#choices trr au
Text
Vancross
Vancross - Rescue You (Chapter 23)
Most of the characters belong to Pixelberry.
Summary: A group of friends embark on their final year at Vancross Institute with the hopes of making it their best year yet. When a new face with a complicated family plagued by secrets and rumors arrives on campus, new friendships are formed, a new relationship blossoms, and threatening challenges arise.
Title inspiration: Rescue - Lauren Daigle
Main Pairing: Liam x F!OC
A/N: Multiple crossover series. There will be random sprinkles of canon throughout this story, but for the most part, it’s pretty much out the window. Not beta’d. Please excuse any errors.
Rating: M • Warnings: This series will contain nsfw material, language, some alcohol and drug use, and is not suitable for minors. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+
Catch up here
“Are we there yet?” Trystan cut his eyes up to the rearview mirror and stared at Blaine. “I’m just kidding. Everyone is just so fucking quiet and it’s starting to make me a little uneasy.”
“Nerves are good. Gets the adrenaline going,” Leo quipped.
They’d been driving nearly an hour with Amalas checking in every 15 minutes since they crossed over the Drakovian border to ensure their earpieces were still working. Thankfully, they hadn’t had any issues so far.
“We’ve got to be close,” Simon said.
Trystan had been quiet the entire ride, trying to get himself into the zone; he’d have to become a slightly different person once he entered the lion’s den and he needed to get himself into that mindset. But as the marker Everett placed to signal his upcoming turn came into view, he figured it was time. “We’re close …”
Trystan slowed the SUV, turned onto a dirt road, and shut off the lights, leaving the path ahead visible only by the silver moonlight from above as they moved at what felt like a snail’s pace. The path was lined by a thick forest of trees on both sides, giving nothing away as to what lay beyond them.
“I’m just gonna say it … this feels very fucking ominous,” Blaine whispered.
After several long moments, lights flickered from a vehicle parked up ahead, and the SUV rolled to a stop just as Amalas’ voice crackled in their ears.
“I see that you’ve arrived. Everything clear?”
“Good here,” Trystan confirmed, and the other three repeated his words.
Trystan and Leo exited the vehicle first, and Blaine and Simon gave one another a look before they followed suit. As they approached the other vehicle, they watched as a familiar face came into view.
Jonas, Croía’s former guard, bowed to Trystan. “It’s good to see you, sir. If only it was under better circumstances.”
“Agreed,” Trystan said. “Thank you for your willingness to help.”
“Of course.”
“Is everything set on your end?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” Trystan turned to look at the other three. “Don’t forget to stay alert and don’t draw attention to yourselves. Wait it out until the time comes, and once each of you has your spin as we’ve planned, you slip out through the side exit of the ballroom. Everett will be waiting to lead you to the tunnel … and I’ll meet you back here. Try not to get caught or, worse, die.” Blaine’s and Simon’s brows rose and Leo snorted. “Kidding … mostly.” He looked at each of them, not needing to say what he was thinking; the gratitude in his eyes at what they were risking for his sister said more than enough. “See you soon.”
They all shook his hand before the three of them slid into the other vehicle with Jonas, who was getting them through the gates with the help of Everett.
As they drove off back down the path, Trystan turned and walked in the opposite direction before veering off onto a smaller path in the woods. He hadn’t been down there since he was a teenager when he would hide from his lessons or escape the constant watchful eyes of his parents. It was clear no one else had been down that way in quite some time, evident by the brush covering the path.
After walking roughly a mile, Trystan came to the end of the trail where the entrance to the tunnel was located. It had been closed off over a decade ago, but he knew there was a way to open it, and instructed Everett on how to do so. He spotted the thick piece of wood that was keeping the heavy door wedged open just enough, and he smiled triumphantly when he slipped through.
“You made it.”
“Did you doubt me?” Trystan asked as he shook Everett’s hand.
“Not at all,” Everett smiled as they started walking down the dark passageway with his flashlight guiding them. “Guests started to arrive roughly 15 minutes ago.”
“And you’re going to the gate?”
“Yes. Jonas just sent me a message, so I’m headed there now.”
“Perfect.” Trystan glanced over at him. “How’s Croía?”
“I don’t know,” Everett shook his head. “I haven’t seen her today. She’s been with your mother since this morning.”
Trystan’s jaw tensed, but he nodded. When they rounded the first corner, Trystan stopped Everett. “Once you get back inside, there’s something I need you to do …”
****
Jonas waited in the car line going through the front gates of the palace where a guard was doing clarification checks of the guest list.
“A guard is circling the vehicles while the other does the clarification checks,” Jonas said quietly. “If they tap on your window, roll it down and act bored and annoyed by their presence.”
Blaine, Leo, and Simon nodded their agreement from the backseat as they fixed their masks into place; each mask was designed to conceal most of their face, giving off phantom of the opera vibes.
When the first of the three vehicles ahead of them finally pulled through the gate, Jonas drummed his fingers anxiously against the steering wheel; Everett had yet to come and replace the one guard checking the guest list. After a few moments, the next car pulled through the gate, leaving one more ahead of them.
“Come on,” Jonas mumbled under his breath. He watched as the other guard slowly circled the vehicle in front of them and felt the sweat beading his brow as they got closer to finishing. The guard circling the vehicle tapped the back of it, signaling them to go ahead. “Shit.”
Just as the car ahead started to roll through the gate, Everett appeared, and Jonas released a breath of relief as he slowly began pulling forward. He watched Everett say something to the guard, who then handed him the tablet with the lists before hurrying toward the palace as he rolled to a stop in front of him.
“IDs,” Everett said curtly, falling into character.
As Jonas spoke with Everett, Leo, Blaine, and Simon watched as the other guard slowly circled their vehicle; their eyes tracked his every movement until he stopped in front of Leo’s door and tapped a knuckle against the window.
Leo’s jaw tensed as he rolled it down. “What?” he snapped.
The guard peered inside. “Just checking the vehicle, sir.”
“Make it quick,” Leo spat in feigned annoyance. “I don’t intend on spending my evening sitting in the back of my damn car.” The man met his gaze, but unlike the guards he was used to dealing with back home, this one arched a brow almost in a challenge. It didn’t deter him, however. “Well, are your eyes fucking working? Or do I need to tell Queen Viktoria that we were late due to being held up at the gate by her incompetent guard?”
The man stared at him for another heartbeat before offering a curt nod. “Enjoy your evening, sirs.”
Leo rolled his eyes before rolling up his window. When Jonas pulled through the gate, Simon let out a snort. “Dude …”
“I just know that guy has a list of nobles he wants to kill and Lord Sterling DuPont was just added to it,” Blaine chuckled.
Leo grinned. “Gotta give ol’ Sterling a reputation.”
“Everyone still connected?” Amalas’ voice crackled in their ears.
“Good here,” Blaine answered. “We just got through the gate.”
“Good on my end,” Trystan’s voice came through. “But I’m probably going to lose you here in a second. I’ll let you know when I’m back on.”
“What do you mean?” Blaine questioned. “What if you need—”
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Just get inside.”
“That’s fucking great,” Leo grumbled. “We’re not even inside and he’s already going rogue.”
“I can still hear you, asshole,” Trystan said.
“I’ve got eyes on him for now,” Amalas interjected, reminding them she was watching the security feed. “If he needs assistance, I’ll let you know. You three just worry about what you need to do.”
Leo sighed just as the SUV came to a stop outside the front entrance. “I’ll see you back where we met up,” Jonas said quietly. “Good luck.” Blaine patted his shoulder right before a staff member opened the door.
Leo slid out followed by Blaine and Simon, and each offered a curt nod as they buttoned their suit jackets before making their way up the stairs. As they stepped through the front entrance, while some guests were led straight into the ballroom, they were instructed to take their place in a line.
They glanced around the foyer, dimly lit by the two gothic-style chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. In front and behind them in the line stood other masked guests … the men who would be vying for Croia’s hand that evening.
And suddenly, the full impact of what that evening was about hit Blaine like a ton of bricks. Croía was, in a nutshell, supposed to be auctioned off to one of these men … like some prized fucking animal.
It made his throat burn with bile.
“Remember, it’s not the Princess you need to impress this evening,” one man in front of him said quietly to another beside him, but not quietly enough for Blaine not to overhear. “It’s Queen Viktoria who will be choosing. And considering the Crown Matrimonial is in play—”
“I’m aware, Father,” the other man interrupted. “I’ll have no problem showing the Princess exactly where her place is and will be if I’m the one chosen.”
Blaine’s hands balled into fists at his sides as his jaw tensed. Confirmation of these men being aware of the power being offered to them had just been given. They had no intention of showing Croía any sort of respect that evening. Why? Because they weren’t trying to gain her favor but Viktoria’s.
Tonight, they needed and were expected to show Viktoria that they’d be both willing and able to keep Croía in line.
Anger flared in Blaine’s chest at the thought of any of these assholes crossing any sort of line with his friend. And more bile rose in his throat at the idea of Liam having to hear about it.
“Blaine?” Simon whispered.
Blaine snapped from his daze and looked at Simon and Leo; both their eyes flickered down to his balled-up fists. He cleared his throat and flexed his hands open. “I’m fine.”
After several long moments, they finally stepped over the threshold into the ballroom, and they all immediately searched for Croía as the line slowly moved. They finally saw her standing at the front of the dais, dressed in a black and gold gown and a matching gold mask.
Behind her were six figures seated on the dais.
The two in the center were the unmasked King and Queen, dressed in black regalia; two chairs sat on either side of them, each one occupied by a figure dressed in a hooded black garb, and their identities were concealed entirely by full-face masks, each of a different design.
“That’s not unsettling at all,” Simon quipped.
As Simon, Blaine, and Leo grew closer to the dais, they adjusted their masks, ensuring they stayed in place. Leo’s eyes were locked in a side-long stare on the King and Queen while Blaine’s remained on Croía. Some suitors simply bowed without a word and walked away. Others, however, like the asshole in front of them that Blaine overheard in the foyer, seemed to deem it necessary to assert their dominance.
“Your Highness,” the man bowed when he made it in front of her.
Blaine watched intently. Croía didn’t move, even as the man took her hand in his without her permission. He brushed his lips against her knuckles before lifting his head, and Blaine saw the corner of his mouth quirk up in a smirk as his grip on her hand tightened. “After tonight, you’ll be the one bowing, and hopefully to me.”
A low growl left Blaine’s throat, and Leo inconspicuously nudged him at hearing it. “Chill.”
“He just—”
“I know.” Leo’s jaw tensed. He’d heard it, too. And he’d give anything at that moment to beat the living audacity out of the guy, but they had to stay focused.
It was finally their turn.
Simon stepped up to Croía first, silently bowing at the waist before stepping away; he had been worried his voice might give him away should he say anything.
Leo followed behind him. “Your Highness,” he bowed and quickly stepped away.
When Blaine stepped up in front of Croía, his eyes found hers, but she didn’t meet his gaze; she was looking through him, staring straight ahead instead as if in a trance. He quickly scanned over her for any sign of injury or distress, but nothing stood out other than her thin, statuesque posture. When his eyes fell on her face again, his jaw ticked when he saw a lone tear trickle down her cheek from beneath her gilded mask. We’re here, Croía. “Your Highness,” he said quietly to mask his voice as he bowed before stepping away.
****
Lydea closed an open stateroom door as she made her way down the hall; she was doing one last cursory check of the upper levels. When she rounded the corner, she stopped short and furrowed her brow. “What are you doing?” she called out.
Everett turned and met her gaze, offering a bow as she approached him. “Just doing a cursory check of the corridors, ma’am.”
“I’m doing the cursory checks. Your post is downstairs in the ballroom.”
“I just thought — with all the guests this evening, I mean—”
“I’ve got it handled. Now get your ass downstairs.”
“Of course, ma’am.” Everett gave another stiff bow before hurrying for the stairs. He waited a moment before glancing over his shoulder, seeing her still watching him; he quickly looked away. Once at the stairs, he inconspicuously slid his eyes in her direction once more, watching her disappear down the corridor he’d come from when she spotted him … and he smirked.
She’d done exactly what Trystan said she would.
Lydea let her gaze flicker around as she walked the length of the corridor; the guards were all stationed downstairs, either in the ballroom or on the grounds around the palace. Not in the third-floor corridor. And certainly not the one that led to the private suites of the Thorne progeny.
Once at the end of the hall, Lydea turned and started checking the doors to the rooms.
Vasili’s and Sebastyan’s doors were locked as they usually were. Marguerite’s door was locked, the same as it had been since her last visit more than a year ago.
In the next hall, Emika’s and Kaspar’s doors were locked. Astrid’s door was locked. Her own door was locked. She bypassed what was once Trystan’s room without a second thought and peered around the corner at the lone door at the end of the small hallway.
Croía’s room.
By itself.
Away from the others.
Lydea approached it and jiggled the knob. It, too, was locked. She sighed as she turned back and started to make her way back to the ballroom, but she halted a step after passing what was once her eldest brother’s room. Her brow furrowed as she turned back around, confirming what she thought she saw.
The door was cracked open.
With one hand on the hilt of her dagger, Lydea pushed open the door with her free hand and stepped inside; she glanced around, taking it in for the first time in eight years. She froze again and tilted her head to the side when her eyes fell on the oil painting on the far back wall; the portion of the wall it was hanging on was ajar and she could feel the draft coming from the stone passageway … the passageway that only she and her siblings had access to through each of their suites.
Lydea slowly moved toward the opening; Kaspar and Emika were the only ones she knew who still used the passageway from time to time, and it was entirely possible they entered Trystan’s old room for whatever reason their twisted minds felt necessary. Hell, they could be having weekly slumber parties in there and she wouldn’t know or even care for that matter. Being that Kaspar was told not to be near the palace that night and Emika was charged with keeping him away, however, she was curious if her two younger siblings had managed to sneak in.
Stepping through the opening in the wall, Lydea made her way into the passageway; she stopped once inside the darkened stone hallway, listening for the echo of voices or footsteps, but heard nothing. She stopped again at the end of the stone hall, staring at the wooden door that led to the massive chamber beyond it.
It was open.
“What the hell are those two up to now?” Lydea whispered to herself as she started for the door. She stepped inside, expecting to find her two younger siblings lounging in the secret sanctuary they used as children, but her brows rose at who was there instead.
Leaning against a column at the edge of the room, Trystan nonchalantly — and expertly — twirled a dagger in his hands. “Hello, Lyddles,” he smirked. “Long time no see.”
“Well, this is certainly a surprise.” Lydea feigned indifference while her mind raced with how the hell he’d managed to make it inside completely undetected. “I can say that you’re the last person I expected to find here.”
“You know how much I love surprises,” Trystan grinned. “You’re looking rather official in your uniform.” He tilted his head in thought. “It suits you.”
“Cut the small talk,” Lydea said as she stopped a few feet away from him. “How did you get in here? And considering you’re not supposed to step foot inside the palace, let alone the country unless summoned by the King or Queen — which you weren’t — what are you doing here?”
“To answer your first question, I have my ways. As for your second question … I think you already know the answer to that.”
Lydea stared at him. “Croía …”
“Still sharp as a whip, aren’t you?” Trystan grinned.
“Well, I hate to break it to you, but you’re not going to get very far in your task, I’m afraid.”
“You almost sound convincing.” Trystan offered a menacing smile as he skillfully flipped the dagger in his hand. “Almost.”
“The guards will be up here in a moment,” Lydea said, “and unfortunately, I’ll have to take you into custody.”
A low, sardonic chuckle escaped Trystan. “Lyddles, give your big brother a little more credit than that. You haven’t alerted your guards. And even if you tried with that silent trigger on your fancy little radio — yes, I know about it — this chamber, if I recall correctly, doesn’t emit signals for shit because we’re too deep inside the palace and these concrete walls are too damn thick. That’s why Astrid stopped coming in here because she couldn’t get a signal on her phone.” He saw the flicker of irritation in her eyes from him remembering those details, and he grinned triumphantly. “Now … we can do this the easy way or the hard way. The choice is yours.”
“No, dear brother, the choice is yours. I’m either taking you with me freely or against your will.”
Lydea kept her voice steady and expression indifferent despite knowing this was a battle she would more than likely lose. This was Trystan. She’d never admit it out loud, but her big brother could outsmart her both intellectually and physically.
“Your confidence is inspiring. Truly,” Trystan teased with a smirk. “But I’m going to call your bluff.”
“Trystan, you don’t want to do that.”
All facetiousness left Trystan’s face and his glare on his sister turned sinister as he took a threatening step forward. “Let me put it to you this way … I’m not leaving here without Croía. I’ll burn this palace to the fucking ground if that’s what it takes. And you know I’m crazy enough and feeling pissed off enough to do just that. So we have a couple of options here. I’m either going to take you out and continue on my way … or I’ll give you a chance to do the right thing and you can help me.”
“The right thing is for Croía to—”
“Don’t,” Trystan spat. “You know nothing about her and what the right thing for her is. This … she is not built for this. And I don’t mean the crown, I mean this place. You and I both know that.” The brief flicker of guilt in her eyes told him everything he needed to know. “She’s not me or you. She is good, Lydea. Let her stay that way.”
“Trystan, my duty is—”
“I don’t give a fuck about your duty,” Trystan took another step forward. “You know this isn’t right. She’ll never be the person they’re trying to mold her into no matter how hard they try. This is going to do nothing but break her. But you’d rather stand there and watch her crumble than give her a fucking chance at a life away from here because of your high and mighty duty?” He paused, tilting his head. “Or is it because you’re afraid?”
“I am not afraid,” Lydea ground out through gritted teeth.
“Huh,” Trystan hummed. “Could have fooled me. Because the way I see it, you’re acting like a fucking coward because you’re afraid of what mommy dearest will say. You never could stand to be a disappointment, even if it was in the devil’s eyes.” A breath escaped Lydea as she held her brother’s gaze. “I’ve never asked you for anything. Even when my entire reputation was on the line, even when the lies started to spread like wildfire and I knew you were probably the one person who could prove my innocence if I begged you to really look into it … I never asked you for a damn thing. I’m asking you now. Not for me but for her.” His voice dropped to a dangerously threatening tone. “And I’m only going to ask once.”
Lydea’s jaw tensed, and Trystan braced himself for a fight that would be grueling but that he knew he would win. She held his gaze for a few more heartbeats before closing her eyes and releasing a sharp breath. “What do you need?”
Trystan straightened. “You better not be toying with me, Lydea. I’m in no fucking mood for games.”
“I’m not toying with you,” Lydea chided. “Croía asked me to help her … to get her out … and I wanted to, but …”
“Well, here’s your chance to make it up to her,” Trystan interrupted.
“Again … what do you need?”
“I’m not telling you what I’m doing,” Trystan said pointedly. “Because one, I don’t know if I can truly trust you. No offense.”
Lydea crossed her arms but shrugged. “None taken.” She couldn’t blame him there.
“And two, the less you know, the better. I’m not asking you to directly insert yourself,” Trystan explained. “I only need you to help create a diversion …”
****
Long after the guests had made their way through the receiving line, Croía remained standing at the front of the dais. She wasn’t allowed to sit. She was the spectacle of the evening, the trophy for those not vying for her hand but for the crown her mother had dangled in front of them.
The “suitors” would come and stand in front of her; they’d ogle her and talk about her and make comments as though she wasn’t right there and could hear their every word. She felt like a prize up for grabs.
She felt used.
She felt disgusting.
In the last few days leading up to that night, Croía had given up; that sliver of hope she’d held onto to somehow find a way out had completely vanished after Lydea declined to help her. She hadn’t necessarily accepted the fate being forced on her that evening, but she had come to accept that there was nothing short of death itself that was going to get her out of it. And up until that night, she’d been in a daze of sorts. The days had been a blur. She’d been numb.
Now, she was scared.
Croía felt her throat burn and her eyes sting when two of the “suitors” finally turned away from her and headed back into the crowd after sharing would-be plans they had for her with one another. She felt sick. She fought the instinct to glance over her shoulder to where her mother was on the dais. Why she’d want to look to her for comfort, she didn’t know. She wouldn’t get it.
She had no one.
She was alone.
Croía’s breath hitched in her throat as she fought back the emotions threatening to spill out; she closed her eyes and thought of the one thing that could calm her … yet simultaneously wreck her.
Liam.
An ache rippled through Croía’s chest as she envisioned his smile, his kind blue eyes, and the sound of his laugh. Her mother’s words about him forgetting and giving up on her had infiltrated the deepest parts of her the past few days; as she slowly lost what little hope she had left, those words burrowed themselves into her soul.
He’s forgotten you.
He’s given up on you.
What she wouldn’t give to tell him how sorry she was. She didn’t mean to let him down. She should have listened when he warned her not to come back here. She had no one to blame but herself for where she was at that very moment, and she couldn’t and wouldn’t blame him or anyone else for feeling the same. She’d made the stupid decision to come, all to seek some form of approval and affection from her parents that she knew deep down she’d never get.
I was a fool. A naive fool.
A voice pulled her from her daze and her eyes snapped open as her body went rigid under the scrutinizing gaze of another “suitor” now standing in front of her.
****
Blaine, Leo, and Simon stood in the back corner of the ballroom, casually sipping drinks as they scanned the crowd.
They’d kept to themselves save for a few curt nods of acknowledgment that they returned to other guests. They all found themselves on edge, however. Each time one of the guests approached Croía — who had yet to move from her place at the front of the dais — they watched them intently. When the King, Queen, and their creepy hooded cronies stepped off the dais and made their way around the room, they managed to dodge them entirely, making sure to stay huddled in an area they already bypassed. When the King and Queen returned to their seats on the dais, the others remained mingling with the rest of the crowd before they slipped out; Amalas confirmed they had left, having seen them on the security feed.
“It’s almost time.”
Leo released a breath of relief at the sound of Trystan’s voice crackling in his ear. “Where the fuck have you been?”
“Handling something.”
“Handling what?” Simon asked.
“Lydea. I’m moving into my spot now. They should be starting any moment. Everett is in position waiting for you.”
As if on cue, a bell chimed, signaling that it was time for the Drakovian waltz. They had worked this part out so that no matter where they were positioned, they knew where they needed to end up. They watched as Croía finally moved from her place at the front of the dais to the center of the dance floor while the other guests took up positions around her.
As they made their way to the dance floor, out of the corner of his eye, Leo saw Lydea stride into the ballroom with another guard following closely behind her, making her way toward the dais. “Are you sure you handled your sister?” he whispered. “Because she just walked in and is headed right for your parents.”
“Just do what we planned. Don’t worry about her.”
As the music started and slowly began to swell, Lydea stepped onto the dais with the other guard and they stood in front of her parents, blocking most of their view. She leaned forward, appearing to start some deep discussion as the dance started.
Other guests besides those vying for the Drakovian crown were now on the dance floor, but the idea was to give each “suitor” a dance with the Princess.
The asshole that had been in front of them in the line earlier had somehow managed to end up as Croía’s first partner.
As they went through the steps, Simon, Blaine, and Leo kept their eyes on Croía, and during each switch, they moved closer, throwing some off as they cut them off and took their respective partners, but it was easy for them to rectify and not enough to draw attention.
Croía was being spun around from one guest to the next. When she switched partners again, the man she had been supposed to go to was cut off as another swept her away into a twirl. She glanced over at her mother on the dais, knowing the slip-up would infuriate her, but she hadn’t seen it; she was busy speaking to Lydea.
When she looked back at her dance partner, he smiled. “Nice moves, darl.”
Croía’s eyes slightly widened, recognizing both the voice and the silly term of endearment. “Si—”
Before she could finish, Croía was twirled away into another pair of arms. She glanced around for who she could have sworn she’d just been with, but she couldn’t spot him in the crowd of tuxes and masks. Her chest burned where the brief spark of hope had started to ignite but was abruptly put out. She knew it wasn’t possible and her mind had just been playing tricks on her.
Blaine had Croía now, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything to her, not knowing how she or himself would react. He just wanted to get her the hell out of there and away from this place and these people as soon as possible.
A few moments later, Croía was spun away again, landing in another set of strong arms. She knew something wasn’t right; she should still be at the center of the dance floor, but she had somehow shifted and was now near the back edge instead. She glanced at the dais again to gauge her mother’s reaction to her having somehow messed this up, but she was still distracted in conversation with Lydea.
“Looking fancy, Cocoa Bean.”
Croía’s gaze snapped to the man in front of her at the instant recognition of the nickname; when she met his piercing blue gaze through his mask, her eyes welled with tears as her heart pounded. “L-Leo?”
“Shhh.” Leo looked around, feeling her start to shake in his grasp as he continued to shuffle through the waltz steps. “Breathe, Croía,” he whispered. “Focus and don’t draw attention to yourself right now. I’m going to pass you off here in a minute and you need to go. Do you hear me?” She gave a quick nod, holding his gaze through the mask as if she were afraid this moment wasn’t real. “Good. I’ll see you soon,” he winked.
With that, Leo spun her away from him with a bit of force, sending her stumbling backward toward an alcove at the back wall. Before she could register what was happening, an arm wrapped around her waist and yanked her through a secret door. She went to scream, but a large hand clamped over her mouth to silence her. Her eyes snapped up when she was spun around and they widened when she saw his face.
“Trystan,” Croía choked out as he pulled her to him.
“I’m here, kid,” Trystan replied. “I’m right here.” He closed his eyes when she clung to him, fisting his suit jacket in her hands; he could feel her trembling and hear her breath hitch but forced himself to refocus, stepping back from her and gripping her shoulders as he looked into her tear-filled eyes. “Listen to me. We don’t have a lot of time. I’ll explain everything, but we need to go. Now.”
Croía’s mind and heart were racing but she had enough sense to nod in reply.
Trystan gripped her hand like a vice as he pulled her down a dark and musty passageway, moving through it as if it were second nature. The sound of her heels clicking against the concrete floor echoed against the old stone walls; he was moving so fast that she had to practically jog to keep up with his long strides. She had no idea where they were or where they were going.
After turning a few more corners, they rushed toward a door at the end of the passageway, and when Trystan pulled Croía through its opening, she was outside. She watched him turn and pull out the thick piece of wood that had been there. The heavy door slammed shut with a resounding thud.
“Let’s go,” Trystan said as he turned back, grabbing Croía’s hand again and pulling her into a pathway in the woods.
Between the still lingering panic and moving so quickly, Croía was gasping for breath as they rushed through the dark woods. Her gown had snagged on branches and brambles, tearing the fabric in places and sweat beaded the hairline of her no longer elegant updo.
Soon, they burst through the end of the pathway onto an abandoned dirt road, and Croía skidded to a halt when she saw two SUVs and the silhouette of a man standing in front of one … a man she didn’t recognize.
“Trystan,” Croía’s voice cracked as she stumbled back.
“It’s ok,” Trystan said. “Everett has been helping me … feeding me information to help get you out. He’s good. He’s coming with us.” He looked at the guard as he gave a quick bow. “Everyone ready?”
“Yes, sir,” Everett nodded.
“Good. Let’s go.”
“Where are Leo and Simon?” Croía asked.
Trystan ushered Croía to the first SUV, opened the back door, and helped her in while Everett slipped into the driver’s seat. “They’re in the other SUV with Jonas and Blaine.”
Jonas and Blaine, Croía thought as she was hit with another wave of emotion.
As he yanked the seatbelt across her chest and buckled it, Trystan could sense her gaze on him, and he looked up; he lifted his hands and pulled the mask off her face. “Are you ok? Are you hurt anywhere?”
“I …” Croía trailed off as a lump swelled in her throat. She was overwhelmed and confused. Too much was happening all at once and she couldn’t think straight.
Trystan. Leo. Blaine. Simon.
How they managed to get in or what exactly they had done, Croía didn’t know. But for a brief moment, she couldn’t help but think … if they were there, did that mean someone else was there?
Those words that had made a home in her soul filled her head once again.
He’s forgotten you.
He’s given up on you.
“I’m ok,” Croía finally choked out just above a whisper.
Trystan nodded. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” He stepped back and shut her door. “Amalas … we’re on our way,” he said as he walked around to the other side. He chucked Croía’s mask on the ground of the dirt road before he slid inside.
****
Amalas and Olivia looked at one another with grins. “Do you want to tell them or should I?” Olivia asked as she gestured in Liam’s and Alia’s direction; they were both pacing on the deck outside.
“You can do the honors,” Amalas replied as she looked back at the screen and began typing. “I need to get this footage onto a USB before I wipe their security feed.”
Olivia nodded as she pushed back her chair and stood, making her way toward the sliding door. When she opened it and stepped outside, both Liam’s and Alia’s gazes snapped in her direction. “They’re on their way back.”
“They … they got her?” Liam’s voice cracked.
Olivia felt an unmistakable sting in her eyes at the look on her friend’s face. She nodded, “They got her.”
Alia squealed through tears and ran inside, throwing her arms around her sister.
A sharp breath, one he felt like he’d been holding all night, escaped Liam. And suddenly, he was trembling. “They got her …” He needed to hear her say it again.
“They did.”
In the next moment, Liam sank to his knees and covered his face with his hands. Weeks worth of suppressed worry mixed with more gratitude than he’d ever felt in his life and it all poured out at once.
Olivia placed her hand on his back as she crouched down next to him. “She’s on her way, Li.”
****
Thirty minutes into their drive back to Rivala, Trystan glanced over at Croía beside him, watching her as she stared out the window. His hand was clutched in hers; she hadn’t let it go since he got into the SUV.
But she’d been silent.
And that worry Trystan had about how far inside her shell she would be gnawed at him because he hadn’t been able to gauge her.
Trystan hadn’t expected her to ask him questions about any of what took place that evening, not right now, not with Everett in the vehicle, someone she didn’t know. But it was her emotions — or lack thereof — that had him worried.
While Croía had shed some tears, it wasn’t anything like what he’d braced himself for. She’d always been an emotional person, and considering what she’d been through, to be honest, he expected her to break down now that she was out. But she hadn’t. He knew she probably had a lot on her mind and that she had to be feeling beyond overwhelmed after everything that happened just that night alone, but he wasn’t sure if he could chalk her lack of emotions up to that or not.
As she stared out the window, Croía’s mind and heart felt heavy. She wasn’t sure where they were headed, but as long as it was far away from the place she once called home, she didn’t care. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she continued blinking them away and pushing those emotions threatening to unleash back into their bottle; she feared if she allowed them just a little bit of freedom, she wouldn’t be able to get them back under control. So she coated herself in a blanket of numbness … but it didn’t stop those words from breaking through.
He’s forgotten you.
He’s given up on you.
Croía wished she could drown them out, but they played in an echo on repeat in her mind. And each time she heard them, that thread holding her together would fray.
Those words wouldn’t allow her to make sense of Leo, Blaine, and Simon being there. They offered excuses as to why else they chose to be a part of it, reasons that didn’t involve Liam …
Because he’d forgotten … he’d given up.
****
Sitting inside the living area of the cabin, Alia and Liam stared out the window, waiting for the slightest glimpse of headlights to shine into the darkness outside and signal that the others had returned. Amalas and Olivia had made them stop watching long enough to force both of them to eat something, but as soon as they finished, they both returned to the sofa facing the window.
Liam’s eyes flickered between his watch and the window; he’d been counting down the minutes since Olivia stepped onto the deck to tell them the news. It’d been just over an hour … they should be there.
Just as his eyes slid down to check his watch again, Alia sprung up, and his gaze snapped back to the window; the trees outside were illuminated by a light that grew brighter with each second.
Then two SUVs rolled to a stop.
Liam slowly rose to his feet as his eyes shifted between the two vehicles.
Alia was already rushing for the door. She flung it open, ran out onto the porch, and paused, watching as the back door of each SUV opened. Trystan emerged from one, and Leo from the other. When Trystan reached into the vehicle, she saw a hand take his, and a moment later, he helped Croía out.
Alia flew down the stairs, making a beeline toward her. “Croía!” She threw her arms around her.
Croía returned her embrace as her vision blurred. “Hi,” she choked out. Her eyes snapped to the front porch when two figures appeared from inside.
Olivia and Amalas.
Something inside Croía’s chest twisted, both with gratitude and heartache.
Alia drew back to look at her. “You’re ok?”
“Yeah,” Croía nodded before she was pulled into another hug. She closed her eyes, trying to compose herself.
Alia stepped back again, tearfully smiling as she tucked a loose strand of Croía’s hair behind her ear. Hearing the soft crunch of gravel behind her, she glanced over her shoulder, and when she looked back at Croía, her smile was broad.
When Alia stepped aside … there stood Liam.
Croía felt that dam inside her start to crumble at the mere sight of him.
He didn’t forget.
He didn’t give up.
He’s here.
Suddenly, that thread that was barely holding her together snapped and the last several weeks crashed over her all at once. Her heart felt as though it was folding in on itself, making it hard to breathe. Croía pressed her palm to her chest and bowed her head as a sob ripped from her throat and her knees buckled beneath her, and she began to sink to the ground.
Before she could hit the gravel, Liam was there, wrapping his strong arms around her and pulling her up to him as she fell apart, trembling through broken sobs in his embrace. He bit his lip, rapidly blinking his eyes to rid them of the sting in an attempt to hold himself together for her because, at that moment, she needed him to.
Trystan chewed the inside of his cheek, watching her finally drop that veil and break down.
With an arm wrapped securely around her and holding her against him, Liam cradled the back of her head with his hand and tilted his head, pressing his lips to her ear. “I’m here, love,” he whispered as she continued to cry into his chest. “I’ve got you.”
When he glanced up, Liam saw the misty eyes of the others as they stared at her … at the two of them. And in the next moment, he scooped her into his arms.
Croía tucked her head into the crook of his neck, clinging to him as he turned and carried her into the cabin.
***************************************
Perma Tags (if you’d like to be added or removed for this story, please let me know): @zaffrenotes @cocomaxley @emichelle @sweetest-marbear @indiacater @gibbles82 @the-soot-sprite @esmckenzie @dcbbw @burnsoslow @deb-1106 @bbrandy2002 @charlotteg234 @neotericthemis @foreverethereal123 @choiceskatie @sirbeepsalot @gnatbrain @openheart12 @sincerelyella @superharriet @queenrileyrose @aestheticartsx @kingliam2019 @indiana-jr @bascmve01 @rainbowsinthestorm @emkay512 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @forallthatitsworth @walker7519 @iaminlovewithtrr @amandablink @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @princessleac1 @21-wishes @appleone @tessa-liam @pixelatedpassion @malblk21 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @forthebrokenheartedthings @nomadics-stuff @differenttyphoonwerewolf
#choices crossover#the royal romance#trr#choices trr#choices the royal romance#liam x oc#prince liam x oc#trr liam#trr fanfic#choices foreign affairs#blaine hayes#foreign affairs fanfic#crimes of passion#choices crimes of passion#trystan thorne#crimes of passion fanfic#trr au#trr au fanfic#choices trr au#cfwc fics of the week
87 notes
·
View notes
Text
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."
~🖤~
Tags (Please let me know if you'd like to be added/removed)
PERMA
@alj4890 @ao719 @charlotteg234 @issabees @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @nikirennie87 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam
ALL TRR
@3pawandme @alyshak92 @iaminlovewithtrr @lovingchoices14 @malblk21 @rubiwalker @sfb123 @twinkleallnight
------
Thank you so much for your support! Every like, comment and reblog means the world to me! 🖤
#the royal romance#the royal heir#choices fanfic#choices fanfiction#crack fic#trr crack fic#king liam#liam rys#liam x mc#liam x riley#riley brooks#drake walker#eleanor rys#bartie beaumont#bertrand beaumont#leo rys#choices trr fanfic#choices trr au#trr au#trh au
109 notes
·
View notes
Text
Feelings Circle
Book: The Royal Romance (AU)
Pairings: Liam x MC (Ella); Drake x OC (Alyssa)
Characters belong to Pixelberry; Ella Brooks belongs to me; Alyssa Devereaux belongs to @burnsoslow and is used with permission
My brand spanking new and beautiful poster for The Loft was made by the amazing @gokushairgel ❤️ she is a gem and so dang talented. Thank you for creating this masterpiece!
Summary: An AU based on the show New Girl (my favorite can you tell??) Just a collection of one-shots and shenanigans that allude to the show. This will NOT be canon, that means this won’t be in Cordonia and Liam isn’t a King. If you have watched the show before, you know they are in Los Angeles, California.
A/N: This little chapter takes place after the birthday fic I wrote for Burnsy called Lifetime. You don’t need to read that one to know what’s going on in this fic though ☺️
A/N 2: It’s been a very long time since I’ve written anything - mostly because work has been crazy and studying related to work has also taken up a lot of my time. My taglist is very old so feel free to ignore should you not want to read this mess lol
Thank you Burnsy, my tumblr and real life friend, for letting me borrow your best girl, as well as looking over this fic and not saying it completely sucked big donkey balls lol I love you.
Warnings: Adult language; sexual innuendos; some overall inappropriateness because it’s the Loft 🤷🏽♀️
Words: 1258
Alyssa opened the door and to her surprise saw a large package that was on the floor addressed to her. She grunted as she pulled and pushed it inside the loft. “Ella!”
A voice came from one of the rooms down the hall. “Yeah?”
“Did you order something for me again? I just returned the freaking roundabout dildo!” Lyss shut the door with her foot and crossed her arms across her chest.
“What’re you talking about? I didn’t buy anything,” Ella bounced into the living room. “What’s that?”
“I don’t know,” Lyssa bent down to take a look at the label on the box. “It says it’s from Texas.”
The girls pawed and pried open the box and saw that it was a bread maker. “A bread maker? What the fuck?” Lyssa saw a note tucked on the side and tugged on it. “It’s from Drake’s mom!” Drake and Alyssa just got engaged and FaceTimed his family and her cousins and friends to give them the news. Drake, not being too close to his mom and Aunt Leona, still felt like giving them a call about their engagement was respectful. “‘Dear Alyssa, So glad we got to meet you even though it was when you and my son were already engaged,’” Lyss read out loud. “‘Please accept this as an engagement gift, hope to meet you soon.’”
“What the fuck kind of gift is a bread maker?” Ella asked as she poked the box. “She doesn’t even know you. Why not send a toaster or coffee maker or something?”
Alyssa gasped. “Maybe she thinks I can’t take care of her son!”
Ella’s brows furrowed. “What? Why?”
“I don’t know, I heard she treated Drake and his sister like shit and abandoned them,” she explained with a wave of her hand. “So maybe this is her way of being petty. Maybe she thinks I can’t cook!”
“But you can’t,” her friend pointed out.
“That’s beside the point! She thinks I can’t take care of her only son!”
“How can you say you don’t take care of people?” Ella put her hands on her hips in a huff. “You take care of me! You’re fierce and strong and you would stand up for anyone that you love. You’re like a big, scary, protective mama bear!”
“I just make sure you don’t kill yourself when we’re drinking El,” Lyssa’s eyes watered. “What if Drake’s mom hates me?”
The girls were interrupted by the front door opening and the guys of loft 4D barged inside, already mid argument.
“If I’m not having sex in this loft, then nobody is having sex in this loft!” Leo roared as he marched towards the kitchen.
“I am so aware of my nipples right now,” Maxwell hissed as he hugged his chest tightly.
Ella and Lyss glanced at each other, then turned back to the boys. “What in the fresh hell-”
“Just don’t make any sudden movements,” Ella whispered out of the side of her mouth.
It was Liam’s turn to speak as he turned to his fiancé. “Love, did you know about this?”
“I’m sorry, I have no idea what’s happening right now. I need context.”
Leo ripped open a box of condoms, dumped them onto the kitchen island, and pulled open drawers.
“What the fuck is going on?” Lyssa asked as she turned to Drake.
“I’ll tell you what the fuck is going on!” Leo answered as he lifted up what he was looking for - a pair of scissors. “I’m going to cut all these condoms up!”
Drake, Max, and Liam lunged toward Leo, Drake reaching him first and tackling him to the ground. Max kicks the scissors away from him and Liam tries to pull his best friend off of his brother.
“Get ahold of yourself, you crazy oaf,” Drake grunted as he struggled against Liam’s strong hold. “Just because you fucked up and aren’t getting laid anymore doesn’t mean you can fuck it up for all of us!”
Leo huffed, his face red. “If any one of you try to have sex up in this loft I’ll body block! No love making! All love making will cease!”
“Everybody shut up!” Ella screamed. Everyone went silent and turned their attention to the small woman in front of them. “All of you, just shut up and sit down at the table. We’re going to talk about this like adults.”
Alyssa grinned. “I’ll get the-”
“Aw,” Maxwell whined. “Not the-”
“You bet your ass!” Lyss waved the feelings stick in his face. As a teacher, she brought home a lot of popsicle sticks, yarn, felt tipped markers, and crayons. But the feelings stick was used religiously in case they needed to have a loft meeting. The girls usually bring it out when there are some kind of feelings involved and the guys don't want to talk about it.
“Feelings stick is in effect,” Ella began as everyone took a seat, grumbling as they went. “You know the rules, one person speaks at a time and no interrupting.”
“Everyone deserves to be heard at the table,” Alyssa continued as she stood behind her new fiancé and bent down to kiss his cheek.
Ella plopped herself onto Liam’s lap, his arms automatically settling around her hips. “Who wants to go first?”
Maxwell reached for the feelings stick now in the middle of the table. “We all were at the store and Leo saw Hana there with another guy. He got upset and jealous and was trying to follow them down the aisles! As a distraction, I told him that the store ran out of cheddar cheese blocks and he went into some kind of rage and twisted my nipples,” he turned to look at Leo as he wrapped a free arm around his chest. “That really hurt and now I’m pretty sure you ripped some chest hair out of my skin.”
Leo snatched the feelings stick out of Max’s hand. “I felt like that was the wrong time to yell about my favorite cheese, and you knew how distraught I’d been over my … situation with Hana!”
Drake leaned over the table and grabbed the feelings stick from Leo. “I feel like you are being a real bitch about this Hana issue, Rys!“ Alyssa and Ella flinched at the harsh words; Leo’s face turned a dark red color. “You cheated, and she dumped you. Come to terms with it and fucking let it go!”
Liam held his hand out towards Drake, motioning for the feelings stick, and like a baton, Drake passed it over. “Leo, I don’t think it’s fair that you purposely bought condoms for everyone with a plan to just cut them up since we’re all in relationships and you’re not.”
A knock on the door interrupted their feelings circle. Alyssa walked over, flung the door open and her brows raised in surprise to see Hana on the other side. “Hana! Hey … uh, what’s up?”
Wringing her hands together, Hana gave her friend a nervous smile. “Hi Lyss, is Leo here?”
A screeching of a chair and stomping of feet sounded a moment later, and an out of breath Leo stood at the door next to Lyssa. “Hi! Hana … hi! How are you?”
“Leo …” Hana chewed on the inside of her cheek.
An awkward silence settled between the two and Lyss became increasingly uncomfortable. “I’m … just going to walk away,” she bent down under Leo’s arm that was holding the door open and scampered off.
“Did you want to come in?” Leo asked softly.
Hana nodded. “I think we should talk.”
#liam x mc#trr fanfic#trr fandom#liam x ella#trr#choices trr#the royal romance#liam rys#choices the royal romance#trr au#the royal romance fanfic#king liam#choices liam x mc#choices liam#choices trr au#the royal romance au#choices#trr choices#the royal romance fandom#pixelberry#choices fanart#trr fanart#trh fanart#playchoices fanart
74 notes
·
View notes
Note
Hey There! I saw this, and I couldn't agree more! Nothing says I love you more than "I'm willing to try this for you." And this works for all kinds of relationships: romance, friends, and family, too.
Would you be able to create something showing this for one of your characters or pairings? It could be a drabble, fic, edit, art - anything at all!
NO PRESSURE AT ALL - only if you want to, but I'd love to see what you could come up with!
Since I have been trying to finish The Rotten Apple 🍎
with no such luck and being that my job has been crazy, and I have had no time to write, I fell into the AI picture app to try to keep myself at least thinking about this story. Here's one thing I came up with for Nico and Elle.
Thanks for trying to keep me inspired @jerzwriter 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
#bebepac writes#sometimes#choices fanfiction#the rotten apple#nico x elle#she's getting married#choices trr au
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
Staking a Claim
Series: Cordonian Royal Airlines
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings for series: Various
Pairing for this chapter: Riley x Drake
Word Count: 2,340
Rating: MA
Warnings for this chapter: Language mostly
A/N: This is for the @choicesholidays Valentine's Day prompts: "Be my fake date for a wedding."
The hair color is wrong for my Riley, but this image was perfect!
The copilot twisted around in his seat one too many times, craning his neck as if searching the cabin for something, jostling the pilot in the process.
Liam grunted in consternation. “Drake!”
Drake spun back around, “What?”
“What is your malfunction?”
“What do you mean?” Drake blinked at him in confusion.
“What do you mean what do I mean?” Liam grunted, “We haven’t made it through the preflight checklist because you keep turning around to stare into the cabin! What the hell is so interesting out there?”
“Nothing!” Drake rolled his shoulders, stared blankly out the cockpit window for a moment then turned back to Liam, “Can you see the guy in 12B?”
“What?” Liam’s head swiveled around and then back. “No. Why?”
Drake’s bottom lip protruded as he shook his head. “No reason.”
Liam watched him skeptically. Drake had been visibly agitated since he’d reported for duty. “There has to be a reason.”
“I…he just….he looks a little squirrely. You know what I mean? Untrustworthy.”
Liam’s eyes widened in alarm. “Is he a threat? Do we need to alert security? Did you see a weapon?” He whipped his head around quickly to try and get a good view of the man in 12B. “I can’t see anything. Riley’s blocking my view.”
“Is she talking to him?” Drake’s entire body moved just as Liam turned back around. Their heads collided with a resounding thwack.
“Ow! Fuck!” Liam grabbed his forehead.
“Sorry, sorry!”
“Seriously man, tell me what’s going on right now. I’m calling security!” Liam reached for the microphone but just as he got it to his mouth, Drake slapped it out of his hands.
“No!”
Liam watched in astonishment as the microphone flew out of his grip and hit the window then bounced off the dash. “Are you on drugs right now? Do I need to get another copilot?”
Drake gaped at him. “Seriously? When have I ever done drugs?”
“I don’t know man, but you’re acting really fucking weird.”
Hana ducked her head in to ask, “Are we almost ready? A couple of the passengers are getting antsy.”
“Which ones?” Drake asked.
Hana’s brows pulled together for a moment then smoothed out as she chuckled. “Oh. You know Riley’s ex is out there, don’t you?”
“What?” Drake’s eyes shot to Liam then back to Hana as he denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
A relieved breath whooshed out of Liam. At least he now knew Drake wasn’t on drugs and there wasn’t a terrorist on board. He stifled a laugh. “Sure you don’t.”
“I don’t!” Drake glared at them both.
Hana giggled as she backed out of the cockpit.
They finished the checklist and got airborne, but Drake’s agitation quickly returned. “Do you think he’s better looking than me?”
“Who?”
“The guy! In 12B.”
“How would I know?”
“You’re bisexual, right? You can judge that kind of thing.”
Liam scoffed. “First of all, I haven’t laid eyes on the guy. Second of all, I thought you didn’t care.”
“No, I don’t! I mean….just objectively speaking, out of curiosity….I overheard Hana call him eye candy. He can’t be that good-looking, can he?”
“I dunno Drake, Riley is a ten, so I imagine her ex is no slouch in the looks department either.”
“Great.” Drake huffed as he spun around in his seat again.
“Oh, for the love of God, just go look!”
“I can’t do that!”
“Why not?”
“Because then she’ll know I care!”
Liam cocked an eyebrow at him, “So you do care?”
“I mean she’ll think I care!”
“You’re really an idiot sometimes, you know that?”
“I don’t follow.”
“Of course you don’t.” Liam shook his head. “The only person you’re fooling is yourself. Put the rest of us out of our misery and just tell the girl that you like her already!”
“I’m not going out there.”
“Okay.”
Drake tapped his fingers on his knees for several seconds before jumping out of his seat. “I need to use the bathroom.”
“Sure you do.”
“I had a lot of coffee before we boarded.”
“Sure you did.”
“Fuck you. I’m going to take a piss.”
“Great. Tell Riley I said hi.”
Drake ignored him as he exited the cockpit and headed for the back of the plane where the restrooms were located. He slid his eyes sideways as he passed aisle 12 and scoffed to himself. The guy wasn’t that good-looking.
He was clean-shaven with a strong jawline, and raven hair swept back and gelled to perfection. Was that an Armani suit? How were his eyes that blue?
He slammed into the lavatory and locked the door to glare at himself in the highly polished silver surface of the mirror as he regarded his deep copper-colored eyes and messy, fly-away hair that barely saw a brush, much less hair gel. He ran a hand across the stubble dotting his jaw. It was a strong jawline, wasn’t it? Should he shave?
The guy in seat 12B looked like a CEO or something. Did she like that type? Drake was far more likely to be found in a tent than a boardroom. Did he even own a suit? He owned uniforms. Didn’t women like men in uniforms?
He made pretty good money as a first officer for Cordonian Royal Airlines.
Not CEO money.
“Fuck!” He spun and lashed out at the toilet. His foot connected to the stainless steel sending a sharp jolt of pain shooting up his leg.
There was a knock at the door. “Everything okay in there?”
Shit! It was Riley! “I’m fine. Dropped my…. Wallet…” Fuck, Walker! What the shit is wrong with you, man? Your wallet really?
“Are you sure because that didn’t sound like—”
“I said I’m fine!”
“Okay. Just let me know if—oh, excuse me what?”
From the other side of the door, a man’s voice murmured something he couldn’t make out then both people moved away.
Was that the ex talking to her? He forced himself to count to twenty so he didn’t just barrel out of the bathroom after them. He took several deep calming breaths like Max had tried to show him last time he had been upset about something. At least he thought it was what Max had done. At the time, he had mostly ignored him.
With an air of calm he most certainly did not feel, he exited the lavatory. His eyes went straight to seat 12B. Empty. He backtracked and ducked into the crew area.
Sure enough, there was Riley standing in the middle of the empty inflight catering kitchen talking to Mr. CEO.
All his jealousy evaporated in an instant as he took in her demeanor. Her arms were folded defensively across her chest and her face was furrowed into a frown. She was shaking her head as she leaned forward, her voice lowered but her entire body radiating her discomfort with the conversation.
The guy reached out and grabbed her arm.
She flinched away.
Oh hell no.
Drake didn’t remember moving but he was suddenly next to them, his hand wrapped firmly around the man's wrist. He flung the other man’s arm away from Riley and through gritted teeth asked, “Is there a problem here?”
The man gave him a startled look then annoyance flashed across his face. “We were just having a discussion.”
“Doesn’t look like the lady’s enjoying the conversation.”
“Mind your own business,” he shook his head dismissively and reached for her again, “Riley, if we could just talk privately—”
Drake intercepted the motion before he could touch her. “If you’re attached to that hand and wish to keep it, then I would strongly advise you against touching her again.”
He jerked his hand out of Drake’s grasp and rubbed his wrist. “Was that really necessary?”
Drake never took his eyes off the man as he leaned his body toward Riley, “Do you want to talk to this guy?”
“No.”
“But, Riley—”
“We have nothing to talk about, Nick!”
Drake angled his body so that he was blocking Riley from Nick’s view. He crossed his arms over his chest. “You heard her.”
Nick looked like he wanted to press the issue, but after taking in Drake’s stormy expression, thought better of it. He straightened his suit jacket with a sharp tug. “Fine. I’ll see you at the wedding. We’ll talk then.”
“You’re not coming to my sister’s wedding!”
“Oh, didn’t I tell you? I’ll be there as Clarissa’s plus one.”
Riley shook her head back and forth. “Seriously? When we were dating, you couldn’t stand her!”
A gloating smile crept across his face. “Jealous?”
“Why would I be jealous?”
“Because you’re not over me, Riley. If you were, you’d have bothered to line up a date for the wedding.”
“I—”
“She has a date for the wedding.” Drake cut in as he casually slung his arm around her shoulders.
Nick turned his gaze to Drake for a long, evaluating moment. “Are you the new boyfriend then?”
“Yep. And I’m only going to ask you once to return to your seat. If you don’t stop harassing the flight crew, I will land this plane and have security escort you off of it.”
Nick’s eyes widened slightly as he huffed out, “You wouldn’t dare!”
Riley ran her hand down Drake’s arm as she smirked at Nick, “He would. He’s very protective when it comes to me. I wouldn’t test him if I were you.”
“Whatever,” Nick bumped Drake’s shoulder as he shoved past them and exited the kitchen.
Drake’s arm was still around Riley as he turned his head to watch Nick leave. “Let me know if he bothers you again and I’ll—”
Riley spun on him in fury, her fists raining blows on his chest. “What the fuck did you just do, Drake?”
His hand flew to his chest. “Ow! What the hell, Riley? I just rescued you from that guy!”
“I didn’t need rescuing, Drake. I can handle Nick. He’s an asshole, but he’s not a serial killer or something!”
Drake scoffed with a shake of his head, “I think the phrase you’re looking for is thank you.”
“Oh yeah? Really?”
“Yeah, really!”
“Do you know what you just did? Do you?”
“Um…got the asshole ex-boyfriend to leave you alone?”
“No, you fucking jackass.” She slapped his arm. “You just told him that you’re my boyfriend and my date to my sister’s wedding!”
“So?”
“So?” She threw her arms up in the air. “So when I show up at the wedding with no date and no boyfriend he’ll know that was a lie and I’ll be humiliated!”
“Oh.”
“Yeah…oh!”
They stood in silence for a long moment, Drake rubbing his chest and Riley fuming. Then Drake quietly said, “I’ll go to the wedding with you.”
“What?”
“I mean….if you want me to.”
“I…”
“I did get you into this situation. Let me make it up to you by getting you out of it. One fake boyfriend slash date for sister’s wedding coming right up!”
All the fight went out of her as she took in the hopeful smile on his face. “I can’t ask you to do that, Drake.”
“Why not?”
“Because the wedding is on Valentine’s Day and I’m sure you already have plans. I can’t ask you to cancel—”
“Pfffftttt.” He waved a hand dismissively in the air. “I do not have plans for Valentine’s Day!”
“You don’t?”
Did she sound hopeful?
“No, I do not. No girlfriend, no friend with benefits, no romantic entanglements at all.”
Except with you.
A delighted smile broke out across her face. “Okay, then.”
“So, we’re good?”
She gave him a flirtatious smile as she flipped her hair and turned to leave. “We’re good.”
“Okay, good.”
He watched her walk away with a contented smile on his lips then followed her out of the kitchen and back to the front of the plane. He glowered at Nick as he passed aisle 12.
Nick returned the glare as he adjusted his headphones and slid down in the seat.
When he stepped onto the flight deck Liam greeted him with smug satisfaction. “That was the longest piss in the world.”
“Shut up.” He slid into the copilot seat without looking at his best friend.
“So how’d it go? Did you get a good look at her ex?”
“Um….yeah… he’s a pushy bastard. I had to tell him to keep his hands to himself and….”
“And?”
Drake released a long-suffering sigh knowing Liam was going to find out sooner or later. Riley would tell Max and Max would tell everyone else. “I’m going as her date to her sister’s wedding.”
“Wow! That’s quite a jump from ‘I don’t like her like that’.” Liam chortled gleefully.
Drake kept quiet but his foot started tapping nervously.
“Oh, shit, there’s more! What is it?” Liam prodded.
“Ah…”
“Don’t make me call Max and find out.”
“Fuck,” he muttered under his breath.
“Come on, what else?”
“It’s on Valentine’s Day,” he answered with a resigned sigh.
Liam practically danced out of his seat. “This is amazing! This is epic! Mr. I will never take a woman out on Valentine’s Day because that’s far too much pressure and it’s all about commercialization anyway is taking a woman out on Valentine’s Day. To her sister’s wedding!”
“Why does this make you so happy?”
“Because I get to say I told you so forever!”
“It’s not even a real date.”
“Sure it’s not.”
“It’s not!”
“Does she know that?”
“Yes! I just said I was her boyfriend so that Nick guy would stop—”
“Wait! Wait! You played the pretend boyfriend card to back off her ex?”
“Yeah…so?”
Liam threw his head back and belly laughed. “You are such a goner!”
Drake pressed his lips into a tight line and returned his attention to the control panel. He wanted to argue, he really did. But he couldn’t.
He was absolutely a goner.
And he was going to have to buy a suit.
Shit.
#cordonianroyalairlines#trr au#the royal romance#drake walker#drake x mc#cfwc fics of the week#choices fic writers creations#choicesholidays#liam rys
58 notes
·
View notes
Text
Ghosted
Ghosted - Two Steps Back (Chapter Ten)
Series Summary - Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach. But everything changed when she vanished just before the end of the social season. As everyone voices their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him question everything around him.
Book/Pairing - TRR - Liam x MC (Riley Brooks)
A/N 1 - This AU starts right before the beginning of the engagement tour. There is a two-month lapse between the coronation and where we pick up, but we will stray from canon. Please excuse any errors found.
Characters belong to Pixelberry.
After the Regatta
Penelope hobbled to her room on a sore foot and a painfully bruised ego. This wasn’t going as expected; advisors told her toward the beginning of the season she might stand a chance, but after only the first few events, they hastily changed their tone. Between Madeleine, Riley, and Olivia, they knew Penelope would not be the new king’s choice.
Regardless, Penelope was enjoying her time away. The friends she’d made were irreplaceable; she and Kiara formed an everlasting bond. Even Riley was incredibly friendly, despite her commoner status. Penelope was rooting for Riley to win it all because she was genuinely a nice person, and Penelope was looking forward to what Cordonia could look like with her as queen.
Penelope approached her door whilst humming to herself. The day was long, and she was relieved to be in the comfortable solace of her own space. She planned on calling her parents for their daily video chat, and to get some doggy face time to tide her over while away. Her anxiety was through the roof without having them close, but the friendships she’d made were a momentary distraction. She was glad the ladies were nice enough; otherwise, this experience would’ve been a nightmare.
Penelope entered and made a bee-line for the bathroom. She did her business, washed her hands, and bounced her way over to the dresser to get more comfortable for the evening. Just as she opened the drawer, a stern knock sounded on her door. Penelope scrunched her face; she was expecting no visitors but thought perhaps Kiara wanted to hang out.
As Penelope opened the structure, a thunderous force shoved through her and entered, slamming the door shut. Penelope stumbled backward but caught her footing. She could only stare at the person in front of her as panic flourished through her body. She didn't recognize them, but the death glare plastered on their face told her that notion was not applied on both ends. Her instinct told her to scream for help, but the visitor addressed her before she was given the chance.
They spoke in a low, raspy voice. “Have a seat, Lady Penelope. We have a lot to discuss.”
“W–who are you?”
“You need not worry about who I am, only what I know.”
“What do you mean?”
The person clasped their hands behind their back and stalked around Penelope; like a vulture circles its prey. “Everyone around you thinks you're the sweet, poodle-obsessed Penny, but I see otherwise. I know all about you… The things you’ve done… What your daddy tries his damndest to hide…”
Penelope’s already increasing heart rate spiked. “I don’t understand.”
“Of course you don’t. It’s alright, I wouldn’t want anyone to know, either.” They dismissively shrugged.
“Know what?”
The person snickered at her attempts to deflect, but they could see the panic rising in her eyes. “It’s quite a common expression — young and dumb. But, when you’re in the nobility, there are no secrets unless you know the right people.”
Penelope thickly swallowed. “I don’t – I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Really? So, then you’ve never been — joined in holy matrimony, right?”
Penelope’s eyes widened. “I–”
“Enough with your attempts to feign confusion; that will only prolong this process and I am not in the mood to play games. I know of your estranged marriage; how your father pays plenty of hush money per month to keep his mouth shut. I imagine it would be fairly difficult to talk yourself out of that situation if the press were to catch wind; considering Portavira continuously requests the Crown’s compensation. And I do believe the monarch would not be happy to learn your family has developed a slush fund, either.”
The intruder gave Penelope a wicked smile and added, “Not to mention the — fatality that was caught amid your poor life choices…”
Penelope visibly tensed. “That’s not – I didn’t–” she stammered before snapping her mouth closed; her flustered state prohibited her from forming an argument.
“It’s a matter of opinion, I suppose. Regardless, I attained the records from your procedure.” They waved a piece of paper in Penelope’s face, and recognition swept over her instantly. She released a shuddered breath as the document came to a stop, her tearful eyes centering on the text.
Despite Penelope’s panicked state, the aggressor continued, “Tell me, do your parents know of your aborted fetus? I mean, I saw you on security cameras entering the clinic alone. It was smart of you to use a fake name, but unfortunately, that was not enough to cover up your mistakes.”
Penelope never answered, but the assailant watched her swallow thickly with shame etched in her features. She couldn’t fathom how this stranger had found her deepest secrets that she was certain would never see the light of day.
Penelope found out she was pregnant the day after her annulment was discreetly settled. Terrified wasn’t a strong enough word to describe how she felt, as she stared down at the positive test; she went to the clinic in disguise to find out about her options and decided abortion would be the best solution. Being only nineteen years old, Penelope was practically a child herself and didn’t believe she was at a point to care for a baby like they deserved. And she was alone; when she dreamt of this moment, it happened completely differently in her head. She longed for the fairytale love, where they would start a family together; not single and inevitably disgraced.
Her parents didn’t know, she was too afraid to tell them — especially after her father agreed to pay a continuous hefty fee for Guy’s silence. Penelope was always well-behaved; the perfect trophy daughter. The look of pure disappointment held in their eyes when they found out about her marriage haunted her; she never wanted to do anything out of line again. All Penelope desired was to move on from her mistake, but life had other plans.
Panicked and ashamed, Penelope made the impossible decision alone, not wanting anyone to know of the stupid decisions that led her there. Her fear and guilt only increased after the procedure, but she grieved what could have been and pushed it into the deepest pit of her mind.
She never told a soul – nobody knew – or so she thought.
“All it would take is a small whisper to the press and it would destroy not only you, but your fraudulent parents as well…”
Penelope gasped as her tears freely flowed. “No! P–please, don’t!”
The person laughed; the sound sending an involuntary chill down Penelope’s spine. They stalked forward until her back hit the wall and they breathed over her. Penelope squeezed her eyes closed, but felt them draw nearer. The tangy scent of alcohol mixed with cigar smoke filled her nostrils, as they whispered in her ear, “If you want my silence, you’re going to have to earn it.”
Penelope’s eyes shot open as she frantically nodded her head. “Okay, j–just tell me what you need, and I’ll do it.”
“I knew you’d see reason,” the unknown presence spoke while taking a small step away. They produced an envelope from their jacket and handed it to her.
Penelope opened it and started skimming over the information; it was an email address with a set of instructions and a few other notes. She didn’t understand what it all meant; the main thing that stuck out was the location of where they wanted the photographer to be.
“Why are they going to be outside Riley’s room?”
“The less you know, the better.” They once again reached into their jacket, this time pulling out a small vial and handing it to her. “You need to give this to her beforehand. I do not care how it happens, just make sure it gets in her system; the earlier, the better.”
“W–what is this? Is this a drug?” Penelope stammered as she stared down at the bottle in her trembling hands.
The person smiled; a dark, wicked smile. “You don’t need to worry about that; just make sure she ingests it at an early enough hour.”
Tears once again streamed down Penelope’s cheeks as she frantically shook her head and tried to hand the items back. “N–no. I can’t do that, and I won’t. I would rather disgrace myself than–”
“You’re going to do it.”
Penelope stood a little taller and yelled, “No, I won’t! I–”
Penelope received a sudden, sharp backhand to her cheek. She fell to the floor cradling her face but was soon flipped over onto her back, her aggressor pinning her to the ground. She opened her mouth to scream, but quickly closed it as she saw the gleam of a blade in the light right in front of her face.
“Make a sound and I’ll kill you right here, right now.” The attacker moved the knife to hover over Penelope’s throat, applying just enough pressure to keep her subdued. “You have two options — you either comply and do as you’re told, or this is where your life will end. If you refuse to cooperate, you already know too much, and I will ensure you don’t live to tell the tale personally. But I won’t stop there, no – I’ll ruin your parents as well; the entire world will know what a fraud you and your family are.”
“No… P–please. I – I can’t – I –” Penelope frantically stammered, trying to develop a coherent sentence.
“You can, and you will. Otherwise,” they leaned forward, close enough to touch noses with Penelope. “I’ll dig your grave myself and throw those mangy mutts in with you after. Perhaps we can make it a family affair and shove your parents inside, too. After all, being exposed to the world and losing their only disappointment of a child would leave them with nothing left to live for; especially once they know of your treacherous sins.” They sat back with a vile chortle, letting the words linger.
Penelope cried harder, her breathing rapid and erratic as her panic boiled over. She opened her mouth to shout for help despite the blade at her throat, but a firm hand abruptly pressed against her lips. “I think I’m being very understanding, actually. I could just end you and move on to the next useless suitor, but I’m allowing you to make the correct choice; to answer the call of service for your country. That commoner has no business being here; you know it, I know it, everyone knows it! We have to deal with her!”
After a tense moment of silence, her intruder grew restless. They rolled their eyes and huffed, “You’re running out of time. I’ll gift you ten seconds; agree, or...” The blade on Penelope’s throat suddenly held more force; hard enough she could feel her skin being lightly pierced. “I don’t think I really need to finish that sentence, do I?”
Penelope subtly nodded her head, afraid to move too much. Although she didn’t want to betray Riley in that way, she saw no other way out. Not only was her own life being threatened, but her parents as well; she was not willing to let them die because of her secrets they knew nothing about.
Her attacker soon chortled and sat up. “I had a feeling you would see it my way.” They patted her cheek, hard, before they stood and adjusted their clothing.
The intruder walked to the door and turned back around to address a whimpering Penelope. “As a reward for your service, I will make you a lady-in-waiting for the soon-to-be queen. I’d suggest you take the position and use discretion whenever necessary from here on out. If you do anything to compromise this operation, you will be sorry. Am I clear?“
The following afternoon, Olivia met with Liam, Leo, and Ray as they discussed the events of the night prior. The court just arrived in Portavira, although there was a break in events until the polo match in a few days. They gathered in Olivia’s room, as that’s where Ray set up his equipment and continuously ensured the area remained free of compromises.
Olivia told them about Penelope’s involvement, and Liam was certain Olivia was lying or playing some kind of sick joke. However, after seeing the proof himself, he knew it had to be true. He wasn’t close with Penelope by any means, but still felt betrayed. Riley was kind and warm to those around her, not a malicious bone in her body; what made Penelope want to get rid of her?
“We have to question her. I can’t be sure, but she might know we’re onto her. The look in her eyes –” Olivia shook her head with a heavy sigh. ”– I can’t explain it, but I don’t like it.”
“I agree,” Leo interjected. “We need to know why she did it, man, because this makes absolutely no sense. I mean, Penelope – of all people? Did she accidentally eat some dog food or something, and it made her go kookoo?”
Despite his overflowing anxiety, Liam laughed. “I really don't know. But we’re not all going to question her. I think it’s best if myself and Leo did this, so we don’t overwhelm her.” He spoke to the entire group.
“Are you… okay to do that?” Leo tentatively asked. “I can take Olivia — or hell, even Maxwell or Drake, if you don’t think you can keep your cool. We can’t really risk her shutting down and withholding anything important...”
Liam remained silent for a long moment. Honestly, he didn’t know if he could control himself. The selfish side of him wanted to confront Penelope face-to-face and demand answers. However, he knew he was teetering on a dangerous ledge, and her confession could provoke several different reactions.
He didn’t remember the last time he’d slept or ate a full meal. Days were molding together, and he had no sense of time unless it pertained to the tour. Liam was simply muttering through, doing the dutiful checklist a monarch should on the daily and trying his hardest to stay afloat; even though in all reality, he felt like he was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. No amount of training could prepare him for something like this; he was simply in limbo until one of the many open ends finally led them to something of importance. As the King he held mighty authority; yet, he’d never felt so powerless. Every second of not knowing something was torture; he just wanted to see Riley with his own two eyes.
“I… don’t think I can, actually. If you wouldn’t mind questioning her, I would very much appreciate it, Leo.”
Leo patted Liam on the back with a reassuring smile. “No problem. Care to accompany me, Livvie?”
“I suppose if we want some kind of answer, I’ll have to, won’t I?” Olivia smirked.
“Are we doing this now, or?”
“Yes. The sooner, the better.”
“And we’re certain she’s here?” Liam asked.
“She was out earlier with her dogs,” Olivia answered with an eye roll.
Liam nodded as he rubbed his palms together. “This is a decent plan. I have a good feeling about this, guys.”
For the first time since he opened his eyes to the truth about the narrative against Riley, Liam felt like this could take them somewhere relevant. This was a solid lead and although he knew it probably wouldn’t provide him with all the answers he was seeking, it was a damn good start.
Liam spoke again, “Any other updates?”
“I received the diagnostic report on Lady Riley’s dress on the way here." Ray explained. "The blood was mostly Riley’s, but traces from Tariq were present as well. There were a few hairs and skin cells noted, but the DNA only registers those two.”
“Oh… okay…” Liam quietly responded. He hoped deep down the mess was from someone else, but immediately felt foolish to let himself believe such a thing. Hearing it confirmed out loud made his stomach burn with anxiety; this is what he blinded himself to, this is what he ignored. The overwhelming guilt Liam was fighting momentarily took his breath away.
“Otherwise, there are no new leads.” Ray briefly met eyes with Olivia, the both of them having a silent conversation; unbeknownst to Liam. It wasn’t technically a lie, but not the entire truth. Ray found something — interesting, but Olivia decided now was not the time to bring it up to Liam, at least until after they learned what exactly Penelope knew. “Where Tariq is concerned, I’ve hit a complete brick wall; there’s absolutely nothing.”
“Nothing?”
Ray shook his head. “Not a trace. His accounts show no transactions, and his family has not heard from him in months. I’ve checked every mode of transportation available to leave the country and he wasn’t on any of their databases.”
“How is that even possible? There has to be something, somewhere. Seriously – Tariq has the IQ of a fucking peanut.” Leo interjected.
“It could be a collection of reasons,” Ray answered. He suddenly stopped typing on his keyboard and took in everyone’s curious expressions. “Either he’s just incredibly clever and has an immaculate ability to cover his tracks, has hired someone to do that for him, or…”
“He’s dead…” Liam quietly inserted, just above a whisper. His palms started trembling in his lap, and the only thing he could feel was his heart erratically thumping.
The deeper this web went, the further Liam felt himself slipping from reality. All he wanted was a sign, a concrete clue, anything to put him one step closer to finding Riley. The longer that time passed, the more he believed there was a grim reason they couldn’t find them. Just when the light at the end shined brighter, Liam was suddenly drug further down into the abyss of questions, making him doubt everything.
“We can’t confirm that right now, Your Majesty. I’ve searched hospital records and there are no reports of him checking in at any of them and nothing solid to point to that conclusion. There are a lot of open ends regarding his whereabouts, but I have a couple more places to look before we should start truly discussing that possibility.”
“Right…” Liam quietly responded as his mind raced. If Tariq’s DNA was on her dress, does that mean he’s the one who injured her? They already knew he was close to Riley; the pictures obviously showcased them together, but was Tariq responsible for attacking her, too? Those thoughts created a storm of rage he’d never felt before; just when he thought the fire had sizzled out, another splash of gasoline was poured onto the diminishing coals. Liam may not have felt a lot of hope, but he sure as hell felt the rage consuming his entire being.
Leo noticed Liam's forelorn expression and reassuringly gripped his shoulder. “Don’t worry, man. We’re going to get an answer — soon.”
A short while later, Olivia, Leo, and ‘Harold’ walked the halls of the Portavirian estate, searching for Penelope’s room. Liam opted to have a drink with Drake instead of being alone, as his already overflowing anxiety seemed to increase with every passing second.
They rounded the corner and Olivia tapped on Penelope’s door, but received near silence; muffled barks rang out beyond the structure, although seemingly at a distance. After a few moments, she stepped forward and repeated the process, but again, no answer. Leo knocked a few times a little louder, but heard nothing — aside from the dogs. He reached for the handle and tried to turn it, just to see, only to find it locked.
“What should we do?” Leo asked Olivia.
Olivia tapped her index finger against her chin. “I don’t know…” She furrowed her brow and stared at the door in front of her. “The poodles are inside, so she shouldn’t be far… Maybe we search around and see if we spot her anywhere? It’s still relatively early; she could have stepped out for a moment.”
Leo and Ray both agreed, and the trio began their trek. They started outside by the pool and checked the lounge area, but Penelope wasn't located anywhere. They searched nearly every floor, even the roof, but found no signs of her. Everyone else was already in their room for the night, the estate nearly deserted as they scoured the abandoned hallways. After a while, everyone agreed to take their chances and return to Penelope’s door, as a good hour passed since they last attempted.
A voice called out to them as they made their way up the grand staircase. They turned around to see Landon making his way to them with a grin on his face. “Good evening, Your Majesty, Duchess, a pleasure to see you both. Are the two of you just strolling, or have you been out on the town?” He chuckled with a playful side eye directed at Leo.
“You know me,” Leo smirked, “but actually, we’ve been looking for your daughter.”
Landon’s smile faded, instead replaced with a perplexed expression. “What do you need from Penelope?”
Leo and Olivia shared a hesitant look. “Actually, it’s confidential… Do you know where she is?”
“She said she was retiring to her room earlier.”
Olivia spoke next. “We checked there. We checked everywhere and we have no clue where she’s at.”
“Perhaps she’s already in slumber; she is quite the heavy sleeper. How about I come with you? I was headed there anyway, as she was acting fairly strange earlier.”
“Strange how?” Leo asked.
“She kept hugging her mother and me, and told us how much she loved us. She just seemed — sad, as if she would burst into tears at any moment. And she asked me to ensure Merlin and Morgana get plenty of treats.” Landon furrowed his brows and shook his head. “I asked her what she meant, and she just gave me another hug. Emmaline thinks she’s getting ready for her time of the month, which is why I came prepared.” He held up a wad of chocolate bars and laughed.
“I take it Merlin and Morgana are the poodles?”
“Oh, yes. They’re practically her children. It’s been hard on her to leave them at home, but she’s done fairly well. The unexpected route changes actually ended up being very beneficial to her, since she gets to be with them for a few days. I’m certain she’s going to have a hard time leaving again, but I know she appreciates getting to see them. When it was time to leave for the engagement tour, she was practically inconsolable; she didn’t want to leave, to the point we weren’t sure she would attend at all.”
“So, she didn’t want to return, then?” Olivia inquired, hanging on his every word.
Landon sighed and looked away. “I don’t believe so, no. But we made sure she knew how much of a tremendous opportunity this was for her. She was incredibly reluctant, but finally agreed. In all honesty, I think most of her reservations were regarding the fact that she was going so far away. Penelope is a very timid girl; she doesn’t particularly enjoy the crowds or being away from home. I’m confident staying in Cordonia where things are a little more familiar will turn things around for her; perhaps she will enjoy herself a bit.”
“Right…” Olivia trailed off, as her mind swirled around these new little bits of information. She questioned if Penelope's reluctance to come back had to do with Riley's disappearance. The haunting look in Penelope’s eyes as that cab drove away told Olivia she could be correct.
“Lead the way, then,” Leo inserted with a forced smile, as uneasiness crept into the pit of his stomach. The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood at attention, an involuntary shudder traveling through his body; he shook it off and politely smiled at Landon, who returned the gesture before starting the journey.
Everyone strolled through the halls together and within a short time, they were nearing Penelope’s room once again. Leo and Landon made small talk along the way, but Olivia didn’t listen most of the time. A bad feeling rapidly grew as they walked; why, she wasn’t sure, but it was becoming impossible to ignore. As they got closer, the air suddenly felt cold, raising goosebumps on her skin and sending a shiver down her spine. The hallway had an eerie aura to it that was beyond explanation; judging from the cautious expressions of everyone around, Olivia knew her feelings were not in her head. Landon appeared to be the only one who didn’t notice the atmosphere shift, although he hadn’t stopped talking long enough to take in the environment.
Just as they were about to arrive, they heard muffled voices speaking not far away. Olivia furrowed her brows and started walking faster, practically running, with Ray and Leo not far behind.
She came to an abrupt stop as she saw a litter of guards standing outside of Penelope’s room; dressed in full riot gear with what she assumed to be loaded assault rifles, all appearing to be awaiting instructions. Standing toward the back of the mass of people was Liam, who was speaking with Bastien in hushed tones. She could tell even from afar he was talking sternly; his angry demeanor instantly drew Olivia to him. Drake lingered close-by, wearing an expression of pure confusion.
Olivia approached them and inquired, “What’s going on?”
“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you,” Liam replied. “Did you question Penelope?”
“We were looking for her, that’s why we’re here, now.”
“But you didn’t find her?” Liam snapped, not even trying to hide the annoyance in his tone.
“Not yet…” Leo answered as he took in Liam’s tense shoulders and ticking jaw. “Liam, what is going on?”
Before Liam could respond, Landon interjected himself. “What is the meaning of this?!”
Liam took a deep breath to calm himself and spoke in a calm, yet authoritative voice. “Duke Landon, I understand this may be hard for you to hear, but we have to take Penelope into custody.”
“Custody?! On what grounds?!” Landon hollered.
Liam swallowed down the ball of anger and agitation lodged in his throat and spoke in a flat voice. “She is the prime suspect in the murder of Rhonda Floros.” Everyone’s eyes widened as their jaws hit the floor. “We will investigate further, but she has to be detained until we can–”
“I – what?! You have no proof! This – this is an injustice!” Landon yelled as he frantically paced in front of Penelope’s door.
Leo hesitantly spoke in a hushed manner. “Li, all we knew about was the photographer. How can you jump to that conclusion?”
“The forensics came back and Penelope’s prints were all over the murder weapon. Her DNA was on everything else as well, but I’m focused on that knife.”
“Impossible! There has to be some kind of mistake!” Landon pleaded.
“I’m sorry Landon, but the forensics does not lie,” Liam replied with a sad smile. “Trust me, I don’t want to believe she could have done something like this and I intend to figure it out, but we have to locate her first!"
Landon quickly stepped toward Penelope’s room and pulled a set of keys from his pocket. “She is in here — I know she is; she’s sleeping. I’ll wake her up and we can figure out this mess together, because I know for certain she is innocent.” He spoke as he unlocked the door and turned the handle. He entered and flipped the switch on the wall, the area becoming illuminated.
Liam motioned for the guards to stay outside and followed closely behind. Olivia entered next, followed by Ray. However, a stern hand on Ray’s chest halted him in the doorway.
“You are unauthorized personnel,” Bastien snapped.
Liam quickly intervened. “No, he’s not.”
“Your Majesty, with all due respect, I entered his credentials myself. I know for a fact what clearances he has and doesn’t.”
Liam stepped up to Bastien with narrowed eyes. “Poof.” He snapped his fingers. “I just gave him access. Now, step aside.” He growled through clenched teeth, the vein in his neck profusely popping out.
To be honest, Liam was stalling until he found Ray and Olivia; the three of them were going to question Penelope together. His earlier worries about keeping his cool were well out the window; now he was simply confused. Why did she hire the photographer? Did she really kill that maid? Did Penelope know they had spoken to her? Every piece of random evidence found had Penelope’s DNA – and only hers – on it in some fashion. Although the legitimacy of the scene was still in question, her fingerprints on the murder weapon were more than enough to detain her for questioning.
Bastien never once took his eyes off Ray during the entire interaction. Ray observed Bastien's face crack slightly and saw him swallow and clench his jaw when Liam commanded him to stop. He finally moved his hand to allow Ray entrance, but held his intent gaze for just a moment too long. Olivia watched and noted how she wasn’t stopped, nor Drake or Leo — only Ray. She couldn’t help but wonder why Bastien didn’t want him specifically there.
Liam glanced around as he entered and saw no signs of Penelope and nothing raising any kind of alarm. He’d never been inside this room before, but to the naked eye, not a thing was out of place. However, Liam couldn’t deny the sudden chill he felt as he stepped over the threshold. His skin instantly clammed up, and his heart rate increased substantially with every tense second that passed.
Everyone else followed behind and did the same, but Landon circled the room while frantically calling Penelope’s name, only to get no response. He ducked into the bathroom to check there, but saw no traces of his daughter. Everything appeared just as it was earlier that morning when he personally prepared everything for Penelope’s arrival.
“This doesn’t make sense,” Landon huffed as he reemerged. “She said she was coming to bed. Where else would she go? Should we contact Lady Kiara? They had grown quite close.”
Liam sighed and ran a hand down his face. “Bastien, send someone to Lady Kiara’s room to check.” His patience with this situation was dissipating. An answer was right there dangling in front of his face; he could practically taste it. Even if he had to turn the entire continent upside down, Liam was going to find Penelope and make her answer for her part in this mess — whatever that could have been.
“Yes, sir.”
Olivia glanced at the dresser and saw a jewelry box. Something on top of it quickly caught her attention; it was a piece of paper neatly folded with the words read me written on it in red ink. Her breaths immediately stopped as she stared at it for a long moment. Goosebumps raised on her skin as she realized the penmanship was strikingly familiar.
She slowly reached out and brought it closer; Ray noticed and came to stand beside her to see what she had found. Liam and Landon continued to speak on the other side of the room, completely unaware of their discovery. Olivia carefully unfolded the sheet and quickly scanned over the contents. As she started reading, the color suddenly drained from her face, her hands trembling, and even tears were forming in the corners of her eyes. Her mind instantly started spiraling, trying to decipher what this meant.
Olivia and Ray stood gawking at the paper in a trance for an unidentified amount of time. The sound of Landon’s thunderous voice suddenly brought both out of their dazes. “This is absurd! She did nothing wrong!”
“I understand your frustrations but as I said before, the forensics does not lie,” Liam answered in the calmest tone he could muster. “I have questions about all of this, Landon! But one way or another her DNA was littered–”
“Bullshit! Run the tests again! Something is going on here!”
Liam winced at Landon’s volume, but shook it off and stood to his full height. “Duke Ebrim, you’d do well to remember who you’re speaking to and watch your tone. While I understand why you’re upset, I’m only here to figure this out. If you want to clear her name, help us find her so we can speak to her!”
Landon frantically looked throughout the room, desperately trying to make sense of what was happening. At that moment, they heard a bark, followed by another softer cry; everyone suddenly stilled and an eerie silence took over, as they glanced at one another with furrowed brows. It sounded undeniably close, but there were obviously no dogs in the area. The silence in the air was deafening, but then it happened again and Landon finally pinpointed the location — the closet. It would make sense; Penelope heard the commotion and retreated in there with her poodles to hide because she was afraid.
Landon made a bee-line for the door and wildly swung it open. He took a step back and two fluffy dogs slowly came out with their heads down, causing Landon to take a few steps back; they laid at Landon’s feet and whimpered.
“What is it, Merlie?” Landon asked as he rubbed one of the dogs’ heads, their howls intensifying.
The room’s air suddenly felt incredibly thick at the interaction. Liam felt physically sick to his stomach as recognition swept over him from head to toe — something was waiting for them in that closet. His hands shook at his sides, his breathing shaky and uneven as he stared into the dark, open doorway.
Landon stepped over the poodles, who went and lay on the bed, but continued whining. As he entered, he ran a hand along the wall until he found the switch. The small area came to light, and his worst nightmare suddenly became reality right in front of his face.
“NO!” Landon wailed at an ear-piercing volume as he dropped to his knees near the doorway.
“What’s wrong?” Liam sought, but Landon broke into a fit of sobs and crumpled to the floor.
Liam swallowed thickly and took a couple of cautious steps forward. Olivia suddenly appeared and tried to redirect him, but Liam was steadfast; whatever it was, he needed to see it for himself. As he got closer, he could see a chair lying on its side. His eyesight started on the floor and slowly traveled upward. He hadn’t made it very far before the color drained from his face with sweat immediately beading his brow at seeing a pair of dainty feet dangling in the air; one heel on, the other nowhere to be seen.
Liam looked away but with a shuddered breath followed the body back up to the face, and sure enough, it was Penelope.
Landon suddenly shoved Liam out of the way. “MOVE!” He rushed over and held Penelope’s lifeless form, lifting her easily with one hand; the other quickly moving to remove the belt from around her severely bruised neck. Her limp body dropped into his arms and he cradled her to his chest as he rocked back and forth, making cries that would haunt Liam until the day he died.
Liam regained his footing but remained cemented in place. This was it; this was their big break, but they only received more unanswered questions. Hopelessness flourished, as he saw no other solutions in sight. He felt like a mouse, mindlessly running through a maze just trying to reach the end for the reward. Penelope's testimony was that reward, but instead of finding the end of the maze, he encountered a sudden, abrupt wall.
Regardless of their actions, they faced a grim reality where a devastating setback countered every advance they made; one step forward, only to be met with two deadly steps back.
Liam suddenly couldn’t breathe; his lungs felt like fire with every rapid, hollow breath. The room started spinning, his vision hazing at a rapid rate. His heart pounded mercilessly, the sound overpowering Landon’s continuous wails filling the room. His hands flew to his chest and he stumbled backward, Leo and Drake quickly moving to catch him before he hit the floor.
They lowered him to the ground and sat over him as Liam’s vision slowly faded out, their faces disintegrating into a pixelated, blurry image. He blinked his eyes a few times to regain himself, but found the rapidly spinning room made him nauseous. He felt Leo lightly tapping his cheeks, but when he tried to open his mouth, only an anguished cry escaped.
Liam stared at the ceiling until the bright lights suddenly dimmed. His eyelids grew incredibly heavy until he succumbed to the weight of the world forcing them down. Darkness consumed him as he slipped into unconsciousness, a still silence overcoming his being.
"Goddamn it," Leo grumbled to himself, as he watched Liam’s body relax. "Get a fucking ambulance! Now!" He hollered over his shoulder before his teary vision centered on his brother again. "Cummon, Li..."
Tags (if you'd like to be added or removed, please let me know): @choicesficwriterscreations @ao719 @txemrn @imashybish @queenrileyrose
@kingliam2019 @riseandshinelittleblossom @dcbbw @tessa-liam @amandablink @cordonia-gothqueen @sfb123 @jared2612 @harleybeaumont
@bebepac @charlotteg234 @busywoman
@malblk21 @angelasscribbles
@bascmve01 @iaminlovewithtrr @hopelessromanticmonie
@mysticalfangirl @umccall71 @fuckitweball0000 @differenttyphoonwerewolf
@lovingchoices14 @emersyn-in-cordonia
@karahalloway @aussiegurl1234 @the0afnan @nestledonthaveone @gabesmommie1130
#the royal romance#choices the royal romance#king liam#liam rys#trr#choices trr#trr au#choices#liam x riley#ghosted#liam x mc#trr fanfiction#trr liam#trr fanfic#trr fandom#cfwc fics of the week#choices fic writers creations#pixelberry#choices stories you play#playchoices#olivia nevrakis#leo rys#penelope ebrim#mature
91 notes
·
View notes
Text
Behind Closed Doors Chapter 1: The Invitation
Series: Behind Closed Doors
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings for this chapter: Riley x Max, Liam x Max (he hopes)
Word Count: 916
Rating: R for mature themes
Warnings for this chapter: sex is alluded to
A/N: I teased this one a long while back. Finally had some inspiration for it, so here's the first chapter!
A/N2: This story explores a bit of relationship anarchy. Here's a link if you want to learn more.
Series Premise: Six people come together in a kaleidoscope of shifting boundaries.
My other stuff: Master List.
Riley’s eyes widened as her mouth fell open. “Wait…you want me to go to the palace with you?”
“Yeah,” Max nodded, “I need a wingman, Riley, and you’re really good at it!”
“But—”
Max took in her hesitation and a startling thought occurred to him. “Oh! Is this awkward because we…because of…”
“Oh, good god, no!” Riley threw her head back and laughed. It was a full-throated belly laugh. Her hand landed on his bicep as she leaned forward to catch her breath. “I love you, Max. Truly, deeply, madly, but as friends! You know that!”
“I know.” His fingers scratched at the freshly shorn hairline along the back of his neck as a flush raced across his face. “I just wanted to be sure…after what happened last month…”
Riley stepped closer and traced a finger across his lips. “I don’t regret it if that’s what you’re worried about.”
He shivered as her touch sent a sliver of desire sparking through him and, without much conscious thought, his arm shot out to pull her in even closer. “Does that mean we can do it again sometime?”
She laughed again as she gazed up into the cobalt-blue eyes that were as familiar to her as her own emerald-green orbs. Max had been her best friend since they met in a ridiculously overpriced private kindergarten.
Neville Van Couer, big for his age and just as disagreeable then as he was now, had yanked Max’s stuffed octopus from his arms and was holding it above his head, taunting him with it.
“Please give back Sir Inks a Lot.” Max’s trembling voice betrayed his fierce determination not to cry. “My mom gave him to me.”
“Oh, are you going to cry, little crybaby? It’s just a stupid toy. I tell you what—”
“Give it back.” A firm, uncompromising voice cut in.
Neville spun to find the interloper. His malicious grin widened when his eyes fell on the slight girl with the wispy brown hair. “And what are you going to do about it if I don’t?”
Without warning or preamble, the girl moved. She darted forward so quickly that Neville had no time to process what was happening. A sharp blow to his stomach sent him pitching forward, grabbing his midsection as the toy was ripped from his grasp.
“Here.” The girl thrust the plushie out to Max.
He wiped the moisture from his tear-streaked cheeks with one hand as he reached out for his beloved Sir Inks a Lot with the other. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She gave him a bright smile that washed all of his sadness away. “My name’s Riley. Want to play with me?”
“We can do it anytime you want.” She assured him. “It’s not like we’re not good at.”
Max smiled at the reference to their romantic and sexual past.
They had lost their virginity to each other in high school and spent six months exploring everything the other had to offer. Then Max had confessed to being bisexual and wanting to explore with other people. Primarily men. His relief when Riley had agreed to break up romantically but remain friends had been overwhelming. She was and remained the closest friend he had.
A month ago, they had gotten drunk and fallen into bed together. It had felt good, comfortable, and familiar. He loved her.
That didn’t mean he wasn’t in love with Liam and that’s why he needed her support at the upcoming Beltane Ball that the palace held every year.
His arms tightened around her. “So to be clear, you know I love you and you’re okay helping me try to get Liam’s attention?”
Her grin widened until her cheeks hurt. “Boy, yes. Did we or did we not discover relationship anarchy at the same time?”
Giddiness crashed through his chest. The idea that you could love people but still remain autonomous was brilliant enough. Add in the deconstruction of things like relationship hierarchy and mono-normativity and, well, it had been paradigm-shifting.
“Okay,” he nodded as relief washed over him. “I would never do anything to hurt you, Riley!”
“I know.” She leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips.
He melted against her for a moment, then drew back. Because he had to know for sure everything was okay between them. “Then why the hesitancy when I asked you to go to the ball with me?”
“Because I’ve never been to the palace, silly!” Her family was insanely wealthy, but not noble.
“Oh, yeah!” Max tended to forget the difference in their social status. Mainly because it didn’t matter to him. People were people and titles like Duke and Count meant nothing when it came to what kind of person someone was. After all, Neville was noble.
“Oh, yeah! I mean…what do I even wear? Do I need to know how to curtsy? What if—”
Max cut her off by jerking her back into his embrace. “Don’t worry, padawan. We have two weeks. I’ll teach you everything you need to know!”
“Great!” Riley bounced on her toes, excitement swirling through her midsection.
The palace! What an exciting adventure!
She threw her arms around him. “We could make a week of it! Go into the city. Shopping, dining, museums, the theater….”
He dipped his head toward her, his lips bare inches from hers. “Can we share a room?”
“Oh, we’re going to share a lot more than a room!” she assured him just before their lips crashed together.
#behind closed doors#trr au#trr fanfic#liam rys#drake walker#hana lee#trr poly#trr#angelasscribbles#the royal romance#choices stories you play#cfwc fics of the week#choices fic writers creations#the royal romance fanfic#choices#maxwell beaumont#riley brooks#leo rys#choices trr#choices the royal romance
21 notes
·
View notes
Text
Second chance love
Part 1
Series summary- Liam stopped entertaining the idea of love and marriage after the death of his first love but everything began changing after a certain New York trip.
Book- TRR AU
Pairing - Liam x F!MC (Riley) ; Liam x F!OC(Nicole)
A/n- Using Prompt 2 — “It wasn’t supposed to end like this/that.” from Week #76 Prompts from @choicesflashfics
Rated M for mature audience
This series will contain NSFW .Not suitable for people below 18 years of age.
Warning- Gunshot;Death of character mentioned
No. of words - 1400+
No matter how much Liam wanted, he couldn't stop the constant ringing in his ears, everything around him was falling apart, people were running around trying to save themselves, as he kicked the last assassin in front of him, the adrenaline left his body and he fell down with a thud looking at his trembling hands which was covered in blood. He then looked around and when he didn't see Nicole or any of his friends he sighed in relief.
He was glad that they all managed to escape, he knew he should go but it was as if all his strength was gone and he couldn't get up. He then heard someone calling his name, he lifted his head to see Bastien in front of him.
Bastien sat on his knees in front of him, he put his hand on Liam's shoulder, his gaze filled with sympathy "Liam we have to go to the hospital."
"Hospital?" Liam asked confused.
"Yes, if we don't go now, we would be very late." Saying this, Bastien practically dragged him out of the ballroom.
"Bastien, what happened, who is hurt?"
"You'll know when we reach there, please we don't have much time left."
On the way to the hospital Liam kept asking him who was hurt but he refused to answer.
They reached the hospital around 20 minutes later, Liam was escorted to the VIP section, where he found Drake, Maxwell, Olivia and his father who was supposed to be staying somewhere safe after the assassin attempt.
They looked at him, Constantine pulled him in a hug and patted his back "You have to be strong Liam, everything will be fine"
Liam was not sure how to react, he couldn't remember when was the last time his father hugged him, looking around him he saw Maxwell trying to supress his sobs, Drake was completely expressionless, last time he was like this was years ago when Jackson died, even Olivia who would have berated Maxwell for behaving like a child was consoling him, her own eyes were red and filled with tears.
"You guys are scaring me. Please tell me what is wrong, who is hurt."
"I-I am sorry Liam it was my fault." Maxwell said as he hiccuped a bit. "I should have been careful, I should have stopped her."
"Stopped who Max? What are you saying?" When no one answered him Liam lost his patience "WILL SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT IS HAPPENING. Drake? Olivia? Please, you guys are scaring me."
"It's Nicole. She's shot" Drake whispered
"W-what?" Liam was stunned unable to comprehend what he heard"It's not funny Drake. Please tell me you're joking.
"I'm not. She is in the OT, she had lost too much blood Li, doctors asked us to be prepared for the worst."
Before Liam could react, the doctor came out of the OT, Liam left Drake's side and ran to the doctor.
"She's okay right? Please tell me they are joking?"
"I'm sorry your highness, we tried our best but it was already too late." Doctor told him with a downcast expression.
"Can we see her?" Maxwell asked the doctor as he wiped his tears.
After doctor's permission all went to see Nicole but Liam stayed behind in the corridor, he slumped down on the chair in the corridor , he had lost all hope at that moment, thinking of a future without her in it made him so miserable that he couldn't breathe, his leg felt heavy, he didn't even have the courage to go and see her.
As he sat there, Liam felt someone tapping his shoulder. He turned to see his father standing there along with everyone. "You should go see her my boy"
"I can't father." Liam said looking at engagement ring in his hand . "I was going to propose today, I wanted to get married to her, have children, to grow old together."
When Liam looked back up his eyes were red filled with unshed tears. Constantine knew how his son felt, he was in the same place almost 20 years ago he knew what he sat there beside him giving his silent support
Later Liam took a deep breath and moved towards the OT. Nicole was laying on the small hospital bed, her black ballgown was exchanged with the loose fitted hospital gown, her hair which immaculately set by the stylist had fell open and was sticking to her forehead. Even then Liam thought she was most beautiful woman ever. He went to her held her palms in his own.
Nicole felt her life slipping away, tears streaked her cheeks, her breathing was turning shallow and even when Liam held her hands in his firm grip she couldn't see any light at the end of the tunnel, all she saw was darkness, darkness that was slowly but surely consuming her.
"It wasn’t supposed to end like this. " Nicole sobbed lightly. "I... I don't want to die. Please...." Before she could finish her sentence, the electrocardiogram flatlined. Liam's head snapped to the machine, he frantically pressed the call button. He was pushed away from Nicole, after a while the doctor spoke up"Time of death 00:37"
For few days Liam worked on autopilot, he spent most of his days in either his room or roaming around the wishing well. A week later, during Nicole's funeral, everyone was dressed up in black, her mother was sobbing sitting there, while her father held his wife. They had lost their only child and the feeling was killing them from inside.
Liam arrived later than everyone else, somewhere in his heart he was wishing for everything to be a horrific dream, one that he'll suddenly wake up from and laugh his heart out for having such a ridiculous dream.
He knew nothing like that would happen, Nicole was dead and he had to accept it but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't accept the fact that the love of his life was gone.
At end of the funeral he went to Milton and Genesis Nicole's parents and gave them his condolences, not showing any emotion.
That night when he was wide awake in his room, he felt tears streaming down his cheeks, drenching his pillow, he let out a sob which he muffled through the pillows on his bed, he cried his heart out, slowly his cries turned into sniffle, crying with so much anguish left him exhausted, his eyelids got heavy and sleep consumed him for first time in days.
*******************
3 years later
Liam was standing near Nicole's grave with a bouquet of white lilies in his hand, he put the bouquet on her grave and sat down there. Her death took away a part of him. He was not happy, not after what happened three years ago but tried his best to live the life to the fullest, even with all the responsibilities, he might be dead inside but he wanted to live for her.
"Hey love l am sorry I wasn't here since past few days, being a king is not easy. You were my anchor and I feel that without you everything is falling apart. I don't want this life but Leo's abdication few years ago compelled me to take the role which was never meant for me. Anyways not to delve into boring stuff, I came bearing good news, Maxwell is getting married next month. Can you believe it, I couldn't." He chuckled lightly "Hana is a lovely woman and you would have loved her. Maxwell wants to have his bachelor party in New York and I'll be gone for 4-5 days. See you soon darling." Liam got up and pressed a light kiss to his fingertip before pressing it on her grave.
Late night after packing everything he needed for the trip to New York, Liam took out his sleeping pills, as soon as the medicine took effect dreamless sleep consumed him as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Thank you
*******************
Tags: @kingliam2019 @kristinamae0093 @kristinamae093 @busywoman @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @malblk21 @ao719 @jerzwriter @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @emersyn-in-cordonia @angelasscribbles @liamrysandme @busywoman @belencha77 @marietrinmimi @bebepac
24 notes
·
View notes
Text
Smoke and Mirrors
9-Hidden in Plain Sight
Book: The Royal Romance Finale, AU
Series Premise: Hidden in the shadows, poised to challenge the status quo are enemies of the state. The loyalties and honesty of family and friends will be tested. ‘Keep your friends close, your enemies closer’.
Smoke and Mirrors Masterlist
Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP ‘LiRi’
2nd Pairings: Leo Rys x Amalas, Drake Walker x F!OC Delaney Leigh, Olivia Nevrakis x M!OC Alex Cossoy
*Most characters belong to Pixelberry.
*Not Beta’d, please excuse all errors
Rating: M🔞*Series Warnings: NSFW material, sexual innuendo, adult language/swearing/drinking/gun violence. Not recommended for anyone under 18 years of age.
Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff
Words: 2394
Chapter Summary: It’s the evening of the Celebration Ball and the big reveal of the Royal twins. Lena is interrogated by Interpol. Liam and Leo discuss a potential threat to the kingdom.
Smoke and Mirrors
9- Hidden in Plain Sight
Music Inspiration: Sway, Michael Buble; Claire De Lune, London Symphony Orchestra; Late Night Talking, Harry Styles
A/N2: My submission for @choicesseptemberchallenge2023, @midnightmelodiz , Day 6 – Dreams, Day dream, “I’m in love with you?”
A/N1: My submission for @choicesflashfics @jerzwriter Week #49, Prompt 1- “You take my breath away every time I see you.”
The King’s chamber was illuminated only by the soft light of the full moon where the King and Queen lay together. Riley was fast asleep, her head resting on Liam’s chest, her very pregnant belly snuggled safely against his side. Liam looked over at his sleeping wife, his heart swelling with love for her and their sons. In three short weeks, his family will grow to five; that time coming very quickly now.
Cordonian Royal Palace
He lay awake; sleep eluding him again for another night. Mentally organizing his schedule for the upcoming month, his thoughts eventually returned to that conversation with Drake that they had on the beach the day before. His confession...
‘Watching you with Brooks, all these years... I want that too.’
‘Pretending to be happy is pretty damn exhausting.’
Sighing, Liam was pleasantly surprised when he heard a soft voice.
No one else would have caught it, but Liam did. He ‘read between the lines’ of what Drake had said, like he was remembering a bad dream. Did Drake just admit that he still had feelings for his wife? Were those feelings that he had years ago still present and relevant to him?
“How long have you been awake?” Riley whispered.
He kissed her forehead and placed his hand on her baby bump. Stroking her belly, he could feel the soft kicks under his palm.
“Not long, love” he murmerred.
“What are you thinking about?” Liam hesitated before answering.
Riley turning her head to look up at him, “you think too much sometimes.”
“A conversation that I had. I am not quite sure if it was real or if it was a daydream.” Liam kept his answer opaque on purpose, not wanting to divulge too much detail to her.
Liam chuckled, “Are you complaining?”
“Never,” she replied, yawning. “I love you,” she added sleepily.
His body relaxed, as he closed his eyes, “I love you more.” he murmured, tightening his arm around her protectively.
Cordonian Palace Ballroom
The Ballroom was filled with guests awaiting the King’s announcement scheduled for later in the evening.
Royalty from neighboring kingdoms, nobility, politicians, and ambassadors from allied countries came from long and short distances to partake in the black-tie festivities. Music filled the air as waitstaff circulated amongst the crowd with glasses of wine and flutes of champagne.
“I’m glad you decided to attend this event with me,” Olivia said smiling at Alex.
“I must be honest with you, Livvie. I usually attend these functions as the enforcer. I am not used to wearing a ‘monkey suit’,” Alex smirked. He seemed to be comfortable among all the guests, nonetheless.
Olivia grinned back at her partner, but her smile quickly faded when she spotted Amalas and Leo huddled together on the other side of the dance floor. They appeared to be deep in conversation and were not paying any attention to their surroundings.
Alex noticed Olivia’s expression change. “Everything okay?” he asked with concern. She nodded, trying to force the smile back onto her lips.
“I thought that Leo was coming on his own tonight.”
“Liv, that doesn’t mean that he can't talk to anyone once he gets here,” Alex rebutted. Olivia sighed loudly and continued to watch the couple from afar.
A waiter approached, carrying a tray of hors d’oeuvres. Alex accepted a small sampling as Olivia continued to study the couple without saying another word. Alex shook his head; he knew what was bothering her. He also wished, he was mistaken.
As the orchestra began to play the first few notes of the Cordonian national anthem, the press began to gather around the dais waiting for the King to enter the ballroom.
The King’s guard fell into strategic positions when the herald announced the arrival of the Royal family.
Liam strode up to the lectern that was atop the dais wearing his full military regalia. Riley, walking with Eleanor, joined him and stood next to his side. Regina and Leo stood close by next to the dais.
The crowd hushed in anticipation. Clearing his throat once before speaking, Liam began, “Good evening, everyone,” he proclaimed.
“It is my pleasure and honor to welcome you all here tonight. I know many have been waiting patiently for the queen and I to make an official announcement concerning our ‘additions’ to the Royal family.” Liam turned to wink at Riley.
The ballroom attendees erupted in whoops and cheers.
Liam acknowledged his delighted guests with a broad smile and waited a few minutes for the accolades to subside. Continuing with, “thank you, thank you!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to have my princess here to help me....” Liam turned and beamed, chuckling as Ellie clapped her hands with a peal of laughter as her uncle Leo scooped her up and joined his brother.
“Well, Ellie, what do you think?” Leo asked, smirking at Liam.
“Daddy, look.” Ellie exclaimed and pointed to a bevy of blue balloons filled with helium that were being released behind the crowd overtop the dance floor.
“Everyone, our twin boys, our princes, are expected to arrive at the end of this month.” Liam lifted Riley’s hand tenderly to kiss.
Riley joined Liam as he took her hands and led her to stand beside him at the lectern.
Thrilled at the excitement, Liam continued once the audience returned their attention back to him.
Liam waited for the crowd to settle down after the announcement.
The applause was deafening as everyone celebrated.
After posing for pictures by the press, Liam led Riley to the dance floor as the orchestra began to play the beginning notes of ‘Clair de Lune’. As they danced, it felt like time stood still; as guests formed a circle around them, Liam kissed Riley’s hand and placed it atop his chest over his heart as they swayed together in time to the music.
“It must have something to do with the love of my life in my arms,” Liam simpered.
“How is it, that.... Liam,” as she smoothed down his lapels, “you take my breath away every time I see you.”
“Always the charmer, Your Majesty." Riley whispered, kissing his lips sweetly.
***
Drake held Delaney close to his chest as they watched the King and Queen move together in the center of the dance floor.
“They look so perfect together,” Delaney sighed. Her voice was laced with envy.
“Don’t worry, you’ll find someone special someday.” Drake answered sarcastically.
Delaney laughed. “That’s so easy for you to say.” Slapping his arm.
Drake grinned, “you'are damn straight, Leigh. When I first met you, I had no idea what my future would hold. You showed me things that I had only dreamed of having with someone. … and I have treasured every minute of your love.”
Growling, he leaned over and kissed her fiercely on the lips. Just as Riley and Liam walked past them. Delaney noticed the look on Drake’s face when he locked eyes with Riley. It gave her an uneasy feeling. He seemed to be lost in thought.
Smiling playfully at him, Delaney asked in jest, “I’m in love with you too?"
She frowned. “Something wrong?”
His eyes shifted away from Riley, and he shook his head.
“No, nothing at all.”
But he didn’t fool her. Delaney, now was positive that her concerns were justified, stepped back.
“Good evening, you two.” Riley beamed as she turned towards Delaney and Drake.
“You two are getting married! Congratulations...I am so happy for you both.” Riley put her arm around her shoulder for a side hug.
“Thank you so much,” Delaney replied, hugging Riley in return.
“Yes, congratulations you two,” Liam reached over to kiss Delaney’s cheek.
“I am impressed, Walker.” Riley snickered as she hugged her friend.
“Wow, settling down and saying goodbye to the bachelor life.” Liam smirked, shaking Drake's hand.
“Who would have thought,” Riley chuckled.
“Yeah, yeah, Brooks, get your shots in now.” Drake responded, not making eye contact.
Interrogation Room A, Interpol Headquarters, Lyon, France
Lena sat back on her chair with her hands folded in her lap. She was flanked by two men in dark suits. One of the men was a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair. His name was detective Lefebvre, and he had been assigned by Inspector Ryerson to investigate her case. The other man was the head of Psychiatrics and was assigned to conduct an evaluation of her psychological state by King Liam Rys of Cordonia.
Across the table, sat Lena’s legal defense attorney, assigned to represent her by the Royal estate of Vallenheim.
Detective Lefebvre cleared his throat.
“Miss Runarsdottir, I understand you are familiar with the Cordonian Royal family?”
Lena nodded. “Yes, I have met King Constantine Rys, my father. My stepmother, Queen Sigrid, raised me when my mother Eleanor Rys was murdered. I know of but never met my brother Liam or my stepbrother Leo.”
“And what do you know about them?” he asked.
Lena’s mouth went dry. She felt like she was trapped in a nightmare.
“I don’t have any other information about them,” she lied.
“Do you mean to tell me that you knew nothing about your brothers even though you were caught outside the buildings they were in this past summer?”
Lena stared at him unflinching.
“How did you know where to go?” he asked again.
“I’m sorry, I can't help you.”
Lefebvre slammed his fist against the table, making Lena jump in surprise.
“Don't play with me. You’re either lying or delusional.”
Lena bit her lip. She sat stoically and kept her emotions hidden.
“I am not playing around. I have no information.”
Feeling frustrated, Detective Lefebvre changed his strategy.
“Miss Runarsdottir, who is Bastien Lykel?
“Who?”
“Bastien Lykel,” he repeated.
Lena’s face paled. “I don’t know anyone named Bastien.”
“Are you sure?” he pressed.
“We have CCTV evidence of your conversation with him in the holding cells at the Cordonian Palace.”
“I-I-” she stammered.
“You were seen talking to him at least three times before you escaped those holding cells in Cordonia. Is that correct?”
Again, Lena sat in silence.
“Choose wisely, Miss Runarsdottir, and answer my questions. What is the nature of your relationship with Bastien Lykel?”
Lena’s breathing quickened and her hands began to shake. If she told the truth, she was dead.
“Let the records show that Miss Runarsdottir is not cooperative.”
Cordonian Ballroom
Leo was speaking to Rashad at the bar when Liam approached after having a debate with an American ambassador.
“Hey Li, I see you survived your conversation with Smithfield.” Leo smirked as Liam ordered a scotch and shot it back quickly.
“Barkeep, another round for my brother and I’ll take the same.”
“Why, thank you Leo.” Liam clapped his back.
“Where is your beautiful Queen?”
“Riley is upstairs with Ellie. Being so close to her due date, she needs to be off her feet to rest from tonight’s festivities. She is exhausted.”
Leo nodded. “Totally understandable, but Li, why are you still down here?”
“Because I need to talk with you and apologize about the other day.” Liam responded.
“No apologies needed. I was being an asshole and you called me out.” Leo grinned.
“Well, I overreacted. You pressed a nerve when you mentioned father.”
Leo smirked, “good, because I agree with you and I believe you are ‘right on the money’.
Liam chuckled, shaking his head.
“Again, that’s what makes you the better King,” Leo winked
“I do have information for you." Leo continued. "Amalas gave me an update on Interpol’s case on Lena and Bastien.”
‘Liam winces slightly at the mention of Lena, but he does not interrupt.’
“Lena is being uncooperative when questioned by the detectives. Nice touch, by the way, for assigning a psychiatrist to oversee her testimony.”
“Well, it’s the least I could do knowing what father did to her, and her future.”
“’Amalas has uncovered a few suspicious ‘coincidences’, but nothing damning enough’ to help shed light as to what her motives are.”
“So far, the information that he divulged on the estate of Vallenheim has been verified as true. It was uncovered that he has affiliations with members of the Vallenheim royal guard.”
“Has there been any progress on Bastien’s involvement?” Liam inquired.
“Director Ryerson has scheduled an official update for Monday morning with me. Apparently, Interpol has uncovered a black ledger. It was 'hidden in plain sight'."
“Care to join me, Leo?”
Leo responded, “I will be here.”
📌 @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @jared2612 @irisk12 @thesvnsins @walkerdrakewalker 📌
#choicesseptemberchallenge2023#choices monthly challenge#choicesflashfics#cfwc fics of the week#trr au fanfic#choices fic writers creations#liam rys#the royal romance#tessa liam writes#trr#riley brooks#trr fanfic#king liam#king liam rys#trr liam x mc#always liam and riley#smoke and mirrors#leo rys#amalas#drake walker#olivia nevrakis
55 notes
·
View notes
Text
One Night in Cordonia
Chapter 8: All's Well That Ends Well
Series: One Night in Cordonia, a @choicesprompts a Round Robin Event.
Fandom: TRR, with some OH introduced here
Pairings: You'll See lol
Word count: 2.2k (I went over a little - sorry!)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: talks about sex, innuendos, language
Prompt: Cocktails, Gala - @choicesjunechallenge
A/N: Every now and then, it's fun to just take your characters and put them in different surroundings. This lil' crack fic allowed me to do just that. I was going to say it's not really "my" Ethan and Tobias here, but, to be honest, it could be them in my Ethan/Kaycee world. Thanks for putting this together and including me Angela!
Next author: ??? @angelasscribbles ???
Summary: It's Leo's social season. The day is Beaumont bash after the formal dinner is done and the royal couple has left. Anton sends his second in command, Claudius, to spread a fog, "Death Smash," that would leave the guests paralyzed and he would attack. But the gas delivered was Shagging smog 2.0 by mistake, leading to a sexual frenzy amongst guests. Anton himself goes to check and falls prey to the gas. The only unaffected members are Max (immune), Leo (because he was in the gardens), and Olivia (partially affected, trying to fight the effects).
The pretty brunette flight attendant was shaky on her feet, and for once, turbulence nor the ridiculously high heels Constantine insisted his flight attendants wear was the cause. No, this time, the mesmerizing aqua-blue eyes of her passenger were the culprit. She hadn’t dared to look at them directly for fear of what they could do to her, but she could feel them raking over as she attempted to pour his bourbon. She only hoped he didn’t notice how she trembled.
“That’s good right there, darlin’,’ he droned, his husky voice rolling off his tongue like honey. “Any more than that, and I’ll have to wonder if you’re trying to take advantage of me.”
A blush settled on her cheeks as she attempted to come up with a reply. Luckily, the other, equally aesthetically pleasing passenger spared her when he sighed with disgust.
“For Christ’s sake, Tobias, could you maybe have just an ounce of decorum?”
“You know Ethan, decorum is overrated,” he winked. “I prefer fun. You may want to try it sometime.”
“I know how to have fun, and it’s not harassing our flight attendant.”
Ethan looked over to the young woman, who could not look away before his sapphire orbs met hers. Fuck! She thought because those eyes would render her equally as helpless.
“I apologize for my colleague. Apparently, he was raised by wolves.”
“Hey!” Tobias jumped in. “My mom would kick your ass if she heard you say that!”
“Really? Well, I’m sure she’d love to hear how you are treating this young woman,” Ethan pulled out his phone. “Shall I dial her?”
Tobias threw both hands up in surrender. “Nope! Truce! Truce!”
A satisfied smirk crossed Ethan’s face. “I think you’ll be left in peace for the remainder of the flight,” he smiled. Completely oblivious to the look of disappointment on the woman’s face as she exited the cabin.
Tobias sipped the amber liquor and let out a slow moan. “Mmmm. This is amazing,” he growled. “Have you tried yours yet? I know you’re a total snob, but I swear, this shit will make you weak in the knees.”
Ethan eyed his untouched beverage and shut his eyes.
“I’ll get to it,” he grumbled. “This whole thing, it’s just… it’s obscene!”
Tobias leaned over and took the papers his companion was reading out of his hands, shoving them into the attaché at his side.
“Hey, what are you….”
“Shut up,” Tobias spat. “Seriously, Ethan. The hospital insisted we go, so just sit back and enjoy the ride. We’re on one of the most luxurious private jets on the planet on someone else’s dime. Our every need is expected to be catered to, and if you hadn’t interrupted… that might have included the beautiful Ashley.”
“Ashley?” He asked.
“The flight attendant…”
“Her name is Amber, you idiot. And sexual harassment isn’t something I wish to add to our resume on this trip.”
“Ethan, relax. I was joking!”
“I’m sorry, I just hate this whole thing. The wealthiest people in the world summoning us across the damn Atlantic to take care of their potential PR disaster is not what I went into medicine for.”
“I don’t disagree,” Tobias shrugged. “But what they’re paying us for two days’ work will fund our department for the next year. So look at the bright side for a change Mr. Sour Pants.”
“You have a point,” Ethan grumbled. “Let’s just make this quick, get in and get out…”
“That was my plan with Am….”
“SHUT UP!” Ethan hollered as Tobias adjusted his sleep mask and drifted off, pleased he had accomplished his goal of getting under his boss’s skin.
~~~~
Upon landing, a heavily guarded motorcade awaited the two doctors and drove them to the Beaumont estate.
“Is this still fun for you?” Ethan asked.
“Fuck yes! I’m living out some major James Bond fantasies right now.”
Ethan fought the genuine smile that attempted to spread on his lips; maybe there was something to Tobias’s constant glass-half-full approach, but he wasn’t about to admit it.
When they arrived at the scene, Constantine and a Lieutenant from the King’s Guard greeted them at once. The Lieutenant handed each man a gas mask.
“Gentlemen,” Constantine enthused. “We are so happy to have you here! It’s not our first incident with shag smog in Cordonia, but this one is not responding to the normal antidote. That’s why we called in the experts.”
Ethan quickly adjusted his mask, but Tobias made no effort to put his on, earning him a questioning glare.
“No need,” Tobias smiled. “I’ve been exposed in the past, so I’m immune.”
“Of course you have,” Ethan groused. “How bad is the situation?”
“Worse than you could imagine!” The Lieutenant began. “There are only a handful of people present who weren’t affected, reasons unclear at this time. Some may have had prior exposure, some, well… this could be their natural state of being; it’s hard to tell.”
“OK, so we have a handful of people who haven’t turned into sex-crazed lunatics,” Tobias assessed. “But how many have? Do you know how many were in attendance?”
“Several hundred,” a woman’s voice rang out from behind, and Tobias’s body went rigid. He’d know that voice anywhere. “Anyone who is anyone in Cordonian society is here, plus a few plebeians from other nations who are delusional enough to imagine they can fit in with us.”
Tobias turned slowly toward the red-haired beauty, salacious grin in place.
“You say plebeians with such disdain, Duchess. From what I recall, you haven’t always minded rolling around in the dirt with at least… some of us.”
Olivia’s eyes narrowed, her icy gaze meeting Tobias’s heated stare. “You!” she hissed.
Ethan clapped his friend on the back. “It’s so good to see you have fans everywhere. Please tell me you made her acquaintance at a Cordonian History seminar.”
“Yeah,” Tobias chuckled. “Something like that. It’s been a long time, Duchess.”
“I’d prefer it if you called me Olivia,” she seethed.
“Heh! That’s not what you wanted to be called last time we were together.”
Constantine turned to Ethan with a look of distress. “Are you sure the sex pollen isn’t impacting him?”
“No,” Ethan sighed wearily, “Sadly, that’s just him.”
“Tobias?” a naked Maxwell hollered as he approached the group. “Is that you?”
Ethan turned to Constantine, aghast. “I thought you said all the impacted were contained!”
“They are! But that’s Maxwell and… sadly, that’s just… him.”
“It’s me,” Tobias nodded, averting his eyes. He removed his lab coat and tossed it in Max’s direction. “Would you put this on, for Christ’s sake! No one needs to see that damn hippo tattoo.”
“Oh, yeah…” Ethan rolled his eyes. “That’s what we don’t need to see!”
“So, what do we do, gentlemen?” The Lieutenant asked. “Normally, pumping in the antidote smog does the trick.”
“Not with this new variant,” Tobias interrupted. “It’s essentially a concentrated form of GHB in vaporized form.”
“So, how do we reverse this?” Constantine asked.
“There’s been some success with the administration of diclofenac and NSAIDS,” Ethan advised. “But that would require injecting each of the infected individually. There is no way to ‘gas’ everyone back to normal.”
“Well, that could take hours! Days!” A voice called out.
“This is my son, Leo, the crown prince.” Constantine chimed in. “And I agree with him. We need to get this display of debauchery under control before it’s a scandal!”
“Forgive me if I’m more concerned about the people who were poisoned, not your Palace’s reputation.”
“Dr. Ramsey, I believe I’m paying you quite handsomely to take care of both,” Constantine reminded.
“Going room to room won’t be the fastest way,” Tobias agreed. “But it is the best way. Not only can we ensure it’s administered properly, but you can send someone in with us to confiscate everyone’s mobile devices. That will give you time to destroy any embarrassing pictures you wouldn’t want out there.”
Olivia spat out a laugh behind him. “Yes, Dr. Carrick. Because you, of all people, know about embarrassing blackmail photos. Don’t you?”
Tobias shot her a knowing look. “We’ll talk after… Duchess. Right now, I have work to do.”
~~~~~
Tobias and Ethan ran up the ornate marble staircase; the team Constantine assembled to assist them quick on their heels.
“So, dare I ask what the deal is with you and Olivia?” Ethan asked.
A blissful look came over Tobias’s face, and Ethan momentarily wondered if his friend was being impacted by the gas.
“You know I’ve always had a thing for redheads. Plus, have you ever had a woman pull a switchblade out of her stilettos and threaten you in the middle of some of the most mind-blowing sex you’ve ever had in your life?”
Ethan looked at Tobias in horror. “No! I can’t say I have.”
Tobias reached over and tapped his friend’s shoulder. “Well, add it to your bucket list, buddy. I promise you, it’s a rush.”
“Gentleman,” Leo interrupted, “if you wouldn’t mind visiting this room first. My brother, Liam, is in here.”
When the men entered, Liam immediately rushed toward them.
“What the…”
“Thank God you’re here!” Liam squealed. “This is shag smog… isn’t it?”
“It is,” Leo frowned. “But… you’re coherent… weren’t you impacted? Do you want to screw any of us right now?”
Liam calmly looked over the three men and shrugged. “I mean, you’re all cute… but not my type… and you’re my brother!”
“But if you weren’t impacted, why are you locked in here?” Leo asked.
“Madeline locked me in here. That woman has been dying to have her way with me and thought she believed this was her big chance.”
“Wait…” Tobias interrupted. “I’m not up on all of the societal gossip, and I know you people have your own little… proclivities… but,” he turned to Leo, “isn’t Madeline your fiance?”
“Technically,” Leo sighed.
“OK, then,” Tobias simpered. “Well, how about we leave you two to sort this out while we go administer the antidote to others.”
Leo nodded at Tobias, “Excellent idea. We’ll meet up again outside.”
~~~~~
Several hours later, Tobias joined a team of King’s Guards assigned to delete all incriminating images from guests' phones. He was having too much fun helping, chuckling repeatedly before hitting delete. He turned to Ethan with a grin.
“You know, if we want to retire early, all I need to do is forward some of these to our phones. Our offspring’s offspring could live off of the blackmail money.”
He heard what sounded like the knuckles cracking behind him and found Oliva glaring his way. “I assure you, that would be ill-advised.”
“Relax, sweetheart. Don’t you know a joke when you hear one?”
Ethan looked between the two and shook his head ruefully. “I know I’m going to live to regret this… but you mentioned blackmail photos before… what were you talking about?”
Tobias howled with laughter. “She took some photos of me and planned on using them against me. Unfortunately for her, she didn’t factor in that I have no shame. So, she got nothing.”
“Oh dear God,” Ethan groaned. “What the hell was on… you know what… no… I don’t want to know.”
“Why?” Tobias asked. “They were just pictures of me… in various states of undress… some may have involved latex… and a couple had switchblades….”
“OK, STOP!”
“In one,” Tobias said, standing up with dramatic flair, “I was kind of bent over like this….”
“I SAID STOP!” Ethan yelled as he rushed away, muttering under his breath.
Amused, Olivia slid up next to Tobias and gently caressed his forearm.
“He’s a bit squeamish, no?”
“Hey, they can’t all be me,” he laughed. “You’re looking good, Dutchess… you know, I wouldn’t exactly turn down the opportunity to … engage… again….”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Tobias, you’re a terribly handsome man. And as much as I can appreciate someone who eagerly follows my orders and calls me Duchess throughout, I must admit… I rather get off on the fear in my companion's eyes when I unexpectedly pull a sharp object in the heat of the moment… the fact that you kind of got off on that… it takes the fun out of it for me.”
“Hey!” Tobias protested. “Fear? Is that what you’re looking for. Listen, gorgeous, I had four years in drama club in college, and I can feign fear like the best of them. I think you should give me another shot.”
Olivia’s eyes raked over him, slowly taking him in from head to toe, a fiendish grin growing.
“You’re willing to wear a harness?”
Tobias scoffed. “When have I ever said no to that?”
“OK,” she smiled, rising to her feet. “The Beumont’s armory is in the basement. Go down the staircase, make a left, and it’s the last door at the end of the hallway. Meet me there in fifteen minutes. Oh, and get your lab coat back from Maxwell. Make sure you’re wearing that… and nothing else… when I enter,” she winked. “That’s the main course. The harness will be dessert.”
Tobias looked at her with darkened eyes. “At your command, my Duchess.”
Anxioulsy hopping to his, Tobias yelled to Ethan as he made his way to the door.
“Hey, buddy! I’ve got .. uh.. some things to do. Keep yourself occupied… look around for Bertrand… you both love boring things. He’ll know what to do.”
Liam and Leo leaned against the wall, shaking their heads at what they had just witnessed.
“And that’s without the shag pollen,” Leo sighed. “Could you imagine them under the influence?”
Liam shook his head vigorously. “It would be the demise of Cordonia. Perhaps the demise of civilization.”
@choicesficwriterscreations Tagging others in RB.
#choices fanfic#the royal romance#trr#open heart#open heart choices#playchoices#choicesprompts#choices fic writers creations#ethan ramsey#tobias carrick#olivia nevrakis#the rys family#trr au#round robin
64 notes
·
View notes
Text
Thanksgiving - Part 4
Fandom: TRR - (Un)Common Attraction universe
Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Harper Gale)
Series: Thanksgiving
Synopsis: Harper and Drake fly to Bozeman, MT to spend their first Thanksgiving together with Harper’s family.
Word count: 5,400
Warnings: E (swearing, fluff, religion, references to smut, aggro, violence no human casulaties)
A/N1: So, this installment was supposed to wrap up Thanksgiving night at the Gales', but (as per usual), it ended up running away from me, so there will be at least one more part (I know I said that last time as well, but I don't control these characters)
A/N2: Once again, apologies in advance for any errors or misinterpretations in relation to the American football. I sliced and diced the Broncos vs. Cowboys game together based on real life comments I transcribed from my husband over the course of a few games we watched together, so pretty much all of the reactions in the fic are genuine yes, hubby is a very opinionated spectator 😆
A/N3: This is also my second submission for @choicesholidays' 2023 Winter Holidays Prompt Event, and the prompt that this installment fits with is Week 1: I’m thankful for you and Week 3: This is definitely going to land me/you/us on the naughty list!
"Oh, look who decided to show up..." grouses Tyler as Drake and I descend the stairs.
"Sorry," I say, pulling my cardigan over my shoulders. "We—"
"Used up all the hot water?" my brother offers dryly. "And then some?"
Justin gives him a shove.
"What?" Tyler objects offendedly. "They were in there for almost two hours!"
"I pulled 36 rose thorns outta her," Drake tells him.
Tyler visibly blanches. "Shit."
"You okay, Harp?" asks Brody, stepping up to me.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I assure him with a wan smile. "Just —"
"Oh, honey!" cries Mom, flying out of the kitchen with outstretched arms. "That's terrible! Do you—?"
"Ouch!" I hiss as her concerned arms fly around me... pressing inevitably into my wounds.
"Oh! Sorry, sweetie!" she exclaims, yanking her hands back. "I didn't mean to hurt you! I just wanted to give you a hug!"
"Yeah, those are going to have to wait a while..." I mutter sourly, rubbing a particularly tender spot on my shoulder.
"Such rotten luck..." she bemoans with a sigh. "Especially on Thanksgiving!"
"Trust me, I know..." I assure her, glancing wryly at Drake. "It was definitely not part of the plan!"
He shakes his head with a smirk as he helps himself to the twelve-pack of Busch that Brody had already opened up.
"Do you need anything?" my mom presses. "Ice pack? Hot water bottle? Painkillers?"
"Something stronger?" quips Nana as she puts the finishing touches on the apple pies.
"I'm fine," I tell her. "Drake already loaded me up with Advil upstairs. They should be kicking in any minute."
"Let's get you fed, then," declares Dad, hoisting the steaming turkey out of the oven. "Everything should still be hot."
"Sorry for making you wait," I say as we all make our way to the dining table. "Anything we can do to help?"
"Nothing — apart from digging in!" he replies, placing the oversized bird into the middle of the table.
"Not before we say grace!" Nana reminds us imperiously, arriving as well after having loaded the pies into the oven.
Groans rise up from my brothers.
"Can't we just eat?" asks Tyler. "We'll miss the start of the game!"
Nana whips him with her kitchen towel. "Not on your life, buster! You may not go to church like you should on Sundays, but you can still take two minutes out of your day to think about something other than yourself! Especially on Thanksgiving!"
"I think about stuff!" Tyler objects, rubbing his arm.
"Like that pistol at the gun range?" smirks Brody. "Who's more likely to shoot you than date you?"
"No..." snips Tyler, looking studiously away.
"Suuuure," grins Justin, elbowing his brother meaningfully.
Tyler reddens further.
"I quite like the tradition," interjects Mom with a smile. "Helps remind us of all our little blessings in life. Like the fact that we have food on the table... A roof over our heads..." She reaches out to clasp my hand under the table. "Things to celebrate..."
I return her smile as I give her fingers a squeeze.
"Okay, fine," accedes Tyler. "But can we skip the hand-holding? I'd like to keep my fingers— Ow! The hell was that—!"
"Language!" warns Dad.
"We're doing this properly," decrees Nana, snapping the kitchen towel back onto her shoulder. "Without any goofing around!"
She offers her hands with a decisive note of finality.
Tyler stares at it for a long moment before taking it with a beleaguered sigh.
"Now your brother," she prompts.
Tyler holds his hand out grumpily.
Justin takes it with an equally crabby expression.
I hold my free hand out to Drake, who laces his fingers through mine with a warm smile as the rest of my family link up as well.
"Right," declares Nana. "Who wants to do the honours?"
Awkward silence descends on the table.
I heave a breath. Guess I'll just—
"I'll do it."
My head snaps to my left. "Really?"
Drake responds to my surprised outburst with a shrug. "Someone's gotta. Plus, like your mom said — we got things to celebrate."
My heart swells with emotion as I feel him run his thumb over the engagement ring sitting on my finger.
He meets my gaze with that molten mocha look that always gives me butterflies before turning back to the rest of the table.
My family's eyes swivel onto him expectantly.
Drake clears his throat. "I'd like to say thanks. To everyone at this table. Not just for inviting me to share Thanksgiving with y'all, but for welcoming me into your family. I know we didn't exactly meet under the best circumstances — the first, the second, or hell... even the third time!"
Chuckles rise up from around the table.
Tyler leans into Justin accusatorially. "How come he gets a free pass for cussing?"
Brody punts him under the table.
"So, I'm grateful for the trust you placed in me — continue to place in me — when it comes to your daughter... your sister... your granddaughter," Drake continues, meeting everyone's eyes in turn. "It goes without saying that she's smart, beautiful, got more grit than a gravel road, and obviously banged her head at some point—"
More chuckles float into the air.
"—because I still have no clue what the hell she's doing with me," he adds with a wry smirk, glancing over at me. "But I know that I love her, and will go to the ends of the Earth for her, come hell or high water. And I know we're not quite married yet, but I truly am grateful for every day, every minute, every second I get to spend with her, because life is too damn short, and I honestly don't deserve her."
I squeeze his hand as my vision becomes blurred with feeling.
"And I know that the past six months have been tough — for everyone at this table — but I don't regret the outcome. Because each hurdle, each hardship led to this little moment right here — all of us 'round this table, sharing a Thanksgiving meal together."
I feel my mouth curve into a small smile of agreement.
Drake takes a breath. "So thank you, Lord, for blessing us with this bounty — not just the food that we are about to eat, but the bonds of love and family that we get to share and strengthen each and every day. Amen."
There is more than one hoarse voice as my family reciprocates the traditional affirmation.
"Oh, Drake," croons Mom, wiping the heartfelt tears from her eyes. "That was beautiful!"
"Yeah, seriously," grunts Tyler 'round a sniffle. "What gives, man?"
"Are you actually crying?" asks Justin in bewilderment.
"No..." mutters Tyler, blinking rapidly. "Just... just got a stupid eyelash..."
"Uh-huh..." comments Brody... though Drake's speech must've touched him as well, because he sidelines his usual ribbing in order to reach up to flick a wayward drop of wetness out of the corner of his own eye.
"At least now you know how to do it for next year," declares Nana. Reaching across the table she adds, "That was lovely, dear. Thank you."
Drake accepts the gesture with a soft smile. "Just spoke from the heart, ma'am."
"As you should," she affirms wisely, settling back into her seat.
I lean into Drake with a wry smirk. "Now the rest of us will never measure up..."
"Not everything's a competition, Gale," he murmurs, lifting my hand to his lips to drop a kiss on my knuckles, his mocha eyes dancing.
I flick my foot against his as I stifle a snort.
"Yes, thank you, Drake," acknowledges Dad with a nod. "And now, for the main event."
Brody shunts the turkey closer to the edge of the table as Dad pushes himself up and reaches for the carving knife and meat fork.
"What piece do you want?" I ask Drake as my dad sets to work dissecting the steaming bird.
"Y'all take first dibs," he replies. "I'm easy."
"You sure?" I press. "There's usually a fight for the wings and the legs. So, if you want in on that, you'll need to jump on it."
"I'm good," he assures me. "You just pick what you want."
"Drake?" asks Dad, as if on cue. "Breast, wing, or leg?"
"Please don't say wing..." prays Tyler. "Please don't say wing..."
Brody elbows his brother in the side, eliciting an annoyed grunt.
"I'm good with anything," Drake replies.
"Nah, son," Dad insists. "You were kind enough to say grace, so you get first pick. So, what'll it be?"
Drake glances 'round the table like it's a high-stakes poker game.
My family eye him in turn, waiting for his decision.
Looking back up at my dad, he says, "Breast is good."
There is a collective exhale from my brothers.
"You sure?" Dad asks, repeating my own question from earlier. "There's plenty of—"
"I'm good," Drake confirms, holding his plate out.
"Okay," shrugs Dad, slicing a decent chunk of meat off. "Just don't be shy about seconds."
"Learnt my lesson yesterday," Drake assures him with a grin.
Knowing laughter bubbles up around the table.
"Harper?" asks Dad, turning to me.
"Hey!" objects Tyler. "Why is she next?"
"Because she's the only one of the four of you not living here anymore," Dad replies. "Which means she's a guest, and guests get first cut."
Tyler slumps back into his chair with a dejected huff. "Never gonna get any wings at this rate..."
"Leg for me, please, Dad," I say. "And a wing."
Tyler throws his hands up in the air. "See!"
Dad ignores him as he proceeds to dole out the request onto my plate.
"Thanks," I say, placing the food back in front of me.
"You're welcome, honey," Dad says with a smile before turning back to take orders from the rest of the table.
I reach for my fork and knife.
Drake leans in again. "Shouldn't we—?"
He goes mute as I dump half the turkey leg onto his plate. "Here."
His eyes snap up to mine. "Gale, I said I—"
"You can thank me later," I tell him, giving him the wing as well while nabbing some breast from him in exchange.
Drake stares at his plate for a moment before reaching over to give my knee a squeeze.
I pat his hand under the table.
I know he'd been trying to be polite, opting for his third choice instead of his first or second, so he wouldn't cause any upset. But I also know that he loves wings — I mean, who doesn't? — and the darker meat always tastes juicer than the white. So, I'm not going to let his Southern sensibilities cheat him out of genuinely being able to enjoy his Thanksgiving meal. Especially after everything he's done for us today — fixing the oven, prepping the food, and spending thirty minutes with a needle and tweezers plucking thorns out of me with infinite patience and precision.
"Help yourselves," Mom urges, shoving the mash towards us. "You know you don't have to stand on ceremony with us."
"Thanks, Mom," I say, taking the dish from her.
While the various sides and garnishes get passed around, Dad finishes carving up the turkey, and we settle into easy conversation in front of loaded plates.
"So, I hear you're flying down to Texas tomorrow?" Nana asks as she spears an asparagus.
"That's right, ma'am," nods Drake, swallowing down the bite he's just taken. "Need to make a quick detour for my Aunt Lee."
"She forgot something?" queries Nana.
"No," I correct 'round a mouthful of mash. "We need to get her."
"She's never flown before," Drake clarifies. "Or been out of the country. But my sister wants her to come to the wedding, so..."
"We're her VIP escort," I finish wryly.
"VIP or not," notes my Mom, "I'm sure she'll appreciate the company. Airports can be very bewildering!"
"You just need to follow the signs," I say.
"Hey," interjects Tyler, jabbing a forkful of turkey at Mom. "You're talking to the parent who got lost in Costco."
"They put the petunias in the wrong place!" objects Mom.
"You mean outside...?" deadpans Justin.
Mom huffs wearily in reply.
"Have you decided where the two of you want to get hitched?" asks Dad, strategically changing the subject.
"No," I admit. "We've been so involved with Savannah and Bertrand's wedding that we haven't really had time to think about ours..."
"Well, I know it's nothing fancy, but you're more than welcome to have it here," he offers. "The yard's plenty big enough.. Or there's the church down the road, if you were thinking something more traditional..."
"Thanks, Dad," I say graciously. "We'll definitely—"
"And I can make the cake!" adds Mom with gusto. "With those little sugar flowers, and—"
"Stop trying to plan their wedding!" chides Nana. "They might want to get married in Texas! Or New York! Or Hawaii!"
"Well, like I said," I interject diplomatically. "We haven't quite decided..."
"But if not," accedes Dad, "you know we're more than happy to chip in. In whatever way you need."
"Including helping you elope," winks Justin.
Mom throws her bread roll at him. "Don't you dare! If I find out my one and only daughter got married without me, I'll... I'll..."
"Well, there goes Plan A..." mutters Drake as my mom heaves a shuddering breath.
"Told ya..." I whisper back with a grin.
He leans in closer. "Fine. But I expect you to make it up to me on the honeymoon."
I smack his arm.
His hot gaze bores into me. "You think I'm joking..."
Despite our earlier escapades in the shower, I feel the heat flare between my legs in response to the intensity in his eyes.
Especially as he adds in a low voice, "We'll be doing nothing but each other for two weeks, baby."
"Okay, enough wedding talk!" declares Tyler. "It's game time!"
"No, it's not!" objects Justin. "I'm still eating!"
"Well, eat faster then!" urges Brody, wiping the gravy from his plate. "The kickoff waits for no man!"
"What about dessert?" asks Mom. "Don't you want to—?"
"I think the pie will have to wait," I note dryly as my brothers push their chairs back.
"Drake?" she asks hopefully. "Do you want—?"
"Thanks, but J was right," he replies, leaning back in his chair. "I'm stuffed fuller than the poor bird sitting on the table."
"There's always room for dessert!" Nana counters. "Especially when your missus made it!"
"It wasn't just me," I tell her. "You helped too!"
"It's yours in all the ways that matter, dear," she insists with a proud smile. "I just helped you put it together."
"Well, if it's anything like the pancakes, I'm sure it'll be worth the wait," Drake assures her.
"Ha! Your boy's got more silver on his tongue than I have teeth in my mouth!" exclaims Nana. But I can tell that she's pleased with Drake's response.
"What about some apple pie moonshine?" asks Dad conspiratorially. "Got any room for that?"
Drake considers the offer. "I can be tempted..."
"Good," approves Dad with a grin, slapping Drake on the shoulder as he gets up. "I'll grab the bottle."
"Yo! Texas!" calls Tyler from the living room. "You comin', or what?"
"Go," I tell him. "I'll help with the clean up."
"You sure?" he asks, running his gaze over me concernedly.
"Yes," I assure him. "It's not like I broke an arm or anything."
His mouth twitches. "Opinions may vary...."
I give him a shove. "Want to rethink that prognosis, Doctor?"
He leans in to drop a kiss on my cheek with a chuckle. "Fine. But you better holler if you need help."
"I'll be fine," I tell him, turning my head to peck him on the lips. "I need to work all this food down somehow first, anyway."
His breath tickles my mouth. "Well, if you want suggestions..."
"Oh, my God!" I cry in exasperation, snacking his chest. "Just go already!"
"You sure they're not married already?" asks Nana prosaically. "They act like they've been together fifteen years!"
"Oh, not you too!" deplores Mom, dropping her head into her hands.
"What?" objects Nana. "It was just an observation!"
"Well, don't give them ideas!" exhorts Mom. "I'll walk at least one of my children down the aisle, if it's the last thing I do!"
My head snaps 'round. "Isn't that Dad's—?"
"He can have the first dance," declares Mom with a dismissive wave of her hand.
I stare at her in bewilderment.
"What did I do now?" queries Dad, reappearing with the jar of moonshine.
"Nothing!" Mom assures him with an angelic smile. "Just wedding talk!"
"More like wedding sabotage," mutters Nana around the rim of her gin and tonic.
"Umm..." is all I can manage as Drake tries and fails not to choke on his own snort of laughter.
"They're kicking off!" hollers Justin from the living room.
"Better excuse yourself quick, son," advises Dad, grabbing a pair of glasses out. "Otherwise you'll be stuck at this table for the rest of the night, wondering what possessed you to propose in the first place!"
"Robert!" exclaims Mom in outrage.
"Go," I urge Drake as my dad disappears into the living room. "We'll join you in a minute."
"Okay," he accedes. Turning back to the table, he adds, "Thank you for dinner. Y'all really went all out."
"Oh, you're welcome, sweetie," Mom tells him with a beaming smile. "But are you sure you had enough?"
"I'm sure," he assures her, patting his belly. "But I'll be back for some of that pie at halftime!"
"We'll keep it warm for you," Nana assures him.
"Appreciate it," Drake grins in reply.
"Oh, that reminds me!" Mom exclaims as Drake turns to follow my dad. "I should get the ice cream out of the freezer — let it warm up a little."
"I can do it," I offer, pushing my chair back. "Seeing as I did nothing earlier."
"Don't you want to watch as well?" asks Mom in surprise.
"With that much testosterone crammed into one room?" I quip. "I need some apple pie first!"
"Good thing we made two, then!" agrees Nana.
"I'll get some plates out," Mom declares, getting up as well.
Dispersing from the table, the three of us set about our designated tasks while the sounds of the game float through the house to the accompaniment of various exclamations coming from the sofa.
"Boom!" yells Drake. "That's how you sack!"
"What the shit, ref!" erupts Brody at the same time. "He was over first down!"
"Yeah, right!" scoffs Drake. "He was—"
"Shut up, Texas!" shouts Tyler. "Your opinion doesn't count!"
"Actually, he's right," steps in Justin. "He got pushed off before—"
"Whose side are you on?!" Brody and Tyler yell back.
"Sounds like an exciting game," observes Nana as she pulls the pies out of the oven.
"A little too exciting," I reply dryly, grabbing a spoon out for the ice cream.
"Oh, they're just having fun," Mom assures me, popping a bottle of caramel Bailey's open. "You know how boys get when they're together..."
"Yeah," I mutter. "That's what I'm worried about..."
The last thing I need right now, on top of everything else that's gone sideways today, is Drake and my brothers falling out over a stupid game when they've been getting along so well with each other. Especially when there is actually money — and pride — on the line.
Maybe this had been a bad idea...
Peeking 'round the corner, I catch sight of the guys on the sofa, eyes glued to the TV.
"Stop him!" urges Drake as the Broncos receiver makes a dash down the field. "Flatten the bastard!"
"Keep going, Patrick!" counters Brody.
"Sweet fuckin' Jesus!" groans Drake as the Cowboys defence finally manage to push the Denver player out of bounds. "How many of y'all do you need to stop a runner!"
"The whole team," laughs Dad from the other side of the room.
"Seriously?" objects Tyler. "You're not gonna call him out on the f-word?"
"Oh, just let it go, T!" groans Brody.
"Maybe if you learn to drink 'shine like a man, Dad'll give you a free pass too!" Justin tells his younger brother.
"I make no promises," comes the deadpan response.
I feel a smile quirk at my lips. Okay. Maybe it's not so bad.
Picking my plate and glass up, I make my way over to the sofa as well...
...and nearly spill everything onto the carpet as Drake erupts into a fit of rage just as I'm about to sit down next to him.
"What the hell, Diggs!" he bellows, throwing his hand out at the TV. "How could you let that go!"
Brody jumps up from the couch with a celebratory fist-pump as the Broncos’ offence snaps the ball out of the air and tumbles across the line. "Ha! In your face, Texas!"
"One job! One fuckin' job..." growls Drake under his breath as he stares daggers at the screen.
The Broncos quickly line up for their field goal, adding a one-point conversion to their score.
"How's the game going?" asks Mom, coming over with Nana to join us.
"Depends who you ask," I tell her dryly, spooning up a forkful of pie while Drake continues to fume next to me.
"Broncos are winning," Brody declares proudly.
"Not for long," Drake mutters as the Cowboys line up for their first snap.
Dak Prescott gets the ball and launches it down the field.
"Catch it, Lamb, catch it...!" urges Drake.
Yellow flags fly into the field as the ref's whistle blows.
"What the fuck?" comes the outraged exclamation from next to me. "There was nothing—!"
"Personal foul," advises Justin. "Cowboys offence."
Sure enough, one of the Dallas linemen gets called out for holding.
"Oh, fuck you, ref!" objects Drake as the slow-mo replay is shown. "That's a bullshit call!"
"Not really," counters Justin. "That Cowboy all but ripped Browning's jersey off!"
"It didn't interfere with the damn play!" insists Drake heatedly. "We're owed that yardage!"
"Not according to the refs," shrugs Brody.
"Putain de bordel de merde..." cusses Drake under his breath.
"Jesus!" exclaims Mom as the teams reset. "Things must really be bad if we're swearing in Spanish now!"
"It's French," I correct wearily.
The ball is snapped again and the Cowboys manage to gain some ground, despite stiff opposition from the Broncos’ defence.
"The fuck, Darby! That was an easy pass!" exclaims Drake as the Cowboys fumble the ball.
"Cowboys are choking!" sniggers Tyler gleefully. "It's what they do best!"
"Shut up!" snaps Drake in response.
I lay a comforting hand on his knee, but he's too engrossed in the game to notice...
...especially when the Broncos take advantage of the turnover to score another touchdown.
"That's why you don't tackle like that!" yells Drake, springing to his feet in a fit of rage as the ball crosses the end zone.
"Ha!" gloats Brody victoriously as the Broncos convert the down. "16-0 against the number one offence in the league! We'll have you beat by the third quarter, easy!"
"Fuck you, man..." Drake grits, downing the remainder of his moonshine angrily.
"Top up?" offers Dad.
"I'm not sure that's—"
But my feeble protest gets very viscerally overruled as Drake thrusts his glass out in front of me.
I sink back into the sofa. This is going to be a long game...
The rest of the first half ticks down, with Dallas managing to squeeze a touchdown in just before the whistle blows.
"Fucking finally...!" grumbles Drake as the game cuts to ads.
"Someone suck the juice out of Cowboys?" asks Nana. "They're all over the place tonight!"
"I thought they were supposed to be one of the top teams in the league," adds Mom, chewing thoughtfully on a bite of pie.
"Just... Just don't..." says Drake with a shake of his head as he flops back onto the couch.
"Who wants pie!" I ask, trying to lighten the mood a bit — and change the subject — before Drake has a total meltdown.
"I'm good," says Brody, reaching for another can of Busch instead.
Tyler and Justin shake their heads as well.
"Drake?" I ask hopefully.
He tips the remainder of his drink back by way of reply.
"All the more for me, then!" I declare with excessive chirpiness as I tramp back into the kitchen.
But if Drake picks up on my heavy dose of sarcasm, he doesn't react to it.
Arriving at the centre island, I reach for the serving spoon.
I know he got like this sometimes — way too engrossed and overtly involved. Especially when his team failed to live up to expectations and he was left watching helplessly from the sidelines.
Which grates on him all the more, given that he played for a college team during his first two years at the University of North Texas, and knows first-hand the difference between a good play and a bad one.
So, I can empathise with his outbursts. Even if I don't agree with them. Because, at the end of the day, it's just a stupid game played by a bunch of belligerent jocks who get paid way too much money to run up and down a field for a couple of hours.
And that's part of the reason why I never really caught the football bug despite growing up in a house with four brothers and a dad who live and breathe the game.
Dumping another serving of pie onto my plate, I dress it with a liberal dollop of ice cream before making my way back to the living room...
...but not before I grab a fresh glass from the cupboard as well.
Dropping my plate on the coffee table, I nab the bottle of moonshine and pour myself a couple of fingers. Because the way this game is going, Bailey’s isn’t really going to cut it.
"You're drinking too?" asks Tyler in bewilderment.
"You used to hate that stuff," adds Justin with wide eyes.
"Drake's a bad influence," I reply dryly, screwing the mason jar closed again.
"Has good taste, though!" quips Nana as she reaches for the amber-coloured liquor as well. "You really outdid yourself with this batch, Rob!"
Dad raises his own glass cordially in reply as the TSN commentators wrap up their predictions for the second half and the game resumes.
Downing my drink in one, grimace-inducing swig (Nana's right — it is good... just very strong), I take my seat again with some trepidation as the Broncos kick the ball across the field to the Cowboys.
As regardless of the outcome, beer cans and f-bombs are guaranteed to go flying as soon as the final whistle blows. It's just a question of who will be the perpetrator — Drake, or Brody.
"Run it! Run it! You're wide op—!" Drake emits a pained groan. "Oh, got the love of—!"
Brody claps his hands together in victory as the Bronco's defence tackles the Cowboys runner to the ground. "Suck it, Texas!"
"We still got possession," Drake reminds him as the Cowboys line up for a snap.
I continue to chip away at my pie in tense silence as Dak Prescott gets his hands on the ball and looks for a receiver.
"Throw it, dammit!" urges Drake. "You're gonna get—"
Prescott launches the ball at the last second before he gets sacked, but it goes wide, hitting the ground even though Lamb makes a desperate run for it.
"27 yards, man!" groans Drake. "How the fuck did you miss?"
"Broncos gonna win!" sing-songs Justin as he does a little shimmy on the couch. "Broncos gonna win!"
"Shut up!" snaps Drake.
Ten tense minutes later, Drake's mood only fouls further.
"What?!" he berates the screen as the ref denies the Cowboys some much-needed points. "What the hell do you mean 'he wasn't in control'! That was a goddamn touchdown!"
"Sucks to be you, Texas!" Brody chimes in gleefully as Dallas is forced to rerun the play.
Drake shoots daggers across the room even as the Cowboys fullback manages to throw himself over the top of the double line of blockers and land the ball in the end zone.
But the touchdown, and the subsequent field goal, seems to galvanise the Cowboys, especially since they know they're quickly running out of time to make up for all the points they conceded to the Broncos in the first half.
Possession switches to Denver, but the defensive coordinator must have been screaming at the linesmen while they had been sat on the bench, because the Broncos have to fight tooth and nail to make any headway down the field.
"58-yard field goal...?" asks Justin in disbelief as the Broncos’ kicker is brought on.
"He'll need more than a prayer to pull that off," agrees Tyler.
"He'll make it," Brody assures himself, hands clasped in front of his face in apparent prayer. "He'll make it."
Even McManus looks like he's seeking divine assistance as he prepares himself for the kick on the field.
The kicker's foot pulls back, and the ball goes sailing through the air. The Cowboys scramble to catch it...
...but the football sails decisively through the bars of the goal.
"Fuck yes!" screams Brody, shooting up from the couch with his arms in the air.
"I can't believe he made it..." gasps Mom.
"Boy's got some thighs on him," affirms Nana.
Tyler and Justin are staring at the screen in awe.
Even Drake looks moderately impressed.
The rest of the third quarter winds down, and after yet another ad break, the final fifteen minutes of game time rolls around.
"Now or nothing, guys," murmurs Drake fervently as the last quarter kicks off.
I finished my second helping of pie ages ago, so I have nothing left to keep me distracted from the almost choking anticipation in the room.
The teams battle it out on the screen as the clock ticks slowly down.
"Run it, run it!" yells Drake as the Broncos close off Prescott's options.
"He's behiiiiind you!" mocks Tyler 'round a pre-celebratory slice of apple pie.
"Oh, for the love of—!"
My eyes suddenly widen as I see the Dallas QB pull his arm back. "He's going for a Hail Mary!"
Drake rounds on me. "To who? There's no one fuck—!"
Prescott must've sensed the Broncos' linebacker bearing down on him because he launches the ball into the air at the last possible second. The football hurtles through the air as players scramble on both sides...
...and Cooper manages to snatch it from the air!
"Where the hell was that during the first half!" deplores Drake as Cooper lands on his feet and pegs it down the field, leaving the Broncos' defence to dust.
"Run, you piece of crap!" yells Brody at his team. "Run!"
But it's too little, too late, and Cooper somersaults the ball into the Denver end zone with a massive grin on his face as the crowd in the stadium goes ballistic.
"Fucking finally!" gripes Drake, slumping back into the couch in relief as the Cowboys gain their hard-fought six points.
"Not gonna help you, Texas," Justin reminds him. "You're 22 points down with two minutes to go."
"Two minutes is a long time, man," Drake counters as the Cowboys line up to attempt a two-point conversion.
And I don't blame them — they desperately need the points, even though it's a risky play.
"Not if we sack you first!" exults Brody as the Broncos take their revenge and the Cowboys' gamble backfires.
"Asshole!" cries Drake, shooting to his feet in anger. "Why the fuck did y—!"
Tyler's laughing on the floor. "Should've taken the kick, Texas!"
Something inside of Drake snaps. "Fils de pute!" he roars aiming a kick at the coffee table and sending it flying...
...right into the TV stand.
The 50’’ flatscreen teeters precariously, as if trying to decide its fate, before opting to crash unceremoniously to the floor.
Silence drops on the room as everyone stares at the carnage, the garbled sound of the TSN commentators' voices crackling feebly out of the busted speakers.
Even Nana is speechless.
Dad is the first to recover his faculties. "Well," he observes prosaically. "That's a new one..."
I finally manage to tear my gaze away from the scene of destruction to look up at Drake...
...only to find a blank space beside me.
"Dra—?"
Pissed-off footsteps echo down the foyer before the front door slams shut with a loud bang.
I heave a breath. "Great."
Thanksgiving continues in Part 5 - Coming Soon!
A/N: Before anyone asks, yes, I HC that Drake had a Christian — specifically Catholic — upbringing. Both his parents hail from areas where church attendance, Sunday school, baptisms, etc. would’ve been prevalent when they were growing up (Texas for Jackson and rural Cordonia for Bianca — if you recall, I switched their nationalities around for my rewrites), so it would make sense for the Walkers to have continued this tradition with their kids, especially when they were younger. I know a lot of people write Drake as an atheist (or even downright aversive to the concept of God and organised religion), and I can understand why people make this choice, but this is not the route that my Drake decided to take. And while in my fics he is not ‘actively’ religious (he doesn’t go to church, he’s not particularly insistent on having a church wedding, etc.), that religious upbringing is still part of his character (readers may have noticed this in some of the expressions and turns of phrase that he uses; the concept of prayer is also something that I’m planning to explore towards the end of (Less Than) Noble Intentions), so he would know, and not balk at the thought of, saying grace at the dinner table.
Permatags
@twinkleallnight @lovingchoices14 @kingliam2019 @petiteboheme @angelasscribbles @aussiegurl1234 @nestledonthaveone @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @tessa-liam @alyshak92 @secretaryunpaid @princessleac1 @walkerdrakewalker @tinkie1973 @twinkle-320 @knaussal @nikkis1983 @lunaseasblog @ficloverevie @indiana-jr @differenttyphoonwerewolf @kristinamae093 @eversoaringqueen12 @peonierose @3pawandme @alexabeta @veebug8 @fanfiction-she-wrote @queenmiarys @lancelotsimp @coco-lina-s @lolablackwrites @ivyflowers13 @persephone13 @hollygirl1269 @adri-ja-96 @harleybeaumont @katedrakeohd @uneravine @alj4890
Thanksgiving Only
@burnsoslow
32 notes
·
View notes
Text
…Sometimes Not (Part 8)
Turn A Blind Eye
This is a submission for @choicesflashfics, using prompt #3, “Why are you being so weird?”
Title inspo: Enough Is Never Gonna Be Enough - Ross Copperman
A/N: This is an au mini series to my Always You story. Thank you @burnsoslow for prereading! Please excuse any errors.
Book/Pairing: TRR; Liam x OC (Reyna)
Rating: T • Warnings: None but some mild language.
Word count: 2500
Catch up here
Laying on the lounge chair, Reyna soaked up the sun on the royal family’s private beach. She had flown in with her father when he came for a week’s worth of meetings to discuss an event being hosted in Cordonia by a charity that he and Constantine were both patrons of. A week in Cordonia with Liam was better than a week in New York any day, so she’d requested time off work as soon as her father told her of his travel plans.
Suddenly, something eclipsed the sun, casting a shadow over Reyna’s bikini-clad body; she opened her eyes as she slid her aviators down the bridge of her nose and glanced up to see Liam, who had just come from a quick dip in the water. “You’re blocking my sun. And dripping water on me.”
“Well, excuse me,” Liam quipped. He shook his head, spraying her with the water that flung from his hair.
“Liam!” Reyna squealed as she turned her face away. She lifted her sunglasses to the top of her head and wiped her face.
“Oh, my bad,” Liam chuckled before moving to the chair beside her. He swung his legs up and laid back, tucking an arm behind his head with a content sigh. “I didn’t realize how badly I needed this day off until I had it.”
“You’ve been stuck in those negotiation meetings for nearly two months. You need more than just a day off.”
“Well, lucky for me, someone convinced me to take the whole week.” Liam glanced over at her, meeting her gaze; her amber eyes sparkled under the sun like pools of honey as she smiled at him.
“So, what time are we going out tonight?”
“I told Max and Liv we’d meet them down at the beer garden around nine,” Liam replied.
“Leo too?” Reyna asked.
“Yeah,” Liam nodded. “Whose turn is it?”
Reyna chuckled. “Mine.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I am. Last time, it was you in New York. I had to tuck you in after Kismet, but not before you stole my pillow, remember?”
Liam snorted. “Barely.”
In the months since their drunken pillow fight kiss, Reyna and Liam made an agreement: no drinking at the same time. It was to help them control what they seemed unable to while inebriated together. One set of lowered inhibitions was easier to manage than two. So they took turns; one would drink, the other would be the designated babysitter for the evening.
It wasn’t as easy as they initially thought it would be. The one drinking would be more flirty than usual and would go into ramblings while falling asleep that sometimes left the other overthinking every drunken word. It worked well enough, however, leaving the sober one able to ignore what they typically wouldn’t be able to and push their feelings down further.
Those feelings were about to combust, though. At least for Liam, they were.
It had been nearly a year since their Parisian reunion and to say Liam was struggling would be the understatement of the century. Whether drunk or sober, he found himself on the verge of spilling the confession of his feelings every time they were together. He thought over time it would get easier to keep them to himself, but it had only gotten more and more difficult. Reyna still seemed content where they were, however. She was the one who said it wasn’t a good idea for them to venture down that road again. Liam took the words as her way of saying she no longer looked at him that way. That helped a little when it came to not saying anything to her about how he felt; his silence was better than the sure rejection that would come.
****
Leaning against the table with his chin resting on his hand, Liam watched Reyna toss back another shot with Leo; he’d lost count of how many that was.
“Rey! Come dance with me!” Maxwell called out before grabbing her hand and tugging her away from the table.
When he saw her stumble, Liam reached out and grabbed her. “Careful,” he murmured as he steadied her.
Reyna giggled as she looked up at him with a kittenish grin. “I want you to dance with me.” She gently jabbed him with her finger before letting it trail down his chest.
Liam caught her wrist, shaking his head with a playful smirk. “Max asked you first.”
“Ever the gentleman.” Reyna winked before turning away to follow Maxwell.
Olivia laughed. “Based on that look she just gave you, I’m pretty sure she’d let you rip her clothes off, but your ass is as sober as a judge and I know you wouldn’t take advantage of that.”
Liam shook his head. “It’s not like that between us.”
“Why is that, anyway?” Leo asked.
“What?”
“Why are you sober? You’ve had two drinks all damn night.” Liam shrugged; he didn’t need to tell him the truth. “And why isn’t it like that between you two?”
“It’s just not,” Liam replied.
“But you want it to be …” Liam silently shook his head, but Leo knew better. “Li, you weren’t fooling anyone back then, and you’re not fooling anyone now. Full stop, Max, Liv, and I have a bet going on how long it’ll take you two this time around,” he chuckled, and Olivia nodded in agreement.
Liam looked at his brother. “It’s not the same as back then,” he shook his head. “Things are … different now.”
“They don’t have to be,” Leo replied matter-of-factly. “Have you guys even talked about it?”
Liam looked at him without responding.
“You haven’t told her that you’re still in love with her?” Olivia asked incredulously. “What the hell are you waiting for?”
“Nothing,” Liam answered. “Like I said, things are different … it’s not like it used to be, not in that sense anyway.”
“So, what I’m hearing is that you’re avoiding talking about it. Got it,” Leo nodded. “Call me crazy, but I don’t think that’s going to get you very far. And it’s not going to win me this bet, either, so I’m gonna need you to get your shit together so I can take Max and Liv’s money.”
Liam chuckled despite himself. “I wouldn’t hold your breath.”
“Stop being a chicken shit and just tell her.”
“That’s easier said than done,” Liam mumbled under his breath.
****
“Easy does it,” Liam chuckled as he helped Reyna out of the SUV at the front entrance of the palace.
“Everything is shpinning,” Reyna slurred.
Liam laughed, wrapping his arm around her waist as he guided her toward the steps. “That’s what happens when you get shit-faced.”
“I’m-I’m not poop-faced.”
“Whatever you say, Rey,” Leo snorted from behind them.
After taking her sweet time going up the front steps, the three of them stepped into the foyer. Reyna glanced up at the grand staircase, trying and failing to blink it into focus. “When did you add another staircase? That is a looooot of stairs.”
“Need help getting her to your wing?” Leo asked.
“No,” Liam shook his head. He effortlessly scooped Reyna into his arms as she yelped with a giggle. “This’ll be easier.”
“You’re so strooooooong,” Reyna laughed as her head lolled against his shoulder.
Leo snorted. “Have fun with that,” he said as Liam started up the stairs.
After carrying Reyna inside the south wing, Liam opened the door to her bedroom. He set her down by her bed, holding onto her to keep her steady. “You need to get changed.”
Reyna closed one eye in what was supposed to be a wink and gave him a thumb … sideways? “Yes, sir.”
Liam shook his head with a smile. “Are you gonna be alright for a minute while I go grab you some water?” She swayed with a nod. “Ok, I’ll be right back.”
Liam stepped out of the room and headed to the kitchen; he grabbed two bottles of water and some aspirin to leave on her nightstand for the morning before heading back down the hall.
When he made it back to her room, Liam walked inside to find it empty. “Rey?” he called out. He spun on his heels when he heard something behind him; across the hall, he could see her standing in his room. “What are you doing?” he asked as he approached her.
“I wanna sleep in here.”
“That’s fine, but you still need to change.” Without hesitation, Reyna began to peel her shirt over her head. “I didn’t mean … never mind.” He set the water and aspirin down on the nightstand before helping her when she got her arm stuck in the sleeve. “Hold still,” he chuckled. Once her shirt was off, she started unbuttoning her pants. “Rey, wait—” He grabbed her arm when she started swaying as she shimmied out of them. Once she was in nothing but her lace undergarments, he sat her on the edge of his bed. “Stay right there. I’m going to grab your pajamas.” He turned and hurried across the hall, grabbing the pajamas from her bed before rushing back to his room; he paused in the doorway as she pulled one of his button-up shirts over her head.
Liam came in front of her; he lifted his hand, reaching behind her and untucking her hair from the collar as she looked up at him. “This smells like you.”
“Well, I would hope so considering it’s mine,” Liam chuckled, lifting the shorts he grabbed for her. “Here—” she turned and climbed into his bed “—Or not.” He tossed her clothes on the chair and stepped into the bathroom; he returned a few moments later after changing and laid on the bed next to her, turning on his side. “You ok?” he asked, brushing her hair away from her cheek.
Reyna opened her eyes to look at him. “I wish you were poop-faced with me.”
Liam chuckled. “Why’s that?”
“Because I really wanna kiss you right now.”
“Rey—”
“And I know you won’t.”
“This is why we said only one of us would drink,” Liam reminded her with a smile.
“That’s a stupid rule,” Reyna slurred. She tilted her face as she shifted closer to him. “Innit?”
Liam closed his eyes, feeling her breath on his lips; he was fighting every instinct he had not to give her what she claimed to want. When he opened his eyes and met her gaze again, he offered a rueful smile. “We made the rule for a reason.”
“I decree we can break it just this once.”
Liam chuckled and shook his head. He wasn’t going to break the rule no matter how much he wanted to.
Reyna sighed as she shifted back and nestled into the pillow. After a few moments of silence, her eyes began to flutter. “You and I …” Reyna mumbled. “Always almost …”
Liam’s brows furrowed as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “What?”
“We were always on the verge of almost. Never nothing … but never quite something … ”
Liam held his breath for a moment as he watched her drift to sleep. “We were something, Rey,” he whispered. “More than something.” We still can be …
*******
The following morning, Liam and Reyna sat out on the balcony of the south wing, eating a late breakfast once Reyna had finally woken up.
Liam had barely gotten any sleep, too consumed by Reyna’s drunken words the night before; that paired with his conversation with Leo from earlier that night when he insisted on him telling her how he felt was all he could think about. He tried clearing his head with an early morning run on the beach while Reyna slept. It didn’t help. He felt more on edge than ever before.
Reyna noticed how Liam seemed off that morning; he was more quiet than usual and it was obvious that something was weighing on him. She wondered if something happened the night before … if she’d done or said something that had upset him. She sorted through what flashes of their night she could recollect, but nothing stood out.
Finally, after another bout of silence, she couldn’t take it. “Why are you being so weird?” Reyna asked, and he looked at her questioningly. “You’ve been acting off all morning.” He sighed and looked away from her. “Did … did I do something last night or say something that upset you?”
“No,” Liam shook his head adamantly. “Not at all.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
Liam glanced back at her. “Nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me,” Reyna said. “I know you, Liam. I know when something is bothering you.”
“Rey, really, it’s nothing.” Liam stood, taking his empty plate inside.
Reyna stood and followed him. “So there’s something …” He gave her another curious look. “You just said, ‘it’s nothing.’ So that means there’s something bothering you.”
Liam became flustered with both himself and his slip-up, just wanting her to drop it. “Rey—”
“If it’s nothing, then why can’t you just tell me?”
“Because it’s not a big deal,” Liam lied. It was a huge deal, of course.
“Well, if it’s not a big deal, then why can’t you just say what it is?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Li, you can tell me anything. I’m your best friend and—”
“That!” Liam finally snapped. “That’s what’s wrong!”
“What is?”
“Me having to walk around pretending you’re nothing more than just my best friend and acting as though there’s not a single part of me that isn’t still in love with you!” Liam shouted. Reyna’s brows slightly rose both at his tone and his words. He stared at her for a moment before letting out a breath, throwing his hands up in frustration. “I’ve been struggling every damn day since we reunited in Paris not to tell you, Rey, but it’s just …” he trailed off for a moment before dropping his voice to a whisper. “It’s too damn hard.”
Reyna stared at him, her own confession on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t get the words to come out because that fear — that stupid gigantic fear of history repeating itself, of losing him again — stifled her voice.
Liam closed his eyes, running his fingers through his hair before meeting her gaze again; he knew he couldn’t tell her to forget what he’d just said, but by the look on her face — one that filled him with panic — he was certain he didn’t want to hear her response.
Reyna cleared her throat. “Liam—”
“Don’t,” Liam shook his head, cutting her off. “Please don’t say anything. I’m begging you, Rey. Please. I didn’t mean — I think we — let’s just act like that didn’t happen because I don’t — just please don’t say anything.”
Both Liam’s voice and eyes were pleading with her. A part of him was hoping she’d tell him to shut the hell up, that she still loved him, too, but instead … she nodded, complying with his request for her to remain silent.
It made Liam believe something he’d been long afraid of acknowledging: she didn’t feel the same.
***************************************
Perma Tags (if you’d like to be added or removed for this story, please let me know): @zaffrenotes @cocomaxley @emichelle @sweetest-marbear @indiacater @gibbles82 @the-soot-sprite @esmckenzie @dcbbw @burnsoslow @deb-1106 @bbrandy2002 @txemrn @charlotteg234 @neotericthemis @foreverethereal123 @choiceskatie @sirbeepsalot @gnatbrain @openheart12 @sincerelyella @superharriet @queenrileyrose @aestheticartsx @kingliam2019 @indiana-jr @bascmve01 @rainbowsinthestorm @emkay512 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @forallthatitsworth @walker7519 @iaminlovewithtrr @amandablink @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @princessleac1 @21-wishes @appleone @tessa-liam @pixelatedpassion @malblk21 @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @forthebrokenheartedthings @nomadics-stuff @differenttyphoonwerewolf
#trr#the royal romance#choices trr#choices the royal romance#liam rys#king liam rys#liam x oc#trr liam x oc#choices liam x oc#king liam x oc#trr liam#king liam#trr king liam x oc#trr fanfic#trr fanfiction#trr fan fic#trr au#trr au fanfic#choices trr au#cfwc fics of the week#choicesflashfics
155 notes
·
View notes
Text
Stay
Chapter 1: "A Brave New World"
Good news! We just started on this adventure! Catch up here!
Word Count: ~4200
Series Summary: With her family facing deportation back to Auvernal, fun-spirited Reid Ambrose quits college to support her family. But as fate would have it, she accepts a temporary job as a caregiver for the royal family, an experience that will challenge her, break her, and devastate her world in the most exciting of ways.
Chapter Summary: Three years after the tragedy at Leo's birthday party, King Constantine addresses the citizens of Cordonia; but his speech will not be well-received by all.
Series Warning: ⛔ Please Be Advised: 18+ Only ⛔This series will contain mature material, including foul language, NSFW 🍋, discussion/depictions of war, violence, gun violence, assassination attempts; medical situations, including major character injuries; ethical dilemmas including euthanasia & bodily autonomy; mental health, including depression, PTSD, suicide
Series Music Inspo: “Awake” by Secondhand Serenade
Chapter Music Inspo: "This is War" by 30 Seconds to Mars
AN: Majority of these characters and some plots belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Special thanks to my sweet friend @kat-tia801 for prereading. Also, you will recognize some items from canon; other items may be completely contradictory to canon. Just got with it, and enjoy the story. 😊
~🖤~
Three Years Later…
3:13 PM. The doors to Saul’s Cafe and Bistro were supposed to be locked several minutes ago. But thanks to their regular pain-in-the-neck customer Lucille Fontenot, no one could start their closing duties until her old, annoying ass was out the door. With it being the day before the weekend–an insanely hectic day at that, with crowded lines, large orders and several deliveries around the city–the modest staff is beyond exhausted. They are tired of providing their usual exceptional services. They're simply done being nice to patrons, especially to women like Lucille Fontenot, who are long-winded and never pleased, who always find something to complain about, and somehow always find a way to speak with the manager.
When the old woman shuffled in ten minutes before closing, the servers and bakers alike rolled their eyes, grumbling under their breath. No one had the patience for this lady and her antics–not this late in the day. Not on a Friday. Not at any point of any day.
Except for her.
“Alright then, Mrs. Fontenot, your roasted apple custards are underneath the apple-pear tartlets." The slender brunette carefully grabs the beautifully packaged treats, placing them in a sturdy handled paper bag with a rustic embossing of the restaurant’s name. "And, I hope you don't mind, but I threw an extra tartlet in there for Mr. Fontenot to enjoy while you ladies enjoy your bridge game in the morning–”
“Oh, Reid, you spoil me,” Lucille giggles with a soft, feminine frailty in her voice. "I can't thank you enough for all of your help today with these pastries. Clarence won’t let me near the oven anymore. Say, did I ever tell you about the time I tried baking my own pie crust? Well, I was using my great-great-grandmother’s recipe…”
Offering her signature prismatic cherry-painted smile, Reid Ambrose completely zones out from the conversation. God, this woman could talk. The young waitress has already endured the retelling of Mrs. Fontenot’s Maltese’s psoriasis flare-up last year, not to mention she also listened to the painful discussion of the old woman’s bunion removal last month. Again. But another story? After closing?
Reid swallows thickly as she hears the second-hand on the clock tick thunderously next to her ear. She feels the glares from her coworkers, begging for her to get rid of the inconvenient headache of a customer.
Think, Reid, think.
She continues to endure Mrs. Fontenot’s stories, nodding her head as if she is following along. But secretly, Reid feels stuck, glancing around anywhere, everywhere, looking for an excuse to end this conversation. Letting out a silent exhale, she casually pushes back a dark espresso wisp of hair that had fallen out of her thick, high ponytail. Tucking it behind her ear, she glances to her right–and spots the answer to her problem.
A hot water spigot. Perfect.
“... and I completely forgot to turn the oven on! How preposterous is that?”
"Oh! That is!" Reid forces out a laugh, humoring her customer before she abruptly steals her opportunity. "Oh my God! Where are my manners?" Reid dramatically exclaims, scurrying over to their drink-making station. She quickly pours two cups of tea to steep before walking around the counter to face the old lady. "It’s almost time for tea with Mr. Fontenot, and I am just taking up all of your time.”
"But–"
"Now, now," Reid happily interjects, grabbing the paper bag of sweets, "we can't keep that lovely man waiting for you." With both drinks in tow, she gracefully heads towards the glass door to exit the bistro, propping it open with her kelly green Chuck Taylors. Reid’s eyes glisten with hope as she bats her long, raven lashes endearingly towards Lucille. She eagerly nods her head, coaxing her out the door. “Let me help you out to your car so we can get you home!"
The hush of silence in the restaurant startles the small staff waiting in the kitchen. Hector, the head cook, looks through a window in the swinging door, scanning the dining area for any more patrons. "Is that old biddy gone?"
"Bompoúnas! I can't see with your big head in the way!" A larger, older waitress, lovingly referred to as 'Mama', shoves Hector out of the way as she looks for her coworker. "Is Reid still out there? Oh God, did Fontenot talk to that precious child about her bunions again?"
Another waitress and the dishwasher, Sophie and Geo, sadly shake their heads 'yes'.
"Theé mou!" Mama religiously crosses herself, pointing to her head, then her chest, followed by touching both shoulders as she rolls her eyes towards the ceiling in irritation. "That sweet baby…"
Suddenly, they all freeze. A loud chime of the doorbell rings out over the entire cafe, signifying a new person has entered the building. It catches them off-guard as they all painfully look through the tiny kitchen window again, hoping it's not another customer to be served.
“Alright, you chickens!" The familiar cheery voice, coupled with the hypnotic chuckle makes them all breathe a sigh of relief. "You can all come out from hiding now!”
With resounding shouts of joy and rolling laughter, the bistro workers bound from the backroom. As they surround a blushing Reid with cheerful applause and pats on the back for a job well done, she playfully grabs the sides of her floral skater dress and begins to curtsy before stumbling into her own snickers.
"Girl, I don't know how you did it," Sophie jokes. "I'm pretty sure I would've strangled her–"
"We all were going to strangle her," Hector adds, causing everyone to join in with more cutting up and laughter.
"Oh, you guys," Reid pleasantly interrupts their tirade, dismissing their comments by waving her hand in the air. "She really isn't that bad–"
"That bad?” Mama scoffs.
“Seriously, Mama,” Reid lovingly places her hands on the older woman’s shoulder, massaging them gingerly. “I think she’s just… lonely. She just needs someone to talk to. All anybody really wants is to be seen and heard–”
“Ha,” Mama laughs sardonically. "I once greeted her with a good morning at 9 AM. She lectured me about how three-fourths of the morning was already gone, and if I really cared for people, I should be wishing them a ‘good day’.”
“That’s nothing,” Sophie sasses, hopping up onto the counter to sit. "She fired me from serving her because I brought her too many napkins. She said that I was being ageist, assuming an old woman would make a mess and would need that many napkins. That woman is a–"
“Hey!” A haunting stillness descends amongst the bistro workers as Saul, the restaurant's owner and namesake, steps out from his office. “Enough about Fontenot. Let’s get back to work!”
Without a single word being spoken, everyone instantly hops back into the groove of closing up the shop. Reid grabs a broom handle and dustpan, but before she can start sweeping, she feels a tap on her shoulder.
"Hey, Mr. Saul," she nervously grins, nearly dropping her supplies.
The tall, dignified man kindly nods. "Miss Ambrose, I am proud of the way you handled yourself today… and everyday.”
“Sir,” a humbled expression crawls across her face. “I–”
He holds up his hands to kindly silence her. “You have a real gift with people, not to mention your work ethic… it's impeccable." A tenderness infiltrates his voice as he continues. "You've made a real difference in this place over the past few years."
"Mr. Saul," Reid's eyes begin to well with tears of joy. "Thank you so much," she titters, wiping away a tear. "And don't you worry, sir. As long as you'll have me, I have no plans on leaving." With a wink, she twirls on the ball of her foot and starts with her cleaning.
Reid and Sophie quickly sweep and mop the dining area while collecting bags of trash. Because of her bad knees, Mama takes her time, wiping down each table, reloading the napkins and condiments. A flash of light on the muted television hanging in the corner of the restaurant catches her eye along with the words 'special newsbreak'.
“Reid?" She grabs the young waitress's attention. "Turn the TV up, would you, paidi mou?”
With a sweet nod to Mama, the spirited brunette balances carefully on a chair to reach the mounted television hanging from the ceiling.
As she tinkers with the knobs on the old set, Reid is captivated by the moving graphics of a breaking news report from the Cordonian Capital. The picture finally changes to a live feed, focusing on a pristine dais with multiple microphones set up outside the palace doors. Hushed whispers and the incessant flickering of cameras plague the otherwise silent moment of anticipation.
"Hey," Reid hollers out to her other coworkers. "Hey, you guys? I think the king is about to speak–"
Before she can even finish her statement, Reid is met with sarcastic giggles and groans, coming from the kitchen. Hector and Geo slowly mosey out into the dining area, gathering around to hear the special news brief.
"Moraki mou," Hector lovingly addresses Reid, offering his hand as she climbs down from the chair. "You're probably the only one that cares when that malaka humbles himself from the glory of his throne to grace the working-class–"
“Shhh, aye, Papí,” Mama jovially slaps Hector up the back of his balding head, “you talk too much." The older woman takes Reid's hand, squeezing it endearingly. "I think it's wonderful you stay so vigilant, but then again–” Mama’s expression changes to sympathy as her voice lowers, “--you don’t have much of a choice now, do you, paidi mou?” She gently pinches Reid’s cheek.
Reid’s toothy grin never falters as she sweetly strokes Mama’s face with her thumb. "Now you don’t need to worry about any of that, Mama,” she casually turns her attention back to the TV, but a subtle rigidness deepens her voice. “We’re fine,” she nods to herself, almost as if she is trying to convince herself. “We are going to be just fine.”
Three years ago, nineteen-year-old Reid received the tragic phone call that would change her life forever. The Auvernal native was away from her family's farm for school at the Capital when the Sons of Earth executed a surprise assassination attack on the monarchy of the northern-border country of Cordonia. War-hungry Bradshaw Achilles, the King of Auvernal, who openly craved an alliance with the neighboring country, took advantage of their temporary moment of weakness and declared war on the rogue military coup.
Like many other Auvernese, the Ambrose family disagreed with Bradshaw. They felt like he was more of a threat to his own people rather than their protector. So, they prepared to seek refuge across the border in Cordonia, who was kindly offering shelter and amnesty grants. These grants included temporary working visas and healthcare.
But before they could escape, the Sons of Earth retreated through the northern border of Auvernal, setting fire to the farmlands. Crops were destroyed, the land completely scorched. Many animals perished.
In his attempts to save his land, the land that had been in the Ambrose family for four generations, Nik Ambrose, Reid's father, was badly injured when the barn collapsed on him.
When Reid's younger sister Tana called her from their father's hospital room to tell her the news, Reid immediately withdrew from school. Without one complaint, she packed up what little was salvageable from their farm, and moved herself, her injured father, and younger siblings to Cordonia in hopes of fresh new opportunities.
The experience has been terrifying–not that anyone could tell from Reid's positive attitude. Though in fear, she knew deep in her heart that this life, this barely scraping by to make ends meet: it wouldn't last forever. Someday, they wouldn't know the pain of hunger or the brutal chill of the cold. This life was going to get better. It had to.
"So he calls a press conference, and he doesn't even show up?" Hector blows a raspberry. "Where you at, Connie?"
"Wait–wait … I see movement!" Sophie exclaims.
With a special guardsman opening the large opulent doors, a handsome, fit man in full royal regala with brilliant sapphire eyes confidently struts out to the marked platform. Offering a perfectly white, perfectly charming smile, he waves to the cameras, nodding affectionately to the people.
“Now that’s… Prince Louis?” Reid quietly questions, instantly causing snickers from the others.
“Oh, our little Auvernese axolotl,” Hector shakes his head while clicking his tongue. He throws a friendly arm around Reid, pointing to the screen, “Aye, no, that’s the crown prince himself. That’s Liam–”
“Are you blind?” Mama jests. “That’s Leo; he’s the crown prince.” She lowers her voice respectfully, looking conspiratorially around the empty restaurant. “Liam was the son that…well, y’know–”
“Ohhhhh,” Hector’s voice grows grim, taking off his hat in mournful respect. “Right.”
“But mmmm, that Leo��” Mama’s voice grows dreamily silent, her eyes fixed on the television as she licks her lips.
“Mama!” Hector shudders, “he’s old enough to be your grandson–”
“Bompoúnas!” She playfully swats Hector over the head with a paper menu as they begin to argue in their Cordonian dialect of Greek.
“Hey–hey, you two! It’s on!” Reid motions towards the TV as the royal band announces the arrival of his majesty with the Cordonian traditional hymn, ‘Hail to the King’. King Constantine strides out to the podium, acknowledging the flashes and shout-outs from nearby reporters from newspapers and television stations.
“Good afternoon, my fellow Cordonians. It is a true honor to stand before you this afternoon, not just as your king, but as the commander of a country that has proven to the rest of the world that though we are small in size, we are mighty in power, mighty in spirit, and above all, mighty in heart…”
As the news report continues, Reid feels a towering presence step up behind her. Giving a slight tilt of her head, she is relieved to see Saul with his arms crossed, a yellow envelope under his arm. She gives him a sweet smile, turning back to the program, yet Reid notices something is amiss.
“... Three years ago, the Sons of Earth successfully planned an ambush assassination on the Crown with the plans to overtake our nation…” The king pauses, his knuckles blanching to white as he grips the dais; his face burns red with wrath at the remembrance of that fateful night, the night his family would change forever. He respectfully clears his throat, offering a hopeful curl to his lips. “They planned to create fear, but they weren’t planning on our hope.” Several whoops and hollers resound amongst the crowd along with handclaps. “But, thanks to our brothers and sisters from the south, Auvernal did not waste time in offering their brute strength. The Sons of Earth may have won that battle years ago, but I am here to proudly announce that Cordonia has won the war.”
As the crowd roars with praises, the workers in the bistro happily give each other hugs, shouting cheers of joy. For Reid, she is beyond relieved to hear those beautiful words, her eyes watering with pride, knowing exactly what the price is for freedom and glory.
Constantine continues. “Today marks the 100th day since our victory, which means today, we can safely celebrate 100 days of peace!” At the sound of his voice, a giant banner rolled open behind his majesty, with a giant ‘100’ painted along with dozens of handprints, created by the primary school. “We will always remember the war; but let us not forget the peace that came in its wake.”
The small staff in the bistro started giving each other nods as they started making their way back to their jobs to finish up for the day when Sophie grabs everyone’s attention.
“Wait, guys,” an eerie concern falls over her voice as she instantly looks at Reid.
“What is it?” Reid raises an eyebrow before looking back to the television screen, suddenly seeing that the news headline had changed.
King Constantine: 100 Days of Peace; Dissolution of Amnesty Grants
Reid grabs onto a chair to hold herself steady as the sudden thunderous plodding of her own heartbeat roars in her ears. She can feel her face pale as her palms begin to sweat. This can’t be happening. They can’t be kicking us out. We–we just got on our feet. Reid’s eyes flutter away the tears threatening to come forward as she zones in on the king’s voice.
“The Amnesty grant program was created to protect the innocent in search of shelter from the war. It has served it’s purpose, and the war is now over. We must all work together now to get life back to normal …”
“Wait,” Hector crosses his arms, his eyebrows furrowing at the screen. “So what the hell does that mean? Pack up and get the hell out?”
“They’ve rebuilt their lives here,” hisses Geo.
“Shhh,” Mama hushes, her eyes watering as she watches the television screen.
“Please know our heart: the royal council welcomes you to our great country. But effectively at midnight tonight, the new immigration law will be enforced which includes the following: a homestead tax as well as a welfare tax will be due by the fifteenth of each month–”
“See! I knew it was going to be about taxes.” Hector grumbles, throwing his hands in the air. “Malaka.”
“...check with your immigration headquarters. Also, Cordonians need to take back the jobs that are rightfully theirs. This means effectively immediately, immigrants may only hold a job that has been approved ahead of time by the Crown….”
“Ha!” Geo cackles, “and what jobs would you have aliens do, your majesty?”
“And if their job isn’t approved?” Sophie scoffs. “What? They’re going to be terminated?”
“Can they do that?” Hector looks to Saul who is staring at the ground, rocking on his heels. “Saul? Can they dictate jobs like that?”
“Thee mou,” Mama gasps, turning to Saul. “What does that mean, boss?”
A deafening silence falls on the staff as they all look to their leader. His jaw twitches in anger, but he holds his tongue. His lips quake, trying to form words, but nothing sounds right. He pulls out the yellow envelope from under his arm, an envelope with an embossed seal from the Crown. He stares painfully at it before his bloodshot eyes focus on his best employee.
And her breath hitches. “That’s for me, isn’t it? You’re letting me go?”
“I… I’m sorry, Reid.”
_____
Reid decides to bike the long way home that afternoon. She crosses through the back alley behind the busy shopping district, quickly making her way to the old main highway until she reaches the quiet dirt road that courses to the scenic route to her villa. She needs a moment to herself, a moment to react–not to mention, she wants to avoid the angry crowds with picketing signs in the square.
As she comes to the quiet old stone bridge, she steps off of her bicycle, leaning it against the moss-covered structure. Grabbing her worn satchel, she carefully climbs up onto the thick barrier walls, walking until she reaches the middle of the crossover. Maintaining her balance she sits down, crossing her legs underneath her body, allowing herself to simply be still.
What are we going to do?
Letting her head fall into her hands, she can feel the storm, brewing deep within her chest. She wants to scream; she wants to run until her lungs bleed.
It's not fair. It's just not…
She lets out a deep exhale as the symphony of nature suddenly takes over her senses. A simple breeze dances across her olive complexion, drying her heated tears.The brook below her babbles gleefully, splashing playfully the purest of clean water as it hosts and feeds the local wildlife. The hypnotic scent of ivy and fresh dew lulls Reid into a brief moment of comfort.
'Anger is the punishment we give ourselves… for someone else's mistake." Hearing her father's words of wisdom echo in her mind, Reid pulls out a worn, leather-bound sketching journal and a broken piece of charcoal. As she opens the old portfolio, her fingertips catch on a once-gold embossing: the initials HRA. Her mother's.
A sudden titter of carefree laughter from a young child steals Reid from her quiet moment alone. She curiously glances down the banks of the waterfront, but no one is there.
Flipping her long ponytail back over her shoulder, she secures a new sheet of paper for sketching. She gently presses the small fragment of coal against her notebook, creating large geometric shapes of potential.
And she hears the giggle again. But this time, as Reid looks up, she notices a single reed sprouting from the delicate current. And she smiles.
"Mamá! Mamá! Look!" Six-year-old Reid crawls onto her hands and knees, drawing closer to the edges of the rushing brook. Missing her top two middle teeth, Reid sticks out the tip of her tongue as she reaches for a tall, green plant that appears to be wading in the water.
"Reid?" A tall woman with vibrant chocolate eyes holds the hem of her long floral skirt as she rushes through the overgrowth of grass. "Where are you, agapoula mou?"
"Boo!" Reid squeals, jumping out from behind the greenery.
Her mom playfully shrieks, quickly snagging her daughter in a tight embrace. "What've you got there?"
Reid proudly holds up the long, willowing stalk with a curious brown, cigar-shaped flower. "I picked it for baby Nicholas!" She gently places her chubby fingers on her mother's blossoming abdomen, her belly immediately coming to life with movement.
"I think he likes it," Reid's mother smiles brightly. "Don't you think we should get something for Tana, too?"
Reid wrinkles up her nose at the mention of her almost-three-year-old sister.
"C'mon, agapoula mou," her mom holds out her hand for Reid to take. "Let's pick some wildflowers for her and YiaYia."
Suddenly a strong gust of wind blew through the riverbend, making the mother and daughter stop in their tracks to shield themselves from flying debris. But, when Reid finally opened her eyes, she screamed.
"It's gone!" She sniffles, "the flower is gone!" Caught in the wind, the fluffy, cotton-like spores from the special plant dance down the brook until they lay to rest in the water. Reid throws down the green plant as large tears drip down her cherub cheeks. "It's broken, Mamá."
Reid's mother carefully sits down along the bank before pulling her oldest into her lap. She sweetly kisses her temple, pressing her head to her chest. "Oh, agapoula mou," she smiles, "it's not broken. Not in the least bit."
Reid sits up, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. "It… it's not?"
"No," her mom chuckles, tightening her arms around her daughter. "I'm gonna let you in on a little secret." Reid's eyes grow wide as she listens more intently. "That plant you picked is called a reed."
"What?" The corners of Reid's mouth curl, the gaps in her teeth showing proudly. "But I'm Reid! I… I've never met another Reid before!"
Her mom lovingly massages circles on her back. "Well, this reed is spelled a little different, but you're right: it's another Reid. And those little things that flew from that brown, sausage-looking flower?"
"Yeah?" Reid nods her head eagerly.
"Those are called 'spores'. They are carried by the wind, and wherever they land, they grow into more reeds."
"More reeds?" Reid repeats excitedly.
"That's right, agapoula mou," her mother tenderly cups the velveteen skin of her face. "As you get older, life will present itself with hard times, challenges that seem like they want to break your spirit. But remember the flower and how you thought it was broken?"
"It wasn't broken at all!"
"Not in the least bit," Reid's mom grins, "that's when we grow. Never be afraid to grow where the wind takes you."
Reid stands up, throwing her arms around her mom’s neck. "Efcharistó, Mamá," she thanks her, "I won't."
An abrupt breeze surprises Reid, startling her from the memory as her art tools threaten to blow away. Clutching onto her mildly wrinkled paper canvas, she looks down and recognizes her simple sketch: a water reed.
With her coal-stained fingers, she effortlessly smudges the rough, dark edges, bringing the two-dimensional creation to life with the use of shadows and light.
But the wind erupts again, teasing to steal Reid's artwork. Hugging it close to her chest, the air whips around her wildly. With her ponytail dancing in the breeze, she glances back to the water reeds. She notices how the flowers sway and tumble, flip and twirl. But as the wind dies back down into a whisper, the flower remain, staying in place to grow.
Grow where the wind takes you...
Her mother's smile etches across her lips as her words of wisdom resound purposefully in Reid's head. A swirl of butterflies tickle in her belly as she looks at their reflection in the stream below the stone bridge. Is this is? Is this what's best for her family?
You know the answer, agapoula mou...
Instantly, the world doesn't seem so impossible anymore.
~🖤~
Tags (please let me know if you'd like to be added or removed):
PERMA
@alexabeta @ao719 @charlotteg234 @chemist-ana @differenttyphoonwerewolf @foreverethereal123 @issabees @jerzwriter @kat-tia801 @khoicesbyk @lovelyladyk88 @lucy-268 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @schnitzelbutterfingers @sfb123 @shannonwrote @shewillreadyou @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam
ALL TRR/TRH
@21-wishes @angelasscribbles @burnsoslow @gkittylove99 @iaminlovewithtrr @lovingchoices14 @motorcitymademadame @princessleac1 @rubiwalker @twinkleallnight
ANYTHING LIAM
@amandablink @bbrandy2002
STAY
@belencha @busywoman @walkerdrakewalker
#the royal romance#the royal romance fanfic#the royal romance AU#choices the royal romance#choices trr#choices trr au#choices fanfic#choices fanfic stay#trr au fanfic
70 notes
·
View notes
Text
The Only Gift - The Loft
I know it’s been a long, long time since I’ve been on here and posted anything but I wanted to share this gorgeous fanart done by the amazing @gokushairgel 💝💘💖 thank you for bringing my babies to life and being my popcorn soulmate!
My taglist isn’t up to date at all so I apologize if you’re there and you don’t want to be. Please let me know and I’ll remove you asap, no hard feelings ☺️
“What do you want for Christmas this year?” Ella tossed a kettle corn up into the air and Liam caught it in his mouth.
“I don’t need or want anything, love,” he tossed one up in the air and cheered when Ella caught it.
“You say that every year,” she protested.
“It’s true though,” Liam caught another kettle corn in his mouth before doing the same for her. “I just want you.”
“Fine, I’ll figure out something,” Ella munched as she shook her head.
“Alright, alright, I do want something,” Liam smiled as his heart thrummed in his chest.
“What?”
“A fiancé.”
Ella froze mid-throw, the kettle corn landing on the floor next to Liam. “A-”
“You heard me, I said fiancé,” he smirked as he looked down at her bag of kettle corn. She followed his gaze and gasped when she saw a diamond ring. “Ella Christianne Brooks, will you-”
“YES!” She tossed her bag into the air and jumped up to tackle him onto the wooden floor. “Yes, Liam!”
“Ouch, love,” he murmured between kisses. “Can you maybe find that bag with the ring?”
“I don’t want anything but you,” she mocked.
“Very funny … but seriously it was really expensive,” Liam pleaded.
“Okay fine,” she stood and began to look around the room. “Put it on my finger and we’re doing it in the living room.”
Liam’s jaw slacked. “Against the window?”
“Yep,” Ella’s smoldering look made his cock jump in his grey sweats. “With all the lights on.”
“Merry Christmas to me,” Liam yelled as he searched for the engagement ring.
**
Permatag @ao719 @burnsoslow @aestheticartsx @ofpixelsandscribbles @hopefully-sky @thegreentwin @alyssalauren @cordonia-gothqueen @twinkleallnight @charlotteg234 @kat-tia801 @debramcg1106 @gkittylove99 @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @neotericthemis @ladyangel70 @forallthatitsworth @princessleac1 @gabesmommie1130 @emkay512 @sfb123 @foreverethereal123 @lovingchoices14 @21-wishes @karahalloway @tessa-liam @mom2000aggie @tinkie1973 @emersyn-in-cordonia
TRR/TRH @jared2612 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @iaminlovewithtrr @nikkis1983
#liam x mc#trr fanfic#trr fandom#liam x ella#trr#choices trr#the royal romance#liam rys#choices the royal romance#trr au#the royal romance fanfic#king liam#choices liam x mc#choices liam#choices trr au#the royal romance au#choices#trr choices#the royal romance fandom#pixelberry#trr fanart#playchoices fanart#choices fanart
63 notes
·
View notes
Text
Hands Down
Chapter 3: "True"
Catch up here!
Pairing: Liam x Riley
All characters belong to Pixelberry
Summary: Can Liam and Riley still find their way to each other despite Riley turning down Maxwell's invitation to Cordonia?
Rating: G
Word Count: 3,714
Song Inspiration: True - Ryan Cabrera
A/N: Thank you @charlotteg234 for helping me with the opening part of this.
Other than that, it hasn't been pre-read, so please excuse any errors. I'm really terrible at grammar. 😬
Tags are below the cut/in the comments. If you'd like to be added or removed, please let me know!
In the days following his coronation, Liam worked tirelessly to assure the people of his country that, despite his unconventional decision, Cordonia would be stronger and more prosperous than ever under his leadership. The council had rebranded what was supposed to have been his engagement tour into an introduction tour, which would not only serve as a chance to begin solidifying alliances and good-will with other world leaders and political taste-makers, but a chance for him to show everyone just what King Liam’s Cordonia could be.
However, even with the nonstop calls, meetings and interviews, his mind couldn’t help but drift to Drake’s words.
I’m pretty sure it was obvious to everyone but you that she was into you.
You mean to tell me that you’re not even going to try?
He hadn’t planned on trying. He assumed that by turning down Maxwell’s invitation she wasn’t interested. But once again, he thought about what Drake said and considered Riley’s point of view. If he had been put in her place, he would have made the same choice. Maybe there was still hope.
Liam decided that before he began his tour, he needed to fly to New York and find her. He had spent months thinking about her, even if she wasn’t the one, perhaps it would give him some closure and allow him to move on. When his final meeting of the week was finished, he boarded the royal jet and made his way to the states.
When they landed, Liam requested that they go straight to the bar. He couldn’t wait any longer. As his SUV traveled the streets, his mind and heart were racing, thinking of all of the things he wanted to say, and reminding himself not to come on too strong, or get his hopes up too high.
The car slowed to a stop in front of the bar, and Liam’s head guard, Bastien, walked around the vehicle to open Liam’s door. The young king paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to prepare himself. He was ready for a life full of deals and negotiations, he had been trained for it since childhood; but having to be open, and speak his heart was something completely foreign to him.
“Sir?” Bastien’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Liam nodded in acknowledgement and stepped out of the vehicle, moving toward the door. As soon as he stepped over the threshold, he was hit with the nostalgia of the last time he was there.
“Just a second.”
His breath caught in his throat at the voice calling from the kitchen.
She’s here.
His heart began racing as he neared the stools surrounding the bar. Just as he approached, Riley emerged from the kitchen, eyes trained on her notepad as she jotted something down.
She looked even more beautiful than he remembered. She kept her focus on the task in front of her as she walked past him and straight to a table, slipping the customer the receipt she had been writing on.
As soon as she turned around, Riley locked eyes with Liam and she froze in her spot. She wasn’t expecting to ever see him again.
“Hello, Riley.”
She stood in silence for another moment, trying to process the fact that Liam, the man she couldn’t seem to get out of her mind, was standing in front of him. “Hi Liam.” She managed to choke out.
Shaking off her surprise, she jumped right back into waitress mode. “Can I get you a table? Are your friends here with you again?” She paused for a moment, suddenly remembering what he had been doing in their time apart. “If you’re here with your fiancée, I can give you a quiet table in the back.”
“No, it’s just me this time.” He smiled at her. She didn’t know, she hadn’t been following the social season. He wasn’t sure whether or not that was a good sign. “I was actually hoping to speak with you, if you have a moment?”
“Oh, um…” She took a look around the bar. It wasn’t very busy, but there were customers that were going to need her attention. “Yeah, let me just check on a couple of tables. You can sit if you want.” She motioned to the bar. He nodded and took a seat on a stool.
After visiting each of her tables, and refilling a couple of glasses for the patrons at the bar, she stepped up to the spot where Liam was sitting. “Sorry,” she apologized. “Can I get you a drink?”
“No, I’m fine. Thank you.” He took a deep breath and searched her eyes, hoping for some kind of sign that she had missed him, or even thought about him once since he had left, but she had a wall up, he wasn’t even sure if she was happy to see him.
“So, how was your social season?” Riley asked, unsure what else to say.
“It was… eventful.” He mused. “My father officially stepped down from the throne.”
“Oh, wow. So you’re an actual king now?” Liam nodded. “Congratulations.” She noticed that Liam seemed uneasy about his sudden title change.
“I suppose. It was unexpected, and there was a lot behind it that made it a bit… bittersweet. But I knew I would end up here eventually.” He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
“So how does your fiancée feel about the sudden fast track to queen?” She asked tentatively. She really didn’t want to hear about the woman he chose. She was probably smart, well spoken and gorgeous. Everything Riley felt she could never be.
Liam let out a breath, grateful that she brought it up first. “I don’t have a fiancée. I didn’t pick anyone.”
“But I thought you…”
“I was supposed to,” he took one of her hands in his, feeling emboldened by the moment and deciding to just dive in. “Riley, my whole life I’ve known I needed to put my duty to Cordonia above everything else. That included any ideas about romance, or marrying for love. As I went through my social season, I would try to weigh out my options, but my mind kept going back to our night together. I couldn’t pick any of those women because none of them were you.”
Riley stood in stunned silence, overwhelmed by Liams words, and the familiar, calming feeling of her hand in his. She felt him squeeze gently and she cleared her throat to compose herself. “I don’t understand.”
“I want to be with you, Riley.” It was a bolder statement than he intended to make, but he didn’t regret saying it.
She felt as though her heart was going to leap out of her chest, she still didn’t understand. How could this man, this king, this handsome, kind king have spent the last few months with women throwing themselves at him, and he’s standing here telling him he wants her. It didn’t add up.
“Riley?” His voice brought her out of her thoughts. She studied his expression, and noticed a vulnerability in his eyes.
“But… how would that even work?” She pulled her hand out of his and stepped back. “You’re on the other side of the world, the time difference must be insane.”
“It’s six hours,” He responded. “And I’m here now.”
“But not for long. You’re going to have to go home and rule a whole ass country. You honestly think you’re going to have time for me?”
Liam smirked, she was getting flustered, he took that as a sign that his feelings were returned. “The logistics can be figured out. And I will make time for you, no matter where I am, or what time zone I am in. You’re worth it.”
Riley’s brow furrowed in confusion. “How do you know?”
“Because I can feel it.” He replied, his eyes intently locked on hers. “Riley, there’s something between us. I felt it that night, it’s practically all I’ve thought about since we said goodbye, and I felt it again the second I walked through the door and heard your voice.”
“But…”
“Please,” he pleaded. “Just let me take you on one date. If after that, you can tell me that you truly don’t feel the connection, I will walk away and never bother you again.”
Riley didn’t need a date to know there was a connection, she was feeling everything he was. But she still had so many questions and doubts about the whole thing. The smart thing to do would be to say no, realistically, this would never work. All of the concerns that ran through her mind when Maxwell invited her to Cordonia came flooding back.
But did she want to do the smart thing? That’s what she thought she had done last time, and she’d been regretting it ever since. Riley had always played it safe and done the smart thing. She never took risks, and she was right where she had always planned to be. For the most part.
The hopeless romantic inside of her, the side she had silenced once before, was screaming at her to say yes. Love wasn’t logical, it wasn’t smart, it was a risk. Some of her favorite love stories included a visit to the seawich, trusting a fairy godmother, or taking a chance on seven strangers in the woods.
“Okay.” She answered softly, still unsure about where this would lead.
“Okay?” He repeated her hopefully. She nodded in response. “Wonderful!”
Riley smiled coyly at Liam’s excitement. “I’m actually free tomorrow night if that works for you?”
“Absolutely. I’ll pick you up at your apartment at seven?”
“Sure.”
Liam breathed a sigh of relief and stood from his barstool. “Perfect. You’re at the same address I walked you home to?”
“You remember?”
“Of course I do, I remember everything about that night.” He noticed a blush come over Riley at his response. “Maybe I could get your number though, just in case?”
Riley smiled, her eyes flitting to the floor. “Sure.” He handed her his phone, and she put her number into the contacts.
When she handed the phone back to him, his fingers lingered on hers for a moment before he pulled away, placing it in his pocket. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Riley watched Liam exit the bar, her eyes watching on the door until one of her customers called for her attention. She took a few orders and began mixing drinks, her mind drifting back to Liam and their conversation. She was nervous, terrified really, about going out with him. She couldn’t help but get ahead of herself, trying to figure out how a relationship with that much distance would work. Or why he would even want it to.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice Daniel enter the bar and come up behind her. “Holy shit,” Riley startled at his voice, nearly spilling the martini she had in her hand. “Sorry,” he smiled apologetically at his friend. “But it was important. You should have seen the smoke show I just passed on my way in here.”
Riley smirked to herself as she placed the drink in front of her customer and moved back across the room. She had a feeling she knew exactly who he was talking about. “Blonde hair, blue eyes, a little over six feet?”
“Yes, he was in here?!”
“That’s uh…” She picked up a rag and began wiping down the bar, avoiding eye contact with Daniel. “That’s Liam, the guy from the bachelor party.”
His jaw dropped. “Prince Charming?” She nodded with a small chuckle. “What was he doing here?”
Riley recapped the conversation for a stunned Daniel. She had given him a full rundown of their time together when she had returned to the apartment that night, but hadn't mentioned anything about him since. However, Daniel knew better than to think it was just a fleeting moment to her. He’d never seen her light up about anything, or anyone the way she did when she was recalling every last detail of Liam and their evening together.
“But you said yes, right?” Daniel asked hopefully.
“I mean yeah, how could I say no to all of that?” Riley shrugged. “But I don’t know.”
Daniel rolled his eyes. “Come on Ri, I get it, you’ve got this whole don’t see how great you are thing, and that’s your vibe. But seriously,” he placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye. “This man has already done more for you after knowing you for a couple of hours than your last boyfriend did all that time you were together. Take the hint. He wants you.”
“How does a relationship like that even work?” She continued to protest.
“First of all, it’s a date, not a relationship.” Daniel corrected her. “Second of all, if it gets to that, you figure it out. And then you invite me to your lavish royal wedding, because technically this is all thanks to me.” He winked.
“Alright, alright, I’ll go.” Riley chuckled. “What are you even doing here? It’s your night off.”
“I wanted to be your last customer.” He smiled, taking a seat at the bar. “I’ll have my usual, barkeep.”
***
The next day, Riley spent most of the morning rifling through her closet, trying to assemble the perfect outfit for her date with Liam.
“Daniel, help!”
Daniel rushed into Riley’s room to find clothes scattered over every inch of the space. “Holy shit Ri, what happened here?”
Riley looked up at Daniel from her seat on the floor, gripping onto two shirts. “What do grown ups wear on dates?”
“Oh Riley,” he dropped down on his knees by his friend’s side, wrapping his arm around her. “Just relax.”
“I can’t relax. I haven’t gone on an actual date in almost four years. I was just a kid. And this isn’t just a grown up date, it’s a grown up date with a king. Fuck,” her eyes went wide and she turned to face Daniel. “Am I supposed to wear a ballgown?”
He didn’t want to make her feel worse, but Daniel couldn’t help but chuckle at her panic. “I don’t think he’s expecting that.” He pried the shirts out of her grip. “Listen, he asked you out because he likes you, you don’t have to get all fancy. That’s what he turned down to come here to find you. Just be yourself, cute and comfortable.”
“But what if he’s taking me somewhere fancy? Guys like him don’t go to hole in the wall pizza places, or burger joints.”
“Or dive bars?” Daniel retorted with an arched brow. “You’re overthinking this. Here,” he reached behind her, picking up a green high low dress. “This is perfect. Wear it with that leather jacket you have. Classy and cool, you’ll be ready for anything.”
“Daniel, it’s perfect!” She wrapped her arms around him and brought him into a hug. “Thank you.”
“Of course, but listen,” he pulled back, looking at her with concern in his eyes. “You need to relax, you’ve got this. He asked you out, he flew halfway across the world for this date, safe to say he wants it.”
“That’s the problem,” she huffed, standing up and laying her dress on the bed. “He was supposed to pick a fiancée in his own county. He didn’t and then he came here, because of me. Do you have any idea how much pressure that is? He barely knows me.”
Daniel followed her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “That’s what first dates are for.”
Over the next few hours, as Riley got ready for her date, Daniel made sure to be there to guide her back when she fell too deep down the rabbit hole of worry and self-doubt about how the evening would go.
She was putting the finishing touches on her look when her phone chimed. It was a number she didn’t have saved, but the second she saw the message she knew who it was. The butterflies in her stomach kicked into high gear, Liam had arrived. He didn’t have her apartment number, so he couldn’t ring them to be buzzed up. She gave him the number and called down the hall for Daniel to buzz him in.
Riley slid on her shoes and made her way down the hall, where Daniel was waiting in the living room. She gave him a nervous smile. “Do I look alright?”
“Like a princess.” Daniel grinned. She rolled her eyes, making Daniel laugh. “You’ve got this Ri, trust me.”
As the elevator made its ascent to the fourth floor, Liam’s fingers tapped nervously against his thigh. He had spent all day preparing for this, it needed to go perfectly. The doors opened, and he stepped into the hallway stopping in front of the door marked ‘11D’. He took a deep breath before lifting his fist and wrapping gently. The door opened, and Liam’s breath caught in his throat when he laid his eyes on her.
“Riley you look,” he paused, taking another moment to admire her from head to toe. “Stunning.”
“Thank you,” he caught the blush in her cheeks just before her gaze dropped.
They stood in silence, not believing that they were actually here. They had both imagined this moment, but neither thought it would ever be more than that.
“I brought you these.” Liam broke the silence, holding up a bouquet of roses. “I wasn’t sure what your favorite flower was, I hope roses are okay?”
Riley smiled, taking the bouquet from Liam and lifting them to her nose. “They’re perfect.” Liam let out a sigh of relief. “Let me just go put them in some water, I’ll be right back.”
While Riley was in the other room, Liam took the opportunity to look around the apartment to try to learn a bit more about her. The decor wasn’t exactly what he had pictured for her, and she didn’t appear to be in many of the photos. He found it curious.
“Ready?” Riley pulled him from his thoughts.
Liam smiled and offered his arm to her. “Absolutely.”
He led her out of the apartment and to the elevator. As the cab made its descent, the pair stood in silence, Liam noticed that Riley seemed nervous. He could understand that, he was nervous too, but there was also an uneasiness about her that concerned him.
“Is everything alright?” Liam asked tentatively, hoping the evening was not about to end before even getting started.
“Yeah,” she smiled up at him softly. He felt his heart flutter at the sight. “I’m just a little nervous is all.”
Liam grinned as the doors opened. “Understandable,” he raised his arm, signaling for her to exit the elevator. Once she stepped over the threshold, he followed behind her. “I’m pretty nervous too.”
“You are?”
“Definitely,” he assured her as they moved outside. He walked her to the SUV that was waiting in front of her building, opening the door for her. He slid in behind her and closed the door before continuing. “If we’re being candid, this is actually my first real date.”
Riley contorted her face into a look of disbelief. “Yeah, okay,” she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“I’m serious!” He chuckled. “Growing up as part of the royal family, things were different. I was introduced to women, but our time would be spent at courtly functions. It was nothing like dating as you know it.”
Riley nodded in understanding, a brief silence coming over them. “As a matter of fact,” he continued. “I wanted everything to be perfect tonight, so I did some research on first dates.”
“You did?” She smiled. ‘That’s actually really cute.”
“I’m very glad you think so.”
“Well, since we’re having truth time,” Riley took a deep breath, and looked down at her hands, which sat in her lap. “I guess I’m just a little worried that after all this time, and after everything you did to come here and ask me out, I’m not going to be worth it.”
Liam’s heart sank at her confession. The last thing he wanted was to put any pressure on her, and he especially hated that she was worried she wasn’t enough. He realized in that moment that he may have come off a bit stronger than he anticipated when he had seen her the night before.
“Riley,” he said, gently placing his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “I’m so sorry for putting that pressure on you. I assure you, while my feelings for you did have a part in the decision I made at my coronation, it wasn’t the only reason.”
He went on to explain his conversation with Leo, and how it had inspired him to forge his own path. He also told her about the conversation he had with Drake later in the night; leaving out the part about how obvious it was to everyone how she felt about him. She was already feeling insecure, he thought that would only make things worse. Instead, he told her that Drake suggested the best way to find his happiness was to go back to the last place where he felt truly happy.
“And you picked the night we met?” Riley asked.
“I did,” he smiled softly at her. “Riley, I can’t predict the future. I don’t know where this is going to go, if it goes anywhere at all. But what I do know is that when I was with you that night, I felt comfortable, free. It was something I hadn’t felt for a long time, and it meant a lot to me.”
Riley felt her cheeks get warm as she dropped her gaze to her lap. “It was a pretty great night, wasn’t it?”
“Absolutely, and that’s the only expectation I have for tonight. To have a pretty great night, with a pretty great girl.” He placed his index finger under her chin, tilting it so their eyes were locked.
Riley looked into his eyes and was met with a sincerity that gave her butterflies. At that moment, all of her questions and worries were gone; replaced by anticipation and excitement of what the evening, and the future, held.
Permatag:
@3pawandme @alj4890 @busywoman @charlotteg234 @cordonia-gothqueen @cordoniaqueensworld @differenttyphoonwerewolf @emkay512 @foreverethereal123 @hopelessromanticmonie @iaminlovewithtrr @imashybish @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @malblk21 @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nestledonthaveone @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @secretaryunpaid @sincerelyella @tessa-liam @theroyalheirshadowhunter @tinkie1973 @twinkleallnight @txemrn
Liam:
@amandablink @custaroonie @jared2612
TRR:
@21-wishes @ao719 @bascmve01 @belencha77 @burnsoslow @imjusthereforliam @kristinamae093 @lovingchoices14 @the0afnan
Hands Down:
@umccall71
@choicesficwriterscreations
#the royal romance#trr#choices#choices trr#choices the royal romace#play choices#choices stories you play#cfwc#cfwc fics of the week#king liam#liam rys#king liam rys#liam x mc#liam x riley#trr liam#trr king liam#trr riley#trr riley brooks#trr au#trr au fanfic#the royal romance au#trr fandom#trr fanfic#trr fan fic#trr fan fiction#trr fanfiction
64 notes
·
View notes
Text
All I Want for Christmas Part 1
Series: Cordonian Royal Airlines
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings for series: Various
Pairing for this chapter: Riley x Drake, Liam x Max
Word Count: 2,475
Rating: General
Warnings for this chapter: None
A/N: Listen. I had an idea for the @choicesprompts #rewritechallenge holiday edition. I had the whole scene in my head, but then I decided it needed a little lead-up. Then I decided the lead-up needed a lead-up and then these characters completely just took over, threw my script out the window, and took a whole detour to examine a little budding romance between Liam and Max when this story was supposed to be focused on Drake and Riley (and it still is, mostly).
Long story short, it got a little out of hand so I have split it into two chapters. I'm tagging all of the following:
@choicesprompts rewrite challenge, holiday edition TRR x Untamed Heart (one of my all-time favorite movies). @choicesficwriterscreations holiday prompt: Stuck together in the snow; @choicesdecember2023 Christmas and @choicesholidays: This is the worst Christmas ever.
“Goodbye, Mrs. Lassiter, have a pleasant stay!” Riley waved with a smile painted on her face as the last passenger debarked. The smile faded from her face as the guests disappeared down the jet bridge and her eyes took in the heavy snowfall blanketing the runway.
Max noticed her despondent expression. “You okay, Ri?”
She turned toward her best friend and coworker with a sigh. “Remind me again why I volunteered to work this flight?”
“Uh…because your sister is getting married in less than two months, and you needed the overtime to pay for the ridiculous over-the-top bachelorette party she wants.”
“Right. Amelia,” Riley nodded to herself, “I’m doing this for her.”
“I think you do too much for her, Ri,” Max clucked at her like a mother hen, “She takes advantage of your generous nature.”
“Oh, Max, it’s fine. You only get married once!”
He arched an eyebrow at her.
“Okay,” a giggle burst out of her, “Hopefully, she only gets married once!”
“Frankly, I’m surprised she found anyone willing to marry her. Is there something wrong with him?”
“Max!” Riley laughed as she thumped him playfully on the shoulder before turning serious. “I just hope we’re able to take off tomorrow as planned.” Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and she had promised her mother she’d be home so she could spend Christmas day with her parents and siblings.
“I wouldn’t count on it.”
Riley turned toward the voice to find the pilot striding toward them. Captain Liam Rys stopped in front of the flight attendants to announce, “There’s a blizzard headed straight for us.”
“Maybe we could just fly out right now—” Riley started hopefully.
“That’s a negative,” Liam cut her off, “that would put me over my flight limit for the day. We’ll proceed to the hotel as planned and hope for the best but be prepared to spend Christmas here.”
“Remind me why you agreed to fly into Estonia, the blizzard capital of the world, two days before Christmas?” Max grumbled.
Liam’s eyes flicked to him in annoyance. “Because of the obscene amount of money Mr. Lassiter was willing to pay for me to do so. You’ll thank me when you get your next paycheck and there’s a substantial bonus on it, on top of the holiday bonus you just received.”
“It’s okay,” Max shrugged with a tinge of disappointment in his tone, “My brother is in Japan anyway.”
Liam’s expression softened a little. “I’m sure he wishes he could spend Christmas with you.”
“Well, he’s flying with Leo, which he loves. I’m just disappointed that we’re almost never assigned to the same flight.”
Liam averted his eyes, unwilling to tell Max that was on purpose. Bertrand had requested that Max not be on the same flight as himself after the younger Beaumont’s enthusiasm became embarrassing for him. Max had gushed to a passenger about his pride in his older sibling, proudly articulating that, “My brother’s the co-pilot. He’s really good at it. He’s almost good enough to be the pilot!”
Liam shuffled his feet awkwardly, then nodded at Max, “Yes, well…. See you at the hotel.”
“You will?” Max’s head whipped around in surprise. Liam had never expressed an interest in seeing him outside of work before.
“Well, he was a little snippy,” Riley observed as Liam disappeared down the sky bridge.
“But did he seem….I don’t know…interested in-“ a flush crawled up his neck and then flared across his face, “Never mind. Of course not.”
Riley’s brow furrowed. “Interested in what?”
“Nothing. Let’s just get this cabin cleaned up so we can go.”
***
Riley awoke the next morning to sheets of snow pouring from the sky, blanketing the city in white as far as she could see from her hotel window. Which wasn’t that far. The snow was coming down too fast and too thick for her to see past the parking lot.
“Shit!” She aggressively pulled the curtains closed and dove back under the covers.
***
“So, what have you two been up to all day?” Liam asked as the four-member flight crew sat down for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
“Well, I slept in, then I called my mom to let her know I wouldn’t be making it home today and probably not tomorrow either. Then I drown my sorrows in a steaming hot bubble bath.” Riley responded as she pulled the menu over to her.
“Yeah, but then we saw a movie,” Max reminded her. Turning to Liam, he rambled excitedly, “This hotel has a theater in it. There was popcorn and everything! And then we took a cooking class! Can you believe that? The hotel chef hosts a class here once a week, but they did an extra class today because it snowed everyone in.”
Liam smiled at Max’s enthusiasm. “That sounds like fun. Now I feel boring. I read all day. Drake, what about you?”
“What about me?” Drake was busy shoveling a complimentary roll into his mouth.
Riley laughed. “Have you not been listening to the conversation? He wants to know what you did to keep busy today, you dork.”
Drake grabbed his water glass and chugged the cold liquid down to cover the fact that he had not heard a word of the conversation since Riley stopped talking. He was still picturing her in that bubble bath. When he sat the glass down, he responded, “I did my usual morning workout. The gym here is excellent. Since I couldn’t go for a run, I hit the heavy bags and then swam a few laps.”
“How many is a few?” Max asked.
“Twenty.” Drake’s eyes flicked to Max as he answered before landing quickly back on Riley’s face searching for any clue that she was impressed, or at least interested in him.
Not that he cared. She was a coworker, and he didn’t date coworkers.
“All before lunch?” She raised an eyebrow.
He wasn’t sure if she found his morning activities impressive or stupid. Her expression gave away nothing. “I find it hard to sit still,” he answered.
Liam scoffed, “You sit in the cockpit for hours at a time.”
“First of all, that’s different. I’m doing plenty as you well know and second of all, that’s why I need more physical movement when I’m on the ground.”
“Makes sense to me!” Max nodded emphatically as the waitress arrived with the menus.
They ordered their food and ate while making companionable chit chat. After dinner, Max suggested they continue the night across the lobby.
The hotel bar was crowded. The four coworkers quickly parted in the crowd. Drake and Liam navigated to a small table in the back and ordered drinks.
“You don’t want to ask her to dance?” Liam nodded across the room to the dance floor where Max and Riley were laughing and twirling to the music.
Drake followed Liam’s eyes and froze as he watched her sway and shimmy to the thump of heavy base. “I don’t dance.”
“I’ve seen you dance.”
“Not well.”
“So, you’re worried about embarrassing yourself in front of her?”
“What? No!” Drake reached for the tumbler of single malt scotch as the server placed it on the table in front of him and took a long pull as his mind spun with ways to shift the conversation away from his nonexistent love life. “What’s going on with you and Max?”
Liam startled so hard that bourbon sloshed over the rim of his glass. He stared at Drake in a blind panic. “What do you mean?”
“I mean….you usually pay no attention to what the flight attendants are doing when we have layovers. Yet you invited everyone to dinner tonight and you’re the one that was watching them dance. I’m pretty sure you’re not into Riley because if you were, you wouldn’t be pushing me toward her. So that leaves Max. Tell me I’m wrong.”
He lowered his glass to the table with a sigh. “It’s that obvious?”
“To me, but I’ve known you for a long time, Li.”
Liam blew out a long breath. “Shit.”
“Why don’t you just tell him you’re interested?”
“No,” Liam shook his head vigorously, “I can’t do that!”
“Why not?”
“So many reasons! Starting with the fact that I’m his boss and that’s a sexual harassment suit waiting to happen.”
“Not if he likes you back,” Drake countered.
“That’s not likely.”
Again, Drake asked, “Why not?”
Liam scoffed as he gestured toward the dance floor. “I mean, look at him! He’s fun and popular and hilariously funny. And look at those dance moves! He’s interesting and cool. What could he possibly see in me?”
“Hey, don’t sell yourself short, man.”
“I’m a stick in the mud and you know it. I was the president of my debate team. He was the lead in his school’s production of Beetle Juice.”
“How do you know- “
“Bertrand told me.”
“So, you’ve been pumping his brother for information?”
“Not the point. He’s amazing and fun and talented and I’m….me.”
“Liam, come on, man, you-“
“When I was twelve, I read law books for fun.”
“Geez, okay. Never mind. You’re definitely going to die alone.”
“Shut up,” Liam laughed, “I know you think I’m being dramatic.“
“You fly planes for a living,” Drake reminded him. “In my experience, a lot of people find that sexy.”
“Yes, well, I know your experience is quite extensive in that area but-“
“Are you calling me a man whore?”
“If the shoe fits….” Liam muttered into his drink.
“Insult me all you want, but it isn’t going to change the fact that you’ve got it bad. You should just tell him.”
“Oh, okay, Mr. I don’t like Riley.”
Fuck. Drake took another long drink. The conversation had come full circle. His eyes drifted across the room to find her again. She was still with Max.
***
Riley led Max off the dance floor and to a table as she flagged down a server for some water. “What’s up with you tonight?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, you’ve been acting squirely all night and you keep looking around like you’re searching for somebody. What’s that about?”
Max flushed, “Ah….I think I might have a thing for Liam.”
“Wait…what?” Riley shrieked, then clapped her hands over her mouth.
“I don’t know….” Max dropped his eyes to the table. “I mean, you know, he’s hot or whatever.”
“Max!” She slapped his shoulder. “Since when? And why didn’t you tell me?”
He shrugged. “Just recently I’ve started to notice him more, that’s all. He’s always being nice to me and- “
“He’s nice to everyone.”
“I know, but it’s more than that! I can’t explain it, okay? It’s just…the way he looks at me sometimes….”
“I have never seen you act shy before! You hit on that model last week!”
“Oh, him? Yeah, but that was just--”
“That man is an international star, and you had zero qualms asking for his snap.”
“I know, but- “
“And he gave it to you!”
“Sure, but Liam isn’t just a pretty face, Riley! He’s so fucking smart and serious. He’s sophisticated, and there’s just no way he’d be into a goofball like me.”
“Ah, Maxey, anyone with half a brain would be into you.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re my best friend.”
“Yes. But also because it’s true.”
“No, it’s not. I’m the general fuckup in my family. Just ask Bertrand. Or my father.”
“Max, you’re not a fuckup!” Riley admonished. “You’re just different from your brother and father, thank God! I’m sorry, I know you love him, but Bertrand is the most boring man alive, and your father is a dick, so please don’t judge yourself by his opinion of you.”
“Bert’s not boring. He just had to grow up fast. My father put a lot of pressure on him and he, unlike me, rose to the challenge. I mean, look at us. He’s a pilot and I’m a flight attendant. Do you remember what my father said when I told him I wanted to be a flight attendant?”
“Yes, but on the bright side, it was the first time he acknowledged your sexual orientation.”
Max snorted, “That’s not funny, Riley.”
“You laughed.”
He bumped her shoulder with his own with an amused shake of his head, “If your point is that my father is a homophobic, controlling, abusive asshole whose opinion should mean nothing to me or anyone else with a lick of self-respect, then point taken.” He lifted his glass to her.
She lifted hers and tapped it into his with a grin. “My work here is done. Now go over there and ask him to shoot darts or something.”
***
“All right, well, this has been fun, but I’m going up to bed now.” Liam pushed away from the table and stood up, stretching as he did so.
“You really are a stick in the mud,” Drake laughed as the server cleared their table and asked if he could get them anything else. “Yeah, an unopened bottle of what we’ve been drinking tonight.”
Liam turned to go but froze as a voice that sent heat shocking through him spoke, “Hey…Liam….you wanna…go play darts or something?”
He turned to find Max smiling at him. Trying to push down the rising panic in his throat, his eyes flicked to Drake, who just gave him an amused smile, then back to Max, who looked uncharacteristically nervous. “Uh…. sure.”
“Great!” Relief washed across Max’s features. Then he remembered himself and begrudgingly turned to include Drake in the invitation. “Would you like to join us?”
“Nah, I’m good. You two go ahead. I’ve got a bottle of top-shelf whiskey, and this hotel has steak on their room service menu. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay then, goodnight and Merry Christmas,” Liam didn’t meet Drake’s eyes as he waved bye and then followed Max to the dart boards lined up against the far wall.
Drake chuckled to himself as he took the bottle from the server and thrust a handful of bills at him. He started for the door, then thought better of it and backtracked to the bar, reaching across and grabbing a clean tumbler to take to his room with him.
He had to dodge a bunch of drunk people on his way back, causing him to veer off course until he was damn near on the other side of the room.
It wasn’t so much that he saw her as he felt her presence. His head lifted and his eyes somehow went straight to her despite the dozen or so people between him and the table she was seated at. Without making a conscious decision, his body angled in her direction, and he made his way over to her, reminding himself the whole way that he didn’t get involved with coworkers.
#cordonianroyalairlines#trr au#the royal romance#drake x mc#drake walker#liam rys#maxwell beaumont#liam x max#christmas 2023#drake x riley#choices fic writers creations#cfwc fics of the week
41 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
whee-pupp
ew kpop
organno
depto29
pandainaleatherjacket
Charlie
wahyubudiyani
wahyubudiyani
good-nyborg
Good Nyborg