#the royal heir miniseries

[scotianostra]

Blackness Castle.

Some pics of the inside of the castle from a visit in May.

This was the stronghold of one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons, Blackness was never destined as a peaceful lordly residence; its enduring roles were those of garrison fortress and state prison.

Sir George Crichton handed over the Crichton lands, including Blackness Castle, to James II in 1453. His dispossessed heir, James Crichton, captured the castle and held it briefly against the King, who besieged and recaptured it the same year. Blackness became a royal fortress, as well as continuing to serve as a prison, and was put into the care of a keeper, who was often the Sheriff of Linlithgow. In the 17th century, this office became hereditary in the Livingstone family.

For many years during it’s history the castle also found use as a state prison, Outlander fans will know it has also been used for the scenes set in Fort William, most notably when Jamie Fraser picked up the scars on his back after punishment handed out by his arch enemy Black Jack Randall.

Blackness Castle is in the care of Historic Environment Scotlandit is £7 for adults to visit, there are regular buses for Blackness Road near the Tesco in Linlithgow,which itself is easy to get by bus or train.

Fans of the Outlander TV show will know the castle as  Captain Jack Randall’s headquarters,  Wentworth Prison , Fort William, but it was also in the movies Mary Queen of Scots (2018) and Outlaw King (2018) as well as in the BBC miniseries Ivanhoe (1997).

#scotland #scottish #history #west lothian #my pics #outlander

[4izawas]

— 𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐟, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐢’𝐚𝐡 【 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄 】.

𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: “isn’t it? it’s all over?” he asks through gasped breaths, his cheeks soaked in tears as explosions shake the ground beneath them. the large horse beside them, a dappled grey-black stallion, shuffles nervously, one hoof accidentally kicking the half filled bag of supplies that had been shoved at them by a fear-stricken maid before she was struck down by a spear of stone.

𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦: genshin impact | 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: dainsleif/f!reader | 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: nsfw ; minors dni | 𝐰/𝐜: 1.08k.

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: fem!reader, angst, canon divergence, knight x princess, panic attack, gore, world building, the destruction of khaenri’ah, pierro cameo, background character death.

part of the 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐙𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒 miniseries.

— 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐞 !!

“it’s over, isn’t it?”

dainsleif’s voice is shaky as he voices the question he’d dreaded hearing fall from the princess's lips, his breath staggered and his vision blurry as he goes through the throes of nothing short of an absolute panic attack. the fires that had overtaken their homeland roar and rage behind them, and wails of the damned ring up into the air alongside plumes of smoke. 

“isn’t it? it’s all over?” he asks through gasped breaths, his cheeks soaked in tears as explosions shake the ground beneath them. the large horse beside them, a dappled grey-black stallion, shuffles nervously, one hoof accidentally kicking the half filled bag of supplies that had been shoved at them by a  fear-stricken maid before she was struck down by a spear of stone. 

the princess stays silent as she looks out from the hill they’d fled to, one hand on the side of the tree atop it that had remained untouched by the fire that was consuming everything before their eyes. her hair, once long and beautiful and deeply coveted by the other ladies of the nobility, was burnt to just under the tips of her earlobes, an effect that came with the plume of fire that had been sent royal magepierro’s way, flames that she had redirected in order to save the man’s life that he had yelled gratitude over before returning to the fight. he’d followed them into the hidden tunnels, long having been tasked with guarding the royal family with his life. he’d been close with them ever since he could remember, and he’d shouted that he’d “be damned if he allowed the heir to the throne be killed by bastards from another land!” before disappearing into the hordes of fleeing servants of the palace. 

the room of the palace he’d entered had been filled with wickedly sharp stretches of ice that caused a collapse of the walls and ceiling only moments after he’d entered it, so he was likely now dead.

their kindhearted king had been slaughtered in the throne room at the feet of the archon of geo as the eyes of the dragon cloaked in his human disguise glowed gold, the nobles had fled screaming only for the water in their blood to boil until they fell to the golden floors, dead sacks of flesh with the remains of their eyes melted and flowing from their sockets. dainsleif had grabbed the horrified crown princess by the wrist and had dragged her from the throne room through a secret passage as the geo archon resumed his slaughter with the pyro archon at his side, followed by the archon of hydro. these were not their gods, this land did not belong to these deities, and yet they still descended from their thrones on high and had begun destroying everything and everyone in their path. 

“what — what more do they want?!” dainsleif cries, his eyes wild like those of a spooked horse, “what is left? why won’t they leave us who and whatever may be left?! why won’t they go?!”

“because it is a genocide.” the princess’s first words after the three hours of hell they’d faced so far make him freeze, horrified to his core as he realizes that she’s correct. the gods had not only destroyed their machinery, but rather had focused first on killing anything living that had been in their sights beforehand. 

in the distance, the princess catches sight of twin heads of long blue hair, fleeing on horseback; in the back of his mind she notes them as the royal physician and his youngest son, and raises her hand and lets out a call of greeting. they slow, and then the good doctor changes directions so that he’s on his way to them. dainsleif watches them rush over, relieved that at least two others had survived, and then listens as his princess speaks again. 

“we will be okay, dainsleif,” she says, loudly enough for the two males just arriving to hear her. “we aren’t over. we will rebuild our nation whether the gods of teyvat wish it or not — whoever is left will hold high the khaenri’ahn name, will keep our culture and traditions alive as they live and breathe. we will find whoever may survive this tragedy, and they will join us as we walk into a new world, hand in hand.”

“m-majesty,”the physician whispers, tears in his eyes as his whimpering child clings to his front. dainsleif’s eyes harden and he stands, striding up to stand just behind her to look out upon their ruined homeland. the screams of the innocent had quieted immensely, most of their nation dead and gone. far below their hill the figure of a man staggered out of the ruins of a building, his clothes frostbitten, and dainsleif’s eyes widened as he recognized the royal mage that he’d thought dead. 

before he can say anything, the princess calls pierro’s name, and the man looks up at their little group of four before clawing his way up the hill to join them. dainsleif helps him up and over the edge where it grew steeper, and the guard collapses onto his hands and knees before the princess, rambling out his apologies before informing them of teyvat’s cryo archon saving his life and that of a few dozen others, who were currently safely in her grasp. he promises that there is safety there, and after a long moment of consideration, the princess nods. 

“it’s time for us to move on,” she says quietly. looking at her, dainsleif’s eyes soften. the entire time he had been panicking, his princess had been crying — silently. she’d forced her strength and will to comfort her people to surpasse her own emotions over the loss of her home. something in his brain and heart warm, and while he knows that she’s not the little girl that had once kissed his cheek before he’d gone off to train as a knight, dainsleif can’t help but feel like they would be okay. 

he and pierro both nod in return just as she had, and dainsleif takes her hand and helps her onto the stallion while pierro reclaims his footing. shouldering their meager bag of supplies, dainsleif begins leading their small group far away on foot, the ash of what had once been a great civilization falling from the air like snow at their backs. 

the princess had been right, khaenri’ah was  not over — not as long as her people still walked the earth. 

𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 © { 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 } 𝐛𝐲 𝟒𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐒. 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐲, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭.

#his gaze softens #dainsleif x reader #dainsleif x you #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact x you

[trrvisuals]

Bad Romance Visuals: Disney Adventure

Series: Bad Romance Continues

Original Series: Bad Romance

Fandom: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

From my BR miniseries Disney Adventure. Just ignore the fact that she's not pregnant in all of these.

Riley x Liam

Riley x Drake

#the royal romance #trr visuals #angelasscribbles #trr au #trr fandom #trr #bad romance #bad romance continues #ai generated #ai art #trr fanfiction #trr poly

[storytime-reviews]

Queen Charlotte TV Review

The spin-off miniseries revolving around Queen Charlotte consists of two plot lines: one in the present of Bridgerton, beginning in 1817 with the death of the royal heir Princess Charlotte, an event that causes the Queen to pressure her children to marry and produce another royal heir; the other begins in 1761 with Charlotte meeting and marrying King George. The latter explores the King and Queen's marriage and his mental illness.

I was initially wary of this series, because I felt they were probably just taking advantage of the popularity of Bridgerton in making Queen Charlotte, and that it would likely be wholly unnecessary. I was so wrong. In pretty much every way, I felt that Queen Charlotte eclipsed both seasons of Bridgerton.

I didn’t think I would care about this storyline at all, but I loved the show delving into Queen Charlotte’s past – how she became Queen, and also the relationship she had with King George. Of course, whilst the narrative is completely compelling, it’s also incredibly depressing at points because you cannot help but root for their relationship as George’s mental health worsens. But this is the sign of well-written and developed characters. I never cared about Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton, but I absolutely adore her now.

India Amarteifio as a young Queen Charlotte was well cast and absolute perfection in her role. The success of this show depends on the skill of Amarteifio and you cannot help but love her Charlotte immediately. She is strong and outspoken, a heroine one falls in love with immediately. Part of the brilliance is that this Queen Charlotte is markedly different from the one we know; this is what I enjoyed the most about this series, getting to know who she used to be and why she is the way she is.

One of my favourite characters in Bridgerton would have to be Lady Danbury, and so I was delighted that the young Lady Agatha Danbury (played by Arsema Thomas) would have such a pivotal role in Queen Charlotte. Her exalted position in Bridgerton makes complete sense once the ways in which Agatha and Charlotte’s lives become intertwined is revealed and I loved their blossoming friendship. Lady Danbury’s wit and intelligence is similarly on show here, as well as the wisdom she bestows – this time on a young Charlotte who is clearly out of her depth. There’s nothing I enjoy more than Lady Danbury’s bluntness, and her battle of wills with Princess Augusta were a highlight. Agatha’s backstory was also both beautiful and tragic, and I loved the connection to the current timeline and her friendship with Violet Bridgerton.

Brimsley and Reynolds were also standout characters – partly due to the intricacies of their own relationship with each other and the tension that occurs due to their roles – but also the strength of their devotion to Queen and King. Both characters are so deeply entrenched in the burdens of the young royals and would clearly do anything for them, even as it impacts their own relationships. They are both close and must keep each other at arms length, until the King and Queen are able to be more honest and vulnerable with each other. I think it’s interesting how both relationships are somewhat impacted by the other. Brimsely and Reynolds take the fights between the royals so personally, taking everything to heart and fighting on their behalf.

The relationship between Charlotte and George is very much a rollercoaster – but you cannot help but root for them, just as their trusted servants do. The chemistry between them is clear from the beginning, but whilst the development of their relationship is marked with various tropes, it’s also full of a great deal of emotion and intimacy. I loved the ways in which we watch them constantly fight for each other, and that the show takes care to demonstrate both of their perspectives. The episode which heavily features George’s perspective and his illness was especially engaging.

I genuinely felt that Queen Charlotte has more heart and substance than Bridgerton. I was more engaged in the storyline and characters, not to mention felt as if I was watching a show of greater quality. Bridgerton is fun for sure, but Queen Charlotte is more profoundly moving.

#queen charlotte #bridgerton #india amarteifio #agatha danbury #arsema thomas #king george #brimsley #tv review

[angelasscribbles]

Unbothered Chapter 3: Back to Unbothered

Series: Unbothered

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings for series: Riley x Drake, Liam x Madeleine, Liam x Riley

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Mature Themes

A/N: This concludes all my ideas for this little miniseries. Though, I am always open for asks, questions and suggestions. At this point, it's a three shot (was supposed to be a one shot lol)

Word Count: 1,036

“Where’s Kiara?” Madeline had gotten used to seeing her at dinner, she enjoyed having someone to talk to that wasn’t Riley or Drake or even Liam. Her husband was perfectly fine when they were discussing matters of governance, but when he was around that American harlot, he acted like a teenager in love, and it annoyed the hell out of her.

“Oh, she moved out.” Drake answered.

“Why? What about the baby? I thought you guys were going to coparent?”

“Turns out, it wasn’t mine after all. She was further along than she originally thought so it couldn’t be mine. She moved to Terrana to be with the father, Gordon somebody….”

“Wait. Gordon Price? Their prime minister?”

“Yeah, that sounds right. The wedding is next year, she sent me an invitation.”

Riley and Liam entered the dining room together, her arm looped through his, giggling. Madeleine rolled her eyes. Drake smiled at both of them, “How was the press conference?”

“Fine, just general updates on the health of the baby.” Liam answered.

Cordonia was ecstatic about the little apple in Riley’s womb, the shock that it was the king’s mistress and not his wife that was pregnant blew over in two days. The public was one hundred percent on board and invested in every minute detail from morning sickness to pram choices. Leaked sonogram photos had sold for a ridiculous sixteen million dollars. No one knew who had leaked them. Riley suspected Drake but since she had access to all his accounts, she didn’t care. Not that it mattered, since Liam transferred a stupid amount of money into her personal account monthly. For the baby.

Riley and Madeleine had been photographed lunching together. It was better to present a united front the press secretary had told them.

“I trust everything is well with the baby?” The queen inquired.

It had bothered Madeleine at first. But she really wanted nothing to do with her husband sexually and she’d never really been interested in motherhood. Riley providing the heir freed her up to focus on the truly important issues pertaining to governance. Of course, her father was displeased, but since her ascension to the throne, she had stopped caring what her father thought and felt. She wondered if he was aware of the irony that the very thing he had forced her to seek was the thing that had ended his iron clad control over her life.

Liam might not be in love with her, or she with him, but he had stood up to her father, telling him in no uncertain terms that the queen of Cordonia answers to no one but the king and that father in law or not, he could and would be banished from court if didn’t cease and desist his constant harassment. As Madeleine grew into the role of queen, she found that she possessed a strength and confidence of her own. She had stopped taking her parents calls.

“Yes, everything is wonderful!” Liam beamed down at Riley as he answered Madeleine.

Liam was finally happy. Madeleine was a good queen; he had done his duty to Cordonia and still been able to keep the woman he loved under his roof and in his bed. Her marriage to Drake was a minor detail. He couldn’t blame her for marrying another man after he’d married another woman. He had been heartbroken, thinking he’d lost her, right up until that night in Vegas. Once he’d realized she still had feelings for him, he had pressed that advantage until she agreed to move into the palace.

Liam continued, “The baby is right on track developmentally and Riley is over the morning sickness! Right, love?”

Riley patted his arm, “That’s right, my king.”

Madeleine slid her eyes over to Drake, but he was busy shoveling food onto his plate, oblivious. He looked up at Riley and said, “I had them make the chicken parmesan you like, babe.”

She rewarded him with a brilliant smile. “Thank you! You’re a good husband, I’m so lucky!” She told him as she took her seat next to him. He was always doing little things like that for her. She was lucky.

“No, I’m the lucky one!” He told her, “I still can’t believe you married me!”

“Oh my God!” Madeleine exploded, “She’s carrying another man’s child! And he flirts with her constantly right under your nose! Are you really this clueless?”

Drake shrugged as he reached for his glass, “I’m not clueless about anything, Madi, but she loves me. That’s all I care about.”

“I heard you tell her that you couldn’t keep living here if Liam kept flirting with her!”

He took a long drink of his iced tea, then returned the glass to the table with a thunk, “I changed my mind.”

“Why? How?”

“Oh, ah, Maxwell introduced me to something called hot wifing and turns out, I’m into it.”

“Hot whating now?”

Riley answered, “It’s when a man gets turned on by the idea of his wife with another man. So, he allows her to sleep with other men while he remains faithful to her.”

Madeleine’s eyes widened as she looked at Drake, “And Maxwell introduced you to this?”

“Yeah.” Drake said as he scooped more food into his mouth.

“Wait.” Liam dropped the roll he was buttering onto his plate, “You’re not sleeping with Max, are you?”

“Of course not.” Riley looked at Drake and shook her head slightly.

“Yeah, right, no.” Drake agreed.

Riley took his hand and squeezed it under the table. He smiled back at her. He was ready for dinner to be over. He was going to watch her with Liam tonight. He was excited.

Riley changed the subject, “Madeleine, do you remember Liam’s cousin, Cassie?”

Madeleine froze as panic and desire flared through her. She tried to maintain her composure, “Yes….why?”

“Oh, I’ve invited her to come visit. I hope you don’t mind. She said she’s looking forward to seeing you again.” Riley smiled knowingly at the queen. Someone needed to loosen Madeleine up and Cassie was just the person to do it.

With any luck, Madeleine would soon be as unbothered and as happy as the rest of them were.

#unbothered #angelasscribbles #trr #the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #liam rys #drake walker #choices stories you play #choices fic writers creations #choices #cfwc fics of the week #why choose #trr poly

[buffyfan145]

I was already excited about the "Queen Charlotte" "Bridgerton" prequel starting today and now even more so after watching Golda's interview on CBS Mornings!!! :D I'm not even mad I got spoiled as it's something I've been wondering about since the show started and I read the books but will post behind a cut for those who don't want spoiled.

The prequel also has a storyline taking place in present day and is setting up season 3 of "Bridgerton" too as Queen Charlotte is trying to get her younger children to finally marry and have the royal heir as George IV's daughter Princess Charlotte died in childbirth and they have no heir to take over. So we're going to see future King William IV and Prince Edward marry their wives but only Edward and Victorie have their daughter, the future Queen Victoria!!! :D Victoria is one of my favorite queens and I loved the TV show "Victoria" with Jenna Coleman (that still is on hiatus but likely has been cancelled), Emily Blunt's "The Young Victoria", and the Judy Dench movies. I knew the books eventually get to her birth and past that as the characters age, so at some point we'll see Victoria and this miniseries ends the announcement that she's coming. So likely in season 3 Victoria will be born. I'm not even mad about the change of Queen Charlotte and King George III still being alive as in real life they both died before Victoria was born. Does make me wonder if we'll see more about Victoria's childhood as it was so unusual as her mother thought her uncle Prince Ernest was going to kill her so they were so protective and Edward died young. We've only seen bits of Victoria's childhood in both "Victoria" and "The Young Victoria" so very curious if we'll see this as the show goes on.

#bridgerton #queen charlotte: a bridgerton story #queen charlotte #queen victoria #king george iii

[kitkatt0430]

📄💗

📄What’s a WIP you never finished that you would like to go back and revisit?

The Hartmon Wonderland AU - (Not So) Wonderland

It's mainly a fusion fic with the Alice miniseries (which I highly recommend). Hartley is the Mad Hatter analogue, running a tea shop and working for the resistance. Cisco is an 'Alice', a human from our world who has fallen into Wonderland. He came through voluntarily, following after Dante who was nabbed by one of the White Rabbits, who work for the Heart family - royalty in charge of Wonderland. It's not a safe world by any means and the tea Hartley sells - that all of Wonderland is addicted to - is made by the Heart family to keep their subjects in line. It contains pure human emotion, which can wind up manifesting literally when Wonderlanders are exposed to it.

While in the course of rescuing Dante, Hartley and Cisco were going to discover that the heir to the previous - and well liked - royal family was still alive and inadvertently overthrow the Heart family. And while Dante goes home without question, I kept bouncing back and forth between whether Hartley goes with Cisco... or Cisco stays with Hartley. Either way, Wonderland has a lot of clean up to go through before its people will be okay again.

💗Is there a scene you can’t wait to write for a WIP?

So in my Arrow S1 re-write, there's several scenes I can't wait to get to, though I think the one I'm looking forward to the most is where Oliver's under house arrest; the set up is basically the same as in canon, but not only does Dig know that Oliver's the Hood at this point, Tommy knows too. And Tommy's there with Oliver while Dig's out pretending to be the Hood to clear Oliver with the police.

When Malcolm's assassin attacks Oliver, Tommy gets hurt - grazed by a bullet - and once Oliver realizes he has a flashback to seeing Tommy through the sniper scope in Hong Kong. It leaves him pretty shaken - unintentionally selling the bit with Detective Lance - and leads to Oliver opening up to Tommy quite a bit afterwards. And their first kiss, since the ship here is Tommy/Oliver. It's a bit of a slow burn to reach this point, but it'll be a fun journey.

#kitkatt0430 answers #wip ask meme #wip ask game

[zaffrenotes]

elpída: epilogue

Book: The Royal Heir, Future Rating/Warnings: PG (subject matter)  Author’s Note: * All main characters belong to Pixelberry, I’m just borrowing them * OCs are my creation * Set roughly 20 years into the future of the TRH timeline. I was inspired to write this based on an ad I saw last November. This does not follow the full TRH timeline from the book * elpída is the Greek word for “hope” * Word Count: +/- 1500 

Perma/TRR/TRH Taglist: @ao719 @blackcatkita @brightpinkpeppercorn @gibbles82 @innerpostmentality @loveellamae @smalltalk88 @thecordoniandiaries // @aestheticartsx @aworldoffandoms @bascmve01 @bbrandy2002 @burnsoslow @custaroonie @darley1101 @dcbbw @gardeningourmet​ @hopefulmoonobject​ @iplaydrake​ @lodberg​ @lovemychoices​ @missevabean​ @rainbowsinthestorm​ @superharriet​ @the-soot-sprite​ @kimmiedoo5​ @msjr0119​ @omgjasminesimone​ @princess-geek​ @queenjilian​ @riseandshinelittleblossom​ @texaskitten30​

The new queen celebrates with friends and family alike within the palace. Her guests dare to smile and laugh amidst sparkling wine, music, and dancing. It’s only in the briefest of moments that Teddy’s heart aches, and she misses her parents. She remembers watching them work a room together at royal functions like this; the way their eyes sparkled for one another even across a vast ballroom, and the magical way they seemed to float across the floor when they danced. She hopes to find a love like that for herself one day.

Olivia seems to have found that in a duke, Teddy muses, noticing the way the corners of Olivia’s eyes soften as the duke dances with her. She knows Olivia refrained from marriage during her reign, knowing it was a risk that whomever she married could use their status as King Regent to try and overthrow her. Tonight is about Olivia’s happiness as much as it is about Teddy’s duty, and she says a silent prayer that Theía Liv will have a large emerald ring on her finger soon.

Teddy makes her rounds, chatting amicably with her cousins and the next generation of nobles that will become members of her court. She finds it odd, how seamlessly she steps into her role as queen; she stands straighter, her movements are more refined, and she smiles a little softer. She’d love nothing more than to kick off her heels and run around the ballroom, skirts gathered up in her hands, the way her mother used to unwind after functions.

When all their guests had departed, and only the royal family and their close friends remained, Maxwell would put on a playlist of their favorite songs and everyone would run around in their bare feet while the palace staff cleared tables. It was her favorite part of the evening; her mother and father would check on her, Amynta, or Liam, and one of them would inevitably be awake. They’d gather everyone in their pajamas for an impromptu dance party, before one of them would take Teddy and her siblings back to their private residence to settle down with another story.

“Darling, darling girl,” Liam whispered. Teddy pinched her eyes shut as she woke from sleep, hearing her father’s voice. “Would you like to have a dance party with us?”

“What time is it?” Teddy yawned. She sat up in bed and Liam laughed softly in response. She felt her father’s hand pat her head affectionately, smoothing down her hair in the process.

“Far past midnight,” he whispered. She climbed into his lap, wrapping herself around him like a baby koala, and Liam got up from the bed like she weighed nothing. “But we have to uphold one of our favorite family traditions, don’t we?”

“Mmhmm,” Teddy mumbled into his shoulder, feeling Liam walk with her down the hallway. His dress shoes clicked softly on the floor, until another set of clicks began to follow them along with tiny giggles. When she opened her eyes, Katrina winked at her, with Amynta and little Liam’s hands in both of hers. Her brother and sister were clad in their pajamas, Liam’s hair half raised from being smushed against the pillow.

As they approached the ballroom, she heard notes of a catchy song and raucous voices cheering someone on. When Liam pushed the ballroom doors open, they were met with energetic greetings from their uncles and aunts – Maxwell, Olivia, Hana, Drake; Leo and Katie when they were able to visit. Their cousins were in their pajamas and already sliding around the ballroom floor.

Teddy perked up as her father set her down, and she grabbed hold of Minty and little Liam’s hands, running to join their cousins. Theíos Maxwell started dancing around, feet flying wildly in some kind of routine only he knew, while Theíos Drake twirled Theía Hana.

Her parents stood off to the side as they removed their shoes, but quickly joined their friends for the spontaneous dance session. The evening staff smiled as they cleared the remaining tables of china and linens from the evening’s dinner.

A slow track would break up the high-energy mix;  languid love notes would flow through the speakers, and the same thing would always happen. Theíos Leo and Theía Katie would pair off, as would her mother and father; Theíos Maxwell would pick up an exhausted Minty in his arms, and little Liam was usually stretched out over a few chairs, having fallen asleep again.

“Have you got enough energy in you for one more dance, kiddo?” Drake held his hand open to Teddy, tired smile across his face. “You can stand on my feet, if you want.”

Teddy grinned and gingerly stood on Drake’s toes, and he danced around in slow circles as the song played. “Theíos?”

“Yeah, kiddo?”

Teddy looked over to her parents. Katrina’s head was tilted up towards Liam, having shrunk several inches without the aid of her heels. His head tilted down to her as they glided across the ballroom, moving in tandem. Her hair had fallen loose, long strands of it down the back of a shimmery, champagne colored gown; he’d left his tailcoat hanging off the back of a chair long ago, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up and bowtie undone. Even with eyes heavy with sleep, Teddy could see a sparkle in their eyes as they looked at each other. Despite their disheveled appearance, the pair of them radiated elegance and adoration for one another.

“Will I ever get to fall in love with someone, the way Mama and Daddy love each other?”

Drake faltered in his steps around the floor, unprepared for such a weighted question from his niece, given the hour. He continued on, hoping she didn’t notice, and glanced over at his best friends as they danced. “I hope so, kiddo. I really hope you get to find someone special like that.”

After the song ended, Liam and Katrina gathered up their children and brought them back to their rooms, tucking them into Teddy’s large bed. She remembered drifting off to the sound of her father’s voice as he read them a story, feeling safe and happy and loved.

Teddy will have to wait until her guests depart, before she can celebrate with her family and fondly remember King Liam and Queen Katrina.

.:.

Off the coast of Cordonia, a sailboat drifts in the inky blue water. The palace sits atop a hill, lit up for everyone to see. A tall man with dark hair leans against the mast of his ship; his temples are peppered with a hint of grey. He looks up to the palace before shifting his gaze to his companion – a petite woman with dark hair twirled into a bun. They heard the bells ringing earlier, signifying the coronation and return of a Rys heir to the throne.

They smile softly to one another under the moonlight, and he wraps his arm across the back of her shoulders, pulling her to him. She lets out a contented sigh, pressing her temple to his broad chest. She breaks the silence with a question. “How long should we wait, you think?”

“Give her a week or two,” he replies, his voice having grown deeper with time. “Today was a big day, and I bet she’s exhausted.” A pinging sound comes from his pants, and he pulls out a cell phone with a set of keys attached to a time-worn replica of the Statue of Liberty.

He drops the keys back into his pocket and glances at the message on the screen, before opening a series of photos. His fingers grasp the phone a little tighter, trembling at the images of the newly crowned Queen Eleanor Rys, looking as beautiful and bewitching as her namesake – sitting on the throne in her coronation garb with her head held high, followed by a photo standing beside Olivia. A tear runs down his cheek at the more informal photos, taken after the official reception – familiar faces raising glasses to the photographer, and one where Teddy’s running around the ballroom in bare feet with Amynta and Liam while she tries to gather up the skirt of her full ballgown. The last photo shows the three Rys children, rosy-cheeked and smiling brightly for the camera – Teddy is holding up her wrist to show off a bracelet, Amynta’s dainty fingers are holding up a pendant around her neck, and Liam is tugging on his suspenders to show off a tasteful signet ring.

“Something important?”

He angles the screen to show his companion the images, gently squeezing her shoulder to steady themselves as the boat bobs in the water. She gasps softly at the photos of the Rys children at the end. Their children look happy.

“Leo gave the letters to Teddy before the ceremony, and the kids got our gifts.”

#the royal heir fanfic #the royal heir fanfiction #TRH fanfic #TRH AU #the royal heir au #choices fanfic #playchoices fanfiction #the royal heir miniseries #elpida miniseries #zaffrenotes fanfiction #zaffrenotes writes

[choicesficwriterscreations]

FoTW May 30 - June 5

Blades Of Light And Shadow

One Night | Mal Volari x F!MC - @brightningstar​ [adult content]

Bloodbound

The Climb | Adrian Raines x MC - @silma-words​ [adult content]

My Two First Loves

Best Game vs. Worst Game | Noah Harris x MC - @homeformyheart​

The Nanny Affair

The More They Stay The Same | M!Sam Dalton x MC - @lucy-268​

Open Heart

Perfect Match

Desire On The Beach | Damien Nazario x F!MC - @ethanramseysrookiexox [adult content]

Red Carpet Diaries

Extended Stay | Thomas Hunt x MC - @theartoflovingthomashunt - [adult content]

The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Coming Home series | Drake Walker x MC - @thegreentwin

Lythikos

Look What You Made Me Do | Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys x MC - @twinkle-320 - [adult content]

School Dayz miniseries - @bebepac

Chapter 2: The Great P.E. Debacle | Liam Rys, MC 

A Very Scandalous Proposal

Solace | Simon Montjoy x MC - @homeformyheart​

Crossovers

Bloodbound/The Royal Romance

Dark Pleasure series | Liam Tristan Rys x TRRMC, Adrian Raines x BB MC - @khoicesbyk  [adult content]

Chapter 3: Deadly Business

The Royal Romance/Rules Of Engagement

A Love Lost | Leo Rys x F!OC, Leo Rys x Madeleine Amaranth - @xxrainbow-princessxx

The Meet series - @bebepac

Chapter 6: Sistas From Anotha Mista | Liam Rys x F!OC(1), Leo The x F!OC (2) - [adult content]

The Pain of Abandonment | Leo Rys x F!OC, Liam Rys, Drake Walker - @xxrainbow-princessxx - [adult content]

#choices fanfic #playchoices fanfic #choices fanfiction #playchoices fanfiction #choices fic writers creations #fics of the week

[minervacasterly]

🏵️👑An overview of England's First Christian Queen Regnant: Mary (I) of the Tudor Dynasty, the "Unhappiest Lady in Christendom" 👑🏵️

On the 18th of February 1516, Princess Mary Tudor was born. Her parents were King Henry VIII and his first Consort, Queen Katherine of Aragon. The long awaited Prince turned out to be a girl. While this was a minor disappointment on her parents, they were nevertheless joyful and considered this as a sign of good will. After all, Henry had replied to the Venetian Ambassador “if it was a daughter this time, by the grace of God, sons will follow.”

Immediately after her birth, the child was cleaned and presented to her parents. Two days later she was christened at the Church of the Observant Friars. Following tradition, her parents were not present. Her godparents were Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (who was fast becoming a favorite of her father), the Duchess of Norfolk and her grand-aunt, Catherine of York, Countess of Devon. Present at the ceremony were an army of courtiers; gentlemen, ladies, earls and bishops who were in awe of their new Princess.

After she was blessed, she was given the name Mary, her paternal aunt who had risked royal wrath a few years back, but had worked things out with her brother. Henry had always felt closer to his younger sister than his older one, and now was honoring her even further by naming his only surviving child after her.

Afterwards, she was plunged three times into the basin of holy water, then anointed with holy oil, dried, swaddled and finally taken to the high alter where it was proclaimed:

“God send and give good life and long unto the right high, right noble and excellent Princess Mary, Princess of England and daughter of our most dread sovereign lord the King’s Highness.”

Mary’s life would not be without struggle. She was constantly under suspicion and despite her father’s actions -influenced by her last stepmother, Katherine Parr- to restore her and her half-sister to the line of succession, she still had many enemies and her troubles continued well into her brother’s reign. Following her half-brother’s death, she rallied the people to her cause after she found out the King had taken his sisters out of the line of succession in favor of their cousins, the Grey sisters.

Mary’s popular revolt was astounding because she reclaimed her birthright without the need for bloodshed. After Mary’s forces became too much for the new regime, the Council turned their backs on her cousin and her family, and sent her a letter, pledging their allegiance to her.

Mary was declared Queen and she entered the city of London triumphantly. Months later she was crowned Queen of England, becoming the country’s first female monarch.

Mary’s reign however wasn’t easy. Once more she faced a lot of disagreement and tragedy, as well as an inability to bring what her dynasty needed the most: a male heir. Mary’s phantom pregnancies became an embarrassment to her, and her contributions became forgotten and attributed to her sister (who also appropriated her motto on her coronation progress). To make matters worse, her wishes to be buried next to her mother (as well as having her mother’s body moved to Westminster) were never carried out. She was given a modest plaque. Her eulogy changed to fit the new rhetoric of Elizabeth’s reign being a godsend as opposed to Mary’s. And after her sister died, her successor James Stuart, created an elaborate monument and put the two sisters together. But only Elizabeth’s effigy was included, Mary was once again absent except in the plaque that read:

"Partners both in throne and grave. Here rest we, two sisters, Elizabeth and Mary, in the hopes of the resurrection.”

David Loades lists Mary I’s achievements in a BBC History Magazine article he did in honor of England’s first Queen. These include:

- Preservation of the Tudor succession

- Strengthening of the position of Parliament by using it for her religious settlement.

- Establishment of the “gender free” authority of the crown

- Restoration and strengthening of the administrative structure of the church.

- Maintenance of the navy and reforming the militia.

In her book Mary Tudor. Princess, Bastard, Queen, Anna Whitelock adds more, saying that she refounded various universities. Linda Porter in her biography Myth of Bloody Mary also adds that she established a curriculum that brought an emphasis to Humanism, and forced every priest to serve their parish and had very little tolerance for those that didn’t bend their knee to royal authority.

Sources:

1. The Myth of Bloody Mary by Linda Porter

2. Mary Tudor by David Loades

3. Mary Tudor: Princess, Bastard, Queen by Anna Whitelock

4. The Myth of Bloody Mary by The Elizabeth Files

(http://www.elizabethfiles.com/the-myth-of-bloody-mary/3964/ )

Images: Sarah Bolger as Mary Tudor in The Tudors season 2, 3, and 4, Angela Cremonte as Queen Mary I of England and Ireland in Carlos, Rey Emperador and Daphne Slater in the BBC miniseries Elizabeth R.

#mary i of england #tudor history #dailytudors #english monarchy

[trrvisuals]

I have so many visuals for this series! This was the story I came here to write. And I did. Then I started writing other stories and well, the rest is history lol.

Unbreakable is a series of connected stories that lead chronologically into each other. They are fairly canon compliant.

My Best Friends Girl (MBFG) is based on book one of the Royal Romance and is in first person from Drake’s point of view. It is canon compliant for the most part. The major difference is that Drake has an important function at the palace, he is not just a free-loading professional best friend. Some things take place “off page” (were not in the original story) but do not change the things that are “on page” (aka canon).  

Three Weeks in Ramsford (TWIR) Is based on the time period between book 1 and book 2 that Riley spent at the Beaumont estate. It is canon divergent in that Drake finds a way to make and stay in contact with her during this time period. Some of the events are changed slightly.

Complicated is the sequel to Three Weeks in Ramsford. This series explores the complicated emotions as Riley finds herself entangled in a love triangle, torn between Liam and Drake. It’s canon divergent in that it adds scenes that weren’t in the original (as well as some original characters) and develops the relationships more. The main events/timeline are the same.

Hinge is the fourth installment in the ongoing saga of Riley, Liam and Drake. This series explores the emotions and logistics as they enter into a “Cordonian Arrangement” and learn to navigate a polyamorous relationship.

The Proposal is a short miniseries and my very first foray into TRR fan fiction. Unbreakable was the (very) expanded version.

Next came the AU's for this universe. She's still Riley Beth Campbell, canon still mostly happened up until the end of book one, and their personalities are much the same.

My Best Friend's Girl Remix starts with an alternate ending to My Best Friend's Girl, namely that Drake went after her the night of the coronation, and continues their story.

Forbidden Passion finds her married to Liam, but unable to stay away from Drake.

Heir Apparent has her married to Drake, but pregnant as a result of the Vega's fling with Liam.

Yoga Pants takes place during Three Weeks in Ramsford. It happens during the hot yoga session and was written for the Drake's Tight Pants Anthology hosted by @drake-walker-appreciation

Complicated Couples was a little project that follows the other couples from Complicated, including all my OC's that I kept having to create and my cross-over couple from RoD.

Extras from Hinge:

#complicated #visuals #trr fandom #trr poly #trr au #the royal romance #angelasscribbles #trr visuals

[alj4890]

Misfortune's Intentions

(Liam x OC* Elisse Mallin) (Drake x Riley) in a Choices The Royal Heir fan fiction

A/N This idea came to me one night when I couldn't sleep. In this version from The Royal Heir, it has been nearly three years since Riley married Drake. Their infant daughter, Hope, was named heir to Cordonia's crown. Liam considers the possibility of dating after pining for Riley all these years. Elisse is a noble and first cousin to Queen Amalas of Monterisso. She will eventually become an ambassador, settling in Cordonia to continue Amalas's alliance. She also has a small bit of significant history coinciding with Liam's social season. This first part though will take us through the past for our main characters.

Not sure who to tag for this new miniseries, LOL. Let me know if you want to be added.

Masterlist

Prologue

Two years ago, Cordonia...

"To keep people's attention away from your brother's," Constantine's voice hardened, "decision to abdicate," his fist clinched for a moment, "we will have you participate in a season for a potential bride."

Liam swallowed uncomfortably. He knew there was a possibility his father would insist on this particular custom. He had hoped though that like Leo, he would be given a few years reprieve before he had to choose a bride.

Constantine fought through the chest pain he hid from everyone as he continued to explain what the next few months would be like for his only obedient son.

"We will have the usual bevy of ladies from Cordonia's noble houses. Perhaps sprinkle a few from other countries to appease the people."

"Yes sir." Liam mumbled when his father seemed to silently demand his agreement. "Whatever you think is the best way to move forward."

"Good." Constantine waved toward the door. "You may go. We will make our announcement tomorrow."

Liam bowed his head in acceptance. Still in a state of disbelief as he made his way to his chambers, he didn't hear his best friend calling his name.

"Liam?" Drake jogged to catch up to him. "I heard about Leo. Is it true?"

The new crown prince waited to answer until they were behind closed doors.

"It is." He rubbed a hand down his face. "Leo abdicated."

Drake poured them both a drink. He observed the slight tremble in Liam's hand as he took a healthy gulp of whiskey. Eyes closed briefly as he gathered his thoughts.

"I--I'm going to have to get married."

"What?" Drake breathed in disbelief. "Why?"

"All part of being king." Liam's lips twisted in a bitter smile.

He rolled his glass between his hands as he stared down at its contents. "I have to choose one during this year's social season."

"You have to go through all that Leo did?" Drake asked.

"Yes, but unlike his, I won't know who I'm supposed to choose." Liam grimaced as he swallowed the rest of his drink. "Madeleine had been chosen years ago by Father and Regina. The competition was mostly for the public's entertainment than to actually choose a queen."

Drake slumped back in his chair. "I'm sorry, Liam."

"It's..." He got up to pace, "it's fine. It's an honor to have a chance to serve my country. To marry and have a family...perhaps life will be better."

Perhaps this palace will feel like a home, he thought.

"When will it be announced?"

"Tomorrow."

"So soon." Drake murmured.

Liam briskly nodded.

His closest friend held his glass up in a toast. "Here's hoping, Liam."

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

Monterisso Royal Palace, a week later...

"Elisse." Amalas hugged her cousin. "Thank you for coming so quickly."

"Of course." Elisse took the offered chair. Her eyes dropped down to the baby bump showing. "How are you feeling?"

"Good." Amalas gently patted her tummy. "This baby has finally decided I'm not the enemy and has agreed that food is definitely a good thing."

Elisse laughed, shaking her head at her cousin's humor.

"But enough about the spoiled future king or queen I’m having." Amalas handed over a letter with Cordonia's royal seal. "Read this."

Elisse scanned the invitation, eyes widening slightly. "Prince Leo abdicated? Do we know why?"

The spy queen chuckled. "You know I do." She leaned over and grabbed a file off her table. "Let's just say that the former crown prince did not want the responsibilities that went along with the crown."

Elisse opened the file and snorted. "I've heard that Lady Madeleine can be difficult to deal with."

"That along with wanting his freedom to wander the earth like a rich playboy are his reasons." Amalas pointed out a photograph one of her agents snapped recently on a cruise ship. "This woman, Katie, is an even bigger reason."

"They're engaged?" Elisse whispered in disbelief. "He didn't waste any time, did he?"

"No, he did not." Amalas reclined in her chair. "Elisse? What would you think of Monterisso gaining an alliance with Cordonia?"

"I think it would benefit our country as well as theirs." She replied, setting Leo's folder down.

Another folder was handed to her. Her lips curved into a soft smile at the pictures of Cordonia's new crown prince. Each aspect her cousin found on Liam had made him a man she thought she would enjoy meeting.

"Marriage is the easiest and strongest alliance one can have with a foreign power."

Elisse looked up. "You're suggesting  I take part in Prince Liam's search."

"Exactly." Amalas smiled at her. "I can't think of a better queen for Cordonia than you." She reached over and grasped her hand. "But feel free to say no. I won't force you to do this if you do not wish to."

"I would like to meet him." Elisse admitted. She lowered his eyes to his picture. "He is very handsome."

"You always did like blue eyes." Amalas teased.

Elisse bit back a smile. "I do."

"Would you like to attend Cordonia's social season?"

Elisse slowly nodded. "Yes, I think I would."

Amalas picked up the letter from Constantine. "I'll go ahead and schedule your health exam."

"My what?" Elisse blinked in surprise.

"Cordonia's king isn't taking any chances that his last possible heir marries a woman unable to have children." Amalas grinned at her cousin. "Lucky for him that our family is notorious for our reproduction abilities."

Elisse laughed. "Our mothers certainly came from a large family." Her smile turned tender. "Whenever I think of my future, I always see myself with three or four children."

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

A few weeks later, Cordonia, the King's study...

"Have you made a list of those that are participating?" Regina asked her husband.

"I have." He handed her a sheet of paper.

The Queen scanned the names. "What happened to the Monterisso viscountess? I thought from Queen Amalas's letter that they were hoping to make a match."

Constantine's lips firmed in a disappointed frown. "She cannot have children."

Regina's countenance fell. "How tragic."

"Indeed." He replied. "It would have been a profitable match for us." He released a resigned sigh. "I suppose we now settle for Madeleine to take the crown again."

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

The viscountess's chambers, Monterisso Palace...

"Elisse." Amalas pleaded. "Please, talk to me."

The young viscountess shook her head. Tears fell silently as she clutched a pillow to her stomach. Her thoughts were too much for her. All the plans she had dreamed of as a little girl were destroyed from one simple examination.

All from thinking Liam had beautiful blue eyes and seemed like a nice man she could easily fall for.

A choked sob burst forth as she doubled over from the pain of it all.

"Elisse." Amalas tried to wrap her arms around her. "I'm so sorry."

Elisse knew her cousin was. She knew Amalas would move heaven and earth for her if she could. Unfortunately, there were some things even a powerful queen could not do.

"We'll call in every specialist we can find." Amalas whispered, gently rocking Elisse. "I refuse to believe--"

"Stop!" Elisse cried out. "Please stop." Her anguished eyes met her cousin's. "I can't continue to hear doctors say that it is impossible."

"It's not." Amalas argued. "I can’t believe you are unable to--"

"I only have one ovary!" Elisse snapped. "It is so damaged from the endometriosis and benign tumors that I'm lucky to have a period every few months." She looked down at her worthless womb. "Even my uterus is filled with fibroids to the point they have warped it beyond repair. Surgery won't help." She wiped angrily at her tears. "No one will marry me now."

"That's not true! You--"

"Amalas, you know what nobles need." Elisse bit out. "They need heirs. They need a woman to fulfill that role. I'm completely obsolete in our world now."

She turned away from her cousin's sudden tears. She didn't want her pity. She didn't want anything except those elusive images of cuddling her own children.

If she could turn her mind off and focus on something else, anything else...

"I'm going to go away for a while."

Amalas jerked upright. "What?"

"I need to be alone." Elisse turned to face her. Her eyes filled with tears when her gaze dropped down to her cousin's ever growing baby bump. "I need to come to terms with all of this."

"Will you back in time for..." An expression of guilt flickered over the queen's face for such a selfish question.

"I'll try." Elisse hedged. "I promise."

She knew Amalas depended on her. Though the two had numerous cousins sprinkled in various titled positions all over Europe, they had always had a special bond that made them more like sisters. Perhaps it was their mothers' doing that made certain they would always have the other close at hand.

But Elisse knew deep down, she would have been close to her cousin without any outside influence. The notorious Queen of Spies distrusted most people, even some of their blood relatives. Yet, she trusted Elisse with everything.

She hated to leave her during her pregnancy, but the viscountess didn’t think she could take being around an expectant mother right now.

Amalas hugged her once more. "I'll arrange your travel. But I insist you take Felix with you as a bodyguard." She waited on Elisse's agreement. "Let me know where and when you wish to leave."

"I don't care where." Elisse whispered. "Just as long as I can leave as soon as possible."

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

New York City, a month later...

"One nondescript bar as requested." Maxwell announced, holding the door open.

"Steaks for the table!" He yelled out.

"And four whiskeys!" Drake chimed in.

Riley rolled her eyes at Daniel. "You're really going to leave me with these guys?"

"I promise I'll work two of your shifts whenever you want." He bargained.

She let out a tired sigh. "Make it three and we have a deal."

He shook her hand. "You are brutal with negotiations."

She laughed, piled the tumblers of whiskey on her tray, and headed for the bachelor party.

She passed three drinks out. "I thought there were four of you."

"There are." Drake winked at her, causing a blush to form on her cheeks. "Right behind you is number four."

She turned around and blinked.

He's so handsome.

Liam smiled at her. "Pardon me, Miss?"

"Hmm?" She shook herself out of her daze. "Of course."

His smile flashed, making her knees feel slightly weak. "If you would..." He gestured toward his seat that she was blocking.

Her cheeks flared even more with color. "Right. Sorry."

She decided then and there to not allow her eyes to rest on him the remainder of their time here.

A few hours later, Liam approached her.

"Thank you for being so patient with us." His charming smile was a bit bashful. "I don't suppose I could repay such kindness with buying you a drink."

Riley found herself mesmerized by his blue eyes. "Where were you planning on going next?"

"I actually hoped you could help with that." He rubbed the back of his neck. "The guys hoped to go to a nightclub."

Her nose wrinkled. "I say forget the nightclub. There's a beach cove I could show you that is just the place to unwind."

"That sounds perfect." He held his hand out. "Shall we?"

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

Six months later, Edenbrook Hospital, Boston...

Elisse chewed on her lower lip, wishing she could hear what the group of doctors were saying behind the glass partition.

After taking her file and passing it to a man in surgical scrubs, Dr. Ramsey walked back into her room.

"Ms. Mallin, after further examination," his expression gentled, "I believe your doctors in Monterisso were correct."

Elisse lowered her eyes. "I see."

"I still want to perform the surgeries we discussed." He sat down beside her hospital bed. "The severe pain in your uterus will only increase if we don't remove the fibroids. Dr. Tanka isn’t sure though how it will be after your surgery."

"Whatever you think." She closed her eyes tight. "It doesn't really matter what shape it is in. I suppose we should just remove it altogether."

Her doctor rested his hand over hers. He waited patiently for her to make eye contact.

"We won't know for certain until Dr. Tanka gets in there, but we believe we can save your ovary."

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "By all means, hold on to that worthless body part."

His brow furrowed. "Elisse, I don't like the thought of you in this state of mind before surgery."

"I'm sorry." She replied automatically. "I don't mean to sound like this." Her gaze held his. "I--I never wanted much in life." Her shoulder lifted. "Perhaps it was the life I was born into, but having a family was more than passing on my noble title."

Ethan remained silent, allowing her time to express herself.

"I know I need to accept this, but I couldn't help but hope after reading about your diagnostic team," She rested her head back against her pillow, "I wanted the impossible."

"There's still a chance your uterus can remain intact. We might even be able to save some of your eggs." Ethan reminded her. "You could find a surrogate and--"

"I know." She sniffed. "And I also know there is a chance my eggs might not be in any shape to be saved."

She noticed his frown and gently squeezed his hand. "Thank you for trying, Dr. Ramsey."

"We're not done yet." He stood up when Dr. Tanka walked inside. "We'll talk more later."

Once everything was settled for her surgery in the morning, her bodyguard returned and kept vigil by her bedside.

"Felix," Elisse smiled softly at the middle aged man. "You should go to the hotel and rest."

"I'm fine m'lady." He grumbled.

Her eyebrow lifted at the six foot seven man. "That chair has to be uncomfortable."

A flicker of humor flashed in his eyes. "I've had better and worse, m'lady."

She began to laugh. "I can't imagine anything being worse than that."

"You haven't been on some of the queen's missions." He smiled warmly at her.

Elisse reached for his hand. "Thank you for watching over me."

He gently patted it, becoming gruff with his words that a lady didn't have to thank him for doing his job.

She smiled, taking comfort in his admonishment. Felix had tried to keep a professional distance from her, yet her sadness had him stepping in more and more to offer what comfort he could. He thought of her as a little sister and couldn't help but smile whenever she teased him as if he was family.

Such fondness for her added to the devotion and care he would have normally never given any other noble he was assigned to.

But Elisse was special. He hoped that somehow she would find a piece of happiness that could be all her own.

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

New York, Statue of Liberty...

Riley swallowed nervously. She didn't know how she could refuse Liam, but it was no use.

After spending so much time with Drake while Liam kept up appearances with Madeleine, she had fallen out of love for Cordonia's new king. The grumpy commoner had touched her heart with his stories of not belonging. She had felt the same way while enduring every snub and insult from Madeleine and some of the other ladies at court.

With so little opportunities to be with Liam, and with feeling a bit hurt that her Prince Charming had not defended her against the allegations, she convinced herself that she had no choice. She had to be with the man that had stood by her side as she tried to locate Tariq.

"Liam, I can't marry you." Her words somehow came out steady. "I came to Cordonia for you, but I fell in love with Drake."

Liam took a step back. "What? You and Drake..."

He couldn't believe it. How had this happened without him noticing? He knew that Drake was fond of her and took her out some evenings. But love?

"Liam?" Riley was growing more nervous by his silence.

Liam couldn't think of what to say.

What should I do?

He only knew he wasn't ready to lose her from his life.

"You...you intend to live in Cordonia?"

She slowly nodded. "If that's okay. I want to see where things go with Drake."

Her words were another bitter slash to his heart.

"Of course." He slid his hands in his pockets to keep from grasping her and forcing her to take her words back. "Just because you don't feel as I do, I would never hold that against you. Cordonia is your home."

She visibly relaxed. "Thank you Liam."

"I think," he focused on her, "I think you will be a benefit to Cordonia. I'm going to make you a duchess."

"A duchess?!" She gasped. "But..."

He knew this would keep her at hand. Give him a reason to see her without appearing as the desperate, rejected suitor. Perhaps now that the scandal was over and things calmed down, she might realize that what she thought was love for Drake was nothing more than gratefulness for his assistance.

Am I wrong for hoping this? Should I instead hope their love is true?

Liam forced a smile. "I arranged for us to go to the top." He motioned toward the statue. "Would you still like to?"

Riley returned his smile. "I really can't pass up an opportunity like that, can I?"

"I hoped you wouldn't." He replied.

He followed behind her, wishing this night had ended differently.

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

Another five months later, Cordonia...

"Anton and his minions are in chains!" Riley held her glass high as the court cheered.

Liam tugged at the stiff collar of his jacket. It had been a day filled with emotions that he could not share with a single soul. Seeing the woman he thought he loved marry his best friend had cut deep. Discovering they had been kidnapped had caused both anger and worry as he rushed to face down the man who dared to take the throne from him.

Witnessing Riley and Drake fight side by side, each trying to protect the other had been eye opening. Neither cared about anything other than keeping the one they loved safe.

He couldn't begrudge their happiness. Nor could he continue to wish that circumstances had gone differently. Riley was not meant for him after all.

He knew he would have to let the past go and somehow find a way to move forward into the future.

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

A month later, Monterisso Royal Palace...

"King Liam chose an heir!" Amalas exclaimed when Elisse walked into the main hall.

"He chose one? That is shocking." Elisse leaned forward to see the report that just came in. "Who's the lucky child?"

"That's just it." Amalas dropped the paper. "He has named the yet to be conceived child of the Duke and Duchess of Valtoria as his heir."

Elisse's brow furrowed. "But, he might still marry. His own children should be next in line."

"He says differently." Amalas pulled up his news conference for her cousin to watch.

"This seems wrong." Elisse mumbled. " I know those two are his closest friends--"

"And they are Guardian and Champion of the Realm." Amalas reminded her with an eye roll. "That's what he has had to use to get the people on board with his decision."

"Poor Liam." Elisse couldn't help but sympathize with the king. "He's being pressured on all sides for something he can't completely control."

"I think I might pay a visit." Amalas tapped her finger against her chin. "Perhaps see if the new duke and duchess are amenable to a possible alliance."

"It couldn't hurt." Elisse added.

"Indeed." The Queen smiled warmly at her. "I want you to come along. It has been too long since you and I went on a trip. I could use your ability to read people while I guide them toward a possible arranged marriage for their child and mine."

"I suppose I have to do as my queen commands." Elisse teased. "And I've yet to ever say no to my cousin."

"Doubly lucky for me." Amalas smirked.

"When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow."

#misfortune's intentions #choices the royal heir #liam x oc #drake x riley #choices trh

[angelasscribbles]

Max Throwbacks: Bad Romance

My favorite Max chapters from Bad Romance/Bad Romance Continues/Bad Parenting.

links are under the cut

Warning: Most of these are NSFW

Max x Riley. NSFW.

Max x Riley. Though this comes before Engagements, Planes and Confessions in the story, chronologically it comes after as the above is a flashback.

Max x Liam x Riley (the night Max and Liam become more than friends) NSFW.

Bad Romance One-shots

These two are the same night, one from Riley's POV and one from Max's. This features Liam. Warnings: Voyeurism exhibitionism NSFW

Max x Liam. NSFW.

Three-shot, chapter one features Max x Liam, chapter three features Max x Riley x Liam. All of it is NSFW

Some actual fluff for you, lol. The birth of Max's son from chapter 4 of a Bad Romance miniseries (Disney Adventure)

This is from Bad Parenting and highlights my HCs about Max being the domestic one

Tagging: @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation

@nestledonthaveone  @karahalloway  @tessa-liam  @belencha77 @lovingchoices14

@21-wishes @secretaryunpaid @lunaseasblog  @princessleac1 @bebepac

@emersyn-in-cordonia @walkerdrakewalker @73geenalove  @sillydg @twinkle-320

@queen-arabella-of-cordonia @tinkie1973 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @jared2612 @mainstreetreader

@amandablink @harleybeaumont  @xpandass420x @ladyangel70 @twinkleallnight

@dcbbw  @indiacater @queenmiarys @phoenixrising0308 @gabesmommie1130

@kingliam2019 @3pawandme @bascmve01

#mbaw #maxwell beaumont #maxwell beaumont appreciation #trr maxwell #bad romance

[alj4890masterlist]

Misfortune's Intentions (Completed Series)

(Liam x OC* Elisse) (Drake x Riley) in a Choices The Royal Heir fan fiction miniseries.

Prologue

Chapter 1 Expect the Unexpected

Chapter 2 Confirmation

Chapter 3 Heart’s Honesty

Chapter 4 Moonlight and Secrets

Chapter 5 Possibilities

Chapter 6 Taking the Next Step

Chapter 7 Never Ending

#choices the royal heir #misfortune's intentions #trr liam #trr drake #drake x riley #liam x oc #trh liam #trh drake

[bradypnoea]

1000 Points of Light | Sidrisa | 6 Works - 180k | Apr ‘16 - Oct ‘17

If you look, really look. If you close your mouth and open your heart and look You'll see. That just like in the darkest of nights In the darkest of hearts. You can still see starlight.

Note: (In honour of the impending release of the Loki miniseries and my sceptical optimism for it, I'm highlighting a few canon-adjacent Loki works that can pass the time between new episodes or, if you're like me, distract from new content long enough to miss the first wave of inevitable Discourse.) Without writing an essay in the description of this post, it has to be said: in the TH fandom, as in society at large, we have yet to dismantle our whtie supremacy and racism. It shows up as white fans reflexively defending media and dismissing critical analysis by people of colour; it shows up as patronising and judgmental comments towards authors and fans of colour for their "incorrect" interpretations; it shows up as insidious anti-Blackness and hostility towards Zawe Ashton. The list goes on. Sidrisa created a culture, mythos, and political background to contrast Asgard's own in Power and Magic, and sadly there's no trace of them in the Loki fandom found after 2018. I can hope their deparure wasn't due to outright harrassment but I've no way of knowing. I do know that Black Marvel fans contiuously speak out regarding the inhospitable environments in predominanly white fandoms. We as online fans may not be able to shift major systems of oppression or influence film productions, but it's well within our ability to make our online spaces less hostile. We, as white fans, need to develop a nuanced understanding of white supremacy, and we must engage in difficult conversations when we see racism in whatever form displayed in our communities.

- Read on Author's Tumblr (Inactive) | Series on AO3 -

The princes come with their exalted Father arriving amidst a hail of pomp and pageantry all parties would rather forgo.

This is war, where men die, their blood purchasing land and peace until it is time for more men and more blood to balance the ledger.

But your mother adheres to the old rules of hearth and hospitality. The Lords of Asgard must be given their due despite the grim business precipitating their arrival.

She summons you, making a sour face at your choice of dress.

“Katkat,” She calls you, her voice slipping into the comforts of your land’s mother tongue. Its closest approximation in the common language places the word on the paternal side of “beloved”. Inflect the vowel sounds - 'kotkot'- and you take it from paternal to romantic.

But there's nothing paternal or affectionate in her face or voice, both thunderous as the grey clouds that herald the arrival of the Lords Odin, Thor, and Loki.

“Katkat, why are you dressed thus? Did you forget our royal company?”

“I did not, manmae.” Mama you call her, you call her, your voice also lacking the warmth such an informal address implies. “I have dressed appropriate to our situation.”

You wear your leathers. Black and austere, lacking the intricate grooved patterns your people are known across the realm for. Your pastures breed the horses Odin Allfather’s soldiers ride to war upon. Your tanners cure and cut the leather that braid their whips and saddles. Your furs fill Frigga Allmother’s wardrobe and the treasure chests of many a noble lady. The labors of your people, while not extraordinarily luxurious, grant a small measure of wealth and with it with it autonomy that your family has held stewardship over for ageless generations of which you are the sole heir.

Continue reading on AO3...

#Loki fanfiction #MCU Loki fanfiction #Tom Hiddleston fanfiction #Power and Magic #Sidrisa #1000 Points of Light #ofcOC #Black ofc #unnamed ofc #Princess #katkat #pov2 #povS #relNew #ratingE #slow burn #major content warnings #graphic violence #character injury #character death #reading #wc150-200k #chaps #series #complete #long post #characterLoki

[zaffrenotes]

elpída: part iii

Book: The Royal Heir, Future Rating/Warnings: PG (language) / Character death(s) will be mentioned Author’s Note: * All main characters belong to Pixelberry, I’m just borrowing them * OCs are my creation * Set roughly 20 years into the future of the TRH timeline. I was inspired to write this miniseries based on an ad I saw last November. This does not follow the full TRH timeline from the book. * elpída is the Greek word for “hope” *  Word Count: +/- 1800

Perma & TRR/TRH Taglist: @ao719 @annekebbphotography @blackcatkita @brightpinkpeppercorn @desireepow-1986 @gibbles82 @innerpostmentality @loveellamae @smalltalk88 @thecordoniandiaries @aworldoffandoms @bascmve01 @bbrandy2002 @burnsoslow @custaroonie @darley1101 @dcbbw @hopefulmoonobject @iplaydrake @kingliam2019 @lodberg @lovemychoices @missevabean @rainbowsinthestorm @superharriet @the-soot-sprite @omgjasminesimone @kimmiedoo5 @texaskitten30 @princess-geek​ @queenjilian​ @gardeningourmet​

“There’s one more thing,” Leo calls out from the other room.

Teddy sniffles once more and takes a deep breath, gathering up her full skirts and her strength to join Leo in the other room once more.

“Your parents wanted you to have these for your coronation.” He reaches into his jacket pocket again, pulling out a square, black velvet box. With a tiny flourish, he lifts the lid to show Teddy the contents, and she lets out a small gasp.

“Is that…Mama’s pearl pendant?” She reaches out to touch the solitary pearl, strung on a white gold chain.

“The very one,” Leo replies.

Teddy was familiar with the story of the pearl. Liam had found it in a grotto in Italy, hiding it away in hopes of being able to give it to the woman he loved. Years later, he gave it to Katrina – under peculiar circumstances was the only answer her parents provided – who asked him to hold on to it until she was somehow worthy of wearing it. Once they were engaged, Liam had it set and strung as a pendant, giving it to Katrina on their wedding night. She wore it as often as possible, and Teddy remembered how much she loved to play with it as a child, holding the pearl between her fingers every time she curled up in her mother’s lap for a story.

20+ years ago...

“Assassins. Assassins! On our wedding day! As if the life I imagined with you couldn’t get any more surreal!”

Liam tipped his chin down and looked over at Katrina, grinning at his wife. His Queen. His Love. Her cheeks were flushed pink and one hand lay resting on her chest, the other draped lazily across her forehead. Two bands sparkled on her ring finger, and he grinned at the sight of them.

“What’s on your mind?” She stretched her hand across the small space that separated them in the bed, tapping him lightly on the nose.

They’d been up before dawn to prepare for their wedding day, undergoing not one, but two threats on their lives from Anton’s attempts to usurp the Crown. “You’re amazing,” Liam sighed, reaching over to hold Katrina’s hand. He pulled her closer and kissed her knuckles. “Absolutely, undeniably, amazing.”

Katrina grinned back at her husband of half a day as he settled against the stack of down pillows. “You’re not so bad yourself, dear husband.” She sighed happily, rolling to her side to look at him.

Liam tipped his chin down once more, almost bashfully at the compliment, before scooting closer to Katrina. “That’s not quite what I was referring to,” he chuckled. He lifted his gaze to her again, taking in the way her raven hair scattered around her and the pillow in loose curls, and the softness in her face. “I always knew you were strong in character, Trina,” he began. “I knew that from the night we met. I hate the way your inner strength was tested over and over again since that night, but I’m also grateful things happened the way they did, to get to this moment. Here, you and I, as husband and wife.”

“I could’ve done with fewer near-death experiences,” Katrina teased back. Liam tilted his head at her, and she continued speaking; she knew when he looked at her that way that he was trying to have a serious moment. “But getting through the metaphorical gauntlet was worth it. You are worth it, and I’d do it all again if I had to, because I love you.”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Liam replied, pressing his lips to hers with a sweet kiss. He pressed his forehead to hers, before leaning back and twisting over to retrieve something from his nightstand. “That’s why I want to give you this,” turning to her once more. He presented a small black velvet box, placing it on the mattress. Clasping the bedsheet to her body, Katrina sat up, looking between the jewelry box and up at Liam, who had an anxious smile plastered across his face. “Open it,” he urged.

Katrina tucked her bottom lip between her teeth, reining in a smile, and picked up the box, cracking it open…and felt her heart swell. “Is this what I think it is?” She looked up at Liam again, blinking back tears of disbelief, and he nodded silently as the anxiety faded from his smile and bloomed to pride. She slipped her fingers under the perfect solitaire pearl pendant, strung on a white gold chain, and gently pulled it free.

“You said you wanted me to wait to give it to you until you were worthy of wearing it,” Liam said softly. “I thought you were already worthy of it the night at the Blue Grotto, because you were worthy of my heart.” He reached out his hand and Katrina set the necklace into his palm. She twisted around and pulled her hair over one shoulder while Liam undid the clasp on the chain.

“You know, in preparation for the wedding, Regina took me to the vault to pick out my jewelry,” Katrina replied, feeling Liam’s forearms on her shoulders as he arced the pendant over her head. “Rows and rows of glittering diamonds, sparkling gemstones in every shade of the rainbow,” she continued, feeling Liam’s full lips against the back of her neck. She let out a tiny sigh of pleasure at his touch. “But this is the most valuable piece of jewelry to me, aside from my wedding band and engagement ring,.”

Liam wrapped his hands around her shoulders and kissed the side of her neck, and Katrina leaned into him. “This is just the beginning, my Love,” he uttered, the words vibrating gently against her skin with each kiss.

Katrina reluctantly pulled herself away from him, shifting to face him once more. She looked at him expectantly, watching Liam’s eyes as they traveled from her face to her chest, where the pendant rested. A satisfied grin pulled at the corners of his mouth, turning to a different look altogether when she let the sheet fall to her waist. “How does it look?”

“Devastatingly perfect, my darling wife,” Liam answered. His bright, coffee colored eyes shifted to deep espresso, and Katrina’s lips curled at the way he tensed his jaw. “I know it’s been a long day, but I need to make love to my wife…again.”

---

“Mama, did you hear me?”

A tiny hand pressed against Katrina’s cheek, and she stirred away from the memory of her wedding night. “Hmm? What’s that, my little bear?” She looked down at Teddy, who’d moved her hand from Katrina’s cheek and was back to playing with the pearl pendant around her neck.

“Tell me again, how Daddy found this,” Teddy answered, holding the pearl between her thumb and middle finger. “In the blue water?”

Katrina took in a long breath and kissed the top of Teddy’s freshly bathed head, her dark hair still damp. “When Daddy was a young man, before we met, he went to a place called the Blue Grotto with Theíos Leo,” she began. “They went diving, and Daddy found this pearl in an oyster. Theíos told Daddy that this pearl would win the heart of any woman he gave it to, but Daddy didn’t have anyone whose heart he wanted to win over, so he hid it in the Grotto and hoped it would be there when he found someone to love.”

“And then?”

“And then, one night when we were in Italy, Daddy took me to this secret spot and he went diving to see if he could find it again…and he did! He told me white pearls symbolize beauty, purity, and new beginnings, and are believed to bring good luck and protection to those that wear them.”

PRESENT DAY

“What’s that?” she inquires, looking curiously at a white gold cuff.

Leo removes the bracelet from the box, handing it to Teddy. “Something your parents commissioned for you before…well, before we all had to leave,” he answers.

She takes the bracelet from him, admiring the diamonds and sapphires that sparkle before her, set in an Art Deco style. It matches her gown, as if her parents had glimpsed into the future. She squints at something on the underside, pulling it closer to read an inscription, and feels a bittersweet aching in her heart while imaginary balloons drift down from her head and lodge into her throat. Her chin trembles with emotion as she looks up to meet her uncle’s eyes.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed…remember whose daughter you are and straighten your crown.

Leo makes a tiny, strangled sound as he tries to speak, coughing to clear his throat before trying again. “Your dad, my brother…he would’ve moved heaven and earth to be the one to give this to you tonight,” he chokes out. “Your mom and dad would be so incredibly proud of you today. I wish to all the gods that they’d be the ones sitting with you now, instead of your sorry excuse of an uncle,” he jokes, sad smile quivering across his lips.

“Theíos, you’ve been a great uncle,” she reassures him, reaching forward to squeeze his arm with affection. “You and Theía Katie took me in and sacrificed so much to keep me safe. I can never repay you for that.”

His bright blue eyes are wet with tears, and he pats her shoulder in silent acknowledgement. “We’d do it again in a heartbeat, kiddo.”

She holds up a wrist to him. “Help your niece, one more time?”

Leo chuckles, taking the bracelet from her, and opens the clasp. He slips it onto her gloved wrist with care. They both have to dab at their eyes to wipe away fresh tears. She turns in place, and Leo unclasps the pearl pendant, draping it in front of Teddy as he fiddles to secure the chain.

It’s cold against her skin, and she shivers gently. As Leo secures the necklace he whispers a tiny “there” behind her, and her fingertips press the pearl to her chest. She wouldn’t be able to have her parents in the room, but she’d be able to feel their presence with their gifts.

Teddy stands to take a long breath, closing her eyes once more. She gathers the balloons in her mind, stuffing them behind the door one more time, and her face relaxes to a solemn, stoic expression. “Let’s get this thing over with, shall we?”

Leo rises, and Teddy loops her hand through his arm as he escorts her out. She’s ready to officially take her place underneath Cordonia’s crown.

#the royal heir fanfiction #TRH fanfic #TRH AU #TRR AU #the royal heir au #choices fanfiction #playchoices fanfic #tw: death #tw: character death #the royal heir miniseries #king liam x mc #zaffrenotes fanfiction #zaffrenotes writes