#then bertrand with maxwell very close behind

[choices-binglebonkus]

I just realized that every single main character in TRR/TRH/TRF needs a shit ton of therapy. Particularly Liam, who gets consistently fucked over throughout the series, and the MC, who had a remarkably traumatic birth without an epidural or any pain relief of any kind in addition to all the other shit she’s been through.

#Hana is the definite runner up #and then probably olivia #then bertrand with maxwell very close behind #then Drake #choices the royal romance #the royal romance #choices trr #trr #the royal heir #choices the royal heir #choices trh #trh #the royal finale #choices the royal finale #choices trf #trf #choices stories you play #playchoices #choices stories we play #pixelberry #pixelberry studios #playchoices fandom #choices stories you play fandom #choices stories we play fandom #tw: birth mention #tw: birth

[angelasscribbles]

Unexpected Chapter 10: The Truth Comes Out

Series: Unexpected

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Riley x Maxwell, Riley x Liam

Rating: MA

Warnings: None for this chapter, but a friendly reminder for the series overall: Depicts sexual situations, BDSM, D/s relationship, degradation/praise kink, and sadism/masochism (mild violence). Potentially disturbing stalkerish/controlling and inappropriate behavior is mentioned. Must be 18+ to read. This story is not for everyone. Proceed with caution.

Word Count: 2,784

My other stuff: Master List.

Max watched as Riley raged. He ducked as a vase whizzed past his head and shattered on the wall behind him. She was a force of nature as she demolished the room.

He was a little scared, and a lot turned on. He was also confused. “Why are you mad?”

“Fucking Cordonia!” She shoved a chair out of her way as she stormed across the room, sending it clattering into a bookshelf. “Fucking Regina! The goddamned fucking nobility and all their fucking stupid ass rules!” A bottle of scotch from the drink cart flew through the air and crashed against an end table.

“Yeah…yeesh, I know, but…what exactly have they done this time?”

She spun on him in fury, “Everyone is conspiring to make Madeleine queen. Regina was very clear that I’m not fucking good enough for her precious little prince!” She punctuated her statement with a deep-throated roar as she swiped his phone from his hand and hurled it across the room, where it exploded into pieces.

“That was my phone, Riley! My innocent phone!”

Riley blinked, a little of the rage dissipating as she took in Max’s distress. “Sorry.”

He wanted to take her in his arms and reassure her, but when he took a step toward her with outstretched arms, she shoved him sharply backward.

Max was not dissuaded. He didn’t try to touch her again but instead calmly told her, “I’ll marry you.”

She stopped rampaging and moved close enough to run her fingers through his hair. “I know you would, sweet boy. But I can’t marry you. Do you know why?”

“No.” He shook his head. “Why?”

“Because your brother promised me that if I did, he would disinherit you.”

Max’s mouth fell open. “Wait. So…he knew about us before he walked in on us earlier?”

“Yes. Where do you think I got all those photos of you at Ramsford?”

“But…” Max paled. Bertrand had known from the beginning that Riley liked him, but he had hidden that information from him. He had belittled him for his interest in her and done his best to warn him off. “Why didn’t he—”

“Why didn’t he tell you?” She laughed, but it was a bitter sound. “He doesn’t want us together, Max. He wants me to marry Liam. All of his help and support is contingent on me getting Liam down the aisle.”

“Right. Of course.” It made sense. Bertrand was single-minded about restoring the glory of House Beaumont and promoting his own political career. Obviously, he would put those things ahead of his own brother’s happiness.

As if reading all that on his face, Riley caressed the side of his face. “I’m sorry, Maxey, but it’s all true.”

A knock interrupted his response.

“Fucking what now?” Riley stomped to the door and yanked it open. “What?”

“Oh…ah.” Liam’s brow creased as he took in her furious expression. “Is this a bad time?”

Riley’s bad temper evaporated as she held the door wider and stepped back. “Not for you. Please, come in.”

“Thank you.” He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but I couldn’t wait for our rendezvous. I need to see you—”

Liam’s words cut off mid-sentence as he registered Max’s presence. “Max. What are you doing here at this hour?”

Max shrugged languidly. “I could ask you the same question.”

“No, you couldn’t.” Liam’s jaw clenched. “This is my palace. I go where I want, when I want. But you….” His eyes flicked from Max to Riley and back again. “I would remind you that your reputation precedes you. I won’t have you harassing any of the suitors.”

Max stepped up to Liam in an uncharacteristic display of aggression. “I’m not harassing anyone. I’m just looking out for House Beaumont’s sponsee and my friend.”

“Looking out for her, how? She couldn’t be safer than she is inside the palace.”

“I don’t want to see her get hurt emotionally.”

Liam was genuinely taken aback. “You think I’m going to hurt her?”

“Aren’t you?”

“No! I—”

“You can’t make any promises to her, Liam, because you can’t make a move without approval from the Royal Council. She deserves someone who can give themselves to her without reservation or conditions.”

Liam snorted. “Someone like you?”

Max shrugged again, this time with attitude. His mouth turned down as he answered, “I don’t pretend to be worthy of her, but I know she deserves someone who can claim her publicly, not string her along, making empty promises.”

Liam’s spine straightened and his shoulders went back. “Is that what you think I’m doing?”

“Are you saying you’re going to choose her?”

A faint note of desperation crept into the prince’s voice. “I want to….”

“Then do it.”

Liam blinked. “What?”

“Choose her! Right here, right now. The coronation is in less than a week. You have to be engaged by then.”

Annoyance colored his reply. “I’ll make my choice at the Coronation Ball.”

“But there’s no rule or law that says you have to wait. Plenty of monarchs were engaged, or even married, well before coronation night.”

“I—” Liam’s panicked gaze swung from Max to Riley to find her watching him expectantly. He regained his composure and addressed his next remarks to her. “That’s actually why I’m here. We have things to discuss.” His gaze swung back to Max. “Privately.”

Max looked at Riley, who nodded at him. With a sigh, he dropped his arms and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Fine. I’ll go, but first I would like to take this opportunity to throw my brother under the bus.”

Liam froze. “What are you talking about?”

“Riley has no money and no resources of her own.”

Liam inclined his head slightly. “I’m aware.”

“Well, are you aware that Bertrand has been using his money and sponsorship to control her? To threaten her?”

“I….was not aware of that.” Liam turned his attention to Riley. “Is that true?”

Riley contemplated lying, but what was the point? The odds of her marrying Liam were diminishing by the second. Her fingers pinched the bridge of her nose with a sigh. “It’s true.”

“Is that the only reason that you….” He slid a sidewise glance at Max, not wanting to ask what he needed to ask in front of him.

Riley caught on immediately. “Max. Get out, give us a moment. Liam and I need to talk.”

“But—”

Riley pointed at the door. “Go!”

Max made it almost to the door before turning around and running back across the room, where he fell at Riley’s feet. “Riley, please! I know I’m not a prince or even a duke, but I love you! You’re my everything! Don’t marry him and forget about me, please!”

Riley’s face lit up. “You love me?”

“Yes!”

Liam cleared his throat. “So, Drake was right. There is something going on between you. Was everything between us a lie? Because Bertrand was threatening you?”

“No!” The joy Riley felt at Max’s confession was erased as panic surged through her. “I mean, the trying to get you to marry me part was all Bertrand, but that’s why all these women are here anyway, right?”

“Yes,” he conceded, “But—”

“I really like you, Liam. Way more than I should. I’ve liked you since that night in New York. Remember?” She looked down at Max. “Get up.”

“Mm-hm.” Liam’s mind spun as he watched Max climb to his feet. He felt the sting of jealousy, but he pushed it aside. He hadn’t made any promises to her, and he had, until very recently, been dating thirty other women. “How far has it gone?”

“What?”

“The thing with Maxwell. How far has it gone?”

“He’s still a virgin.”

“No, I’m not!” Max protested indignantly.

Riley arched an eyebrow at him. “Have you been inside any of my orifices?”

“Okay…” he held his hands out in front of him as he contemplated that. “Technically, I am a virgin, however—”

“He’s still a virgin,” she said with a satisfied grin, “but his ass isn’t.”

Max’s cheeks pinkened and his eyes widened. “Riley!”

“Okay!” Liam shook his head. “That might be a bit too much information.” How was there ever a time he had thought her sweet and innocent?

“Sorry.” She tittered.

He stared at her in disbelief for a long moment before bursting into laughter. The entire situation was preposterous. Everything about this woman was wrong for him. Her background, her lack of education, her criminal history, and the cherry on top was that she was fucking someone else. Maxwell Beaumont of all people!

And the most preposterous thing of all was that he still wanted her. She still excited him in ways no other woman ever had. He was low-key turned on by her allusion to a kinkier side.

But it wasn’t about sex. He could get that anywhere.

She was still the only one he’d confided in about his deepest insecurities, and she was still the only one who could soothe those fears. She was the only one who could make him laugh no matter how bleak the situation. She was the one.

He wanted her, he might even love her, but there wasn’t a chance in hell he was going to marry her. He couldn’t. There were just too many obstacles, and Max was the biggest one. His groveling at her feet had underscored the issue for him.

Riley might agree to marry him. She might even give up Max for him. But if history was any indicator, and it generally was, Max would never stop pursuing her, making it just a matter of time before the whole thing blew up into a colossal scandal.

Riley smiled hesitantly at his reaction. “You’re not mad?”

“I’m a little mad, but I’ll get over it.” What he wasn’t sure he could get over was her. “Now Max, could you please get the fuck out so we can speak in private, or shall I have a member of the King’s Guard come and drag you out?”

Max gulped. “No need for that. I’m going!”

“We’ll talk later,” Riley told him.

The moment the door shut behind him, Riley and Liam spoke at the same time.

“I can’t marry you.”

“I don’t want to be queen.”

“What?” Liam’s mouth fell open in astonishment. No woman had ever not wanted to be queen before. Crown chasers constituted the majority of his dating history.

“Your mother was right. I’m not cut out to rule.”

“Stepmother,” he corrected her.

“Whatever.” She waved a dismissive hand in the air. “She’s right. I would make a terrible queen.”

“I need to be clear about what you’re telling me, Riley. You don’t want to be queen. But do you want to be with me?”

“I do, but I know how much Cordonia means to you, and I can’t be the cause of a scandal that might hurt you. There are things you don’t know about me, Liam.”

“I doubt it.”

Riley drew in a shaky breath and lowered herself onto the bed. She needed to sit for this. She was about to voluntarily blow the entire thing up.

Five years ago, she would have lied and done her level best to take him for everything he was worth. But now? Now, she knew three things for certain.

One, she never wanted to be that person again. She hadn’t liked herself then, and she didn’t like that Bertrand was trying to turn her into that again.

Two, Liam deserved the truth.

Three, she really would make a terrible queen.

She spilled out the entire story in a rush, her words tumbling over each other in her haste to make him understand. She told him about her mother’s illness, and her desperation to come up with the money for the experimental treatment. She told him how it all ended with her seduction of the CEO of the hospital and blackmail photos that never made their way to his wife or board members because her mother’s medical care was miraculously covered by a generous anonymous donor.

She paused for air and stole a quick glance at his face, expecting to see contempt, judgement, scorn. She saw none of those things.

Instead, she saw compassion, empathy, and understanding.

“You don’t despise me for it?”

“No, and I already knew everything you just told me.” The fact that she had chosen to confess everything to him reassured him that her feelings for him were indeed genuine. “And what about me?”

Riley started. “You?”

“Yes, love. Me. Did you know who I was when we met?”

“Of course not! How could I have?”

“I believe you. Now, tell me about Bertrand.”

“As you surmised already, he found out about my past. He offered to make me an official member of House Beaumont and give me a hefty amount of money, but only if you chose me.”

“And if I didn’t?”

“Then he would revoke his sponsorship and send me back home. Penniless.”

“Is that all?”

“No. He said that if I dropped out of the social season to be with Max, then he would disinherit him.”

A knife sliced through his heart. His voice was low and laden with emotion when he asked, “You were going to drop out of the social season for Max? You were going to choose him over me?”

“I didn’t!”

“No, you didn’t,” he responded carefully, “but is that because you wanted me or because you didn’t want to be sent back home penniless?”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she dropped them onto her lap and twisted her fingers together. “Can’t it be both?”

“It can be. I’m asking you if it is.”

“It is! I would be a liar if I said the money wasn’t tempting. It’s not even about the champagne and designer clothes…it’s just been nice not to have to worry if I’ll have a roof over my head next month…but if that were all there were to it, I would have still withdrawn from the season.”

She was so despondent that he had to force himself not to lean over and pull her into his arms. He still had to be sure her feelings for him were real. “So why didn’t you?”

She lifted her eyes back to his face. “You know why, Liam. Last night meant everything to me.”

Every interaction they’d ever had poured through his mind. All their late-night walks through the hedge maze, all their inside jokes, all the secrets about their innermost fears and desires that they had confided in each other.

She had chosen to tell him the truth, not realizing that he already knew about her past. He was willing to try to move forward and salvage something out of the last three months. It wasn’t like he was handing her the keys to the kingdom or anything. That ship had sailed. They couldn’t be married. But perhaps they could still be something.

“Would you be satisfied with a more…informal relationship?”

“You mean be your mistress while you marry Madeleine?

“How did you know about Madeleine’s offer?”

“Regina told me at dinner.”

“That was not her place!” His fists clenched at his side. “She had no right to interfere in my life and my decisions!”

“See?” Riley felt a sudden surge of anger. “This is exactly why I wanted to marry you! Everyone else wants to use you, control you. I would never do that, Liam!”

His irritation was replaced by surprise. “I thought you didn’t want to marry me?”

“I never said that. I said I don’t want to be queen.”

“But marrying me would make you queen.”

“I know. If you were a doctor or lawyer or construction worker, I could marry you.”

“And I could marry you.”

The bittersweet knowledge that in any other set of circumstances they could, and would, be together hung in the air between them.

“Are you sure you don’t want to be queen?”

“You told me once that me being a free spirit was one of the qualities you most appreciated about me.”

“I stand by that.”

“Free spirits don’t get up for four a.m. conference calls with Tokyo.”

“Right.” And the council would never approve her anyway.

“Are you sure marrying me would ruin you politically?”

“Afraid so.”

“So, what are we going to do?”

“I don’t know yet.” He finally moved to take her in his arms. “I just need to know that you want to find a way forward.”

“I do.”

He smiled softly and tugged her closer. “Good. Then we’ll figure out the rest. Together.”

“Together.” She agreed.

#unexpected #trr au #the royal romance #liam rys #maxwell beaumont #angelasscribbles #trr #the royal romance fanfic #choices #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #choices stories you play

[fadingreveries]

The Royal Romance, Bk1 Ch2: Welcome to Cordonia (Pt. 1)

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Story Summary: In this novel-style retelling of TRR, beloved scenes with original commentary from the Choices stories including your favourite group of royals and friends will be expanded upon. Contains extended commentary and scenes from the original story, in-depth descriptions of bonus scenes, and premium choices and outfits.

Chapter Synopsis: Riley travels to Cordonia, but what will await her there?

Word Count: 1.2k

Disclaimer: All rights to original commentary, scenes, and characters from The Royal Romance series reserved to Choices and Pixelberry Studios. No copyright infringement intended.

~ ~ ~

After packing her bags and leaving her New York apartment behind, Riley found herself on a plane with Maxwell and Drake. She gazed in awe at the cream-coloured leather seats, dark oak tables, and a complete minibar with beverages she could only have dreamed of consuming in her lifetime. It was clear that she had underestimated just how lavish their lives were back home. 

“Say ‘goodbye’ to New York and ‘hello’ to Cordonia!” Maxwell exclaimed, his arms stretched out wide in front of him and still as eager as ever. 

It turned out that not only was he Liam’s fairy godmother on his bachelor party night, but he had now undertaken the new position of Riley’s fairy godmother on her way to Cordonia. He felt very satisfied with the good he was spreading in their lives. Better this than to cause more mischief and mayhem, as Bertrand would put it.

Riley leaned back in her chair, hugging herself tighter with her leather jacket around her. She was dressed in a magenta blouse and black jeans, yet she was slightly shivering. She wasn’t even all that sure if it was because of the air conditioning cranked up high or because of her nervous but excited energy. 

She was surprised by her spontaneity at that moment and still couldn't process where she was. “I can’t believe this is actually happening…”

Riley knew it was a risky decision to choose. She didn’t know what the future held in Cordonia or what her relationship with Liam would unfold into. But she knew better that to never have tried for something she truly wanted was to regret it for the rest of her life.

“Believe it. We’ll be landing soon, ready or not. And if you’re not ready, those ladies at court are going to eat you alive,” Drake responded, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Metaphorically speaking, anyway. But Drake had seen things pretty close to it. In front of other members of the court, noble ladies dished out compliments and gave out diplomatic answers to every question like it was second nature. Being close to Liam showed him the other side of them which involved a lot more name-calling, sabotaging, two-faced conversations, and downright dragging others’ self-esteem across the cold ground.

It was something that rubbed him the wrong way whenever he got an occasional glimpse of it. It was just a constant reminder to him that no one at court could ever really be trusted. If Riley was gonna stick around, she might as well know the ropes as early as she could. 

Maxwell knew he was being a Debbie downer again. Or as little Maxwell liked to put his own little twist on it when he was six-years-old, a “Drakey downer.” Maxwell shushed him, putting his finger up to his lip. “Yeesh, don’t scare her, Drake. You okay, Riley?”

“Honestly… I’m terrified,” Riley admitted, suddenly feeling a twinge of nervousness. “I met you all just last night and suddenly… I’m uprooting my whole life for a competition in a country halfway across the world. I feel like I’m a little over my head for doing this.”

Drake scowled, scoffing as if he almost saw her answer coming. It was exactly the point he kept bringing up to Maxwell when he said Riley would be joining them. “I knew it. She’s not gonna last a week. It’s a waste of time bringing her if she’s not even sure of herself being here.”

“I don’t get why you’re being so grim about this,” Riley muttered, frowning as she looked Drake in the eye. “Is it really as bad as you say it is?”

Seeing the genuinely hurt look on her face, Drake took a second to breathe and rethink his sudden hostility towards her. It wasn’t anything personal. He just knew this kind of risky decision-making only ended in disaster for people. 

Mostly, he didn’t want it to negatively affect Liam. He knew Liam hesitated to talk about his feelings in front of others, but Drake could always see the truth in his eyes. No way in hell was he going to let anything hurt him. 

Shaking his head, Drake sighed. “Look, no offense, but I’ve seen girls like you come and go. It never ends well. Not for you, not for Liam, not for the royal family.”

Maxwell had only met Riley the night before but besides Liam, he was quite possibly her only advocate for her time in Cordonia. He didn’t even want to think about how Bertrand was going to react knowing he had technically plucked a random girl from New York to compete in being the next queen of their kingdom. 

In a protective manner, Maxwell frowned and retorted, “Riley’s not some crown-chaser. She and Liam have something real. I saw it last night with my own two eyes. And if they don’t believe it, you can personally bring me to the eye doctor to get my 20/20 vision rechecked. Everyone knows that’s just one of my amazing assets.”

“Drake… I’m different from those girls. Liam being a prince doesn’t matter at all to me,” Riley softly said.

The boy she learned to love that one special night was just Liam to her. She knew the title and his responsibility to Cordonia was a large part of his life, but she knew that she would have fallen in love with Liam regardless of what his title was. 

Pointing an ironic finger at her, Drake leaned back in his seat and remarked, “That’s exactly the kind of naive thinking that’s going to land you in trouble here.”

Just then, the pilot announced the plane’s descent. Sliding open the window for a brighter view of outside, Maxwell peered out. He knew it was something that Riley would find fascinating and hopefully, it would calm her slight nerves for her big journey ahead. A little boost for her spirits. 

“Hey, look! You can see Cordonia out the window! Riley, you won’t want to miss this!” Maxwell said, gesturing her over to join him by the window. 

Making her way towards Maxwell’s spot, Riley craned her head to get a better look of the scenery. She gasped in wonder, taking note of the various shades of blue and turquoise in the ocean surrounding the country. The beige and tan stone buildings with roofs of orange and sandy colours immediately caught her eye. There was an expansive wealth of healthy forests with their dark green foliage. She could even see the large white and gold glamour of the royal palace’s architecture from where the airplane hovered over. 

“That’s Cordonia? It’s like something out of a fairy tale!” Riley exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with even more enthusiasm by every new sight she saw. “The sparkling ocean, the swaying trees—”

“If you burst into song, I’m jumping out of the plane,” Drake interrupted her, although he was a little relieved to see that any trace of her nervousness faded away. 

“I’m just saying it’s beautiful,” Riley commented, her mouth still slightly agape and her eyes fixated on the sights below. 

“It is, isn’t it?” Maxwell agreed, before turning to observe her. It was exactly what she needed to get excited over her new start. “Are you ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Riley answered with a grin, feeling like she could handle anything thrown in her way.

~ ~ ~

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Tag list: @kingliam2019 @princess-geek @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @tinkie1973 @tessa-liam

#choices #choices app #choices fanfic #choices game #choices pixelberry #choices stories you play #choices trr #choices you play #the royal romance #trr #trr fanfic #trr mc #trr liam #the royal romance book 1 #the royal romance series #choices the royal romance #choices playthrough #choices spoilers #choices matter #choices stories we play #choices fandom #choices fic writers creations #choices book club #choices mc #riley brooks #liam rys #drake walker #maxwell beaumont #hana lee #olivia nevrakis

[dcbbw]

Sunday Snippets!

Happy Sunday, folks! I hope you all had a restful weekend, and if you had to work may your upcoming days off be relaxing.

I am still woefully behind with deadlines (across all platforms: work, home, tumblr) but I am making progress; if the stars align and my motivation stays high, I will be spamming your dashes soon.

Below are snippets from three of four fics I am working on to post by September 30th.

You know the drill by now: everything is in flux, roughly drafted, and final versions are subject to change.

It’s all below the cut. Enjoy!

The Price of Everything (Platinum AU chapter update):

The Beaumont Bash was in full swing; once the doors had closed behind King Constantine and Queen Regina, and Maxwell had sliced open the champagne bottles, everyone let loose. Even the Crown Prince shrugged out of his tuxedo jacket and unbuttoned the first three buttons of his white oxford shirt before swaying his body to the blaring music.

Young Lord Beaumont was circulating amongst the crowd with a silver tray; on it were water glasses filled to the brim with a bluish-colored liquid. When he reached Prince Liam and Lady Riley who were engaged in conversation, he insisted they each take a glass.

“What is this, Lord Maxwell?” Liam asked as he suspiciously eyed the proffered glass.

Riley accepted her glass and sipped. Her mouth puckered; her eyes squinted. But she took another swallow.

“I call it Cowbell!” Max replied proudly, his words slurring ever so slightly.

“Well, I need more cowbell!” Riley announced before falling into a fit of giggles.

The Prince and The Lord looked at her, and then at each other, wondering what was so funny. Their attention was caught by the sight of Bertrand riding into the entry hall on a horse; he led two more behind him.

“RILEY! You MUST ride one of the horses! It’s tradition that all members of House Beaumont do so!” Maxwell yelled excitedly as he shoved the tray of drinks into Liam’s unprepared hands. “You’re an honorary Beaumont!”

Riley grinned and clapped her hands in glee before looking down at her ball gown. It was gorgeous, tight, and long. No way could she mount the horse, let alone ride it in her current outfit. She looked around the hall, peering into what she could see of the rooms occupying the wing.

People were drinking, dancing, playing card games, making out, and overall ignoring her.

“Fuck it,” she thought as she kicked off her shoes and began stripping out of the dress.

Liam was so busy lustily admiring his lover’s nude form appear before him, it took him a moment too long to register the fact she was in a very public venue with nearly all of Court present.

In their drunken states, Maxwell and Bertrand paid Riley’s nudity no attention.

By the time Liam had managed to set the tray of drinks down, Riley was on the horse yelling, “LADY GODIVA RIDES AGAIN!”

Muttering curses beneath his breath, the future King managed his way out of his shirt, tossed it over his shoulder, and ran after the thoroughbred; he caught up with both animal and rider after a few sprints and mounted the still-moving steed, pressing his bare chest against Riley’s nude back. He awkwardly threw the shirt around her shoulders, before splaying his palms against her breasts to cover her nipples.

Riley looked at him over her shoulder, her smile wide and eyes sparkling. “This is AMAZING, Liam!”

The royal shook his head as he failed to hold back his laughter. He nuzzled the side of her neck. “I love you so much, Riley Brooks. So, so much.”

To Have and To Hold (Commoner’s Wife one-shot):

A knock on the open door barely registered in his brain, so absorbed was he in graphs, charts, and updating the timeline and rosters. After they knocked a second time, he bade the person entry, his attention still fixed on the spreadsheet titled Walker Wedding.

His eyes flicked up briefly before performing a double take.

It was the bride-to-be herself, Riley Brooks. She looked anything but the subject of a celebrity wedding; her hair was tousled, her expression harried. She wore an oversized graphic tee-shirt, baggy sweatpants, and flip-flops. Guilt infused her expression upon seeing Liam.

“Your Majesty,” she greeted in a stiff tone.

“Your Grace,” he returned curtly, his eyes again intent upon the spreadsheet. “How may I help you?”

“I was told to meet Madeleine and Bastien to pick up the jewelry for tomorrow.”

“The Countess and my Head Guard are waiting for you in the East Wing library. I’m happy to inform them you’ve arrived.”

“Oh, for Chrissakes, Liam! You aren’t my assistant. I’ll text them and let them know I’m here.”

“The ceremony rehearsal will begin promptly at 4pm, followed by dinner.” Liam’s face remained hidden behind the computer monitors.

Riley looked his way curiously before flopping into a club chair made of butter-soft leather. She let her tote bag slide from her shoulder and fall to the floor. She exhaled a small sigh as her fingers raked through her hair.

“You still can’t look at me,” she said softly.

Liam rose from his seat, ostensibly to stretch his legs, but really it was to move closer to the Duchess.

“And you still can’t tell me. I go to help Lady Hana bake brownies and return to you and Drake telling EVERYONE ELSE you’re engaged!”

“As if you told me ANYTHING Coronation night or any day after that!” Riley spat, glaring up at Liam’s tall, muscular frame.

Liam rolled his shirtsleeves up to his elbows, his eyes fixed on Riley, before striding to the bar cart to pour himself a scotch and soda on the rocks. He did not offer Riley any.

“I have apologized constantly since that … fiasco, Lady Riley. I have begged your forgiveness daily. I have cried to you and cried over you. But you refuse to see beyond your hurt, failing to realize I hurt as well. You doubt my love for you, yet I am the one planning your wedding, I am the one paying for your wedding.”

“This is more than hurt, Liam! It’s pain, it’s damage … that you inflicted. As for MY wedding, it’s merely Crown money protecting the Crown’s image!” Riley yelled at Liam’s back as she stood from her seat.

Liam slowly turned to face the Duchess, hurt emanating from his very body. “Is that how you feel?”

Riley was hoisting her bag over her shoulder; she glanced at him quickly before slightly nodding her head.

Liam turned away again. He set his tumbler on the bar cart before rubbing the pads of his fingers against his temples, attempting to ward off a vague headache. “I trust you can find your way to the East Wing.”

Plus One Triangle (tentative title):

“This isn’t working for me anymore.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

“This was the agreement. This has always been the agreement. Or have you forgotten?”

“I’ve forgotten nothing. But everything is different now.”

The King of Cordonia threw a brief glance to his fiancée as he crossed his massive bedroom to the walk-in closet to grab his shirt and tie. He wore tan-colored linen slacks; his belt, neatly looped around the waist of his pants, was unbuckled. Cognac-colored fisherman sandals covered his feet.

“What exactly has changed, Madeleine? There will be no wedding until the American is found.”

“And they haven’t been seen in four months!” the Queen-to-be hissed. “We move forward with the wedding planning TODAY!”

The monarch gave a mirthless chuckle. “Or what? You leave me?”

“You will break it off with that …  tart, remove her from the Crown’s property, and wed me … or I go to the press.”

The King was fastening his belt; at Madeleine’s words, his head snapped up. “Don’t make idle threats. You are still my subject, Countess,” he warned in a soft, silky whisper.

“Remove her from Court and Crown, or I will! I have nothing to lose.”

Madeleine turned on her heel, and stalked from the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

The King stared thoughtfully at the closed door before striding to his bedside table where his cellphone lay charging. He quickly dialed a number, waiting for the other person to answer. When they did, the ruler spoke rapidly and urgently in Cordonia, hanging up once he finished his one-sided conversation.

Madeleine was pushing her luck; she was about to fuck around and find herself in either a cell or a grave. It didn’t much matter to him which it was.

Tagging:  @jared2612​ @ao719​ @burnsoslow​ @marietrinmimi​ @merridithsmiscellany-blog​ @queenjilian​ @indiacater​ @kingliam2019​ @bebepac​ @liamxs-world​ @mom2000aggie​ @cmestrella​ @liamrhysstalker2020​  @neotericthemis​ @twinkleallnight​ @umccall71​ @superharriet​  @busywoman​ @gabesmommie1130​ @tessa-liam​ @phoenixrising308​ @beezm​ @gardeningourmet​ @lovingchoices14​ @foreverethereal123​ @mainstreetreader​ @angelasscribbles​ @lady-calypso​ @emkay512​ @jovialyouthmusic​ @21-wishes​ @princessleac1​ @charlotteg234​ @queenrileyrose​ @alj4890​ @yourfavaquarius111​ @motorcitymademadame​ @choicesficwriterscreations​​

#dcbbw writes #wips #they're coming #the royal romance fanfic #total aus

[harleybeaumont]

Ok, first of all....

As you know, I've been working on a couple of fics for you. One is ready and will be posted soon but I wanted to give you a small preview. First of all, the moodboard:

Here's a snippet:

“We’re here!” Riley called out as Maxwell threw open the front doors and they strode into the foyer.

Four members of the Queen’s Guard followed behind them, arms filled with unassembled packing boxes.

“Riley!” A short, heavy-set woman with greying black hair that was piled on top of her head in a bun threw herself at the young queen.

Riley laughed as she returned the hug, “Matilda! How have you been?”

“Bored without you and Lord-I mean Max,” She beamed at the younger Beaumont brother, “to keep things interesting!”

It had taken Riley months to convince the head of Ramsfords housekeeping staff to dispense with formalities and call them by their first names. Years of Bertrand’s insistence on following protocol and using proper titles had been hard to overcome. She still only did it when the duke wasn’t present to hear. At some point, Matilda had decided that a queen outranked a duke, but he was still her boss.

Max hugged her next, “You were always my favorite, you know that right?”

Matilda laughed, “Only because I let you sneak cookies before dinner! What are you doing here?”

Ever since Max had taken the position of first assistant and top advisor to the queen, he had been largely absent from the estate. She had missed his shenanigans.

“Bert said I had to come clean out my room.”

Matilda looked at him in puzzlement, “All of the bedrooms are kept clean, especially yours and Riley’s!”

The staff pretended not to notice that Max spent the night in Riley’s room when she was there, with or without the king present.

“Not that room. The other one.”

Matilda glanced at Riley, taking in her very unqueenly attire of short cropped denim pants, a t-shirt tied in a knot at the waist, and a colorful bandana tied in her hair, “Are you here to help him clean out his junk room?”

“Treasure room, Matilda! Room of wonderous treasure!” Max corrected her.

“Mm.” Matilda looked at him skeptically, “Duke Beaumont calls it a junk room.”

Max rolled his eyes, “Which is why we are here to clean it out! I have to rescue my stuff!”

“Is it in danger?” Matilda asked.

“Yes! Bert said he’s going to donate it all if I don’t come do something with it!”

“All right. To the treasure room then!” Riley exclaimed, waving bye to Matilda as she pushed Max toward the staircase.  

The guards deposited the boxes in the hallway outside the door Max pointed at and retreated as Riley waved them away, “We’ll call you when it’s time to carry things!”

Max had been clear that he didn’t want the guards going through his things. Riley was the only person he was allowing to help him sort through his treasured possessions.

“Why do you have a separate room for all this stuff, Max?” Riley asked as she pushed the door open. Her eyes swept over the room, taking in the flotsam and jetsam of Max’s childhood and young adult years.

The other story will be late, but hopefully worth the wait. A reminder of the pic you sent me for inspiration

A small sneak peek:

Riley walked the secretary of finance to the door of her office, “Thank you, Lord Herron,” she ushered him out as he nodded and tried to continue the conversation.

She pushed the door closed and leaned on it, breathing out a sigh of relief. Lord Archibald Herron was a lot. Like, really a lot. He was at least ninety years old, and would not retire. He talked a lot, had outdated ideas, and took forever to tell a story.

She was exhausted from the encounter and stressed the fuck out. She glanced up at the ornate Lewisburg wall clock on her wall. She had time to kill before her next appointment.

She knew exactly how to relieve her stress.

She pulled the door open to peer into the outer office. Her eyes landed on Max, who was rifling through a file cabinet for something.

“Max!” She called out, “Come in here, now! I have something to dictate to you!”

Max looked up from his filing, “Oh, um, yes, okay, coming!” He swiftly grabbed a steno pad and pencil from his desk as he walked past it.

“Hold all my calls,” Riley told the receptionist as she stood back and let Max through then she pushed the door shut and turned the lock.

Max took a seat in the chair in front of the desk and flipped the steno pad open, “Okay, what are you dictating?”

Riley sauntered across the room and pulled herself up onto the edge of the desk, crossing her legs as she did so. One hand slid up her thigh, sliding her skirt up, revealing thigh-high stockings, “To whom it may concern, the queen needs to be…handled.”

Max glanced up at her, then back down at the steno pad clutched in his hand. He blinked then his head jerked back up as he realized what she was saying.

When his eyes found her again, she was sitting on edge of her desk, dangling a pair of handcuffs from her fingertips.

His eyes dipped down to trace up her legs, taking in the top of the stocking and the attached garter belt before making their way up her curves to lock on her face. He swallowed thickly, “How may I be of service, Your Majesty?”

Just for good measure....

But most of all, thank you for being an amazing friend, mother, writer, and person! You are truly a genuine, nice human and I hope you had the spectacular birthday that you deserve!!!! (And so does Max!!)

The way i screamed when i read this!!!!! OMG!

first of all- the moodboard!! i love it!! creepy and hilarious!

I love the whole interaction between Riley, Max, and Matilda. I already love Matilda- she sounds like a joy! Maxwell and his treasure room- hes so freaking cute! I cannot wait to read more!

Lord Herron sounds like a few people I've met before in real life! Hilarious! I love how you always make situations in your writing so relatable.

And WHEW!! I can't wait to see what plans she has for Max and those handcuffs.. IM DROOLING OVER HERE! And you had to post those Max gifs 🥵

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so thankful that I have you as a friend and the fact that you're writing those fics for me is amazing 🥰🥰🥰 @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation

#angelasscribbles #maxwell beaumont #trr maxwell #mbaw

[eadanga]

The Royal Romance Chapter 4 Part 2

MC feels her face heat up and her heart racing as Liam steps away from her smirking Why did he have to do that? Making me blush God his scent is intoxicating MC shakes her head No time for that I gotta get ready and meet him outside MC looks around to make sure no one is watching then she slips out the door.

MC waits a little bit looking into the ballroom seeing Liam in a conversation Everyone wants to talk to the prince the downside to being royalty everyone wants your attention. A few minutes later Liam walks out

“Cutting close there”

“I was trapped in a conversation about the seating chart for tomorrow’s picnic but I managed to tear myself away for you” He offers his arm “Shall we?”

MC smiles as she takes his arm and leads him to the gardens “It’s really beautiful out here tonight”

“I wish I could take credit for it but the gardens out here my mother’s vision it was her last wish before well…sometimes when I stroll through this garden at night I think of her” He looks up at the stars

MC places a hand on his shoulder “I’m sure she appreciates that”

“Thanks this garden holds many good memories as well”

“This is where you and Drake played maze tag growing up right”

“Yeah you probably think it’s silly don’t you”

“Sounds like a lot of fun in fact” MC grins as she taps him on the shoulder “Tag you’re it!” MC takes off running she hears laugher behind her

“Cheater!” Liam takes off after her

MC takes a look behind her and sees Liam catching up to her Damn Liam’s a fast runner but I can be faster MC makes it to the maze and dives into a shortcut picking up speed ahead of Liam. She weaves through the maze till she spots the center ahead of her Better head to the center before Liam catches me MC turns back “I’m gonna win!”

“It’s not over till it’s over!”

Liam dives forward to tackle her but he is knocked off balance and crashes into her

“Whoa!”

Liam and MC laugh as they roll together towards the swing coming to a stop just before it

Liam smiles “We made it the center of the maze”

MC grins “And I do believe I win”

Liam grins “How do you figure that out?”

“Easy I’m on top”

Liam chuckles “I find it hard to argue with that”

“Then don’t”

Liam laughs then his face turns serious as he gazes up at her “Something about you it just feels right to be around you”

MC smiles “I feel the same way”

Liam grins “MC…” He reaches up with his hand to cup her cheek

MC feels her heart race again then she leans down and kisses him deeply. Liam’s arms coming around her to pull her closer

Then he pulls away shaking his head “We shouldn’t I don’t know what will happen”

Damn these rules here MC sighs “I know”

“What is it about you MC you make me want to break all the rules”

MC smiles “Maybe you need someone like that in your life”

Liam smiles “Maybe I do this was expected but somewhat perfect”

“You laughed more in this maze than you did in the masquerade”

“I guess I really needed this thank you”

MC smiles “No problem I had fun too will I see you tomorrow?”

Liam nods “Yes tomorrow it’ll be very busy but I’ll find time” Liam lifts her hand and kisses “Until then”

****

MC heads back to her room and rests on her bed “Oh what a night” She removes her heels “I need a rest”

A knock comes at her door and MC heads to answer it and sees Maxwell

“Maxwell hey!”

Maxwell grins “I know it’s late but there’s someone I want you to meet” Maxwell steps aside to reveal a stern looking man behind him “Bertrand this is the girl I was telling you about MC”

Bertrand raises an eyebrow “This is the girl you’ve chosen to represent our house?”

“Yup nailed it!”

MC smiles “It’s nice to meet you Bertrand”

“The proper way to address a duke is your grace”

“Oh I’m sorry your Grace”

“Well at least it looks like you can be trained”

MC frowns “Hey I’m not your pet”

Maxwell fidgets “He didn’t mean it like that”

Bertrand frowns “Hmph Maxwell a word with you in private”

Bertrand grabs Maxwell arm and hauls him out the door. MC sits on her bed as she hears raised voices

“Sounds like they’re talking about me” MC shakes her head “No I should leave them to it”

After a few moment the door is thrown open

Bertrand adjusts his tie “Ahem so sorry to leave you alone my dear but I had some important matters to discuss with my brother while Maxwell’s been fooling around I’ve been doing real work of running our house and estate that’s where you come in”

“Oh I do?”

“Perhaps Maxwell didn’t fully explain it to you but the prince chooses our house we win we get fame and recognition”

Maxwell sighs “Something we could need right now cause we’re broke”

Bertrand frowns “Maxwell you overstep!”

“Sorry”

“Oh that’s why I had to buy my own dress for the masquerade”

Bertrand sighs “Precisely”

Maxwell nods “Sorry about that w can only afford the minimum no one outside our house knows how bad things are”

“Do you get money if I marry the Prince”

Bertrand shakes his head “Not directly but it will be helpful for us”

Maxwell nods “But are name is still worth something in Cordonia at the very least we can introduce you to the right people”

Bertrand nods “Speaking of are you prepared for tomorrow’s event”

MC stands up straight “No but I will be I won’t let you down”

Tags: @indiacater​​​​ @the-soot-sprite​​​​ @mfackenthal​​​​ @gkittylove99​​​​  @iaminlovewithtrr​​​​ @princess-geek​​​​  @ta-sayeed​​​  

#Royal Romance #king liam #liam x mc #trr #trh #trr liam #Liam Rys #the royal romance #choices fanfiction #choices fandom

[sincerelyella]

I already requested this from someone else but I love your writing so much and I wanted to request this from you too! After Olivia’s kiss in book 1 in Lythikos, Liam just breezed over it and it wasn’t brought up again. But what if he kissed Ella to prove to her he doesn’t have moment with anyone else?

Book: The Royal Romance AU

Pairings: Liam x MC (Ella); Drake x MC

Summary: Olivia kisses Liam and Ella sees and gets very insecure.

A/N: Thank you for this Anon! I love getting requests. Ya'll really make my day with these. Hope you like it!

A/N2: Participating in @wackydrabbles prompt will be in bold (the correct prompt - I’m a mess!)

@ofpixelsandscribbles and @alyssalauren thank you for prereading, and Lis, for coming up with this title. To @ao719 thank you for reassuring me about the pinky promise. Love you guys!

Warnings: maybe some angst

Words: 1672

Ella and Liam switched partners during the Cordonian waltz in Lythikos.

“Little Blossom, you’re doing gr-”

The crowd around her gasped, Maxwell stopped mid-sentence and gawked. Ella turned and saw Liam and Olivia in the middle of a kiss. Ella’s chest ached, her stomach churned and her eyes welled with tears. She quickly blinked it away, she was not going to cry in front of the entire court.

“El, you okay?”

She vaguely heard Max speaking to her. “I … yes, I’m fine. But I’m a little tired, so I'm going to go to my room.”

“Okay!” He leaned down and kissed her on her head. “I’ll see you later Blossom!”

Max had no idea how that kiss affected her and that’s how she wanted it. She squeezed her friend’s arm and slipped through the crowd to her room.

A little while later, Ella answered her door and there stood Drake with a vase of red rose blossoms in his arms. There was a note hidden in the bouquet from Liam asking to meet him in his suite.

Drake was munching on some candy as he stepped into her room. “Brooks? Did you hear me? Are you going?”

“No,” Ella buried her face in the roses, taking in their scent. “I’m not in the mood right now.”

“What’s going on?” Drake crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Ella until she looked up at him. “You left the banquet early, you’re avoiding Liam … which is odd because you’re all the time locking lips.”

Ella didn’t answer. She just stared back at Drake as she chewed on her bottom lip.

“It’s because Liv kissed him isn’t it?”

Two can play that game.

She stood on her tip-toes and pressed her lips to Drake's. Ella felt his body tense, but after a moment he relaxed and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Brooks," he whispered after he pulled back.

"Yeah?"

"What are you doing?"

"Kissing you," Ella opened her eyes and met his gaze.

"Why?"

She let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. I know how you feel for me and-"

"You're trying to get back at Liam," he arched his brow and let go of her.

“I know it’s really stupid,” she blurted out. “I already know, and I don’t need you to tell me that I’m acting irrationally.”

“Hey,” he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Brooks, it’s not irrational. Well, you kissing me was. But … you know he’s not with anyone else like that but you right?”

“How am I supposed to know that, Drake? You Cordonians are not monogamous.” Ella began to pace the room. “I know that’s why I’m here. For him to … get to know other women but … I forgot the part where I’m in love with him and my chest hurts when I see him with someone else.” With her last words she felt it, her voice wavered and her tears began to fall. She clamped her hand over her mouth in surprise and Drake’s eyes widened.

“Oh shit,” he pulled her to his chest. “Fuck, Brooks, don’t cry.”

“I-I’m … sorry,” she gasped out as she sobbed against him.

“Don’t apologize.” He was stroking her hair and telling her it would be okay. Finally, when she was a bit calmer he pulled away. “Better?”

"Yeah, thank you."

“Alright. Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow,” he moved towards the door, opened it, and then turned back. “No more of this crying business okay? That was your only ticket for me to console you."

Ella let out a watery laugh.

"Also,” his eyes softened. "Even though I enjoyed that kiss, I know you love Liam. No more of that alright?"

She nodded. Drake smiled and shut the door behind him.

The next couple of weeks, Ella did her best to avoid Liam. It wasn’t all that difficult, he was busy tending to social season balls and gatherings. Every time Max or Bertrand would tell her Liam was somewhere she would go the opposite way. It wasn’t that she didn’t love him, God, she did. With everything in her. But it wasn’t her place to be jealous and insecure, she knew she was here for this. She just wanted to be left alone in her feelings.

The Regatta was rescheduled by the royal family which was unheard of, but it turns out King Constantine’s health wasn't great and he was in the hospital. The court continued to the next stop which was Applewood. Ella, Max, and Bertrand arrived ahead of everyone else and were quickly shown to their rooms.

“I’ll meet you in a bit, Blossom, I gotta unpack and find something to wear.”

Ella nodded and watched him skip off after shutting her door. As she rummaged through her luggage a knock sounded and it startled her. “Max, how did you forget something already?”

She reached for the door, opened and saw a smiling Liam. “Oh!”

“Hello Lady Ella,” he quickly glanced down the hallway. “May I come in please?”

She stepped back, allowed him inside, and shut the door. Ella turned to face him, her heart was beating a thousand times a minute. “Your Highness,” she curtsied. “This is a surprise.”

“Ella,” Liam stepped towards her, concern in his eyes. “Why are you so formal with me? We aren’t outside.”

“I just-”

“Are you avoiding me?” His baby blue eyes gazed into hers and all her resolve dissipated.

“Truthfully, yes,” her voice trembled.

“Why? I’ve missed you, and I apologize for not coming to see you sooner. Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen you since Lythikos and” - Liam’s eyes widened - “Lythikos. This is about that kiss.” It wasn’t a question; he had figured it out without her explanation.

“I know I have no right,” Ella turned away and walked towards the bed to sit before her knees gave way. “You’re not mine,” her voice hitched. “I just needed time alone, that's all.”

Liam’s heart turned over in his chest. He followed her to the bed and kneeled in front of her. “Ella, you have every right to feel how you’re feeling,” she arched her brow and he chuckled. “You heard me. I have been meaning to tell you this but” - he wrapped her small hand in his - “I love you. I have been in love with you for a while now.”

“You …” Ella whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “I love you too, Liam.”

He grinned. “Really?”

“Really really.”

“Promise?” He looked up at her, a vulnerability in his eyes that she never saw before.

“Promise,” she held up her fist, her pinky finger out.

“What is happening?” He asked as he did the same.

“It’s a pinky swear,” Ella’s laughter filled the room as she wrapped her pinky around his.

“Why are we swearing on our pinky’s?”

“You've never done a pinky swear?” The look on his face said it all. “Nevermind,” she shook her head. “So, did you talk to Olivia?”

“I spoke with her outside after she kissed me. I told her she shouldn’t have done that and I don’t return her feelings. I wish you would have talked to me about it.”

“I should have …”

“This is why you didn’t meet me that night.”

Ella nodded.

Liam lifted her hand that was already in his and kissed her knuckles softly. “I’m yours, Ella. I don’t meet anyone outside of these events but you, I don’t kiss anybody else …” his lips traveled up her arm, slowly, ever so slowly. “… and you are mine.”

After hours of Liam proving to Ella that he meant what he said, he slipped out of the room later in the early hours of the morning. The events in Applewood the next day were kind of fun, baking, being crowned Apple Queen, throwing apples at Drake, and then having Liam come to see her that night in her room. Passionate lovemaking was an understatement, especially when a stoic prince that’s supposed to be proper and polite, dirty talks until she explodes.

The next day, the Apple Festival was winding down as Ella sat on the small swing in the garden maze, Liam gently pushing her.

“You seem happy here,” Ella mused as she pushed a strand of hair out of her face.

Liam smiled. “I’m always happy when I’m with you. I love you, Ella,” he leaned down to kiss the top of her head and let out a small sigh. “But it was less … stringent here. My brother and I never wanted to leave.”

“It has a bit more of a relaxed vibe here,” Ella nodded. “I like seeing this happy, carefree side of you.”

“You bring it out of me, you know,” he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her against his chest. “You bring a lot out of me.”

Ella turned and craned her neck up to make eye contact with him. “Like the dirty talking?”

Liam smiled and his cheeks and neck turned red. “I’m not sure what you mean,” he waited a beat. “But yes.”

A loud whistle blew and that signaled the end of the festival.

Ella sighed. “I think that means-”

“It means, we head over to dinner,” Liam pulled her up to her feet and twined his fingers with hers.

“Yeah, but you always go first,” Ella tried pulling her hand away from his but he held on. “Liam, what are you doing?”

“We’re going to dinner together,” he said simply.

“Wh-what?” She stammered. “You can’t … I mean-”

Liam stopped and turned to face her. His facial expression filled with determination and … resolve. “You don’t want to go to dinner with me, my love?”

His nickname for her went straight to her core and it took her a moment to answer. “I-I mean, yes but-”

Her words were cut off by his lips against hers. When he pulled back, her eyes were still closed. “I’m … I don’t remember what I was going to say.”

Liam chuckled and pushed Ella’s hair away from her face. “I don’t care what happens or what they say. My choice is you. I’m telling everyone about us. If this isn’t what you want, say so now.”

“Why are you doing this? You know they’re not going to let that happen before the coronation,” she whispered.

“You felt insecure in how I feel for you; it made me realize that I need to show you that I love you. Sneaking around and hiding my feelings doesn’t help matters. I can’t lose you, Ella. It’s just not a risk I’m willing to take. Will you have me?”

Ella didn’t even have to think about it. “Always,” she smiled and squeezed his hand. “Let’s go.”

#Kisses & Pinky Promises #Liam x MC #Liam x Ella #wacky drabbles #drake x mc #liam rys #Drake Walker #the royal romance fanfiction #the royal romance au #the royal romance fanfiction #choices fanfic #choices liam #trr fanfiction #trr au #trr liam x mc #trr mc #trr fanfic #trr liam #trr fandom #choices trr #trr #trr drake

[karahalloway]

(Un)Common Attraction: Chapter 37 - Full Circle

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

Pairing: Drake Walker x 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 eve of the Coronation Ball and Harper has a packed schedule... and a massive sense of déjà vu.

Word Count: 5,800

Rating/Warnings: M (swearing)

Please read: Author’s Note

Also available on Wattpad.

Chapter 36 - Full Circle

"Harper!"

"Huh?"

"Harper, have you heard a word of what I have just said?"

"Umm..."

"That's a 'no' then..." surmises Bertrand with a baleful glare.

"Sorry," I mutter.

I rearrange myself so that I am facing Bertrand, instead of staring whimsically out of the window of our customary limo, replaying in my mind the steamy kiss that I had shared with Drake on the balcony a few nights ago at the Beaumont Bash... and his decision to tell Christian about us.

"You have my full and undivided attention, Your Grace," I say with added emphasis on the last two words, hoping that a show of deference will help forestall a massive lecture.

Bertrand blinks in surprise. "Erm, yes. As I was saying, while we had managed – despite all the setback – to pull off a show-stopping Bash, we are not in the clear yet. There are any number of things that can go wrong tonight at the Coronation Ball, and we cannot allow ourselves to let our guard down this close to the finish line."

"Did you find out who was behind the mysterious power cut?" I ask.

"No," huffs Bertrand in annoyance. "The King's Guard informed me that someone had thrown the master circuit breaker, so luckily, it was a simple matter to turn the power back on. But, it could've been anyone."

"It must've been Madeleine... or someone working for her."

"We have no proof of that," he points out. "But that is why we must keep our eyes and ears open for anything and anyone that could trip you up tonight. If Mr Walker is correct and there is someone out there who does not want you to become queen, then we will need to be especially cautious, since you are very likely to be chosen by the Prince tonight."

Actually, I wasn't, given that I had told Christian back at Applewood that I had no desire to become queen. But I had no idea how to tell Bertrand that without landing him in the ER with cardiac arrest. Plus, he was actually in a good mood for once, following the success of the Beaumont Bash, and I didn't really want to take this small moment of triumph away from him. Therefore, I had decided that the best course of action was to just play along and pretend that I was still very much in the running, and then act surprised and slightly disappointed when Christian picked Olivia.

So, I simply nod dutifully.

"To that end," continues Bertrand, "I hope you have prepared a suitable coronation gift for the Prince?"

My eyes widen. “A what...?"

"Maxwell!"

"Oh, yes," smiles Maxwell sheepishly. "Did I mention that you will need to present a suitable coronation gift to Christian?"

"No," I reply, crossing my arms over my chest. "You did not."

I see Maxwell gulp visibly. "Not to worry! I'm sure the two of us can throw something together real quick..."

"Other houses spend months curating the perfect gift!" snarls Bertrand. "You can't just throw something together at the last minute!"

"We still have time before the Coronation Ball," I say quickly, before Bertrand goes into full meltdown mode. "I could have a browse around the shops in the capital when we get there."

"There will be no time for that!" exclaims Bertrand. "When we arrive, we are heading straight to Cordonia's most upscale beauty salon to rough you into shape for tonight's ball before rushing to the other side of the city to make your appointment with the country's top designer to get you fitted for your dress. And from there, it's straight to the Palace for the start of the Coronation Ball. We have a very tight schedule to maintain, one that simply does not allow for slippages or deviations!"

"But I can't just turn up emptyhanded!"

"No, you cannot," he concedes, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It would be unspeakably uncouth, not to mention utterly unforgiveable."

"You could always write him a poem," suggest Maxwell. "Or perform an interpretive dance."

I arch a brow at him.

"I'll keep brainstorming," he offers hastily, seeing the look on Bertrand's face.

"I suppose I could visit an art dealer and find a suitable vase or painting..." muses Bertrand.

"No," I say. "He told me that the Palace is already bursting with more works of art than most national museums. If we're going to get him anything, it needs to be something that's unique and meaningful."

"What do you have in mind?" asks Maxwell.

"I don't know yet," I admit. "But when I think of something, I'll let you know."

"Well, don't think too long," warns Bertrand. "All the shops will be closing early tonight so the entire country can watch the Coronation Ball live on television."

"We-we're going to be on TV?" I gasp.

"Of course," replies Bertrand. "A coronation is a once-in-a lifetime event for most folk. And Prince Christian is extremely popular with the people, so naturally, the entire country is waiting with baited-breath to see who he will pick as his bride and queen."

"So...no pressure then?" I quip nervously. Being interviewed and having my picture taken was one thing, but being filmed live for the viewing pleasure of millions of people was a whole different ball game!

"Oh, there has never been more pressure!" declares Bertrand imperiously. "All eyes will be on you – quite literally – so if there was ever a time for you to put everything that we have taught you to use, it's going to be tonight."

"Great..." I mutter, sinking back into my seat.

I was going to be SO glad when this was all over...

* * *

"Bonjour, Demoiselle 'arper!" greets a thin woman dressed in a form-fitting sheath dress and 6-inch heels as I step into the high-end fashion boutique.

I had just arrived for my dress fitting after getting my hair, nails and make-up done – not to mention getting waxed to within an inch of my life! – at the poshest salon I had ever set foot in.

"Erm, bonjour," I reply, casting my eyes around the minimalist and very monochrome interior of the shop, wondering where all the dresses were supposed to be.

"Zis way, s'il vous plait," she gestures, ushering me deeper into the store.

Drawing back a heavy black brocade curtain at the back, she leads me into a large, well-lit room that was dominated by massive, gilded mirrors and a raised platform on top of which stood Olivia, in the process of delivering a vicious tongue-lashing to a terrified-looking seamstress.

"Are you colour-blind?" she snaps, thrusting a glittering gown out like a weapon. "I asked for blood red. Does this look like the colour of blood to you? It's a dark scarlet at best!"

"Hi, Harper," whispers Hana, appearing next to me as I watch the scene unfold, feeling sorry for the poor girl.

"Hi," I reply quietly. "Olivia's on a roll, isn't she?"

It seemed that it wasn't only Bertrand who had booked a slot with Cordonia's most sought-after designer before tonight's ball.

"What seems to be the problem here?" queries a nasally voice.

Craning my neck, I spot an anorexic-looking man with bleached white hair and the most comically ostentatious get-up I had ever seen outside of The Fifth Element.

"Oh, Pierre," gushes Olivia, changing from vicious viper to cuddly kitten in the blink of an eye. "I'm so glad you're here. You must help sort out this mess!"

"Of course, mon chérie," replies Pierre, planting a kiss on the back of Olivia's hand.

Rolling my eyes, I turn back to Hana. "So, I'm guessing you're here to be fitted for your dress as well?"

"Yes," she confirms. "The seamstress should be back any— Oh, here she is!"

An assistant appears, carrying a truly exquisite-looking dress in her arms like a precious child. Hanging it carefully up on a hook in front of a smaller raised platform in the corner, she beckons to Hana.

"Enjoy," I tell Hana as she makes her way over to try on her gown.

"Demoiselle 'arper," greets yet another girl with a heavy accent. Seemed like Pierre liked all his employees to be young, female and French, and as thin as stick insects. "My name is Colette and I vill be assisting you today."

"Hi," I respond.

Colette indicates that I should follow to another fitting area. Stepping onto the raised platform, she pulls a measuring tape from around her neck and proceeds to size me up.

"Un instant, please," she murmurs, disappearing off to one side, no doubt to bring through some dress options.

"Ah, Lady Harper!" chimes a voice from behind me. "I'm surprised to see you here..."

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I turn around to face Madeleine. "And why is that?"

"Oh, it's just that I heard a nasty rumour that apparently the Beaumonts' finances aren't in as good of a shape as they would like everyone to think. But if they are able to splurge on a one-of-a-kind dress for you for the Coronation Ball, then I guess those rumours must be false."

"Yes," I reply evenly. "They are."

Even though I was not going to be Christian's pick tonight, there was no way that I was going to ruin what was left of my sponsor's reputation by confirming rumours of their financial situation... least of all to the likes of Madeleine.

Because the fact that they hadn't been completely honest with me about all the particulars of this competition, and both of them had made me want to tear my hair out on more than one occasion — not to mention the fact that one or both of them may have tried to sell out Christian — over the past two months I had actually developed a kind of kinship with the brothers (especially Maxwell). And while Bertrand may put me to sleep with his etiquette lectures and Maxwell was more forgetful than a concussed goldfish, I would not have made it through even one day of the social season without their help. So, at the very least, I owed it to them to have their backs.

"Mes excuses, demoiselles," announces Colette, reappearing with an armful of dress options, which she proceeds to hang on the hooks in front of the mirrors.

I survey the selection as Madeleine sashays away with one last smirk. All three dresses that Colette had picked looked gorgeous. But one was calling to me in particular.

"I'll try the second one," I tell Colette.

It was a floor-length dress with a gauzy white skirt the fell in pleated layers to the ground, topped by a gold, open-backed bodice that would give the impression of autumn leaves falling over my body.

"Bien sûr," she nods, looking at me expectantly.

I stare back her uncomprehendingly until I feel the hot flush of realisation colour my cheeks.

She was waiting for me to undress... in the middle of the room with all these people about.

"Erm... right."

Taking a deep breath, I kick my flats off and undo the button of my jeans before shimmying out of them. Pulling my t-shirt carefully over my head, so as not to mess up my twisted chignon updo, or my expertly applied make-up, I drop it onto the floor as well, before reaching behind my back to unclasp my bra with one hand, holding my other arm around my chest to keep myself covered.

Looking up, I can see Colette was holding the dress open, so I could step into it. Lifting my legs over the material one at a time, Colette quickly pulls the bodice up to my chest before securing the hidden clips and zips to hold it in place.

"Marvellous!"

Glancing over my shoulder, I can see Pierre appraising me from behind.

"Thanks," I reply, twisting around to take in the open-back of the dress and admiring the way that the tastefully placed leaves of material just covered all the important bits, while leaving very little to the imagination.

I feel myself grin, knowing that Drake was going to hate me for wearing such a revealing number.

"Colette!" barks Pierre. "Apportez-moi des épingles!"

Stepping up to me, Pierre gets to work pinning the dress in various strategic locations to mould it to my body like a second skin. When he's done, he gestures to Colette to extract it off me.

Once I'm free of my dress, I quickly throw my t-shirt and jeans back on, not bothering with the bra and shoes, knowing that I'll probably have at least one more fitting ahead of me. While I wait for Colette to return, I wander over to where Hana was trying on her dress.

"Hana!" I exclaim. "You look stunning!"

She was dressed in a pale pink creation with a square neckline and a poofy tulle skirt decorated with floral lace and looked every inch like a modern princess.

"As though what she wears even matters at this point," snips Olivia haughtily.

Glancing into the mirror, I see her stood behind us in a jaw-dropping one-shoulder crimson dress. It sported a waist-high slit up a skirt that shimmered with what look like hundreds of miniscule diamantes sown into the fabric.

I roll my eyes. Did she really have nothing better to do than fling barbed comments at everyone all the time?

"Seriously, Olivia," I sigh. "Can't you just—"

"It's alright, Harper," interjects Hana, turning around. "I've got this."

Olivia snorts derisively. "Oh, how sweet... Has little Hana finally learned to talk like a big girl, instead of bursting into tears anytime someone says something mean?"

Hana narrows her eyes. "Olivia. I've been nothing but nice to you since we met and all you've done is deride and ridicule me. And you know what? I don't deserve to be treated like that."

"Did Harper tell you to say that?" asks Olivia snidely. "I know you're not bold enough to come up with it on your own."

"No. She did not," replies Hana. "This is my opinion. I know you had a tough childhood, but that doesn't give you license to treat everyone around you like dirt. Because if this is how you're planning on acting if Prince Christian chooses you tonight, then you really don't deserve him."

"Ugh, do you honestly, think—?"

"Sod off, Olivia," declares Hana flippantly, turning back to the mirror. "If you have nothing constructive to say, then I'm not interested in hearing it."

My jaw drops to the floor.

Glancing at Olivia, I can see that her face is white with shock as well. Pulling herself together, she throws her nose up into the air and stomps off, but not before I catch a glimmer of respect in her eyes.

"Oh. My. God," I breathe. "Hana! That was amazing!"

"I wasn't too harsh, was I?" she asks with a delicate blush.

"Hell no!" I reply with a grin. "She deserved all of that and more. But where did that come from?"

"I have been thinking a lot about what you said after I had that call with my mother at the Jamboree. And I realised that I have been letting myself get pushed around, not just by my parents, but by pretty much everyone else in my life. So, it was time to not only stand up for myself, but to let people like Olivia know that I was not going to put up with such treatment."

"Well, I am incredibly proud of you!" I gush, drawing her into a hug.

"Thank you, Harper," replies Hana with a smile. "You have been an amazing friend to me. I've changed so much since I met you. You helped me make friends where I expected to find only enemies and competitors, and you've convinced me to do things I never thought I was capable of doing. And no matter what happens tonight, please know that you will always be able to count on me if you need help with anything. Because you've helped me so much these past few months."

"Aww, Hana..." I say, feeling tears spring into my eyes. "You're gonna make me cry..."

"Oh, don't do that!" she admonishes with glistening eyes. "Because then you'll make me cry as well, and then we'll both ruin our make-up!"

"Demoiselle 'arper?"

Turning around, I can see that Colette has returned with my dress.

"Gotta go," I tell Hana.

"Harper?"

"Yeah?"

"I was wondering... Did you want to ride with me to the Palace tonight?"

"Of course!" I reply. "I'd pick your company over Bertrand's any day of the week!"

"Great!" confirms Hana with a grin. "I'll see you out front then."

About an hour later, after Colette and Pierre have finished fiddling with my dress, I step outside the boutique to find Hana already waiting for me, and my jaw drops in surprise for the second time that day.

"Is that...?"

"Yes," nods Hana. "My parents thought one last display of wealth would help the family name."

"That...that would do it..." I agree dazedly.

Standing in front of us was a dainty white carriage pulled by two matching snow white horses that looked like something Cinderella's fairy godmother would've fashioned from a pumpkin.

"After you," indicates Hana.

Stepping up to the carriage, the driver opens the door and helps me navigate up the narrow, wrought iron steps. Carefully arranging my skirts so they don't get rumpled, I sit down into the lush red velvet seat as Hana climbs in opposite me.

The driver closes the door with a click. Hopping nimbly up onto the raised seat behind the horses, he picks up the reins, and with a flick of his long whip, urges the horses onto the road and into a trot.

As we make our way across the city, people stop to wave, snap photos, and even honk their horns. I can't help but smile as I wave back.

Every girl dreams — at least once in their life — of being a princess, and here I was, dressed in a gorgeous ballgown, riding to a fancy ball at an actual palace in a horse-drawn carriage to dance the night away. And while my happily ever after was not going to be with a prince, I was still floating on cloud nine knowing that in just a few days' time, Drake and I would no longer need to sneak around stealing moments with each other... and for me, that was more than fairytale perfect.

After winding our way relatively briskly through the narrow streets of the capital and up the hill, our pace slows as we reach the long drive that leads to the front steps of the Palace.

"Sure is busy," I remark, as I take in the long queue of limos, hyper-cars and Bentleys that wait eagerly to deposit their fancy guests at the Coronation Ball. Things are not helped by the fact that a veritable army of reporters were thronging the Palace entrance, determined to photograph and interview all the attendees as they tried to make their way inside.

"Don't worry," soothes Hana. "We have plenty of time before the Ball starts."

"Yeah, I know," I reply. "But I was hoping to run to my room beforehand."

"Did you forget something?"

"No. I just need to grab my coronation present for Christian."

While I was being fitted for my dress, I had had plenty of time to mull over possible gift options, and had finally settled upon something that I had actually had all along, but I knew that Christian would appreciate.

We finally arrive at the steps of the Palace, and after answering the inevitable questions from the press and posing for photos, we manage to battle our way inside... only to find ourselves in yet another queue.

"Seriously?" I gripe, craning my neck to try and see the front of the tailback. But the human conga line seemed to wind on indefinitely.

"A lot of people are here tonight to congratulate Prince Christian," observes Hana.

"No kidding..." I mutter. "Hey, do you think you could hold my place? I'm just going to sneak up to my room real quick."

"Of course," replies Hana with a smile.

Stepping out of the line, I pick up my skirts and quickly make my way to the bedroom wing. Opening my door, I can see that the ever-industrious valets had already deposited my bags, as well as the clothes I had left at the boutique, so at least I'd have something to change into once the Ball was over.

I make my way over to my small wheely suitcase and unzipping the front pocket, plunge my hand in. My fingers locate the familiar feel of the item that I was searching for. Pulling it out, I smile, knowing that it was the perfect gift for Christian.

I hasten back to the receiving line and continue to shuffle along with Hana until we eventually reach the throne room. Christian is stood on top of a red velvet-covered dais decked out in full royal regalia, complete with honorific medals and a deep purple sash across his chest, looking every inch the prince that he was. The King and Queen are stood slightly off to one side, exchange polite words with the guests as they file past.

"What is Christian going to do with all this stuff?" I wonder out loud, surveying the groaning table next to him that was already piled high with gifts.

"Put it to good use, I'm sure," replies Hana tactfully, as always.

"Because every prince needs an extra set of diamond cufflinks" I quip, catching sight of gift that Madeline had just presented. "I wonder what Olivia got him."

"Some kind of plant, by the looks of it," observes Hana. "Maybe a cactus?"

I snort in amusement. "No doubt to serve as a reminder of her prickly personality!"

We finally reach the front of the line. Hana presents her gift, which is a red envelope containing some kind of rare Chinese gold coin, which is supposed to symbolise prosperity and good fortune. And suddenly it's my turn to present my humble token.

"Lady Harper," greets Christian, planting a kiss on the back of my hand as he takes in my dress.

"Prince Christian," I reply with a strange feeling of déjà vu as I sink into a curtsey. "How are you holding up?"

Christian chuckles. "You know, you asked me that exact same question on your first night in Cordonia."

"And has your answer changed?"

"Truthfully? No. I'm still feeling the same mixture of nervousness and excitement as I did on the night of the Masquerade. Maybe even more so, now that we are at the end of the social season and I am about to be crowned king. After tomorrow, everything is going to change."

"Hopefully not everything," I reply. "You'll still be you, after all. Just with a more impressive title... and your own country to rule."

Christian shakes his head. "You always put things into perspective, Harper. But, you are right, of course. Many things will change, but some things will hopefully stay the same."

"I hope so too," I say with a smile, handing him his gift.

Christian's eyes widen. "Where did you get this?"

"Off my keychain."

His eyes snap up to mine. "This is yours?"

"It was something I picked up the first week I moved to New York. But I know how much the Statue of Liberty means to you, so I thought it would not only be a little memento of the time that we spent together, but also a reminder that you do not always need to be a prince or a king... you can have moments when you are just you."

"Harper..." he breathes. "I... I don't know what to say..."

"That's a first," I grin.

"I will treasure this. Always," he says, placing the keychain into the inner breast pocket of his jacket. "Thank you."

"You're more than welcome," I say softly, giving his hand a quick squeeze.

He brushes his thumb over my knuckles. "Will you save a dance for me?"

"I'll see what I can do," I reply with a wink, echoing my words to him from the Masquerade.

"Of course," confirms Christian with a grin as he drops a parting kiss on the back of my hand.

"Your Majesties," I say, dipping into another curtsey in front of the King and Queen after parting from Christian.

"Good evening, Lady Harper," greets the King. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

"The pleasure is all mine," I reply demurely. "I can honestly say that I had never expected that I would attend an event as grand as the Coronation Ball."

"Yes, you have certainly come a long way," says the Queen. "Though you aren't as well-established as Lady Madeleine or Lady Olivia, during your short time here, you have certainly become a real fixture at court, Lady Harper."

"Thank you, ma'am," I say, inclining my head. "It has certainly been... an experience."

"And who knows?" adds the King. "If the rumours are true, you could very well become a permanent fixture."

"You make her sound like a painting," admonishes the Queen.

"Well, she is certainly looking lovely enough to be in one," winks the King.

"Thank you, sir," I reply with a smile, dipping into a final curtsey. "Ma'am..."

Making my way out of the throne room, I am led through various reception rooms and corridors into a vast dining room. The majority of the guests are already here, sitting at their assigned tables or chatting amongst themselves with crystal flutes in their hands. A footman escorts me to a table near the middle of the room, where I find Hana and the rest of the suitors engaged in conversation.

"...even though I know he's not going to choose me, I'm still so nervous," says Penelope, twisting a napkin around her fingers anxiously.

"One never knows, ma chérie," replies Kiara. "There's still a chance."

"Ha!" snorts Olivia. "You're delusional if you think that!"

"I could not agree more," replies Madeleine, taking a complacent sip of her champagne.

"Oh, look who decided to grace us with her presence," says Olivia as she catches sight of me. "Are you ever going to be on time, Harper?"

"Dinner hasn't started yet," I reply, sinking down into my seat.

"Lady Harper, your dress looks very... expensive," says Penelope, taking in Pierre's creation with an awed expression.

"Thank you," I smile. "You look very nice as well."

"Oh. Thank you," she replies, a blush rising up her neck.

"Oh, please!" snorts Olivia. "As if that dowdy frock would impress anyone... Though at least you were all smart enough to stay away from my colour."

"Your colour?" asks Madeleine with an arched brow.

"Yes," affirms Olivia. "Red is my colour."

"Oh, dear Olivia..." says Madeleine sweetly. "What would you have done if one of us had worn red? Stamped your foot and thrown a fit in the middle of the ball?"

"No," snaps Olivia, eyes flashing. "I would've thought of something. Ugh, I hope tonight is the last time we ever have to interact."

"You know that's unlikely," responds Madeleine. "We'll be summoned back for the engagement tour and the wedding. We'll all be called upon to show our support for whoever the Prince chooses."

I snap my head up. "We will?"

This was news for me!

"Of course," nods Madeleine. “I'm sure we can put our petty differences aside to support the stability of Cordonia, no matter who the winner is. Even you must appreciate that, Olivia."

"I do," declares Olivia smugly. "Because you will all be supporting me after tonight."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," murmurs Madeleine as the servers arrive with the first course. "The night is not over yet, and anything could happen between now and the end of the Ball."

"Now where have I heard that one before...?" I mutter, glaring meaningfully at Madeleine who simply smiles like an angel.

"What if he doesn't choose anyone at all?" asks Kiara. "What happens then?"

"He'll pick someone," Madeleine declares confidently. "It's his duty to do so. By law, Cordonian kings must be engaged or married at the time of their Coronation."

"Still think it's a bit of a stupid law..." I mutter. "I mean, this entire competition has been so contrived..."

"It is not 'stupid'," bristles Madeleine. "The law was put in place to ensure the stability of Cordonia's future by securing an heir. Or at least the means by which to make one. I can't believe you, of all people, don't understand that concept."

"I understand just fine..." I grit, spearing a forkful of salad. "And I'm so glad to see that Cordonia has embraced the women's liberation movement."

"Women's what?" asks Penelope, puzzled.

"Women's liberation," I expound surlily. "The idea that women are more than just wives and baby-making machines. It's only been around as a concept for the past 100 years."

"As progressive as that idea may be for the average women," says Madeline, "a queen has a duty to her king and country to produce an heir at the earliest possibility to secure the future of the Rys dynasty. Otherwise, the entire monarchy could collapse."

"Surely not," I scoff.

"Oh, yes," affirms Madeline. "If the king were to die without a named heir, the entire country would descend into chaos with all the noble houses vying to secure the throne. Not to mention the very real possibly that the neighbouring kingdoms would try to seize the opportunity created by the power vacuum to subsume Cordonia into their sphere of influence... perhaps even annex it completely."

"But this is the 21st century!" I protest. "Not the Middle Ages. You're can't just take over a country."

"Isn't that exactly what the United States did in Iraq?" points out Kiara.

I open my mouth to protest before closing it in annoyance, knowing that Kiara had a point. "That doesn't make it right."

"No, it doesn't," agrees Madeleine. "But very few things in politics and diplomacy are done for selfless reasons. Which is exactly why it is so important that Prince Christian chooses his queen tonight, before his coronation."

"Excuse me," a footman says suddenly, appearing at our table. "I have a message for Lady Hana Lee."

"That's me," says Hana, quickly dabbing her face with a napkin.

The footman hands off the message and after a quick bow, disappears again.

"What is it?" I ask.

"I don't know," Hana admits, opening the letter with a clean knife. As she reads the contents, I see her face fall.

"What's wrong?" I whisper.

"Oh, it's nothing," she replies quickly, folding the letter back up and stuffing it into the envelope. "Just instructions from my parents on what to do with the carriage at the end of the night."

"They...couldn't send you a text?"

"My parents can be a bit old-fashioned sometimes..." mutters Hana, picking up her fork again, but I could see that she was miles away.

I frown, knowing that she was not telling me the whole truth, but I didn't want to press her in front of the other suitors.

The rest of the dinner passes uneventfully, with Hana continuing to sit in silence while Olivia and Madeleine battle it out in some kind of mutual contest of wills to determine who could fling the snidest comment while smiling prettily.

As the waitstaff clear away the last course, Hana pushes her chair back abruptly and with muttered apologies, dashes out of the dining room, letter in hand.

"What's gotten into her?" asks Olivia with a raised brow.

"The fish course didn't agree with her," I snap as I rise from my own seat.

"Oh, I hope it's nothing serious," gasps Penelope. "The Ball will be starting shortly."

"Don't worry," I reply. "We'll be there."

Leaving the other ladies at the table, I hurry after Hana and manage to catch up with her in one of the corridors.

"Hana!"

"Harper?" gasps Hanna, spinning around. "What are you doing here? You should be on your way to the ballroom."

"So should you," I reply. "But whatever was in that letter has obviously made you upset, so I wanted to check that you were okay."

"That... that's very kind of you, Harper," mutters Hana. "But the letter... it's not important."

"Are you sure?" I ask meaningfully. "The last time I saw you this upset was when Olivia brought up your failed engagement at the Masquerade Ball. So, whatever was in that letter was definitely more than instructions on what to do with the carriage."

Hana glances up at me with a tight look on her face. "I... I don't want to bother you with it."

"Hana," I say firmly, taking her hands in mine. "If something is wrong, of course I want you to bother me with it! That's what friends are for! And even if I may not be able to help, at least I can give you a hug, or a shoulder to cry on, if that's what you need."

She twists her hands around the envelope before handing it over. "Here. Read it for yourself."

Taking the heavy parchment paper from her, I open up the envelope and extract the letter. I quickly scan the contents. "So, basically, your parents are asking you to go back home."

"More like ordering me," sighs Hana, taking the letter back from me. "They were paying for me to win the Prince's hand. The competition ends tonight and I won't be the winner. So they see no reason for me to stay."

"You could just ignore them," I shrug. "I mean, what are they going to do? They're in Shanghai, aren't they?"

"Yes. But they're rich, they're powerful and... they're my parents. I can't disobey them. They think I'm getting too headstrong out here... If I don't go back, they'll send someone to get me."

"But..."

"Harper, it's alright," interjects Hana, smiling despite the tears in her eyes. "I know you want to help me, but you can't. Not with this. I know you want me to stand up to my parents and become more independent, but they're still my parents and I care about them, even though I disagree with what they want. So, I can't just ignore their wishes."

I search Hana's eyes and see that she is serious. "Alright then," I concede with a sigh. "If this is going to be your last night here, then let's make it a night to remember!"

The story continues in Chapter 38 - And In The End...

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[alj4890]

I have ask my lovely fanfic write! What if we get Liams POV when Drake and Riley are star gazing at Lythikos. It never really says what Liam was doing when all of this was happening. And we know his room has the best view so how could he not see Drake and Riley laying in the snow? I wonder how he feels knowing he can’t be the one she’s with.

You know, it would have been great if Liam, in canon, had a chance to ask about what MC did when out with Drake, Maxwell, or Hana. As incredibly sweet as he is, he had to have suffered with twinges of doubt and jealousy. I would have loved for him to mention Drake and the MC becoming nearly inseparable at Lythikos, especially after Drake being a jerk in the previous chapters. Here's my take on Liam's POV during that scene.

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg  @amandablink @neotericthemis  @mm2305 @sfb123 @iufilms

Masterlist

One Night in Lythikos

It had taken a while to finally break free of Olivia, but Liam managed to end her tour of her home by pleading exhaustion. He hated to do that to one of his oldest friends, but she was starting to act like their relationship was more than what it was. He didn't know how to gently break it to her that his own feelings remained unchanged since first meeting her at the age of six.

How could he possibly feel anything more for any of the ladies when a certain American continued to steal his heart?

Liam leaned against his bedroom door after bidding Olivia goodnight. He wished he could have returned downstairs to see Riley once more. Their few minutes of ice skating had not been anywhere near enough the amount of time he needed with her. His lips quirked into a fond smile as he thought of the glimpses he had seen of her with Drake snow skiing. Asking his best friend to look out for her had been the best idea he had ever had.

If he couldn't be with her all the time, at least he could rest easy in knowing she would be cared for by Drake and Maxwell. He couldn't think of anyone better for support and encouragement.

Maybe Hana. That particular lady had surprised him with her genuine sweetness. He was relieved that she was not a suitor who chased after him. After their cronut trip in the capital, he knew that Hana was nothing more than a friend and viewed him as such. He had no doubt that once he chose Riley that she would be a part of their close circle of friends. She had the ability, like Maxwell, to bolster their moods with kindness and a willingness to be of service.

He was thrilled that she and Riley had each other to help them through their first foray into Cordonian society. He had known most of his suitors his entire life and he sadly knew how catty and insulting some of them could be. Court life could be cut throat amongst the nobles. They rarely did anything without expecting something in return. Hana and Riley were both breaths of fresh air in his world. They were nice and thoughtful simply because it was who they were. He hoped once this was over that neither of them became jaded.

After stoking the fire in his fireplace, he poured himself a much needed drink, slipped his overcoat on, and stepped outside.

He walked past the hot tub and stood looking out over the snowy wilderness of Olivia's home. The quiet peacefulness reminded him how hectic his life had become these past few months. He missed his old life and the ease of being a spare to the heir.

He had never envied Leo's place in the royal line. All the expectations and pressures his brother had been under had worried Liam. So much of it was caused by Leo's rebellious nature, yet he knew his older sibling desired to do the right thing for Cordonia. He had tried to encourage him and help guide him towards what was needed from their future king. He had no idea that his efforts would be the central reason behind Leo's abdication.

Somehow, Leo had seen the king Liam could be before anyone else. It was perhaps the greatest compliment his brother had ever given him. Their late night walk though the capital had been eye opening. Once Leo placed the notion of Liam taking the crown in his mind, it felt right. It felt like he had finally found his purpose in this world of theirs. It felt like his destiny.

And now, as he stood there looking over this icy part of his kingdom, he felt the next part of his destiny seem to crystallize.

Riley.

Their meeting in New York followed by Maxwell seeing that the two were meant for something more than a chance encounter pointed at how special she truly was to Liam. Just the thought of her made him smile. The happiness he felt grow with every single moment spent near her was an unexpected delight that life had given him. It was as if she was his reward for not shirking his duty to his country and family.

Liam took a long sip as snowflakes began to fall around him. Flipping his collar up when a brisk breeze blew, he decided to go back inside for the night. He took one last look at the majestic mountains and took a step back. Movement in the valley caused him to pause.

His eyes narrowed as he tried to make out who was down there.

That's Drake.

He shook his head at his friend roaming the countryside without a coat on. Something must have happened to make him leave the manor without it. The man had always been a stickler with making certain one has the proper essentials when outside.

There was only one thing that Liam could think of to drive Drake into rushing out. He must have had a fight with a noble. Given the animosity between his friend and a certain duchess, he knew who had made the freezing temperatures more preferable to her hospitality.

"Drake! Wait!"

Liam froze at the sound of that particular voice. He immediately saw the woman he was unable to stop thinking of run through the snow.

"What are you doing out here, Brooks?"

What is she doing out here? More importantly, why is she chasing Drake?

"I wanted to see if you were okay." Riley replied.

Liam could tell just by Drake's posture that he was shocked. No one else in their lives had ever run after him to see what upset him.

Drake rubbed the back of his neck while speaking in too low of a tone for Liam to hear. The prince found himself leaning out over his balcony's railing, hoping to find out what they were saying.

His eyes widened when Drake pushed Riley down into the snow.

"Hey!" She yelled. "What was that--"

Drake fell back beside her.

Very close beside her.

"Yes, m'lady?"

Since when did Drake ever purposefully use m'lady?

"Drake, this is gorgeous!" Riley exclaimed.

What is gorgeous? What is going on?!

"There's nothing like a meteor shower, especially up here at this altitude."

Liam looked up and saw what they did. He had forgotten how often Drake and Savannah would chart and plan camping trips around these astronomical events. It had become a special time for the siblings once their father died.

And now he is sharing this with Riley.

An unusual feeling crept over Liam as he watched the two lay with their heads close together, pointing up at night sky. A bitterness intertwined with a growing anger that Drake got to do something like this with her. Something romantic.

If anyone should be enjoying this with Riley, it should be me! I'm the one she came here for! I'm the one who longs to simply see her smile. Drake has been cruel about her becoming a suitor. Why is he now being so nice? He got to spend the entire day with her while I was stuck with Olivia. Don't I deserve some part of Riley's time away from the court?

Liam couldn't believe his own thoughts and feelings. He had never been jealous of anyone before. Drake was more than just his best friend, he was family. Yet in this moment, Liam thought he could have easily banished him from the kingdom.

Guilt began to take over his frustration.

Why would I begrudge my best friend receiving kindness for once at court? No one gives him a chance or even an ounce of the respect he deserves. Riley has the ability to cut right through a person's outer appearance and see their true self. How could I selfishly wish to have that all to myself? I want the two people I care about the most to be friends. Don't I?

He watched as Drake stood up then reached to help Riley off the ground.

Is it my imagination or is he holding on to her hand a little too long?

Liam's eyes narrowed as they walked side by side back to the manor. At one point, Riley stumbled causing Drake to reach out and take her hand again.

"Can't have you hurting yourself out here." Drake told her. "The last thing I need is your death on my hands."

Riley's laughter drifted up to Liam.

"I think Bertrand might even be upset if that happened."

"Which is why we are going inside. Dealing with one Beaumont is hard enough." Drake added.

Is he...teasing her?

Liam lost sight of them as the pair headed for the front door.

He turned and headed back into his room, tossing back the rest of his scotch. Once inside, he tore his coat off and went to the fireplace. Bracing his hands on the mantle, he dropped his head forward while dealing with the new emotions flooding through him.

He needed to spend time with Riley. Not only for the sake of seeing what type of queen she would be, but he simply needed her. His mind went through possible activities they could do over these next few days.

Whatever I do, it has to be more romantic than what Drake did tonight.

That thought made his head jerk up. He stared at his reflection in the mirror above the mantle. Had he become a jealous man? Had Riley awakened this unknown part to his personality? Was he going to be petty enough to try and outdo what was most likely an innocent activity Drake had allowed her to take part in?

He honestly did not want to answer any of those questions. He doubted he would enjoy learning what kind of man he truly was.

He rubbed his hands over his face and turned back toward the balcony doors. His eyes fell upon the hot tub outside.

"I'll invite her to share that with me." He said softly.

Plans to do so and how to enhance the romance it presented began to form in his mind.

Liam knew he shouldn't feel this way, but he was bound and determined to make a memory for Riley be one of the two of them sharing an unforgettable romantic moment.

#choices the royal romance #liam x riley #drake x riley #trr olivia #trr hana #trr maxwell #choices the stories you play

[ao719]

Full Disclosure: The Beginning

Full Disclosure: The Beginning (Part 13)

Characters belong to Pixelberry

Summary: A look back at Charlotte during the social season and engagement tour.

A/N: This is the last chapter for this little series (and it’s loaded - I’m so sorry. I just didn’t want to split it up into 2 parts). Thank you to @burnsoslow for prereading! And also @sirbeepsalot for prereading and taking your machete to it! And thank you for all of your wonderful comments, kind words, and love for Charlotte. I’m going to miss writing her story, but I’m sure some shenanigan filled one shots will occasionally pop up.

Catch Up Here

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Charlotte watched the clouds blur by as the plane prepared to land. She was anxious about returning to where her and Liam’s story began … and where it could very well end.

Liam had told her a few nights ago that he learned from Bastien that Constantine was the one behind the scandal. The news left her trying to wrap her mind around why the former King sabotaged her and Liam’s happiness. Now that the court was arriving in New York, they didn’t have much time left to clear her name, but they had a plan: they would confront Constantine themselves.

****

Charlotte stood in her hotel room after getting ready for the welcoming luncheon at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. She was on edge, knowing she and Liam would finally be confronting Constantine. She wanted answers as to why he did what he did, and she wanted him to clear her name.

A soft knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. She opened it to reveal Liam on the other side; he quickly stepped inside, wrapped his arms around her, and leaned down to kiss her as the door latched shut behind him. “Hi,” he whispered against her lips as they parted.

Charlotte closed her eyes and smiled; being in his arms at that moment was the first time since leaving Paris she felt some sense of calm. “Hey.”

Liam looked at her, brushing his hand across her cheek. “Are you alright?”

“A little nervous,” she admitted.

“Me too. But it’s going to be alright. We’re going to do this together. And just think … all of this will be over afterward.” Liam smiled at the thought of clearing Charlotte’s name, ending his farce of an engagement, and being able to be with her, the woman he loved.  

“So, what’s the plan?”

“We’ll get to the luncheon; I’ll be sitting at the table with my father and Regina. I’ll ask him to speak privately. When we get up to step out of the room, you follow.” Charlotte nodded as she let out a breath; Liam cupped her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. “It’s going to be alright, love.”

****

The restaurant on the hotel roof was encased in windows, giving an uninterrupted view of New York City around them. Charlotte sat at her table with Maxwell, Bertrand, Olivia, and Drake, but her eyes were fixated on Liam and Constantine across the room. Liam kept glancing over, meeting her eyes, while he waited for the right time to pull his father aside.

“You okay, Brooks?”

“Huh?” Charlotte tore her eyes away from Liam.

“You seem distracted, Lady Charlotte,” Bertrand noted.

“Oh … I’m fine.” Charlotte and Liam hadn’t told the others Constantine was the one behind the scandal or of their plan to confront him. Liam thought it would be better to wait until they got some answers.

“How’s it feel to be back home?” Olivia asked.

“Honestly, it feels a bit weird. Don’t get me wrong, I missed the city, but my life feels so different now than it did when I left six months ago.”

“It feels like just yesterday when we met you in the bar,” Maxwell grinned, and Charlotte smiled at the memory.

“Remember when Liam first came into the bar while she was taking our order, and she hit the table and almost fell over?” Drake laughed. “And the menus went flying all over the place.”

“And then she fell behind the bar,” Maxwell chuckled.

Charlotte giggled. “I fell a lot that night.” Literally and figuratively, she thought.

“At least you haven’t changed that much, Brooks,” Drake laughed.

Just then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Liam and Constantine both rise from their seats. She glanced over, meeting Liam’s eyes; he gave her a subtle nod before heading for the doors that lead to the private outdoor terrace. “I’ll be right back,” she said as she stood.

“Where are you going?” Bertrand asked.

“To talk to Constantine.” Everyone’s brows furrowed. “I’ll explain later. Just … act normal.” Charlotte walked towards the terrace, careful not to draw any attention to herself. She slipped out of the door and could hear Liam and Constantine just around the corner, out of view from the others.

“So, what’s this urgent matter you needed to speak with me about, Liam? So urgent that you had to interrupt our meal.”

Liam could hear Charlotte behind him. “The matter is this.” He stepped aside, revealing her to his father.

“Lady Charlotte? What are you doing out here?”

Charlotte’s eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “I’m here to make you face what you did to me.”

“I-” Constantine broke off, coughing. Liam instinctively took a step toward him, but he held out his hand; he coughed again before looking back to Charlotte. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Really? I beg to differ.”

“Liam, honestly, what is the meaning-” Constantine began to cough again, clutching his throat. He doubled forward, trying to take a breath before he suddenly collapsed to the ground.

“Father!” Liam shouted, both he and Charlotte dropping to his side.

Just then, Regina appeared outside. Her eyes widened when she saw her husband on the ground. “Liam! What happened?”

“He started coughing and then collapsed! Call an ambulance!” Constantine’s complexion paled; he continued to violently cough and gasp for air as Regina quickly pulled out her phone.

****

Liam and Charlotte stood in a private waiting room at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, listening to the doctor explain that Constantine was resting comfortably. “The coughing fit was due to the cancer. I wish I could say it would get better, but …” Liam nodded in understanding at his words. “We’re giving him some oxygen and fluids. You may go see him.”

“Thank you, doctor.” Liam shook the man’s hand before he stepped out of the room.

“I’ll let you go see him alone.”

“No. You’re coming with me, and we’re going to talk to him.”

“Liam, it can wait. Really.”

Liam shook his head. “No, it can’t. Because, as much as I don’t want to say this -- despite the horrible things he’s done -- who’s to say that we’ll get another chance? He’s dying, Charlotte. And I refuse to allow him to take the truth to his grave.”

Charlotte took a breath and nodded as she let it out. “If you’re sure …”

Charlotte and Liam walked down the hall and stopped outside of Constantine’s door; they shared a look before entering the room hand-in-hand. Constantine lay in bed and opened his eyes when he heard them come in. His eyes widened upon seeing Charlotte with Liam. “Father …”

Liam stared at him, feeling a wave of conflicting emotions. He was angry for what his father had done to him and more furious for what he had put Charlotte through. But despite that anger, there was a sadness he felt seeing his father that way. He was pale and connected to wires, IV tubes, and oxygen.

For the first time in Liam’s life, the former King -- someone he once admired, respected, and thought was untouchable -- looked weak. And in more ways than one.

“What is she doing here?” Constantine rasped.

“Your Majesty, I know this isn’t the best time, but we need to talk to you,” Charlotte answered as they approached the bed.

“We know what you did,” Liam added, looking down at him. “You set Charlotte up.”

“Liam …”

“You owe me an explanation,” Liam spat. “You knew how I felt about her … you knew, and yet you sabotaged her. Do you realize what almost happened to her that night?” Constantine struggled to take in a deep breath. “And you dragged others in to do your dirty work. Lady Penelope. Bastien.” Constantine continued to stare at them, and Liam shook his head in frustration. “You really have nothing to say for yourself?”

“I just want to know why,” Charlotte said. “What did I do to make you do this to me? To your own son?” Constantine’s breathing became slightly shallower, and he looked away from them, fixating his eyes on the ground. “You know, after everything I’ve been through because of you, the least you could do is answer me!”

Liam noticed his father’s hand waving as he stared at the ground; he followed his gaze to his and Charlotte’s feet. “Charlotte,” Liam pulled her back.

Charlotte glanced down; her eyes widened, and she cupped her hand over her mouth. She had been standing on his oxygen tubing, temporarily cutting off his air supply. She then snapped her gaze back to Constantine when she heard him inhale a relieved breath, and she tried to push the laugh that she could feel coming back down.  “Sorry!” she squeaked, then her expression turned. “Actually, you know what? No, I’m not! Ok … I am, but only a little bit sorry. Not like, fully sorry. I do need you breathing.” For now. Liam nudged her with his arm, and she cleared her throat. “You owe us answers.”

“Liam, now is not the time,” Constantine replied, his words dulled by the mask he was wearing.

Liam’s jaw tensed as his expression hardened. “We are not leaving until you give us an explanation for what you did.”

Constantine knew Liam wasn’t going to budge, and he let out a defeated breath. “Very well.” The former King shifted to sit up a bit more; he pulled the oxygen mask away from his face just enough so his words wouldn’t be muffled. “After I received the cancer diagnosis, and my health began to decline, I knew I would be unable to rule much longer.” Constantine glanced at Liam. “The last thing I ever wanted to do was place the burden of the crown on your shoulders so soon, Liam. But I didn’t have a choice. I wanted you to be prepared because these are difficult times for Cordonia. We’ve always had our share of enemies, but throughout my reign, I’ve seen them grow bolder. Once I realized I wasn’t going to be around much longer to help you face those threats, I had to secure Cordonia’s future.”

“By sending a man into my room? By having a photographer invade my privacy? And by letting the press tell lies about me while you sat by, knowing the truth the whole time?!”

“It was obvious from the night of the masquerade ball how Liam felt about you. I saw the way he looked at you. As the season progressed, those feelings for you did too. I knew given a choice, he would choose you to be his Queen.”

“Why would you sabotage that for me? Do you not want me to be happy?” Liam asked.

“Of course I want you to be happy, Liam, but this is bigger than just you and the feelings you have for some girl!” Constantine looked back at Charlotte. “I must admit, you impressed me. While your behavior and personality are rather … uncouth, you proved to be resilient and intelligent. And both Regina and I noticed how happy you made Liam … how he smiled and laughed more in your presence than he has in a very long time. But still … you couldn’t compete with Madeleine. She has been preparing to become Queen her entire life. You are an outsider. Yes, you could have learned … but inexperience is seen as weakness, and weakness, even in appearance -- especially in appearance -- is fatal. And you, Lady Charlotte, proved to be my son’s weakness. I’ve already lost so much to our kingdom’s enemies, and when I’m gone, there will be no one left to protect Liam from them.”

“Did you blackmail Olivia as well?” Charlotte asked.

“Yes. She is far too rash to be sitting on the throne, but I knew Liam would choose her over Madeleine, simply because of their friendship and her friendship with you as well. I had to eliminate her from the competition to ensure Madeleine was chosen.”

Charlotte shook her head in disgust. “My name and reputation have been ruined. You tried to tear me away from Liam and my friends … but that isn’t even the worst part. You would have forced your son to marry a woman he doesn’t love just because you think you get to decide what’s best for not only Cordonia but for him. And if we hadn’t uncovered the truth, Liam would have had to live with that for the rest of his life!”

“It was my duty as Cordonia’s King!”

“You have a duty as his father!” Charlotte snapped back.

“And you’re not King! Not anymore!” Liam added.

Constantine looked at him, surprised by the tone in his son’s voice. “Liam, please … I know I’ve hurt you, but this is the price of wearing the crown. I couldn’t afford to put your happiness, or Lady Charlotte’s, above our people’s future. And one day you will come to understand when you have to make similar sacrifices of your own and-”

Liam squared his shoulders and held up his hand, cutting his father off. “No.” Constantine’s brows raised in surprise. “You sit there and act as though you didn’t have a choice. But you decided what you were willing to do, what you were willing to sacrifice. What kind of King -- what kind of father -- you wanted to be. So here is mine. I love Charlotte. And had you not interfered that night, I would have asked her to marry me. I would be on this tour with her right now, actually enjoying myself. I may not have been able to stop you from hurting her, but I can still try to make this right. As King of Cordonia, I am placing Charlotte under my protection. I will help her right the wrongs that have been done to her by you. And I am commanding you, as your monarch, to help us in any way that you can.”

Constantine had never seen his son with a more fierce look in his eyes, nor had he heard him speak with such promise. He let out a breath, knowing he wasn’t going to change his mind but also that he wasn’t going to be able to help. “Very well.”

Charlotte eyed him suspiciously, not trusting how quickly he agreed. “How do I know that I can trust you after what you’ve already done to me?”

“My word is all I have to offer, Lady Charlotte. But unfortunately, I’m afraid I won’t be much help.”

“What does that mean?” Liam asked.

“I can’t come forward to clear Lady Charlotte’s name myself.”

“Why the fuck not?” Charlotte bit out, ignoring the taken aback expression on the former King’s face at her language.

“Admitting my involvement would shake the Cordonian people’s faith in their rulers. Past and present. So while you may not care what they think of me, be aware that they will question Liam, his motives, and how far he would be willing to go, as I have, to protect his throne. So unless you want that to happen …”

“Enough,” Liam growled, knowing his father was trying to intimidate Charlotte with his words.

“Is he right?” she asked, looking at Liam.

“Yes, it could happen, but I don’t care about that, Charlotte. I want your name cleared. I don’t care what happens to my reputation because of it.”

“And you’ve just driven my point home that she is your weakness,” Constantine said; Liam snapped his gaze over, glowering at him.

Charlotte shook her head, feeling frustrated. As much as she wanted her name cleared, she wouldn’t do it at Liam’s expense. “No … I can’t do that to you, Liam.”

“Charlotte-”

“One of us being ruined is enough. I won’t take you down with me. We have to find another way.”

“The only way is to find Lord Tariq. You need to get him to come forward and make a statement admitting that nothing happened that night. But even I don’t know his whereabouts. I encouraged him to leave in light of his … disgrace. I’ve had no contact with him since.”

“Fucking perfect,” Charlotte scoffed.

Liam took her hand in his. “We’ll figure it out.” Just then, the doctor knocked on the door, asking to come in to assess Constantine. “We’ll leave you to it. I’ll be in touch if I need anything.”

“Liam … I am sorry …”

“I don’t accept your apology.” With that, Liam turned and led Charlotte from the room. As they walked down the hall, Liam pulled her back into the private waiting room they were in before; he shut and locked the door behind him. “Are you alright?”

“Are you?”

“Don’t worry about me, Charlotte. I want to know how you’re doing.”

“I’m … I don’t know!” Charlotte threw her hands up in frustration. “I mean … what the hell are we supposed to do now? He’s saying he can’t come forward, and we have to find a man that hasn’t been seen in months!”

“I told you I didn’t care what would happen if my father came forward. Let him do it! Let him face what he did to you.”

“I care, Liam! I am not about to let you go down for what your father did to me. No. It’s not an option.”

“Then we find Tariq.”

“How?”

“I … honestly, I’m not sure.” Charlotte looked down, shaking her head; Liam stepped forward and cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to look back at him. “But we’ll figure it out.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. “We will.” He whispered the promise against her lips before kissing her again.

*******

The following morning, Charlotte stepped out of the shower in her hotel room. She had the day free before she would need to attend the UN Gala that evening. She wanted to work on locating Tariq, but there wasn’t much they could do until they learned of his whereabouts. They had told Drake, Olivia, and Maxwell about their talk with Constantine, but even they were unsure how they were going to find Tariq.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Charlotte looked at her phone on the nightstand, seeing a voicemail alert from an unknown number. She hit play before bringing it to her ear.

“Lady Charlotte, it’s Countess Madeleine. I have an absolutely vital task I need for you to complete. I simply have no time to pick up mine and Liam’s wedding bands before our return to Cordonia. I must insist that you be the one to do it as a thanks to me for allowing you to remain present on this tour and in Liam’s life. I trust you will retrieve them and bring them to me later.”

Rage coursed through Charlotte’s veins as she pulled the phone away from her ear. “Who the fuck does she think she is?” She clenched her hand into a fist before hurling her phone across the room.

****

Charlotte took the elevator to the first floor, practically stomping through the lobby as she mumbled obscenities under her breath. “Whoa, where ya going, Brooks?” Drake asked, coming back from breakfast with Maxwell.

“Out!” she answered before pushing her way through the revolving door.

Drake followed, knowing that she was pissed off. He knew Liam wouldn’t want him to let her go off alone, at least not without figuring out what was bothering her. He quickly caught up to her on the sidewalk. “You going to tell me what’s wrong? And where you’re off to so heated?”

“Madeleine sent me on an errand to pick up her and Liam’s goddamn wedding bands,” she spat.

“Wait, what?” Drake asked incredulously. “You realize you could have told her no, right?”

“Yes, so she could cry to whoever will listen about how awful I am. Sure!” As much as Charlotte hated it, she found herself being much more cautious with so little time left to clear her name. She was on edge, picking and choosing her battles, not wanting to get worked up over trivial things when something much bigger was at stake.

“Alright, well, I’ll come with you. You won’t even have to look at the rings.”

“Fuck her and her stupid rings. They’re probably ugly and gaudy as hell, just like her face!”

****

Charlotte stood in the jewelry store with her arms folded across her chest as she waited impatiently for the jeweler to come back from the back where he was grabbing the rings. She just wanted to get them, bring them back to the hotel, and try and forget that she was ever asked to do this.

“Here you are, miss.” The jeweler returned, carrying two black velvet boxes. “Let’s take a look.”

“No need for that.” Charlotte would be lying if she said she wasn’t a bit curious, but at the same time, she didn’t want to see the rings, one that Madeleine would wear, one that Liam would wear, tethering them together. Forever.

“I’m sure they look fine,” Drake said. “Just bag them up.” The jeweler offered a curious look before placing them in a bag and handing it to Drake. “Thanks.”

Drake guided Charlotte out of the jewelry store. “You ok?”

“Peachy.”

Charlotte’s eyes kept glancing down at the bag Drake was carrying. He noticed. “You’re a little curious as to how gaudy they look, aren’t you?”

“No!” Charlotte scoffed. “Ok … maybe a little.”

Drake reached in the bag, blindly pulling out one of the boxes. He handed it to Charlotte. “Let’s see.” Charlotte took the box and opened it; it was Liam’s. It was a thick, plain gold band. “Well, that’s kind of bland. It’s very Liam.” Drake reached inside the bag and pulled out the other box, handing it to Charlotte. “How’s hers look?”

Charlotte held Liam’s and opened the other box. She scrunched up her nose. It was a thinner gold band with diamonds spaced out around its entirety, but nothing about it was appealing. “I thought she would have better taste than this.”

“It looks like a vending machine ring,” Drake chuckled. His eyes widened with a smirk when Charlotte plucked it from its holding spot and slid the ring onto her finger. She held her hand out to get a better look at it. “Yeah, you could do better.”

“I’ll say. Well, knowing she’s going to walk around with this ugly thing on her finger makes me feel a little better.”

“She’s only going to walk around with it if she makes it down the aisle, Brooks. We’re not going to let that happen.”

“I’m trying not to get my hopes up too high, Drake.” She plucked Liam’s ring from the box and handed it to him. “Here.”

“Aw, are you proposing, Brooks? Sorry, you’re not my type.”

“I’m blonde.”

“Too clumsy, though.” He took the ring and put it on his finger. “This feels weird as hell.”

Drake immediately removed the ring and handed it back to her. Charlotte hooked it onto the end of her finger while she slid Madeleine’s off. Suddenly, Charlotte stepped in a dip in the sidewalk, twisting her ankle, and her body lurched forward onto the hard concrete.

Both rings flew out of her hands.

Charlotte’s eyes were wide, watching as the rings went airborne, feeling like it was happening in slow motion. They both landed with a bounce and rolled … right into a sewer drain.

“Ohhhhhh, noooo!” Charlotte gasped.

“Brooks! Are you alright?”

“Drake! The rings! They … FUCK!” Charlotte shouted as passersby glanced down at where she was still lying on the sidewalk. She scrambled to her feet and rushed to the sewer drain where the rings had disappeared. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Oh my God!”

“Honestly … serves her right for asking you to get them,” Drake said calmly as he crouched down next to her. “Just think … there’s going to be some blinged-out rats strutting around New York.” He heard a sniffle, and his head snapped over. “Are you crying?”

“This is terrible, Drake! She’s going to say I did this on purpose! And as hideous as her ring was, it probably cost a fortune because Madeleine is nothing if not materialistic!” she wailed. She bowed her head, covering her face with her hands.

“Brooks, calm down. The rings can be replaced. Liam lives in a literal palace. That ring was probably pocket change to him. And Madeleine can most definitely afford another ring. It was an accident.”

“I need to call Liam,” she cried as her breath hitched. She pulled out her phone and dialed Liam’s.

“Hello, love. I was just thinking about-”

“Liam! The rings -- in the drain! They flew -- and now the rats have them!” she cried.

“Rings? Rats? Charlotte, what the hell are you talking about?” Drake took the phone from Charlotte, explaining to Liam what had happened. “Wait … Madeleine asked Charlotte to go pick up the rings?”

“Yeah, I figured that would be the only thing you’d be upset about. But Brooks … well, she is here kneeling in front of a sewer drain crying, and we’re getting some pretty strange looks, even for NYC.”

“Just get her back to the hotel. I’ll deal with Madeleine.”

Drake hung up the phone and tossed it into the now empty bag he was holding onto. “Come on.” He pulled Charlotte to stand. “Stop crying, Brooks. He’s not mad.” He knew the rings weren’t the real reason she was crying. It was everything else that was happening since her and Liam’s conversation with Constantine. The rings were just what set off the waterworks. He threw his arm around her shoulders and pulled her away from the sewer drain, guiding her back towards the hotel. “You’d make a terrible ring-bearer.”

“Shut up,” she sniffled.

****

That evening, Liam stood on the balcony of his room, nursing a scotch while he waited to leave for the UN Gala. His mind went through the events of the day before. He had told Charlotte they would find Tariq, but he honestly wasn’t sure how. Tariq hadn’t been seen in three months, but he made a promise to her, and he had every intention of keeping it. He had two days and needed a plan.

Liam still wanted to let his father answer for what he had done, regardless of what it would do to him. But Charlotte was entirely against the idea. She said she wouldn’t allow him to sacrifice his reign and reputation, and that was the end of it.

Liam tossed back the rest of his drink before heading inside. Just as he grabbed his suit jacket, a knock came on his door. He walked over and opened it, narrowing his eyes at his visitor. “What the hell do you want?”

“Sir,” Bastien bowed. “May I?”

Liam hesitated for a moment before stepping aside to let him in. “Whatever you’re here to say, say it, then get the hell out.” Liam turned to face Bastien; his eyes landed on his now-healing split lip, a reminder of what happened in Paris. “Well? What do you want?”

“Sir, I spoke with your father earlier after he called me to his room to reprimand me for telling you I was working for him. He told me about your conversation …”

“Ok? Is that all?”

“No. After what happened in Paris … I began to look for Tariq myself.”

Liam perked up at his words. “So you know where he is?”

“I’m still waiting on a few calls, but I wanted to come by and offer my assistance to you again. You don’t have to accept it, and regardless of what you decide, I will turn over anything I find, but … I just … it’s the least that I could do for both of you.”

Liam saw the guilt in his eyes, and he felt his anger begin to let up. “Look … I’ll accept your offer to help Charlotte clear her name. But it’s going to take some time for me to trust you again, Bastien. You’ll need to earn it, and it’s not going to be easy. Not after what you did.”

“I understand, sir.”

Liam eyed him for a moment before nodding. “What have you found?”

****

Charlotte stood in the ballroom at the UN Gala with Drake and Maxwell. Liam had messaged her just before she arrived to tell her he needed to speak with her about Tariq. The gala was almost over, and she had yet to talk to him. Madeleine -- when she wasn’t shooting Charlotte dirty looks for what she assumed was over the ring debacle -- had latched onto him and pulled him around the room all night to speak with different dignitaries and guests.

While standing at the bar to get a drink, Charlotte felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Liam, offering him a smile. “Hi.”

“Hello.” He was fighting himself not to wrap his arms around her. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to get away until now.”

“It’s okay. What did you need to tell me?”

“Not here.” Liam glanced around the room. “Now that I’m free, I had a thought of sneaking out, getting some fresh air. Would you like to join me?”

“Like you even have to ask,” Charlotte chuckled.

Liam smiled. “I’ll slip out the back entrance and meet you outside.” Charlotte nodded, and Liam turned, casually making his way through the crowd to the back door.

Charlotte followed, making sure not to draw suspicion to herself. She slipped into the stairwell and made her way down the steps. She came to another door at the bottom and pushed it open, stepping into a small alleyway at the side of the building. She yelped when a pair of arms wrapped around her. She turned in Liam’s arms, and he leaned down, capturing her lips in his as he backed her against the brick wall.

“Have I told you how stunning you look tonight?” Liam whispered; Charlotte chuckled and shook her head. “You’re breathtaking,” he said before kissing her again. Liam moved his lips to her neck, and Charlotte softly moaned, feeling his teeth and tongue trail along her skin.

“Are we going to talk? Because if not, I have some really amazing ideas of how we could waste time in this alley.”

Liam laughed against her neck. “Care to share with the class?”

“Well,” Charlotte began, “one of them involves you hiking the skirt of this gown up and taking me right here, against this wall.” Charlotte laughed as Liam let out a low growl; he found her lips again, kissing her deeply before he reluctantly drew back. “So what did you want to tell me?” she asked. He began to explain how Bastien stopped by his room earlier, offering to help find Tariq, and that he took him up on the said offer. “Did he tell you what he found?”

“He knows that Tariq arrived at the airport the morning after the jamboree and flew to the States. He was waiting for a call to find his trail from there.”

“Does he have family here?” Liam shook his head. “Well … at least it’s something, I guess. It’s better than nothing.”

Liam watched Charlotte glance down at their intertwined hands. “What is it, love?”

“We only have two days,” she whispered. “What if … what if we don’t-” Liam’s lips cut off Charlotte; he kissed her slow and deep, making her head fuzzy and her knees weak.

“Don’t say it,” he whispered against her lips. “We can’t think like that, okay?” Charlotte nodded. She was still thinking about it, though. How could she not? Sure, they had something to go on, but that was merely a crumb at the moment. How fast could Bastien find what they needed?

Suddenly, the door they had snuck out of burst open, causing Liam and Charlotte to jump apart. Maxwell, Drake, and Bastien came barreling out. “There you are!” Drake called out as the three of them rushed over.

“What’s going on?” Liam asked.

“He went to LA, sir,” Bastien answered. “I have an address to the apartment building he was staying at.”

“Get the-”

“The jet’s already being prepared, sir.”

Liam and Charlotte’s expressions flickered with hope as they looked at one another. “Well, come on, kiss goodbye. We got a flight to catch, Brooks,” Drake chuckled.

“We’re leaving now?”

“Red eye, baby!” Maxwell grinned. “It’s a six-hour flight. We need to get there and back before the shower tomorrow evening. I’ll grab you some clothes, and you can change on the plane.” Charlotte nodded and pulled her room key from her clutch, handing it to Maxwell. “Meet us out front in a few.”

The three of them rushed back inside, and Charlotte faced Liam. “That was fast.” Liam grinned and leaned down to kiss her again, feeling the excitement course through him. “This is really it? Do you think he’s still there, in LA?”

“I’m hoping so, love. But yes … I think this is it.” They smiled at one another before Liam kissed her once more. They stayed locked in that kiss for a few blissful moments before Liam drew back. “You should head out front.” He cupped her face in his hands and smiled. “I love you, Charlotte.”

“I love you too.”

*******

After the overnight flight on the royal jet, Charlotte, Maxwell, and Drake had landed in LA. They had left New York at midnight, arriving at LAX at 3 am. They stayed on the jet in an attempt to get some sleep while they waited for a decent hour to look for Tariq.

Charlotte couldn’t sleep, however. She was feeling a wave of emotions. She was anxious, nervous, excited, and scared all at the same time. This was her last chance to fix this. The court would be heading back to Cordonia tomorrow, and Liam would be making the final preparations for his wedding to Madeleine unless Charlotte showed up with Tariq in tow to clear her name. Everything was at stake.

Maxwell had woken Charlotte up at 8 am; the three of them changed and went to grab breakfast before heading to the address Bastien had given them, where he learned Tariq was staying. “Ready?” Drake asked as they got out of the car.

Charlotte looked up at the building and let out a breath. “Yeah.” They entered the building and went to the elevator. Once on the ninth floor, Charlotte stepped off the elevator with Drake and Maxwell following behind her. Her heart was racing as she quickly made her way down the hall, scanning the numbers on the outside of the doors until she stopped in front of one. “This is it …” Her heart was now pounding as she raised her hand and tapped her knuckles to the wood.

A few moments later, a man opened the door; it wasn’t Tariq. “Hi. Can I help you?”

“Uh, hello,” Charlotte smiled tentatively. “Is … is Tariq here?”

“No, he’s not.”

“Oh, sorry. I may have the wrong-”

“No, he was here. This is my apartment; he was subletting from me while I was in Europe.”

Charlotte could feel the hope slowly beginning to dwindle. “Do … do you know where he is, by chance?” she asked.

“I don’t, I’m sorry. I got back about three weeks ago, and he left. I haven’t seen him since. He didn’t even leave a forwarding address for his mail.”

That sliver of hope she had been clinging to like a lifeboat in a storm was gone at his words. “Oh … okay. Thank you …”

Drake and Maxwell shared a worried look. They could hear the defeat in Charlotte’s voice, and both wondered the same thing: Now what?

****

Back on the royal jet, Charlotte settled into her seat. She hadn’t spoken a word since they had left the apartment complex. If she opened her mouth to talk, she wasn’t going to get out more than a few words before the tears would start, and she was trying like hell to keep herself together.

Charlotte stared out the window as the jet rolled down the runway and lifted into the air. Everything seemed to be crashing down on her at that moment. This was her last chance to find Tariq before it was too late. She had failed. And now she had a tough decision to make. The mere thought of it made her heart feel as though it was being ripped apart. As her mind became jumbled, she could feel the lump forming in her throat; the clouds outside of her window became blurred by the tears that began to well in her eyes.

“How are you holding up, Brooks?” Drake asked as he sat next to her. Charlotte didn’t respond; she continued staring out the window with her knuckles pressed against her lips. Drake decided to try and make small talk, although he was sure it wasn’t going to help. “I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to worry. We’ll talk to Liam when we get back and figure out what our next steps are.” He watched her subtly shake her head, and he knew exactly what she was thinking: What’s the point? Drake sighed, wishing she would say something. “Charlotte …”

At the use of her first name from him for the first time since her first night in Cordonia, Charlotte slowly turned her head and looked at Drake; the sadness in her eyes was palpable. She covered her face with her hands, and Drake wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his chest as he heaved a sigh.

She completely broke down.

“Brooks,” Drake whispered, rubbing her arm. He glanced up when Maxwell approached, and they shared a look before Maxwell knelt down in front of Charlotte’s seat. They watched her cry, knowing there was nothing they could do to make this better or right for her at that moment.

****

Drake, Charlotte, and Maxwell arrived back in New York with just enough time to get back to the hotel to change and make it down to the wedding shower.

Charlotte entered her room, feeling completely drained. She stared at the dress hanging on the door that she was supposed to wear to the wedding shower, and she let out a slow breath. She decided at that moment that she wasn’t going. She just didn’t have it in her to attend.

It would only make things more difficult.

A few moments later, a knock came on her door, and she turned to open it; Drake and Maxwell stood on the other side, both dressed for the shower and adjusting their clothing. “You’re not dressed,” Maxwell said as he looked at her.

“I’m not going to go. I think … I think it would be for the best. I need to get some air … try to clear my head.”

“Are you sure?” Drake asked.

“Yes. I’m just going to go for a walk. If Liam asks … you can tell him I’ll be in Central Park …”

****

After calling an old friend to make some arrangements for herself, Charlotte had left the hotel and walked through the city before making her way down to Central Park. She stepped onto Gapstow Bridge and looked down at the water below, seeing in it the reflection of the city behind her. She wasn’t there 10 minutes before she heard her name being called; she glanced over to see Liam making his way towards her on the bridge.

“Hi,” she said quietly as he approached. Liam immediately wrapped his arms around her, and she sank into his warm embrace.

When Drake and Maxwell arrived at the shower, they went straight to Liam to tell him what had happened in L.A. Liam tried to hide the heartbreak in his eyes when they told him that Tariq wasn’t there and how upset Charlotte had been on the plane. When they told him she had gone to Central Park, he snuck out of the hotel within minutes. He didn’t care if anyone was looking for him. Charlotte needed him.

“I’m sorry, Charlotte,” Liam whispered against her hair before kissing the top of her head. They drew back, and he cupped her face in his hands. “Are you okay?”

“I just feel … defeated and drained.”

Liam sighed as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I know it’s disheartening.”

“I’m sorry … about not coming tonight, I just …” Charlotte trailed off as she let out a breath.

“I know. I understand …” He moved to the railing and leaned against it.

“I just feel so lost, and I’m not sure what else there is we can do. He vanished. No one knows where he is …”

“I know,” Liam sighed. “We leave early tomorrow morning. Once we get back to Cordonia, we’ll figure everything out.”

“Liam, I …”

Charlotte swore she felt her heart stop as she cast her gaze downward, fighting back the tears that were already threatening to form over what she was about to tell him. It was a decision she’d spent the last three months coming to: what she was going to do should they not clear her name. Knowing what Liam was going to have to do when he returned to Cordonia left her with no other choice but to figure out her next steps.

Liam looked over at her. “What is it, love?”

“I … Liam, I’m … I’m not going back.”

Liam’s heart started to race, and he could feel the color drain from his face as he stared at her with his brows knitted in confusion. “What?” Charlotte stared at him, finding this conversation even harder to have than she already knew it would be. “What do you mean you’re not going back?”

“I mean … I’m staying here … in New York. I’m not going back to Cordonia with you.”

Liam shook his head vehemently. “Charlotte, no.” In one long stride, he was standing in front of her again. He slid his thumb under her chin, tilting her face up to his. When she met his gaze, a tear trickled from the corner of her eye; Liam leaned down to kiss her cheek, catching the briny tear on his lips. “I’m going to figure this out,” he whispered. “I’m going to find him. I’m going to make him come forward, and we’re going to clear your name and be together.”

Charlotte shook her head, her lip trembling as she spoke. “Not in time. I can’t … I can’t watch you parade around with her anymore. And I can’t go back … and watch you marry her.”

“Please, Charlotte, please give me more time. I promise you, I’m going to find him.”

“I can’t go back on a promise that you might someday find him.”

“But we’ve come this far … I just … I just need a little more time! Please … give me more time.”

The pleading look in his eyes and voice was slowly breaking her. “I need you to try and understand, Liam … and not make this harder than it already is.”

“Charlotte … you can’t give up …” Liam’s voice trembled. “We can’t give up.”

“I don’t want to give up … and I feel weak for doing it, because I love you, Liam. I love you so much … and you’re not supposed to give up on the people you love,” she spoke; her voice broke and rose an octave with each word as she tried and failed to fight back her emotions. “But I think it’s clear now that you were only mine to love … never mine to keep. And as much as it’s going to break me … I have to walk away … I have to let you go, Liam …”

Liam let out a shuddered breath as he looked away from her, attempting to blink back the tears, but like her, he failed to keep himself together. They came anyway. He didn’t want her to stay there. He didn’t want to give up on clearing her name or on them being together. He didn’t want to let her go or for her to let him go. But he knew it would be selfish of him to ask any more of her. Charlotte had been through enough over the past six months; first the Social Season and then the hell of the Engagement Tour. It had been hard on him, and he knew that whatever he felt over everything that happened, her feelings were beyond that. He couldn’t ask her to return with him on a possibility. She needed -- she deserved -- absolute certainty. He couldn’t put her through any more heartache.

No, Liam didn’t want to let Charlotte go … but he loved her enough to do it because he knew that she deserved better than him. She deserved a chance at a happy future, even if that meant that he wasn’t a part of it.

“Please … please don’t think this is a reflection on you, Liam. It’s not. I know that you tried. We tried. I know that you never meant for any of this, and it’s not your fault. I know who’s to blame … and it’s not-”

Charlotte was cut off as Liam cupped her face in his hands and leaned down, capturing her lips. They both tasted the salt from their tears. And they both felt their own hearts shatter just a bit more, knowing this was goodbye.

They parted, and Liam rested his forehead against hers. “I’m sorry,” he whispered as his breath hitched in his throat. “I’m so sorry that I failed you, Charlotte. I’m sorry that I couldn’t protect you … and that I couldn’t be the person you deserve …”

“Stop,” Charlotte cried. “You’re more than I deserve … and you didn’t fail me, Liam. I got to love you … and that means everything to me.”

Liam’s brows furrowed as he pressed his lips to hers once more. When he pulled back, he lifted his head and kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger there for a moment. Charlotte felt a tear fall from his cheek onto her own, and she squeezed her eyes shut as he wrapped his arms around her.

This was goodbye. And they weren’t just saying goodbye to each other; it was so much more than that. It was goodbye to the happiness and laughter they brought to one another. It was goodbye to their inside jokes and the ones they never got to make. It was goodbye to all of the what-ifs and plans they had made. They were turning this page, knowing they wouldn’t be in each other’s next chapter.

It fucking hurt.  

After a while, Charlotte opened her eyes, still in Liam’s arms, as her tears continued to fall. “I want you … to try and be happy, Liam … because you deserve that. You deserve to be happy.”

Liam subtly shook his head as he looked up at the night sky. How the hell was he supposed to be happy with anyone but her? He wouldn’t be. Not ever. “You deserve that too …” he whispered. “Where … where are you going to go? What are you going to do?”

“I made some arrangements for now. But you don’t need to worry about me … I’ll be okay.” Hopefully. Maybe, someday. Liam’s arms tightened around her. After a long, tearful embrace, Charlotte finally stepped back and wiped her cheeks. “I, uh … I should probably go.”

If she didn’t go now, she wasn’t going to be able to walk away from him. Charlotte swore she could feel her heart break in two as she looked at him; the pain, hurt, and longing in his eyes matched that of her own. She reached up and pulled Liam down, giving him one last powerful kiss, pouring everything she was feeling into it as his arms wrapped tightly around her. They slowly parted, and she stepped back, looking up at him.

It took her a moment to utter the words, knowing once she did, that was it. It was over. This was by far the hardest thing she ever had to do. And the worst part of it all was standing there, watching his heart break as he tried to hold onto the shattered pieces of hers.

Finally, she took a breath and held it as she forced herself to say the words. “Goodbye, Liam.”

Liam looked down, unable to look her in her eyes as he replied, “Goodbye, Charlotte.” He heard her turn and listened to her footsteps slowly fade away. He glanced up a moment later, chewing the inside of his cheek, feeling more tears fall as he watched her disappear.

They parted with nothing but the memories and the solace that maybe one day their paths might cross again.

*******

•Four Months Later•

Charlotte sat in the living room of her apartment, staring at the television; the movie If Only was playing on Netflix. She had a plethora of snacks next to her on the sofa and a container of ice cream in her lap as she scowled at the screen. Why do I even watch these? It is such a load of crap.

The sound of her phone ringing pulled her from her scathing thoughts. She reached over, seeing her friend Sonia’s name flashing across the screen; she hit the speaker button before turning her attention back to the television. “Yello?”

“Hey, loser! Me and some of the girls are going out. Wanna come?”

“Oh, see, I’d love to, but I can’t. I have a date with sweatpants, Netflix, and a container of Chunky Monkey.”

“That sounds absolutely pitiful.”

“It really is,” Charlotte let out a sigh.

Sonia could hear the television in the background. “Whatcha watching?”

“If Only.”

“A sappy romance movie in your state?”

“My state is just fine, thank you very fucking much. Oh, here comes this part …”

“I have to tell you this, and you need to hear it. I loved you since I met you, but I wouldn't allow myself to truly feel it until today. I was always thinking ahead, making decisions soaked with fear. Today, because of you … what I learned from you, every choice I made was different, and my life has completely changed … and I've learned that if you do that, then you're living your life fully … it doesn't matter if you have five minutes or 50 years. If not for today, if not for you, I would never have known love at all. So thank you for being the person who taught me to love … and to be loved.”

“Oh, shut the fuck up!” Charlotte hollered, grabbing a handful of chocolate chip cookies and throwing them at the screen. She spooned a large portion of ice cream into her mouth as her eyes, stinging with tears, stayed locked on the movie.

Sonia chuckled, “And you say your state is fine ...”

“Hush.”

“You need to find an outlet for this pent-up anger and sadness. You know what you need? You need to get laid! It’s been months! Which is why you should come out with us tonight! We’ll find you a nice, suitable bachelor to take you home and just dick you down real good!”

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “I don’t need to be dicked down, Sonia.”

“Okay, well … write it out then.”

“Huh?”

“You’re a writer! You write something, get everything you’re feeling out. Then you toss it away. Hopefully, those pent-up thoughts and feelings will go with it.”

“Write what, though?”

“Whatever your sad little broken heart desires. A book. An article. A letter to yourself … to him. Whatever you feel like having it be. It’s not like it will ever see the light of day. You’re supposed to throw it away with all those feelings when you’re finished.”

“Look at you being all therapeutic.”

“Well, take what you will from it. I did have four glasses of wine already,” Sonia chuckled. “Okay, I’m heading out. I’ll be at Kismet if you change your mind!”

Charlotte ended the call and stared back at the television. She scowled again. Watching a movie about fate, destiny, and what-ifs was probably not the best idea. She had plenty of what-ifs, should-haves, and could-have-beens of her own.

In the four months since deciding to stay in New York, Charlotte had gone through what she assumed were the typical stages of a bad breakup … if that’s what she could even call what happened between her and Liam. She went with it.

First, she was sad. Just fucking miserable all the goddamn time. She cried a lot. Her heart physically hurt, something she didn’t even know was possible. She felt constant regret. She questioned if she made the right choice to stay behind and not to fight harder. But it was too late now. What was done was done.

And she missed Liam.

To create a distraction for herself, determined not to be a walking blubbering mess the rest of her life, Charlotte re-enrolled in school. She didn’t need but a few credits to finish; one semester and she would be done. Once school started, her sheer heartache turned to gloom. She was the walking, human version of Eeyore. That ass. She was still sad, but the tears had stopped. Mostly.

And she still missed Liam.

With her graduation on the horizon, Charlotte started interning at the Herald. Her gloom then turned to this. Charlotte had turned into a slightly angry, bitter, and salty bitch who ate her feelings in the form of various sweets and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, generally paired with a few full-to-the-brim glasses of wine. She wasn’t angry with Liam, just the situation. She was absolutely angry with Constantine and Tariq, however, wishing them both very graphic and detailed harm inside her head.

And … she still missed Liam.

Charlotte let out a breath as her eyes settled on her laptop sitting on her coffee table; Sonia’s suggestion rang in her head. Write it out. She moved the half-eaten container of Chunky Monkey off her lap and grabbed the laptop, opening it up and going to a blank document.

The cursor blinked, taunting her for a good 30 minutes as she struggled to decide what to write. She had so much that she wanted to get out, thinking about everything that happened from the moment she stepped foot in Cordonia. She was the only one who came out of that experience damaged, even though she did absolutely nothing wrong. Her name and reputation were still tarnished. And the longer she let that sit with her over the months, the angrier she became. She had wanted to blow the lid off the whole story on more than one occasion, wanting to let everyone know who was really to blame, but thought better of it each time the idea arose. It wouldn’t help anyone. Not her. Not Liam. And it certainly wasn’t going to bring them back together.

Suddenly, that same idea struck her again. She could write that out. Her side. She could merely pretend to blow the lid off the story by writing her personal experience. She wasn’t sure it would release everything she was feeling, but it was worth a shot. She was just going to toss it when she was done anyway, just like Sonia said. 

It would never see the light of day. 

Charlotte’s fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she finally began typing. After a few moments, she reached over and grabbed the carton of ice cream, scooping another spoonful into her mouth as she read over what she had already typed out:

A nobility social season refers to the traditional annual period when it is customary for members of a social elite society to hold balls, dinner parties, and charity events. The social season has always played a role in the political life of the countries that host such events. But the season also provides an opportunity for once of age women to be formally introduced and presented before the men of nobility. Take, as an example, the small country of Cordonia that lies in the Mediterranean.

I was fortunate enough to be asked to travel to Cordonia to compete for a Prince’s hand during his social season.

Or so I thought …

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

If you want to see Charlotte and Liam get their happy ending, you can read it in the original Full Disclosure story. 

#trr #choices trr #the royal romance #choices the royal romance #trr liam #trr mc #king liam #trr liam x mc #choices liam x mc #king liam x mc #trr king liam x mc #choices king liam x mc #trr fanfic #trr fan fic #trr fanfiction #choices trr fanfic #trr au #choices trr au

[axwalker]

Bad Timing: Kismet

Book: The Royal Romance (AU)

Pairing: Drake Walker x Alexis O’Brien (MC) 

Synopsis: Alexis O’Brien is escaping a terrible past. After months of running  she settles  in Cordonia where she meets Drake at the bar where she works and they spend a passionate night together. 

What happens when a one-night-stand turns into unexpected parenthood? 

This chapter

MASTERLIST 

WORDS: 3,890 🙊

POV: Dual 

TRIGGER WARNINGS: None for this chapter. In the future, mentions of domestic violence, and explicit sex scenes. 

ALL MY FICS ARE +18 

A/N: I apologize for any grammatical errors. 

I switch between Drake’s and Alexis’ POV several time in this chapter. I hope it’ll be clear enough!

PRESENT TIME Alexis

 After a one-hour bus ride and a 20-minutes walk, I finally find the correct address. When I reach the massive iron gates, I punch in the code Mr. Beaumont’s assistant gave me on the phone and gape as the extensive estate comes into view when I walk through. Acres and acres of super green grass littered with pines surround the massive house in the distance. The closer I get, the more I feel like a foreigner. This might have been my world once, but my new reality couldn’t be further apart from all this luxury. I have fifty dollars left in my wallet, an eviction notice back in my 200 square foot studio, and to top it all, the worst freaking headache I’ve had in my life. Talk about a bad streak. Ironically, I’m happier than I’ve been in years. My life belongs to me; I don’t have to live in constant fear and –most importantly, I’m free. Unattached. I want to do a lot of things with my life, and no one will stop me. That’s worth the worst headache in the world or a few money problems. 

I ring the bell, and a gorgeous woman opens the door. Her deep blue eyes scowl at me when I smile at her. 

“Who are you looking for?” She doesn’t ask as much as she barks the question. 

“Eh,” I haven’t been called shy a single day of my life, but her attitude it’s messing with the positive vibes I had coming up here. “I’m looking for Mr. Bertrand Beaumont from Beaumont Caterings.”

 “This door is for house guests only. The help,” she says the word as if it tastes bad in her mouth, “must go around the house and ring the bell back there.” She’s about to close the door right in my face when two hot guys come to the door. Seriously, what do people eat in this country? 

“Penelope, what are you doing answering the door like a simple maid? Where is Jessa?” 

Penelope rolls her eyes. “She had to leave early. She said she asked you for the afternoon off.”

The older man nods as, the younger one grins at me. “We can discuss Jessa’s schedule later, Bertie. Please, come in, Ms.?” He asks me, still smiling. 

“Ortiz. Alexis Ortiz.” I grin back, instantly liking the man with the kind blue eyes. “I’m here for the catering job.” 

“I’m Maxwell Beaumont. This is my brother Bertrand—the owner and Penelope Brim, one of our party planners.”

I follow them to a huge office and give Bertrand the resumé I printed at the internet place next to my building.  

“Is this all true?” He asks after a quick read.

I nod my head.

“Are you sure, Ms. Ortiz? It says here that you were working as a bartender, a barista, and a waitress in a very exclusive French restaurant, all at the same time.”

Penelope gives me a dismissive glare. “She’s obviously lying. That isn’t even possible. Unless she’s iniquitous.” 

I know better than to interrupt a potential employer, even worse if it’s to correct them, but this woman is grating on my nerves. Plus, I had a lifetime of keeping my head down with Matt, and I just don’t have the patience for this kind of crap anymore. And she called me a liar. Hell no.

“No, Ms. Brim, I’m not ubiquitous.” Maxwell snorts, and I swear the other guy, Bertrand, smiles behind my CV. I refrain from telling her what iniquitous actually means because I do need this job. “I worked as a barista in a Starbucks from 5 to 11 am. Then as a waitress at “Clair de Lune” from 12 to 6 pm. Finally, as a bartender in an Irish pub from 7 to midnight or 2 am, depending on the day. You can call any of those places and see I’m not lying.” Just please, God, don’t ask for my papers.

Maxwell reads the resumé when Bertrand gives it to him. “Do you speak French and Spanish as well?”

I shrug. “I love languages, and I grew up in a house where my mom and grandmother only spoke Spanish. I learned French in school. I had an amazing teacher.” 

Maxwell and Bertrand look at each other. The older brother, a younger, sterner version of Hugh Jackman, clears his throat. “I’ll be honest with you, Ms. Ortiz. Two of our waiters are absent, and tomorrow we’ll be catering to one of the most important events of the year. If everything in your resume is true, you can start training today --paid of course, and start working tomorrow.”

Paid training? Despite my throbbing head, I want to scream with happiness. “Everything is true.”

“That’s settled then. Penelope, please, darling, show Ms. Ortiz the kitchens and the ballroom. You can ask Naomi to train her for tonight. You know Regina, and she’ll want everything to go as smooth as possible.” 

“Right.” Penelope turned at me with an uptight smile. “Come with me.” 

I turn and beam at Maxwell, who’s giving me a thumbs up. “Thank you. I really appreciate this.” 

Bertrand shakes his head. “Don’t thank me yet, Ms. Ortiz. Just do an impeccable job.” He glances at my Vans. “And for the love of God, only heels tomorrow.” 

I nod and follow Penelope down the hallway. 

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

DRAKE

 “This is why you ditch your friends who get hitched to a relationship,” I grumble, sitting in my chair. 

“He’s five minutes late,” Liam says. 

Leo shakes his head. “Well, I want a goddamn drink. How come I can’t order one until he gets here?” 

Liam pinches the bridge of his nose. “You two are acting like children. You can wait five minutes.” 

“Maybe, but I need something, and fast.” 

“Ah, there they are,” Max exclaims, hands clasped together, staring at us. “My boys.” Jesus Christ. Liam is scooped into a hug and then set back in his chair. 

From over Liam’s head, Max points at me and shakes his finger. “Come here; you handsome Walker bastard.” 

I hold up my hand. “I’m good.”

 “Nope.” He shakes his head. “You don’t get to pass up Max’s snuggles.” Before I can move, he swoops to his knees, pulls me into a hug. . . and nuzzles. 

“What the fuck are you doing, Beaumont?” I ask, my voice strong as I try to push him away. 

“You smell like heaven,” he says, chuckling. No one likes to fuck with me as much as Maxwell Beaumont does. Unfortunately for me, he’s one of my best friends, and the bastard is well aware of it. 

“Get out of here.” I palm his face and push him away. 

Leo laughs. “Come on, man, you know Walker is a sour bastard.” 

With another laugh, Maxwell retreats to his seat, unbuttons his jacket, and sits down. Hands-on the table, he looks between us and declares, “I’m in love.” 

Christ. “We know,” Liam and I say at the same time, irritation heavy in our voices. Leo just rolls his eyes as he looks for a waiter. 

Maxwell has only been dating Rashad for a few weeks, so it’s no surprise he’s like this—a hopeful idiot with a relentless smile. Hell, he’s been in love with the man for years. It took him a really, really long time to finally make a move. He adjusts his tie as he says, “You don’t have to be rude about it. I’m just sharing. Isn’t that what this is all about? Sharing?” 

“Sharing? I thought this was about drinking as much as possible and hooking up with a hot waitress,” Leo says, flagging down our waiter. 

When he arrives, I talk above the guys and quickly say, “Macallan, neat.” 

“Dalmore, on the rocks, please,” Liam says, and Leo orders the same. 

When the waiter turns to Max, he rubs his stomach and says, “You know, a hot cocoa would be perfect right now.”

 What the actual fuck? “No.” I step in. “He’ll have an Old Fashion. Thanks.” A little confused and probably slightly disturbed, he takes off as Max complains. 

“Hey, I really wanted a hot cocoa.” 

“Not happening. First, because they don’t serve hot cocoas here and second because we’re supposed to be out drinking, Beaumont. And you fucking love Old Fashions. You order one every damn time. Stop complaining.” 

“Sheesh.” Maxwell unfolds his napkin and sets it on his lap. “What’s up your ass?” 

“Nothing.” I push my hand through my hair. 

“It’s a girl.” Leo smirks, causing Liam and Max to practically jump out of their seats.

“A girl?” Liam cocks his eyebrow. “Surely not Drake --permanent bachelor, Walker. My fucking heart can’t take it.” 

Fucking Leo. “It’s not what Leo is making it out to be.” 

“He met her two months ago, and he’s been thinking about her ever since. Magical pussy right there.”

“I swear, Leo; I don’t care for how long we’ve been friends, next time you talk about her like that, I’ll personally break that shit-eat grin off your face”

The clown raises his arms. “I rest my case.”

 “What?” Max’s eyes nearly fall out of their sockets. “Drake Walker doesn’t get attached, and he doesn’t duel his friends for a girl.” 

Jesus. Thankfully the waiter brings our drinks at that moment, so I have a second to compose myself. 

“You slept with her?” Liam asks after a swig of Dalmore. He’s been in a stable relationship with Hanna Lee for a year now. Once the most popular guy on school, he now spends his Friday nights curled up with her watching Netflix. I can’t even remember the last time he went out with us. 

“I don’t want to talk about it. The only reason this fuckhead is bringing it up it’s because I went looking for her, and he saw it.” There I said it. Better me than Leo fucking Rys. 

Max and Liam exchange a look, but Max seems too stunned to talk, so Liam asks. “You did what?”

I chug my whiskey and ask for another one. “I don’t know why. I just …” Tired of this fucking conversation, I pinch the bridge of my nose. “We had a great time. That’s all.”

 “How come Leo knows about this girl, and I don’t?” Liam complains. 

Max complains too. “Dude, you know I’m the romantic one. Leo over here has a brick for a heart, and Li is too busy. You need to discuss these things with me.” 

“I don’t have a brick for a heart,” Leo says, surprisingly offended. 

“No, you’re just still hung up on Maddie,” I say with a smirk. He shifts in his chair but doesn’t say anything. What does it feel, Rys? 

“So . . . who is the girl?” Maxwell asks. 

For fuck’s sake. I might as well get it over with. “I’m going to say one last time that I’m not interested in her anymore, so before your little hearts starts beating wildly for playing cupid, it’s not going to happen.” 

In a snarky tone, Leo replies, “Well, of course, it’s not. She left the country. Are you that bad, Walker? Because I can give you a tip or two.” He’s so fucking annoying. 

“Oh.” Max sighs, disappointed.  

Leo elbows his brother and says, “He hasn’t slept with anyone since.” 

And there it is. The real reason why Leo is worried about this. He lost his wingman. “I’m not an animal, Leo. It’s not the first time in my life that I go two months without fucking. I’m not you. Anyway, all this is pointless. She’s gone.” 

My friends grew up with me, so they know when it’s time to stop pushing. Max interrupts the silence that follows because nothing makes little Beaumont more uncomfortable than a gap in the conversation. “Everything is ready for the party tomorrow night. The thirtieth anniversary of Rys Corporation will be a success.” 

Liam nods. “Regina talked with Hana this morning. It’s the first anniversary since I took over as CEO. I need everything to be perfect.” 

“What about the staff, Max?” Leo asks, smiling. Having sex at every anniversary party is a personal challenge of his. 

“We actually hired someone today. She’s gorgeous.” He turns his head at Leo. “But she’s off-limits.” Leo smirks, wiggling his eyebrows. “I mean it, dude. Bertrand said he’s tired of looking for new waitresses. Two quit yesterday morning when they found out that the event was for Rys corporation.”  

“Hey, I never lie. It’s not my fault if they think I’ll call them anyway.” 

“Whatever, just don’t mess with her. Plus, I got to talk to her after her training today. She’s super nice. She’s Am--. Wait.” He says when his phone chimes up. “Sorry, boys. It was a text from Penelope. Apparently, the Chablis hasn’t been delivered yet. I have to call Joelle before I lose my big brother over a wine crisis. See you all tomorrow.” He finishes his cocktail and stands up. 

Liam stands up too. “I should go home too. Han arrived today from Hong Kong.” 

Leo checks his phone. “Wait, Li. I’ll go with you. I have a date with this girl I met last night at Kismet. Do you want to come, man?” He asks me. “I’m sure she has a friend she can introduce you.”

I shake my head. “I’ll finish my whiskey and head home. See you all tomorrow.”

It was only one fucking night. Why can’t I get her out of my head? 

It’s maddening. Or maybe it is a blessing. If I’m still thinking about her after one night, imagine how bad I’d have it after several. It’s best that she stays far the fuck away from me. I’m not interested in long-term attachments of any kind.  I don’t want to think about Lexie Ortiz, but she’s infected my brain. The sound of her teasing laugh haunts me.

And I can’t deny it; it was one hell of a night.

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

ALEXIS 

 “This is a single girl’s paradise.” 

“No,” I grimace, trying to clean the spilled tomato sauce from my shirt. “Paradise would be a tropical beach with a hot cabana boy giving us free massages... and an endless supply of piñas Coladas.” Naomi laughs, the sound almost lost in the chaos of the kitchen. Chefs shouting orders, Penelope and Bertrand panicking, plates being dropped—the world of catering is a noisy business. 

“Cabana boys may have hot smoking bodies and virility, Lex, but they lack two essential qualities: prestige and money.” 

“So, what you’re saying is that you’d prefer an old limp dick over a young hard one? Interesting,” I answer, teasing her. 

“No, that’s not what I’m saying, smart ass. I’m saying I’d take a solid bank account over a solid dick. Think about it—with all that money, he could never fuck me at all, and I couldn’t care less. And I’d be treated properly. Rich guys know how to treat a lady.” 

“Trust me on this, Naomi. Money has absolutely nothing to do with how a man treats a woman.” I should know. “In any case,” I retort, grabbing another tray of drinks, “if you’re looking for old rich guys, there are tons of opportunities out there.” I laugh at the dreamy look on her face, partly because it’s hilarious and partly because I know she’s kidding. After my training last night, she invited me to her house, where I met Theo, her little boy. He’s eight years old and the absolute love of her life. 

“Speaking of fucking,” she says, her eyes sparkling, “did you see the Rys brothers? One of them is taken, but the other two are single and oh so yummy. Especially the tall and brooding one. I’ll kill for those smoldering brown eyes looking right at my soul” 

I snort. “You really should stop reading romance novels, Nao. And yes. I served one of them and his girlfriend champagne earlier, but he was blond and didn’t have smoldering, brooding eyes. I thought they were only two brothers, though.”

“Well, technically, yes. But Constantine Rys --the super-rich owner of Rys Corporation-- adopted two other kids. A boy and a girl. They all grew up together.” She uncorks several champagne bottles as she speaks.

Now that my uniform is clean, I grab one of the Veuve Clicquot bottles and help her pouring the cold liquid into the glasses on our trays. “How do you know all of that?”

“I’m Cordonian, girl. The Rys siblings are almost royalty in this country. The one that is not an actual Rys is the one with the smoldering eyes. He doesn’t work for the company, though. He’s a … a vet, I think.”  

A veterinarian like Drake. My stupid heart flutters when I think about him. 

“Do we pay you to work or to gossip, ladies?” Penelope screams from the kitchen door. 

Naomi and I roll our eyes and grab our refilled trays. 

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

DRAKE

“This is a huge night for Liam,” Regina says behind her champagne glass. Constantine has been telling everyone, especially her, that he’s ready and happy to retire, but she knows him better than anyone. Leaving Rys Corporation and pass the torch to Liam is much more difficult for Constantine than he cares to admit.  

“It’ll be all right, Regina. Don’t worry. Liam is more than ready to handle the responsibility.”

She throws a glance at Liam, who’s standing a few feet behind me next to his dad. “I just hope he doesn’t forget that his personal life is equally important. He and Hana work too hard.” 

I’m about to answer when one of the waitresses distracts me. Her back is turned to me, so I can’t see her face, but there is something incredibly familiar about the way she moves. She’s passing drinks amongst Regina’s friends. I want to go and see who she is, but Liam catches my eyes across the room.  We exchange a look, one that we’ve exchanged several times over our lives. It was Liam and me when we were younger, walking into his father’s office after getting into a fight at school. It was the two of us when we came home late, and his parents were waiting in the living room as we walked in, drunk. It was the two of us when we wrecked Leo’s new Porsche when we were sixteen, and right now, I know he needs me. Constantine is a great father, but he has too many expectations for his younger son. Liam needs a break. 

Regina sees the exchange and smiles. “Liam’s very lucky to have you, Drake.” She is not our biological mother, but she loves all of us as if she was. And she’s more my mother than Bianca Walker will never be.  

A couple of men look at me, and I try to remember if I should know them from somewhere. I think they’re both on the board of directors at RC. As much as I love the Rys, I will never get used to this shit. Socializing and pretending to like a bunch of people that annoy the fuck out of me. Ignoring them, I make my way to my best friend. Liam is standing with his hands in his pockets, looking serious and put together like the CEO of the largest company in Cordonia should. 

“I think it’s going well,” he says as I approach. “Father was driving me crazy with all his advice.” 

“It’s not only the anniversary of the company, Li. It’s also his first one as the former CEO. It’s normal he feels out of place.” 

Liam nods. “I know. I just wish he’ll trust me more.”

“He does, Liam. He’s just nervous.”

 I’m cut short by Liam’s grin. His gaze slides right behind me and lights up. 

“Would either of you like a glass of champagne?” a female, very familiar voice nearly whispers behind me. 

“I’m good,” Liam answers, looking at me out of the corner of his eye. “How about you, Drake?”

 I turn around, and my heart skips a beat. Soft curves, tanned skin, and a few freckles across the bridge of her nose. The brightest, most amazing eyes I’ve ever seen. Alexis Ortiz tucks a strand of her rich brown hair behind her ear and takes a deep breath. Her eyes widen, and I see she recognizes me but doesn’t mention it. Instead, a faint smile ghosts her luscious lips, and she lifts her chin like she has a secret she won’t tell. A secret we share. Her gaze remains on Liam, almost like she’s afraid to look my way. Finally, she turns to me, and when she does, an adorable blush color her cheeks. 

“Would you, uh, sir?” she asks, taking half a step backward. 

“Would I what?” I press, enjoying too much the way her cheeks turn even pinker. 

“Would you like a drink?” The words leave her lips fast like she wants to pronounce them and run away. I take a step towards her, remembering the night she spent in my arms and how damn perfect she felt. I know I make her nervous because I see little goosebumps erupting on her soft skin.  I smirk at her. “That depends on what you’re offering.”

 I shouldn’t be toying with her, but I can’t help it. I want to keep her talking, to watch her reactions, to see that sweet smile again.  

“I don’t have much to offer,” she says, a hint of nervousness in her voice. “Unless you like champagne, sir.” She emphasizes the last word.

“I like all sorts of things.” I keep my gaze heavy against hers, not allowing her to look away. She fidgets with her tray and swallows hard but never takes her eyes off mine, too rebellious to look away. The longer our eyes match, the hotter my body becomes. She bits her delicious bottom lip slowly, her dark gaze boring into mine. 

“Is that so?” Liam laughs beside me, and I watch her jump like she forgot he was there. Alexis clears her throat and glances around the room. She turns back to us again, this time a practiced smile on her face. The easy grin and soft laugh are both gone. She wants to get away from me, I can feel it, and I understand. She’s working; it wouldn’t be professional. This is not the time or the place to reconnect. Unfortunately for her, I have other plans.

“Gentlemen ...” With a nod, Alexis walks away as fast as possible. She doesn’t look back, but I watch her until she’s out of sight. 

“What was that?” Liam snickers, loosening his gray silk tie. “I thought you were going to jump on her.” 

I rub my thumb over my lip, still surprised as hell.

“That was Alexis, the girl I met a couple of months ago. Now, if you excuse me, Li, I need to go talk to Bertrand.”  

@mskaneko @burnsoslow @gkittylove99 @kat-tia801 @no-one-u-know @thegreentwin @twinkle-320 @forallthatitsworth @kingliam2019 @marshmallowsandfire @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @princessleac1 @twinkleallnight @tinkie1973 @drakexwillow @moneyfordiamonds 

@yukinagato2012​ @alyssalauren​

#drake x alexis #drake walker #drake walker fanfic #drake x mc #tw domestic violence

[nala-raines]

Chapter 2

Author’s note: Sorry it’s been so long, life has been a little crazy. But here is another chapter of Missing Link.

Liam sits in a checkup room, waiting for any news of the little girl that he had found. Constantine was right, Liam would not leave the hospital without knowing if she was going to be alright.

Constantine had told the doctor to lie if necessary, but not to tell Liam if she died. He had hoped the doctor would be human, but he too was a shifter, and shifters can’t lie because of their animal side.

Three hours after they first arrived, the doctor that took the little girl came back with news. He had a shocked look on his face before he bowed to the royal family before speaking,

“Hello, my name is Dr. Wilson.”

“Hello. Is she okay?” Liam asks.

Dr. Wilson let out a big breath, before taking a set and addressing the young prince.

“Well, first I would like to say you did the right thing by staying at her side. Our fears were confirmed, she is a human that was born prematurely. If you hadn’t found her when you did and stayed with her, she wouldn’t be here right now.”

“So she’s okay?” Asks Leo. He had a better understanding of what was going on and knew all that his little brother wanted to hear was that the girl was okay.

“Yes, right now, she’s okay. We estimated that she’s about four months early. She may develop complications or grow up slower than other kids. But, as I said, she’s stable now. And if it’s alright with your father, you can go see her.”

Dr. Wilson finishes. Liam looks at his father, but before he can ask, his father nods,

“We can’t leave without saying goodbye, Liam. It would be impolite.”

Dr. Wilson stood and opened the door. 

“Let’s not keep the little lady waiting.”

He said with a smile. Liam hopped off the examination table and followed Dr. Wilson. Leo and Maxwell were right behind him, and Constantine followed behind with Regina at his side.

When they got to the NICU, Dr. Wilson showed them where the little girl was. Liam was taken aback by how many wires and tubes surrounded her.

“Don’t worry. I know it’s scary, but the wires and tubes help monitor her and deliver fluids to help make her better.” He still saw the hesitation to get too close to the incubator that she was in. So, he opened a porthole and said, “You can touch her hand or stomach if you want to. Just be gentle.”

Dr. Wilson's smile put Liam at ease, so he stepped forward and put his finger on her palm and she took hold of his finger once again. Constantine stays back and talks to Dr. Wilson about what her future holds. Dr. Wilson said that he would try and find her a foster home or someone to adopt her. Constantine looked over at his sons staring at the small girl.

He saw the smiles on their faces and the looks in their eyes. It reminded him of when he introduced Liam to Leo. When he was done talking to the doctor, he walked over to the boys to get a better look at the little girl. 

She is very small, she fit in the palm of his hand. Pinkish in color, the boys are right, she is adorable. He felt Regina touch his arm and she whispered in his ear,

“Liam saw her, and the doctors here will take care of her. I think it's time to take the boys home. My family and the rest of the Beaumonts will be at the palace soon. We’ll need to be there to greet them.”

Constantine knew that she was right, but something didn’t feel right. He couldn’t tell what, but he felt like if that baby girl was left alone, that something bad was going to happen to her; Liam felt it too.

Liam talked to his friend and brother, but he never really took his eyes off her. He looked at the nameplate on the incubator, wanting to call her by her name but it only read ‘Jane Doe’.

“Why did you name her Jane Doe? It doesn't feel right.” Liam asks, shaking his head.

“Well, we don’t know her real name. So, we decided that her new family should give her one.” Dr. Wilson answered.

“Oh,” Liam says turning back to the baby, deciding against calling her Jane.

“You know, most preemies can’t grasp things very well. The fact she can grab your finger as tight as she can is a very encouraging sign,” Dr. Wilson said, trying to reassure him that she would be ok.

“Boys it's time to go.” Regina said, ready to leave. Constantine wanted to give them a few more minutes, but she was right.

“She’ll be alone.” Maxwell said. He and Liam met at Queen Emila’s funeral, Liam was hiding in a corner, crying. Maxwell just wanted to cheer him up, he went over, told a few jokes, and managed to make Liam laugh, and since they were the same age, they became friends instantly. Maxwell’s father was close to Constantine, and Constantine thought that Liam could use a good friend, so Maxwell stayed at the palace every other week to hang out with Liam.

He saw how this little girl made Liam smile, he didn’t want to separate the two. Leo also felt protective of his little brother, and now this little girl. While Leo and Maxwell tried to argue, Liam spoke up,

“Can we come back tomorrow?” Everyone just looked at him. Liam understood that they needed to leave, but he also made a promise. He was not going to break it.

“Liam, why would you want to come here?” Regina asked. She was there long enough, she came with them to be supportive, not to be around some random baby.

“Because I promised her that I wouldn’t abandon her.” He looked at Regina, ticked off. “I have been taught to keep my promises.” He could tell that Regina was going to say something else, but Liam spoke again before she had the chance to speak, “I know that she couldn’t understand what I said, but I still made a promise that I intend to keep.”

Constantine was proud of his son, for wanting to keep his word at such a young age. He knew the risks of letting Liam and Leo get close to this baby girl. But between his bad feeling and Liam’s promise, he felt like he had no choice.

“I’ll have your schedules cleared from 10-4 tomorrow. After that, we’ll talk about a schedule for you both to see her.”

Liam smiled and gently removed his finger from her grasp, before running and hugging his father, who bent down to return his son’s embrace.

“Thank you, father.”

“Of course my boy. Now go say goodbye.”

Liam gently rubbed her arm while saying,

“Goodbye little one, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Each of the boys say goodbye and leave the hospital. When they get back to the palace, Duchess Annabelle, (Maxwell’s mother) runs to her youngest son, relieved to see him alright. He told his mother about what had happened and Annabelle hugged Liam too. Maxwell’s older brother, Bertrand, had a hard time believing what had happened, and Leo suggested that he come with us tomorrow to see her for himself. He even invited his parents and Regina’s family, Liam just nodded his head in agreement.

He feels like something bad is going to happen to that little girl, and it was going to happen soon. He just hoped that he would be there to interfere with whatever was going to happen.

tags:  @secretaryunpaid  @txemrn  @choicesfannatalie  @evlyngashfordraines  @god-save-the-keen  @adriansbiss  @kinda-iconic  @kingliamandriley @mynotsohealthyobsession  

#liam rys #maxwell beaumont #royal romance #leo rys #premature birth #big brother

[sfb123]

Uncle Drake and his Royal Valentine

Turns out I have one more Valentine’s Day fic in me. Instead of romantic Valentine stuff, I’m all about that cute little kid Valentine fluff, which means it’s time for our second installment of...

Book: The Royal Heir

Pairing: Uncle Drake x Eleanor (uncle/niece/friendship)

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except for Thomas (who is ever so briefly mentioned), he is my OC.

Rating: G

Warning:

Word Count: 1,679

Tags: Listed below. Let me know if you want to be added/removed.

Drake entered the palace and headed straight for the Great Room. Riley and Liam had a couple of meetings that were going to run late, so he agreed to pick up Eleanor from her lessons and watch her until they got back. He got there to find Thomas, Eleanor’s guard, standing watch at the door.

“Babysitting duty again, Walker?” Thomas extended his hand, shaking Drake’s.

“Yea, you know how it is. She almost done?”

“Should be wrapping up, I’ll go get her for you.” He entered the room, and returned shortly after with Eleanor in tow.

“Uncle Drake!” Eleanor ran straight for him at full speed. He caught her in his arms and lifted her up, placing a kiss on her cheek.

“Hey kiddo, how were your lessons?”

“They were good. I learned about manners today. Thank you for asking.” She smiled proudly.

Drake put her back down on the ground and took her hand in his. “Well look at that, already putting it into practice. Your parents are going to be very proud. I was going to hang out with you for a bit, until they’re done with their meetings, would that be ok with you?”

“Yay! Can we color?”

“I think we could make that happen.”

They got back to the Royal quarters, and after getting Eleanor changed and giving her a quick snack, Drake set them up on the coffee table with some paper and crayons.

“Hey, Uncle Drake?” Eleanor put down her crayon and looked up at him thoughtfully.

“Hey Eleanor.” He looked up and smiled.

“Will you be my Valentime?” She looked at him hopefully.

Drake was slightly taken aback by the question. “You want me to be your Valentine?” She grinned and nodded her head. “Why me? I figured you’d ask your dad.”

“No daddy and mommy are valentimes, I need one for me too. Please, Uncle Drake?”

“I would love nothing more, Princess Eleanor.” He reached across the table and lifted her tiny hand to his lips, causing her to giggle.

They continued on with their coloring a little longer, until Riley and Liam entered the room. As soon as she saw them, Eleanor dropped her crayon and ran to them. “Mommy, daddy! I missed you!”

“Aww, we missed you too baby girl. Did you have a good day?” Riley knelt down to her level and gave her a hug.

She nodded her head and smiled. “Uncle Drake is going to be my valentime!”

“He is? That’s wonderful, Princess!” Liam leaned down and hugged his daughter, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Why don’t you go wash up for dinner? We’re going to be eating soon.

“Ok daddy.” She went up to Drake and gave him a hug. “Bye Uncle Drake. Thank you.”

“Anytime kid.” Once Eleanor left the room, Drake turned to his friends. “You know, if you guys wanted time to watch her for Valentine’s Day, you could have just asked. You didn’t need this whole elaborate plot of asking me through the kid.” He chuckled.

“Drake, we didn’t do that. She asked you that completely on her own.” Liam held up his hands, shaking his head.

“Yea, sure.”

“No, really.” Riley interjected. “We weren’t even going to ask you to watch her, we were going to have her go to Ramsford, Maxwell is going to be watching Bartie for Bertrand and Savannah, we were going to set up a slumber party for them.”

Drake's eyes darted between Liam and Riley. “So you mean she asked because…”

“Because she genuinely wants to spend Valentine’s Day with her Uncle Drake.” Liam approached his best friend and clapped him on the back.

“Obviously you don’t have to take her, it’s last minute, we don’t want to mess up your weekend.” Riley said.

“No, really, it’s ok. I’m just kind of surprised, wasn’t expecting that.”

“I’m not, she loves you Drake, she’s always telling us stories about your adventures.” Riley said as she walked into the kitchen to get dinner together.

Drake blushed, he loved spending time with Eleanor too. He always made sure to balance out all of her courtly lessons with real kid stuff so that she was able to have the most normal childhood possible. He knew she had fun when they were together, but he always just assumed Maxwell was the favorite uncle, because he was so loud and crazy. That’s the kind of stuff kids were all about, right?

“Drake, would you like to stay and join us for dinner?” Liam asked, taking Drake out of his thoughts.

“No, that’s alright. I’ve got a big date this weekend, I’ve gotta go get ready.” He smiled as he shook Liam’s hand and gave Riley a hug before heading out the door and back to his cabin.

A few days later, Riley was with Eleanor in her room getting her ready for her evening with Drake. She put her in a red dress with matching shoes. Riley had also put together a small overnight bag with the essentials that Eleanor would need until she returned to the palace the next day. They heard the front door open and Riley smiled at her daughter. “I think your Valentine just got here, Eleanor.”

“Yay! Valentime!”

Riley took Eleanor’s hand and they walked out to the living room where Drake and Liam were sitting on the couch talking. Riley cleared her throat to get their attention. They both stood and turned around, smiling wildly at the sight of the Princess and her excitement for the evening.

“Eleanor, you look stunning. Just like your mother.” Liam bowed, looking up just in time to catch the blush in his wife’s cheeks. He winked at her and smiled.

Drake approached the girls and bowed in front of Eleanor. As he rose, he took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Princess Eleanor, you look beautiful tonight. Here, these are for you.” He pulled a small bouquet of daisies from behind his back and handed them to her.

“For me?” Eleanor asked excitedly, bringing the flowers to her face and smelling them, just like her mother did every time her father would bring flowers home.

“Of course. It’s the rule, you have to get flowers for your Valentine.”

“Eleanor, what do you say?” Riley placed her hand on Eleanor’s back to get her attention.

“Thank you, Uncle Drake!” She smiled and hugged him.

“Good girl. I’ll take these and get them in some water. They’ll be in your room when you get home tomorrow.” Riley took the flowers from Eleanor. “Don’t you have something for your Uncle Drake?”

Eleanor nodded and walked over to the end table by the couch, picking up a red piece of paper. She walked over to Drake and handed it to him. “Here Uncle Drake, happy Valentime’s Day!”

Drake examined the picture, it appeared to be two people among a bunch of squiggly lines. “This is beautiful Eleanor. Is that me and you?”

“Mhm, we’re playing in the garden at Valoria.”

“That’s Valtoria, Eleanor.” Liam interrupted her.

“Daddy, that’s what I said!” She turned around and gave her father a stern face, causing him to chuckle.

“It’s beautiful Eleanor. Thank you so much. Will you help me find a good place to hang it up when we get to my cabin?”

“Sure!”

“Great! Well, we should be heading out. We have a busy night planned.” Drake and Eleanor said their goodbyes to Riley and Liam. Before they walked out the door, Drake extended his hand to Eleanor. “M’lady.” Eleanor put her hand in his, and they walked out the door together.

Once they arrived at Drake’s cabin, he brought her overnight bag to the guest room, and they found a perfect spot right in the center of the refrigerator to display his new artwork. “Alright kiddo, I’m starving. You want to have dinner?”

“Yes please, what are we having?”

“I was thinking we could make a pizza.”

Eleanor got a confused look on her face. “How do you make pizza, Uncle Drake?”

“Come on into the kitchen and I’ll show you.”

They went into the kitchen and made a pizza. Eleanor loved sprinkling on the cheese and getting to artistically placing the toppings on the saucy disc. They cleaned up the kitchen while they waited for it to cook, and once it was finished, they sat at the kitchen table together and enjoyed the fruits of their labor.

“What now, Uncle Drake?”

“I was thinking about setting up the projector by the fire pit so we could have s’mores and a movie. Does that sound like fun?”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “What movie?”

He laughed to himself, what movie was she expecting that would cause her to give him the dirty look he’d seen from Riley countless times? “I mean, I was thinking The Little Mermaid, but if you don’t want to watch that, I guess we could pick something else.”

“No! I love Little Mermaid, she’s my favorite!” She grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the yard.

“Whoa whoa, slow down there killer. I’ve gotta get everything and set up. Why don’t you go wait for me by the fire pit. I’ll be right there.”

She nodded and ran to the backyard. Drake gathered everything he needed, and started setting things up in the backyard as Eleanor watched. Drake had her set up the s’mores supplies on the table. Once everything was ready, he lit the fire and started the movie. They sat watching and eating. Eleanor animatedly explained the movie to Drake, and sang along to all of the songs.

As the movie came to a close, Drake looked over to Eleanor and saw her yawning. “Alright, I think it’s bedtime. There’s not much more fun that can be had tonight. Did you have a good Valentine’s Day, Eleanor?”

“Yes Uncle Drake. Thank you. Happy Valentime’s Day.” She said groggily.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, kiddo.” He lifted her out of her seat and walked her to the guest room to get her changed and into bed.

Tags: @txemrn​ @texaskitten30​ @kingliam2019​ @anjanettexcordonia​ @twinkleallnight​ @mile9213​ @kittypryde-bipride​ @motorcitymademadame​ @kat-tia801​ @bebepac​ @gkittylove99​ @khoicesbyk​ @jessiembruno​ @queenrileyrose​ @athena-penrose​ @pixie88​ @eadanga​ @choicesficwriterscreations​ @iaminlovewithtrr​ @hopelessromanticmonie​ @annarenee355​ @burnsoslow​ @shewillreadyou​ @imturaxamara​ @gabesmommie1130​​ @cordoniaqueensworld​​ @marshmallowsaremyfavorite​

#choices stories you play #pixelberry #choices trr #choices trh #choices #playchoices #trr/trh #trr fandom #trh fandom #trr fanfic #trh fanfic #the royal romance #the royal heir #trh book 3 #choices the royal romance #choices the royal heir #drake walker #trr drake #trh drake #uncle drake #choices fic writers creations #taoud #the adventures of uncle drake

[harleybeaumont]

Unintentional

Chapter 8 - Running

Book: The Royal Romance AU

Pairings - Liam x Maxwell, Drake x Riley

Synopsis- Since childhood, Liam has held a terrible secret that even he doesn't know about. As the years go by, he suspects more and more that there is something wrong with him. Can he put his life together and find happiness?

A/N- This story is a bit different than what I usually write.. Ok a LOT different. Some terrible things have happened during Liam's life.. But the story isn’t without humor or joy. I swear it’s not all bad! The characters are still canon in the sense of their whole overall personalities, but of course there are several changes to fit the story.

Series Warnings- oh so many: language, drinking, violence, sexual assault, abuse, murder, homophobia, bullying, mentions of suicide.. Also there will be lemons in some chapters. 

Mentions of suicide. This might be triggering for some people. If you want to skip, but still want the gist of the chapter let me know and I can tell you while omitting the triggering parts .

Word count- 3,710

18+ only

Catch up here.

Chapter 8 - Running Liam had no idea where he was going.. All he knew was that he had to get away. Maybe he would live in the woods and become a hermit. Nah, only Drake would enjoy something like that. Liam sat in the back seat of an uber, the only instructions he had given the driver was to head north. He managed to ditch his security back in Ramsford by creeping through a bathroom window. They were going to freak out.. He was damn near as bad as Leo these days when it came to sneaking off. Although, now that Leo was married he did it a lot less. Liam was surprised.. he figured being married to Madeleine would make anyone want to run away.

Speaking of freaking out.. Liam’s stomach turned as he thought of his friends and family finding out he was missing. They of course wouldn’t understand, but in the end it was better for everyone. He couldn't live with himself if he hurt them.

“You decide where you want to go yet?” The driver watched Liam through the rear view mirror, curiously. Liam had changed into some plain clothes and a baseball cap he took from Maxwell’s room, so he would be less likely to be recognized.

Liam sighed. “Ya. I think so.”

___________________________________________

“Read it to me.. Please?” Max had his hand over his mouth, trying to contain his sobs. “I can't even see straight right now.”

Drake swallowed hard and nodded as he read the note Liam had left for them. 

     “I’m so sorry. I know running away is the coward's way out, but I have to leave. Please understand that I am only doing this because I want to keep you all safe. It is for the best. I love you all very much and I always will. Love, Liam.”

Max let out a strangled sob and Riley wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. Maxwell was so hurt and so angry. How could Liam do this to everyone? How could he kiss him and then run away like it meant nothing? And his mom was going to be devastated! “Fuck this!” Maxwell yelled and stormed off to the library. He was going to do whatever he could to find Liam. And once he found him, he was going to kick his ass.

________________________________________________

Drake and Riley stared at each other as Max stormed from the room, Bertrand following close behind. “What are we even going to do about this?” Riley asked as she shook her head.

“Fuck.. I have no idea.”

“Do you have any idea where he would run off to?”

Drake looked at his wife, his mind racing. Where would Liam go where he thought no one would ever think to look? “I honestly have no idea..”

“Was there some comfort place he went to as a kid? Or some place he always dreamed of going?”

“I mean, we went camping a few times as kids, but I doubt he would go there since..” Drake cleared his throat and looked away. “..since, you know what happened there.” 

Drake dropped down in a chair, trying to remember anything over the years that would give him an idea as to where Liam went. Drake gasped and shot up, “Max! Get in here!”

A moment later Maxwell rushed into the room. “What? Did you find him?!”

Drake grinned ear to ear. “No. But I know where he is.”

“Where?!” Max and Riley both shouted at the same time.

“Remember that camping trip the three of us went on? When we played truth or dare and you asked him where he would go if he could go anywhere in the world?”

     Liam looked up at the starry night sky as he thought. He smiled as he recalled the one place he always dreamed of going. His mother had read him The Little Prince every night when he was younger. “The Sahara Desert!”

“Oh, right!” Maxwell smiled momentarily, then his face fell. “You think he went to the Sahara Desert?! We’ll never find him there!”

“Ugh, no you idiot! Remember he changed it to the beach.”

“Which one?” Riley said as she looked between the two of them in confusion. 

  Maxwell nudged him. “What about the beach then? Sand and water. Best of both worlds.”

  Liam chuckled. “Ok. Then, I change my answer to the beach.”

 “Oh! You should go to the Blue Grotto in Italy. My mum took us there a few times before..” 

  “Hey!” Liam smiled and nudged Maxwell. “We’ll all go visit the Blue Grotto one day!”

 “Really?” Max smiled brightly.

“Heck ya! One day we can even live there! We'll build a house on the beach and have everything we need!”

Maxwell and Drake looked at each other knowingly. “The Blue Grotto.”

_____________________________________________

Capri, Italy:

Liam sat on the beach, listening to the waves crash along the shore. This was the place he always planned on visiting with Drake and Maxwell, but unfortunately he was here alone. Liam wasn’t sure what he was even going to do now. It’s not like he could just live on the beach for the rest of his life, but maybe he could just stay here undercover and get a job.. But how long would it be before he started unknowingly killing again? Some poor innocent person could be murdered because of him.

Liam closed his eyes tightly, trying not to cry. There was nowhere in this world where he belonged, and it caused a nearly unbearable ache in his heart.

He let out a deep sigh before thumbing through the bills in his wallet. He had enough cash to stay in a hotel for a good while, so he had a little time to think of a plan. All Liam wanted to do when he got here was go on a tour to see the Blue Grotto, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. His heart clenched again as he thought about everyone he left behind. Especially Maxwell. God, poor Maxwell. He poured his heart out to him, and all Liam did was leave. He bit his trembling lip and an unwanted stray tear rolled down his cheek. Damn it, he loved Maxwell. He wanted so badly to tell him, but it would have made it even harder to leave.

Liam stood up, dusting the sand from his jeans and made the short walk back to his hotel. The sun was beginning to set, casting a magnificent pink and orange glow to everything it touched. Liam looked down as he nearly tripped over a huge seashell. It was beautiful.. Pink and orange just like the sunset, with a perfect spiral. Maxwell would love it. Liam felt that same pang of guilt and sadness at leaving them behind, and he stepped over the shell sadly. No sense in thinking that way. 

Happy couples walked along the beach hand in hand, and children ran along the shore laughing. Liam sighed sadly as he walked into his beachfront room.. alone. 

______________________________________________

Drake, Riley, and Maxwell sat in anxious silence as they rode the last ferry of the evening to the Island of Capri. 

Drake broke the silence first. “I know this goes without saying, but I really hope he’s here.”

Riley scooted closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I know, baby.”

Maxwell watched the water rocking against the ferry as it moved slowly across the sea. He had too many feelings inside and wasn’t sure how to deal with them. He always tried to keep life simple and stress free. But this whole situation was anything but.

“We need to get a hotel for the night. We can start looking for him in the morning.” Riley said softly. “Max? You with us?”

“Hmm?” He turned toward her as he heard his name. He had completely zoned out thinking about what he was going to do if Liam was here.. or if he wasn’t.

Riley sat beside him and lay her head on his shoulder. “I said we need to get a hotel tonight and start looking in the morning.”

“Ok.”

Riley turned to Drake with sadness in her eyes. They weren’t used to seeing Maxwell this way. “I know this is a stupid question, but.. Are you ok?”

Maxwell smiled sadly. “No.”

“I get it, babes. I know you're worried about him.”

“It’s not just that.. I mean, it definitely is the main reason. But also.. this is the first time I’ve been here since mum died.” 

“Oh, shit..” Riley wrapped her arms around him tightly. “I’m so sorry Max. I hadn’t even thought of that. Fuck.. I’m so sorry.”

Maxwell put his hand on her arm. “It’s ok. All of this just has me feeling.. not like myself. Sorry I’m being a bummer.”

Drake sat beside him. “Don’t apologize. This is a sucky situation and it’s like ten times worse for you.” Drake sighed as he looked out at the setting sun. He tried to think of some way to cheer everyone up. “Wanna get shitty drunk tonight?”

Max and Riley burst out laughing, and Drake looked at them in surprise. “I was being serious!”

“I know.. but it was just so Drake.” Max chuckled. “The dry humor and comedic timing were brilliant as always!”

“I wasn't trying to be funny.. You know what, nevermind. I’m just glad you two are smiling.”

By the time the ferry had docked and they made their way onto the beach, it was nearly dark. “I just made us a reservation on my phone at a beachfront hotel! They only had one room available, so we’re all gonna have to share.” Riley smiled as she looked around the picturesque beach. “In any other situation, this would be an amazing place to vacation.”

“It really is.” Max nodded.

Once they reached the outside of their hotel, Riley gasped and bent down to pick up the most perfect seashell she had ever seen. It was pink and orange with a perfect spiral.  “OMG look Max! It’s all swirly and spirally!” She held it in front of his face as they walked. “You know what that means right?”

“Um, that you got a pretty seashell and I’m jealous?”

“It’s good luck to find a perfect seashell! And we definitely need some good luck right now.”

Max chuckled. “Well, I’m glad you found it. Maybe it’ll help us find Liam.”

Drake scoffed. “Ri, you know there’s no such thing as good luck. If we find Liam-” He stopped to correct himself. “-when we find Liam, it won't be thanks to a seashell.”

“Oh Drake, Drake, Drake.. You always have to be a killjoy don't you?” Riley chided him and kicked sand in his direction.

“Sorry.” Drake rolled his eyes as they walked inside the hotel to check in. “What I meant to say is this magic seashell will lead us right to him.”

“Thank you!” Riley smiled as she gave the shell to Maxwell. “You keep it, babe.”

“Thanks.” Max smiled and tucked it into his bag.

They made their way to the front desk to check in and Riley spoke to the receptionist with a grin. “Reservation for Dixie Normous.” 

Maxwell choked out a laugh that left him lurching forward, nearly falling on the ground as he giggled uncontrollably. The receptionist gave him a strange look. “Is he ok?”

“Oh, he’s fine.” Riley mimicked knocking back a bottle. “He’s just had a bit too much tonight.” She winked at the receptionist who nodded.

“Well, enjoy your stay Ms. Normous.”

“We will!” Riley smiled as they made their way to the elevator.

Drake shook his head. “Why do you always do that?”

Riley and Max were snickering. “Because she’s a fucking genius!” Max said through a laugh.

Drake rolled his eyes, trying not to smile. “Well, it’s better than the time I had to check in under the name Hugh G. Rection.”

Maxwell and Riley were howling with laughter and several people in the hotel were staring. Drake couldn’t hold it in any longer, and joined in chuckling. “On our honeymoon, she gave the name, Barry Macockiner!”

“Well you did, didn’t you?” Riley smirked up at Drake, and he shook his head with a smile.

“Oh my god, I can't.. breathe!” Maxwell was doubled over trying to catch his breath.

“Drake, you forgot Haywood Jablome!” Riley said with a proud smile.

The doors to the elevator opened and Max laughed. “Haywood Jablome?! Oh my god, I get it! Hey, would you blow me! That's amazing! Haywood Jablome!” Max repeated and a man in the elevator was slack jawed as he looked at Max in disgust. 

“No, no mate, that wasn’t a request!” Max spoke to the man through his chuckles.

They all sobered as they took in the man's horrified expression, and entered the elevator as the man exited. As soon as the doors closed they all burst out into laughter again. 

“It’s nice to see you smile, Maxy poo.” Riley bumped his shoulder with hers.

“You always make me smile. You’re the best.”

Drake placed a kiss to her temple. “She is, isn't she?” Even though his wife was basically the female version of Maxwell, Drake couldn't have loved her more if he tried.

______________________________________________________

That night, Liam lay on the bed watching TV, trying his hardest not to fall asleep. It had been three days since he slept for more than five minutes at a time. He felt his eyelids get heavy and hopped up to splash cold water on his face. Wake up, wake up.. He slapped his face, trying anything to keep himself from drifting off. He opened the sliding glass door in his room that led out to the beach, letting the cool night air sweep over him. He was exhausted. He knew he couldn't keep this up forever. Eventually he would fall asleep and become a monster again. Deep down, Liam knew the only way to stop this but he just couldn't do it.. He just.. couldn't. 

But maybe if he went to sleep he could.. Maybe if he fell asleep, his other personality or his sleep disorder would do something good, and get rid of the one person who deserved it. He swallowed hard. No. Running away was one thing, but taking his own life was another. He couldn’t do that to the people he loved.

Liam rubbed his temples as he walked back into his room, locking the sliding glass door behind him, and propping a chair against it. Maybe it would help in case he accidentally fell asleep. 

Liam flipped through the channels until he landed on a home renovation show. It was the only thing on that was in English and he shook his head quickly trying to stay awake. But not ten seconds later, his head dropped to his chest and he was sound asleep.

_________________________________

Drake and Riley were curled up on the queen sized bed, watching tv. Maxwell was laying on a tiny roll-away cot in the corner, which was clearly made for children and not a six foot tall adult. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to find a decent position, but it was pointless. He was restless anyway, worrying about looking for Liam the next morning.

“I’m gonna go for a walk.” He stood stretching.

“You want some company?” Riley smiled, barely awake against Drake’s shoulder.

“No, you guys get some sleep. I’ll only be a few minutes. Just need some air to clear my head.”

“Ok, be safe boo.” Riley closed her eyes, and began snoring softly.

Maxwell slid open the glass door and stepped off the small patio onto the beach. It was so quiet and peaceful. He walked slowly down the beach, remembering collecting seashells with his mother and Bertrand. On their last trip to Capri, he came out to his mother. He was only twelve years old, but he knew.. and so did she. She was so sweet about it, telling him that one day she wanted to walk him down the aisle and see him marry the perfect man. He choked up at the memory.. Even if he ever did get married, she wouldn't be there. 

Maxwell blew out a sharp breath and wiped the tears that had fallen. He had always been a crier, but hadn’t cried this much in years.

So much for clearing his head.. maybe it was time to head back. He had walked pretty far from their room at this point. “Damn it Liam, where are you?” he said softly as he headed back.

Once he had nearly reached their patio, he heard a door open and saw the silhouette of a man walking out of the room next door. It was strange, because he was the only other person out on the beach at 3 am. Max watched him cautiously, as the man made his way down the beach toward the water.

 He slowly followed behind him, curious as to what this guy was doing. Surely not going to swim in the sea at this hour..

As Max got closer, his heart sped up. No. way. “Liam?”

The man didn’t stop and was waist deep in the water, continuing to head further out. “Liam!” Max called out louder.

The man paused briefly, but then continued. That was all the confirmation Maxwell needed. He took off in a sprint toward him as fast as he could as the sand shifted under his feet. “Liam! What the hell are you doing?!”

Max was only a few feet away from him and it was most definitely Liam. Maxwell’s blood ran cold as realization set in. He's sleepwalking. Oh fuck.

Max had heard that you shouldn't wake a sleepwalker, but in this instance it was clearly warranted. Liam was deep enough now that the water was up to his chin. His eyes were glazed over and he had tears streaming down his cheeks and Max suddenly realized what was happening.

“Liam stop!!” Max shouted, nearly within reach, but Liam had disappeared under the water. “Fuck no you don’t!” Maxwell dove under the dark water, desperately searching. It was nearly pitch black outside, save for a sliver of moonlight. He emerged, gasping for air, looking around frantically as waves crashed into his face. Liam was still nowhere in sight. Max dove back under the water again reaching around trying to feel him as the salt water stung his eyes, and his lungs burned from lack of oxygen. Suddenly his hand brushed against fabric and he grabbed it tightly, pulling it with all his might to the surface.

“Liam.. oh my god..” Max spoke between coughs. “Wake the fuck up!!”

Liam still had a pained look in his glossy eyes, and Max kept pulling him further and further out of the water. Once he could stand again he took Liam's hand, leading him, and to his relief he followed willingly.

 Once they were completely out of the water, Max nearly collapsed in exhaustion, but he didn’t dare let go of his hand. “Liam..” Maxwell spoke softly. “Can you hear me?”

Liam was emotionless and frozen, staring straight ahead toward the hotel. Maxwell gripped his hand tightly. How do I get him out of this?! Max led Liam back toward their hotel room and slid open the glass door. He was still panting from exhaustion and sheer terror. Drake looked up at him, his eyes wide in surprise as he took in his appearance. “What happened?! Why are you wet?!”

“Shh!” Max put a finger to his lips, before pulling Liam into the room. He looked like a zombie.

Drake paled, dumbfounded. Riley was still asleep next to him, and he shot out of bed whispering frantically. “Liam!? What the fuck?! What happened?!”

“We need to wake him up..” Max said sadly. “He almost..” He held back the sob that threatened to escape. If he had been a second later, Liam would be gone, and that thought was too much to bear.

“Maybe we should let him sleep. And just watch him to make sure he’s ok.” Drake said, still eyeing Liam carefully. It was surreal seeing him like this.

“Good idea.”

“Why don’t you go change clothes? I’ll watch him.”

Max nodded sadly and went into the bathroom. Once he had cleaned up, he saw Liam was laying on the floor with his eyes closed, finally having a restful sleep. Riley stirred and Drake calmly whispered to her what was going on before she had a chance to freak out. Max sat on the bed with them and told them everything.

“So, he was going to kill someone tonight.” Riley's voice cracked, as she lay a blanket over Liam.

Max nodded, his eyes filling with tears again. “Himself.”

“Oh, Max.” Riley hugged him so tightly, like she was afraid he would disappear. “Thank God you were there. You saved his life.”

“So.. I guess it was homicidal sleepwalking all along.” Drake said sadly. “Not multiple personalities.”

“Guess so.” Riley looked over at Liam who was sleeping peacefully.

“Which one’s worse?” Max frowned looking between both of them. “Someone who falls asleep and kills people or someone who turns into someone else and kills people?”

“I don’t think one is better than the other.” Riley shook her head, still watching Liam.

Drake groaned, resting his head in his hands. “Fuck this.. We have to do something. There has to be some way to help him.” Drake looked away as he swallowed down the sob that threatened to escape. “I can’t lose my best friend.”

Everyone sat awake until morning, watching for any movement from Liam. But he stayed sound asleep for the rest of the night, not waking up until almost noon.

___________________________________________

Liam awoke with a start, panicking. It was morning? How could he have fallen asleep? He looked around and his whole body began to tremble. 

He was on the floor. 

His clothes were damp. 

This was not his room. 

He sucked in a sharp breath and jumped to his feet, and that's when he saw them.

“Oh my god.” Liam's eyes were wide and he wasn’t sure if he was even really awake. “What are you all doing here?!”

#trr #trr fanfic #unintentional #the royal romance #liam x maxwell #drake x riley #liam rys #maxwell beaumont #drake walker

[eadanga]

The Royal Romance Chapter 6 Part 2

Riley looks up at Maxwell then smiles “Thanks for the vote of confidence”

Bertrand nods “She has a high regard for royal protocol you should call her Your Majesty when you first meet her and ma’am thereafter etiquette wise you should always stay a step or two behind her when keeping company with her”

Maxwell grins “Oh and she loves to play games and can be quite competitive”

“Ultimately she’s concerned about how the Prince’s bride will be partly responsible for Cordonia’s future keep that in mind when talking to her”

Riley nods “Got it”

Bertrand crosses his arms “I hope you do you might have performed well with the press but remember Riley it only takes one slip up to tear down the reputation you built”

Riley sighs Thanks for making me more nervous about this no pressure

They arrive at the picinic and Riley’s eyes go wide as she takes in everything she sees the garden is beautifully decorated “This is something right out of downtown Abbey”

Bertrand shakes his head “You’ve been to an Abbey I find that hard to believe”

Riley rolls her eyes as Maxwell jumps in “It’s a TV show brother pretty good if I say so myself very upstairs downstairs that sort of thing”

Bertrand frowns “Good lord television don’t bring that up with the queen” Bertrand nods his head to the receiving line “Now Riley stand in the receiving line with the other ladies”

Riley nods and heads over to the line with the ladies

Hana grins “Welcome to the party”

Olivia looks her up and down “Cutting it awful close there”

Yeah right bet she wanted me to be late Riley smiles politely as the herald announces the arrival of then Queen.

Queen Regina smiles “Welcome I’m so delighted that you all can join us this afternoon”

Riley smiles That’s the queen she’s so regal A blonde haired woman follows her as she greets guests I’ve seen her before

Hana leans in and whispers “Who’s that?”

Riley whispers “She looks familiar I think her name is Madeleine?”

Olivia rolls her eyes “That’s Countess Madeleine of Fydelia to you if you haven’t heard of her your really behind the times”

Penelope chimes in “Her names was all tabloids at one point she was engaged to the former Crown Prince before he abdicated”

Kiara shakes her head “It was practically embarrassing for her to thrown over like that she was the one chosen during that social season after all to go through that and not be a royal”

Olivia gives a pout “Poor thing must be the Queen’s guest as a consolation prize” Riley looks at her trying to hide her laughter

The queen finally stops in front of Riley she smiles and curtseys “It’s an honor to meet you your majesty”

Madeline nods “Ma’am this is the one I was telling you about”

Regina smiles “It’s a pleasure to meet you Lady Riley Brooks the press speaks of you well it takes great effort to manage one’s image with great responsibility they’re touting you as the Mystery woman someone they can’t quite figure out”

The press and their dumb names for people Riley keeps the queen’s gaze then nods

“I hope you realize that no one can remain a mystery when they’re a public servant and must attend to the people”

Riley nods “Of course ma’am Trust me when I say I take my service very seriously”

Regina nods “Madeleine here has been the embodiment of dignity and devotion it is my hope that you learn from her example”

Madeleine smiles “Thank you ma’am”

Riley nods as the ladies move to greet Liam he stands near a the croquet game equipment and greets each lady as they walk pass. Liam grins when he sees Riley he kisses her hand and lowers his voice “Lady Riley I’m so pleased to see you”

Riley blushes when she realizes he hasn’t let go of her hand then she lowers her voice “Is it wrong that I want to kiss you in front of everyone right now?”

****

Liam feels his heart race when she says that Wow she’s not subtle get it together Liam it’s not like it’s the first time we’ve kissed even if I can’t stop thinking about her lips Liam grins “Maybe but you know that will cause a real scandal”

Riley giggles “That’s half the fun of it”

Liam let’s out a chuckle as she curtseys “My lady”

“My Prince” Liam watches as she joins the other ladies then turns to greet the rest of them then joins Regina as she speaks

“Custom has it that the Queen and the Prince play a round of croquet with two of the seasons suitors I have chosen Madeleine as my partner”

Liam let’s out a small sigh Of course she did she’s always loved Madeleine His eyes set on Riley I can use this opportunity to spend more time with her even if it’s brief  Liam nods then grins “As for myself I choose Lady Riley” Liam almost laughs when he sees her shocked face but she quickly covers it up with a smile She’s cute when she’s caught off guard

****

Olivia looks shocked “Riley? But…”

Penelope shakes her head “Shh the prince made his choice”  

Did he really just pick me? Riley steps forward and joins Liam ignoring the whispers and scowls from Olivia. She grabs a mallet and Liam pulls her aside

“Looks like we’ve found another way to steal a few moments”

“Hey I don’t want to cause you alarm or anything but I don’t know how to play croquet”

Liam places a hand on her shoulder “No worries just follow my lead hit your ball through the same hoop as mine and you’ll be fine”

“Just so we’re clear the hoops are the little arch shaped things in the ground right?”

Liam nods “Right come on we’re up”

Liam knocks his ball through the hoop and Riley follows as Regina and Madeleine take their turns Riley whispers “How do you play this isn’t it boring?”

Liam chuckles “Extremely boring but Regina loves it now hit your ball though that arch and hit the peg and we’ll win”

Riley grins “That’s an easy shot I can make it!” Riley hits her ball through the arch and hits the peg

Liam grins “I believe that makes us the victor”

Regina comes up behind them clapping “I’m glad you had the guts to finish the game most ladies who throw in the game to impress me”

Riley looks shocked “You mean?”

Regina nods “It was a test and you passed you’ve shown yourself to be unlike all the other ladies at court which is no small feat in my eyes”

Riley feels herself smiling She’s praised me! “You honor me ma’am” As Regina turns to address the ladies Riley beams with pride I impressed her now who knew I could do that

Tags: @indiacater @mfackenthal @the-soot-sprite @iaminlovewithtrr

#choices fanfiction #trr liam #liam x mc #king liam #the royal romance #trr #trr/trh

[sincerelyella]

RAMifications Chapter 7 -  Kiss Me

Book: The Royal Romance (AU)

Pairings: Liam x MC (Ella)

Song Inspiration: Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran

Characters belong to Pixelberry; MC Ella Brooks belongs to me

A/N: This entire idea came from @burnsoslow​ and her unBEARable series featuring her OTP Drake and Alyssa. This is Ella’s backstory and how she met the love of her life King Liam of Cordonia and became his queen.

Catch up here

Big thank you to my beta reader/snippet looker-overer (?)/my biggest cheerleader @burnsoslow - always catching little details that my mind overlooks.

Warnings: Some swearing; hinting of 🍐 or 🍋?

Words: 2002

“Lady Ella. Might I have a word?”

Ella wasn’t sure about the protocol for inviting the King inside her bedroom … but this was his palace after all. She nodded and stepped back, allowing him to walk past her as she shut the door.

“Hello again, Your Majesty,” Ella put one foot behind the other in an attempt to curtsy when Constantine waved his hand in the air.

“There’s no need for that, dear,” he studied Ella for another moment before speaking again. “How are you feeling about Liam?”

“Your Majesty?” What the hell does that mean?

Constantine blew out a breath. “Are you here for wealth? Fame? A title? Why are you here? Liam needs stability above all right now, Ella. You … joining in the middle of the social season, having not been in Cordonia long and knowing nothing of our traditions … that concerns me. We have suitors that have prepared their entire lives to be queen. This could be potentially dangerous should our enemies see this as a weakness!”

Ella grit her teeth and clenched her jaw in an effort to hide her irritation. What the fuck? “Sir, if I may speak freely?”

He nodded and gestured for her to go ahead.

“Why are you trying to intimidate me?” She spat out.

The King was taken aback at her tone and could only blink as a response. He hadn’t expected this very small woman to behave this way. Ella continued speaking, not even waiting for him to respond. “I may not have prepared my whole life to be a queen of an entire country, but I’ve spent a majority of my adult life studying. Studying diplomacy, trade, investment … how to recognize when someone is going into cardiac arrest and bringing them back to life,” she said the last few words louder than the rest, unable to hide her aggravation. “I have no doubt that these other ladies studied hard to be queen. But did they study how to be a wife? How to console someone when they lost everything they own? How to be compassionate towards people of a lower stature? The people need a Queen that understands them. Liam needs someone that can be a queen AND a wife. I’ve embraced your country, as well as your traditions.”

Constantine gave her a questioning look.

“I know I have because instead of just being with the man I want to be with … I have to parade around with four other women trying to win him.” Ella’s eyes met his, not backing down from his stare.

He was momentarily speechless. No one had ever spoken to him that way, ever. Except maybe his wife, but he hardly paid attention to her and her ramblings anyway. This young woman was fiery, and he wasn’t sure if he liked that or not. “I am not here to intimidate you, Ella,” he finally said slowly. “We will see how the rest of the season goes. I want what’s best for my country, that’s all.”

“What’s best for your country is a successor that has it all. If he’s happy AND can run a country with someone that loves him, then I don’t see the problem … sir.” She had forgotten that she was speaking to the king. He could have her gone and back to California in a hot second if he wanted to.

Constantine carefully took in her words and nodded. “Alright, Ella. We’ll see what happens. You have a good night.” He turned and let himself out of the room.

Ella walked over, locked the door and pressed her back up against it. My mouth might get me in some serious trouble here. She finally went to get ready for bed, slipped into the comforter and fell into a deep sleep.

**

Soft, constant knocks on the door woke up Ella the next morning.

“I’m coming … sheesh,” she mumbled, stumbling out of bed and tripped over her comforter that her foot was caught in. “Oh shit!” She shrieked as she hit the ground and the knocking stopped for a second.

“Ella?”

“Um, yes! Just a second!” Real smooth. Ella picked herself up off the ground, threw the stupid comforter on the bed and rushed to the door to open it.

There stood Liam, leaning on the door frame wearing a white polo shirt that outlined his chest and arm muscles perfectly. She roamed her eyes down further to take in the navy blue slacks and brown loafers. Ohmigod. It’s entirely too early to look that good. She inadvertently sucked her bottom lip into her mouth.

Liam cleared his throat and tried to hide a smile when he noticed she was staring. “Good morning, Lady Ella. I wanted to stop by and see you before I headed in to meetings today. May I come in?”

Ella blinked and quickly nodded. She moved aside so he could walk in the door and she closed it behind him. “Good morning, Your Highness. I’m sorry if I-” She was interrupted by Liam’s mouth on hers. Ella strained on the tips of her toes to meet him so she could kiss him back with fervor. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pushed her tongue into his mouth and he groaned in response.

He could hardly control himself. As soon as he saw her open the door wearing a tank top - she wasn’t wearing a bra, dear God - and the shortest Hello Kitty pajama shorts known to man, his cock jumped in his pants and his mouth watered. She looked like a goddess, with all her dark hair piled on top of her head, and her sleepy disposition; he was so tempted to just take her right then and there. It took all of the effort he could muster to pull away from those soft lips. “I’m sorry, I … really just came to say good morning,” he said in between breaths.

“Sure … you did,” Ella panted and laughed breathlessly.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to see you much today,” he said sadly. “My father and I have meetings and things to take care of before we leave.” Liam gulped. “Remember, we have to be, somewhat secretive, just until the social season ends,” he gave her a guilty look. He still kept his arms around her, not wanting to let go just yet. “I’m so sorry about this.”

“It’s alright, I knew what all this entailed. And I know you have things to do today. I have some interview that Bertrand set up so … I’ll be doing that,” she smiled up at him.

“I … can text you though, right?” That sounded so pathetic.

Ella giggled. “You’re so cute. Of course you can.”

Their intimate moment was interrupted by loud knocks at the door. “Ellaaaaaaa! Wake up sleepy heeeeead!”

“That must be Maxwell,” Ella whispered and they laughed. Liam leaned down to kiss her one last time before releasing her.

The door flew open. “Good morning sunshine!” Maxwell bounced into the room and stopped short when he saw Liam. “Hey buddy!” He grinned wide at the both of them.

“Good morning Maxwell,” Liam chuckled. “I need to get going, I’ll see you two later.” He grabbed Ella’s hand and squeezed it before walking out into the hallway.

“He came to … visit you huuuuh?” Max wiggled his eyebrows at Ella and she blushed.

“He just came to say good morning, that’s all.”

“Mmmhmmm. Is that what you crazy kids call it these days?”

She rolled her eyes but ignored his question entirely. “Okay, so I’m assuming you’re here to take me to get breakfast?”

“You are correct! Breakfast, the boutique, and then I’m also supposed to prep you for the interview. Bertrand will be here later to prep you some more!”

“Alright, let me get dressed really quick.”

**

45 minutes later, Max and Ella were eating in the dining hall. “So, what are they going to be asking me anyway?”

Max bit off a piece of bacon. “There’s only one person coming from Trend, her name is Ana de Luca. She’s pretty cool actually, the royal family and the nobles trust her with their interviews. Sometimes she brings Donnie Brine with CBC, but I don’t think he’s coming. She will most likely ask you about where you came from, what you did there, how you met the prince, how you feel about the prince, what would set you apart from the other suitors … things like that.” He shoved another piece of bacon in his mouth and washed it down with some coffee.

“Did you guys want me to be truthful or do you have some script for me to follow?”

Maxwell shook his head. “No, no, no, there’s no script. I’m sure Bertrand will want you to say things about House Beaumont … but, just be yourself. They want to know about Ella! So tell them,” he smiled reassuringly at her and continued eating.

A few hours later, after spending an hour in the boutique with Maxwell throwing all kinds of dresses over the fitting room door, she finally found a dress she loved. A black chiffon midi length dress with purple flowers on the bottom, it had an A-line silhouette and short sleeves. It was elegant enough for a daytime interview with the press, and was also Maxwell and Bertrand approved.

Ella sat in her bedroom with Maxwell, listening to him chatter away next to her about his new awesome playlist that he made. She was feeling her stomach twist with nerves, her hands clasped in her lap and she could feel her palms getting sweaty. She heard footsteps come right outside her door and knew it was Bertrand. Ella took a big breath in and let it out slowly. “You ready, Ella?” Max took her hand and squeezed it. “You’re going to do great!”

They both stood and walked out into the hallway meeting Bertrand and a petite woman with blond hair. “Hello,” Ella smiled.

“Hello, Lady Ella I presume?”

“Yes, Ana, allow me to introduce Lady Ella of House Beaumont. Lady Ella, this is Ana de Luca from Trend Magazine.”

Ella and Ana shook hands. “It’s a pleasure, Lady Ella. We are all very curious to know more about you.”

“Wonderful to meet you, Ana. Where are we having this interview?”

“In one of the ballrooms, I’ve had the crew set up already. Follow me.”

The four headed towards one of the open ballrooms, smaller than the other one Ella had seen a week ago. As they rounded the corner, Ella spotted two women coming towards them. One with jet black hair and the other with flaming red hair. The woman with the dark hair just looked at Ella curiously, while the other woman gave her the death stare. As Ana, Bertrand and Maxwell walked into the ballroom, Ella looked back at both women. The redhead walked up to her and snickered. “Well, well, well, look what we have here.”

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