#maxwell x savannah implied | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

boneandfur · 6 years

Text

Closure [5]

Chapter Five ~ The Bodyguard (Drake)

Song: Runaways, The Killers

Words: 1765

Catch up: Masterlist

Tag list: @drakewalkerwhipped @mfackenthal @alicars @youwontlikewherewewillgo @ninamckenzie22 @theroyalweisme @hopefulmoonobject @pbchoicesobsessed @topsyturvy-dream @viktoriapetit

Summary: Drake's obsession with Lilly has already destroyed three marriages. Why he stays at court is anyone's guess. But tonight is a night for intrigue and dark secrets -- and some people will do anything to discover them...

"Are you Aunty Vannah's big brother?" Big bwuvver.

Drake looks down at Sophy. She's been brushing, braiding and decorating the grey pony's mane for half an hour, clearly in little girl heaven. "Yeah, Short Stuff. I'm her big brother. Guess that makes me your uncle in law."

Sophy screws her face up thoughtfully. "Why?"

"Because -- never mind. Just call me Uncle Drake, kid." It's uncanny, but this little girl could pass for the miniature version of Liam's mother. She has that Rys look about her too. For a long time he'd thought she was his daughter too, but now, meeting her face to face at last, he's not so sure. Hell, the entire foundation he built his life on cracked when he met Lilly that night in New York City. What's one more?

"Tell me about yourself, kid. What's your favorite color?"

Sophy frowns at him. "Silver, silly! But Mummy made me wear this. I don't like it." She has a temper. It would be painfully adorable if Drake were a sentimental man (he isn't). "Is Aunty Vannah here? I miss Percy." For a long moment he thinks she might cry, but she composes herself admirably. She is strangely self-possessed for a mere seven year old.

Percival. Drake's nephew is a mischevious, dark haired child of four, about to start école maternelle in the autumn. He has a stuffed hippo he takes everywhere with him. Drake has always found it to be an odd attachment, but now he is beginning to wonder, a suspicion creeping into his mind. Savannah has never shared why she left Bertrand a second time, throwing herself into her career as a freelance columnist in Paris. Bartie and Percy look as alike as cheese and chalk. Bartie looks like Drake and Savannah's side of the family, and Percy... Drake runs a hand across his face. Percival Maxwell Beaumont.

"Yeah, maybe. Do you want me to ask her?" Savannah covers the European nobility beat. It is her connections to the Cordonian court that got her the job in the first place, without a university degree she would have been doing menial work. He has to acknowledge -- grudgingly, but still -- that their royal patronage has come in handy. For two kids who grew up on the fringes of the Cordonian court, they couldn't have done better.

Whether or not they could have done worse remains to be seen. Sometimes, Drake thinks he's already had a lifetime of courtly intrigue twice over. No wonder Savannah ran twice.

"Please," Sophy says, batting her lashes. She looks so much Lilly in that instant that it rocks Drake to his core.

Are you coming tonight? he texts Savannah.

Yes, I'm just pulling in. Nervous. It's been awhile. Why, is my big brother worried for me?

Lilly's here.

He can almost see her grimace on the other end. Fuck. Thanks for warning me.

What's the problem? LOL

You of all people should know the answer to that, Drake!! >:(

Does it have to do with my nephews?? Because you might want to brace yourself, their fathers are here too. With that, he silences his phone. He's no Cupid, but maybe at least one couple can walk away happy this night.

At that thought, his gaze falls on Jack. He's feeding an apple to his pony, talking in a soft voice to it as he looks deeply into its eyes. Drake's heart leaps in his chest.

When Olivia had first broken the news of her pregnancy to him, he'd run away -- straight into Lilly's arms. Lilly had stoked his greatest fears about Olivia's fidelity as they drank whiskey together, and then she had kissed him. He'd fallen into her familiar arms, drunk on the scent of her arousal, wanting nothing except to forget the world with his cock buried in Lilly. And he had -- Oh, God, he had. And every time he tried to end it, there was always another (small, helpless) reason he could never cut the ropes that bound them together.

I can't leave him, Lilly would sob, so wretched that he hated both her and himself. Who else would have me?

He would. How many times had he begged her to run away with him, to the ends of the earth and beyond? But she always had an excuse, always had some unarguable reason to stay with Maxwell. Irresponsible Maxwell, frittering away their fortunes in the casinos of the Cote d' Ore.

As for proud Olivia, she had become Liam's mistress in truth, and it was easier to believe that Jack was Liam's son, rather than take the responsibility for abandoning his own child. Yet he'd stayed at court, never able to stray far, never able to forget Olivia despite his failed marriages, despite his obsession with Lilly.

His lust for Lilly has already ruined three marriages. She is his downfall, his greatest addiction. When he fucks her, it feels both wrong and right. She always claimed Beaumont didn't know how to please her, that he couldn't make her come. But it's painfully obvious to anyone with eyes that Maxwell is still in love with the woman. Maybe he never got the memo.

Well, he certainly has now.

Drake's glad these children aren't in the ballroom. Jack is one thing -- with Olivia for a mother, he always lands on his feet. Just what was Lilly thinking, bringing Sophy along?

She's just like me, Drake, Lilly told him once. She needs to learn how to be strong. When I was her age, my childhood was already over, and I didn't even know it. She needs to be prepared. Pull one stick out, and the whole structure collapses. You think your life is hard? You've had it easy.

Lilly never would explain further, but her words chilled Drake to the core. My childhood was already over... Lilly never shared anything about her past with him. It was as if she'd arrived in Cordonia newly brought alive from clay by the gods, as though she'd had no life before this one.

And there are not many records on her either. Bastien has shared the background check with Drake, and back then he hadn't cared, but now he wonders. He has so many questions for Lilly. Whoever she is.

Nothing beyond a registration for a social security number some twenty three years before, and a slew of hospital records. After fourteen, there is nothing. Radio silence. She claims she went to university, but where? Under what name? In this day and age it's nearly unthinkable that a person can fly under the radar for so long.

"I thought you'd be in here." Savannah hugs Drake, setting down her clutch, a black and gold Prada. She is wearing a press badge and is dressed like a Parisian, all black clothes and an air of elegance despite the shadows under her eyes. She looks at Jack and Sophy, then back at Drake, but says nothing. Little ruffles Savannah these days.

"Aunty Vannah!" Sophy squeals, flinging herself into Savannah's arms. "Did you bring Percy?"

"I did not," Savannah says in a soft voice. "He is asleep, I have a nice girl watching after him and Bartie at the hotel. This is a party for grown-ups, Sophy."

Sophy frowns, stamping her foot. "Mummy said it was a party for me."

Savannah's eyes meet Drake's over Sophy's head. Her mouth is pressed in a thin, unforgiving line. "Where is Lilly?"

"Dancing with Liam." The hurt those words would once bring has faded to a mere echo. "A solid power play by House Beaumont. Their star is rising. Olivia is... unpredictable. Hana wants her out."

Savannah smiles, stroking his cheek. "My big brother, who hates all nobles, talking about courtly intrigue?"

Drake stiffens. Sophy has joined Jack on the other side of the ring, their heads bent together, whispering. He turns his attention back to Savannah. "They're not nobles. They're my friends."

"Even Olivia?" she teases him lightly. "I remember there was a time when you were head over heels for her. And she -- well, she's always been in love with you."

Drake remembers -- a screaming match and then a scorching kiss, Olivia in his arms until the sun rose, waking in surprise to find her in his arms, curled up against him like she had always belonged there. Yes, Olivia. He sighs. "I never thought I'd fuck this life up so bad, Vannah."

She laughs, and he's glad to hear it. Savannah has had little enough joy in her life besides her children, since she went away. "You didn't fuck your life up, Drake."

"No, but I --"

"Here." Savannah passes him a Polaroid photo from her purse. "Gemma, Talia, Annelyse and Valentina." Four little girls with his mother's eyes stare up at him from the glossy paper. "Do you think their lives would be any easier if they lived with you?"

"How can you ask me that?" Drake chokes, overcome with emotion. "They'd be my little girls and they'd live --"

"Here at the palace, while their mother fucked the king? Or a hand to mouth life on the run?" Savannah shakes her head. "And what about Sophy and Sei? Would you take their mother from them as well?"

Drake clenches his jaw. "Why did you show me this, if you were only going to break my heart again? Are you a monster?"

"Of course not," Savannah whispers. Her eyes glitter in the lantern's light, and he can see that she is crying. "I want to help you."

"Well, you have a funny way of showing it."

"Listen to me, Drake. Maxwell is the only father those girls know. You don't know how much he loves them. He'd give anything to keep them safe."

"What are you implying?" Drake demands. "Blackmail?"

"One star falls and another rises. Such is the way of the court. With their star on the rise, House Beaumont will want to sweep everything shady about Lilly under the rug. I've already made the arrangements with Bertrand. The girls will live with me in Paris, except..." she turns her head, her eyes going wide in shock. "Sophy? Sophy!"

Drake feels his heart sink like a stone. "Jack!" He shouts, his heart in his throat. "This isn't time for games, Jackson Nevrakis! Come out right now!"

But the children do not answer. Sophy and Jack have vanished, as if they've never been. Only a scrap of green fabric flutters sadly on the edge of the corral, twisting and turning in the wind.

Ecole maternelle - kindergarten

Let me know if you would like to be added to the tag list. Sorry if I forgot anyone!

#drake walker #the royal romance #the royal romance fic #angst #drake x mc #drake x olivia implied #maxwell x savannah implied

74 notes · View notes

bobasheebaby · 4 years

Text

She’s So Gone- Cordonian Ruby chapter 11

Pairing: mentions of Bradshaw x Hana

Word count: 844

Warnings: none I can think of

Summary: Maxwell explains what happened to Hana.

A/N: Next week we will have my fluffy ABC’s interview and then we will finally be in Cordonia (I think?)

A/N2: A major thanks @sirbeepsalot for all your graping, prereading snips between work. I love you boo! Thank you to my snippet readers @loveellamae and @burnsoslow who screamed appropriately.

Series warnings: character death, blood, surgical procedures done by non medical personnel, may go NSFW in the future. May contain gun violence, knife violence, threats, not sure how dark this will go. By requesting to be tagged you acknowledge you are at least 18 years of age.

Let me know if you want to be added or removed from the taglist.

Disclaimer: I own Ruby, Galen, Lovett, and Beau, I’m borrowing Bastien and Olivia from PB.

“What do you mean Hana is Bradshaw’s mistress?” Olivia’s sharp tone echoed through the suite.

“For the record this is why I didn’t tell them, it’s not my story to tell and I thought Hana would be here.” Drake said walking towards the stocked minibar. He was tempted to leave the room completely but he doubted Olivia’s aim became less accurate over the years, better to be a victim of her sharp tongue than her blade.

Maxwell gave a meek smile, “she was coming, but then Bradshaw showed up and she couldn’t leave.”

“Maxwell, how did Hana become Bradshaw’s mistress?” Olivia spat the last word from her mouth.

She hadn’t been as close to Hana as Carolyn, yet it was hard to picture Hana as anyone’s mistress, let alone the man who stole the lives of her best friends.

Maxwell shifted uncomfortably. He was used to having all eyes on him, but not like this. No wonder Drake didn’t tell them. “I only know a second hand account …”

“Which is?”

Maxwell gulped, not getting out of this now. “As Hana told it, Bradshaw always had a wandering eye. He had been attracted to both Carolyn and Hana, and as he said it ‘he couldn’t keep Carolyn around for obvious reasons’.” He shuddered as a shiver ran down his spine. “Hana really tells it much better, maybe you should just wait until we get to Cordonia …”

“Spill it.”

Maxwell gave a resigned sigh before continuing, “Bradshaw had his eye on Hana and kept her from leaving the country.

He was aware how close she was to Carolyn from the girls trip to Auvernal.

With Liam and Carolyn out of the picture, he moved onto Hana. He figured with the close relationship she might have been privy to information that could prove useful for him.

He offered her Valtoria since the duchy was once again without a Duchess, and a large stipend to stay as his mistress.

Hana agreed, though she played down her eagerness.

She was smart enough to understand he wanted information but Hana was positive that somehow the heir survived and made it out. She saw his offer as a way to help if the true heir ever returned.

She was frantic when she first told me, she felt like she was betraying Carolyn and Liam, but she figured it was better than death.

I don’t know how she knew,” his eyes fell once more to Ruby, “she just kept telling Bertrand, Savannah and I that she couldn’t lose faith that somehow Carolyn and Liam had managed to get their child to safety.”

“So Hana became Bradshaw’s mistress on the off chance that Liam and Carolyn’s baby was still alive?”

“Well yeah, but also to stay alive.

He didn’t say it, but she said it was heavily implied that if she didn’t agree she wouldn’t be returning to Shanghai.

Her parents were shocked, they said she was raised better than to be a mistress. It wasn’t until she mentioned the elevation of her title that her parents backed off, though not by much.

Over time she became Bradshaw’s favorite. He’s seen more frequently with Hana than his own wife.”

Olivia snorted, “oh I’m sure Isabella loves that.”

“She hates it, she’s threatened more than once to remove Hana, but she knows she wouldn’t be any better off even if she did.” Maxwell paused, idly tapping his fingers against his knee, “there is just one tiny little thing …”

“Go on.”

Maxwell nervously cleared his throat, Olivia and the others seemed to be taking the news relatively well, he was sure that was all about to change. “First I need to tell you Hana assured me that it would be no problem to slip you into the masquerade unseen …”

“But?”

“But, she’s fallen in love with him.” Maxwell flinched as he spoke.

“She what?!”

“Hana loves Bradshaw, I know it’s crazy and doesn’t make sense. Bertrand was sure she was drugged, but she truly loves him.”

“Maxwell, how the hell are you just telling us this now?! How do you know she isn’t setting us up to be caught?”

“Hana wouldn’t do that.

She still wants to remove him from Cordonia, take him down, but since she loves him … she asked that we spare his life.”

“You have got to be kidding me!

This man has a long list of transgressions he must pay for and she expects us to what pardon him simply because she loves him?

I could look past her being his mistress since she was playing him, but for her to even suggest that we leave him breathing, unharmed, and I’m assuming still in power of Auvernal … after all he’s done.

He murdered her friends.”

“What the heart wants right?” He attempted to joke, clearing his throat when he was met with shocked stares. “I get that it’s not ideal, but Hana knows all of his weaknesses, she knows his schedule, if we want her help …”

“Then we have to let him live …”

Feedback fuels me, please like, comment reblog or send an ask. Feel free to scream, I promise I can take it.

Masterlist can be found in my bio.

@speedyoperarascalparty @liamxs-world @annekebbphotography @itsstillnotwhatyouthink @ao719 @stopforamoment @akrenich@gardeningourmet @daniv2278 @bella-ca @gibbles82 @choiceslife @blackcoffee85 @sirbeepsalot @cheeto-choices @dcbbw @alicars@desireepow-1986 @mfackenthal @bhavf @indiacater @drakesensworld @kingliam2019 @walkerswhiskeygirl @ladyangel70 @jovialyouthmusic @edgiestwinter @rainbowsinthestorm @janezillow @sleepwalkingelite @texaskitten30 @traeumerinwitzhelden @bbrandy2002 @jared2612 @blackcatkita @darley1101 @innerpostmentality @lolablackwrites @endlessflame @fullbeaumonty @hhiggs @itsalliepg @smalltalk88 @littlegreenmoo @mynameiskaylabella @bobbersb @imma-winchester-addict @cordonianroyalty @loveellamae @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @katedrakeohd @forthebrokenheartedthings @super-secret-fandom-blog @burnsoslow @queenjilian @bebepac @datynasuha @malvolari-take-my-soul @hopefulmoonobject @queen-arabella-of-cordonia

#olivia nevrakis #maxwell beaumont #trh au #the royal heir au #the royal heir#cordonian ruby #she’s so gone #she’s so gone: cordonian ruby #chapter eleven #CoRu #we are almost there #i think #maleficent writes #long post #read more

42 notes · View notes

blznbaby · 5 years

Text

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Liam x MC (Marcella)

Audience: PG (innuendos and implied language)

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixleberry Studios.

Tags: @museofbooks @callmetippytumbles @cocomaxley @hopefulmoonobject @pixieferry @i-choose-liam @zaffrenotes @choicesseasonalprompts

Christmas Day

It was Christmas day at the palace. A time for great celebration. Decorations were everywhere and a Christmas tree adorned almost every room in the palace filling the air with the minty aroma of pine. Miles of presents and wrapping paper littered the floor, it was definitely a party.

Everyone was dressed in different colors that symbololized the holiday; an array of red, green, gold, blue, and silver. Everyone was having a great time. Liam was socializing with everyone and getting his fill of Lythikos nog. Leo was hitting on Hana, with no success. Drake was avoiding Olivia and Kiara again. Marcella was going around the room offering nog to everyone. Maxwell was documenting the party for his scrapbook. Bertrand and Savannah were canoodling under the mistletoe. Regina was at one of the tables with Adelaide and Madeleine, enjoying each other's company. Penelope was animatedly talking with Zeke about poodles. Meanwhile, all the others were dancing and laughing while the children played with the toys they got from Santa.

After while, Liam, Marcella, and Fabian went to the front of the room so Liam could give his annual Christmas speech and thank everyone for coming. The servants passed out flutes of champagne and cider as the King’s speech came to a close. They all lifted their glasses in a toast.

"I know I've wished this all before. But every year I wish it more...A merry Christmas." They all toasted with gusto.

"Daddy! Can I say something?" Little Fabian asked gently tugging at his father's pants.

"Sure, son." He smiled in approval.

Fabian turned to face the guests. "Thank you all for coming. I'm so glad that you're all here and I'm thankful for all my presents."

Liam and Marcella exchanged a smile. It looks like those lessons in manners are paying off. He looked back and forth between his parents.

"But, what I really want is a baby brother!" Fabian yelled at the top of his voice.

Marcella nearly choked on her drink she had just taken a sip of. Complete and utter silence descended over the room. It was so silent you could hear a pin drop. The color drained from Marcella's face as she fought the urge to clasp her hand over her son's mouth and apologize to their guests. Instead she cleared her throat and smiled graciously. "Ok. Thank you baby. Moving on. Hana. Would you like to say a few words?" She looked to her friend for rescue, who was always graceful under pressure. She knew Liam wouldn't be any help in the matter. She was right. He raised his eyebrows in a silent "I think Fabian may be on to something here..." If it were up to him and Regina she'd been pregnant right after giving birth, but Marcella had no interest in turning her vagina into a clown car.

"But, mommy I'm not done." Fabian cried. "I was going to say that I think I might get one because I saw you kissing Santa Claus last night!"

Oh fuck. It's over now. The children look dumbstruck and the adults are turning red, trying to hold their laughter. Tears are streaming down Drake and Leo's face, shaking, both on the verge of losing it. She glared at them, trying not to smile. Meanwhile, all eyes were on the little prince who looked like he had no idea what he'd said or done. Liam exchanged another glance with Marcella wondering how the hell they were going to explain this one.

The night before - Christmas Eve

Marcella grabbed the 'The Night before Christmas' from the bookshelf on Fabian's room and settled down on the bed next to her son. As he snuggled close, she began reading. Then, suddenly a figure appeared in the doorway. Fabian gasped at the sight and Marcella struggled to hold in her laughter. If only she had a camera. There was Liam, decked out in a red santa suit, complete with hat and beard. He even stuffed a pillow down the front to serve as a big belly.

He walked toward them, hand on belly, and laughed merrily. "Is your name Fabian?" He asked in his best santa voice.

Fabian sat frozen, unable to speak or blink. Marcella gently nudged him, smiling for him to reply.

"Yes, sir. It is."

"You can call me Santa. Come here." He replied, sitting down on a nearby chair and opening his arms to him. Marcella smiled as Fabian slowly made his way to him, gently sitting on his lap.

"You are real."

"Of course I am. What would you like for Christmas?"

"Ummm." He put his finger on his chin looking contemplative. "I want a firetruck, a new sled, a train set and...." he stopped and whispered his last request in Santa's ear. Marcella imperceptibly leaned in trying to listen. Santa smirked under his beard, he noticed, but kept his full attention on the little boy on his lap. "That's some Christmas wish! I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, Santa." Santa lifted the boy off his lap and stood up himself. He reached into his sleeve, pulling out a candy cane and presented it to Fabian. "Now, get to bed. I can't put out presents if you're awake." He gave him a big hug before climbing back into bed. Marcella walked Santa to the door. She closed it behind him to turn around and see Fabian sitting up in bed holding his candy cane looking at her hopefully. She shook her head.

"Not tonight, love. Maybe tomorrow. Now, let's finish this story and go to bed."

Marcella descended the staircase and walked into the living room. Fabian was finally asleep. There was Liam, sitting in a chair near the fireplace, still in the santa suit eating a christmas cookie. And by the remnants of crumbs on the plate Marcella knew it wasn't his first one.

"My son and I made those special for my husband." Liam looked as though he'd been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "I'm sure he won't mind my having just one."

"Oh, but he will. He's very stingy with snickerdoddle cookies." She teased.

"Really. Well, I know something I love more than snickerdoodle cookies." He said, a playful gleam in his eye. She walked over and sat in his lap, looping her arms around his neck. He reached in his pocket, pulling something out, holding it above their heads. She kept her eyes on his. She didn't need to look to know it was misteltoe. She kissed him deeply, but soon pulled back, laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"Your beard is ticklish. Can't you take that thing off?"

"You sure you want me to take it off?....I can think of other places to tickle with this beard, if you're a good girl. Have you been a good girl, Marcella?" His voice dropped to a deep husky tone.

"Yes. I've been a very good girl." She purred.

"Why don't we turn in Mrs. Claus?" He whispered nibbling on her neck. "We have an early morning and I want you to have a very *kiss* merry *kiss* Christmas."

"Santa, you're so naughty." She giggled, playfully slapping his chest. Liam instantly shifted and stood up with Marcella hanging over his shoulder. A yelp escaped her as he gave her ass a smack.

"Let me show you just how naughty I can be." He growled, bounding toward the stairs.

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

"Was she now?" Liam asked, his voice full of mirth.

Fabian nodded his head enthusiastically.

"On the lips?" Liam couldn't resist

"Yes!"

Everyone couldn't help but smile and laugh. He wanted to ask if it looked like mommy was enjoying herself with Santa, but by the death stare his wife was giving him he decided against it.

"Fabian. Perhaps your mommy was just thanking Santa for coming to see you." Olivia chimmed.

Fabian rolled his eyes in a way that only a four year old could. "Auntie Olivia. I'm four. Not stupid. Mommy only kisses daddy that way." He responded, matter-of-factly.

"Touche." She winked.

Then it occured to Liam, a thoughtful look on his face. "Wait, young man. How do you know all this? You were supposed to be asleep."

"I woke up to use the restroom and I was too excited to go back to sleep." He explained. "I wanted to see if Santa left my presents, so I went to the landing. And I saw him daddy! He was with mommy holding a plant above her head and they were kissing!"

"It's called mistletoe. When two people are underneath it they kiss." Liam explained. "So, mommy had to kiss Santa."

Fabian's eyes grew wide. "Oooh! I get it!" He said, as if he made the greatest discovery known to man. "Mommy was under Santa's Christmas spell."

The adults collapsed in laughter, enjoying the spectacle even more now that the initial embarrassment was over. Liam picked up Fabian and Marcella collectively hugged her son and husband, quivering in amusement. Liam ran a hand through her hair and pressed a kiss on his son's forehead. Fabian didn't understand why everyone was laughing, but he was glad to have solved the mystery.

"Hey Fabian." Leo mumbled drunkenly. "Your story reminds me of a great Christmas song."

He looked at his Uncle Leo curiously. "It does?"

Everyone smirked. They knew exactly where Leo was going with this. The first notes of a popular Christmas song filled the room. "Oh, yea!" Maxwell yelled excitedly, pumping his fist in the air. "The Jackson 5! Sing along everyone!"

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus (kissing, kissing Santa Claus)

Underneath the mistletoe last night

She didn't see me creep

Down the stairs to have a peep

She thought that I was tucked up

In my bedroom, fast asleep

The entire palace got into the spirit, singing and dancing to the song, disregarding the King and Queen's predicament. Even Drake joined in blaming the alcohol for his merry-ness.

Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus (tickle, tickle Santa Claus)

Underneath his beard so snowy white

Oh, what a laugh it would have been

If Daddy had only seen

Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night

The holiday celebration continued well into the night, filled with laughter and happiness as they joyfully celebrated Christmas.

Christmas Night

After putting Fabian to bed the royal couple walked hand in hand to their bedroom. Once inside Liam ran into the closet and came out handing Marcella a small gift bag. "Another gift for you, my love."

She looked at him curiously, reaching into the bag and pulling out a sexy black negligee. He gave her a dirty grin and she ran into their bathroom to change while Liam sat on the bed anxiously awaiting his treat. Marcella emerged a few moments later, looking as hot as ever. Liam felt his blood rushing down south. She smiled as she did a few turns to model it for him. "You like?"

"I love." He replied, his eyes moving up and down her body. "Though I'd love it even more if it were on the floor."

"Ya know, I'm starting to believe THIS," she gestured to the lingerie she was wearing. "Is more for you than it is for me." She said slyly.

"I'm certain that it will bring you as much satisfaction as it will me." He grinned. "Now, enough talking, woman -- get over here so I can unwrap my gift."

Later, they laid in each others arms, Marcella's head on Liam's chest while he absentmindedly stroked her shoulder.

"So...what do you think?" He whispered in her hair. "Do we grant Fabian's Christmas wish?"

Marcella softly laughed. "I know now that's what he whispered in Santa's ear last night. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I didn't want you to feel pressured by Fabian and I -- you know I'd be thrilled with another, but it is your decision entirely. I'll follow your lead." He said, planting a kiss on her head.

"Thank you, Liam. And that reminds me...I have a gift for you, too." She said, lifting up from his chest and reaching over to retrieve a box from her bedside table drawer. Liam sat up when she presented it to him.

"What's this?" He asked, surprised.

"Just open it and you'll see." He tore the wrapping paper off and lifted the lid. Liam's eyes began to sting as he stared into the box. A pair of baby booties.

"Marcella...does this mean...I."

"Yes, Liam," she said as she took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "I'm pregnant." She beamed.

"But, how long have you -- when were you going to --." He was over the moon and could hardly form a coherent sentence, but she knew what he was asking.

"I found out two days ago and I planned on telling you tonight. But, I never thought your son would grant me the perfect opportunity to do so. Merry Christmas, Santa." Overwhelmed with joy, he grabbed her and kissed her passionately, falling back into the cloud of pillows.

It was a very merry Christmas indeed.

#achoiceschristmascarol #choices trr #trr #trr fanfic #the royal romance #liam x mc #trr liam #choices the stories you play #christmas #playchoices #trr3 #choices trh #liam x riley

46 notes · View notes

fluffy-marshmallow-heart · 6 years

Text

TRR New Beginnings-Ch. 2-Cordonia Bound

Drake x Emma

Rating: PG-13, physical abuse implied

Words: 876

This chapter is a little shorter, more like an interim chapter, but I feel it's important to the story as it's how Emma gets back to Cordonia.

Emma sprinted up to Liam and Bastien. “I’m so sorry I’m late. It was a last minute decision and it took forever to get a cab.” She said breathlessly. Liam wrapped her in a giant hug while Bastien took her bags. “I am so relieved to see you Emma. I really thought we were too late in coming to get you.” He stepped back and studied her face. “Emma. What happened to your face?” She quickly brought her hand up to cover the bruise. “Oh! I….had a bad dream and fell out of bed. Hit the damn nightstand.” She gave a half laugh, hoping it would sound convincing. Liam shook his head and gave her a look. He clearly didn’t believe her. “In any case I’m extremely happy to see you. Let’s go.” They boarded the flight together.

During the flight they chatted like old times, like no time had passed between them. Liam filled her in on all things Cordonia. Maxwell and Bertrand were doing well financially after hosting several parties. Bertrand really stepped into the role of father but he and Savannah are having a tough go of things personally. Hana had gone home and was working with her father on the nature preserve. She was currently courting Rashad, who is turned out, was a really decent and kind guy. Liam himself was engaged to Olivia and seemed happy about it. “Emma, I also have you to thank for that. I don’t think Olivia and I would have been together had it not been for you breaking her out of her hardened mold. She’s truly an amazing woman. She’s excited to see you.” Emma broke out into a huge smile. “That’s great Liam!! She really loved you, I’m so glad it worked out.” Liam nodded. When Emma met his eyes she saw truth in them but also something else. He looked at her with fondness and respect. It had been a really long time since anyone had looked at her like that. He took her hands in his. “Emma. Again, I’m sorry for letting my pride get in the way. I was a jerk in letting you go and not helping Drake look for you. I do hope you’ll forgive me.” Emma smiled and squeezed his hands. “There’s nothing to forgive, Liam. We’ve all made….bad decisions.” She trailed off, darkness flashing in her eyes. Gently Liam touched her cheek with his hand. “We left you unprotected. All of us. I promise that will never happen again.” He said softly. She shook her head. “I can protect myself.” Liam rolled his eyes. “Of course you would say that.” He laughed. “You may say you’re no longer the same person…but I still see her. Lady Emma Rose, Duchess of Valtoria.” Emma frowned. “Duchess? Does that mean…I still own it?” Liam smiled. “Of course you do. It was given to you. Maxwell has been looking after it in your stead.” Emma was confused. “You said Drake built a cabin in Valtoria…why would he stay there? That doesn’t make sense.” Liam sighed. “I think it’s because you still own it. It’s like a piece of you is still there, even if it is just your name��but none of us ever see him. He refuses to even acknowledge Maxwell. He thinks Maxwell knows where you are and won’t tell him, like he did with Savannah. They got in a huge fight about it and haven’t spoken since.” Emma nodded slowly, lost in thought. She turned to look out the window. “I don’t know what will happen Liam” she said softly. “But thank you for coming after me.”

Hours later the plane touched down in Cordonia. When they arrived at the palace Olivia was there to greet them. “Well well, look at this. Liam was successful bringing you back I see.” Emma grinned at Olivia. “It’s good to see you too Olivia. Congratulations on your engagement to Liam.” As Emma reached her Olivia frowned looking her over. “What on earth happened to you? You look like someone beat the shit out of you.” Emma averted her eyes. “Just clumsy” she replied dully. “Well that is just bullshit if I ever heard it Emma. But fine, if you don’t want to tell me. Just know if it happens again I’ll be there with my knife stillettos. I’ll stab the asshole in the back with them; he’ll never see it coming.” Emma stared at her, jaw dropped. “You have knife stilettos? Where do you even get those?” Olivia laughed. “Oh my dear, I’m a Nevrakis. Weapons are our life.” She smirked as Emma stood there still gaping. She kissed Liam hello and turned back to Emma. “Drake will be so pissed when he sees those bruises. I bet there’s more than I’m seeing, correct?” Emma didn’t respond. Liam cleared his throat. “I would like to bring Emma to Drake’s cabin tonight while he’s sleeping off the booze.” Olivia gave him a look. “Are you sure that’s wise considering her…condition?” She was looking Emma up and down. “I’m not fucking dead Olivia.” Emma snapped. Olivia grinned. “There she is. I knew you were still there somewhere.” Emma rolled her eyes and looked at Liam. “When do we leave?”

@imaketerriblechoices @blackwidow2721 @eileendannie @sleepwalkingelite @flowerpowell

#the royal romance #choices the royal romance #trr fanfic #drake walker #trr drake #drake x emma #trr #blackwidow2721 #sleepwalkingelite #flowerpowell #eileendannie #imaketerriblechoices

55 notes · View notes

choicesfanatic86 · 6 years

Text

TTS: In Liam’s Eyes - Cordonia - Part 2/2

DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except characters unique to my story. Those belong to me. ;)

PAIRINGS: Riley (MC) x OC, Riley (MC) x Liam, Liam x Riley (MC) x OC, Olivia x Drake, Bertrand x Savannah, Maxwell x OC

SUMMARY: Liam returns to Cordonia and prepares for Riley’s arrival and enacts a plan to win her back.

If you are new to the series and would like to catch up by reading previous parts, please check out my master fan fiction listing. CATCH UP HERE

Permanent Tag List: @umccall71 @drakelover78 @jamielea81 @bobasheebaby @speedyoperarascalparty @hopefulmoonobject @theroyalweisme @gardeningourmet @jlouise88 @hamulau @traeumerinwitzhelden @blackcatkita @mrs-simmy @kaitycole @alwaysthebestchoice @mfackenthal @trr-duchessofvaltoria @pbchoicesobsessed @alepowell

Tag List for TTS Only: @herladyshipxx @devineinterventions2 @captainkingliam @cocomaxley @queencatherynerhys @boneandfur @spetstoof @grapefrults @pessimystic-fangirl @dralenamax @mspaigemoore @jayjay879 @hhiggs @penguininapinktuxedo @topsyturvy-dream @diamond-dreamland @pnhanga @ladynonsense @mrsdrakewalkerblog @crookedslimecreatorpasta @liamxs-world @flowerpowell @bruteforcebears @withice @jared2612 @darley1101 @sleeplessescapades @katurrade @leelee10898 @craftytacotrashdream

6/27/18 - Part 2 guys! I’m still on my break, these are all scheduled posts. I will catch up on comments/questions/messages as soon as I come back. :)

As always, just shoot me a message or comment with requests to be added to the permanent tag or story tag. :)

In Liam’s Eyes - Cordonia - Part 2 of 2

Liam’s discussion with Regina had been a disaster. He had expected as much, but it didn’t stop it from hurting any less. He hadn’t expected her to suggest terminating the pregnancy, and out of everything that was what struck him the most. He knew that she was probably speaking out of shock and desperation – her mind was ever-focused on what it would mean for Cordonia. He tried to be mindful that he had also been blindsided by the unexpected news and didn’t handle things how he should have. He had said some very hurtful things in the heat of the moment that he had wished to take back, but alas, once the words were said the damage had already been done. Perhaps Regina was going through the same moment of shock and would come around to the idea eventually.

Despite her overall cold demeanor, there were moments when he was growing up that Regina showed a different side to her, a side that was almost maternal. Having to deal with the loss of his own mother at an early age, he craved someone to fill the void of the mother figure he was missing. When his father had married Regina, he had hoped that she would be that missing piece of the puzzle he had longed to find. In her own way, Regina helped mold him into the man he was today, and in her mind, helped form him into the monarch he was as well.

After his father died and after Leo had gone back to the States with his family, Liam had felt so utterly empty and alone. It was as if the life he had known for all those years had suddenly disappeared, and he was left trying to recreate a new life alone. The only connection he had to that previous life that was still residing in the country was Regina. She had been rather comforting initially – ensuring that he had the proper time to grieve and accept their new reality. She also served as a wonderful confidante in those first few days after his father’s death so that he could express his fears and frustrations and what it would mean for their country. She stood by and helped him stay strong for the country and his people. That was why, he supposed, he had expected a bit more than a cold-hearted reception to the news about the pregnancy. He had expected her to at least be supportive if nothing else. Unfortunately, that had not been the case, and it as then that he decided that he wasn’t going to let Regina’s reaction distract him for the true purpose of what he was trying to accomplish – winning Riley back.

It was the day of Riley’s return, and he was nervous. Nervous because he didn’t know what the future held for their relationship and their unborn child. He knew what he wanted their future to be, but his conundrum was convincing her that the future he envisioned was possible for them. In the two weeks since he had been back, he had accomplished nearly everything on the list he had first created back in New York – nearly everything because the nursery was far from done and he was nowhere near being able to get Riley to agree to marry him. It didn’t matter though, because those last two items were a part of a much bigger plan he had formulated beyond the initial list he had created – a plan that couldn’t happen until she was back in Cordonia.

Drake and Liam had been hard at work early that morning, getting some of the more complicated aspects of the nursery completed. The last of the furniture had arrived and the men had spent the last couple of hours trying to piece the madness together.

“How did you manage to get all of this in to the palace without anyone from the press catching wind that these were baby items?” Drake asked, looking around at the mess of furniture that was surrounding them.

“Trust me, it wasn’t easy,” Liam said as he examined what appeared to be the leg from the crib. “Bastien had the company use unmarked boxes and had them delivered in an unmarked delivery van,” he explained.

“So uh . . . you told Bastien, huh?” Drake asked, arching his eyebrows.

“I really had no other choice,” Liam frowned. “He had suspected that there was more to Riley’s return than just another visit with the Beaumonts . . . he implied as much on several occasions, so I felt compelled to just tell him . . . he’s been quite helpful with adjusting my schedule and ensuring that everything remains confidential,” he explained. “A few of the other staff members know as well. It’s a rather difficult subject to avoid considering we’ve added a private obstetrician onto the staff,” he reasoned. “Besides, Mrs. Scott caught me doing some research on Riley’s condition,” he closed his eyes as he began to remember the awkward exchange. “She told me that her daughter had gone through the same thing and suggested she try drinking ginger tea. She was polite enough to not ask any questions, but I may not have been as lucky if it were any other staff member. So we made arrangements to have the staff sign a non-disclosure agreement then told only a handful of the staff members who would be in direct involvement with the pregnancy or Riley when she was at the palace,” he explained further.

“Huh,” Drake said in surprise. “It’s amazing how much you’ve considered in such a short amount of time,” he said thoughtfully. “Impending fatherhood suits you, Liam,” he mused.

Liam felt his cheeks flush a little at the compliment. “I hardly call what I’m doing fatherhood,” he shrugged, dismissing the compliment. “I only wish to make things a bit easier for Riley when she comes back,” he explained.

“Yeah, well, I can guarantee what you’re doing is a lot more than some dads nowadays would even do,” he countered. “So don’t sell yourself short. You’re doing pretty good,” he said encouragingly.

Drakes’ attention shifted back to the project in front of him as he tried to make sense of the mismatched pieces of wood that lay at his feet. They had been working tirelessly on the nursery for the last week in between Liam’s numerous meetings, which meant that Drake was let with a bulk of the heavy duty labor. The renovations to the room that Liam had first shown Drake when he had gotten back from New York had been completed, but the finer details still needed to be worked out. They were currently struggling to put the pieces of the crib together. Both men were getting extremely frustrated. They had been at it for nearly an hour, and it didn’t remotely look like any sort of crib that Liam had seen before.

“I think we’re doing it wrong,” Liam said, throwing down a piece of wood.

“No shit, Sherlock,” Drake fumed in frustration, as he tried to read through the instructions. “That’s very perceptive of you.”

Liam sighed with a mix of frustration and worry. “I had hoped all of this would be done before Riley flew in,” he said in disappointment.

“Well, Liam, I’m not a magician,” Drake countered, narrowing his eyes at his friend. The earlier pleasantness flew out the window. “You’re lucky we were even able to get as much done as we have,” he said looking around. “How did you really expect us to get everything completed in just under a week and a half? Besides . . . it’s taking twice as long because I spend half the time having to look over your work and fix things,” he said in irritation.

Liam frowned, feeling a bit slighted by Drake’s comment, even if he was right. Liam had been useless. Despite all his training in etiquette, public relations, hand to hand combat and foreign politics, he didn’t know anything about carpentry or home design. It had never seemed important before. Turns out, it’s actually a fairly important skill to have. “You know better than anyone that I’m not handy at all,” he said. “That’s why I needed your assistance in the first place,” he reasoned.

“I still don’t get why we’re going through all this trouble,” Drake motioned around him. “Riley isn’t even staying at the palace,” Drake sighed. “And not to rub salt in the wound, but she doesn’t plan on sticking around long after she gives birth.”

Liam tried his best not to take Drake’s comment to heart. He knew that the man was speaking out of tiredness and frustration. He couldn’t blame him. With Riley’s flight coming in today, he didn’t know when he’d have the time to contribute to get things done. Every passing hour had him increasingly on edge. Throughout the two weeks, anticipation and worry had been building. He’d been short with many of his staff members which was extremely unlike him. He even bit Drake’s head off a few times. Liam could have sworn at one point that Drake seemed to be seriously considering throwing a hammer at him. He had everyone around him stepping on eggshells, and he truly hadn’t meant to. He just needed everything to be perfect.

“She’s going to change her mind,” he said confidently. “This is just a small part of the bigger plan,” he explained.

“I keep hearing about this plan,” Drake said, as he pulled out his drill to fit two of the crib pieces together. “But you haven’t exactly said what it entails,” he pointed out

“I want it to be a surprise . . . but I will say this . . . if it seems that our relationship has grown and strengthened to the point where I’m confident she’d be willing to make a commitment to one another, then my plan is to finally slide the ring that I’ve had for months onto her finger,” he grinned broadly.

Drake whistled lowly. “You talk awfully big for a man that hasn’t sealed the deal yet,” he said skeptically. “You don’t exactly have the best track record with attempting a proposal,” Drake shook his head.

“Yes, well. She’s been rather reluctant to the idea of any sort of relationship with me apart from friendship,” he sighed. “Even our text messages are so . . . platonic,” he frowned. “Not that I don’t imagine our short chats . . . because they mean the world to me. I suppose I was just hoping for a bit more,” he frowned. “She wants to be friends, and I was more than willing to jump at that opportunity,” he frowned. “It’s better than no relationship at all I suppose.”

“Man, you two are making my head spin,” Drake said in exasperation.

“No more than you and Olivia make my head spin,” he chuckled, piecing some of the parts of the crib together. “Is she speaking to you again?”

“Not quite,” Drake shrugged. “I’m just going to let her go through her tantrum and let her get over whatever the hell she’s mad at me about now,” he said. “At least the silence is better than her constant pestering about what happened in New York,” he reasoned.

“What does she want to know?” Liam asked.

“Oh you know . . . everything,” he rolled his eyes. “It’s Olivia,” he said as if that explained it all. “You’ve had to worry about your staff’s suspicions . . . I’ve had to worry about Olivia’s suspicions. She thinks there’s something going on between you two . . . which there is . . . but I haven’t confirmed or denied anything. Told her that I don’t know what the hell is going on half the time, so she’d be better off asking you directly.”

“Which she’d never do,” Liam smirked.

“Exactly ,” Drake shrugged. “She suspects something though . . . and I’m not too sure how much longer I’ll be able to fight her off,” Drake said honestly. “You know better than anyone about how persistent she can be.”

“Should I talk to her?” Liam asked. The last thing he wanted when Riley returned was Olivia hassling her about her relationship with Liam. She had done so previously, and it had always managed to upset Riley. With Riley pregnant, he didn’t want any sort of unnecessary agitation or stress adding to her already complicated pregnancy. Olivia’s pestering could very well make things even more difficult than they already were.

“And say what? That you got Riley pregnant and you’re trying to win her back and why yes we’ve been keeping this a secret from you,” Drake said sarcastically. “Yeah, that will go over well,” he shook his head. “This is Olivia we’re talking about. She’ll go apeshit. Remember what happened when I came back from New York? It took all of two seconds after she found out Riley was okay before she started to chew my head off about me going after her. She’s freaking crazy, man. I don’t know why I stick around,” he sighed.

“Because you love her,” Liam smiled.

Drake tried to stifle his own smile behind his typical brooding look. “Yeah, I guess that’s it. I guess that’s why you’re doing all of this huh? Despite all the crap you’ve put one another through, you still love Lawson,” Drake elbowed him.

“Oh, most definitely. More than anything,” Liam didn’t even try to hide the broad grin that spread across his face. “Don’t hate me, but I need to leave you again,” he sighed. “I need to talk to Maxwell before Riley’s flight gets in . . . I’d like to surprise her at the airport and spend some time with her,” he explained.

“Is that such a good idea?” Drake asked carefully.

“I considered her being a bit uncomfortable with the idea, but we had a fairly wonderful conversation last night, and I imagine that we’re heading in the right direction. Besides, friends can pick up friends from the airport,” he reasoned, the distaste of the word friends still lingering on his lips.

“Yeah. Right,” he snorted. “This another part of the plan?”

“This is only the beginning,” he murmured, shooting Drake a crooked smile before leaving.

Maxwell had been going on and on for days about how he was so excited to be reunited with his Tiger Lily and how happy he was to have his Little Blossom returning back to the manor. He had casually mentioned that he had reserved a car service to pick them up from the airport and he had wanted to surprise both of them with a small bouquet of flowers. His reasoning was that both girls had gone through quite a bit over the last few weeks, and he wanted them to start off their return to Cordonia on the right foot. It was such a brilliant idea; Liam was envious that he hadn’t thought of it himself.

Initially, Liam had suggested that Bastien pick the women up from the airport and escort them to the Beaumont Estate. However, Bertrand raised the excellent point that Riley may not have been quite fond of the idea of seeing Bastien again, especially since she was still holding onto some animosity toward Bastien for the role that he had played in their break up before she had left Cordonia. So, Liam promptly nixed the idea, and had reluctantly bowed out of coordinating the airport pick up and allowed Maxwell to make the arrangements.

But, now that her arrival day was upon them, Liam was having second thoughts. He wanted to be there when she arrived. He wanted to greet her and welcome her back. He felt that he needed to show Riley that he was a man of his word – that he’d be there for her every step of the way. It was then, that he decided he would court her and give her the traditional relationship that she had so desperately wanted to have when they first met all those years ago. In order to make that happen, he’d need Maxwell’s assistance.

When he got to the Beaumont Estate, it was Bertrand who greeted him at the door.

“Your Majesty,” Bertrand inclined his head in greeting. “You’re a bit early . . . Lady Riley’s flight hasn’t even been in the air for more than a couple of hours,” he noted in confusion.

“Yes, well, I was hoping to talk to Maxwell about that,” he began. “Is he home?”

Bertrand nodded. “He was looking over Riley’s office. He and Savannah were adding a few last minute touches to make it a bit more personal,” he grinned. “Excellent idea, Your Majesty. I’ll admit, I was a bit taken aback by your request, but now that it has been completed, I’m certain that Lady Riley will be quite pleased,” he said proudly.

“Wonderful, Bertrand . . . I’m happy that they’ve been so helpful in making her space a little bit more like her own,” he smiled.

Just as he was about to take a peak in the room, Maxwell came bounding out.

“Liam,” Maxwell greeted. “I thought I heard your voice. The girls’ flight isn’t due to come in for nearly six more hours,” he laughed. “Did you get your times mixed up?” He asked. Bertrand took that as his opportunity to bow out from the conversation and head off into his own study giving the men an opportunity to speak in private.

Liam shook his head. “Not at all . . . I came to speak to you. I was actually hoping to alter your little arrangement when you pick them up this afternoon,” he said.

“Alter it how?” Maxwell frowned.

“I’d like to pick up Riley from the airport,” he explained. “I’ve missed her very much over the last couple of weeks, and I wanted to take a moment to discuss something with her . . . an idea I’ve been working on over the last couple of weeks,” he said further.

“What sort of an idea?” Maxwell asked curiously.

“Well, it’s actually more of a plan . . . to woo her,” he blushed.

Maxwell’s eyes lit up. “Woo her? That’s so romantic!” He exclaimed.

“Yes, well, this plan will take her full participation in order to work, so I’m hoping that by showing her that I’ll be there for her throughout the pregnancy and support her with whatever she needs, she’ll give me a chance to win her heart back,” he said his voice filling with emotion. “Step one would be meeting her at the airport when she gets in,” he explained.

“Say no more, Liam. I am happy to help,” he said eagerly.

“Thank you, Maxwell. I appreciate your help with all of this,” Liam said genuinely. “I’d also appreciate it if you didn’t mention everything I’ve been working on with the list . . . and trying to court her again to Andy. I know that puts you in a difficult spot, but I don’t want Riley to know what I’m working on,” he explained.

“Are we talking like secret spy stuff?” Maxwell’s eyes became much brighter and if possible, his smile got even wider, too. “Because if you are, I’m one hundred percent totally in,” he exclaimed.

“I wouldn’t go that far, Maxwell,” Liam tried to stifle a chuckle.

“Oooh, we need to come up with secret code names . . . like maybe you can be Black Hawk and I can be Eagle Eye . . . oh and Little Blossom could be Mama Bird unless you think that would be too obvious and alert people to her condition . . .” he rambled on, making Liam’s head spin.

“Maxwell, it really doesn’t have to be that complicated or elaborate,” he tried to reason with him.

“We can call it Operation Win Riley Back,” he said gleefully. “Yes, that’s perfect. Operation WRB to protect the true purpose of the mission,” he said excitedly.

Liam couldn’t help but chuckle at Maxwell’s eagerness. “Maxwell, I hardly think that secret codenames and mission names are necessary,” he mused.

“Oh, but it makes it that much more exciting, Liam. Trust me.”

And with that, Maxwell spent the rest of the afternoon chattering Liam’s ear off about their secret mission and how Mama Bird was going to be pleasantly surprised with Black Hawks’ plan. Maxwell had insisted that they formulate a ruse to get Riley alone at the airport, so that he could meet Andy while Liam took the opportunity to swoop in once Andy was gone. Liam hadn’t meant for things to be so complicated. He only intended to be waiting with a car at the airport, although he had to admit, he liked Maxwell’s idea a whole lot better. It definitely added a little more surprise to the mix.

Hours later, Liam sat inside the small SUV parked in front of the terminal that Riley was scheduled to come out of. Maxwell had his driver park at the back portion of the terminal and he waited in the backseat. He had texted Andy explaining what Liam wanted to surprise Riley at the airport and gave her prompt instructions on what to do and say when they came out of the terminal. Liam had hoped that al would go according to plan. The success counted on Andy checking her cell phone as soon as the plane landed, otherwise, they’d just have two angry women waiting for their rides as the airport without any sort of direction.

Liam’s leg bounced nervously as he waited in anticipation. He wondered briefly if she’d be upset at his sudden appearance, but pushed the thought from his mind. He wasn’t going to worry about the what ifs anymore . . . that’s what had gotten him in trouble before. He was going to live in the moment and make sure that Riley knew exactly how he felt about her.

It felt like hours later, but in reality it was only a few minutes later when he saw her. All the love and emotions came flowing right through him. Her coloring had improved substantially since he had last seen her. She still looked a bit too frail for his liking, but he knew that the morning sickness has a lot to do with that. He was just so thankful that she was starting to look a bit more like the Riley he had fallen in love with. Her smile was brighter than when he last saw her as she wandered outside with Andy. He watched on as Andy perused her cell phone. He had hoped that everything was going according to plan. Sure enough, he saw her start to wander off toward the opposite side of the terminal, her luggage in hand. It had worked. Andy was on her way to meet Maxwell, and all Liam needed to do was convince Riley to take a ride with him, and then, his plan could begin.

“Riley,” he called out to her.

He watched as she looked around her a bit confused, until their eyes met. A small smile played on her lips when she saw him . . . at least he had hoped it was a smile.

“Liam,” she gasped. He went to grab her carryon bag that she had tucked beside her. He saw her eyes widen in surprise. “What are you doing here?” She asked.

“I wanted to make sure you got in safely,” he explained. He noticed the larger suitcase that was parked behind her, and started to grab at the handle of that one as well. “After our talk yesterday, I wanted to make sure you were alright,” he said quietly. “You seemed quite upset . . . and . . . well . . . it just didn’t sit right with me. I was hoping that I could take you back to the estate myself . . . I know Maxwell arranged a driver, but I was hoping that maybe we could talk on the way over . . . what do you say?” he asked hopefully.

His heart thumped wildly in his chest, waiting for her to respond. He saw the hesitation in her eyes as she looked around a bit worriedly. “Liam . . .” she smiled. “I’d like to, but what about Andy?” She asked.

Liam’s worried expression transformed into a large grin. “Let’s just say there were other arrangements made for her travel,” he smiled, as he began to pull Riley’s luggage toward his waiting SUV.

#choices #choices: stories you play #playchoices #choices fandom #choices the royal romance #the royal romance #theroyalromance #the royal romance fan fic #royal romance #trr fanfic #trr #choices trr #trr fic #liam x mc #trr au

101 notes · View notes

butindeed · 6 years

Text

What if… [TRR X PM Cross over] [PART 20/?]

Hi guys!! This is part of a nameless Riley x Drake series. You can read the previous parts HERE.

Tags: @lazychic28 @boneandfur @drakelover78 @captainkingliam @andy-loves-corgis @client327 @walkerismychoice @chantelle-x0x

Summary: What if things were different? (Part 20)

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

Kai POV

-I’m so psyched you’re going to meet my house! We must throw a bash! Well... after the ball that is, because it’s be weird if we threw a bash the same night of the grand ball and...

Kai grinned at Maxwell. She was so happy to see him! It had been ages since they had hooked up her very first night in town, and with Riley DOAing on her for Drake, it was good to have someone in her corner for once.

-Wait, did you say a five peacocks?

-No! - he laughed - There were five horses and a dozen peacocks! Keep up Kai!

-Well I have to admit those are...

-Magestic creatures, I know! - he finished with a grin.

-So, can I ask you something?

-Shoot little blosom!

-How come we’re staying at a castle?

-Well, it’s not a castle. It’s the castle.

-Huh?

-Well, all the nobility stays there for the social season! You should see the things I’ve seen there! Well... Actually, it’s better that you don’t, but anyhow... We all stay there for the whole season until the ball that is, and there are these events, with all this food and stuff. It’s quite fun! Oh! Look! We’ve arrived!

The castle was taken right out of a fairy tale and the dozens of noblepeople dressed in fancy dresses gave the whole experience an extra touch to the Cindirella story.

-Look! Savannah! Have you ever seen something this magnificent?

-Savannah used to live here, in the castle. Right Sav? - Maxwell chirped as Savannah remained silent. It hit Kai then, Savannah had been silent the whole trip there, and the way she reacted when she saw Maxwell. What if Maxwell was her baby daddy? No, it couldn’t be, could it?

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

Iron & Wine - Naked as We Came

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

Riley took off her helmet and waved her hair off.

-Wow - Kai smiled at her - you couldn’t help it, could you?

-I don’t understand - Riley grinned.

-Mhmm - Kai draw a smirk in her face - sure.

-Hopkins, I have to go. I trust you and Kai will find your rooms - Drake kissed her cheek quickly - I wish I could give you a goodnight kiss later, but I’m not sure what this is about or how long will it take. - he sighed - Sav, we must leave now.

The siblings disappeared into the castle, where two handsome man awaited them.

-Mmmm look at that silver fox - Kai hummed making Riley burst into laughter. - What?

-That happens to be my father in law - Riley cackled.

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

-Gentlemen, Lady Walker. Thank you for coming in such short notice - the man said gesturing for them to take a seat.

-Your majesty, what is this urgent matter about? - Jackson hard tone implied he was as in the dark as his own children.

-Jackson, my dear friend - King Constantine seemed now much older that he actually was - Two grand events have occurred in the last 24 hours, one happier than the other I’m afraid.

6 notes · View notes

lizzybeth1986 · 6 years

Text

“Above, there is heaven; below, there is Suzhou and Hangzhou.” - Chinese Saying.

–

Of late, I’ve noticed that most of the LI diamond scenes in the engagement tour follow a pattern:

Hana’s scenes focus on helping us with an upcoming task, which briefly/extensively dealing with her own background story. Your walls don’t need ears if you have Hana because if she’s around and a character that you have to form an alliance with/ask questions to needs a little persuasion, Hana manages to overhear and help you attain the object that character so desires. For instance, the Parisian Fashion Show, the Patisserie scene, the Champagne scene in Shanghai. Exception to this is Hana’s Library Scene in Paris.

Drake’s scenes tend to focus on his distaste for courtly life and their ‘ostentious’ ways, and often allow the MC to take a breather from court maneuvering and the ongoing investigation. Some give us some extensive background on certain aspects of the story, like the attempt on Liam’s life and Savannah’s story, and others are fun and flirty. For instance, the Italian Restaurant scene, the Dive Bar scene, the Pool Scene and the Trip Around NY scene. Exception to this area the investigation at Capri and the Savannah scene - both of which revolve around solving certain mysteries.

Liam’s scenes revolve mainly around the experiences he wants to give the MC openly but can’t because of the position he is currently in. This applies to his scenes in both books. In Book 1, he has to keep his interest in the MC as private, resulting in him taking her either to places that mean something to him, or that are aimed at getting her to sit back and relax a bit. In Book 2, he is held back even further by his engagement and impending marriage, and tries to steal as many moments as he can with the MC - again, by showing her places that mean something to him. This is but fitting, given that his romance with her could (if you pick that choice) begun while seeing the Statue of Liberty. Liam’s scenes are all about showing the MC the beauty of the city they’re in, and exploring the legends and stories behind them. These scenes tend to fulfill all the wishes that the MC lists at the beginning of Book 1: to see the world, to live an adventurous life or to fall in love. Whether the MC is into adventure or romance, these scenes fit the bill for either. For instance, Blue Grotto in Capri, Eiffel Tower and Ponts des Arts bridge in Paris, Hangzhou West Lake in Shanghai and Central Park in New York. Exceptions include the Opera scene, since that is technically a court function.

The Hangzhou West Lake sequence doesn’t have a personal story the way Blue Grotto or Eiffel Tower do, but Liam does associate certain things about it to the MC and her own journey.

Hangzhou West Lake

(Photo credit: China Discovery website)

Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, the West Lake has often been considered an incarnation of Xi Shi (the Lady of the West), one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China. It was originally a lagoon adjoining the Qiántáng River, which then got developed into a manmade lake sometime in the 8th century, with a gradually and carefully built landscape comprising of gardens, pagodas, causeways and little islets.

Hangzhou’s West Lake is also considered a famous romantic spot - often teeming with couples - and is home to a number of love legends. Its own creation legend boasts of the lake being a jade jewel from the heavens that dropped to earth. The most popular love legend, however, is the Legend of the Lady White Snake.

This legend chronicles the love story of a snake spirit, Bái Shé Zhuàn, and a human, Xǔ Xiān, who fall in love, get married and live in marital bliss for a few years before tragedy strikes. An evil monk, Fǎ Hǎi, turns out to be the main antagonist in their story: first by revealing to Xǔ Xiān that his wife is in reality a snake spirit, and later by kidnapping him to bait the spirit into a battle - which the latter loses - and subsequently improsoning her…leading the couple to be separated for decades. It is thanks to their grown son that they are later united.

What’s worth noting here is the level of trust and love shared by the couple: when her husband dies of a heart attack caused by knowing her real identity, Bái Shé Zhuàn faces multiple hardships to attain the herb that will revive him, and Xǔ Xiān tells him the moment he comes back to life that he will never stop loving her, no matter who she is. Even when he is imprisoned, he manages to break free from the evil monk to make it by her side. Bái Shé Zhuàn is no less. She goes to war for her beloved husband, willing to beat down every obstacle in her way to reach and rescue him, and despite the long agonizing wait finds happiness when she is reunited with him.

The legend is not mentioned in the scene, but the fact that Liam chooses this spot for its romantic connections makes it worth a comparison to the Liam x MC story. The most striking parallels to the Legend of the White Snake Lady that I can see is reflected in Liam’s willingness to trust the MC despite all the evidence stacked up against her, and the MC’s willingness to fight for herself and her relationship with Liam (if he is her LI).

What Does It Mean To Be King?

If there is one thing I’m at odds with the writers of TRR in, it’s how ruling/kingship/the nature of politics is viewed in the TRR universe, and how this general worldview is reflected in Liam’s thoughts and opinions.

Thoughout the books, we have been presented an ideal for “how to be King” in Liam - and this is an ideal upheld by the rest of the characters: Maxwell talks about the boundaries that stop Liam from picking the MC in the first chapter of Book 2, Regina states that Liam was perfect in his role as king even if he wasn’t too keen on becoming one, and in our most recent chapter in New York, Drake buys the compass as a way of reminding Liam “not to lose his way” the way Constantine did - implying thereby that he thinks the path Liam is already on is the best one for him. Within this universe, Liam’s largely peace-loving, people-oriented style of ruling seems to be what ALL the people that the MC is supposed to trust, are rooting for.

As for Liam himself? We may see flashes of strategizing and planning here and there, but the overall impression we get is that he wants to keep his people happy, and struggles to balance that with his love for the MC. He speaks of power coming with responsibility, speaks of learning that his own needs as a person weren’t as important as his duty towards his people in Paris, speaks of being a king and being a man as two separate things. But we hardly speak about court enough to get a clear idea of how he plans, makes strategies, deals with his enemies. And this is where I feel we’re missing something pretty big when it comes to understanding Liam at all.

This is our first scene with Liam after Constantine’s shocking admission of being involved in the conspiracy surrounding the MC. Throughout the books Liam seems to associate everything he has learned about being King with Constantine (especially in the Eiffel Tower scene) and the latter’s betrayal shakes the core foundation of everything he has believed in in many ways. To a large extent Liam is right. Nothing justifies Constantine’s decision to put a guest to their country in that vulnerable a position, not even the current situation in Cordonia OR past rebellions. Constantine made his choice to harm the MC, and subsequently to force Liam to choose Madeleine. Liam makes HIS choice as King by standing up for her and demanding that Constantine support them in their mission.

But here is where I differ from the way Liam/the writers view things:

The way Liam makes a distinction between being a king and being a person troubles me - mostly because it seems too simplistic a divide to me. The truth of Liam’s role as a politician is that he will have to make decisions he isn’t comepletely comfortable with as a common man, but that will protect his people and secure HIM against his enemies. A man who has lost his mother in one conspiracy, almost lost his own life in another, would have a better idea than most that such a black and white view of politics may not always be beneficial to his political role. He would know - better than most people - that good intentions and straightforwardness can only take you so far when your court is brimming over with corruption.

However, there is a chance that his questions here may also factor into how the end of this book works out. It is possible for Book 2 to end with an assassination attempt - possibly aimed at Liam - and if it does, the question then will be how this incident will affect Liam’s own thoughts on his role as king. Will it result in him embracing the side of him that can strategize, direct, get his hands dirty better? Make him less willing to compromise and more demanding of what he wants fulfilled? Will he resort to unorthodox methods to achieve his ends, having almost lost his life (again) to court politics? Will the MC get to see more of him as a crafty (I hope) politician? Only time - and the writers - will tell.

The Legend of the Dragon Gate Waterfall

Liam doesn’t mention the Lady White Snake legend at all, but there is one traditional Chinese/largely Southeast Asian legend he does relate to the MC, and that is the legend of the Dragon Carp that survives an almost impossible journey and makes it against all odds to the Dragon’s Gate Waterfall, where the fish transforms into a mighty dragon by the blessings of the gods. It is said that many koi fish swim upstream against the river’s strong current, but few are capable or brave enough for the final leap over the waterfall.

This legend is important for several reasons. One is what both the dragon and the koi symbolize in Chinese culture. The Chinese dragon has long been an auspicious symbol of great and benevolent, magical power. The image of a carp jumping over Dragon’s Gate is an old and enduring Chinese cultural symbol for courage, perseverance, and accomplishment. In Liam’s mind, the MC’s fight to clear her name is as tough and as strenuous as the journey of a koi up the Dragon’s Gate, and her determination and never-give-up attitude make her “the most loyal, tenacious woman I know”. Liam confirms as such in his dialogue with the MC: The story has come to remind me of you. Watching you throughout the engagement tour, you’ve been fighting your wall up the waterfall…and when we find Tariq, you’ll reach the top and become a dragon, and nothing will ever stand in your way.

There are many parallels between the MC’s own story and the legend. The first and most obvious is that no matter who she romances, the MC goes through incredible hardships during her stay in Cordonia - hardships that would have potentially broken other people and forced them to give up and return home. But her connection to Cordonia, and her determination to be truly with the people she loves, is what drives her to brave out this difficult journey and make it to the end.

The MC’s journey also resembles the dragon koi because of how different she is from the other suitors, and how she manages to succeed despite her obvious disadvantages. She starts out as a foreigner on Cordonian soul - and not just any foreigner, but one who is competing for the hand of Cordonia’s future king. She has zero experience of court life or class protocol, has largely well-intentioned but not very efficient coaches in the Beaumont brothers, and has to navigate a system she has very little awareness of, often with little assistance. On top of this, she is caught in the eye of the storm when it comes to courtly intrigue, and now has to fight to regain her reputation in Cordonia. She is truly the carp that swims against the current.

The other reason is the fact that no matter how the story turns out the MC is slated to succeed in her larger mission and become someone of major importance in Cordonia. In doing so her story will then become a reflection of the ancient Chinese proverb - lǐ yu tiào lóng mén (the carp has leaped over the Dragon's Gate) .

This five-character expression, according to the Chinese Dragon study project, “was originally used as a metaphor for a person’s success in passing very difficult imperial examinations, required for entry into imperial administrative service”. The imperial examination system in China is a 2000-year-old, and the ultimate path to wealth and glory was through passing these daunting, difficult examinations. These examinations and tests determined whether the individual who took them would make a fitting civil service official, and often involved lifelong study and multiple unsuccessful attempts. To ensure that the system did not descend into nepotism, an open examination system called kējǔ was maintained. The Chinese Dragon Study Project further maintains that “to this day, when a student from a remote country village passes the rigorous national university examination in China, friends and family proudly refer to the 'Liyu Tiao Long Men.’ More generally, the expression is used to communicate that if a person works hard and diligently, success will one day be achieved”.

The MC’s struggle is made even more daunting by her position in Cordonia as a foreign woman with no social station, a commoner, someone who is severely lacking in experience, breeding and courtly education. For her to reach to the top of the pile over skilled courtiers like Kiara and Hana, titled ladies like Penelope, on par with powerful women like Olivia and Madeleine, makes her very much like the dragon-carp-like student who gets in through the open system and makes it through despite the odds (especially if she makes the correct choices in the story). Furthermore, her attempts to clear her name further give the reader the impression that like the student taking the imperial exam, and the koi in the legend, she will face all the obstacles standing in her way and survive.

To Be A Queen

(Screenshot for Applewood Hedge Maze scene from Abhirio’s YouTube channel)

Liam speaks of what he feels about being King at the beginning of the scene, but it is only after the MC responds to the legend he narrates to her that we see what Liam thinks of how the MC will fare as a queen. When was the last time Liam had done this? At the Applewood Hedge Maze.

There are, however, a lot of differences between that scene and the West Lake one. In Applewood, Liam is certain of his choice and confident that the MC will be a good queen for Cordonia, but he doesn’t have a clear idea why yet. So he asks her what she would imagine her moniker to be, and what causes she plans to champion. This is his way of getting to know her better, and seeing what she, as queen, will be passionate about. As Regina said at the opera, Liam obviously sees something in her that everyone else didn’t.

By their tryst in Shanghai, Liam has a better, clearer idea of her as a woman and a person, a more nuanced experience of their dynamic and how they work together (if he is her LI). He speaks of her as being an integral factor in his decision making process (which choice would make me worthy of the MC?) and an inspiration for him to do the right thing (I look to you for strength. I look to you for the courage to choose the right path, even if it is the most difficult one). Liam’s trust in the MC was pretty strong already, but the events of Book 2 solidify that trust and confirm his belief that she is the best queen for Cordonia.

The main difference between the Applewood Hedge Maze and West Lake lies in how Liam sees her. Applewood shows us the hope that the MC will be the queen Cordonia needs. Hangzhou West Lake shows us the certainty.

Conclusion

This scene deals briefly with Liam’s thoughts on being King (as a counterpoint to what he says at the Eiffel Tower), but more importantly, it deals with how Liam views the MC’s journey, her struggles, her determination to stick it out and fight no matter what. To him (if she is his LI) she is the koi that became a dragon, the fish that fought its way to the top of the waterfall, the most fitting queen for Cordonia. This scene shows us the MC, through Liam’s eyes.

Sources:

"Leaping Over the Dragon's Gate - The Realms of the Dragons", by Michael P. Garofalo on the Green Way Research Website.

"2000 years of Examinations in China" from the China Sage website.

#the royal romance #liam x mc #trr liam #king liam the sexy #liam: diamond scenes #hangzhou west lake #shanghai #the legend of the lady white snake #the legend of the dragon's gate #dragon koi #chinese culture #li yu tiao long men

60 notes · View notes

argylemnwrites · 4 years

Text

It Couldn’t Wait Another Moment - Chapter 17

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)

Book: The Royal Romance (Canon Divergent from Book 2, Chapter 15)

Word Count: ~5100

Rating: R (language, implied inability to consent)

Summary: Drake goes to Ramsford while he figures out his next steps, Leo has something to ask Liam, and Hana is at her wit’s end

Author’s Note: I’m just gonna throw a trigger warning here that there is an interaction in this chapter where a man is clearly looking to engage in sexual activity with a woman who is not able to consent at that time. There is no actual sexual assault or violence, but it’s the type of thing that may hit close to home, so I thought I’d give some warning. It’s in the third and final “section” of this chapter if you wish to avoid it.

This series diverges from TRR canon, where instead of waiting to discuss his relationship with Riley until their last night in NYC, leaving her a note while Liam is proposing to her, Drake tackles this topic as soon as possible after Tariq makes his statement and Riley’s name is cleared. To catch up on this series, you can find the previous chapters in my masterlist (link is located in my bio).

“Hello?” Drake called out, glancing around as he stepped into the foyer of the Ramsford estate. He wasn’t surprised that there wasn’t any staff to greet him, given the Beaumont’s current financial situation, but he figured he should announce his presence somehow. Not just lurk around until someone found him. He was pretty sure he was the only person invited for dinner tonight, after all.

He hadn’t really wanted to come for this dinner, but when Savannah had called him, excited that he was still around and inviting him over now that she was settled at Ramsford, he just couldn’t bring himself to say no. He’d seen so little of his sister over the past couple of years, and even before then, he’d always found it hard to tell her “no.” So here he was, hoping that Maxwell and Bertrand had enough whiskey to get him through the evening.

“Drake, is that you?” Maxwell’s voice called out, echoing through the halls as he rounded the corner, “Hey, glad you could make it!”

“Yeah…” Drake trailed off as Maxwell came over. Maxwell was clearly going in for the hug, but thought better of it when he saw the look on Drake’s face.

“So, yeah. Dinner might be a bit yet. Savannah is cooking but Bertrand has decided to ‘supervise’ as this is ‘their first dinner party’ as a couple or whatever. I wandered through the kitchen about 20 minutes ago, and it was not exactly going great.”

Drake just shook his head, “I hardly qualify as a dinner party.”

“Yeah, well… try telling Bertrand that. Do you want a drink while we wait for whatever the hell we’re gonna get for dinner at some point?”

“What do you think?”

“Right, stupid question. Come on, I’ll get you some whiskey.”

Drake followed Maxwell through the halls to the private lounge and took a seat on one of the couches as Maxwell wandered over to the bar cart and preparing a whiskey on the rocks and a glass of white wine before he joined Drake on the opposite sofa.

“So, has Riley been having a good time with Hana?”

“What?”

“Hana told me they were going to check out Riley’s favorite place for Chinese take out today and that she was going to see how it stacked up to authentic Cantonese cuisine. I was wondering if you’d heard the final verdict.”

“Maxwell, what the hell are you talking about?”

“Hana’s in New York,” said Maxwell, squinting slightly as he took a sip of his wine. “Drake, did you not know that?”

“No, she uhh… didn’t tell me that.” Drake downed his whiskey in one, pushing himself up off the couch and stalking over the liquor. That information warranted another drink.

Hana was in New York with Riley. Riley couldn’t be bothered to text him, but she was taking Hana out and keeping Maxwell posted about everything they were up to, apparently. It just was him she wanted nothing to do with.

It was like every other time, and this time, he knew it was his own damn fault that she left him. He’d fucked everything up. He drank his second glass in one swig. He just wanted to go back to his quarters and be alone with his pain, but he could hardly duck out of a family dinner where he was the only guest. Pouring himself one more whiskey, he took a deep breath and rejoined Maxwell. He was gonna have to get through this night somehow.

Maxwell glanced up, tapping his finger on the side of his wine glass as Drake sat down. The silence was tense for a few moments before Maxwell broke it.

“Drake, I wasn’t trying to pry, I swear. I’m just worried about Riley and I thought maybe-”

Drake jerked his head up and stared at Maxwell, “Why are you worried about Liu?”

Maxwell tensed for a second, “Look, I’m not trying to butt in where it’s not my business or anything-”

“Really? Since when have you had any sense of boundaries?” Drake snapped

“Hey! I’ve given you plenty of space! I get that you and Liam had to work through your… issues, or whatever. But she’s like my sister, and I have a right to be worried about her, too!”

“Yeah, I get it. It’s all my fucking fault. I already feel like shit about it so-”

“Oh come on, that’s not what I’m saying at all.”

“Then what’s your fucking point?”

Maxwell let out a sigh, “I’m just trying to make sure that both of my friends are doing okay and not isolating themselves and being all lonely and mopey and deciding that it’s better if no one knows that they are actually hurting.”

Drake took a deep breath, “Since when did you get so fucking insightful?”

“My greatest strength is that everyone underestimates me. It let’s me see things,” he said with a shrug.

“Huh,” was all Drake could muster, taking another sip of his whiskey.

“So, if you can promise not to jump down my throat, I’d like to ask how you are.”

Drake grimaced, “I’ll be fine. It just sucks right now because all I can do is wait for the other shoe to drop.”

Maxwell frowned at that. “What do you mean?”

“Well, as you could probably guess from my reaction, Riley’s basically ghosting me. I’m just waiting for the inevitable breakup text.”

“Or, she’s mopey and isolating herself, you know, like I said,” countered Maxwell.

“I don’t know. She won’t talk to me.”

“So go back and talk to her. The people behind the attacks are behind bars and you, Liam, and Olivia all said that things are looking good from that standpoint. You took care of what you needed to here, time to go take care of things with one Riley Liu.”

Drake shook his head, “It’s not that simple, Maxwell. I don’t even know if she wants me there.”

“I never said it would be simple. But you don’t know what’s going through her mind right now, right? So maybe she wants you there with her or maybe she doesn’t. There’s really only one way to find out.”

Drake bit the inside of his cheek, willing himself to keep calm. He couldn’t let Maxwell know that he didn’t know if he could deal with the possibility of face to face rejection from Riley. Not now, after he’d come to think that she might be the one woman who would stay. When Savannah left, it had nearly broken him completely. If he had to watch Riley leave him, too… well, he didn’t know if he could handle it.

“Hey,” called out Maxwell, forcing Drake to divert his attention away from his spiraling thoughts, “for what it’s worth, I don’t think she wants to leave you. But even if she does, wouldn’t it be easier to move forward knowing you did everything you could to try and make things right?”

After a few seconds, after processing the fact that Maxwell could apparently read him like a book, all Drake could say in response was, “Damn, you’re right.”

Maxwell smiled, “I’m fucking insightful, remember?”

Drake laughed at that, raising his glass to clink against Maxwell’s.

After taking a sip of his wine, Maxwell pulled out his phone, “Speaking of being insightful, what do you think the odds are that dinner preparations have completely fallen off the rails?”

“I’m going with about an 80% chance.”

“My thoughts exactly. So shall we preemptively order some pizza?”

Drake smiled and nodded as Maxwell called the restaurant he always used for late night sustenance at Beaumont Bashes. It was strange to think that Maxwell was now a close enough friend that he felt okay about talking with him about anything he was feeling. More than that, he realized that he had misjudged Maxwell a lot over the years. But if the past year had taught him anything, it was that Maxwell had pretty decent awareness when it came to a lot of things. He’d seen the value in Riley before any of them, after all.

Drake knew he probably should apologize for some things he’d said in the past, both to and about Maxwell, but maybe bringing up his past intolerance of the man was not the best way to go. So instead, he waited until Maxwell finished placing the order and hung up the phone before he got up and walked over to the liquor once again.

“You need a refill, best friend roomie?”

The subsequent shriek of joy was loud enough to bring Savannah and Bertrand running.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liam sighed, rubbing his eyes as he scanned through the final reports on all the interrogations. Starting tomorrow, some the initial hearings were happening in public court. Liam had pushed for expedited trials, knowing that the people had been through enough with these attacks and didn’t need the court proceedings to drag at a glacial pace. Of course, this meant he was giving himself less time to develop a firm grasp on the details of the three men whose trials were starting this week for when the press inevitably asked for comments. Still, he knew the prosecutors had it worse, and he was grateful the team of attorneys had agreed with his plan yesterday, even agreeing to meet with Bastien’s agents on a weekend.

He’d slept in his office last night, reviewing the files well past midnight. When he woke up with his head hanging over the arm of his sofa, he’d scurried off to the Monarch’s Quarters, quickly getting freshened up before heading back to his office. He chose his desk this time, hardly able to risk drifting off to sleep again, but it was still hard to stay focused. The reports were full of so many conflicting details, it was hard to keep who said what straight, and he’d been at if for hours at this point. He was about to get up and stretch his legs for a few minutes, but heard a couple of knocks on the door. Before he could call out a greeting, the door swung open, Leo walking straight in and over to the side cupboards.

“Why hello, Leo. Please, come in.”

Leo paused to turn to Liam. “Why, thanks brother!” he said in an exaggerated manner, winking as he looked back towards the wall units, “I was thinking of fixing myself a drink; would you like one?”

Liam glanced at the clock on the wall. “Leo, it’s not even noon,” he chastised, “and you won’t find the whiskey in that cupboard.”

Leo stopped rifling through to cupboard and walked over to Liam’s desk, a wide grin spread across his face. As he plunked himself down in one of the chairs facing Liam, he raised his eyebrows and cocked his head to the side. After a moment, Liam sighed and opened the bottom drawer of his desk, pulling out the Highland Park whiskey and two glasses.

“Keeping it close at hand, nice. I have to say, I like your style. Dad always kept his booze tucked behind the books. Your way is much wiser,” Leo said, accepting the glass from Liam.

“So what brings you by my office? We haven’t seen much of you around the palace the past couple of days.”

“Well, it seemed like things were pretty hectic around here. I thought I would give you some space while you dealt with all the official business. Besides, the casinos worry that something has happened to me if I’m around for more than two days and don’t make an appearance,” he joked. “Anyway, I just came by to let you know I’m flying out tomorrow.”

Liam took a sip of whiskey and nodded. He’d been expecting this since the funeral. He was actually kind of surprised Leo had stuck around Cordonia as long as he had. “Where are you heading this time?”

“I’m spending the next week in Havana, then it’s on to Rio.”

“Of course. Well, you know you’re welcome back anytime. Keep in touch, okay?”

“Yeah…” Leo said, trailing off and looking down at the surface of the desk. It seemed odd to Liam. Usually, when Leo said he was leaving, he appreciated a light-hearted goodbye. Liam figured years of Father attempting to guilt him into staying had taken their toll, so he always tried to show Leo that he understood his need to explore, to go elsewhere. But today, that seemed to bother him, and Liam wasn’t sure why.

“Is something wrong, Leo?”

Leo paused for a moment before he spoke, “You’re doing okay, right?”

“Of course.”

“I mean, you’re okay with the fact that I don’t spend much time in Cordonia, right?”

“Where is this coming from, Leo?”

Leo shook his head, “You don’t have to pretend you didn’t hear what Drake said to me the other day. I know you overhead us.”

Liam nodded slowly. He hadn’t heard everything, but he’d heard enough. And while the fact that Drake had mentioned being torn away from his life had been of more interest to Liam at that time, the fact that Drake had told Leo that he was a bad brother was also something that had stuck in his mind.

“It didn’t seem like the type of statement you’d put much stock in, if I’m being honest.”

Leo tensed at that. “He called me a shitty brother, Liam! Of course it stuck with me! Do you think so little of me that you thought I wouldn’t care about that?”

“Of course not. I just thought that you knew better than to hold Drake’s anger as a source of universal truth, not to mention you never seemed to mind being told you weren’t living up to expectations in this building.”

Leo gave Liam a small smile, “So, you don’t think I’ve been a bad brother to you?”

“No, I don’t feel that way.”

“But Drake was right. I haven’t really been around, I tend to get caught up in my own interests. I definitely have failed you in some ways.”

Liam shook his head, “I don’t expect you to care for me in the same fashion as Drake. He has his way of doing things, you have yours.”

“He called me your drinking buddy.”

Liam chuckled at that, “That’s an interesting perspective. It lacks some nuance, but yes, I suppose you do get me to let go of certain stressors temporarily by encouraging me to indulge in a variety of vices. It’s helpful at times, so I wouldn’t be so dismissive of it.”

Leo just shook his head, “Come on, you don’t need to shield me. If you need to get pissed at me, I get it.”

“Why would I need to get pissed at you?”

“I abdicated, for Christ’s sake! I left you with all the responsibility.”

“And didn’t I encourage you to take that course of action?”

“Yes, but Drake said-”

“Forget what Drake said. His interpretation of our relationship is highly irrelevant, and Drake is going to think what he’s going to think. I am telling you, I do not resent you for abdicating. Being Crown Prince was killing you; you were miserable. I love you, and I want to see you happy. How could I ever hold you taking an action that greatly improved your happiness against you?”

“But I want to see you happy, too.”

“I know you do. I presume that’s why you are very willing to take the full blame for indiscretions conducted by either of us.”

Leo scoffed a little, “Sure, when we were little.”

“And now. I heard Regina had some choice words for you after our night of drinking before the funeral.”

“She said she was amazed that after all this time, I still found a way to be a bad influence on you,” Leo said with a little smile.

“Exactly, and you let her believe that. Leo, you’ve always shown you care about me in your own way. I’ve never felt like you didn’t love me just because we want very different things out of life.”

“Still, the weight of the crown-”

“Is something that I don’t see as a barrier to my long-term happiness. It’s a responsibility, sure, but I am honored that our people trust me as their leader.”

Leo stared at Liam for a few seconds before throwing the whiskey back and finishing his drink. “You’re a good king, you know that right?”

Liam smiled gently, “Thank you, Leo. I appreciate that.”

“And I don’t just mean better than I would have been. You are a good leader. Cordonia is lucky to have you.”

“Thank you. But I think you would have been a better king than you give yourself credit.”

Leo just laughed, “We’ll have to agree to disagree on that point.” He stood to leave and strolled over to the door, but before he opened it, he spun back to face Liam.

“Do you mind if I give you a piece of advice?”

Liam inclined his head, “I would be a bad king if I couldn’t handle friendly advice.”

“Right, well this more personal than professional.”

“If it’s about Madeleine, give your history, that seems like a rather awkward topic-”

“Nah, it’s more general than that. Just... you need to be selfish sometimes. Not often, let’s say once a week. But you need to do something, no matter how small, that’s just for you.”

“Leo…”

“Promise me you’ll at least consider it. Remember, I love you, so that means I like seeing you happy. And I know you well enough that you might forget about your own happiness if things get hectic. So add it to your schedule or something, but remember, once a week, one thing, just for you.” And with that he was out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hana felt... well, the only way to describe it was gross. She knew that her plan for the evening was not something that was completely acceptable, morally speaking. But she hadn’t known what else to do.

All weekend, Riley had been completely uninterested in talking about anything of substance. She’d listened to Hana just fine and told plenty of amusing anecdotes. However, anytime Hana asked her how she was doing or if she needed to talk about anything, Riley had just brushed her off, saying she was fine before suddenly remembering a story about a funny customer or something of that sort. It was always lighthearted and superficial. There was never one iota of depth to anything she said. It had been shopping and restaurants and tourist attractions before Riley scurried off to get ready for work both Saturday and Sunday, and Hana was done with it.

Maybe she wasn’t being fair. Both Saturday and Sunday evenings, when she’d been alone, trying to devise a strategy to encourage Riley to open up, she’d come to the realization that most of the weight that she’d felt in their friendship had come from her opening up, not so much the other way around. While Hana had discussed her distorted dynamic with her parents, her failed engagement and romantic inexperience, and her very lonely and isolated childhood, there was very little Riley had told her. She briefly mentioned that her father was long gone and her mother dead, but it had been Maxwell who told her that her mother had died of a heroin overdose. She wasn’t even sure if Riley had any family beyond that, any aunts, uncles, cousins, or grandparents. And Riley certainly hadn’t confided in Hana about her growing feelings for Drake at any point during the social season or Liam and Madeleine’s engagement tour.

The fact that her friendship with Riley appeared to be fairly lopsided filled her with both pain and guilt. It certainly hurt knowing that the first person in her life she saw as a best friend had probably not felt so connected with her. But more than that, she felt guilty for depending so much on Riley for emotional support and strength without offering anywhere near enough in return. But tonight, that was going to change.

Hana had tried being friendly and open. She’d tried asking gentle questions. She’d point blank asked Riley if she’d heard from Drake while they were at the Guggenheim. But Riley had deflected every single attempt. So tonight, Hana was getting her drunk. She hated thinking of it that way. It sounded so predatory, so malicious. But her intent was merely to use a bit of alcohol to help Riley feel comfortable enough to actually let her guard down and communicate openly.

Her plan had been simple to execute, at least initially. Riley was off Monday, and given her apparent desire for all things fun and frivolous, it had been very easy to convince her that while in New York, Hana really wanted a little taste of the nightlife. Riley had been thrilled, offering to lend Hana club wear and taking them to a small little lounge after dinner before they headed to a nightclub. She hadn’t been out dancing in ages, apparently, and was very enthusiastic about the idea.

At first, it had gone exactly as Hana had hoped, with Riley downing vodka sodas while Hana just sipped on an amaretto sour as they sat in a little booth at the lounge. When they’d paid the cover to enter the nightclub, the bass from dance tracks resonating through Hana’s entire body, Riley appeared to be tipsy. Hana figured a couple more drinks, an hour or so of dancing, and then they could head out and actually talk.

What she hadn’t accounted for was the swaths of men who didn’t seem content to let them dance without butting in, invading their personal space without even saying hello. All of these men came with offers to buy them drinks, and while Hana always declined, Riley seemed keen on taking every single one of them up on it, wandering over to the bar time and time again, dragging Hana along with her.

Currently, Hana was standing there, watching as a tall man with very blond hair ordered Riley yet another Long Island Iced Tea. Riley was well passed the point of tipsy and was incredibly intoxicated, leaning heavily against the bar, the words she was practically yelling over the loud music slurred into a giant mess. The man in question didn’t seem to mind at all, though, handing his credit card over to the bartender.

“Excuse me!” Hana called out, the bartender pausing to look at her.

“Sorry!” yelled the blond man, leaning close to Hana so he could speak directly into her ear, “I didn’t know you were drinking. What do you want?”

Hana just shook her head and rolled his hand off her shoulder, leaning over the bar to speak directly to the bartender, tugging her skirt down as she did so. The length was not something she was used to, and she was feeling self conscious of how high it would ride up her thighs with her movement.

“Cancel that Long Island Iced Tea, please. She and I are leaving.”

The bartender glanced between the three of them, but after just a couple of seconds, he nodded with understanding. Hana then spun towards Riley, hoping that she would be a cooperative drunk.

“Riley, sweetie,” Hana said, leaning to speak directly in her ear.

Riley spun to face her, stumbling slightly on her heels as she moved, grabbing Hana’s arm. “Yeah?” she said, a concerning glazed looked to her eyes as she seemed to struggle to meet Hana’s eyeline.

“It’s time for us to leave.”

“I think she can decide if she wants to leave for herself.”

Hana rolled her eyes. She had hoped that the blond man would have moved on, but it seemed like he had set his sights on Riley. Ignoring him, she linked her arm through Riley’s and started to navigate them toward the coat check, but the man grabbed Riley’s wrist and tugged her back towards him.

“Riley, why don’t you tell your friend you’re having a good time and that I can get you home.”

Riley just looked dazed, her gaze unfocused, so Hana stepped forward and tugged her towards her side. “Riley, come on,” she said before looking at the man, “You are a disgusting excuse for a human being if you think that she is in any state to go anywhere with you.”

“Bitch!” the man spat out, but he seemed to decide that having this fight with Hana was not worth his time as he turned away and walked away from the two of them, probably looking for some other woman to ply with alcohol. Shaking her head, Hana wrapped her arm around Riley and moved them towards the exit. When they were waiting for their coats, Riley seemed to gain a little awareness of her surroundings.

“Where’d Peter go?”

Well, Hana had a name for the blond man with ill intentions now. “He had to go, and so do we,” she said, trying to guide Riley’s arms into her jacket.

“Oh,” said Riley, “Is Peter, I mean, where’s he, yeah, you know?”

Hana just blinked, not really having any clue what Riley’s drunken ramblings were supposed to convey. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s get a cab back to my hotel.”

Hana was able to shepherd Riley out onto the sidewalk, but when she attempted to flag down a taxi, Riley batted down her arm, almost falling into the gutter in the process.

“No taxi, only three blocks,” she slurred, stumbling away from Hana and down the sidewalk with surprising speed.

“Riley, wait!” Hana cried out, “Where are you going?” But Riley didn’t give any response, so Hana took off after her. Any efforts to redirect her were met with groans and slurred grumbles and complaints, so after a few attempts, Hana just followed along. Riley was clearly on some sort of drunken mission, and Hana was going to be along for the ride, apparently.

It was a tricky route to wherever Riley was going. There were numerous other bars, clubs, and restaurants in this part of the city, and even though it was after midnight, there were still many people on the sidewalk, many of them just as drunk as Riley. Trying to prevent collisions, dodging cat callers, and keeping Riley upright was taking a lot of effort. Hana barely felt like the sidewalk was any less of an overwhelming place of noise and bodies than the dance club. Her ears were ringing and she was exhausted. She just wanted to get Riley safely into a bed and then go to sleep herself.

After a couple of blocks, Riley stopped in front of a small market, veering towards a side door. Hana was about to correct her that not only was the market closed, but that she was trying to enter what was clearly an employee entrance, but Riley fished a set of keys out of her pocket and fumbled with them, trying to unlock the door. At that moment, Hana realized that this door wasn’t to the market, it was to Riley and Drake’s apartment building.

After a couple of tries, Riley got the door unlocked and open, so Hana followed her into what appeared to be a mailroom for the building and then up a flight of stairs. Hana didn’t know what she had pictured for where Drake and Riley lived, but it certainly wasn’t this. She was trying hard not to be judgemental, but she’d never been inside a building so run down. It had probably been an adjustment for Drake compared to living at the palace.

As Hana trudged up several flights of stairs behind Riley, catching her from falling twice, she couldn’t help but think about Drake and Riley, not only living in this building, but in this neighborhood, in this city. Riley she could kind of imagine, out at a different bar or restaurant everyday, trying new foods and drinks, charming different people left and right. She was so bubbly and outgoing and had a definite wild, impulsive streak.

But Drake? Nearly agoraphobic, routine loving, scoffed at the new and unknown Drake? She just couldn’t see it. He would have punched at least five people on their walk back from the club alone. Try as she might, she couldn’t picture him in a place that was so loud and with so many different people. It seemed like the type of thing he would avoid at all costs. She didn’t know what to make of that. Did Drake have some secret, social side that he only let Riley see? Or was he just miserable and surly all the time? Hana felt like it was probably the latter. It made her sad to even think about. Here he had made a grand romantic gesture, moving to be with the woman he loved, and it was probably draining and stressful beyond his wildest dreams.

Eventually Riley turned down a hallway and made her way to a door labeled 4B. She tried to use her keys, but was struggling to figure out which key went into which lock. After a few seconds, Hana stepped up to grab the keys herself, but before she could even offer her help, Riley started crying, sinking to the floor.

“Riley!” she cried out, crouching down and grabbing her shoulders and rubbing circles against them. “It’s okay; I can unlock the door. It’ll be okay.”

“S’not that,” Riley mumbled. “I jus’ wanted t’forget t’night… T’not feel so bad…”

“Shhhh,” hummed Hana, sitting down on the floor next to Riley, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“I’m so lonely. But no one cares,” Riley slurred, head thrown back against the door, “He’s never coming back and I’m gonna always be alone.”

“Riley, plenty of people care about you,” Hana said, trying to provide words of reassurance, but it was like Riley was just giving some sort of emotional speech, and she just kept mumbling the same thoughts over and over again. That she was alone. That she had no one. That everyone would always leave her. So Hana did the only thing she could think to do. She sat there with her, letting her ramble and release her pain. She wasn’t going anywhere, and hopefully that fact would provide at least a little comfort.

Permatag: @mfackenthal @lilyofchoices @thequeenofcronuts @jamesashtonisbae

The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir: @kingliam2019 @sirbeepsalot @texaskitten30 @princessleac1 @ladyangel70 @dcbbw @yaushie @octobereighth

Drake x MC only: @jovialyouthmusic @iplaydrake @gibbles82 @drakewalkerisreal @riley–walker @notoriouscs @butindeed @addictedtodrakefanfic

It Couldn’t Wait Another Moment: @wickedgypsymoon @thesumofmychoices @cosigottahavefaith @thequeenchoices @katedrakeohd @feartheendlesssummer @ao719 @ooo-barff-ooo @sunnyxdazed

#drake walker #drake x mc #trr fanfic #the royal romance #choices trr #maxwell beaumont #king liam #trr liam #roe leo #hana lee #choices fanfiction #choices #playchoices #choices stories you play

39 notes · View notes

argylemnwrites · 5 years

Text

Not Exactly Sure, But Maybe Sure Enough

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)

Book: The Royal Romance (Post The Royal Heir, Chapter 4)

Word Count: ~1900

Rating: PG-13 (adult language)

Summary: Riley Liu has never been much of a planner. But with the whole world seeming to be making plans for her uterus, she has to reevaluate the way she approaches challenges in her life.

Author’s Note: Written for Day 16 of the Choices July Challenge (prompt - Uncertainty). Can be seen as a companion piece to my Day 2 submission, “Living with the Consequences” (link is in my masterlist as I think that Tumblr still sometimes hates my posts with links embedded in them). Trigger warning for mention of pregnancy loss.

Wanted to take a look at the whole “Would Drake and a Drake-romancing MC really just agree to name their kid heir to the throne?” shenanigans from the perspective of my MC. After all, I probably should write more from her perspective since she is the one who would have to go through all the public scrutiny and judgement. I originally envisioned a much different piece than this, but what can I say? This just took on a life of its own!

To say that Riley Liu hadn’t always thought things through fully was a bit of an understatement. After all, you don’t get on a plane with a guy you’d known for less than 24 hours to go compete in some strange political version of The Bachelor in a foreign country without being pretty impulsive. In all honesty, so much of her life could be seen as a series of decisions she put almost no thought into, bouncing into situation after situation because it sounded fun or awesome or sometimes, just better than her current circumstances. She’d jumped from job to job, casual relationship to casual relationship, friend group to friend group endlessly. Never any roots. Never anything permanent. Until one day, she found herself with actual, real friends, not just buddies you grab a drink with once or twice a month.

There was Maxwell, who gave her a family. Hana, who showed her what trust and honesty looked like in friendship. Liam, who welcomed her with such care, even when she made it clear she didn’t feel the same way about him that he did about her. They all took her in, this flighty, detached waitress and gave her a home, both figuratively and literally. A home she shared with her husband, a concept that still in some ways felt more foreign than the fact that nearly every hero she had for the past year used apple butter instead of mayo.

Finding Drake had been something she had never dared to hope for. Here was a man who seemed to understand her soul, the fears she had that she would always be alone in the end, that she was never good enough just as she was to be a priority to anyone. Sometimes listening to Drake talk about his life felt like looking at her own experiences through a fun-house mirror. Sure, the details were different; opulent parties and snobby nobles were worlds apart from a junkie mother and a variety of foster homes. But for all that distortion, at their core, their damage was the same. And maybe that’s why things always felt so natural between them, even when she was naïve enough to think that she could have a little fling with the cute prince, catch a flight back to NYC, and have a mad story for two truths and a lie going forward, leaving Cordonia behind without a glance back.

The love she felt for her friends, her husband, her new home she would have never experienced if she had stuck to her old habits and peaced out when things got tough, less lighthearted and silly and more filled with media scandals and political drama. She knew there was a lesson to be learned there, and while she would never be one to put together a five-year plan like she knew Hana was doing, she knew Riley Walker needed to be a bit different than Riley Liu. Or at least, she needed to work on being different. For her own sake, for her loved ones’ sake, and for the sake of the citizens she now answered to. While she might have leapt into the role of duchess without much thought, she recognized that being a political figure meant that she probably shouldn’t just roll along, indulging in every whim, every adventure, every idea presented to her, without at least thinking through the consequences somewhat.

So, she was trying this new thing, taking a few minutes to run through some good and bad possibilities for any decision before she jumped in with gusto, at least when it came to the major things in her life. She wasn’t going to let being married turn her into someone boring who was always stuck in a rut, but she could aim for a little stability. Spontaneous, not impulsive - that was her new goal.

And at first it was easy, settling in at Valtoria in those first few weeks, then heading to the private island for her and Drake’s honeymoon. Telling Drake that she was ready to start a family with him, and sooner rather than later, seemed like a calm, rational follow up to their discussion of their future back during the lantern festival. If felt like something responsible adults, responsible parents did. But suddenly it seemed like that was all they talked about, really all anyone talked about around them. And Riley didn’t know how to feel about that. What was the appropriate response to Madeleine telling her that she and Drake better be having a lot of sex, other than the petulant desire to offer to fuck her husband right now if Madeleine would just leave the room? How do you respond to congratulations for a thing that hasn’t happened yet? And what the hell made her typically grumpy, jaded husband respond to Liam’s request like a seasoned diplomat?

Sure, they had a few conversations about his reasons. And she got it, kind of. But did he really not have any doubts about the whole thing? Could he not see that this increased media attention was just the beginning, that their lives were not just their lives anymore? Everyone was going to want a piece of them.

And then of course, her miscarriage happened, leaving them both shell-shocked. Super common, according to Dr. Ramirez, and no reason not to try again. But Riley didn’t know if they should try again, at least not right away. Maybe this was a sign to slow down, to not force this whole parenthood thing at such a rushed speed. But to go back on birth control felt like they were failures, letting down Liam, their friends, and all of Cordonia. Everyone seemed to need their baby so damn much, Riley couldn’t bring herself to take a few months, maybe even a year, to process her loss and heal. She could sense a similar longing in Drake, to move on together, not as public figures but just as Drake and Riley. But after agreeing to name their child heir to the throne, the sacrifice of the timing of trying for another pregnancy seemed inconsequential. What was a few months compared to years of diplomacy classes, public scrutiny, and increased security threats? So they kept trying. And a few months later, they succeeded again. But they were wiser now. No one was going to know except them and Dr. Ramirez. Riley refused to take a pregnancy test at home for that reason. She thought she could trust her staff, but then again she had trusted Gladys, and look how that turned out.

But now she was into the second trimester, out of the most dangerous window, and in certain outfits, she was starting to show. She’d had to avoid some of her favorite shirts and dresses, and Hana had made a few comments that implied that she’d figured it out for weeks now. So she and Drake invited Liam, Maxwell, Hana, Olivia, Bertrand, and Savannah over for dinner. It was exciting to share their happy news, even if they didn’t get to announce it so much as Olivia called out the ridiculousness of their charade when Riley had to excuse herself due to nausea within 30 minutes of everyone’s arrival. On the other hand, it felt a little sad, to lose that shared secret between her and her husband.

Because now this was the nation’s pregnancy, and never had that been more clear than tonight, as a stylist zipped Riley into a long gown that was as tight as clothing she’d worn before her pregnancy, clearly meant to highlight her bump that was still pretty damn small. Meanwhile, a makeup artist and a hairstylist, both also Madeleine’s “gift” for the night, primped and prodded. Kate Middleton didn’t let her hyperemesis stop her from looking polished, Madeleine had snipped when Riley balked at the whole styling crew, and her children were much farther away from the crown.

“The mother of the next monarch needs to look like a queen, not some sickly, sloppy piece of work with bags under her eyes.”

Riley had a lot of thoughts about that she would have expressed if she was so damn exhausted, so she settled instead for a middle finger thrust in Madeleine’s direction. Oh well, a little impulsivity was probably excusable under these circumstances.

It all felt so surreal, attending this ball thrown in honor of her son or daughter who was still just a possibility at this point. A lot still could go wrong here, not the least of which was her puking on some diplomat’s shoes in the next hour. As she sat waiting for Madeleine to come and get her, letting her know that they were ready for her entrance as the womb that carried the guest of honor, she felt like she was walking through a fog. Riley Liu would have said, “Screw this shit,” and run away, hopping on a flight or catching a bus. Getting the hell out of this world full of pressure and expectations and demands. But Riley Walker couldn’t do that. She had obligations, and she had to see them through.

She heard the door opening, but didn’t turn to face Madeleine, wanting a few more moments with just her child, no matter how fleeting they would be.

“Hey, so I got a plan to get us out of there in 90 minutes. Two hours, tops.”

She let out a sigh of relief before she even fully processed her husband’s words. He was always finding ways to give them a little more time to be just… them. Not a duke and duchess, and now not the future king or queen’s parents. Just Drake, Riley, and now their little one.

“How’d you manage that?” she asked, turning towards him as he crossed the room and crouched down in front of her chair. She noticed he hadn’t escaped Madeleine’s grooming plans, wearing a brand new black suit with his hair parted awkwardly to one side.

“Easy. I got Maxwell to agree to give a toast that will last a minimum of 15 minutes as an ode to the best childhood moments of all of Cordonia’s kings and queens. I figure we slip out to get you some air, and we just never come back. Hana’s promised to deflect any questions about our location after we make our escape.”

She reached down, giving him a gentle smile as she ran a hand through his hair, getting rid of that awful part. Now he looked and sounded like her husband.

All too quickly, their moment of privacy was shattered as Madeleine bustled in, taking one look at Drake’s hair and rolling her eyes.

“And just what do you think you two are doing? You’re supposed to make your entrance in less than a minute!”

“Just taking a moment in between,” Riley said as Drake stood up, squeezing her hand as he pulled her to her feet.

“Well, moment’s over. Let’s get going.”

It wasn’t how she would have chosen to go about this whole pregnancy thing, but for better or worse, this was how it was happening. As Drake held tight to her hand as they walked down the hallway, she was glad for was many doubts and uncertainties as she had about this entire heir-to-the-throne situation, at least they were fumbling through this together. They might have both been out of their element, but they had each other, and maybe, just maybe, that would be enough to get them through all of it.

Tags: @dcbbw @jovialyouthmusic @iplaydrake @gibbles82 @drakewalkerisreal @riley–walker @thequeenofcronuts @notoriouscs @butindeed @choicesjulychallenge @kinda-iconic @mfackenthal

#drake walker #drake x mc #trr #trh #the royal romance #the royal heir #trr fanfic #trh fanfic #choices trr #choices trh #choices #choices stories you play #playchoices #choices fanfiction #choices july challenge #tw: miscarriage #tw: pregnancy loss

59 notes · View notes

lizzybeth1986 · 6 years

Text

Of Wine and Waltzes: Cabernet Franc

Pairing: Liam and Olivia (friendship from Liam's side, unrequited love from Olivia's), implied Liam x Esther

Rating: G

Summary: Prince Liam and Duchess Olivia of Lythikos end their nightly tour of her winter lodge with a trip to the wine cellar. Interesting conversations ensue.

Author's Note: This fic takes place in Lythikos, shortly after Olivia insults Drake by mentioning Savannah at the Lythikos lodge in Book 1 Chapter 7, and before the Ball in Chapter 8. This is the 1st chapter in my 2-part fic series, That Old Grape Juice. Find Part 2 here.

Word Count: 2,368 words

Tagging @choicesficwriterscreations for Throwback Thursday

Part 1 - Cabernet Franc

It's times like this, Liam thinks, that he can remember why he and Olivia are such good friends. Today there is a twinkle in her eyes, a spring in her step. Today she's an absolute joy to be with.

It's night time now, and Olivia has made good on her promise to show him around, allowing him to admire the armory, explore their music room, even letting him spend an extra half-hour in the library. They are now at the famed Nevrakis wine cellar, where any array of Lythikos’ best wines have been kept safe.

“I believe this is the first time I'm visiting this part of your lodge,” Liam says, laughing. Olivia is now frowning at a row of wines, a deep line etched on her forehead. You'd think she was contemplating battle strategy.

"You don't have to spend this long selecting a drink," Liam tells her, chuckling, "It's a glass of wine, Olivia, not a matter of life and death."

Liam can see the the impression her tongue makes as it pokes against her cheek, the way it always did in their childhood when she had trouble making a decision.

"It is." she protests after a while, “We've got some wines here that you'll simply adore. There’s a few that have been aged specially for you and I'm trying to decide which one -- ah, perfect!”

Liam is about ask Olivia why she feels the need to have wines made specially for him, and how long she's been planning this, when they hear a knock at the door.

“Your Grace,” Anne-Marie, Olivia's secretary, pops her head in through the door, “The Ball tomorrow --”

“Yes, Anne-Marie,” Olivia's voice is raised just the tiniest bit, but she doesn't even lift her gaze from the bottle, much less look at the younger woman, “I will talk to you in five minutes.”

“But...Your Grace - ”

“ - five minutes, Anne-Marie.” she repeats, with a dismissive wave of the hand.

Anne-Marie nods and disappears, the door closing with a tiny ‘click’ behind her. Clearly she has become used to being dismissed like this by her mistress. That look of tired resignation niggles at his conscience more than it usually does. Something about it reminds him of a night in New York, of a table full of his rowdy friends, of a woman who walked away from their table with just that very look in her eyes. It reminds him of --

“Liam?”

Liam turns away from the door, flushing. Even here, an entire wing away and with another suitor, he finds his thoughts finding their insidious way to Esther. He sighs and shifts his gaze elsewhere. Anywhere.

There is a bronze bust on the wall above him. The light falls upon the man's angular jawline and sharp nose, leaving most of his face in shadow. Liam can barely make out the scar on the man's chin - something that could have passed for a cleft if it was an inch closer to the centre.

“You don't need me to tell you who this is, do you?” Olivia says, holding two glasses of wine and offering Liam one.

Liam smiles. “Who wouldn't remember King Luther Nevrakis of Abanthus?”

“I know quite a few who would,” Olivia rolls her eyes, doubtless thinking of Maxwell’s multiple failed history lessons. “You know... I have no doubt that some of my ancestors may have been the villainous brutes our textbooks tell us they were...but I’d still give a hand and a leg to learn warfare from them, you know?”

Olivia is right. Their textbooks don't always show the Nevrkis family in the best light, but everyone who has ever joined the military still swears by Diavolos the Twelfth's medieval text Lessons in War Strategy and Defence. “There is much we can learn from your ancestors, Olivia,” Liam tells her, “Resilience. Strength. The foresight to recognize certain things, even if you don't like admitting to them.” Liam knows well that he couldn't sound any less like himself, even as the words leave his mouth.

Objectively, he knows that his vision for Cordonia will be incomplete without a powerful military force. Knows that despite her stubbornness and hotheaded nature, the country will be safe in Olivia's hands. That her desire to fight would balance out his need for peace. Objectively, he knows Olivia will be a better consort than people give her credit for. And yet...and yet…

Liam clears his throat, forces himself to look at the bronze bust. “Wonder what he would think of all this.”

Olivia's brows are raised in confusion. “Of what?”

“A Nevrakis and a Rys, sharing a glass of wine right under King Luther’s nose.”

Olivia lets out the kind of cackle that would horrify half the court. “He'd be turning over in his grave right now!”

Liam laughs, raising his glass to Olivia before taking in its scent. “Mmm. A Cabernet Franc, yes?”

“Our best,” Olivia's eyes sparkle with pride. Lady Kiara Thorne’s family may be famous for their vineyard and wines, but Olivia has invested enough in her own estate to ensure that her cool-weather varieties could stand their own with the best of them.

Liam closes his eyes, taking in the wine’s aromas. “Dark cherry...mocha...and - ooh, vanilla.” He lets slip a slight sigh of pleasure. “You know I have a weakness for vanilla.”

Her green eyes sparkle again, this time with an expression that isn't mirth or pride, one that he can't quite place. “Perhaps it was chosen on purpose.”

Liam means to ask Olivia what she means by this, except she quickly changes the subject and encourages him to taste the wine instead. It tastes even better than it smells - if such a thing was ever possible - a bold, unique blend of fruit and spices, complementing the creaminess of the Brie. A silky smooth finish that lingers on his tongue. Before they know it, they're back to lightheartedness and reminiscing: Olivia mimicking Drake at his first, and last, wine tasting.

“This tastes like someone left a carton of grape juice outside last year and gave it to us this year!” Olivia tries to get Drake’s voice right, but fails - torn as she is between mock-indignance and incessant giggling.

“Technically speaking, he isn't wrong,” Liam points out.

“Pshh, you're just going soft on him, like you always do. You know as well as I do that he could be like one of us if he tried.”

“You really believe that?” Liam raises a skeptical eyebrow. After all, didn't Drake’s sister fit in perfectly to court life? And it didn't stop Olivia from looking down on the poor girl every chance she got.

“Not really. God no. But it's the way he struts around, Liam. Like it doesn't matter. Like he's above trying,” Olivia gulps her wine rather than swallows, scowling. “Like he's better than us.” She spits the word out, frustrated.

Olivia's opinions aren't unique to her, Liam knows. More than half the court thinks the way she does. Someone who doesn't try to fit in would frustrate them, someone who learned their ways would be subject to more scrutiny and more censure, their every move dissected and mocked. It was amazing how many of them forgot they all descended from the very commoners they frowned upon.

“Dare I ask for your wine list?” Tariq had asked an American waitress once, disappointed.

“We have an excellent house red.” the newer, sweeter voice replied, her amusement evidently bubbling over. She was obviously wondering which strange world these people inhabited.

This world. This world that can easily attempt to turn Esther's amusement into shame, that will expect more from her than from all the other suitors combined. This is the world they’re bringing her into, and she doesn't even know half of what she's fighting against. The thought horrifies him.

“Maybe she is better than the rest of us,” Liam murmurs.

“She?” Olivia's hardened gaze is on him now, already figuring out who he is talking about. There is a steely edge to her voice, “I was talking about Drake, Liam.”

The knock on the door comes almost like Godsend. “Your Grace, the seating arrangements --”

“Can't you see I'm busy, Anne-Marie?” Olivia hisses, nostrils flaring.

“But Your Grace, did you not say five --”

“I am currently showing His Highness some of our finest wines, and I would like not to be disturbed.”

Anne-Marie's cheeks turn an angry scarlet, but she swallows and makes her way out, bowing to Liam before she does. He nods back in apology, and tries to salvage what’s left of Olivia's good mood.

“Is everything ready for the Ball tomorrow?”

Olivia smiles, daintily taking bites from the Brie laid out on the cheese board. “Lobsters fresh from Portavira for our main course tomorrow, and the entertainment programme has been set for the evening. All that's left is to decide who sits where.”

Looking at Olivia excitedly laying out her plans now, Liam can't help but feel proud of her. Ever since her debut all those years ago,Olivia has been managing every single event on her estate alone, without Lucretia - the aunt who should have been doing this for her.

“What will you be opening the Ball with? An English Waltz? Viennese?”

“Better,” Olivia grins, “It'll be the Cordonian Waltz tomorrow.” When Liam doesn't respond she shakes her head at him. “Oh come now, Your Highness. This is the dance our country is famous for! Wouldn't you prefer something that represents our home at your social season!”

Liam chuckles nervously. “It's not that. It's just...I haven't done it in a while. I'm afraid I'm a bit out of practice.”

Olivia shakes her head, remembering, “Our dance masters did call you stiff whenever we practiced.”

He winces. “Perhaps. Too much intimacy for my tastes.”

“Pssh, nothing of the sort,” Olivia scoffs at him, ”you just need the right partner.”

The two old friends finish the rest of their wine in a comfortable silence, saying nothing as Olivia calls for a servant to take the plates away. It is only when they are about to leave that it occurs to Liam. That Esther --

“Olivia.”

“Hmm?”

“We're opening the Ball with the Cordonian Waltz tomorrow night.”

Olivia laughs. “Thank you for stating the obvious Liam. Yes.”

“But not everyone knows that dance.”

In the snap of a moment, Olivia's green eyes find his, searching. They're blazing in the firelight right now and there is a muscle in her jaw, tightening. “Is that so? Well, they should. Every respectable Cordonian has grown up on this waltz - it would be a shame if they didn't know.”

This is the point where any other man would have run screaming, but Liam isn't just any man. “Not every suitor is Cordonian. Surely you know that, Olivia.”

“Oh,” Olivia nods slowly, realization dawning upon her, “Oh! So that's what this is all about. You want me to lower the standards of my Ball so some American upstart can breeze by the competition on nothing but misplaced sympathy. You want me to make this easier on her, don't you?”

Gods. It boggles the mind, the hatred Esther faces from these people he knows so well. “She's doing her best, Olivia. She's had to learn everything from scratch. Everything. Do you think for a minute that any of this is easy on her?”

“That's something she should have thought about BEFORE she hopped on that plane!” Olivia's voice is getting louder and louder, with a ferocity that astounds even Liam. “We shouldn't be expected to handhold and babysit this...this foreigner who thinks she's above learning our ways! She's the one who came here from another country, she's the one who should have come prepared. Whose fault is it that she’s not?”

It takes effort, real effort, for Liam not to raise his own voice. “Perhaps the Beaumonts. Perhaps Maxwell for not planning these things in advance. Hell, perhaps it was me! Esther wouldn't be in this situation if I weren't involved, so if you're looking for someone to punish, I'm standing right here in front of you.”

Olivia stands before him now - angry, flushed, suspicious. She's clearly half-spent from all the yelling, but he can tell she's not done yet. Not even close.

The door clicks open. It's Anne-Marie. “Your Highness. Your Grace. Is everything alright?”

Olivia looks at her secretary as if she's seeing her for the first time. When Anne-Marie begins to shift uncomfortably at her gaze Olivia smiles - the bared grin of a saber-tooth tiger this time, and her voice is dripping honey. I'm not sure I like that look, Liam thinks to himself.

“Anne-Marie, my darling! I've been looking all over for you.”

“I - yes, Your Grace.” Anne-Marie sighs and keeps her peace. Doubtless she is used to her mistress' quicksilver moods.

“Now, where is that seating chart you were going to show me? I do believe I have some changes to make…”

She turns to Liam now, her old warmth back, “Let me show you to your room, Liam.”

The knot in his stomach remains, long after Olivia has gone with her secretary, long past his expected bedtime. He can't sleep, not like this. Not while he knows there are people willing to see Esther fail.

All of a sudden, Liam jolts out of his bed, straightening his back and raising his arms in the position of a box step. He forces himself to remember: remember to relax, remember to place pressure on her hand when he wants her to shift. He may not be the most involved dancer in the ballroom, but there is no way in hell he’ll contribute to Esther's humiliation tomorrow.

Liam waltzes till the wee hours of dawn, till he's sure he has remembered every step, recalled every instruction. Till he is sure that Esther will find in him a good partner, if not an entirely romantic one.

A partner who will ease her into this, step by step, inch by inch.

A partner who will be with her, support her, lo- (well, perhaps not that. Not yet) care for her...every step of the way.

Part 2

#the royal romance #long post #trr4ever #liam x mc #trr appreciation week #that old grape juice series #prince liam #esther dupont #olivia nevrakis #liam x esther #fanfic #choices fic writers creations #cfwc throwback fics

108 notes · View notes