#mood music monday
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Moonlight Rendevous
I am participating in @choicesflashfics prompt # 40 “I have a reputation to uphold” which will appear in bold.
I am also participating in @choicesjuly2023challenge and @moodmusicmonday song inspiration Rendevous by Little Mix
This is chapter 5 of The Blue Honey Cafe if you need to catch up on this, please feel free to click:
The Blue Honey Cafe Masterlist
The Book: TRR : No royals
The pairings: None: TRR MC is single
Ratings and Warnings: None
Word Count: 1382
Original Post: 07/08/23 at 6:12PM EST.
Summary: Riley sees Mason while she’s out and about for an evening.
“Mason, I didn’t know you had a food truck!”
“Pops believed in the hustle, and I followed in his footsteps. I typically only run it in the summertime and into early fall, because there are so many opportunities for extra outdoors events. It’s more light snacks and some sliders sort of thing. Completely different from our typical menu at the restaurant. Are you here alone?”
“Yep, I’m single as a pringle. I didn’t feel like staying in tonight, and I saw the advertisement for the movie on the lawn. I’m trying to put myself out there more, even if I go out alone, you know? I need to be more social, and maybe I’ll make some new friends. That sort of thing.”
“I know, I get it. I have been thinking about the same thing too. Some of my school kids are home for the summer and want to run the food truck to get some hours and I just might let them. That would give me more time to socialize as well.”
“Then that sounds like you already have a plan Mason?”
“I do have a plan.” And it involves the beautiful Riley Brooks, he thought to himself.
“So, have you heard anything about this movie?”
“Yes, I’ve seen the previews, it looks like it’s going to be a crazy movie, when I saw it was The Rotten Apple 🍎 I had to definitely come out tonight and check it out."
“I’ve been wanting to see it too.”
“Maybe you’ll get to have a break, if you do, come find me, you can sit with me for a bit. Help me not feel like a loser sitting by myself here.”
“Riley you’re definitely not a loser, and yes I’ll come find you when I can.”
She smiled at him. I’d like that a lot.”
Riley grabbed her cheeseburger sliders and drink and walked out onto the lawn. She glanced back at the truck, and Mason tried to appear busy, but he was still watching Riley as she walked away. She picked a spot to set up her blanket that was in his eyeline from the food truck. Did she do that on purpose so he’d be able to easily find her?
About thirty minutes into the movie the crowd had died down and everyone was engrossed in the movie Elle, the main character, was something else. She had a very distinct dark side.
“Who’s this large buttered popcorn for Todd?” Mason asked his part time worker.
“For you, I can handle the crowd, you go sit with that cutie you were flirting with.”
Riley was still sitting on the lawn on her blanket alone.
“Are you sure you’ll be good?”
“If the line picks back up, I’ll text you. Go be ‘social.’ She likes you!”
He got Riley a refill and a drink for himself and headed out across the lawn.
“Is this seat taken?” He whispered.
Riley looked up at him beaming.
“It is now, and you brought snacks!”
He sat down on the blanket with Riley placing the popcorn between the two of them.
“I’m glad you could come over here for a bit Mason, to sit here with me.”
“Me too.”
“You work a lot, you should take more time for yourself.”
Mason appeared surprised from her admission.
“Thank you for your concern, I’m trying to do more of that. But, it’s hard when you love your job, it really doesn’t feel like work.”
“I can’t say that about my job.”
“Well maybe you’re doing the wrong thing, Riley.”
It was Riley’s turn to look surprised. Then the person in front of them turned around shushing them.
Mason whispered, “You should always love your job.”
Mason tried not to read too much into it, but as the movie went on, Riley seemed to inch closer to him. She was so close to him that he could smell the perfume of her body and the scent of her shampoo in her hair.
After the movie, Mason helped Riley pick up her things and fold her blanket.
“I had a great time with you Riley.”
“Me too Mason. I loved the movie. They definitely left it open for a sequel. What did you think of it?”
“She did a lot of terrible stuff. But I don’t know why, I still want her to be happy. She kind of just won me over.”
“Because she’s not all bad. She really felt guilt and remorse for the things she had done. ”
“And it’s not every day, you wind up rooting for the villain when you watch something.”
“Exactly……. Well this is awkward.”
“What’s wrong?”
“The food truck, my ride is gone, therefore I have no way to get home.”
“I’ll take you.”
“Thanks Riley, that's nice of you.”
Mason carried all her stuff to the car for her.
“Hey I know, you’re depending on me to get back to your place, but I was wondering if you felt up for doing something else for a little bit? I mean we’re already out, and we both said we need to be more social.”
“What did you have in mind?”
“Okay hear me out.. I’ve always wanted to go to this place.”
“Wheelz?!?!?! This used to be my favorite place as a kid. I had several birthday parties here. Midnight skating slaps.”
“But you said this was your favorite place as a kid?”
“Kids can be teenagers too.”
“Are you good at skating?”
“I am great at skating, are you Mason? I wouldn’t have mentioned this place if I couldn’t skate. I’m not trying to embarrass myself. But I wanted to have someone to go with.”
“I’d be honored to go skating with you Riley Brooks.”
Mason was chivalrous, a complete southern gentleman. He had not only opened the door on her own vehicle, he had waited for her to gently get in and close the door behind her. When they made it to Wheelz, Mason jumped out of the vehicle like a rocket, as soon as it was parked, opening the door for her once more.
“Will you at least let me pay for the skate rental?”
“No, it’s the least I can do for your being gracious enough to take me home tonight.”
“I’m not heartless, I wouldn’t leave you stranded like that.”
“It’s the south, I was far from stranded. But I’m glad you decided to indulge your blooming southern charm to help me out. Come on, let’s see what you’ve got out there on the rink.”
“Not bad New York. Not bad at all.” Mason laid on a thickly horrible new york accent.
“Likewise North Cakalacky.” Riley said with an even worse southern accent.
It quickly turned into healthy competition and showboating between the two as they skated around the rink.
The last skate turned out to be a couple’s skate. The music was slow, and almost romantic. She found herself leaning closer into Mason, who had a boyish grin on his face, but he pulled her closer to him too, his hand gripping hers tighter.
That part of the evening was fun and lighthearted, and Riley really enjoyed spending time getting to know Mason. He even had shared with her more about his life and family, which in turn allowed her to have a meaningful conversation with him about her own family. Mason had a lot of sadness in his life but was not jaded by it and was still very upbeat and resilient, which really appealed to her.
“I really enjoyed spending this time with you Mason. I feel like we got a chance to get to know each other a little bit better, and we’re both a little competitive apparently.”
Mason laughed. “Right?!?!?! Nothing like some good healthy competition to get the blood pumping. But seriously Riley, I had a great time with you too.”
Driving back, neither said a word, lost in their own thoughts, and when they pulled to a stop at Mason’s apartment, Riley was the first to speak.
He paused for a moment. “You know Riley, tonight doesn’t have to end right now, if you don’t want it to.”
Riley’s eyes met Mason’s. “Are you asking me up to your place?”
“I am, but it’s completely your choice. I promise to be the perfect gentleman.”
“What if I don’t want you to be, Mason?”
He winked at her. "I have a reputation to uphold."
#bebepac writes#the blue honey cafe#trr fanfic#trr fandom#choices fanfiction#trr riley brooks#trr liam rys#Liam Rys#trr mason#choices fic writers creations#choices monthly challenge#mood music monday
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...This is my submission for:
MC Mixer - Week 2
@choicesmcmadness
Party Prep:
King & Queen of Cordonia
Liam & Riley Rys
●What will they wear?
Being Royal, appearance is paramount, black tie for Liam, black party dress for Riley to coordinate as his Queen.
They love to tango, so Riley's dress is styled for dancing.
Their personal grooming is impeccable, including a clean shave for Liam; always camera ready.
●Do they have any rituals or things they must do?
Security protocols must be in place with active Royal guards at the venue.
●Will they need a babysitter?
Princess Eleanor has nannies, yes.
●How will they get there?
For tonight the King has chosen to drive one of his multiple sports cars with his Queen, with his Royal head guard following in a non-descript black SUV.
My Tags: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @jared2612 @thesvnsins @irisk12 @walkerdrakewalker @charlotteg234
#liam rys#the royal romance#trr liam x mc#trr#king liam rys#trr fanfic#riley brooks#king liam#always liam and riley#trr fandom#tessa liam writes#smoke and mirrors#trf au#choices monthly challenge#choices flashfics#choices fic writers creations#mood music monday#choicesprompts#@choicesholidays
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The Commoner’s Wife--Chapter 6: Three Blind Mice
It has been one long, hot-ass hour since I have updated this series (Chapter 5 was posted 8/4/2019), but it’s back. This is not a drill, not a one-off while I fart around with a kajillion other stories. Chapter 6 is FINALLY here, and there are so many people to thank:
@moodmusicmonday and their annual #Luck of the Draw event; the song I was assigned, Just Say When by Nothing More, spawned so many story ideas but Commoner’s Wife kept popping up the more I listened to the lyrics.
@sfb123 for her patience with me and my erratic schedules
My WhatsApp crew for their (loving) hounding, harassment, and encouragement
My hand-holding crew: @ao719, @bebepac, @angelasscribbles, and @umccall71
So, what happens now that Drake unequivocally knows the truth? Buckle up and find out!
THANK YOU to all who will read this story; if you are new to the hot mess that is TCW, you can catch up on this “one-shot” here. Please excuse any and all typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors.
MS Editor rates this fic as 99% error-free.
It has been soooo long since the last chapter, I have no idea who, if any, of the original story fans are around, and if they are even still interested if they are. Using my current tag list and encouraging you to tell a friend.
Rating M for Mature (adult themes, cursing)
Pairings: Liam x Riley; Riley x Drake
Book: TRR/TRH
All characters belong to Pixelberry.
Song Inspiration: Just Say When, Nothing More
Word Count: 6,336
Highlights from Chapter 5:
Drake x Riley
“Just tell me, Brooks. Is our marriage a thank you to me or a fuck you to Liam?”
A deep sigh. A shaky voice. “Both.”
“We need to talk, Drake. I know…. I know I’ve been difficult and closed off, but I’m ready to talk.”
Drake was rummaging in the cupboard for the bottle of liquor. I know you aren’t being completely honest. I also know Liam isn’t either. What I don’t know is….is it out of fear of hurting me, if you think you’re that smart, or if you don’t have answers yourselves.
“I can’t deal anymore with half assed answers, Brooks. I can’t deal with the thought of being in a marriage based on pity or revenge. I just … can’t deal anymore.”
Princess Marguerite
Once she had Gunner out of his outfit, she ran her hands over the latex suit. The feel of the material sparked curiosity and lust within her, and she felt herself becoming wet. I have to see it.
“Do you have any medical or sensory issues?” She was now at the library desk, opening the top drawer; earlier in the day, she had placed an extremely long, extremely wide dildo and a remote control there.
Marguerite sighed as she pushed herself away from her desk. It was time to make yet another trip to Cordonia. She wouldn’t inform anyone about it; Liam couldn’t ignore her if she was standing in front of him.
Liam x Riley
Liam heard the knock on the door but ignored it. He had Riley so close to the edge; he was closer. Besides, the door was locked. Except it wasn’t.
Riley’s moans and low screams filled his ears. Stars exploded behind his eyes as he followed her over the edge. His seed spilled into her. His forehead rested against hers as the real world slowly came back into focus.
And the first thing he heard was Drake’s voice roaring obscenities, followed by a tearful gasp. But not from Riley. Marguerite.
Liam closed his eyes and bit his lip as he slipped out of Riley. Time had run out.
Chapter 6:
Presently, in the study
The room held both an electricity that crackled with tension and a stillness; as if the very air had been sucked from it, leaving the occupants in a vacuum devoid of everything but harsh emotions.
Liam
Liam’s forehead pressed against Riley’s, his breathing heavy and uneven. His eyes were closed, the last of the bursting stars behind his eyes fading into black. He inhaled deeply; he smelt the flora and fruit of expensive fragrance, and a slight musk from the sheen of perspiration on Riley’s skin. As he slipped out of her entry, he felt her arms tighten around him as her legs slid off his back.
His arms tightened around her in return as the world came back into focus. He heard Drake yelling What the fuck? and I KNEW it! He heard Marguerite’s gasp, but nothing else from her. Perhaps Drake’s thundering baritone was drowning everything else out.
Except the incredible remorse Liam felt.
Drake deserved better than to find out this way. Hell, they all deserved better.
What the bejesus just happened? Drake was supposed to be at the cabin today and returning to Valtoria tomorrow. And Princess Marguerite … why was she even in Cordonia?
Drake
When Drake opened the study door, he was stunned. He stumbled backwards a few steps, feeling an almost-physical sucker punch at the sight of Liam’s naked ass, and the sounds of the King … his best friend … fucking.
Fucking Drake’s wife.
He wanted to cover his ears to muffle Riley’s moans as her back arched her off the sofa. He wanted to close his eyes so he wouldn’t see the convulsions as his wife’s body entered le petite mort.
Looks, sounds, actions that were supposed to be reserved for Drake because he and Riley had vowed to forsake all others.
He wanted … no, needed to hit something, but instead settled for screaming his disbelief as his fists clenched and unclenched.
This was beyond anger, beyond hurt. His vision was clouded and blurred, as if someone had painted the room and all its occupants red. Yet, for all his fury, there was a tiny piece of him that was not surprised. That wondered why it took any of them so long to speak the truth they all shared.
Drake knew it was not yet even 10am, but a strong drink was absolutely essential. He needed to numb himself. He needed to stem the tide of answers flooding his brain. As he swiftly strode past the sofa, he wanted to avert his gaze away from the irrefutable proof of the betrayal committed by his wife and best friend.
But he couldn’t.
When he saw Riley tighten her hold on Liam’s nude body, pain pierced Drake’s heart despite the weight of his anger.
She’s clinging to him. She doesn’t care that I’m here, that she’s caught in all of her lies. She doesn’t care that she is filling the hole in my heart with salt.
Tears stung the corners of his eyes as he shook his head in sorrow and disgust.
She just does not care.
GO TO HELL, Riley Brooks!
Riley
Riley was cresting the wave of her orgasm when she heard Drake’s voice boom throughout the room.
OH MY GOD! What is he doing here?
She wanted to stop her body from responding to Liam’s touch, Liam’s tongue, Liam’s cock … but she was too far gone. Liam was as well. She closed her eyes tightly as she felt the trembles of Liam’s body through the shaking of her own before Liam slipped from inside of her.
Maybe if I can’t see Drake, he can’t see me.
Riley felt waves of guilt and shame wash over her, and as her erratic breathing tried to slow down, she instinctively pulled Liam closer to her. She needed his protection, his validation that she wasn’t an adulteress whore. Her breathing eased when Liam responded by tightening his hold on her, but she couldn’t wipe away the tears falling from her eyes.
The Duchess of Valtoria had no idea what to do. Hell, what could she do? She lay naked and sated in the arms of her lover, while her husband watched. She wanted to get dressed; clothing would make her less vulnerable, but her frock was scattered somewhere on the floor.
She had heard a woman gasp and was curious who the person was. A Lady of Court? A staff member?
In either case, Riley needed all the advantages she could get, and right now she had none. She heard Drake’s heavy thuds as he moved past them; she bit Liam’s shoulder to keep her sobs inside.
I never wanted you to find out this way, Drake. I swear it. I know you don’t believe me, but I do have love for you. I do want your happiness. I always have. It’s just my love for Liam is stronger and … and I think he may be my happiness.
Marguerite
Marguerite stood in the study’s doorway, her wide eyes darting everywhere. The gasp had come out so suddenly, she couldn’t stop it. She managed to cut it off because the laughter that was following it was highly inappropriate at best. It was obvious Liam’s partner was the Duchess of Valtoria, Drake Walker’s wife.
Dear God, could this King get any more cliché?
The gasp came out sounding tearful, which worked in her favor. Her eyes continued to take in the scene.
There was Liam with his naked ass on display for all to see. The Princess knew firsthand that it was firm and muscled; what she didn’t know was how … chiseled it was. Her lips lifted in a small smirk as she imagined pushing a dildo up his puckered hole, perhaps flogging his cheeks if he chose to be insubordinate.
What the Princess of Monaco wanted to do was make her way to Liam’s desk to sit in his oversized chair and slide her hand down the waistband of her skirt. She exhaled a low sigh as she imagined her fingertips stroking her clit.
Instead, she drew closer to the naked couple, marveling at how they clung to each other.
Desperately.
Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of the side of a brown breast and chocolate nipple pressed against the pinkish white of Liam’s chest.
I wonder if I can convince her to flash me.
Marguerite mentally shook her head.
Back to the matter at hand. This can play in your favor so well.
Everyone was jolted from their inner thoughts when Drake angrily tossed Riley’s dress at her; it landed on Liam’s back.
“PUT YOUR FUCKING CLOTHES ON!” he thundered before crossing the doorway and slamming the door heavily behind him.
With a last lingering look at the disgraced lovers, Marguerite ran after Drake.
She hadn’t had angry sex in the longest time, and this Drake Walker person may be up for a revenge fuck.
After they heard what Liam and Riley had to say.
Group Chat
By unspoken agreement, the quartet were gathered in the West Wing’s library. No one was speaking.
Liam sat behind the desk, his elbows on the polished wood and his hands steepled beneath his chin.
Riley sat ramrod straight in a ladderback chair which was angled in a corner between the desk and an oxblood-colored leather sofa. She kept her head turned away from the others, causing the sunlight pouring through the window to cast her profile in a half-shadow.
Drake sat in an armchair across from the desk; his eyes were fixed on the bottle of French cognac he held in one hand. He wondered how much he would have to drink to erase this morning from his memory.
Marguerite was sipping a mimosa as she sat on the end of the sofa furthest from Riley, her well-rounded legs crossed at her ankles.
The Princess tilted her full glass towards Riley, her gaze locked on Liam. “Is she why you could neither accept nor return my phone call?”
Liam’s jaw tightened. “I was busy, Marguerite. I do run a country, you know. The better question is, why are you here in Cordonia?”
“I came to see why you were ignoring me.”
Drake choked as he swallowed straight from the bottle. “You came 800 miles to see why he didn’t answer your call?”
This chick is cuckoo.
An unfazed Marguerite sipped her drink. “Yes. He texted me yesterday proposing a second date; when I called him to suggest he visit Monaco, his assistant informed me that he would return my call at his earliest convenience. He never did. So, I decided to pop in, thinking we could discuss matters over breakfast; if I had known tart was on the menu, I would have arrived earlier.”
Liam’s eyes went to Riley; the Duchess stared at her hands which were loosely clasped in her lap. Her lips were thinned, and her jaw slightly tensed.
They both looked up at hearing a heavy thud against the Persian carpeting.
Drake rose so suddenly and violently out of his chair, it had toppled over. The bottle of expensive brandy lay on its side, amber-colored liquid spilling as it spread across and stained the priceless rug.
“SHE IS STILL MY WIFE!” he hollered, his cheeks darkening with rage.
“Who’s fucking the King right under your nose,” Marguerite snapped. “She may have had the good sense to know her place and wed a fellow commoner, but the fact remains she’s a disloyal harlot and unworthy of anyone’s devotion.”
I’d still suck her tits was the unspoken portion of her statement.
Liam looked between Drake and Marguerite, choosing his words carefully. The entire room was already a powder keg; the Princess was a loose match. A lit loose match.
“I appreciate your obvious…. attraction to me, Your Highness, but my heart and affections have been claimed by another.”
“You mean your best friend’s wife? Listen to me, Your Majesty….no royal or noble worth their salt will accept a divorced commoner as Queen. Your court will be the laughingstock of Europe and you…. you’ll be the biggest scandal since King Edward VIII. At least he was lucky enough to choose love over Crown, but you don’t have that luxury, do you? Your brother beat you to it.”
“What I do with my personal life, especially when it takes place in Cordonia, is no one’s business but mine.”
“Even when it involves fucking other men’s wives?” Marguerite arched an eyebrow.
“If you wish our countries to remain in good standing, you will stop talking,” Liam growled.
The Princess lowered her eyebrow when Liam’s eyes narrowed dangerously. This was not working well in her favor. She still needed to make an advantageous match; despite being obviously pussy-whipped, Liam was the best of the lot. When she spoke again, her tone was more conciliatory.
“Darling, I’m offering you not only a union, but an alliance … a chance to rule over two countries, not just one. I don’t require what others would; I have my own coffers, my own lands, and my social station is secured.
“We don’t need to be in love and arrangements can be put in place, but only one of us can be scandalous; I’ve already claimed dibs on that.”
The Princess smiled brightly before downing the remainder of her beverage. She looked around the room before setting the champagne flute on the table in front of her and gathering her purse.
“I’m sure the three of you have much to discuss; I’ll see myself out,” she spoke to everyone and no one.
She began rummaging inside her bag, murmuring to Liam that he could email her a non-disclosure agreement. “As juicy as this morning has been, I wouldn’t tell anyone; however, I understand the need for assurance.”
Marguerite rose, a plastic keycard between her fingers which she offered to Drake.
“Retaliation fucks can be most satisfying. I have a standing room at the Savoy Five Kingdoms. They have an excellent bar and even better room service. Drop by anytime today; I fly out in the morning.”
Riley’s face twisted with anger; this brazen hussy was coming on to Riley’s husband IN HER FACE, yet the Duchess was the harlot. Her eyes held a flicker of fear; what if Drake accepted?
Why did she still care if he did?
Liam’s head fell into his open palms. Marguerite was the mistake that kept giving. With one breath she was proposing to Liam; with the next, she was propositioning Drake. The irony of her actions versus what he and Riley had done to Drake was not lost on the King.
Drake stared blankly at the key before raising his eyes to the future monarch of Monaco.
Is she flippin’ serious right now?
“Fuck you,” he spat.
Marguerite looked baffled as she tucked the key into his jacket’s breast pocket.
“That’s the entire purpose, darling.”
Detour
Marguerite stepped swiftly down the immense hallway, her cellphone pressed to her ear as she and the guard Liam had assigned to accompany her off the property studiously ignored each other. She huffed impatiently as she heard the number she had dialed ring for a third time.
The Princess was most definitely going to tell someone about her fiasco of a morning; if details about a certain Cordonian King were revealed, so be it. There was no nondisclosure agreement in place yet.
“Ullo?” a woman’s husky, sleep-filled voice greeted Marguerite just as she heard heavy, dragging footsteps make their way up the marble stairs of the main west wing staircase.
“Cecily! Why in God’s name are you still sleeping?” Marguerite demanded incredulously.
“Because I haven’t had a drink or a drug in two days, and it’s 5am where I am.”
“Well, you need a sip, a sniff, and a new time zone, darling.”
“Why are you calling me? Good gossip?” Cecily asked in a voice filled with annoyance and nosiness.
“I’m in Cordonia, that dreadful teeny tiny country in the Mediterranean and my morning … is about to get better. Call you back.”
Marguerite slowly removed her phone from her ear while her eyes took in the sight before her.
Leo Rys, the prodigal firstborn son, stood in front of her, peering at Marguerite through bloodshot eyes. His blondish-brown curls were tousled, his impressive chest and abs on display thanks to his unbuttoned dress shirt which was half-tucked into a pair of navy-blue pants. His belt hung from his neck; his tie was partly stuffed into a front pocket.
“Marguerite?” he questioned in a disbelieving tone.
The former Prince and the Princess had a history of random encounters that were exotic, erotic, and always with Leo needing a chiropractor afterwards.
“LEO!” Marguerite sauntered up to Liam’s brother, planting an open-mouthed kiss on his lips.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he asked disbelievingly as he rubbed the back of one hand across his bleary eyes; the other gripped her firm ass.
“I could ask you the same,” she countered.
“I’m here for a scotch and some shuteye before heading to your corner of the world later this afternoon, but my plans could be flexible,” Leo smirked.
“Flexible is my favorite word. Lead the way,” Marguerite instructed as she looped her arm through Leo’s.
Three Blind Mice
While Marguerite pulled the massive door shut behind her, Drake leant over in his chair to retrieve the dropped bottle of brandy. Riley stood to open the terrace doors to help rid the room of the sweet, oaky smell permeating the room.
A fresh breeze drifted into the library, ruffling her hair and riffling the loose papers on Liam’s desk. Her heels tapped sharply against the blonde hardwood as she returned to her seat. Her eyes darted between her husband and her lover.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “Thank you both.”
“Don’t speak to me. You no longer have the RIGHT to speak to me!” Drake growled as he tilted the half-full bottle to his lips.
Liam rose from his seat, and stepped around the desk; the monarch threw Drake a reproving look as he continued to the bar cart.
“There is no need to speak to the Duchess in such a tone, Your Grace.”
Drake rolled his eyes. “You need to shut the fuck up, Your Majesty.”
Liam’s body tensed at the words, and he stilled his movements for the briefest of moments. “I understand your disappointment and frustration,” he replied in a controlled tone.
“DO YOU?” The question exploded from Drake, causing Riley to jump slightly at the harshness in his voice. “Obviously you don’t, judging by your choice of words! Because this is so much more than disappointment. THIS is undiluted heartbreak! THAT woman,” Drake pointed to Riley, “was my sum total of EVERYTHING!”
His shoulders slumped as ragged sobs tore from his throat. His fingers brushed away the stream of tears streaking his cheeks. Riley’s mouth fell open and she rushed to Drake’s side. He held his hand up to stop her.
“Don’t,” he pleaded in a broken voice.
Riley shook her head in either defeat or denial; none of the trio knew.
“I’m so sorry. So, so sorry. I didn’t mean …”
“For me to find out or to get caught?” Drake finished for her.
“Drake, she’s attempting to apologize. Can you at least hear her out?” Liam entreated as he added ginger ale to one of the two tumblers of scotch he had poured.
The bottle of brandy shattered against the wall closest to Liam. The monarch continued to prepare drinks, seemingly unperturbed.
“NO! NO, I CANNOT HEAR HER OUT! Do you know when I wanted to hear her out? When I was willing to listen to BOTH of you? WHEN I WAS ASKING ABOUT MY MARRIAGE! And you both LIED TO ME! TO.MY.FACE!”
“It wasn’t supposed to go on as long it did,” Riley explained, her voice trembling. “It was only supposed to be until Liam found a Queen.”
Drake looked disbelievingly between his wife and best friend. “So, the King here is supposed to date and get to know someone intimately … to the point of making her his wife and this country’s Queen … by fucking his best friend’s wife?”
Liam stood beside Riley, pressing the scotch and soda in her hand. She glanced at him gratefully as she took a steadying swallow of the liquid courage.
“Your emotions are directed at the wrong person, Drake. I asked her to be my lover. I … I am in love with her, and I simply could not move forward in that aspect of my life knowing Riley was right there.” Liam’s gaze took in Riley, who was staring ashamedly at Drake.
“You couldn’t tell me? We’ve been lifelong friends, and you couldn’t tell me you were in love with my wife?”
“I wanted to tell you, but Riley wished to spare your feelings for what was supposed to be a brief fling. I have neither excuse nor explanation for my lack of actions. I was … I am a coward and a cad.” His blue eyes held Drake’s wrath-filled gaze. “And I regret nothing.”
Drake’s gaze shifted to Riley. “I begged you, I asked you, I damn near got on my knees to get you to talk to me! WHY DIDN’T YOU?”
Riley stared at the floor, a helpless expression on her face. “I’m still in love with him, Drake.”
“I TOLD YOU; you didn’t HAVE TO MARRY ME! But NOOOOO … YOU insisted!”
“YOU KNEW! YOU FUCKING KNEW and married me anyway!” Riley flung back.
“Because you lied to me. YOU lied to ME about everything! Hell yes, I had doubts but I chose to believe the words coming out of YOUR mouth! And somehow, this makes it all my fault?”
Drake took a step towards Riley; Liam moved swiftly and protectively in front of her.
The Duke let out a derisive snort. “Oh, this is FUCKING RICH! The caught lovers putting on a united front. Before the husband no less, who so happens to be the injured party here.”
His eyes fell on Liam. “When she was trash-talking your ass, I DEFENDED YOU! I told her she needed to give you a chance, that you were in love with her. AND SHE STILL ASKED ME TO MARRY HER!”
Dark chocolate eyes went to Riley. “Just tell me this, if there were no Liam … could you have loved me the way I needed you to?”
Hesitation before the Duchess nodded.
Silence as no one looked at the other and Drake paced the room.
“Marguerite said Liam reached out to her yesterday, but he never followed up. Riley, you called me at the cabin, saying you wanted to talk.”
Riley nodded in agreement. “Yes. I called to make sure you weren’t injured or ill, and to find out when you were coming home so I could tell you about the affair and that I wanted to end the marriage.”
“The question becomes: where were you when you called me? Were you in Valtoria or here at the Palace? Because as batshit crazy as that Princess is, she wouldn’t fly 800 miles UNANNOUNCED for absolutely nothing. There’s a reason she feels comfortable enough to show up without notice, and there’s a reason Liam put her off.”
“I asked Riley to join me here. She arrived after she spoke to you,” Liam answered as he refilled his glass.
“And you knew she was going to ask for a divorce.” It was a statement.
Liam nodded stiffly. “She has discussed it with me on several occasions but nothing ever came to fruition.”
A flash of pain crossed Drake’s features at the revelation. “So last night was a celebration of sorts.”
Silence. Neither Liam nor Riley could tell Drake that their time together was about them, and that he was merely a guilty afterthought.
“How did you meet Marguerite?” Riley asked curiously, her voice small.
“I wasn’t cheating on you with her, if that’s what you’re asking. We met coming into the Palace this morning. I was going to seek Liam’s advice and counsel before returning to Valtoria.” Drake shook his head as his palms ran down his face. “I definitely got more than I bargained for.”
Liam’s brain churned as thoughts tumbled about:
Riley was being truthful with her husband, but there wasn’t enough … conviction behind it. She was, in this moment, a naughty child who had been caught, telling the truth to avoid discipline or punishment.
Liam knew Drake wanted to make his marriage work, but he hadn’t realized just how deeply his friend was in love with Riley; his guilt intensified. He still regretted nothing that had transpired, but Riley had left Liam of her own volition; she had taken up with Drake with no outside influence.
It was because of Liam she was willing to destroy Drake. She said it herself.
The King cleared his throat before putting distance between him and the Duchess. Riley looked at him curiously, but he was staring at Drake.
“I realize the role I play in this and am beginning to understand the depth of your pain. It is obvious that I am the obstacle preventing you two from having a happily ever after. Drake, I will stand aside and leave Duchess Riley alone if you two wish to salvage your marriage.”
“WHAT?” Riley screeched.
He can’t do this to me again!
Drake stared at his old friend before bursting into hysterical laughter. “NOW you want to step aside? Now that the damage is done? Dude, THAT is a coward move!”
“LIAM, what are you DOING?” Riley began punching his arm.
“Let me help the two of you out right here,” Drake said as he advanced on Riley.
He held his hand out, palm up. “Give me back my ring,” he ordered in a tone that brooked no argument.
Riley’s nonplussed gaze snapped towards Drake. “WHAT? NOOOO! It’s my WEDDING ring, Drake!”
“It’s my grandmother’s ring. Meant for my wife, not the woman who’s fucking around and has TOLD ME she wants to end our marriage. I’m doing you a favor.”
“NO!” Riley replied stubbornly.
Liam watched the couple, a stoic expression on his face. Riley’s reaction confirmed he had made the right decision, as painful as it was.
“Return it willingly, or I’ll snatch it off your finger,” Drake threatened through narrowed eyes.
“There’s no need for this behavior, Drake,” Liam stated, attempting to de-escalate an out-of-control situation. “Riley, if you are being honest about your feelings for me and a future for us, return Drake’s ring.”
Riley shrank away from both men. She felt emotionally attacked.
“There was no need for ANY of this shit, but here we are,” Drake countered, his eyes still trained on Riley. “My ring,” he repeated.
When the Duke left the Palace five minutes later, he had his grandmother’s ring. His wife was sobbing and arguing with Liam. When he reached his truck, he unlocked the doors and slid behind the wheel, realizing he had nowhere to go.
Megs and Old Man Harold were at his cabin; Drake was not in a headspace to either entertain or explain.
Valtoria was out of the question.
Ramsford was a possibility, but again … his headspace.
His palm patted his jacket pocket where he had placed the ring, and felt the hotel key the Princess of Monaco had given him.
Drake pulled it out, staring at it thoughtfully before starting the truck, and pulling off.
Valtoria
Darkness had fallen; save for live-in staff, the Duchess was alone in the Great House. It was a blessing and a curse. After the events of the day, Riley needed the alone time; she needed to process the words, the actions, the accusations.
But her thoughts were too loud, the rooms too empty.
On the ride back to Valtoria, Riley was silent. She stared at her now-bare ring finger, finding it hard to swallow over the thick lump of tears lodged in her throat.
Her marriage was over.
The one man who had faced death for her, whose love wasn’t predicated upon duty and appearances and secrets had wrenched the symbol of their union from her finger.
Riley had wanted to fall in love with Drake; she thought she was in love with Drake. But Liam … their connection, their chemistry was so strong. It was as if he were a magnet, and she were metal.
But only in the shadows.
Her love affair was once again sinking under the quagmire of Liam’s nobility and guilt. The man who had been so willing to share her under a cloak of deception was once again kowtowing to doing the “right thing” just when they could finally be open with their love and relationship.
Now … NOW, Liam was willing to step aside if Drake and Riley decided to try and salvage their marriage.
How ironic that the one thing she admired most about Liam was also what she loathed the most.
Liam was a huge ass what-if whose love she couldn’t trust. She never could.
Liam was why she couldn’t leave Drake.
When the Duchess arrived home, she gathered her staff, explaining that the Duke was away for an indeterminate amount of time. Riley then dismissed all staff who lived off-site, telling them to return in three days’ time. Staff who resided at the Great House would be on-call as needed. She then retired to her chambers after requesting ingredients for dinner be brought from the pantry to her chambers.
Riley stood in her kitchen wearing nothing more than a white silk slip as she washed dishes. She had prepared curried lamb and vegetables, jasmine rice, sweet corn-on-the-cob, and a garden salad for the evening meal; it was one of Drake’s favorites minus the salad. It now sat in Tupperware containers in the refrigerator.
The Duchess did not partake of the meal; a bottle of Lythikan wine had been her supper.
She had cooked dinner thinking Drake would return, if only to pack his things. But there had been no visitors, no phone calls. The woman who not 12 hours earlier had a husband and a lover, had no one.
Tonight was the beginning of their end.
The Duchess placed the last pot in the drying rack before she wiped down the countertops and swept the floor. She extinguished the kitchen light, grabbed her silent phone, and wandered through the quarters turning off lights as she went.
Despite feeling no overt effects from the potent libation, Riley’s steps held the slightest hint of unsteadiness.
The great room, where her fingertips ran along the grosgrain black leather recliner that Drake liked to sit in. His buffalo plaid blanket was neatly folded and draped along the back of the furniture. His gaming console where he and his nephew Bartie played Minecraft and Mario Brothers on weekends. The bearskin rug he insisted on placing in front of the fireplace.
Riley bit her lower lip as she turned the lamp switch off, plunging the room into shadow.
She passed through the informal dining area where a vintage hutch took prominence; it was filled with his mother’s china and a few figurines and knick-knacks bequeathed by his grandmother. A stereo system complete with a record player sat in a corner. Riley leaned down, peering at the vinyl record protected beneath a glass covering: Johnny Cash’s Hurt.
In their bedchambers, Riley looked around as she exhaled a shaky breath. Pictures of her and Drake, Drake’s parents, their friends, Savannah and Bartie littered bookcase shelves and the nightstands. His robe was balled up on the settee at the bed’s footboard.
Her vanity was crowded with cosmetics, expensive fragrances in elegant bottles, and a painted, wooden box overflowing with jewelry.
All gifted to her by Liam.
Portraits of Cordonians long gone, with pale faces and thin lips, lined one wall. She and Drake had been planning to put them in storage and decorate with brightly colored abstracts and nature scenes.
They were going to build a life together.
Riley grabbed his pillow and pulled it next to her body; she lowered her head to inhale his scent imbedded in the fabric. Tears pricked her eyes but refused to fall.
The Duchess was acutely aware of the largeness of the space and how empty it felt without Drake’s presence.
In the house given to her by Liam.
The closing of a door was loud enough to be heard over the hushed roar of the waterfall. Riley frowned as she lifted her head; more than likely it was Gladys coming to check on her.
“I’m fine, Gladys,” the noblewoman called out in a quavering voice.
No answer as the footsteps came closer.
Riley let out an annoyed sigh. She didn’t want company; she didn’t want to answer any questions, regardless of how well-meaning they were. She tossed the pillow onto the bed as she rose, ready to waylay the majordomo. The doorway filled, and her breath caught in her throat when she saw him. His face was flushed and his breathing slightly heavy, as if he had run through the entire manor to reach the rooms.
“What …what are you doing here?” Riley stammered in a dull tone. She was too emotionally exhausted to muster up anger, surprise, relief … anything.
His brow furrowed in confusion at her question. “I love you,” he replied in a low voice as he shrugged out of his jacket, tossing it onto an antique rocking chair.
She ran her fingers raggedly through her short curls. “I ... I made dinner.”
He flashed her a quick smile. “Good. I’m starving.” The smile faded. “We need to talk about … earlier.”
Before Riley could respond, her phone rang; the sound of it was shrill and slightly jarring. Curious as to who it could be but also grateful for the distraction, she turned away to answer it.
Her eyes widened and her heart dropped into her stomach as her gaze went from the caller ID to the visitor, and back again.
The Palace
Leo and Marguerite stood beneath the shower head, warm water rinsing away soap bubbles as it pelted their skin. The former royal alternated between wincing and grimacing from the pain radiating from his lower back as he struggled to stand upright.
“SweetJesuscomepleaseus, Marguerite,” he ground out through clenched teeth. “Where the hell did you learn that new shit?”
The Princess was behind him, washing his back; she paused her motions to press the pad of her thumb into the offended area; Leo let out a relieved groan.
“At least there are no rope burns this time,” she consoled as the washrag slipped from Leo’s shoulder to the wet floor beneath them.
“Thank God for small favors,” he muttered as his palms splayed against the damp-tiled shower wall.
“Why are you coming to Monaco?” Marguerite questioned.
“International Baccarat Tournament in Monte Carlo. Staying three days, then off to Greece for a Mediterranean cruise aboard the Jewel of the Sea.”
Her lips pursed in thought as she stooped to retrieve the washcloth. Her palm slapped one of Leo’s ass cheeks before her index finger jammed itself into his puckered orifice as she rose. He yelped in annoyance and pain.
“GET YOUR FINGER OUT MY ASS!” he yelled.
“Darling, why don’t we return to Monaco and get married?” the Princess proposed as her finger twisted inside of Leo.
It wasn’t an arbitrary question; nothing was ever random with Marguerite. Leo was a fine piece of man: tall, handsome, intelligent. He may no longer hold a royal title, but that was an advantage. Not having a moniker meant one country, one sovereign. Royal blood still flowed through his veins, and he held land ownings in both Cordonia and its provinces, which would satisfy her parents. And Leo could never threaten her with severing governmental relations as Liam had done earlier.
Over a commoner slut.
With amazing tits.
“YOU ARE STILL IN MY ASS!” Leo retorted.
Marguerite removed her finger, sticking it beneath the overhead stream of water.
“Well?” she demanded.
Leo shook his head, droplets from his hair flying in the air. “Look, I enjoy our times together, but I can’t have sex like this every day, multiple times a day.”
“It’s like exercise, your body has to become acclimated to it,” the Princess explained as she stepped in front of him to shampoo her hair.
“And there’s a reason I abdicated my own throne.”
“Thanks to Anton Severus, that reason is now six feet underground.” She exhaled a petulant sigh. “If only Anton hadn’t attempted to kill Liam, the man would be a hero throughout all of Europe and not in a prison cell.”
“That reason is still my father, Marguerite!” Leo spat angrily as he stepped out of the shower. “You need to leave.”
“If I’ve said anything untrue, I will rescind my offer and leave immediately. But I haven’t. You simply haven’t healed and don’t have enough liquor in your system to bandage the pain.”
She twisted her honey-blonde hair, squeezing the excess water from her tresses. “Marry me and re-discover the joy of being a royal again. You won’t be the ruling monarch which gives you all the rewards and none of the responsibilities. It’s a win-win darling.”
She sauntered out and up to Leo who was avoiding her gaze, her wet body glistening. He was combing his hair, purposely avoiding Marguerite’s gaze. Her arms snaked around his neck before she stood on her toes to kiss him.
“Be a good sport, luv,” she urged.
“My cruise …”
“Our honeymoon!”
A half-hour later, the pair slipped through the rooms’ doorway with Leo lugging two suitcases. They both glanced down the hall, seeing the sliver of light beneath the closed door to Liam’s library.
Tagging: @jared2612 @ao719 @marietrinmimi @queenjilian @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie @liamrhysstalker2020 @neotericthemis @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @busywoman @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam @beezm @gardeningourmet @lovingchoices14 @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles @lady-calypso @emkay512 @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @queenrileyrose @alj4890 @yourfavaquarius111 @motorcitymademadame @queenmiarys @choicesficwriterscreations @moodmusicmonday @katedrakeohd
#dcbbw writes#the commoner's wife#mood music monday#luck of the draw#liam x riley#riley x drake#writers of tumblr#writeblr
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Back by popular demand! Welcome to the second annual Luck of the Draw, where songs picked by others inspire your Choices fanfic/artwork!
Here's How It Works:
When you sign up to participate in this challenge, you will also turn in a song of your choice to serve as a prompt/inspiration for someone else. Then, on Friday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day), we will randomly draw a song to inspire/prompt you that someone else turned in!
🍀SIGN-UP🍀 CLICK HERE <- Fill out this form with your tumblr username and the song of your choosing.
ANYONE can sign-up! Whether you participate in MMM regularly or this is your first time coming across this blog, YOU are invited to join us!
You have until Wednesday, March 15th @ 12 AM EST to sign up. We will send out several reminders, but may we suggest--go ahead and sign-up now so you won't forget!
We are here to have fun! We're not here to police the challenge, and we understand life happens. But, please know that by signing up, we are expecting your participation. We want to see your creativity! We are crazy nice people here at MMM, and if something does come up, just shoot us a message! 💚
🍀SONGS🍀
When submitting songs, be thoughtful. You can literally pick any song you want, old or new (from ol' Blue Eyes to the Beatles to Billie Eilish; from fluffy love songs to angsty break-up songs; any genre of music)
Just be mindful that someone has to gain inspiration from the song. 😁
We recommend one song per participant. You may submit multiple songs, but please keep in mind you will be responsible for that many creations.
🍀FICS/ART🍀
The most important part of this challenge is to HAVE FUN! We want to see you become creatively inspired by music!
If you write, write! If you draw, draw! If you make edits, create an edit or even a moodboard or text message story!
Creations can be from any story in the Choices universe.
Creations are "due" by the end of March; post at your own leisure, ensuring to tag us @moodmusicmonday
Ready to have some fun? Sign-up now, and test your luck!
#mood music monday#the luck of the draw#the luck of the draw challenge#music challenge#music inspiration challenge#music inspo#choices fanfiction#choices luck of the draw
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Love Drabble
(Liam x Riley) along with their daughters from this drabble
A/N Yes, I couldn't stay away from this story. I thought it would be a good time to return to this to show how Liam and Riley are doing along with Charlotte and Hope. Romance is in the air for not just our main couple, but for their daughters too 🥰 On a side note, I started this before Valentine's Day, then writer's block struck in the middle, LOL! Hopefully I can finish up this two to three part miniseries soon.
@gkittylove99 @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @amandablink @neotericthemis @mm2305 @sfb123 @tessa-liam @thesvnsins @krsnlove @choicesficwriterscreations
Rating: G for major Fluff ☺️
Masterlist
Song inspiration:
L-O-V-E (part 1)
Cordonia...
"Purple is Hope's favorite color." Charlotte explained. "So I think we should change some of these landscape paintings to highlight the new bedspread and chaise lounge."
Liam watched with a smile upon his face as the servants eagerly began to do as the princess suggested.
He wrapped his arm around his daughter and squeezed her in a side hug.
"Hope's going to love all the ways you are trying to make her first visit here special."
Charlotte bit down on her bottom lip. "I hope she does. I want her to feel at home here."
"So do I." He led her out of the bedroom towards their informal den. "How are the ball preparations coming along?"
"Everything is set." Charlotte scrolled through her tablet for her to-do list. "I went with a red theme since it is so close to Valentine's Day"
"Perfect." He replied. "That should put everyone in a more romantic mood."
Charlotte nearly tripped over that observation.
"Dearest?" He stopped her. "What is wrong?"
"Nothing's truly wrong." She sighed. "I've been so focused on discovering I have a sister that I forgot about choosing a suitor."
"You know I'm not going to pressure you into naming someone." Liam pointed out.
"I know." She slipped her hand in his to gently squeeze. "But the public is anxious for me to do so." Her nose crinkled. "As are some of our nobles."
"I see." He could very well remember all the pressures of that nature. "Perhaps this ball will be the one to eliminate that worry."
Charlotte began to smile. No one could be more optimistic about her uncertain future than her father.
"You come from a long line of Rhys who have found their significant other at a ball." He wrapped his arm around her as they continued down the hallway. "I have no doubt you'll continue that tradition."
*****************
"I'm so nervous." Hope quickly buckled her seatbelt. "I don't know if I'm ready to meet a whole country."
Riley laughed as she buckled her own. "You're not having to meet everyone in Cordonia. Just most of them."
"Not helping, Mom." Hope grumbled.
"Do we have to stay by your side while you greet everyone or can we go on to the palace?" Her best friend, Sean, teased.
"Don't make me regret forcing you to come." Hope playfully pushed him. "If you do, I won't introduce you to my sister."
"Just as I thought." He settled back in the plush leather seat of the private plane. "Already acting like a spoiled princess."
He clucked his tongue in disapproval.
"Ms. Brooks, what are we going to do with Hope?"
Riley studied her daughter for a moment. "Only one thing to do, Sean."
Hope's eyes widened. "No! Please! Not that! Anything but--"
They both began to belt out Don't Worry, Be Happy.
Hope covered her ears to the song she'd always despised.
"Alright!" She yelled out when they got to the chorus. "I'll introduce you to Charlotte!"
"Thank you." Sean's unrepentant grin appeared on his face. "I can't believe I missed all the excitement of a king and princess appearing on your doorstep."
"It was crazy there for a while." Hope motioned towards her mom. "She was speechless for a good ten minutes."
"In my defense," Riley softly smiled over the memory of seeing Liam again, "I'd had a very hard day and was not suspecting to see any former flames of mine."
"Former flames?" Hope chuckled. "I don't think my father really fits in that category anymore."
"Hope." Riley shook her head.
"He calls you, my love." Hope reminded her. "I think he is still in love with you."
Riley tried to dismiss that.
"He did fly all the way to New York for you." Sean added.
"He came to see the child he'd unknowingly fathered." Riley reminded them.
"He came for you first though." Hope argued. "You were the one he went to first to explain everything."
"It doesn't matter." Riley ended the conversation. "He's a king and I'm still that same girl I was twenty years ago who was nowhere near a part of his world."
She closed her eyes and tried to stop her own butterflies in her stomach from fluttering too much. Too much time had gone by for her to begin to hope for another chance with Liam.
He and Charlotte remained in New York over the holidays. For nearly two weeks, she'd had daily contact with the man she'd thought she had gotten over. Seeing him be so open and happy over finding out he now had two daughters made her want to melt.
Deep down, he was still that shy prince who only wished for a family of his own.
Why was he the one man she could fall in love with each time she saw him?
******************
"I have to hurry!" Charlotte held up two dresses. "I don't want their plane to land and not be there to greet them."
Lord Bartie Beaumont sat on the edge of her bed, head tilted in thought over her choice of clothing.
"Maybe you shouldn't go with a dress. How about something a bit more casual?"
She dropped the dresses on her floor and rushed back into her closet.
"I can't wait to meet your sister." Bartie said a bit louder so she could hear him. "After all that Uncle Max told me about Riley, I bet Hope will be just as much fun as her mom."
"She is!" Charlotte responded excitedly. "You're going to love her!"
His dimple grin appeared when she came back out to talk about her sister, forgetting the need for the perfect outfit.
"Lottie?" He interrupted her descriptions of Hope. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
He motioned toward the pile of clothes she'd yet to choose from.
He laughed when she squealed and ran back into her closet to find just the right outfit.
****************
"They're here!" Charlotte nearly bounced in excitement. "Hurry, Father!"
Liam chuckled as he followed his daughter out to the tarmac. He couldn't help but feel excited himself. He'd been just as anxious in welcoming Hope to Cordonia. He was also just as nervous to welcome Riley back.
The time he spent with her in New York was perfect. He loved every moment being with the ladies who held special places in his heart. Seeing his two daughters grow close and his former love embrace Charlotte as a member of her family made him, for the first time in his life, wish he didn't have to return to Cordonia.
He'd wanted to remain in Riley's small apartment forever.
He couldn't stop his imagination from thinking that this is how it would have been. The two of them watching their children enjoy the holidays together, sharing a bond he knew so well. That bond had been what had made his marriage to Madeleine more easy to endure.
Yet, he felt so much more for Riley than his late wife. He always had.
Liam wondered if this could be his chance at the love he'd lost twenty years ago.
**************
"Hope!" Charlotte hurried over and hugged her sister the moment she stepped off the plane.
Hope hugged her just as tight.
The two began to talk over the other, laughing and answering each other's questions.
Liam looked up at Riley standing on the next to the last step of the plane. Her delighted smile over the girls' greeting made his own appear.
He edged his way around them to offer his hand to her.
Riley's fingers fluttered in his hand at the contact.
"How was your flight?" He asked.
"Perfect." She responded. "You didn't have to send a private plane for us."
"Nonsense." He glanced up at the young man who followed after her.
"Oh!" Hope exclaimed. "Sorry. This is my best friend, Sean Yeoh." She waved towards Liam. "That's my dad and this," she kept her arm around Charlotte, "is my sister."
Sean chuckled as he held his hand out towards Liam to shake. "Hope hasn't stopped talking about either of you. I feel like I know you already."
Liam shook his hand with a welcoming smile. "She did the same with you while we were in New York."
Sean turned towards Charlotte to shake her hand and stilled for two heartbeats.
A slight blush covered her cheeks from the way he stared at her as she held her hand out.
"Welcome to Cordonia." She managed to get out.
"Tha--thanks." He stuttered.
Hope only smiled over the way they were reacting to one another.
She'd planned for just this reaction to the two finally meeting.
*****************
"This is my room?"
Hope's jaw dropped over the immense size of her bedroom and bathroom. The closet alone was bigger than her bedroom back home in New York.
"And this is your sitting room."
Charlotte opened a hidden door to reveal a room filled with plush furniture, a large flat screen, and a wall covered with bookcases.
"Holy crap!" Hope exclaimed.
Riley snorted in amusement.
"If you want to change anything," Charlotte said quickly, "please let me know and I will have it done at once."
"Change anything?" Hope's eyes widened. "I wouldn't change a thing! These rooms are gorgeous!"
Charlotte visibly relaxed in hearing her sister gush about how much she loved it.
"Charlotte's been working ever since we returned to make sure you felt at home here." Liam gently placed his arm around Hope's shoulders. "We both want you to feel like you belong here."
Hope hugged him before pulling Charlotte into the hug.
"Thank you." Tears of joy sparkled in her eyes. "Both of you."
"We'll let you get settled." Liam pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Once you've recovered from the flight, I would like to introduce you to Regina and a few other close friends." His smile was warm. "I managed to keep the other nobles away until the ball, to give you time to adjust."
"Right." Hope paled some. "I'm still not sure how to act as a princess."
"Just be yourself." Charlotte told her.
Liam nodded. "I only want everyone to meet my daughter. Nothing else is expected of you."
Hope tried to smile at that.
"We'll be right by your side the whole time." Charlotte promised.
"And you've got us in your corner too." Sean reminded her.
Riley slipped her hand in her daughter's. "You'll do great."
They all filed out, leaving the new princess alone with her thoughts.
***************
"Charlotte, would you mind showing Sean his room?" Liam asked. "I need to have a word with Riley."
"Of course." She smiled at them both before leading Sean away.
"What's wrong?" Riley asked once they were alone in the hallway.
"Nothing at all." He opened the door to her room, following her inside.
She paused at the sight of the room she'd been given her first visit to Cordonia.
A reminiscent smile graced her lips as she thought back. The flood of emotions swept over her. Excitement over being in a palace and being a suitor for a handsome prince. Delight in making new friends. Hopefulness in a future with the man she'd fallen in love with.
And then sadness when he chose another.
"Riley?" Liam cleared his throat. "There will be a ball while you are here."
"Yes, I heard about that." She turned towards him. "I hope Drake, Hana, and Maxwell will be there."
"They will be." He chuckled. "The moment I told them about Hope, they insisted I allow them to visit you both first."
"Good." She sat down and motioned for him to do the same. "I take it no one has objected to Hope once you received the paternity test results."
"You were right to make me go ahead and have that performed before I left New York." Liam sighed. "I suppose it was naive on my part to assume they would accept Hope without question like I did."
"Perhaps."
Riley felt her heart she had tried to protect from him grow softer with remembering how he didn't see a reason for a test. He'd accepted her explanation without a shadow of a doubt. After all these years, he still believed the best in her.
"Then again," she smiled at him, "perhaps that simply makes you a good man."
"I hope so." He dropped his gaze to his clasped hands. "I have a request."
"You do?"
He nodded. "Would, would you allow me to escort you to the ball?"
Liam's bashfulness flashed making Riley melt even more.
"I'd always wanted to escort you to one when you were last here."
He swallowed a touch nervously.
"Are you sure you can be seen with such a scandalous woman?" Riley halfheartedly teased.
"You aren't a scandalous woman." He argued.
"I am." She pushed out of the chair to stand at the window. "I was caught with another man and managed to have your child." She snorted. "If that isn't scandalous with a capital S then nothing is."
"Riley," he got to his feet, "I know you were innocent with Tariq." He rubbed the back of his neck when she remained silent. "And I am just as guilty for Hope's creation."
When Riley remained silent, he took another step towards her. He wanted to hold her in his arms and take her mind off the past. If he could only redirect her thoughts to the possibilities the future held for them.
Liam instead reached for her hand.
"I won't pressure you into allowing me to be your date for the evening." He lifted her hand to his lips. "But I do hope you allow me the pleasure of your company."
He bowed to her and left.
Riley softly groaned as she sank down onto her bed.
It might as well be twenty-one years ago. She was more than ready to be with Liam as much as he wanted her to.
****************
"Thank you, Charlotte." Sean said. "Er, I mean, your highness." He flushed when she smiled at him. "Your majesty?"
"Just Charlotte." She insisted. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call the staff or myself."
She waved towards a phone on his nightstand.
He walked over to it, reading the various extensions to the kitchens, housekeeping, and stables.
"What's your number?" He asked.
Charlotte brushed past him to reach for the notepad and pen.
He stilled at her being so near.
She quickly wrote her number down.
"Here." She looked up at him with a shy smile. "Just in case."
"Just in case." He repeated with a grin, trying to summon his usual confidence around beautiful women.
"I'll see you soon, I hope." Charlotte said on her way out.
"I'll make sure of it." Sean promised.
The moment she shut his door, he collapsed face first on the bed.
"I'll make sure of it?" He groaned into the mattress. "Brain, you failed me again."
**************
An hour later, Hope peeped outside her room. She'd been unable to get ahold of Charlotte. She knew her mom was probably napping. Sean most likely was too since he didn't respond to any of her texts.
Her curiosity over the palace had grown to the point where she didn't think she could wait any longer without doing a bit of exploring.
Once she saw that the coast was clear, she slipped her tennis shoes off and padded silently down the hallway.
Bartie Beaumont was walking past a connecting hallway and saw her creeping further away from where he was, holding her shoes. Grinning, he took his own shoes off and tiptoed quickly until he caught up with her.
Hope didn't notice him behind her as she paused before stepping out in the open area of the second floor. Glancing right and left, she softly huffed over not knowing which way she should go.
Bartie was about to whisper a suggestion when she suddenly threw one of her shoes in the air.
When it landed the toe pointed towards a little to the left. Swiping it back up, she dashed over toward that hallway.
The young lord covered his mouth. Tears of laughter filled his dark brown eyes as he realized she'd used her shoe as a substitute coin. Shaking his head in wonder, he followed her on to see what other mischief she'd get into.
Voices could be heard further down, causing Hope to freeze in uncertainty. She spun around and crashed into Bartie.
Her eyes widened as she looked up at his smiling face.
"Hide me!" She pleaded in a breathless whisper.
He quickly unlocked his bedroom door and shoved her through, closing her in there.
"There you are." His father, Bertrand, grumbled. "Your mother and I were wondering if--why the devil are you not wearing your shoes?!"
Bartie dropped the objects and did his best to appear innocent.
"Your uncle perfected that expression." Bertrand softly groaned. "I don't believe I have the stomach to hear what you've truly been up to."
Savannah laughed, looping her arm through her husband's. "Knowing Bartie, he's probably helping Princess Charlotte entertain her sister."
His dimpled smile appeared. Bartie could always count on his mother believing he was doing something worthwhile. Even if he occasionally, on a regular basis, got up to trouble with the crown princess.
Bertrand merely humphed in response. "Do try and keep the Beaumont name free of ridicule this time."
"Yes, father." Bartie promised.
Once the couple disappeared, he collapsed back against the door in relief.
Bartie tried to catch his balance when his door popped open. With arms flailing he crashed back into his room, landing on a soft, definitely feminine figure.
Hope's muffled cry of surprise turned to a painful laugh.
Bartie quickly rolled off. Worry clouded his features when she flopped her arms weakly over her face. Hope's entire body trembled violently.
"Where are you hurt?" He pleaded. "Did you break or--"
She lowered her arms to reveal how hard she was silently laughing. Unable to hold it in any longer, she released the biggest guffaw Bartie had ever heard.
He joined in, delighted to finally meet a lady able to truly ugly laugh without worry over how it appeared.
He got to his feet and offered his hands to help her stand.
She grasped them with one more giggle and allowed him to pull her upright.
She slid in her socks, crashing against his chest.
Bartie's arms instinctively wrapped around her to keep her standing.
"Thank you." She smiled up at him.
"My pleasure." He smiled back. "I'm Bartie, by the way."
"I'm Hope." She responded.
"I guessed as much." He chuckled. "My uncles were friends with your mom."
"They were?"
"Drake Walker and Maxwell Beaumont." He added. "Given how much they spoke of her, I believe we are destined to be friends too."
"My first friend in Cordonia." Hope said with a great deal of relief. "I can't tell you how grateful I am that you aren't pompous."
She realized she was still in his arms.
Breaking away with a blush, she held her hand out.
Bartie took it. Instead of shaking it like she intended, he swept an elegant bow before her and kissed her hand.
Her lips parted in a delighted surprise.
He winked at her. "Shall I escort you around the palace? Or would you rather continue to sneak about?"
Another giggle escaped her.
"Sneaking is more fun." She pointed out.
"I couldn't agree more."
Bartie kept her hand in his, and tiptoed the two of them further into the castle.
#Spotify#choices trr#the royal romance#trr#choices#liam x riley#king liam x riley#choices the royal heir#choices fic writers creations#mood music monday
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I was going to post this yesterday, but then I fell down a hole 🕳️ doing something for KLAW that I don’t even know if I’ll post at this point lol. So, here is a @moodmusicmonday and six sentence Tuesday 😀
Chapter 14 of Vancross (multiple crossover; Liam x F!OC) — Real As A Dream
Song: Infinitely Falling - Fly By Midnight
Croía looked at Liam; she found herself a little nervous about meeting the rest of his family. “What are your brother and sister like?”
“Lena is your average, obnoxious little sister,” Liam chuckled. “But she’s a good kid. Leo … Leo is …”
“Awesome,” Blaine laughed.
Liam chuckled. “He’s very carefree and laid back, a bit of a jokester, says what he means and means what he says. And I’m sure he’ll try to embarrass the fuck out of me in front of you.”
•••••••
Chapter 13 of Best Kept Secrets (TRR; Liam x F!OC) — Maybe There’s No Making It Now
Song: It Is What It Is - Lifehouse
“There will be a guard placed with you and Sophia for her protection, just as any other member of the royal family. And until we get the situation with the alliance figured out, and put some form of custody and visitation in place, you’re not to step foot outside of Cordonia with our child.”
Amara’s head snapped up and her eyes widened. “Liam, you can’t —”
“I can, and I will,” Liam interrupted, his stone-cold gaze locked on hers.
•••••••
Part 1 of … Sometimes Not (TRR; Liam x F!OC) — Until We Meet Again (I have this ready to go, I’m just waiting on something before I post 🫠)
Song: Who Knew - James Bradshaw
The city felt unusually quiet as Liam slowly walked along the concrete barrier between the sidewalk and the river. Dusk had fallen, and a brief but heavy rain earlier left the pavement reflecting the lights from the lampposts lining his path as he mindlessly strolled … lost in thoughts of her.
The ruminations were nothing new. Liam stopped fighting them a while ago after years of guilt for having them at all. Now, he welcomed them like an old companion.
Unfortunately, they were all he had left of her.
•••••
Sneak peeks: @neotericthemis @foreverethereal123
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@moodmusicmonday 🖤
~🖤~
You Still Have My Heart (Royal Roulette)
The Royal Romance (Book 1)
Liam Rys x f!MC
"Locksmith" - Sadie Jean
~🖤~
Like Ships in the Night: Come Back to Me
Open Heart (Book 1)
f!OC x m!OC
"Come Back to Me" - David Cook
~🖤~
Like Ships in the Night, There is No Cure
Open Heart (Book 1)
Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (former); Ethan Ramsey x f!MC
"Contagious" - Trapt
~🖤~
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Happy Monday @moodmusicmonday!
Title: TBD (part 3)
Song: Dive By Ed Sheeran
Prompt: "Maybe there's another universe where we have the happy ending we always wanted."
"If you think I'd ever love someone after you, then I have failed in showing you how much you mean to me."
(will be tagging blog when the fic is posted)
Pairing: Tessa Martinez (f!mc) x Ethan Ramsey
*this will be the final part to In the End and Almost
#dive#mood music monday#choices open heart#ethan ramsey x tessa#ethan x tessa#open heart au#choices stories you play
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(Submission for @moodmusicmonday)
Series Title: Out of the Chrysalis
Book: The Royal Romance, Book 2
Pairing:
Hana Lee x several OCs (some casual-romantic, some platonic)
Brief cameo from Maxwell Beaumont (platonic).
Music: You Can't Hurry Love, by Diana Ross & The Supremes.
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Six Sentence Sunday 06.11.23 / Mood Music Monday
It is what it is, and sometimes you just have to walk away and hope for the best. I’ve been so busy and it’s been very difficult to write, even though I have a nice little spot for it now that I created. I have more items coming in on Tuesday to make it the perfect writing space / office space. I’m really trying to upper level adult here, save some money, pay down some things, and next year, take that Greece Trip I that I couldn’t in 2020 when it got cancelled due to Covid, The one I imagined in the epic birthday Fic Greek Meat.
Tags have been beyond crazy so if you missed anything I’ve written in the past few weeks here it is:
The Moments In Between (Riley x Drake)
The Rotten Apple 🍎: The Last Part
Original Post: 6/11/23 at 8:47PM EST.
Chapter 5: Moonlight Rendevous
The Book: TRR (no royals)
The Series: The Blue Honey Cafe
The pairings: TRR MC is single
Status: Still in the writing process / almost complete!
Mason was chivalrous, a complete southern gentleman. He had not only opened the door on her own vehicle, he had waited for her to get in and gently close the door behind her. When they made it to Wheelz, Mason jumped out of the vehicle like a rocket, as soon as it was parked, opening the door for her once more.
“Will you at least let me pay for the skate rental?”
“No, it’s the least I can do for your being kind enough to take me home tonight.”
“I’m not heartless, I wouldn’t leave you stranded like that.”
“It’s the south, I was far from stranded. But I’m glad you decided to indulge your blooming southern charm to help me out. Come on, let’s see what you’ve got out there on the rink.”
It quickly turned into healthy competition and showboating between the two as they skated around the rink.
“Not bad New York. Not bad at all.” Mason laid on a thickly horrible new york accent.
“Likewise North Cakalacky.” Riley said with an even worse southern accent.
The last skate turned out to be a couple’s skate. The music was slow, and had a romantic feel. She found herself leaning closer into Mason, who had a boyish grin on his face, and he in turn pulled her closer to him too, his hand gripping hers tighter.
Driving back neither said a word, lost in their own thoughts. When they pulled to a stop at Mason’s apartment, Riley was the first to speak.
“I really enjoyed spending this time with you Mason. I feel like we got a chance to get to know each other a little bit better, and we’re both a little competitive apparently.”
Mason laughed. “Right?!?!?! Nothing like some good healthy competition to get the blood pumping. But seriously Riley, I had a great time with you too.”
He paused for a moment.
“You know Riley, tonight doesn’t have to end right now if you don’t want it to.”
Riley’s eyes met Mason’s. “Are you asking me up to your place?”
“I am, It’s your choice. I promise to be the perfect gentleman.”
“What if I don’t want you to be, Mason?”
Mood Music Monday Submission
The Final Chaper: The Wedding
Series: The Rotten Apple🍎
The Book: TRH and beyond
Pairings: Eleanor x Nico (Eleanor x M!OC)
Song Inspiraton (2 of 2) Favorite Song by Toosii
“Eleanor and Nicolas! Stop with the kissy face already! Acting like there isn’t a wedding today! You come with me! And you! Put on a damn shirt! She’s already pregnant!”
Elle burst out laughing.
“Mama! Seriously!!”
“Yes I’m serious, you put on some damn clothes!”
Mama K was brutally honest and very hilarious. Once back in the room with Mama K, she looked at Elle in silence for a moment. “I presume you two are alright.”
“Better than ever.”
“Then let's get you dressed.”
“Thank you Mama. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Yes I do Eleanor, because you have told me a thousand times already. You are loved immeasurably today, and always by me. You are my daughter, and you make my son incredibly happy. And after today, all of us will finally be family by law, but we’ve always been family in the eyes of God.”
There was a soft knock to the door.
“It better not be Nico trying to sneak over here.” Mama K opened the door and smiled quickly ushering her into the room.
“You have a guest Elle.”
“I hope I'm not too late.”
“LIBBY!”
“Great you’re not dressed yet, I thought maybe I could help too? And I have a gift for you. Something old and borrowed. Mama K said she already handled the something blue.”
“Libby… I can't wear that. It’s Mother’s.”
“She always said she wanted her daughters to wear this on their weddings. You’re getting married.”
Elle shook her head. “She wouldn’t want me…. She didn’t want me….”
“Wear it Elle. It’s a piece of your mother, even though she couldn’t be here with you. I know this is not how you wanted things to be, but you are surrounded by the people who love you, just like Nico said. We love you Elle.”
Today, with the help of her sister, and “Mother,” she was putting on a dress, unlike any other dress.
A dress in a style she never thought she would ever want to wear again, a dress she thought was incredibly beautiful, that would in addition to the vows, give her a new life.She was leaving this room Eleanor Rys, but by the end of the day she would be Eleanor Karahalios, Wife of Nicolas, mother of Eliana, and the little one growing in her belly at that moment. It’s finally time for the best part.
“I feel beautiful.”
“You look beautiful.”
“It’s really happening, I’m getting married today.”
#bebepac writes#six sentence sunday#always more than six#mood music monday#the rotten apple#the blue honey cafe#liam x riley#nico x elle#cfwc sunday six#choices fic writers creations
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MC Mixer -Week 4
Party Games
My poll for Riley Brooks-Rys for this week's MC Madness hosted by @choicesmcmadness
📌This is my poll for my OTP MC Riley Brooks-Rys. I've posted two truths and a lie about Riley, vote for which you think is the lie and in a week when the poll ends I'll make a post on which is the lie!
📌@ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @jared2612 @thesvnsins @irisk12 @walkerdrakewalker @charlotteg234 @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader
@choicesficwriterscreations @choicesmonthlychallenge @choicesflashfics @moodmusicmonday @choicesprompts @choicesholidays
#liam rys#the royal romance#trr#trr liam x mc#riley brooks#trr fanfic#king liam rys#tessa liam writes#always liam and riley#king liam#choices mc madness#mc madness#choices fandom#choices mc#choices fic writers creations#choices monthly challenge#choices flashfics#mood music monday#choicesprompts#choicesholidays
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Hi @moodmusicmonday!
🎵Wish You the Best by Lewis Capaldi
Fic: Anytime I Want
Book: Open Heart
Pairing: F!MC x Rafael; F!MC x Ethan
🎵Cruel Summer by Blestanation
Fic: Spring Break WIP
Book: Open Heart
Pairing: F!MC x Ethan
#mood music monday#moodmusicmonday#choices mmm#music inspo#fanfic inspo#fanfic music inspo#open heart playlist#choices stories you play#choices open heart#playchoices
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We're off to an amazing start this month! We've got some great songs, and even greater fics to look forward to (and one that's already out, make sure to click that link)! Check out the playlist above, and the deets of their fics below.
As always, thank you all for your support. Whether you submit songs, like, signal boost or even just lurk, we are so happy and grateful to have you here! 💜
@ao719
"All We Have is Now" - Ross Copperman; Vancross, Chapter 16 Hold The Ones You Love (Multiple Crossover; Liam Rys x f!OC)
"Wish You The Best" - Lewis Capaldi; ...Sometimes Not, Part 3 Maybe It's Supposed To Be This Way (TRR; Liam Rys x f!OC)
"I Tried" - Camylio; Best Kept Secrets, Chapter 15 And Now It's Too Late (TRR; Liam Rys x f!OC)
@cariantha
"Long Way Home" - Caanan Cox; The Long Way Home (OH; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC)
"If I Killed Your Night" - Nicklas Sahl; Untitled WIP (Miami) (OH/TNA Crossover; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC)
@sfb123
"True" - Ryan Cabrera; Hands Down, Chapter 3 True (TRR; Liam Rys x f!MC)
🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶
#Spotify#mood music monday#moodmusicmonday#choices mmm#choices fanfiction#choices fanfic#choices mood music monday#choices music inspo#music inspo
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Right by Your Side
(Maxwell Beaumont x MC) in a Choices The Royal Romance one shot.
For @moodmusicmonday 's Luck of the Draw with the song
A/N I fell hard for this song while trying to think of something for it. So many different Choices books came to mind for this but then as I listened to the lyrics over and over, I kept going back to TRR book 2 and the mess with Riley's reputation and how Maxwell stood by her from the very start (and of course the running LOL) So, here's what my Maxwell shipping heart needed from the beginning of that storyline.
Masterlist
Right by Your Side
Riley felt numb that first night at Ramsford. Perhaps she was still in shock from having guards drag her away as if she was the most vile criminal ever to come to Cordonia. Maybe it was because everyone had seen pictures of her in her underwear and they would forever be on the Internet.
Or, was it because Fate had stepped in to keep her from having to make a decision?
She flopped on her stomach when the image of Liam standing before her in the hedge maze came to mind.
I don't need to wait any longer to make my choice. I love you.
Was that fear she felt in that moment? Was she afraid of hearing what her heart would say if he were to actually pop the question?
Was it because the man standing before her was not the one who had been by her side all along?
The one who came rushing to the airport to stop her from leaving?
Riley buried her face in her pillow. Hot tears began to stain the satin pillowcase as she muffled her cries against it. She didn't want to answer that. She didn't want to address any of the thoughts going through her mind.
Then why did I tell Bertrand that I was innocent with Tariq but I am in love with someone else?
She knew deep down that was the truth. That was the only good thing to come out of this horrible night.
She'd finally spoken about what was truly in her heart.
*****************
The next morning...
Half asleep, Riley mumbled for whoever was knocking to come in.
Maxwell poked his head in.
"Hey blossom."
"Hey."
He walked over and sat down on the edge of her bed. "You okay?"
"Yeah."
She pushed herself into an upright position.
"I'm fine, Max."
"Are you fine fine or fine?" He asked.
Riley couldn't help but smile. "I'm definitely on this side of fine fine but not quite there yet."
That dimpled smile of his she adored appeared, lighting up his entire face.
And her heart.
"Good." He crawled across her bed to settle comfortably next to her. "I can't stand to see you with tear streaks."
"It's not my best look." She tried to joke.
He draped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her close. "You know you're gorgeous, but yeah. Tears and your skin do not go well together at all."
She laughed while gently elbowing him in the ribs. "Thanks ever so much."
"Anytime." He jumped to his feet when they heard an all too familiar throat clear from the doorway.
With a disapproving glance to his brother, Bertrand walked in with a breakfast tray.
"What's all this?" Riley asked.
"Breakfast in bed!" Maxwell told her.
"Maxwell convinced me that when a young woman goes through something traumatic, that she needs rest and ample sustenance." Bertrand explained.
"Guys." Riley blinked back tears. "You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble."
"You are no trouble." Maxwell argued.
"Well..." Bertrand paused when Maxwell glared at him. "It isn't necessarily you, that is the trouble."
"The trouble is the situation." Maxwell added to try to smooth over his brother's words. "Not you."
Riley wiped at her tears. "This is why I should go back to New York. Look what happens when an outsider comes here."
She forced herself to look up at them.
"I don't belong in your world."
"You do!" Maxwell argued, jostling the tray as he sat down beside her again. "You fit in our world perfectly."
"Not perfectly." Bertrand corrected. "But we can fix that."
"How?" Riley asked.
"By teaching you everything a lady of the Royal Court would know." He explained. "Once you blend in with the other ladies, we'll be able to find out who sabotaged your moment to become queen."
Riley paled some. "I appreciate that, but I don't want to be queen."
Bertrand grimaced. "Be that as it may, you'll never truly be free to be with whomever you want if scandal is associated with your name. No Cordonian family would allow it."
Riley blinked as his words sunk in. "I see."
"Plus," Bertrand continued. "The Beaumont name has been tarnished because of our sponsorship of you."
"Oh no." She buried her head in her hands.
Maxwell was quick to comfort her.
"Hey, don't worry about us." He hugged her close. "I've made a mockery of the name Beaumont more times than I can count."
Bertrand rolled his eyes over that bit of family history.
Riley couldn't believe that not only was she in what seemed an impossible situation but that she'd somehow also lost her chance to be with the man she was secretly in love with.
"I'm so sorry."
"It isn't your fault." Bertrand gruffly argued. "But we are going to need your help to right this wrong. And," his stern demeanor softened, "you are a Beaumont."
"I am?" She asked.
"You're stuck with us." Maxwell winked at her. "For better or for worse."
"Definitely for the better." She winked back with a tremulous smile. "So? When do we start the lessons?"
"Once you've had a chance to eat and get ready for the day." Bertrand told her on his way out. "Meet us in the ballroom."
"Yes, your grace." She dipped her head in thanks.
A slight smile appeared on his lips. "Perhaps our training won't take as long as I once thought."
He bowed and left her alone with Maxwell.
"Give it to me straight." She pleaded. "How bad is my reputation and how horrible are these lessons going to be?"
Maxwell hesitated, raising his hands like a scale weighing each option.
"Crap." Riley flopped back on her pillows.
"It won't be all bad." He told her. "I'll be there to help you through it and to find ways to escape the boring lessons."
Riley rose up on her elbows. "That takes care of the lessons, but what about when I am back out in public?"
"Tell you what." He reached for her hand. "The moment it gets too much for you, just say the word and BAM! We run out of there."
"Really?" Her smile grew at the thought. "You'll run away with me when a noble is acting like a jerk or I accidentally mess up?"
"Yep." He squeezed her hand. "On my honor as a Beaumont."
"Then I think I can get through this." She sat up straight and began to pour some coffee into her cup.
Maxwell watched her settle in to the breakfast he and Bertrand had painstakingly prepared with a great deal of relief. His room shared a wall with Riley's and he'd heard her crying off and on during the night.
It was a slash to his heart as he thought of her in here alone, probably blaming herself for everything that happened.
Around four in the morning he decided that he was done playing the simple escort. From now on, he would protect her from the direct cuts and slurs that those of his rank would hurl her way.
Even if it meant irreparable damage to his family name, Maxwell would do anything for Riley.
*****************
Madeleine's home...
Riley's stomach churned. She wanted nothing more than to beg Bertrand and Maxwell to take her back to Ramsford so that she could hide there forever. She knew though that if she was to ever have a chance with the man by her side, she would have to find a way to get through this.
Swallowing nervously, she paused in the open doorway of Madeleine's ballroom. Her eyes darted over the familiar faces. Heads were already bent toward each other while fingers pointed at her. The few reporters allowed within the event had their cameras poised to capture the first images of Riley being called out for daring to return.
Just as fear made her legs twitch to run in the opposite direction, Maxwell settled his hand over hers. She looked up and saw nothing but pride in his eyes.
"You're doing great." He whispered, squeezing her ice cold fingers. "Keep your chin up. Here comes, Adelaide."
After the greetings, Adelaide stepped back from the pair, critically studying the way they stood together.
"Don't you make a cute couple?"
Riley immediately jumped on that. "We do, don't we?"
"We do?" Maxwell's eyes widened.
He wasn't certain if he more surprised by Adelaide saying it or Riley agreeing.
"The cutest." Riley added with her first genuine smile of the evening.
Maxwell tried to excuse the conversation as Riley probably needing something to latch on to help stop the gossip of her with Tariq. He didn't mind being the new source that Cordonian's biggest gossip would have spread around before they even walked across the ballroom. If that's the role Riley needed him in now, then he was more than ready to play it.
To prove his point, he kept his hand over the one she had resting on his arm.
"Ready?" He asked when they spotted Liam and Madeleine.
"As I'll ever be." She mumbled, instinctively moving closer to Maxwell. "I really need to talk to Liam and clear things up. Don't you think?"
He hesitated. He knew how much his friend had fallen for Riley. It would hurt Liam to hear she didn't return his feelings. Yet wouldn't it hurt more to wait until he saw her with whomever she was in love with?
"I think you should, just not right now." He barely nodded toward the nobles staring intently at them. "Not with this audience."
"You're right." She released a sigh. "I guess I have to wait. If only he had called me after everything happened, then I wouldn't be so nervous to how he'll react."
What if Liam refused to let her remain in Cordonia? What if he wouldn't let her try and clear her name? She'd never be able to be with Maxwell if that happened.
Lost in her tormented thoughts, she found herself dipping into a curtsy before the royal couple.
"Lady Riley." Liam lifted her hand to his lips, eyes revealing a wealth of adoration for her. "We should talk-"
"To our newly arrived guests." Madeleine finished for him.
"Right." Liam shot a pleading look at Maxwell.
Riley cleared her throat. "Congratulations you two."
Madeleine beamed at her while hugging Liam's arm close against her chest.
"Thank you. Liam is such an attentive fiance."
Riley managed to somehow not roll her eyes. If the countess had any idea that she wasn't wanting him back, then she probably wouldn't put on such a show.
"I can't imagine him being anything less." Riley managed to say with a straight face.
"We really must go greet our other guests." Madeleine told them. "Enjoy the party."
Maxwell released the breath he was holding once he and Riley were left alone. "That went well."
She chuckled. "Honestly I expected her to brandish a scarlet A while screeching for guards to throw me out."
Maxwell's grin brought out her own.
"She'd at least have the decency to wait to do that until they start serving dessert."
"Thank God for small favors."
Maxwell squeezed her hand once more. "Come on. We'll find out seats."
After enduring a brief conversation with Penelope and Kiara, Riley was able to relax for the time being once she was seated between Maxwell and Bertrand. Perhaps she would be able to get through this easier than she expected. She'd hoped to have Hana and Drake on her side, yet they were nowhere to be found.
At least she had Maxwell there to help her wade through this minefield of pompous manners and tradition.
*****************
"One night down." Maxwell collapsed on her bed with an oof.
Riley sank down beside him as she slipped her heels off. "Thanks to you."
"Me?" He shook his head. "Tonight was all you, blossom."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't have been able to get through it without you." She argued.
"We make a great team." He quipped.
"The best." She stressed.
The two jumped when there was a knock at her door.
"You think it's Bertrand?" She whispered.
Maxwell shrugged.
She peeped out the door to see a servant with a vase filled with roses. Taking them without a word, she quickly shut and locked her bedroom door.
"Oh!" Riley buried her nose in the fragrant blooms. "How beautiful! Did you get these for me?"
Maxwell hated that he hadn't thought of doing so. "No. Wish I had."
She set it down on the table, admiring the bouquet.
"There's something wrapped around that stem towards the left." He pointed out.
Riley unfurled the paper. "It's from Liam!"
"What's it say?" He got to his feet to read it over her shoulder.
The pair both felt guilty when they read the new king's heartfelt plea to meet secretly upon his balcony.
"I have to go." Riley folded the note and slipped it into the pocket of her dress. "I have to tell him the truth."
Maxwell felt a new slash to his heart. After these past few weeks of having her to himself, he realized he was falling in love with Riley. He couldn't tell her, since she was already having to let Liam down. The last thing she needed was more stress over her complicated love life. He just hoped whoever she loved realized what they had in her.
"Madeleine placed your rooms as far apart as she could." He explained. "You're not going to be able to sneak over there with all the nobles here."
Riley eyed her window. "There's more than one way out of this room."
"We're on the third floor!" Maxwell exclaimed. "You'll get hurt or worse!"
Riley opened her window and examined her path to Liam's room.
"Riley please. When I said worse, that meant death!" Maxwell pleaded. "Don't-"
She climbed out the window, perched on the edge, and winked at him. "Promise I'll be careful."
"Riley!" He harshly whispered.
He stuck his head out to watch her precarious walk around Madeleine's home. His heart was stuck in his throat when she struggled to reach the railing to Liam's balcony. She swayed somewhat until she got a good grip.
Once he saw her climb over safely, he ran to her bathroom and emptied the contents of his stomach. Maxwell had never been more terrified than he was in thinking he could lose her if she tumbled off the wall. He hoped Liam would realize the dangerous path she took and find another route back to her room. He honestly couldn't take seeing her try to make her way along that narrow ledge again.
******************
"Riley!" Liam rushed to her when he heard her land behind him.
"Liam." She stopped him from embracing her. "We need to talk."
"I know." He took her hands in his. "It's just so good to see you again. I need to tell you--"
"Liam, I'm in love with someone else!" Riley blurted out, unable to hear him say anything nice to her.
The guilt was killing her that she couldn't return his love.
Liam froze. He shook his head as if to clear it.
"I'm so sorry." Riley squeezed his hands before pulling away. "But somewhere along the way I fell in love with someone else."
"Is it Tariq? Is that why he was in your room at Applewood?" Liam asked.
"No! I've never felt anything for him. His being in my room was a big misunderstanding." She explained.
"Then who-"
"He doesn't know how I feel." Riley hedged. She needed to tell Maxwell how in love she was before anyone else found out. "And unless I can clear my name, I won't be able to be with him."
Liam folded his arms and leaned against the wall. His lips that had once been in a delighted smile were now in a firm line.
"Then we must do all we can to help you clear it." He decided.
Riley's eyes burned with tears.
"You'd, you'd do that? For me? After I just..." She lowered her head in her hands while shaking with sobs.
Liam gently took her in his arms, softly shushing her apologies.
"Riley, I want you in my life in whatever capacity you allow." Liam admitted.
It hurt to say he would settle for being her friend. He hoped that perhaps she would one day return his affections as time went on. But for now, he'd do what he could to keep her, protect her, and clear her name.
The two briefly discussed what to do during the engagement tour.
"How did you get over here?" He asked.
When she pointed to the narrow ledge, he paled over the danger she'd placed herself in.
"There is a hidden set of corridors through here." He opened a panel in his room to reveal the path servants traveled in the early morning hours. "At the end of the hall there is a door that opens out into the main loft at the top of the stairs."
"Thanks Liam." She hugged him. "And not just for an easier way back to my room."
His lips curved in a sad smile as he looked at her. "No need to thank me. Goodnight, Lady Riley."
"Goodnight."
*****************
Venice, Italy...
Bertrand and Justin were once again telling Riley how to act to continue to win over nobles.
"We're making progress." Maxwell repeated to her. "Not only with your reintroduction to society but in finding clues toward whoever is behind the pictures."
"Do you think she'll be there tonight?" Riley asked.
"It's the biggest event in town. Everyone will be there which means the press will be there in droves." He explained.
Justin wished them luck once they left the limo.
Bertrand went on inside, giving them a moment alone.
"You okay?" Maxwell asked.
"I..." She shook her head with a laugh. "Honestly, I wish we could get out of here. Go enjoy Venice at night."
Riley looked about, longing to be anywhere than on a mission.
"Cordonia is the first European country I've ever visited. Now I'm in Italy and I wish I could experience it as a tourist." She snorted softly. "An average, maxed out her credit card to get here, tourist."
Maxwell laced his fingers with hers. "You want to run away?"
Her head jerked up to look at him. "Could we?"
"Say the word, and we will use all our training to get out of here." He told her.
Riley couldn't help but giggle over the memories of their early morning runs around Ramsford.
Maxwell began to over exaggerate his stretches.
"Stop!" She burst out laughing, feeling all her tension melt away.
"Gotta get limber if we're to run." He explained with a smile, his dimples deepening over being able to make her laugh.
"You're crazy." She teased. "And I am so ready to call your bluff."
"Not bluffing." Maxwell corrected. "I promised you I'd run away whenever you needed us to." He leaned down, nose nearly touching hers. "So, m'lady? Do you need to run away?"
Riley's breath caught at his face so near her own. She could see all the different shades of blue in those ocean colored eyes of his. She could detect the light splash of cologne he preferred mixed with the cinnamon Altoids he was known to munch on whenever nervous.
She longed to lean forward the few inches and kiss him. She wondered what he would do. She assumed he would be shocked at first. Would he participate in the kiss once he got over the surprise? Would he admit he felt something for her?
Or would she walk away in embarrassment and heartache?
Maxwell realized his mistake the moment he got too close. He should have thought through his actions instead of just going with whatever he felt in the moment. Her face, the one he adored, was already hard to keep from staring at. Now he was able to see every single feature that held his attention.
Her eyes, green as the first leaves of spring, shined with warmth. The freckles that dotted along her lightly tanned skin dusted her upper cheeks and bridge of her nose. Her lips, petal pink with the bottom slightly plumper than the top one, parted as if ready to be kissed.
What would she do if he allowed himself to accidentally (on purpose) lean more forward so that his lips could brush hers? Would she gasp in delighted surprise or would she shove him away in disgust?
"There you two are!" Hana ran down the steps to embrace them, unknowingly breaking the sexual tension developing. "I was worried I would have to go in by myself."
Maxwell and Riley forced themselves back from one another. Both knew they couldn't run away now, especially with Hana so relieved to see them.
"Shall we, ladies?" Maxwell held his arms out to them.
The three got in line to be photographed.
**************
Riley somehow managed to get through the dinner without jumping out of her seat to confront the photographer. Maxwell sat across from her, smiling in encouragement each time her eyes met his. He was the only thing keeping her calm. She wasn't certain how she impressed both the Italian noble and Olivia, barely paying attention to what she said in response to the wine and Cordonia joining the EU. Yet somehow, she'd managed to rack up more points in improving her standing in Cordonian society.
If only it mattered in her having a chance to be with the man she wanted.
Bertrand seemed so proud of her performance. Would he still be if he knew she wanted his brother?
Riley longed to bang her head against the table. She was utterly exhausted from playing the part of a proper lady turned secret detective. She was bored hearing the small talk of the other ladies of the Court.
Then Penelope opened her mouth and asked her about Maxwell.
"What?" Riley bit out.
"Do you think Lord Maxwell would be interested in making a match with me?" Penelope repeated.
Riley glared at the model perfect woman. How dare she even think she could be with Maxwell! Didn't she listen to the rumors that he and Riley were a couple? That that was the reason they were always together now???
Riley was ready to tell her to back off. Then she caught sight of Bertrand off in a corner observing her and somehow tempered her answer.
"No offense." Riley tried to control her voice. "But you're not really his type."
"Oh." Penelope's lips formed a perfect pout made for lipstick commercials. "What is his type?"
"Someone gorgeous. Lots of fun." Riley felt her own heart drop over not being his type. "Someone who appreciates his sweet ways and how he--"
"So someone like you?" Penelope interrupted.
"Me?" Riley stared at her immediate sworn enemy. "Um..."
"Shh!" Hana softly shushed them. "Here he comes."
Maxwell bowed his head to the group. "Ladies? If you would excuse us, I need to have a word with Lady Riley."
"Of course!" Penelope beamed at him then at Riley as she followed the others across the room.
"What was that about?" He whispered.
"I'm not sure." Riley couldn't decide if Penelope was as horrible as she thought. "What's up?"
"Things are quieting down, so now would be a good time to find the photographer and do a little interrogation." He explained.
"Okay." She looked around the crowded place. "And how do we do that without drawing attention?"
"Oh, we're going to draw attention." Maxwell's grin turned mischievous. "Just the kind that doesn't let anyone know what we are really up to."
He led her to a less crowded area where a group of the press were near.
"Your call on what we should do to draw their eyes this way?"
Riley looked up at him as she considered a few options. He could always pretend to be throwing her out of House Beaumont or...
"You should propose to me."
Maxwell stilled. His eyes searched hers to see if she was messing around to only see a shuttered almost vulnerable look in the green depths.
With her hands clasped, she quickly told him he could then pretend to be confessing his love for something else, like gelato.
"Okay." He audibly swallowed.
"I'll give you the signal when I see the photographer." Riley added.
"Sounds good."
He cleared his throat loud enough for some people to glance over at them.
"Lady Riley?" Maxwell gently took her hands in his. "There's something I need to confess."
"There is?" She asked.
He nodded, completely serious at this moment. "I should have seen it happening, yet I was blind to what was standing right in front of me."
"Maxwell, what are you..." She trailed off when he swept down to one knee.
The press surrounded them, each trying to snap pictures of the romantic moment.
"I want to shout it from the rooftops." His smile bloomed. "That I love..."
Everyone waited with baited breath.
"Gelato!" He exclaimed.
Riley choked back a laugh as everyone else expressed their dismay.
As the group left them, grumbling over the lack of drama, Riley spotted the photographer.
"There she is!" She whispered, yanking him up.
The woman noticed the two and took off running.
"After her!" Maxwell nudged Riley into action.
The pair dashed out of the restaurant and down the dark streets of Venice in hot pursuit.
"I can't believe we're gaining on her!" Riley puffed, hiking the skirt of her dress higher to give her legs more freedom.
"I knew our early mornings would be worth it!" Maxwell teased.
They cornered the woman and got a credit card number of the one who paid her for the pictures. This only created more questions for them to find the answers to.
"We did it!" Riley launched herself into his arms, hugging him tight.
Maxwell stumbled back against a wall the moment her body collided with his.
They both stilled, save for their excited breaths. Their eyes met and before either could talk themselves out of it, their lips met in a desperate kiss.
Maxwell's hands slipped into her blonde hair as his lips moved over and over hers, memorizing the taste and texture of her mouth.
Riley kept her arms around his waist, gripping him as close as she could.
They broke apart to catch their breaths, hearts racing with more than just the mad dash across Venice had caused.
"Riley?" Maxwell couldn't make himself ask the question he needed an answer to.
"It's you." She breathed. "It's always been you. I fell in love with you with all the dress fittings and early morning wake up calls and--"
She moaned into the heat of his kiss. Her arms slipped around his neck as his hands drifted down her body.
"I love you." He muttered against her mouth. "So much."
Riley sank into his embrace, her leg wrapping around his hip as they kissed.
"We really need to find somewhere else to continue this." Maxwell groaned when she moved against him.
"My room." She stepped out of his arms. "On the train. Now."
He pulled her close to his side. "You're not worried someone will see and hear us?"
"I hope they do." She paused when it hit her that he might not want that to happen. "I'm sorry. I forgot that you can't be with me until my name is cleared."
"What are you talking about?" He asked, nudging her chin up.
"Bertrand said no family would allow me to be with anyone with my name associated with scandal." She reminded him.
"That doesn't matter with me." His smile gave her hope. "Don't you remember? You're a Beaumont."
Her eyes widened. "You mean..."
"It doesn't matter if we ever clear this scandal up." He pressed his lips to hers. "We can be together out in the open because we're Beaumont's. Let them try and say anything."
Tears sparkled in her eyes. They were for the first time in a very long time, tears of absolute joy.
#Spotify#mood music monday#luck of the draw#choices trr#the royal romance#trr#trr maxwell#maxwell x mc#choices the royal romance#choices the stories you play#choices maxwell beaumont
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🎶 @moodmusicmonday 🎶
Chapter 16 of Vancross (multiple crossover; Liam x F!OC) - Hold The Ones You Love
Song: All We Have Is Now - Ross Copperman
•••••••
Part 3 of …Sometimes Not (TRR; Liam x F!OC) - Maybe It’s Supposed To Be This Way
Song: Wish You The Best - Lewis Capaldi
•••••••
Chapter 15 of Best Kept Secrets (TRR; Liam x F!OC) - And Now It’s Too Late
Song: I Tried - Camylio
Sneak peeks: @neotericthemis @foreverethereal123
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Get ready for my crappy taste in music! I’ve got a new series coming up, so I'm going to start throwing my hat in the ring for @moodmusicmonday!
“Hands Down” - Dashboard Confessional; Hands Down, Prologue (TRR AU; Liam x Riley)
#Spotify#mood music monday#mmm#choices mmm#choices music inspo#the royal romance#choices trr#liam x riley#choices the royal romance
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