back of his hand.

           “We’ve got incoming,” Maxwell whispers, nodding at something over my shoulder.

           “Hello, my dear guests, I hope you’re enjoy my spectacular hosting.” Olivia saunters over to us.  

           “I always enjoy my time here with you, Olivia,” Maxwell says diplomatically.

           “This place really grows on you,” I say enthusiastically, smiling at her brightly.   “Like mold.  Or herpes.”

           Drake sputters into his hot chocolate as he tries to contain his laughter.

           Olivia narrows her eyes at him, smiling thinly.  “Did you see that we have eclairs, Drake?  They always remind me of dear, darling little Savannah. She’d gobble them down like a sow at the trough.”

           “Don’t talk about my sister,” Drake snarls.

           I bounce in my seat excitedly.

           Fight, fight, fight!

           “Why ever not?”  Olivia flicks an imaginary piece of lint off her sleeve.  “She was such a fixture at court, and then she just up and disappeared. You never told us what happened, and gossip is usually so quick to spread.”

           Drake glares at her.  “She left because of people like you.”

           “She always was the sensitive sort,” Olivia says with faux sympathy as a cruel grin spreads over her features.  “Ladies like that don’t last long here.”

           Drake stands quickly, looking down at Olivia, his jaw clenched.

           Fight, fight, fight!  Drake has the size advantage, but Smoke Show looks like a scrapper.

           “You know what?  I just remembered I have somewhere to be.  If you’ll excuse me.”  Drake quickly bows to us and strides out of the room.

           Aww…

           Olivia smirks.  “Wait, Drake! Come back!  I wasn’t nearly through with you!”  

           I bristle at the sound of her snide laughter, and I quickly stand, stepping close and forcing her to look up at me.  “Smoke Show, you’re tap dancin’ on my last good goddamn nerve.  Leave Drake alone, or we’re gonna have us a serious problem,” I order her in a low, pleasant voice.  

           Out of the corner of my eye I see Drake pause in the doorway, his face clouded, before he darts out of sight.

           “Ooh, does the American have a soft spot for our rough around the edges commoner?” Olivia sneers.

           I shrug.  “I just don’t like seeing people treated badly for no reason.

           “What a valiant hero to the masses.  They must sing songs about you.”  She looks bored.  “Now are charming as this has been, I’ve got to get back to Prince Liam.  I promised him a private tour of Lythikos Castle.”

           I step in front of her as she begins to walk away, causing her to stumble.  

           “I feel like you didn’t quite understand me before.”  I shove my hands in the pockets of my jeans and rock back on my heels, smiling amiably.  “Leave Drake alone and leave his sister’s name out of your mouth.”

            Her eyes narrow as she scowls at me.  “Or?

           “Or I’m going to take all my extra time and my very creative brain and make your life fucking miserable for the rest of the social season.  Your precious noble title doesn’t scare me… you’re just an insecure little girl trying to sit at the table with the big kids.”

            “Who do you think you’re talking to?”  Olivia’s eyes are wide with shock and fury.

            I shrug and grin.  “I may not be a gynecologist, but I know a twat when I see one.”

            “You can’t talk to me like that!”

            “I just did.  And maybe you should start thinking about how you treat Drake.  Sure would be a shame if someone told Liam how you treat his best friend.”

            “He’d never believe you over me,” Olivia hisses.

            I raise one eyebrow.  “Are you absolutely sure about that?  Because I’ll bet my left nut that he will.  After all, the fact that he pities only gets you so far.  It’s not like you two have the chemistry he and I have.”

            Her mouth snaps closed, and she stands there silently staring at me, fuming.

            I lean in a little closer to whisper in her ear.  “Do not fuck with me, Nevrakis.  I’m a goddamn MacKenzie and I will win… Every.  Single.  Time.”

            I turn around to find Hana and Maxwell gaping and wide eyed.  “I’m going to go check on Drake.”

            Hana recovers first.  “Good… I saw him go outside, but it’s not a good idea to be out there right now. I’ve heard there’s a storm brewing tonight.  What can he be thinking?”

            “He’s thinking Olivia sucks and the whole idea of nobility to archaic bullshit,” I grumble.  “Don’t worry Cinnamon Bun, I’ll find him and bring him back.”

           I tug my beanie back over my hair and trudge outside through ankle deep snow and slowly falling snowflakes.  About half a mile away from the chateau I spot Drake in a small clearing, staring out at the surrounding woods.  I crouch down and gather some snow into a tightly packed ball, then stand and throw it at Drake, pegging him the in the back of the head.

          “Ow!”  He whirls around, rubbing the back of his head and glowering.  “What the fuck MacKenzie?  Why’d you do that?”

           I innocently hold up my hands.  “You were out here brooding and there’s a storm coming.  I had to get your attention.”

           “Why are you here?” he sighs.

           I lazily shrug and shove my hands into my pockets as I walk towards him.  “Just wanted to check on you.  Wanna tell me what that was all about with Olivia earlier?”

           Drake tilts his head to the side, considering.  “If you really want to know you’ll have to trust me.”

            I look at him skeptically.

            “So, do you trust me?”

            “I guess?”

            “Good enough.”  He nods in approval before reaching out and shoving me backwards into the snow.

            “Asshole!” I shout, flailing my limbs as I land in a bank of powder soft snow.

            Drake cackles with glee until I reach out with my arm and sweep his legs, sending him tumbling down next to me.  “Oof!”

            I roll over on my side to look at him.  “Gotcha, Brat.”

            He shakes his head and rolls his eyes at me, but now he’s smiling.  We stretch out and look up at the evening sky, a deep, velvety blue, dotted with platinum colored stars.  A shooting star blazes across the sky, followed quickly by several more.

           “Damn,” I say reverently.  “We don’t get sky like this back in New York.”

           “Nothing beats a clear view of the sky during a meteor shower,” Drake agrees.

           “Glad I didn’t miss this.”

           “Really? I thought you’d rather eat bon bons or dress up tiny dogs, or whatever Olivia has planned for tonight.”

           I turn my head to stare at him.  “What in our entire history together would make you think I’d want to do that?  Besides, I’m sure I’m on her shit list now.”

           There’s a long pause before Drake says, “I heard you stand up for me.  You didn’t have to do that.  Thank you.”

           “Eh.  You deserve better than that.  And somebody has to start poking holes in that woman’s ego, might as well be me.”

          He hums in amusement.  “Still. It means a lot that you’d do that for me.  Thanks, Callum.”

         “Anytime, Brat.”

          A few clouds start to drift over the stars, blocking our view.  

         “Looks like we got here right on time.  Storm’s starting to roll in,” I comment.

         “I didn’t want to miss it.  I used to do this with my little sister, Savannah, every year.  We grew up around the royals.  My dad did security for Liam and his brother, and we were allowed to hang out with them.  Liam and I got close, even though I didn’t have the lineage to merit it.”

          I grunt. “Yeah, because who spawned you is the best indicator on whether or not you’re worthy of friendship.”  

          Drake chuckles before continuing his story.  “Savannah, on the other hand, got along with everyone, and they were all friendly with her.  She loved living at the palace when we were kids, being surrounded by all the pretty dresses and jewelry.  But it got harder when she was older.”

          “What happened?”

          “She… It got harder, I guess.  After what happened with…”  He breaks off with a scowl.  “I failed her.  I couldn’t protect her.  I couldn’t protect her from this place or these people.”

          He goes silent and I wait patiently for him to continue.

         “Sorry… I guess, I’m still not ready to talk about it,” he murmurs.  “This is more than I’ve talked about it in the past year, actually.”

          I gasp in delight.  “Are you saying I’m special?  Are we frieeeeends now?”  

          Laughing, he bats a handful of snow at my face.  “Not after that.”

          We silently stare at the sky for a few more minutes, watching as fat snowflakes begin quickly falling.

          With a heavy sigh, Drake pushes himself up.  “We should probably get back.  It’d be quite the scandal if I let one of the prince’s suitors freeze to death out here on my watch.”

          He holds his hand out to me and hauls me to my feet.  I stumble a little in the snow, crashing into Drake.  We hold onto each other as we struggle to keep our balance.

          Drake blushes furiously as he backs away from me.  “You, uh… you ok now?”

          I grin and give him a thumbs up.  “Good to go, Brat.”

          We make out way back to the chateau in the dark, trudging through the snow and wind.  Drake trips in the dark and I reach out to catch him.  Once he’s regained his footing I grab his hand, tugging him close to my side.

         “Stay close,” I order him.  “Liam’ll never forgive me if I let you turn into a popsicle.”

         Drake doesn’t say anything, he merely grips my hand tightly and huddles close to me.

         “Brat?” I urge him to answer me.  “Stay close, yeah?”

         “I will.”  Drake’s voice is breathy and his hand trembles in mine.

         When we reach the chateau I gently untangle our fingers and urge him to go to his room. “Go sit by the fire and warm up for a bit, then take a hot shower.  Be sure to eat something too, you’ve had a long day.”

          He ducks his head shyly, not meeting my eyes.  “I will… thanks, Callum.”

         We part ways and I take a detour to Hana’s room, knocking lightly on her door.  

         “Hey, we made it back,” I smile and lean against the doorjamb when she opens the door.

         She sighs in relief.  “Oh, thank goodness!  I was worried.  How is Drake?”

         I tilt my head side to side.  “Could be better, could be worse.  I think Olivia brought up a lot of shitty emotions.  He misses his sister.”

          “Poor Drake,” Hana murmurs sympathetically.  “I’m glad you went after him Callum.  You’re a good friend.”

          “Thank, Cinnamon Bun.  You are too.” I stretch my arms above my head as a yawn overtakes me.  “Sorry… I’m totally wiped.  I’m going to bed.”

          “Goodnight, Callum.”  Hana smiles at me sweetly.

          “Sweet dreams.”  I wave to her as I walk down the hallway to my own room.

           I find Bastien waiting outside my room, arms crossed.  “We need to talk,” he barks, not giving me a chance to say anything.

           I unlock my door and swing it open, holding my arm out to usher him in.  “By all means.”

           He waits for me to turn on a few lamps before he strides up to me, getting entirely too close for me to think clearly.  “What the fuck were you thinking?”

            God, he smells good.

           “Uh…”

           Bastien carries on, unaware of how his proximity is affecting me.  “I tell you to be careful.  I tell you to watch yourself because the king is dangerous. And what do you do?  You sneak the prince away from an event meant for all the suitors, and then you grope him in public!”

           I wanna touch his beard.

           “Ok, well to be fair,” I say.  “There was mutual groping involved.  Don’t make it sound so one sided.  And it wasn’t public public.  More like public adjacent.”

           Bastien growls and closes his eyes, inhaling sharply though his nose.  “Is this a fucking joke to you?  Is your safety a game for you?”

           I study Bastien’s face; there are dark circle beneath his eyes and fatigue lines bracketing his mouth.  His lips are set in a grim line, but his eyes are almost frantic.

           He’s worried about me.

           “Hey, hey, come here.”  I grab his hand and urge him to sit next to me on the bed.  “You really think Liam’s dad has it out for me?”

           Grey eyes sweep over my face, and he brushes a lock of hair away from my forehead.   “He does.”

           I may never wash that piece of hair again.

           I frown, tapping a finger against my lips.  “Would he hurt someone Liam cares for just to get his way?”

           Bastien’s gaze meets my own, then quickly darts away.  “Constantine’s vision for Cordonia comes before everything, even his son’s desires.  If he found out you were dry humping Liam in a semi-public setting he’d have you on the first plane back to New York so fast your head would spin.”

           I lean against Bastien, the events of the day catching up to me and sapping my energy.  His body is warm and solid next to mine, and I allow myself a few moments to enjoy the feeling.  

           “You know who I am, how I grew up, what I’ve done, what I’ve lived through.  Constantine doesn’t scare me, Bastien.” I hold his gaze, caught in the stormy depths of his eyes.  “I can take care of myself, you know that.”

           “I do.  But I want to take care of you too,” he murmurs, looking down at his hands.

           Oh, sweet Jesus.

           Shivers rack my body at his admission.

           “I need to go.”  Bastien quickly stands up.  “Just… be a little more discreet, Callum.  I want you to be safe.  And I don’t need to see you and Liam like that again.”

           His voice catches and hardens during that last sentence, and I quickly glance up, hoping to read some sort of emotion in his face.  His features are twisted in frustration, but I don’t know if it’s frustration with me for not following his instructions or something else.

           He leans down and presses a kiss to my cheek, his beard scraping tantalizingly against my skin.  “Behave yourself from now on.”

           I just stare at him wide-eyed, unable to breathe.  He quickly walks to the door, giving me one last look before shutting the door behind him.  I eventually remember to breathe, sucking in a deep breath, and I touch my fingertips to my cheeks, still warm from Bastien’s lips.

           Heh. I’m in danger.

Tags:

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@marshmallowsaremyfavorite​ 

@superharriet​ 

#pixelberry #pixelberry trr #pixelberry the royal romance #pixelberry choices #choices #pb choices #choices game #choices fandom #choices fanfic #choices au #choices trr #choices the royal romance #choices the royal finale #choices the royal heir #trr fandom #trr au #trr mc x liam #trr au fanfic #trr #trr bastien #trr bertrand #trr liam x male mc #trr liam #trr male mc #trr maxwell #trr drake #trr oc #trr olivia #trr male #playchoices

[sim-nanigans]

NEVRAKIS CHATEAU

BEGINNING / PREVIOUS / NEXT

Naima: “Wow… this view.”

Liam: “Beautiful, isn’t it? … Now you see why I wanted to share it with someone?”

Naima: “Did you… light these candles for us?”

Liam: “Oh! I… Well, yes. I wanted this to be… magical.”

Naima: “Liam... “

Liam: “Was it… do you like it?”

Naima: “I think… I’m going to have to show you how much I like it.”

Standing on her toes, she leans into Liam and pulls him into a deep kiss.

Naima: “Does that answer your question?”

Liam: “Yes ma’am. Naima… I’ve never really had someone that I wanted so badly to please. I feel like I’d do anything to see you smile and know that I was the cause.”

Naima: “Liam… “

Liam: “Ahem. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get into the hot tub.”

Liam removes his shirt and hangs it on the railing.

Liam: “Brisk. Your turn.”

Naima: “You know, I’ve got all these layers, and we could be here all night if I don’t have a little help removing them.”

Liam: “I would be a terrible gentleman if I didn’t help a lady in need.”

Liam gently helps her out of her outfit, letting it fall to the ground.

Naima: “Wow… that is brisk.”

Liam: “Then let’s warm up.”

Liam holds out his hand. She takes it, and he leads her into the hot water.

Naima: “Ohhhh. This feels nice.”

Liam: “There are few things better than a hot tub in the snow.”

Leaning against a soft jet, she melts into the water.

Liam: “Naima, I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment the entire trip.”

Naima: “I know what you mean. We’re finally seeing each other half-naked.”

Liam: “I’d say more than half. Eighty-five percent at least.”

Naima: “Good point.”

Liam’s hand gently caresses her bare arm.

Naima: “Liam... “

Liam: “You make me want so many things, Naima… things I shouldn’t have. That’s why I’ve got to be careful with you.”

#the sims 4 #sims 4 #the sims 4 stories #sims 4 stories #ts4 #ts4 stories #simblr #royal romance redux #choices game #dialogue from the game #ts4blackroyals

[cordonian-literature]

Lythikosian Nightmare

This is my submission for the Creepy Campfire Tales :) I had this idea and couldn’t really get it out of my head, so I hope it's creepy enough & I hope you all enjoy it!!

*Takes place in between chapters 11 & 12 of book 3

Summary: Liam has a nightmare

Word Count: (+/-) 920

Warnings: blood, mention of character death

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The icy temperature that slipped into the rooms of the Nevrakis Chateau kept Liam from sleep. Any warmth he collects under the blanket dissolves once he shifts a mere centimeter. He wanted to get up, maybe grab another blanket from the closet, but purposefully losing any drops of heat felt foolish.

There was no moon in the sky nor light through the window. Liam thinks he saw something flicker under his door, but decides it must have been nothing. He’s tired and stressed, perhaps having slight hallucinations. Though his eyes burn when he closes them, Liam still tries to force himself towards slumber.

He wakes at intervals, the room’s darkness intensifying whenever he opened his eyes. Momentarily he can’t remember where he is, but as the hours go by and night suggests day, the silhouette of the curtains remind him of his location.

Reluctantly, Liam peels his eyes open as the morning light blares down at him. Dust floats in the air, tickling his nose and causing him to blink rapidly. The walls are no longer the purple ones of the Nevrakis Chateau, but are more neutral. He’s no longer in a bed, but looks at one.

A quick glance confirms to Liam that he isn’t in Lythikos, but back at the palace and in the Queen’s Chambers. He lies on a couch on the side of the room and sees that there is someone under the covers of the bed.

He stands, trying to remember when he left Lythikos. His bare feet freeze against the cold floor. Liam gets closer to the body and sees that the person has the sheets drawn over their face. He thinks it’s Riley, so he grabs the edge of the sheet and lifts it away to see her features. But it’s not Riley.

Mother.

Her thin hair is tied back from her blue and pale face. Her lips were cracked, swollen. They were white and a faded shade of pink. When she had died he hadn’t been allowed to see her body before it was laid to rest. As a child, the fact saddened him. Now he understood why this sight was restricted.

He feels lightheaded. Why was her body here? Who had placed it here? Anton? There is no way for him to save her. He lifts the sheet again, pulling it off the bed completely, and notices that it wasn’t a bed after all. The “bed” is a row of three coffins. The one closest to him held his mother. The one in the middle held his father, spots of dried blood on his chin and creeping up from his suit. But the third one, the one farthest from him, is empty.

Liam rushes to the other side. He leans over the edge of the wooden coffin. Who is it for? Carved into the bottom is his own name.

He looks back at his mother, then his father. Both once epitomes of strong leaders. Both their bodies lifeless.

His bare arms are freezing. Liam reaches for the sheet that was once over his dead parents’ bodies and wraps it around himself. He tries to turn back toward the bodies, but he slips on the edge of the sheet and falls back.

Liam lands with a thud, the back of his head sore. He blinks. He’s in the coffin.

What have I done wrong? Which of my actions disappointed my people?

“Liam?” a voice calls. It’s Riley. “Liam, what are you doing in there?” Her face comes into view, glowing. She holds out her hand. But before he can take it, the coffin snaps shut.

Darkness spreads around him again. Liam looks around rapidly. Something scratches against his chest. Riley’s hand. Dripping blood. She punches the coffin. He can hear her screaming. Crying out in pain. 

He pushes and punches along with her to no avail. Riley’s hand goes limp. He hears her weak whimpers slow to nothing. There is no way for him to save her.

Sweat lingers over his brow and drips into his eyes as he punches. He takes a moment, puts his arms to his sides and breathes deeply.

But his heart is jittery. He can't make himself stay still for long. Liam draws his arm back, and when he punches, it lifts him out of bed and onto the floor. He looks around frantically. Purple wallpaper. Blue carpet. Snow outside. A bed. A real one. He’s in Lythikos again. Thank God.

Riley.

Liam tumbles over his own feet as he throws the door open. He sprints down the halls until he knows her room is near. Mara comes into view, standing guard outside Riley’s door.

“Your Majesty,” she begins to say, but Liam doesn’t let her finish. He pulls the door open. Riley lay in bed, peacefully snoring away.

“She’s alright,” Mara states. “She’s been asleep this whole time.”

He wanted to go closer to her. Make sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him. Make sure that Mara had done her job correctly. But he remembers that he’s in his underwear. He nods his head towards Mara, then walks back to his rooms.

Liam is still sweating. His ears are ringing. His hands feel hot. His breathing is loud, as if there isn’t enough oxygen around him. The sun had barely risen, and the shadows along every corner did nothing to ease Liam’s dread. He rushes to put his clothes on, checking every drawer and small space to make sure that his imagination isn’t still playing tricks on him.

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Creepy Campfire Tales Tags:

Writers: @speedyoperarascalparty @walkerswhiskeygirl @kat-tia801 @riseandshinelittleblossom @cordonianroyalty @katedrakeohd @texaskitten30 @burnsoslow @twinkleallnight @queenrileyrose @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @cordonian-literature @leelee10898

Readers: @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @drakexwillow @liamxs-world @tinkie1973 @yourmajesty09​

#trr liam #choices fanfiction #trr fanfic #trr #choices trr

[larryssunflower]

TRR AU- The Non-Royal Romance, part five

 read past parts to catch up!

part one   part two    part three    part four

tagging usuals and new people! if you wish to be removed from the tag list, you can always message me and I will take you off the list :)

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 Alana’s pov. 

Following the events of the beach party and boat race, we officially start the royal tour of Cordonia. Of course, the first stop is Lythikos, the harsh snow kingdom in the mountains. We arrive at the snowy landscape after a short drive. Maxwell and I are riding together, talking and laughing the whole time. “Are you ready to ski?” Maxwell asks, excitement evident in his voice. I grin, looking briefly out the window at the large mountains around us, a feeling of nostalgia washing over me. “I don't know, are you ready to get your ass kicked?” I ask cheekily, making him roll his eyes. “Keep talking princess, but we both know you're just going to embarrass yourself,” He says, making me scoff, punching his shoulder. He just laughs and we continue to joke around until we pull up at the lavish wooden manor. 

We thank and tip the Lythikos servants who take all our bags, allowing us to instantly go out skating on the large frozen over lake. It's just me and max on the ice for a bit. I take long strides on the ice, twirling around. I finally feel like I can breathe like I'm not being suffocated. Then I look up, watching as black cars pull up, suitors spilling out, headed straight to the ice rink. Great.  I glance over and see Drake standing by the lake, watching the suitors as they try their best at skating. He brings his hand up to his earpiece, pressing it and talking into it. I wonder who he is always talking to. 

I feel a hand on my elbow and I turn to see Liam smiling at me. “Would you like to skate with me, Your Majesty?” He asks, extending his hand graciously. “Of course Liam,” I say kindly, taking his hand. We skate slowly on the ice. “It's so beautiful here,” He comments, and I nod. “I feel like we never have any alone time,” Liam says softly in my ear, and my cheeks flush. “Well, I’m sure we’ll figure something out,” I laugh lightly, biting my lip. As usual, my eyes have a mind of their own, and they flash over to where Drake is standing, watching us. “I hope I’m not being to forward,” Liams says, furrowing his brows and slowing down. I shake my head as if doing that would rid the thoughts of DRake and look at Liam. “Of course not,” I grin and we continue to have a nice conversation as we make our way around the lake.

We are abruptly interrupted by a handsome suitor with red hair that is stark contrast with the pale surroundings. “Do you mind if I have a moment with the princess?” He asks Liam in a cool voice, who just nods, before kissing my cheek then taking his leave. “Princess Alana, we haven't really had a chance to talk before, I’m Oliver Nevrakis, the Duke of this chateau,” He says as he extends his elbow to me. I smile, looping my hand into it. “Oh, it's very nice to finally get alone time with you, Oliver. Your estate is beautiful, thank you so much for having us,” I say, and he smiles. “Thank you. I just hope I’m better company than that boring Valtorian,” He says, a bit of disgust laced in his voice. I’m taken aback for a moment. “Oh, I don't know if I can compare you two. From what I have seen, you both seem to be lovely men,” I say, making him smirk. “I won’t tell him I’m your favorite don't worry,” He winks, before skating away, leaving me dumbfounded.

That was definitely something. My eyes find Drake, again, who is staring at Oliver with a steely glare. His eyes then flick to me, looking at me for a moment before looking away, scanning the frozen lake. The other day at the beach he was being so different, almost vulnerable. He’s barely even showing emotion around me now. Did I make a mistake asking him to put on my sunscreen? Was that too forward?

Maxwell’s voice breaks my thoughts. “Ready to ski now?” He asks, a mischievous grin on his face. “Yes! please let's go,” I say with relief, following as he leaves the lake, hoping to rid my mind of my thoughts of Drake.

---

About ten minutes later, we’re at the top of the ski track, the suitors coming up to follow us. It's like I can't escape them. Maxwell and I line up, then yell “go!” and take off together, speeding down the side of the mountain. The thought of speeding away from all those royal men thrills me and I shriek with happiness, adrenaline pumping within me. I speed up rapidly, swerving between and around the slower skiers. Almost a lifetime of lessons has treated me well. I’m way ahead of Maxwell but I glance back anyway, trying to see him. He slows down and shouts at me. “Alana! Look out!” He screams, and I look forward and yelp at the incoming branch laying haphazardly in the middle of the ski trail. Without time to swerve, I crouch and leap over it, landing and slowing down, turning my skis to the left.

The momentum makes me tumble through the powdery snow, cringing as I roll, knowing I’m going to get bruises because of this. I finally stop, and lay down looking up at the sky, breathing heavily. I’m definitely at the bottom of the slope, as I'm flat on my back.  I hear shouts as Maxwell speeds down to me. It’s not his voice that I hear right above me when I open my eyes. “Are you out of your mind?” Drake asks angrily, glaring down at me. “W-What?” I say quietly, and he huffs, offering his hand to me. I take it and with his help, stand up, sliding in place momentarily in my skis. “You could have died. Or got seriously injured! What were you thinking?” He asks, his eyebrows drawn together. I’m taken aback for a minute, quietly clicking out of my skis. “Well I was just racing with Maxwell and-“ “- just don’t do it again. Use your brains for once Princess! How am I supposed to protect you if you are so careless?” He asks, genuinely angry.

I can't even find the words to respond, I just stand there, embarrassment bubbling up within me. “Hell Yeah! I had no idea you were so badass!” Maxwell shouts as he skis up to us. “Don't encourage her,” Drake snaps, making maxwell’s grin fade quickly. He brings his lips tightly together, trying not to laugh, as he looks away quickly. Drake rolls his eyes at this, turning back to me. “You’re expected inside,” He says, his gaze stone cold. I finally manage to find my voice. “Alright. I’ll be right there,” I say, and he nods, turning and heading to the large manor. 

When Drake is far enough away, Maxwell breaks into laughter. I whirl around to him. 

“What is so funny?”

“Nothing!”

--Later that night--

Maxwell and I are sitting by the fireplace downstairs, drinking hot chocolate and talking. Drake is standing near us silently. We’re still a bit tense after earlier. I clearly made him furious. It must be annoying when the person you are supposed to protect is being reckless. My limbs ache from the fall, but it could be worse.

Maxwell and I are interrupted when someone saunters into the room. “Well, if it isn't the lovely princess and her squires,” Oliver says cooly, leaning against the doorframe. “Excuse me?” I say, raising an eyebrow. “Well, I mean no offense, your highness, it's just that your friends here don't even measure up to you. I honestly don't know why you bother hanging out with them.” He says as he picks at his nails, his icy blue eyes darting up, hungry for my answer. 

“Well, Maxwell is my good friend and frankly I don't care what you think of him, because he is the kindest person I believe I have ever met. And Mr. Walker is my loyal bodyguard who has saved me multiple times. So yes, I do ‘bother’ to hang out with them and take great offense when you say they are beneath me,” I say sternly. Oliver just smirks, his eyes moving to Drake. “Mr. Walker huh? I don’t think I have ever heard someone call you that,” He says, cocking his head to the side, regarding him with a strange familiarity.

I look over at Drake, who is staring back at Oliver, his jaw clenched in anger. “Do you know each other...?” I ask slowly, and Oliver's smirk grows. “Why don't you answer her Drakie? I’m sure she dying to know,” He says, clearly enjoying this. Drake doesn't say anything, still glaring at Oliver. “Okay, I'll go then,” Oliver says, clearing his throat. “Well, about seven months ago, I met his darling younger sister. Mmm, I can still remember how eager she used to be. So excited to be dating the great Oliver Nevrakis,” He says slowly, watching us for our reaction. I glance over at Drake, a sick feeling in my stomach. He has a sister? And she dated Oliver?

I didn't know it was possible, but somehow Drake looks angrier than before. “Oh and don't even get me started on her petite, tight body-” “-Shut the hell up. You have no right to speak about her that way,” Drake cuts him off, somehow not shouting, his voice frighteningly calm yet forceful. 

Oliver is clearly pleased that he got Drake to react, and his smirk seems to grow, unfazed by Drake’s outburst. I look over at Drake worriedly. He glances over at me, his eyes softening as they meet mine. “You know what?” He says, turning to Oliver. “I remember that I have somewhere I have to be,” He says, glancing at the three of us briefly, “If you will excuse me,” Drake says, turning and heading for the door. “Aw Drake I was just getting started!” Oliver calls out, but I stand up, anger bubbling up within me. “Stop acting like a child Oliver! If you ever treat Drake like that again, I will slap that smirk right off your pathetic face.” I burst out angrily, taking Oliver aback. Drake hesitates at the door, glancing at me, before going out. The storm suddenly rumbles above us, the sky turning dark blue.

“I’m going after him,” I say, grabbing my coat and scarf from the side of the couch. “Are you sure that's a good idea?” Maxwell asks, and I shrug. “No. But I need to see him. I’ll be back,” I say, quickly heading towards the door. “Head back soon! It looks like a blizzard is coming!” Maxwell calls to me, and I nod absentmindedly, opening the door and rushing out into the snow, following Drake’s figure.

-

He stops in a clearing, looking up at the evening sky. “Drake?” I call out. His shoulders slump and he turns to me. “Of course you followed me out,” He says, almost amused at my lack for judgment. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. Oliver was being pretty rough back there,” I say, and Drake nods, sighing. “Yeah, well that's expected. He and I, we don't really get along,” Drake mutters and I nod, looking down. 

“Why come out here?” I ask, and he turns to me. “Do you trust me?” He asks, and I nod. “How could I not trust my bodyguard?” I say, and he then shoves me. I stumble and fall back onto the snow in surprise. “What the f- oh,” I say softly as I look up at the beautiful sky, meteors flying across the clear sky. Drake flops down beside me. “Yeah you can't miss something like this,” He says, a smile on his face. I look at him for a moment. His warm tan face mixed with red cheeks contrast beautifully with the powdery snow surrounding him. He must sense me looking and he turns his head. His dark eyes bore into mine, and my stomach does about 24 backflips. I look away quickly, clearing my throat. “so- uh you have a sister?” I ask, my heart suddenly quickening, so loud he must hear it. “Yeah. Savannah.” He says, his voice soft. 

“Is it rude to ask what happened to her?” I ask, and he sighs. “No, it's alright. I actually used to work as minimal security here when the Nevrakis family hosted events. Savannah was always in love with the courtly life and would beg me to let her go to the parties. Then one time, I actually let her go,” He says with a shaky breath, shaking his head at himself. “She got a pretty dress and was super excited. I watched as she danced happily with some of the noblemen...Then she met Oliver. She instantly liked him and was gushing about him for weeks. They started dating, no matter how much I objected. I knew he wasn't a good guy and it killed me that she decided to fall for that snake. About four months ago, at one of the largest parties of the season, she went off to talk to him. I have no idea what about, but I remember seeing her rush out, sobbing. She left without telling anyone where she was going. She didn’t even tell me,” Drake says, his tone vulnerable. “We haven’t seen her since and many people think she fled the country,” He says quietly, and my heart breaks for him. 

We sit there for a moment, the only sound being the rustle if the trees and occasional cricket. Drake doesn't speak, and I assume that he doesn't want to talk anymore. Which is understandable. “I'm so sorry Drake, that must be really hard. I wish I could have been there. To be a friend to her,” I say, and he nods silently, and I notice his Adam’s apple bob up and down. 

We sit there in comfortable silence, watching the meteor shower above us. I try to ignore that our hands are about an inch apart, so close yet so far. Soon, clouds start to move in, and I sigh. “I think we should go back before we get caught in the blizzard,” I say regretfully. “Yeah I’m sure if the princess was found frozen with her bodyguard it would be quite the scandal,” He says as he gets up, making me snort. He offers his hand to me to help me back up. “Thanks for following me Princess,” He says and I smile. “Of course,” I say, and we start back to the manor. We clearly miscalculated the timing of the storm, and it comes in much quicker than we thought. The wind is strong, snow whirling around us.  I blindly reach for Drakes' hand as we trudge through the storm. Drake looks over at me in surprise. “For uh- safety!” I shout, and he nods. “For safety, yeah!” He shouts back, and as he faces forward I swear I see a smile on his face. 

---

The next day, right before the ball :

I scrunch up my face as I look at my reflection, adjusting my slinky silver gown, It's beautiful, but hangs a bit strange on my hips. but hey, what can you do? I just shrug, wrapping my white faux fur around my elbows. The knock at my door makes me jump, and I turn around. “Come in,” I say, and the dark wood door opens, and Drake walks in, freezing when his eyes land on me. I feel self-conscious as his eyes glance over my outfit, his cheeks red. His warm brown eyes that I adore so much finally find mine and I smile sheepishly. “Do I look alright?” I ask, adjusting my dress nervously. He shakes his head slightly, “You look per-” He stops himself suddenly, clearing his throat and looking back at me with that distanced expression that I hate so much. “They are ready for you downstairs Princess,” He says. I nod, smiling lightly, disappointment washing over me. “Of course. Thank you, Drake,” I say, walking past him, out the door. I hear him closing and locking my door, then following me from a distance. “For safety reasons, I would prefer it if you were nearer to me tonight. I don't know if I trust Oliver,” I say, bitterness in my voice as I reference last night. 

Holding his hand was like an addict just getting a taste of their favorite drug again. Satisfies for the moment, but isn't enough to fully stop the craving. The need. After feeling his warm hands when he caught me on the boat, when he applied the lotion over my back, and last night when they were clutched to mine, I can't get enough. I want to feel all of him. To feel his lips on mine. To feel him hug me back, embrace me. but that will never happen. Drake follows my request, walking close by me. “thank you,” I murmur.  We reach the decadent doors of the ballroom, and stop in front of them, taking a deep breath, trying to calm myself. The herald announces my name, “And finally, The Princess Of Cordonia, Alana Rhys!” I put on my dazzling smile and the doors open. 

Tonight should be interesting. 

-----

Yay! Okay back on this series due to some demand! Thank you again to all of you who have supported me recently and complimented my writing! It's crazy, it feels so crazy writing this again, it has been over a year, and I have definitely changed a lot but my love for this story has not! I’m glad that there are people who enjoy my writing and this little series I decided to make. I have always loved writing and I'm so glad I can share with you guys! Thank you all for inspiring me to keep on writing. I'll try my best to have the next chapter out soon! Love you all <3

#trr #The Non-Royal Romance #the non royal romance #choices #playchoices fics #drake #mc x drake #drake walker #the royal romance #part five

[badchoicesposts]

Don’t Dream It’s Over Chapter 14

Series Summary: Liam and Ali thought that their relationship was perfect, but their whole world came crashing down when Constantine called him back to Cordonia. Four years later they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party, determined to make things between them work even if it isn’t always easy.

In this AU, Liam and MC (Ali Moonessar) dated for a year in New York while Leo was still crown prince. They broke up when Constantine asked Liam to come back to Cordonia, but they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party before the social season. The story will contain flashbacks, which will be italicized, of their relationship and follow them as they try to navigate the season with Ali as a suitor. I’ve messed around with the timeline a bit so that it fits the story better. I’ve also added in a few OCs of my own.

Pairing: Liam x MC (Ali Moonessar) Platonic!Drake x MC

DISCLAIMER: I’ve changed up the timeline of the social season a bit to fit my story better. I’ve based it off of some research I did on the British Social Season. Some of the dialogue, especially Olivia’s, was taken directly from Book 1 of The Royal Romance but was changed a bit to fit my fic.

Taglist: @flowerpowell, @ao719, @kingliam2019, @emceesynonymroll, @hopefulmoonobject, @dcbbw, @qammh-blog, @liamxs-world, @drakesensworld, @i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction, @lauradowning29, @texaskitten30, @senseofduties, @indiacater, @alexintheskyy

A/N: This is my first time ever posting a fic. Please let me know if you enjoyed it and would like to read more. I thrive on validation, lol. Thanks for reading! Also special thanks to @lauradowning29 who gave me the motivation to get this out early!

Catch Up: Masterlist

The next evening Ali, Hana, and Lizzie were getting ready for Olivia’s ball, none of them too excited to attend after the previous night. Ali slipped into the champagne colored satin maxi dress that Emma had made specifically for this occasion. The satin material made the dress look formal and classy, while the wrap style of it cinched in her waist and flattered her figure. A high slit went up the side of her left leg and exposed her sparkly, heeled shoes, which added about five inches to her height. 

“Can Emma design my clothes too?” Lizzie asked, her jaw slack as she took in Ali’s appearance. 

“She’d probably be really happy to hear you say that,” Ali admitted.

She noticed Hana smile at the other woman’s name, but didn’t comment. Before going back to New York, Emma mentioned that she and Hana had exchanged phone numbers so they could “talk about their designs” since Hana was into fashion as well. She knew they had been speaking often, but didn’t want to pry into their whatever relationship they had just yet. 

The three of them went down to the ballroom of the chateau and made a beeline towards Maxwell. 

“Ladies, it’s a pleasure to see you this evening,” Maxwell said stiffly, “And Lady Moonessar, I must say, you look utterly becoming. Truly a diamond in the first water.”

Ali was confused, and she was sure her face betrayed that.

“Thank you, Lord Maxwell, for that, uh, very formal compliment,” she replied, using his title as well. 

“Tonight I am representing the Duchy of Ramsford at this important social event.”

“Oh, so Bertrand got to you?” she asked. 

“He’s been calling me all day to remind me,” Maxwell frowned. 

“Well, I have complete faith in you,” Ali said, in attempts to get him to cheer up. 

“We should be taking our seats,” Lizzie spoke up behind them.

Ali looked around and noticed that the tables had elegant name cards on each of the plate settings. 

“Yeah, about that,” Maxwell began, “Lizzie and I are sitting at the head table with Prince Liam and Olivia, but you and Hana are at the furthest table in the back.”

“I’m guessing Olivia had something to do with that,” Ali said. 

“Yeah, I’m sorry to leave you guys, but we should get over there,” Maxwell said, motioning to the table at the front of the room. 

“Don’t worry about us. Ali and I will make the best of it!” Hana said, optimistically. 

“Yeah, have fun, Max.”

The two women walked over to their table and were greeted by Drake. 

“Welcome to the table of exiles,” he said indifferently. 

“Hey, Drake. I’m glad to see you,” Ali said, taking her seat next to him. 

“I think it’s supposed to be even more of an insult that Olivia placed us next to a commoner,” Hana commented, taking her seat as well.

They were the only three people at this table, while all of the others held at least six.

“Yeah, I have a feeling she saw it as hitting two birds with one stone. She was probably also trying to get in Liam’s head by sitting the two of us next to each other,” Ali said to Drake in an undertone. “Let’s just say his morning text today was a lot less enthusiastic than usual.” 

“It’s not like he has anything to worry about,” Drake mumbled back. 

“Drake, you don’t seem to be bothered at all by being seated in the back,” Hana said, breaking up their whispered conversation.

“What can I say? After years of getting treated like this, you build up a thick skin. Besides, back here? Out of the spotlight? At least we can relax.” 

Ali nodded in agreement and watched as servers began to fill the room, placing plates of food down on the other tables. They were gone as quickly as they came, passing over their table completely.

“I’m sure they’ll be back,” Hana said hopefully. 

“It’ll probably be a while. We’ll be the last to eat because of where we’re seated, if there’s any left at all,” he said, leaning back in his chair. 

“But, the lobster bisque. Do you really think we’ll starve?” Hana asked sadly.

Drake shrugged, and the three of them watched as a few servers still moved around the room, all overlooking their table. The three of them made casual conversation for the next hour as they all got increasingly hungry. 

“The service here is terrible, but even still it’s not the worst I’ve had. Believe it or not, I’ve been to a wedding where they didn’t serve dinner until midnight,” Hana said.

“You think that’s bad? I’ll tell you a real horror story,” Drake said, leaning forward in his chair, “Let’s set the scene. Casual get together. Lots of people I don’t know, but that’s fine because there’s a bar. Man’s true best friend. So, I figure I’ll grab a drink. I go up to the bar, and they’re out of whisky.”

Ali refrained from rolling her eyes at his comment, almost sighing in relief as a server approached their table. Three bowls were placed in front of them, and they were forced to refrain themselves from inhaling the food before the server even walked away from the table.

“There’s no lobster in my bowl. It’s just bisque,” Hana said, running her spoon through the liquid. “This is the saddest soup I’ve ever seen.”

“And the coldest,” Drake said, placing his own spoon back down after tasting it.  

Ali was just about to try the soup herself when the orchestra began playing, and Olivia moved to the front of the room. 

“Hello, dear guests, and welcome to the Nevrakis family’s chateau. It means so much that you join me in this place that’s so dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy the festivities tonight as much as I will.”

Drake scoffed at her words.

“Now please join me up front to begin the Cordonian Waltz,” she concluded.

“We haven’t finished eating!” Hana exclaimed. 

“I don’t think she cares,” Drake said. 

“Well, let’s do this,” Ali said, stomach still grumbling. “Are you coming, Drake?” 

“No, I’ll just… stay here with the food,” Drake said, looking around uncomfortably. 

Ali took her time walking up to the front of the room, not eager to do any dancing.

“Olivia, may I have this dance?” she heard Liam ask as she made her way over to Maxwell. 

“Of course. Anything for you, Prince Liam,” Olivia said happily. 

“My lady, may I have this dance?” Maxwell asked, bowing to Ali exaggeratedly and making her smile.  

“I would be honored,” she replied, allowing him to lead her into the loose circle forming on the dance floor. 

She and Maxwell began to glide seamlessly across the dance floor. 

“Wow, you’re doing really well,” Maxwell complimented.

“Thanks, I’m sure Bertrand would be glad that all of his training paid off. I think he was ready to murder me for how long it took to get this right.”

Maxwell spun her effortlessly before they finished in the end pose with her back pressed against his chest, and his arms around her. 

“We’re about to switch partners. Looks like you’ll be with Liam next,” he whispered, pushing her forward into Liam’s arms. 

“Good evening,” Liam said, catching her in his arms. 

“Hey, how are you?”

“I’m doing well. It’s been a lovely evening so far,” he replied, as they carried out the same steps that she had just executed with Maxwell. 

Her nerves were building at his chilly demeanor.

“Liam, you know I was joking when I said I would take Drake and I being a cute couple into consideration right?” she asked, her voice slightly frantic but still quiet enough that only he could hear. 

Liam’s body relaxed slightly. 

“I know, and I know that you would never go behind my back with someone. You just looked awfully cosy when I saw you last night,” he said, somehow sounding ashamed and defensive at the same time. 

“I slipped when we were outside, so I grabbed onto him. The storm was getting pretty bad, and I didn’t want to lose him, so I just held on until we got back inside,” she explained. 

Liam spun her under his arm and pulled her back to him, now completely ashamed at his reaction.

“I’m sorry for getting jealous,” he whispered in her ear, his arms circling her as she leaned her back into his chest. 

They swayed silently for a second, and she felt him relax his body against hers, keeping her pressed as close to him as possible. He rested his cheek against the top of her head and closed his eyes, taking in her smell of her hair. 

“I love you, Liam. Only you,” she said quietly, closing her eyes as well and placing her hands on top of his where they rested on her stomach. 

She leaned her head back against his shoulder, neither of them was quite willing to let the other go just yet.

“Ahem!” Olivia’s voice sounded loudly beside them. 

They jumped away from each other and was met with the face of an angry Olivia. Ali also noticed a few of the other nobles glancing at them and whispering enthusiastically amongst themselves. All of the other couples had already switched partners.

“Lady Alison, I believe he’s my partner now,” she said, trying to conceal her anger.

“Of course,” Ali said, bowing her head and walking back into Maxwell’s arms. 

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired and hungry,” she said, not wanting to tell him about their disagreement.

“Hungry?” Maxwell asked, confused. “Dinner was just served.”

“Yeah, Olivia made sure Drake, Hana, and I didn’t eat,” Ali said. 

“Oh!” Maxwell exclaimed, surprised. 

“It’s not that big a deal,” she said, before realizing he was reacting to something behind her.

Ali turned her head just in time to see Olivia pull Liam into a deep kiss. Olivia wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and gasps were heard all throughout the ballroom. Ali tried her best to keep her expression neutral, not wanting to give a negative reaction. After a moment too long, Liam gently pulled himself away from her, and whispered something in her ear before pulling her out of the ballroom. People began to talk excitedly amongst themselves, some of the other suitors visibly angry. Many of the people in the room looking to her and waiting for a negative reaction.

“I think I’m going to sit down for a bit,” she said to Maxwell, making her way back over to the table and taking her seat next to Drake. 

Drake looked over at her as if he wanted to say something, but thought against it and remained quiet instead. They sat in silence for a moment before he finally spoke up. 

“Do you wanna get out of here? Get some actual food?” he asked. 

Ali thought it over for a moment, and then nodded. 

“Yeah, let’s go.”

He took out his phone and sent someone a text before getting up. They slipped out of one of the ballroom’s side doors, careful not to draw too much attention to the fact that they were leaving together, and he led her outside to a large SUV that already had the keys inside. 

The drive to wherever they were going was silent but not uncomfortable. Ali watched as the trees passed by, all covered in white snow, and rubbed her hands up her arms. The flowy bell sleeves of her dress only went down to her elbows, and she hadn’t thought to grab a jacket before they left. Drake turned the heat up as they pulled up to a small diner. 

“Wait here,” he said.

He quickly ran inside and came back out about ten minutes later with a bag and two large drink containers. He handed the items to her and got back behind the wheel, driving them about five minutes away to an empty stretch of land. He turned onto the grass and parked the car, reaching over the grab the bag.

“It’s an American style diner. I figured you could use some real food,” he said passing her a wrapped burger and a small container of fries. 

“Thanks.” 

The two of them ate in silence for a few minutes before he spoke again.

“Are you okay?” he asked, staring straight ahead of him and out the windshield.

“Yeah, I just- I’m just tired of feeling things,” she mumbled, shoving a few fries in her mouth. “I know that sounds dumb, but I’ve been so emotional since I’ve gotten here, and I’m just ready to go back to not feeling eight million different things at once.”

She let out a self-deprecating laugh. 

“It’s kind of ironic, isn't it? Court is the place where you’re not supposed to show how you’re feeling. You can’t react to anything too strongly because if you do you could offend someone or cause a scandal. But, at the same time, it’s one of the most emotional places I’ve ever been.”

“Well, that’s why isn’t it?”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Everyone grew up at court thinking that they weren’t allowed to feel anything, so now they don’t know what to do when they experience any kind of emotion. Everyone has to be so proper all the time, so know one actually knows how to act, how to be normal. Instead of dealing with their feelings they gossip, start rumors and point fingers,” he said.

Ali leaned back in her seat and reflected on his words.

“Ya know, fancy steaks and tiny finger sandwiches are great and all, but I think this might have been the best meal I’ve had since coming to Cordonia,” she said, ready to change the subject. 

Drake chuckled.

“You can thank me with a bottle of whiskey.” 

Ali laughed and took a sip of her milkshake. 

“I don’t think I’ve even touched alcohol since that night. The bachelor party. I’ve been too terrified that I would screw something up if my inhibitions were lowered even the slightest bit,” she admitted.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I think you’ve impressed most of the people you’ve met so far. You’ve definitely been the talk of the season. The whole scandal may have changed a few people’s opinions, but I’ve heard mostly good things about you,” he said, wiping his hand on a napkin and throwing it back in the food bag, before buckling up his seatbelt. “And if you need a decent drink, something stronger than champagne, you know where to find me.”

“I just don’t want to embarrass myself, or Liam,” she said.

“I don’t think anything you do would ever embarrass Liam. The man worships the ground you walk on.” 

“He does not worship the ground I walk on,” she said stubbornly.

“Yeah, he does. Why do you think Olivia kissed him tonight?”

“Because she felt like it,” Ali said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. 

“C’mon, you’re smarter than that. You and Liam got too close on the dance floor, and she was jealous.”

Ali remained silent for the rest of the ride back to the chateau. It was obvious that Olivia had feelings for Liam, but she had been too caught up with her own emotions and the fact that she and Olivia had gotten into so many disagreements to stop and consider the other woman’s feelings. 

“Don’t be too mad at him for what happened. It’s not like he could have pushed her away and caused a scene in front of everyone. She’s technically still one of his suitors. Besides, he loves you, not her,” Drake said. 

Ali nodded her head. She knew that he was right, but she was still wasn’t happy about it. 

“Thanks for tonight, Drake. It was nice to get away from all of this,” she said, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek and making her way up to her room. 

She was just about to pull her dress off when she saw a small envelope placed at the foot of her bed. 

Ali, 

Please meet me in the grand suite, upstairs at the end of the east wing. I believe I owe you an apology. 

All my love,

Liam

Ali sighed and placed the note back down on the bed. It was short and to the point. The last thing she felt like doing was talking about what happened tonight, but she knew that this was something that they needed to do. Her fingers traced over his neat handwriting, the last handwritten note she had received from him jumping to the forefront of her mind. 

~~~

Ali perched herself awkwardly on the edge of Liam’s bed as she watched him pile clothes into his suitcase. She had no idea why she had offered to help him pack, why she thought it would be a good idea to physically help him move on from the life they had together. She was only torturing herself, watching as the one person who made her happier than she had ever been prepared to leave her.

She was here because she was being a good girlfriend. That’s what good girlfriends did, right? They helped their boyfriends pack up all of their memories, making sure they were all bundled up neatly together so that they could easily be forgotten and disposed of as soon as he left the country. But, was she really even his girlfriend anymore? Their relationship had ended the moment he announced he would be leaving. It didn’t matter if he wouldn’t be gone for another two days, they were practically over already anyway. 

A sigh escaped her lips as she pushed herself off the bed and hastily made her way over to his nightstand. She scolded herself for thinking so selfishly. Liam had a life outside of her, and she couldn’t ask him to give that up. It wasn’t her place. He had important responsibilities. She should be thankful for the wonderful time they had been able to spend together. 

She wiped away a tear before yanking open the first drawer and dumping the contents out onto the bed. It had been mostly trinkets, but the package of condoms that he kept there caught her eyes, and she didn’t have the courage to ask him whether or not he wanted to keep them or throw them away. She wordlessly threw them into the suitcase and reached for the next drawer. 

“Wait! Don’t go in there!” Liam called after her. 

She had already pulled the drawer open, however, pulling out the envelope that was addressed to her. 

“What is this?” she asked, holding the envelope in her hands.

“I was going to give it to you before I left,” Liam whispered as he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. 

“What is it?” 

“It’s a- uh, a letter.” 

Ali furrowed her brows in confusion and tore open the envelope. The letter was handwritten on Liam’s personal stationary. As Ali skimmed over his words she quickly realized that it was a goodbye letter.

My love,

I’ve been trained for everything I could have ever imagined, but the one thing I was never prepared for was saying goodbye to you. I never learned how to deal with losing you. I never entertained the idea of falling in love before you came into my life.  I never thought I would be able to care for someone as much as you���

Ali dropped her hand down to her side, a scoff leaving her lips as she refused to read any further. She tried desperately to hold her tears back, but her vision was already becoming cloudy and it wouldn’t be long before she was a mess. She had been trying her best not to show him how upset she was, but he was making it difficult. 

“Ali?” he said her name softly, reaching forward to place a hand on her shoulder. 

“Don’t touch me,” she said, shrugging it off, and moving towards the window. 

“You’re mad at me,” Liam stated. 

“I’m not mad at you!” she said, surprised at how hostile her voice sounded. 

She wanted to scream. She wasn’t mad at him. She was mad at herself. She was mad at herself for loving him. She was mad at herself for not breaking things off when she found out that he was a prince and for getting so attached. Deep down there was always a part of her that was scared things wouldn’t work out between the two of them because of this. Why had she ignored that? She should have gotten out before her feelings for him had become so strong. 

“I’m not mad at you,” she whispered, feeling guilty when she saw the hurt on his face. “I’m just going to miss you. It’s easier to push you away than to admit that.” 

“I know,” Liam responded, pulling her into his arms and pressing his lips to her forehead.

A part of her wished that he wouldn’t be so understanding. That he would get mad at her for snapping, and they would fight, so it would be easier to watch him leave. But, deep down she knew she would never be able to live with herself if that’s how she parted ways with him. He meant too much for her to be okay with things ending like that. 

She didn’t want this to hurt so bad, but she had no idea how to make it stop. 

~~~

She slipped off her heels and replaced them with a pair of fuzzy socks and set out towards the east wing. There was no way she was keeping those shoes on any longer. 

She knocked softly on Liam’s door, and he met her with a look of relief on his face.

“You disappeared during the ball, and I was worried that you weren’t going to show up tonight,” he said, pulling her into a tight hug. 

“Yeah, Drake and I went out for something to eat,” she said, wrapping her arms around him as well. 

She felt his body tense up again and pulled away from him with a scoff.

“What was that noise for?” he asked, folding his arms across his chest.

“I just think it’s funny that you get upset about me spending time with Drake when I have to watch women hang off of you and shove their tongues down your throat every day,” she said casually, dropping down onto his bed. 

Liam’s arms dropped and he looked at her with a guilty expression, causing Ali to somewhat regret her petty words. Only a little though. 

“Liam, we’ve both told you a million times. We’re just friends,” she continued ranting, angrily tugging at the hem of her dress. “Besides, you’re the one that asked him to look out for me. Obviously we’re going to end up spending time together!” 

Liam let out a breath and sat next to her, taking her hand in his and bringing it up to his lips. 

“I know, I’m sorry. Seeing you two holding hands last night bothered more than it should have. I believe you when you said that it was innocent. I just didn’t expect to hear you say that you were with him after you disappeared tonight,” Liam admitted, rubbing nervous circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.

“I only disappeared because you kissed Olivia.”

He went to speak, but she interrupted him.

“And I know it’s not your fault. She’s one of your suitors, and you can’t play favorites by only spending time with me. I just didn’t expect to see her actually kiss you. It’s easy to forget that it’s not just the two of us when we’re away from court events for a while, so when we come back to this stuff, and I see you spending time with the other ladies it still bothers me. I love you, and it’s not the best feeling in the world.”

She cuddled herself into his arms and allowed him to pull her back into a lying position. Her stomach was in knots and an unsettled feeling washed over her as silence enveloped them. 

“I guess all of this has been hard on both of us,” Liam said. 

“Yeah, it has. I just… I just don’t want you to doubt my feelings for you, Liam. I know that may be hard considering everything that’s happened, but I know how I feel about you. There is no doubt in my mind about any of this. I love you, and I’m glad that I’m here with you,” she said, her stomach still churning.

“And I don’t want you to doubt my feelings for you either. I’m sorry about this kiss, and I shouldn’t have gotten jealous. When I saw you getting close to Drake it... brought up a few insecurities,” Liam said.

“What kind of insecurities?” she asked.

Ali pushed herself up to rest on her elbow so she could see his face as he continued to lay on his back. 

“Drake could give you a proper relationship right now. You wouldn’t have to hide in the shadows and steal moments together. He can give you a normal life. One away from all of this.” 

“Liam, I can live with stealing moments together as long as it doesn’t stay this way forever. The thought that one day we could have a life together, a family together, makes it all worth it. It’s definitely not easy, but I’m willing to do whatever I have to, to make this work because I want this. I want you,” she said, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. 

“Thank you. I needed to hear that,” he said, a small smile gracing his features. 

Liam cradled the back of her head in his hand and pulled her into another kiss.

“You looked stunning tonight,” he said, running his hand up the leg that was exposed through the slit of her dress. 

Ali pulled herself up into a sitting position, her smile not completely meeting her eyes. 

“What is it?” he asked, sitting up as well.

“I don’t think that burger is sitting well with me,” she said, clutching her stomach and trying to will away her nausea. 

“Do you need anything?” he asked, concerned.

“Where’s your bathroom?” she asked, quickly standing up.

Liam led her to the bathroom, and she immediately fell to her knees, emptying the contents of her stomach into the toilet. He stood behind her, holding back her hair and gently rubbing her back. 

“Oh, that burger was a lot better going down than it was coming back up,” she groaned, leaning into his arms.

“Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah, it’s my fault. The food was probably too greasy. I’m going to head to bed. I’ll be better in the morning,” she said.

She took a minute to get herself together before getting up. 

“Will I see you tomorrow?’ she asked, making her way to the suite door.

“I’ll find you. Would you like me to walk you back to your room?” he asked. 

She nodded and Liam wrapped her safely in his arms, walking her back to her room where he tucked her under her covers for the night.

#the royal romance #trr #the royal heir #trh #liam x mc #the royal romance fic #trr fic #liam x mc fanfic #liam #king liam #my fics #drake walker #drake x mc #choices #choices fics #playchoices #playchoices fic

[drakewalkerisreal]

Chapter 8: Only in the darkness, you can see the stars!!

Amour Sans Fin

Drake x Riley

Sorry, if some of you find it a slow romantic fic. But thats how Drake is like!!

We reached Lythikos after five hours drive crossing the Alps range. It is Olivia’s place, but I have always been thoroughly enchanted by the beauty of Lythikos. As we reached the Nevrakis chateau, the view in front of us was breathtakingly beautiful.

Everybody arrived at almost same time at Olivia’s castle in different cars.

“Welcome to Lythikos” Maxwell always seems excited.

I looked at her taking in the vista of Mountains from Nevrakis Chateau.

“This is beautiful” she took a deep breath.

No. You are beautiful.

She is wearing a simple green Cardigan with blue denim with sneakers. No fancy jackets like other nobles. Her hair is in half updo today and her light curls are falling down her shoulders. They must smell good. I can feel it. Wait!! What am I? A sniffer dog?

“Where is Bertrand, Maxwell? I notice he’s not here lecturing Brooks today.” I advanced to them.

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

“Bertrand is gone?? Now, this is real vacation!!” Riley giggled.

“Yes, we can enjoy ourselves” Maxwell grinned too.

“But it’s cold in here” Hana rubbed her arms.

Wait till you go out in snow.

I suggested Hana eyeing Riley “You must have packed anything warmer”

“Not much” she sighed

“C’mon Ladies!! I’ll show you your room” Maxwell lead them upstairs.

I reached to my allotted room. It must be room for underprivileges in Lythikos. Thanks Olivia!! This is what I expect from you!! At least I have roof over my head. After settling in my stuff, I get down to the side of the lake.

In a while, I saw her coming down with Maxwell near the frozen lake. Liam and Olivia were already doing ice skating holding hands at the centre. They were laughing and Olivia is kind of showing her claim over Liam.

Maxwell and Riley stood beside me with Hana.

“You know how to ice skate?? Right??” Maxwell asked her.

“Umm... No. I never tried. But I can do some skiing”

Now, that’s my kind of girl.

“But I can try. What is it about?? Try to stay upright and don’t fall. “

“Good enough” Maxwell encouraged her “Now Go to Liam”

I decided to watch from outside the arena.

Maxwell waved at Olivia and tried to distract her. He was showing his spin to Olivia. But Olivia was not interested at all. She made such disgusting face.

Maxwell winks at Riley and sent her sailing across ice towards Liam.

He mouthed “Go get him” He’s not a prize to win, Maxwell.

Suddenly she lost her balance a bit and Liam held her. No, that wasn’t a trick. I can see.

“Gotcha” he smiled and caught her in his arms. She felt uneasy and pulled away a bit. Although she smiled.

“Hey, Liam”

“Let’s Skate” he took her hand and lead her to centre of the lake.

Now, he’s skating with her holding hands. Yes, I felt jealous. I was never jealous of Liam before. I don’t know why but I am feeling it now. No, it has nothing to do with her. I am only a human. I can have such feelings even with a friend. He always gets the girl. Every girl gets enchanted by him.

Their fingers are entwined now and she is blushing.

This place sucks!!

Olivia interrupted their conversation making face and pointing towards Maxwell. He was smirking from the other end.

Olivia threw some insulting words at Riley. Liam tried to calm Olivia down but Riley replied with a smile. She doesn’t seem to affected by such petty insults. She is stronger than I thought of her.

Olivia insults her more and took Liam to other side of the Lake.

She looked at the crowd feeling embarrassed and alone.

Maxwell seemed to be busy flirting with Penelope. “I don’t think I can balance on these” Penelope complained.

I saw Tariq fussing with his skates. However, Hana was gliding on the lake elegantly. This kind of display of elegance is must for nobles.

Thank God ! She has got Hana. Hana glided around her and now they were talking and giggling and laughing. I love the way she laughs coz she does without faking it. That’s the difference between Riley and other girls here.

Finally, this skating thing ended and everybody headed for skiing. Yeah!! That’s what I wanted.

Liam was still busy with Olivia. I joined Riley and other to crest the top of the mountain. Maxwell was helping Hana with her skis.

“So, Brooks you finally made it to slopes”

“Were you starting to miss me?” she asked playfully.

“Me? Hardly!! I was just getting bored”

“I did not find you in skating”

“Skating is not my thing. That’s dull and pathetic. But I was there looking at you.” Shit “I mean looking at you all doing funny dance on skates” Escaped it.

“Aww..Drake I would love to see you in a tutu sometime” she chuckled.

“You wish!! Kiddo!!”

“Hey!! I got it; you have problem with skating. What about skiing? Is it manly enough for you??” she raised her brow.

“Heh!! You know what? I am champion at it” I boasted “How about a race?”

“I am in”

“We’ll have to ski down that slope. One who gets at bottom first, will win” I pointed towards the end.

She nodded.

“Ready??”

“More than ready”

“One...two...th” And there she goes even before I ended three.

“This is cheating” I shouted behind her.

“Hey Mr Champion, afraid of my little head start”

I chased after her. The wind whips against the face as I picked up the speed. She was maintaining pace ahead of me. She is good at that. I looked at right seeing Olivia and Liam skating playfully. She did not bother to notice them. However, Liam shouted from behind “Go Riley”

I picked up the speed more and overtook her.

“Hey” she shouted.

There was a large rock between the slope and we needed to take a long curve to pass around it. But the angular curve passes near the edge of the mountain. I swerved to go around it and suddenly slowed down to look back.

“Watch yourself Brooks” Shit.

She lost her balance while swerving and slipped down towards the edge. I immediately stopped but I saw her slipping more towards the edge. Oh no. I freed myself immediately from the ski and ran towards her. She was almost near the edge and gripped a branch of tree to stop herself from falling down.

“Hang on, Brooks” I reached to her and grabbed to pull her upwards as half of her body is hanging down. She was so light so I pulled her without much effort.

“You okay?” I asked checking her.

“Yeah” she was panting.

Then she laughed. Why is she laughing? She may have fallen from the edge.

“You lost your mind ??”

“Never had such race in my life. Thanks for saving me Drake. Again”

“You’re weird and unnecessarily funny... you know that??” I still can’t believe she find it funny.

“Drake! You look more scared than me, by the way” she giggled.

“Don’t try to hide it by laugh. This pain will go away but humiliation of losing will take some time”

She elbowed me playfully.

I took a deep breath inhaling the cool, crisp mountain air.

“This trip hasn’t been bad so far. Shame that tomorrow is waltzing and bowing and all that.”

“Oh shit!! I don’t know this waltz much!”

“Are you joking?? You’re good with Liam at Masquerade!!” I asked in surprise.

“That was all Liam. I didn’t do much” she sighed “I am going to look stupid in front of everyone, aren’t I?

“Hey it will be probably hilarious to watch” I chuckled

“Drake!! If you can’t help, just keep it shut” she got up flapping snow off her jackets.

“If I could, I would help. I don’t know the steps” but she stomped off in snow.

“You can ask Hana” I ran behind her.

She stopped looking at me with baby eyes full of anger “Thanks for suggestion”

We glided over to the top meeting rest of the group.

“It is time to head over to my spectacular lounge to warm up” Olivia announced.

“Thanks for the race. I actually had fun” I whispered for calming her down.

She didn’t say anything but narrowed her eyes. She is really angry. Fuck!! I shouldn’t have made fun out of it.

Everybody headed towards Nevrakis Chateau.

In the evening, we were all sitting together in the lounge by the fire drinking hot chocolate. Me, Liam, Riley, Hana, Maxwell, Penelope, Kiara.

Riley, Maxwell and Hana were giggling about something. Liam and I were looking at them with amusement. How are they always full of energy?

“Hey!! See little marshmallows shaped like hearts” Hana chimed like two years old.

“Yeah!! Just adorable” I rolled my eyes.

Riley glared at me shooting daggers. I retreated like a puppy.

“Incoming” Maxwell pointed towards Olivia.

“Hello!! My dear guests. I hope you all are enjoying” Olivia gave a pointed smile.

“I always enjoy at Lythikos” Liam smiled.

I rolled my eyes till back of the head.

Olivia seemed to notice and smiled devilishly at me.

“Hey there Drake!! Enjoying ourselves!! Are we? If little Savannah was here, she would have enjoyed too”

I clenched my teeth. This is my reaction when someone talks about Savannah. Olivia knows where to hit. I shook my head gesturing Olivia to shut it but she ignored it. Everybody turned towards us now.

“Oh!! What happened?? Are you in contact with her?? Where is she?? Give me her contact number someday and I’ll invite her myself here”

“Olivia…” Liam said in a warning tone.

I got up immediately to leave.

“She was so sensitive”

“Olivia..no..” Liam warned again.

“You know what?? I just remembered; I’ve got somewhere I need to be.” I advanced towards door as I didn’t want to mess up with Olivia making a show of my emotions.

“Wait Drake!! Comeback! I wasn’t finished with you” I heard Olivia throwing comments behind me.

“Olivia!! That’s enough!! Leave him alone before I slap that smile off your face” I stopped for a moment hearing Riley’s voice and left the room.

I got out in the dark night walking in the snow. I stopped in a clearing of woods and looked up in the sky. It must be the time. I checked watch.

After a while, I heard footsteps behind. I turned around and find her.

“Ooooo” she tried to scare me playfully.

“Brooks! What are you doing here??”

“You don’t scare easily, huh?”

“You must try something else. Now, what are you doing here?”

“I should ask this question. It’s dark and freezing outside. You must get back.”

“What are you?? My mom?”

“Shut up and get back. C’mon she took my arm”

I looked into her eyes. She hesitated and left my arm immediately.

“C’mon??”

“I am here on purpose..”

“What is it here? She asked looking around.

“Trust me??”

“Trust you?”

I reached out and shoved her into the soft snow.

“What the hell Drake!!” she shouted

“Stop shouting kiddo and look up” I sat beside her and pointed towards the sky.

“Wow” she looked up to see the dazzling sky with shooting stars lighting up the night. I can see those stars in her eyes. Hazel brown eyes. Deep Hazel Brown eyes.

“Drake”

“Yes, my lady”

“This is absolutely gorgeous. I have never seen something like this before”

“Nothing beats a clear view of sky during a meteor shower”

She smiled at me genuinely.

We looked at the sky full of shooting stars silently till it gets cleared.

“I used to do this with Savannah since childhood. My dad used to do security for Constantine and Regina. Savannah, my little sister and I were allowed to hang out with Liam and Leo. Leo is Liam’s elder brother. If you know him?”

She nodded silently.

“Liam and I ended up becoming best of friends. However, Savannah was friendly with everyone. She loved living at the palace when we were kids. She was fascinated by dresses and jewellery.” I keep on blabbering. “But it got harder when she was older.”

“What happened?” she looked into me.

“She couldn’t take it I guess. I failed her; I was unable to protect her. One day she left without a word to me..to anyone..” I put hand over my face. “This is more than I talked about it with anyone till now.”

“Really?” she asked genuinely

“If I started to trust, I may start with you”

“This is the nicest thing you have said to me”

I looked at her pink lips. I want those lips..so bad. I don’t know why? They look soft like petals of some flower. Her cheeks are pink too.

“We probably should head back” she stared at ground blushing.

“We better be” Self-restraint is must.

We walked slowly back, trudging through the snow and wind. Suddenly she took my arm. Electricity was now running through me.

“Umm..for safety” She looked away smiling.

“It’s really slippery here. We should be careful”

We got inside and spotted Hana waiting for us. “You two, okay?”

“Hana! You’re up!!” Riley felt guilty.

“I couldn’t sleep with you two out in dark.”

“I am sorry, we kept you up”

“At least both of you are back.”

“Goodnight ladies” I waved hand and headed towards my room immediately.

But I was sure, it wont be easy to get sleep tonight.

@drakewalker04 @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @emceesynonymroll @star-spangled-eyes @dcbbw    @jovialyouthmusic @drakesensworld   @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @ao719 @duchessemersynwalker

@pug-bitch   @rainbowsinthestorm @burnsoslow @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @iplaydrake   @katedrakeohd   @nikkis1983 @qween-corgis @thorfosterlove @butindeed

 @gardeningourmet @speedyoperarascalparty

@pedudley @ibldw-main @irishwhiskys-blog @inlovewithwalker @addictedtodrakefanfic

@notoriouscs @grumpymarshmallowswife

@maria-soederberg

#the royal heir #inlovewithdrakewalker #drake?mc #drake walker #choices trr #the royal romance fanfic #pixelberry #theroyalromance #playchoices #trr #choices fanfiction #choices #trh #drake #trr choices #the royal romance #choices stories you play #trr fanfic #the royal romance au #drake x mc #trr drake #playchoices fanfic #choices trh #choices fanfic

[twinkleallnight]

Hey there! In honor of Thanksgiving in the states, can you tell us three things your MC is grateful for this year? What about their LI?

And if you want to tell us three things you are thankful for too, go for it!

I know I am pretty late but I didn't want to let this one be in my WIP till next year...

Thank you @jerzwriter for this ask. I have taken the liberty to write for my OTP whom I consider my MC and their LI. Here it goes....

Book: TRR AU

Pairing: Drake x Olivia.

Word count: 1,177

Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry.

Rating: teens

Warning: fluff

Prompt: prompt 7 by

@choicesdecemberchallenge2022 @peonierose

I am thankful for...

Drake parked his truck and moved out. He pulled on his jacket a bit more tightly as he felt the Lythikan chill. He took a moment to look at the serene white mountains around him. A smile played on his lips, unknowingly. ‘How did he get here? Loving the snow and falling in love with the snow queen.’

A soft breeze kissed his cheeks. ‘Just like her red lips do.’ He blushed at her thought. His life had taken a new turn when she expressed herself. ‘Olivia? Lady Olivia Nevrakis loves me?’ He had questioned himself aloud.

He shook his head and turned to walk into the Nevrakis chateau. Surprisingly, it was very quiet.

‘May be Olivia sent away the staff to spend a quiet evening with me.’ He chuckled at the thought and pushed at the main entrance. The heavy ornate doors opened with a slight creek.

‘This one needs some grease.’ He made a mental note. Olivia’s house had become his home away from home and he enjoyed being her handyman even when she had an army of men to work for her.

As soon as he stepped in, he covered his nose. ‘What an awful smell! Burnt meat.’ He assessed. The hall stood still and so did the staircase, the parlour, the library. He went to the kitchen, where the waft came from. The scene was a mess. Flour on the island and on the floor, the oven was all black and simmering though switched off. But no one in sight.

Drake’s brows furrowed. He called out with a worried note, “Livy?”

No response.

“Livy...” he raised his voice.

Still nothing. He hurried through the back exit. “Olivia?” he yelled into the backyard. He scurried to the left and then to the right side. He slowed down when he finally saw her crouched down on a rock. She had her knees to her chest, her arms curled around and head hung low on her hands.

He trudged slowly, “Livy?”

She raised her head and looked at him, her eyes red and welled up. Her cheeks showed stains of the dried-up tears. She was wearing just a sleeveless frock. He quickly removed his jacket to cover her bare arms. “How long have you been here like this?” He cradled her in his arms in an attempt to give her some warmth.

She rested her cheek on his arm as a silent sob escaped her lips. He patted on her red head wondering what went wrong. “Let’s get you in, first.” He pulled her up and they walked back into the kitchen.

He helped her settle down in a chair. She looked at Drake and then her eyes fell on something behind him. She winced at the sight.

He got up to check out where her gaze had rested. That’s when he noticed all the food spread out on the kitchen island, platform and table.

He snickered, trying to control his laughter, now that realisation hit him of hat brought the meltdown to his headstrong girl. He moved the ladle into a bowlful of gooey mix. He dipped his finger in and licked it.

“Why does this taste like salted syrup?”

Olivia covered her face with her hands in embarrassment. He heard her muffled reply, “I was trying to make pie.”

“And you mixed up between salt and sugar.” He stated. His eyes fell on the baking tray nearby. “Ah! you made the crust as well.” He tried to take a piece off the baked crust of pie but he couldn’t break it. “Hey Livy, this crust is as tough as you.”

Olivia gave out a wailing cry, still hiding her face. Drake was smiling. He knew he was on the right track and he moved to where the burnt turkey laid. “Oh boy! It seems this turkey couldn’t tolerate the Nevrakis cooking. Look he committed suicide.”

Olivia peeped through her fingers and saw Drake standing there and guffawing at her. She ran to him and playfully pounded on his chest. He encircled his arms and embraced her, now laughing out loudly and soon she joined in.

She relaxed in his arms. He knew how to diffuse the situation. He knew how to make her smile through tears. As she calmed down, he placed a kiss on her head, “Why did you put yourself through all this?” he asked.

Her lips thinned out in a line, “I wanted to do something from your tradition for you.”

“Hmm, well that can be managed.”

“How?” she fanned out her hand at all the wasted food.

He beamed at her, “Come with me.” He held her hand and walked her out to his truck. He uncovered the cargo bed to reveal the large vessel full of food.

Olivia gasped. “What? You made all of this?”

He nodded bemused with her reaction.

“Why?” she looked at him confused.

“Because I wanted to share my tradition with you.”

She gave him a side hug and he took the opportunity to leave a peck on her temple. “Now, where do you want me to put this so that we can enjoy a happy meal?”

“Anywhere but my kitchen.” She scrunched her nose at the thought of the mess she had left behind.

“Okay, as you say. We can deal with your kitchen later.”

Drake carried the food as she guided him to the terrace. They ate and sat their, enjoying the view of the mountains around.

After a scrumptious meal, the duo headed to her room to catch up on their favourite show. Olivia sat on the couch and Drake made himself comfortable laying down, resting his head in her lap. He loved the feel of her fingers raking through his chestnut hair. He had closed his eyes, relaxing, when she asked him, “Drake?”

“Hmm?”

“What are you grateful for?”

He opened his eyes and gave her a puzzled look. “Where does this come from now?”

“Isn’t this what is supposed to be said after the meals on Thanksgiving?” she questioned back.

“Sort of...” he shrugged.

“So, what is your answer?

He started counting on his fingers, “The first thing I am grateful for is having Liam in my life.”

“And?”

“Having a loving nephew.”

“And?”

“Being able to survive amongst the pretentious nobles.”

“And?”

He deliberately kept avoiding what she wanted to hear.

“I thank God that I know how to cook food without burning it to ashes.” He said teasing her.

She slapped him on his shoulder. He doubled up in exaggeration. “Ouch, ouch, ouch! That hurt.”

She tried to push him away when he turned and held her by her arms. His brown eyes steadily gazing into her green ones. “You. Your love. That is the best thing I could ask for. I am grateful to God for giving me these moments that I get to share with you, the happiness that you bring to me, the way you take away all my worries and pain, the fact that you love me... I am grateful that I get to love you, Olivia.”

And he sealed it with a kiss.

Tags: @3pawandme @alj4890 @angelasscribbles @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @gkittylove99 @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising308 @princess-geek @riseandshinelittleblossom @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tessa-liam @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @choicesficwriterscreations @yourmajesty09 @flowerpowell (if u r interested in a Drake fic) @lovealexhunt (for the photo edit)

#choices monthly challenge #choices fic writers creations #playchoices #drake walker #olivia nevrakis #twinkleallnight #pixelberry #the royal romance #trr #trr fandom

[lizzybeth1986]

Part 2 - His Flame

Introduction

Part 1

Part 3

Disclaimer: This post is the second in a trio of essays on the events of the Finale of The Royal Romance, in which I place Prince Liam's final decision to marry Countess Madeleine in the context of his role as king, the current state of his country Cordonia and how he will move forward from the events of his Coronation. The first essay looks at Cordonia is a nation and how Liam's role is defined by the events that have taken place there over the past few decades. Part 2 will explore the Liam x MC relationship and look at how Liam's interactions with the MC change his beliefs over time.

Disclaimer 2: For the purposes of this essay, I have included only the Liam-centric diamond options and romance-point-responses as part of the plot.

Do read Part 1 before you proceed to this point.

--

MC: Our relationship is so strange. It's not like he [Liam] can sweep me off my feet and carry me out of here...

Maxwell: When you're royalty, the rules are different.

- TRR Chapter 8, "A Waltz to Remember".

Liam comes to New York with one fervent wish: to see the Statue of Liberty - the ultimate symbol of freedom - right before he goes back to Cordonia to fulfill his duties and choose a bride. He refrains from asking his friends to include it in their schedule for fear of sounding ungrateful. So when an adventurous, fiesty young waitress jumps on the chance to make his dream come true, he is more than intrigued. Almost instantly, he confesses his deepest desires to her as he would an old friend.

For most of their boat trip to Liberty, Liam seems to admire the MC for being precisely what he can't be: gutsy, adventurous, the kind of person who constantly follows her heart. He recognizes in her the freedom he lacks.

For both Liam and the MC, this romantic interlude seems special because they don't expect to see each other again.

The MC, at the beginning of the game, is given three options that reveal to Liam what her ultimate dream is: to see the world, to fall in love or to live every moment to the fullest. Each of these goals, in some way, propel her to take that giant leap to Cordonia once Maxwell makes her the offer.

The Liam she finally meets at the Masquerade Ball is in many ways different from the tourist she had met in New York. In Cordonia, he is the Crown Prince, constantly aware of who he is and what his duties are, and the consequences of his actions. When the MC asks him what he thinks of the social season, he says, "I know it's silly...but it is tradition. I know how important it is to Cordonia to find the right queen." (TRR Chapter 4). He tells her that his feelings do not exactly count in the face of Cordonia's stability, citing the example of his brother Leo's mother. The MC will have to build her reputation in court and gain public approval if she is to be considered a fit candidate for his hand.

It's easy to forget sometimes what a personal leap it is for the MC (especially if Liam is her LI in the playthrough) to settle into courtly life. She has to use her limited funds to impress the royal family, the press and the public, quickly learn the new things that all the other suitors seem to know already and say all the right things to the right people, all while being able to snatch only a few minutes with Liam here and there.

Liam seems aware of how difficult her transition is, and strives to make it easier on her from behind the scenes. He persuades Drake to keep an eye on her to see if she is lost (something that actually does occur at the Derby), ensures that Drake gets the room next to hers at Applewood Manor, arranges for American barbecue to be given at the beach party so she will get a taste of home. He is aware that among all the ladies vying for his hand, the MC is at a disadvantage because everything about this experience is new to her.

The MC, on the other hand, attempts to give him opportunities to let loose, relive his childhood and forget for a while that he has the responsibility of an entire nation on his shoulders. At the Masque, she convinces him to play maze-tag with her after the ball, confiding in him later that "you laughed more in this maze than you did all night at that Masquerade". The hedge maze, from there on, becomes symbolic of their relationship - a reminder of Liam's mother, and his past, and a promise that he can relive happier memories with a woman who is willing to see him as merely human.

Another example of the MC encouraging Liam to take risks and try out new experiences is the "cronut run" (although, to be fair, the cronut run is really for ALL her Cordonian friends). It is here that Liam reveals to her exactly how sheltered his life is: "It's strange. I'm the potential leader of my country, and there's still so much of it I haven't experienced". He realises this needs to change, but isn't sure how to go about it yet.

Their relationship in Cordonia begins on slightly shaky footing, both aware that Liam is expected to make time for all the ladies participating in the social season, and that they cannot give in to their need for each other no matter how tempting the prospect is. While the MC is willing to go further in her relationship with him, Liam reluctantly exercises control over his desire for her, for different reasons over the course of the social season.

From the Masquerade to the hot tub scene at the Nevrakis Chateau, Liam is aware that anything can happen over the next few months and isn't willing to take chances with her. At this point the MC has only begun to prove herself to the King, Queen and the Press, and her reputation as an American vying for the Prince's hand makes her an unconventional choice. By the time they slip into the hot tub at Lythikos, Liam is already starting to feel the strain of repressing his feelings for the MC in favor of being fair to everyone. It's probably at this point that he starts to question exactly how useful the social season is, given that during the Coronation he doesn't hesitate to call it a "damned process".

The Royal Regatta, which follows this sequence, is a turning point that raises questions both for Liam's future and his relationship with the MC. King Constantine's announcement about retiring and handing over the throne to Liam complicates things even further. Had Constantine's rule continued, and the MC succeeded in winning Liam's hand, she would have had plenty of time to fit into her role, so that by the time she was Queen she could prove she could handle the pressure. With this announcement, however, there are chances that whoever Liam will marry will be pushed headlong into the role of Queen.

By this time Liam is already sure he wants to marry the MC (he takes her to Forgotten Falls - a favourite childhood spot - and almost confesses his love to her there), but has no idea how she will fare as Queen. It is a question he asks her often over the next few days, warning her of the expectations she will be asked to fulfill, trying each time to gauge whether this is something she will be okay with.

It is during the Apple Blossom festival that the MC truly gets her moment to shine. Here (if the player clicks the correct options) she not only shows a keen enthusiasm for Cordonian traditions, and manages to charm both the Queen and the Press (again), but has also formed alliances with the suitors who were out of the running already. Where earlier the Queen's questions tested her opinions on governing the nation, here their discussion centres around delegation and the need for allies. Her answers prove to the public that she is serious about becoming Liam's Queen.

This also explains Liam's own change of behaviour. In Applewood, the MC notices that he is happier and more carefree, and definitely more ready to talk about the future. We are never explicitly shown why, but over the course of the book we discover that the MC's reputation has grown in Applewood, making the Prince's decision to select her easier on him. At the ruins close to the village where they rode horses, Liam asks her what kind of king he will make. Her encouragement makes it clear to him that he is not alone.

In the same diamond sequence, Maxwell tells the MC that he saw "something in [MC] that Cordonia needed: hope". It is at this moment we can pinpoint when exactly Liam started becoming confident in his choice of queen. By the time Liam sneaks her into Applewood hedge maze for private time, he has begun talking about spending an eternity with her, asked her what kind of legacy she will want to leave behind and what causes she will champion. At this point he has stopped considering anyone else for his hand in marriage.

It is during their stay is Applewood that their kisses become more frenzied and desperate, and where their need for each other is starting to reach its peak - by the Beaumont chapters Liam is literally biting her neck.

The Beaumont chapters mark an important transition in the way their relationship functions: so far, the MC has been the one who, in Liam's words, has been "jet-setting around Cordonia, attending grand formal events...", and Liam already feels the need to give more to the relationship than he has so far, by having his first ever date with her.

Midway through the date, he tells her that he has never dated before, answers awkward, silly first-date questions, and confesses to her his dream of having a family. This experience is the closest Liam has ever gotten, in his adult life, to being normal around someone.

His efforts to meet the MC halfway don't just stop there. He takes the risk of wearing a suit to match the MC's gown, aware that the symmetry between the couple will cause a stir. He offers her a massage at the Beaumont spa, hoping to help her relax a bit before the craziness of the Coronation ball begins. Having hosted a wildly successful party for the first time, her chances with Liam are now higher.

But because this is a relationship with strange beginnings, Liam and the MC are able to move forward quite quickly in some aspects of their relationship, while tiptoeing around others. For instance, they tend to be open to each other about happier times, but do not always share troubling information with each other, such as the truth behind Constantine's retirement (though Liam does tell her that she would have been the first to hear it if he ever was ready to talk), the Tariq fiasco and the damaged lock on her door at Applewood. Part of this, of course, was because the MC convinced herself that there was nothing to worry about.

Liam and the MC finally confess their love to each other at the hedge maze in the Coronation ball - the first place Liam had ever taken her to in Cordonia. By bringing her here to confess his love, Liam comes full circle. This was the place where he pulled away for the first time, afraid to go further. This is the one place he treasured for the memories it held. In this moment he is confident now that she will become his queen, and nothing - or no one - can stop him from choosing her. In this place, he now wants to make new memories, with her.

Over the course of their relationship, the MC has never failed to turn everything Liam knew to be true, on its head. The social season was about getting him a bride and a fitting queen for Cordonia, but the MC managed to get him to think beyond it. This is never more evident than in these lines:

When Liam eventually makes love to the MC, he doesn't just ask her consent for the sex. He also asks her how she wants it. Both options yield different scenarios, with Liam moulding himself to fit into the MC's needs for that night. This may seem like a small thing, but the fact that he wants her to enjoy sex the way she wants it, not the way he assumes it should be, shows us that as soon as he is done with this social-season-facade, he plans to place her needs first.

There is an element of tragedy to this love scene, given that it happens just minutes before they are denied a chance to ever be a couple in public. We know what took Liam this long, what it took for him to rein himself in everytime things threatened to go a little too far. We know that he was waiting for approval from all sides, hoping against hope that he would be able to both fulfill his duty to his country and be with the woman he loves. He was confident enough in the fact that they'd be together that he stopped waiting and gave in to what they'd both wanted all along. And right after this he finds the same woman being openly humiliated in court, thrown out without being given a chance to clear her name.

When the scandal finally breaks out in court, Liam's first reaction is to ask for her, and then yell out to her so she can hear him. When he doesn't get a response (because her screams are too far away to hear) he turns to Regina, angrily insisting on talking to the MC before she pulls him aside and whispers instructions in his ear. By the time he announces Madeleine's name, he is furious. He is actively resisting in the only way he knows how.

Liam, stickler for rules, demanded an audience with the suitor he loved just as the night was drawing to a close, just minutes after being crowned. He insisted on it. He called out her name in public. Not in anger, not in suspicion, but in shock. All this in front of his family, in front of the court and other suitors and the press. At that point it almost didn't matter that his mask of self-composure was slipping in front of a crowd. He didn't stop insisting and trying to buy time until his parents forced him to follow the Coronation rule. That might not seem like such a risk, but with the background he comes from, it is.

We must realise that his love for the MC develops over time, and so do the changes that love has brought in him. From being resigned to choosing someone he could just hope to be fond of and slightly compatible with, his experience with the MC proves to him that any bond lesser than love will be detrimental to his marriage and detrimental to Cordonia.

At the end, Liam finds himself living out the words he said, mere months ago, while visiting Lady Liberty.

#the royal romance #trr #trr liam #prince liam #king liam #liam x mc #love #coronation #applewood manor #hedge mazes #nevrakis chateau #crownflameking #part2

[tornbetween2loves]

The Christmas Surprise

Part 2: The 15th Day of Christmas

This story takes place in the A/U I created for my mini series, The Christmas Surprise. I know it’s not a popular ship, but pairings for this series are: Liam x Olivia and Riley x Drake. There is a previous part to this that can be read here. However, it is not necessary to read that part first.

This is a bonus day of @cocomaxley ‘s 12 days of Cordonian Christmas. This is Day 15. I am also tagging @leelee10898 to be added to the masterlist for this😊

I am also submitting this for the 12 Days of choices fanfics Christmas prompts. This is for prompt 4: visit a Christmas tree lot or farm. @littlecrookedheart @boneandfur

Writer’s tags: @ao719 @blackwidow2721 @bobasheebaby @brightpinkpeppercorn @fullbeaumonty @hopefulmoonobject @itsstillnotwhatyouthink @leelee10898 @riseandshinelittleblossom @speedyoperarascalparty @kenjikatsoros @zaffrenotes @mind-reader1 @cocomaxley @tornbetween2loves

Reader tags: @blackcoffee85 @likethetailofacomet @endlessly-searching-for-you

And here’s some tags of my own:

Taglist: @kennaxval @boneandfur @blackcatkita @drakewalkerwhipped @femmeshep @hhiggs @lizeboredom @pb-boeboe @klaudiana-beaumontkkreal @tmarie82 @writtenbycandy @kinkykingliam @darley1101 @katurrade @lodberg @bella-ca @indiacater @missevabean @walkerismychoice @eileendannie @museofbooks @jared2612 @h3llostrang3r @ooo-barff-ooo @alesana45 @stopforamoment @carabeth @debramcg1106

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Pixelberry. I am simply borrowing them.

The 15th Day of Christmas: Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Olivia and Liam walked back down the stairs and into the sitting room to join their friends. They were donning the ugly sweaters. Olivia smirked as she realized the sweaters were personalized. They were all black and covered in white snowflakes with huge polar bears on the front. Liam’s bear was wearing a king’s crown and holding a scepter. Olivia’s had on a tiara. Maxwell’s had a breakdancing polar bear wearing a Santa hat. Drake’s polar bear had a grumpy look on it’s face as it roasted marshmallows. Riley’s bear was wearing a server apron with an American flag on it. And Hana’s bear was wearing a kimono. The back of all the sweaters read “Merry Christmas 2018”. “Wow Drake, your bear looks just like you,” Olivia said with a smirk. Everyone suppressed a giggle as Drake made a face that matched the bear’s exactly. Liam burst out laughing and everyone joined in. Drake’s face reddened as his scowl deepened.

“Cheer up, my marshmallow,” Riley whispered in his ear. “You promised you’d make an effort.” Drake shot her a glare, then his expression brightened a bit. He giggled half-heartedly. “I guess it really does look like me.” Maxwell smiled brightly. “These sweaters are awesome! And just in time for the 15th day of Christmas.” Riley’s smile faded and was replaced by a confused look. “15th day of Christmas? I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of that before.” Drake and Olivia both rolled their eyes. “No, you wouldn’t have heard about it,” Drake said. “It is a Maxwell Beaumont creation,” he said and made finger quotes when he said Maxwell’s name. “That it is, my little blossom,” he said with a big grin. Today is December 15th. Hence, the 15th day of Christmas. Which I have deemed ‘ugly Christmas sweater day’.” Riley shook her head. “I still don’t get it.” Maxwell sighed, as if it should be obvious. “Have you ever heard of the song ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’?” “Of course. Hasn’t everyone?” Maxwell shrugged. “Why is it only 12 days? If you start at the beginning of December shouldn’t there be 25 days of Christmas? That’s if you count Christmas Day as an actual day of Christmas.”

“So you actually made up 25 days of Christmas? Incredible,” Riley said with a grin. “Not exactly. The first 12 days are already spoken for. I just finished the song.” He sung the familiar tune for Riley. “On the 15th day of Christmas, my true love gave to meeee...15 ugly Christmas sweaters.” It had the same melody as the 5th day of Christmas verse of the song. Riley giggled as Maxwell sang the rest of the song all the way through to day 24. He stood up and took a bow as they all clapped and cheered.

“Ok, so we’ve got on our ugly sweaters. Now what?” Olivia said with a shrug. “Now we go get a tree,” Hana exclaimed excitedly. “A tree?” Olivia asked as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Usually the staff handles the decorating.” Everyone looked at her as the smile faded from Hana’s face. Olivia shrugged as she looked at the fallen faces of her friends. “What? I’m sorry that I’ve never decorated a Christmas tree before.” “You’ve never picked out and decorated a tree?” Riley said as her mouth dropped open in disbelief. Olivia averted her eyes from them all, mumbling more to herself than anyone, “I guess when you don’t have parents you don’t get to do stuff like that.”

Liam cleared his throat and placed his hand on the small of his wife’s back. “I must say that I also have never picked out and decorated a tree.” Olivia smiled up at him gratefully. “Then this is gonna be super awesome!” Maxwell said as he reached for his coat. “Come on, let’s go.”

They pulled up to the Christmas tree farm which was lit by several strings of multi-colored lights. There were several metal drums with fires burning in them, providing much needed warmth in the chill of the Lythikos evening air. “Holy shit, it’s freezing out here,” Drake said. “Can we make this quick?” Riley punched him playfully in the arm. “You can’t rush these things, babe. The tree has to be perfect.” “Perfect?” Olivia said snidely. “What exactly makes a tree perfect?” Riley shrugged at Olivia. “I don’t know. You just know when you see it.” Olivia rolled her eyes and sighed. “Ok then, let’s go check out some trees,” Liam said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. He leaned down and whispered, “Please, my love. Can you try and enjoy yourself? For me?” He expression softened as she covered his hand with hers. “Anything for you, my king. I’ll try harder.” He kissed her softly on the cheek. “Thank you.”

They wandered the rows of trees, debating over which one to choose. “What about this one? It’s nice,” Hana said, pointing to a massive tree, at least 10-feet tall. Olivia scrunched up her nose. “That is way too big. We’ll never get it home.” Maxwell pointed to another tree further down the row. “How about that one? It’s not as tall.” Olivia shook her head. “That one is too fat. I don’t even think it would fit through the door.” She continued to reject everyone’s suggestions. All the trees were either too tall or short or fat or thin. Drake rolled his eyes as Olivia rejected what seemed like the 100th tree. “We are gonna freeze to death out here. Can you please just pick a damn tree already?” Riley glared at him as Olivia smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry. I’m just no good at this. Someone else pick.” “I’ll pick a tree,” Liam said with an authoritative tone. “And I don’t care to hear anyone’s opinion about it. What I say goes.” Everyone looked at him in surprise. “Are you pulling the king card, Liam?” Riley asked with a smirk. He nodded. “Yes I most certainly am. Drake is right. It’s freezing out here. I can’t feel my toes. Besides, I’m pretty sure I found the perfect tree.” He pointed to a tree at the end of the row. It was a Douglas fir with bluish-green needles, about 7-foot tall and almost perfectly shaped.

“Oh my god, Liam you did it! That is definitely the perfect tree,” Riley said excitedly. Everyone nodded in agreement. Olivia slid her arm into the crook of Liam’s elbow and followed their friends as they paid for the tree and made arrangements for cutting the tree down. He smiled down at her. He could see her demeanor softening, and was confident that by the end of the night she would feel comfortable.

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

After much struggling, the men managed to get the tree set up in the sitting room of the chateau. The women were busy laying out trays of snacks and pouring mugs of eggnog for everyone. “I think the tree is ready for trimming,” Drake said as he and Liam took a step back. He nodded in agreement and smiled as Olivia approached them with two mugs of eggnog. “Thanks love. What do you think?” He gestured to the tree as he took a sip of his drink. “Mmmmm this is delicious,” he exclaimed before she had a chance to answer. Olivia smiled sweetly at him over the rim of her mug as she sipped. “Have you never had Nevrakis Nog my king?” He shook his head. “No, surprisingly, I haven’t. Have you been hiding this delicious recipe from me for all these years?” She chuckled. “It is traditionally only served on Christmas Eve. But I figured maybe it was time for a new tradition.” Everyone raised their mugs in Olivia’s direction. “To new traditions,” Liam toasted as he locked eyes with his wife. They shared a smile as everyone repeated the toast and drank.

“I have one more tradition to start,” Maxwell said as he set down his mug and disappeared into the other room. He returned with 6 small gift bags and handed them out. Olivia couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face as she looked in the bag. Everyone pulled a personalized ugly Christmas sweater ornament out of their bag. They matched the real sweaters and had each person’s name and the year on the back. Maxwell smiled big at Olivia’s reaction. “I think that every year, on the 15th day of Christmas, we should make this our tradition,” he said. “We should trim a tree while wearing ugly Christmas sweaters using ugly Christmas sweater ornaments.” Liam chuckled. “I think that’s a fine tradition. No matter what we have going on in our lives, we promise to make time for each other each year, on the 15th day of Christmas.” Riley raised her mug. “I’ll drink to that! Here! Here!”

They spent the rest of the evening decorating the tree as they laughed and talked. Liam beamed at his wife as she smiled brightly, talking animatedly with Hana and Riley. Even Drake was having a good time. He smiled as he realized how incredibly lucky he was to have such amazing people in his life. Olivia was finally opening up to their friends. He listened to them exchanging stories about their experiences in Lythikos.

“It was actually here that I first started falling for Drake,” Riley said as he exchanged a look and a smile with Drake. “He was upset with you, Olivia, and ran out into the cold night. I thought he was crazy, but I followed him. And we watched the sky light up with shooting stars. One after the other. It was breathtaking.” Liam interjected. “Wait. Was that when Lythikos hosted the court during social season?” Riley nodded. He smiled. “I believe that very same night was when I first realized I had deeper feelings for Olivia.” A slight blush came over Olivia’s face and she smiled shyly. Liam sat down next to her and wrapped his arm around her. “She was supposed to give me a private tour of the castle of Lythikos, but when I found her she was upset and had been crying.” Drake locked eyes with Olivia. “Wait. You were upset? After all those things you said, you went off and cried?” Olivia nodded and looked away. She couldn’t look at him. “Yes I did. I was ashamed of how I acted. Sometimes my temper flares and I can’t stop the things that come out of my mouth.” She took a deep breath and looked up at Drake, tears stinging the corners of her eyes. “And I don’t believe I ever apologized for being such a bitch. I’m so sorry Drake.” A tear slipped down her cheek as she tried to conceal it by wiping it away with her thumb. “In fact, I apologize to all of you. I know you all have been on the receiving end of my wrath at one time or another.”

Drake sat across from Olivia, his mouth agape, as he finally saw Olivia through his best friend’s eyes. Everyone stood up and hugged Olivia, one by one. Drake stood up last, kneeling in front of Olivia and looking into her emerald eyes like he was seeing her for the first time. He glanced at Liam and smiled. “I finally see it,” he said. Liam smiled and nodded. A look of confusion crossed Olivia’s face. “See what?” Drake took her hands in his. “Olivia, I’ve been trying to figure out what Liam saw in you since your engagement. Now I get it. You’re not so bad. In fact, I think you and I are probably more similar than I’d like to admit.” Liam nodded in agreement. “I would agree. It only makes sense that the two people I love most in this world would have similarities.” Olivia began to tear up again. “So you forgive me Drake?” He stood up, pulling her with him and pulled him into a hug. “Of course I forgive you. You’re practically my sister-in-law.”

Everyone sat back down as Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. She felt like the weight of the world had just lifted off her shoulders. She finally felt comfortable being herself in front of her friends. “So I just have to ask Olivia,” Riley said, “was that magical night here in Lythikos when you discovered your feelings for Liam?” Olivia smiled and gazed into Liam’s bright blue eyes. “No. Not at all. I already loved Liam long before that.” He smiled at her, lacing his fingers through hers. “Oh really? I’d like to hear that story,” Hana said. Olivia smiled as she looked around the room at her friends. “Well, it was here in Lythikos, but I was very young, about 5 years old, and I was all alone in the world, crying in my mother’s closet, clutching her skirts in my arms, begging for her to come back...........”

#choices12days #long post #12 days of cordonian christmas #trr #liam x olivia #drake x mc #lythikos

[likethetailofacomet]

Melt

 Drake x Claire 

Author’s Note: So fair warning, this one got away from me a little bit and is almost double the length of most of the rest of the chapters in this series, but a lot happens in Lythikos. Claire has an overdue discussion with Maxwell, Olivia stirs the pot, and things heat up in the cold. 

NSFW all the way at the end. Sorry, you’re gonna have to work for it just like Claire. ;)

tagging: @sleepwalkingelite @zaffrenotes @notoriouscs @gardeningourmet @natalievgoodehenry @ooo-barff-ooo @nekkidmolerat If you would like to be added to the tags please let me know! 

The drive to the Nevrakis Chateau was about 5 hours. As soon as the altitude had started to change, so had the road, winding it's way through the mountain range making each mile take much longer than normal. Maxwell had fallen asleep beside her about 20 minutes into the drive, after excitedly outlining the day ahead of them.“Olivia's winter estate is amazing!” He assured her. “You like skiing? Bam! We can do that. Ice skating your thing? No problem, there's a huge lake that's pretty much permanently frozen.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Want to warm up with a certain someone? Nothing nicer than a fire to snuggle by!”

Like magic the blood in her veins rushed warmly throughout her body. She imagined falling asleep against Drake's broad chest, the crackling fire casting an orange glow across the two of them as snow fell heavily outside. She imagined the way his arms might snake around her body, pulling her gently closer, how he might also drift off to sleep, how their breathing might fall into sync. She snapped herself from the daydream when Maxwell caught her staring, slack jawed, into space.

“Uh, Claire?” he was waving his hand in front of her eyes. “Claire?! You okay?” he had a look of shock on his face.

“Y-yeah, yes. I'm good. Fine, fun! Just...excited for the fun.” Fine, fun? Excited for the fun? You're lucky this is Maxwell and not Bertrand, Claire.

“Yes! So. Much. Fun!” Maxwell called out in a sing song voice, completely convinced by her 'couldn't-be-thinner' excuse. After elaborating on exactly how much fun they were about to have, he'd stretched and yawned, just like he had on the flight from New York, and in less than a minute  he was out. He's like a golden retriever, Claire mused, taking in his open mouth and raspy snores. So much excitement and then crash!

Pulling into the driveway of the palatial estate, Claire couldn't keep a “wow” from falling from her lips. Evergreens had been planted along the long driveway, shielding the estate from sight until the very last moment, their snow burdened boughs giving way to the turrets and leaded window panes of the chateau. It was beautiful; the original architecture maintained to perfection and updated with all of the modern necessities, and the white blanketed landscape around the house went on for as far as the eye could see. She couldn't wait to stretch her legs and explore, and neither could Maxwell- he was already running up the estate steps. “Meet you for ice skating in 15 Claire! Oh, you're room's the last one on the left corridor, someone will bring your bag in for you, bye!” he called over his shoulder, all in one breath, before disappearing through the front door.

She smiled, shaking her head to herself. Stepping out of the car, her boot immediately hit a patch of ice and she slid backwards, arms going out to her sides to try to steady herself, until thudding hard into someone behind her.

“Watch it, Berkley, haven't you ever been on ice before?” Drake caught her by the shoulders and held her steady at arms length, dropping his hands as soon as she found traction again.

“Yes, and I happen to be an excellent skater...ironically enough,” she cocked her head at him and put her hands on her hips.

“You're not a better skater than me.” he stated matter of factually.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “That so, Walker? Guess we'll see about that.” She spun back to the car and grabbed her own bag, ignoring what Max had said about someone bringing it for her. Spinning back towards Drake, she let her voice drop just a fraction before saying “See you on the ice,” with a playful smirk before making her way up the steps towards the front door.

Drake couldn't help but watch her as she walked away. After slipping on the ice she seemed to be making a show of how confident she felt in these conditions, and he hated how much he liked it. “See you on the ice, Berkley,” he muttered to himself, wondering how on Earth she was going to keep from melting it as soon as she touched it. He watched the other ladies shuffling around patches of ice, fearfully clutching onto each other for stability as their drivers carried their luggage in for them. He smiled to himself as he caught Claire hefting her bag onto her other shoulder before vanishing into the estate.

“I see Claire is keeping you on your toes already, my friend.” Liam came up from behind him, clapping a hand to his shoulder, a wide, teasing grin spreading across his face. He'd made a mental note never to refer to her as Lady Claire or Lady Berkley to Drake.

“Cool it, Liam,” he said, shooting his friend a look. Liam had a tendency to get excited about things the moment they show up as thoughts in his head- and why wouldn't he? He's a prince; if he can dream it it's his. If he falls for someone, they fall for him harder. Drake had never known that luxury. Nothing had ever come easy for him. Nothing. He'd developed a tendency that was the exact opposite of Liam's. The moment things showed up as a thought in his head, he was already trying to tell himself not to bother. He simply didn't want to deal with the disappointment, the heartbreak, so he told himself that whatever he thought he wanted wasn't worth it. He was trying to do that with her, but for the first time in years it wasn't working.

Liam put his hands up defensively. “Hey, I'm just calling it like I see it, man.”

“Well...don't, okay. Not...” he looked toward the front door, toward where she'd just been standing in such stark contrast to every other woman he'd ever met. “Not yet.”

It's got to be today, Claire had told herself while she changed into her heavier clothes. She would talk to Maxwell today and tell him the truth. There was no sense hiding it from him. Liam knew, Hana knew...she hoped by now Drake believed her. If it's a problem they can send me back to the bar, she told herself. She cut herself off from finishing the thought with maybe that would be for the best. Maybe it would. But Daniel had  told her that she should trust herself, and she trusted him so why not take his advice? She wrapped a chunky plaid scarf three times around her neck, fixed her hair in the mirror, and headed out towards where everyone had started to gather for skating.

Olivia and Liam were gliding arm in arm on the far side of the lake. Maxwell had advised that the pair of them had grown up together and were old friends. In the few, short interactions that Claire had had with Olivia in the boutique and other common areas of the palace, the redhead had been sharp, biting and standoffish. She thought it odd that someone as kind and welcoming as Liam would have a friend as prickly as Olivia, but then she admittedly knew nothing about courtly politics. She watched as Olivia chattered happily away at Liam as he nodded and smiled, but it was clear to Claire that he wasn't paying her much attention. She followed his crystal clear eyes a few feet away, where they landed on Kiara's flowing raven hair as she tossed it, laughing with Penelope as the two women struggled to keep each other steady on their skates. Claire wondered whether Kiara or anyone else noticed the way that Liam found any moment he could to steel glances at the lady from Castelsarreillan. Probably not. No one seemed to notice the same about her and Drake.

“Claire! Hey snowbunny!” Maxwell's cheerful voice rang clearly through the cold air. He was sitting on a bench tying his skates, waving one arm over his head. Now or never, and better when there are more people around.

“Hey, Max,” she strode over and took a seat next to him to lace up her own skates. “Want to do a lap together?” she asked when she was done.

“Claire, I'd like nothing more.” He stood, held his hand out for her and she took it smiling. On the inside her stomach was roiling.

They made their way out onto the ice and linked arms. “How are you at this?” Maxwell asked tentatively.

Claire looped her arm through his and took him on a graceful glide. “You tell me,” she said smirking.

Maxwell was impressed and clearly relieved. Claire had her hands full trying to keep him upright. Looking around it was clear that most of the nobles weren't the outdoorsy type. The second that thought had crossed her mind, Drake sped past her and Maxwell looking happier than she'd seen him since the first night they'd met. Her heart jumped to her throat and she felt a pressing need to get the conversation with Maxwell over with. She waited until they were far enough away from other ears before leveling with him.

“Hey, Max, I uh...I need to tell you something.” She didn't give him time to respond. Doing so would give her just enough time to change her mind and spin a quick lie to cover what she'd said. She continued hastily, “I need you to know the truth about why I came here and the truth is this: I thought that I had a connection with Drake the night of Liam's bachelor party, and I haven't had that in...in a long time and, I needed to see what it meant. And god you were so right that I didn't want to go back to that bar, Max. You have no...no idea how right you were, and...and I” she glanced over at him. His expression was neutral, he was waiting for her to finish. “I'm sorry. I know you and Bertrand were hoping that I'd somehow bring honor to your house but... I'm the wrong girl for that job, Max.” She looked down at her skates, watching the blades bite into the ice below them, too nervous to look back at Maxwell.

“Does Liam know?” Maxwell asked, finally.

“He does. He's...” she smiled despite still feeling bad for letting Maxwell down, “He's actually kind of for it.”

Maxwell smiled, shocking her. “Well if the Prince approves, who am I to say a word?” He nudged her with his elbow playfully. She let out a huge sigh of relief. “Besides, it wouldn't kill Drake to find a little happiness in life,” he rolled his eyes.

They finished their lap around the lake and Claire gave Maxwell a big hug, thanking him for being so understanding. “Look,” he'd said, “I know you're new around here. But marrying the prince really isn't the only reason for the social season, and it's not the only way that you can make your mark on the court.” He squeezed her hand and bounded off to talk to Hana.

A blue blur whizzed past the corner of Claire's vision, and she turned in the direction that it went to see Drake just a few feet away from her, looking like a professional skater. “Hey, Berkley, you ready to prove what you said about being a better skater than me?” He challenged. He was grinning, and without noticing, Claire let out a little bubbly laugh, her own lips pulling up involuntarily at his uncharacteristic display of happiness.

“You're on, Walker,” she called over to him. He closed the distance, blades cutting to a stop and spraying her toes with ice. “Should I skate faster than you, more gracefully than you?” she asked teasingly as she circled him. “What kind of contest should this be? Or maybe I should ask, what kind of contest do you feel like losing?” she was feeling a little more brazen after her talk with Maxwell, and reminded herself to reel it in a bit.

“Do I look like a figure skater? We're racing.” he cocked one eyebrow, looking at her like she had three heads for suggesting anything but a race.

She shrugged, “Like I said, didn't matter to me, I'm flexible,” That's reeling it in?! She scolded herself.

She thought she saw Drake's eyes darken just a bit, thought she heard a slight rumbling growl from the back of his throat before saying, “Berkley, you just go looking for trouble, don't you.”

Smirking, Claire turned away from him and skated over to the edge of the lake. Drake followed, again stopping right in front of her, so so close to her. She felt a flutter in her chest and a shiver though her bones that had nothing to do with the cold. She pointed to where everyone else had gathered, all abandoning their skates. He nodded, staring her in the eye. “On your mark,” she said, crouching into her stance.

He did the same, “get set,” he said, keeping his eyes locked on hers.

“Go!” she yelled, taking off. He was right on her heels, but she could go faster. She dug deeper, put her head down, and increased her speed. Pulling ahead, she saw that the rest of the group had noticed the race and were watching. Pushing as fast as she could, she reached the other side, slowing by doing a dramatic figure eight to great applause from Liam, Maxwell and Hana.

Drake finished just as she was coming out of her figure eight, a breathless, shocked look on his face. “You...weren't...kidding,” he huffed.

Claire smiled. “Nope. My first job was a skating instructor. Did I forget to mention that?” she stuck her tongue out at him.

He let out a slight chuckle, “Yeah you may have forgotten that detail,” he said. “Good race, Berkley.” His eyes softened but just for a second. As if remembering that the rest of the group was still looking at them, he said, “uh, everyone seems to be waiting for us, so we should head in.”

Claire nodded. The moment was over and she'd have to wait for the next one. He was like a puzzle. A puzzle you could only solve in a certain sequence at a certain time. “Okay, let's head in.” she brushed her hand against his almost imperceptibly as she passed him, but she felt him stiffen at the contact and knew that he had felt something.

Later, after the sun had gone down and everyone had taken hot showers and warmed up, Olivia led the suitors and members of the court into a large sitting room with a roaring fire and several plush couches. “Prince Liam has some stately business to attend to before joining us,” she announced, “but the bar is full, so please, make yourselves comfortable.” They all did as she suggested, and milled about chatting before pouring themselves a second drink and settling onto the various couches.

Claire got herself a drink from the bar; a whiskey on the rocks, and took a seat next to Drake on the couch. “Come to gloat about your win, Berkley?” He took a swig of his drink.

“No way, I'm no sore winner,” she said smiling. “You looked like you were having fun today.”

“I was,” he said with honesty. “Usually courtly functions mean suits and parties, endless droning on of nobles all praising one another for nothing. I like being outside, breathing fresh air.”

“I like that too,” she said. “I don't get enough fresh air in New York. I love that city, but god it can be suffocating.” she took a drink.

As Drake opened his mouth to say something, a tall shadow crossed in front of them, and he went rigid. Looking up, Claire saw their host, Duchess Olivia, clutching a glass of red wine in one hand, the other on her hip. “Lady Claire, that was quite a performance on the ice today,” she said flatly.

“Thank you, Duchess-”

The redhead cut her off, her eyes trained on Drake, red lip curling up. “Be careful though, Lady Claire. Ladies who spend a lot of time with Drake end up vanishing. Isn't that right, Drake dear?” she said, her expression sickeningly sweet.

Drake glared at her, his eyes darkening three shades. “Don’t, Olivia.” He warned in a low growl.

Claire shifted next to Drake uncomfortably. “Hey, Olivia,” she tried to interject.

“How long has it been, Drake, since you’ve heard from Savannah? 8 months? A year? More?”

“I said don’t.” The anger was making his voice shake as he stood abruptly, hands becoming fists.

“And how about dear Lady Isla?” Olivia ignored Drake’s protests and smugly pressed the button she knew would cause the biggest reaction. “She just up and left the night before Landon’s engagement ball, so very unlike her. How long has it been since you’ve heard from her, Drake?” She crossed her arms and hitched one eyebrow high.

“I said, DON’T!” He snarled into Olivia’s face.

“Or what, Walker?” she spat at him. “Lighten up, it was just a joke.” she huffed and took a sip of her wine.

“That's the fucking problem with people like you, Olivia. The world is just a fucking joke.” he growled at her, slamming his empty glass down and stalking past her towards the entry way.

Claire stood from the couch and stared Olivia in the eye. “That was cruel, you know that? You're cold. Why would you do that? Couldn't you see it was bothering him?” She was unprepared for Olivia's seemingly careless approach to people's feelings.

“Of course I could see, Claire, don't be ridiculous,” she stated and went to refill her wine.

Claire looked around but no one else had noticed Drake's departure. Liam wasn't in the room and Maxwell was busy doing some party trick or another on the other side of the room. Making a split decision, Claire left the sitting room and followed Drake out into the night.

Without the sun the air temperature had dropped drastically. Claire was used to cold winters being from the north eastern United States, but she knew that it was too cold to stay out for too long. She needed to find Drake and make him come back inside before one or both of them got hypothermia. She followed his footprints, glad that it hadn't started snowing yet. Glancing up at the sky she could tell by the clouds that that wouldn't be the case for long.

She found him standing in a clearing, hands on his head. She approached slowly, snow crunching beneath her feet. Reaching a hand out, she placed it gently on his back hesitating for half a second before doing so. As her hand made contact with his back she felt him tense up again like he had when she brushed his hand out on the ice. “Drake...” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

He closed his eyes at the sound of her voice, let his shoulders relax. It was frigid outside, and Olivia had just chilled his heart, but the sound of her voice and the weight of her hand on his back sent a comforting warmth through his body. “Berkley,” he croaked. “Why'd you follow me?” he still hadn't turned to face her. He couldn't.

“Drake...I...was worried about you. It's cold, and...” she took a step around to the side of him, peering up at his face as he continued to stare straight ahead. “And what Olivia did was wrong. I” she shook her head. “I don't know what any of that meant, but...” he looked down at her. She looked genuinely upset about what Olivia had done. “but it was wrong of her.” she said, looking up at him and meeting his eyes. She kept her hand on his back as she came fully around to the front of him, their bodies almost touching.

“I...” he closed his eyes again. “I'm not ready to tell you about all that,” he sounded deflated. It was different from his flat, stoic, sarcastic tone. It broke her heart.

“That's okay,” she said. “You don't have to, I just...wanted to make sure you were alright.” She dropped her hand from his back as the other reached up to rest on his chest. He looked down at her, unable to remember a time when anyone but his family or Liam had shown him concern. This woman was changing everything he thought he was sure about.

“It's cold,” she said after a beat. “Let's get back.” she turned back towards the estate.

“Hang on,” he said, hand darting out to grab hers. “Look,” he pointed up at the sky and she followed his finger to see the sky erupting in a brilliant meteor shower.

“Beautiful,” she gasped.

The sky twinkled and glittered like diamonds, but he'd seen it before. He'd never seen her see it, though, and he thought that the awe on her face was more beautiful that anything going on in the sky. “Yeah, it is, isn't it?” he said in a low voice, eyes not moving from her.

They stayed watching the meteor shower for a few minutes until Claire began to shiver. Drake noticed and pulled her to his side, rubbing her arm. She huddled closer as snow began to fall. “Okay,” he said, breaking apart, “let's get you back.” He took her hand tightly and led the way, Claire clutching onto him for safety- she was afraid that if she let go she might lose any hold she had on him.

By the time they had made it back everyone had retired to their rooms for the night, either not caring or not noticing the absence of the commoners. The reddish glow from the dying fire spilled out into the entryway where they stood, breathing heavily from the walk in the cold, both shivering at this point. Claire took a shaky breath before reaching up to Drake's face. She brushed snow out of his wet hair. His hand came up and caught hers and pulled her into the sitting room.

Once inside he shut the door and they collided in a kiss that made the embers in the hearth jealous. Her fingers went to his buttons, shedding his shirt, their lips still locked, tongues entwined, his hands in her hair grabbing fistfuls. Dropping his shirt to the floor she started to remove her own top when he broke the kiss.

“Berkley-” his voice was strained.

“Shh,” she said, moving to kiss the skin behind his ear. A strangled moan fell from his lips. “We have to get these cold, wet clothes off,” she said before returning her lips to his. He moaned again into her mouth at the sensation of her skin pressed to his chest. It set every inch of him tingling, an electric current buzzing through his veins. She feels amazing, he thought to himself, how is this real? How is she real?

They moved to the couch, hands roving over each other, warming themselves against one another. He slid his hand up to cup her breast and she hummed against his lips as his strong fingers kneaded her soft flesh. He could barely breathe for how it felt to touch her.  Drake sunk into the corner of the couch, stretching his legs out, and pulled her on top of him. She sighed as he lined her hips up against hi own, and he took her bottom lip between his teeth, sucking, drawing a satisfying gasp from her. One hand was tangled in her hair again, the other pressing lightly on the small of her back. He felt her breath rise and fall with his, his fingertips starting to trail lightly up and down her spine. He'd slowed the kiss down, tongue gently sliding over hers, getting lost in it. They were both lost in it.

Lungs burning with a need for air, Claire reluctantly pulled her lips from his, amazed at how difficult it was to stop kissing him. Gasping, she tilted her head down resting her forehead against his chest. He smells like autumn, she thought, like the air after rain. She felt his fingers unwind from her hair, smoothing it gently now. He placed a delicate kiss behind her ear and she sighed, breath evening out slowly. She shifted her weight to lay against him, placing her cheek against the place where his heart was still thumping wildly. He looped both arms around her body and tightened his hold on her, turning his face to rest against hers, noses touching. They stayed there, not saying anything, neither daring to speak first, until Claire began drifting in and out of sleep.

Drake wanted to stay there all night holding her. He needed the delicious feeling of her warm body pressed against his own. He wanted nothing more than to wake up like that, to see her in his arms in the clear, gentle light of morning with sunbeams dancing through the blinds and through her hair. But he knew that it wouldn't look good for someone to find them like this, half naked and tangled together, sweaty and content. Fighting his desires, he brushed  a light kiss to her cheek and she stirred awake, blinking up at him, a small, sheepish smile forming. “Sorry... didn't mean to fall asleep...” she mumbled, stretching and moving to get off of him.

“It's okay,” he said. It's more than okay, he thought. “But we should get to our rooms. Come on, I'll walk you.” He handed her her shirt and she slipped it on as he did the same. They left the room, fingers laced together loosely, and walked in silence until they got to her door.

“Well,” she bit her lip and looked down. “Good night, Drake.”

“Hey, Berkley...before you go...” he dropped his own gaze, pulling his hand up behind his neck. “Thank you. For coming after me, I mean.” He chanced a glance up at her and met her steady gaze.

“You don't have to thank me, I-” she began.

“No, Berkley, I do. You might not understand it but...” he sighed. “Just let me thank you, okay?”

She could see something in his eyes, like he was straining himself. She nodded. “Okay.”

“Good night, Berkley,” he said, moving back from her door. “See you tomorrow.”

“Sleep well, Drake,” she said with a yawn, closing the door.

Drake knew he wouldn't be sleeping. He'd be laying in his bed trying to remember how she had fit so perfectly against his chest, how their lips had joined so seamlessly. He would be laying there thinking about what it meant to have someone that he wanted to take a chance on, someone that could melt the ice around his heart.

#learning to love again #trr #trr au #choices trr #drake x mc #drake x claire #drake walker #drake #claire berkley #liam #maxwell beaumont #olivia nevrakis #lythikos #melt

[fluffy-marshmallow-heart]

Drake's Diary ch.6 - The Winter Ball

Words: 2672

Drake was sitting in the very back of the Olivia’s ballroom, waiting on dinner. He’d already been waiting for a while, he had nothing better to do, but he was getting bored. Finally, the nobles were starting to trickle in and he watched as they all greeted each other with their fake smiles and forced small talk. At least he didn’t have to do that. He noticed heads turning towards the door and when he looked over, his breath caught. Emma had just walked in on Maxwell’s arm. She was wearing a simple white satin gown, which was hugging her curves and giving her breasts just a hint of exposure. To top off her ensemble she had a white shawl covering her shoulders. She looked like a winter Goddess and Drake couldn’t tear his eyes off her. He watched Maxwell part ways and start towards the head table with Liam and Olivia. His heart started beating faster as both Emma and Hana headed to the back and joined his table. He grinned at them.

“Welcome to the table of exiles”

Emma gave him a warm smile. “Drake? I’m actually glad to see you. And here I was worried we’d be stuck with some stuffy nobles.”

Hana sighed “It’s probably meant to be an even bigger slight that we’re with a commoner.”

Emma snorted “Well, Olivia really missed the mark this time”

Drake felt his heart flutter at her words. She’s actually happy to be sitting with me? Say something, you idiot! “Thanks Rose. That actually means something, coming from you.”

He noticed her bite her bottom lip. Fuck, stop staring at her lips!

Luckily, Hana started talking “Drake, you don’t seem bothered at all to be seated in the back”

“Heh. What can I say? After enough years of getting treated like this, you build up a thick skin. Besides, back here? Out of the spotlight? At least we can relax”

The three of them watched all the servers carry dish after dish of delicious food to other tables

Hana was practically drooling “That food looks amazing, I hope they serve us soon! I’m starving!”

Drake just shook his head.  “I wouldn’t get your hopes up. Where we’re seated, we’ll be the last to eat. If there’s even any left by the time they get to us”

“But…the lobster bisque…” She started again. “Do you really think we’ll go hungry?”

Emma piped in “Not if I can help it. This can’t be too different from hailing a New York taxi”

Drake saw her target a server walking by and before he knew what was happening, she was out of her chair, reaching for the server.

“Hey…Please, I’m about to faint. I need food.”

The server stopped, unsure of what to do, so she continued “I haven’t eaten all day, I…”

Suddenly he saw her flutter her eyes and she was falling forward.

“Hey!” Drake springs up and barely catches her before she hit the floor.

“Please…food…” she whispered

Bewildered, the server quickly puts out a plate for the table before rushing off

Drake was stunned “I can’t believe that actually worked, Rose. Just…warn me before you take a dive. Next time I might not catch you.”

“Oh Drake. You know I like to keep you on your toes.” She teased

Hana laughed “Well, let’s examine our riches! One piping hot bowl of lobster bisque to split 3 ways?”

“Let’s dig in!” Emma exclaimed

The three of them all took a bite of the soup.

Drake was instantly surprised “This is actually really good.” He looked over at Emma, who was smiling at them.  “Solid work, Rose”

“Yes! Thank you, Emma! We’d be lost without you!” Hana agreed.

Emma blushed and Drake couldn’t help thinking it was the most adorable thing he had ever seen. “Aw, thanks guys, I’m sure the rest of the food will show up soon anyway…”

30 minutes later

“Wow, the service here is terrible” Hana complained

Drake smirked “All by design”

Hana sighed “Even if it’s on purpose, at least it’s not the worst service I’ve had.”

Emma’s mouth fell open “You’ve had worse service than this?”

Hana shrugged “Believe it or not, I’ve been to a wedding where food wasn’t served until midnight. They got hideously behind schedule and decided to do an open call for speeches before dinner. It took hours!”

“Oh, heavens!” Drake said sarcastically, making a grand gesture with his hands”

Emma glared at him “Drake.”

“I can tell you a real horror story, Rose. Let’s set the scene. Casual get-together. Lots of people I don’t know, but that’s fine. There’s a bar, man’s true best friend. So, I figure I’ll grab a drink. I got up to the bar…” He paused for dramatic effect. “And they’re out of whiskey!”

Emma chuckled “I could use some whiskey now.”

Drake grinned at her “Now you’re speaking my language. But these dinners usually only come with some fancy wine and champagne.”

Hana looked forlorn “I have a feeling that we’d be lucky to even get water at this point”

Drake nodded “It’s too bad we probably won’t see a real drink at dinner. From what I’ve seen, Olivia’s got quite a stash.”

“From what you’ve seen?” Hana asked

Drake leaned forward  “I did some exploring, and I happened to stumble across her wine cellar. It’s pretty impressive, actually, and not a bad place to get away from all of this for a while.” After a moment’s hesitation, he found himself saying “Why don’t you join me there for a drink tonight, Rose? If you’re not afraid of sneaking out after hours…”

He trailed off, immediately regretting the words. He shouldn’t have said that, they shouldn’t be alone together, especially since he’s been…imagining things lately.

Before Emma can reply, a server brings two more bowls of lobster bisque to the table

Hana frowned “There’s no lobster in my bowl…it’s just…bisque. This is the saddest soup I’ve ever seen.”

Drake shook his head sadly “I’m not usually one to complain about free food, but this is ice cold compared to what we had earlier. Which means Olivia did this on purpose.”

Hana turned towards Emma “At least we got to have a taste of the real meal, thanks to Emma’s quick thinking!”

Drake noticed Emma looked mad “And we know that Olivia’s intentionally screwing us.”

Music begins to fill the room and the group looked up as Olivia took the stage

"Hello, dear guests, and welcome to the Nevrakis family’s chateau. It means so much to me that you would join me in this place that’s so dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy the festivities tonight as much as I will. Now, everyone, please join me up front to begin the Cordonian Waltz.”

“But we haven’t finished eating!” Hana exclaimed

Drake gave her a look “I don’t think she cares”

Emma sighed “Well…let’s do this”

Drake hung back, completely uncomfortable.

Hana paused “Aren’t you joining us, Drake?”

“Waltzing isn’t my thing. I’ll be here with the…food.” Drake grimaced.

He watched as they left for the dance floor and saw Maxwell hold his hand out to Emma with flourish. She giggled, and he led her to the dance floor. Drake’s stomach turned as Maxwell put one hand on her waist and raised her hand in a classic ballroom pose. He watched as Maxwell spun her around and she relaxed into it. She looked like a natural. Then he twirled her facing out, her back to him as he draws her close. His arms go around her, and they swayed together for several beats before he let go and gently pushes her forward.

Drake felt a pang of something deep inside him.  Was it…jealousy? He was unfamiliar with this emotion but as he watched Maxwell hold her flush against him he had never before wanted to be in the younger Beaumont’s shoes. His brow furrowed. He didn’t like this feeling.

Now she was with Liam, both of them smiling. He led her into the twirl and held her against him. Drake watched him lower his mouth to her ear, whispering something. Then he spun her back out and Olivia cut in.

Drake turned away, about to leave the ballroom when he heard a collective gasp from the crowd. He looked back…and saw Olivia kissing Liam. Now he was pissed. As he strode out of the ballroom he couldn’t believe that Liam kissed her! He kept talking about Emma, and how much he likes her, and now he’s kissing someone else in front of her. Who the hell does he think he is? He knew this would happen. Emma was going to get hurt and it killed him to think of it.

Drake found himself in wine cellar, nervous as all hell that Emma would show up. Although, he thought he might be more nervous if she didn’t. Suddenly he heard the click of heels descending the spiraling staircase. He had butterflies in his stomach as he glanced at her, an empty glass in his hand.

Drake gave her a small smile “There you are, Rose. I was beginning to think you didn’t have the guts to show. Y’know, breaking the rules, out after curfew and all that”

Emma shrugged “Actually, I couldn’t wait to see you again.”

Drake’s heart soared “Aw, come on Rose. You’re gonna make me blush”

She flashed him a smile “Now that I’d like to see”

They both stood there a moment, unsure what to do. Drake cleared his throat. “So, what are you drinking?”

“What’ve you got?” she asked

“Nothing yet.” He gestured to his empty glass. “It seems like Olivia has a very extensive collection of fine Cordonian wines. I’m no expert, but from the names I recognize, nothing in here’s under a thousand dollars!”

Emma gasped  “You want to drink Olivia’s wine? Pass me a bottle! She’s got so many bottles here, she’ll probably never even notice!”

Drake paused “Before you pop something open, I also brought a bottle of whiskey down for myself…but I’d share it with you. So, pick your poison”

Smiling slyly she pointed to the whiskey.

Drake grins. It secretly thrills him that she likes whiskey. My kind of girl. He hands her a glass and she sips it. “So. You came down to the wine cellar to drink whiskey? Doesn’t that seem a little silly?”

Drake chuckled “I came down here to get a little commoner time by myself where I don’t have to bow and kiss hands for a few minutes”

Emma raised an eyebrow “Drake, if you hate the nobility so much, why do you stick around?”

He searched her eyes but she seemed genuine. “It must seem ridiculous to you.”

She nodded “To be honest, I don’t understand why you put yourself through it.”

Drake took a deep breath. “It’s Liam. It’s always been for him. I would’ve left a long time ago, but Liam needs me. I know he’s got nobles and courtiers all around him, but most of them would stab him in the back if they thought they could profit from it. I’ve seen so many underhanded moves that I don’t trust any of them anymore. And these are from our friends! And the latest one…” He trailed off

She looked at him curiously “What happened?”

Guiltily he said “I…I’m not sure I should tell you. It’s still being resolved.”

He saw Emma roll her eyes “You’re always saying I need to watch out…it’d be nice to actually know what for.”

Drake nodded slowly “You remember Liam’s bachelor party? We found out that someone close to us that night was trying to sell pictures to the tabloids.”

"But who? Who would do that?”

“We haven’t tracking down the source yet, but I just got a message from Bastien that we were able to buy the photos back before they were printed”

Her brows furrowed “Call me crazy but I don’t remember anything that scandalous happening…”

Drake just looked at her “You know how the tabloids are, A picture with a drink in his hand, and suddenly the crown prince of Cordonia is on a drunken rager. And then there’s the pictures of the two of you together”

Her mouth dropped “What? But we weren’t…”

“The two of you were talking and he was clearly interested in you. That’s enough for them to speculate on. What was the headline the tabloid was going to run? ‘Prince Liam’s Drunken Fling Before the Ring!”

Emma looked stunned “And you have no idea who would do this?

“Not really. There are a lot of people who would be desperate for those photos…I just hope it wasn’t one of the guys. The pictures they had…those would’ve been hard to take unless that person were someone close to us”

Emma placed a hand on Drake’s shoulder “Thanks, I’ll watch out.”

He inhaled sharply at her touch “Good. Money and power make people do crazy things, Rose. I just don’t want to see you get hurt because of it”

She was looking at him and stepping closer “Drake…”

He stammered “I mean, sometimes I look at you…and I see this wide-eyed baby deer who just stumbled into the hunter’s campsite.”

Emma looked at him mischievously “A baby deer? So, you think I’m cute?”

Drake felt his jaw drop “That’s not what I…er…”

She smirked “My, my, seems like for once you’re speechless”

He shook his head, smiling “Your unique talent, Rose, seems to be putting me in my place.”

She shrugged and stepped even closer “Someone’s gotta do it”

He stared at her “What is it about you? You’re so frustrating, but…”

“But?”

Drake took a minute to just breathe. She was right next to him now, and he was having trouble standing so close to her “Forget it. How about a toast, instead?”

What’re we toasting to?

He thought for a brief second “To the moments in between”

She looked at him quizzically “Huh?”

He started to explain “All the nobles think about are the big events. The grand balls, the press appearances, the banquets…they don’t even realize that the moments that matter the most are all the ones they’re missing. Moments like right now, just the two of us and some cheap whiskey. The ones that really mean something.” He looked away from her and murmured “At least, it means something to me, anyway”

“Drake…It means something to me too” she whispered

Fuuuuuck she looks like she wants to kiss me. But that can’t be, I must be imagining it. I’m projecting my feelings onto her. Wait, my feelings? What?

Drake raises his glass “To the moments in between”

They toasted their glasses and downed the rest of their drinks.

Drake decided he needed to leave or he was going to do something he was sure would get him slapped. “Now it’s getting late, and I don’t want to get you in any trouble.”

Emma gazed into his eyes “That’s so thoughtful of you”

He saw her bite her bottom lip again and had an overwhelming desire to take it between his own teeth and bite it for her. He swallowed. “I’m a gentleman, even if not one by birth” He smiled before heading off to his room. “G’night, Rose.”

“Good night Drake”

He thought he detected a note of sadness in her voice and when he looked back he saw her staring dejectedly into her empty glass.

Should I turn around? Maybe she wants to drink more? No, no. You’re reading too much into it. Keep walking and don’t turn around again.

He arrived in his room, his thoughts consumed once again by Emma. He couldn’t get her out of his head. He could have sworn she wanted to kiss him. But there’s just no way that could be right. Drake really didn’t want to, he tried to push those thoughts away, but once again he couldn’t help himself from pulling his cock out and picturing her, this time naked down in the wine cellar with him. He was picking her up and setting her on the bar, spreading her legs.

I’m in so much trouble.

    @blackwidow2721 @sleepwalkingelite @flowerpowell @imaketerriblechoices @agent-bossypants @annekebbphotography @carabeth @imaketerriblechoices @notoriouscs

#the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #trr fanfic #trr drake #drake walker #drake x mc #drake x emma #choices the royal romance #choices fanfiction #choices trr

[livingthroughchoices-blog]

The Marshmallow Chronicles (Ch. 7: Fire and Ice)

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Author’s notes: This is another long one. It’s also pretty harsh to Olivia. I actually love her but this is Drake’s PoV so /: it will definitely soften over time, though! As always, thanks for reading and special thanks to @starstruckzonkoperatorbat and @notoriouscs for asking me to tag them! Please don’t feel any obligation to read though!

Rating: T

Pairing: Drake x MC

Words: 5931

Drake got in the limo with Liam and Bastien and immediately crossed his arms, directing his brooding stare out the window.

“Drake? What’s wrong?” Liam’s voice was laced with real concern, which only further irritated Drake.

“Oh, I don’t know, I had to wake up at an ungodly hour to go to Olivia’s estate, so everything’s just peachy, Liam.”

“Come on, Drake, she’s not that–”

“Do not say bad. Just don’t. You know what she’s like with me.”

“... Fair enough. I still think it’s a mistake to be acting like this, though.”

“Why?” Drake finally turned to look at Liam, his eyes sparkling with misplaced anger. “You scared I’ll ‘embarrass’ you in front of your suitors?”

“That’s enough.” Liam’s voice was not angry, but firm. “Stop being a child.”

Drake’s mouth dropped indignantly.

“I understand why you don’t like Olivia, but you will make an effort to be civil, because I know you can be the bigger person. As for earlier, I merely meant that you shouldn’t let someone you dislike ruin your day. Try to have fun, at least.”

Drake recovered his composure. “Fine. I–I will.”

“That’s what I like to hear. Besides, there is just one Olivia. You can choose to spend time with Maxwell, Hana and Riley instead.”

“Lady Kiara will be there too,” jumped in Bastien with a knowing twinkle in his eyes.

“Shut up, Bastien. But yeah, I guess it could be fun,” said Drake with a grudging smile. He returned to looking at the window with a more relaxed posture.

“A child...” he grumbled, “I’m not a child.”

“Sure you’re not,” sniggered Bastien. “And before you ask, no, we’re not there yet.”

Drake – very maturely, in his opinion – resisted the urge to mimic Bastien mockingly and contented himself with pulling a face at him.

One long car ride later, Drake and Liam were woken up by Bastien, who had barely blinked the entire journey. 

“Bastien,” said Liam, “now that we’re here, you should get some rest.”

“Your Highness, I can’t–”

“Assign one of your men to me and go rest. I am serious.”

Bastien sighed in defeat. “I will, Your Highness.”

Drake clapped him on the shoulder sympathetically. “Quit worrying, old man, he’ll be fine. I’ll be there.”

Bastien looked severely unimpressed.

Drake’s hand went to his chest, feigning outrage. “Your skepticism wounds me, but your man will be there too, anyway. So go rest.” He made a shooing motion and Bastien finally walked away, talking into his earpiece.

“I must go greet Olivia and thank her for her hospitality. I take it you’d rather stay and wait for the others?”

“You take it right,” replied Drake grumpily. “Say hi to annoying-ass Ronald McDonald for me.”

Liam shot him a look and shook his head with a reluctant smile.

As Liam walked away, Drake took in his surroundings. He was standing at the foot of an imposing mountain range. Their pristine white surfaces interrupted by snow-covered pine trees standing in small clusters. There was a frozen lake in the distance and the sounds of laughter and shouts of joy reached him through the crisp air. He breathed in deeply.

Despite his temper, he couldn’t deny it was beautiful here. The type of place he wouldn’t mind spending some time in with friends... or a girl. 

Whoa, where did that come from? 

He did not often think that way. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d wished to have a relationship. He was by no means inexperienced, but he preferred to keep things casual. At court, with so much gossip going around and reputations to maintain, this didn’t exactly make him popular with the ladies. 

Is it because I’m not a noble? Huh. 

Or maybe it’s all those walls you put up, asshole... 

Yep, that sounds more likely.  

He let his thoughts wander freely, curious about where they’d take him. He found himself daydreaming of skiing with this mystery girl and then cuddling next to a fire. He shook his head in surprise. 

Do I really want that? Something so... domestic? Or am I just being weird ‘cause Liam’s getting married?

His brain wasn’t done, though; he and the girl had started making out. 

Wait, why haven’t I thought of her face? 

He turned his attention to the girl, trying to picture what she looked like...

“Here we are...” said a loud, excited voice behind him. “Welcome to Lythikos! Land of ice, snow, and mountains.”

Drake wheeled around to find Maxwell, Riley and Hana approaching. He felt his face grow warm for no apparent reason and smiled sheepishly at them, feeling like a kid caught red-handed. 

What the hell, dude? Chill.

Fortunately, all three of them were too busy taking in the magnificent landscape to pay much attention to him. 

“This is where Olivia lives?” Riley said, her mouth open in awe.

“Some of the time, yeah,” replied Maxwell. “She’s primarily at Lythikos Hall, which is further south, but she’ll host us up here for the social season, so we can take advantage of the snowy festivities...” 

He mimicked skating, skiing and a snowball fight. Hana let out her tinkling laugh while Riley smiled and made eye contact with Drake, her eyes saying something like, “This guy.” Drake smiled back and rolled his eyes at Maxwell. 

Riley’s face suddenly became serious,“And so she can take advantage of the Prince?”

Drake resisted the urge to say something harsh. Of course she’ll take the advantage of being in her home turf! She’d be a fool not to; and Olivia was a lot of nasty things, in Drake’s opinion, but a fool was not one of them. 

Why does she even care? Liam is clearly gonna choose her... God, how naive can you get?!

“She does have the edge here, but that’s no reason to admit defeat!” Hana said, chipper. She put a hand on Riley’s shoulder.

“That’s the spirit,” Maxwell put his hand on Riley’s other shoulder.

Drake looked around and realized something was missing. “What happened to your brother, Maxwell? I notice he’s not around lecturing Addams.” Riley nodded thoughtfully. Drake continued, “I thought he hated to miss out on the chance to eat fancy food and rub elbows with the royals...”

Maxwell fidgeted uncomfortably, then passed it off as a shiver. “Bertrand was called away for some business having to do with our estate.”

Drake narrowed his eyes at Maxwell suspiciously, while the latter pretended not to notice, bending down to form a snowball.

“Bertrand is gone?” 

Drake could swear Riley’s smile took up half her face; it would’ve been funny if it wasn’t so... endearing? 

Huh. At least I didn’t think cute first. 

“This is starting to sound like a real vacation after all.” Riley had a mischievous glint in her eyes as she said this.

“That’s one way to put it,” Maxwell conceded. “Now we can really enjoy ourselves.”

“Well, it is beautiful out here...” Hana said, still looking around admiringly. “Even if it is so very cold!” She shivered violently in her thin dress.

He turned to look at Riley and noticed she too was wearing inadequate clothing. 

This is crazy! Addams is gonna get hypothermia! Er, they both will! 

He looked at them disapprovingly. 

“Didn’t you pack anything warmer?” he directed his question at Hana, who seemed to be shaking more than Riley.

She grimaced. She even did that prettily. “...Not exactly. I didn’t realize it’d be snowing quite this much... but I’ll survive.” Drake privately doubted that, but it didn’t seem like saying it out loud would be any help. “What say we check out the inside of the chateau?” Hana pointed in the direction of the chateau, whose roof poked out among the trees.

Maxwell, who had been building an indiscernible snow creature, came back to them. “Good idea. Riley, let’s go! I can show you where your room is...”

They walked towards the imposing chateau. The enormous double doors were opened for them by guards and they entered. The chateau was opulent and intimidating, all marble with purple details here and there. He noticed most of the decor had sharp points. 

Very Nevrakis. 

“All right, I’m taking Riley to her room. Should we meet at the frozen lake for skating in 20 minutes?”

Drake snorted. “I won’t be skating, but sure.”

Maxwell shrugged and started towards the stairs.

“Why, Drake? You scared?” teased Riley.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he snapped. “I could skate circles around you.”

“Oh? How about that triple or nothing, then?”

“Well, uh, I’d rather ski, actually.”

“Fine. I can beat you at anything, Drake, no worries,” she gave him a cheerful smile and winked before catching up to Maxwell.

Drake turned to go and caught a glimpse of Hana looking curiously at him. It made him uneasy but he decided not to dwell on it.

After a quick nap, Drake put on a scarf and went out to meet the others. He really didn’t plan on skating and he was, in fact, scared. He’d never skated before and it seemed like the kind of activity that required the kind of grace he lacked. 

He was sure Maxwell would be decent at it, being a noble, or at least would have the enthusiasm to make up for any clumsiness. Hana would be incredible at it, obviously. And Riley... Riley would approach it as she had done everything else, so far: fearlessly. He smiled involuntarily. He had to hand it to her, she was so much more than he’d thought.

After a few minutes of walking, he came to the clearing where the lake was. Like everywhere else around here, the ground sparkled with blue-white snow where it hadn’t been disturbed; around the shores of the lake, however, the snow was muddy and messy.

Everyone else was already there. He spotted Liam skating with Olivia and Maxwell skating with Riley, who had changed into something warmer. A weight he hadn’t realized had been on his chest this whole time, lifted. 

Okay, so I’m glad she’s not getting hypothermia, that doesn’t mean anything. I wouldn’t even want Olivia to get hypothermia... I don’t think.

Quite apart from being a better outfit for this weather, her new ensemble really suited her. She looked cozy and cute. 

Damn it, I thought it that time. 

He searched for a distraction and saw Hana sitting by the shore. She looked melancholy.

Here we go again.

He sat next to her, this time not waiting for her invitation. Hana didn’t even seem to notice, her eyes were so far away. Drake followed her gaze and found himself looking directly at Riley, who was now happily skating with Liam. They looked perfect together.

His staring in the same direction as Hana seemed to shake her from her trance and she turned to look at Drake, but her eyes still looked wistful. A moment of understanding passed between them. Drake just nodded and she shrugged as if to say, “What can you do?” She then surprised him by resting her head on his shoulder. Drake froze up for a second, then relaxed into it.

He noticed Liam skating off to join Olivia again and nudged Hana’s head with his shoulder. “Liam’s gone. You should go skate.”

“Oh! He is... but I’m not sure I–”

“Hana, go.”

“...You’re right. Thank you, Drake!”

Drake watched Hana skate perfectly – I knew it – towards Riley, who received her with a huge smile. Drake smiled slightly. 

So, Hana has a crush on Addams, huh? Can’t say I blame her. I mean, not that I see it, but whatever.

Just then, he heard Lady Kiara cry out after falling on her butt. Drake restrained his laughter as best as he could and waved her over. She slowly got up and made her uncharacteristically inelegant way off the ice towards him.

“Hello, Drake.”

“Hi, Lady Kiara. I hope you’re well.”

“Well, aside from a few bruises, I’m doing great. Et toi?”

“Yeah, you should be more careful. You’ll definitely be sore tomorrow.”

“Peut-être. But I plan on taking a bubble bath tonight, so that might help...”

She looked him directly in the eyes as she said this, a small, coy smile on her lips. Drake gulped. 

“Uh, y-yeah, that should, um, do the trick. I’m gonna go on the lift now but enjoy your bath!” He practically yelled that last part. 

Goddamn, I’m out of practice. 

He shuddered at his ineptitude. Why was he acting like this? Sure, he’d never exactly been Don Juan, but he used to be able to talk to girls, damn it!

I don’t know. I guess I’m not sure about Lady Kiara.

He quickly got fitted for his boots and skis, then went on the lift by himself, not feeling up for company. Once at the top of the mountain, he reveled in the deep silence; a silence so complete it was almost palpable, like a heavy blanket. He sensed all his negative thoughts tip toeing out of his mind while he breathed in deeply, sitting down sideways with his skis already on.

A few minutes later, he heard voices slowly coming up the mountain. He looked up and say the whole party approaching the top on the lift. Two by two, they skied off their chairs. He got up with difficulty and got out of their way. Suddenly, his vision was obscured by snow and his clothes splattered with it; he heard a loud, clear laugh. 

Of course she had to spray me. 

He scowled at Riley jokingly. She laughed harder, undeterred by his glare. He couldn’t help but laugh, too.

“So, Addams, you finally made it to the slopes.”

“What’s wrong, Drake?” She put her hand on her hip. “Were you starting to miss me?”

Drake rolled her eyes at her. 

Someone thinks highly of herself. 

“Hardly. I was just getting bored.”

“You didn’t go skating?” Riley asked.

Cool, so she didn’t even notice I wasn’t there. Yeah, that’s fine. 

“Figure skating isn’t really my thing,” he grumbled.

“Really? I think you’d look good in a tutu,” she poked him playfully and giggled.

“Some mental images aren’t worth the effort,” replied Drake, mock horrified.

“I suppose skiing is manly enough for you,” Riley said, gesturing toward the slope nearest them – a blue one – with her pole.

“I’d hardly call what’s going on here skiing,” Drake said scathingly, nodding towards Penelope, who was trying – and failing – to put on her second ski and looked to be seconds away from losing her balance. “But I’m looking to change that. How about a race?”

“What makes you think I can ski?” Riley smirked.

I’ve been so hard on her, how is she even talking to me? She’s actually doing better than any other suitor. 

He decided to go for honesty, “Maybe I’m starting to have faith in you, Addams.”

Riley looked shocked for a second, then a delighted smile spread across her face. “Drake, you’re scaring me with your... niceness.” She eyed him suspiciously.

Drake gave a short laugh. “I’m scaring myself. Anyway, I’m going to start skiing down this slope in a minute, and if I get to the bottom before you... Well, let’s just say I’m calling that a win, and I might never let you hear the end of it.” He turned his back on her and faced the somewhat steep slope in front of them.

He turned his head to look at Riley, who was still struggling with her poles’ straps, which had gotten tangled and winked. “Ready... set... Don’t wipe out!”

He took off with a push of his poles. Faintly, he heard Riley yell, “Hey!” indignantly. He laughed to himself and savored the cool air whipping at his face and the speed he was picking up by the second. 

He heard Riley getting closer behind him and he bent his knees and leaned forward more, trying to gain on her.

“I’m gonna catch you, Drake! You’re gonna eat my dust... er, snow!” she squealed gleefully.

“You talk a lot of game for someone who’s losing, Addams!” he called back to her. When he turned his head back, he barely had time to swerve over a fallen log. He regained control and shouted, ”Watch yourself, Addams!”

He pivoted completely so he could watch her, worried. 

Shit, if something happens to her... Liam’s gonna be pissed.

He needn’t have worried. Riley swerved the log more gracefully than he did, thanks to his heads up, and continued skiing down seamlessly.

“Uh oh,” Drake muttered. Having lost his momentum, he pushed himself off with his poles again, but his speed was nowhere near hers; it was all he could do to keep up with her. They got to the bottom at roughly the same time.

“Not bad, Addams, we’ll call that a draw,” he offered his hand.

“A draw?” Riley slapped his hand away. “You had a head start.”

Drake gave her a smug smile, “I think you meant to say that you had a late start.”

“You just don’t want to admit you lost.” Riley crossed her arms.

“I’m being generous. I had at least a nose or two on you.”

Riley laughed and pushed him playfully. Drake grabbed her arms so she couldn’t push him anymore. They smiled goofily.

“Are you gonna attack me?”

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“On you recognizing that I was the clear winner.”

“Never gonna happen.”

“Then yeah, I’m gonna attack you.”

“Okay, how about this, I will admit your skiing skills took me by surprise.”

“In how superior they are to yours?”

“Don’t push it, Addams.”

“Fine, I’ll take it.”

Drake let go of her hands and breathed in the clean mountain air. “This trip hasn’t been half bad so far. Shame that tomorrow it’s back to waltzing and bowing and all that,” he grimaced.

Riley nodded in agreement, “At least I can ski better than I can waltz... which is barely at all.”

Drake’s eyes widened, “Wait... You can’t waltz? I thought you danced with Liam...”

“Yeah, but he did a lot of the work... Why? Is it important?” she looked like a deer caught in the headlights, her eyes huge and worried. It took everything Drake had not to laugh.

“Oh, Addams, Addams, Addams...” he shook his head with each “Addams”. “What would you do without me? There’s a ball tomorrow. All of the ladies are expected to dance the Cordonian Waltz in front of everyone.”

“Oh...” she tried to shrug nonchalantly; it came off as a nervous tic. “It’s fine. I’ll figure it out.”

Drake finally broke down and sniggered. “It’s very complicated.”

Riley glared at him and then shrugged again, more successfully. “No biggie. I’ve survived this far.”

Drake smiled and raised his eyebrows at her. “Whatever you say, Addams.”

“But let’s say I’m curious... How does one dance the Cordonian Waltz?”

She looked so helpless that Drake wished he could learn the dance then and there just so he could teach her. 

Who knew years of ignoring everything the nobles do would bite me in the ass one day? 

“Sadly, I can’t help you there. I don’t know the steps.” He had an idea that would harvest two apples in one go, “You should ask Hana. If anyone knows everything forwards and backwards, it’s that one.”

“Yeah... maybe,” Riley said dubiously. She probably didn’t want to inconvenience Hana... 

Little does she know.

At that moment, the shrill voice Drake had successfully avoided all day broke through the stillness of the mountain. “It’s time to head over to the lodge. I’ve had enough snow for today.” Olivia didn’t seem too thrilled with how her day was going, which only further cheered Drake up. 

He turned to look at Riley and gave her an open smile. “Thanks for the race. I actually had fun.”

“Maybe you’re not as bad as you seem,” she replied teasingly.

Drake rolled his eyes, privately pleased. “You’re going soft on me, Addams.”

“So where does this race leave us? With our bet, I mean,” she asked.

“I guess we’re still on triple or nothing. That is, if you’re up for it.”

“That’s not even a question. I’m not that soft,” she smirked.

They all returned their boots and skis and walked back to the chateau, exhausted.

Olivia directed them into a plush drawing room, where tea and hot chocolate were being served. Drake slumped gratefully on one of the fancy sofas and his friends all followed suit. They were each handed a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows floating in it. Drake sipped it happily. Today had been a good day.

As if echoing his thoughts, Maxwell asked, “Did you have fun today, Riley?”

Drake turned to look at her, trying no to be too conspicuous.

Riley smiled widely, “Today was super fun!” Drake couldn’t be sure but he thought she’d glanced at him when she said that. She probably means with Liam. “And now we have hot chocolate,” she said, drinking some.

“This is wonderful. Look, little marshmallows shaped like hearts!” Hana said excitedly.

Drake was momentarily distracted by Riley, who was licking off her chocolate mustache. He said the first thing that came into his head, “Just... just adorable.”

Before Drake had time to puzzle over what he’d just said, they heard footsteps and Maxwell said, “Watch yourself... We’ve got incoming.”

Olivia came into the room, wearing her signature arrogant smile. “Well, hello, my dear guests. I hope you’re enjoying my spectacular hosting.”

“I always enjoy my time here with you, Olivia...” Maxwell replied diplomatically.

“It’s...” Drake was about to end his sentence with “slightly better than being dead” when he remembered he’d promised Liam he’d be polite, “something.”

Olivia’s smile grew, “Did you see that we have eclairs, Drake? They always remind me of dear, darling little Savannah. She’d gobble them down like a sow at the trough.”

Drake felt the back of his neck grow hot, “Don’t talk about my sister.”

“Why ever not?” said Olivia, a shocked look on her face. “She was such a fixture at court, and then she just up and disappeared. You never told us what happened, and usually gossip is quick to spread.”

Drake balled up his fists, “She left because of people like you.”

Olivia tsk-ed. “She always was the sensitive sort. Ladies like that don’t last long here.”

She kept smiling at him gloatingly and he clenched his jaw. He needed to do something or he would absolutely explode and then Liam would be upset. 

Why did she have to talk about– Wait, that’s it! 

He looked at his phone and, sure enough, he was right on time. He relaxed and got up. 

“You know what? I just remembered, I’ve got somewhere I need to be. If you’ll excuse me...” he bowed at everyone in the room and turned to leave.

“Wait, Drake, dear! Come back! I wasn’t finished with you!” Olivia yelled at his back.

To his utter bewilderment, he heard Riley say angrily – angrier than he’d ever heard her sound, “Olivia, leave Drake alone before I slap that smile off your face.”

She’s... she’s defending me? 

Nobody had ever stood up to Olivia for Drake, at least not to her face. Sure, Liam acknowledged the way she treated him was shitty, but he never really said much to her. He hesitated at the doorway, wanting to say something. But what, thanks? It felt like too much and too little at the same time. He left.

He walked the darkening grounds on his own, thinking about Riley and Savannah. Two women in a similar situation and yet such different approaches. Where Savannah had been sweet and trusting, Riley was... still sweet, but shrewd at the same time. He couldn’t picture her falling for fake friendships or relationships. She knew where she stood.

And here he’d been acting like an asshole, thinking she couldn’t protect herself. He almost laughed out loud at the thought. Oh, he’d still keep an eye out for her – these nobles were not to be underestimated – but he figured he could be less of a dick to her now. Maybe even be friends...

His feet had been taking him almost automatically to a clearing he’d noticed earlier while everyone skated. The wind was picking up more and more, but the storm was still some time away. He stood there, waiting for the sky to clear, when he heard footsteps behind him, followed by a decidedly unspooky, “Oooooooo...”

“Who’s there?” Drake asked, although he had a suspicion he knew who it might be.

Riley jumped out from behind a tree with her arms up and yelled, “A GHOST!”

“Riley?” He wasn’t surprised it was her, as he’d recognized her voice, but he was dumbfounded she was there at all. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Riley put her arms down disappointedly. “You don’t scare easily, huh?”

Drake smirked at her. “You’ll have to do better than that. Now answer the question.”

Riley twiddled her thumbs and looked down at her feet. “I saw you going off on your own, close to dark with a storm coming, and... I wanted to make sure you were okay.” She looked up from her feet and made eye contact with Drake. The look in her eyes was so sincere. “After what Olivia said to you... I could see that it struck something inside you.” She stepped forward with an arm outstretched, as if to comfort Drake.

He couldn’t believe his ears. She was looking out for him now? No. She needed to concentrate, to think about the competition and be on her guard with the other suitors. 

Shit, I’m distracting her. She needs to stop wasting her time on me.

“No offense, but you’re the last person I need looking out for me.” 

So much for being less of a dick. 

As per usual, what he said was a lot harsher than he intended.

Riley seemed to agree. She said, “Thanks,” then turned to leave, her face red with embarrassment and anger.

It was Drake’s turn to stretch out his arm, to stop her. He let it fall loosely to his side. “That’s not what I... Oh hell.” He rubbed his face, trying to come up with the words. She didn’t deserve this. “I’m not trying to be a jerk, Addams,” He looked at her earnestly. “I only meant that you shouldn’t have to worry about me. You should only be looking out for yourself.”

Riley’s face returned to its natural expression, though she didn’t seem too happy yet. “What did you come out here to do, exactly?”

Drake thought about explaining and unexpectedly found that he was too tired. It had been a long day for him, emotionally. “If you really want to know... you’ll have to trust me,” he gave her a small smile.

Riley arched an eyebrow. “Trust you? I’d trust you about as far as I can throw you. And you look pretty heavy to me.” She was smiling now, and Drake’s smile mirrored hers.

“Heh. Well, you’re out here alone with me at night, so you must think I’m at least not some kind of murderer.”

She replied, “The thought crossed my mind.”

“Here, I’ll make this easy for you...” Drake walked towards her and gave her a gentle yet firm push. Riley fought valiantly to keep her footing, but she did end up falling on her butt. She looked so offended as he looked up at him and said, “Hey!” that he could barely restrain his laughter.

Without a word he laid down beside her and looked up towards the sky. She noticed and did the same. Drake then decided he’d rather see her face when she saw it; it did not disappoint. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped, she looked absolutely amazed. Her reaction was everything he could have hoped for. She whispered, “Drake...” and turned to look at him.

“Yes, my lady?”

The look of awe on her face was replaced with a radiant smile, “This is absolutely gorgeous.”

Drake looked back up at the luminescent sky, shooting stars streaking past every few seconds. “Nothing beats a clear view of the sky during a meteor shower.”

Riley turned towards him. “I’m glad I didn’t miss this.”

“Really?” said Drake, still looking up. He gathered his courage to ask the next question, “Would’ve figured you’d rather eat bon-bons and dress up tiny dogs, or whatever Olivia had planned for the night.” It was a mocking question, true, but underneath it was real doubt.

Riley shook her head easily. “Not exactly my scene.” He turned to look at her and it seemed like she was being honest. She really would rather be out here with him, than inside playing princess. “Looks like we were just in time to see this before the storm comes.”

“Yeah. I didn’t want to miss it.” Before he knew it, the words were spilling out of his mouth, “I used to do this with my younger sister, Savannah, every year.” He looked up with a sad smile. “We grew up around the royals. My dad used to do security for Liam and his brother, and my sister and I were allowed to hang out with them. Liam and I ended up getting close, even though I didn’t have the lineage to merit it.” Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Riley shake her head, but he couldn’t be certain. 

He continued, “Savannah, on the other hand, got along with everyone, and they were all friendly with her. She loved living at the palace when we were kids, being around all the pretty dresses and jewelry...” He smiled fondly, remembering the girl she’d been. He swallowed against the knot in his throat. “But it got harder when she was older.”

Riley was still turned towards him, giving him her full attention, “What happened?”

“She... It was hard on her. She couldn’t take it, I guess.” He struggled to find the words to encompass what Savannah meant to him, how painful it was that she didn’t trust him, how guilty he felt that he hadn’t been there for her... 

“After what happened with...” He didn’t even know what had happened to his own sister, nor who was responsible either! “I... I failed her. I couldn’t protect her. I couldn’t protect her from this place... or these people.” That about sums it up. 

He dragged his hand across his face, trying to erase everything, feeling shocked at his outburst. Even more shocking was that he didn’t feel embarrassed about it. She was a good listener.

“Sorry, it’s... I guess I’m still not ready to talk about it. This is more than I’ve talked about it with anyone in the last year, actually.”

“Really?” Riley touched his arm. He finally turned sideways to look at her and found her eyes filled with worry. He smiled at her, letting her know he was okay. She smiled back hesitantly. “Does this mean we’re friends now?”

Friends? He didn’t know what to say. Like before, the word seemed to involve too much and too little at the same time. He barely knew her, for one. For another, however, he’d just opened up to her in a way he rarely did to anyone else; maybe Liam sometimes, but not lately.

“Friends... I wouldn’t go that far, Addams,” he kept smiling while he said this, hoping to transmit a bit of what he was thinking.

She seemed to understand. “Should we just call it not-enemies, then?”

“I guess I can’t really stop you, can I?”

“Nope,” she replied and pushed him onto his back.

“Hey!”

“Are you kidding? After the way you pushed me before, you owed me!” she said between giggles.

“...Okay, true.”

Their laughs subsided and Riley spoke softly, “You know, I get it.”

“Get what?”

“What it’s like to lose somebody, and feel like you could’ve done more...” She sat up and hugged her knees to her chest. 

Drake sat up next to her and waited to hear more. When she didn’t speak for a minute or two, Drake cleared his throat. “Do you want to, uh, talk about it?”

She seemed to come back from far away and then turned to look at him. “Not now, but it’s enough that you’re here, listening.” 

She leaned her head on his shoulder just like Hana had done earlier. For some reason this felt... different. Although he was just as – if not more – surprised as when Hana did it, Drake’s body never froze, as if it expected her to do that; hell, as if she belonged there. 

Okay, stop, the cold is definitely getting to you.

He nudged her gently. “We better get back. It’d be quite the scandal if I let one of the Prince’s suitors freeze to death out here on my watch.”

Her playfulness was back in a second and it felt like it was somebody else who had been thinking that she belonged there, sitting with him. 

This is Addams we’re talking about. Annoying a good 90% of the time. 

“I’d hate for my untimely demise to cause you any difficulty,” she said with horror.

“Not to mention that Maxwell would never let me hear the end of it,” he chuckled.

“I’m sure even Bertrand would be upset, in his own way.”

“Bertrand? He’d only be upset if he couldn’t turn it into some kind of press event.” 

She laughed loudly; it was incredibly contagious. He joined her and found that he didn’t feel as cold anymore. She grabbed his arm for support, still laughing. She finally stopped and took a step back. They shared an amused look that went on for too long. Drake cleared his throat. “Now, let’s go.”

He started walking, leading the way. He’d only taken a few steps when he felt a small, startlingly warm hand in his. He almost ran into a tree. Riley must have noticed his momentary clumsiness because she blushed and said, “For... y’know, safety.”

Drake gulped and nodded. “It’s really slippery out here.”

“Yeah.”

They shared another long look. “We should both be careful,” Drake said, not breaking eye contact. 

In more ways than one.

The smile she gave him didn’t make it clear whether she understood what he meant. “Exactly.”

The journey back seemed to Drake too short altogether. 

I enjoy her company, so what? 

He didn’t know why he was suddenly mad at himself. 

They reached the chateau, still hand in hand.

“Well...” Riley said when they reached the main hall. “This was...”

“Yeah. Addams, I–”

“There you are!” Hana had come in from an adjacent room, looking relieved. They immediately dropped each other’s hand. Drake’s hand felt cold as soon as they did.

Riley turned towards Hana, delighted to see her. “You’re up late.”

“I couldn’t sleep.” Her forehead creased with worry. “With you and Drake out there in the storm...”

“I’m sorry we kept you up.” Riley went towards her and hugged her.

Hana patted her back, looking stricken, but pleased. “Oh, I’m just glad you got back before it really started coming down out there!” She turned to look at Drake and he thought there was a question in that gaze, which he decided to ignore. “But you must be freezing, Drake, dressed in just that.”

Drake realized he was, indeed, very cold. He waved goodbye reluctantly. “Yeah. I’m going to go get changed. G’night, ladies.”

It could have been his imagination, but he thought he saw Riley’s face fall a little before they both bid him good night.

#trr #the royal romance #drake walker #drake x mc #prince liam #hana lee #maxwell beaumont #playchoices #choices #pixelberry #pb #fanfic #ch 7 #the marshmallow chronicles #long post

[choiceswreckedme]

Better Than Me - Chapter Two (Drake x MC)

Book: The Royal Romance (semi-AU)

Rating: M for language

Length: 1004 words

Chapter Summary: Drake and Annie share a heartbreaking moment the day after her confession. 

Author Note: I used TRR as inspiration, obviously, but this story strays pretty far from canon Drake x MC. Starts with some of the events from Book One, goes through what we know of Book Three, then beyond. Rated for language and (eventual) sexy times. Also, let me know if you’d like to be tagged when I release future chapters!

Chapter One Here

The burn of the whiskey as it slid down Drake’s throat greeted him like an old friend, relieving him of some of the stress he’d been feeling this entire trip. He rolled his shoulders and twisted his neck from side to side, attempting to work out the knots bunching his muscles. Standing alone in the wine cellar of the Nevrakis chateau, he finally felt like he could breathe again. Between Olivia’s constant, snide remarks and the wounded doe-eyes Annie shot at him every chance she got, Drake was ready to drink himself into oblivion and forget every last one of them. 

He took another healthy swig of the amber liquid, enjoying the smoky notes of the alcohol as it stung his tongue. He’d seen the bottle of 40-year Glenfiddich sitting on a bar cart in the library yesterday while avoiding Annie after their snowy interaction, and decided tonight that he and that bottle would be good company. After spending the obligatory amount of time watching the nobles play nice up in the ballroom, Drake had decided to find his date for the night and make his way downstairs to the deserted cellar. Now, with just his one true love, whiskey --

Drake jolted at the words running through his head. One true love? He knew they joked about his love for the drink, tongue-in-cheek, and he always went along with their jibes. Obviously, there was more to Drake than drinking aged spirits, and those who he let get close enough to him were well aware of that. Yet the self-deprecating thoughts flashing in his mind gave him pause. Once, he could have gone along with the joke that whiskey was his “one true love.” Now? Well, things had changed. Drake started at the sound of footsteps - heeled footsteps - coming down the spiraled staircase.

Dainty feet clad in beaded pumps, followed by long, tanned legs buffeted by skirts of white satin, a plunging neckline framing perfectly round and pert breasts, and finally, Annie’s beautiful face came into Drake’s view. She was a vision tonight, and he hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her. She had captured the attention of nearly every man in that ballroom tonight, Liam and Maxwell included. Drake felt a low burn in his chest at the thought of either of his friends caressing the bare skin of her back as they waltzed together, imagining Liam’s lips crashing against hers, or Maxwell bending his head to suck at the smooth skin of her neck. Drake knew these thoughts were dangerous, that he had no claim on Annie, despite her declarations from the day before, but damn it if he didn’t want to tear that dress from her body and show her just how badly he wanted her, wanted to be the kind of man who deserved a woman like her.

“I figured I’d find you down here,” she called, walking across the stone floor of the cellar toward him. Drake tried to keep his emotions from flashing across his face, hoping that the thundering of his heart at the sight of her couldn’t be heard in the cavernous room. In the blink of an eye, Annie stood before him, glittering gown and glistening skin, and Drake jammed his free hand in his pocket to keep himself from reaching out to graze his fingers down the smooth skin of her arm. 

“I’m not sure why you’re looking, after yesterday,” Drake retorted. He lifted the glass of whiskey to his lips and drank, desperately hoping the alcohol would numb the ache for Annie seated deep within him. She met his gaze and paused a moment before responding.

“About yesterday, Drake. I wanted to apologize.”

Drake’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. This was the last thing Drake had expected when he saw Annie coming down the stairs. He was used to her pushing back, always trying to break down his walls, and it pissed him off as much as it endeared her to him. This was . . . unexpected. Drake silently waited for her to continue, unsure of where she was headed with this admission.

“I never should have pushed you into something you clearly don’t want,” Annie went on, her voice trembling slightly. Drake watched helplessly as her eyes filled with tears, the second time in two days he’d been the cause of her heartache. 

“Hartford, I -”

“No, Drake, let me finish,” she said, holding up a hand to stop him. “You’ve made it clear that you don’t think of me as a friend, let alone anything more. I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable, and I’m sorry I let my . . .” she trailed off, breathing in shakily. Drake wanted to reach out to her, to envelop her in his arms and never let her go, but all he could do was stare at her as she continued.

“ . . . I’m sorry I let my feelings for you get so out of control. I promise, from here on out, I’ll leave you alone.” She shrugged helplessly as a single tear escaped her eye and gave a short, mirthless chuckle. “It’s not like I’ve never had my heart broken. I’ll get over it, eventually. You’re one of the good ones, Drake Walker, and whoever finally manages to steal your heart is a very lucky woman.” 

With her parting words, Annie smiled softly at him, turned around and headed back up the stairs. Everything in Drake shouted at him to go after her, to tell her that he already belonged to her, that he wanted to spend the rest of his life making sure she never knew another broken heart. 

Instead, he stood there, silently clutching his glass of whiskey as the woman he loved walked away from him. This was exactly what he had set out to accomplish; now Annie could focus on Liam without any distractions, and finally be with a man who could give her the world. Drake knew that this was the way things had to be. 

But that didn’t mean he wasn’t destroyed in the process.

#drake walker #drake x mc #choices fanfiction #the royal romance #trr fanfic #choices trr #choices stories you play #choiceswreckedme fics