#trh fan fic

[queenmiarys]

Song inspiration

Thanks to everyone for reading liking and sharing I really appreciate it.

Thank you for pre reading and your advice @lilyoffandoms

@lilyoffandoms @angelasscribbles @honey358luv @harleybeaumont @luvquit @kingliam2019 @mom2000aggie @yolandawalker @socalwriterbee @shewillreadyou @karahalloway @21-wishes @bebepac @queenrileyrose @staff @yaniradolton @choiceskatie @lovingchoices14

Book: The Royal Romance/Royal Heir.

Series summary:  This book starts off in book two before the engagement tour, the Beaumont’s don’t have financial issuesBertrand and Savannah are already married their son is three, this Maxwell is not canon

Paring: Maxwell x Juliana, Liam x Madeline.

🍋🍋🍋

Chapter Summary: Madeleine finds out rumors are true 😉, Juliana in bad situation, Liam suspects Juliana hiding something.

Crossed

Chapter 3 Only time will tell

Everyone arrived at Applewood and settled accept Juliana, She sit in the room for about an hour, then she got up and made her way to Max room, she knocked on the door him and Bertrand stood talking. “if I’m interrupting I can come back?

“ Juliana you are most definitely not how may we help you?

“They put me in the same room can one of you switch please?"

 

Maxwell wanted to hug her and tell her there was no way he was letting her stay there alone after what happened. “ Jewel I'll take your room, unless Bertrand want to."

 “I think she’ll feel safe in your room, just make sure the locks are secured and I've also asked king Liam to put extra guards on the grounds. your safety is important to us, we don’t want nothing happening to you are our family "

She  gave Max a look. “thank you both I came here to find happiness and I truly have, okay guys enough of that before I start crying, they left and she got a Message from max.

 

“ I’m glad you came I needed some privacy with you. His lips crashed  into hers and his tongue slide into her mouth it felt like weeks of not being able to touch her, he caught his breath and got serious. " look this wasn’t the only reason I invited you to come, I know you said you had to think but honestly I don’t know about this, I mean hiding us; if I’m going to be your man then I want to be your only man,  its also time we talked to Liam too."

“You’re right but first we need to talk about something."

“Jewel, you tell me anything okay."

" I been sick for last few days, I think I may be pregnant."

“What! “you mean I’m going to  be a father?"

“That’s what I wanted to talk about, I was with Liam twice it depends how far along I am , if I’m pregnant."

“I don’t want you stressed out baby, have you took a test yet, you wanted chocolate milkshake my favorite so that gives me hope, before we return we go pick up some test, we may be able to walk in, hopefully my doctor can run a DNA test."

“I just want to focus on us right now its been 6 days since we been alone. "  I miss you." He was very gentle he ran his hand between her legs and they fell apart, he licked her till she came, then enter her.

“ You feel incredible, come for me again, that’s my girl , I don’t think I can hold much longer but I want you come once more."

I rubbed my click while he was inside of me we both came,

We ate the rest of the food, I quickly fall asleep.

Liam knocked on Juliana door but no answer. He had a lot on his mind, especially if  O’Dell was right. He made his way to the  bar and called O’Dell.

Maxwell laid on the bed thinking what if Liam is the father, I promise to keep both of you safe, he thought before kissing her forehead and falling asleep.

_______

“Your Majesty, this what we have for you on Ms.Rodriguez." Once she arrived at Applewood she met with  the Beaumont brothers, she then left an hour later to met with Maxwell beaumont at the bakery about 2 blocks away, they picked up some food then went to the Apple spa hotel, my men say they are still there now

“ Thank you, that will be all, he called his driver to pick him up, he had way to many drinks.

It’s now almost 2am, Madeline been sitting waiting on Liam for the  last hour.

“Sorry I must be in the wrong room?"

“No you’re not, this is your room, look we are to be married why not , tell me you never ever thought how it’ll be?"

"Madeline I told you before." by this time she had unbutton his pants and her mouth was wrapped around his length

She liked how he felt in her mouth, she was surprised at how big he was , he pulled her up and bent her over.

He licked her wet center until she came, she never experienced a man taking their  time with her, even drunk Liam was full aware of what he was doing.

He flipped her over and entered her, she felt every inch of him, he give her a minute to adjust to him he asked if she was okay, he made her come twice more before his own release, he got up and cleaned up himself and passed out.

Madeline was still on fire From what just happened, the guy told her those pills would help her give in to her wildest desires and make her feel free to be more sexual and do things she wanted,  she got up and flashed her face with water, she got in bed and wrapped her arms around him. She haven’t been so confused in her life more then now.

A few hours later, Liam woke up with a hangover and wondering what the hell did he do, he didn’t remember much after the bar, not even calling a car.

"Madeleine what the hell are you doing here?"

“I was here when you returned and wow it was really good sex."

“Sex with you?"

“Yes, you wasn’t complaining last night and neither was I."

"I wasn’t in my right mind, did you drug me or something?"

"I would never do something like that, look you will grow to like maybe even love me,  we can  try this when you’re sober and it’ll be better." she winked,  the truth was she definitely wanted more of him.

 ---------------------

I was the next morning, Maxwell woke up it was 7am

“ Jewel baby wake up we got to get back, we’ll stop and pick up a few test and something to eat, they arrived back she took 2 of the test both positive

“it's just 8, let me see if I can call Dr. Morgan ."

“Hello, Doctor Morgan this is Maxwell Beaumont, my friend needs to see a doctor can you see her ?" Oh thank you Doctor Morgan." They arrived at the doctor’s office.

This was the second time she noticed the same guy. she quickly send Max a text

 

“Hello I am doctor Morgan." She recognized her right away.

" Mr. Beaumont please step into my office, tell me how may I help?"

She took 2 pregnancy test and both was positive, we need an DNA test ran

“Okay are you the potential father

“Yes I am.

“ There’s your baby you are indeed pregnant, I say by my measurements you're about 8 weeks, I will stat you on prenatal vitamins, do you know what your weight was or you lost or gained ?

“ Well when I was in NY the last time I was weighed I was 115 the last I got weighed

"Maxwell a word please."

“Okay we want to see where you are ok; shoes off wait for double zero Okay you are 121 you gain 6lbs not bad, you want to eat healthy sex is fine, nothing to rough dad, reduce stress as much as possible and get as much rest as you can, you are pregnant and will be more tired then usual."

" Yes Doctor. Morgan? "

With the press all over this I think its best if you two left the country, until things came down, she already been part of one scandal, and since she’s small she probably will start showing soon she already 2months, I give you this advice because  I delivered you and your brother, I know if this is your baby you will be a great father, give me a hug congratulations, about the DNA that will take about a week or so, and Max you two must inform our king he might be a father as well."

"How did you know this."

"Max I’m old not blind, I've seen the way king Liam looks at her even if it was on camera, you walked in and I saw you look at her the same way."

They left out, there was that guy behind them, he dropped her off and asked her to go to his old room, and called Drake, hey this dude been following me around or jewel.

Okay man be there shortly

 

It’s lunch time and Juliana is sitting in the maze on the swing in deep thought she didn’t hear Liam enter.

“This is a nice surprise, its hard to track you down lately, can we talk a minute please?"

She nodded .

I can’t do this now Liam please but I promise we’ll talk."

“I know that things didn’t  turn out right and we have a long way to go, I want to know until we get this situation settled, "were do we stand?"

" Is there a future with us ? or have you really moved on with Maxwell?"

"Why can’t you be honest with me?" I’m not stupid."

"Liam please I got to go."

 

It’s now 5pm their all out front to  await their rides to take them to  the train in a neighboring city.

 

“Hello to all, Thank you all for coming along to celebrate our engagement with us, we hope that you all enjoy the tour and tonight’s dinner, once everyone is settled please meet us in the dining cart."

The smell of the food hit Juliana, and made her feel queasy, she quickly made up an excuse not to stay.

But Drake noticed and went to find her, but Maxwell beat him to it.

Baby the doctor give you a list of things you could take I stopped and got these see if they help, I want you to rest and I brought you this across the street its for the baby, I say boy chocolate milkshake

Drake eyes went wide.

"Liam asked about us, so we need to talk to him about us."

Baby I’m ready for that, just not about the baby yet."

 "Can I ask you something?"

“Sure baby whatever you like."

“I don’t want  to lose you Max I need to know where we stand if this is Liam child?"

There was a knock on the door, did you forget something? Oh Drake how can I help you? "

“ baby I’m not leaving you never, but I better get back out, rest baby.

Drake hide so Max wouldn't see him

I saw you earlier how sick you got back there. Just checking on you."

"Thank you for checking on me but I’m fine."

Okay remember we were once where friends  Rodriguez, if you ever need to talk I am here.

Drake we still are friends, I would like to believe we are, I hear Hana really likes you and I hear you have a new house so why haven’t you invited me out there?"

“Sorry only Hanna has  been there but you and Max are welcomed to come "

"How much did you hear? You overheard us didn’t you?"

“Yes but it wasn’t Intentionally honestly I was coming to check on you and there were the two of you talking; so how long have you been together?"

"We started hooking up a week after Liam Coronation, I felt broken and weak and like a no body cared but Maxwell." He was there in so many ways and plus I already had a crush on him, so I wanted him and didn’t stop until I got him, now I could probably lose him, Liam moved on too I heard.

“ What do you mean, how have he moved on?

“ I saw Madeleine coming from his room at Applewood,  they slept together and I don’t believe she was lying, I been going through some stuff to even focus on what Liam got going on, if she makes him happy why shouldn’t he."

“Thanks for talk but I am so tired and sleepy." was only 8:15 but she couldn’t keep her eyes open.

“Rodriguez I don’t believe that he would, I know he still loves you, and from what I just seen so do Max, you must pick and let one go and you may be carrying a prince or princess, even if you want Max, you and Liam would need be Co parents if that baby is his, and from what I've seen Max  not not going anywhere. "

It’s 11pm Maxwell was worried so he went to check on her and had the cook to cook her something, ‘ Jewel baby I hate to bother you but you need to eat something, its chicken Parmesan."

She ate half and drink water.

“That’s my girl."

 Stay with me I need you next to me.

They showered and got in bed both fill asleep

 

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

 

It’s the next day, Max has planed to show her around, he had the  day planned just the two of them.

 

They got back to train around 8pm. “ Baby I had fun, I want this type of thing with you for life I want you be my wife one day

"What the hell did you  Just say Maxwell Beaumont ?"

“ Bertrand you heard me right, we are in love and I want her to  be my wife.

“Maxwell we need to talk about this, she’s King Liam girlfriend and you know how important she is to him."

“ If she was so important to him why didn’t he fight for her?" where was he when she was crying in my arm broken because of his decision?" I won’t let anything happen to them, his hand flu over his mouth, god dammit." he mumbled under his breath.

 "Wait what do you mean them? Please tell me you didn’t get her pregnant?"

"Can we not talk about this now."

“Oh Dear God Maxwell. We need to  sit down and talk this  out,  here is not the Proper place, but this conversation is far from over."

 

“We have a dinner to attend come on you two and please behave and stop looking at her like you’re a love sick puppy."

"She headed to the boutique where Olivia was waiting on her, “Hello Juliana I have a dress for you That’s lovely and it should fit you perfectly."

"I have put on a few pounds Liv so that size  is to small."

She had to make an excuse, she knew her usual size 4 wouldn't fit."

"What the hell have  you been eating?" I’ve seen you eat which is hardly anything at all and the last few days you haven’t been eating the food that’s prepared here."

"Liv please I ate out and was to full to eat ."

"Hmm you are hiding something I’ve gotten to know you pretty well, something is off and I will figure it out; I’m pretty sure its not about your boy toy Max

Her eyes went wide, “why do you say that?"

“I see what other’s look over, Maxwell is in love with you and how you look at him you love him too. “look in my eyes and lie, because I seen how he gets when you’re around Liam.

“Liv please I need to be alone."

She walked out without saying anything.

Maxwell picked out 2 dresses that she would be comfortable in and a pair of flats.

 

"You look beautiful baby."

She changed and walked out to see Hana, they greeted each other and  talked a little, then parted ways.

Maxwell walked up behind her kissing her neck, she was so tuned on by his touch. She gave a sad face.

She linked her arm through his arm and he escorted her out.

Liam sit watching them he paid close attention to how they were acting around each other, the way Maxwell looked at her said it all, yep he's definitely  in love with her, he could see he was trying hard to hide how he felt.

Maxwell looked up at Liam starring at him and wonder what’s his issue, he watched as he stood to ask Juliana to dance, he watched as they danced.

A voice called out, “Penny for your thoughts?"

He looked at Madeline in disbelief. Are you really falling for your king? I can see hope in your eyes if he’s free of her then you believe you two could have a real chance?" he laughed. " I got to see this.

“He still care for her, you two need be honest with him, he needs to know so he can finally move on."

" I got him into bed, but to keep him there when he thinks Juliana is still available is impossible, you need to get caught that way no odd conversations, and once he finds out I can be there to comfort him."

“ I am good why are you acting strange?"

She stormed off because she knew he was right, she wanted something real with him now she really started to care for him since their night together a few days ago, she was scared of these feelings it was all so new for her, she had plenty of boyfriends, but Liam was different and there’s no way in hell I’m letting him go she thought, she went over to him. “excuse me lady Juliana my I cut in? they danced.

“So how have you been?

She smiled. “ I am just happy to see you that’s all nothing else, look I had fun the other night and was wondering if we could have casual sex, we are grown, and we  both have needs.

“This is not you; why are you trying to get me to sleep with you again?"

“Can we talk in private?"

“Sure."

“ What’s so urgent?" She locked lips with him

“Liam I really want you, I know you don’t love me but can we try.

“Lady Madeline please conduct yourself, I don't think now is the time excuse me. "

She sit crying, Penelope come in and hugged her

“What ever it is will be okay."

“How did you get here?"

"My dad brought me he has some business with king Liam."

 

 “Yes I been so tried lately, but what did you want to show me?

Liam had a hard day, he left a note for Juliana to meet him, she came but seem very tired it was close to midnight, she disappeared right after dinner Maxwell stayed around , “ Did you just wake up?" He asked

 

 

It’s beautiful Liam , how did you find this place?

“ My family use to visit when I was younger, look I am sorry about yesterday, but you really never answered me.

“Liam it’s complicated I promise we’ll talk

“Complicated how?" all I want to know is where we stand?"

“Liam I believe we both got things to think about you are engaged and unavailable, you have been for a long time I just didn’t know it., its cold out and I am still sleepy can we return?"

"Okay."

 

We arrived back the train, I enter my room and Maxwell is sitting on my bed waiting on me, he’s not happy

“What did you tell Liam?"

“Nothing yet, I was going to but I couldn’t."

I give him a smile and close my eyes.

“I want us to wait  at least for  the test results come back, I don’t need you stressed.

“I want you to rest  don’t overload yourself ..You and our baby must stay healthy.

 

 

“Can you meet me in my room?"

“I am your future Queen, I am not your lapdog Maxwell."

“Just keep your future husband away from Juliana, they went off together tonight."

“Why would that concern me?  I offered an agreement,  her  as his mistress and to my understanding she didn’t accept."

"Just keep him busy, go do things as a royal couple, meet me tomorrow? we going to work on you Madi.

Don’t worry little one,  mine  or not I’m going to take care of both of you, I’m praying Liam is not your father."

#maxwell x mc #liam rys #drake walker #royalty #trr #trh #leo rys #olivia nevrakis #choices #fan fic #fiction #queenmiawrites #spotify #Spotify #onlytimewilltell

[dcbbw]

The Commoner’s Wife--Chapter 6: Three Blind Mice

It has been one long, hot-ass hour since I have updated this series (Chapter 5 was posted 8/4/2019), but it’s back. This is not a drill, not a one-off while I fart around with a kajillion other stories. Chapter 6 is FINALLY here, and there are so many people to thank:

@moodmusicmonday and their annual #Luck of the Draw event; the song I was assigned, Just Say When by Nothing More, spawned so many story ideas but Commoner’s Wife kept popping up the more I listened to the lyrics.

@sfb123 for her patience with me and my erratic schedules

My WhatsApp crew for their (loving) hounding, harassment, and encouragement

My hand-holding crew: @ao719, @bebepac, @angelasscribbles, and @umccall71

So, what happens now that Drake unequivocally knows the truth? Buckle up and find out!

THANK YOU to all who will read this story; if you are new to the hot mess that is TCW, you can catch up on this “one-shot” here. Please excuse any and all typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors.

MS Editor rates this fic as 99% error-free.

It has been soooo long since the last chapter, I have no idea who, if any, of the original story fans are around, and if they are even still interested if they are. Using my current tag list and encouraging you to tell a friend.

Rating M for Mature (adult themes, cursing)

Pairings: Liam x Riley; Riley x Drake

Book: TRR/TRH

All characters belong to Pixelberry.

Song Inspiration: Just Say When, Nothing More

Word Count: 6,336

Highlights from Chapter 5:

Drake x Riley

“Just tell me, Brooks. Is our marriage a thank you to me or a fuck you to Liam?”

A deep sigh. A shaky voice. “Both.”

“We need to talk, Drake. I know…. I know I’ve been difficult and closed off, but I’m ready to talk.”

Drake was rummaging in the cupboard for the bottle of liquor. I know you aren’t being completely honest. I also know Liam isn’t either. What I don’t know is….is it out of fear of hurting me, if you think you’re that smart, or if you don’t have answers yourselves.

“I can’t deal anymore with half assed answers, Brooks. I can’t deal with the thought of being in a marriage based on pity or revenge. I just … can’t deal anymore.”

Princess Marguerite

Once she had Gunner out of his outfit, she ran her hands over the latex suit. The feel of the material sparked curiosity and lust within her, and she felt herself becoming wet. I have to see it.

“Do you have any medical or sensory issues?” She was now at the library desk, opening the top drawer; earlier in the day, she had placed an extremely long, extremely wide dildo and a remote control there.

Marguerite sighed as she pushed herself away from her desk. It was time to make yet another trip to Cordonia. She wouldn’t inform anyone about it; Liam couldn’t ignore her if she was standing in front of him.

Liam x Riley

Liam heard the knock on the door but ignored it. He had Riley so close to the edge; he was closer. Besides, the door was locked. Except it wasn’t.

Riley’s moans and low screams filled his ears. Stars exploded behind his eyes as he followed her over the edge. His seed spilled into her. His forehead rested against hers as the real world slowly came back into focus.

And the first thing he heard was Drake’s voice roaring obscenities, followed by a tearful gasp. But not from Riley. Marguerite.

Liam closed his eyes and bit his lip as he slipped out of Riley. Time had run out.  

Chapter 6:

Presently, in the study

The room held both an electricity that crackled with tension and a stillness; as if the very air had been sucked from it, leaving the occupants in a vacuum devoid of everything but harsh emotions.

Liam

Liam’s forehead pressed against Riley’s, his breathing heavy and uneven. His eyes were closed, the last of the bursting stars behind his eyes fading into black. He inhaled deeply; he smelt the flora and fruit of expensive fragrance, and a slight musk from the sheen of perspiration on Riley’s skin. As he slipped out of her entry, he felt her arms tighten around him as her legs slid off his back.

His arms tightened around her in return as the world came back into focus. He heard Drake yelling What the fuck? and I KNEW it! He heard Marguerite’s gasp, but nothing else from her. Perhaps Drake’s thundering baritone was drowning everything else out.

Except the incredible remorse Liam felt.

Drake deserved better than to find out this way. Hell, they all deserved better.

What the bejesus just happened? Drake was supposed to be at the cabin today and returning to Valtoria tomorrow. And Princess Marguerite … why was she even in Cordonia?

Drake

When Drake opened the study door, he was stunned. He stumbled backwards a few steps, feeling an almost-physical sucker punch at the sight of Liam’s naked ass, and the sounds of the King … his best friend … fucking.

Fucking Drake’s wife.

He wanted to cover his ears to muffle Riley’s moans as her back arched her off the sofa. He wanted to close his eyes so he wouldn’t see the convulsions as his wife’s body entered le petite mort.

Looks, sounds, actions that were supposed to be reserved for Drake because he and Riley had vowed to forsake all others.

He wanted … no, needed to hit something, but instead settled for screaming his disbelief as his fists clenched and unclenched.

This was beyond anger, beyond hurt. His vision was clouded and blurred, as if someone had painted the room and all its occupants red. Yet, for all his fury, there was a tiny piece of him that was not surprised. That wondered why it took any of them so long to speak the truth they all shared.

Drake knew it was not yet even 10am, but a strong drink was absolutely essential. He needed to numb himself. He needed to stem the tide of answers flooding his brain. As he swiftly strode past the sofa, he wanted to avert his gaze away from the irrefutable proof of the betrayal committed by his wife and best friend.

But he couldn’t.  

When he saw Riley tighten her hold on Liam’s nude body, pain pierced Drake’s heart despite the weight of his anger.

She’s clinging to him. She doesn’t care that I’m here, that she’s caught in all of her lies. She doesn’t care that she is filling the hole in my heart with salt.

Tears stung the corners of his eyes as he shook his head in sorrow and disgust.

She just does not care.

GO TO HELL, Riley Brooks!

Riley

Riley was cresting the wave of her orgasm when she heard Drake’s voice boom throughout the room.

OH MY GOD! What is he doing here?

She wanted to stop her body from responding to Liam’s touch, Liam’s tongue, Liam’s cock … but she was too far gone. Liam was as well. She closed her eyes tightly as she felt the trembles of Liam’s body through the shaking of her own before Liam slipped from inside of her.

Maybe if I can’t see Drake, he can’t see me.

Riley felt waves of guilt and shame wash over her, and as her erratic breathing tried to slow down, she instinctively pulled Liam closer to her. She needed his protection, his validation that she wasn’t an adulteress whore. Her breathing eased when Liam responded by tightening his hold on her, but she couldn’t wipe away the tears falling from her eyes.

The Duchess of Valtoria had no idea what to do. Hell, what could she do? She lay naked and sated in the arms of her lover, while her husband watched. She wanted to get dressed; clothing would make her less vulnerable, but her frock was scattered somewhere on the floor.

She had heard a woman gasp and was curious who the person was. A Lady of Court? A staff member?

In either case, Riley needed all the advantages she could get, and right now she had none. She heard Drake’s heavy thuds as he moved past them; she bit Liam’s shoulder to keep her sobs inside.

I never wanted you to find out this way, Drake. I swear it. I know you don’t believe me, but I do have love for you. I do want your happiness. I always have. It’s just my love for Liam is stronger and … and I think he may be my happiness.

Marguerite

Marguerite stood in the study’s doorway, her wide eyes darting everywhere. The gasp had come out so suddenly, she couldn’t stop it. She managed to cut it off because the laughter that was following it was highly inappropriate at best. It was obvious Liam’s partner was the Duchess of Valtoria, Drake Walker’s wife.

Dear God, could this King get any more cliché?

The gasp came out sounding tearful, which worked in her favor. Her eyes continued to take in the scene.

There was Liam with his naked ass on display for all to see. The Princess knew firsthand that it was firm and muscled; what she didn’t know was how … chiseled it was. Her lips lifted in a small smirk as she imagined pushing a dildo up his puckered hole, perhaps flogging his cheeks if he chose to be insubordinate.

What the Princess of Monaco wanted to do was make her way to Liam’s desk to sit in his oversized chair and slide her hand down the waistband of her skirt. She exhaled a low sigh as she imagined her fingertips stroking her clit.

Instead, she drew closer to the naked couple, marveling at how they clung to each other.

Desperately.  

Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of the side of a brown breast and chocolate nipple pressed against the pinkish white of Liam’s chest.

I wonder if I can convince her to flash me.

Marguerite mentally shook her head.

Back to the matter at hand. This can play in your favor so well.

Everyone was jolted from their inner thoughts when Drake angrily tossed Riley’s dress at her; it landed on Liam’s back.

“PUT YOUR FUCKING CLOTHES ON!” he thundered before crossing the doorway and slamming the door heavily behind him.

With a last lingering look at the disgraced lovers, Marguerite ran after Drake.

She hadn’t had angry sex in the longest time, and this Drake Walker person may be up for a revenge fuck.

After they heard what Liam and Riley had to say.

Group Chat

By unspoken agreement, the quartet were gathered in the West Wing’s library. No one was speaking.

Liam sat behind the desk, his elbows on the polished wood and his hands steepled beneath his chin.

Riley sat ramrod straight in a ladderback chair which was angled in a corner between the desk and an oxblood-colored leather sofa. She kept her head turned away from the others, causing the sunlight pouring through the window to cast her profile in a half-shadow.

Drake sat in an armchair across from the desk; his eyes were fixed on the bottle of French cognac he held in one hand. He wondered how much he would have to drink to erase this morning from his memory.

Marguerite was sipping a mimosa as she sat on the end of the sofa furthest from Riley, her well-rounded legs crossed at her ankles.

The Princess tilted her full glass towards Riley, her gaze locked on Liam. “Is she why you could neither accept nor return my phone call?”

Liam’s jaw tightened. “I was busy, Marguerite. I do run a country, you know. The better question is, why are you here in Cordonia?”

“I came to see why you were ignoring me.”

Drake choked as he swallowed straight from the bottle. “You came 800 miles to see why he didn’t answer your call?”

This chick is cuckoo.

An unfazed Marguerite sipped her drink. “Yes. He texted me yesterday proposing a second date; when I called him to suggest he visit Monaco, his assistant informed me that he would return my call at his earliest convenience. He never did. So, I decided to pop in, thinking we could discuss matters over breakfast; if I had known tart was on the menu, I would have arrived earlier.”

Liam’s eyes went to Riley; the Duchess stared at her hands which were loosely clasped in her lap. Her lips were thinned, and her jaw slightly tensed.

They both looked up at hearing a heavy thud against the Persian carpeting.

Drake rose so suddenly and violently out of his chair, it had toppled over. The bottle of expensive brandy lay on its side, amber-colored liquid spilling as it spread across and stained the priceless rug.

“SHE IS STILL MY WIFE!” he hollered, his cheeks darkening with rage.

“Who’s fucking the King right under your nose,” Marguerite snapped. “She may have had the good sense to know her place and wed a fellow commoner, but the fact remains she’s a disloyal harlot and unworthy of anyone’s devotion.”

I’d still suck her tits was the unspoken portion of her statement.

Liam looked between Drake and Marguerite, choosing his words carefully. The entire room was already a powder keg; the Princess was a loose match. A lit loose match.

“I appreciate your obvious…. attraction to me, Your Highness, but my heart and affections have been claimed by another.”

“You mean your best friend’s wife? Listen to me, Your Majesty….no royal or noble worth their salt will accept a divorced commoner as Queen. Your court will be the laughingstock of Europe and you…. you’ll be the biggest scandal since King Edward VIII. At least he was lucky enough to choose love over Crown, but you don’t have that luxury, do you? Your brother beat you to it.”

“What I do with my personal life, especially when it takes place in Cordonia, is no one’s business but mine.”

“Even when it involves fucking other men’s wives?” Marguerite arched an eyebrow.

“If you wish our countries to remain in good standing, you will stop talking,” Liam growled.

The Princess lowered her eyebrow when Liam’s eyes narrowed dangerously. This was not working well in her favor. She still needed to make an advantageous match; despite being obviously pussy-whipped, Liam was the best of the lot. When she spoke again, her tone was more conciliatory.

“Darling, I’m offering you not only a union, but an alliance … a chance to rule over two countries, not just one. I don’t require what others would; I have my own coffers, my own lands, and my social station is secured.

“We don’t need to be in love and arrangements can be put in place, but only one of us can be scandalous; I’ve already claimed dibs on that.”

The Princess smiled brightly before downing the remainder of her beverage. She looked around the room before setting the champagne flute on the table in front of her and gathering her purse.

“I’m sure the three of you have much to discuss; I’ll see myself out,” she spoke to everyone and no one.

She began rummaging inside her bag, murmuring to Liam that he could email her a non-disclosure agreement. “As juicy as this morning has been, I wouldn’t tell anyone; however, I understand the need for assurance.”

Marguerite rose, a plastic keycard between her fingers which she offered to Drake.

“Retaliation fucks can be most satisfying. I have a standing room at the Savoy Five Kingdoms. They have an excellent bar and even better room service. Drop by anytime today; I fly out in the morning.”

Riley’s face twisted with anger; this brazen hussy was coming on to Riley’s husband IN HER FACE, yet the Duchess was the harlot. Her eyes held a flicker of fear; what if Drake accepted?

Why did she still care if he did?

Liam’s head fell into his open palms. Marguerite was the mistake that kept giving. With one breath she was proposing to Liam; with the next, she was propositioning Drake. The irony of her actions versus what he and Riley had done to Drake was not lost on the King.

Drake stared blankly at the key before raising his eyes to the future monarch of Monaco.

Is she flippin’ serious right now?

“Fuck you,” he spat.

Marguerite looked baffled as she tucked the key into his jacket’s breast pocket.

“That’s the entire purpose, darling.”

Detour

Marguerite stepped swiftly down the immense hallway, her cellphone pressed to her ear as she and the guard Liam had assigned to accompany her off the property studiously ignored each other.  She huffed impatiently as she heard the number she had dialed ring for a third time.

The Princess was most definitely going to tell someone about her fiasco of a morning; if details about a certain Cordonian King were revealed, so be it. There was no nondisclosure agreement in place yet.

“Ullo?” a woman’s husky, sleep-filled voice greeted Marguerite just as she heard heavy, dragging footsteps make their way up the marble stairs of the main west wing staircase.

“Cecily! Why in God’s name are you still sleeping?” Marguerite demanded incredulously.

“Because I haven’t had a drink or a drug in two days, and it’s 5am where I am.”

“Well, you need a sip, a sniff, and a new time zone, darling.”

“Why are you calling me? Good gossip?” Cecily asked in a voice filled with annoyance and nosiness.

“I’m in Cordonia, that dreadful teeny tiny country in the Mediterranean and my morning … is about to get better. Call you back.”

Marguerite slowly removed her phone from her ear while her eyes took in the sight before her.

Leo Rys, the prodigal firstborn son, stood in front of her, peering at Marguerite through bloodshot eyes. His blondish-brown curls were tousled, his impressive chest and abs on display thanks to his unbuttoned dress shirt which was half-tucked into a pair of navy-blue pants. His belt hung from his neck; his tie was partly stuffed into a front pocket.

“Marguerite?” he questioned in a disbelieving tone.

The former Prince and the Princess had a history of random encounters that were exotic, erotic, and always with Leo needing a chiropractor afterwards.

“LEO!” Marguerite sauntered up to Liam’s brother, planting an open-mouthed kiss on his lips.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he asked disbelievingly as he rubbed the back of one hand across his bleary eyes; the other gripped her firm ass.

“I could ask you the same,” she countered.

“I’m here for a scotch and some shuteye before heading to your corner of the world later this afternoon, but my plans could be flexible,” Leo smirked.

“Flexible is my favorite word. Lead the way,” Marguerite instructed as she looped her arm through Leo’s.

Three Blind Mice

While Marguerite pulled the massive door shut behind her, Drake leant over in his chair to retrieve the dropped bottle of brandy. Riley stood to open the terrace doors to help rid the room of the sweet, oaky smell permeating the room.

A fresh breeze drifted into the library, ruffling her hair and riffling the loose papers on Liam’s desk. Her heels tapped sharply against the blonde hardwood as she returned to her seat. Her eyes darted between her husband and her lover.

“Thank you,” she said quietly. “Thank you both.”

“Don’t speak to me. You no longer have the RIGHT to speak to me!” Drake growled as he tilted the half-full bottle to his lips.

Liam rose from his seat, and stepped around the desk; the monarch threw Drake a reproving look as he continued to the bar cart.

“There is no need to speak to the Duchess in such a tone, Your Grace.”

Drake rolled his eyes. “You need to shut the fuck up, Your Majesty.”

Liam’s body tensed at the words, and he stilled his movements for the briefest of moments. “I understand your disappointment and frustration,” he replied in a controlled tone.

“DO YOU?” The question exploded from Drake, causing Riley to jump slightly at the harshness in his voice. “Obviously you don’t, judging by your choice of words! Because this is so much more than disappointment. THIS is undiluted heartbreak! THAT woman,” Drake pointed to Riley, “was my sum total of EVERYTHING!”

His shoulders slumped as ragged sobs tore from his throat. His fingers brushed away the stream of tears streaking his cheeks. Riley’s mouth fell open and she rushed to Drake’s side. He held his hand up to stop her.

“Don’t,” he pleaded in a broken voice.

Riley shook her head in either defeat or denial; none of the trio knew.

“I’m so sorry. So, so sorry. I didn’t mean …”

“For me to find out or to get caught?” Drake finished for her.

“Drake, she’s attempting to apologize. Can you at least hear her out?” Liam entreated as he added ginger ale to one of the two tumblers of scotch he had poured.

The bottle of brandy shattered against the wall closest to Liam. The monarch continued to prepare drinks, seemingly unperturbed.

“NO! NO, I CANNOT HEAR HER OUT! Do you know when I wanted to hear her out? When I was willing to listen to BOTH of you? WHEN I WAS ASKING ABOUT MY MARRIAGE! And you both LIED TO ME! TO.MY.FACE!”

“It wasn’t supposed to go on as long it did,” Riley explained, her voice trembling. “It was only supposed to be until Liam found a Queen.”

Drake looked disbelievingly between his wife and best friend. “So, the King here is supposed to date and get to know someone intimately … to the point of making her his wife and this country’s Queen … by fucking his best friend’s wife?”

Liam stood beside Riley, pressing the scotch and soda in her hand. She glanced at him gratefully as she took a steadying swallow of the liquid courage.

“Your emotions are directed at the wrong person, Drake. I asked her to be my lover. I … I am in love with her, and I simply could not move forward in that aspect of my life knowing Riley was right there.” Liam’s gaze took in Riley, who was staring ashamedly at Drake.

“You couldn’t tell me? We’ve been lifelong friends, and you couldn’t tell me you were in love with my wife?”

“I wanted to tell you, but Riley wished to spare your feelings for what was supposed to be a brief fling. I have neither excuse nor explanation for my lack of actions. I was … I am a coward and a cad.” His blue eyes held Drake’s wrath-filled gaze. “And I regret nothing.”

Drake’s gaze shifted to Riley. “I begged you, I asked you, I damn near got on my knees to get you to talk to me! WHY DIDN’T YOU?”

Riley stared at the floor, a helpless expression on her face. “I’m still in love with him, Drake.”

“I TOLD YOU; you didn’t HAVE TO MARRY ME! But NOOOOO … YOU insisted!”

“YOU KNEW! YOU FUCKING KNEW and married me anyway!” Riley flung back.

“Because you lied to me. YOU lied to ME about everything!  Hell yes, I had doubts but I chose to believe the words coming out of YOUR mouth! And somehow, this makes it all my fault?”

Drake took a step towards Riley; Liam moved swiftly and protectively in front of her.

The Duke let out a derisive snort. “Oh, this is FUCKING RICH! The caught lovers putting on a united front. Before the husband no less, who so happens to be the injured party here.”

His eyes fell on Liam. “When she was trash-talking your ass, I DEFENDED YOU! I told her she needed to give you a chance, that you were in love with her. AND SHE STILL ASKED ME TO MARRY HER!”

Dark chocolate eyes went to Riley. “Just tell me this, if there were no Liam … could you have loved me the way I needed you to?”

Hesitation before the Duchess nodded.

Silence as no one looked at the other and Drake paced the room.

“Marguerite said Liam reached out to her yesterday, but he never followed up. Riley, you called me at the cabin, saying you wanted to talk.”

Riley nodded in agreement. “Yes. I called to make sure you weren’t injured or ill, and to find out when you were coming home so I could tell you about the affair and that I wanted to end the marriage.”

“The question becomes: where were you when you called me? Were you in Valtoria or here at the Palace? Because as batshit crazy as that Princess is, she wouldn’t fly 800 miles UNANNOUNCED for absolutely nothing. There’s a reason she feels comfortable enough to show up without notice, and there’s a reason Liam put her off.”

“I asked Riley to join me here. She arrived after she spoke to you,” Liam answered as he refilled his glass.

“And you knew she was going to ask for a divorce.” It was a statement.

Liam nodded stiffly. “She has discussed it with me on several occasions but nothing ever came to fruition.”

A flash of pain crossed Drake’s features at the revelation. “So last night was a celebration of sorts.”

Silence. Neither Liam nor Riley could tell Drake that their time together was about them, and that he was merely a guilty afterthought.

“How did you meet Marguerite?” Riley asked curiously, her voice small.

“I wasn’t cheating on you with her, if that’s what you’re asking. We met coming into the Palace this morning. I was going to seek Liam’s advice and counsel before returning to Valtoria.” Drake shook his head as his palms ran down his face. “I definitely got more than I bargained for.”

Liam’s brain churned as thoughts tumbled about:

Riley was being truthful with her husband, but there wasn’t enough … conviction behind it. She was, in this moment, a naughty child who had been caught, telling the truth to avoid discipline or punishment.

Liam knew Drake wanted to make his marriage work, but he hadn’t realized just how deeply his friend was in love with Riley; his guilt intensified. He still regretted nothing that had transpired, but Riley had left Liam of her own volition; she had taken up with Drake with no outside influence.

It was because of Liam she was willing to destroy Drake. She said it herself.

The King cleared his throat before putting distance between him and the Duchess. Riley looked at him curiously, but he was staring at Drake.

“I realize the role I play in this and am beginning to understand the depth of your pain. It is obvious that I am the obstacle preventing you two from having a happily ever after. Drake, I will stand aside and leave Duchess Riley alone if you two wish to salvage your marriage.”

“WHAT?” Riley screeched.

He can’t do this to me again!

Drake stared at his old friend before bursting into hysterical laughter. “NOW you want to step aside? Now that the damage is done? Dude, THAT is a coward move!”

“LIAM, what are you DOING?” Riley began punching his arm.

“Let me help the two of you out right here,” Drake said as he advanced on Riley.

He held his hand out, palm up. “Give me back my ring,” he ordered in a tone that brooked no argument.

Riley’s nonplussed gaze snapped towards Drake. “WHAT? NOOOO! It’s my WEDDING ring, Drake!”

“It’s my grandmother’s ring. Meant for my wife, not the woman who’s fucking around and has TOLD ME she wants to end our marriage. I’m doing you a favor.”

“NO!” Riley replied stubbornly.

Liam watched the couple, a stoic expression on his face. Riley’s reaction confirmed he had made the right decision, as painful as it was.

“Return it willingly, or I’ll snatch it off your finger,” Drake threatened through narrowed eyes.

“There’s no need for this behavior, Drake,” Liam stated, attempting to de-escalate an out-of-control situation. “Riley, if you are being honest about your feelings for me and a future for us, return Drake’s ring.”

Riley shrank away from both men. She felt emotionally attacked.

“There was no need for ANY of this shit, but here we are,” Drake countered, his eyes still trained on Riley. “My ring,” he repeated.

When the Duke left the Palace five minutes later, he had his grandmother’s ring. His wife was sobbing and arguing with Liam. When he reached his truck, he unlocked the doors and slid behind the wheel, realizing he had nowhere to go.

Megs and Old Man Harold were at his cabin; Drake was not in a headspace to either entertain or explain.

Valtoria was out of the question.

Ramsford was a possibility, but again … his headspace.

His palm patted his jacket pocket where he had placed the ring, and felt the hotel key the Princess of Monaco had given him.

Drake pulled it out, staring at it thoughtfully before starting the truck, and pulling off.

Valtoria

Darkness had fallen; save for live-in staff, the Duchess was alone in the Great House. It was a blessing and a curse. After the events of the day, Riley needed the alone time; she needed to process the words, the actions, the accusations.

But her thoughts were too loud, the rooms too empty.

On the ride back to Valtoria, Riley was silent. She stared at her now-bare ring finger, finding it hard to swallow over the thick lump of tears lodged in her throat.

Her marriage was over.

The one man who had faced death for her, whose love wasn’t predicated upon duty and appearances and secrets had wrenched the symbol of their union from her finger.

Riley had wanted to fall in love with Drake; she thought she was in love with Drake. But Liam … their connection, their chemistry was so strong. It was as if he were a magnet, and she were metal.

But only in the shadows.

Her love affair was once again sinking under the quagmire of Liam’s nobility and guilt. The man who had been so willing to share her under a cloak of deception was once again kowtowing to doing the “right thing” just when they could finally be open with their love and relationship.

Now … NOW, Liam was willing to step aside if Drake and Riley decided to try and salvage their marriage.

How ironic that the one thing she admired most about Liam was also what she loathed the most.

Liam was a huge ass what-if whose love she couldn’t trust. She never could.

Liam was why she couldn’t leave Drake.

When the Duchess arrived home, she gathered her staff, explaining that the Duke was away for an indeterminate amount of time. Riley then dismissed all staff who lived off-site, telling them to return in three days’ time. Staff who resided at the Great House would be on-call as needed. She then retired to her chambers after requesting ingredients for dinner be brought from the pantry to her chambers.

Riley stood in her kitchen wearing nothing more than a white silk slip as she washed dishes. She had prepared curried lamb and vegetables, jasmine rice, sweet corn-on-the-cob, and a garden salad for the evening meal; it was one of Drake’s favorites minus the salad. It now sat in Tupperware containers in the refrigerator.

The Duchess did not partake of the meal; a bottle of Lythikan wine had been her supper.

She had cooked dinner thinking Drake would return, if only to pack his things. But there had been no visitors, no phone calls. The woman who not 12 hours earlier had a husband and a lover, had no one.

Tonight was the beginning of their end.

The Duchess placed the last pot in the drying rack before she wiped down the countertops and swept the floor. She extinguished the kitchen light, grabbed her silent phone, and wandered through the quarters turning off lights as she went.

Despite feeling no overt effects from the potent libation, Riley’s steps held the slightest hint of unsteadiness.

The great room, where her fingertips ran along the grosgrain black leather recliner that Drake liked to sit in. His buffalo plaid blanket was neatly folded and draped along the back of the furniture. His gaming console where he and his nephew Bartie played Minecraft and Mario Brothers on weekends. The bearskin rug he insisted on placing in front of the fireplace.

Riley bit her lower lip as she turned the lamp switch off, plunging the room into shadow.

She passed through the informal dining area where a vintage hutch took prominence; it was filled with his mother’s china and a few figurines and knick-knacks bequeathed by his grandmother. A stereo system complete with a record player sat in a corner. Riley leaned down, peering at the vinyl record protected beneath a glass covering: Johnny Cash’s Hurt.  

In their bedchambers, Riley looked around as she exhaled a shaky breath. Pictures of her and Drake, Drake’s parents, their friends, Savannah and Bartie littered bookcase shelves and the nightstands. His robe was balled up on the settee at the bed’s footboard.

Her vanity was crowded with cosmetics, expensive fragrances in elegant bottles, and a painted, wooden box overflowing with jewelry.

All gifted to her by Liam.

Portraits of Cordonians long gone, with pale faces and thin lips, lined one wall. She and Drake had been planning to put them in storage and decorate with brightly colored abstracts and nature scenes.

They were going to build a life together.

Riley grabbed his pillow and pulled it next to her body; she lowered her head to inhale his scent imbedded in the fabric. Tears pricked her eyes but refused to fall.

The Duchess was acutely aware of the largeness of the space and how empty it felt without Drake’s presence.

In the house given to her by Liam.

The closing of a door was loud enough to be heard over the hushed roar of the waterfall. Riley frowned as she lifted her head; more than likely it was Gladys coming to check on her.

“I’m fine, Gladys,” the noblewoman called out in a quavering voice.

No answer as the footsteps came closer.

Riley let out an annoyed sigh. She didn’t want company; she didn’t want to answer any questions, regardless of how well-meaning they were. She tossed the pillow onto the bed as she rose, ready to waylay the majordomo. The doorway filled, and her breath caught in her throat when she saw him. His face was flushed and his breathing slightly heavy, as if he had run through the entire manor to reach the rooms.

“What …what are you doing here?” Riley stammered in a dull tone. She was too emotionally exhausted to muster up anger, surprise, relief … anything.

His brow furrowed in confusion at her question. “I love you,” he replied in a low voice as he shrugged out of his jacket, tossing it onto an antique rocking chair.

She ran her fingers raggedly through her short curls. “I ... I made dinner.”

He flashed her a quick smile. “Good. I’m starving.” The smile faded. “We need to talk about … earlier.”

Before Riley could respond, her phone rang; the sound of it was shrill and slightly jarring. Curious as to who it could be but also grateful for the distraction, she turned away to answer it.

Her eyes widened and her heart dropped into her stomach as her gaze went from the caller ID to the visitor, and back again.

The Palace

Leo and Marguerite stood beneath the shower head, warm water rinsing away soap bubbles as it pelted their skin. The former royal alternated between wincing and grimacing from the pain radiating from his lower back as he struggled to stand upright.

“SweetJesuscomepleaseus, Marguerite,” he ground out through clenched teeth. “Where the hell did you learn that new shit?”

The Princess was behind him, washing his back; she paused her motions to press the pad of her thumb into the offended area; Leo let out a relieved groan.

“At least there are no rope burns this time,” she consoled as the washrag slipped from Leo’s shoulder to the wet floor beneath them.

“Thank God for small favors,” he muttered as his palms splayed against the damp-tiled shower wall.

“Why are you coming to Monaco?” Marguerite questioned.

“International Baccarat Tournament in Monte Carlo. Staying three days, then off to Greece for a Mediterranean cruise aboard the Jewel of the Sea.”

Her lips pursed in thought as she stooped to retrieve the washcloth. Her palm slapped one of Leo’s ass cheeks before her index finger jammed itself into his puckered orifice as she rose. He yelped in annoyance and pain.

“GET YOUR FINGER OUT MY ASS!” he yelled.

“Darling, why don’t we return to Monaco and get married?” the Princess proposed as her finger twisted inside of Leo.

It wasn’t an arbitrary question; nothing was ever random with Marguerite. Leo was a fine piece of man: tall, handsome, intelligent. He may no longer hold a royal title, but that was an advantage. Not having a moniker meant one country, one sovereign. Royal blood still flowed through his veins, and he held land ownings in both Cordonia and its provinces, which would satisfy her parents. And Leo could never threaten her with severing governmental relations as Liam had done earlier.

Over a commoner slut.

With amazing tits.

“YOU ARE STILL IN MY ASS!” Leo retorted.

Marguerite removed her finger, sticking it beneath the overhead stream of water.

“Well?” she demanded.

Leo shook his head, droplets from his hair flying in the air. “Look, I enjoy our times together, but I can’t have sex like this every day, multiple times a day.”

“It’s like exercise, your body has to become acclimated to it,” the Princess explained as she stepped in front of him to shampoo her hair.

“And there’s a reason I abdicated my own throne.”

“Thanks to Anton Severus, that reason is now six feet underground.” She exhaled a petulant sigh. “If only Anton hadn’t attempted to kill Liam, the man would be a hero throughout all of Europe and not in a prison cell.”

“That reason is still my father, Marguerite!” Leo spat angrily as he stepped out of the shower. “You need to leave.”

“If I’ve said anything untrue, I will rescind my offer and leave immediately. But I haven’t. You simply haven’t healed and don’t have enough liquor in your system to bandage the pain.”

She twisted her honey-blonde hair, squeezing the excess water from her tresses. “Marry me and re-discover the joy of being a royal again. You won’t be the ruling monarch which gives you all the rewards and none of the responsibilities. It’s a win-win darling.”

She sauntered out and up to Leo who was avoiding her gaze, her wet body glistening. He was combing his hair, purposely avoiding Marguerite’s gaze. Her arms snaked around his neck before she stood on her toes to kiss him.

“Be a good sport, luv,” she urged.

“My cruise …”

“Our honeymoon!”

A half-hour later, the pair slipped through the rooms’ doorway with Leo lugging two suitcases. They both glanced down the hall, seeing the sliver of light beneath the closed door to Liam’s library.

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

#dcbbw writes #the commoner's wife #mood music monday #luck of the draw #liam x riley #riley x drake #writers of tumblr #writeblr

[txemrn]

Déjà Vu

Chapter 1

Series Summary: After an unforgettable night with a stranger, Princess Eleanor finds herself caught in a secret love triangle between a noble and a commoner.

Chapter Summary: Eleanor prepares for a night out with her best friends despite her mother's wishes for her to attend a special family dinner.

Pairing(s): Liam x Riley (in discussion); more to be revealed

Word Count: ~2740

Warning: 🔞 Mature Audiences Only 🔞 this chapter references drinking; brief language

A/N: Welcome to my Crack Fic! No one asked for this... at least no one of sound mind, and if you're a big fan of TRR, you might actually hate this (no, I'm not killing Liam!). When I pitched this idea (half-joking, half-serious) to some buddies after reading the book Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas, the eager encouragement I normally receive was met with (what's that TikTok trend with that T Swift song?) "horrified looks from everyone in the room". But... I could not get this idea out of my head. So, here we are! I have a general idea of where this story is going... but I'm actually leaving myself open to possibilities. No matter how the road twists and turns, I would be honored if you join me!

A/N 2: This story takes place approximately 2 decades after TRR/TRH. I have made some canonical changes (they will be mentioned). Characters and some plots belong to our friends at Pixelberry! Huge thank you to @charlotteg234 for looking over this for me (and laughing like a maniac with me)! This was not Beta'd; please excuse my errors.

~🖤~

Eleanor

Tapping my newly manicured nails against the glass topper to my vanity, my gaze nervously shifts back and forth between my choices for the evening. I don’t know why this is so hard–or why it’s taking me this long to decide–but somehow, here I am in quite the conundrum.

Perversion or Temptress: that’s it. But, when it came to darkening the outer-corner of my eyelid, picking the right hue of eyeshadow matters. Yes, yes, they’re both a deep black; one is a dark matte that has the potential to smudge all over my porcelain face, but the other one, while dark, has little flecks of silver.

Biting my lip, I look at myself in the mirror before looking back at the YouTube tutorial I was following.  I feel silly making such a big deal over the color; afterall, this is supposed to be fun. Normally, for me, it is.  I’m actually really good at doing my own make-up, thanks to the internet and to my mother who convinced my father when I was fourteen that mascara and lipstick would not lead me down the path of destruction and eternal damnation.

Well, I guess I should clarify: I do a great job on my make-up, my everyday natural, diplomatically poised look. Think lots of pinks and taupes. It’s the latest trend for crown princesses; I should know.

But tonight, I wouldn’t be Princess Eleanor. I didn’t want to be Princess Eleanor. 

Dangit, that came out wrong. I don’t mean to sound like some stereotypical spoiled brat that is born into money and power, who craves freedom from her poor little privileged life.  I am content–actually, very grateful for the life I have been born into. I have been given incredible opportunities and experiences because of it. But, I’m not naive; I know I have a high-calling, one filled with much responsibility and dedication. Someday I will be queen of Cordonia.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves... 

Tonight, I’m just Nora–at least that’s what my friends call me, and since I’m turning twenty this coming Tuesday, they wanted to take me out over the weekend. This weekend. See? Responsible. But, there is just one problem…

There’s a sudden knock on my door, my mother instantly inviting herself in.  “Dinner’s in thirty Eleanor–”  she freezes as her eyes grow wide. “Y–you’re make-up… don’t you think it’s a bit on the, um… heavy-side?”

“Mom,” I singsong, "it's supposed to be. This is how all the celebrities and models wear their make-up when they hit the town." 

"Hit the town?" My mother gave me that eyebrow, the one that gives away her true unspoken feelings. "You're going out tonight?"

"Mhmm. To dinner." I settle on Urban Decay's Perversion, and start tapping the color against my eyelid. "I told you and Daddy that Josie and Beth were taking me out–"

"Eleanor," my mom shot her first warning signal with her tone. "We discussed that tonight wasn't a good night. And if you ladies could do things tomorrow–"

"It's just a family dinner," I continue to work on my look. "Daddy said it was fine–"

"But you know how important this dinner is. We have a special guest."

Yes, yes. We know.

His name is Drake Walker, and he is–well, was, my parent's best friend back in the day before I was born. He actually grew up with my dad, Drake's father serving as my Grandpa Rys's royal guard when he was king of Cordonia.

But, then there was a falling out of some sort…well, that's according to my Uncle Leo. He means well, but I'm fairly certain the truth has been stretched.

Anyway, I'm not too clear on what happened, but shortly after my parents got married, Drake moved back to his home in America to start a normal life. He never settled down with a wife, but he kept busy with his construction company.

That is until four months ago when he discovered his business partner had been siphoning company funds into off-shore accounts. Now he spends his days laid up on the couch with a fifth of whiskey. And broke as a joke.

Drake's brother-in-law Bertrand Beaumont, the Duke of Ramsford, serves on the royal council with my parents, and after a late meeting one night, he shared the truth about their former best friend. 

Daddy and his bleeding heart… sure, he can see fiery red from time to time and his temper can bubble over, but my father is known for his grace, forgiveness, and charity towards others. He contacted his old friend… which then led to an invitation back to Cordonia.

'It's only for a little while, until he gets back on his feet,' Daddy assured my mom.  'We'll give him tasks around the palace until then.'

Mom called it a 'midlife crisis'. I don't think I was supposed to hear the latter part.

I began to draw on my eyeliner as my mother crossed her arms, glowering at me. Feeling the disappointment radiate from her glare, I stop, shrugging my shoulders. "What?"

"Part of being royal is posing as a unified front as a family."

"You act like this is some official business or a press event–"

"Our closest friends are going to be here, Elle, and–" she stops, her eyes playfully smoldering as her voice becomes angelically romantic. "--I think even Bartie is coming." 

"Mom!" I chuckle, my cheeks pinking in embarrassment from her inflection. "It's not like that with him."

Oh, but it was…

Bartie Beaumont is one of my closest friends. He's a few years older than me and well… I really enjoy spending time with him.  He's incredibly kind and charming in and out of social situations. He's quite handsome with his dark, well-kept hair and deep chestnut eyes. And smart–goodness, he's smart. He can keep up with my father, round-for-round in debating politics and foreign policies.

He's always been fiercely protective of me, even when I was a little girl. But he was always just Bartie, my honorary older brother… that is until he asked me to dance at a charity gala when I was sixteen. I had never been asked to dance by a boy before; I was normally paired with other noble children, usually from the suggestion made by their mothers. But this? It was different… and special. Someone chose to dance with me because they wanted to. And until that moment, I never understood what it meant to let a partner 'lead you', and well… I digress. It was nice. Bartie… he's just nice.

"But seriously, Mom," I continue, "the girls have already set everything up for tonight, and I'm the guest of honor for that. I can't just stand them up."

My mom gives me a long sigh. She's having that internal argument with herself where she compares her younger years as a commoner versus her younger years as a royal. "I guess I was hoping you'd get to meet your Uncle Drake tonight–"

I couldn't control my giggles. Growing up, Mom and Dad always referred to their close friends as 'Aunt' or 'Uncle', like my Uncle Max and Aunt Livvy. But they were also active members in my life that I saw frequently. 'Uncle Drake'? I don't even know the guy. 

"Isn't he living on our couch for a while? I'm sure I'll meet him at breakfast sometime." 

My mom pursed her lips. I think she realizes she has no other reasons to keep me home. Thank goodness.

"Is Lars going with you, or is one of the other guards?"

"Mom," I whine.

"Eleanor, you know the rules–"

"But I just want to be a normal twenty-year-old for the night–"

"Almost twenty-year-old," she smirks, stepping forward to fidget with my wavy, honey-brunette hair. "It's just not safe, baby. People know who you are–good people… and bad people. Even under all of this make-up, people will still recognize you."

I give a little huff, but she was right. I once dyed my hair purple and wore thick-rimmed frames to a show for a local punk band, and I'm pretty sure I posed for more photos with fans than the musicians.

"Fine, I'll ask Lars," I give my mother a half smile. "Anything else, your majesty?"

"One more thing," she twirls me around to face my reflection in the mirror. I'm keeping it pretty casual tonight with a white shirt and black ripped skinny jeans. I am pairing my black moto jacket with some gold accessories and my red Jimmy Choo pumps. Surely the woman doesn't think I'm showing off too much skin. 

Suddenly, she raises my shirt in the back and unclips my white bra.

"Mom!" 

"Eleanor," she snickers, shaking her head at me. "We've been over and over this ever since you got boobs: white shirt, nude undergarments."

I whip off my bra, quickly grabbing a skin-tone t-shirt bra. "No one's going to be looking."

"Someone is always looking." 

After hooking my bra and smoothing out my tee, Mom gave me an approving nod. And then she put her arms around me, pulling me into a hug. "Have a good time tonight. I love you, my twenty-year-old baby."

"Almost twenty-year-old baby." We both fall into titters as we squeeze each other closer. "I love you too, Mommy."

------

I text my bodyguard Lars to let him know about the evening, and as expected, he'll be ready with the car in ten minutes. 

Poor guy was ball-and-chained to me when I got my driver's license. I'm sure when he signed up for the guard, he pictured himself traveling around the world, looking like a badass with my dad. Instead, he got me, and the only traveling he normally does is to gather my morning espresso and cronut. He's made more trips to Sephora than any man should ever make in his lifetime–even more than my Uncle Max.

He's a good guy… if you like the serious, never-crack-a-smile type. He looks like John Cena with a permanent angry expression, complete with a single bulging vein in the center of his forehead. He's a man of few words despite my attempts to make him laugh, but underneath all the brawn and muscle, he has a big heart. He has literally given me his coat so that I wouldn't have to walk through a puddle of half-melted snow. And to think, he has sworn to give so much more for my own life… 

My phone abruptly pings. Beth.

>>> "Hey, bday bish! R U ready for the nite of ur life?"

I chuckle under my breath after reading the text. Night of my life… She always has a flare for the dramatics, but then again Beth has always been the life of the party. She has more personality in her pinkie finger than all of the citizens of Cordonia combined. Her mother is the Countess of Fydelia, and ever since Beth's father left, she's been indisposed.  Mom says that's a more tactful way of saying, 'alcoholic'. 

Beth walks more on the wild side, a real risk-taker. When I get in trouble, chances are she is somehow involved, like the time I got caught with a bottle of Smirnoff Ice at the Baron's Ball. Ugh, talk about the hangover from hell… and that wasn't even my punishment…

But she, along with Josie, are my ride-or-die. My BFFs. My "You jump, I jump, right?". We've grown up together, became women together, and nothing was about to ruin that bond.

I fire a text back to Beth. 

>>> "Can't wait! My car will be ready in a few. What restaurant are we meeting at?"

My phone instantly dings, catching me off guard in my attempts to glide on some lipstick. That was fast. I tap on the message.

>>> "We're coming 4 u! Be ready!"

My face falls. I know it's probably hard to believe, but my friends often forget that I'm a princess. Like, the legit crown princess of Cordonia, and because of that, I need a bodyguard present during all activities outside of the palace that have not otherwise been secured by the royal guard. As you can imagine, that rule made me so popular in grade school when my parents tried giving me a 'normal life'.

In retrospect, I'm quite grateful for the security through the years, especially when I hear about plots made by secret coups against my dad. But still, it would be nice to get my own darn breakfast. And I'm sure Lars would love to sleep in for once.

I text back.

>>> "And Lars"

>>> "R U kidding me? Ur shadow has 2 come?"

I let out a defeated exhale.  She knows this. My phone suddenly rings, her picture lighting up the screen. "Hey–"

"Are you fucking kidding me?" She sounds irritated, as if I did this maliciously to her.

"Beth, you know my parents won't allow me out without him or any other–"

"He can't come with us," she interrupts. I can hear Josie in the back, trying to calm Beth down. 

"And do tell–" I cross an arm over my chest, raising an eyebrow, "--why is that?"

She lets out a huge sigh. "Fine. It was supposed to be a surprise for your birthday, but–" she hesitates, sucking on her front teeth.  "I got us three VIP passes into Core!"

I blink a few times, racking my brain for this to somehow trip a memory. "Core?" Nope. No tripping. "What's Core?"

"Nora!" She scoffs in disbelief. "It's only the newest and hottest club in town. Tonight is opening night. Half price shots–"

"Uh, Beth–?" I could feel my stomach sinking under the weight of her excitement. And Josie wasn't any better, squealing over the line. 

A club? Like, with dancing and drinking? I had never been to one before. And something tells me that the king wouldn't be too approving of his nineteen-year-old daughter partying with half-drunk strangers, groping her in the name of dancing. Still, it sounds like so much fun.

"--and we have a VIP table with bottle service until midnight!"

"Beth!" I call out to get her attention again. "There… there's just no way I can do that. Especially without Lars."

"C'mon, Nora. It's your freaking birthday. You're supposed to let loose–"

I hang my head into my hands. "You know I want to, but… I–I can't do that. My parents–"

"--don't have to know."

That silenced me real quickly into deep thought. I might not be the world's most perfect child, but I have learned never to hide things from Liam and Riley Rys. Never. 

But I'd be lying if a glimmer of hope and excitement didn't blossom in my chest at the thought of going out despite my parent's knowledge. Besides, I am an adult; I'm almost twenty for crying out loud. If anything, I've shown them how responsible I am, and that I can be trusted. Plus, Aunt Livvy has taught me more than enough self-defense maneuvers that I could probably take a second job as a spy with her wife.

Okay. Maybe Beth has a plan.

"And how won't they find out? Lars has to give a detailed report–"

"We won't bring him."

That's the plan? I snicker under my breath, chewing on the inside of my cheek. "And… how do you suggest I get rid of him?"

"Why not a sleepover?" I hear Josie suggest in the background.

A sleepover. That could work. There were few places I could go where security didn't have to be right beside me once a building was given the all clear. Beth's house happened to be one of them. 

"But I'm already dressed up. And–and I told my mom we were going out–"

"So?" Beth interjects. "We changed our minds. We'll have dinner catered."

Crap. Am I really considering this? I look at my reflection in the mirror as I twist my lips. Dangit. And I'm having a really good hair day.

"What's it gonna be, Nora?"

I take a few cleansing breaths. I can feel my pulse, galloping like a racehorse in my ears. Could I actually get away with this? I've been to Beth's house thousands of times. The guard comes in, does a quick sweep, and then keeps watch outside, never to return until it's time for me to leave. We could sneak out the back through the guest house. He would never know.

I swallow thickly, adrenaline pouring into my veins.

"Okay. Let me make a call."

~🖤~

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

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[kingliam2019]

I posted 3,085 times in 2022

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My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Untitled Round-Robin Story, Part 3

In the universe that The Royal Romance/Heir fan fiction inhabits, the people are represented by two not necessarily separate yet equally important groups: The Writers, who come up with these fantastical stories, and The Readers, who eagerly consume them. One writer, @sirbeepsalot , was struck with inspiration and came up with the idea of a round-robin story based on The Royal Romance/Heir.

This is that story.

Catch up here.

Book: The Royal Romance/Heir

Pairings: currently unknown

This part includes this week’s Wacky Drabbles prompt, in bold below.

The character X, from Part 1, is now identified here as Olivia

.

Sitting in her Study going over details for the upcoming party, The Queen rubs her fingers over her tired eyes, as the colors and words swirl together, she’s been at this for hours trying to make it the best one yet. Placing her hands on the desk and with a heavy sigh she gets up and walks over to the bar cart, pouring herself a glass of Lemon Mint water. Relishing in the coolness of the drink she collects herself and sits back at her desk picking up the paper with the details of what food to serve, when her eyes become blurry and her head spinning. Putting her head in her hands trying to center herself, trying to get up a rush of vertigo hits. “I Don’t feel so good” She falls to the floor with a heavy thud. Just then her office door swings open to reveal a shocked guard.

Writers Taglist: @sirbeepsalot @burnsoslow @kingliam2019 @thegreentwin @dcbbw @queenrileyrose @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @angelasscribbles

Readers Taglist: @wackydrabbles @choicesficwriterscreations

Please comment below if you would like to be included in the list of writers, or readers, and haven’t yet done so.

33 notes - Posted January 23, 2022

#4

My Loves

Hi all: Just popping in to say hi and to let ya know that I will be on sporadically. I got approved for an apartment and will be moving in on the 15th of Sept. It will be bittersweet as I have lived in this house for 59 years as of yesterday the 28th of August. So it will be crunch time as I still have a lot of stuff to pack and clean. I know I have a MMM and a Fic to get out but it's there to be worked on inbetween everything. Might be just what I need for head clearing. So I'll be on and off til I get settled.

@ao719 @bebepac @angelasscribbles @texaskitten30 @bbrandy2002 @bobasheebaby @darkficsyouneveraskedfor @nuggsmum @winter2112rose @mayloma @harleybeaumont @rmtndew @queenrileyrose

46 notes - Posted August 29, 2022

#3

I Know You're Out There Somewhere 2

53 notes - Posted January 10, 2022

#2

I Know You're Out There Somewhere

81 notes - Posted January 10, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Henry Cavill has been cast for an undisclosed role in 'LOKI' Season 2.

105 notes - Posted September 1, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

[mariemarieohcontrary]

Is that all ur art (like in the header and icon)? Wow it's so pretty. Ur blog is pretty. I like TRR too. Did z chose Liam or which LI exactly? What r ur Top 10 fave choices books? Just saw u currently read Nightbound before TRH and TRF. Are u reading it for the first time? If yes, I tell u it's good. Underrated, but good. It also has some royally beautiful elements near Chapter 9 or 10. i do not want to spoiler. but I think u will like it. enjoy. very sad it didn't get a second book but if u ever need more of that book, there r good fanfic writers on #nightbound in the #playchoices fandom or when u research or ask in the fandom for good nik and cal fics recommends. & nightbound continuation sequel project is happening on this tumblr blog: @nightboundfanfiction if interested. u can play Nightbound 2 like a real Choices game for free. Choices fans r creating sequels of those books which deserved better like nightbound, distantshores, etc. and more....

and i agree. I like both, nik and cal too. It is so hard to decide between them, i want both

Hi Anon! Thank you so much, I'm glad you think my blog is pretty! ❤️ I romanced Liam. And so far I've only managed to properly read through TRR (1-3) and TRH 1 so now I'm doing NB and they're both at the top. I love TRR but NB is slowly topping it. (Might be my obsession in supernatural stuff that tickles me while reading it haha) thanks for all the recommendations! I'm gonna make sure to check them out!

Normally I'm the sort to not be torn on who I'd go for but yeah I've been making sure there's moments chosen for both Nik and Cal throughout the playthrough lol. Thank god I'm a serial Canon disrespecter that I decided to make it poly lmao. It's nice to meet you Anon, thanks for the ask!❤️

#ask answers

[ao719]

Breaking Point - I’m Broken, Tell You I’m Fine (Part 1)

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Series Song Inspiration: Broken - Jonah Kagen

Chapter Song: Changes - Hayd

Summary: A person can only repress so much before they reach their limit.

A/N: I told myself I was going to wait to post this … that obviously didn’t happen. This stems from a few conversations about PB’s inability to let Liam acknowledge anything that he’s gone through. I wanted to let him be human. It’s set in the beginning of the two year time jump at the end of TRH3, prior to any knowledge of the Via Imperii. Thank you to @dcbbw for prereading and @burnsoslow for looking over a good chunk of it.

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The room is silent save for the constant ticking of the clock that hangs on the wall. It’s painted a dusty blue and white. There’s a majestic view of the beach from an east-facing window, an abundance of healthy green plants, comfortable, supportive chairs, a small sofa, and nature-based artwork. Diplomas hang in a corner to advertise the office owner’s expertise, and their clean, clutter-free desk adds to the feeling of openness.

It’s on purpose. It’s to promote a calm and invigorating environment to balance the rigorous mental and emotional work. But despite their attempt at healing by design, with every sweep of the clock’s second hand, he wonders if this is a mistake.

This is going against every lesson that has been instilled in him since he was a child.

Always show stoicism, not emotion. Don’t talk about your feelings; bury them. Do not allow others to let your troubles become their own. Carry the weight and burdens of your position with pride and honor … and suffer in silence.

The only reason he is sitting here is because she asked him to. Because those ingrained lessons wouldn’t allow him to open up to her. Minor present concerns or worries, sure, but not all of this. It’s too much. It’s years’ worth of plight that he’s buried away, just as he was taught.

Or so he thought.

He’d always done so well. He displayed impeccable forbearance and always did what was expected of him, personal feelings aside. He always put everything and everyone else first, and he did it graciously.

It’s amazing what one can hide behind a smile.

Then, slowly, things began to change. His priorities shifted. His purpose and meaning in life changed. His outlook on and relationships with others became clouded with deceits. He lost trust. He became paranoid.

And that proverbial bottle he’d been stuffing everything inside of for years finally began to crack, and he reached his breaking point.

****

The morning of the Costume Gala, Liam is in his study with Riley, Olivia, Drake, Maxwell, Hana, and Bastien.

The King has been on edge. For weeks -- no, months -- he’s been walking an extremely fine line.

It’s been six months since Barthelemy’s attempted coup, and Liam is struggling. He’s constantly tense because he’s paranoid. He’s waiting for the subsequent death, life-altering news, betrayal, attack, sabotage. It’s what a majority of his life has consisted of thus far.

Sure, he’s had his share of happiness; he holds onto the feeling they give him because those moments are what keeps him going, and he cherishes them. But despite always telling himself that the good outweighs the bad, that everything happens for a reason, his optimism has been snuffed out, and he can’t seem to find it anymore.

Liam’s fingers press against his temples, and he closes his eyes as the chatter from others talking about the extensive security measures that will be in place that evening at the ball fades. All Liam hears is everything they’re not doing to ensure that they’re safe. He remembers the last Costume Gala and how they thought they were secure inside the walls of the palace, how his father died saving him, how something could have happened to Riley or his friends.

It seems as though nothing he does is enough. He always tries to be proactive, but he always comes out a step behind.

As the chatter comes back into focus, Liam hears the collective agreement from the others that the security measures in place are more than enough. For some unknown reason, that was the coup de grâce. The sound of his fists slamming against the mahogany surface of his desk immediately draws everyone’s attention to him. “It’s not enough!” the King’s voice raises.

Drake looks at him, taken aback and confused by Liam’s sudden outburst. “Li, we’ve got all of our bases covered.”

“No! We don’t! That’s what we always think, and we’re always fucking wrong!” Liam shouted. “Every goddamn time!”

Olivia’s brows furrow. “But, Liam -”

“Enough!” Liam yells as he sweeps his arm across his desk, knocking the contents on it to the floor; his booming voice reverberates inside the study, causing Riley to jump slightly. She’s never seen him like this. “Bastien, whatever you have set in place for tonight needs to be tripled,” he seethes. “The guards. The perimeter. I don’t want one damn inch of this place outside the front entrance, the foyer, and the ballroom accessible to anyone! Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, sir,” Bastien nods.

Liam walks around his desk and to the door; he flings it open and walks out, slamming it behind him. “What the hell was that about?” Drake asks Riley as he looks at her.

Riley shakes her head, staring at the door her husband had just stormed out of. “I don’t know, but he’s been edgy lately … more so than usual.” They’ve all noticed Liam’s progressively anxious behavior since they started planning the gala, but whenever any of them asks, he tells them he’s fine.

“Well, I doubt this is an easy event for him,” Hana says. “It is the first Costume Gala since Constantine’s death.”

“Maybe that’s why?” Maxwell questions. “It would make him being a stickler about security make a little more sense.”

“Maybe,” Riley says, but she’s not entirely convinced. “When it was first mentioned, I asked him if he was sure; he said he was. But I feel like it’s more than that, though. He’s increasingly become edgier since before the gala was even brought up. But he won’t talk about it … whatever it is.”

***

That evening, Liam stands in the ballroom while the guests at the gala mingle. His eyes move around the room, and every few minutes, he stops watching everyone else so he can search for Riley; he needs to know that she is safe. When his eyes go back to the crowd, he watches intently. His paranoia has him questioning everything: What are they talking about, and if they leave the room, where are they going, and what are they doing? His jaw tenses when his eyes find the people who played a part in making him feel this way. They’re people who once held his trust and respect. They no longer have either. If it weren’t for the decorum expected of him as their monarch, they wouldn’t be here at all; the last thing he wants is these people under the same roof as his family, the very thing they had a hand in almost tearing apart. He’s cordial only because he has to be; he doesn’t give them any more than a polite nod and a few words.

Showing respect to people who have openly wronged you is just another burden of the crown.

Eventually, Riley catches Liam’s eye when he finds her again, and she stares at him; even from across the room, he can see concern cloud her features. She has walked on eggshells around him since he left his study. She didn’t ask him while they were getting ready that evening about what happened earlier, and he knows it’s because she didn’t want to upset him before the gala. But he knows she’ll ask him as soon as they return to their quarters for the night because she’s worried about him.

He doesn’t know what he will say.

Liam is unsure of exactly what caused his outburst. It’s not something that’s ever happened before. He always comports himself with the utmost stoicism; it’s what he was taught to do. If something is bothering him, he works it out himself, or he buries it. It’s usually the latter. He’s buried so much over the years, it’s instinct now.

And the outburst earlier has him worried that it will happen again. It came on so suddenly; it was as if he couldn’t control it. He’s a King. He’s a husband. He’s a father. He’s a friend. He cannot afford to lose control. And he’s not supposed to.

He needs to ensure that his country is prosperous and his people are happy and thriving.

He needs to take care of and protect Riley; to be her rock, her pillar of strength.

He needs to be a father that Eleanor deserves, one she knows will always be there for her.

He needs to be the one his friends can come to when they need someone to confide in, someone to have their back.

So many people depend on his ability to keep it together, so he needs to be at his best. Always. He wasn’t at his best earlier; if he were, the outburst never would have happened. It shouldn’t have happened. He needs to do and be better.

***

After the ball, Liam and Riley enter their quarters; Liam goes right to Eleanor’s room to check on her while Riley speaks with the nanny. He quietly creeps into the room and up to the castle-shaped bed; his little love is in a deep slumber, and he finds himself breathing a familiar sigh of relief. He reaches down and softly strokes her cheek with his finger before Riley’s shadow moving across the floor pulls his attention. She steps up beside him and smiles down at their daughter as she leans into Liam’s side when his arm goes around her.

“Sound asleep,” she whispers. Liam nods and stares for another moment before they leave the room.

They enter their bedroom and change out of their gala attire; when Liam walks out of his closet, Riley sits up in bed. She looks up at him as he moves to join her, and he can sense the conversation coming.

“Liam … about earlier today, in your study …”

“I’m sorry, love,” he apologizes as he sits next to her, and the remorse is evident in his expression. “I never should have acted that way. I just got wound up over the security because it’s not something that should be taken lightly.”

“It’s not just today. You’ve seemed anxious for a while now … ever since …” She trails off as she meets his gaze; she doesn’t have to say it because he knows. “And I’ve noticed how you’ve been … how you seem uneasy all the time, more stressed than usual. I’ve asked you about it. And you tell me you’re fine, but-”

“I don’t need to talk about it, Riley. I am fine.”

“You’re not,” she shakes her head. “I know you, Liam, sometimes better than you know yourself. And getting you to open up is like pulling teeth.”

“I don’t need to burden anyone with my worries or problems.” Liam reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I can handle it, love.”

“But it’s not a burden, Liam.”

“Riley, my job is to take care of you. To take care of Eleanor-”

“And my job is to take care of you. I’m supposed to be the one you can come to. I’m your wife.” Liam lets out a breath as he shakes his head. “I feel like the more you pile onto your shoulders because you feel like you’re burdening me, the more on edge you become. And today … that wasn’t like you, Liam. I’ve never seen you that way before.”

“Today happened because I can’t allow something to happen to you again, or to Eleanor, or anyone else because of lack of detail to security! I’ve lost too damn much because of that already! And I’ve almost lost you more than once because of it!” Liam takes a breath and closes his eyes for a moment to compose himself before he meets her gaze again. “I cannot allow it to happen again. And I don’t talk about any of it because there’s no sense in us both worrying. You don’t need that stress.”

“And you do?” Riley quips.

“Again, it’s nothing that I can’t handle.”

“Liam … I think that this has more to do with just some security measures that didn’t meet your standards. I think you’re carrying too much … you’re holding too much in. And as much as I wish you would open up to me … if you really feel like you can’t … I think you should at least talk to someone.”

“Someone?” The tentative look on Riley’s face tells him what he doesn’t want to know. “What, like some shrink?” Liam bites out.

Riley sighs. “Don’t say it like it’s a bad thing, Liam. If it will help you get out what you’ve been holding in …”

Liam shakes his head as he turns to fluff his pillow. “I don’t need someone psychoanalyzing me, Riley. I told you, I’m fine.”

Riley watches Liam lay his head on his pillow, clearly offended by her suggestion. She needs to get through to him, and her merely asking that he open up to someone isn’t going to work. So she uses something she knows will at least make him think about it in depth. “You’re showing Eleanor that it’s ok to hold everything in. That it’s a weakness to open up. That she has to remain silent. Is that what you want for her?” When he doesn’t answer, she lets out a breath and lays down, reaching over to turn off the light on her nightstand.

In the darkness, Liam’s eyes are wide open, staring into the abyss as he takes in what Riley just said.

***

After taking a couple of days to consider Riley’s words, Liam goes to her and says he will talk to someone if it puts her at ease. Riley reminds him that he needs to do it for himself, not for her or anyone else.

The more he thinks about it, the more he comes to terms with the fact that burying everything for so long was the root of his outburst. He’s buried too much, and it’s beginning to seep. And he knows Riley is right. He needs to be an example for Eleanor, to set the standard; he never wants her to feel like she has to be silent.

So he reluctantly agrees to do it for himself.

Bastien handles the arrangements, making sure to be discreet; they find a small, private office down in the capitol near the beach, and after a couple of phone calls, NDA’s are sent over to be signed.

Liam is set to visit once a week and given private access to the building and slots of time after hours to maintain his privacy.

****

Two weeks later, Liam finds himself sitting in a therapist’s office; it’s meant to be calming, but he feels anything but relaxed.

He is apprehensive and skeptical.

He’s uncomfortable with the idea of sharing pieces of himself and his life with a stranger, but if it’s a way to keep the burden of his problems off of Riley and everyone else he cares about, then he’ll do it. And maybe talking to someone who doesn’t know him on a personal level is a good thing. He’s unsure of how much he’ll be willing to share, however. He knows he needs to be candid for this to work, but when the time actually comes, he questions how those ingrained lessons will affect how forthcoming he will be.

Liam hears the door open, and he glances over to see a woman step inside; she offers him a warm smile as she shuts the door behind her. He rises from his place on the sofa and extends his hand to her. “Your Majesty,” she curtsies.

“Please, just call me Liam,” he says as he shakes her hand.

“If that’s what you prefer,” she smiles. “Please make yourself comfortable,” she gestures to the sofa, and Liam retakes his seat as she lowers herself into the chair across from him. “Let’s get started, shall we?”

#trr #choices trr #the royal romance #choices the royal romance #trh #the royal heir #choices trh #choices the royal heir #liam rys #king liam rys #trr mc #trr liam #king liam #liam x mc #trr liam x mc #choices liam x mc #trr fanfic #trr fan fic #trr fanfiction #choices trr fanfic #trr au fanfic #trh fanfic #trr au #choices trr au

[cordonian-literature]

The Aftermath - Ch. 28

Private Moments

Summary: Maxwell and Rowan take the next step in their relationship, and Liam gets Riley to talk to him. 

Word Count: ~4.0k

Warnings: none

*All characters belong to Pixelberry, except those that are unique to my story (I’ve also used some characters and fictional instances from Donna Tartt’s book “The Goldfinch”)*

Catch up here!

Tags: @captain-kingliamsqueen @gkittylove99 @lovablegranny @iam-the-kind-and-thoughtful @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @queenrileyrose @shanzay44 @cordonianroyalty @hopefulmoonobject @hopelessromanticmonie @cinnamonspongecake @kuladekiwi @twinkle-320 @iaminlovewithtrr @charlotteg234 @amandablink @texaskitten30 @tinkie1973 @louiseingram1208 @queencatherynerhys @pens-girl-87 @missevabean @ladyangel70 @sanchita012 @cordonianprincess @liamandneca @cordonia-gothqueen @pink-diamond13 @queenwalton @yourmajesty09​

I’m not sure if the tags are working or not, but I hope I got everyone down! If you would like to be added/removed, please let me know :)

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

- Rowan -

After she had heard about Riley and Liam’s fight the night before, Rowan was almost sure that Riley wouldn’t participate in the Fox Hunt. But when she knocked on her friend’s door and Riley answered it with a tired expression— already dressed in proper riding attire — Rowan decided that it would probably be best if she left her friend alone for the day. 

She went towards the kids’ rooms, hoping to help them get ready, but then she sees them walking down the hall with Liam behind them. 

“Hi, Aunt Rowan!” Eleanor says to her. Liam gives Rowan a nod and walks away. 

“Hey there, you two,” she responds to them. “Ready for the hunt?” 

“Yeah,” Gabe says. “We had breakfast with Dad.” 

Rowan forces herself to keep a neutral face; she was thrilled that Gabriel had finally referred to his father as ‘dad.’ But the kids’ faces tells her that something’s off. 

“Everything okay between him and your mom?” she asks them. 

They both shake their heads. “We asked Mama if she wanted to have breakfast with us but she said no,” Eleanor recalls. 

Rowan looks away, upset that her friend was trying to distance herself from the person everyone was rooting for her to marry. But instead of thinking too much about it, Rowan tells the kids that it’s time to go get dressed. 

Maxwell’s in the boutique already. He tells them that he told Riley he would take care of their outfits. After the kids get dressed, Maxwell pulls out an outfit for Rowan. She puts it on and examines herself in the mirror. Maxwell had given her an outfit that matched with his. 

He then leads the group towards the stables. They pass by the front of the house, where Rowan notices Riley talking to Hana and Olivia, each of them with their own horses. 

She hears the animals huffing before they even pass the doors. Eleanor and Gabriel race towards the ones that they practiced on yesterday, and Maxwell helps the kids bring their horses out. 

Rowan glances around, trying to make a selection. She wanted to rush after the kids — Rowan didn’t really want to be around Maxwell right now. She had bad news, and didn’t want to tell him yet. 

She feels his hand on the small of her back and has to force herself not to jump. He leads her towards a horse and tells her it’s name, but Rowan doesn’t hear him. She’s staring at Maxwell’s face, wanting to commit it to memory. 

He notices her gaze is on him. “Everything okay?” he asks. The look in his eyes told Rowan that he was concerned for how she was feeling, but the joyous tone in his voice was still present. 

She looks away quickly and focuses on the horse. “Yeah, just thinking about Liam and Riley.” 

“Me, too. I thought they were doing so well, and then just...” 

“Exactly. And in front of the kids?” 

Maxwell frowns, and Rowan’s worry increases, as it usually did whenever Maxwell’s enthusiasm would falter. “I don’t think they meant to argue in front of the baby blossoms,” he tells her. “I know Liam’s worried. Especially since the Anointing of the Heir Ceremony is barely a week away.” 

As was Rowan’s plane ride back home. 

She decides to keep her mouth shut and started walking towards the stable doors. But she stops and reconsiders. If she didn’t tell him now, she would probably never come around to it. 

Maxwell was fussing over his own horse, pulling it towards the entrance in Rowan’s direction. 

“Hey, Max?” she tries to grab his attention. 

He immediately turns to face her. “Yeah?” There’s that contagious smile over his face, and she’s scared to say something that would make it go away. 

“I wanted to let you know... that I’ll be leaving for New York right after Gabe’s ceremony.” 

His smile dropped and her heart broke. 

It wasn’t that she wanted to leave; she had to. The time was coming for her to get back to her old life. To a life without Maxwell, or Riley, or the kids. 

She couldn’t find a reason to stay. Sure, Maxwell was a reason, but Rowan wasn’t naive; she knew that someone of his position was expected to marry a woman of higher social status. 

“But... but...” Maxwell tries to form the words. Suddenly his face lights up again. “Hold this for a second.” He hands her the reins of his horse. “Close your eyes. No peeking!” 

She obeys. Rowan wanted to open her eyes and see what he was doing, but a moment later he tells her to open them. 

Slowly, she does, and sees Maxwell kneeling down on one knee, a thin ring woven with strands of hay in his hands. 

“Rowan” he begins, “I know we haven’t known each other long but these last few weeks with you were the happiest I’ve been in a long time. I used to have dreams of who I wanted to become or places I wanted to go... but for a long time I lost sight of all of that. I thought bringing Riley back would make everything go back to normal, but you were a big part of it, too. You’ve helped bring back the fun in my life, and I don’t want to risk losing it, or you, again. So... will you marry me?” 

She looked between his face and the ring, but couldn’t get out the words. She wanted to ask him to give her more time to think about it, seeing that their relationship had barely started a month ago. But she would be lying to herself if she said that there wasn’t a part of her that felt the same way. 

Maxwell’s smile falters a little, and Rowan quickly nods her head and falls into his arms to kiss him. 

They part when they hear the stable doors open. Neville walks in, followed by some other Lords and Ladies. Maxwell and Rowan take the reins of their horses and walk back towards the front of the manor. Before they reach the crowd of people ready to go on the hunt, Maxwell gently grabs Rowan’s hand and puts the hay-ring on her finger. 

“I promise I’ll get you a real one when we come back,” he tells her. 

They giggle their way to the front of the crowd, where Liam and the children are ready to leave. Rowan looks around for Riley, but can’t see her. She notices the look of longing in Liam’s eyes, but it disappears, and he leads the court into the forest towards some mountains. 

... 

When they were on the mountainside, Rowan looks back at Maxwell, who had fallen behind in the group. He had told Rowan that he wanted to fill in his brother about the decision they just made. She notices a disappointed look on Bertrand’s face. While she wonders what about their engagement was making Bertrand so upset, Savannah walks up to her. 

“Enjoying the ride so far?” the woman asks her. 

“Yeah. It’s nice.” She looks at the green landscape below them, admiring how the leaves tilted in one direction when the wind blew. 

After a long pause, Savannah starts again: “How are you and Maxwell doing?” 

Rowan turns, wondering if Maxwell had told her. “Fine. Great actually.” 

“That’s good to hear. It’s good seeing him like this again, so happy and enthusiastic.” 

“Was he not like that before?” 

“No, he was. But everyone was in a big slump after Riley left and they thought they wouldn’t find her again.” Savannah looks toward the front of the crowd, where Liam rides close to the children. 

Rowan saw the kids give the man their full attention. One of the children would point to something, and Liam would point out another thing to them. She looked back at Riley again, who was engrossed in a conversation with Rashad. When she turns back to Liam, Rowan notices him glance back at Riley, that same look of longing in his eyes. Again it disappears quickly and he focuses on the children.

“Anyway,” Savannah pulls Rowan out of her observations. “How have you enjoyed Cordonia so far?” 

“I never want to leave it!” Rowan comments. 

“Are you going to go to New York any time soon?”

“You know, I planned to, but I don’t think I will anymore,” Rowan tells her. Without thinking she turns back again to see Maxwell, then hears Savannah give a bemused gasp.

“Are you and Maxwell...?” She leaves the question hanging in the air. Rowan didn’t want to spill the beans when there were so many people around, but she still leans towards Savannah to whisper that Maxwell had proposed barely an hour ago.

“Is that what him and Bertrand are talking about right now?” Savannah tilts her head in their direction. 

“Most likely.” Rowan sighs. “I hope Bertrand won’t forbid it or anything.” 

“Do you think he would do that?” Savannah asks. 

“I don’t know. I hope not.” She looks down at her hands, tightly holding the reins. “I just thought that he’d rather have Maxwell marry a woman from the court. Someone higher on the social pyramid.” 

Savannah raises her eyebrows. “Rowan, Bertrand married me. I was the daughter of a member of the King’s Guard.” 

“Really?” Rowan asks. 

“Yup. The Beaumont brothers, Liam, my brother, and I all grew up together.”

“Your brother?” 

“Drake. We’re siblings.” 

Rowan feels embarrassed for a moment. How had she not noticed, and why hadn’t anyone tell her? 

“What I’m saying is,” Savannah grabs her attention again. “Bertrand shouldn’t have a problem with you and Maxwell. If he does, I’ll talk to him.”

Rowan smiles at her, grateful that Savannah had doused some of her worries. 

After they’re lead through the mountain pass, the group reaches a small mountain village with cute little cottages spread around. 

While Liam talks to the group of people assembled, Rowan takes her horse back in Maxwell’s direction. She turns to see people lined up with their horses. When Liam gives a shout, they all rush towards him. Neville reaches him first, and the crowd politely claps.

They’re led towards a table where a large variety of meats wait for them. Neville is served first, and after he gets his plate, everyone lines up to serve themselves. 

Rowan finds herself behind Hana, who talks lightly to Rashad. She focuses on what they’re saying, trying to catch parts of their quiet conversation. 

“Well, I...,” Rashad tries to speak. “I wished to speak with you about your husband, actually.”

“Oh?” Hana responds.

“Yes. I’ve spoken to Lady Riley, and I believe I can help you with your divorce.” 

Hana is silent for a few moments. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“What do you mean? Have you two already...?” He trails off. 

“No.” Hana lowers her voice further. “But... I am his wife. I’m supposed to support him unconditio—”

“Countess, you do not mean that? A man like Neville does not deserve a woman as fine and caring as you.”

After Hana doesn’t answer, he continues. “We can discuss the terms over dinner, if you wish?” 

Rowan hears Hana say, “I would like that,” before Maxwell links his arm in hers and pulls her towards a table. They take a seat and eat, laughing with each other and those sitting around them. When she was about half-way done with her meal, Rowan sees Liam, his brother, and the children at the head of the table. She tries to spot out Riley, and can see her talking to someone away from the table. Again Rowan catches Liam staring at Riley, but for the rest of the evening Rowan focuses on Maxwell, hoping that Riley and Liam would at least try to find a way back to each other.

- Liam - 

The night after the doctor’s appointment, Liam couldn’t sleep. Not only was he sick with worry — both about Gabriel’s health and the painting that ended up in his room — but he also felt guilty. 

Hearing the fact that such a man had not only kept Riley away from him but had also sickened his son sparked rage in Liam’s soul. True, the man was gone and out of his way, but Liam was unable to douse his anger. He had only just met his son, yet Theodore’s actions could have taken the boy away from Liam again. 

Riley had shown so much strength during the Social Season and Engagement Tour, but where had that all gone with Theodore was forcing her to stay away? 

The guilt intensified when he remembered that he had spoken to Riley like that in front of the children. As he stared at the dark ceiling of his room in Applewood, he made up his mind that he would do everything he could to make it up to the children and to Riley. 

They’d just recently come into his life. He dreaded the fact that he may have done something to make them want them to leave. 

When morning came, Liam decided that he would treat the children with breakfast. They had been eating together these past few days, so Liam figured that there was no need to break this little tradition they had started. 

He saw them while he was going towards their rooms. They were walking away from him, in the direction of their mother’s room. When Liam proposed they join him for breakfast, he didn’t fail to notice Eleanor’s hesitation to smile. He didn’t fail to notice his son’s forced “good morning.” Liam missed greeting Eleanor with a hug, and regret burned inside of him. 

He told the two that he had chocolate waffles made for them, and Gabriel asked if their mother could join them. 

“If she wishes,” he tells them, and Gabriel walks off to get his mother while Eleanor follows Liam into the small dining room. 

Gabriel returns with news that their mother refused the offer to dine with them. The children’s faces fall before they return to their food, and Liam decides that it’s best he talk to them about what had occurred, least they fill their innocent minds with untrue assumptions. 

“I’m sorry you both had to hear the argument between your mother and I last night,” he tells them. “I shouldn’t have spoken to her like that.” 

“Were you mad?” Eleanor asks him. 

“Not entirely,” Liam tells her. “I was more...” 

He trails off. He wanted to say that yes, he was angry. Angry at Riley, Theodore. But he couldn’t tell two little children that he felt disgusted at the idea of Theodore, a man they had considered and believed to be their father for the entirety of their lives.

“Concerned,” he states. The children nod up at him understandingly. 

... 

While they were on the mountainside, he was glad that the children weren’t distant with him anymore, though he wondered how Riley was doing. Every time he looked back at her, he saw her engaged in a conversation with someone. 

Even during the feast, he wanted to call her over and invite her to eat with them, but he never saw her grab a plate. She walked around the small village, conversing with whoever she passed. There were multiple times where Liam stared at her, hoping to find a moment where he could go up and talk to her, but she thoroughly involved herself with those around her, leaving no opportunity for Liam to speak to her. 

It was clear to him that she was trying to avoid Liam, and the realization of that truth sent a dagger to his heart.

... 

Once they were back at Applewood, Liam tried to catch her again, but she was nowhere in sight. After he had put the children to bed, he walked in the direction of her room. Liam didn’t want to intrude on her privacy, but he was desperate for a moment with her; the entire day he felt he had been deprived of her.

He knocks lightly on her door. Riley’s gentle voice rings out, “Come in.” 

Liam turns the knob to find it unlocked. He opens the door to see her sitting in an armchair, her black shoes lined up beside it. She wore a pink dress that Liam assumed she had changed into after the hunt. The window was open and the summer breeze flew in freely. He stood in the doorway and stared for a moment, afraid she was just an apparition. She stares back at him. 

Liam steps into the room, closing the door behind him. “Have you eaten?” he asks her, remembering that he hadn’t seen her do so during the feast.

She shakes her head. 

“I’ll have someone bring you some tea,” he tells her. 

“Don’t trouble,” she responds. 

“Believe me, Riley, it’s no trouble.” He leaves the room again and makes his way towards the kitchen. Liam finds a servant along the way and requests a single cup of tea up to her room. 

He goes back into her room, gently closing the door again. The gust of air from outside chilled him. Seeing that Riley hadn’t moved from her spot, he goes to build the fire, then sits at the footstool in front of her. 

He puts his hand on her knee, but doesn’t caress her legs. Instead he trails his hand down, takes her feet in his hands, and follows their arches with his thumbs. 

She lets out a cry. “Why do you persist with me?” she says. “What do you want?” 

He shakes his head. “I don’t know, Riley. Maybe just this.” 

She shakes her head and rests her forehead in her hand. “I’ve been thinking about everything you said yesterday. I feel so stupid and guilty for the way I let everything play out... but honestly, I didn’t really have that much of a choice.”

After a few moments of silence, he speaks up, “I wish to apologize for the way I spoke to you last night. I was upset, but shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. My anger was never meant to be aimed at you. 

He thinks again for a moment. She doesn’t speak or move.

“Riley,” he says, moving closer and taking her hands in his own. “I need you to tell me more about Theodore. You have to tell me why you choose not to return.” 

She sighed and looked into the fire. Her eyes absorbed the red light. 

There’s a knock on the door. Liam stands to answer it, finding the servant with a cup of tea. He takes it and thanks him, then offers it to Riley. 

She takes a few sips, then rests the cup on her thigh. “There’s nothing to tell, Liam,” she says. “The life I had with Theo wasn’t one I wanted. I tried so hard to convince him to go to Cordonia, but he never agreed. He never let me come by myself either. Whenever I’d mention it, we’d have a terrible argument. Even if I didn’t mention it to him, he always had my passport hidden somewhere where I couldn’t find it so I wouldn’t leave. Sometimes I could find my passport, but then I didn’t know where Gabe’s or Ella’s was. I couldn’t leave them with him. I knew he wouldn’t do anything... but still.

“I couldn’t tell anyone either,” she continues. “I thought about getting someone involved, or contact the authorities, but I just wanted to keep everything quiet and keep my children with me. If I filed for divorce, there was a chance he’d ask for custody of Ella.” 

She takes another few sips. “I tried to talk my mom into convincing Theo, but he had already turned her mind against it as well. He said the same things to her that he said to me when he made me leave New York with him. It was just negative things about you and Cordonia. I knew what he said wasn’t true. I bet he knew they weren’t true either... Theo’s one of the biggest liars I’ve met in my life.” She pauses and stares down into her cup. “I think I left with him because I was scared. Scared of not finding Tariq. Scared of what Theo might do if I didn’t listen to him. Scared of what the court would say, seeing that I was pregnant by a man that was engaged to another woman.

“And then after Regina had forced me to leave during Bertrand and Savannah’s wedding,” she continues. “I was scared that you wouldn’t forgive me. For not telling you about Gabe. For leaving without saying goodbye.” 

How could he hold it against her now? Her motive had been to stay with her children. To keep them safe. 

“Did you love him?” he asks her. “Even slightly?” 

She thinks before responding. “Not really. We became close, but we didn’t give ourselves to each other. I didn’t because of what I felt for you, and I think he didn’t either because of the same reason.” 

“You spent ten years with him,” he mentions. “That’s nearly a fourth of your life.” You have a child with him.

“That’s in the past, Liam. It wasn’t something I wanted, and it wasn’t something I would have chosen. If I could rewrite history and do it differently from the beginning, I would. I only stayed because there was no other way for me to bring Gabriel or Eleanor.” 

He waits for her to drink more of her tea, thinking over everything she had just told him. He sees the tiredness in her eyes, and speculates at the pain that she felt those ten years. 

Liam wonders, that if she had been able to return to Cordonia, and had returned with a son, would he have been upset at her for keeping him away? If it was any situation besides the one they were pushed into, would he have forgiven her?

“Thank you for telling me,” he says, feeling a bit more at ease. At least now she had told him everything. He didn’t doubt her feelings about Theodore, and hoped that she wasn’t upset with him about what had occured yesterday. 

“I’m sorry for putting you through this,” she tells him. “I never meant to hurt you, or make our lives so complicated. You deserve someone whose life is simple. You don’t need any of this.”

How could she say that? “Riley,” he says. “You’re mistaken. I wouldn’t trade your complication for anyone else’s simplicity. Do you understand?”

She meets his eyes. She’s silent for a few seconds. “It’s difficult to believe.” 

“Try,” he said, and took her hands to draw her up. Liam pulled her close to him so that he could feel her warm body against his, her hip bones pressed against his own. He lifted her chin with one finger and kissed her. She wrapped her arms tighter around him. Liam draws away for a moment, gazing deep into her eyes, which were a warm brown abyss. 

He kisses her again, full of the certainty that nothing could make him move from that place, but she pulls away gently. He understands she’s tired, and bids her goodnight. 

When he leaves her room to walk to his own, Liam feels overjoyed. He had managed to mend his relationship with Riley, though the guilt still burned his insides. Liam knew there was a lot he still had to do to make it up to them. 

As he falls asleep, Liam tries to plan out what he could do with Riley and the children tomorrow at the jamboree. He looked forward to it, mostly because he was glad that he would have his little family with him. 

#trr fanfic #maxwell x oc #choices trr fanfic #liam x mc #trh fanfic #trh fandom #the royal romance #choices the royal romance #choices king liam #trr fanfiction #trr fan fic #trr #choices liam x mc #playchoices #fanfic #choices fanfic #the royal romance fan fic #liam rys

[steves-on-a-plane]

I saw a trend on TikTok called “Fill The Pub” where you fill a pub or bar with all your past D&D characters. I don’t play D&D, but I liked the idea, so I decided to do a “Fill the Pub” with some of my favorite OCs! {source Fics added below.}

Jessica Calvin (Far left, red sweater.) Christmas With The Calvins {Links externally to fanfiction.net} 

Alice Potter  (Same table grey sweater.) Harry and Alice Potter Series {Links externally to fanfiction.net}

Lex Stark (Purple and gold suit.)  Genius, Billion-Heiress, Socialite, Hero {Links externally to FF.N}

Gwendolyn Graham (Pink ballgown) Be My Royal Romance {Links externally to AO3}

“Reader” & RK800 (Back Table) Don't Get Attached {23 Chapter Tumblr Fic}

“Reader”  (At Bar) Future Mrs. Stark {5 Part Tumblr Fic}

#Fan Fiction #Fan Fic #FF #fanfiction.net #FF.N #FF.Net #AO3 #A03 #Archive Of Our Own #The Santa Clause FF #The Santa Clause #Harry Potter FF #Harry Potter #Dad!Tony Stark #Tony Stark FF #Connor x Reader #RK800 x Reader #Tony Stark x Reader #TRR #TRH #Be My Princess

[drakewalkerisreal]

THE STEAM ROOM

Drake × Riley

Warnings: NSFW, strictly above 18

<One shot>

In this quarantine period, to lighten up your moods I came up with this hot steamy one shot. Here it goes....

It had been a long week for Drake and me. We had been quite busy the whole week and decided it would only be responsible to take ourselves away for some quiet time.

We checked ourselves into a quaint hotel and spa, located a couple of hours out of main city. The first thing Drake wanted to do was get acquainted with the hotel restaurant, but I was adamant that we should check out spa. We compromised on the steam room, to sweat out some old, built-up toxins before indulging in dinner.

We parted for separate changing rooms. I’d brought a cute red bikini with me, which I was excited about using for the first time. When I met Drake in the steam room I noticed we were the only ones in there. His eyes lingered on my body lustily and I felt that surge of lusty feeling too.

I sighed and sat down next to him on one of the benches. I leaned my head back on the bench behind me and let my towel fall away.

“Feel good?” Drake asked.

“So good. I needed this.”

He chuckled “Cute suit.”

I opened one eye and peered at him. “You making fun?”

“Never.”

He leaned over and kissed me. When he sat back I noticed he still had his towel wrapped around his waist.

“You gonna take that off?” I asked, amused.

He laughed. “Ah, I wasn’t sure I should. Coz I am wearing nothing inside it…”

“You came in here naked?” I gasped in disbelief.

“Not naked, I’m wearing a towel!”

I shook my head and laughed. “Well, I mean, if you’re already naked anyway…” I trailed off suggestively and gave Drake a wink – I was a sucker for a naked Drake. He perked up at that and sat up. “Really, in here?”

The words came out of my mouth before I even thought about it. “More fun with a little risk anyway.”

I was going to see if I could lock the door, but then thought against it. The spa was so quiet, and if anyone walked in, at least it would be a funny story to remember in a few years…

Drake took off his towel and I could see that he was getting hard. This man really has the most beautiful cock. I guess it’s true what they say; when you’re in love with a man, you see his cock through rose-tinted glasses.

I pushed his legs apart, got down on my knees, and pushed on his chest so that he was leaning as far back on the bench as he could go. I offered him a smile and went in for a passionate, tongue-filled kiss. His lips were warm and steam-soaked.

While we were kissing he undid the back of my bikini top and let it fall to the ground. I moved downwards and enclosed my mouth on his half hard length.

Hearing him moan and seeing his pleasured expression whenever I looked up, got me more excited. Knowing he was turned on, turned me on. Perhaps it was also his attitude towards the act. He wouldn’t push my head down on him or try to direct me; he was appreciative of whatever I decided to offer, without expecting it.

Maybe that was what made me enjoy deep-throating him ever so.

I massaged his cock with my tongue, gently at first and then gradually with more pressure. I liked to tease him a little bit, moving my throat down as far as it could go, and then quickly back up again. He moaned softly and took hold of my hand, which had been squeezing his right thigh. We entwined fingers as I kept moving up and down, occasionally circling his foreskin lightly with my tongue.

After a few minutes, Drake pulled me off him and put his legs around my waist, bringing me in for another kiss. Before I knew what was happening he stood up, bringing me up with him. He spun me round, still kissing me, and lowered me down onto the bench.

This time it was his turn to push my legs apart. He gently massaged my thighs and slowly moved his hands up towards my vulva. He started off stroking my clit with his thumb, and then let his tongue take over.

His tongue moved up and down and side to side, changing up the tempo and pressure and then easing off to a soft, slow tickle. I held his head in one hand and sighed. Going from getting myself worked up on his cock to this – I knew it wasn’t going to take me long to come.

His tongue moved quicker, in circular motions and I could feel myself getting close. It was as if I was a pot of water that was building up and getting ready to boil over. I grabbed his hair and moaned loudly – far too loud for the public space we were in, but I didn’t care. I felt so good and I was prepared for all the world to know it.

Drake inserted a finger into me and his tongue turned ferocious on my clit, as if he was sustaining himself by consuming me. I couldn’t hold off any longer – in one big, long burst, my water boiled over and I came, panting and moaning loudly.

Drake kissed my inner thighs and pulled me close to him. His hard erection was teasing me. Then he playfully inserted his tip. He poked it in slightly, and then pulled it out. In, and out he teased me with his head. He knew that drove me wild.

I was tired of waiting. I begged him, “ Drakeee, please...”

Drake chuckled for a second, and then plunged deep inside me.

The gush of arousal I felt caused me to wildly swing my right arm back around his head for grip.

We were both focused on how intensely he was pumping behind me. I threw myself back towards him as quickly as he was thrusting himself forward. The friction was warm and wet. My goose bumps were gone, and I could feel a slight sweat building between us.

He reached around with one of his hands and circled my clit with his fingers like he was playing a video game. He knew just how to make me orgasm and we were well on our way.

He grabbed my breast with his another hand and massaged it to the beat of our laps smacking together, taking time to pinch nipple every few rounds.

“I’m almost there.” I announced breathlessly and starting to shake.

“I know. Come for me Baby. I want to you get off so bad.” he panted.

His words sent me over the edge. I threw myself back hard and paused, my vagina clenching down on him, quivering with excitement.

My body pulsed like a ticking clock as I climaxed. Drake held on to me tight until my tremors slowed. He kissed me passionately on the neck, licking the perspiration from my jawline. His pumping never slowed down. Now, it was his turn to experience the pleasure. I had to keep up with him for his fair share of excitement. However, I felt my knees weak. He was still pounding but now erratically.

“Baby, I am coming” he panted.

“Oh Drake, I love you. Do it for me”

Finally, it bursted out like hot magma and filled my pussy completely.

Some of it oozed out and flowed through my legs but I didn’t care. It felt like Drake’s love flowing through my body.

We finally turned to face each other, our cheeks flush from our frenzy.

I kissed him on the lips, feeling completely exhausted, and completely happy.

As I reflected back, I could not believe that we’d done that. Someone very easily could have walked in, particularly with my being so noisy, and the more I thought about it, the more thankful I was that no one else arrived while we did.

Later that night at dinner we clinked our whiskey glasses, toasting a busy week and an even busier first day of our mini-holiday.

@drakewalker04 @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @emceesynonymroll @star-spangled-eyes @dcbbw    @jovialyouthmusic @drakesensworld   @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @ao719 @duchessemersynwalker

@pug-bitch   @rainbowsinthestorm @burnsoslow @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @iplaydrake   @katedrakeohd   @nikkis1983 @qween-corgis @thorfosterlove @butindeed

 @gardeningourmet @speedyoperarascalparty

@pedudley @ibldw-main @irishwhiskys-blog @inlovewithwalker @addictedtodrakefanfic

@notoriouscs @grumpymarshmallowswife

@maria-soederberg @camersworld

@walkerduchess @msjr0119

#drake walker #drake?mc #inlovewithdrakewalker #choices fanfiction #trh #fan fic #pixelberry #the royal romance fanfic #playchoices #choices stories you play #the royal heir #trr fanfic

[lorirwritesfanfic]

Lori's Favorite Fics - Lockdown Edition #2

Wow! It's been six months since my last fanfiction reviews post. Remember when I started these reviews almost a year ago and said I'd make reviews every 15 days? Lori, you fool... tsk, tsk.

Anyway, there are many fics I have to share, but I'll do it in small doses. In this post, I'll talk about my favorite fics from June, July and August.

Blades of Light And Shadow

Breathe | Imtura Tal Kaelen x F!MC (tw: drowning, dying): With an impressive description of almost dying, @melodyofgraves 's powerful piece is centered on Imtura's possible demise during a battle. Yet, nothing is all lost when she realizes she has someone to fight for.

Somatic | Tyril Starfury x F!MC (N*FW, tw: choking): If you're into poetic prose, this fanfic is for you. It's no secret that @domesticatedantelope has a way with words, but this fanfic of steamy sex between Tyril and Verena (F!MC) took my breath away.

Desire & Decorum

If I Fell | Prince Hamid x F!OC: To me, being a Hamid stan means suffering with canon and celebrating every single fic centered on that awesome and underrated character. But you all have no idea many high pitched squeals I let out when I read this fic. Set on modern times, @missameliep describes an infatuated Elizabeth (F!OC) jogging at Hyde Park with Hamid. One would think it's all flirty/funny games until she made a fool of herself by falling on the ground. But I gladly tell that's when this extra fluff piece gets even better.

Like The Fireflies | Mary, Briar Daly, F!OC: Have you ever wondered how D&D MC's mother was like? In this lovely piece, @princess-geek shows us small glimpses of Beatrice's (F!OC) childroom before she met her father through Mary's eyes and some of her last moments with her daughter and friends.

Run Away With Me | Felicity Holloway x F!OC: I'm going to be honest. I never imagined myself reading a Felicity Holloway fic. But @melodyofgraves changed my mind with this forbidden love between her and Frances (F!OC) and I found myself rooting for them. Who knew... 😊

Run To You | Prince Hamid x MC: Every fan has a fanfic they wish it was canon. I have several. And most of them are Hamid x MC fanfics written by @missameliep . Our wonderful prince yearns to have a moment with Elizabeth (MC) and his hopes are answered when he spots the lady standing by herself at the ballroom. While assisting her on hiding from Duke Richards and filling out her dance cards, his true wish was dance with her all night. Little did he know she felt the same.

Mother Of The Year

Let It Be | Levi Schuler x MC: If you're in the mood for some hurt/comfort, @storyofmychoices 's piece will melt your heart. When Laura (MC) finds herself in times of trouble (sorry I couldn't resist 😅), Levi's soothing voice, support and excellent music taste are everything she needs to keep her head high and fight for her daughter.

Ride or Die

Etched | Logan x MC: Logan stans, keep a box of tissues close to you while reading this one because @ritachacha broke me 💔 Away from Ellie, Logan hangs on to memories and the hope of seeing her again as her name becomes a part of him.

The Royal Romance

In Your Place | Liam Rys x MC: This is one of those fics Liam stans read and think: "that's my king!" TRR/TRH fans know Neville is an elitist jerk that most characters just tolerate to be polite, which is why Lord Pompous Prick didn't expect to be humiliated by his monarchs. FYI, he totally deserved it and I didn't expect anything less from Riley and Liam.

Romantic Dreams Must Die | Drake Walker x MC: Mutual pining is an awesome trope and @argylemnwrites masterfully gives us a new perspective to one of the best scenes of TRR Book One alternating between Riley's and Drake's point of view of their dance before Liam's coronation. If you're an emotional person, be careful. This one might break your heart.

Rules of Engagement

Lover | Leo Rys x F!OC: I might need another box of tissues here and it's @xxrainbow-princessxx 's fault. I'm a sucker for forbidden love. It's hard not to have all the feels while reading this bittersweet story Leo and Isabella (F!OC) musing about a future they most likely would never have.

Lockdown edition is over, but there's more. Next week, September/October fics will get their reviews too and I'll gather the steamiest Kinktober fics. Also on my schedule? Series reviews!

I hope you all have fun reading these amazing stories! See you all next week!

#choices fanfiction #fanfiction reviews #lori's favorite fics #blades of light and shadow fanfiction #desire and decorum fanfiction #mother of the year fanfiction #ride or die fanfiction #the royal romance fanfiction #rules of engagement fanfiction

[kingliam2019]

I posted 3,085 times in 2022

117 posts created (4%)

2,968 posts reblogged (96%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@angelasscribbles

@ao719

@bebepac

@harleybeaumont

@viking-raider

I tagged 67 of my posts in 2022

#henry cavill - 15 posts

#youtube - 5 posts

#trr liam - 3 posts

#liam and riley - 3 posts

#superman - 2 posts

#trr - 2 posts

#enola holmes 2 - 2 posts

#their back - 2 posts

#liam x riley - 2 posts

#trr/trh - 2 posts

Longest Tag: 97 characters

#@twinkle320 @phoenixrising308 @nuggsmum @harleybeaumont @viking-raider @soot-sprite @sirbeepsalot

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Untitled Round-Robin Story, Part 3

In the universe that The Royal Romance/Heir fan fiction inhabits, the people are represented by two not necessarily separate yet equally important groups: The Writers, who come up with these fantastical stories, and The Readers, who eagerly consume them. One writer, @sirbeepsalot , was struck with inspiration and came up with the idea of a round-robin story based on The Royal Romance/Heir.

This is that story.

Catch up here.

Book: The Royal Romance/Heir

Pairings: currently unknown

This part includes this week’s Wacky Drabbles prompt, in bold below.

The character X, from Part 1, is now identified here as Olivia

.

Sitting in her Study going over details for the upcoming party, The Queen rubs her fingers over her tired eyes, as the colors and words swirl together, she’s been at this for hours trying to make it the best one yet. Placing her hands on the desk and with a heavy sigh she gets up and walks over to the bar cart, pouring herself a glass of Lemon Mint water. Relishing in the coolness of the drink she collects herself and sits back at her desk picking up the paper with the details of what food to serve, when her eyes become blurry and her head spinning. Putting her head in her hands trying to center herself, trying to get up a rush of vertigo hits. “I Don’t feel so good” She falls to the floor with a heavy thud. Just then her office door swings open to reveal a shocked guard.

Writers Taglist: @sirbeepsalot @burnsoslow @kingliam2019 @thegreentwin @dcbbw @queenrileyrose @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @angelasscribbles

Readers Taglist: @wackydrabbles @choicesficwriterscreations

Please comment below if you would like to be included in the list of writers, or readers, and haven’t yet done so.

33 notes - Posted January 23, 2022

#4

My Loves

Hi all: Just popping in to say hi and to let ya know that I will be on sporadically. I got approved for an apartment and will be moving in on the 15th of Sept. It will be bittersweet as I have lived in this house for 59 years as of yesterday the 28th of August. So it will be crunch time as I still have a lot of stuff to pack and clean. I know I have a MMM and a Fic to get out but it's there to be worked on inbetween everything. Might be just what I need for head clearing. So I'll be on and off til I get settled.

@ao719 @bebepac @angelasscribbles @texaskitten30 @bbrandy2002 @bobasheebaby @darkficsyouneveraskedfor @nuggsmum @winter2112rose @mayloma @harleybeaumont @rmtndew @queenrileyrose

46 notes - Posted August 29, 2022

#3

I Know You're Out There Somewhere 2

One Year Before

Riley stared in horror at the pregnancy test in her hands. You’re fucking kidding me, she thought. We had sex once! Riley retraced her steps on the night of the coronation. She and Liam did not use protection.

Tears flooded her face. This wouldn’t be a problem if she were the Queen-in-waiting. The people would be happy that there was already an heir. But she wasn’t the Queen-In-Waiting. She was Lady Riley, an “unfaithful suitor”. Riley stood up from the toilet, wrapped the rest carefully up in toilet paper, and tucked it at the bottom of the trash can. No need to cause another scandal.

On the bright side, Riley thought, Liam will be over the moon! For that, Riley was thankful. He’d be so happy to be a father! Riley’s heart skipped a beat. She was going to be— she was— a mother.

Riley felt this rollercoaster of emotions flood through her and it took the wind out of her. She collapsed on her bed in the train, unable to do anything besides try to process what she would do. She laid on her stomach, willing both happy and sad tears to stop, even for just a moment. Her heart ached, as she and Liam couldn’t celebrate properly, like normal people. But she was thrilled to bring life to the world.

She decided that night to tell Liam as soon as possible. They were stopping in New York next week and they could celebrate there.

Riley wore a bright smile the day after taking the test. She knew that it would be hard to keep this secret from the press, but if she could just cross that finish line with Liam— clearing her name— they could celebrate properly. She spent the day mingling with the court with a newfound hope. They had an idea of where Tariq was and he could clear her name! She was this close to being Liam’s fiancé.

Riley was in her room on the train before realization dawned on her. It hit her like a ton of bricks. She couldn’t possibly deny that she got pregnant before she and Liam were engaged. Sure, the press had speculated, but... this was different. This was confirmation. And the press believed she was having a fling with Tariq. Oh god, she cried to herself. They would say it’s Tariq’s and not Liam’s!! Riley began hyperventilating. She became sick in her trash can several times.

She heard a pounding on her door.

“Little Blossom!”

“Maxwell,” Riley whimpered. She barely talked before heaving again.

“I’m coming in,” Maxwell announced. “I was coming to tell you— woah!” Maxwell paled at the sight before him. He rushed to Riley and knelt beside her. He pulled her hair back. “What’s the matter, Riley?” He whispered.

Riley looked up at him and the concern in his eyes made her cry again. She wiped her mouth. “Oh, Max,” she whispered. “I messed up.”

Maxwell smiled encouragingly. “Hey, there’s nothing that you and I can’t fix. We’re the dynamic duo.” He stood and offered his hand to Riley.

Riley placed her hand on her stomach, hoping she was done being sick before taking Maxwell’s hand and standing.

Maxwell wrapped Riley in a hug and Riley came undone. Maxwell was patient and let Riley get it out of her system for a few minutes before prying. “Okay, now you really have to tell me.”

Riley pulled back and nodded, wiping away tears. She sat on her bed and patted the spot next to her.

“Maxwell, what I’m about to tell you, you can’t tell anyone, okay?”

Maxwell nodded.

“I’m serious, Max. If I find out you told anyone, I’ll—“

“I get it, Little Blossom.” Maxwell grinned at her. “Pinky swears.”

He held out his pinky and Riley locked hers with it.

Riley pulled her legs to her chest and took a deep breath. “Maxwell, I’m pregnant.”

Maxwell’s jaw dropped. His eyes bugged out of his head. He didn’t speak.

Riley snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Earth to Maxwell!”

Maxwell snapped his mouth shut just to grin a split second later. “Little Blossom, that’s awesome!” He squeezed Riley tightly then detached himself. “Oops. Hey! Little Blossom has a Little Blossom! Oh, my God. Its Little Blossom squared.”

Riley shook her head but laughed. She waited for Maxwell to process for a few moments.

“Maxwell, I know it sounds great, but...” Riley shook her head. “I got pregnant on the day Liam was crowned.”

See the full post

53 notes - Posted January 10, 2022

#2

I Know You're Out There Somewhere

I had this sitting in my Docs for a few years, decided to clean my pc and this popped up. Figured why not share this, might be a one shot.

Leo Rhys sat at a bar in New York, eyes scanning his surroundings; looking for one person in particular.

He glanced down at the paper in front of him. This was the correct address, but she is nowhere to be found.

Leo sighed and drained the last of his scotch. His eyes scanned the bar once more, desperate for a clue as to where she could be.

Leo stormed into the bar she used to work at and recognized Daniel from a description Bastien had given him. Overcome with emotion, he shoved her former coworker against the wall, demanding answers.

“I’m sorry!” Daniel said to the former Crown Prince. “Riley came back to New York after your brother’s coronation, but she only stayed for a month. She was staying with me, you see. When I got home one day, all of her belongings were gone. Her phone was off and everything. I haven’t seen her since.”

Leo replayed the conversation in his mind over and over.

Riley Brooks was gone without a trace.

In Cordonia, a man sat in complete darkness of his study, the weight of the world on his shoulders causing a migraine. He drained another glass of whiskey.

Where could she be? Leo has been gone for three weeks and I haven’t heard anything.

Just then, his phone rang.

“Yeah?”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t find her. None of her coworkers have heard from her for months. I have one lead I’ll follow, but it doesn’t look promising.”

“Thanks, Leo,” the man sighed.

Bastien Lykel hung up his phone before slamming his fist down on the desk. God damn it, Riley? Where are you?

On the other end of the castle, the King and his Queen sat on the same couch, but on opposite sides.

“It’s been a year,” the Queen hissed. “We need to produce an heir.”

Liam snorted. “You may be a Queen, dear, but you are nothing without me.”

The Queen bit her tongue, tears pricking her eyes.

“I’m well aware we need an heir. I’d like to sire one, as well,” the King said as he drained his scotch.

“Then why can’t you have sex with me, your wife?” She demanded, angry tears spilling down her cheeks.

Liam shook his head. “I tried! Remember?”

She did remember. They had been kissing and she had been hopeful that he had gotten over that American. He pulled back and shook his head.

“Get out,” he had said.

The rejection still stung six months later.

“If you can’t get it up for me, imagine her face, and give me the result,” the Queen said as she stood. “I’m ovulating this weekend. We should try for then,” she said as she left her husband’s quarters.

See the full post

81 notes - Posted January 10, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Henry Cavill has been cast for an undisclosed role in 'LOKI' Season 2.

105 notes - Posted September 1, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #Youtube

[zaffrenotes]

2020 End of the Year Faves

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 8 (ish) favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome work!

My Notes: Thank you @the-soot-sprite, @ao719, @queenrileyrose, and @cocomaxley for tagging me 💙 I had to take a minute and look at what I’d written this year in list view (62 posts so far this year, even with an unplanned hiatus) and...a lot of my faves are actually things I never planned to write ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

TRH - Elpida: an AU miniseries where Eleanor Rys is about to be crowned as Cordonia’s Queen, and she reflects over what had to happen for her to be standing in her father’s place, years after leaving the country. 

TRH - Kairos: an AU/miniseries where Riley asks about Liam’s previous relationship, and she finds out more than she asked for when he decides to tell her about his “almost”

ROD - Adventures in Babysitting: A one-shot from an anonymous ask post-RODAW where the MPC looks after Logan & Jin’s kid. Ridiculous fluff and soft!Colt

The Dating Game: a semi-Choices related birthday fic for my Wonder Twin Anya, featuring guest appearances from our mutual friends and some of Anya’s favorite fellas

TRR - Extra Rice & Alibis: another birthday fic (this time for Ella) where all kinds of chaos pops up for fictional Ella’s birthday. Easter eggs and inside jokes everywhere - it was a collaborative effort with Anya and we laughed so many times coming up with the story

TRR - Morpheus Dreams: a dystopian Soulmate AU that was a one shot that will turn into a series in 2021, where people don’t dream until they fall asleep in the arms of their soulmate 

BLADES - Drabble Series, Fireside / Starlight / Afternoon Sun / Mal Moon Rising: technically these are 4 separate pieces, but they are true drabbles at 100 words each, conveying a brief moment of reflection within canon Blades events, told from the POV of Mal or MC (female elf)

Non-Choices - The Exchange: my first official non-Choices piece of fanfic, where female!reader finds herself at one of Daniel Henney’s backyard barbecues, and she catches his eye

Tagging these talented folks because I’m curious to know what would top your lists: @plumeriavibes @burnsoslow @ofpixelsandscribbles @troublemakerinspace @lovehugsandcandy If you're a writer, content creator, aesthetic editor, or artist and you happen to see this and want to play along, consider yourself tagged!

#tag game #end of the year tag #fanfic recs #favorite pieces of writing