Tumgik
#drake walker fanfic
Text
Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 1
Tumblr media
Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.
TW: Cursing, Implied Violence, Violence, Implied 🍋
Tagging: @lorirwritesfanfic @drakewalkerfantasy @rainbowsinthestorm
@lorircreates @beyondsimsreality @kimmiedoo5 @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @secretaryunpaid @rafasgirl23415
“Look who’s back in town…” Liam grinned as he threw down the folded morning newspaper in front of Leo who was already in an Italian cut navy dress suit. His sea green eyes narrowed slightly as he read the headline article, ‘Exiled Crown Princess, Isabella Beaumont-Sánchez to take up Honorary Professor role at Cordonia University’ followed by taking in the professional headshot of the Laurentian beauty who looked no different to how she did when he last saw her at 21.
“At 26…” Liam cleared his throat, “She’s done pretty well for herself…” Leo pursed his lips in silence remembering the last time he saw her, how she ghosted him and how when his world fell apart - she wasn’t there to save him, save them. Lifting his coffee, Leo sighed before taking in the strong aroma, letting the warm liquid soothe his otherwise cold demeanour and with a grumble, he pushed the newspaper out of the way, “So fucking what…” The younger Rys son was taken back slightly at his brother’s reaction, he had loved this woman; she was on a pedestal and the main reason none of Leo’s relationships ever worked out but now she was here, in arms reach - he barely reacted at all. “Leo…” Liam tried to reason with him but was immediately cut off, “Brother…” Leo grunted, “I am warning you, one more word on the subject and I will personally cut out your vocal chords…”
A few weeks had passed. The former Crown Prince, now a well known mobster, found himself staring at his bedroom ceiling most nights lying in bed in his Valtorian mansion. He couldn’t forget what they had, what they were willing to sacrifice for each other to now not even uttering a simple hello or gesture. Leo blamed the Via Imperii for his lost love but once he too had been exiled and the Cordonian Kingdom overthrown, he tried to reach out again but his attempts remained unanswered. Did he really want to find out the truth or would the truth be too much to bear? To Leo, she was the only part of him that was still good, everything else was gone long ago. He was cold, calculating and no matter what he tried to feel something, it had no effect until he saw that picture Liam had shown him a few weeks earlier. After that, his body stung, every pain he locked away seemed to almost re-emerge all at once. “Fuck it” Leo grunted as he rolled over, punching his pillow to make it more comfortable, “Anything can’t be worse than this…”
The following afternoon, Leo had business to attend in the capital. “Does that sounds amenable sir?” Leo’s assistant spoke but Liam and Drake knew something was up, watching as Leo kept staring off out the boardroom meeting room, “We’ll come back on that…” Liam interjected, “Thank you Sofie, I can take it from here…” before Leo signed off something he might later regret his answer to and Liam wasn’t willing to take the wrap on something that when Leo came to that he would be pissed about. “I need some fresh air…” the former Crown Prince mumbled under his breath. Placing his heavily tattooed hands on the table, he pushed himself upwards, pulling his dark woollen coat around him. Turning up his coat collar and shoving his hands into his pockets, Leo walked where his heart took him, passing through the crowds who unknowingly were brushing shoulders with the mafia boss. It was only when Leo finally looked up, he found himself across the street from the University. “Fucking now or never I guess…” Leo shrugged, as he walked across the street.
It didn’t take him long to find out if Isabella was there or not; the packed lecture theatre gave it away. He slipped in quietly, hiding in the shadows as he watched her work. “But your Royal Highness, surely it is not fitting for someone of your stature to discuss economic growth in a democracy? Particularly when the democracy you were brought up in, it was your own family who created such laws?” Isabella’s eyes searched the theatre, her dark chocolate brown eyes narrowed slightly as she found her heckler. “There’s a few things I believe Señor that is important to have corrected - Please do not refer to me in any Royal regard, my name is Isabella Sánchez, so in this class, Ms. Sánchez is appropriate. Secondly, the Kingdom that I lived in may have been presided by a Royal family who were involved heavily in the decision making process, but there was an autonomous government in place to look out for the people… today, that Kingdom does not have said government and is ruled by one group of people - but that is a discussion for your European History classes, not mine…”
Without a blink, the petite brunette continued her presentation and no one else dared interrupt. If they had, Leo would have had their card marked immediately. He could feel her presence in the room, she was as captivating as she was all those years ago. Her posture and demeanour commanded respect even if she was no better than a commoner these days. Each word that she spoke, each syllable uttered, had authority. The former Crown Prince slowly began to smirk as he recalled the many times he and the Laurentian beauty found themselves after an argument in each others arms; Leo even admitted starting the argument just to have Isabella all riled up. Watching her pace from door to door as she spoke in her trademark 4” stiletto heels made Leo feel something; it wasn’t much but something. He was once completely infatuated by this woman; now she was an enigma to him. “Read up on the next few chapters…” Isabella spoke in her thick Laurentian accent that rolled off of her tongue as the lights in the theatre switched on.
Flicking through her notes, Isabella marked where she stopped, closing up her textbooks as the students filed out of the lecture hall; she didn’t notice the figure standing opposite her until he cleared his throat, “I think I prefer how Laurentian politics is governed now, more Cordonian in nature, don’t you think?” The former Crown Princess sucked in her cheeks at the distasteful comment before raising her head. Her almond shaped eyes widened in shock as her gaze met his, “Leo… I…” she stuttered, “What are you doing here?” The tall, sandy haired Cordonian raised his brow, “Surely it should be you answering that question, rather than me…” The Laurentian beauty’s expression softened as her eyes gazed upon the man she loved all her life. His tattooed skin told a story, each etching a different verse of the last eight years. “I needed a job…” Isabella finally cracked, “I’m sorry that’s it’s here…” Leo leaned over the table that separated them both with a mischievous smirk, “It’s rude for guests to just drop in without calling first…”
Closing the gap between them. Isabella didn’t flinch at Leo’s remark, she wasn’t afraid of him; no matter what he had become or what he had done. She wasn’t blind to his newly found reputation but hoped that what they had would keep her safe at least for now. Slowly, the petite brunette closed over the books she had with a smile, placing each one on top of the other. “It’s always good to see you Leo…” the older Rys brother moved to block in the former Crown Princess with a grin, “Have dinner with me…” he darkly chuckled, “Remind you of a little Cordonian hospitality…” Isabella pursed her lips, “I have prior commitments Señor… I must decline…” The sandy haired Cordonian clicked his tongue in annoyance, “What…?” How dare she even assume it was a no. “Bella…” Leo tilted his head to the left slightly until they heard a third voice in the background, “I… I am sorry, I didn’t realise that you were busy Ms. Sánchez…�� but before Isabella could reply back, two girls in matching uniforms, their hair braided the exact same way and both looking like a clone of their mother burst through the door.
“Mama!” They happily chirped, “Come on! We’re going to be late for Ice Skating!” Isabella slowly nodded with a wry smile, conscious of her audience, “Sí, mi querida… of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world…” ‘Mama?’ Everything was going so fast for Leo to comprehend what was unfolding in front of him. One of the girls looked up at him, her eyes narrowing as if she knew him from somewhere. They were both carbon copies of their mother, except for their striking hazel eyes and their hair a shade or two lighter. Isabella held them close to her, her arms across their chests as Leo took a step back, “Prior commitment… ah I see…” his gaze returning to the little girl who stared him down, “…well darlin’ enjoy your ice skating…” he began to smile warmly, shoving is hands once again into his pockets as those sea green eyes became lost, free falling almost in dark chocolate, “…We should take a rain check Ms. Sánchez…” As Leo walked away, Natalia pulled on her mother’s arm, “Mama… who was that man?” Isabella slowly rubbed the crown of her daughter’s head for comfort, “I knew him once upon a time mi amor, nothing to worry about…”
Later that evening, Liam found Leo outside with a cigarette, cradling a double measured whiskey. “You seem to be in a better mood…” the younger Rys brother brought his own drink to his lips, waiting for some type of acknowledgement. “I saw her today…” Leo finally spoke before taking another drag. Liam nodded, patiently waiting; not knowing if Leo would even discuss the subject further. “She looked good…” he mumbled, “…had two kids hangin’ off of her… some sorry sap got caught up, y’know?” Liam raised his brow in question, “How old were they?” The former Crown Prince simply shrugged, “Old enough to form sentences? Hell, how the fuck am I meant to know?” Sighing heavily, Liam knew he had to ask, cautiously playing devil’s advocate having known Isabella - it wasn’t in her nature to play around, unlike Leo. “Is there any possibility they could be yours?” but the question aggravated Leo even further, his whole body tightened at the insinuation.
With a clenched jaw, the older Rys brother spat back, “She would have fucking told me! That’s not shit you keep to yourself, Bella told me everything!” Reaching out, Liam patted his brother’s shoulder in comfort as Leo sighed heavily, his sea green eyes finally meeting Liam’s, “They went ice skating…” he finally cracked a very small smile through that cold exterior. Memories that he had pushed to the side for years kept flooding back to him; flashbacks of when he brought the petite brunette ice skating in Lythikos, spending evenings in the ski chalets cuddled up to one another by the fire. As Leo looked toward the distance one more, Liam squeezed his hand that still rested on his brother’s shoulder, “Brother…” he chimed, “You should speak with her… I can do some digging if you wish? Give Amalas a call?” but Leo just shook his head, “No need… Isabella can tell me herself when she’s ready…” he grunted as Liam nodded in acknowledgment. It was the first time in years that Liam had saw Leo have some form of human emotion. He always wanted to be a father, but no woman ever lived up to the unknown expectation of them. A few dates here and there but nothing serious, living up to his playboy persona but underneath it all; no one came close to what he wanted because he only wanted her.
13 notes · View notes
findingdrake · 2 years
Text
The Common Romance
I finally landed in Melbourne, Australia. I have worked my ass off to get this dream job as a Software Engineer in this dream city. Getting the job wasn’t as difficult as getting the Visa. Even though my employer has sponsored me, the last formality for the visa is still pending. After landing in Oz, I have to attend an interview and get my visa stamped by the immigration officer. Pheww... "Keep calm, it’s the last step, and there are hardly any rejections at this step... Deep breaths...", keeping my composure, I head to my sister’s place, where I’ll stay for the initial days.
The next morning, I hurriedly collect my documents, and then take a cab to the Immigration office. As I walk across the Immigration Office my clumsy and anxious ass drops a document or my mobile or wallet every few steps.
Drake Walker, Immigration officer, I read the nameplate outside his office. I wait outside in the waiting lobby, impatiently making E-O-E-O faces. It’s been 2 hours, and my name has not been called. Everyone seems to have a prior appointment except me. Waiting... And waiting...
It’s lunchtime now. I know this because I see the immigration officer move out of his office, and yes, also there is a display board that says ‘Office will be closed for a lunch break between 12:30-1:30’. But mostly the immigration officer. I didn’t get a good look but he’s ruggedly handsome. Tall, I guess 6 feet and a good build. I follow him as if I was charmed. “Pss.. stop following the immigration officer you idiot!”, says my rational self. They win this time, but I am already in the canteen following him. I head to the vending machine while he is, well, I lost him. I look around as I get my snack pack. Obviously, he’s eating a salad. “Handsome men don’t eat like pigs and you”, says my critical self.
“How about we sit next to him? He’s eating alone”, says my swooned self.
“Have it occurred to you that maybe he wants to, not like he can’t get a company”, says Miss rational.
“I’ll sit next to him and bring up my visa appointment”, says my smart self. “And we can ogle at his handsomeness”, says Miss Swooned. So after a detailed discussion with myself, I decided to head to him with my snack pack and a water bottle. I hope he’s not done by now.
I am at his table and he’s busy looking at his phone. My tongue seems numb, but somehow I mutter, “I sit here!”. I wanted to make it a question, but it came out as an exclamation in broken English. He looks up. Those gorgeous eyes filled with depth and annoyance? He looks around, and he can see a few empty tables. “Covid protocol, can’t share tables”. “That’s not a covid protocol!”, my ego frowns as I take a seat at the next table.
“Ok! We have lost hope of a romantic relationship because of this pathetic and desperate start. Now, he’s the immigration officer, and you are the applicant. Try it that way”, came Miss Smart for rescue.
“I have an appointment for my 186 application with you. I need to get it stamped before I can join the office, so how long does it generally take”, I am suddenly more confident when I talk professionally, in a totally unprofessional and inappropriate setting.
At first, the handsome officer tries to ignore me and pretend that the question was not directed at him. But taking a quick look at my leaning posture, question mark face and constant stare, he sighs. “It can take 1-46 days.”
“His voice is so raspy and the accent…. Shut up slut!”, fight Miss swooned and Miss rationality.
“46 days?”, I was seriously concerned until I saw him give a sly smile.
“Emm... I can keep coming here for 46 days, no problem. Not like I have a job”, I smile confidently at him. I’m sure he can sense the cockiness in my voice.
“Should I wait the second half of today, Mr Walker?”, I dare to ask him, while this is going in my head, “Mr Walker, that sounds so sexy!”
He finished up, and I think early, because of my irritating presence. “I’m afraid we are all booked today and won’t be able to take any on-spot cases. You got your appointment right? You can come when you get a call”
“I’ll definitely cum when I get your call”, I blurt out.
“I won’t be calling you, my office will”, he said with a straight face.
“Why don’t you just jump into his arms, that will be more desperate and embarrassing”, he leaves with his salad plate while I’m being slut shamed by myself.
…………………………………………………………………………
“Come in!”, Drake tries to stifle a giggle and keep a straight face as he calls in the next applicant. A few routine questions before he stamps the Chinese family’s Visa.
“Come in!” he calls in the next applicant. “Fuck that idiot tiny woman! She ruined come in for me.”, Drake frowns, thinking to himself and the Pakistani applicant gets nervous. “Is anything wrong Sir?”, asked Ahmed. “No, Mr Khan, your papers seem just right. Welcome to Australia”. Drake goes about stamping his Visa.
“Next!”, Drake sighs tiredly as he calls the next applicant. 4 more hours of this before he glides towards his car.
…………………………………………………………………………
He likes taking the scenic route home. It’s long but has no traffic, it does remind him of a far land he once called home. This is a bittersweet path because Home is the beautiful memories, but home is also the pain and the betrayals. Some days, he can’t brace the memories, and either take a sharp u-turn to a different route or speed past this one. Today, was not such a day. Today he tried to distract himself. His hand reaches toward the car radio, but who is he kidding. Australian music doesn’t excite him like the Cordonian classics. It has been almost 2 years in Aussieland, but he still hasn't completely adapted. “Huh.. hmm. Hmm.. hmm..”, he tries to hum, but he knows he can’t do it. He’s clicking his fingers on the steering wheel. “Today was fine, that Syrian family totally deserves to move here. That’s what the humanitarian Visa is for. I’ll speak to Kyle to escalate the process tomorrow.”, he tries to think about something interesting in his day. “What else... the British journalist and that tiny lady can wait a few more days. The tiny lady, she was utterly annoying.”, he involuntarily chuckles at her naiveness. Then he freezes for a second. He clearly remembers how Naive Riley was. That’s exactly how she used to look at him, at Liam. He sharply crams the accelerator and speeds home, to his kids.
7 notes · View notes
flamingpudding · 8 months
Text
Summoning Gone Wrong
Ties to: Ouija Board Prompt and Ghost Hunting Vigilantes Part 1 / Part 2
A/N: Thanks to @lazy-alex for commenting the base idea in Ghost Hunting Vigilantes for Tim trying to do a summoning that just goes wrong~
Danny calmly sipped the ecto-tea and resisted eyeing the ghost club Lady Gotham had placed next to her as she also drank her tea with all the elegance the spirit possessed. The Ghost King was pretty sure she had placed it like that, in his view, on purpose. He just wasn't sure if it was as a warning or as a preparation since the last couple of times he had been in Gotham, she had felt the need of using it against him.
"I am very glad that you are finally looking into that matter, your highness." The spirit commented, placing the cup back onto the table and refilling it. "I wasn't sure if you had been made aware of it before, if I had known that the old beings had not mentioned it to you before I certainly would have sooner."
Danny nodded. "Yeah, about that. What are these Lazarus Pits anyway? Clockwork only told me to look out for the color green, which is not helpful. And Pandora started on an entire history lesson regarding Lazarus and I am pretty sure that has nothing to do with these Pits your 'knights' mentioned."
Lady Gotham chuckled amused with mirth in her eyes. "They are only known as Lazarus Pits in the human world, my king, not in the Infinite Realms."
"So what…" Danny couldn't finish his question as his ghost sense went off. He really wanted to slam his head into the table. It had been months since his senses went off like that and he hoped it was just Cujo who followed him or Fright Knight. But as no one appeared to interrupt them, he got ticked off because that meant it was one of his former rogues who was up to something. He excused himself from his discussion with Lady Gotham who appeared even more amused than before.
Whoever it was he would send them straight back to the Ghost Zone, they were interrupting some important kingly business here!
A little earlier not too far away from the ghostly discussion, by a recent regularly vigilante visited occult site, three vigilantes stood before a summoning cycle.
Red Robin was crouching by the circle, chalk in hand as he drew runes and symbols on the ground all according to one of his research papers that summed up all the information he had gathered. Including information he had obtained from the Justice League Dark, mainly Constantine since the man owned him and wouldn't just tell on him, behind Batman's back.
It had been weeks since their last encounter with the teenage ghost. He didn't want to admit it but Red Robin was getting worried about the ghost. Both times when they left they sounded like something was hunting or hurting them and last time there was even that green swirly thing they saw for a short moment right after they had heard the ghost say their goodbyes with an actual voice. Besides, that ghost was a mystery to them and Red Robin wasn't known to leave any sort of mystery they encountered unsolved.
"Should we really do this without B?" Nightwing asked, eyeing the strange symbols the youngest among them was drawing on the ground.
"Fuck him. If we get him involved we wouldn't be doing this at all." Red Hood added crossing his arms. "I am more surprised that its only us three this time. I would have bet that at least one of the others would have joined too."
"Baby Bat is out on a mission with B. Spoiler and Orphan are on a outer space mission and Signal has an exam tomorrow." Nightwing shrugged. "It's probably better form Robin not to be here. He was pretty spooked after the last two times."
"Ha! Spooked? The kid is dead set on Pit Demons trying to kill us."
"We can't comple-"
"Finished the writing." Red Robin cut in dusting his gloves from chalk, he was still kneeling on the ground as he turned to the older two vigilantes holding his hands out expectantly. "Nightwing, you brought the candles?"
The vigilante in question handed over a plastic back with the label of a gas station. Red Hood titled his head in question, indicating that he was raising an eye brow under his helmet. The elder only shrugged sheepishly as Red Robin stared at the colorful duck candles it contained.
"I forgot you asked me to buy some and went last minute to the late night open counter gas station. They only had these colorful duck candles."
"Well our fucking ghost has some Humor. Might work better for them then."
Red Robin only sighed but still placed the candles in the circle the way Constantine had described to him. "We will have to see if this will work."
He had made sure to also draw up a protective circle around the summoning one just like Zatana had instructed and Constantine had insisted he would need. Lighting up the candles he stepped back next to his brothers.
"So according to Constantine, we are now supposed to recite a summoning spell and think about the ghost we talked to before to call them back to us."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"So…" Red Robin distributed a piece of paper to each of his brothers. "We start on three."
"One…."
"Wait let me read that shit first!"
"Two…"
"Slow down, little bird."
"Three."
The three of them definitely were not in sync. Nightwing struggled with some of the words while Red Hood ended up mixing in some chosen curse words when he stumbled over a word. Red Robin even though he had practiced before still struggled with some of the words also but still all three managed to get through the incarnation.
They waited with their breaths held for something to happen but the seconds ticked by, with nothing happening. After three minutes Red Robin let out a sigh, deciding that this was a failure.
Just as he was about to step up to the circle to blow out the candles, a green swirling portal like the one he had briefly seen last time opened on the ground where the summoning circle was and a figure rose up from it. The figure was entirely dressed in white with black gloves, boots, belt and hat. Their skin was just as white as the clothes they were wearing and the being was staring back at them with completely green eyes, no irises or pupils. They stood firmly and straight in the summoning circle, arms crossed behind their back and by the way they were holding themself appeared like an authority figure.
"That doesn't look like a 16 years old ghost." Red Hood commented, his hand resting on his gun holder as he stared down their summon.
"Red, you did follow all the instructions right." Nightwing asked his hands, also moving to take out his escrima sticks, eying the being that was now looking at them in what he assumed was contempt.
"Yes, I did." Turning to their summon the vigilantes eyed it carefully. "Hi, sorry about the sudden summon. You obviously aren't the 16 years old ghost we had been talking to before. So uhm, you are free to go again? Unless you happen to know a 16 year old ghost that had been to Gotham at least two times now?"
The summoned being didn't look like they were going to answer, instead they took out a green glowing book that had 'RULES' written on it and leafed through the pages. Stopping when it apparently found a certain page. Their eyes focusing on the page then back at them. Still not grazing them with an answer. Red Robin however noticed how their inclined their head, for a short moment, over to Red Hood before turning back to the book and turning a couple of more pages.
He hadn't been the only one as he felt Nightwing tensing next to him too as well as heard the soft click of Red Hood removing the safety from his gun.
"Unauthorized summoning with out of date summoning methods. Interruption of security works. Unauthorized usage of corrupted ectoplasmic waste and apparent coverup of a human infected by corrupted ectoplasm." The being listed and the three couldn't help but feel reminded of a policeman listing crimes.
"I, Walker, reappointed Warden by his majesty the Ghost King and self appointed head chief of the security department of the Infinite Realms, hereby declare all of you under arrest for the previously listed offenses. Especially you, punk." The ghost called Walker pointed at Red Hood who in return pulled out his guns pointing them back at it. "You will be presented directly to our King. To think there would be a subject that failed to report back their existence."
"The fuck you wanna do? I ain't going anywhere." Red Hood scoffed, his distorted voice sounding challenging towards the ghost.
"Not to be rude but how can he report something he didn't even know about." Nightwing added eying the ghost as well as the protective barrier. The being hadn't made a move toward them yet and it should keep it contained but that didn't mean they just could let their guard down, not like he would let them take any of his brothers anywhere either. He took a step forward in case he needed to cover his younger siblings, protectiveness stirring in him. "RR, did Constantine or Zatana give you a spell to forcefully send them back?"
"Not exactly but they said destroying the summoning circle should send them back instantly." Red Robin mused after glancing at his notes for a brief moment. He didn't dare look away from that ghost for longer than needed. Normally he would be thrilled about having summoned a ghost and probably ask it a bunch of questions he had, ever since their first encounter with that 16 years old ghost left him with a tone of unanswered ones, but not with this one.
"Maybe we should-"
"WALKER! NOT AGAIN! BACK TO THE ZONE NOW!" A white haired 16 years old looking flying boy appeared through the wall without destroying it like he just phased in. The three vigilantes stared at the new presence that looked rather ticked off. The teenager had a cosmic with green flame outlined looking crown floating over their head and were wearing a jumpsuit with a logo that looked like a flaming D.
"Hey could that be our little ghost bastard?" Hood more or less stage-whispered over to Nightwing and Red Robin.
"Looks 16, maybe younger but not like what I imagined." Nightwing mused.
"Ghost Kid -ahem- your Highness, perfect Timing. I was just about to apprehend-"
"No." The teenager interrupted, arms crossed as he floated before the other ghost. "We went over this when I appointed you as the Warden again. Back. To. The. Zone."
"Did… did that other ghost call him 'highness' just now?" The more he got to learn about ghosts the more questions appeared to come up and Red Robin would definitely need answers for all of them.
"Your Highness, we need to-"
"Back now!" The teen repeated as he moved his left arm to point at a portal he opened especially for Walker. "Or do I have to get Lady Gotham to kick you out of her haunt herself?"
Red Robin watched how the two ghosts appeared to have a stare down before the white one closed his rule book and bowed before leaving. Well he would have left if he didn't smack right into the protective wall the vigilante had set up before the summoning. Good to know that Constantine's advice worked.
"Pff - cough -" The teenager covered his mouth, hiding a laugh behind a cough as he closed the portal he had opened and reopened it inside the barrier. The white ghost only sent them the most disgruntled and offended glare Red Robin had seen in a while before going through the portal the teen had opened.
Before either of the three could say anything the teenager let out a sigh and muttered something about having to deal with Walker being naggingly annoying about security and summonings later again. As if noticing them for the first time the boy glanced over at them and instantly stiffed and Red Robin definitely saw recognition in the boy's glowing green eyes. Could it be...?
"Shit." The teenager cursed. Yup, that's him.
"You are-"
"Sorry, no time for talking, gotta get back to Lady Gotham." They interrupted before continuing to ramble on. "You don't really want to make an old spirit with a ghost club wait. You guys better forget what you saw here. I would like Man In Black wipe your memory if I could but well for now please don't attempt summoning like that again? Summonings like that are outdated and barely work correctly for us ghosts. Demon summonings are a different matter but for ghosts this won't work correctly anymore or at least not since I got the stupid crown. You either end up with some random ghost or Walker trying to arrest humans. I soo have enough of getting him back from all the attempts of arresting humans that broke 'summoning rules'. Maybe I should have Fright Night arrest Walker for forcing his summon whenever he notices human summons… Anyway! Don't try again. Okay? Okay. Thanks and bye!"
The boy blinked out of existence before any of them could get a word in. The three vigilantes stared at the now empty spot. Red Robin had so many more additional questions now after having heard the presumed ghost teens ramble. So if the summons from the Justice League Dark were outdated then maybe he would need to find a more modern summoning? Also the teen had mentioned a Lady Gotham and Red Robin could only assume that that had to be their local city's spirit judging by the name.
"Well… we know now what our ghost boy looks like." Nightwing offered after some time and Red Hood scoffed.
"How the fuck was that boy a ghost? He looked more like a meta kid than a ghost."
"Well judging by the voice he definitely was the one that talked the last two times."
"So Demon Brat's Pit Demon theory is true?"
"He didn't lo-"
"I am going to try and summon this Lady Gotham next." Red Robin cut in as he turned on his heel, determined to get to the bottom of this ghost mystery even if he had to pester the JLD members for a while.
""What?""
623 notes · View notes
queenrileyrose · 11 days
Text
You Belong To Me Part One: I Wonder What’s Mine
Tumblr media
Book: The Royal Romance
AU: We Belong Together
Series Masterlist
Pairings: Leo x Riley (MC), Olivia x Boone (OC), Drake x Alyssa (OC)
Alyssa Devereaux belongs to @burnsoslow and is borrowed with permission for this AU.
Series Premise: Five years after the epilogue of We Belong Together, everything they thought they knew is challenged.
Series warnings: Very dark series. Character death, violence, ns*w, cursing, stalking, psychological manipulation, discussions of infertility
Chapter warnings: Language, infertility, past character death
Music Inspo: Only You-Selena Gomez
Thank you to everyone who reads, likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
Tumblr media
Riley blinked as the bright lights were switched on. She turned slightly, remembering that the beams softened her features if it wasn’t straight on.
“Nervous?” Leo slung his arm around the back of the settee protectively. 
“No,” Riley leaned back against the stiff upholstery, taking in her husband’s handsome profile. The last five years had been kind to him; the only wrinkles on his face were laugh lines. Time had moved fast and, at the same time, seemed much longer; Riley could hardly remember a time when she didn’t know Leo. 
“Liar,” Leo teased. “It’ll be over fast. We only do one in-depth interview a year-”
“And we trust Donnie,” Riley finished, nervously smoothing down the cerulean silk of her skirt. “This year’s timing isn’t great; we had to keep rescheduling.”
Leo took her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. 
It was the anniversary of that fateful night Aiden had kidnapped Riley and Olivia. While Riley felt no more guilt over her actions, the memory refused to leave her. 
Even now, she swore there was a hint of copper in the air, burning her nostrils. 
“We can have lunch after,” Leo’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Enz has lessons until three.”
“That sounds nice,” a genuine smile lit Riley’s face. “I’m sorry I’m being difficult; today feels worse than usual. I’m nervous about, you know.”
“Don’t you dare apologize,” Leo slipped his fingers under her chin, tilting her face up. He brushed a blonde curl behind her ear. “You’re the strongest, most badass woman I know. You are allowed to feel however you need to about today. I love you.”
“I love you,” Riley pressed her lips to Leo’s, a thrill going through her as his tongue curled with hers. 
Donnie cleared his throat as he softly closed the door behind him. Leo smiled against Riley’s lips before reluctantly ending the kiss.
Donnie settled into the chair across from the couple, a few sheets of paper in his hands. “Good morning, your Maj-”
“Donnie,” Riley began.
“Leo and Riley,” Donnie corrected. “Let me make sure I have the off-limits subjects right.”
The couple nodded in unison, giving Donnie a moment. One particular issue had made it to the short list this year.
“The subject of more heirs?” Donnie looked up, his brow furrowed. “I’ve never asked.”
“We know,” Riley said quickly. “Just in case. It’s not something we feel is the public’s business.”
Leo’s hand found hers, and she clutched his fingers. 
Riley couldn’t address why there weren’t more heirs when she didn’t know herself. Leo and Riley had gone through all the tests and exams, and they were both healthy. She should have been able to get pregnant several times over. 
Riley hadn’t. In the last year, she’d given up hope. They’d seen specialist after specialist, and no one could explain why. 
Leo gripped her hand. Riley squeezed back gratefully. Their little family was all she and Leo needed. It would just be the three of them. 
“Understood,” Donnie folded the pages and set them in his lap. “Are you sure about the topic? Aiden has been off limits the past four years.”
Riley and Leo nodded, each pushing their shoulders back. It was time. 
“3, 2, 1,” a producer whispered beyond the camera. Donnie crossed one leg over the other and smiled warmly at the couple.
“As a country, we have all moved on from the reign of Aiden,” Donnie began, his voice encouraging. “On the fifth anniversary of his death, you both mentioned that you found it important to cover again. May I ask why?”
Leo spoke first, massaging Riley’s knuckles with the pad of his thumb. “Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. As much as we would like to, we can’t forget that Aiden rose to power in part because of my father and in part because he bred a fear that most people refused to or were unable to fight against.”
Riley nodded in agreement. “There were many close to him that could have stopped him and simply did not. That’s why we’ve been so transparent with every decision made, why we’ve taken certain powers away from duchies and put it in the hands of the council and the people.”
“Cordonia is thriving,” Donnie checked his notes. “Poverty rates are at an all-time low, due to the assistance programs you’ve instituted. As are violence rates, no doubt because of the focus on rehabilitation and harsh sentencing for repeat offenders you’ve put in place. We are also second to France in wine exports, no doubt from the investment in small wineries all over the country.”
“But,” Leo joked. “I feel it coming, Donnie.”
“But,” Donnie offered a half smile. “I would like to ask how you and Queen Riley have dealt with the events of five years ago. On a personal level.”
Leo glanced at Riley, who nodded subtly. They’d agreed to this, but Leo wanted her to have the option of backing out if she needed to.
“Well,” Riley’s lips shook slightly as she spoke. “Therapy has been useful.”
“There was a rumor you burned sage,” Donnie raised an eyebrow.
“My stance is,” Leo slid closer to Riley. “Whatever someone needs to do to help them cope is valid.”
“Did it help?” Donnie asked.
———
Six months after Aiden’s death
Riley walked through the gardens at the palace. Riley read that sage helped cleanse evil spirits, and she was dutifully waving a bundle of the herb, lit at one end, careful not to set any plants on fire.
She felt stronger every day, and this, as silly as it seemed, helped.
Riley lowered carefully to sit on the bench. She remembered Aiden there, a tear falling down his cheek as he talked about his mother. Had he really been so evil? He could have missed his mother and still been the horrible man she’d killed. 
Riley shook her head. It didn’t matter. A breeze floated across her face, and she closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet smell of roses. 
As she opened her eyes, another smell hit her nostrils. A familiar smell. 
Tobacco, ginger, and vanilla. The expensive cologne Aiden wore. Riley rubbed her nose. No. She shouldn’t be out here.
She stood and made her way to the entrance, the smell seeming to follow her.
Riley was so intent on leaving the hedge maze, that she didn’t see Leo approaching from the side entrance.
Riley walked right into his solid chest, panicking for a minute until she looked up into the handsome face of her boyfriend. 
“Hey,” Leo said softly, gently holding her by the shoulders to steady her before enclosing her in a hug. “You look spooked.”
Riley sniffed again, but it was all cedar and lemons. Leo. “I swore I could smell Aiden’s cologne.”
“Are you sure?” Leo glanced around worriedly. “Is someone out there?”
“No, I was remembering being in there with him just before.” Riley felt better already, just from Leo’s presence. “It’s probably my brain.”
“Okay.” Leo inhaled deeply, only smelling the roses. “That’s why I started the other rose garden. Eleanor deserves this one, but you can have your own.”
“I won’t come out here for a while,” Riley promised. “Let’s go inside.”
Riley melted into the tender kiss Leo pressed to her lips and followed him in. She trailed the sage behind her, the smoke hopefully doing its job.
———
“I felt better,” Riley laughed softly. 
“What about you, King Leo?” Donnie turned slightly in his chair. “It could be argued that you suffered the most at Aiden’s hands.”
“It’s not a contest,” Leo replied. “Certainly not one I want to win, either way. The answer is Riley. She’s gotten me through every rough patch the past five years. I’ve done my best to be her safe place, her partner.”
“You’ve more than done your best,” Riley grinned for the first time that day. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Lucky for you,” Leo swiveled slightly, brushing his nose against hers. “You’ll never have to find out.”
———
Two Years after Aiden’s death 
Riley sat up in bed, feeling eyes on her. She quickly flicked the bedside light on. No one was there. 
Leo squinted as he reached for her. “Riley?”
“I must have had a bad dream.” Riley exhaled and lay back down, Leo’s arms around her. “I felt like someone was watching me.”
Leo opened his eyes fully and glanced around the room. “No one is here. We’re the only ones with keys to our quarters. The keypad will be up next week; only we’ll have the code. The panic buttons are going in every room. You’re safe, honey.”
Leo reached over her to switch off the light. Riley snuggled into his arms, feeling a little better. 
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Leo left tender kisses on her forehead and cheeks. “You’ve been edgy lately.”
“I feel scared here sometimes, around the anniversary of…you know,” Riley pressed her lips to Leo’s. “It's not rational, but it takes a few days to shake.”
“Enzo’s coronation today made you all emo,” Leo said as their lips met again. “Heavy emotional stuff makes you scared sometimes.”
“I was all emo because I watched you and Enzo, and I realized you’d probably thought it would never happen..after all that.” Riley sniffed, tears forming. “You were so happy and proud.”
“Riley, honey.” Leo soothed. “Every day with you and E, it’s more than I ever thought I’d have. I’m so fucking grateful for you, and our son, our life.”
Tears ran down Riley’s cheeks as she hugged Leo fiercely. Leo stroked her hair. “Us together, no matter what. That’s all I ever want.”
“Me too,” Riley said into Leo’s chest. “You’re right, though. We have it so good. Everything keeps getting better. What if I wake up in the dungeon and all this is a dream?”
Leo pinched her arm gently.
“Ow.” Riley lifted her head. “What the fuck, man?”
“You’re still here.” Leo smiled. “There’s no dungeon. You helped take it down.”
Riley pinched his arm. Leo shook his head in amusement.
“You’re still here.” Riley nuzzled Leo’s nose. “I feel better. Thank you.”
“You’ll feel even better after the bonfire tomorrow night.” Leo joked. “Hot dogs and friends.”
“Lyss will hold Enzo a bunch; give my arms a break.” Riley grinned. “Can she be pregnant already?”
“I’m sure Drake is working on that.” Leo kissed her nose. “I love you, Riley.” 
“I love you.” Riley rolled on top of Leo. “No more pinching.”
Leo slipped his hands under Riley’s nightgown, his fingers leaving teasing trails as he traveled down her body, settling on her hips. “Your wish is my command.”
“My wish is for those gorgeous hands to move a little lower,” Riley murmured into her husband's ear. 
Leo grinned and obeyed.
———
“We had friends and family nearby for the first few years as well,” Riley forced herself to face Donnie. “That meant more than I can ever express.”
“I, for one, was surprised when Mr. Walker and his family moved to the States,” Donnie frowned slightly. “His business was thriving, his wife was beloved.”
“Drake got the chance to add to the New York skyline,” Leo smiled proudly. “Alyssa found a position in the governor's office to make a difference in public schools in the city. I’m honored to know them.”
“We miss them terribly, of course,” Riley added. “Along with Patrick and Audrey. But they’re doing well in New York, and I’m so proud of them.”
Donnie nodded sympathetically. “Are they returning in the near future?”
———
Three years after Aiden’s death 
Riley walked down the aisle of the bait shop. She wrinkled her nose at the wormy smell, but she’d jumped at the chance to go fishing. Drake and Alyssa were due to leave in a few days for New York. 
They promised to return in a few years. Riley was thrilled for them, but the sting at her found family leaving remained.
A man bumped into Riley. “Sorry, alluring lotus.”
Riley froze, then grabbed the man’s arm. “What did you say?”
“Sorry, I lost my balance.” The man looked at her apologetically. “Queen Riley! I’m so sorry.”
“No title, please,” Riley released his arm. “I’m sorry too, you startled me.”
“Everything okay?” Drake's voice made her jump. When she turned back around, the man was gone. 
“Riley? You look like you saw a ghost.” Drake took her hand and covered it with his.
“I thought that man said something weird.” Riley looked up into Drake’s concerned expression. “Do you ever see Aiden? Or think you hear him?”
“I think I see him sometimes,” Drake admitted, patting her hand. “I think it’d be impossible to forget him completely. Especially for you.”
“It’s only around the anniversary.” Riley smiled gratefully at Drake. “I get jumpy.”
“Maybe you need to talk to the therapist again.” Drake soothed. “Do you talk to Leo?”
“Maybe.” Riley nodded. “I do, Leo calms me down. I saw Aiden die. You’d think I wouldn't get so freaked.”
“What did you think he said?”
“Alluring lotus.”
Drake did not suppress the shudder that ran through him at the mention of one of Aiden’s special terms for Riley. “I told you reading that nickname book the cops found was a bad idea.”
“He’d called me almost every name,” Riley admitted. “It was weird seeing them all in one place.”
“Tell me he never called you his own Regina.” Drake had the names almost memorized. “Or fountain pen.”
“The Regina one, no.” Riley stuck her tongue out. “The other one was the last thing he called me.”
“Fuck.” Drake pulled Riley into a hug. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too.” Riley squeezed Drake back. “But hey, it got me to all of you. Right?”
“Right.” Drake agreed, releasing her. “Let’s go catch some fish.”
———
“We hope so,” Leo smiled, exchanging a look with Riley. Drake and Alyssa were moving back in a year’s time, after some opportunity the couple hadn’t given all the details of to Leo or Riley.
“They are missed,” Donnie agreed before changing the subject. “Forgive me, I don’t know how to phrase this delicately.”
“Go ahead,” Riley encouraged.
“You live in the palace where you faced the worst times of your life,” Donnie tried to sound as sympathetic as he could. “You’re raising a family there. I don’t know if I would have the strength to do that.”
“It was hard for a while,” Riley admitted. “You mentioned the sage earlier. I was on edge a lot.”
“What changed?” Donnie frowned. 
———
Four years after Aiden’s death 
Riley rolled over and stared at the clock. 3 am. She slipped out of bed, Leo’s soft snores filling the room. She’d been staring at the ceiling for the past several hours, unable to sleep.
There were always creaks and moans all over the palace. Riley knew this was normal, especially with old buildings. They cooled at night, making sounds and scaring people. It was always like this; most nights, she was able to let them fade into the background.
Tonight, no such luck. Riley growled in frustration. She knew she’d done the right thing. All year, she was fine. She was so happy; she had so much in her life. 
The week Aiden died rolled around, and everything made her jump. She’d made sure he was dead. The day they rented a boat and dumped him at sea, she was there. Aiden wasn’t coming back. Everyone was safe. 
Riley felt a little better but was still too alert to sleep.
Riley tiptoed to Enzo’s room, smiling at her son. He was starfished across his bed. The blue light of his twilight turtle lamp cast a soothing blue glow. 
Riley padded downstairs to the kitchen. 
Riley stared at the roast duck in the refrigerator. Of all the things she expected to see, that wasn’t it.
Riley was looking over the other items when a hand on her shoulder made her whirl around, a bottle of ketchup in hand.
Leo put his hands up. “Whoa.”
Riley exhaled and put the bottle down. “Don’t sneak up on me! I could have killed you!”
“With ketchup?” Leo fought not to grin.
“Yes.” Riley set it down. “Why’s there a fucking duck in the fridge?”
“Say that five times fast.” Leo looked around her. “Shit. I don’t know. Lisette definitely didn’t make it.”
“Unless Enzo wanted it,” Riley tapped her lips with one finger. “We’re weird about duck, maybe he got curious?”
“That would make a lot of sense,” Leo chuckled. “We can ask in the morning.”
Riley slumped against the counter, relieved for the moment.
“Can’t sleep again?” Leo studied his wife. Her eyes were tired.
“No,” Riley yawned, hoping sleep wasn’t as far away as it seemed earlier. “Too many creaks.”
“We can move, baby.” Leo enclosed her palm in his. “We can turn this place into something else. Live in another place. There’s plenty of properties.”
“You grew up here,” Riley argued. “It’s all Enzo has known. I don’t want… dude’s name who rhymes with Crayden to win.”
Leo chuckled. “That isn’t a word. But he’s dead. He can’t win.”
“Do you get scared here ever?” Riley traced Leo’s knuckles with her finger.
“No,” Leo said. “But him dying meant something different to me than you. He’d been a constant evil presence; then he was gone. I felt relief.”
“I don’t know if I did,” Riley frowned. “I felt glad that he couldn’t hurt anyone else; that’s close, right?”
“Right,” Leo smiled softly. “When the day I abdicated rolls around, I get angry. I wish I’d fought harder; maybe I could have stopped more of what he did.”
“You and I both know that’s not true,” Riley pressed her lips to his gently. “You did the best you could. If you’d done too much, Aiden would have done something worse.”
“It’s a process,” Leo grimaced. “But I understand, feeling like he might pop out. But he won’t. He can’t.”
“I know,” Riley sighed. “I was telling myself that, but then I was too awake.”
Leo laughed. “What about moving? We can do whatever seems like a good plan.”
“I don’t know.” Riley bit her lip. “It doesn’t feel right.”
“Living here or leaving?”
“Yes.”
Leo laughed. “Riley.”
“Let’s talk about it more.” Riley decided. “Look at other places. Figure it out.”
“Sounds good.” Leo smiled. “Why are you in here?”
“Lisette made me cupcakes.” Riley beamed. “I wanted them.”
“What flavor?”
“Lemon strawberry.” 
“Our wedding cake.” Leo dropped a kiss on her lips. “Grab ‘em. We can eat them in bed.”
———
“I think it’s important to remember that Aiden dying freed me,” Leo interjected. “Riley’s actions were to save her own life and that of Duchess Nevrakis.”
Riley smiled gratefully. “I finally got to a place where I refused to let Aiden take anything else from me. That’s another reason we thought it was vital to speak about him today, to show that you can overcome trauma and be happy.”
“That’s good to hear,” Donnie uncrossed and recrossed his ankles. “I understand that you found another woman, one the public wasn’t aware of, just months ago?”
Riley nodded somberly. “It turns out Aiden had an online dating profile-”
“Cut!” Donnie yelled before she could finish. He doubled over with laughter, his notes falling to the floor. “You’re…kidding.”
Riley couldn’t help but giggle. “That was my first reaction, too. Leo was more disgusted.”
“It came out of left field,” Leo chuckled. “I wonder what got into him. That seemed beneath him or something.”
“I think he was desperate,” Riley offered. “The thing about Aiden is that deep down, he wanted to be loved. For the monster he was.”
The room went silent. Donnie wiped his eyes and nodded. “That makes sense. Can we leave the dating profile out? I don’t want to humanize him.”
“I completely understand,” Leo agreed. 
Riley smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”
“No, no,” Donnie waved her off. “One of the things I admire about you is how caring you are. You always try to find common ground with everyone, no matter what. We could all stand to be that way a bit more.”
Leo brushed a lock of hair behind Riley’s ear. “I’ve never known anyone as compassionate as Riley.”
“You’re going to feed my ego way too much,” Riley’s cheeks darkened. “Okay, no dating profile. Focus on Abbi Lawson.”
Donnie gestured to the cameraman. “Count it down, please.”
———
Drake gazed out the window at the sparkling blue sea and the idyllic buildings along the coastline. His attention snapped to the large tower above everything else on the hill. 
It had been several years since he had been to his birthplace, but he found himself smiling. Despite the circumstances surrounding the impromptu trip, it was good to be back.
“Have you been to Cordonia before?” the raspy voice of an older woman somewhere behind him interrupted his thoughts. 
“Not for many years,” her seatmate all but whispered. 
The hairs stood up on Drake’s neck. He subtly tried to turn to see the speaker, but from his vantage point, he could only see the couple just behind him.
Drake leaned back, forcing himself to inhale and exhale deeply. His wife would reassure him if she were with him, reminding him that the man was dead. He’d seen the body. They were safe.
Drake unlocked his phone and tapped on his photo album, smiling at the most recent photo. Audrey had snapped the picture as Drake and Alyssa kissed this past New Year’s Eve.
Alyssa was in Thailand, in a remote village, teaching children to read. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Audrey and Patrick had already joined their mother. Drake was going straight from Cordonia to be with them for the year-long trip. 
Cell service wasn’t great, but they spoke twice daily. Drake told his wife it reminded him of their courtship. Alyssa had gotten choked up and told him to hurry up and get there.
———
Drake stepped into the large room, sighing in relief at the air conditioning cooling him. He began to walk toward the exit, stopping in his tracks when a familiar figure stepped into his path. 
Olivia lifted her chin, smirking at Drake’s surprise. She looked the same as the last time he’d seen her last year in New York. A pair of red slacks topped by a matching leather jacket hugged her frame, her red hair pulled into a sleek bun atop her head. Even with her low-heeled boots, she was only a few inches shorter than Drake.
“I didn’t tell anyone,” Drake blurted, more shocked than he probably should be at Olivia’s presence. “I was going to fix the step at our place for the renters and hire a new property manager. And shock you all.”
Olivia’s smirk grew. “Did you really think you could get anything past me?”
Drake shook his head and wrapped Olivia in a bear hug. She patted his back, stepping away after precisely five seconds. “That’s enough. Your truck is in the lot.”
“Wow,” Drake's eyes widened. “That’s so thoughtful. What are you up to?”
“Nothing,” Olivia aimed a punch at Drake's shoulder. “I’m a good friend.”
———
Enzo pushed off the wall with his foot, gaining speed as the skateboard raced toward a ramp. 
Riley held her breath, twisting her fingers so tightly her nails pressed into her skin. Leo untangled her hands and interlaced his fingers with hers. Riley squeezed his hand, her eyes never leaving Enzo as he flew over the ramp, landing on the concrete as if he had been doing this for years, not just a few weeks.
Riley exhaled as Leo whooped beside her. “That was awesome, Enz!”
Enzo picked up his board and rushed to his parents. “Did you see, Mom?”
“I did,” Riley tousled her son's hair. “I’m so proud of you. I could never do that.”
“I bet you could,” Enzo beamed up at his mother. “It’s fun!”
“It definitely looks it,” Riley leaned down to press a kiss to his forehead. 
Leo fistbumped Enzo. “You’re a natural.”
“Thanks!” Enzo set the skateboard down on the concrete. He began leisurely skating toward the side entrance. “I’m going to get a snack.”
“Brin has those pizza croissants you love,” Riley called after him. Enzo waved and disappeared inside.
Riley collapsed onto the bench, her hand on her heart. “How can you go to all his lessons with him? I’d have a heart attack!”
Leo chuckled as he sat beside Riley, smoothing a curly blonde strand behind her ear. “I remember that at his age, I was scaling the palace walls and trying to sneak off to fly helicopters.”
Riley shook her head with a laugh. “Suddenly, skateboarding seems completely safe.”
Leo pulled Riley into his lap, trailing kisses down her jaw. He wrapped her tightly in his arms, weighing the words before he said them aloud. “How are you? You seem better than earlier.”
Riley rested her head against Leo’s neck, nestling into his warmth. “Talking about him helped. I was worried; I thought maybe it would weigh on me after. It felt good.”
Leo exhaled, relieved. He’d had the same worry, but followed Riley’s lead. It didn’t bother him to speak about Aiden; he and Boone went over his brother’s tactics often in order to prepare the guards, but Riley struggled. 
“I’m glad,” Leo pressed a kiss to her temple. “You did awesome as usual.”
“So did you,” Riley lifted her head and rose, pulling Leo with her. “Liv and Boone should be here for dinner soon, and you have a call with Hakim.”
“No Wyatt yet?”
“Still in Paris with my mom for another few days,” Riley scrunched her nose. “I know that’s her home and all, but I wish she’d move back.”
Christine had recently returned to Paris, having lived with her daughter and son-in-law for nearly four years. She needed her own space again, and while Riley and Leo understood, the palace wasn’t the same without her. 
“I miss her too,” Leo led Riley to the side entrance. “She’s the only one who could beat me at poker.”
“She said she’s going to visit in a few months,” Riley fell into step with Leo as they walked down the hallway, fingers entwined. 
Leo spun Riley, backing her into the wall beside his office. “I love you so much.”
Riley sank into Leo as his lips met hers in a heated kiss. “I love you, too.”
Leo unlocked the door and pulled Riley inside, slamming it behind them.
———
Drake pulled the knob, ensuring the door was locked before taking the stairs two at a time. “That definitely wasn’t as bad as the property manager made it sound.”
“I knew he was overreacting,” Olivia studied the exterior of the large home. “You should have fired him sooner. The roof may need some work soon.”
“I noticed,” Drake swung open the door of his old pickup, and Olivia climbed into the passenger seat. “I’ll fix the step in the morning. I came all the way out here, might as well.”
Olivia huffed. “I can’t imagine Alyssa was thrilled about you making such a long trip for a broken step.”
“She didn’t mind,” Drake insisted. “I have to hire a new property manager anyway; best to do everything in person.”
Olivia harrumphed in agreement. 
Drake slowed as he approached a curve, the memory of driving to Lythikos with Leo during the season flitting through his head. It was strange what being here brought up. In the years he and Alyssa made a home and started a family here, Drake had the occasional memory, generally a happy one. 
“Drake?” Olivia’s sharp voice brought Drake back to the present. “What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, Liv,” Drake exhaled sharply. “I had a weird deja vu memory thing about the season. It threw me off for a second.”
“No use dwelling,” Olivia replied. “We got through it. We eat hot dogs near the ocean every year on the anniversary.”
“I know,” Drake slowed to a stop at the palace gates. “Enough about that. Do Leo and Riley know I’m here?”
“Of course not,” Olivia smirked. “What’s the fun in that?”
———
Boone shoved his hands in his pockets, eyeing the portraits on the massive gallery wall. While Constantine and Aiden’s had been removed, the portraits of Leo and Riley gave him the creeps. They were well done, but Boone couldn’t help but feel their eyes following him. 
“You’re here before Olivia?” His older sister’s incredulous voice echoed down the hallway as she approached. 
“She’s on her way,” Boone took one last look at the paintings and whirled to face Riley. “She had an errand. Where’s Leo? Enzo?”
“In a meeting and having dinner with Max and company,” Riley rubbed her hands together. “No one to protect you now, Boonie. Time for me to get my revenge for the time you put my Barbie in the garbage disposal.”
Boone rolled his eyes. He and Riley had a good relationship; they fought like all siblings at times. But Riley got in moods where all she did was try to prank him or challenge him to some kind of duel. Leo and Olivia usually stepped in and kept the peace.
“I was 8,” Boone sighed. “Give it a-”
Before he could finish, Riley jumped on his back, twisting when he tried to pull her off. “Nope!”
———
Drake slammed the car door. “Place looks the same.”
Olivia shook her head as she strode toward the entrance. “Of course it does. It hasn’t been that long.”
As they walked into the large foyer, Leo was taking the stairs two at a time. “Hey, Liv, who’s-”
As Leo realized it was Drake, he nearly tripped. He got his bearings and jumped off the last few steps, crushing Drake in a hug. “When did you get here?”
“Few hours ago,” Drake returned the embrace, clapping Leo on the back. “I have a stair to fix and a property owner to hire. I’m back out the day after tomorrow.”
“Where’s Lyssa?” Leo glanced behind Olivia. 
“She’s in Thailand getting settled,” Drake smiled a little sadly. “She’d have loved to be here.”
“Thailand?” Leo’s eyebrows shot up.
“No snow there,” Olivia shrugged. “A few remote areas need teachers. Seemed right up Alyssa’s alley.”
“Of course you knew,” Drake held his palms up in surrender. “We didn’t want to say anything until everything was finalized.”
“We’ll have to come out and see you all,” Leo playfully punched Drake’s arm. “Riley will be all over that.”
“I’m starving,” Olivia announced. “Can we do the gooey catchup over food?”
Leo chuckled and draped an arm around Olivia’s shoulders as they walked down the hall. “You can just say you miss Boone. I’m sure Riley is keeping-“
“Dammit!” The loud cry drowned out Leo’s words. “Riley!”
“Is that Boone?” Drake whispered. “What’s going on?”
“Oh,” Olivia sighed. “Riley’s making him pay for something, I assume. Again.”
Drake's eyes widened as Riley came into view. She had her younger brother in a headlock. As she heard footsteps, she quickly released him, smoothing her blouse. “Oh, you two are early.”
Riley let out a screech as she noticed Drake between Leo and Olivia. “Drake!” Riley ran to him, throwing her arms around his torso. “What are you doing here? How long are you staying? Where’s Alyssa?”
Drake began to fill Riley in, and Olivia patted Boone’s head. “How’d she get the drop on you?”
Boone stretched his neck from one side to the other. “Surprise, as usual.”
“That’s my wife,” Leo grinned. “Maybe you should train more, Boone.”
“Maybe Riley should go back to therapy and discover why she’s still torturing her brother, Leo.” Boone dropped a kiss on Olivia’s forehead. 
“I already know,” Riley piped up. “Lost time. I never got closure.”
“People ask how we didn’t speak for a few years,” Boone couldn’t hide his smile. “I just don’t know what to tell them.”
Riley scratched her nose, pointing her middle finger in Boone’s direction. Boone smoothed his hair back, aiming the same finger back at Riley.
“Drake,” Lisette called down the hallway as she came into view. “We’re having short ribs for dinner; it’s as if I knew you’d be here.”
“My favorite,” Drake grinned and wrapped Lysette in a quick hug. “I thought you moved to the non-profit full-time?”
“I did,” Lisette smiled and grabbed Riley’s hand. “I pop by whenever, make my replacement nervous.”
“Brin loves you,” Riley squeezed Lisette’s hand, dropping her voice to a whisper. “But you’re still better.”
Leo chuckled and slipped an arm around Riley’s waist. “Full house tonight, I love it.”
———
Riley glanced around the long cedar plank table. They’d burned the mahogany monstrosity that previously occupied the dining room, opting for a smaller setting. It felt like home, finally. Riley felt safe and cozy here, with all her family and friends.
Leo winked at her from across the table, and she returned the gesture.
The only thing that troubled the queen was one day telling Enzo about his father’s half-brother. He was young still, but needed to be told before he found out on his own. 
“Riley?” Drake’s voice quieted her thoughts. “You okay?”
“I’m great,” Riley grinned. 
———
Leo stoked the fire, settling into an iron chair beside his wife. “I miss this, all of us around the fire.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Nostalgia is a sickness, Leo.”
“So is pretending to be a hard ass,” Leo challenged with a grin. 
Riley stared at the hedge maze, lit by the full moon. They'd used to play tag with Enzo when he was smaller, but she couldn’t remember the last time she’d wandered around the paths.
Drake followed Riley’s gaze. She seemed different than the last time he’d seen her almost a year ago. She was her same soft yet confident self, but she seemed stronger. 
“Where did Boone disappear to?” Drake glanced around. “I thought he came out when we did.”
“Nope,” Riley shook her head, her face clearing. “He drove Lisette home and is getting Enzo from Maxwell’s. It’s hard to believe he has three children now.”
“It is,” Drake agreed. They’d attended Maxwell and Hana’s wedding, and the two hadn’t wasted any time starting a family. Their oldest son, Sebastian, was a little less than a year younger than Enzo, and the two were good friends. 
Riley rose, balling the blanket in her lap and tossing it in her chair. “I’m going to take a walk.”
“Want company?” Leo got to his feet and enclosed her in his arms. 
“Maybe in a few minutes,” Riley wrapped her arms around her husband. “I need to walk around a bit by myself. You know.”
“I do,” Leo nodded and brushed his lips against her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you,” Riley smiled into the kiss Leo pressed to her lips. 
Riley waved at Drake and Olivia as she made her way to the maze, disappearing behind a tall hedge.
“Is she all right?” Olivia asked quietly, concern lacing her words. 
“She’s more than all right,” Leo grinned. “She really turned a corner today.”
“The interview?” Olivia gently touched Leo’s arm before withdrawing her hand. “I saw. Good for her.”
Leo nodded, taking a long sip of his scotch. 
———
Riley meandered down the stone path, stepping off into the grass.
Riley breathed in deeply as she walked deeper into the maze, the scent of roses filling her nostrils. Little by little, this had become one of her favorite places at the palace. Leo and Enzo replaced her old memories with happier ones. If she needed to think or be on her own for a minute, she came here.
Riley lowered to the ground, stretching her legs and leaning back on her forearms to stare at the sky. The stars shone brightly, and she couldn’t help but smile. 
A twig snapped, and Riley froze. She listened for footsteps or any indication another person was around. The sound had been from far away; she’d barely heard it.
Riley reminded herself she was safe. The palace was well protected. Guards were everywhere. But as she sat in the silence, she couldn’t help but feel as though she was being watched. 
Riley got to her feet and began walking in the direction of the entrance. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. 
A familiar scent, not the roses or the salt from the sea, set off more alarm bells in her head. Spicy, with notes of vanilla, tobacco, and ginger.
“No,” Riley whispered. She willed her legs to go faster, for the smell to dissipate, but the cologne lingered. 
Another twig snapped, this one much closer. “Come on,” Riley scolded herself, but not slowing her gait. “Stop making something out of nothing. Okay, brain?”
As Riley rounded the corner, the entrance in sight, a shadow fell across her path. She froze, the person’s stance so familiar.
“I’m so sorry; I didn’t mean to frighten you,” the man’s perfect grin shone in the moonlight. “I’m surprised that the secret passage hasn't been patched.”
Riley’s head slowly tilted up, her wide, shocked eyes meeting the man’s. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
He had a short beard; his hair curled around his ears. He was tan, and a little grimy. Riley blinked rapidly, but he didn’t disappear. 
“I’m sorry,” the man repeated, shifting the khaki rucksack slung over one shoulder. “Where are my manners? We haven’t met before, have we? I’ve been gone several years, not my choice if I’m being honest, but I’m sure I’d remember you.”
Riley felt strangely calm. She wasn’t sure if it was shock or the rare thought that whispered through her head that he wasn’t really gone had prepared her for precisely this moment. “How … how did you get here?”
“Boat, train, then plane. I’m Aiden,” Aiden said slowly. “Prince Aiden.”
Riley’s knees began to buckle. She felt the edges of the small panic button she always carried in her pocket, grateful Leo had insisted on them when they wired the palace for alarms. She managed to press it; her vision began to darken as she tried to force herself to remain upright. The last thing she saw was Aiden’s confused expression, his piercing blue eyes reflecting the bright moonlight. 
Tumblr media
Perma: @ao719 @appleone @burnsoslow @charlotteg234 @choiceskatie @differenttyphoonwerewolf @emkay512 @foreverethereal123 @gabesmommie1130 @gardeningourmet @iaminlovewithtrr @imashybish @kingliam2019 @kristinamae093 @lovingchoices14 @lunaseasblog @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @mom2000aggie @nestledonthaveone @originaljudgepiepaper @pixelatedpassion @platapirexy @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @queenmiarys @queenwalton @royalpest @ryleighrys @tessa-liam @trrfanaddict @3pawandme @21-wishes
Leo x Riley: @mywildheartremains
TRR/TRH: @jared2612 @malblk21
78 notes · View notes
karahalloway · 3 months
Text
(Less Than) Noble Intentions: Chapter 16 - Snakes in the Garden
Tumblr media
Fandom: TRR
Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Harper Gale)
Series Summary: The social season may be over, but Harper Gale’s problems are just beginning. With everyone at court a potential suspect, can she and Drake survive the engagement tour and get to the bottom of the plot against her and clear her name? An AU take of TRR2 featuring my OTP - Harper & Drake.
Masterlist: (Less Than) Noble Intentions
Chapter Summary: Harper greets the world as the new Duchess of Valtoria, but that is not the only newsworthy item that rocks the Apple Harvest Festival...
Word Count: 7,300
Rating/Warnings: M (swearing, angst, possible ulterior motives)
Chapter theme song:
A/N1: Things are slowly coming to a head! Thanks for bearing with me on this series - I know I have a lot of other projects in the works, so I have not been updating as much as I probably should. But, we are finally getting to the exciting parts (as if what's happened until now hasn't been exciting 🤣) as after this chapter, we are into the meat of the engagement tour, and all the juicy plot changes that I have been wanting to write for over a year will finally come to a fore! *evil laugh*
A/N2: If you have not heard of TURN - the TV show from which I borrowed the chapter theme song - then, I can highly recommend it (especially if you like historical dramas, US history (specifically the Revolutionary War period), or just really good story-telling)!
A/N3: This is also much submission for @choicesjanuary2024 Day 12: Smiles / Secret
Chapter 16 - Snakes in the Garden
Tumblr media
"Are you sure I look okay?" I ask, nervously pulling at the high-necked strip of emerald lace that circles my throat.
"Stop fiddling!" Bertrand berates, slapping my hand away. "We are running late as it, and we cannot afford to lose any more time to last minute touch-ups!"
"Yeah, but—"
"You look great, Harper," Maxwell assures me with a beaming smile. "Marcie did a great job."
The petite make-up artist that the Beaumonts had procured out of thin air bobs a curtsy to my right. "It was my pleasure, Your Grace."
Her words hit me like a whiplash.
Your Grace.
My new form of address. One I'm not sure I'm ever going to get used to. Lady Harper had been one thing, but that had always felt like a curtesy. A temporary formality that had been extended to me by virtue of my sponsorship by the Beaumonts during the social season.
But there is nothing temporary about my current situation. The weight of the ring on my hand — and its implications — bears down heavily on my finger... and my thoughts. Especially since I still haven't found a moment alone with Drake to finish our conversation from this morning... or bring him up to speed on my new status.
Because no sooner had my ennoblement been sealed with the very expensive — and very potent — champagne, than the Beaumonts had shown back up (somewhat mercifully) to crash Christian's surprise party.
And from there it had been a whirlwind of hair, makeup and outfitting for the all-important Apple Harvest Festival where I am due to make my grand debut as the new Duchess of Valtoria.
A position of some importance — Bertrand has stressed, multiple times — given that in addition to the impressive estate that I am now the official caretaker of, I also have a seat on the infamous Council, as well as a seat on the even more exclusive Privy Council. Not to mention my own fleet of staff, vehicles, bank accounts, and carefully curated online profiles.
Which is why — on top of everything — the ever-industrious press corps have worked at record speed to throw the fruits of yesterday's labours together into an exclusive, twelve-page spread as part of a special edition of Trend magazine, which dropped this morning.
And while I haven't actually had a chance to read through the copy that currently sits on the coffee table of my room (together with every other major national and international news publication), Maxwell has assured me that the social media reactions have — so far — been positive. The snaps of my stress-fuelled efforts at yesterday's apple pick have apparently helped.
Which means that Jonathan's PR gamble is starting to pay dividends, and I now have a public image to maintain. Not just for myself, but for Cordonia as well. Because when I step outside today, I'll be representing everything that the kingdom under Christian's burgeoning rule is striving to be — beauty, modernity, opportunity.
Definitely not the best day to wake up with a litany of awkwardly situated bruises!
Thankfully, both Maxwell and Bertrand seem to have had a chance to pull themselves together after this morning's surprising (and definitely explosive!) turn of events, and — after the initial shock — have set about covering for mine and Drake's mess with the same coordinated precision that they employed to pull the Beaumont Bash out of their butts.
With the result that they somehow managed to transform me from the black and blue disaster I woke up as, into the picture of a polished and refined lady.
I glance apprehensively out at the bright sunshine blanketing the hills. Hopefully, the carefully applied window-dressing survives the literal trial by fire it's about to be subjected to. Because just like yesterday, the temperature is set to climb into the mid-90's today as well, which means I'll most likely end up sweating buckets again, thanks to the Edwardian nature of my dress's neckline.
And what I definitely don't need today is for all the blush and cover-up getting smudged away so that everyone at the event can start speculating about the intimate placement of my of hickeys!
I close my eyes wearily. God, I can't wait for all this to be over...
"No catnaps!" snaps Bertrand, slapping a wide-brimmed hat onto my head. "The people are waiting on us!"
I barely have time to grab my matching clutch before the Beaumonts are whisking me out of my room and down the length of the corridor towards the manor's lawn.
"Surely the Festival can start without us...!" I gasp as I stumble after Bertrand in my heels.
"No, it cannot," he reprimands. "All members of the Council must��be present for the ceremonial tree planting."
I frown. "Tree planting? Isn't that a little... agrarian for the aristos?"
"It is a time-honoured tradition!" corrects Bertrand. "Cordonia owes its existence and livelihood to the noble Ruby, so it is the duty of the Council to ensure that the fruits of our bounty are secured for future generations! Hence, the requirement to plant new saplings at the end of each harvest!"
"If you say so..." I concede as we pass through the back doors of the manor.
Based on what I saw at the apple pick, Bertrand's pronouncement seems optimistic at best, given that none of the aristos even bothered to lift a finger to a tree yesterday.
But, looks can always be deceiving, so maybe today is the day that the I am pleasantly surprised for once.
A deafening cheer erupts as the Beaumonts and I step out onto the manor's steps.
Snapping my head towards the source of the commotion, I see what appears to be thousands of people crammed behind velvet-lined cordons, screaming and jostling for position like they're in the front row of a Taylor Swift concert...
...and it takes me a second to realise that it's my name that they're shouting.
"Duchess!"
"Lady Harper, we love you!"
"You're the true Apple Queen, no matter what anyone says!"
"Wow..." I blink, taken aback by the fervency of the crowd's reaction. "I didn't realise I had such a rabid following..."
"Best wave to them," suggests Maxwell, leaning in as he raises his arm into the air with a wide smile.
"Okay..." I concede hesitantly, turning to the crowd to do the same.
The last time I experienced anything remotely like this had been on the red carpet at the Derby — my first public outing as a suitor. But even the bright flash of the cameras and the intrusive questions that the reporters had flung at me paled in comparison to the reaction I am receiving today.
Phones and cameras are thrust into the air as the Beaumonts and I descend the manor's stairs to the accompaniment of the increasingly frenzied cheers and shouts of encouragement. Even a few bouquets of flowers fly through the air, narrowly missing my hat.
And I can't help but smile in the face of the genuine outpouring of support from the crowd. Because it sure as heck feels good to be on top for once!
However, arriving at the edge of the orchard where the tree planting ceremony is due to take place, I am greeted by a very different type of welcome.
Snooty expressions drip down the ends of aristocratic noses as the members of the Council pass silent judgment on my somewhat bombastic entrance.
"They're just jealous," Maxwell whispers to me as we take up our spots at the edge of the gathering.
"Yeah..." I agree with a stilted voice. "That's what I'm worried about."
I know firsthand of the lengths that these people are willing to go to in order to exact vengeance for perceived slights. And I did not particularly feel like painting a target on my back a second time while I am still trying to recover from the hurt caused by the first.
Maybe this is a mistake...
But I don't have time to think on it long, because the public erupts into an even more deafening outburst as Christian appears with Madeleine on his arm.
"Look at her..." snips a voice from behind me. "Acting like she's Queen already."
I whip around in disbelief. "Olivia!"
The Duchess of Lythikos cuts her green eyes over at me with a derisive look. "Oh, don't look so surprised, Harper. Just because you are now a duchess, does not mean that the rest of us have taken early retirement."
"Trust me," I grumble under my breath, "this was not the plan."
"Opportunities multiply as they are seized," she replies sagely.
I quirk a brow at her. "Meaning?"
"Meaning," she expounds surly, "opportunity breeds opportunity. And only by exploiting every advantage will you uncover previously hidden gains. Do they not teach The Art of War inyour schools?"
"No..."
She scoffs under her breath. "Explains a lot."
I roll my eyes at her as Christian and Madeleine pause on the steps for photos and a couple of quick sound bites. "I guess this means your sabbatical was productive?"
"Exceedingly."
I heave a breath. "At least one of us is making progress..."
"Oh, don't sell yourself short," she counters out of the corner of her mouth. "Your recent advancements have served as a welcome distraction..."
"Not sure if that’s a compliment, or not..." I admit sourly.
"You have more power than you realise," she insists quietly. "Make sure you use it."
"Wow..." I mutter, glancing over at her in genuine surprise. "Friendly advice from the Scarlet Duchess? What else have you learnt during your time away?"
"Our interests are temporarily aligned, nothing more," she replies, shooting daggers across the lawn towards Madeleine. "And I'll fill you in shortly."
"Well, it's good to have you back, regardless," I say with a dip of my head. "Your Grace."
Olivia shoots me a sidelong look. "Don't get sentimental on me, Duchess."
But I can see the hint of a smile pulling at her lips.
Christian and Madeleine arrive at the edge of the trees. Stepping up to the row of waiting saplings, Christian pulls a stack of notecards out of his pocket and delivers a short speech to the click of the cameras.
As the mandatory applause dies down, he slots the pieces of paper carefully away... and pulls off his jacket.
"What are you doing?" hisses Madeleine as the crowd descends into a hubbub of excited reactions.
"Taking a leaf out of the Duchess of Valtoria's book," he replies, handing his jacket off to the closest shocked Councillor as he sets about rolling up his sleeves.
"Out of—!" Madeleine bristles in indignation, while trying to maintain an outwardly calm composure. "The only thing you have taken is leave of your senses! Now get back here and—!"
Ignoring his fiancée's outburst, Christian grabs the ribbon-bedecked shovel out of the hands of the footman that was holding it, and steps up to a clear patch of grass. Adjusting his grip on the handle, he digs the metal blade decisively into the ground to the accompanying slew of clicking camera shutters.
"Shall we?" asks Olivia with a sly smirk as she pushes her way to the front of the line of gawping nobles.
"Let's," I agree, instantly catching onto her plan.
"Lady Harper!" hisses Bertrand from behind me. "What do you think you're—?"
"Lending a hand to the King," I throw back over my shoulder as I step to the front of the row of aristos who are looking mutely onto the sight of their monarch working up an actual sweat before them.
Grabbing another shovel from the pile in the corner — these ones obviously having seen some honest work already, judging by the dirt encrusted on their faces — I join the King of Cordonia in enlarging the hole in the ground.
Because regardless of Christian's underlying motives for ennobling me, and whatever his broader game may be, what he is doing right now is bigger than me, bigger than him, bigger than any of us. And that deserves recognition. Especially when he is taking such active — and public — strides towards being the change he wants to see unfurl during his rule. Where the ruling class doesn't just offer empty platitudes and hollow ceremony, but actually practices what it preaches. So, what better way to do that, than by planting the seeds of change in front of thousands of people in the literal heart of the kingdom?
Christian rewards my arrival with a nod and a smile as I take up position next to him.
Hefting my shovel, I slice it into the earth that he's already uncovered, using the somewhat flimsy sole of my heeled sandals to drive it deeper.
Scooping the blade back out, I suddenly feel a presence to my left. Looking up, I see that Maxwell has also joined our impromptu work crew.
Throwing me a wink, he drops his shovel in next to mine.
With the three of us working on tandem, it takes us almost no time at all to dig out a hole large enough to house the new apple tree.
Wiping the sweat from my forehead — the weatherman had not lied, that's for sure! — I see that Olivia, with some assistance from Hana, has already prepared the sapling by shunting it closer to the hole and removing the burlap covering from its roots.
Laying down our shovels, we help her manoeuvre the tree to the edge of the dint. Cheers and applause rise up from the onlookers as the sapling thuds into the earth. Olivia uses one of the knives from her hidden arsenal to slice off the twines holding the branches together, and the tree unfurls itself with a satisfied snap.
"Your Majesty!" shouts a reporter, who I recognise as Frederick Capone. "One for the Cordonian Times, if you please!"
"And for the CBS!" adds Donald Brine, muscling his way to the front.
"Certainly," accedes Christian graciously, holding his arm out. "It was a group effort, after all."
We all gather in — sweaty and dirty, but smiling — as the press corps immortalises the scene...
...and I innocuously sweep my hair over my shoulder in a vain effort to try and hide any bruises that may have become uncovered as a result of the unplanned exertion.
"Thank you for joining me in my moment of impulsivity," Christian acknowledges softly as the bulbs flash.
"Please," scoffs Olivia out of the side of her mouth. "It was coordinated from the start."
"The people don't seem to mind," counters Hana with a demure smile as she faces the cameras.
"With the exception of about half-dozen," I note, glancing back at the disgruntled looks of the Councillors from behind us, as they try to save face by applauding our efforts together with the rest of the crowd.
"They'll fall in line." Christian assures me as he lifts his hand with a wave.
I feel a prick between my shoulder blades. Turning my head, I catch sight of the cold fire radiating out of Madeleine's gaze from behind the mask of her perfect smile.
"Maybe not everyone..." I mutter under my breath as I turn back towards the paps.
I'm already on Madeleine's shit list for daring to return to court after my very public humiliation and banishment. On the night of her engagement tour launch party, no less! So, the fact that I ended up upstaging her — again — probably means that I've sunk even further down the ladder of her estimations.
To what end, I have no idea. But I'm going to have to start being more careful from here on out.
Once the press are finally placated, we disperse across the lawn in search of some much-needed refreshments.
"Harper!"
I swallow a groan as I'm brought up short, mere steps from the freshly squeezed, rosemary-infused lemonade that I desperately need after toiling away in this heat. "What now, Bertrand...?"
"I... uhm..." He clears his throat as I turn to face him. "I wanted to apologise for my earlier outburst. It was unseemly... and in retrospect, short-sighted."
"What do you mean?" I ask with a frown. Bertrand very rarely — if ever! — apologised.
"The public reaction to the tree planting has been overwhelming," he clarifies, pulling his phone out.
My eyes bulge as I take in the view count on the screen. "A hundred thousand views already!"
"And counting," Bertrand adds. "And that is only one website."
"And look at the comments!" I exclaim, scrolling through the feed. "They're loving Maxwell as well!"
"Yes, it appears that my brother has a keener instinct for media relations than I do..."
"You should tell him that," I say. "It would mean the world to him."
Bertrand looks momentarily taken aback. "I... Well..." He clears his throat again. "Yes. Maybe I will. He deserves some recognition for his efforts in diverting — at least temporarily — the negative attention away from our financial predicaments."
"A simple hug and a 'thank-you' will do," I tell him with a knowing look.
Bertrand reels back in abject horror. "I will not subject my brother to such a sordid display of affection! Especially in public!"
I heave a sigh. "And there's your problem, right th—"
I trail off as I spot a familiar figure signalling to me from over Bertrand's shoulders.
"Excuse me," I say, palming Bertrand's phone back to him as I move towards one of the marquees that had been set up at the edge of the lawn.
Slipping inside the flap of the tent, I come face-to-face with Ana de Luca.
"Your Grace," she nods, dipping into a curtesy, something she hasn't deigned to do before. "Thank you for making the time."
"Ana," I nod in return, wondering why the influential editor of Trend chose to pull me away for a private meeting. Especially after I cornered her so forcefully at Madeleine's garden party a few days ago.
"I suppose congratulations are in order," she continues, straightening back up. "Since returning to court you have managed to elevate yourself not just in rank, but in the eyes of the public as well. Rolling your sleeves up in tandem with the King was a masterful piece of image enhancement."
"I didn't do it for myself," I reply evenly.
"Of course," she nods quickly. "We must all step in line with our new King. But your reputation is certainly reaping the benefits as well."
"As is your bottom line," I point out.
"Your initiative is markedly boosting sales of this month's special edition, as well as traffic to our website," she concedes. "For which Trend is very grateful. But that is not the reason I pulled you aside."
"What is it then?"
"I found out the name of the photographer," she replies, reaching into her handbag.
I feel my heart jump in my chest. "You're joking..."
She raises a brow at me from behind the lenses of her black-out Versace shades as she pulls a small flash-drive out. "I can assure you that I am not."
I quickly pull myself back together. "No. Of course not..."
Handing the drive over, she adds. "On there you will find all the pertinent information I was able to obtain through my own means."
"Thank you," I say sincerely, taking the piece of plastic from her. "I honestly was not expecting this..."
She shrugs an elegant shoulder. "I said I would look into it, so I did. It is not much, but I am sure you have people who can hopefully take it further."
"I do," I affirm, slotting the device into my clutch.
"After all," she adds with a knowing quirk to her lips. "You are not the only one with a vested interest in seeing your name cleared, Your Grace."
With another quick bob, she exits the marquee.
I let out a low exhale as the tent flap drops back into place in her wake. "Thank God..."
Some much-needed progress at last!
Hopefully, Drake can take the information from the drive and do a deep dive into the photographer to see if they ever crossed paths with whoever it is that has it in for me.
Which reminds me...
Opening my clutch up again, I pull my phone out and type up a quick message to my elusive boyfriend.
I haven't seen or heard from him since the event started. And now I have two pieces of critical information I need to share with him. So, rather than chasing after him like some damsel in distress, I'm going to make him come to me for a change. Because time is of the essence, and I don't want to wait.
Tumblr media
Hitting send, I exit the tent and head back towards the orchard. I figure that since everyone is on the lawn, the secluded garden hidden amongst the trees will give me and Drake the best chance to meet in private, away from the prying eyes of the court and the press.
Slipping between the tree trunks, I try to make my way as casually as possible through the orchard, as if I am simply out for a walk, in order to ward off potential suspicion. But, as I drift further away from the Festival, I start to pick up the pace, mindful of the short timeframe I gave Drake... as well as the exposed roots on the ground.
Because as much as I might want to hurry, I definitely don't want — or need — a twisted ankle the day before we're due to start the international leg of the trip. As Mom was right — I should take advantage of the upcoming whirlwind tour of Europe to at least try and get some sightseeing in. As who knows when I'll get the chance to do this again...
...especially if I'm forced to become a hermit because we fail to expose the mastermind behind the press scandal.
I shake my head. No. I need to stay positive. It's the only way I'm going to get through—
"Competing with a herd of elephants, Gale?"
I snap my gaze up at the sound of Drake's voice... and nearly trip over a hidden apple lodged in the grass.
"You try sneaking ‘round in four-inch heels," I grumble back at him, while using the trunk of a nearby tree to steady myself.
He mutters something under his breath as he steps over to me with an outstretched hand. "Here."
Grabbing his hand, I navigate gingerly away from the tree, only to find that the slightly rotten fruit has become impaled on the end of my stiletto.
"Great..." I groan, trying to flick the stupid thing off... But it stays stubbornly stuck.
"You're a walking disaster, y'know that, right?" drawls Drake as he drops down in front of me.
"Ha-ha, funny," I snark back at him while trying to balance on one foot on the uneven ground.
He meets my eye with a wry look as he finally manages to pull the offending fruit off with a squelch. "You're only gripin' 'cause it's true."
"Yeah, well, not all of us have... reflexes... like Neo..." I reply sardonically as I save myself from tipping over by grabbing onto Drake's shoulder.
He stifles a scoff as he tosses the apple into the trees. "You good?"
"Yeah," I confirm, righting myself again and letting go of his shirt.
Drake regards me critically for a long moment — as if expecting me to keel over again at the drop of a hat — before pushing himself up.
"Thanks," I say, laying an appreciative hand on his arm.
The humour fades from his gaze at the contact.
"Drake..." I start...
...but he's already pulled away.
"What did you want to talk about?" he asks, not quite meeting my eyes as he slots his hands into his pockets, the momentary lightness of our previous interaction gone.
I heave a breath.
We really need to talk about what happened this morning. But his suddenly standoffish demeanour makes it clear that he's not quite ready for that yet.
So, I decide to start with something less contentious.
"We have a lead on the photographer," I tell him, reaching into my clutch.
His head perks up with interest. "That was fast."
"Teamwork makes the dream work," I agree with a smile, pulling the flash drive back out and holding it out to him.
His posture suddenly stiffens. "The hell is that?"
I glance around me uncertainly. "What?"
"The fucking ring on your finger," he declares dispassionately, his accusatory gaze scorching into my outstretched hand.
My heart drops. Oh, no...
This is not how I wanted to break it to him. But unfortunately for both of us, the cat has now ripped itself out of the proverbial bag, so I'm just going to have to scamper after it.
Taking a steadying inhale, I look him square in the eye. "It's my new signet ring." I turn my hand over to show it to him.
His face darkens. "Fils de pute de—" he grits under his breath, snapping a hand out to grab my wrist.
My eyes widen. "Drake, what are y—?"
A storm is raging in his espresso gaze. "Signet rings go on the little finger. On the right hand."
"Oh," is all I can manage as he swipes the golden band off my left ring finger.
"You didn't know, did you?" he asks softly, reaching for my other hand... more gently this time.
I shake my head with a constricted throat. "No, I—"
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
My head jerks ‘round at the sound of the unexpected voice. "Christian!"
"I see you couldn't resist a somewhat impulsive stroll through the orchards, either?" he asks, more rhetorically than anything else. "The scent of apples is truly luscious this time of year."
"Erm... yes...!" I manage to squeak out, shoving my right hand behind my back. "Smells like apple juice!"
Christian's brow quivers ever so slightly at my slightly random — and obviously unexpected — comparison.
But I'm too busy coordinating with Drake to get the signet ring shoved back onto my hand while trying to palm the flash drive off to him without dropping either in the process. As both outcomes would lead to some very awkward conversations!
I feel the warmth of the metal slide onto the index finger of my hand (Drake had probably ascertained that the circumference of the band was too large for my pinky), and I'm finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Embarrassing backpedaling, narrowly averted!
Drake uses the opportunity to extract the flash drive from my hand as well, dropping the device casually into his pocket as he moves beside me. "She ain't wrong."
"No," concedes Christian, eying the two of us for a second longer than strictly comfortable. "She rarely is."
"So, umm... Are you hiding from the paps as well?" I ask in a bid to diffuse the growing tension in the air.
"No, I came looking for you, actually," he corrects, taking a step forward. "I saw you slip into the orchard, and thought it prudent to follow you."
"Oh?" I say, feeling my stomach tighten again. "Worried I might get lost?"
"I was hoping to catch you alone," he corrects, coming to a stop in front of me.
I swallow tightly as I see him glance over at Drake.
Please don't fight... Please don't fight...
Christian's gaze reverts to me. "But I suppose it is convenient for Drake to happen to be here as well."
My heart skips an uncomfortable beat. "It is?"
"Yes," he affirms. "I have received some news that you'll both be interested in hearing."
"Well, don't keep us in damn suspense, then..." mutters Drake with a noticeable edge to his voice.
I try to reach discretely out to brush my fingers against his, to reassure him that come what may, we'll get through it together, that—
"We found Tariq."
Christian's words hit me like a kick to the chest. The breath explodes out of me so forcefully that I am actually forced to take a step back in a bid to maintain my balance as the apple trees descend into a spin around me.
No way...
"Where?"
Drake's voice floats across the edge of my awareness. And even in my spaced-out state, I can feel the weight of the cold, calculated fury infused into that single word.
No corner... No mercy.
"Dubai," replies Christian, who also sounds like he's miles away. "He—"
But Drake's already spun away. "Send me the coordinates."
Tumblr media
"Harper?"
I blink up at Christian in a daze. "Huh?"
"Are you alright?" he asks, laying a concerned hand on my cheek. "You... You looked as if you were about to faint..."
"I..." I swallow past the sudden dryness in my throat. "I'm okay."
"Are you certain?" he presses, peering down at me. "I could ring for a doctor, and—"
"No," I insist, pulling away from him. "I'm fine. I... I guess I just got caught off-guard..."
"It is an unexpected development, certainly," he concedes. "But hopefully still a welcome one?"
"Yes!" I blurt out. "Of course! I want to clear my name more than anyone, and Tariq is key to that! I just..." My voice trails uncertainly off.
Christian flashes me a knowing half-smile. "Feel some trepidation about the prospect...?"
"I guess so," I concede, my fingers moving unconsciously to the horseshoe charm at my wrist.
Because as much as I may want Tariq to pay for what he did from a rational point of view, from an emotional standpoint, I’m terrified.
As even though I know in the back of my mind that a lot of my trepidation has to do with the fact that I am still trying to recover from the psychological trauma that Tariq inflicted on me, a major part of me is also scared of what setting the record straight would entail in practice.
Christian had mentioned that there were 'methods of persuasion' that could be used to force a confession from Tariq. But then what? Would I be made to very publicly relive the entire horrible episode in the form of TV spots and interviews, or would we be able to get by with one official press release? And given my spotty history with the press, will people actually believe my side of the story...?
I mean, Meghan and Harry didn’t exactly fare well in the court of public opinion when they tried to counter the official royal narrative...
On top of all that, in light of my very visceral reactions to returning to Applewood, I have no idea how I'm going to react to seeing Tariq in person again. Would I burst into tears? Have a nervous breakdown? Dissolve into a panic attack? Stab him in the gut and then the nuts?
And (possibly worst of all) what if we discover that Tariq had been acting alone? And his attack on me — while traumatising — is in no way connected to the larger, and definitely more dangerous plot to remove me from the running for Queen? What then...?
"Your qualms are not as misplaced as you may initially think," Christian consoles. "It is a daunting prospect to face the person who actively sought to harm you."
Something in his tone catches my attention. "What do you mean?"
Christian heaves a sigh. "I do not know if you are aware of this, but several years ago, I was the target of an assassination attempt."
I nod tightly. "Yes. Drake told me."
"Then I presume he also told you how deeply the experience affected me," he says, catching my eye with an uncharacteristically guarded look.
"Yes," I affirm, thinking back to the conversation in Olivia's wine cellar that felt like years ago.
"What he probably didn't tell you, however," he continues, "is that I visited the perpetrator in prison."
My jaw drops. "You what!"
"Not publicly and certainly not in any official capacity." He shakes his head wryly. "I did not even talk to the man."
"Then why...?"
"I... I was having trouble reconciling with what had happened," he explains. "And moving past it. The trauma councillor that I was working with suggested that it was perhaps because I was subconsciously endowing the gunman with too much power, and thereby transmuting the man into something more akin to an evil monster."
A shiver runs down my spine at Christian's words. It's like he's talking about Tariq...
"So, to help break the negative emotional associations I had built up, my councillor arranged a clandestine meeting where I would have the opportunity to face the man."
"How... How did that go?" I ask nervously.
"I was terrified, of course," Christian admits. "I had no idea what to expect and each scenario I imagined in my head was worse than the last. But, when I finally got into room where the meeting was to take place, I was surprised by what I saw. As rather than some hulking, shadowy fiend, it was a pale, somewhat diminutive man sat across from me."
"So… what did you do?"
"We simply sat at a table and stared at each other," he recounts. "He with more than a bit of contemptuous malice, I have to admit, but in that moment, I realised that he was a flesh-and-blood person who had fallen prey to the same misguided emotions as I — anger, fear, resentment — just manifested differently. And that helped set me onto the path of true healing. As ultimately, I was able to forgive him."
"Forgive him?" I gasp disbelievingly. "For trying to murder you?"
"Nobody acts in isolation," Christian advises calmly. "Even the most unconscionable horrors perpetrated by the villains of humanity — torture, mass murder, genocide — sprout from the basis of an emotional or psychological motivator such as love, fear, greed, jealousy... to name but a few. So, while we may disagree with and condemn the action retrospectively from the safety of the moral high-ground, it is very possible that had we found ourselves in a similar situation, we would end up being just as guilty as the person we are looking to condemn."
"So, what?" I demand testily. "I should feel sorry for Tariq for what he did to me?"
"Showing empathy and compassion towards our counterparts does not mean forgetting or excusing the harm suffered," counsels Christian. "But it will certainly allow you to start on the path of true healing."
I shake my head as I turn away. "I'm not sure Tariq deserves that..."
"It is by no means an easy assignment," he admits, laying a hand on my shoulder. "But even if you cannot find it in your heart presently to forgive him, do at least try to keep yourself open to the possibility down the line. You may be surprised by the results."
Looking up, I can see that there is sincerity welling on his emerald gaze. And — for once — I don't doubt the true intent of his words. "Thanks. I'll think about it."
"As diplomatic as ever," he smiles, the tips of his fingers brushing down my back as he drops his hand. "And, regardless of what you choose to do, I'll be right by your side to support you."
"Thanks," I mutter with what I hope is a genuine smile, suddenly acutely aware of the fact that with Drake’s abrupt departure, it’s just me and Christian amongst the trees. Taking a step back towards the way I’d come, I ask, "So, umm... How did you end up finding him?"
"Instagram," replies Christian with a wry chuckle as he falls into step beside me.
My head snaps up in bewilderment. "He posted his whereabouts?"
"No," he laughs, looping my arm through his in reassurance. "Not intentionally, at any rate. He took shelter on his cousin's yacht docked off the coast of the Palm Jumeirah, and—"
"What's that?" I ask with a frown.
"One of a trio of artificially constructed archipelagos located off the coast of Dubai," he explains. "They are so called for their shape, which resemble stylised palm trees."
"Sounds... fancy," I admit, while trying to maintain some semblance of platonic distance between the two of us.
"They really are a sight to behold," he affirms, pulling me back to his side. "But it is part of the reason why we were not able to locate him initially — we knew he has family in the Emirates, of course, but—"
"He does?" I interject in surprise. This is certainly news to me...!
"Yes," he nods. "His father is a Cordonian nobleman, but his mother hails from the House of Al Falasi, the branch of the Bani Yas tribe that also produced Dubai's ruling family."
My eyes widen. "So, his mom is royalty?"
"No," chuckles Christian. "She is not directly connected to the Al Maktoum dynasty. But her family is nevertheless influential in the region. Which is why when we hit a roadblock with the French authorities, we decided to focus our efforts on countries where we knew he had familial or business connections. The Emirates, however, boast a multitude of private airfields, not to mention water-based ports of entry, so attempting to narrow down Tariq’s possible time and method of arrival and determining where he went from there was providing to be a complex undertaking. Especially since we had to ensure to conduct our enquiries outside of the official channels."
"Specifically, via social media," I supply dryly.
"Yes," confirms Christian, only half jokingly. "When we realised that Tariq must have switched off or changed out his phone, Drake suggested that we set up a facial recognition-based search algorithm that could scour the various social media and news portals in a bid to help us pinpoint his exact location."
"That sounds... technical," I admit.
"A few years ago, it would have been, But the technology is relatively commonplace now, thankfully."
"So, you managed to get a hit?"
"Yes," he affirms. "One of his cousins on his mother's side posted a selfie featuring his new yacht a couple of days ago... and someone who partially matched Tariq's features was visible on the edge of the frame. But it wasn't until this morning that our man on the ground was able to obtain independent confirmation that it really was him."
"Wow..." I manage. "Talk about blind, dumb luck."
"Never underestimate the awesome power of serendipity," counsels Christian with a smile as we reach the edge of the trees again. "It certainly played a hand in crossing our paths."
I swallow nervously. "Yeah, I—"
"You have some nerve!"
Before I have a chance to realise what is happening, Madeleine has swooped in from seemingly out of nowhere to intercept us with all the wrathful precision of a homing missile.
"Ow!" I hiss, feeling the ends of her manicured nails sink into my arm as she wrenches me off Christian like I'm some kind of plague.
"One would think you would be grateful to His Majesty for his benevolent generosity in elevating your previously non-existent status to that of a duchess," she spits with barely disguised contempt as she pulls me nose-to-nose with her.
"Get off me!" I grit, trying to shake her loose.
"Madeleine..." interjects Christian from behind me in a voice that I only heard him use once before... in the hallway at Ramsford when he realised that Drake had brought me back to Cordonia. "You overstep."
But the Countess of Fydelia seems to hear neither of us as she tightens her claw-like hold on me. "Yet instead, you repay him by not only by hijacking a royal event to serve your own shameless self-aggrandisement—"
I shake my head in disbelief. "Wait... Wh—?"
"—but then you have the unmitigated gall—"
"Madeleine," says Christian again, more forcefully this time. "That is enough."
But Madeleine is oblivious to the quiet threat suffused into the sound of her name, choosing to continue her tirade instead, "—to sneak off into the bushes with my fiancé in order to do God-knows-what when he should be—"
"I said, enough!" snaps Christian, coming suddenly between Madeleine and me with a face of thunder.
The force of his command is loud enough to cause a few heads on the edge of the lawn to turn curiously towards us.
Even Madeleine startles somewhat in response to the uncharacteristically vehement order. But not enough to let go of me.
"Can you not see what she is doing?" she demands indignantly as she turns to face Christian. "Or does she have you wrapped so tightly around her finger that you cannot even—?"
"How I choose to spend my time with the Duchess of Valtoria in private is of no concern to you, Countess," interjects Christian bluntly. "Or do I need to remind you of the conditions of our engagement?"
Madeleine's alabaster cheeks flush scarlet. "No..."
"Then I strongly suggest that you unhand Lady Harper, and ensure that this kind of juvenile outburst does not happen again."
Madeleine's eyes blaze with cold fury. But she relinquishes her hold on me, nevertheless. "My apologies, Duchess..." she snips, her voice dripping with insincerity.
I reach up to rub the spot where her nails had been on the verge of puncturing my skin.
Bitch...
Christian nods tersely in approval. "Now that that is sorted, I believe our guests are waiting. Lady Madeleine, if you'd be so kind..."
Madeleine takes his arm with a look that could've killed. "Of course, Your Majesty."
"Lady Harper," acknowledges Christian with a dip of his head as he starts to steer his seething fiancée away.
Knowing that all eyes are still on us, I drop into a quick curtesy as they walk past, on one hand grateful to Christian for shutting Madeleine down, but on the other hand wondering how badly we kicked into a nest of hornets in the process.
As it is clear that Madeleine is still raging with jealous insecurity... Perhaps even more so than she had been back at her manor when she cornered me in the bathroom. And the fact that — despite the massive diamond on her finger — I now technically outrank her is definitely not helping the situation!
So much for making allies at court…
Blowing a wayward strand of hair out of my face, I turn back towards the festivities…
…only to be greeted by a wall of judgemental eyes, and more than a few camera lenses.
"Great..." I mutter under my breath.
Whether catching me with Christian had been the genuine straw that snapped Madeleine's cool, or whether she deliberately fabricated the showdown to undermine the positive reactions I got from the press earlier, the end result is the same...
I'm going to be on the front page tomorrow. Again.
Exactly in what form, I have no idea. But I've been at court long enough now to know that the whole thing will be blown completely out of proportion, and the resulting story will generate even more press frenzy.
But if there’s one thing that Drake has taught me, it’s that I cannot allow myself to give the aristos the satisfaction of ever thinking that they’ve managed to squash me into the dirt. Because that would undermine the entire reason why I came back to court in the first place, and given how close we now are to claiming back the truth, it would be a massive and premature admission of defeat.
So, raising my chin defiantly, I make my way back across the lawn to rejoin the remainder of the Festival.
The story continues in Chapter 17 - News Flash
Tumblr media
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 @choicesficwriterscreations
(Less Than) Noble Intentions only (let me know if you want to be added!)
@thetruthisthatiloveyou @anakjaybon-blog
67 notes · View notes
angelasscribbles · 1 month
Text
My Lonely Valentine (The Agreement) A One-Shot
Series: The Agreement
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings: Riley x Liam, Riley x Drake
Rating: NSFW 🍋🍋🍋
Warnings for this chapter: Lemons, or should I say almost lemons? Lemon adjacent?
Word Count: 3,269
A/N: This is a prequel one-shot. Occurs before the events in the main series.
Submission for the @choicesholidays Valentine's Day prompts.
My other stuff: Master List.
Tumblr media
Riley walked into the informal dining room of Balymore, her estate in Valtoria, to find the table draped with a red silk cloth, flames flickering from wrought iron candelabras, and gleaming silver cloches gracing the tabletop.
Her mouth fell open and she turned to her husband in name only in astonishment. “What is all this?”
“Oh…ah…” Drake stuttered over his words as his brain spun frantically trying to find the right thing to say that would make his romantic gesture less romantic and not awkward. “I…um…I know you were disappointed that Liam had to cancel your plans for today, so I just wanted to do something to cheer you up.”
Disappointed was an understatement. It was Valentine’s Day and Liam had cancelled their plans. She shouldn’t be surprised. She should be used to it. But it hurt. A good cry and a hot bath had helped, but after a long nap, she’d found herself ravenous. Her quest for food had led her downstairs where she’d followed her nose to find the source of the delicious aroma wafting up to her.
Confusion pinged through her as she took in his demeanor. “What about your plans? Didn’t you have a date?”
“Yeah, well, that fell through.”
“Oh, Drake, I’m so sorry!” Her voice was full of so much sympathy that he felt like an ass for lying.
“It wasn’t anything serious anyway.” The truth was, he had canceled the date when he’d realized Riley would be left home alone. He had only asked the girl out so that he wouldn’t be home when Liam arrived. Not out of jealousy, but fear of discovery. He was sure his best friend could read his love for his supposedly in-name-only wife all over his face.
It was getting harder to fight his feelings for her. The more Liam fucked up and neglected her, the harder it became.
He wasn’t jealous of Liam per se. He loved the guy, and he was fully aware of the myriad web of circumstances that had led to him having to marry for political alliances and not love.
Still.
The effect it had on Riley was the same and it hurt him to watch her suffer. He had agreed to marry her to keep her at court and near Liam. A marriage of convenience. A favor for his friends. An act of service for the two people he loved most in the world.
The problem was that the longer they lived together, the closer they became and the harder he fell. He had tried to fix it, put distance between them, but his stupid, traitorous heart wouldn’t let him move on. And he had tried.
The first year they were together had been so full of turmoil that he had just focused on getting her through it. Once they had moved to Valtoria and she had settled into her new position as Duchess, she had encouraged him to find a relationship of his own.
“You shouldn’t have to suffer just because I am.”
The full truth of the situation was that he had only half-heartedly dated so that she would stop worrying about him and his happiness. Because he would do anything for her. Even date other women. But his heart had never been in it.
Every relationship he had entered had ended before it really began. Two or three dates at most. Several of the women had dumped him citing with confusion that he seemed to actually love his wife.
Everyone on the planet could see that, apparently. Everyone but her.
Because she was too busy letting Liam break her heart over and over.
“Still. I’m sorry your date canceled. I know what that feels like.”
“I’m fine.” He brushed her concern off with a twinge of guilt but telling her that he had been the one to cancel would just open up questions he wasn’t ready to answer. Or more to the point, questions he wasn’t sure she was ready to hear the answers to.
He would confess his feelings right then and there if he thought she returned them. But she was in love with Liam. He knew that.
“Stop worrying about my love life and come eat before it gets cold.”
She inhaled deeply as she stepped toward the table, “It smells so good! What is it?”
“Deep fried chicken and cheese stuffed avocado.” He told her as he pulled her chair out for her.
Her face lit up as she sat. “Really?”
“Yes,” he affirmed as he took his own seat. “I know it’s your favorite.”
“But…how? I gave the kitchen staff the night off!” Neither of them had planned to be home.
“Oh, ah…” a flush spread across his face as he rubbed the back of his neck, “I made it.”
She pulled the cloche off the plate then turned her head to him in bewilderment, “You made this?”
He scoffed while shaking his head. “Don’t act so surprised. I can cook. You know this.”
“I mean yes but this is next level!” The avocados were browned to perfection and served with a beautifully roasted Mediterranean vegetable medley, garlic mashed potatoes, and piping hot Ciabatta bread.
He tried to lighten the mood. “I’m offended that you’re this impressed, Riley. I have mad kitchen skills.”
“I know. I just can’t believe that you did all this for me.” A single tear slid down her cheek.
He leaned forward in concern, wiping the tear away. “Hey, hey, hey! What’s that about?”
“Nothing,” she smiled at him through the wetness pooling in her eyes. “These are happy tears. I didn’t think this day could be salvaged, but you somehow managed it.”
“Yeah, well, what are husbands for?” He gave her a disarming smile as he sat back in his chair and turned his attention to his plate.
She laughed at their shared joke. He always said that when he did something nice for her. It was funny because he wasn’t really her husband.
But he kind of was, wasn’t he?
She dropped her eyes to her plate to cover her sudden flush. He was always doing sweet things like this. He was always there when she needed someone to talk to. Though she would never tell Max or Hana, Drake had become her best friend.
He had left his job as a member of the King’s Guard to move to Valtoria with her. He had been there for her when her grandmother passed away. The last time Liam had stood her up, Drake was ready with her favorite pizza and a movie she’d been wanting to see.
What are husbands for?
It was beginning to feel less and less like a joke because it had become the truth.
How true?
She suspected Drake’s feelings for her. How could she not? She had pushed him to date others. It wasn’t fair to let him waste his life taking care of her when she was in love with another man.
Yet here he was, on Valentine’s Day, taking care of her once again.
She stole a surreptitious glance at him as they ate. Maybe he had deeper feelings for her than she initially suspected.
No, she was imagining things. He was just being a good friend. Because that is what he was. Her friend. And Liam’s.
Liam.
Guilt swirled through her at the thought of her supposed boyfriend. Annoyance followed the guilt. He had stood her up. Again. Why should she feel guilty for anything? He married another woman for the love of God.
Not because he wanted to.
The guilt was back at the reminder of the impossible situation Liam had been placed in, but it was mingled with hurt, embarrassment, and a fair amount of anger.
She knew everyone thought she was an idiot for waiting around on scraps of the king’s time and affection. For uprooting her entire life to chase after him to Cordonia in the first place, for staying even after his rejection, and for continuing to believe that she was a priority to him.
Everyone but Drake.
He never judged her.
She lifted her eyes to his face as he regaled her with tales of Max’s misadventures from when he had tagged along on Drake’s latest fishing trip with Bastien.
“… And then he tripped over the side of the boat and fell in the water!” Drake shook with laughter at the memory.
Riley forced an obligatory smile, but she had missed most of the story, her mind occupied with an entirely new idea.
Her eyes focused on his mouth hoping he didn’t notice the flush on her face as her mind refused to stray away from imagining what his lips would feel like on her neck, on her mouth…other places….
She forced her eyes down to her plate and focused on eating her dinner. The dinner that her husband in allegedly name only had taken the time to prepare with his own two hands.
When the meal was over, she tried to clear the table, but he wouldn’t let her. “No, no, I’ve got this! I’m just going to clear the table and rinse the plates real quick. Why don’t you go pick something to watch? Whatever you want.”
“You sure? You did all this work. The least I can do is let you pick the movie.”
“Nah.” He waved her offer away. “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”
A multitude of emotions swirled through her as she watched him walk out of the room with the dishes. If you’re happy, I’m happy. He meant that. He was always saying things like that. He was always going out of his way to do little things to make her happy.
She made her way to the media room and flipped absently through the streaming selections as a million images of Drake fell through her mind. Drake, making her laugh when she was sad. Drake, holding her when she cried. Drake, always keeping himself between her and the reporters. Drake, scrambling eggs in their kitchen at two a.m. because they’d stayed up late watching stand-up comedy specials again.
When had he become such a huge part of her life? Yes, she had married him, but that had been on paper only, so she could stay near Liam.
And yet it was Drake who had attended her grandmother’s funeral with her. It was Drake who had taken care of her when she had the flu last year. And it was always Drake who picked up the pieces after Liam shattered her heart time and time again.
Why was she keeping him at arm’s length?
He showed up in the media room with her favorite blanket, a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and a small box tucked under his arms.
She accepted the cup and the blanket while trying to peer at the box. “What’s that?”
“Oh, this?” He teased, holding it out toward her but up out of her reach.
Her eyes widened as she glimpsed the label. “Are those dark chocolate truffles?”
“Maybe…”
“Drake!” She laughed as she deposited her cup on the end table and made a grab for the promised treat.
He lifted them easily out of her reach with a teasing smile. “What? Did you want these?”
“You know I do!” She tried to pout but the smile tugging her lips upward made that difficult to maintain.
“I don’t know….” He pretended to think deeply about it. “Maybe I should keep these for myself.”
With a joyful laugh, she launched herself off the couch, her fingers touching, but not completely grasping the elusive chocolates. The impact of her body colliding into his, combined with his misstep as he tried to dodge her, sent him toppling backward onto the couch where he landed in a slightly reclined position. Her momentum carried her forward so that she landed on top of him, laying on his chest, looking up into his face.
They were both laughing as their gazes met. A sudden silence descended on them as they stared into each other’s eyes. The smiles faded as lips parted and breath caught.
She moved first, bringing her lips to his. Her kiss was tentative. His response was not.
His arms went around her, the box of truffles dropped and forgotten on the floor. He pulled her tight against him as his tongue deftly took control of her mouth. One hand tangled in her hair as the other slipped under her shirt to caress the smooth skin of her back. A plaintive whimper escaped him as he pressed his rapidly growing hardness up into her.
Riley responded, melting into his embrace, no longer tentative. She pressed herself against him as their kisses became more passionate, almost frantic.
She broke the kiss to gasp for air. “Drake…should we—"
Drake froze for a moment, and then jolted upright, gently moving her off him. “Shit, Riley!” He raked a hand through his hair as he pushed himself back away from her. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry!”
“What are you sorry for? I kissed you!”
“It was just the heat of the moment.”
“Is that all it was?” She asked him softly.
“Yeah…” He responded unconvincingly.
“Are you sure it wasn’t more than that?”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know…” her fingers twisted the hem of her shirt nervously. “You made this whole romantic dinner…”
“I wanted to cheer you up. Because we’re friends and—"
“You went out of your way to get me my favorite candy.”
“No, I didn’t. I just….” He closed his eyes with a shuddering sigh before pushing through with the lie. “I was already in the store, and I saw it…”
“You’re a bad liar.”
His eyes flew open, and he fixed her a look that was almost pleading. “What do you want from me, Riley?”
“I think the question is, what do you want from me, Drake?” She scooted closer to him taking in the way he watched her warily. Like a rabbit watching a coyote approach, his face full of fear, longing, and a guarded passion.
He swallowed thickly and tried for a normal tone of voice. “The movie…”
Her hand slid up his thigh to the bulge in his pants. “A movie? Is that really what you want right now?”
“Fuck…” he breathed out in defeat as a shudder ran through his body. He grabbed her wrist to stop her but instead of pushing her away as he had intended, he found himself pulling her into him as he leaned forward, and then they were kissing again.
Lips and hands explored bodies and pulled at clothing. His heart thundered in his chest as a small part of his mind screamed at him to stop, to put the brakes on this.
That part was overruled as she pulled her top off and dropped it on the floor next to them. He stopped breathing for a moment as he drank in her naked form. He yanked his own shirt off and dove back in.
Riley arched her back as she gave herself over to the sensations cascading through her body. Drake’s hands on her bare skin were calloused, rough. The friction was a sharp contrast to the smoothness of her bare flesh. It felt good, forbidden, delicious. She shivered as goosebumps erupted along her spine.
His hot lips on her throat sent ribbons of white-hot desire shooting through her and coiling in her center.
She cried out in protest when he withdrew that touch. “Why are you stopping?”
“I…we shouldn’t…”
“Don’t you want me?”
A self-deprecating laugh slipped out of him. “I want you so fucking bad….you have no idea….. but not like this.”
“Like what?”
“You’re upset…vulnerable...”
“I was upset.” She drew his hand back to her body; he didn’t resist as she placed it so it was cupping a pert breast. “That’s not what I’m feeling right now.”
He was struggling mightily to keep his voice even as he gasped for breath. “…don’t want you to regret…”
“I won’t…”
“You’re in love with Liam…”
“I am…” She dropped her hand and pulled back a little. “We can stop if you want.”
“If I want?” His gaze searched hers, unsure exactly what he was looking for.
“Yes, you. I don’t want to stop.”
“But Liam—”
“I don’t want to think about Liam right now, Drake. I don’t want to think about tomorrow or what any of this means. But…” She moved away from him reluctantly. “I understand if you do.”
He instantly regretted the distance between them.
Before he could decide how to proceed, there was a knock at the door.
Drake’s eyes closed as frustration, relief and a smidge of anger pinged through him.
There was only one person it could be this late.
Talk about timing.
He quickly pulled his shirt back on and tossed her blouse to her. “I’ll go answer the door. You might want to fix your hair, it’s a little mussed.”
“Drake—”
“No, it’s okay,” he told her as he pulled her to him and dropped a quick kiss on the top of her head before pushing her gently away. “Go make yourself presentable. I’ll show Liam in.”
“Right.” She redressed and hurried over to the closest mirror to smooth her hair back into place.
Drake combed his fingers through his own hair on his way to the front door. Pulling it open, he greeted his best friend with, “Thought you couldn’t get away, Your Majesty?”
“Some last-minute things came up, but I finally managed to slip away.”
“It’s a little late. Valentine’s Day is pretty much over.”
Liam glanced at his watch as he stepped through the doorway. “Not really. Where is she? And why are you home? I thought you had a date.”
Drake shrugged. “She canceled on me. Sick pet or something.” He was only a little horrified at how easily the lie rolled off his tongue. “Riley’s in the media room. We were just about to watch a movie.”
Liam started down the hall. Looking over his shoulder, he asked, “Are you coming?”
“No. I’m going to turn in early. You two have fun.”
He needed a shower. A cold one.
He sprinted up the stairs, taking them two at a time. He slammed his bedroom door behind him and then leaned back against it, gently banging his head into it several times before muttering to himself, “The fuck did I just do? Stupid, stupid, stupid!”
He shed his clothes as he walked across to the room and into the ensuite. He needed relief.
The water pounded down on him as he wrapped his hand around himself. His head tipped back and his eyes fell closed as he remembered her half-naked form in front of him, the feel of her skin under his fingers, the taste of her lips…..
He groaned out loud as streams of milky whiteness pulsed out of him and splashed onto the tile. He placed both hands on the wall and leaned forward, letting the water run over the back of his head as he watched the detritus of his desire swirl down the drain.
It wasn’t the first time that his ardor for her had landed him in this position, but he knew it was different this time.
They had crossed a line tonight. A line that couldn’t be uncrossed. Even though they hadn’t done the deed, the genie was out of the bottle-- his feelings for her, their obvious sexual attraction to each other, all of it.
He just had no idea what to do about any of it.
50 notes · View notes
camillemontespan · 4 months
Text
the best mistake he never had [drake x Camille AU]
Tumblr media
‘It was a mistake. A massive, drunken mistake.’
Why had he said that to her? Why had he gone out of his way to make her feel as low as possible? What was wrong with him?
Drake Walker sat propped up at the bar, nursing a glass of whiskey. He had been thinking back over his actions, his shitty actions, feeling regret as always.
He hadn't meant it.
If anything, being with her had been a revelation. He had meant that it had been more of a mistake for Camille
Fuck, the more he thought about it, the more he remembered every single shitty thing he had said.
‘This wasn't supposed to turn out this way… I'm not cut out for this… This has fucked up everything…’
Camille had stared at him with hurt in her eyes as he kept digging himself a hole. When he had realised that he had gone too far, she was standing apart from him, her body rigid and her face set like stone.
She had left abruptly after that. He hadn't heard from her for weeks. Until that day when she appeared at his front door and looked him straight in the eyes.
‘I’m leaving,’ she had told him, her voice cracking.
He had blinked in confusion. ‘You’re.. what?’
Camille cleared her throat, clearly fighting to be strong despite the fact her heart was breaking.
‘I’m leaving,’ she repeated. ‘I’m moving to New York. Fresh start.’
Drake stared at her. He could feel the rush of guilt envelop him. He cast his eyes down to see the suitcase beside her on the porch. The slow realisation dawned on him that she wasn't fucking around.
‘Camille..’ he said, his voice wavering. ‘Please don't go. Please.’
She shook her head. ‘You made it clear that night that what we did was a mistake-’
‘That’s no reason to leave!’ Drake burst out. ‘New York is hours away! What if I wanted-’
‘Wanted WHAT?’ Camille interrupted, her voice raised. ‘Wanted to change your mind?’
Drake swallowed. He cast his eyes down and then looked back at her, wishing he knew what to say.
‘Do you want to change your mind?’ Camille asked in a small voice. She sounded almost hopeful.
Drake's eyes flicked from Camille's face down to her stomach. He couldn't see any signs yet.
‘Camille..’ he murmured. ‘I can't.’
Camille's fingers clenched around the handle of the suitcase. She raised her chin and gone was the hope in her eyes.
‘I came here to give you a second chance,’ she told him. ‘I thought if I came here and told you I was leaving, you might realise that this is it. This is your moment-’
‘Not everyone wants to be a parent, Camille,’ Drake cut in, deliberately making his voice cold.
‘I know that,’ Camille said, ‘But I thought.. knowing it's yours.. you might think differently.’
Drake knew what he needed to do. He needed to change her mind. Make her realise that coming here was her biggest mistake. Even if it hurt him too. ‘You thought wrong.’
She stepped back like she'd been pushed. ‘Okay..’ she whispered softly. ‘Okay, Drake. Have it your way.’
Drake kept his back ramrod straight and kept his eyes focused ahead, trying to avoid looking at her for too long. He couldn't crack.
‘This is going to be the biggest mistake you've ever made,’ Camille croaked. Tears were filling her eyes now. ‘Maybe not right now but years from now, you're going to regret this.’
Drake pressed his lips together. ‘You don't get to dictate how I live my life,’ he finally said. ‘Respect my wishes.’
Camille looked down and nodded. ‘Bye Drake,’ she said. She took her suitcase and pulled it harshly down the porch steps behind her.
She left Drake standing on the porch and that was the last time he had seen her.
And now, nine months later, he was sitting at this bar, his usual haunt, drinking his usual whiskey, feeling like his usual shitty self.
His mother, Bianca, had been the one to break the news to him that morning. She had heard from Camille's grandmother, Gisele, and felt it was her duty to tell him.
Camille had given birth to Drake's baby.
A daughter.
Drake had a baby girl.
****************
FIVE YEARS LATER
‘Okay, honey, do you have your scarf?’
‘Yes!’
‘Gloves?’
‘In my pocket!’
Camille was bundling her daughter, Lily, out of the door, making sure that she was ready for school. They were running late and Camille was cursing herself that she hadn't just let Lily wear her favourite tutu. Instead, she had spent ten minutes coaxing Lily to wear something more suitable for the wintery conditions outside, such as a fuzzy sweater, fleece lined leggings, snow boots and her pink glitter raincoat.
Lily was Camille's double. She had the same dark hair and brown eyes with gold flecks. The same pixie nose.
She had her dad's smirk that she used whenever she was trying to get her way.
Camille took Lily's hand and together, they dashed through the snow, Lily skidding as she went.
As they rushed through the streets, Lily told Camille all about how she was excited to do Show and Tell.
‘I’m going to bring in my snail,’ Lily told her. ‘He’s so slimy!’
‘Will Miss Lee want a snail in her classroom?’ Camille asked, urging Lily to cross the road with her.
‘Yes!’ Lily trilled. ‘She even asked what his names is!’
‘What’s his name?’
‘Steve!’
Lily had also inherited her dad's love of the outdoors and nature. Hours she spent in the little communal garden of the apartment building they lived in, watching the wildlife, trying to find the perfect pet.
The two of them carried on rushing through the streets of Soho until twenty minutes later, they reached Lily's school just before the bell rang.
Camille crouched down to face Lily. They quickly did their ‘Lily and Mommy’ secret handshake which involved a series of hand gestures which ended with a kiss.
‘Love you, honey,’ Camille whispered in her ear. ‘Have the best day.’
Lily grinned. ‘You too mommy.’
*******************
Camille arrived at work swept off her feet.
‘God, finally!’ Olivia greeted her, placing a cup of coffee on her desk. ‘Any later and I've had to call in special favours for our presentation this morning.’
Camille winced. She sat down on her chair and quickly pulled her snow boots off, replacing them with the nude Manolo stilettos she kept in her drawer. ‘Sorry, Liv. I'm here now! Ready to present my ass off.’
Olivia gave her a wink. ‘All good, babe. Late night?’
Camille sighed. ‘Lily wanted to wear a tutu instead of something more suitable for the snow. Took ten minutes trying to convince her, common sense over fashion eventually won out.’
Olivia rolled her eyes. ‘You’re such a kill joy.’
‘Can’t have her freezing to death..’ Camille muttered before taking a welcome sip of coffee.
Olivia studied Camille for a moment. ‘I’m sorry babe, but again, I have to ask. Where's Lily's shithead dad in all of this?’
‘Texas,’ Camille sighed.
She knew she was in for another of Olivia's lectures. They were best friends even though they were polar opposites.
‘I know he didn't want anything to do with Lily,’ Olivia said quietly, ‘but come on. You do so much. You've had to take reduced hours so you can see her after school and spend the evenings with her. You're always rushed off your feet making sure she wears actual clothes instead of ballerina tutus. You haven't been on a date in five years -’
‘That’s just the way I like it,’ Camille cut in. ‘I don't want to date. I don't want random guys viewing my daughter as baggage. She's the love of my life and that's that.’
End of conversation.
Camille never regretted leaving Texas. She never regretted uprooting her entire life. She never regretted being a single mother.
When she had found out she was pregnant, Camile had been scared, sure. But she had also been certain.
Lots of women didn't want kids. Camille was always of the mindset ‘you do you.’ Live life the way you choose.
But Camille had always wanted kids. Losing her mother at a young age had instilled in her this ache for a family, no matter how small. She just wanted someone to love. She had so much love to give and having Lily had been the best thing that had ever happened to her.
When Drake had told her that he didn't want to be father, that he wasn't cut out for the role.. it had hurt her. She understood that lots of men didn't want children. But he had been so harsh with her. So cold. It was like he had deliberately tried his best to hurt her feelings.
Walking away from Drake was a decision Camille never regretted. Having his baby was a decision she never regretted.
Because Camille lived her life exactly the way she wanted to. She never wanted to have regrets.
******************
Camille finished work at 3pm so she could pick up Lily from school. As they walked home, Lily chattered about her day and how much she liked her teacher.
She was a happy child. Always bursting with vitality, she was a social butterfly and curious about everything.
Lily had only asked Camille twice about her daddy. Wondered why only she and a boy in her class called Luke didn't have one.
‘Because we're meant to be a family of two,’ Camille told her truthfully. ‘Nobody gets inside our little circle.’
That was how they worked. How they viewed their life together. Camille and Lily against the world.
Their little circle of two.
**************
That evening, Camille was cooking spaghetti while Lily played on the kitchen floor with her Barbie doll. She rarely strayed from Camille’s side.
The phone rang. Lily jumped up to take it off the hook and said in her most polite voice, ‘Montespan residence!’
She blinked and looked up at Camille who was crossing the kitchen to take the phone.
‘Mommy, it's a lady called Bianca?’
Camille’s blood ran cold.
Drake's mom.
******************
Camille quickly took the phone and cleared her throat. She hadn't spoken to Bianca Walker for years. If she wasn't her grandmother's neighbour, Camille would have happily washed her hands of Drake and the rest of his family.
‘Hi Bianca,’ she greeted her. ‘Everything okay?’
Bianca sounded nervous. ‘Hey, sweetie.. how are you?’
‘I’m good, you?’
Camille really didn't want to talk to Bianca. She didn't want to hear a Texas accent.
‘It’s your grandmother,’ Bianca said. ‘She’s not well. I.. I think you should come home.’
Camille felt her heart drop. Not her grandma.
Gisele had supported Camille in her decision to leave Texas. Of course, she would have loved to help Camille raise baby Lily but she also knew her granddaughter did not want to live in the same town as Drake Walker.
Gisele would visit twice a year. One week during the summer and one week in the winter. It wasn't much but Camille didn't want Gisele travelling far in her old age.
‘How long has she been bad?’ Camille asked quietly, taking care not to alarm Lily.
‘About a month,’ Bianca told her. ‘She hasn't been right. Frail. Not her usual energetic self. You know how she is.’
Gisele Montespan was, quite simply, fabulous. She was French and loved treating herself to the luxurious things in life. She was confident and witty, never taking any shit. She never saved anything for a special occasion. For Gisele, life was the special occasion.
‘We’ll be back as soon as we can,’ Camille decided. ‘I’ll speak to Lily's teacher, see if she can send through online learning.’
There was an awkward silence until Bianca broke it.
‘How is she?’
Camille swallowed. Bianca had never met her granddaughter.
‘She’s great,’ Camille said simply.
‘Camille, please can I see her? I know Drake didn't want a part of it but I always did and that has never changed-’
‘No,’ Camille interrupted. ‘I’m sorry Bianca. It's not you. It's just I don't want things to get complicated. It's only us, the two of us. Anyone new will make it all… jumbled and confused.’
Bianca sighed. ‘Okay honey. But I'm here if you need me. If Lily needs me. You're both my family, regardless of what my son thinks.’
The call ended not long after that. As Lily continued to play with her Barbie, Camille thought about taking her to Texas.
She needed to see Gisele.
Hopefully Camille wouldn't see Drake. She hoped he would have moved but something told her that he was doing exactly the same thing as he was five years ago. Drake was a creature of habit.
If she bumped into Drake, she would make sure that he would not get to know Lily. He made his decision five years ago that he didn't want to be part of Lily's life.
Camille was just respecting Drake's wishes, exactly as he had told her to.
37 notes · View notes
Text
Turbulence
Series: Cordonian Royal Airlines
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings for series: Various
Pairing for this chapter: Riley x Drake
Word Count: 1,534
Rating: MA
Warnings for this chapter: Language, sexual innuendo, and mature humor. Barley lemon scented.
A/N: See the series master list for a description of this series.
Also, this is a submission for @choicesprompts Smutember prompt event: We shouldn't be doing this....
Tumblr media
“So, what’s up with you and Riley?”
“What do you mean?”
Captain Liam Rys turned to regard his first officer with a raised eyebrow, “What do you mean what do I mean? You two have been dancing around each other since the day she started working here.”
“Exactly,” Drake shook his head, “She works here. I don’t shit where I eat, Li, you know that.”
“Uh huh…” Liam replied dubiously as he returned his attention to the instrument panel and requested permission to take off.
Out in the cabin, flight attendant Riley Brooks was instructing the passengers of Cordonian Royal Airlines Flight 628 to put their seat backs in the upright position and fasten their seatbelts.
Maxwell shuffled up and down the aisle helping people stow their carry-ons in the overhead compartments.
As they buckled themselves into the jump seats, Maxwell lowered his voice so the passengers wouldn’t overhear, “So has he asked you out yet or what?”
“Who?”
“Come on, Ri. You know who. First Officer McSteamy!”
“Please,” she huffed, “That uptight, pig-headed, annoying asshole?”
“That’s the one,” he smirked, “I saw him checking you out when we boarded.”
“Really?” She perked up.
“Really,” Max supplied, “Not that you’re interested….”
“Of course not,” she slid her eyes sidewise at him, “But like how was he checking me out? Like oh, she’s cute or like, you know…”
“Oh, definitely you know!”
“Hm,” Riley leaned back in her seat, her eyes scanning the cabin for any signs of issues she needed to attend to as a slight smile played across her lips.
An hour into the flight, Max was dealing with an overbearing guest.
Riley scooted over to help, recognizing him, “Be nice,” she whispered to Max, “He’s a regular.”
“Yeah, a regular pain in the ass!” Max grunted a little too loudly.
“How dare you!” The man turned beet red, “I demand to speak to the captain!”
“I’m sorry, sir, but that won’t be possible, we don’t-“
“Actually,” Riley interrupted him, “For you, Mr. Lambros, I think we can make an exception!”
“We can?” Max turned to her in astonishment.
“Thank you, my dear,” the annoying passenger gloated, “and you can call me Tariq.” He shot a withering look at Max, “You can’t.”
“Whatever,” Max huffed under his breath as Riley pulled him down the aisle.
Once out of Tariq’s hearing, she hissed in his ear, “I’m going to send Liam out here and you’re going to make sure he stays out here for like, five minutes, okay?”
“Why, Riley? Why would-“ his eyes widened, “Oh! You want a minute alone with Drake! Wait, only five?”
“Get your mind out of the gutter, I’m not fucking him in the cockpit! I just want a few minutes alone for a…conversation.”
“Yeah, right,” Max laughed as he shooed her toward the cockpit door, “Go on then, have your conversation…”
She shook her head as she made her way to the cockpit, pausing outside the door to adjust her clothing and run her fingers through her hair. She pushed the door open, “Captain?”
Liam looked over his shoulder, “I told you, call me Liam. What is it, Riley?”
“We have a disgruntled passenger who’s demanding to speak to you.”
“You know we don’t normally-“
“I know, but it’s Mr. Lambros and you know how he gets…”
Liam heaved a deep sigh. Tariq and his company spent an ungodly amount of money on flights, and they couldn’t afford to lose his business, “Okay, fine.” He flipped a few switches quickly and then stood.
He paused to officially pass control of the flight deck over, “You have the flight controls.”
“I have the flight controls,” Drake answered.
Liam nodded at Riley on his way out the door. She smiled at him but didn’t move.
Dake glanced up at her, “Can I help you with something else?”
“Yes,” she took Liam’s seat, “You can tell me why you run so hot and cold.”
“Excuse me?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“Listen, Riley, I like you but-“
“Oh, you like me? Like a friend?”
“Yes, I’m on friendly terms with the entire crew-“
She snorted, “You’re not friendly with anyone, Drake!”
“I…what?” He wanted to be annoyed but inexplicably, it bothered him that she thought he wasn’t friendly.
“I mean it’s pretty common knowledge that you can be a dick.”
He turned in his chair to face her incredulously, “I am not a dick!”
“Actions speak louder than words.”
“That’s…I’m not….since when-“
“It’s okay. I was just curious why you are sometimes uncharacteristically friendly with me, specifically, but if you don’t like me-“
“I never said I didn’t like you!” He snapped.
“And I told you…actions speak louder than-“
Her words were cut off as she found herself suddenly and firmly yanked across the divide between the two seats and into his arms. His lips crashed into hers with an intensity that took her breath away.
She leaned into him, returning the kiss for all she was worth. Her hands landed on his chest, his hands grasped her at the small of her back and tugged her closer.
“We shouldn’t be doing this…” he panted even as he drew her into his lap, his lips trailing down her neck, finding their way into the cleavage that peeked enticingly out from the form-fitting uniform that hugged her curves, setting them off to quite remarkable effect.
“You’re right,” she pulled away and stood up, “We shouldn’t be doing this. Wouldn’t want to ruin a perfectly good working relationship, now would we?”
“What?” his hands reached out for her, but she was already out of reach, “Riley, wait!”
“No, that’s okay, you’ve made your position quite clear.”
“That’s not what I-“
She paused at the door, throwing a smoldering look over her shoulder, “See you tonight at the hotel?”
“Yes…” he watched as she left, head spinning. What had she meant by ‘see you at the hotel’? Had she meant that in a general sense as in see you around? Or was it an invitation for something? And if so, what?
He only knew two things for sure. One, he didn’t date coworkers. It was a bad idea. Two, he was absolutely going to find her at the hotel tonight.
“Gah!” Why was she so goddamned frustrating? He slammed his head forward into the instrument panel. The plane immediately dropped altitude, diving toward the ground as the oxygen masks deployed in the cabin. “Oh, shit!” He frantically worked to right the plane as passengers screamed.
Out in the cabin, Liam had just gotten Tariq settled down and happy again. Max was on his way to serve the now mollified guest a bottle of their best wine when the plane jolted down and to the right with a loud thud. People slammed into walls, luggage poured from overhead compartments and Max tripped forward, grappling with the already-opened bottle as he tried to regain control. It was to no avail. He watched with horror as the bottle flew, in seeming slow motion, out of his hands and directly toward their most difficult customer.
Tariq’s eyes widened as the liquid sloshed out of the top of the bottle in midair, spewing wildly and covering him in outrageously expensive, vintage red wine. “You did that on purpose!” He screeched as he jumped out of his seat.
“Please remain seated and fasten your seatbelts!” Riley called from the front of the plane as she caught herself on the wall, “Just a little turbulence!”
Liam frantically tried to make his way back to the cockpit, but Tariq was blocking the aisle, demanding Max be fired while Max ineffectively wiped at the spreading stain with a cocktail napkin.
Tariq’s face had gone a deep shade of crimson, “Captain Liam, I demand that he be reprimanded!”
“Move you jackass!” Liam yelled as he shoved the man aside in desperation to make it back to the flight deck.
By the time Liam crashed through the cockpit door, the plane was righted, and Drake was on the intercom doing damage control, “Just a little unexpected turbulence. We apologize for the momentary roughness, but it should be clear skies and smooth sailing from here on out.”
“What the fuck was that?” Liam demanded as he retook his seat and started double-checking everything on the instrument panel, just to be sure.
“Turbulence,” Drake answered but he didn’t make eye contact and his face was red.
The door creaked open, and Riley stuck her head in, “Is everything okay in here? Drake was that because-“
“Everything is fine,” he yelled, “It was turbulence! Please return to your duty station crew member!”
Liam’s eyes flicked from Drake to Riley and back again. A broad smile spread across his face as Riley backed out of the cockpit, “Oh, I see. Turbulence….” Liam relaxed back into his seat; all his panic washed away as understanding settled over him.
“Shut up,” Drake still wasn’t looking at him.
“Turbulence never looked so good,” Liam chuckled as he updated the flight log and triple-checked the instrument panel.
Drake shifted uncomfortably in his seat and then glanced at his watch with a sigh. It was going to be a very long flight.
57 notes · View notes
tessa-liam · 7 months
Text
Tumblr media
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
Tumblr media
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.
Tumblr media
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.” 
Tumblr media
📌 @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @jared2612 @irisk12 @thesvnsins @walkerdrakewalker 📌
55 notes · View notes
kristinamae093 · 11 months
Text
Ghosted
Ghosted- Blindsided (Chapter 1)
Tumblr media
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 F!MC (Riley Brooks), hints of Liam x Madeleine
A/N1: 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.
A/N2: This has been heavily preread by a number of amazing people. There's so many to list, and most of you requested to be tagged anyway. But you know who you are, and your help and guidance has been crucial during this process.
Characters belong to Pixelberry.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Liam quickly made his way through the halls of the Applewood Estate, intent on reaching his destination. He had received a text from Maxwell requesting him to come to Lady Riley’s room. Although bewildered and slightly concerned, the Prince agreed to Maxwell's summons at such an early hour. 
He approached the door and knocked; Maxwell quickly opened it and ushered him inside without saying a word. Liam took notice of Maxwell’s red-rimmed, swollen eyes. His usual peppy demeanor was nowhere to be found, instead replaced with despondency. He began pacing back and forth anxiously in the space between the couch and the bed. 
As Liam entered the room, he saw Bertrand in a chair in the corner; his elbows were on his knees, his head rested in his palms. His shoulders subtly shook, and Liam swore he could hear his breath hitch. Bertrand did not stand for or acknowledge the Prince’s entrance, not that Liam wanted him to; it was just very un-Bertrand-like and gave Liam an uneasy feeling in his stomach. 
And he didn’t see Riley.
“Maxwell, what’s going on?” Liam asked as he took a couple of slow, cautious steps further inside.
“It’s…It’s Riley…”
Liam gave Maxwell a quizzical look. “What’s wrong? Where is she?” He felt his heart rate quicken immediately. The air in his lungs suddenly had a burning sensation with every breath he took. 
Maxwell stopped his movements and turned to him, “That’s just it… She’s… She’s gone…” he covered his face, as his emotions began spilling over. He took a deep, shaky breath before he started again, “I came to get her this morning to leave, and…”
“What do you mean, she’s gone? She’s here somewhere! Perhaps she’s at breakfast… o-or with Hana.” 
“Look in the closet! Look in the dresser! Everything’s gone!” Maxwell cried and resumed his earlier steps.
Liam turned and strode to the closet, stopping to flip on the light switch. Empty.
He rushed across the room to the dresser and ripped open all the drawers. Empty. 
Liam stood and stared wide-eyed at the empty drawers. He ran his trembling hands through his hair as his mind raced, trying helplessly to find a solution that made sense. However, he could hear no coherent thoughts at that moment over the sound of his heart as it thundered in his ears. The burn in his chest intensified; his windpipe felt as if it were slowly constricting with every labored breath he took.
“What?! No…. No…. You-you were supposed to leave in a little while, right? That’s why she packed all her belongings. She-she could have left before you or-”
Drake heard the commotion from his room next door and barged into the room. Liam turned from his spot by the dresser to face him, his usual stoic facade replaced with a distressed expression that made Drake’s anxiety heighten. Maxwell stopped his movements to face him, but quickly started again. Bertrand raised his gaze momentarily, but immediately put his head back in his hands once he saw who it was at the door. 
Drake slowly entered the room and cautiously approached Liam. “Um……… Everything alright here?” 
“No! They’re saying Riley’s gone! That’s… that’s absurd! I just spoke with her last night!” Liam barked. 
Drake’s eyes widened, but he shook his head. “No way! I would’ve heard her! I was right next door.” He turned to face Maxwell. “She’s here somewhere, Beaumont. Stop freaking people out over nothing! Did you even try calling her?!” 
“Of course, I tried calling her! I’m not a complete idiot! That’s how I found this!” Maxwell huffed as pulled a phone from his pocket.
Riley’s phone.
Both men froze and stared, perplexed, at the phone in Maxwell’s hand. They slowly turned their attention back to his face. Maxwell looked up to meet Liam’s gaze and saw the anger and confusion in his eyes. 
Liam had grown impatient and moved to where he stood in front of Maxwell. “I demand to know what is going on. NOW!” He bellowed as he leaned over the shorter man.
Maxwell winced at Liam’s volume. He closed his eyes and took a deep, shaky breath to stabilize himself before he started. “I knocked on the door like I always do, and she didn’t answer. I turned the doorknob just to see if it was open, and it was. So, I came in…” He tried to swallow the lump in his throat, but it was to no avail. “I looked around and noticed her stuff was gone, but it didn’t phase me at the time since we were supposed to leave soon... So I… I called her……”
“Out with it, Beaumont!” Drake shouted. 
Before Maxwell could respond, Bertrand piped up from his spot in the corner, head still in his hands, “Show them.” Both men snapped their heads over to Bertand, then slowly panned back to Maxwell, who had returned his gaze to the floor. 
When Maxwell met their eyesight again, his tears streamed freely down his face, “I could hear her phone ringing... I… I found it inside the bedside table…. And I found this with it…” He pulled a folded up piece of paper out of his pocket, and carefully sat it on top of the phone.  
Liam took the device and paper gingerly. The room was silent, aside from heavy breaths of anticipation. He stared at the paper for what felt like hours before he slowly unfolded it. His heart shattered into a million tiny pieces as he read it:
I’m sorry.
-R
Tumblr media
A knock on his study door interrupted Liam from his daze. He spun away from his position at the window behind his desk and sat up straight in his chair. He busied his hands with a stack of papers that lay in front of him before he granted them entrance. 
“Hey, Li.” Liam looked up and saw Drake enter, and stood to shake his hand as he approached his desk. 
Liam headed towards the bar cart in the corner and poured a drink of scotch for himself and Drake. He took both glasses and went back to his desk; he handed Drake one as he went before he settled back into his chair. 
“So, what brings you by, Drake?”
“Oh, I was out and about, thought I’d stop by. I was actually hoping to bust you outta this place for a bit. Hit that bar we used to go to, even invited the Beaumonts.” 
Liam feigned shock. “You, Drake Walker, invited the Beaumonts?!”
“I can take it back.” Drake smirked with a shrug.
“No, I was just shocked you willingly want to hang out with Maxwell. And they’re actually going to come this time?”
“Max is. Sounded excited. He said he was more than ready to ‘trade the spreadsheets in for a dance floor’,” Drake rolled his eyes, “but it’ll be nice to see him, kinda miss that little fucker.”
“I agree. He always had a way of making things lighter. Well, before….” Liam trailed off and stared blankly past Drake to the fireplace. 
“Yeah, I know. I feel bad for them. But nobody saw that shit coming, nobody.” Drake sighed before continuing, “Look, man, let the past be the past. Stop sitting here sulking! Look to the future!”
“I don’t know what’s worse, thinking about the past, or a future with Madeleine.” Liam made a face of disgust. 
“Touche, but you’re a smart man! I know you can get out of that! I don’t know how, but I’m sure you can find a hidden Royal loophole or some shit!”
Liam let out a heavy breath. “I wish it were true, but at this moment, I am indeed engaged to Madeleine, with no end in sight.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t try to be happy, Liam!” 
Liam ran a hand down his face before he responded, “I don’t think I know what happiness is anymore,” in a soft voice.
“Come on, Liam. Let’s go out and have some beers, like we used to! Forget about all the bullshit for one night? Especially before the engagement tour kicks off.” Drake suggested hopefully.
“I’ll have to let you know about that. Actually, I have a dinner meeting with the French ambassador, and I’m not sure how late it will be when we’re finished.” Liam gave Drake a sad smile. “But please make sure they stop by if they show up. They should not be trying to hide from me, anyway. I’m their friend. And if anyone understands and sympathizes with the mess they’ve found themselves in, it’s me.”
Drake returned Liam’s sad smile before he stood once more and extended his hand for a handshake. As their hands met, they heard a sharp knock at the door. Liam followed Drake across the room and patted him on the back as he did so. When he opened the door, both his and Drake’s jaws hit the floor.
“Olivia!?” they both gasped at once.
“Surprised to see me?” Olivia smirked as she strode past them into the room and sat on the couch in front of the fireplace. 
Liam and Drake stood, eyes wide and mouths agape, staring at her. She crossed her legs and rested her hands in her lap, and began tapping her manicured nails on her thigh. After a few moments, she rolled her eyes and quipped, “Most people usually greet one with a ‘hello’ or, in my case, ‘Greetings, esteemed Duchess Olivia Nevrakis’.”
Liam closed the door and he and Drake crossed the room to the set of chairs in front of the couch Olivia sat upon. They remained silent, each trying to gather their thoughts. 
Finally, Liam spoke. “Where have you been?” 
“Around.” 
Liam scoffed, “I was going to pick you but you fucking disappeared! You left me wondering why not one, but two of my suitors hightailed it!”
Olivia kept her tone neutral, despite Liam’s apparent anger. “I didn’t have a choice… I received a letter the night of your coronation. It said if I refused to leave, they would release a media narrative exposing my parents' true demise.” 
Liam felt indignant. “What?! But they died in a political assassination, Olivia! We’ve known this since we were children!”
“That’s what I thought as well, but along with the letter, I received evidence. They did not die protecting the Crown, they died trying to overthrow the Crown.” Olivia pulled a manila file folder from her bag. She opened it and put the letter, along with the proof, on the table in front of them. 
Liam scanned over every detail as his mind overflowed with questions. Olivia’s admission shook him, but he remained steadfast with his frustration over her secrecy. Drake sat next to him with his own stunned expression as his mind developed questions and assumptions of his own. 
As he continued to filter through the papers, Liam looked at Olivia with narrowed eyes and snapped, “Why didn’t you tell me?! I could have helped you!” 
Olivia looked away from Liam and quietly said, “I… held my parents on a pedestal for so long. To have all that information dumped on me at once…” she shook her head, “I just fled… I wish I hadn’t, but at the time…”
Although he continued to feel slightly frustrated Olivia hadn’t told him, Liam relented. “I wish you would have said something before you left, but I also understand your reasoning. You obviously know I had my own… things happen that night, so I cannot hold your reaction against you.”
Olivia didn’t respond, but nodded her head in acknowledgement. Liam continued, “Who sent you this?”
“I’m not sure. I tracked it through six different middlemen, but I’ve hit a dead end. All I know is whoever did this went to great lengths to keep their identity hidden.”
Olivia regarded her friend and King sitting in front of her closely, as he continued through the documents. Even before she started dropping truth bombs on him, he didn’t look like Liam. His eyes were tired, the bags notable. She noticed a forming 5 o’clock shadow on his face and saw that his forehead appeared permanently creased with worry lines. 
Olivia had been watching the news to see how Liam was faring during his first couple months as King. She could see his eyes, devoid of emotion, as he gave press interviews. He gave a forced smile, and his shoulders slouched ever so slightly. His voice missed that gusto he used to have, and his laughs were clearly a front. To anyone else, he was Liam, being the dutiful King. But Olivia knew him better than that. Even from afar, she could tell Riley’s sudden departure and the scandal had taken a toll on him. 
Olivia wasn’t sure how Liam felt about the rumor, or if he looked into her disappearance at all. She knew that approaching the subject could go a multitude of ways, but she had to take her chances. In the couple of months since Liam’s ascension, Olivia had plenty of time to piece things together. But Liam hadn’t known about the blackmail they had threatened her with. 
Olivia sat forward and tentatively asked, “Liam, what do you know about the Riley situation?” 
Liam scoffed, “What do you mean ‘Riley situation’? She disappeared! Left a note and vanished. But apparently not before fucking Tariq!” he huffed.
Okay, anger it is, Olivia thought to herself. She sat forward and leveled her eyes with his. “Did you do an investigation?”
“Bastien searched for her after she left and found nothing.” 
“But did you inspect the estate? Or her room? Any place that could have held some kind of trace?” 
“I was a little busy, Olivia. The Social Season couldn’t come to a standstill.” 
“I get that, but you didn’t think to investigate after the fact? You just accepted that Riley had apparently chosen to run off into the night with Tariq, of all people?”
“What was I supposed to do? Put the Social Season on hold hoping to find a ghost? Or waste time trying to find her after I took the throne, when I clearly had more important matters to attend to? She packed her shit and left without a word to anyone. And yes… apparently with Tariq.” Liam snapped as he shook his head
"Are you serious right now?" Olivia exasperated, her face in a completely dumbfounded expression. 
"There isn’t even any evidence to support this baffling theory you’ve concocted!”
“Oh, but there is, if you know what to look for,” Olivia smirked. 
“I don’t have time for this. I have a dinner meeting soon and I need to prepare.” Liam insisted as he stood from his chair and walked back to his desk. 
“You don’t find it at all odd that someone took photos of her from outside a fucking window? How did they even get such an angle when Riley’s room was on the second floor of the estate?” Olivia questioned from her position on the couch.
“Maybe they just got caught doing something they weren’t supposed to be doing.” Liam retorted, as he gathered stacks of paper on his desk. 
“Liam, man, I think you should hear her out…” Drake cautiously said as he stood from his chair and crossed the room to stand in front of Liam. 
“Why? Why should I?” Liam asked, face red with indignation, “You just told me to leave the past in the past. Now suddenly it’s okay?”
“Look, all I’m saying is it would make sense.” Liam gave Drake a scowl, but he continued, “I don’t want to believe that the Brooks we knew would do that! If there’s a chance that something happened to her, or she got set up, I wanna know…”
Liam squinted his eyes at Drake before he snapped, “Maybe we didn’t know her at all!!” 
“I call bullshit! I think you know deep down, she did not run away with fucking Tariq!” Olivia abruptly interjected. She had to count to ten in her head, as any sense of calm she had felt was quickly vanishing as Liam remained in denial.
In all honesty, Liam wanted to believe something was amiss in the beginning. When Bastien searched for her and found no signs of her in New York, it devastated Liam. He assumed she had left because the pressure of being with him was too great a burden to carry. He went through the last bit of the social season like the good Prince he was supposed to be. Although he felt numb, like a large portion of himself had disappeared with Riley.
Liam had thought of a last-minute plan to continue his search for her, but abandoned all efforts when the scandal came to light. His devastation turned to rage, mostly stemming from public humiliation. He knew the blame ultimately lay with himself for his reaction to the story, but it was easier to blame Riley; she was not around to defend herself, anyway, and no evidence proved otherwise.
Liam convinced himself that her affair with Tariq was the answer to the question of why Riley had left. Although, he often found his heart to be in turmoil with his head over the decision. 
Liam had since thrown himself into his work. He found the longer he kept his Crown on, the less time he spent spiraling into the ‘what ifs’. It was useless to fight against it, although he found it to be easier to ignore as time carried on.
More than that, he needed to mend the dent his reputation had suffered right off the bat. His reign began with disgrace and indignity; he was bound and determined he would not find himself back in that position again.
But as Liam stood there and listened to Olivia and Drake, he could physically feel the brief glimmer of hope he had buried so long ago start flickering within. It was incredibly subtle, but there nonetheless.
Liam sighed and reluctantly walked back to the chair across from Olivia, Drake close behind. 
“Okay. I’ll listen.” Liam said as he sat down, his tone neutral. 
Olivia pulled a set of the photos of Riley and Tariq out of her manila folder. Although they appeared substantially enlarged compared to the small tabloid size Liam and Drake had seen before.  
She presented them with an image, a closer shot of Riley and Tariq, Riley's back pressed against the window. She held it up to them and continued, "There’s no sign of physical affection on Riley’s part. See her arms? It looks as if they're directly at her sides, there's no extension to her elbows whatsoever. Not anything huge, but worth noting in my eyes, considering she isn’t touching him in any photo."
“Her touching him is the least of my worries here, Olivia.” Liam snapped.
Olivia picked up a different picture, another close up of Riley and Tariq, but their bodies had marginally turned. “This one, you can see her head turned slightly to the side. If you look closely, you can see discoloration around her eye, as well as what appears to be a laceration on her cheek.” She sat the photo on the table for Liam and Drake to see. 
“Could have been different lighting, a shadow, anything. This proves nothing.” Liam shook his head, his irritation escalating.  
Olivia did not say a word, only sat a photo on the table that was a full view of the entire window. The angle remained similar, but this was the only one where Riley and Tariq had completely changed positions; this time they stood face to face. Riley's back was nearly out of view, but a hand of Tariq's was around her waist. Her face was hidden facing the opposite direction, but Tariq wore a wide grin on his that was clear as day, even in the low lit night. But that is not what had been troubling Olivia the most. 
“This is the original. At first glance, all you would see is Tariq and Riley. But when you increase the exposure…” Olivia trailed off and reached for yet another photo; the same as before, but much brighter. 
Liam and Drake sat forward, each man hunting intently to see the relevance. Drake saw it first and gasped when he spotted it. Liam turned to Drake with a look of puzzlement, silently asking what he had found. Drake pointed to a corner of the photograph, away from Riley and Tariq.
“Is… is that?” Drake stammered.
“A person? Yes.” Olivia answered with certainty.
“Who is it?” 
“I can’t tell who it is. I spoke with someone about trying to do facial recognition, but they said because of the quality of the photo blown up, it wouldn’t be possible. The original is too dark to even recognize a face.”
“So it’s a dead end, and this has been a waste of time!” Liam exclaimed. He shook his head and sharply sighed before he continued, “Look, Olivia, I appreciate what you were trying to do, but this isn’t a mystery. She left.”
“You still don’t see it, do you?”
“No, I saw it. There’s an excellent possibility it’s once again just a shad-”
“Do not say it’s a fucking shadow, Liam! You can clearly see a person’s silhouette there!”
“But not prominent enough to be identified.” Liam said in a flat tone. 
Olivia rolled her eyes before she snapped, “Okay. So it’s unidentifiable. But can we talk about why there’s some random person in the corner watching while they’re apparently ‘having relations’?!”
Liam became mute, aside from his heavy breaths, the agitation he felt written all over his face. Although a part of him wanted to counter, he couldn’t establish a response to Olivia’s question.
Olivia smirked at Liam’s silence. “That’s what I thought.”
“I think it’s worth checking out…” Liam snapped his head over to Drake with a look of annoyance, but Drake continued. “You can’t deny there’s someone else in this picture, Liam!” 
“How do we know these are real and not fabricated?!”
Olivia narrowed her eyes at Liam. “You think I’d bring you doctored photos? Really?”
“I’m not saying you would purposefully! I'm only saying it's a possibility!” 
Drake answered, “We’ve spent all this time wondering what happened and why she left. We finally have some kind of lead, and you don’t want to check it out?”
Liam groaned and ran a hand down his face. “Even if I wanted to investigate further, once the Engagement Tour starts I will be incredibly busy. I don’t have the time, nor the patience, to investigate grainy photos.” He stood from his chair and rushed back to his desk. “I’m glad you’re here, Olivia. Hopefully, you’ll be joining us on the engagement tour. If you two will excuse me, I must be going.” 
Olivia and Drake watched as Liam quickly gathered his belongings, strode to the door, and slammed it shut behind him. They sat in silence for a few moments, each trying to gather their thoughts about the situation that sat in front of them. 
Drake finally quietly spoke. “You think something could’ve happened to her?”
Olivia sighed, her eyes softening at the question. “I really don’t know. I have a hunch that my blackmail and whatever happened to Riley share a relation. If I wouldn’t have left, there would have been two scandals that hit the news cycle that night. That doesn’t sound coincidental to me.”
“No, it doesn’t. But what do we do about Liam?”
“Has he been like this since the coronation?”
Drake exhaled and nodded his head. “Pretty much, yeah. He goes back and forth from depressed to straight up pissed off. I’ve never seen him so unhinged. After she first left, it was almost like he was grieving a loved one who had passed away.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Oh yes, I very much remember watching Liam sulk in the corner with you all night at the Beaumont Bash.”
“Yeah. But after the coronation, you could almost see the switch flip. He wasn’t really sad anymore, just fucking enraged. Wouldn’t talk about her, wouldn’t even let me talk about her. He’d get irate and leave.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah… He’s calmed down a lot, but I know it’s eating him inside. He can sit here and tell us he doesn’t believe it, but I think he’s known from the beginning that something wasn’t right…”
A brief stillness overtook the room before Drake leaned forward and asked, “You know why he was so mad you left?” 
“Because he got stuck with she-demon?” Olivia chuckled.
“Well yeah, there’s that. But… he had a plan.” 
“A plan?” Olivia asked, her confusion prominent. 
“Yep… He was going to pick you so he could keep looking for Riley after the coronation.” 
Olivia’s eyes widened. “Really?” 
“That’s what he said, anyway. But after the scandal… He never spoke of it again. I don’t know if he gave up because he had to pick Madeleine, and felt like he couldn’t look for her or…” 
“I should be spiteful that I was the second choice to begin with, but I take the utmost satisfaction in knowing Madeleine was publicly the third choice.” Olivia laughed with a sneer. She continued, “But I don’t think for a second he truly believes that bullshit story. He’s only covering his own ass for how he reacted.”
“Oh yeah. Connie ripped him big time for that.” Drake stated with wide eyes. 
“I imagined so.”
A content silence overtook them, aside from the sounds of light rain as it tapped against the windows. Drake sat back, turned his head to the ceiling, and let out a breath of air. 
“I always wondered how she got out of there. There were so many people there, and I was in the room right next to hers…” Drake trailed off.
“And you didn’t hear her, or anything?”
“Not a peep.”
“That is odd.”
Drake sat up and faced Olivia. “I think we should check into this. I know Liam didn’t seem to believe the idea, but there has to be something out there. Some kind of clue, anything. Even if we find out, she really ran off with Tariq.” His face grimaced at the thought. 
“Oh, I plan to. The blackmail I received and whatever happened to Riley have to be connected, I just don’t know how, yet. But they’re messing with the Duchess of Lythikos, and I don’t take kindly to threats.” 
“Well, I wanna help.”
Drake’s phone chimed with a text message. He pulled it out of his pocket and saw that Maxwell had answered his earlier text. He quickly shot a response before he turned back to Olivia. “I’m gonna go meet Maxwell for a couple of drinks. You wanna come? Maybe Max knows something, or we can try to assemble a plan of some sort.”
Olivia debated it briefly before she let out a heavy breath. She rubbed her index finger and thumb over her nose and whispered to herself, “Zenobia give me strength.” 
Tags (If you'd like to be removed at any time, just let me know.): @choicesficwriterscreations @ao719 @txemrn @imashybish @emkay512 @queenrileyrose @kingliam2019 @riseandshinelittleblossom @dcbbw @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @amandablink @cordonia-gothqueen @sfb123 @harleybeaumont @bebepac @charlotteg234 @aussiegurl1234 @jared2612
121 notes · View notes
fadingreveries · 27 days
Text
The Royal Romance Retelling Masterlist
Series Summary: In this novel-style retelling of TRR, beloved scenes with original commentary from the Choices stories including your favourite group of royals and friends will be expanded upon. Contains extended commentary and scenes from the original story, in-depth descriptions of bonus scenes, and premium choices and outfits.
Tumblr media
The Royal Romance, Book 1 🏰 - Bk1 Ch1: Once Upon a Time (part 1/part 2/part 3/part 4/part 5/part 6/part 7) - Bk1 Ch2: Welcome to Cordonia - Bk1 Ch3: Reunited
22 notes · View notes
Text
Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 4
Read Part 1: Here
Read Part 2: Here
Read Part 3: Here
Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.
TW: Cursing, Implied Violence, Violence, Implied 🍋
Tagging: @lorirwritesfanfic @drakewalkerfantasy @rainbowsinthestorm @lorircreates @beyondsimsreality @kimmiedoo5 @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @secretaryunpaid @rafasgirl23415 @twinkleallnight
Tumblr media
“What do you mean you can’t fucking tell me?” Leo seethed as he spoke to the Doctor’s receptionist who reminded him that only Isabella could get the results. “I’m sorry sir but it is not possible for me to provide that information as you are not the children’s legal guardian. We have tried to call Ms. Sánchez this morning on a few occasions but there’s been no answer to the number provided…” Leo began to see red, for something so important, why the hell was she not answering.
Immediately he began to question what game was she playing with him? Was she planning to withhold the information to keep him in a compromising position? Leo tried to call her himself but again, straight to voicemail which pissed him off even more. Swearing under his breath about how he was going to tear that goddamn medical Center apart, he grabbed his keys furiously before driving off towards the Capital. He knew it was a day that Isabella was at the University but patience was not one of Leo’s strongpoints. He revved the engine of his Aston Martin as his jaw clenched. “Fucking traffic!” he slammed his hands onto the steering wheel, his foot riding the clutch constantly as he shifted gears, darting and weaving his way between the cars destined to go North towards the heart of the Cordonian Kingdom.
Stomping around the corridors as he marched his way to Isabella’s office. Leo stuffed his hands into his pockets, keeping his head low to distract from any sort of suspicion. Opening the door, he heard Isabella’s voice stop mid sentence as his sea green eyes glared at the student who turned to understand why his professor stopped discussing his assignment. “You…” Leo snapped as he gestured behind him, “Get out!” holding the door open as the panicked student rummaged to get his things. As soon as his body has passed the door frame. Leo shut the door, his nostril twitching, “Do you not have a phone or something?” he barked at the petite brunette who looked puzzled, “What the fuck Leo?” She began to sigh, “Of course I do…” The sandy haired Crime Lord sucked in his cheeks before snapping back towards her, “Then when I call you… fucking answer!” Isabella rose to her feet, pushing out her chair as she picked up papers that sat on her desk. Instead of walking towards Leo, she walked towards the filing cabinet. “Leo…” she spoke calmly as she flicked through the alphabetical list, “I don’t have my personal phone switched on during 1:1 discussion time with students… they’ve paid a lot of money to be here so they deserve 100% of my attention… if there’s an emergency, then the office number is called…”
Walking past him again to her desk, Leo grunted under his breath as she ignored him again to take her seat. Her soft caramel curls cascaded down her back as she pulled on the hem of her black pinstripe pencil dress before taking her seat again, “Is there something I can do for you before my next student arrives?” She aggravated him so much that Leo clenched his teeth, his jaw muscle rippled as he held himself back. He swallowed hard before he could find the words, “The results are ready, so we are going to…” Isabella nodded, “Yes, I am aware… I do check my messages Leo but I have appointments until 2:30pm…” the Laurentian beauty began to smile, “Either you are welcome to sit there for the next three hours and wait…” emphasising the word, “patiently… or I will call you when I am ready. It’s your choice…” The former Crown Prince didn’t respond other than to slam the door behind him causing the glass panel in the door to shake behind him. Again, Leo found himself grumbling as he roamed the corridors before slipping into an empty office space checking there was no one around or camera. He looked around, the room felt cold; looked like no one had been around for days. Taking out his hip flask he kept filled with rubbing alcohol, he poured the contents around the pile of papers and the carpet of the room. He began to evilly smirk as he held the zippo lighter he had in his hand against the wet materials to set them alight.
The agonising sound of the fire alarm interrupted Isabella’s next appointment half an hour later. She had closed her eyes before breathing in deeply as she tried to push down her annoyance. With pursed lips, she along with all the rest of the faculty and students who were in that section of the university had to evacuate. Immediately the petite brunette as she entered the quad gardens saw Leo standing back, lighting a cigarette. Marching over to him, it took all of Isabella’s power not to want to slap him there and then. “What are you playing at?” She seethed, “Are you that much of a fucking child that you set off fire alarms to get my attention?” Leo simply shrugged with a callous smile, “You hurt my feelings kitten… so I made myself feel better…” Isabella could only shake her head, rolling her eyes to the point she could feel the strain. He was infuriating. Before she could answer, an announcement went out over a loudspeaker to confirm that all classes in the University’s southern corridor were cancelled to do a health and safety assessment. “You’re free now…” Leo grunted looking around to ensure no one spotted them, “Get in the fucking car…”
Isabella’s dark chocolate brown eyes rolled to the right as Leo sped down the highway, “You do realise kidnapping someone because you want something done when you want it done screams that you’re an asshole?” Leo kept his gaze to the road, his grip on the steering wheel again tightened at the insinuation, “Well Princess…” he jeered, “I’ve never claimed I’m not an asshole… this is a means to an end…” he snapped, “Then you can go back to whatever the hell you want…” The petite brunette sucked in her cheeks as she firmly spoke again, “You don’t scare me… so your threats don’t matter…” Leo chuckled loudly in the car. With a smirk he replied back to her, “No matter the result kitten…” he turned his gaze towards her, tilting her chin to force her meet his. Leo’s green eyes flashed with a cold darkness that Isabella didn’t expect, “You should be fucking scared…” Pulling herself away from him, Isabella sat scornfully quiet in the car until they pulled up to the doctors office. Isabella walked in with Leo towering over the petite brunette. She smiled warmly at the terrified assistant who Leo kept glaring at. “We’re here to collect some results for the Sánchez children, the doctor confirmed they were ready to collect this morning…” Isabella calmly spoke as the assistant fumbled through the information they had before shakily handing Isabella the envelope and a letter to sign, “Thank you…” the former Crown Princess cooed as she pushed the signed document across the desk.
Isabella handed Leo the envelope before they had left the doctors office as she raised her brows, “Can’t accuse me of switching anything now can you?” but Leo didn’t speak, other than tapping the corner of the envelope against his hand. “Are you not going to open it?” Isabella questioned but Leo curtly replied, “Not here…” Isabella checked her watch quickly with hesitation, “Well we have an hour and a half before they need picked up from school…” Leo hadn’t thought of that. He took a moment before he reached for his phone sending Sofie a message to go pick the girls up with Drake as guard. “Sofie can do it… we have to talk…” Isabella nodded in agreement as they both returned to the car. The tension between them both was palpable, neither one wanting to interrupt each others thought processes. Leo’s mind wandered to the envelope, he knew deep down what the results were, he knew deep down looking at them both they were his; hell he would have just accepted her telling him but legally for him to protect them, he had to have it in writing as Liam had constantly reminded him. The Crime Lord also needed to have proof so his enemies couldn’t use the ambiguity of their parentage to their advantage and selfishly, he could then finally have his name proudly on their birth certificates.
Leo drove south, back towards Valtoria but instead of heading to his compound, he drove higher up into the mountains away from the rest of the world, leaving only him and her. “Why are we here?” Isabella raised her brow in question as Leo finally braked at the top of the top of the Valtorian Valley overlooking the lake. Leo took the envelope from his pocket, his eyes looking down towards the unopened letter in his hands before quietly passing it to the exiled Crown Princess, “You open it…” he grunted, keeping his gaze forward. Isabella delicately opened the envelope, holding up the two separate pages side by side. “We’ll wouldn’t you know…” the Laurentian beauty began to smile smugly, “Full marks…” before handing them to the sandy haired Cordonian who sat beside her. Leo took a moment to take it in. There was no longer any doubt as he slowly began to take things in, “You never did anything by halves did you?” he mumbled before folding the pieces of paper back up into three and putting them into his coat pocket. Leo licked his bottom lip before resting his head against the headrest, looking upwards, “Fuck…” he ran his tattooed hands down his face as he laughed, “So where does this leave us? To think we were planning a wedding once; now we’re practically strangers with kids…” Isabella giggled in agreement with a smile, “That’s true… however…” the Laurentian beauty turned to her former love. Leo found himself getting lost in her dark chocolate brown eyes like he had done for so many years, giving him optimism and finally some hope.
Isabella’s tone changed from jovial to more serious, “We will need to work out a co-parenting schedule… We’re due to go back to New York in a couple of weeks… So it’s important we do things right…” reaching out, Leo took one of the petite brunette’s soft, delicate hands into his own, “I agree, but first there’s something we need to do…” Isabella swore she could see a soft blush on his cheeks but didn’t want to interrupt, “Have dinner with me Bella… I know I am many things…” the former Crown Prince sighed, “…but I don’t want you to think I’m a complete monster, I’ve never wanted that…” Isabella slowly squeezed his hand gently, “That’s fine… we can do dinner as long as we’re back in time for the girls to go to bed… I’ll need to find a babysitter…” Leo chuckled to himself, feeling his heart almost skip a beat when she agreed, “Don’t worry beautiful… I have enough people who work for me to have that arranged… they should come up to the main house for the night. There’s a cinema room. I’m sure they can find something to watch…” Isabella nodded, “That would be nice for them, thank you… I do have one request that only the staff you truly trust are there, they’re not ready to meet your girlfriend before they’ve met you…” Leo didn’t hesitate in agreeing, “Only my most personal staff will be around, plus Liam and Drake will be there to keep an eye on things… If you want privacy, I can have someone pick you up and I can meet you there…”
Leo found it strange that Isabella referred to him as having a girlfriend but he didn’t question it; they had more important things to discuss. “Ok…” Isabella nodded, it was nice that for once recently they weren’t arguing over something. It felt almost normal. “Probably should head back…” Leo sighed having checked the time, “I’ve got a few things I need to take care of beforehand…” He drove back towards the cottage that Isabella and the twins were staying in. The quietness of the drive was no longer tense, if anything it was as if a weight finally arose from his shoulders. “I’ll have someone pick you up at 7pm…” The sandy haired Cordonian mumbled as Isabella reached for the passenger door. The corners of her mouth slowly curled upwards as she placed one foot onto the ground, turning to face Leo once more, “…For the record…” she began to smile, “I’ve never thought you a monster… I’ll see you later…” As promised, Leo organised his most trusted staff and Liam to be there when the kids arrived and they all had been briefed to ensure no one else was allowed in the property; it was to be like Fort Knox or someone would have to answer to him when he returned as Drake escorted the petite brunette toward the Castelsarreillan duchy.
Dressed in a black midi camisole dress, and coat to save her from the cold Cordonian February night, Isabella was directed through the back entrance towards a private room. Greeted by a kind waiter, her chair was pulled out for her. “Please sit…” he gestured towards the chair, “Your guest will be here momentarily… would you like some champagne, your guest has already chosen the wine for the evening…” Isabella smiled warmly towards him, “I will wait, thank you…” she cooed, not wanting to take advantage of Leo’s hospitality. The former Crown Prince finally arrived fifteen minutes later flanked by two guards. Leo’s dominance and authority almost suffocated the room. No one stepped out of line until he dismissed them. “You haven’t ordered?” He began to frown as he noticed the empty plate, his glare then directed to the nervous waiter. “No… no…” Isabella stood to her feet, reaching out to Leo’s arm, holding it gently, “I asked to wait until you arrived…I am sorry…” she turned to the waiter with a warm, forgiving smile, “Just some crossed wires…” Leo swallowed hard, the word sorry didn’t exist in his vocabulary. “Fine…” his glare never left the waiter as he ran off to prep the kitchen for the pre-ordered food that Leo requested.
They talked; reminiscing about the good times, the bad times and the could have been times. “I would have been there in a heartbeat if I had known…” Leo sighed heavily as his heavily tattooed hand reached across the table to hold hers, “Believe me kitten… if I could have changed the outcome of all of this I would have…” Isabella lowered her head, placing her other hand over Leo’s, “I know…” she calmly stroked his skin with her thumb, “But we must think of the future, not live in the past…” All Leo could do was chuckle bashfully, “You’re always the voice of reason aren’t you…” before he reached into his blazer jacket pocket, removing a little red box and pushing it across to her. Isabella looked confused, it seemed familiar but she wasn’t sure. Slowly she opened the red leather bound box. Her hand crossing her mouth in shock. “Leo…” her eyes darted up towards him, “This is your mother’s ring… no… you were to keep this…” but the Crime Lord simply shook his head, “It was yours, it’s always going to be yours… you’re the mother of my children; no matter what happens - you should have it…” the Laurentian beauty stared at the emerald cut diamond ring, “This is too much Leo…” she sighed, “You should keep this if you plan to marry…” Leo took the ring out of the box, taking Isabella’s left hand before sliding the ring onto her finger. “The only person I ever wanted to marry left me two weeks before we could tell anyone we were to be engaged, that ring was only meant for one person and that’s you…”
The former Crown Prince laughed as the colour drained from Isabella’s face, “I’m not fucking forcing you to marry me if that’s what you’re worried about!” Isabella raised her champagne flute to her lips, taking a sip to calm her nerves, “I wouldn’t have thought your girlfriend would have appreciated that…” she giggled. “What girlfriend?” Leo raised his brow, wondering what she meant. “When you came to visit, you referred to someone as babe… apologies if I assumed incorrectly…” Leo began to smirk as he took a drink from the crystal tumbler in his hand, “That…” he began to laugh, “That isn’t a problem, I don’t have a partner… she’s just a distraction…” the petite brunette nodded her head not wanting to press any further. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know or not. Her eyes lit up once again as dessert arrived, “Laurentian chocolate cake…” the exiled Crown Princess grinned smelling the mixture of cocoa, cinnamon and honey. “I can’t remember the last time we had this…” but Leo did, he remembered he was served it the day he asked her father could he marry her. Reluctantly Felipe said yes after much persuasion but it always reminded him of better times. “Glad you like it…”
Drake returned to the compound only to find Leo’s ‘distraction’ banging on the front door of the mansion. “Hey…” he shouted, “What the fuck are you doing?!” much to her annoyance. “What do you think I’m doing?!” She angrily spat back, “He stood me up and I want to know why?!” Drake simply shook his head, “Business came up, he had to switch his phone off. Probably lost track of time…” pouting her lips, she folded her arms, “Well let me in and I will wait for him when he gets back…” but Drake brushed past her with a chuckle, “No can do… no one in or out until the big guy gets back… you can wait out there if you want but you put one foot over this threshold - you’ll soon regret not listening to me…” Her blue eyes narrowed angrily towards the Texan, “Fuck you Drake!” she screamed as he slammed the door behind him. She did wait and her anger began to bubble over. Her eyes widened as she saw Leo get out of his car and open the door for Isabella. He extended his hand out toward her before escorting her into his home. “What the fuck?!” she seethed, reaching for her phone taking pictures of the pair together linked arm and arm. “Fucking asshole won’t make me look like an idiot and get away with it!” Unknown to her, Isabella and Leo walked in to find the two girls cuddled up beside Sofie and Liam. “I’m sorry…” Isabella quietly laughed, “They’re dead to the world when they sleep… Leo could you?” gesturing to the two sleeping kids. Leo looked down at her quite shocked but jumped at the opportunity to help, “Can you help me carry them to their room?” With ease, Leo picked up each twin without hesitation; both of them still sleeping as they nuzzled into his neck. His heart was full as he placed them down gently onto the King Sized bed. Isabella smiled as she held onto the door, waiting for him to leave. She kissed Leo’s cheek gently and whispered “Thank you for tonight” to him before closing the door over for the evening. Both of them went to sleep content but not ready for the following morning announcements.
16 notes · View notes
Text
TRR F/AotW - Dec 10-16, 2023
Tumblr media
✒️= Fanfic | 📱= Text Fics/Edits | 🎨= Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA | 🌟= Holidays 2023
DRAKE WALKER
All I Want for Christmas - Part 2 ✒️🏳️‍🌈🌟| Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys x Maxwell Beaumont - @angelasscribbles Chapter 7: Questions
The Best Mistake He Never Had - Part 2✒️| Drake Walker x MC - @camillemontespan
The Dark Kingdom (Series) ✒️ Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 7: Questions Chapter 8: Man on a Mission
LEO RYS
Midnights Like This (Series) ✒️| Leo Rys x OC, Liam Rys x OC - @queenrileyrose Part Thirteen: What if We Ruin it All
LIAM RYS
Dashing Through the Snow ✒️🌟| Liam Rys x F!OC - @kristinamae093
Forevermore (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| King Marquise (Liam Rys) x MC - @khoicesbyk Chapter 3: Ties That Bind
Midnights Like This (Series) ✒️| Leo Rys x OC, Liam Rys x OC - @queenrileyrose Part Thirteen: What if We Ruin it All
Side by Side (Series) ✒️| Liam Rys x MC - @ownworldresident Chapter 1: Not a Fairy Tale
Sometimes Not (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC - @ao719 Part 12: It's Always Been You
The Dark Kingdom (Series) ✒️ Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 7: Questions Chapter 8: Man on a Mission
Unexpected (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 9: Uncertainty
MAXWELL BEAUMONT
Snowed In ✒️🌟| Olivia Nevrakis x Maxwell Beaumont - @alj4890
Unexpected (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 9: Uncertainty
OLIVIA NEVRAKIS
Snowed In ✒️🌟| Olivia Nevrakis x Maxwell Beaumont - @alj4890
Main CFWC F/AotW | BOLAS F/AotW OPEN HEART F/AotW
24 notes · View notes
lawsend · 9 months
Text
Murder at Vista Heights Chapter 3
Series: Law’s End
Episode 1: Murder at Vista Heights
Fandom: The Royal Romance (loosely, there’s not much canon in here).
Pairings: None yet
Word Count: 2,521
Rating: MA
Warnings for series: adult themes, any given chapter may contain murder, violence, language, drinking, drug use, etc.
My other stuff can be found on my main blog @angelasscribbles here is the Master List.
Tumblr media
“Well?” The chief of homicide demanded a glower on his face.
“I…this has to be some kind of mistake…” Liam’s face was ashen as he pulled the sketch from Bertrand’s hands.
Max gripped Riley gently but firmly by the shoulder and pulled her back and to the side, quietly shifting them out of anyone’s direct line of sight.
Riley allowed herself to be moved. If no one noticed her, they would speak more freely, and she might learn something.
“Are you questioning Ms. Nevrakis’s ability to render an accurate image from the witness’s verbal account?”
“What? No, of course not!” his eyes jumped to Lilith and the woman he had questioned earlier. Lilith’s sketches had helped catch plenty of perpetrators. She was very good at what she did. Still.
He stalked across the room and thrust the sketch under the older woman’s nose, “Mrs. Haltom, this is the man you saw arguing with the victim?”
Riley strained to hear, holding her breath as she leaned in their direction.
“That’s the man I saw leaving his apartment after hearing the argument.”
“Did he say anything as he was leaving? Anything you can positively attribute to him?”
“Yes, he said ‘If you don’t back off, I’ll personally fucking kill you!’”
“I…thank you,” Liam’s shoulders slumped in defeat, “You can go now.”
“Max!” Riley hissed as she drug Max toward the door the woman was headed for, “We have to follow her and see if she’ll tell us-“
“You’re not going anywhere!” Liam’s voice thundered out, freezing her in place, “Stay right there! I’m going to need a word with you!”
“Fuck!” Riley muttered as she watched Liam and Bertrand disappear into the chief’s office, “She’s getting away!”
“I’ll go!” Max offered, hesitating as he waited for her response.
“Yes!” Riley made a shooing motion with her hands, “Go! Get her full name and phone number so I can question her later!”
“On it!” Max scrambled out the door and down the hall after the witness.
Riley sauntered closer to Liam’s desk, her eyes scanning the top of it for any files or notes that might be left lying around in plain sight. Her eyes flicked over to the glass window of Bertrand’s office.
She’d give a lot to be a fly on the wall in there right now.
Her gaze fell back on the paperwork scattering Liam’s desk. There was a manilla file folder labeled, “Hayes”. She glanced quickly around the room. No one was paying any attention to her.
Her fingers tugged the folder out from under the two others and slid it to the edge of the desk. Flipping it open, her eyes scanned the first page quickly. Before she could turn to the next page, she was startled by a voice from behind her, “Can I help you with something?”
Shit!
She jumped guilty and spun around to find an unfamiliar man standing behind her. He had shaggy shoulder-length brown hair, hazel green eyes, and a deadly serious expression on his face. Her eyes dipped to take in the badge clipped on his belt and the gun holstered on his hip.
“I was waiting for Liam- I mean detective Rys, he told me to wait here.” She hoped he couldn’t hear her heart thundering guiltily in her chest.
The detective’s gaze stayed stern as he asked, “Did he tell you to go through his confidential police files?”
“Ah…n-no…I wasn’t…I mean, I didn’t mean to, I just…I was looking for a pen and some paper so I could jot down a few notes.”
“Right.” His eyes narrowed.
“It’s okay, Flynn, Liam did tell her to wait here.” Lilith came to her rescue, handing her a pen and notepad, “Here you go. Why don’t you have a seat right over there.” She pointed to a couch near the wall.
“Thank you,” Riley gave Lilith a grateful smile and slunk away quickly before she got herself arrested.
The hardened homicide detective’s face softened as he turned his attention to the redhead, “I wasn’t trying to be an ass, but she was digging through confidential files!”
“I’m sure she didn’t realize it.”
Flynn threw a dark glance at Riley as he harrumphed before remembering the two cups of coffee in his hands. He thrust one toward Lilith, “Here. I…uh, thought you might like some coffee.”
“Oh! I…”
“Cream with two sugars, right?”
“That’s right! How’d you know?”
Flynn shrugged as he moved to the desk next to Liam’s and busied himself scooting folders around randomly. “That’s how you always take it. I’m a detective. I notice things.”
“Oh, well, thank you.” Lilith dropped her eyes to the cup in her hand as her cheeks flushed.
Riley clocked the interaction with interest and filed it away for future reference. Information was power and you never knew what secrets might come in handy down the road.
Tumblr media
Liam shook his head as he faced off with his superior officer, “No. No! There’s no way Leo did this!”
“Liam….I know he’s your brother, but-“
“Look, sir. I know that his background is problematic but-“
“Problematic?” Bertrand snorted, “That’s the understatement of the year!”
“Like I said, I’m aware of his issues but-“
“I just don’t think you can be objective about this case. I’m transferring it to-“
“Sir, with all due respect, I’ve already investigated the scene, deposed the witnesses, coordinated with-“
“Yes, but if your brother is the perpetrator-“
“He’s not!”
“Even if he’s not, he’s at least a suspect and I need someone on this case that will give full and equal consideration to all leads!”
“Okay. How about this? You leave me on the case until and unless Leo becomes the prime suspect! Please, sir! Give me a chance to exonerate him!”
Bertrand pinched his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger as he regarded the earnest detective sitting across from him. He knew that Liam struggled against the same obstacles that he himself struggled against. Namely, a family legacy of corruption.
Liam was assigned to the seventh precinct because Bertrand had been the only chief willing to take a chance on him. Liam was the son of Constantine Rys, the not-quite-disgraced former Sheriff of Lantano County, and younger brother of Leo Rys, a fully disgraced former vice detective in the CCPD.
Bertrand had seen himself in the younger man when he’d agreed to hire him. In contrast to his father and brother, Liam was by the book, conscientious and honorable. Leo though… he lived on the other side of the law now and gave two shits less who knew it.
“Liam,” Bertrand said gently, “I don’t think you see your brother clearly-“
“I do, sir. You don’t know him the way I do!”
“Maybe not, but we both know what he’s capable of, Detective.”
Liam shook his head vehemently, “That was different! He wouldn’t just-“
“And what if he did?” Bertrand snapped, “What if all the evidence points to him?”
Liam glared at his boss for a minute before wilting, “Then I’ll arrest himself, sir. No one is above the law.”
“Right now, everything points to him. We have an eyewitness that puts him at the scene, and multiple witnesses that overheard the very loud, very heated argument just hours before the murder!”
“I have another suspect!” Liam protested, “I was just about to interview the informant!”
Bertrand nodded his head, “Tell you what. I’ll leave you on the case for now, but O’Malley takes the lead. You’ll assist him and I expect hourly updates! Is that understood?”
“Yes! Thank you, sir!”
“And Liam…if it turns out Leo did this, you’ll have to step away.”
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
Tumblr media
Max slid himself onto the black faux leather couch next to Riley.
“Did you get the information?” She whispered.
“Oh yeah,” his grin lit up his whole face, “Her name, her number, her life story, the fact that she has a granddaughter my age who’s single and a dinner date for six o’clock tonight!”
“Six o’clock?”
“She’s old, Riley.”
“Fine. Six it is. I’m impressed, Max! How’d you get her to agree to dinner?”
He shifted uncomfortably, “I agreed to meet her granddaughter. She’s coming to dinner too.”
Riley clapped both hands over her mouth as she tried to repress the giggle that threatened to bubble out of her.
“Yeah, yeah, yuck it up. The shit I do for you…”
“Ah, Max, you love this as much as I do! And who knows? Maybe she’ll be a hottie and you’ll hit it off!”
His shoulders slumped as his eyes tracked across her face, “That’s not very likely.”
“Why not?”
Before he could answer, the door to Bertrand’s office opened and Liam stepped out.
“O’Malley!” Bertrand barked.
Flynn pulled himself away from Lilith and jogged across the room as Liam made his way back to his desk and motioned for Riley and Max to take the chairs across from him.
Liam drew in a deep breath to steady himself before lifting his eyes to Riley, “You said you have a suspect with motive. Who?”
“William Sloan.”
Liam blinked slowly, “William Sloan? The CEO of Sloan Enterprises?”
“That’s the one!” Riley smiled brightly at him.
“What’s the motive?”
Riley glanced around the office then leaned over the desk, “His wife, Katie Sloan might have been sleeping with the victim!”
“Might have been? Based on what evidence?”
“Well, he was concerned enough to hire a private detective to have her followed and she was followed right to a meeting with the murder victim.”
Liam sat up in interest, “When was this meeting? Where did it take place? Who was the private detective?”
“Oh…um…” she slid her eyes sidewise to Max.
Max straighten in his chair as he counted backward in his head, “Five nights ago, at the bar in the lobby of the Savoy Hotel.”
Liam’s gaze swung from Riley to Max in surprise, “Now I know you’re not a private investigator, are you?”
“No, officer, I’m a photographer.”
“So how do you know this and who-“
Riley placed a hand on Max’s chest to forestall any further comments from him, “Max just happened to see them there and he’s reporting it to you, as a good citizen.”
“Uh huh,” Liam leaned back in his chair as he returned his attention to Riley, “And how do you know about William Sloan hiring a PI?”
“I can’t reveal my sources,” She returned his gaze levelly.
“Riley, I’m going to need a little more to go on than your word.”
“Well, I would imagine you can pull security footage from the bar on the night in question.”
“We can and we will. It would be really helpful if you would just tell me the name of this PI.”
With a coy grin, she placed her elbow on his desk and leaned her chin in her hand, “And what do I get out of that deal?”
His mouth went dry as he properly identified the teasing lilt in her tone and the flirty flutter of her eyelashes. This woman was infuriating. She had no right to be so frustrating and alluring at the same damn time. She did things to him that he didn’t like to admit. But she was a reporter and had already proven that he couldn’t trust her. He hated that he knew exactly what it sounded like when she came and that he desperately wanted to hear it again.
Pushing his sudden arousal to the side, he shook his head, “Helping solve a murder? Isn’t that enough?”
“If I go around throwing my sources under the bus, they’ll stop telling me things.”
“Fine,” Liam blew out a frustrated sigh, “Is there anything you can tell me? Do you know the nature of Katie and Trent’s relationship? Was she cheating on her husband with him?”
“I don’t know if she was sleeping with him or not, but Trent and Katie used to be engaged!”
“Did they?”
“Yes, you can look that up. It’s a matter of public record.”
“Oh, I will,” he pushed away from his desk, walked around it, and motioned toward the exit, “Now, unless you have anything else useful to tell me-“
Riley and Max stood, but while Max headed for the exit, Riley turned back to Liam, laying a hand on his arm she lowered her voice, “I hope this is enough to take the suspicion off your brother.”
His face paled, “You heard all that?”
“Enough,” she shrugged, “For what it’s worth, if you say he didn’t do it, that’s good enough for me. I believe you.”
He stared at her hand on his arm for a long moment before lifting his eyes to her. He found nothing but sincerity there as he whispered, “Thanks.”
“Anytime,” she smiled as she dropped her hand away from his arm and turned to go.
“Riley, wait!” He reached for her and spun her back toward him, “Please…don’t print my brother’s name.”
“Liam….I have a duty as an investigative journalist-“
“Please!”
She hesitated. The vulnerability in his eyes and the pleading in his tone conspired to weaken her resolve. “Fine. I won’t print his name for now but once you narrow down a suspect, you tell me first!”
“Riley, you know I can’t-“
She placed her palm flat on his chest, “I’m not asking you to give me confidential information. All I’m asking is that once the information is cleared for release to the press, you slip it to me first!” Because fuck that smug bastard Neville. This was her story and she intended to scoop him on every detail. “Deal?”
Liam’s jaw clenched as he considered her offer. “As long as the information has been cleared through official channels, then fine, I’ll call you before I send it to public relations.”
She gave him that smile again. The one that made him feel like he could climb a mountain for her if she wanted him to. She leaned forward and went up on her tiptoes to place a soft kiss on his cheek, “I think this is going to be a very mutually beneficial arrangement, Detective.”
He watched her walk toward the exit, and Max, who was waiting with his hands shoved in his pockets, giving Liam an appraising look.
Max placed his hand on the small of her back as they exited, shooting a glance back at Liam as he did so.
Interesting. Liam was suddenly curious about the nature of her relationship with her photographer. But there was no time to worry about it now. Right now, he had much bigger problems.
Liam’s head was spinning with the information he had just obtained. Far from exonerating his brother, this new piece of evidence could bury him further. Katie Sloan nee Vanderhilt wasn’t just Trenton Haye’s ex-fiancée, she was also his brother’s ex-girlfriend. If Katie Sloan was rekindling old flames, could she have fallen back into Leo’s bed? Pitted one lover against another?
With a sigh of trepidation, he pulled his phone out and dialed, “Leo, it’s Liam. I’m going to need you to come down to the station and answer some questions.”
45 notes · View notes
queenrileyrose · 5 months
Text
Midnights Like This Part Eleven: A Little Closer
Tumblr media
Miniseries Premise: Riley Brooks leaves everything behind to move to Cordonia after accepting her dream job designing clothing for the upcoming royal wedding. Drowning her sorrows one night, she meets Leo. The pair form an unlikely friendship, having more in common than either expected. Their feelings evolve, but neither wants to ruin the friendship. Will they take a chance or be content to stay friends?
Catch Up Here
Chapter Summary: Riley and Leo take a road trip.
Book: The Royal Romance/Rules of Engagement
Pairings: Leo x Riley (OC), Liam x Marena (MC)
Rating: T
TW: Language, reference to terrorism, pining dumbasses
A/N: I am participating in @choicesflashfics using the prompt: “Please, just let me explain.”
Word Count: 2499
Music Inspo: Closer—Tegan and Sara
Thank you to everyone who reads, likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
Tumblr media
The sun rose above the oak trees, setting the yellow corners of the leaves alight. Riley smiled to herself as she dashed across the street. The air was crisper than it had been last week, fall settling in.
Riley nodded to the security guard stationed outside the frosted doors of the cafe, waiting as he swung open the door.
Riley noted the increase in security; there were at least four extra guards. She didn’t blame Liam or Marena for being extra cautious. Although there hadn’t been any threats, the past attacks were still fresh in everyone’s mind.
Marena and Olivia sat at a small table, a tray of pastries in the middle. A silver coffee pot emitted a plume of steam as Marena filled her cup.
“I am starving,” Riley dropped into the wire chair across from Marena. “How’s your morning?”
“Busy,” Marena warmed her hands on the mug. “The wedding plans are almost complete. We’re so close to the day, and I wish we could get married already.”
Riley covered her mouth as she chewed a bite of chocolate croissant. “One final fitting and you can do just that.”
Marena laughed. “Thank god.”
Marena surreptitiously eyed Riley as she sipped from a mug. She slid her gaze to Olivia, who was doing the same.
Marena tapped the toe of her shoe to Olivia’s shin, shaking her head slightly as Olivia glared at her.
“What’s your plan for today?” Marena grinned at Riley. “Drinks later?”
“I wish I could,” Riley smiled regretfully. “Leo and I are driving to Castelsarreillan in a few hours.”
“Oh?” Olivia piped up. “The wine isn’t as beautiful as Lythikos, but it’ll do.”
“Noted,” Riley laughed softly. “I’d like to see Lythikos one day, after the wedding maybe?”
Olivia nodded approvingly. She found herself liking Riley, in spite of her no new friends rule.
“That’s why Leo is taking off?” Marena sipped coffee. “He didn’t say what he was doing.”
“Oh,” Riley’s cheeks flushed slightly and Olivia and Marena exchanged a look. “Yeah, we talked about going when we ran into each other at the gallery. He set it up.”
“Leo,” Marena began carefully. “He’s been so much happier since you came here. You’ve been good for him.”
Riley willed herself not to blush again. She’d seen the looks Olivia and Marena kept giving each other. She understood. They wanted Leo to be happy, and they assumed it was turning into more than friendship.
The thoughts Riley had since the art exhibit, sooner if she was being honest, were not strictly friendly. Though Riley wasn’t admitting that to herself, let alone Marena and Olivia.
“He’s been good for me too,” Riley wished she hadn’t finished her breakfast so she could have something to do. “I’m lucky to have him as a friend.”
Olivia opened her mouth and Marena knew she was going to pry. She pushed her shoe into Olivia’s shin again. If Marena could leave out that Leo slept on Riley’s couch more than he spent the night at the palace, Olivia could too.
“To friends!” Marena raised her water glass. “We can do drinks another night.”
Tumblr media
Leo’s brow furrowed as he slowed the vehicle. He shifted into park before stepping out and jogging to the sidewalk in front of Riley’s apartment.
“You didn’t have to wait outside,” Leo took Riley’s hand without thinking, enclosing her slightly chilly fingers in his. “It’s cold.”
“It’s a little chilly,” Riley agreed, beaming up at him, warmth flooding her. “I had to mail something; I’ve only been out here a minute.”
Riley left out that she couldn’t sit still. She had been anxious to see Leo. Now that he was here, her nerves relaxed.
“Oh,” Leo’s face cleared, a grin lifting his lips. “You look good.”
Riley wore a dark green sweater dress, a tan trench coat, and matching boots. She’d swept her hair off her face into a half-up sleek bun. Good was an understatement in Leo’s eyes.
“Thanks,” Riley’s dimple popped. “You do too.”
Leo winked. “Matching coats again.” His dark slacks and navy sweater complimented Riley’s outfit, though he didn’t point it out. “Ready to go?”
“If you are,” Riley squeezed Leo’s hand as he led her to a black Aston Martin Vanquish. “Nice car.”
Leo opened the passenger side door, reluctantly releasing Riley’s hand. “Thought you’d like it.”
Tumblr media
“Wow,” Riley breathed, leaning against the door to click it shut. “I haven’t seen much of Cordonia, but so far, there’s not one ugly place.”
“We should put that on the stamps,” Leo chuckled, pocketing the keys to the Aston Martin. He hadn’t driven in months, and each mile he put between himself and the palace made him feel the same way he felt when he took off on adventures before abdicating. Free.
Leo leaned against the car beside Riley, pretending to ignore the familiar scent of her shampoo. Or the warmth he felt as her arm brushed against his.
Like his current role at the palace, Leo was trying to avoid thinking about a lot of things. Riley talking about her life lists at the gallery had shaken something loose in Leo’s brain.
Riley tilted her chin, Leo’s focus on the rolling vineyards. She nudged his side, his gaze lowering to her. “What’s first on the agenda?”
“How do you know there is one?” Leo asked, bemused.
“Because-“ Riley began.
“Prince Leo!” A rich, deep voice boomed. Leo and Riley’s heads snapped to the front of the Theron’s estate. Hakim waved before striding over. “I was only made aware of your visit this morning!”
“It’s not an official visit,” Leo clasped the hand Hakim offered. “Allow me to introduce Riley Brooks. She was curious about your duchy, and I offered to show it to her.”
“Your home is beautiful,” Riley shook Hakim’s hand firmly. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” the tension left Hakim’s features. “My wife has mentioned you, of course. She and Ana are close, you see, and Joelle is excited to see her new designs.”
“As am I,” Riley smiled softly. “She may even be in Paris later this year.”
“It is exciting,” Hakim agreed. “I’m so glad you chose today to visit.”
Leo felt a prickle of wariness. “Why’s that?”
“The flower festival is today,” Hakim’s smile widened. “We are down two judges, and since you’re here, perhaps you and Ms. Brooks could stand in.”
“Oh,” Leo stammered. “I’m not sure how much help I’d be; I don’t know much about flower … growing?”
Riley coughed to cover a snicker. Leo pretended to stretch his arm, elbowing Riley in the side.
“That doesn’t matter,” Hakim waved a hand dismissively. “There’s something in it for you if you humor me.”
Leo frowned in confusion. “What’s that?”
“Remember that motorbike I confiscated, it must be eight years ago now?” Hakim smirked.
Leo’s eyes widened. “The Ducati?”
“The same,” Hakim chuckled. “I’ve never had anyone race through the vineyard since.”
“You raced through the vineyard?” Riley echoed, swatting Leo’s chest. “With who?”
“Please, just let me explain,” Leo rubbed his neck nervously. “Bertrand and I-”
“Maxwell’s brother?” Riley couldn’t contain her laughter. “I’m sorry, what?”
Leo couldn’t help but laugh along. He also couldn’t help but notice how beautiful Riley was when she laughed.
“Don’t let the sweater vests fool you,” Hakim said, clearly pleased. “Bertrand used to be a hellraiser.”
“I can’t picture it,” Riley wiped tears from her eyes. “I’d love to help.”
Leo felt a wave of gratefulness wash over him. As much as he didn’t want to work today, taking care to keep his royal facade in tact; Riley relaxed him.
“Splendid,” Hakim nodded in approval. “Come, let’s get to the competition before Princess Marguerite destroys another plant.”
Riley and Leo fell into step alongside Hakim, floral archways visible in the distance.
“She destroyed a plant?” Riley repeated in disbelief.
“The event can get quite,” Hakim paused, trying to find the right word. “Intense.”
“Cutthroat,” Leo corrected, rounding the corner.
Riley’s eyes widened as they approached the festival grounds. In addition to the archways, small immaculate flower beds dotted the lawn between the display tables.
Riley stopped abruptly, a large fuschia orchid catching her eye. “This is gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” the blonde woman standing beside the plant beamed.
Leo offered Riley his arm. “Shall we?”
Riley looped her arm through his, ignoring the small thrill that went through her. “We shall.”
Leo braced himself as they walked deeper into the grounds. As he expected, a majority of the competitors rushed toward them.
“Why does this feel like the beginning of a horror film?” Riley said just loud enough for Leo to hear.
“I’ll protect you,” Leo suppressed a laugh. “Game face on. Don’t let them smell fear.”
Riley quickly made her expression neutral. “Ready.”
“Ms. Brooks!” Joelle trilled. She clasped her hands over Riley’s. “Ana has told me about you, I’m so pleased you’re attending.”
“Thank you for having me,” Riley smiled gratefully. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Kiara and Ezekiel were meant to assist,” Joelle frowned slightly, patting Riley’s hand. “However, they chose to travel to Texas with Mr. Walker.”
Leo’s brow raised. Liam had let Drake have it, based on the summary his brother had given him, but Drake hadn’t mentioned leaving.
“Kiara and Ezekiel will be back in time for the wedding, of course,” Joelle added hurriedly. “I did not ask Mr. Walker, but he indicated that he would not be returning for some time.”
Riley snuck a glance at Leo, noting the hard line of his jaw.
“Drake hasn’t been to the States in years,” Leo forced a smile. “Now that everything has calmed down, a visit makes sense.”
Riley heard the edge in Leo’s voice. She squeezed Leo’s forearm gently. Leo covered her hand with his, briefly interlacing their fingers.
“Yes,” Joelle agreed. “Enjoy the festival! Be sure to look for my-”
“Enough!” A male voice shouted. “Stop monopolizing the judges!”
More participants descended on Leo and Riley. They spoke to each person, trying to keep a straight face. As one contestant droned on about the unfairness of another contestant's plant, Leo noticed Riley’s eyes begin to glaze over.
“Everyone!” Leo cupped his free hand around his mouth. “Stand beside your submissions, please! Riley and I will be walking through to rank them.”
The crowd dispersed, everyone running in different directions to attend to their plants.
“Holy shit,” Riley whispered. “That was crazy.”
“Almost done,” Leo sighed in relief. He was trying to keep his head in the game. Liam wouldn’t have shouted like that to move things along, but Leo couldn’t take much more of the flower festival.
“I still like the orchid best,” Riley murmured as they approached the first plant. “So pretty.”
“It was huge,” Leo agreed. “Let’s pretend to consider the others, and just pick that one?”
“Deal,” Riley covered her mouth as she yawned.
Tumblr media
“Oof,” Riley groaned, settling into a chair beside Leo. The Theron’s patio was half full of participants from the festival, sipping wine and laughing, the atmosphere startlingly different from the competition earlier. “That was more work than I expected.”
“It always is,” Leo crossed his ankle over one knee, shifting to face Riley. “Thank you for helping out.”
“Anytime. At least we got a huge dinner out of it,” Riley cupped a goblet, taking a healthy swallow of Merlot. “And wine. How much space is in the trunk of that car?”
“I can ship any wine you buy with my bike,” Leo offered.
Riley smiled gratefully, her forehead creasing. Leo watched the wheels turn; a thought had just popped into her head.
“I can’t picture you on a motorcycle,” Riley admitted. “I’ve never even seen you wear jeans.”
“That’s not changing,” Leo snickered, choking on a sip of wine. “I don’t wear them anymore.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Riley rose from her chair, moving to the railing overlooking the vineyards. Small lights shone between the plants, the fading light of the sun made the leaves shimmer.
Leo leaned beside Riley, trying to remember the last time he felt so at ease.
“I had fun today,” Riley’s soft voice broke into Leo’s thoughts. “It’s gorgeous here.”
“Fun,” Leo cocked an eyebrow. “Even after Princess Lesedi tried to smash a planter over King Eirik’s head?”
“He had it coming, but yes,” Riley leaned against the railing to look up at Leo. “I don’t know how you do it, all the royal duties. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?”
What Riley didn’t say was that she could tell Leo’s heart wasn’t in it. He seemed restless lately; he was away from the palace any chance he got. Riley wondered if he’d leave again after the wedding. The thought made her heart sink, though Leo being unhappy hurt more.
“Yeah,” Leo watched the last rays of the sun disappear on the horizon. “It reminds me of why I abdicated. It’s worth it to help Liam.”
“But?” Riley asked gently.
“I can’t do it full time,” Leo raked a hand through his hair. “I can’t live in the palace and keep doing the same things I ran away from.”
Riley put a soothing hand on Leo’s shoulder. “Do you know what you want to do? What’ll make you happiest?”
Leo looked down into Riley’s deep brown eyes, the dim lamplight catching the gold flecks. “I have an idea.”
“Oh?” Riley blinked rapidly, Leo’s husky tone sending a shiver through her. “What’s that?”
“I’m working it out,” Leo leaned down, their lips a hair’s breadth apart. He tucked a lock of hair behind Riley’s ear, his nose brushed against hers.
Riley's eyes fluttered shut as Leo’s touch lingered, when the shrill sound of a ringtone startled them apart.
It took Riley a few seconds to realize it was hers, vibrating in her coat pocket. She drew it out, squinting at the display. “Shit. Dad. Not answering.”
Leo let out a breath. He’d almost kissed Riley. Part of him wanted to attempt to kiss her again, but his brain screamed no. Not here, in front of all these people. Not this way. It wasn’t good enough.
With a start, Leo realized he liked Riley. Really liked her, as more than a friend. She understood him in a way most people didn’t. She was hilarious, much smarter than he was.
Leo wasn’t sure when this had all happened, somewhere between all the dinners, drinks, movie nights, and long conversations; he’d allowed himself to start falling. Leo felt a rush of panic but quickly stamped it down. If he’d just realized his feelings, there was no way she knew.
“Sorry,” Riley powered off her phone. They’d almost … hadn’t they? Riley felt a pang of disappointment that they’d been interrupted.
Leo needed to ease the awkwardness. “Want to see where I drove through the vineyard?”
Riley laughed, the uncomfortable tension broken. “I would love that.”
Leo rested his hand at the small of Riley’s back, guiding her down the rock path.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Tags:
Perma: @ao719 @appleone @burnsoslow @charlotteg234 @choiceskatie @differenttyphoonwerewolf @emkay512 @foreverethereal123 @gabesmommie1130 @gardeningourmet @iaminlovewithtrr @imashybish @kingliam2019 @kristinamae093 @ladyangel70 @lovingchoices14 @lunaseasblog @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @mom2000aggie @nestledonthaveone @originaljudgepiepaper @pixelatedpassion @platapirexy @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @queenmiarys @queenwalton @royalpest @tessa-liam @trrfanaddict @3pawandme @21-wishes
Leo x Riley: @mywildheartremains
TRR/TRH: @jared2612 @malblk21
MLT: @alyshak92 @belencha77 @irisk12 @karahalloway @persephone13 @starrystarrytrouble @tinkie1973
112 notes · View notes
karahalloway · 25 days
Text
(Less Than) Noble Intentions: Chapter 17 - News Flash
Tumblr media
Fandom: TRR
Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Harper Gale)
Series Summary: The social season may be over, but Harper Gale’s problems are just beginning. With everyone at court a potential suspect, can she and Drake survive the engagement tour and get to the bottom of the plot against her and clear her name? An AU take of TRR2 featuring my OTP - Harper & Drake.
Masterlist: (Less Than) Noble Intentions
Chapter Summary: Harper and the Beaumonts get on a plane to Italy… but they are not riding solo
Word Count: 4,500
Rating/Warnings: M (using the Lord's name in vain, shocking revelations, possible ulterior motives)
Chapter theme song:
A/N1: And… we’re back! I know this is a bit delayed, thanks to my new Heaven’s Secret distraction, but I am hoping to refocus myself on this continuously neglected series again for the next few weeks/months so we can make some headway towards wrapping it up. Also, I know we all miss him, and he hasn’t had as much page time as we all (Harper included!) probably want, but I promise that after this chapter there will be a lot more Drake again 🥃
A/N2: Astute readers will probably notice that there is nary a train in sight (in this chapter, or any future ones). This is deliberate because (i) I never understood why PB went in that direction in canon (is a travelling boutique really that important?!), and (ii) trains don’t make sense from a security point of view anyway (apparently the UK’s Royalty and Specialist Protection — which provides close protection to the royal family — used to hate it when Elizabeth II travelled by train, because it was always a massive headache to ensure her safety as trains travel on a fixed route and schedule, with no opportunities for diversion or evasion of things go to pot). So… planes it is ✈️
A/N3: Finally, another special shoutout to @thegreentwin​ for giving me the inspiration to have a crack at creating the tabloid cover page featured in this chapter. If you have not read The Rebel Prince, please do so! It is cute, funny, insightful and the gossip magazine covers that accompany several of the chapters are something else!
Chapter 17 - News Flash
Tumblr media
"I thought we're going to Italy..." I remark the next morning as we pull to a stop on the tarmac of a secluded private airfield.
"We are," confirms Bertrand, jamming a fedora onto his head to protect against the ferocity of the morning sun... and hide the brutal sunburn he managed to acquire as a result of spending the entirety of yesterday's Festival outdoors without any SPF protection.
"Then what's with the literal mountain of luggage?" I ask as we step out of our customary limo.
Bertrand fixes me with a red-faced glare over the roof of the vehicle. "Have you learnt nothing from the social season?"
I throw him a deadpan look. "You mean apart from the fact that you insist on packing everything, including the kitchen sink?"
Maxwell's snort drifts up from the backseat.
The elder Beaumont is not impressed with my clapback. "The engagement tour will be one high-profile event after the other, which means that we will have neither the time nor the opportunity to engage in slap-dash shopping sprees. Not only would such proletarian behaviour be rude, but it would be misguided as well, given that we need to ensure that for each event we abide not just by the formal dress code indicated on the invitation, but also that we do not clash with, or indeed overshadow the hosts — or the King and future Queen, for that matter! — in terms of style and colour, all while being thoughtful in ensuring that we incorporate elements from both local and Cordonian designers to visually showcase the strength of the bonds that knit our respective nations together. On top of all that, it is imperative that we—"
"How the heck is anyone expected to pull all that off?" I blurt in disbelief.
"Through careful planning and coordination," Bertrand declares as he comes to join Maxwell and me on the other side of the limo. "Which is why I have taken the liberty of pre-selecting each outfit for each event of the tour, in consultation with the Palace's Master of the Robes."
My mouth drops. "You... Put a wardrobe together? For me?"
"Yes," comes the diffident affirmation. "Given that all eyes — not just those of our fellow Cordonians, but of our host nations' — will be on us constantly, we cannot afford any fashion faux pas."
I stare at my former sponsor mutely, mouth opening and closing like a dumbfounded goldfish.
Maxwell attempts to diffuse my slap-faced reaction with a jovial grin. "Bertrand used to lay my clothes out for me all the time when we were younger. I know he doesn't look it, but he has excellent—"
I shove an accusatory finger out. "He tried to foist me into a Medieval cosplay dress! That is the exact opposite of excellent taste!"
The elder Beaumont bristles. "It was hardly—"
"And how the hell did you afford all of this anyway?" I interject, throwing my arm out towards the carefully stacked Eiffel Tower of suitcases. "Because last time I checked, you were flat broke!"
Bertrand's already ruddy complexion darkens further. "There is no need for you to concern yourself with—"
"How?!"
After the way Maxwell had tried to sell covert photos and Christian and me from New York to the press in a bid to make bank, I am not willing to take any kind of half-baked deflection when it comes to the Beaumonts and money. I've been used one too many times for someone else's gain, so my trust is virtually non-existent at this point.
Bertrand swallows thickly as he averts his eyes. "I... I may have made recourse to an old sewing machine I found in the attic..."
My eyes just about pop out of my head. "You what?!"
I'd expected any one of six million other explanations — he'd sold the vineyard... remortgaged Ramsford... auctioned off every last chair and curtain from the manor... Even offered his soul to the literal Devil...
But using a sewing machine...? To make actual clothes...?
I had obviously caught the sun yesterday as well, and am now suffering from heat stroke...
"Bertrand has always been interested in fashion," explains Maxwell with a perfectly straight face. "He even wanted to enroll at the world-renowned Istituto Marangoni International in Milan to study Fashion Design. But then our father took unexpectedly ill, and—"
"Yes, yes..." interjects Bertrand with an embarrassed wave of his hand. "No need to revisit broken dreams and unfulfilled promises. The point is that I made the best use of what meagre funds and resources we had at our disposal to curate a serviceable selection of outfits for each of us. With a little help from Maxwell, of course."
"I was the mannequin," he declares proudly. "I admit, I got poked a few times in the line of duty, but it was worth it. Bertrand did a stellar job – you're going to love what he made for you."
"I... I don't know what to say..." I admit faintly.
And here I'd been thinking that Bertrand's closet Harry Potter obsession had been a big reveal...
"Yes... Well..." Bertrand clears his throat uncomfortably. "We each have our unique talents. Speaking of... I trust you have been practicing your Italian?"
I frown. "My what?"
"You were supposed to give her lessons!" cries Bertrand, smacking his brother over the back of the head.
Maxwell's retro '60s sunglasses fly off his face. "My Prada’s...!"
"What about French?" Bertrand demands, rounding on me with all the intensity of a furious tomato on the verge of exploding.
"Allard and Schweitzer have been teaching—"
"Some initiative at last!" exclaims Bertrand, throwing his hands up in the air in deliverance. "Good — you'll have some semblance of a basis, then. However, while both languages share a common root — that being Latin — as a result of roughly a thousand kilometres of physical separation, and over fifteen centuries of linguistic divergence, Italian has become markedly different from its Gallic cousin, so we will have our work cut out in making you even semi-proficient by the time we land in Rome. So, I hope you brought pen and paper with you."
My shoulders slump as I watch Bertrand stride off towards the waiting plane. "Great..."
There goes the next hour and a half of my life...
"I knew I had forgotten something..." admits Maxwell, rubbing the back of his head as he retrieves his sunglasses from the tarmac. "But I thought it was just my second favourite pair of boxers."
"It's fine..." I assure wearily him as I begin my own trudge towards the jet. "It wouldn't be a true Beaumont travel experience without a droning Bertrand lecture..."
Though I guess it could be worse. I could be stuck on the royal jet with Christian and Madeleine. Which — after what happened yesterday — would be like staging an aristocratic rendition of Squid Game... 20,000 feet in the air. So, on that basis, I'll willingly subject myself to Bertrand's monologuing any day of the week, if it means I can—
"And there she is..." remarks a familiar, though very much unexpected voice as I step onto the plane. "The woman of the hour."
Jerking my head to the right, my eyes land on Olivia, lounging on one of the cream-coloured leather seats, her killer spike stiletto boots dangling over the armrest as she casually peruses a broadsheet.
"What are you doing here?" I ask in disbelief.
Olivia lowers the paper to meet my eye with a quirked brow. "You mean, on my own aircraft?"
I cast a glance in Bertrand's direction as I make my way down the gangway. "Guess your meagre funds and resources didn't extend to sourcing jet fuel?"
Bertrand coughs evasively as he stores his briefcase in the overhead locker. "Since we are all heading in the same direction anyway, Lady Oliva was kind enough to—"
"Shut it, Beaumont," Olivia snaps. "I am doing this as a personal favour, not an act of charity. As Lord knows that I wouldn't normally tolerate sharing recycled air with this many people in a confined space. So, if you want to stay on this plane, you will save the histrionics for the Italian President."
Bertrand promptly clamps his mouth shut to sink into his seat without another word.
"Wow..." I say, settling in across from Olivia. "He must've been really desperate to come to you for help... No offence."
"None taken," she replies with a breezy shrug as she flips the broadsheet closed and nods to the cabin attendant. "Because the request didn't come from the Beaumonts."
My head snaps up in surprise. "Then who?"
She regards me for a long moment, as if debating whether to tell me. Finally, she lets out a resigned exhale. "Drake."
My jaw hits the floor. "What!"
Olivia scrunches her mouth up ruefully. "He twisted my arm into agreeing to look out for you while he's off playing desert soldier."
I stare at her. "How in the world did he—?"
Maxwell thrusts his head 'round the back of Olivia's seat. "Drake's playing video games! Instead of coming to Italy?”
The Duchess of Lythikos shoves the intruding face away with the palm of her hand. "No, you imbecile! Drake's gone to Dubai." Glancing at me she adds, "I presume they know?"
"They do now," I concede with a sigh.
Thanks to the slew of quick-fire developments at yesterday's Festival, followed by the rabid packing to get ourselves ready for the international leg of the tour, I haven't had a chance to bring the Beaumonts up to speed with everything that's happened in the past twenty-four hours.
But they're bound to find out about Drake's last-minute side-trip at some point, so this is as good a time as any to level with them.
Maxwell’s mouth drops with an aghast look. "But I didn't hit him that hard!"
Olivia quirks a brow at me.
"Long story, don't ask," I tell her wearily. Glancing up at Maxwell, I add, "He's gone after Tariq. Bastien found him hiding out on some rich cousin's yacht out in the bay."
"Oh." Maxwell scratches his head abashedly. "That makes more sense..."
"How do you put up with these two?" asks Olivia with a shake of her head as Maxwell sinks back into his seat.
I give her a shrug. "They have a weird way of growing on you..."
"Like some deadly fungus..." she mutters with a roll of her eyes.
"I heard that!" objects Maxwell from behind her.
"Well, maybe you shouldn't eavesdrop, then!" she throws over her shoulder snidely. Turning back to me, she adds, "And speaking of funguses, you can remind your boyfriend when he gets back that you both owe me. Big time."
My gaze darts to hers. "I— We're not—"
"Thank you for confirming it," she interjects with a sly smile. "But also, I'm not an idiot. It's obvious to anyone with a set of eyes that the fool is in love with you... and you with him. It's all quite disgusting, really..."
I feel my cheeks redden. "So, why help us, then?"
She heaves a low breath. "Because you stuck your neck out for me when you didn't have to. Despite everything I did to try and undermine you during the season. And because we have a common enemy."
She tosses the broadsheet that she'd been reading over to me.
Catching the copy of the Cordonia Sun before it has a chance to slide off the table between us, I glance down...
...and my heart sinks as I take in the unflattering picture of myself seemingly facing off against Madeleine under the sensationalist headline.
Tumblr media
I shove the paper angrily away. "Hey. I didn't start it..."
"And yet you somehow always manage to find yourself in the middle of it, don't you?" she counters with an arched brow as the jet revs its engines for take-off. "The half-nude pictures... The Beaumonts' financial troubles... The speculations about the real reason Christian gave you a duchy... I mean, even the Duchess of Sussex would have a hard time competing with you when it comes to front-page scandals."
"And you think Madeleine is behind it all?" I ask tightly, indicating the tabloid.
"She would certainly have a lot to gain from waging a targeted media campaign against you," Olivia affirms. "She isn't married to Christian yet, and after what happened with Leo, she no doubt feels threatened by your continued presence at court. So, discrediting your integrity in the eyes of the Council would help her ensure that Christian can never formally pick you over her to become Queen."
"Because she doesn't know I turned him down..." I grumble dejectedly as the plane pulls into the air.
"And certainly would not believe you if you told her, either," she adds. "But she is not the only one with something to lose."
I sit up straighter. "You mean there are other suspects?"
"Yes," she nods. "Namely Godfrey and the Queen Mother."
Bertrand erupts from his seat at the mention of the two names. "That is an outrageous accusation! The Queen Mother would never—!"
"Madeleine is her niece," counters Olivia flatly. "Given that she has no children of her own, she practically treats that golden-haired harpy as if she is her heir. And since she was the one who brokered the original marriage contract between Leo and Madeleine, she clearly doesn't want all that work going to waste."
I frown. "But if everything was in place already, why have a social season at all? Why not just sub out Leo's name for Christian's in the contract?"
"To give Christian the illusion of choice."
My jaw drops. "You're not serious..."
"It would have been in poor taste to simply swap one prince out for another," Olivia advises. "Leo hadn't died... merely abdicated. But that decision nevertheless rocked the kingdom to its core."
"It's true," supplies Maxwell, leaning around with a mouth full of jelly worms. "The headlines were vicious."
"So..." I muse with a frown. "The Palace needed a distraction?"
"Yes," Oliva affirms seriously. "To draw attention away from Constantine's failing health."
"Wait," I cut in. "Constantine is dying?"
Olivia nods. "Prostate cancer. By all estimates, he has less than a year to live."
"Oh, my God..." I gasp, hand flying to my mouth. "No wonder Christian didn't want to talk about it..."
"The Palace is under strict instructions to keep the whole thing tightly under wraps..." she explains. "At least until after the coronation and wedding are both out of the way. They don't want the news to overshadow the first few critical months of Christian's rule."
"So, how did you find out?" I query.
She cuts her eyes over at me. "Like I said at the Masquerade Ball... Christian and I share a special connection. There are no secrets between us. Also – look at who you're talking to. I have files on each of the suitors from the social season. You seriously think I wouldn't know about something as vital to the functioning of the kingdom as the state of the King Father's health?"
"I guess not..." I concede, still trying to process this bombshell. "But how does giving Christian an illusion of a choice during the social season help cover up Constantine's cancer?"
"In the wake of Leo's abdication, support for the Rys family fell to an all-time low. The press started to question Constantine's policies, and the direction that the kingdom has been heading over the past few decades, implying that the country's current trajectory was unsustainable... and uncorrectable."
"I remember reading something about that on the flight from New York..." I recall. "There were suggestions that Leo abdicated because he didn't believe in the future of the monarchy."
"Which wasn't the case at all," she cautions. "But the Palace was worried that such intense media scrutiny would unearth evidence of Constantine's ill health... which would in turn intensify the calls from the republican factions of the country to abolish the system of hereditary rule completely. So, in a desperate bid to reunite the people behind a common cause, and shore up support for the monarchy, the Palace decided run the season again."
"But why?" I ask, still not seeing the connection.
"To charm the country with the fairytale of a royal romance," denotes Olivia sourly. "Because people apparently go ga-ga for that shite..."
Bertrand narrowly avoids choking in his seat across the aisle. "That is a crude and absolutely salacious interpretation of—!"
I whirl across the aisle. "Wait. You knew about this?"
Bertrand folds his arms across his chest. "I am a serving member of the Council. Of course I knew about the Palace's decision to run the social season again. But to suggest that it was all done simply for the sake of—"
"God, you're thick..." interjects Olivia.
Bertrand blanches. "I beg your pardon?!"
"You've been at court long enough to know that the truth is never the whole truth — there is always some hidden purpose or ulterior motive."
"But to suggest that—"
"The Palace needed a believable story — one that could capture the public's imagination — while still serving the needs of the kingdom," Olivia states. "A story of duty and love."
"Between Christian and Madeleine?" I ask sceptically. "But they don't even like each other."
"So?" scoffs Olivia. "The aim was to sell the lie to the populace. Everything else is inconsequential. And can be made to fit the narrative."
"But if you knew all this," I counter, "why did you join the competition?"
"I joined exactly because I knew the season was a sham," she replies heatedly. "To give Christian a genuine choice... not just the one that everyone else was determined to steer him towards."
"Because you love him..."
Olivia nods tightly. "Yes. And I knew it was a long shot. But even if he wouldn't end up being able to choose me — Regina would've made sure to stack the Council votes in her favour — at least I could be there to support him... as a friend."
I feel my heart go out to her, knowing from personal experience how difficult it is to be in a situation where you desperately want to be with someone, but can't because of circumstances that are outside of your control.
"But then, of course..." adds Olivia, once again with her customary breeziness, "you show up from out of nowhere with your hideous accent and relatable backstory—"
"Hey!"
"—and the whole country — Christian included — loses their collective minds. With the result that Regina's plan to make her niece Queen begins to unravel at the seams."
"Which is why she decided to set me up..." I surmise heavily as the jet levels off.
It's been fairly obvious from the start that I'm not Regina's favourite person... But the knowledge that she'd go to such lengths to publicly blacklist me? That's just inexcusable.
"You have no proof of that!" objects Bertrand, butting in again.
"Not directly, no," Olivia admits. "But all the evidence we have to date fits. The money Tariq received for his involvement came from a numbered account located in Switzerland. The blackmail letters distributed at the Coronation Ball were printed on Palace stationery. And as far as motives go, the Queen Mother would have more reason than most to influence the outcome of the social season."
"I cannot believe I am hearing this...!" decries Bertrand with a shake of his head. "The implications alone would be—"
"Ruinous to the Rys family," confirms Olivia. "I am aware. Which is why we must tread carefully in order to avoid tarring Christian with any of this. The monarchy would not survive the ensuing scandal."
"What about this other guy?" I ask. "Godfrey? How does he fit into this?"
Olivia throws her hands up. "Lord, you're more clueless than him!"
"Excuse me for not knowing every single Cordonian nobleman by name," I snark back. "I've only been a duchess for a day..."
"I'll send you my files," Olivia huffs wearily. "All two hundred of them."
My eyes widen. "There's two hundred—?"
"There's more, but those are the important ones," she replies with a dismissive wave of her hand. "And if you want to be an effective duchess, I suggest you study up because you need to have the entire contents of those dossiers memorised and ready to deploy in any given conversation."
"Sweet Jesus..." I gasp faintly, making recourse to Drake's favourite invective, as it certainly fit the magnitude of the task Olivia has just dumped on me.
"You didn't grow up in this world, so you have a lot of catching up to do," Olivia shrugs unabashedly.
"Yeah, I'm very much aware of that..." I concede dryly, rubbing my temples. "So, who is this Godfrey?"
"The Third Earl of Huntford, and Duke jure uxoris of Krona."
My brows furrow in recollection. "Krona... Does that mean he's—?"
"He's Madeleine's dad," supplies Maxwell, popping his head into the aisle again, this time in the company of a CapriSun juice pouch.
My eyes widen. "The man at the garden party! But what does he have against me? I've never even met him!"
"The fact that you are still here..." offers Olivia blandly. "Competing against his daughter for the attentions of the King."
"It's not exactly a competition," I scoff. "I'm not trying to steal him away from her."
"Except that isn't how the press is portraying it," counters Olivia pointedly, tapping the front page of the Sun.
I open my mouth again, but quickly shut it, realising that Olivia is right. As regardless of my personal reasons for being back at court — as the Royal Consort, no less! — the view from the outside presents very differently. And given that Madeleine herself clearly feels threatened by my continued presence at Christian's side, it's no small jump to imagine that her father — who, based on what I saw at the garden party a few days ago, is just as power-hungry and image-conscious as his daughter — would also feel the same.
"Crap..." I huff, falling back into my seat dejectedly.
"Not the most elegant of phrasing," muses Olivia. "But certainly succinct."
"What am I going to do?" I ask morosely, starting up at the cabin's air vents.
"Help me gather as much proof as we can during the course of the tour," Olivia instructs. "So we can narrow down our suspect list... or indict all three of them. In either case, we will be more effective if we work together."
"That plan is akin to sedition!" cries Bertrand, clearly aghast by the very suggestion. "Bordering on treason! All of us are in enough hot water already without—"
"Which is why it is imperative that no word of anything that we have just discussed leaves this aircraft," declares Olivia with a steely look. "Or I will personally hunt you down and turn your face inside out."
I gulp at the gruesomeness of that particular image. "What... What about the staff? Can you trust them?"
"They are all Lythikosians," Olivia states. "Who have sworn blood-oaths to House Nevrakis. They would never dare betray me."
"Good to know..." I admit, watching the cabin attendant re-appeared with a selection of drinks, and wondering if underneath her uniform she is as armed to the teeth as Olivia supposedly is.
"I presume the same goes for your beefcakes?" asks Olivia, nodding her chin towards the back where Allard and Schweitzer have taken up residence for the duration of the flight.
"Yes," I confirm. "I trust them with my life."
She dips her head in approval. "Good. So, as first order of business, I suggest—"
"Can we tell Hana?" interjects Maxwell, bobbing up from behind Olivia again. "She's helping us, too!"
Olivia heaves a breath. "Yes, fine. But—"
I hold up a hand. "And Drake will probably want t—"
"Yes, fine!" she snaps irately. "Anyone else? Your maternal grandmother, perhaps?"
I bite my bottom lip as I peek up at her. "Do we tell Christian?"
Olivia holds my gaze for a long moment. "No. Not until we have concrete proof. One way or another. He has enough crises to manage right now without lumbering him with a major constitutional one as well."
I nod in understanding. The mere suggestion that his godmother and future father-in-law have been conspiring to put Madeleine on the throne (potentially with his fiancée's own buy-in!) would be soul-destroying. Which is why we need to find that smoking gun — ideally several — before we present our accusations.
"Not sure if it will be of any help at all," I say, "but Ana de Luca managed dig up some information on the freelance photographer Tariq was working with on the day of the Jamboree."
"Did you bribe her with another exclusive?" chaffs Olivia dryly.
"We'll need someone to help us set the record straight," I affirm. My shoulders slump suddenly. "But I gave the flash-drive to Drake."
"Which he gave to me," smirks Olivia, pulling the device from the pocket of her jacket.
I gape at the piece of plastic in her hand. "Drake really trusts you, huh?"
"More than most," she shrugs coyly, flipping the drive over to me.
I catch it with both hands. "We should review whatever is on here. Who knows? Maybe the photographer is part of the press corps covering the tour."
"I have my laptop with me," Maxwell offers. "I was going to use it to mix some tunes, but—"
"You'll only get one chance to unravel a high-stakes aristo racket!" I quip, dangling the drive between my fingers.
"God, your incessant American optimism is stomach-turning..." Olivia groans. "And you've clearly spent too much time with Walker."
"Hey," I hit back. "This is the best lead we've gotten yet. We shouldn't discount it. This photographer could be key to linking Regina and/or Godfrey to the plot to influence the outcome of the social season."
"Assuming you can find them..." counters Olivia. "And get them to talk."
I meet her eye with a level look. "Good thing that's your area of expertise, isn't it, Duchess?"
The corner of her mouth lifts craftily.
"But what about Harper's Italian!" disparages Bertrand. "We'll be landing in less than an hour, and she still doesn't know the proper way to greet the President in his native tongue without insulting him!"
I swallow a groan. "Do I really need t—?"
"Being able to carry a conversation with the Head of State in Italian will go a long way in demonstrating to both the public and the press that you are serious about your new role as Duchess of Valtoria," he advises frankly. "And will score you some much-needed diplomatic points with our hosts as well."
"Guess we have our work cut out for us, then," I accede with a sigh. "Any chance for some coffee?"
"Turkish, Irish, or Sicilian?" asks Olivia.
"Which is closest to a latte?"
"Probably the Sicilian," she advises. "If you make it into a granita di caffe."
"I'm feeling Italian already!" I gibe in an attempt to lighten the mood a bit.
Bertrand groans loudly from his seat. "Oh, Dio..."
The story continues in Chapter 18 - Diplomatica
Tumblr media
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 @mywildheartremains
(Less Than) Noble Intentions only (let me know if you want to be added!)
@thetruthisthatiloveyou @anakjaybon-blog
37 notes · View notes