#king and queen of cordonia
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The Royal Romance.
Forevermore.
A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.
Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.
Current Word Count: 8,600 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾♀️)
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This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!
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Sorry this is wayyyyy late! I thought I had uploaded it last month. Oh well! 🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
Chapter 5.) Joy Of Winter.
It's December in Cordonia. And many in the kingdom were abuzz for the annual Cordonia Winter Festival. It has become somewhat of a national pride and many were ready to celebrate. None more than Marquise. He loves the event and the fact that it has become his wife's newest pastime brings him joy.
December wasn't just the month of the Winter Festival. It was also the month of his graduation. He was to finally graduate with a Doctorate in Psychology. He was excited and couldn't wait to go to Boston. But first, before he could celebrate he had business to attend to.
It was a few weeks removed since his mother-in-law had gotten into a physical altercation with Countess Alicia. With many of the nobles beginning to take Lady Alicia's side and wanting Shantel to be removed from her post. But Marquise knew better. And after the security footage of the fight was released, he had both ladies meet him in his office to discuss and remedy the issue.
"Good morning to you both. Thank you for joining me. Please have a seat." he said to them both.
"Thank you for having us, Your Majesty," Shantel replied.
"Yes. Thank you." Alicia agreed.
"You're both very welcome. Now that you both are here, we can get down to business. Apparently, you two have an issue that needs to be resolved. Now."
Alicia huffed.
"There wouldn't be an issue, Your Majesty, if someone here had remembered her place."
Shantel rolled her eyes.
"If by 'remembered her place' you mean that I should've remembered that I am a Duchess and you're not, then yes you're right I should have, and by doing so I should've had you thrown out of the palace."
"You have no authority there!" Alicia sneered.
"No, I don't. But my husband, perhaps you know him, his name is Prince Damien Miller, he does. And so does my daughter. The Queen. After all, it is HER palace. Not yours. And certainly not your step-sister's." Shantel shot back.
"Your husband is a coward and idiot!" Alicia seethed.
"If by that you mean he chose better and by that I mean he chose me and not a bottom feeder like you. Then yeah you're so right he is."
Alicia's face contorted with disgust.
"Why you no good god awful Jezebel!" Alicia snapped at Shantel.
"You're still mad that he didn't want you then and still doesn't want you now!" Shantel spat back at her.
"Why you–" Alicia started to say before Marquise cut her off, "That is enough! Have some decorum! You're both grandmothers for God's sake."
Shantel raised an eyebrow.
"You know what? You're right, Your Majesty. We should know better. Especially me. After all, my sweet granddaughter is the Crown Heir. I have an example to set for her. I wouldn't want her to see me act like this."
Alicia scoffed.
"This is why you are not and never will be worthy of your so-called title and station as Duchess. You think because you slept with Damien that you belong among us. You are nothing but a commoner. A low-brow American commoner at that."
"Correction: you slept with him. And according to him, you were never really that good. Unlike you, I married him. I love him. Something you have always been incapable of doing."
"Ladies!" Marquise warned.
"I don't even know why I'm even here. We both know you'll do nothing but side with this sad excuse of a noble." Alicia said to Marquise.
Marquise took a deep breath and straightened his spine.
"You're here because whether you like Shantel or not, whether you like the fact she is married to Damien or not, she is still an active member of The Royal Family. And you decided to put your hands on her. Knowing that it's against the law to do so." Marquise said to Alicia.
"She started it!" Alicia protested.
Shantel rolled her eyes.
"Countess, with all due respect, I have seen the security footage and heard the accompanying audio as well. You antagonized her after she, my father-in-law, and Commander Devereaux were situated and settled into their rooms and when she snapped at you for your rudeness during dinner, you threw a drink in her face. Which ended quite badly for you."
Alicia rolled her eyes and Marquise raised an eyebrow at her.
"Did you just roll your eyes at me, Countess?" he asked.
"Of course not. I'm not a heathen. Unlike some people." she replied while gesturing to Shantel.
"I'm not so sure your actual husband, Earl Amos, would agree." Shantel shot back at her.
"Ladies! Last. Chance." Marquise warned.
The two women glared at each other but said nothing.
"Now this issue between you two needs to be put to rest permanently. You are both nobles of very high society, given you both have close proximity to King Dominic and Shantel has close proximity to myself and my wife."
"So just what are you proposing, Your Majesty?" Alicia asked.
"After speaking with both of your husbands I let them decide what the best course of action is to take," Marquise replies.
"And what did they decide?" Shantel asks.
"Your husbands decided that you two are going to work together." Marquise replies.
They were stunned.
"What?!" Shantel asks.
"Excuse me?!" Alicia asked.
"Allow me to explain, because Shantel is the Education Minister, she needs a second in command. That's where you come in Alicia. Because as of this moment, per your husband's request, you are no longer Head Of Staff at the palace in Cloutier."
Alicia blinked.
"What do you mean by his request?!" Alicia asks.
"What I mean is Earl Amos requested you be fired from your position as Head Of Staff for embarrassing and potentially jeopardizing his house, social standing, and name. And I will honor his request. Effective immediately. Instead, you will serve as Shantel's second in command. Consider it fair and well...karmic punishment."
Their jaws dropped.
"So you're saying that I have to work for that?!" Alicia asked, gesturing at Shantel who rolled her eyes.
"Yes. This was the solution both men came up with and as King, I signed off on it." Marquise replied.
"Unbelievable. I can not believe that no good coward would turn on me!"
Shantel shook her head.
"Next time pick on someone who can't fight. You know, like your step-sister?" Shantel quipped.
Marquise turned his attention to his mother-in-law.
"As for you madam, you said it best. Your granddaughter is the Crown Heir. And it is up to you to set the greatest example for her. And as her father and your King, I expect you to act like it. Now as far as Alicia working for you is concerned, I expect you to be a fair leader. Is that clear?" Marquise asks.
"Of course. She's not the first combative person I've dealt with in a workplace and she won't be the last."
Alicia scoffed.
"This is humiliating! I shouldn't have to work with her!"
"Not work with her Countess. Work under her. She is officially your boss. But as she has just assured me, she will be fair. And I expect that you will be compliant."
"And if I'm not? What then? You forget I'm protected by my brother-in-law." Alicia asked.
"First of all, his detail does not extend to you. And hasn't extended to you since he lost power. And secondly, I could just forgo the solution and go with Damien's original idea," Marquise replies.
"What idea?" Alicia asks.
"That I strip you of your title and lands. That was Damien's original idea. The only reason he didn't push harder for it is because of your grandchildren. He as well as your husband didn't think it would be fair for them to have to lose what's rightfully theirs because you want to be a 60-going-5-year-old." Marquise replied.
Shantel snickered quietly.
"It's no wonder why many of the nobles don't respect you, Your Majesty. You let worms like her get away with murder, while you punish their betters for no reason." Alicia sneered at him.
"Oh, I definitely have a reason. It's called I'm the King and this is my kingdom! Now if you're that unhappy with how I rule and run things, you are free to live anywhere you'd like. Just know that it won't be here in Cordonia."
Alicia huffed.
"Are we done?" Alicia asked.
"Get out of my office!" Marquise hissed at her.
Alicia got up and stormed out. Slamming his office door.
"Well, that was fun," Shantel said.
Marquise raised an eyebrow at her, causing her to shake her head.
"I'll be fine, son."
"I know. But I meant it when I told her that you would be fair. Do not make me look like a liar."
"I would never do that to you. You know this. I know how hard you work to balance everything."
"Good."
"You know she's going to run and tell the first noble she comes across that you have been unfair to her right?" Shantel asked.
"I'm betting on it. But I've been in power long enough to know how to deal with these wealthy idiots." he replies.
"What if she tries to gather enough support to oust you and my daughter?" she asks.
"Unless she can somehow convince the 5 heads of the Great Houses of Cordonia to support her cause, I doubt it. Also, Countess Madeleine, Duchess Kiara, Duke Bertrand, Duchess Olivia, and Duke Landon pledged their support to the crown when Khari was born and reaffirmed that pledge when my boys were born."
"Madeleine took over for her mother?" Shantel asks.
"Mmhmm. Duchess Adelaide has kidney cancer on top of having Cirrhosis." Marquise replied.
"Oh my God!" Shantel said with a gasp.
"Her health struggles haven't been made public yet, but due to her rapidly declining health, she quietly passed the duties as Head Of House over to her daughter when the boys were six months old."
"Is it terminal?" Shantel asks.
"That I don't know. I do know that Adelaide is on the donor list. I also don't know how high up the list she is." Marquise replies.
"Does my daughter know?"
"Yes. We went to see the Duchess a few weeks ago."
"How can Madeleine be Head Of House if her mother is still a Duchess?"
"Her health. If a Head Of House ever falls gravely ill, they can pass their duties on to their heir. Maddy won't officially be Duchess of Fydelia until her mother officially passes."
Shantel nodded.
Just then there was a loud commotion outside of Marquise's office door.
"What in the world?" Shantel asks.
That's when Earl Amos Barbaroux came in with Countess Alicia hot on his heels.
"May I help you?" Marquise asked.
"Yes, yes you can. You can tell my so-called husband that the deal he made with Damien is off!"
The Earl rolled his eyes.
"Please my King, I apologize for intruding into your office. But my wife is being unreasonable."
Alicia whirled around on him.
"Unreasonable?! You are trying to dehumanize me by forcing me to work for someone who is way beneath my station!" Alicia yelled at her husband.
"You don't have a station!" he yelled back at her. "I have a station!"
Shantel and Marquise looked at each other as Earl Amos took a deep breath.
"If it wasn't for me, you'd still be the same noble whore, that your parents passed around, family to family, until they found mine, specifically they found my father, and begged him to match us together!"
This left the King and his mother-in-law speechless.
"You—" Alicia started to say before her husband cut her off, "I have had to put up with you and your constant disrespect and condescendence for decades. And now is when I put my foot down!"
"Enough! Whatever the issue is or issues are between you two, will not and can not be solved by you two having a shouting match in my office. So if you two don't mind." Marquise said to both of them while gesturing to his office door, "Thank you."
Earl Amos nodded.
"Yes, you're right Your Majesty. I apologize for my behavior towards you and Duchess Shantel." he replied to Marquise before addressing Shantel, " and speaking of you Duchess, I would also like to extend my sincerest apologies for my wife and her unbecoming and unscrupulous behavior towards you all these years. I have never been more ashamed or embarrassed."
Shantel nodded.
"Thank you for your apology, Sir."
Earl Amos gave her a small smile and nod before turning his attention back to his wife.
"His Majesty asked us both to leave his office. So let's go," he said calmly to her.
Alicia crossed her arms as she glared at him.
"I am not going anywhere with you! You no good traitor!" Alicia sneered at her husband.
"Well, you're certainly not going to be staying in my office all day so you and Earl Amos can both take your leave."
Alica scoffed at Marquise.
"Countess, I will NOT repeat myself," Marquise warned her.
Alicia huffed and began to turn on her heel. But not before saying one last thing to her husband.
"I should've had Edward kill you when I had the chance!"
The Earl scoffed.
"Well, now you can't. And until our youngest three children have finished their studies and are off to university, I am stuck living with a shrew of a wife better known as you."
Alicia stood there with her mouth open as she watched her husband walk out. Then followed behind him not too long after.
"Well that was certainly eventful," Shantel said to Marquise.
Marquise only shook his head.
"Too eventful."
"What happened to them?" Shantel asks, "From all I ever heard he's been nothing but good to her."
"He has. But she's never been any good to him."
"But why? What has he done that she hates him so much?"
Marquise looked at his door for a moment.
"Off the record? The three youngest children he mentioned...aren't biologically his."
"What?!" Shantel asked.
"Their biological father was a man Alicia had been having an affair with for years. He worked on her and Amos's estate staff. And rather than risk the scandal of divorce, he's raised them as his own." Marquise replies.
"Do you think their children know he's not their biological father?" Shantel asked.
"I doubt it. I don't think he wants them to know."
Shantel nodded.
"I can understand why. It would break his heart. Where is their biological father?"
Marquise exhaled slowly.
"You don't know this but your brother-in-law had him executed when the man threatened to go public about his and Alicia's affair."
"You're joking!"
Marquise shook his head no.
"Nope. And Edward made sure to have this man erased from all public records. And he even told Amos that he was to raise the children as his own until they became of age."
"Edward, had every trace of him erased?"
"Yes. You forget he had A LOT of unchecked power then. No one would have been stupid enough to question him. It took me a while but I did find the man's name."
"What was it?"
"His name was Yohan. But that's all I have been able to recover about him."
"Surely the man had a family."
Marquise exhaled slowly.
"If he did, they were silenced by either execution or exile."
Shantel shook her head.
"So is that all nobles do? Cheat on each other and drink themselves to death?" she asked.
"No. They also brag about their insane wealth and power while thinking it rivals mine."
"And we both know your power is unmatched."
"Exactly. So now that all that ugliness is over, how about I treat you to lunch?" Marquise asked.
"I would love to have lunch with you son-in-love."
"Perfect!"
Later that night Marquise had caught Shanelle up on his very colorful morning.
"Alicia was cheating on Earl Amos?"
"Yes. For years. And she was able to get away with it."
"How?"
"She knew he could never challenge her because all she had to do was run to either Edward or Genevieve and she'd be safe. So he knew it was safer to keep quiet."
"Yikes!"
"Yeah."
Shanelle took a sip of her wine.
"Now are you sure this Alicia woman working under my mom is a good idea?"
"Absolutely. I trust your mother, I especially trust in her judgment. I also trust that Alicia will remember that she has more to lose than gain if she defies the decision that was reached."
Shanelle nodded.
"Now onto more exciting things. Like your graduation next week."
Marquise snickered.
"I am so excited. I can't wait."
"Same! We've been waiting for it and now it's here. How do you really feel?" she asked.
"Honestly, I'm relieved. It's been a long journey. But it's been worth it. And now by this time next week, I will have my degree in my hands. And then we and the kingdom will celebrate our favorite kingdom pastime."
"I know I'm so excited. I love seeing the palace and the orchard all decorated. And it'll be the first Winter Festival that the boys will be able to participate in."
"They were at the one last year."
"They were with Nina all day. She kidnapped our boys."
"Not that you minded my Queen."
"True."
"But you're right. They will have a blast."
"And of course, there's my favorite: the annual snowball fight."
Marquise raised an eyebrow at his wife.
"What do you have planned for this year, my love?"
"Battle of the sexes!"
"You mean I get to throw a snowball at you?"
"No. It means you will finally be dethroned as the defending snowball fight champion."
Marquise snickered.
"May the best team win my Goddess."
"I know I will."
Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly.
Over the next few days, the couple spent time together before His Majesty had to get ready for his solo trip to the States. While he was excited to go, his children weren't. They had never been away from their dad for that long. So the Princess came up with a great idea for her and her brothers. They would go with him without him knowing. She pulled out one of her Daddy's biggest suitcases and did her checklist.
"Okay, boys! We have our snacks, our juice, and our chocolate milk! Now do you have your blankies?" Khari asked her brothers. Both boys held up their blankies.
"And you have your touchdown bears?"
The boys held up their bears.
"Alright! Let's hop in!"
All three climbed into the suitcase and shut it.
"Okay, boys! We gotta be quiet so Daddy doesn't know! So shhh!" she whispered to her giggling brothers. Who tried their hardest to quiet down so they wouldn't get caught. Sadly they were caught when their parents couldn't find them and looked all over the palace for them. But they discovered the suitcase they were hiding in.
"Babe?" Shanelle asked over her shoulder.
"Yeah?" Marquise replied.
"Is this one of your suitcases?"
Marquise looked at it.
"Yeah, but I never packed this one."
"Then why is it closed?"
Marquise went to open it when he heard familiar giggling. He shook his head and started to chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Shanelle asked.
"I just figured out why we haven't been able to find the children."
"What do you mean?"
"Take a listen."
Shanelle leaned in and heard the same giggling.
"No, they didn't."
"Yes, they did."
Shanelle shook her head with a smile.
"Let's play along."
Shanelle nodded.
"There's my suitcase! I've been looking all over for it!"
"Good, I'm glad you found it. Now you and my dad can go on your trip."
"Yup now let me just zip it up."
The giggling intensified when he zipped up the suitcase.
"Say, my love, have you seen the children?" he asks.
"No, I can't say that I have," she replied.
"Oh well! I'm sure we'll see them before I leave."
Marquise picked up the suitcase and carried it down with the children giggling inside and him and Shanelle snickering the whole time. When they got to the main hall where Shanelle's parents were waiting they heard the giggling.
"What in the world is going on?" Damien asks.
Shanelle told them and asked them to play along.
"Well, Your Highness. I believe we're ready to leave." Marquise said to Damien.
"Yes, my King. It seems that we are ready. It's just I haven't seen the kids. Shantel and I looked everywhere for them."
"Y'know that's funny! Their mother and I were just saying the same thing."
"Where could those kids be?" Shantel asked.
Shanelle just shook her head laughing softly. That's when Margo walked up.
"Are you ready to leave my King?" she asked Marquise.
"Yes. We will be leaving shortly. Do me a favor. Take a listen to the suitcase."
Margo took a listen and heard her grandchildren giggling.
"Why are they in the suitcase?" Margo asked.
"Because apparently, they think they're going with me. So we're playing along." Marquise whispered.
Margo nodded.
"Mama, since you're here have you seen the children?" Marquise asked.
"No, I haven't. I thought they were with you and their mother." Margo replies.
"No. No one has seen them. Damien and I can't leave without saying goodbye to them. Oh well! Let me take my suitcase and Damien and I can take our leave."
"That's an unusually large suitcase, my son. What do you have in it?" Margo asked.
"You know I don't remember what I packed in it. Let me check."
Marquise opened the suitcase and there were his children and their giggling.
"There you are! What are the three of you doing in my suitcase?" Marquise asks.
"We don't want you to leave so we're going with you Daddy," Khari replied.
His heart exploded as he helped them out of the suitcase and sat down with them.
"My love you know you and your brothers can't go with me."
"But!" Khari pouted.
Marquise put a gentle finger to her lips.
"My love. I love you and I love Zyon and I love Kylo. But you three are too young to go with me."
"But we don't want you to go Daddy."
"I know you don't. I won't be gone long."
He hated seeing the looks on their little faces.
"I'll see you three Thursday."
"It's not the same Daddy," Khari said, shaking her head sadly.
"Dada..." Zyon whined.
Marquise took a deep breath.
"If it's one thing you three know how to do perfectly, it's tugging at Daddy's heartstrings."
He gathered the three of him in his arms.
"I love you. I love each of you. I don't like to leave you but sometimes Daddy has to. But I promise I will never ever be gone for very long."
Marquise looked at his children and smiled before clearing his throat and singing softly.
"Come now my sweet babies please don't cry. Let's wipe those tears from your eyes. Let's see those smiles so they brighten up the day. Always remember no matter what, Daddy is never too far away."
He held his children close before Kylo looked up at him then went and grabbed his blankie.
"Blankie!" he said as he held it up to his father.
"You want me to take it with me?" Marquise asked.
Kylo's only answer was a smile.
"Thank you, my love. I will take great care of it."
Zyon followed suit by giving his father his touchdown bear.
"My! I'm being spoiled today. Thank you."
He held his two boys close to his chest.
"My two sweet loves. I love you both more than I could ever tell you. I will see you both soon. I won't be gone for long."
He kissed them both on their foreheads before sending them to their mother and turning his attention to his daughter.
"Come here, my love."
Khari stood in front of her father with a sad look on her face.
"Are you mad at me Daddy?" she asked.
"Never. You are allowed to feel whatever it is you feel. I could never fault you for that." he replied.
"So I'm not in trouble?"
"No. You and your brothers kinda gave yourselves away when you first started giggling. We couldn't help but play along."
"You knew that we were in the suitcase the whole time?"
"Yes, my sweet one. We did. Your mother and I couldn't help but play along."
"Oh..." Khari said dejectedly.
Marquise tilted his head before gently tilting her chin up.
"You have no idea how much I adore you. I adore the way you love your little brothers. I know why you feel the way you do. I used to feel that way whenever my mother had to leave for a short period."
"Really?" she asked.
"Yes. When I was 8 years old, Mother had to go on a leaders fellowship to Namibia for three months and I missed her terribly. Every day I would ask everyone on her staff when she was coming back."
"You did?" Khari asks.
"Ohh yes. Every single day until your grandmother returned." Margo replied.
Khari giggled.
"My point is I know what it feels like. I know you don't want me to go but I have to. It will only be for a few days."
Khari looked down at the ground. He pulled her close to him.
"Do you know what happens next Saturday?" he asked her.
"Your graduation?" she replies.
"Yes. Do you know why I'm excited about it?"
"Because you worked really hard for it?"
"Yes. But that's not why I'm excited about it."
"Then why Daddy?"
"Because you and your brothers will be walking across the stage with me when I get my degree."
Khari perked up.
"We will?"
"Yes. I asked if it would be okay and the committee I spoke to agreed."
Khari nodded.
"Look at me, my love."
Khari looked up at her dad.
"I will only be gone for a few days. I know you're sad but we'll be together again on Thursday."
"You promise Daddy?"
"I swear it on my heart, my life, and my soul. I will never be away from your side for too long."
Khari chewed her bottom lip and then nodded.
"Okay."
Marquise wrapped his daughter in a loving hug as he stood up.
"I love you, I adore you. My sweet beautiful Princess."
Khari gave him a big kiss on the cheek.
"I love you too Daddy. I'm sorry we tried to trick you."
"No need to apologize, my love. Now go to your mother. Okay?"
Khari nodded.
"I will call you and your brothers tonight okay?"
"Pinky promise?" she asked, holding up her pinky.
"Pinky promise," he replied, hooking his pinky to hers.
With a soft kiss on her forehead from her father Khari was at her mother's side. Marquise stood up and looked to his father-in-law.
"Your Highness, NOW we can leave."
"Of course," Damien replied with a small chuckle.
With final goodbyes to their loved ones. Marquise and Damien were soon on their way to the airstrip. Once in the air Marquise silently became curious about his children's plan to go with him.
"Something on your mind son?" Damien asked.
"Just wondering where Khari got the idea to pack herself and the boys in a suitcase," Marquise replies.
Damien chuckled.
"From me. It's an old story that I told her when she asked me if her mother had ever gotten into big trouble as a child."
"What do you mean?" Marquise asked.
"Shanelle was 4 years old when she didn't want me to leave on a trip home. So she packed herself into my suitcase and fell asleep."
Marquise snorted.
"And I nearly missed my flight because Shantel and I couldn't find her." Damien replied.
Marquise nodded with a smile.
"I guess she thought she'd succeed where her mother failed." Damien quipped.
"She would have if she and the boys weren't giggling so much."
Damien simply nodded with a smile.
His Majesty and Prince Damien's US trip began when they touched down in Tennessee. There they were taken across the state line into Kentucky, where they visited His Majesty's Bourbon Distillery. They toured the facility and even got to taste the special holiday blend. As well as touring the four adjacent horse farms. That's where His Majesty got the idea for the name of the distillery. Terre de Chevaux. Which means Land Of Horses.
That night he called to check in with his children.
"Hello, my little ones! I miss you so much."
"We miss you too Daddy. How is your trip?" Khari asked while holding the phone so her brothers could see.
"It's been fun. I toured the distillery and the horse farms around it and do you know what I found out?" Marquise replied.
Khari shook her head no.
"I met some of the horses. And I learned their names."
"What are their names?"
"One is named Esther after my grandmother. Another is named Victor after my uncle. And the last one is named Ellie."
"Like Grandmother?"
"Exactly my love."
"Wow! Will we get to meet them, Daddy?"
"I hope so."
"Where do you go next Daddy?"
"I will go to the capitol in Washington D.C. tomorrow, where I will get to speak to Congress, and then your grandfather and I will be in Boston. Where I will see you three Thursday."
"We can't wait! Right boys?" Khari asked her brothers who were trying to take the phone from her.
"It's time for bed my loves."
"Okay, Daddy. We'll talk to you tomorrow."
"I love you all. So much."
"We love you too! Right boys?"
Later after putting their children to bed, Shanelle had a quiet conversation with her husband.
"Finally! They're all down for the count."
Marquise snickered.
"I miss you. You know that right?"
"Yeah, I know. I miss you too, handsome. But like you told the kids we'll see each other Thursday."
"Indeed we will. It's amazing that we've been to Boston twice in one year."
"I know you should go play the numbers while you're in the States."
Marquise snorted.
"Yeah sure I will."
Shanelle let out a small yawn that she failed to hide.
"Go to bed, my Queen. I'll text you in the morning."
"Alright. Goodnight Handsome."
"Goodnight my Goddess."
"I love you."
"I love you too Shanelle."
After blowing her husband a small kiss, Shanelle went to bed. The next morning, His Majesty touched down in Washington D.C. to re-sign the Cordon-America Act of 1985. After signing the act Marquise got the chance to speak to Congress. Something he only ever dreamed about.
"Good Morning everyone! My what a dream come true this is for me. I actually get to speak to Congress as a whole. If only my Poli Sci professor could see me now."
In his nearly 45-minute speech, Marquise highlighted the importance of the act and the continuation of the shared goal between his kingdom and America. A free, safe, and fair world for all to live in. After his speech, he and Damien toured The Library Of Congress, where he saw the original Declaration of Independence. Once the tour ended, they traveled to the Maryland National Cemetery so Damien could lay flowers at his in-law's graves.
"I haven't been here in a few years. It's good to see them." Damien said as he laid the flowers on each grave.
"Thank you for bringing me here. Shanelle talks about them all the time. Especially your former mother-in-law."
Damien snickered.
"Yes. Mom is where Shanelle gets her personality from. That Jamaican fire runs through my daughter's veins."
"And mine," Marquise added.
The two shared a chuckle. After a short flight that evening, His Majesty found himself back home in Boston and getting ready for his graduation. The next day, his wife, children, mother, and mother-in-law arrived from Cordonia. And he couldn't wait to hold his babies again.
"I've missed you three so much," he said as he hugged them.
"We've missed you too Daddy! How has your trip been?" Khari asks.
"It's been good but it's better now that you three are here. And just like I promised you, we're together again. And you and your brothers can explore the house." Marquise replied as he led his family into the living room. "But before that, I believe I have a few items to return."
He pulled out Kylo's blanket and Zyon's bear.
"I believe that these belong to the two of you."
Later that night after a big dinner and getting his children off to sleep. His Majesty went to check on his mother who was just settling into her bed.
"Are you alright Mama?"
"Yes, my love. I'm fine. I am perfectly happy."
"Happy eh?"
"Yes of course my son. By this time Saturday, you'll have your Doctorate in hand. And will be able to display it in your office back home."
Marquise chuckled.
"It means the world that you're here with me."
"It means the world to be here. To represent our kingdom and our family."
"It's funny. I look around this room and I can't help but miss Papa. I wish he could be here."
Margo took his hands in hers and looked at him with a warm smile.
"I know you do, my son. The last time I was here was with him when you earned your bachelor's degree. He would be thrilled to see you earn your Ph.D. As a matter of fact, the whole flight he would've had the children in stitches and excited about your graduation. But it's just Papa that you miss is it?"
Marquise took a deep breath.
"No. My heart aches for her. I miss her. I wish she could be here as well."
"She is here my love. She's so incredibly proud of the man you have become. She would be filled with such pride at all you have accomplished in your life. And so would Papa. They look down from heaven with smiles as bright as the sun and as wide as a Cheshire Cat."
Marquise shook his head with a smile before kissing her forehead softly.
"Thank you, Mama. You always know what I need."
She kissed his cheek.
"I'm your mother. I will always know what you need."
"Get your rest, Mama. I'll see you in the morning."
Margo smiled at him as he left the room and returned to the master bedroom where his wife was. He climbed into bed with her and wrapped himself around her.
"My big ass baby."
"I've missed you."
"I've missed you too but you are way too heavy. Now get off of me."
Tried as she might, but Shanelle could not get him off of her.
"Marquise...I...can't...breathe! Get off me!"
He finally let her go.
"Big ass creep!" she said as she caught her breath.
"Your big ass creep. Thank you."
"Yeah, yeah."
She snuggled into him.
"How are you feeling?" she asks.
"Relieved. It'll all be over soon. All the hours of study and presentation and research will have all paid off."
"Mmmhmm. And soon you will officially be a Doctor and a King."
Marquise snorted.
"Very funny."
"You love me."
"Indeed I do. I will say I can't wait to see our children walk the stage with me."
Shanelle shook her head with a smile.
"Their little cap and gowns came the day after you left. So Khari has been teaching the boys how to walk the stage."
"Please tell me you got it on video."
Shanelle handed him her phone.
"See for yourself, Your Majesty."
Marquise watched as his daughter tried to teach her brothers how to walk a graduation stage in hilarious fashion.
"Well...she tried."
"Yup. They are cute though."
"Very," he said with a small smile.
As he lay in bed with his wife, Marquise became contemplative.
"Penny for your thoughts?" she asks.
"My thoughts are worth more than all the literal gold in our vault. But since it's you, sure," he replied.
"What's really on your mind? Is it your mother?" she asks.
Marquise sighed.
"Yes. I can't help but wish she was here. I can't help but want her to be here. I want to see her celebrate with you, Margo, and your parents. And I want to see her standing behind our children. Cheering them on." he paused to clear his throat, "You would think that after 26 years my heart would have healed itself by now. But it hasn't. That void in my heart is still there. That need to see her, to be around her, to be able to hold her hand or hug her is still there. I just hope to God that I've made her proud."
"I know it is. And I know in my heart that you have made her proud. Everything that you've accomplished in and with your life has made her proud. This is just another accolade to add to the list of things that she's proud of you for."
He kissed her forehead softly.
"Thank you, my love."
"It's what I'm here for."
He smiled at her as he held her close.
That Saturday was the big day for His Majesty. After getting dressed himself, he hilariously got his children dressed in their caps and gowns. With both boys being so enamored with their caps. Once everyone was ready it was time to head to the university. Once they arrived Marquise took a very deep breath for this was it. Everything he'd worked for had led up to this very moment. And it was a moment that didn't disappoint.
He finally got to do the one thing he had been dying to do. Walk the graduation stage. But what made it even more special was his children walking with him. He was proud as they stole the show. Afterward, he found himself in his mother's arms.
"I am so proud of you, my love. So proud! You've done it, my boy! You've really done it!" Margo said proudly.
"Thank you. I'm still in shock but I am so thankful to have you here. By my side, to celebrate with me."
"My love, there is nowhere on this earth that I'd rather be. I got to watch you achieve yet another one of your dreams."
Marquise closed his eyes and laid his forehead against hers.
"Look at me, son."
He looked at her.
"I wholeheartedly believe that Eleanor is jumping for joy right now. She is elated that her son is not only a King but he's also now a Doctor. You are her greatest dream come true. Her smile is as bright as the sky and as wide as a canyon. And so is Papa. You know he is in heaven just bragging about his boy doing it yet again. Telling every angel he comes across that his son has become a Doctor."
He pulled her close.
"Thank you. For every single thing. I would not be where I am, I would not be the man I am, without you. Please don't ever forget that."
"I never have and I never will my son. Now go celebrate my love. Go on."
Later that night after hours of celebrating with his family. He spent time with the one he loves most, his wife. They were nestled together on the couch in the living room.
"I'm so proud of you. You know that right?" she asks.
He placed a sweet kiss on the palm of her left hand.
"I know. You've been one of my biggest cheerleaders throughout all of this. When I wanted to stop or give up you told me to keep going. Or else you'd slug me." he replies.
Shanelle snorted.
"Mission accomplished."
Shanelle took a look around the room.
"Our story began right here. In this house. On this couch because someone's big ass pulled his hamstring racing a bunch of teenagers."
He punched her.
"Ow!"
"That's what you get!"
"Jerk!" she hissed.
"Chicken, shrimp, or goat?" he asked.
"You're lucky I love you."
"I really am. Because at the time we got engaged, there was a part of me that feared you would've turned me down."
Shanelle took a deep breath.
"Please don't hate me for this."
"For what?" he asked.
"There was a part of me that wanted to tell you no. A HUGE part. I wanted to run away from you and not look back." she replied.
"Why didn't you?" he asks.
"Because I love you. That's why. I couldn't let you go even when my brain was screaming for me to do so. You showed me what true love is. You made a promise that you have never broken. You promised to love, protect, and nurture my heart and my love. And you have constantly and consistently kept that promise." she replies.
"And I always will. If you don't believe anything else from me, you can believe that."
Shanelle smiled at him as they continued to enjoy a quiet moment together. Once back in Cordonia, planning for the Winter Festival kicked into high gear. Crews worked overtime making sure every detail was perfect and to Shanelle's exact specifications. All the while Marquise had plans of his own.
With the palace being as big as it is, there is a lot of unused and mostly dead space on certain floors. So he decided to have three floors converted. One into a personal bowling alley. Another into a massive indoor ball pit and playground for his children. The final floor is the one he's most excited about, that floor will be an indoor laser tag arena. And it has to be tested out to make sure it's safe and ready for the barrage of kids and adults who will want to play. Because it will be open to his family and the staff and their families.
That Friday before the Winter Festival, Their Majesties hosted their family, both immediate and extended at the palace residence. While the children were having a time running around playing, Marquise pulled Logan aside.
"Come with me," Marquise said to Logan.
"Where we going?" he asks.
"It's a surprise. Trust me you'll like it." Marquise replied.
"Nope! You know I don't like surprises unless I'm in on them. So where are we going?" Logan asks.
"I'll show you when we get there," Marquise replied through clenched teeth.
"Ohhhh...okay Uncle Scar."
"Shut up and move Simba."
Marquise led Logan to an elevator and used a keycard to enter.
"Well, this is spooky..."
"Get in the elevator Logan."
Logan shot him a suspicious look before he and Marquise got into the elevator.
"Okay. I'm in the elevator. Now what?" Logan asks.
"Now we go down to the basement," Marquise replied.
"To your dungeon?" Logan asks.
"No. That's on the other side of the palace. And you'd have no access to that. But this is something else." Marquise replies.
They rode the elevator down and got off when it dinged. Once out of the elevator, they walked down a hall to a door with a keypad.
"What's behind the door?" Logan asks.
Rather than answer, Marquise smirked and then slid his keycard to open the door. When the door opened, Logan's jaw dropped.
"Welcome to my newest toy."
"What is it?" Logan asked.
"This is my brand new laser tag arena," Marquise replied.
"Laser...tag...arena?!"
"That's what I said."
"Dude! When the hell did you have time to do all of this?" Logan asks.
"Construction started back in May. And was completed after the boy's birthday. But it's still not quite ready yet." Marquise replies.
"What do you mean?" Logan asked.
"It hasn't been tested...yet," Marquise replies.
That's when Logan's grin widened.
"And who's going to be brave enough to test it out, sire?"
"Why we are, my good man!"
"Man! Let's go!"
The two suited up and spent a few hours laughing and having a good time in the arena. When they left both were buzzing.
"That was amazing. Thank you for sharing it with me. Even though you cheated half the time."
Marquise snorted.
"You're welcome. And thank you for coming. I'm glad you had a good time."
"I can't wait to tell my wife about it."
"As long as you don't tell the children. I want it to be a surprise for them."
"My lips are sealed, Your Highness."
When they got to the common area, their wives were enjoying a glass of wine.
"And just where have you two been the past few hours?" Shanelle asked them.
"Out." They both reply.
The wives looked at each other.
"Uh-huh. You two went to check out Marquise's laser tag arena, didn't you?" Bronwyn asks.
The men's jaws dropped.
"How do you know?!" they asked.
Bronwyn answered by pointing to Shanelle.
"How do YOU know?!" they asked.
Shanelle shrugged.
"I might've accidentally stumbled upon the construction site one day."
"You mean you were being nosy?" Marquise asks.
"It is my job to be," Shanelle replied.
Marquise groaned.
"Relax. Your kid doesn't know. I haven't told her."
Marquise visibly relaxed.
"I can't keep nothing from you, can I?" Marquise asked.
"Nope. Now move it, you two. We have a Winter Festival to get ready for tomorrow." Shanelle replied.
The next day was the day of the Cordonian Winter Festival. All of Shanelle's hard work and planning had finally come to fruition. Many enjoyed a plethora of winter activities. Including snowmobiles. Which Marquise, Logan, Branden, and Brayden took full advantage of.
"Alright, Brayden. We got a big job."
"What's that?" he asked.
"We gotta beat your dad and brother in the race," Marquise replied.
"Yeah yeah! Go super fast!"
"And do you know what we win when we win?" Marquise asked his nephew.
"What uncle?"
"Bragging rights my boy! Bragging rights!"
"Yay!"
"So ready...set..."
"VRRRROOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMM!"
"And we're off!"
While the dads and the boys enjoyed the snowmobiles, Shanelle took the girls ice skating out on the frozen pond.
After riding around on snowmobiles it was time for the main event, the annual snowball fight. That both royals were determined to win.
"Any last words before I take your title, Your Majesty?" Shanelle asked her husband.
"Keep dreaming woman!" Marquise replied with a smirk.
"I am so going to enjoy this!"
"You enjoy losing?...how very odd."
Once the trash talk was done, the whistle was blown and the fight was on. It was a battle of giggling proportions. With trying to take out one another.
"Will you hold still?!" Shanelle shouted at her husband.
"Why? So you can hit me?!" he replied.
"Yes!"
"No!"
The snowball fight was epic and ended in a draw. Which was a delight to all who participated, watched, and cheered. Before the event was over His Majesty decided to try his hand at axe throwing with Sam and a very animatedly drunk Logan.
"Uh, Logan?" Sam asks.
"Yeah?" Logan replied.
"How many of those have you had?" Marquise asked, pointing to the pint in Logan's hand.
"Including this one?" he replied before downing the rest of the pint, "eight."
Sam and Marquise looked at each other.
"You've had eight pints of Skullcracker Ale? Are you nuts? That stuff is powerful!" Marquise asked.
"Yeah, I know. Who knew you Europeans could make a strong ale?" Logan replied before grabbing an ax, "Now let's really have some fun!"
"Oh Dear God..." Marquise groaned.
"If he hits either one of us..." Sam warned.
"Noted."
Sam and Marquise stood way back and watched Logan toss the axe and wildly miss his first target.
"Missed it by an inch. Let me try again."
Logan tried again with Sam and Marquise looking on.
"How long are you going to let this go on?" Sam asks.
"Until either he runs out of steam or they run out of axes," Marquise replied.
"Which one is more likely to happen?" Sam asks.
"They run out of axes," Marquise replies.
"So we're gonna be here a while?" Sam asks.
"Yup so settle in my friend," Marquise replies.
Later that night after the Winter Festival had concluded, His Majesty told his wife what had happened at the ax throwing booth.
"Logan had how many pints?" Shanelle asks.
"You heard me. He had eight pints of Skullcracker Ale." Marquise replied.
"How did you let him drink that many pints?"
"First of all, I didn't let him do anything. He was already halfway through his eighth one when I got there. And second, saying you're great friends with the King will get you anything in this kingdom. Including eight pints of Skullcracker Ale. Especially when the limit is four pints."
Shanelle groaned.
"That hangover is about to be epic."
"Oh yeah. He's gonna be feeling it for days. But thank goodness there's a hangover cure."
"I can only handle three pints of Skullcracker Ale. I don't know how Logan managed to drink eight of them."
"Because he has an iron liver?"
Shanelle snorted.
"That's for sure."
"And how are you, my love? What was the final tally?" he asks.
"I'm good. I'm exhausted. Today was so much fun. And the money raised during the silent auction was enough to fund the Children's Fund. All in all, it was a great day. People had fun and that's all I care about. It's why I do this every year."
"I know and you do a brilliant job at this if I do say so myself."
"Careful Your Majesty. Your personal bias is showing."
"So? I'm allowed to brag about and celebrate my beautiful wife's accomplishments all I like. Thank you very much."
"Fine. Just one question."
"Hmm?"
"What are we doing for Christmas?" she asks.
"How about somewhere tropical?" he replies.
"Works for me!"
"I shall make our Christmas arrangements post haste."
"Yay!"
Just then there was an urgent knock at their bedroom door.
"Who in the world is that?" she asks.
"I'll go find out," he replied.
When he got up and answered the door, there was an attendant on the other side.
"Yes?" he asked as he stepped outside.
"Apologies for the disturbance this late Your Majesty but there is news out of Earl Amos's house." the attendant replies.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Earl Amos Barbaroux is dead." the attendant replied.
"What?!"
"He was stabbed to death in his office."
"What?! By who?"
"Lady Alicia, sire. From what I have been told they got into an argument and she stabbed him in the chest with a letter opener. Repeatedly."
"Where is she now?"
"An arrest warrant was issued for her but she's taken refuge at the old palace but that's all I know at the moment."
Marquise groaned.
"Great...thank you for informing me. Please keep me informed of any further details."
"At once sire."
When Marquise entered the bedroom, he had an annoyed look on his face.
"What's that look for?" Shanelle asks.
"Earl Amos is dead," he replied.
"Lady Alicia's husband?"
"Yes. She stabbed him to death."
"What?! Why?"
"I don't know yet. But I will find out. Just not right now."
"What happens to his estate in the meantime?"
"It goes to their oldest daughter."
"Do you know where she is now?"
"Hiding out at your palace to avoid arrest but that's as far as I've gotten."
"She won't be there for long. I'll put the call in to have her removed from the property. I will NOT be sheltering her."
"You're not. Her step-sister is."
"I don't care about her step-sister. Genevieve can kiss my whole ass. Alicia's gone as early as tomorrow morning."
Marquise smirked.
"So says the Queen."
"So shall it be."
#khoicesbyk#choices#choices stories you play#pixelberry#fanfic#choices fanfiction#king marquise#king of cordonia#queen shanelle#queen of cordonia#king and queen of cordonia#black king liam#cfwc fics of the week#choices fic writers creations#fics of the week#my otp forever#otp forever#my otp#black couple#black love#black marriage
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We begin our look into the Royal Family's history by discussing Charlotte Wynmont, Princess Charlotte's namesake.
For clarity: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFpjPqjaBM/o_Lef3TUvEfCptCIxpRs4Q/view?utm_content=DAFpjPqjaBM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink
#king#queen#monarchy#sims 4 monarchy#monarchysims#royalty#royal legacy#ts4 legacy#sims historical#sims storyline#vintage sims cc#legacy sims#royalsims#royal sims#Wynmont#Cordonia#royalhouseofwynmont
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Turning the Page
A Step Back in Time, chapter 11
Choices, The Royal Romance, AU
Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son.
Turning the Page Series Masterlist
Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks
All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series.
Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match.
Rating: M🔞 - Warnings - Series will contain crude language, weapons, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors.
Words: 3268
A Step Back in Time, Chapter 11
Chapter Summary: Liam, Riley and William arrive for a weeklong retreat in Lythikos. Olivia takes Riley ‘under her wing’ to mentor and to offer advice for her return to court. Olivia was determined to get her friend into the right frame of mind and to ultimately get the sparkle back in her eyes.
Music Inspiration: What Was I Made for? Billie Eilish ; Lose Control, Teddy Swims
A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.
A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’)
‘Cause I, ‘cause I
I don’t know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don’t know how to feel
But someday I might
Someday I might
Think I forgot how to be happy
Something I’m not, but something I can be
Something I wait for
Something I’m made for
Something I’m made for’
Cordonian Royal Palace, Capital
If you told Riley Brooks that she would be living in Cordonia, in the Royal palace, with the King of Cordonia just last summer ... she would not believe you. She would tell you that ‘once upon a time’, she fell in love with that King and competed for his hand in marriage in his social season. By reason of the cruelty of fate, and the callousness of the Royal court, that dream would be ripped away from her by a world that was foreign to her. Where outsiders, or commoners, were frowned upon and/or deemed lesser than the noble class. She would be relegated to be the other woman, the mistress to that immensely powerful man whose duty to his country dictated that he must marry a ‘chosen’ woman, even though he did not love her.
...and she had to watch that man she loved, marry another.
...because she loved him, she remained. Confiding to him, ‘I’ve made my decision ... I want to be with you. I don’t care what it looks like.’
...and it broke her.
In the Royal east wing, inside William’s bedroom, Riley meticulously packed his clothing into a large suitcase. Carefully selecting each item with love and care for their winter vacation in the Alps of Lythikos, she folded his small woolen sweaters with matching pants and jeans. Soft mittens and a woolen cap were nestled next to his favorite plushie, Scooby; ready to go with him on his snowy adventures.
"Li Li, sweetheart, come here please," Riley called out, her voice echoing through the spacious room. William bounded towards her; his eyes wide as he watched his mother pack his belongings.
"We go away, Mama?" William asked, his voice filled with wonder.
"Yes, my sweet boy," Riley replied with a smile, scooping him up into her arms and placing him down on his bed. "We're going to the mountains with your father to visit a good friend of ours. It's going to be so much fun."
William's eyes sparkled with delight at the mention of his father. In the five short months since he met his father for the first time, the bond between father and son had grown stronger exponentially. William adored Liam, who always had time for his son's playful antics in New York and now, here in Cordonia, as well. Despite his Royal duties, Liam made the point to spend as much time with William as possible. Riley was not surprised. Liam often spoke about what kind of father he wanted himself to be. The exact opposite of his own father. She could tell that Liam was trying his best to make up for all the time they had lost. And she could not be happier.
Riley continued to pack, tucking away William's favorite books and toys to keep him entertained during their trip in Lythikos. She had already arranged for snacks with the kitchens, ensuring they would have everything they needed for the long drive to the northern chateau.
Riley looked up, catching Liam's gaze.
Liam stood and silently watched, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. A gentle smile played on his lips as he watched Riley packing their son's belongings for their trip, while William happily tried to help his mother.
"Come, my King," Riley softly spoke and smiled with a playful glint in her eyes. "Help me double-check if we have everything for our little adventurer."
Liam pushed himself away from the doorframe and strolled over to Riley; he crouched down beside William, who was wide-eyed with anticipation.
“Daddy, look.” William pointed to the large suitcase, smiling happily at his father.
"Hello, my little prince," Liam greeted, ruffling William's hair. "Are you ready for an adventure?"
William giggled and nodded his head vigorously, his eyes reflecting the admiration and adoration he held for his father. Liam chuckled, “I see you have lots of toys packed.”
William climbed over to the suitcase and plucked his favorite plush to show his father.
“Ah, I see you packed your little dog. Is he your special friend?”
“Yes, Daddy. I love puppies.” William grinned, squeezing his toy.
“You do? That is good to know,” Liam winked at Riley as William returned his toy to be packed.
“I will meet you two in an hour. All right, love?” Liam asked Riley.
“Okay, Daddy,” William answered as Liam and Riley chuckled together at his response.
As Liam left to go to his study, Damien entered, bowing to Liam, “Your Majesty”.
Liam smiled and nodded 'hello' in response as he walked towards his assistant waiting in the hall followed by his security detail.
Nevrakis Chateau, Lythikos, Cordonia
Driving through the majestic mountains, Riley stared at the vista overlooking the Nevrakis chateau. Memories flooded her mind as they passed the frozen lake below. The lake where she, along with the other suitors skated on, with Liam during his social season years ago.
Riley shivered. Was it from seeing the beautiful winter landscape or from those memories of past competitions for the man she loved? Riley’s thoughts were interrupted by the happy sound of her son’s voice.
William giggled; totally enthralled by Liam’s storytelling of his past adventures in the snow. The sight of father and son was precious to Riley, as she softly smiled at the two of them. William was sitting on Liam’s lap as he pointed to the large chateau coming into view ahead.
The escalade stopped at the grand entrance of the Nevrakis chateau as members of the royal guard went into formation and opened the vehicle doors.
As they made their way toward the entrance, a flurry of snowflakes fell from the sky, adding a layer of white powder to the ground.
"Wow, this is beautiful.” Riley raised her arms to the sky. “I remember my first visit here during your social season.”
"It is. If I remember correctly, it was just as cold." Liam quipped adjusting William’s scarf.
Members of Olivia’s waitstaff greeted the party as they entered the lavish and grand estate. Standing at the base of the grand staircase, Olivia grinned as William squealed at the pair of Alaskan malamutes sitting inside the foyer.
“King Liam, Lady Riley and Prince William ... welcome to my quaint northern lodge. I am delighted to host the three of you.”
Liam approached Olivia and kissed her cheek, then gestured to Riley and William to join them.
"Olivia, it's been far too long since I last visited. The grounds are magnificent.”
"Indeed, thank you, Liam.” Olivia beamed with pride.
"Thank you for hosting us. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.” Riley added.
"Anything for my dear friends."
Olivia's attention was drawn to William, who was petting the dogs and giggling.
"Well, hello again, prince William." Olivia walked over and knelt beside and offered treats to her two canine companions.
William looked up at her and smiled.
"Hewwo."
"He's even cuter than I remember," Olivia grinned. “This one,” she motioned to the brown tipped dog, is ‘Mischa’. And this big guy is ‘Zeus’, "she cooed.
"Now, Riley." Olivia stood and walked forward slowly, looping her arm through Riley's arm and leading her inside. "We have lots to catch up on. Liam, make yourself at home. Your Royal suite is ready for you. Gustav will be your personal attendant for your stay."
"Thank you, Liv. That is much appreciated."
"You are quite welcome. Now, Riley, let us get started on our girl time.” Liam winked at Riley, his shoulders shaking as he chuckled at Riley’s faux scared expression.
"Okay, sounds good." Riley shook her head grinning as she walked by Liam.
Olivia and Riley climbed the grand staircase and disappeared around a corner while William sat on the floor playing with the dogs.
"William, let's get you changed and settled." Liam extended his hand down for his son to take.
"Okay, Daddy."
“Bye bye puppies.” William exuberantly spoke to the large dogs.
***
Riley and Olivia sat on a plush sofa in front of a large window overlooking the mountains. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the snowy landscape.
"It's so beautiful here." Riley marveled at the picturesque view.
"I'm glad you like it.” Olivia proudly acknowledged as she handed a large glass filled with chardonnay to Riley.
Olivia sat back and watched Riley; her expression turning serious.
"Riley, I know that things have been difficult for you since you've come back, but you have to remember, you're a force of nature. You are stronger than you think.” Olivia was continuing the conversation of their last visit at the palace.
Riley looked down at her hands, which held onto the wine glass with a death grip. She knew the invitation to spend the week in Olivia's duchy was not just a holiday for her, Liam and William. Her once adversarial friend, and now, her good friend, wanted to assist her with reuniting with Liam.
"I can see the pain and sadness in your eyes." Olivia continued.
"Oh... "
"How is it really going? Riley, how is everything between you and Liam?"
Riley sighed and set her wine glass on the table.
"I'm...I'm not sure."
"Do you still love him?"
"Yes, of course. I have never stopped loving him.”
"Do you think he loves you?"
"Yes.” There was a small smile followed by biting her top lip.
"Then what's the problem?"
"I'm not sure."
Olivia shook her head and sighed.
"You have to trust him, Riley. He loves you. And I can see how happy William makes him.”
"I know that.”
"But there's something else, isn't there?" Olivia eyed her friend for clues.
"It's just that... we've spent so much time apart. And now that we are back together, things feel different.”
"I think I understand. That is quite normal, all things considered."
"And I'm worried that he'll eventually resent me for leaving him while I was pregnant with William."
"He could never resent you, Riley. You are the mother of his child. It'# not in his DNA.”
“I keep thinking that that there will be another scandal around the corner. That something or someone will tear us apart.”
"What happened to that confident and free spirited American girl? The one who turned the court on its' head. Where did she go?"
"I know what you are asking. I feel scared; waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
"Scared of what? And why?"
"That he won't forgive me."
"Riley, listen to me. That is your guilt talking.”
Olivia reached over and grabbed Riley's hands, looking her in the eye.
"Liam loves you. He will always love you. You and William are his world. And I know that he wants nothing more than to make you happy.”
"But..."
"But, nothing. There is no 'but'.”
"Okay." Riley was not convinced. "But, Madeleine ..."
"Is out of the picture; where Liam is concerned. You have the power of position now, make Madeleine feel it."
Riley looked at her friend and took a staggered breath.
"Most importantly, you hold the King’s heart...show the world, show Cordonia, show Madeleine what that means...you will bring her to her knees." Olivia sneered.
"This is why I wanted you to come for a visit. To remind you of who you are and what you are capable of.”
“Olivia ...” Riley sighed, shaking her head, ‘no’.
"Now. Come with me."
Olivia stood and motioned for Riley to follow.
Olivia took her down to an armory in the bowels of the chateau.
"Here we are." Olivia turned and motioned to a wall of weapons.
"What are we doing down here?" Riley asked, eyeing the collection of weapons displayed on the wall.
"We're going to do some training.”
"Training? For what?" Riley questioned, perplexed.
"For the press."
"Why do I need training for the press? With weapons?"
"Because they're vultures. They will try to get a rise out of you. They will ask rude and invasive questions. They will try to trip you up.”
"But why do you think I need training? I know you haven’t forgotten that I was subjected to them during Liam’s social season."
"Because they're relentless idiots.” Olivia sneered.
"Okay, but ...”
“Now that you are back in Cordonia, the mother of the crown prince, no less ...they want to find out your intentions with their king.”
Riley took a deep breath, closing her eyes.
"Don't worry. I'm going to teach you how to handle them.” Olivia confidently proclaimed with a smirk.
"Thank you, Olivia.” Riley sighed as she eyed the collection of pointy weaponry again.
"Of course. Now, let us get started.”
Riley was grateful for Olivia's help and advice. She knew that she was right about the press, having dealt with them through the engagement tour, after the scandal was brought to light.
Riley didn't have to know that. At least, not yet.
And she knew that she needed to be prepared. Riley understood the extent to which the press would dig and manipulate information to get a juicy soundbite. But she was not aware that Madeleine would have her own agenda to discredit and sabotage her at every chance she got, all the way from Morocco. However, Olivia was well aware of Madeleine’s spite and her bitterness over losing the crown.
"First off. I want you to choose a weapon." Olivia pointed to her collection of weaponry mounted on the wall.
"A weapon?" Riley’s eyes were wide looking at the selection before her.
"Yes. You cannot fight the press with words alone.”
"Um...okay." Riley answered sceptically.
Riley looked at each weapon closely. There were swords, halberds, axes and daggers, among others.
She picked up a sword.
"Hmm...a sword? Interesting choice."
"It's light and I can move fast.”
"Good. Particularly good.” Olivia nodded approvingly. “That would be a weapon that Liam would choose.”
“Really?” Riley admonished.
"Now, we'll practice some moves.”
"Moves?"
"Yes. Maneuvers. Stances. Blocking and parrying.”
"Wow. This is serious.”
"Indeed. I'll start slow, but don't let your guard down.”
"I won't.” Riley responded warily.
"Good. Now, attack me."
"What?" Riley looked aghast.
"Attack me."
"Oh, um ... okay."
Riley raised the sword and ran at Olivia, who easily dodged the blow.
"Is that the best you've got?"
"No.”
Riley lunged at her again, and again, Olivia sidestepped each attack.
"You're leaving yourself open.” Olivia challenged.
"I am?"
"Yes. If this was a real fight, I would have cut you down by now." Olivia chirped.
"Oh.” Riley let out a large breath, wondering to herself how this lesson was going to end.
"Here. Let me show you."
Olivia demonstrated a series of moves, her sword flashing and swooshing in the air.
"Now, you try.”
Riley imitated the movements, her sword swishing through the air.
"Better.” Olivia critiqued.
"Thanks." Riley answered questionably.
"Again.” Olivia commanded with Riley going on the defensive.
They continued to spar, their swords clashing together. Riley was impressed with Olivia's skills and ability to read her opponent and react accordingly.
As they continued to fight, Riley became more comfortable with the sword, her moves becoming more fluid and graceful. Liam slipped into the back of the room, quietly watching the sparring.
"Excellent.” Olivia praised.
"Thanks.” Riley smiled at the compliment, picking up a bottle of water.
"Now we need a target." Olivia led her to a stuffed, practice dummy.
Riley chuckled as she watched her friend attach a large face photo of Madeleine onto the head with a dagger.
"Here, let me help you." Olivia handed her an assortment of knives, before she expertly threw her dagger.
Riley's first few throws landed wide, but she quickly found her mark, sinking several blades into the center of the picture.
"Nicely done.”
"Thanks."
"Feel better?" Olivia snickered as Riley laughed.
“Yes! Yes, actually I do. But I don't understand. How is this going to help me?”
"When the press asks you questions, you need to stay calm and confident. If they try to rattle you, throw them off balance. Focus on your target.” Olivia pointed to the picture.
"Let's practice."
"All right."
"Imagine I'm a member of the press. And I ask you, 'Lady Riley, where have you been all these years?'"
Riley cleared her throat and straightened her posture.
"I've been raising my son in New York. It's where he was born and raised.”
"Why did you leave Cordonia?"
"I left to protect my child. And because I knew that King Liam had an obligation to the Queen.”
"What are your intentions now that you've returned?”
"I'm here to support my son and to be a part of his life.”
"Do you still love the King?”
"Yes, of course."
“No! STOP!!!”
Olivia moved assertively towards Riley. "This is where you say, 'that's all the questions for today’ and then you walk away from the microphones. Show confidence. Show determination. Show stoicism. Control the narrative.”
Riley raised her eyebrow. "How did you get so good at this, Olivia?"
Olivia shrugged, her shoulders rising slightly. "I'm the duchess of Lythikos. People talk. And sometimes they don't realize I'm listening."
Riley nodded, a new respect for Olivia blossoming in her heart with a renewed sense of determination in her step.
Feeling his arms, Riley giggled and leaned back against him with a content smile.
Liam sauntered up to Riley from behind, wrapping his arms around Riley’s waist.
Riley turned around to look at Liam, her eyes filled with love.
“The Royal guard will then lead you away from the gathering,” Liam interjected. “You will never be left without protection.”
"Thank you, Liam.” Riley tearfully smiled.
"I want you to know that while I am alive, you will always have a home in Cordonia. And I will never let anyone threaten that ... or you ... ever again.”
Riley felt a warm feeling in her chest and a sense of calm.
Maybe everything was going to be all right, after all. As long as she had Liam and William, she knew she could face anything.
"Liam, I love you."
"I love you, too, Riley."
Liam pressed his lips to hers, and Riley melted into his embrace. They kissed for a long moment, savoring the feel of each other's bodies.
"Come, let's go get some sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."
"I'm ready.*
"Pleasant dreams you two. Good night."
"Olivia, thank you for your expertise. It is much appreciated.
"Your welcome, Liam. It's my pleasure."
Good night." Riley called out.
Riley followed Liam out of the room, her hand firmly grasped in his.
And for the first time since she had come back to Cordonia, she truly felt like she was home.
"Thank you, Olivia," she whispered as she lay in Liam's arms, his steady heartbeat lulling her to sleep.
Thanks for reading; please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from this series.
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three princes walk into a bar
Books: Crimes of Passion, The Royal Romance, Rules of Engagement
Pairing: M!Trystan Thorne, Liam Rys, Leo Rys
Rating: Teen
Word count: 1200+
Summary: Liam has been roped into fixing Trystan's public image. Leo? Leo is just along for the ride.
A/N: This is the seventh chapter of the Round Robin 2024 saga, hosted by @choicesprompts.
Over the rim of his martini glass, Trystan examined the two men watching him.
"You two trying to get into comedy or something? Three princes walk into a bar?"
"I'm a king," Liam corrected.
"I've had to deal with a lot of bullshit this week, Drakovia," Leo shot back, hunched over his own glass. "Don't test me."
"I'm just trying to understand why the two of you sought me out here, Cordonia One and Two. Aren't you," he pointed at Leo, "one of us degenerates in need of a PR miracle? And you," turning to Liam, "a little busy ruling a country?"
Leo downed his whiskey like a shot of tequila. Appalled, Trystan shook his head. "It ought to be a crime to treat a fine blend like that."
"Believe me, if you'd had the week I had," he glared at Liam, "you'd want to gulp down a good whiskey too."
"Which brings us to why I'm here," Liam added. "I've been assigned as your partner."
"You're fucking with me. How the hell does a king get roped into playing PR consultant in a reality show?"
"Hypothetically, a king gets a desperate call from an old friend after your original partner quit."
"I see Bertrand is not above a guilt trip. Good for him. But what makes you think I want your help?"
Liam leaned closer. "Let's be honest here, Trystan. Your public image is a mess. At this point, short of solving a murder, I'm your only option."
"I'll take the murder. Got any dead bodies handy?"
"Afraid not. And no offense, but I really don't see you as a detective. You're too scatterbrained for that."
"Ouch." Trystan sipped from his martini. "Enlighten me, then, Coach. How do you plan to make an honest man out of me?"
Liam took Trystan's wrist and pushed it down. "First of all, you put that drink down. According to a cursory Google search, there are barely any pictures of you from the past three years, minimum, where you're not holding a drink."
"You're calling me an alcoholic?"
"Considering I haven't seen you in almost eight years, I have no idea. But you certainly look like one, and that’s what matters."
"Ohh, appearance makes reality. Is that a royal saying? I always thought it was a Queen Viktoria saying."
"It's a rational person saying. The next step is making you look like you have other thoughts besides who you're going to screw next." He made a face. "Maybe Leo could take some pointers there."
"Hey, you're not my partner, I'm just along for the ride. Besides, may I remind you, I'm happily married."
"I'm aware, and I also know you're faithful to Katie. But if you keep acting like you did before you were married, the public will think it's not a big leap from getting wasted and puking on bushes to cheating on your wife."
Trystan exchanged a commiserating look with Leo. "Was he always like this?"
"Unfortunately."
"Pity."
"Back to you," Liam continued unaffected. “You were exiled almost eight years ago, and it doesn't look like you'll be welcomed back into the fold any time soon. We both know you didn't have anything to do with Countess Juliana's death..."
Trystan drank again. "Do we?" He asked softly.
"Right. I know you didn't have anything to do with Countess Juliana's death." He jerked a thumb in Leo's direction. "So does he."
"You're a lot of things, Drakovia," Leo agreed. "But a murderer isn't one of them."
"Too bad everyone else disagrees."
"Indeed. But you're still a prince, your actions still reflect on your country, and it's only a matter of time before King Maksim and Queen Viktoria tighten the leash."
Trystan sighed and ran a hand over his jaw. His stubble contributed to the general air of dissipation that enveloped him like a mist.
"If you want to keep your comfortable life," Liam continued. "You'll make sure to go from 'drunken waste of space'..."
"Christ, Rys. Why don't you tell me how you really feel."
"... to 'proper gentleman.'"
"Proper gentleman? Seriously?"
"He can't help it," Leo put in. "Put a man on a throne long enough, he'll start to sound like an etiquette manual. Then again," he turned to his brother. "I'm not sure you weren't born this way."
"Carry on like this, brother dearest, and I'll make sure your partner swaps places with Olivia. She finished with Carrera early anyway, I'm sure she could fit you in."
Leo grimaced. "As I was saying, Liam makes excellent points."
"Coward." Trystan gestured to the waitress. "Bring me another one, will you, darling?"
Liam pinched the bridge of his nose. "Did anything I said in the past twenty minutes get through?"
"Maybe? I vaguely recall something about proper." He laughed when Liam dropped his head into his hands. "Relax, Your Majesty. I'll be on my best behavior all week."
"By whose standards?"
"There goes my loophole." Trystan sighed. "Look, I couldn't care less about my public image, but I'm not in any rush to face my mother's wrath. Besides, you're quite frankly pitiful right now. Saying no would make me feel like I was kicking a puppy. A sweet, annoying puppy."
Leo slapped a hand on the table. “Thank you! That's what he reminds me of! A thirty plus year old mystery, solved in a single night. Maybe you really should be a detective.”
Liam looked heavenward when Trystan and Leo laughed and clinked glasses. Praying for patience, no doubt. "Not quite what I was going for, but I'll take it."
"So what's the plan, oh wise one? We've already covered my drinking.”
“We’re going over the basics.”
“How to Be a Productive Member of Society 101?”
“Exactly. And as your partner…”
Trystan sighed. “Can we come up with a different word? I don't really do partners.”
“As your mentor…”
“Partner it is.”
“... It's my responsibility to make you look squeaky clean for the cameras.”
Leo groaned. “Liam, no. I'll grant you that he needs to improve his reputation, but squeaky clean won't do. People will start theorizing that he died and was replaced with a clone. Or a very elaborate AI video.”
“You might be right. What do you propose instead?”
“He leans into the role of loveable rogue. He works hard, he plays hard. He's aware of his privilege and doesn't take it for granted.”
Liam turned to face his brother. “That's rather good. Why the hell haven’t you been doing that?”
A shadow passed over Leo’s face, but he grinned. “Wouldn’t you like to know? But you’re not my partner, thank God. So let’s focus on our exiled prince here.”
Trystan blew out a breath. “Look, I’d like to get out of this island sooner rather than later. Can we get this over with?”
“Surprisingly, Leo makes a good point. Too big a change wouldn’t feel authentic. You still need to come across as you, just…”
“An upgraded version?”
“Exactly. So.” He pulled out a leather-bound notebook and a fountain pen. “We begin.”
Three hours later, Trystan had a headache, Liam was inching ever closer to a migraine, and Leo… Well, Leo had his face buried in another drink. But the sense of satisfaction permeated the air.
“There’s hope for you yet, Thorne,” Liam said delightedly. “Two more days or so and you’ll be ready for the cameras.”
“Oh joy.”
“But.” He planted his hands on the table and leaned forward. “If you screw this up, I’ll personally make sure that your next partner isn’t as nice as me.”
Trystan laughed. “Fear not, young Jedi. No offense, but I’m done with partners. Never again.”
#round robin 2024#trystan thorne#liam rys#leo rys#crimes of passion#the royal romance#rules of engagement#playchoices#30 drabbles in 30 days
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Ghosted
Ghosted - Two Steps Back (Chapter Ten)
Series Summary - Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach. But everything changed when she vanished just before the end of the social season. As everyone voices their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him question everything around him.
Book/Pairing - TRR - Liam x MC (Riley Brooks)
A/N 1 - This AU starts right before the beginning of the engagement tour. There is a two-month lapse between the coronation and where we pick up, but we will stray from canon. Please excuse any errors found.
Characters belong to Pixelberry.
After the Regatta
Penelope hobbled to her room on a sore foot and a painfully bruised ego. This wasn’t going as expected; advisors told her toward the beginning of the season she might stand a chance, but after only the first few events, they hastily changed their tone. Between Madeleine, Riley, and Olivia, they knew Penelope would not be the new king’s choice.
Regardless, Penelope was enjoying her time away. The friends she’d made were irreplaceable; she and Kiara formed an everlasting bond. Even Riley was incredibly friendly, despite her commoner status. Penelope was rooting for Riley to win it all because she was genuinely a nice person, and Penelope was looking forward to what Cordonia could look like with her as queen.
Penelope approached her door whilst humming to herself. The day was long, and she was relieved to be in the comfortable solace of her own space. She planned on calling her parents for their daily video chat, and to get some doggy face time to tide her over while away. Her anxiety was through the roof without having them close, but the friendships she’d made were a momentary distraction. She was glad the ladies were nice enough; otherwise, this experience would’ve been a nightmare.
Penelope entered and made a bee-line for the bathroom. She did her business, washed her hands, and bounced her way over to the dresser to get more comfortable for the evening. Just as she opened the drawer, a stern knock sounded on her door. Penelope scrunched her face; she was expecting no visitors but thought perhaps Kiara wanted to hang out.
As Penelope opened the structure, a thunderous force shoved through her and entered, slamming the door shut. Penelope stumbled backward but caught her footing. She could only stare at the person in front of her as panic flourished through her body. She didn't recognize them, but the death glare plastered on their face told her that notion was not applied on both ends. Her instinct told her to scream for help, but the visitor addressed her before she was given the chance.
They spoke in a low, raspy voice. “Have a seat, Lady Penelope. We have a lot to discuss.”
“W–who are you?”
“You need not worry about who I am, only what I know.”
“What do you mean?”
The person clasped their hands behind their back and stalked around Penelope; like a vulture circles its prey. “Everyone around you thinks you're the sweet, poodle-obsessed Penny, but I see otherwise. I know all about you… The things you’ve done… What your daddy tries his damndest to hide…”
Penelope’s already increasing heart rate spiked. “I don’t understand.”
“Of course you don’t. It’s alright, I wouldn’t want anyone to know, either.” They dismissively shrugged.
“Know what?”
The person snickered at her attempts to deflect, but they could see the panic rising in her eyes. “It’s quite a common expression — young and dumb. But, when you’re in the nobility, there are no secrets unless you know the right people.”
Penelope thickly swallowed. “I don’t – I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Really? So, then you’ve never been — joined in holy matrimony, right?”
Penelope’s eyes widened. “I–”
“Enough with your attempts to feign confusion; that will only prolong this process and I am not in the mood to play games. I know of your estranged marriage; how your father pays plenty of hush money per month to keep his mouth shut. I imagine it would be fairly difficult to talk yourself out of that situation if the press were to catch wind; considering Portavira continuously requests the Crown’s compensation. And I do believe the monarch would not be happy to learn your family has developed a slush fund, either.”
The intruder gave Penelope a wicked smile and added, “Not to mention the — fatality that was caught amid your poor life choices…”
Penelope visibly tensed. “That’s not – I didn’t–” she stammered before snapping her mouth closed; her flustered state prohibited her from forming an argument.
“It’s a matter of opinion, I suppose. Regardless, I attained the records from your procedure.” They waved a piece of paper in Penelope’s face, and recognition swept over her instantly. She released a shuddered breath as the document came to a stop, her tearful eyes centering on the text.
Despite Penelope’s panicked state, the aggressor continued, “Tell me, do your parents know of your aborted fetus? I mean, I saw you on security cameras entering the clinic alone. It was smart of you to use a fake name, but unfortunately, that was not enough to cover up your mistakes.”
Penelope never answered, but the assailant watched her swallow thickly with shame etched in her features. She couldn’t fathom how this stranger had found her deepest secrets that she was certain would never see the light of day.
Penelope found out she was pregnant the day after her annulment was discreetly settled. Terrified wasn’t a strong enough word to describe how she felt, as she stared down at the positive test; she went to the clinic in disguise to find out about her options and decided abortion would be the best solution. Being only nineteen years old, Penelope was practically a child herself and didn’t believe she was at a point to care for a baby like they deserved. And she was alone; when she dreamt of this moment, it happened completely differently in her head. She longed for the fairytale love, where they would start a family together; not single and inevitably disgraced.
Her parents didn’t know, she was too afraid to tell them — especially after her father agreed to pay a continuous hefty fee for Guy’s silence. Penelope was always well-behaved; the perfect trophy daughter. The look of pure disappointment held in their eyes when they found out about her marriage haunted her; she never wanted to do anything out of line again. All Penelope desired was to move on from her mistake, but life had other plans.
Panicked and ashamed, Penelope made the impossible decision alone, not wanting anyone to know of the stupid decisions that led her there. Her fear and guilt only increased after the procedure, but she grieved what could have been and pushed it into the deepest pit of her mind.
She never told a soul – nobody knew – or so she thought.
“All it would take is a small whisper to the press and it would destroy not only you, but your fraudulent parents as well…”
Penelope gasped as her tears freely flowed. “No! P–please, don’t!”
The person laughed; the sound sending an involuntary chill down Penelope’s spine. They stalked forward until her back hit the wall and they breathed over her. Penelope squeezed her eyes closed, but felt them draw nearer. The tangy scent of alcohol mixed with cigar smoke filled her nostrils, as they whispered in her ear, “If you want my silence, you’re going to have to earn it.”
Penelope’s eyes shot open as she frantically nodded her head. “Okay, j–just tell me what you need, and I’ll do it.”
“I knew you’d see reason,” the unknown presence spoke while taking a small step away. They produced an envelope from their jacket and handed it to her.
Penelope opened it and started skimming over the information; it was an email address with a set of instructions and a few other notes. She didn’t understand what it all meant; the main thing that stuck out was the location of where they wanted the photographer to be.
“Why are they going to be outside Riley’s room?”
“The less you know, the better.” They once again reached into their jacket, this time pulling out a small vial and handing it to her. “You need to give this to her beforehand. I do not care how it happens, just make sure it gets in her system; the earlier, the better.”
“W–what is this? Is this a drug?” Penelope stammered as she stared down at the bottle in her trembling hands.
The person smiled; a dark, wicked smile. “You don’t need to worry about that; just make sure she ingests it at an early enough hour.”
Tears once again streamed down Penelope’s cheeks as she frantically shook her head and tried to hand the items back. “N–no. I can’t do that, and I won’t. I would rather disgrace myself than–”
“You’re going to do it.”
Penelope stood a little taller and yelled, “No, I won’t! I–”
Penelope received a sudden, sharp backhand to her cheek. She fell to the floor cradling her face but was soon flipped over onto her back, her aggressor pinning her to the ground. She opened her mouth to scream, but quickly closed it as she saw the gleam of a blade in the light right in front of her face.
“Make a sound and I’ll kill you right here, right now.” The attacker moved the knife to hover over Penelope’s throat, applying just enough pressure to keep her subdued. “You have two options — you either comply and do as you’re told, or this is where your life will end. If you refuse to cooperate, you already know too much, and I will ensure you don’t live to tell the tale personally. But I won’t stop there, no – I’ll ruin your parents as well; the entire world will know what a fraud you and your family are.”
“No… P–please. I – I can’t – I –” Penelope frantically stammered, trying to develop a coherent sentence.
“You can, and you will. Otherwise,” they leaned forward, close enough to touch noses with Penelope. “I’ll dig your grave myself and throw those mangy mutts in with you after. Perhaps we can make it a family affair and shove your parents inside, too. After all, being exposed to the world and losing their only disappointment of a child would leave them with nothing left to live for; especially once they know of your treacherous sins.” They sat back with a vile chortle, letting the words linger.
Penelope cried harder, her breathing rapid and erratic as her panic boiled over. She opened her mouth to shout for help despite the blade at her throat, but a firm hand abruptly pressed against her lips. “I think I’m being very understanding, actually. I could just end you and move on to the next useless suitor, but I’m allowing you to make the correct choice; to answer the call of service for your country. That commoner has no business being here; you know it, I know it, everyone knows it! We have to deal with her!”
After a tense moment of silence, her intruder grew restless. They rolled their eyes and huffed, “You’re running out of time. I’ll gift you ten seconds; agree, or...” The blade on Penelope’s throat suddenly held more force; hard enough she could feel her skin being lightly pierced. “I don’t think I really need to finish that sentence, do I?”
Penelope subtly nodded her head, afraid to move too much. Although she didn’t want to betray Riley in that way, she saw no other way out. Not only was her own life being threatened, but her parents as well; she was not willing to let them die because of her secrets they knew nothing about.
Her attacker soon chortled and sat up. “I had a feeling you would see it my way.” They patted her cheek, hard, before they stood and adjusted their clothing.
The intruder walked to the door and turned back around to address a whimpering Penelope. “As a reward for your service, I will make you a lady-in-waiting for the soon-to-be queen. I’d suggest you take the position and use discretion whenever necessary from here on out. If you do anything to compromise this operation, you will be sorry. Am I clear?“
The following afternoon, Olivia met with Liam, Leo, and Ray as they discussed the events of the night prior. The court just arrived in Portavira, although there was a break in events until the polo match in a few days. They gathered in Olivia’s room, as that’s where Ray set up his equipment and continuously ensured the area remained free of compromises.
Olivia told them about Penelope’s involvement, and Liam was certain Olivia was lying or playing some kind of sick joke. However, after seeing the proof himself, he knew it had to be true. He wasn’t close with Penelope by any means, but still felt betrayed. Riley was kind and warm to those around her, not a malicious bone in her body; what made Penelope want to get rid of her?
“We have to question her. I can’t be sure, but she might know we’re onto her. The look in her eyes –” Olivia shook her head with a heavy sigh. ”– I can’t explain it, but I don’t like it.”
“I agree,” Leo interjected. “We need to know why she did it, man, because this makes absolutely no sense. I mean, Penelope – of all people? Did she accidentally eat some dog food or something, and it made her go kookoo?”
Despite his overflowing anxiety, Liam laughed. “I really don't know. But we’re not all going to question her. I think it’s best if myself and Leo did this, so we don’t overwhelm her.” He spoke to the entire group.
“Are you… okay to do that?” Leo tentatively asked. “I can take Olivia — or hell, even Maxwell or Drake, if you don’t think you can keep your cool. We can’t really risk her shutting down and withholding anything important...”
Liam remained silent for a long moment. Honestly, he didn’t know if he could control himself. The selfish side of him wanted to confront Penelope face-to-face and demand answers. However, he knew he was teetering on a dangerous ledge, and her confession could provoke several different reactions.
He didn’t remember the last time he’d slept or ate a full meal. Days were molding together, and he had no sense of time unless it pertained to the tour. Liam was simply muttering through, doing the dutiful checklist a monarch should on the daily and trying his hardest to stay afloat; even though in all reality, he felt like he was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. No amount of training could prepare him for something like this; he was simply in limbo until one of the many open ends finally led them to something of importance. As the King he held mighty authority; yet, he’d never felt so powerless. Every second of not knowing something was torture; he just wanted to see Riley with his own two eyes.
“I… don’t think I can, actually. If you wouldn’t mind questioning her, I would very much appreciate it, Leo.”
Leo patted Liam on the back with a reassuring smile. “No problem. Care to accompany me, Livvie?”
“I suppose if we want some kind of answer, I’ll have to, won’t I?” Olivia smirked.
“Are we doing this now, or?”
“Yes. The sooner, the better.”
“And we’re certain she’s here?” Liam asked.
“She was out earlier with her dogs,” Olivia answered with an eye roll.
Liam nodded as he rubbed his palms together. “This is a decent plan. I have a good feeling about this, guys.”
For the first time since he opened his eyes to the truth about the narrative against Riley, Liam felt like this could take them somewhere relevant. This was a solid lead and although he knew it probably wouldn’t provide him with all the answers he was seeking, it was a damn good start.
Liam spoke again, “Any other updates?”
“I received the diagnostic report on Lady Riley’s dress on the way here." Ray explained. "The blood was mostly Riley’s, but traces from Tariq were present as well. There were a few hairs and skin cells noted, but the DNA only registers those two.”
“Oh… okay…” Liam quietly responded. He hoped deep down the mess was from someone else, but immediately felt foolish to let himself believe such a thing. Hearing it confirmed out loud made his stomach burn with anxiety; this is what he blinded himself to, this is what he ignored. The overwhelming guilt Liam was fighting momentarily took his breath away.
“Otherwise, there are no new leads.” Ray briefly met eyes with Olivia, the both of them having a silent conversation; unbeknownst to Liam. It wasn’t technically a lie, but not the entire truth. Ray found something — interesting, but Olivia decided now was not the time to bring it up to Liam, at least until after they learned what exactly Penelope knew. “Where Tariq is concerned, I’ve hit a complete brick wall; there’s absolutely nothing.”
“Nothing?”
Ray shook his head. “Not a trace. His accounts show no transactions, and his family has not heard from him in months. I’ve checked every mode of transportation available to leave the country and he wasn’t on any of their databases.”
“How is that even possible? There has to be something, somewhere. Seriously – Tariq has the IQ of a fucking peanut.” Leo interjected.
“It could be a collection of reasons,” Ray answered. He suddenly stopped typing on his keyboard and took in everyone’s curious expressions. “Either he’s just incredibly clever and has an immaculate ability to cover his tracks, has hired someone to do that for him, or…”
“He’s dead…” Liam quietly inserted, just above a whisper. His palms started trembling in his lap, and the only thing he could feel was his heart erratically thumping.
The deeper this web went, the further Liam felt himself slipping from reality. All he wanted was a sign, a concrete clue, anything to put him one step closer to finding Riley. The longer that time passed, the more he believed there was a grim reason they couldn’t find them. Just when the light at the end shined brighter, Liam was suddenly drug further down into the abyss of questions, making him doubt everything.
“We can’t confirm that right now, Your Majesty. I’ve searched hospital records and there are no reports of him checking in at any of them and nothing solid to point to that conclusion. There are a lot of open ends regarding his whereabouts, but I have a couple more places to look before we should start truly discussing that possibility.”
“Right…” Liam quietly responded as his mind raced. If Tariq’s DNA was on her dress, does that mean he’s the one who injured her? They already knew he was close to Riley; the pictures obviously showcased them together, but was Tariq responsible for attacking her, too? Those thoughts created a storm of rage he’d never felt before; just when he thought the fire had sizzled out, another splash of gasoline was poured onto the diminishing coals. Liam may not have felt a lot of hope, but he sure as hell felt the rage consuming his entire being.
Leo noticed Liam's forelorn expression and reassuringly gripped his shoulder. “Don’t worry, man. We’re going to get an answer — soon.”
A short while later, Olivia, Leo, and ‘Harold’ walked the halls of the Portavirian estate, searching for Penelope’s room. Liam opted to have a drink with Drake instead of being alone, as his already overflowing anxiety seemed to increase with every passing second.
They rounded the corner and Olivia tapped on Penelope’s door, but received near silence; muffled barks rang out beyond the structure, although seemingly at a distance. After a few moments, she stepped forward and repeated the process, but again, no answer. Leo knocked a few times a little louder, but heard nothing — aside from the dogs. He reached for the handle and tried to turn it, just to see, only to find it locked.
“What should we do?” Leo asked Olivia.
Olivia tapped her index finger against her chin. “I don’t know…” She furrowed her brow and stared at the door in front of her. “The poodles are inside, so she shouldn’t be far… Maybe we search around and see if we spot her anywhere? It’s still relatively early; she could have stepped out for a moment.”
Leo and Ray both agreed, and the trio began their trek. They started outside by the pool and checked the lounge area, but Penelope wasn't located anywhere. They searched nearly every floor, even the roof, but found no signs of her. Everyone else was already in their room for the night, the estate nearly deserted as they scoured the abandoned hallways. After a while, everyone agreed to take their chances and return to Penelope’s door, as a good hour passed since they last attempted.
A voice called out to them as they made their way up the grand staircase. They turned around to see Landon making his way to them with a grin on his face. “Good evening, Your Majesty, Duchess, a pleasure to see you both. Are the two of you just strolling, or have you been out on the town?” He chuckled with a playful side eye directed at Leo.
“You know me,” Leo smirked, “but actually, we’ve been looking for your daughter.”
Landon’s smile faded, instead replaced with a perplexed expression. “What do you need from Penelope?”
Leo and Olivia shared a hesitant look. “Actually, it’s confidential… Do you know where she is?”
“She said she was retiring to her room earlier.”
Olivia spoke next. “We checked there. We checked everywhere and we have no clue where she’s at.”
“Perhaps she’s already in slumber; she is quite the heavy sleeper. How about I come with you? I was headed there anyway, as she was acting fairly strange earlier.”
“Strange how?” Leo asked.
“She kept hugging her mother and me, and told us how much she loved us. She just seemed — sad, as if she would burst into tears at any moment. And she asked me to ensure Merlin and Morgana get plenty of treats.” Landon furrowed his brows and shook his head. “I asked her what she meant, and she just gave me another hug. Emmaline thinks she’s getting ready for her time of the month, which is why I came prepared.” He held up a wad of chocolate bars and laughed.
“I take it Merlin and Morgana are the poodles?”
“Oh, yes. They’re practically her children. It’s been hard on her to leave them at home, but she’s done fairly well. The unexpected route changes actually ended up being very beneficial to her, since she gets to be with them for a few days. I’m certain she’s going to have a hard time leaving again, but I know she appreciates getting to see them. When it was time to leave for the engagement tour, she was practically inconsolable; she didn’t want to leave, to the point we weren’t sure she would attend at all.”
“So, she didn’t want to return, then?” Olivia inquired, hanging on his every word.
Landon sighed and looked away. “I don’t believe so, no. But we made sure she knew how much of a tremendous opportunity this was for her. She was incredibly reluctant, but finally agreed. In all honesty, I think most of her reservations were regarding the fact that she was going so far away. Penelope is a very timid girl; she doesn’t particularly enjoy the crowds or being away from home. I’m confident staying in Cordonia where things are a little more familiar will turn things around for her; perhaps she will enjoy herself a bit.”
“Right…” Olivia trailed off, as her mind swirled around these new little bits of information. She questioned if Penelope's reluctance to come back had to do with Riley's disappearance. The haunting look in Penelope’s eyes as that cab drove away told Olivia she could be correct.
“Lead the way, then,” Leo inserted with a forced smile, as uneasiness crept into the pit of his stomach. The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood at attention, an involuntary shudder traveling through his body; he shook it off and politely smiled at Landon, who returned the gesture before starting the journey.
Everyone strolled through the halls together and within a short time, they were nearing Penelope’s room once again. Leo and Landon made small talk along the way, but Olivia didn’t listen most of the time. A bad feeling rapidly grew as they walked; why, she wasn’t sure, but it was becoming impossible to ignore. As they got closer, the air suddenly felt cold, raising goosebumps on her skin and sending a shiver down her spine. The hallway had an eerie aura to it that was beyond explanation; judging from the cautious expressions of everyone around, Olivia knew her feelings were not in her head. Landon appeared to be the only one who didn’t notice the atmosphere shift, although he hadn’t stopped talking long enough to take in the environment.
Just as they were about to arrive, they heard muffled voices speaking not far away. Olivia furrowed her brows and started walking faster, practically running, with Ray and Leo not far behind.
She came to an abrupt stop as she saw a litter of guards standing outside of Penelope’s room; dressed in full riot gear with what she assumed to be loaded assault rifles, all appearing to be awaiting instructions. Standing toward the back of the mass of people was Liam, who was speaking with Bastien in hushed tones. She could tell even from afar he was talking sternly; his angry demeanor instantly drew Olivia to him. Drake lingered close-by, wearing an expression of pure confusion.
Olivia approached them and inquired, “What’s going on?”
“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you,” Liam replied. “Did you question Penelope?”
“We were looking for her, that’s why we’re here, now.”
“But you didn’t find her?” Liam snapped, not even trying to hide the annoyance in his tone.
“Not yet…” Leo answered as he took in Liam’s tense shoulders and ticking jaw. “Liam, what is going on?”
Before Liam could respond, Landon interjected himself. “What is the meaning of this?!”
Liam took a deep breath to calm himself and spoke in a calm, yet authoritative voice. “Duke Landon, I understand this may be hard for you to hear, but we have to take Penelope into custody.”
“Custody?! On what grounds?!” Landon hollered.
Liam swallowed down the ball of anger and agitation lodged in his throat and spoke in a flat voice. “She is the prime suspect in the murder of Rhonda Floros.” Everyone’s eyes widened as their jaws hit the floor. “We will investigate further, but she has to be detained until we can–”
“I – what?! You have no proof! This – this is an injustice!” Landon yelled as he frantically paced in front of Penelope’s door.
Leo hesitantly spoke in a hushed manner. “Li, all we knew about was the photographer. How can you jump to that conclusion?”
“The forensics came back and Penelope’s prints were all over the murder weapon. Her DNA was on everything else as well, but I’m focused on that knife.”
“Impossible! There has to be some kind of mistake!” Landon pleaded.
“I’m sorry Landon, but the forensics does not lie,” Liam replied with a sad smile. “Trust me, I don’t want to believe she could have done something like this and I intend to figure it out, but we have to locate her first!"
Landon quickly stepped toward Penelope’s room and pulled a set of keys from his pocket. “She is in here — I know she is; she’s sleeping. I’ll wake her up and we can figure out this mess together, because I know for certain she is innocent.” He spoke as he unlocked the door and turned the handle. He entered and flipped the switch on the wall, the area becoming illuminated.
Liam motioned for the guards to stay outside and followed closely behind. Olivia entered next, followed by Ray. However, a stern hand on Ray’s chest halted him in the doorway.
“You are unauthorized personnel,” Bastien snapped.
Liam quickly intervened. “No, he’s not.”
“Your Majesty, with all due respect, I entered his credentials myself. I know for a fact what clearances he has and doesn’t.”
Liam stepped up to Bastien with narrowed eyes. “Poof.” He snapped his fingers. “I just gave him access. Now, step aside.” He growled through clenched teeth, the vein in his neck profusely popping out.
To be honest, Liam was stalling until he found Ray and Olivia; the three of them were going to question Penelope together. His earlier worries about keeping his cool were well out the window; now he was simply confused. Why did she hire the photographer? Did she really kill that maid? Did Penelope know they had spoken to her? Every piece of random evidence found had Penelope’s DNA – and only hers – on it in some fashion. Although the legitimacy of the scene was still in question, her fingerprints on the murder weapon were more than enough to detain her for questioning.
Bastien never once took his eyes off Ray during the entire interaction. Ray observed Bastien's face crack slightly and saw him swallow and clench his jaw when Liam commanded him to stop. He finally moved his hand to allow Ray entrance, but held his intent gaze for just a moment too long. Olivia watched and noted how she wasn’t stopped, nor Drake or Leo — only Ray. She couldn’t help but wonder why Bastien didn’t want him specifically there.
Liam glanced around as he entered and saw no signs of Penelope and nothing raising any kind of alarm. He’d never been inside this room before, but to the naked eye, not a thing was out of place. However, Liam couldn’t deny the sudden chill he felt as he stepped over the threshold. His skin instantly clammed up, and his heart rate increased substantially with every tense second that passed.
Everyone else followed behind and did the same, but Landon circled the room while frantically calling Penelope’s name, only to get no response. He ducked into the bathroom to check there, but saw no traces of his daughter. Everything appeared just as it was earlier that morning when he personally prepared everything for Penelope’s arrival.
“This doesn’t make sense,” Landon huffed as he reemerged. “She said she was coming to bed. Where else would she go? Should we contact Lady Kiara? They had grown quite close.”
Liam sighed and ran a hand down his face. “Bastien, send someone to Lady Kiara’s room to check.” His patience with this situation was dissipating. An answer was right there dangling in front of his face; he could practically taste it. Even if he had to turn the entire continent upside down, Liam was going to find Penelope and make her answer for her part in this mess — whatever that could have been.
“Yes, sir.”
Olivia glanced at the dresser and saw a jewelry box. Something on top of it quickly caught her attention; it was a piece of paper neatly folded with the words read me written on it in red ink. Her breaths immediately stopped as she stared at it for a long moment. Goosebumps raised on her skin as she realized the penmanship was strikingly familiar.
She slowly reached out and brought it closer; Ray noticed and came to stand beside her to see what she had found. Liam and Landon continued to speak on the other side of the room, completely unaware of their discovery. Olivia carefully unfolded the sheet and quickly scanned over the contents. As she started reading, the color suddenly drained from her face, her hands trembling, and even tears were forming in the corners of her eyes. Her mind instantly started spiraling, trying to decipher what this meant.
Olivia and Ray stood gawking at the paper in a trance for an unidentified amount of time. The sound of Landon’s thunderous voice suddenly brought both out of their dazes. “This is absurd! She did nothing wrong!”
“I understand your frustrations but as I said before, the forensics does not lie,” Liam answered in the calmest tone he could muster. “I have questions about all of this, Landon! But one way or another her DNA was littered–”
“Bullshit! Run the tests again! Something is going on here!”
Liam winced at Landon’s volume, but shook it off and stood to his full height. “Duke Ebrim, you’d do well to remember who you’re speaking to and watch your tone. While I understand why you’re upset, I’m only here to figure this out. If you want to clear her name, help us find her so we can speak to her!”
Landon frantically looked throughout the room, desperately trying to make sense of what was happening. At that moment, they heard a bark, followed by another softer cry; everyone suddenly stilled and an eerie silence took over, as they glanced at one another with furrowed brows. It sounded undeniably close, but there were obviously no dogs in the area. The silence in the air was deafening, but then it happened again and Landon finally pinpointed the location — the closet. It would make sense; Penelope heard the commotion and retreated in there with her poodles to hide because she was afraid.
Landon made a bee-line for the door and wildly swung it open. He took a step back and two fluffy dogs slowly came out with their heads down, causing Landon to take a few steps back; they laid at Landon’s feet and whimpered.
“What is it, Merlie?” Landon asked as he rubbed one of the dogs’ heads, their howls intensifying.
The room’s air suddenly felt incredibly thick at the interaction. Liam felt physically sick to his stomach as recognition swept over him from head to toe — something was waiting for them in that closet. His hands shook at his sides, his breathing shaky and uneven as he stared into the dark, open doorway.
Landon stepped over the poodles, who went and lay on the bed, but continued whining. As he entered, he ran a hand along the wall until he found the switch. The small area came to light, and his worst nightmare suddenly became reality right in front of his face.
“NO!” Landon wailed at an ear-piercing volume as he dropped to his knees near the doorway.
“What’s wrong?” Liam sought, but Landon broke into a fit of sobs and crumpled to the floor.
Liam swallowed thickly and took a couple of cautious steps forward. Olivia suddenly appeared and tried to redirect him, but Liam was steadfast; whatever it was, he needed to see it for himself. As he got closer, he could see a chair lying on its side. His eyesight started on the floor and slowly traveled upward. He hadn’t made it very far before the color drained from his face with sweat immediately beading his brow at seeing a pair of dainty feet dangling in the air; one heel on, the other nowhere to be seen.
Liam looked away but with a shuddered breath followed the body back up to the face, and sure enough, it was Penelope.
Landon suddenly shoved Liam out of the way. “MOVE!” He rushed over and held Penelope’s lifeless form, lifting her easily with one hand; the other quickly moving to remove the belt from around her severely bruised neck. Her limp body dropped into his arms and he cradled her to his chest as he rocked back and forth, making cries that would haunt Liam until the day he died.
Liam regained his footing but remained cemented in place. This was it; this was their big break, but they only received more unanswered questions. Hopelessness flourished, as he saw no other solutions in sight. He felt like a mouse, mindlessly running through a maze just trying to reach the end for the reward. Penelope's testimony was that reward, but instead of finding the end of the maze, he encountered a sudden, abrupt wall.
Regardless of their actions, they faced a grim reality where a devastating setback countered every advance they made; one step forward, only to be met with two deadly steps back.
Liam suddenly couldn’t breathe; his lungs felt like fire with every rapid, hollow breath. The room started spinning, his vision hazing at a rapid rate. His heart pounded mercilessly, the sound overpowering Landon’s continuous wails filling the room. His hands flew to his chest and he stumbled backward, Leo and Drake quickly moving to catch him before he hit the floor.
They lowered him to the ground and sat over him as Liam’s vision slowly faded out, their faces disintegrating into a pixelated, blurry image. He blinked his eyes a few times to regain himself, but found the rapidly spinning room made him nauseous. He felt Leo lightly tapping his cheeks, but when he tried to open his mouth, only an anguished cry escaped.
Liam stared at the ceiling until the bright lights suddenly dimmed. His eyelids grew incredibly heavy until he succumbed to the weight of the world forcing them down. Darkness consumed him as he slipped into unconsciousness, a still silence overcoming his being.
"Goddamn it," Leo grumbled to himself, as he watched Liam’s body relax. "Get a fucking ambulance! Now!" He hollered over his shoulder before his teary vision centered on his brother again. "Cummon, Li..."
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#the royal romance#choices the royal romance#king liam#liam rys#trr#choices trr#trr au#choices#liam x riley#ghosted#liam x mc#trr fanfiction#trr liam#trr fanfic#trr fandom#cfwc fics of the week#choices fic writers creations#pixelberry#choices stories you play#playchoices#olivia nevrakis#leo rys#penelope ebrim#mature
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Shadows and Deceptions: A Royal Murder Mystery (Masterlist)
In the heart of Cordonia's grand ballroom, an eclectic cast of characters gathers, their lives interwoven as a result of a shocking turn of events. Trystan Thorne, the exiled prince with a taste for mystery, Olivia Nevrakis, the snarky Duchess skilled with daggers, Tyril Starfury, the noble elf Lord a defender of the realm, Amalas, the enigmatic spy queen, and Prince Hamid, the charming and formal imperial prince. Amidst the grand party of the birth of King Liam's third heir, Princess Ariana, the joyous celebration is broken by a piercing scream, a dead body, and a room full of royal suspects.
Each section begins with a quote that provides some insight into the story. Most are by famous fictional detectives. Each post includes two sections (ie: I & II, III & IV, etc)
I. Every man at the bottom of his heart believes that he is a born detective. (John Buchan)
II. Have patience and endure; this unhappiness will one day be beneficial. (Ellery Queen)
III. From now on, it is our task to suspect each and every one amongst us. (Justice Wargrave)
IV. Truth arises from the seemingly irrelevant. (C. Auguste Dupin)
V. --- In the Ballroom with the Dagger? (Clue inspired)
VI. Put two and two together... sometimes the answer's four... and sometimes it's twenty-two. (Nick Charles)
VII. When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. (Sherlock Holmes)
VIII. It is not the past that matters, but the future. (Poirot)
Series Information:
Books: The Royal Romance Series, Crimes of Passion, Desire & Decorum, Blades of Light and Shadow
Characters: Trystan Thorne (M, race not mentioned), Marguerite Thorne, Olivia Nevrakis, Queen Amalas, Maxwell Beaumont, Daniel, King Liam, Tyril Starfury, Nia Ellarious, Prince Hamid
Pairings: Olivia Nevrakis x Queen Amalas ; M!Trystan Thorne x (no gender given) MC (mentioned) ; King Liam x Riley (mentioned)
Total Word Count: 6,600
Rating/Warnings: Teen, mentions of blood, stab wound, knives/daggers (no graphic descriptions)
Series Video Edit
The loveliest and talented @secretaryunpaid created little mini videos/gifs for each section and edited them together into what would be an amazing commercial for this series. Check it out:
#playchoices#choices game#the royal romance#blades of light and shadow#crimes of passion#desire & decorum#choices fan fiction#tyril starfury#trystan thorne#marguerite thorne#nia ellarious#maxwell beaumont#olivia nevrakis#queen amalas#prince hamid#lovealexhunt#choices book club
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(Less Than) Noble Intentions: Chapter 18 - Diplomatica
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, Olivia and the Beaumonts arrive in Rome... but not everyone is happy to see them
Word Count: 5,300
Rating/Warnings: None (for once 🤣)
Chapter theme song:
A/N1: Lots of Italian and random cultural/historical tidbits in this... but, then again, we are in Italy, so the foreign language aspect will be a bit of a running theme through the next few chapters (sorry...not sorry - I actually learnt some Italian in the process!)
A/N2: @aussiegurl1234, before you ask, yes, I HC that Vito bears a striking resemblance to Michele Morrone 😆
Chapter 18 - Diplomatica
"How is it hotter here than in Cordonia?" I gasp as I step out onto the jet's airstairs.
"Italy is a peninsula," Olivia says from behind me, slotting on a pair of Versace cat-eye shades. "It is more exposed to the anti-cyclones that blow up from the Sahara."
My mouth drops as I make my way down onto the steaming tarmac. "This heatwave... is coming from Africa?"
No wonder it feels like the inside of a furnace!
"It certainly isn't coming from the Arctic!" bemoans Bertrand as he shields his face from the intensity of the rays with an upraised hand. "Though what a welcome change that would be!"
"Brr...!" objects Maxwell with a shiver. "No thank you! I've had my yearly fill of sub-zero temps at Olivia's!"
"You're welcome," comes the snippy response as the Duchess of Lythikos strides past us.
"That said, turning the mercury down a few notches wouldn't hurt..." I remark, squinting accusatorily up at the beating sun.
"The summer heatwaves have been growing longer and more intense over recent years," Olivia advises from up front, "leading to consequent effects on food and water security, power generation, infrastructure, not to mention the added burden on the healthcare system across Europe. It is one of the items on the agenda for Christian's roundtable with the Italian Prime Minister tomorrow."
I frown as I arrive at the passenger-side door of the first in a trio of waiting Porsche Macan GTS's. "I thought this was supposed to be an engagement tour..."
"It is," she confirms as a black-suited Italian sporting close-cropped hair and aviators opens the door for her. "But any foreign visit involving a high-ranking head of state is — by its nature — a diplomatic event as well."
"I guess that makes sense," I concede, sliding into the relative reprieve offered by the SUV's A/C system. "Though you said Christian is meeting with the Prime Minister tomorrow... I thought that was supposed to be today. Did something change?"
"No," derides Bertrand as he settles in next to me. "Today, the King is partaking in a meet-and-greet with the Italian President, followed by a private audience with the Pope while the future Queen is fitted for her wedding trousseau, capped off by dinner and a performance of Tosca at the Teatro dell'Opera in the evening. While tomorrow we have been invited to brunch at the Cordonian Consulate, after which the King has a round-table discussion with the Prime Minister, and day will be closed out by a state gala."
"Oh," I mutter sheepishly. "So, the Prime Minister isn't the same as the President...?"
"The Prime Minister is the head of government, while the President is the head of state," the elder Beaumont instructs as Maxwell squishes himself into the backseat on the other side of me. "The roles are quite distinct."
"Of course they are..." I huff under my breath.
Seems like in addition to Olivia's list of influential Cordonian nobles, I will also need to memorise a textbook on European constitutional history...
Though, now I am doubly glad of the business-like, but nevertheless stylish pale pink, high-necked pencil dress that Bertrand foisted on me this morning — it definitely would not have been great to show up underdressed to such a high-level meeting!
"But we must hurry!" the elder Beaumont proclaims. "We are due at the Presidential Palace in just under an hour, and we still need to fight our way through the notoriously infernal Roman traffic!"
"Not to worry," Olivia assures us with a sly smirk from the front passenger seat. "Vito here knows all the shortcuts."
"That sounds ominous..." I mutter, reaching for the seatbelt on instinct.
"I prefer 'expeditious'," she counters, turning to Vito, who has now taken up position behind the wheel. "Andiamo."
"Certamente, Duchessa," he nods, throwing the car forward with a violent depression of the gas pedal.
The sudden acceleration yanks an inadvertent gasp from my lips as I'm thrown back in my seat... just like on that afternoon in Ramsford when Drake pulled the same stunt on the Beaumonts' driveway.
I feel my throat tighten as I glance inadvertently out the window. God, I hope he's okay...
I know in the back of my mind that I'm probably making myself anxious for no reason. Drake is an adult, perfectly capable of taking care of himself... including in close-quarters situations. He's demonstrated that to me plenty of times.
Yet, I still can't help but worry about him. Especially when he's off in a foreign country (all by himself for all I know...), having left with basically no good-bye, and with definitely no assurance of when he expects to get back.
And while I know that he is doing this for me — so we can collar Tariq and extract whatever information he has in relation to the plot to influence the outcome of the social season... and to answer for what he did to me in Applewood — the wait is killing me. I have no idea where he is, what he is doing, and whether he even has his phone turned on, given the high-stakes nature of his self-appointed task.
Which is why I have held off trying to reach out to him (...even though the baser, needier part of me is itching to do exactly that), as I don't want to be the one to interrupt a crucial moment by setting his phone off with an ill-timed call or text, especially considering the three-hour time difference...
I heave a breath.
I just have to trust him. Like he asked me to at every turn of this increasingly bumpy road that we've been travelling since I left New York. And hope that we are finally on our way out of the woods.
Exiting the boundaries of the airport, Vito navigates the Porsche onto a highway where we are able to pick up some speed. Olivia uses the opportunity to open up her phone, throwing some questions in Italian to her associate every so often as we cruise along. Bertrand is similarly occupied, while Maxwell has slipped on some Bose headphones and is bobbing away to the beat.
Which leaves me to stare somewhat aimlessly out the window, watching the scenery roll by in a bid to keep myself distracted.
But the reprieve ends up being somewhat of a welcome one. The various warehouses and road-side auto lots surrounding the airport quickly give way to a tree-lined thoroughfare, and I find myself basking in the calming effects of the greenery, not having expected to encounter such a bucolic sight on the road to a major urban centre.
Eventually, though, the vegetation gives way to the crumbling walls of some kind of expansive estate that we end up following for a good few miles until the asphalt road changes over to cobblestones and we pass in front the gates of a red-bricked stone fortress that looks like it's been plucked straight from the set of Game of Thrones.
"Wow..." I can't help but breathe as I take in the sight of the towering structure simmering under the light of the mid-morning sun.
"Le mura aureliane," advises Vito from up front, catching my awed expression through the rear-view mirror. "Costruita dall'imperatore Aureliano per difendere Roma dai barbari."
I nod distractedly, craning my neck as we turn a corner to follow the path of the ancient structure that is somehow still standing despite the clear ravages of time and weather.
Nothing lasts like this anymore...
Making another turn, we pass beneath an arched portion of the wall, and the road before us opens up into a leafy boulevard that takes us into the city proper. And from there, it's one jaw-dropping piece of architecture after another jostling for space between more modern buildings and seemingly never-ending rows of trees.
"I didn't expect Rome to be so green..." I admit to no one in particular as I eye up the unusual-looking shrubs.
"You can thank the Ancient Romans," supplies Bertrand without glancing up from his phone. "They planted the now-iconic stone pines in scores along the major roadways in part to serve as ornamentation, and in part to provide a steady supply of pine nuts, which are an essential ingredient in many dishes, including pesto and various pies and tarts."
"It certainly was worth the effort," I agree, watching the evergreens drift past on either side of us.
Though, as Bertrand predicted, the closer we get to the centre of the ancient capital, the increasingly chaotic the traffic becomes, with cars, buses and mopeds all vying for space on the roads, requiring Vito to make recourse to his own horn as well as various offensive gestures in order to narrowly avoid a slew of accidents... and I suddenly have a slightly better appreciation for why Drake drives the way he does. Because based on my experiences first in France and now in Italy, it appears that on the Mediterranean, might equals right when it comes to priority on the road, and unless you're forceful, you ain't getting nowhere.
Managing to finally extricate ourselves from the constraints of a complicated intersection, we end up on a quieter road running parallel to a long patch of bunkered-looking grass on our left.
"What's that?" I ask, tapping Vito on his shoulder.
"Il Circo Massimo," he advises.
My eyes widen. "That's the Circus Maximus?"
"Sì," he nods. "L'antico stadio romano costruito per le corse dei carri."
"Unbelievable..." I murmur, slumping back into my seat in awe.
There is nothing comparable back home — even the oldest still-extant pre-Columbian structures date to only the first millennia A.D. Whereas here we are, casually cruising past a seminal piece of history that is still embedded into the fabric of the city nearly three thousand years after its construction. And we haven't even seen the Colosseum, or the Forum yet!
Rome really is the Eternal City...
Leaving the green fields of the Circus behind us, we enter a more urban-looking environment as we start to climb a hill. The white- and sand-coloured buildings cluster closer together, and the general architecture becomes more uniformly Baroque, until we arrive in a large plaza dominated by a massive, Neo-Classical structure that towers over everything else.
"Il Vittoriano," Vito offers without prompting.
"Is that where we're having brunch with the President?" I ask, slack-mouthed as I stare up at the imposing building.
It certainly looks impressive enough to house the head of a country!
"Of course not!" admonishes Bertrand. "The Vittoriano is a symbolic collection of monuments built to commemorate the rule of King Victor Emmanuel II and the unification of Italy. The President resides at the Quirinal Palace, which is located on a wholly different Roman hill!"
"Oh," I mutter sheepishly.
"Like she is going to know the difference," scoffs Oliva from the front. "They don't even teach The Art of War in her schools... How can you expect her to know anything about Italian history?"
"Italian history is foundational history!" insists Bertrand. "The Romans were instrumental in shaping not just the course of European, but Northern African and Middle Eastern events for millennia! How can they neglect to teach American children about this?"
"Because the focus is on US history," I tell them wearily as Vito navigates us to the other side of the square.
"Surely that is an afternoon's worth of lessons at most?" the elder Beaumont queries sceptically. "Your country was only founded in the conventional sense of the word in the mid-1600s..."
"Most Americans haven't been to Europe," I remind him, watching the rows of buildings flick past on either side of us as we begin the ascent up another hill. "They don't necessarily have a basis of comparison."
"Sounds like your curriculum is somewhat lacking in scope, then..." he surmises with pursed lips.
"Yeah, well..." I retort dryly, "I don't write the textbooks. Though, speaking of education, is there any chance for some sightseeing? It would be a shame to spend two days here and not actually see anything..."
"While I wholeheartedly approve of the sentiment," Bertrand replies, "I am afraid that you will have to make do with the cultural experiences offered by the various host venues on the official itinerary. Which — I admit — are no Pantheon, or Sistine Chapel, but are impressive and important cultural artefacts, nevertheless. The Quirinal Palace, for instance, so named for the Quirinal Hill on which it sits, is actually the sixth largest palace in the world and has served as the primary residence of such notable figures as—"
I let out a low exhale as Bertrand launches into a full-blown historical recital. And while the details are definitely interesting, I didn't come all this way to listen to a one-man rendition of a Roman guidebook.
Which makes me all the more determined to find some kind of opportunity to slip away from the official tour — even if it's just for an hour to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain — so that I can experience something of the magic that this breathtaking city has to offer.
When, I have no idea, given the busyness of our schedule, but I managed to orchestrate an escape plan to see the capital back in Cordonia, so I'm confident I'll be able to pull something similar... albeit without Drake's help this time. But despite the set-backs, I'm not about to miss out on this kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience...
With my intention firmly set, the car rounds an uphill corner, and we are suddenly on the edge of yet another expansive plaza secured by a rim of strategically placed concrete planters and a pair of police cars.
Vito pulls to a stop and slides the window down to exchange a few quick words with the officer who has come to greet us.
"Passports," instructs Olivia, reaching into her purse.
Opening up the white, Medusa emblazoned Versace clutch sitting on my lap — which I am sure cost more than what I would've ever made in a month working as a waitress back home, but which Bertrand had insisted on as a 'necessary' Italian-themed accessory — I pull out my shiny, new Cordonian passport and pass it to the front.
Maxwell and Bertrand do the same, and there is a couple of minutes of tense silence while the stern-looking officer inspects each document to verify our identities, while another policeman does a circuit 'round the car with a convex safety mirror.
Finally, the policeman hands the passports back with a curt nod, and waves us through.
"Were they not expecting us?" I query as I slot my credentials away again.
"They were," Olivia advises. "But we are arriving separately from the royal delegation, so the State Police are obligated to run a security check."
"Why?"
The Duchess of Lythikos scoffs back at me. "To ensure that we are not terrorists trying to kill the President with a car bomb... Or did that part go over your head?"
"No..." I hit back sarcastically. "I meant why are we arriving separately?"
She looks back at me with an arched brow. "Would you have preferred to deal with the press?"
"I... No," I admit.
She turns back to the front with a smirk. "Didn't think so."
Vito pulls the car to a stop in front of a small courtyard decked out with a red carpet and intertwined streamers made out in the colours of Cordonia's and Italy's flags. Allard and Schweitzer — who had been travelling in the car behind us — appear to open the doors for us.
Bertrand scoots out of the backseat first, before turning back to offer me his hand.
"Thanks," I say with a sincere smile, grasping his fingers to help pull myself up.
"Always my pleasure," he replies with a genuine smile.
Smoothing my skirt, I gaze up at the somewhat understated-looking entranceway, suddenly nervous about the prospect of acting as a newly-minted ambassador of Cordonia. I mean... three months ago, I was bussing tables at a dive bar for less than minimum wage, and now here I am, decked out in clothes that cost more than the rent I was paying for a fifth-storey walk-up, about to have an official meeting with a foreign country's head of state.
To say that I feel like a fraud is a massive understatement.
"What are you waiting for?" asks Olivia, breezing past me with all the confidence of a woman who's done this a hundred times before... probably because she has. "For the grass to grow?"
"I—"
"I heard the President loves chocolate bomboloni," offers Maxwell enthusiastically, linking his arm through mine to tug me down the length of the red carpet.
"What's...that?" I ask, forcing myself to swallow down the sudden dryness in my throat.
Maxwell's face collapses into an aghast look of shock. "Only the best pastry-based dessert! Second only to cronuts, of course!"
"That's definitely a high bar to hit," I admit.
"Think mini doughnuts with gooey chocolate filling, dusted with powdered sugar," he explains. "They literally melt in your mouth!"
"Except we are not here to indulge infantile cravings for sugary treats," reprimands Bertrand as we pass through the arched doorway. "We are here to partake in important discussions relating to matters of state, and t—"
"Pfft," scoffs Olivia. "Speak for yourself, Beaumont. These meetings are dull as shite. I'm here for the sweets."
I can't help but snort at the unexpected riposte... as well as the resultant sight of Bertrand's jaw hitting the parquet flooring. And I unexpectedly find myself feeling better about the whole experience. Because despite whatever nerves I may be feeling, the fact that Olivia and the Beaumonts are with me means that I am not alone in this.
Passing into the coolness of the building, we are greeted by a middle-aged woman who proceeds to lead us through a veritable rabbit warren of ante-rooms and corridors before we finally arrive in an expansive room dominated by a pair of jaw-dropping crystal chandeliers suspended from a vaulted, hand-painted ceiling.
"La Salle Bronzino," informs our guide, indicating that we should step through.
"Wow..." I breathe, trying to take in the opulence with as much composure as I can.
A slew of camera shutters click to life upon our arrival.
Jerking my gaze down from the delicate, celestial fresco above me, I spot the handful of photographers aiming their lenses at me.
I stifle a groan as I plaster a demure smile onto my face. "I thought you said there wouldn't be any reporters."
"This is an official state visit," Bertrand hisses out of the corner of his mouth. "Of course, there will be reporters!
"Just not as many as there would have been outside earlier," Olivia assures me.
My shoulders slump in acquiescence. "Take the wins you can get, I guess..."
"Ah, you made it!" exclaims Christian, striding up to us with a jovial grin. "Traffic wasn't too terrible, I hope?"
"Nothing Vito couldn't handle," Olivia assures him, dipping into a chaste curtesy as the photographers snap eagerly away.
Christian turns to me with a good-natured chuckle. "And Lady Harper... First impressions haven't put you off, have they?"
"No," I assure him, bobbing down politely as well, knowing that everyone in the room now has their eyes on us. "The exact opposite, actually."
"Excellent," he beams, holding my gaze for a second longer than he did with Olivia. "I have to admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for Rome, myself."
"It really is a—"
"Darling," interjects Madeleine with a steely smile, appearing at her fiancé's shoulder. "You really should focus your attentions on the President. He has been gracious enough to open up his home for us, after all..."
Christian's nostrils flare with the briefest flash of irritation as he pulls back slightly. "Quite. Let us go make the necessary introductions."
Madeleine bristles. "That is not what I—"
Deftly ignoring her, Christian extends his arm decisively towards an elderly man wearing a sombre suit and gold-rimmed glasses. "Shall we?"
"I guess so?" I concede, already feeling myself being steered past the silently fuming countess.
"Now remember," Bertrand mutters next to me as Christian leads us down the length of the room. "In the context of a formal conversation, it is always lei — never tu — when addressing your counterpart, so for the love of all that is holy, please do not—"
"Singor Presidente," proclaims Christian as he pulls to a stop. "Permettetemi di presentarvi altri membri della nostra delegazione."
The President raises his head dutifully. "Certamente."
"Questo è Singor Bertrand Beaumont, duca di Ramsford, e suo fratello, Maxwell."
The Beaumonts bow their heads dutifully.
"Beaumont..." the President frowns. "Sai, mi suona familiare. Sei parente di Signor Bartholemy, per caso?"
"Sì," Bertrand confirms. "Egli è nostro padre."
The President is nodding in recollection. "Sì... sì... Ha accompagnato il re precedente in molte occasioni. Sei molto simile a lui."
"Sì, la somiglianza di famiglia è forte," Bertrand acknowledges.
"E questa è Singorina Olivia Nevrakis, duchessa di Lythikos, un mio carissimo amico, e fedele sostenitrice del famiglia Rys."
Olivia holds out her hand. "E' un piacere conoscerla, Signore Presidente."
The President drops a chaste kiss on the back of her hand. "Il piacere è tutto mio."
"E finalmente," concludes Christian, "questa è Singorina Harper, la nuova duchessa di Valtoria."
The President's brows arc inquisitively. "Singorina Harper... You are... American? No?"
"Sì," I affirm as I offer my hand out. "Ma ho praticato mio Italiano..."
The President's mouth cracks into a genuine smile. "And you are doing very well, Singorina! Tell me, have you visited la città eterna before?"
"No, this is my first time," I admit, also switching to English, now that the formalities are over and done with. "But even the ride from the airport was utterly magical! It's like stepping into history!"
"Sì," the President affirms with a grin. "Us Romans are unspeakably lucky to be able to call such a beautiful city our home. It is a place of many treasures."
"What is your favourite part of the city?" I ask.
The President blinks in surprise at the unexpected intimacy of the request. "That is a difficult question... But if I am forced to choose... it would have to be this little forno next to la Fontana di Trevi which makes a very unique — and very delicious — pistachio croissant. It is not for every person, but if you have a spirit of adventure, then I suggest you try it."
"Thank you," I say with a sincere smile, filing the suggestion away. "I definitely will!"
"I cannot say that I have had the pleasure of sampling this treat, either," Christian admits, with a knowing glance down at me. "But Lady Harper has excellent taste in pastries — she was actually kind enough to introduce us to an American delicacy called a cronut. It was a big hit all around."
"A cronut?" queries the President. "I cannot say I am familiar..."
"Don't worry," Maxwell assures him with a conspiratorial grin. "We'll bring you one. If you'll trade us some bomboloni in exchange?"
Bertrand's already sunburnt face reddens further. "Maxwell! You cannot entreat the President t—"
"You like bomboloni, also?" interjects the President with keen interest.
"Of course!" Maxwell affirms enthusiastically. "Anyone who doesn't like them clearly has something wrong with them!"
"Sounds like you have excellent taste in pastries as well, Signore Maxwell!" chuckles the President.
The conversation continues to revolve around our shared food interests for a few more minutes, until an aide clears his throat from behind the President.
"Accettare le mie scuse," he apologises. "But I am being advised that it is time for the photographs and the speeches."
"Of course," nods Christian graciously, indicating that the President should lead the way to the front of the room where a small podium has been set up.
As the two men peel away from the group, I cast my eyes 'round the space and spot Hana standing by one of the large windows. Giving her a wave, I use the brief break in the proceedings to make my way over to her.
"So, what's the view like from this side of the room?" I ask by way of greeting.
"Quieter than your side," she admits wryly. "You certainly seemed to be having an engaging conversation with the President!"
"We discovered a shared love for sugary treats," I admit. "You should've joined us — you could've bragged about that baking championship that you won."
"It's alright," she demurs with a blush. "It's actually been nice to take a moment to step away from the crowd."
"Oh?" I ask, laying a concerned hand on her arm. "Is something wrong?"
She heaves a breath, as if debating whether to tell me. Finally, she says, "I have been fending off suitors."
My brow shoots skywards. "How many proposals have you had?"
"Since I arrived...? Probably twelve..."
My eyes bulge. "Twelve! That's like two a day!"
"Yes," she concedes with a weary exhale. "Lady Madeleine has been extremely gracious in personally introducing me to numerous eligible bachelors—"
"—but none of them are Maxwell," I surmise.
Her eyes flick up to mine before dropping back down sorrowfully. "No. But for the sake of my parents, I must entertain every available option in an honest manner."
"That definitely sounds exhausting..." I concede. "But hopefully now that we're out of the country, you can catch a bit of a break."
"I am not so sure..." she admits. "I have been advised that a number of well-connected Italians will be in attendance at the opera tonight..."
"Pfft...!" I scoff. "Just take the night off... Pretend to be sick... Run off with Maxwell to get some gelato... Actually enjoy being in Italy!"
Hana blushes. "I—"
The chime of a bell rings out across the room, interrupting our conversation.
Looking up, I see that all heads have turned dutifully towards the twin forms standing on the dais as they prepare to address the congregation.
"Vostra Altezza Reale, colleghi delegati, Signore e Signori," greets the President, "È un onore, per me, ospitare la delegazione reale di Cordonia, nostro vicino e stretto alleato per centinaia di anni. È passato troppo tempo da—"
As the speech winds on, I find myself tuning out, given that I am only able to understand every third or fourth word. But, not wanting to come across as rude by continuing my catch-up with Hana, I instead try to occupy myself by examining the two large tapestries suspended on the walls.
A round of applause draws me out of my reverie, and I join in on auto-pilot as the President hands off to Christian. Several more minutes of lilting Italian fills the room, during which time I move my attentions to the Roman-looking busts, wondering which emperors they depict.
Finally, the speeches come to a close, and I heave a sigh of relief.
"Did you understand any of that?" I ask Hana as the President presents Christian with some kind of medal, and the two men pose for photos.
"Of course," she nods. "My parents—"
"—have been giving you Italian lessons since before you could talk?" I finish dryly.
Hana's cheeks dimple. "Not quite that young, but yes. I am what they consider 'proficient'."
"Meaning, you speak it better than I speak English," I joke.
She snorts in response. "I wouldn't say that..."
"But it's true," I say with a smirk, happy to see that Hana's time back at court has not completely crushed her sense of humour.
"Ah, I've missed talking to you, Harper," she says with genuine feeling. "The last few days have felt so busy that I feel like we haven't spoken in months!"
"Yeah, tell me about it..." I agree with a huff. "In the space of a week, I've become a Cordonian citizen, been granted a duchy, gone from number five to number one on Madeleine's shit list, and—"
Hana's eyes widen. "It's not that bad, surely...!"
"It's probably worse," I admit. "And being on the front page of the Cordonian Sun — again — is probably not helping matters either..."
"Yes, I saw that article..." she commiserates with feeling. "I'm sorry that the press are treating you in that manner again."
"Hey, it's not your fault," I assure her. "But the press aren't all bad — I managed to convince Ana de Luca to help us track down the photographer who took those pictures of me and Tariq, and she actually came through yesterday."
"That's great!" she enthuses. "I have to admit that I have not had much success on my side... Madeleine does not permit her ladies-in-waiting to handle any of her private correspondence, including her mobile phones and laptop. And she has only talked to us about the upcoming events on the tour..."
"Well, it was a bit of a long-shot, anyway," I concede with a shrug. "But who knows? We might get—"
"Pardon," interrupts Kiara with a pointed cough. "But the Queen requests your presence."
I roll my eyes with a scoff. "She's not married to Christian yet..."
"But she will be soon," she reminds me pointedly. "So, it is actuellement in your interest to remain on her good side, given that you are now a duchess."
I feel the corner of my mouth scrunch into a mou of dissent, but I force myself not to pick apart the many things that are wrong with her statement. "Fine. Where is Her Majesty?"
"Bidding adieu to the President," she advises. "She has asked that in the meantime I gather the ladies who are to accompany her to the wedding boutique."
"Does she really need an entourage to go shopping?" I ask as we start making our way back to the double doors at the far end of the room.
"It is tradition for the suitors who were not picked at the end of the social season to assist the queen-to-be in the preparations for the wedding, including selecting her bridal gown and trousseau."
"Wonder how many times that's gone wrong before..." I mutter under my breath.
"It is a ritual de beaucoup d'importance," Kiara insists seriously. "The former suitors — and their families — demonstrate their public support for the union via the personal assistance they provide the bride and groom in the lead-up to the big day, as well as in the act of taking on key roles during the ceremony itself."
"Let me guess..." I grumble. "We're all going to be maids of honour, too..."
"In Cordonia, the correct term is 'witness'," she corrects. "They are the ones chosen by the couple to countersign the marriage certificate. Mais oui — it is likely that one or two of us will be called upon in such a manner."
"Great..." I sigh, arriving at the entranceway where Penelope and Olivia are already waiting. "All the things we get to look forward to..."
"Oh, Lady Harper!" squeals Penelope in excitement. "I love your dress! How do you always manage to find such super chic pieces?"
"Uhh..." I say, genuinely taken aback by her enthusiasm. "Bertrand picked this, actually..."
Olivia snorts derisively. "You mean Lord Tweedle-Dee? Please... That man has worse fashion sense than Jared Leto."
"Actually, he—"
"If you lot are quite finished with your asinine chit-chit," snaps Madeline as she strides imperiously past us, "you can pick up your feet. We are already running late for my appointment... Which took months to schedule, so don't you dare make me miss it!"
I meet Hana's gaze with a fish-eyed look. "Ever heard the term 'bridezilla' before?"
"No," she admits with a frown. "But it sounds scary..."
"Oh, trust me!" I assure her as we bring up the rear. "It is! Especially since it sounds like Madeleine is planning to take the concept to a whole 'nother level..."
The story continues in Chapter 19: Field Day
A/N: Translations for the Italian below:
At the airport:
Andiamo - Let's go
Certamente, Duchessa - Certainly, Duchess
En route
Lemura aureliane. Costruitadall'imperatore Aureliano per difendere Roma dai barbari. - The Aurelian Wall. It was constructed by the Emperor Aurelian to defend Rome against barbarians.
Il Circo Massimo - The Circus Maximus
Sì. L'antico stadio romano costruito per le corsedei carri. - Yes. The ancient Roman stadium constructed for chariot racing.
Il Vittoriano - This is a colloquial nickname for the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
At the Presidential Palace
Singor Presidente. Permettetemi di presentarvi altri membri della nostra delegazione. - Mr President. Allow me to introduce some additional members of our delegation.
Certamente - Certainly
Questo è Singor Bertrand Beaumont, duca di Ramsford, e suo fratello, Maxwell. - This is Lord Bertrand Beaumont, Duke of Ramsford, and his brother, Maxwell.
Beaumont... Sai, mi suona familiare. Sei parente di Signor Bartholemy, per caso? - Beaumont... You know, that sounds familiar. Are you related to Lord Bartholemy, by chance?
Sì. Egli è nostro padre. - Yes. He is our father.
Sì...sì... Ha accompagnato il re precedente in molte occasioni. Sei molto simile a lui. - Yes... Yes... He accompanied the former king on many occasions. You look a lot like him.
Sì, la somiglianza di famiglia è forte. - Yes, there is a notable family resemblance.
E questaè Singorina Olivia Nevrakis, duchessa di Lythikos,un mio carissimo amico, e fedele sostenitrice del famiglia Rys. - And this is Lady Olivia Nevrakis, Duchess of Lythikos, a dear friend of mine, and loyal supporter of the Rys family.
E' un piacere conoscerla, Signore Presidente. - My sincere pleasure, Mr President.
Il piacere è tutto mio. - The pleasure is all mine.
E finalmente, questa è Singorina Harper, la nuova duchessa di Valtoria. - And finally, this is Lady Harper, the new Duchess of Valtoria.
Sì. Ma hopraticato mio Italiano.* - Yes. But I am practising my Italian.
*Italian speakers will note that there is a grammatical mistake here (the correct phrasing is 'Ho praticato il mio italiano'). However, the mistake is deliberate because Harper learnt Italian literally an hour ago, so she's not going to be perfect at it!
La città eterna - the Eternal City (nickname for Rome)
Accettare le mie scuse - [Please] Accept my apologies.
Vostra Altezza Reale, colleghi delegati, Signore e Signori. È un onore, per me, ospitare la delegazionereale di Cordonia, nostro vicino e stretto alleato per centinaia di anni. Èpassato troppo tempo da— Your Royal Highness, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen. It is my honour to host the royal delegation of Cordonia, our neighbour and ally for many centuries. It has been far too long since—
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Cordonian Royal Family (A Bad Romance Extra)
I wanted to share these images because they're fabulous. I didn't make most of them, I suck at these things, but I love them and felt like they should be seen by others. Of course, me being me, I wanted to give information about each character but if I'm doing that, then it needs to read like an article in the Cordonian Star so here we are. Enjoy! The article is under the cut.
These images were all generated by the AI art app Wonder. For anyone interested, you may see my AI art disclaimer here.
It’s been one year since the death of His Royal Majesty Constantine Arthur Augustus Hector Rys in an unfortunate ceiling collapse at the palace just days before the current king announced his engagement to the queen.
King Constantine was married three times, sired two sons, and fostered three other children. Here is a look at the royal family today.
Photos by Ana De Luca.
His Royal Majesty Liam Nicolai Ulysses Augustus Rys
King of Cordonian, Duke of Stormholt, Duke of Bellmede, Duke of Valtoria, Earl of Alriel, Earl of Ennan, Earl of Lykos, Baron of Throngate, Lord of the Isles and Commander in Chief of the Cordonian Royal Forces.
From Spare to Heir. Never meant for the throne, this second-born son of royalty was thrust into the role of leader when his older brother abdicated. Many believe he was always more temperamentally suited for the role. Indeed, after a rocky start, Cordonia has thrived under his leadership.
Tied romantically to only a small number of women in his youth, (and one alleged man), King Liam’s younger years were as devoid of scandal and impropriety as his brother’s were full of them. He received good marks at the prestigious, elite Wellingford Academy and later Epton College.
He managed to stay out of the spotlight for the most part until his eventful social season. Marrying a commoner and a foreigner, changing the laws of succession for his children, and legalizing gay marriage, he has a track record as a progressive and is viewed favorably by the majority of Cordonians.
Her Royal Majesty Riley Catherine Brooks Rys
Queen of Cordonian, Duchess of Stormholt, Duchess of Bellmede, Duchess of Valtoria, Countess of Alriel, Countess of Ennan, Countess of Lykos, Baroness of Throngate, Lady of the Isles and Champion of the Realm.
Rumored to have had a contentious relationship with the late king, this last-minute addition to the present king’s social season was a long shot. As an American and a commoner, she reportedly was not King Constantine’s first, or even second, choice for his son.
Always King Liam’s favorite, however, she was a front-runner from the moment she set foot on Cordonian soil, her beauty, charm, and grace captivating the nation. Meeting at a bar in New York where she was his waitress, their whirlwind romance seemingly ended in scandal, accusations of infidelity, and the king’s engagement to another woman.
Their love endured despite the obstacles and in an astonishing turn of events, not only was her name cleared, but the king made a move as historically unprecedented as it was shocking, breaking a council-approved political engagement and marrying for love.
Prince Leonardo Tiberius Constantine Fabian Rys
Prince of Cordonia, Duke of Abanthus, Earl of Ebrimel, Baron of Auverneen.
Born into privilege and wealth, he threw it all away in what many consider a selfish and short-sighted move led by the vagaries and hubris of youth. Other interpretations range from the young prince simply recognizing that his brother was better suited to rule; to unsubstantiated rumors that he was pressured into stepping down by his father.
Prince Leo bounced around between elite boarding schools, both domestic and abroad before making barely passable marks at Epton College. Dubbed by the media as the Playboy Prince of the Mediterranean, he has been romantically linked to the likes of Olivia Nevrakis, Duchess of Lythikos, Princess Margot of Auvernall, and American actress Victoria Fontaine.
Abdicating both as Crown Prince of Cordonian and Duke of Stormholt, he retains the title of Prince as well as holding the titles Duke of Abanthus, Earl of Ebrimel, and Baron of Auverneen while living abroad. The Playboy Prince is still unattached.
Captain Drake Nolan Walker
Lord Commander of the Queen’s Guard, Knight Protector of the Realm.
Born to commoners, he and his sister were taken in and raised by the royal family after his father’s death in service to the crown. Having lived in the palace since the age of six, he became a ward of the crown at age fourteen and received the same basic upbringing and education as the princes.
Unlike the princes, he dedicated his life to military service, later following in his father’s footsteps by transferring to the Royal Guard. During King Liam’s social season, Captain Walker was charged with killing a man. All charges were eventually dropped, and he was exonerated when it came out that he was acting undercover on the king’s orders as a de facto member of Queen Riley’s security detail.
He currently serves the crown as captain of the Queen’s Guard, lives at the palace, remains close friends with the king, and is by all accounts deeply devoted to the queen.
Her Grace Savannah Evangeline Walker Beaumont
Duchess of Ramsford.
Like her brother, the duchess became a ward of the crown after the death of her father when she was twelve years old. She retained the title of Lady until the advent of her marriage to the Duke of Ramsford, Bertrand Beaumont, raised her status to duchess.
Scandal rocked Duchy Ramsford when it was revealed that the duchess had a child out of wedlock. She left Cordonia, taking the heir to Ramsford with her. She lived abroad for a year before returning and reuniting with the duke. They were married in an elaborate ceremony a few months after her return.
Unidentified sources close to the couple report the marriage is strained and often rocky.
His Grace Bertrand Atticus Beaumont
Duke of Ramsford, Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal.
Taking on the role of Duke at a young age, he, along with the rest of the world, was shocked by the return of his presumed dead father, the late Duke Barthelemy Beaumont. His Grace relinquished control of the duchy to his father only to pick up the mantle again a few months later when the late Duke of Ramsford was killed in a head-on collision on his way home from a meeting at the palace.
He currently serves in the House of Lords as The Lord Leader, a position he has held for the last five years.
His ties to the monarchy are many and varied. His marriage to Savannah Walker made him a de facto member of the royal family, as did making the queen an official member of House Beaumont as part of his sponsorship of her during the king’s social season. His younger brother, Lord Maxwell Beaumont serves as the queen's top advisor and personal assistant. Prince Leo is a close friend, was the best man at his wedding, and is godfather to his son.
Lord Barthelemy Jackson Beaumont
Future Duke of Ramsford.
As the only child of the Duke and Duchess of Ramsford, young Lord Barthelemy is the heir to the duchy, nephew to the Lord Commander of the Queen’s Guard Captain Drake Walker, and to the queen’s personal assistant, Lord Maxwell Beaumont, has Prince Leo as a godfather and is treated as a grandchild by the queen mother.
Her Grace Olivia Vanderwall Nevrakis
Duchess of Lythikos, Counsellor of State.
Also a ward of the crown, Duchess Olivia Nevrakis lost her parents in a tragic car accident when she was five years old. The late Queen Eleanor sent for her, and she was raised and educated at the palace, taking over control of Duchy Lythikos from her aunt at the age of sixteen.
Lythikos has thrived under her leadership, and she is beloved by the people. A suitor in King Liam’s social season, she has also been romantically linked to his brother, Prince Leo. Sources close to the duchess report that her participation in the social season was out of courtesy and duty as she and the king have always enjoyed a close friendship, but nothing more.
She currently resides at Lykos Keep, sits on the king’s small council, and divides her time between Lythikos and the capital.
Her Royal Majesty Regina Beatrice Amaranth Rys
Queen Mother, Dowager Duchess of Stormholt, Countess of Loutreo.
Born in Krona, her father was the younger brother of the late Duke, Karolos Amaranth. The current Duchess of Krona, Adelaide Amaranth, is her cousin. A countess in her own right, she became queen when she married King Constantine after a lengthy courtship.
She was the late king’s third wife. Marrying later in life, she had no biological children of her own but was instrumental in the upbringing of both her stepsons and the other three children entrusted to the monarchs’ care.
Now a widow, the queen mother continues to live at the palace, advises the queen, and works with the various charities she has championed over the years, notably Hope Haven a nationwide organization that works with homeless youth, and The Empowerment Zone a nonprofit helping single mothers.
Her Royal Highness Eleanor Elizabeth Hana Olivia Rys
Crown Princess of Cordonia.
Born just six days ago, Cordonia’s newest princess has already captivated the hearts of the nation. The king and queen have retreated to the queen’s estate in Valtoria while they adjust to new parenthood, taking with them, among others, the queen's personal assistant, Lord Maxwell Beaumont. No nannies are yet in residence, but Duchess Hana Lee, the queen’s best friend and official Master of the Household, is.
This exclusive photo, which originally appeared in The Cordonian Star yesterday, is the only public photograph of the crown princess, who was named after her grandmother, the late Queen Eleanor.
#trr visuals#bad romance#trr poly#trr#trr fanfic#angelasscribbles#the royal romance#liam rys#drake walker#leo rys#riley brooks#the royal romance fanfic#choices
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WIP Wishlist 2024
Hello tumblrs , and Happy March 2020-4! I’m still waiting for the new year to actually feel like a new year instead of a continuum of the year before it. Can anyone else relate?
At the very beginning of the year, while battling a never-ending case of RSV, I saw posts here about people’s writing resolutions and goals for this year. Me? I have a wish list of stories I want to start, continue, and/or finish. I will still be writing original stories, but thinking this may be the year I settle down and write/publish my own Great American Novel. We’ll see.
Meanwhile, below is a glimpse of what immediately came to mind when I thought to put this together. Where applicable, snippets will be posted. As usual, everything is in states of rough drafts and flux, and final publication may vary from what you read here.
Newbies:
These are stories that are in the creation conception stage; ideas, thoughts, some words.
The False Queen
A long ago battle between the True Queen (Ravika/Riley) and her usurper (Magda/Madeleine) resumes during the Cordonian Social Season. Think Xena, Warrior Princess with some time travel thrown in.
Untitled
An unlikely pair (Justin/Anton x Kiara) finds love during the Engagement Tour. But with Anton having other plans in mind, the path to happily ever after is anything but smooth.
Wolves and Sheep
Combining my Riam, Anton, and Secrets of Cordonia AUs, this is the story of the trial of Anton Severus.
At the prosecutor’s table sits the Duchy’s High Counsel and Lord Rashad Domvallier. Folders and papers are stacked neatly on the table while the men converse quietly as they type on laptop keyboards.
The defense attorneys sit at a table across the aisle from them: a statuesque blonde woman wearing a gray pantsuit and an African man in a pinstriped three-piece navy suit. The woman is reviewing a document, her pen occasionally scribbling on the paper. The man is speaking in hushed tones into his cellphone.
Security is omnipresent: King’s Guards work and stand side-by-side with the local constabulary and guardians of the Court.
A side door swings open; two guards, followed by the defendant and two additional sentries enter. The guards part, allowing the public its first glimpse of Anton Severus in over five years. The quiet of the courtroom is broken by rustling and whispering as everyone strains forward. Members of the Cordonian Court are no exception.
A sneer of disdain twists the mouth of the Duchess of Lythikos, Anton’s ex-wife. Her fingertips unconsciously begin rubbing the area on her abdomen where his dagger tore her flesh.
The King leans forward intently, his dark-ebony eyes hard as obsidian. His expression is stoic, betraying nothing.
The Queen is sitting ramrod straight, her eyes wide. “Holy FUCK, he’s hot!” she murmured. “I could make that man a King.”
Without breaking his gaze on his nemesis, the King lightly slaps her thigh, causing his wife to frown at him. “I said what I said,” she hisses. “I did it for you, I can do it for him.”
“I was royal long before I met you, and King when I married you,” Liam reminds her in a slightly reproving tone, his eyes still fixed on Anton.
“There you go, twisting the narrative,” Riley huffs as she reaches for her husband’s hand. He readily allows her to hold it.
Affairiage
I thought I was making Leo Rys and Savannah Walker leads in my version of Same Time Next Year, but it appears I’m doing a fanfic of 28 Summers
Heartland
Back in the Year 500 BC, I came up with the idea of a late 1950s period piece featuring the TRR crew, and promptly never said another word about it:
Well, cauldrons are beginning to bubble, and plans are being made to rework plot and premise to turn this into an anthology series set in the American Midwest during an era where Dick Clark reigned, Jim Crow ruled, and innocence began to lose its bloom.
Sixteen Candles
Another story that popped into my brain and left just as quickly. But thoughts of Drake Walker as Jake Ryan and Liam as Long Duck Dong are back and this time, I don’t think they’re going anywhere.
Small Town Secrets
This was originally titled Life in a Southern Town aka The Political AU and was going to follow the political campaigns of five mayoral candidates: Riley Brooks, the incumbent; her ex-husband Liam Rys (they still live together in the same house and co-parent their two daughters), a former state senator; Madeleine, District A councilmember; Leo Rys, the dark horse candidate; and Drake Walker, Riley’s former (?) lover who calls her a demon and a plague on the town.
However, life events and imagination are collaborating, and I am repurposing the story to include political intrigue, hidden secrets, and humor in inappropriate places.
Debating if this will be a Great American Novel nominee, and whether to use OCs versus the usual cast of characters.
Little Nobles
A (somewhat) light-hearted look at the childhoods of my favorite noble gang, along with the friendships and rivalries between their parents.
In Progress:
Stories that are nagging me to write them/finish them
City Girl, Country Boy
Tis the season, and Liam finds himself alone on holiday in Manhattan where he runs across an old friend.
From the corner of my eye, I glimpse height and dark wool; hands stuffed in pockets. Perfectly combed dark hair and Asiatic features on a half-shadowed face. I mentally shake my head as I continue walking. It’s been over a decade since we last laid eyes on each other; there’s no way it’s him.
I’m disappointed that after all this time, I still search for his face in the crowd, that I still hope he will pursue me despite the different trajectories our lives have taken. My steps are quicker as I pass apartment buildings, skyscrapers, and storefronts gaily decorated in the theme of the season. Street vendors hawk bootleg wares
I’m nearing Canal Street subway when I hear running footsteps behind me. Automatically, I step to aside, so I don’t get barreled over but the steps slow as they near me.
“Excuse me, miss,” a familiar baritone says, and I stop walking.
It can’t be.
I haven’t heard that voice in 12 years, but I don’t need to look to know who it is. I turn anyway so my ears and eyes can be in agreement. I am hoping my expression is neutral despite my insides being a squirrel in traffic.
He hasn’t changed.
His hair is still black with that streak of gray on the side; his face still unlined. Or maybe the New York night softens his years. He wears a custom-tailored, black wool coat; his wingtips are so polished, I see the streetlamps reflected in them. His cologne is subtle and not the one I remember. He still exudes confidence despite the smidgen of uncertainty in his eyes.
Me on the other hand, I am now more TJ Maxx and Macy’s clearance rack than Louboutin. I don’t smell expensive; more like affordable. My trench coat is … vintage, and long overdue for a dry cleaning. My shoes are a dull matte black, scuffed from traversing streets and subways.
“It is you.” I hear his disbelieving whisper despite the throng of people impatiently jostling past us.
The Odd Couples
It’s throwback DC AU gang, all mixed up: Liam x Liv; Drake x Madeleine; Leo x Riley; Max x Penelope
The couple was in Baltimore for the weekend, attending a costume party thrown by Liv’s employer. There had been a buffet, open bar, and a prize for the best costume. Which Liam and Olivia did not win; Carlos Santiago, a member of the Environmental Services team, along with his wife and three children came costumed as birds and bees and won the prize.
Liam and Liv were The Ricardos: Olivia’s red hair was done up in Lucy’s signature poodle hairstyle, and her dress was a dead ringer for the world’s most famous housewife’s iconic frock. He had wanted to wear a tuxedo and carry a conga drum but settled for Ricky’s purple polka dot silk smoking jacket with shawl collar, black pants, and black velvet slippers.
“I can’t believe we didn’t win!” Liam muttered beneath his breath as he came behind Olivia, arms encircling her waist; his palms splayed against her flat, toned stomach. She responded by leaning against him, her back pressed against his chest.
“Don’t hate!” she admonished. “With those Korean features and Boston accent, no way were you a convincing Cuban band leader. Besides, you have to admit the birds and the bees is a pretty creative idea.”
“Not more creative than my SOCK GAME! I mean, Liv … you gotta admit, it’s damn good tonight!”
He was wearing black, knee-length socks with red hearts inscribed with “I Love Lucy” scattered all over.
Olivia rolled her eyes in exasperation at the mention of his sock game.
This man and his socks! He thought his sock game could cure cancer and bring about world peace.
“You’re sock game is great as it always is, darling. But it was a costume contest,” Olivia placated in a soothing tone as his fingers began removing bobby pins from her hair.
She spun around, facing her boyfriend. Her hair fell in soft curls that framed her face. Her green eyes twinkled as she pressed a quick kiss against his lips.
“You big, spoiled baby,” she teased. “Wanna smoke? I brought a couple of blunts along.”
Quickly, he shook his head. “No way am I going to be in BALTIMORE off some loud.”
Alienation of Affection
An installment of my Gritty City AU loosely based on true events where sneaky links and self-loathing collide. Reader discretion will be advised.
Caught
Inspired by a keysmash-filled convo with @ao719, a twist on the night of the Engagement Ball
This is her first admission of guilt and/or wrongdoing our entire time together.
She has no choice.
I attempt a deep inhale, but my chest is too tight.
The wedding is in one week. Tonight was our engagement gala.
“Yes, Liam yes!!! A THOUSAND TIMES, yes!”
I caught her … them … in the act. The woman I love madly, truly, deeply and the man I trust more than anything in the world.
I manage to choke out a single question. “Why?”
Her shoulders slump as her head falls forward, causing her hair to cover her profile. “It hasn’t been going on long; it started on the Engagement Tour. I told him in Vegas that what we had would have to end.”
I watched her leave the stag party arm-in-arm with Drake Walker. My best friend, with whom Riley wanted to have a fling. She swore it was a one-time affair; she was too much in love with me, but she wished to satisfy her curiosity.
I attempted to leave first, but I was not only one of the honorees, I was also King.
Per traditional protocol, the King is the last to leave.
So I remained behind, drinking copious amounts of American liquor, making small talk in a loud voice so as to be heard over noisy music, and dancing with women I had previously rejected.
All while Riley spent the night with another man.
“But it hasn’t,” I interrupt harshly.
Based on Tumblr Events:
Untitled Song Rewrite
Based on Jill Scott’s Epiphany
Sisters Someone
A two-part story that brings together Sloane Washington and Kiara Theron for their respective appreciation weeks (hosted by @lizzybeth1986)
Untarnished Silver
For King Liam Appreciation Week (KLAW), a look at 25 years of the rule and reign of Cordonia’s favorite King
The Grand Ballroom in the Palace’s West Wing had been completely transformed into an elegant banquet hall:
Buffet tables filled with steaming trays of foods catered from two of Cordonia’s newest and most critically acclaimed restaurants: The Little Lamb, and its sister eatery The Commoner’s Crown, were conveniently placed next to open bars throughout the humongous room.
Tables were covered with white linen cloths and topped with floral centerpieces of irises, Peruvian lilies, and magnolias in silver vases. The flowers represented congratulations and longevity, sentiments that had been expressed repeatedly to the King and his family during the tour.
Balloon bouquets colored silver and cream floated near the ornate ceiling, as well as being tied to chairbacks. Dining tables strategically ringed the room, affording the 1,500 attendees a full view of the stage and podium. Life-sized photographs hung from brocaded walls, capturing moments of the King’s life:
Accepting the Crown Princeship one week to the day his brother Leo abdicated.
Coronation night, wearing the King’s crown, royal robes, and holding the family scepter.
Feeding ducks at Lake Fabian with his mother.
He and Riley’s engagement portrait.
Their wedding day, mouths opened in laughter with their faces covered in cake and frosting.
In a dressing gown, his back to the camera and face in profile as he held one of his sons in his arms.
Atop a horse with a frown of concentration on his face, playing in a charity polo match, the camera catching his mallet mid-swing.
Speaking with Chancellor Merkel at a summit, a half-smile on his face as they looked down at a document, his index finger pointing to something on the paper.
He and Riley dancing at their 20th wedding anniversary party, her face nuzzled against his neck while his lips hovered above her ear.
A funny family portrait, complete with exaggerated poses and expressions.
The Couple Next Door
A reworking of the 2005 action comedy hit, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Final Cut
Based on the first three chapters of a Round Robin hosted by @choicesprompts
Bertrand Beaumont turned off the microphone before shuffling, then paper-clipping his index cards. He glanced up briefly to see the group filing out of the hotel’s ballroom; a curious expression crossed his face when he saw a few laggers approach others, striking up conversations.
What have I gotten myself into?
Starting a public relations firm had seemed a great idea a year ago. With the Duke’s diverse background in fashion, finance, and political legalities, coupled with his penchant for decorum and obsession with appearances, it had seemed a no-brainer.
Savannah was his operations manager, responsible for events logistics and administrative support. Justin Severus was his right-hand person; he had done a marvelous job restoring the Queen’s reputation after the unfortunate incident at Applewood.
He stepped from behind the podium and briskly made his way off the dais, looking down at his watch as he strode through the room. Looking back up, he saw Justin leaning against a wall, waiting for him at the elevator bank. The closer Bertrand approached his deputy, a wide smile spread across Justin’s face.
“You were great!” he greeted the Duke. “You kept the rowdies in line and gave them just enough to pique their curiosity.”
Bertrand pushed the call button. “This group is not what I was expecting. South American overlords. Hollywood has-beens and wanna-bes. AMERICANS! We’re going to need to double-check the mentor list again.”
Bertrand had postponed the mentor/mentee matchup because it was not yet finalized.
“It’s a hella group, for certain. The subject of an international child custody case, a lawsuit-riddled doctor, disgraced C-suite executive, Leo, Trystan, Olivia, a scandal-ladened starlet, America’s Sweethearts, Princess Marguerite, and Duke Dick.”
Bertrand gave Justin a withering glance. “DO NOT engage in intercourse with the Princess!” he warned.
“Too late,” Justin smirked.
Bertrand shook his head before commenting again. “The Selection Committee must have been drunk when they approved their choices. Have the other members of Court arrived?”
The elevator arrived and the gentlemen boarded. Justin’s index finger punched their floor number as he shook his head.
“Not yet. A storm is coming in, waves are choppy. They should be here by 4, and that will be the last ferry into and out of the Isle until Monday morning.”
Bertrand mulled over the information. “At least we don’t have to worry about anyone sneaking off.”
Finish Them:
So these are stories that are soooo close to completion, but I am on the fence with two of them; the others, not sure why they are still sitting around gathering dust.
House of Cards
Based on the international phenomenon Squid Games, this is the backstory of “The Salesman”. On the fence about this story, and more so about posting this one in the fandom.
On this, the night of Day 2, the remaining participants were playing yet another “game”: Pillow Fight.
Innocent sounding enough.
Except everyone knew there would be a deadly twist, and all wanted to be alive in the morning. After realizing that this was a game to the death; overcoming the initial shock of a robotic doll the size of a fully grown tree whose eyes were infra-red cameras, and learning elimination meant certain demise … partners had already become opposition.
Player 081 inadvertently set the match to the fuse. No one knew if it was intentional. No one cared.
The middle-aged man, who was less than 48 hours into a dry drunk, muttered “fuck” under his breath as he stood on his top tier bunk in an attempt to press his palm against the glass pig’s underbelly.
No one was sure why.
Was he trying to steal the bank’s treasure? Or turn off the irritating light?
It no longer mattered.
The money wasn’t his and now, it never would be.
As pillowcases filled with objects such as rocks, sturdy tree branches, and in some …mere feathers randomly swung wildly, the white cotton slowly seeped red. Hollers and screams filled the room and echoed off walls and ceilings as beds collapsed from metal bars being snatched by the frenzied mob or being tipped over in the melee.
On the other side of the bunker, a thin, petite woman who looked no older than a teenager sniffled, the tears she cried streaking a bruised cheek covered with the dried blood of a corpse. A young man lay on his side behind her on the narrow mattress, his cracked voice in her ear.
“It’s gonna be okay, Soo-Ah; just four more games and then we can leave,” he assured her in a ragged whisper.
The woman hitched her breath. “My pillowcase has FEATHERS, Sang-yul! If they pull me into the fray, I’ll be leaving here a lot sooner than four days!” Her body shook with silent sobs.
The 23-year-old street urchin said nothing. Instead, he swallowed heavily and tried not to puke at the smell of blood, both old and fresh, assailing his nostrils. His arms tightened around Soo-Ah, his only friend in this hellhole.
The pig’s lighting flickered faster and more erratically as the fighting grew more frenzied. Sickening thuds, bellows of pain, and the sounds of shoe soles squeaking against the blood and brain splattered linoleum flooring were as loud as bombs.
Sang-yul chanced a glance over his shoulder, his body tensing at the sight of someone headed in their direction, their face pale and ghoulish in the broken light. A metal pipe was carried in one hand, a bloodied cloth sack in the other.
Coal black eyes darted everywhere looking for a victim.
Less players meant more money.
Sins of the Father
A Gritty City AU installment. Reader discretion will be advised.
He met Madeleine at her car door, his lips crashing uninvited against hers in a kiss filled with desperation and disbelief. When the kiss ended as abruptly as it began, Madeleine adjusted her tortoise-shell glasses while her green eyes searched Liam’s face almost warily.
“What the hell was that?”
“Someone killed Poppa Joe tonight!”
Madeleine quelled a shiver that raised goosebumps on her exposed skin before reaching back inside the car for her purse. “Thank GOD,” she breathed as opened the rear driver-side door to release Hans and Gunther, who bounded out of the car and sat before Liam so he could rub their heads and murmur sweet gibberish to them.
The restauranteur was yet another of Poppa Joe’s victims; when she was 15, the priest had gotten her pregnant. The scandal was handled quietly by the parish and her parents; the latter believed the father of the baby was an upperclassman named Tariq.
The young blonde left school for one month due to “illness”. It wasn’t a complete fabrication.
Madeleine’s abortion was a back-alley botch job which left her with a raging infection and too much blood loss. She survived but had to have an emergency hysterectomy.
She no longer cared. When she and Liam were getting serious and discussing marriage and family, he was relieved they would be unable to have children.
Tariq, the son of poor Moroccan immigrants, was transferred to an exclusive private school in the city’s North End, all expenses paid via a scholarship provided by St. Joan’s Academies.
“How did the rest of the party go?” she asked quietly as they began walking towards the house, holding hands; her blonde hair bounced against her shoulders.
Liam nodded slightly. “Good. We got Sloan Enterprise and slew of new donors.” His side-eyed his wife. “Where did you go with the dogs? It was supposed to be a walk.”
Madeleine turned her head vaguely, meeting her husband’s gaze.
“Ice cream,” she replied in a soft voice.
Her husband nodded thoughtfully. The term was code between them; when situations became too overwhelming, too triggering, they said they needed “ice cream.”
“I hope you brought me some back.” Liam squeezed Madeleine’s hand more tightly.
“You don’t like chocolate.”
The Queen’s Friendship
Riley was chatting with Maxwell in the Delegates Dining Room at the UN, waiting for the gala to begin. Liam was at the head of the room, arm in arm with Madeleine. His eyes spotted Riley and he winked. Riley rolled hers and turned her back to him.
“Blossom, don’t act like this! You know he’s trying,” Maxwell begged.
“WE’RE trying! He’s kissing his fiancée,” Riley retorted. Her eyes scanned the room. “Oh, look … there’s Drake,” she stated before walking away from Maxwell.
Riley had no idea if it was Drake or not, she just wanted away. From Liam, Madeleine, Maxwell … Cordonia. Riley figured now was the time to make the break. She was back home in New York City. She still had her apartment, for the next month at least. She passed by elegantly dressed tables and came upon an hors d'oeuvres station; she paused to pile a tiny plate with even tinier bits of food when she heard her name.
“Riley Brooks?”
She turned, a disinterested expression on her face until she saw who it was. Riley hurriedly set her plate on the edge of the buffet table before wrapping her arms around Veronica.
“OH MY GOD, Ronnie! What are you doing here?” Riley shrieked.
Veronica hugged her old friend tightly. “It’s so good to see you!” The women separated. “You look great, girl! I’m one of the event planners, why are you here?”
Riley shrugged. “I’m with the band.”
Veronica shook her head in disbelief. “How did you end up with royalty?”
“I answered an ad to be a waitress.”
DC AU Series, Chapter 6
The chirping of birds and a full bladder woke Riley up. She arched her neck, eyes still closed; they opened quickly when she felt arms around her waist and Liam’s soft snores behind her. Last night ran through her brain: their fight, their kiss, their confessions. Riley inhaled and let out a shaky breath; were they really going to do this?
Yes.
Was she ready for it?
No.
Her hands curled around Liam’s wrists, trying to pull them apart. He resisted at first, but let his arms fall away from her body. Riley missed their warmth immediately.
“Where are you going?” Liam mumbled.
“Bathroom and to take my meds.”
“Your pill and a bottle of water are on your nightstand.”
Riley looked and saw the pink pill sitting on a tissue, next to an unopened bottle of water. When did he do that?
“Thank you. But unless you put a toilet on the nightstand as well, I gotta get up.”
Liam shifted, allowing Riley to move and sit up. He watched her adjust her night shirt; his eye was caught by a mole on the back of her neck. His finger reached out, touching it experimentally. Riley giggled as she shrugged away from his touch.
“It’s like a potato bug,” Liam said as he tried to touch the mole again.
“Oh, dear God! Don’t you have to go to work or something?”
Liam lay on his back, hands behind his head. “Not going in today. You need me here.”
Riley frowned at him as she walked past the foot of the bed. “I’m fine, Liam. It’s just Drake.”
“Drake with apologies and explanations and closure. Different Drake than what you’re used to. I’ll feel better if I’m here.”
Riley shook her head as she stepped into the bathroom.
“This is what having a man who wants to claim you is like, Riley B.!” he called out.
“We’re not there yet!” she hollered back.
“Practice makes perfect!”
Oldies but Goodies:
New chapters/updates of old stories:
Timing
Object of Affection
Betrayal (Riam)
The Commonerr’s Wife
The Commoner (not that old, but I too want a thrid chapter)
One Night Stand
UnRomance
Streets of New York
Platinum (truly needs to be filed under Finish Them)
Best Friend (Depeche Mode Diary entry, needs to be a Finish Them)
Liara
And these are my #goals for 2024 writing-wise. I hope something caught your eye, piqued your interest. For all those still hanging with me and exercising the utmost patience while I let life kick my ass, I LOVE YOU! Something’s coming soon-ish, just not sure what.
Hope you’re here for it.
Tagging: @jared2612 @marietrinmimi @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie @liamrhysstalker2020 @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @busywoman @beezm @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam @gardeningourmet @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles @emkay512 @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @alj4890 @lovingchoices14 @lady-calypso @choicesficwriterscreations
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Don’t the king and queen of Cordonia do nothing but party? It’s practically off-brand for them to miss it. Must be busy kissing ass in some Cordonian duchy or other
#yes I’m a Liam x MC stan yes I think Choices doesn’t let them do anything important#playchoices#crimes of passion#choices cop
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In the heart of Cordonia's grand ballroom, an eclectic cast of characters gathers, their lives interwoven as a result of a shocking turn of events. Trystan Thorne, the exiled prince with a taste for mystery, Olivia Nevrakis, the snarky Duchess skilled with daggers, Tyril Starfury, the noble elf Lord with magical abilities, Amalas, the enigmatic spy queen, and Prince Hamid, the charming and formal imperial prince. Amidst the grand party of the birth of King Liam's third heir, Princess Ariana, the joyous celebration is broken by a piercing scream, a dead body, and a room full of royal suspects.
Join the adventure starting July 21st and see if you can uncover the secrets of Shadows and Deceptions: A Royal Murder Mystery.
This fic is approximately 3K* words but will be released into several smaller sections beginning July 21 and ending on July 24 (National and International Private Investigators Day). Each section will give you a little bit of the information to hopefully give you time to analyze the clues yourself and decide if you can figure out the mystery before the end!
I am thinking about doing a giveaway for anyone who participates!!!
Please let me know if you are interested in participating in this event, I'll start a tag list if you are. You do not need to be participating in our Crimes of Passion Book Club to join in, especially since it includes characters from numerous choices books.
Also, if you have ideas for other events, games, quizzes, questions, anything else we an do to celebrate National Private Investigation Day as it relates to the book club, please let me know!
*It's 5K as of this update, but I only completed the second draft. The length might increase as I revise it. 🙈
#choices book club#choices book club cop#lovealexhunt#crimes of passion#choices crimes of passion#trystan thorne#the royal romance#king liam#olivia nevrakis#queen amalas#amalas trr#prince hamid#tyril starfury#nia ellarious#marguerite thorne#blades of light and shadow#desire and decorum
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The Royal Romance.
Forevermore.
A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.
Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.
Current Word Count: 5,540 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾♀️)
If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘
This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!
Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!
Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations 
Chapter 3.) Ties That Bind.
It had been a few days since Shanelle called her father to let him know that his brother had a stroke and was in a coma. It was news Damien took in stride but Her Majesty could tell her father was heartbroken. When the press release went out about the ailing former King some in the kingdom were sad for him but others not so much. None more than Her Majesty. But protocol dictated that she showed some form of compassion even if she didn't want to.
She met her parents at the residence of the palace.
“Hi Daddy,” she said as she hugged her father.
“Hello, my darling,” he replied.
She was happy to see her parents. She then hugged her mother.
“It's good to see you butterfly.”
“It's good to see you too, Madam Minister.”
Shantel snickered just as Marquise and the children came around the corner.
“Grammy! Pop Pop!” Khari said as she ran up to her grandparents.
Damien opened his arms to her and her brothers.
“Hello, my sunshine! Hello boys! How are you?” he said as he embraced them.
“We're good Pop Pop. Mommy told me that your brother is sick.” Khari replied.
Damien smiled softly.
“Yes, he is. But his doctors will help to make him better.”
Khari nodded.
“And we know you are sad. But we're here to cheer you up. Right boys?” Khari asked.
Being with his grandchildren always made Damien’s heart swell.
“Thank you my little ones. Your love can heal anything.”
Damien watched as Khari and the boys toddled over to Shantel.
“My sweet babies! Grammy missed you.”
Later that evening after spending family time, Damien found himself sharing a drink with his son-in-law.
“Since it's just us Damien, how are you, really?” Marquise asked.
Damien took a contemplative sip of his drink.
“To be honest I'm not even sure. I am sad for my brother but I also know he made a lot of enemies in his time as King. So part of me feels like this may be his karma coming back to get him but still.” Damien replies.
“He's your brother?” Marquise asks.
Damien nodded.
“Yes. I know why you and my daughter can't stand him and I understand that. I understand why you two would never allow him anywhere near the children. But despite all of that he is still family.”
“You've certainly gone to great lengths to stick your neck out for him.”
Damien shook his head.
“I know. It's part of the promise that I made to my father before he died.”
“What promise was that?” Marquise asked.
Damien sighed into his drink.
“I promised my father that I would always be loyal to my brother. That I would always be here to help guide him. Because he would always need me to be by his side.” Damien replies.
“Even though he's never done the same for you?” Marquise asks.
“Yes. Even then. Loyalty and family make strange bedfellows. I would think you'd know what it's like to have an older brother on the trajectory to be a King.” Damien replies.
Marquise nodded.
“True. The only difference is mine has never turned on me the way yours has always taken every chance to turn on you.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Damien said with a sigh as he finished his drink. “I guess what you could say bothers me the most is that for the first time in years, I'll actually see him looking and being vulnerable. You know as well as anyone that vulnerability is dangerous.”
“This is true. But you have to remember Edward is no longer a King.”
Damien shook his head as he poured himself another drink.
“That doesn't mean his enemies have forgotten his time as one.”
“You said this would be the first time that you've seen him be this vulnerable in years. What do you mean by that?”
Damien took a thoughtful sip of his drink.
“When we were children, he had to have his tonsils removed.”
“Only his tonsils? You sure they didn't take his spine too?” Marquise asks.
Damien chuckled softly.
“Anyway, for the two weeks following that surgery, he was pitiful. Mad that he couldn't eat what he wanted.”
“I'm almost scared to ask this but what was that?” Marquise asked.
“Our cook at the time, Lemmy, used to make the best brownies in the world. Edward adored them. So I would sneak him a brownie and a glass of warm milk every night before bed.” Damien replied.
Damien sighed.
“We weren't always awkwardly estranged, you know. There was a point in our lives when we were brothers and not just King and servant. We used to be inseparable as children. Always doing everything together.”
“What happened?” Marquise asks.
“He remembered that although we are brothers, he is and was always meant to be the heir. Once he started taking his governance lessons and sitting in on political meetings with my father, he slowly changed. He got a taste of what true power was like and it shifted his mindset. It changed him. And he's never been the same since.” Damien replies.
Marquise nodded.
“I see.”
“That was always my fear of Shanelle taking the throne.”
“What? That she’d become power-hungry?” Marquise asked.
“Yes. I sometimes feared that she'd forget who she really is. You know better than anyone how hard it is to bring peace and to govern. You also know how alluring that power is and how corruptive it can be. She's not a corrupt dictator like my brother and your father turned out to be. She actually cares about the people and their needs as well as the overall well-being of the kingdom. As do you. Yes, she's gotten used to having the absolute finest and most luxurious things in life, but that's because she's earned that life.” Damien replied.
“That is something I can assure you that you never have to worry about. If there's one thing my wife has never forgotten it's her humanity. She knows who she is and where she came from. And she teaches that to our children every day. She has never forgotten how precarious her position as Queen is.”
Damien nodded.
“I know. And please don't think that I doubt her abilities as a leader or yours for that matter. I just know what that much power can do to someone.”
Marquise nodded.
“I understand.”
Damien nodded at him gratefully.
“I'm glad you understand,” Damien said as he finished his drink, “thank you for the drink son. But I think it's time I get to bed. We are traveling to Cloutier tomorrow.”
“Good luck tomorrow Damien. I know that it won't be easy for you.” Marquise said as he held out his hand.
“Thank you, son. I appreciate it,” Damien replied as he shook Marquise’s hand. “I'll see you in the morning, Your Majesty.”
“Goodnight Your Highness.”
The two men nodded to each other before going their separate ways for the night. The next morning with the children staying with Marquise, Shanelle and her parents made the trip to the former capital city of South Cordonia. As they rode to Cloutier Shanelle peered over to her father and could tell something was on his mind.
“Are you okay Daddy?” She asked as she squeezed his left hand.
That seemed to snap Damien out of his trance.
“Yes, my darling I’m okay. I guess.” He replies.
“What’s wrong dear?” Shantel asked her husband.
Damien sighed heavily.
“I guess this reminds me of the last time I was truly home,” Damien replies.
Shantel laid her head on his shoulder.
“You mean when we came here the day before your parents died?” Shantel asks.
“Yes.” He replied quietly.
Damien shook his head sadly before looking at his daughter.
“You were just a baby when they died. You were just barely older than the boys are now. But the love they had for you was always so strong. Father adored you and mother…God she doted over you when we brought you here for the first time. Whatever you wanted she made sure you had it. I guess that's one of the reasons why Edward has always resented me.”
Shanelle smiled softly.
“I guess this trip is bringing up feelings I thought were long buried. That's all. I don't want you two to worry about me.”
“Too late honey. We’ll always worry about you.”
Shanelle smiled at her dad.
“What mom said.”
Damien smiled.
“Thank you both.”
The three spent the rest of the ride in companionable silence. Gazing out at the countryside. Seeing many getting ready for the upcoming Harvest Ball and Festival. As they rode down into the palace motorway, Damien took a deep breath.
“Well here we are,” he said quietly.
“It's okay Daddy. We’ll be right by your side.” Shanelle said reassuringly.
“Thank you my darling. Having my two favorite girls with me makes this a whole lot easier.”
The three exited the limo and headed to the entrance where they were greeted by Prince Edwin and someone from Damien’s past.
“Good morning Your Majesty, Your Highness, Your Grace. Welcome to the palace.” Edwin said in greeting.
“Good morning cousin. Thank you for welcoming us.” Shanelle replies.
Edwin nods politely.
“You're welcome, Your Majesty. Now please let me introduce you to my aunt Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux, my mother's lead ladies' maid and head of the palace staff here.”
Shanelle nodded politely to the woman.
“It's good to meet you, Countess.”
“It's good to meet you as well, Your Majesty.” the Countess replies before turning to Damien, “Your Highness. It's good to see you again.”
“Hello Countess, thank you for having us,” Damien replied, taking Shantel’s arm in his.
“Us?” she asks somewhat perplexed before regaining herself, “Ahh yes. Shantel is it? It's good that you’re here too.”
Shantel forces a smile.
“Countess, my mother is a Duchess and is to be addressed as Your Grace.” Shanelle corrected her.
Countess Alicia nodded politely.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. It's good to have you here…Your Grace.”
“Thank you for having us Countess,” Shantel says coolly.
Countess nods demurely before Edwin clears his throat.
“Shall we go inside now?” Edwin asks.
“Yes. Let's.” Shanelle replies.
Edwin took his aunt’s arm and led Shanelle and her parents inside. As they walked behind their hosts Shanelle glanced over to her mother and read the tight expression on her face.
“Mom, are you okay?” Shanelle asks.
“Yes, baby I'm fine,” Shantel replied tightly.
Shanelle looked at her father.
“Daddy?” she asks.
Damien sighed.
“Let's just say, Countess Alicia and your mother do NOT get along,” he replies.
“That's one way to put it,” Shantel muttered.
“Do I need to have words with this woman?” Shanelle asks.
“No baby. I'll be fine.” Shantel replied.
Shanelle cleared her throat, catching her cousin's attention.
“I'm surprised you’re here Edwin. I thought you weren't speaking to your father.”
Edwin stopped and then sighed heavily, rubbing his brow.
“I’m not but because I am his eldest child, protocol dictates that I be here in his time of need. Same as you.”
“And how are you doing? How is Pascal?” she asks.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty but I'm not sure why you care,” he replied.
“Because I know for a fact that you two have been together publicly since his divorce from Giana was finalized back in January. And because I actually want to see you be happy.”
Edwin looked at her and nodded slowly.
“Thank you, Shanelle.”
“Whether you believe me or not, I wish you both the best. And so does my husband.”
“Thank you, cousin. I wasn't sure how you'd react.”
“Just because we've never really gotten along doesn't mean that I hate you. I genuinely want you to be happy.”
“I appreciate that.” he said before pausing momentarily, “If it's not too forward, I would like to extend you and His Majesty an invitation to our wedding next March.”
Shanelle nodded with a small smile.
“We would be delighted to attend.”
“You would?” he asks.
“Yes. Again I don't hate you. I would love to be there.” she replies.
“Thank you. Now because of the divorce, Giana is barring their children from our wedding so I was hoping you'd allow the Princess and Princes to stand in as a flower girl and ring bearers on their behalf.”
“I'm sure my daughter would love that. I don’t know about my boys. I don't think they would understand the concept but I would love to see them walk down the aisle with their sister.”
“Thank you, Shanelle. It means a lot to me that you and your family would attend and can you ask His Majesty if he wouldn't mind officiating,” he said to her.
“I most certainly can ask him.”
Edwin nodded gratefully before turning to Damien and Shantel, “I would love for you both to attend as well Uncle.”
Damien nodded gratefully.
“Send us the invitation and your uncle and I will happily be there,” Shantel replies.
Alicia rolled her eyes and Shantel caught it.
“Is there something wrong Countess?” Shantel asks.
“No no. Well…I'm just not sure why Edwin would invite you. I just thought this would be an intimate family affair.”
Damien sighed.
“Not that you need to be reminded Alicia, but Shantel is my wife and Edwin’s aunt through marriage. She is no different than you.”
“I was only kidding Damien.”
“Sure you were…” Shantel muttered.
“Just so you know Countess, disrespecting my mother is the same as disrespecting me. And I will not tolerate being disrespected nor will I tolerate my mother being disrespected.” Shanelle warned the Countess.
“Very well. I apologize…Duchess.” Countess Alicia said to Shantel.
“Sure.”
“Shall we continue?” Edwin asks before he continues down the main hall.
Edwin led them to his father’s bed chamber. When they got to the door, they were greeted by two women.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, Your Grace, meet my cousins Lady Ariella Barbaroux-Lawrence and Lady Amina Barbaroux-Clauson,” Edwin said as he introduced them, “My ladies, please meet Her Majesty, and my aunt and uncle, Prince Damien and Duchess Shantel.”
Both ladies curtsied before joining their mother’s side giving Shantel the same side eye as their mother that Shanelle noticed.
“Are you all ready?” Edwin asked.
“Give us a moment, if you please,” Shanelle replies.
Edwin nodded.
“Of course Your Majesty.”
Shanelle pulled her parents into a nearby alcove.
“Okay, what is going on here?” Shanelle asked her parents.
Damien sighed.
“Alicia was the one I was supposed to marry before I met your mother,” Damien replies.
“Yeah, and the bitch has never let me live it down,” Shantel added.
Shanelle groaned.
“What is it with you Cordonians and marrying women you have no business marrying?” Shanelle teased.
Her parents snickered.
“The heart wants what it wants,” Damien replied.
“Are you sure that the Countess won't be a problem?” Shanelle asked.
“Yes, my darling. Alicia has never forgiven me for marrying your mother but as you can clearly see I have never regretted my decision to marry the love of my life.” Damien replies.
“It's also why Genevieve and I have never gotten along. To her and especially her step-sister, I've never been good enough for your father or his station.” Shantel added.
“Jesus Christ!” Shanelle groaned.
“We'll be fine, baby,” Shantel assured her daughter.
“Okay. Let's go see the rusty old windpipe Daddy calls a brother.”
Damien snickered as he shook his head. Soon they rejoined Edwin outside the former King’s bedchamber door.
“Shall we?” Edwin asked.
Shanelle nodded while Damien took a deep breath.
Edwin opened the chamber door to reveal Edward lying in bed hooked up to an IV machine with Genevieve and a nurse by his side. Seeing Edward reminded Damien of what his father looked like in his final moments as he and his family walked in.
“Father, Mother, you have guests.” Edwin informed his parents.
When Edward looked up his face instantly soured.
“What are you doing here in my palace?” he sneered at Shanelle.
“Believe me I don't want to be here any more than you want me to be here. But since you decided to go off and have a stroke on me, I'm here. Also, you forget this is MY Palace. You stay here because I allow it.” Shanelle snapped at him.
Edward turned his attention to Damien.
“And what about you? What the hell are you doing here?” Edward asked Damien.
Damien closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.
“Last time I checked this was my home and you are my brother,” Damien replied.
“Don't you dare get smart with me you simpleton!” Edward snapped at Damien.
“Watch your mouth, Edward! Unless you want to foot the bill for your care yourself.” Shanelle warned him.
“You can't do that!” Genevieve said to Shanelle.
“You're right. I can't but my husband can and I will make sure that he does. I will not tolerate my father being disrespected. Especially by this pompous ass. So I suggest you tell your estranged husband to keep his trap shut.”
Genevieve narrowed her eyes at Shanelle before going back to tending to Edward.
“Why are you even here Genevieve? I thought you filed for divorce.” Shanelle asked.
“Yes well, Edward and I have reconciled. We are stronger together than we are apart.”
“You mean your stipend wasn't enough to finance your lifestyle,” Shantel quipped.
Shanelle snickered.
“I earned that stipend. Unlike you, Minister.” Genevieve sneered.
“Minister? What are you talking about sister?” Alicia asked.
“His Majesty has named her the new Education Minister. Not that someone like her deserves it.” Genevieve replies.
“She certainly doesn't.”
Shantel rolled her eyes.
“For the record, my mother has over 30 years of educational experience as an educator, she also has 2 MBAs, one in early childhood education and one in secondary education from NYU, and is working on her doctorate as we speak, as well as being the NYCPS Teachers Union president for nearly 25 years. Most of the nobles who were nominated before her had no prior experience in any form of education. It would do you both good to remember that. Thank you very much.” Shanelle snapped at them.
Shantel nodded gratefully as Alicia rolled her eyes.
“Very well. Apologies…Duchess.”
“Careful Alicia. Your envy is starting to show.” Shantel warned her.
“Can we do this somewhere else?” Damien asked.
The two women glared at each other but backed down. That's when Damien finally walked over to his brother's bedside while his wife and daughter stayed close to the door.
“You never did answer my question, little brother.”
“What question is that?” Damien asks.
“What are you doing here?” Edward replied.
“I'm here because my older brother had a stroke. And whether he wants to hear or not I still care about him.”
Edward scoffed.
“I don't need your pity!”
“And yet you have it anyway.”
“Well now that you've seen me, you and your family can leave.”
“I'm not going anywhere.”
“I said leave! I don't need you! I have never needed you! You were always the weakling that I had to carry for the sake of our parents. If it were up to me you would've been exiled the night they died!”
That's when Damien snapped.
“I have heard enough Edward! If you must know I'm here to remind you that you are no longer a King. Nor were you ever a God! You are just a man! You want to know why I'm really here? I'm here because whether you realize it or not, I am the only family that you have left!” Damien’s voice boomed, “Look at what all you've done in and with your life! The only reason Genevieve came back to you is because she's broke! Hell, even your own children want nothing to do with you because they are that ashamed of you! The only reason poor Edwin even is here is because of his duty to his father! The same as me!”
By the time Damien was done, Edward was stunned. It was the first time he had ever yelled at his brother. That's when a slow clap coming from the doorway broke out.
“Well well well! Would you look at that? The coward finally found his spine. Never mind the fact that it only took you damn near our whole lives to do so.”
When everyone turned to the doorway in walked Shanelle’s Godfather and Damien’s best friend Commander Gaspard Devereaux.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Alicia asked.
When Gaspard turned to her his face soured.
“Oh, good Lord! What cesspool did they drag you out of? If you must know, I'm obviously not here looking for you. I'm here as a guest of the Queen.” Gaspard replies.
“I did not invite you!” Genevieve said.
“I wasn't talking about you, you bottom-feeding wretch!”
Shantel snorted.
“I'm talking about my goddaughter,” Gaspard said, gesturing to Shanelle.
“How dare you insult my wife?!” Edward exclaimed.
“How dare you insult my wife?!” Gaspard mocked. “Very easily actually. Especially since I am no longer under your command. That means I can insult her and this cheap two-timing golddigger she calls a step-sister all I want!”
Genevieve seethed.
“Now speaking of my goddaughter, where is my little beauty? Ahh, there you are! And look at you! You are as beautiful as the day I met you, my dear.”
Shanelle snickered.
“Thank you, Godfather. It's good to see you.” Shanelle said as she hugged him.
“It's good to see you too, Your Majesty,” he said with a bow.
When he looked over at Shantel he had a smirk on his face.
“Well well! If it isn't the cause of my exile!” he teased.
“Oh go to hell Gaspard!” Shantel hissed.
“So prickly! You know you used to have a sense of humor when you were younger.”
Shantel shook her head with a smile.
“You're lucky I tolerate you.” Shantel said as she hugged him, “It's good to see you.”
“It's good to be seen.”
“How is Amelia?” Shantel asked.
“Fantastic. Ready for Thanksgiving.” Gaspard replies.
“Good. I can't wait to see her and everyone.”
When Gaspard got to Damien he had a look of smug pride on his face.
“Well well, you finally did it, old friend. You finally found your voice after years of being the punching bag of the conniving snake you call a brother. Gone are the days of you having the voice of a meager little church mouse, and here to stay are the days of you having the voice of a bullhorn.”
Edward gave Gaspard a venomous look.
“Are you quite finished?” Edward asked.
That's when Gaspard turned to Edward.
“Of course not Your former Majesty. I have only just begun. How fitting that the once-great King of South Cordonia has been humbled by a stroke. Tis a shame that it didn't claim your tongue or your life for that matter.” Gaspard replies.
Edward looked at him indignantly.
“You filthy God awful excuse of—” Edward’s words were cut off by a coughing fit.
“That's it! I want all of you out! Alicia get them out of here now!” Genevieve demanded.
“At once Your Majesty,” Alicia replied.
“If I may Countess, I'd like to have rooms prepared for my wife and I, and the Commander,” Damien said to her.
“With all due respect Your Highness, you have no jurisdiction here,” Alicia replies.
“You're right, he doesn't. But as the owner of this palace, I do. And as head of the staff here, you are under my command. With that said, I want rooms prepared here for my parents and Godfather, immediately. Thank you.” Shanelle said to Alicia.
Alicia stared at Shanelle before clearing her throat nervously.
“Y-yes, Your Majesty. Right away.”
“Thank you, Countess.”
“Do not…make rooms…for these fools!” Edward Said through a coughing fit.
“Big Brother you are in no position to make any demands. As I said earlier this is my home. The same as yours.”
“This is not your home! Not anymore!” Edward wheezed.
“No thanks to you! But now that you no longer have any power, you can no longer ban me from my home. And you certainly have no power to keep me from the one thing I treasure most in this world!” Damien snapped at his brother.
“And dare I ask what that is?” Edward asked.
“Our parents’ final resting place,” Damien replies.
“You stay the hell away from there!” Edward sneered at Damien.
“You're no longer a King, Edward. You have no power anymore. Once more you’re no longer my King. Which means you have no power over me!” Damien snapped at his brother, before walking out of Edward’s room. With Shanelle, Shantel, and Gaspard hot on his heels.
Once outside, Damien walked a few steps to a large picture window overlooking his mother’s garden. The tension in his body left him, and his shoulders slumped as he took a shaky breath.
“Daddy? Are you okay?” Shanelle asked quietly.
“I shouldn't have yelled at him like that. Not when he's in such a fragile state.” Damien replied.
“What?! Are you insane?!” Gaspard asked.
“Gaspard,” Damien replies.
“Don't you Gaspard me! You had every right to yell at that no-good bastard! He's done nothing but bully me and especially you our whole lives. In case you've forgotten, I hadn't been able to come home in decades because he exiled me to America! An exile mind you, that your daughter and son-in-law lifted. On top of granting me the death benefits of my father that your brother refused to pay after he died.”
“I haven't forgotten Gaspard. I could never forget.”
Gaspard scoffed.
“Gee, I can't tell.”
“Gaspard, that's enough! You’re not the only one he hurt.” Shantel said to him.
Gaspard sighed.
“I'm sorry my friend. I wasn't trying to take this out on you.”
Damien smiled softly at his best friend.
“I know you aren't.”
The two embraced.
“It's really good to see you, old friend.”
“Likewise Gaspard.”
Damien faced out at the garden before looking back at his daughter.
“Come with me?” he asks her.
“I would love to,” she replies.
Shanelle slipped her hand into his before they, her mother and godfather walked out to Damien’s mother’s garden. They took time to walk amongst the rows of Queen Angelique’s favorite flowers. Being able to share this with his daughter, meant the world to Damien. They stopped when they got to a garden chair set that had seen better days.
“Do you remember this?” Damien asked his daughter.
She looked at the set trying to recall it.
“No, I don't. I'm sorry,” she replies.
“It was where we had high tea with your grandmother. She invited me and Mama to join you and her.” Shantel piped up.
Shanelle looked back at the garden chair set.
“I don't remember that.”
Shantel smiled at the garden set.
“It was a few days before your coronation. She had all the ladies of her court there. That's when she first introduced you to them.”
Shanelle closed her eyes and nodded. Damien wrapped her in a loving hug.
“Your grandmother was so proud and excited to show you off to the ladies of the court. She had found out she had a granddaughter and she was going to make sure the whole world knew about you.” Damien said softly to his daughter.
Shanelle softly wiped the tears from her eyes.
“I miss her. And Baba too.” Shanelle said quietly.
“You are the reason, he became a better King in his final days. That is one thing I am most proud of.”
“But I didn't do anything.”
Damien kissed his daughter on her forehead.
“You changed his life and his view on his kingdom. Because he knew his kingdom would one day be yours. You made him a better man and King. No one can say they did that but you.”
Shanelle laid her head on her father’s shoulder and smiled softly.
Later that night, after making sure her parents and Godfather were safe, comfortable, and situated in their guest rooms at the old Palace, Shanelle was back home in her husband’s arms enjoying a glass of wine.
“Well, you've had quite the day.”
Shanelle sighed.
“Tell me about it. I swear if murder wasn't illegal or at least severely frowned upon, I'd bomb that damn palace and everyone in it.”
Marquise snorted.
“Ever my charming and beautiful murderess.”
“Those imbeciles deserve it!”
Marquise refilled his drink.
“Anyway, tell me more about your cousin’s upcoming wedding.”
Shanelle smiled softly.
“He invited us and my parents and I couldn't say no. And I meant it when I told him that I am happy for him and Pascal.”
Marquise nodded.
“Did he say who was officiating?” he asks.
“Yes. I wanted to know if you'd officiate their wedding,” she replies.
“Me?”
“You do have the power to officiate weddings, Sir.”
“True.” he said before taking a sip of his drink, “So I guess I should dust off my Bible and grab my officiating tie. I have yet another wedding.”
Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
“What else happened?” he asked.
“We toured my grandmother’s garden and Daddy showed me where she had us have high tea with her,” she replied.
“Tell me about that.”
Shanelle smiled wistfully.
“It's beautiful. All of her favorite flowers are there. I felt like she was there with us. I would love to bring Khari. She would love it.”
“I'm sure she would. She loves flowers. She loves taking flowers from the maze and bringing them inside.”
“Part of me is happy we went.”
“You were happy to see your uncle?”
“No, you dumbass. It was good to be back in the palace because, for the first time, it didn't feel like a dungeon.”
“I mean it is your Palace, my love. You are allowed to come and go there as you please. And the only reason Edward and his family have been able to stay there is because you didn't want to take the only home your cousins had ever known away from them.”
“True.”
“And now that your cousins are grown and clearly on their own, you have the power to evict His former Majesty if you choose to.”
“Did I mention that he and Genevieve have apparently reconciled?”
Marquise made a face.
“Well, that just ruined the mood.”
“Tell me about it.”
Just then Shanelle’s phone buzzed.
“You should get that,” Marquise suggested.
“Hello?” Shanelle answered.
It was her father who was frantic over the phone.
“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Daddy slow down! What happened?…Mom and Countess Alicia did WHAT?!”
Shanelle listened to her father and tried to calm him down.
“Okay, Daddy calm down! Where is Mom? Is she okay?…Okay, you need to calm her down and tell Godfather to quit laughing!”
Shanelle listened again before she hung up the phone.
“What is it?” Marquise asked.
“Do you know who Countess Alicia Jacquier-Barbaroux is?” she replied.
“Yes. She’s Genevieve’s step-sister. What about her?” he asked.
“She's also about to be a dead woman,” she replies.
“What happened?”
“She got into a fight with my mother. And lost.”
Marquise let out a breath.
“Yikes!”
“Exactly.”
“Is mom okay?”
“Yeah, she's fine. She's just royally pissed.”
“I don't blame her. Where is the Countess now?”
“All I know is my parents are on one side of the palace and she's on the other.”
Marquise nodded decisively.
“I’ll have an arrest warrant issued for the Countess in the morning.”
“In the morning? Why not now?”
“Because doing it now would mean that I'd have to get up and walk all the way down the hall to my office. And I don't want to do that now that I'm in a comfortable spot.”
Shanelle rolled her eyes.
“Fine. I do have a question though.”
“Yes?”
“Wouldn't issuing a warrant on my mom’s behalf be considered showing favoritism?”
“Your Mother is an active member of the Royal Family. So no it's not.”
“Why can't you get a judge to do it?”
“Because all the nobles answer to me, not to the judges.”
“Good. The sooner that bitch is arrested the better.”
“It will be done, my Queen.”
“Good. I'll go back to the palace tomorrow to check up on Mom and make sure she's really okay.”
“Do you want some company?”
“No, not unless you want to hear Genevieve bitching at me at the top of her lungs.”
“Oh, how I thoroughly enjoy making that woman and her God-awful husband suffer.”
“And you have the nerve to call me a murderess.”
“You want to drop a literal bomb on her.”
“No, I don't.”
“Yes, you do. Not that I blame you. Whereas I want to take pleasure in watching her suffer. And thus why we are not the same.”
“Yeah yeah…” she muttered.
“Don’t worry my love. All will be taken care of by this time tomorrow. You have my word on that.”
“I know. And besides Khari will have your head if it isn't.”
“Ugh! Did you have to remind me?”
Shanelle snickered as she snuggled with her husband. Because he was right. He would make extra sure that this matter is dealt with as swiftly and quietly as possible.
#khoicesbyk#choices#choices stories you play#pixelberry#fanfic#choices fanfiction#king marquise#king of cordonia#queen shanelle#queen of cordonia#king and queen of cordonia#black love#black couple#black king liam#black marriage#forevermore#my otp forever#otp#otp forever#my otp#my otp of otps#choices fic writers creations#cfwc fics of the week
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Side by Side Chapter 5: Influence
Book: The Royal Romance.
Premise: With new additions to their family, King Liam and Rayne must re-evaluate their relationship dynamic.
Themes: Found family, hurt/comfort, angst, fluff, family.
Word Count: 3.2k per chapter, 18 chapters. About 60k.
Note: This story started just after TRR3 ended, and isn't related to TRH. See also Side by Side Masterlist & Master Masterlist Link
After the Homecoming Ball
Rayne
“You could go to them,” she proposed to the table she stood beside. Three sets of eyes landed on her hard, but she couldn’t quite meet them.
“What do you mean?” came Liam’s voice beside her, ever soothing. She smiled, still at the table.
“If you think the court is too concerned to come to the wedding after… after the ball, you could go to them. Convince them that we need to stand strong.” Each word was a little surer. “A personal visit from the King and the…” She swallowed, lifting her gaze to the not-yet-queen, who quirked a brow. Rayne grit her teeth and looked to the Countess directly. She would not be cowed. “The future Queen. That would surely help.”
Only now did she look at them all properly. Constantine considered her words with a frown, Madeleine crossed her arms and watched her like Rayne had stolen her juice box. Liam watched her thoughtfully, before turning to the others.
“That could work.” He tapped his chin. “A show of support, we can unite against the assassins, show them that Cordonia does not and will not bow to such a threat.”
Constantine nodded to his son, a small smile on his face as he then appraised Rayne. Considering his former hostility, this borderline respect was unnerving. Perhaps it was because he had won, and she would not be queen, perhaps it was her significance to Liam, or even their talk during the engagement tour. It seemed unlikely he had simply decided she was suitable for court and consultation.
“We would have to postpone our wedding, darling. That would be tragic.” Feigned hurt, and the need to assert herself, was not a good look on Madeleine, nor was it particularly impressive anymore. Hopefully she would settle once there was a pretty crown on her head. Rayne looked from her to Liam, who’s jaw tightened, and wished she could reach out and touch him. Madeleine spoke again. “I just can’t wait to be married to you.”
“Whilst I appreciate your anticipation, Countess Madeleine,” Constantine addressed her, hands linked behind him, “Lady Rayne’s suggestion has merit. If we can bolster the people’s faith and trust in the monarchy, this could be exactly what we need.”
“And we cannot ask for that trust blindly,” Liam added.
“Precisely.” Constantine nodded, then turned to smile at Rayne. “Thank you for your insight, Rayne.”
It made her uncomfortable when he did not address her with a title.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Of course it makes sense,” Madeleine spoke up. “Though Rayne’s presence here does not. The attempt was aimed at the monarchy, not the common people.” The look she gave her was nothing new; a quick once over to make sure that yes, Rayne was still the same subpar Laotian-American woman she had always been. With a new appreciation for bullet proof clothing.
“It is an excellent idea,” said Liam, emerging from his thoughts. “We will postpone the wedding to visit each of the noble houses in person, to invite them and to reassure them of our strength.” The careful relief in his voice was apparent to Rayne, and she bit back a wider smile. He nodded to her, then turned to Madeleine. “And to answer your question, the attackers targeted Rayne as well. She has just as much stake in this as we do.”
That was a bold statement, and judging by Madeleine’s scowl, she wasn’t the only one to think so. Silence fell again, then a loud clunk outside jarred Rayne’s thoughts. Clutching the chair back before her, she closed her eyes as the din of the ball returned. The lights going out, tripping and falling, the armoured man with a gun pointed at her face… She grimaced, then a warm hand rested on her shoulder, and drew her back to the room.
“A Unity Tour,” she said quietly, and once again all eyes were on her. “That’s what you could call it.” Liam’s hand squeezed her shoulder gently.
“It’s settled, then,” he said to the room, then turned worried eyes toward her. “Thank you, Rayne.”
Present Day
Liam
After three weeks with his young family, Liam's office seemed alien. No matter how much he wished to still be there, the work had piled up in his absence, and he couldn't postpone it forever.
Some things he did not trust to Madeleine; some she refused to do; and some could only be completed or signed off on by him. It seemed that for every task he could delegate there was another he could not. Letters for consideration, documents that had been through council, minutes for missed meetings, memos from council, things that in an everyday capacity took careful time, but would now take a few days of long hours to properly complete.
Many of the notes and letters were preceded by often lengthy congratulations for him and for Rayne which brightened his mood. He had sorted the work into piles according to complexity, time consumption, and urgency, made lists for himself, and now worked quickly with his assistant bringing in a steady supply of coffee. Hours into his work, the door opened again, and Madeleine walked in.
He hadn’t seen her since their argument the day Evelyn and Leo were born and would have been happy for that to continue.
“Husband,” was her opening. The sweetness of her smile meant this would be an unpleasant interaction. Liam looked at his watch. Still early.
“Good morning.” He sipped his coffee. “Thank you for your work in my absence.”
The corner of her mouth quirked. “No thank you is necessary. As this country’s queen, I take my responsibilities seriously.”
Placing his cup down, Liam leant back in his chair. “Nevertheless, I am grateful.”
“Indeed.” She surveyed his desk and the couch against the wall which was currently serving as a second table. Ordered but still crowded with various tasks. “I have a suggestion to permit you to further prioritise your duties as king. Duties which do not pause for you to assist your mistress and children. One can survive without, and the others do not require your presence at their age.”
Liam breathed deeply and displayed none of the irritation at her reference to Rayne as his mistress, or assumptions about his family.
“Get to the point, Madeleine,” he said coolly, patience fading. She smiled and approached the desk, lifting one of the more complex tasks. He knew it was a holdings-related proposal, and also knew that the first paragraph was a lengthy congratulations, with no mention of Madeleine. She frowned, then schooled a warm smile in an impressive transition, and closed the file.
“For the benefit of all involved, I have appointed a nanny to assist Rayne. She will appreciate this offer, coming from her monarch. If not, you may need to convince her it is the best course. For the good of our country.”
“And what makes you think I would do that, knowing as well as you that she has declined that option in the past?”
“Because you will not be there to help her, and just because she is their biological mother does not make her equipped to care for the heirs to the Cordonian throne. You cheating on your fiancé does not qualify your mistress to raise a monarch.”
“That’s enough,” Liam said firmly, feeling the hot flash of anger. “You know full well we agreed upon my relationship with Rayne over a year ago, as a condition of our engagement that you first proposed, I might add. I never cheated on you. You are out of line.”
She placed down the file and narrowed her eyes.
“I am never out of line, husband.”
“That is where you are wrong. I shouldn’t need to remind you that the power here ultimately rests with me.” Months ago, keeping a clear head when she so clearly intended to provoke him would have been difficult. Her words hit hard, but he had more control over his response than she would like.
“That may be, but much of your power rests in the image you present. The family man, with a generous wife allowing you to legitimise your mistress’s children. The mistress, need I remind you, who was never absolved of her part in the Applewood Manor scandal. What would happen if that image failed?”
“Madeleine…”
“It would be so easy.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “Maybe you have a temper?” Her eyes widened. “Maybe you spend more time in the cellar than previously thought? Maybe certain members of your staff are afraid to be near you in the evening?”
“They would never believe such things.”
“Maybe so, yet it was so easy for the public to believe you were holding Rayne hostage last year.”
Liam’s jaw tightened. “This is blackmail.”
“No, dear.” Madeleine smiled again. “This is security. I gave you three weeks, but I won’t cover for you again. You must commit to your formal duties, which will leave Rayne to care for those two alone. You know she is stubborn enough, but how could you let her suffer?”
He didn’t respond immediately, but met her gaze, mind racing as he tried to escape the box she had forced him into.
“I can split my time effectively.”
“You are running solely on caffeine and it isn’t yet noon. You look as if you haven’t slept in days. You will sacrifice your health, and the country will suffer as a result. You need to let me help her, Liam. And you. And your children.” Madeleine glanced at a photograph at the corner of his desk – a smiling photo of himself and Rayne on tour – and sighed. “The heirs to the Cordonian throne need to be taught right, starting now, by someone who understands the gravity of their responsibilities.”
He cleared his throat and considered her case, sipping his coffee, now cool, and measuring his words. “Rayne is the most capable person I know. I trust her completely in the care and upbringing of her children. Appoint help if you must, but if she refuses, respect that.” They locked eyes for a moment. “I will manage my responsibilities regardless.”
Her resolve shifted then, and she ended the discussion. “When the time comes to choose, I hope you remember that I tried to help you.” She swivelled and left the room.
Liam pressed a thumb and forefinger against his temples, mind echoing with Madeleine’s threats and his responses. The lengths she was already willing to go to in order to manipulate him was potentially a precursor to more serious threats in the future. If Rayne wanted assistance he would source it in a heartbeat, but he doubted that would be her choice. Regardless, they would need to be ready.
Drake
Walking into Rayne’s apartments was like walking into another world. He could see why Liam preferred it. The royal apartments were tall and dark and impressive; every vestibule emitted a sense of grandeur, as if the monarch needed reminding of their own wealth and rank. These apartments were smaller, the ceiling lower, and the whole place bright and warm. Natural light shone through open windows to the expansive room, and only upon conscious observation did he realise the lights weren’t even on. There was so much warmth here, beyond the physical sense, and he felt calmer just being here as he crossed to the window.
Liam still worked in his office, not looking to be finished any time soon, and Drake had thought to offer company to Rayne, meagre as it was, as she adjusted again to his absence. As it occurred to him he didn't know where she was, he registered voices in an adjoining room.
"I appreciate the offer but as I have said, I don’t need another set of hands. I am managing fine."
"I have been appointed by the Queen herself to assist. She wishes to ease the pressure on your shoulders, given King Liam has returned to his duties."
The voices approached from the hall leading the the bedrooms and Rayne stepped in, followed by a young, neatly dressed woman with a kind face. Rayne didn’t seem to notice him at first. She cradled Leo in her arms and faced the woman calmly. Drake stood awkwardly beside the window, unsure whether to announce himself or not, and wondered if she realised the kind of authority she commanded.
"Please thank her for the effort but I assure you it is unnecessary," she said, moving through the room. "If, in the future, I require assistance, I will ask for it." She reached the door to the hall and opened it, turning back to the room. For a brief moment, their eyes met. He smiled awkwardly, and she seemed mildly surprised, then smiled and winked. The young woman seemed to struggle with herself for a moment, and sighed.
"As you wish." She gave Rayne a short bow. "You have my credentials and contact information."
"I do, thank you." Rayne nodded, and ushered out the woman, who paused on the threshold, bowed again, and left. Drake was sure that one was to Leo. Rayne shut the door and turned back.
"Hey, Drake." Rayne rested her cheek against Leo’s head, swaying as she moved away from the door and looking as if she'd been doing this for years, not weeks.
"What was that about?" He asked, gesturing at the door. She rolled her eyes.
"Nothing important. Just our benevolent queen trying to force a nanny down my throat."
He chuckled. "Went well for her."
"I don't know what she expected. That I'll suddenly roll over and submit? Cold day in hell." She glanced at the door, then back with a smirk. "You seem surprised. Expecting more New York Waitress than King Liam’s Mistress?" Her accent was still there, but like his it had been watered down and changed in her time here.
"You know that isn't who you are, right?" he said, settling on the arm of a lounge chair.
"Relax, I'm just teasing. For them, though…" She sighed, then focused on her son as he began a quiet protest. "Shh baby, it’s okay. Mommy's okay," she cooed, patting his back. He quieted, and she kissed his head. "There we go."
Drake realised, again, how little he knew about parenting and children. Rayne, conversely, took on this role with as much natural confidence as she did answering the press, calming citizens, and charming nobles. She looked up again.
"I know that many people see me at face value. I'm just the mother—"
"Those are the people Madeleine has poisoned, they—"
"Drake, listen, please." She stopped him, and waited a moment before continuing. “You know as well as I do that refusing to consider an opposing perspective makes us no better than those who think ill of us. I can’t judge them for their beliefs, nor can I ask them to change, but I know I am more than what they say.” She paused, then exhaled sharply. “I know what you’re thinking.”
“Then why are you resisting?”
Rayne tensed, lips pursed, and looked away from him. He had crossed a line. Again.
“Why do I keep having the same conversation with everyone?” she said, exasperated. “The only person who has respected my decision from the beginning is Liam. This is my choice, Drake.” In her arms Leo stirred again. Her expression softened as she turned down to him, then back. “Excuse me.”
As she left the room, Drake ran both hands over his face and cursed his tactlessness. He had come here thinking she might like company, but his challenges were straining their relationship. It wouldn’t be the first one he had ruined. Surely though, after enough attempts, Rayne would see how capable she was, and change her mind.
It took a while for her to return, but when she did he knew for certain it wouldn’t be today.
“Do you understand how little control I have over my life?” she said, seeming much taller than she was. “This is my life, my decision. I will not fall back on expectations because you think it is the best course. You do not decide for me, and do not presume it is your place to try.” She met his gaze unflinching, and after a moment, he nodded.
“You’re right,” he conceded. And stubborn, and brave, and exhausted… “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.” Satisfied, she closed her eyes and visibly calmed herself somehow, before sitting on the arm of the next chair with a smile that made him nervous. “Now, I’m glad you came. I have a question for you.”
There seemed an audible click in his mind as he connected her tone with the question. “I really don’t think—”
“Why haven’t you asked Olivia out yet?”
He stared at her, less prepared than he should be considering he’d been asking himself the same thing. “Because I…” he cleared his throat, then assumed what he hoped was a convincing attempt at nonchalance. “Even if I was interested, there’s no way she’d agree.”
Olivia was coming to the palace in a few days, and sure they had a few things planned, but that was all casual. Rayne rolled her eyes.
“Not with that attitude she won’t. Come on, it’s not as if you’re asking her to run a kingdom. She isn’t going to agree if you never actually ask her, and she isn’t going to wait forever.” She grinned, but he was saved from fumbling for an answer by a knock on the hall door. They both turned.
“Expecting anyone?” he asked. She shook her head.
“Maybe Liam is back early?” The hope in her voice was painful to hear. Liam wouldn’t be back for hours.
“I don’t think so,” he said, suddenly unsettled. “I’ll get it.” He stood and stepped forward but she held up a hand.
“You stay right there. Work on that answer.” Rayne winked at him and approached the door, but there was tension in her shoulders.
She paused with a hand on the doorknob, then squared her shoulders, pulled it open, and froze.
---- ----
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#choices the royal romance#trr liam#the royal romance#choices trr#trr fanfic#trr mc#liam x mc#trr#side by side
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Turning the Page
Now and Then
- Chapter 9-
Choices, The Royal Romance, AU
Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son.
Turning the Page Series Masterlist
Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks
All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series.
Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match.
Rating: M🔞Warnings - Series will contain crude language, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors.
Words: 2498
Now and Then – 9
Chapter Summary: Riley and William arrive in Cordonia
Title & Music Inspiration:
Now and Then, The Beatles
When You Love Someone, Gretchen Peters, Bryan Adams
Wherever You Will Go, The Calling
A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.
A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week#67, prompt #1 - “Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.”
A/N3: My submission for @choicesjanuary2024, prompt Day 25 - ‘Remembrance’ #choices monthly challenge @lilyoffandoms #choicesjanuary2024
A/N4: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard.
In Flight, Cordonian Royal Jet, above the Mediterranean Sea
Looking out over the vast expanse of water below her, and under the clear blue skies above the Mediterranean Sea, no clouds were in sight ... not a white cloud, nor a black cloud.
Riley gazed out the large passenger window of the private jet, in solace, with her memories. Everything felt calm; almost too calm. The flight from New York to Cordonia was eight hours in duration, and even though they left early in the morning, they would not arrive at the palace until late in the evening with the change in time zones.
Trying to and not getting any rest, her thoughts returned to the events over the holidays.
...Remembering when Liam arrived at her door, in New York on Christmas Eve, a short week ago. The expression of elation on his face as she opened the door for him...
[‘Hello, my love,’ he tenderly smiled; He was standing there with an exquisite bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, as uniformed delivery drivers from the toy store waited patiently at a distance behind him, as the Royal guard performed a security check.
Liam stepped over the threshold, leaning down to draw her in for a kiss on the cheek, as she accepted his gift. ‘Oh Li, these are gorgeous; thank you so much.’
At Bastien’s prompt, the delivery people entered the brownstone with prewrapped gifts and placed them under the Christmas tree, also filling the extra space in the living room very quickly.
Chuckling, Riley watched as Liam thanked them with a generous tip, as he closed the door after them.
“Our son will be so thrilled at what Santa brought him; wait till he wakes up tomorrow.”
Liam laughed, moving quickly to put his arm around her, pulling her to his side. “Who says all these gifts are just for him? Hmmm?” Riley turned her head towards him, as Liam bent to capture her lips in a passion-fueled kiss.
“Ah yes, your gift is right here.” Liam slipped his hand inside his coat to reveal a small box, wrapped in gold with a red ribbon. “This is for you.”}
Riley breathed out, shaking her head.
...Remembering wanting him so badly that evening ...as he kissed her forehead to say ‘good night’ before turning to the guest room; Leaving her feeling so confused, once again.
...Remembering how excited LiLi was when he saw his father again Christmas morning ... and the look of pure joy in Liam’s expression as he watched his son blissfully playing with his new toys.
...Remembering the look of adoration between Liam and his son; a private and sacred bond established between the two ... a bond only meant for them.
Riley looked down at her phone and smiled fondly at the picture of William. He was proudly standing beside his gingerbread house gift for Liam, alongside Daniel and Matteo, to smile at the camera. Riley marveled at how unequivocally her son loved his father, so quickly. As if two loose puzzle pieces finally clicked into place. There was never a doubt in her mind that William needed to be wherever his father was. The connection between father and son was undeniable.
...and with those thoughts, she agreed to return to Cordonia.
And now, she found herself on the Royal jet headed back, leaving behind her New York world for the place that shattered her ‘happily ever after,’ again.
Liam, being the new, ever-doting father was pointing out to his son the shores of Cordonia through the window. She saw the look of marvel in Liam’s eyes, as he watched his son’s reaction to seeing Cordonia for the very first time. They were sitting in seats across the aisle from her as she glanced over.
Catching Riley’s eye, Liam responded with a wink and a smile.
"Welcome home, love."
Riley smiled in return, as her heart skipped a beat.
Home...
It had been a while since she had felt this way about Cordonia. Another lifetime; so much has changed, and yet remained the same.
***
Damien Nazario, the Interpol agent who was now permanently assigned to be William Rys's personal bodyguard, was reviewing the Crown prince's dossier, and his duties to the Cordonian crown, his new employer. Bastien took a seat beside the young agent to answer any questions he may have, as head of the Royal guard, at the rear of the plane's cabin.
"So, Damien, any questions for me?"
"No, sir. I believe I have a handle on the situation.”
"Good, because you are now the official head of the security detail for Prince William, the future king of Cordonia."
"Understood, sir.” Damien was well aware of the complexity of a constitutional monarchy.
"Now, there's one more thing I need to discuss with you,” Bastien eyed the young agent.
"Yes, sir?"
"Madeleine Amaranth, the former queen of Cordonia. I have forwarded her updated dossier to you."
"Yes, I've read it through.” Damien paused, waiting for more information.
"Good, because she has expressed malicious intent towards Prince William and Lady Riley, should they return to Cordonia."
"Understood. I'll ensure her movements are tracked and reported inside and out of the country, sir."
"Thank you, Damien.”
"My pleasure, sir.”
Bastien, looking pleased, leaned back in his chair, checking the time on his watch, as he felt the plane begin its descent.
Cordonia, Capital
The jet touched down smoothly on the tarmac, as the engines powered down. The cabin door opened, and the stairs were lowered.
Riley could feel the warm breeze blow past her as she stepped off the plane.
Taking a deep breath, Riley looked around. The air was different here. It was fresh and clean. She closed her eyes and let the wind brush her cheeks.
Liam followed, with William sleeping in his arms.
"Is everything alright, love?" Liam’s brows were raised in concern, noticing her hesitation.
"Yes, I'm just taking it all in." Riley, looked down, unable to keep eye contact.
"Are you sure, Riley? You've been very quiet throughout the entire flight home."
"I'm fine, Liam. It is just a lot to process. I'm just a little overwhelmed."
"All right, I understand. Let us get to the palace, so you and William can get settled and rest ... okay?"
"Yes, thank you, Liam."
Liam glanced over at Riley with concern as he personally buckled his son into the car seat. It was quite easy for him to see and feel the apprehension in her mood. She could not hide her emotions from him as well as she always thought she could.
Riley had remained noticeably quiet during the ride to the palace as well, looking out at the passing countryside. Liam could not help but wonder if she was having second thoughts about returning to Cordonia, and/or to him.
As they pulled up to the palace gates, Liam looked over at Riley, noticing a small smile on her face.
"What is it, love?" Liam spoke softly, reaching for her hand.
Riley returned his touch with a squeeze. "This place...it's beautiful."
"Thank you, that, it is. Welcome home."
“William will be so excited when he wakes up.” Riley glanced at a still sleeping William as the SUV slowed to a stop.
"I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me.... to have you both here." Liam confessed.
"You're welcome, Liam. It's the least I can do."
Liam's heart sank at her words. He hated the distance between them. He wanted to take her in his arms and make everything right, but, for right now, he knew that was not the best strategy.
He had to accept that things had changed, and their relationship was different now. He had to be patient and give Riley the space she needed.
But he also had to make her see how important she was to him. He had to show her how much he had missed her ... that he wanted a future with her and William in Cordonia.
As the SUV door opened for her, Riley felt a sense of Deja vu. This was where she had started her journey with Liam in Cordonia all those years ago. And now, here she was, back again.
"Do you want me to take you and William to the guest wing, or do you want to stay in my chambers?"
"I would like to stay with you, if that's okay."
"Of course, Riley. I would love that."
It was surreal for Riley as she walked the pristine palace halls towards the Royal Chambers. Liam carried William, who was fast asleep in his arms beside her.
The memories of the past times she was here flooded her mind and her heart ached as she pushed the painful memories aside. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.
As they reached the large double doors of the entrance to the Royal east wing, the guards opened the doors for Liam and Riley to enter.
Riley stepped inside; the same chambers where she had spent so much time before. The familiar scent of Liam's cologne filled the air, sending a wave of longing for a past time through her mind.
Walking into her room ... it was exactly as she remembered it. Everything was in its place, from the elegant chandelier hanging above the bed, to the intricate paintings adorning the walls.
Riley took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed. She looked around the room, taking in every detail.
She felt a pang of sadness as she remembered those past times.
After tucking William into his bed in the adjacent room, Liam came in and sat down next to her. He gently placed his hand on hers, and she looked up at him, their eyes meeting.
"What are you thinking about Riley?"
"I'm okay, Liam. I was just thinking about how much things have changed since I was here last."
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her close. "I know it's a lot, but I'm here for you, and I'll help you in any way I can," Liam whispered.
"Thank you, Liam."
He pulled away and cupped her face in his hands, staring into her eyes intently. "You're welcome, Riley. Always. Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.”
He moved in to press his lips to hers, and she melted into his kiss.
It was soft and gentle, and full of longing.
He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily. "God, Riley, I've missed you."
"I've missed you, Li."
He leaned down and kissed her again, deeper this time.
His tongue swept across her bottom lip, and she opened her mouth to him.
Their tongues tangled together in a dance that was familiar and yet new.
They were no longer the same people they were when they had last been together. They were both older and wiser, and the passion between them burned even brighter.
Riley pulled away and put her hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating beneath her palm.
"Liam, I..."
"Shhh."
He placed a finger over her lips. "Don't say anything, Riley. Just feel."
His lips found hers again, and the world disappeared. There was nothing but the two of them, lost in each other.
She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
She moaned into his mouth as he slid his hands down her back and pulled her closer.
He broke the kiss and buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent.
"Riley," he breathed. "God, I want you so much."
“Liam, I ...”
Liam pulled back and looked into her eyes, “stay with me tonight.”
📌All fics & edits: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @charlotteg234
📌Liam x Riley, OC: @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader @belencha77 @walkerdrakewalker @iluaaa @mysticalfangirl @queenwalton @bascmve01 @umccall71 @choicesfrog @amandablink @ownworldresident
📌Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesjanuary2024
#tessa liam writes#liam rys#the royal romance#riley brooks#trr#king liam#trr fanfic#king liam rys#trr liam x OC#choices fandom#choices the royal romance#choices fic writers creations#choices flashfics#@choicesjanuary2024#choices monthly challenge#turning the page
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Hands Down
Chapter 2: "Waves"
Catch up here!
Pairing: Liam x Riley
All characters belong to Pixelberry
Summary: Can Liam and Riley still find their way to each other despite Riley turning down Maxwell's invitation to Cordonia?
Rating: G
Word Count: 3,304
Song Inspiration: Waves - Dean Lewis
A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this out, life hit me hard the last month (both good and bad), but here it is. I promise I'll be better about regular releases.
A/N 2: Thank you to @ao719 for the song suggestion, and helping me work through some of the made up in my head issues.
A/N 3: This was not properly beta'd, so please excuse the many errors.
Tags are below the cut/in the comments. If you'd like to be added or removed, please let me know!
“His Highness, Crown Prince Liam Rys.”
All conversations halted, and heads turned to the doors at the front of the room as Liam entered the ballroom. It was the final night of the social season, and he was only hours away from becoming the King of Cordonia.
This also meant he was only hours away from having to announce which suitor would become his queen.
He surveyed the room, observing each of the women, hoping for some sign as to who the right choice would be. He had spent the last few months with them at various events, spending one on one time with each woman, trying to make a connection or find a spark of something. He would always end up comparing them to her, and they would always come up short.
But she wasn’t here. She rejected the invitation.
Throughout the social season, his mind would drift to thoughts of Riley Brooks, memories of their night together. But that’s all they were, and all they would ever be. He had barely slept since the season began, spending his nights going over his options, trying to figure out who would be the best choice to rule by his side.
Kiara Thorton, a polyglot with a natural sense of diplomacy. She would certainly be an asset in building relationships and alliances. But would she have the compassion and candor needed to win over the citizens?
Penelope Ebrim, compassionate to a fault. However, her naivete would prove challenging during the more complex aspects of the job.
Hana Lee, a newcomer to Cordonian court. In the brief interactions Liam had with her, he found her to be kind yet incredibly timid and insecure. It was a toss up which one of them was least enthused to be a part of all of this. She was obviously there on her parent’s order alone.
Olivia Nevrakis, one of Liam’s oldest and dearest friends. She certainly cared for him, and he for her. But not the way a husband should care for his wife. Besides, she was a Nevrakis, a family with a checkered past in the Cordonian history books. She would be a controversial choice, questioned by many.
And finally, Madeleine Amaranth, the top contender in the press and with the council, including Liam’s parents. She had been his brother’s chosen suitor, jilted when he made the decision to abdicate. It was an unofficial betrothal agreement when they were children, so she had spent her whole life in training to sit on the throne. Everyone was sure that she would be Liam’s choice. Everyone, except for Liam.
While he did agree that Madeleine would be an excellent queen, there was something missing. He didn’t feel he could be the best king possible with her by his side. He needed a wife that would see him, and support him as a man, not just a king. He wanted to be able to retire for the evening and spend time as a family. He didn’t see that with Madeleine, her strength was also her weakness. He needed to be able to just be Liam sometimes, with Madeleine, he would always be the king.
“Little brother!” Liam was startled out of his thoughts by the sound of his brother’s voice.
“Leo? What are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t miss your big night!” He clapped his brother on the shoulder. “So, have you made your choice?”
Liam sighed at the question. His choice would have been for Leo to live up to his birthright, allowing him to remain the spare and hold on to a small semblance of freedom. “You will see in due time.” He responded, not wanting to admit that he still hadn’t decided.
“Oh, come on. Not even a hint?”
“How was the cruise?” Liam asked, diverting the attention away from himself.
“Ugh,” Leo groaned. “It didn’t go quite as planned.”
“So that woman, the one Madeleine found in your bed?”
“Yeah, she’s in someone else’s bed now.” He said nonchalantly.
Liam’s jaw ticked, as his fists clenched at his side. The woman who had captivated Leo so much that he had abdicated the throne, and put all of this on Liam’s shoulders, was with someone else. Leo gave everything up for nothing.
“Your Highnesses,” a voice interrupted before Liam could respond. The brothers turned to find a photographer holding up a camera to them. “Can I get a quick picture?”
“Of course, my good man!” Leo threw his arm around Liam, pulling him to his side. Liam put on his most stoic smile, hiding all of the emotions that were flowing through him in that moment.
Once the picture was taken, the photographer thanked the pair before bowing and stepping away.
“I don’t regret a second of it,” Leo continued once they were alone. “Everyone comes into your life for a reason, she helped me to see that this wasn’t the life I was meant for.” He signaled to the opulence of the room around them. “I needed to step away and find my own path. I’m not there yet, but I’m figuring it out.”
Liam nodded, noticing the parallels in their situations. In that moment, it all clicked, and he knew exactly what his decision would be. “If you’ll excuse me Leo, I need to meet with father before the announcement.”
“Of course, knock ‘em dead, bro!”
As Liam walked across the ballroom, looking for his father, his mind began to race. Maybe Riley wasn’t the love of his life, maybe that night was just meant to be a sign. Perhaps he could have it all, be the best king he could be without sacrificing his happiness.
“Excuse me,” Liam said, interrupting Constantine, who was deep in conversation with Madeleine's father. No doubt making plans for the impending engagement tour. “Father, if I may have a word with you, privately?”
“You’re going to be making your announcement shortly, we can speak afterwards.” He replied dismissively.
“Please, it’s urgent.” Liam insisted.
Constantine excused himself from his conversation and followed Liam into his study, closing the door behind him. As soon as they were away from the eyes of the court Liam’s demeanor changed, he seemed anxious, pacing back and forth across the floor. Constantine attributed it to the changes he would be going through in the next hour, and was grateful that he was able to conceal those emotions when he was in front of others.
“Godfrey and I were just discussing the engagement tour. We are going to begin in Fydelia, since it is the home of your future betrothed.” Constantine broke the silence in the room.
“I’m not choosing Madeleine.” Liam stated flatly.
Constantine’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Well, there will certainly be some damage control needed, but it’s not the end of the world. Don’t tell me you’ve chosen the Nevrakis girl. I know you two are close, but she was only invited to participate out of obligation. She cannot sit on the throne.”
“No, I’m not choosing Olivia.” Liam took a deep breath, preparing himself. “I will not be choosing one of the suitors.”
“But son, you need to be engaged to ascend the throne. You know I’m in poor health, I need to step down before…”
“That’s why I wanted to speak with you,” Liam interrupted. “I would like for you to make a change to the law. One final decree as reigning king.” He noticed his father’s trepidation, and continued speaking. “I just don’t think I can be the king Cordonia needs, or deserves, if I am married to one of those women. You know how important it is for a king to have the right queen by his side.”
“I do, that’s why I’ve been encouraging you to choose the countess. She has been preparing for this role since she was a child.”
“So have I, I went through all of the same lessons that Leo did. I can be a great king on my own, until I find a queen that will be good for this country, and for me.” Liam pleaded with his father.
Constantine studied Liam’s expression, he was steadfast and unwavering. “And if I refuse?”
“Then when I go up on stage tonight and I will announce my abdication. I believe the line of succession would then fall to the Nevrakis girl,” he mimicked Constantine’s earlier tone. “And you’ve made it quite clear how you feel about that.”
The reigning king’s eyes went wide at Liam’s ultimatum. “You would throw thousands of years of tradition away over this?”
“Over my happiness? Absolutely.” Liam’s expression softened in a final attempt to get his father to understand. “Cordonia deserves me at my best, and I cannot do that with one of these suitors, so I would rather step down than give them anything less.”
“You are certainly a fierce negotiator.” Constantine observed.
“I’ve learned from the best.” Liam replied, he smirked at his father, hoping to lighten the mood slightly. He was unsuccessful.
“And where do you imagine you’re going to find this woman?” Constantine asked. “I will not have you plastering your personal information all over these dating websites I’ve been hearing about.”
“No sir, I wouldn’t,” Liam assured. “I much prefer making a face to face connection.”
Constantine stood in pensive silence, thinking about Liam’s proposition, but also studying his son. He was looking for even the slightest break in his expression, but there was none. Liam knew he was being tested and failing was not an option.
“If I do this for you, you will make the announcement and deal with any of the fallout on your own.” He warned.
Liam nodded in understanding. “Of course.”
“Son, this conversation has shown me that you will be exactly the ruler this country needs.” Constantine placed a hand on his shoulder. “With or without a wife.”
“Thank you, father.” Liam’s tone remained even, afraid his father might change his mind if he showed too much enthusiasm. Inwardly, he was screaming.
“I will need about an hour to make the arrangements. You are to return to the ball, and keep this information to yourself. No one is to know until you step onstage and make the announcement.”
“Yes sir,” Liam extended a hand, which his father shook briefly before pulling him into a hug.
“I’m proud of you, son.” Constantine said, patting him on the back before pulling away. “Now get out there and keep everyone occupied.”
Liam nodded with a smile, and returned to the ball feeling lighter than he had in months.
As soon as he set foot in the ballroom, he was approached by Penelope, who asked him to dance. He obliged, and led her to the center of the floor. Penelope hadn’t stopped speaking once during their dance, but Liam didn’t hear a word she said. All he could think about was his announcement, and what this meant for him. He was one step closer to living his dream, and falling in love.
Once the dance was over, Liam parted ways with Penelope and made his rounds through the room, his eyes intermittently flickering toward the door. As the time passed, his nerves grew, worried that his father may renege on their agreement.
Liam was in the middle of a conversation with the Beaumonts when the music stopped, and a throat clearing over the speakers pulled his attention. He looked up to see his father standing on stage.
Once the crowd quieted down, Constantine began to address them. “The moment we’ve been waiting for all season has finally arrived. It has been my great honor to serve Cordonia these last few decades.” His expression sombered as he continued. “We’ve had turmoil, but Cordonia has pulled together even during our toughest times. I couldn’t be more proud to have been Cordonia’s king.”
The crowd applauded as Constantine searched the faces for his son. When his eyes locked on Liam, he nodded. Liam took the signal and made his way to the stage. When he took his spot at his father’s side, Constantine continued.
“I only now pass the crown to Prince Liam because I know he’ll carry on exactly as I have. I couldn’t ask for a better successor.”
“Father…” Liam’s expression softened, touched by his words.
“It’s true. I love your brother, but you are the king Cordonia needs.” He turned to smile at his youngest son before continuing. “You have more than proven that to me. Especially tonight. Today, I pass the royal signet ring to you. Cordonia is yours, my son.”
As the crowd cheered, Constantine took a step back, standing beside Regina, as Liam took his place in front of the microphone. “Thank you all for being here tonight. This is an incredible honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I only hope that I can serve Cordonia with the distinction that my father did.” He turned to his father and step-mother, bowing to them before pulling them each into an embrace.
“And now, the time has come, your prince will choose his bride.” Regina announced.
“Actually,” Liam returned to the microphone. “In the interest of hitting the ground running, I spoke with my father earlier tonight, and he has put through one final decree as king.” Liam looked to his father, who nodded in approval. “I truly appreciate all of the ladies that participated in the season. Your grace and poise throughout the weeks has not gone unnoticed. Your unwavering support for this country is an inspiration. However, I will not be choosing a bride tonight.”
The crowd immediately broke into gasps and murmurs as they took in Liam’s announcement. He looked out over the confused faces, taking in each of the suitors' reactions. Shock appeared to be the general consensus, until his eyes landed on Madeleine. Her expression remained impassive, but he could see the fire in her eyes before she abruptly turned and exited the ballroom. Liam did feel bad for her, this was her second time thinking she would become queen, and the second time the opportunity had been taken from her.
Liam heard a throat clear behind him and he turned, locking eyes with Constantine. He didn’t have to say a word, Liam understood. He lifted a hand to silence the crowd. “If you will allow me to explain,” he said, once the noise had died down. “As I said, each of the suitors showed immeasurable grace and dedication to their country, all of which are crucial qualities for a queen. However, there was one very important qualification that I could not find. I was unable to connect with them in the way that a man should connect with his wife.”
He paused for a moment, allowing a few whispers of confusion to ripple through the room. “I want to give this country my absolute best. To do that, I believe that I need to forge my own path, and find the right partner for me, and for this country.”
Questions were shouted out rapid fire from the crowd, Liam once again raised a hand and waited for the room to quiet down. “I understand that there will be many questions and concerns, I will do my best to answer and address them all in due time. However, right now, we do need to proceed with this evening’s agenda. I appreciate your support, and look forward to continuing to guide Cordonia into greatness.”
Liam ignored the lingering comments that were scattered throughout the crowd, and the evening went on as planned. He took his oath and was officially crowned the king of Cordonia. Despite the upset earlier in the evening, the tone for the rest of the event was full of cheer and hope. There were, understandably, lingering doubts about Liam’s decision, but the court had enough faith in him to be able to celebrate this moment for what it was, a new beginning for Cordonia.
At the end of the night, once the guests had retired to their rooms, Liam sat on his throne, taking in the gravity of what had just happened.
“You know you don’t have to sleep on that thing, right?” The gruff voice of his best friend pulled him from his thoughts.
“I know,” Liam responded. “I suppose I’m just letting things sink in.”
“That’s fair,” he shrugged. “So what now?”
“Well, there will be a few interviews and photo ops with the press. I will need to be formally introduced to our allies and neighboring countries.” He paused for a moment. “I suppose we will need to rebrand what was supposed to be the engagement tour. I will work out the details in the morning.”
“Yeah, let’s talk about that for a second,” Drake smirked. “What happened?”
Liam let out a humorless laugh. “Leo, of all things.” Drake looked at him curiously. “I was speaking with him earlier, and he was telling me about that woman from the cruise. It didn’t work out.”
“Shocking.” Drake deadpanned.
“Right? Well, he said something that resonated with me.” Liam explained Leo’s theory, and how it inspired him to stand up to his father, and forge his own path.
“That’s great Li, I’m really proud of you for standing up for yourself.” Drake congratulated his friend. “So when are you going to New York?”
Liam’s gaze snapped up, meeting Drake’s. “What do you mean? Why would I go to New York?”
“For the waitress.” Drake said with an arched brow. He knew Liam better than that. “That’s what all of this was about, wasn’t it?”
“Not quite,” Liam sighed. “Riley was my sign, not my soulmate. She made it clear that my feelings are not returned.”
“What are you talking about? I’m pretty sure it was obvious to everyone but you that she was into you.”
“Then why didn’t she accept Maxwell’s offer to join the social season?”
“Seriously?” Drake slapped his palm against his forehead. “Listen, take a step back and look at it from her point of view. She has this whole life, a job, a family, friends, and you expected her to give all of that up and join this mess because of a couple of hours? Nobody in their right mind would do something like that.”
Liam let out a deep breath, shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter, the moment has passed. I’m sure she’s moved on.”
“Li, you literally changed history for this woman. You mean to tell me that you’re not even going to try?”
“I changed history for myself.” Liam corrected him.
“Fine, you changed history for yourself, but it was because of her.” Drake rolled his eyes. “You’ve got a couple of weeks before the tour starts, right?” Liam nodded. “Okay, so take care of all the press and that stuff now, once that’s died down, fly out to New York and find her. If she’s going to reject you, at least have her reject you to your face so you know for sure.”
A silence took over the room as Liam considered Drake’s words.
“At least think about it.” Drake finally spoke up.
Liam locked eyes with his friend. “Thank you, Drake”
Drake nodded and took his leave, not wanting to push any further. It was a decision Liam would need to make on his own.
As Liam walked to his room, the king’s quarters, he found himself more conflicted than ever. He thought that his announcement would leave him feeling lighter, more at ease with his new role as king. However after his talk with Drake, he had so much more to think about. Should he return to New York? Was it possible that he could still have a chance with Riley?
He needed to start focusing on his duties as king, but once again, he couldn’t get her out of his mind.
Permatag:
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Hands Down:
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The Royal Romance Masterlist 2024
✒️= Fanfic | 📱= Text Fics/Edits | 🎨= Fanart
Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+
🏳️🌈 = LGBTQIA
April 2024
Behind Closed Doors (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🏳️🌈| Maxwell Beaumont x MC, Liam Rys x Maxwell Beaumont - @angelasscribbles Chapter 1: The Invitation
A Bird in Hand ✒️| Liam Rys x MC - @angelasscribbles
Catch & Release ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @dcbbw
Dance Under the Rainbow 🎨🏳️🌈 | Hana Lee x MC - @uselessgay10101
Forevermore (Series) ✒️ | King Marquise (Liam) x F!MC - @khoicesbyk
Chapter 5: Joy of Winter
TRR Complete List Week Ending 4/27/2024
March 2024
The DeFacto Queen (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles
Chapter 5: Come Together
Capitulo 3: Adios New York ✒️| Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77
Capitulo 4: Bienvenidos a Cordonia ✒️| Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77
Capitulo 5: Noche Especial✒️| Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77
Once Upon a Time, Book 1. Ch. 1 (Part 7) ✒️| Liam Rys, Drake Walker, etc. - @fadingreveries
Best Kept Secrets (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719
Chapter 19: Built to Last
Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia (Series) ✒️🏳️🌈| Liam Rys x M!MC - @justcallmefox89
Chapter 20
Forevermore (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys (King Marquise) x F!MC - @khoicesbyk
Chapter 5: Joy of Winter
Fruit of Her Loins ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys - @littleredroseonthevalley
Ghosted (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC - @kristinamae093 Chapter 11: Altering Visions
Hirbawi ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| Drake Walker x MC - @petiteboheme
Maxwell Beaumont x MC 🎨by @bombomangooo
Midnights Like This (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🔥🔹| Leo Rys x F!OC, Liam Rys x F!MC - @queenrileyrose Part 15: Hold Me Tight
Princesa Real (Series) ✒️| Liam Rys x MC - @belencha77
Chapter 1: El Amor no Existe
Chapter 2: Erase Una Vez 🔹
The Royal Romance, Bk1 Ch1: Once Upon a Time (Pt. 1) ✒️ | Multiple Characters - @fadingreveries
The Royal Romance: Once Upon a Time (Chapter 2) ✒️| Liam Rys x MC - @fadingreveries
The Royal Romance Book 1, Chapter 1: Once Upon a Time Part 6 ✒️ | Liam Rys x MC - @fadingreveries
Savage Love (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 37: Gone
Second Chance Love (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🔥 | Liam Rys x MC, Liam Rys x F!OC - @mysticalfangirl Part 1
Secrets Behind Their Eyes Ch. 1 & 2✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys, Drake Walker, Maxwell Beaumont - @fancy--marshmallow
Secrets Behind Their Eyes Ch. 3 ✒️| Liam Rys, Drake Walker, Maxwell Beaumont - @fancy--marshmallow
Turning the Page (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x F!OC - @tessa-liam Chapter 11: A Step Back in Time
Vancross (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Chapter 23: Rescue You
You Belong to Me (Series) ✒️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x F!MC - @queenrileyrose Part One: I Wonder What's Mine
February 2024
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You - Part 5✒️| Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis - @alj4890
Cordonian Karaoke (Series) ✒️🔹| Drake Walker, Liam Rys, MC - @angelasscribbles
Riley Take 4
Hana Take 3 ✒️🏳️🌈🔹| Hana Lee x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles
Goodbyes Are the Hardest ✒️| Liam Rys x MC - @silvermillenniumqueenneptune
Marabelle: The Game of Kings ✒️💘🔹| Liam Rys x F!MC - @tessa-liam
My Lonely Valentine: The Agreement ✒️💘Ⓜ️ 🔥🔹| Liam Rys x MC - @angelasscribbles
Olivia Nevrakis Fanart 🎨by @artbyalz
Round Robin Chapter 1: Welcome ✒️🔹- @angelasscribbles
Side by Side (Series) ✒️| Liam Rys x MC - @ownworldresident Chapter 9: Renewal
Single Again ✒️🔹| Liam Rys x MC - @angelasscribbles
Staking a Claim ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| Drake Waker x MC - @angelasscribbles
Turning the Page (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| Liam Ry Chapter 10: Somewhere Only We Know
Vancross (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Chapter 22: My Way Back to You
Wild Ride: A Bad Romance Prequel One-Shot ✒️Ⓜ️🔥🔹| Liam Rys x MC - @angelasscribbles
January 2024
Week ending January 6, 2024
The Best Mistake He Never Had (Series) ✒️| Drake Walker x MC - @camillemontespan
Part Four
Traditions ✒️🌟| Liam Rys x MC - @bebepac
Unexpected (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️ | Liam Rys x MC, Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @angelasscribbles
Chapter 10: The Truth Comes Out Chapter 11: Let's Be Happy
What's Already Mine ✒️| Liam Rys x MC - @ao719
Week ending January 13, 2024 Complete List
Week ending January 20, 2024
Anything But Common (Series) ✒️🏳️🌈| Hana Lee & MC - @silvermillenniumqueenneptune
Magical Misadventures in Miscellany
Liam Rys Fanart 🎨 by @bayleedraws-sometimesx
Marabelle (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| Liam Rys x MC - @tessa-liam Chapter 9: The Awakening
Midnights Like This ✒️🔹| Leo Rys x MC - @queenrileyrose Chapter 14: Falling Like Stars
Single Mom ✒️🔹| Liam Rys x MC - @dcbbw
You Can Tell Me Anything ✒️| Drake Walker x F!MC - @camillemontespan
Week ending January 27, 2024
Best Kept Secrets (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| Liam Rys x F!MC - @ao719 Chapter 18: Maybe We'll Get it Right
Daylight ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| TRR MC x ? - @angelasscribbles
Forevermore (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🔹| King Marquise (Liam) x MC - @khoicesbyk Chapter
4a: The Princess Diary, Part 1
Chapter 4b: The Princess Diary, Part 2
#choices fic writers creations#cfwc fics of the week#cfwc art of the week#playchoices#the royal romance#the royal heir
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